bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Management of Certain Respiratory Disorders through Ayurveda: A Systematic
Review of Clinical Studies Published in Ayurveda Journal
Authors: Sreedharan Anju , Suryawanshi Nilesh , Bhapkar Vedvati
Published: September 2021

Background:

Respiratory diseases like Asthma, Tuberculosis, and COPD (Chronic Obstructive
Pulmonary Diseases) in the developing world are a major health burden in terms of morbidity
and mortality in both adults and children. A number of studies on treating respiratory disorders
using Ayurveda formulations and theirmanagement have been found in Ayurveda Journals
with promising results, but an evidence-based systematic review of them is not available.

Objective:

The objective of this study is to conduct a systematic review on the management of certain
respiratory disorders through Ayurveda.

Methods:

To conduct this study, Ayurveda research articles were obtained from PubMed and Google
Scholar. Total 51 clinical studies were yielded, which underwent further screening process to
achieve the quality of inclusion criteria.

Result:

24 articles were selected from six different publications for the review. In general, the
quality of few selected articles was low. Of the 24 articles identified, 3 studies (n = 24) exclusively
focused on Shodhana Karma (Vamana Virechana), 3 studies (n = 24) focused on the concept of
Shodhana and Shamana Chikitsa, 4 studies (n = 24) focused on Ayurvedic formulations as adjuvants,
1 study (n = 24) focused on Shamana Chikitsa along with Pranayama, 13 studies (n = 24) focused
only on Shamana Chikitsa. All the above treatment modalities showed significant results on
major symptoms of respiratory disorders.

Conclusion:

This systematic review on different types of Ayurvedic management for treating respiratory
disorders proves to be beneficial to understand the importance of Virechana Karma in Tamaka
Swasa, the effectiveness of Shamana Chikitsa after Shodhana Karma in Pratishaya and Tamaka
Swasa. This review also sheds light on the importance of Pranayama along with Shamana
Chikitsa, efficacy of Ayurvedic formulations as adjuvant along with allopathic treatments and potency
of different Ayurvedic dosage forms for treating certain respiratory disorders.
Influence of Physical Therapy and Cholinergic Medication on the Life Quality Parameters in Post-Stroke with the arm Motor Dysfunction
Authors: Uwa-Agbonikhena Iriah Festus
Published: September 2021

Motor dysfunction makes the greatest contribution to the patient’s functional independence and has a significant impact on the quality of life (QOL) of post-stroke patients.

The objective of the research was to evaluate the impact of different physical therapy approaches and choline alphoscerate on the functional independence and quality of life in patients in 1 year after ischemic stroke.

Materials and methods. There were 104 patients examined in 1-year period after first anterior circulation ischemic stroke. Neurological status, functional independence and QOL were assessed according to the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), modified Rankin Scale (mRS), Functional Independence Measurement (FIM) and Stroke Specific Quality of Life Scale (SS-QOL). Patients in Group 1 received secondary stroke prevention therapy and performed the exercises complex for general muscle function improvement for 2 months; patients in Group 2 also performed the exercise complex for hand motility improvement for 2 months; patients in Group 3 received choline alphoscerate 400 mg twice a day for 2 months in addition to the abovementioned physical therapy.

Results. 2 months of physical therapy in Group 1 resulted in increase of “Transfer” and subtotal motor scores. A significant increase in the “Self-care”, “Transfer” and therefore subtotal motor and total scores was observed in the patients in Group 2 and Group 3; the motor subtotal and total scores in Group 3 were 11.4% and 11.6 % higher than the same indices in Group 1, respectively.

The most significant improvement of QOL parameters was observed in patients in Group 3, whose total score increased by 36.8% from the baseline (p<0.05), and exceeded the same index of Group 1 by 17.1% (p<0.05).

Conclusions. Adding of hand exercise into the physical therapy complex for post-stroke patients contributes to better upper extremity motor performance and therefore functional independence. Stimulation of cholinergic neurotransmission with the choline alphoscerate may also increase the efficacy of physical therapy and contribute to patients’ general mobility, upper extremity function and QOL.
The Structural-Functional Peculiarities of Heart in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Vakaliuk Ihor , Alzghawi Iyad
Published: September 2021

Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is associated with very high morbidity and mortality. The American Heart Association estimates – approximately every 40 seconds an American has a myocardial infarction. The aim of this study was to evaluate the structural-functional peculiarities of heart remodeling in patients with acute coronary syndrome.

Material and Methods. In this observational cohort trial there were observed 184 patients with ACS. Coronary angiography was performed at admission, and lesions that reduced the lumen area at 50% or more were considered angiographically significant. Transthoracic echocardiography was performed in accordance with recommendations of the American Society of Echocardiography.

Results. The mean age of all observed patients with ACS was 64.6±11.9 years; 93 (50.5%) were males. ACS with persistent ST segment elevation more often was presented as the anterior-lateral myocardial infarction with persistent ST segment elevation (STEMI) – in 70 (50.0%) cases. Among patients with STEMI the left anterior descending coronary artery (LAD) was mostly affected as infarction-related artery (IRA): in 74 (52.9%) cases at initial urgent coronary angiography. Multivessel disease (MVD) was identified in 22 (15.7%) patients with STEMI. The most significant variations of EchoCG parameters were observed in STEMI patients with MVD on coronary angiography (Table 2): dilatation of left atrium and left ventricle (increased of End-diastolic volume (EDV), End-systolic volume (ESV), End-diastolic diameter (EDD) and End-systolic diameter (ESD)) and low ejection fraction (EF) of left ventricle. Low EF of left ventricle was observed in 6 patients with culprit of LAD, 3 patients with culprit of LCx and in 6 patients with MVD (φ=0.244; p<0.05).

Conclusion. Acute STEMI is caused by significant left ventricle remodeling (dilatation and ejection fraction decrease) in case of multivessel disease in coronary angiography.
The Role of Bicuspid Aortic Valve in Aortic Aneurysm Occurrence and Development
Authors: Kravchenko Vitaliy , Kravchenko Ivan , Pantas Olha , Zakharova Valentyna
Published: September 2021

The paper presents the data on the diagnosis of bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) disease in the patients operated for ascending aortic (AA) aneurysm. A brief historical review of the study of the BAV problem is presented; the data on the BAV incidence in the development of ascending aortic aneurysm and its dissection, the results of surgical treatment of BAV disease in patients with AA aneurysm are displayed.

The objective of the research was to study the role of the bicuspid aortic valve in the occurrence (dissection) of ascending aortic aneurysms.

Materials and methods

The retrospective analysis of the patients operated at the institute during the period of 1.01.2013 to 1.01.2019 for ascending aortic aneurysm or aneurysms of both ascending aorta and aortic arch confirmed that aneurysm occurrence (dissection) was caused by the presence of bicuspid valve. During this time, 1120 patients were operated on for ascending aortic aneurysm or aneurysms of both ascending aorta and aortic arch. 340 (30.4%) patients with diagnosed and confirmed BAV disease were included in the analysis.

BAV diagnosis was based on echocardiography with obligatory intraoperative confirmation and on the basis of histological examination.

Histological examination of the fragments of the aortic wall and aortic valve taken during operations was performed in 68 (20.0%) patients.

Results and discussion

BAV is the most common of all cardiac failures with a prevalence of up to 2% in the population constituting up to 30-50% of cases among the patients with aortal disorders. Two-dimensional echocardiography gives better results and provides an opportunity to detect BAV in 95% of cases, which was confirmed by our studies. According to our research, cases with BAV included 30.4% of all possible aneurysm causes, and BAV as a cause of dissection was noted in 46 (13.5%) of all dissecting aneurysms. Regarding the results of the surgical treatment, 2 patients out of 340 operated at the hospital stage died constituting 0.6%.

Conclusions

Among all ascending aortic aneurysms or aneurysms of both ascending aorta and aortic arch, BAV was determined as their cause in 30.4% of cases.

Dissection (rupture) of the aortic aneurysm occurred in 13.5% of patients with aneurysm and bicuspid valve and thus required an urgent surgery.

 Patients with BAV require lifelong care.
Gender Peculiarities of Protein and Lipid Peroxidation of the Oral Liquid Under the Conditions of Preclinical Iodine and Iron Deficiency
Authors: Zayats Olga
Published: September 2021

The prevalence of somatic pathology in children increases significantly with each passing year, which is associated with socio-economic, environmental conditions, the complex interaction of exogenous and endogenous factors. This problem may be related to micronutrient imbalances, among which iodine deficiency and sideropenia are quite common.

Objective. The aim of the study is to learn the peculiarities of peroxidation of proteins and lipids, the system of antioxidant defence of oral fluid in conditions of preclinical iodine and iron deficiency.

Materials and Methods. The study included 115 children aged 6-18 years. The level of peroxidation of proteins was characterized by the content of oxidative modification of protein products (aldehyde derivatives of the main nature) in the oral fluid. Peroxidation of lipids of oral fluid was assessed by the accumulation of diene conjugates (DCs) of polyunsaturated fatty acids and products responding to thiobarbituric acid (TBA-RP).

Results. It has been determined that in case of iodine and iron deficiencies, their combination causes significant activation of protein and lipid peroxidation processes in the oral fluid of children, accompanied by an imbalance of the prooxidant-antioxidant system of the oral cavity.

Conclusion. Such changes can be predictors of the development of dental pathology
Applying an Extended UTAUT2 Model to Explain User Acceptance of Lifestyle and Therapy Mobile Health Apps: Survey Study
Authors: Schomakers Eva-Maria , Lidynia Chantal , Vervier Luisa Sophie , Calero Valdez André , Ziefle Martina
Published: September 2021

Background

Mobile health (mHealth) care apps are a promising technology to monitor and control health individually and cost-effectively with a technology that is widely used, affordable, and ubiquitous in many people’s lives. Download statistics show that lifestyle apps are widely used by young and healthy users to improve fitness, nutrition, and more. While this is an important aspect for the prevention of future chronic diseases, the burdened health care systems worldwide may directly profit from the use of therapy apps by those patients already in need of medical treatment and monitoring.

Objective

We aimed to compare the factors influencing the acceptance of lifestyle and therapy apps to better understand what drives and hinders the use of mHealth apps.

Methods

We applied the established unified theory of acceptance and use of technology 2 (UTAUT2) technology acceptance model to evaluate mHealth apps via an online questionnaire with 707 German participants. Moreover, trust and privacy concerns were added to the model and, in a between-subject study design, the influence of these predictors on behavioral intention to use apps was compared between lifestyle and therapy apps.

Results

The results show that the model only weakly predicted the intention to use mHealth apps (R2=0.019). Only hedonic motivation was a significant predictor of behavioral intentions regarding both app types, as determined by path coefficients of the model (lifestyle: 0.196, P=.004; therapy: 0.344, P<.001). Habit influenced the behavioral intention to use lifestyle apps (0.272, P<.001), while social influence (0.185, P<.001) and trust (0.273, P<.001) predicted the intention to use therapy apps. A further exploratory correlation analysis of the relationship between user factors on behavioral intention was calculated. Health app familiarity showed the strongest correlation to the intention to use (r=0.469, P<.001), stressing the importance of experience. Also, age (r=–0.15, P=.004), gender (r=–0.075, P=.048), education level (r=0.088, P=.02), app familiarity (r=0.142, P=.007), digital health literacy (r=0.215, P<.001), privacy disposition (r=–0.194, P>.001), and the propensity to trust apps (r=0.191, P>.001) correlated weakly with behavioral intention to use mHealth apps.

Conclusions

The results indicate that, rather than by utilitarian factors like usefulness, mHealth app acceptance is influenced by emotional factors like hedonic motivation and partly by habit, social influence, and trust. Overall, the findings give evidence that for the health care context, new and extended acceptance models need to be developed with an integration of user diversity, especially individuals’ prior experience with apps and mHealth.
Ensemble Learning-Based Pulse Signal Recognition: Classification Model Development Study
Authors: Yan Jianjun , Cai Xianglei , Chen Songye , Guo Rui , Yan Haixia , Wang Yiqin
Published: September 2021

Background

In pulse signal analysis and identification, time domain and time frequency domain analysis methods can obtain interpretable structured data and build classification models using traditional machine learning methods. Unstructured data, such as pulse signals, contain rich information about the state of the cardiovascular system, and local features of unstructured data can be extracted and classified using deep learning.

Objective

The objective of this paper was to comprehensively use machine learning and deep learning classification methods to fully exploit the information about pulse signals.

Methods

Structured data were obtained by using time domain and time frequency domain analysis methods. A classification model was built using a support vector machine (SVM), a deep convolutional neural network (DCNN) kernel was used to extract local features of the unstructured data, and the stacking method was used to fuse the above classification results for decision making.

Results

The highest average accuracy of 0.7914 was obtained using only a single classifier, while the average accuracy obtained using the ensemble learning approach was 0.8330.

Conclusions

Ensemble learning can effectively use information from structured and unstructured data to improve classification accuracy through decision-level fusion. This study provides a new idea and method for pulse signal classification, which is of practical value for pulse diagnosis objectification.
Prospective Prediction of Lapses in Opioid Use Disorder: Protocol for a Personal Sensing Study
Authors: Moshontz Hannah , Colmenares Alejandra J , Fronk Gaylen E , Sant'Ana Sarah J , Wyant Kendra , Wanta Susan E , Maus Adam , Gustafson Jr David H , Shah Dhavan , Curtin John J
Published: September 2021

Background

Successful long-term recovery from opioid use disorder (OUD) requires continuous lapse risk monitoring and appropriate use and adaptation of recovery-supportive behaviors as lapse risk changes. Available treatments often fail to support long-term recovery by failing to account for the dynamic nature of long-term recovery.

Objective

The aim of this protocol paper is to describe research that aims to develop a highly contextualized lapse risk prediction model that forecasts the ongoing probability of lapse.

Methods

The participants will include 480 US adults in their first year of recovery from OUD. Participants will report lapses and provide data relevant to lapse risk for a year with a digital therapeutic smartphone app through both self-report and passive personal sensing methods (eg, cellular communications and geolocation). The lapse risk prediction model will be developed using contemporary rigorous machine learning methods that optimize prediction in new data.

Results

The National Institute of Drug Abuse funded this project (R01DA047315) on July 18, 2019 with a funding period from August 1, 2019 to June 30, 2024. The University of Wisconsin-Madison Health Sciences Institutional Review Board approved this project on July 9, 2019. Pilot enrollment began on April 16, 2021. Full enrollment began in September 2021.

Conclusions

The model that will be developed in this project could support long-term recovery from OUD—for example, by enabling just-in-time interventions within digital therapeutics.

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/29563
Classification of Patients for Whom Benefit of Long-term Opioid Therapy No Longer Outweighs Harm: Protocol for a Delphi Study (Preprint)
Authors: Van Cleve Raymond , Edmond Sara , Snow Jennifer , Black Anne C , Pomeranz Jamie L , Becker William
Published: September 2021

BACKGROUND

Patients with chronic pain prescribed long-term opioid therapy may come to a point where the benefits of the therapy are outweighed by the risks and tapering is indicated. At the 2019 Veterans Health Administration State of the Art Conference, there was an acknowledgment of a lack of clinical guidance with regard to treating this subset of patients. Some of the participants believed clinicians and patients would both benefit from a new diagnostic entity describing this situation.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine if a new diagnostic entity was needed and what the criteria of the diagnostic entity would be. Given the ability of the Delphi method to synthesize input from a broad range of experts, we felt this technique was the most appropriate for this study.

METHODS

We designed a modified Delphi technique involving 3 rounds. The first round is a series of open-ended questions asking about the necessity of this diagnostic entity, how this condition is different from opioid use disorder, and what its possible diagnostic criteria would be. After synthesizing the responses collected, a second round will be conducted to ask participants to rate the different responses offered by their peers. These ratings will be collected and analyzed, and will generate a preliminary definition for this clinical phenomena. In the third round, we will circulate this definition with the aim of achieving consensus.

RESULTS

The modified Delphi study was initiated in July of 2020 and analysis is currently underway.

CONCLUSIONS

This protocol has been approved by the Internal Review Board at the Connecticut Veterans Affairs and the study is in process. This protocol may assist other researchers conducting similar studies.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

DERR1-10.2196/33310
PRODUCTION ECONOMICS AND MARKETING OF POTATO IN OKHALDHUNGA, NEPAL
Authors: PHULARA BIBEK , ACHARYA BIBEK , ADHIKARI SUSMITA , OJHA BHAWANA , PRAKASH SIGDEL UDIT
Published: September 2021

Potato is a major staple food crops in the hilly region of Nepal. To assess the production economics and marketing of potato, a study was conducted at Siddicharan municipality and Molung rural municipality of Okhaldhunga, Nepal in 2019. Altogether 60 samples, 30 from each location were selected randomly. Economic analysis was performed through cost benefit analysis and Cobb Douglas Production function. Among the different variety used by the farmers, Kufri Jyoti was the most preferred variety. The main constraints in potato production were shortage of irrigational structure followed by low information on use of chemical fertilizer, lack of labor at the time of harvesting, insufficient quantity of manure, prevalence of middle man, high cost of transportation, and unavailability of improved seed. The mean difference between the farm gate price and market price of Siddicharan and Molung was 7.33 and 5.96, respectively, which were statistically significant at p<0.1. The overall average benefit cost ratio was found to be 1.23 in which Siddicharan and Molung had BC ratio of 1.55 and 0.99, respectively, which was significant at p<0.01 which indicated that farming in Molung was not profitable. Overall the seed cost, labor cost, FYM cost, and bullocks cost should be increased by 900%, 186.95%, 101.88%, and 626.31%, respectively, and chemical cost, machinery cost, and transportation cost should be decreased by 99.98%, 73.11%, and 99.57%, respectively. Return to scale was found to be 0.227 which implies that it was increasing at decreasing rate of return.
INFLUENCE OF DIFFERENT DRYING TECHNIQUES ON PHYSIOCHEMICAL AND NUTRITIONAL QUALITY OF MAIZE (Zea mays) GRAIN
Authors: SWGN AMARASEKARA , JEMZIYA MB FATHIMA , RIFATH MR AHAMED
Published: September 2021

Objectives: This study attempt to investigate the appropriate drying methods for post-harvest storage of maize grains with preserving important quality and physiochemical characteristics.
Methods: The maize samples were dried using different drying methods such as field drying, greenhouse drying, solar drying, direct fire drying, hot air drying, and forced air drying. Further, the dried maize grains were analyzed for physical parameters of bulk density, particle density, porosity, specific gravity, shrinkage, and color. The proximate composition of dried maize grains was analyzed for crude protein, fiber, fat content, moisture, and ash content.
Results: There were significant differences (p<0.05) observed for bulk density, particle density, porosity, specific gravity, shrinkage, and color between different drying techniques. When considering proximate analysis, protein, moisture, and ash content were shown significant differences (p<0.05) between different drying methods. Whereas, fat and fiber content of samples were not shown a significant difference (p>0.05) for different drying methods.
Conclusion: Different drying methods affect the quality and physiochemical properties of maize grains. Among different drying techniques, the forced air oven drying method preserved physiochemical and nutritional properties considerably compared to other drying techniques.
AN EXHAUSTIVE REVIEW ON EMERGING DRUG TARGETS OF TUBERCULOSIS WITH SPECIAL EMPHASIS ON CELL WALL SYNTHESIS
Authors: R THAKAR SNEHAL , A BANSODE DEEPALI
Published: September 2021

Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the top 10 causes of mortality and morbidity. Worldwide, yet, it has been over 60 years since a novel drug was introduced in market to treat the disease exclusively. Increased number of drug resistant TB cases has prompted the search for novel potent anti-TB drug. Mycobacterial cell wall has unique structure which provides integrity to the cell. The future development of new potent anti-TB drug targets is associated with the synthesis of various cell wall constituents; the structural and genetic information about mycobacterial cell wall envelope is now available. In the present review, we have focused on prospective drug targets that can be optimum triumph for successful drug candidate.
TO ASSESS THE KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE OF ADOLESCENTS REGARDING THE ADVERSE EFFECTS OF SOCIAL NETWORKING AT S.G.R.R PUBLIC SCHOOL, PATEL NAGAR, DEHRADUN, UTTRAKHAND
Authors: CHAND POOJA , M JASLINE , B RAJESH
Published: September 2021

Objectives: The aim of the study is to assess the knowledge and attitude of adolescents regarding the adverse effects of social networking.
Methods: A descriptive research design was adopted for the study, conducted at S.G.R.R Public School, Patel Nagar, Dehradun, Uttarakhand. Non-probability purposive sampling technique is used for data collection, knowledge questionnaire and Likert scale is used for the study.
Results: The study results reveals that 2.5% of participants were having adequate knowledge. Moderate knowledge score was 92.5%. Inadequate knowledge score was 5%. Likert scale shows that 42% of adolescents are agree, 35.2% are strongly disagree, 28.8% are strongly agree, 28.4% are neutral, and 26.4% are disagree.
Conclusion: The conclusion of the study reveals that the moderate knowledge score was 92.5% and in Likert scale highest percentage, 42% of adolescents are agree, so the attitude regarding adverse effects of social networking is positive.
EPIDERMAL INCLUSION CYST OF THE PERIANAL REGION: REPORT OF A RARE CASE
Authors: LAL NISHANT , NALLASAMY SARAN , ALI KHAN SHAFY
Published: September 2021

Epidermal cysts are congenital lesions that originate from embryonal tissue remnants. It requires histopathology for its diagnosis. In this case, we report a young male with no comorbidities presenting with perianal swelling. He was evaluated and taken up for surgery. Post operative period was uneventful and he was discharged on 2nd post operative day. He is doing well at 4 months of follow up.
ASSESING THE ROLE OF MEDIA IN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF THE COMMUNITY: THE CASE OF THE SOUTH RADIO AND TELEVISION AGENCY, BONGA BRANCH IN DECHA WOREDA, SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA
Authors: BELACHEW BEKELE WOGAYEHU
Published: September 2021

This study investigates the role of media in economic development of community in the case of South Radio and Television Agency Bonga branch Radio in Decha woreda, Kafa Zone in southern Ethiopia. The study has attempted to address the contribution of media in changing the audience’s knowledge, attitude, and practices in the community’s economic activities. In this study to address the objectives, a researcher applied mixed research approaches and descriptive design. Both primary and secondary data were used in the study and analyzed through qualitative and quantitative methods. To investigate information about the intended objective of the study, the data were collected through questionnaires, key informant interviews and focus group discussions. To determine the sample size for the study, multi-stage sampling technique was employed. Three Kebeles were selected purposively and 106 respondents participated in the study. The general finding of the study shows that Bonga branch radio has been influencing the behavior (attitude, knowledge and practice) of the community in their agricultural productivity, income generation, job creation and saving culture in its information transmits both in news and program formats in the community’s ethnic language. Even though, the media is playing its role in the community’s development, different challenges have been identified. Finally, the researcher tried to forward the recommendations; the local government should support the media, the media management should arrange training for the journalists and technician of the radio station and should take improving measures of transmission coverage of the radio station.
THE ROLE OF ZAKAT ON ADDRESSING POVERTY REDUCTION IN YOBE STATE
Authors: YAKASAI MUSA UMAR , JIBRIN MUNUBIYYAH SANI , ZANNA LAWAN ALI
Published: September 2021

Poverty has become paramount, and it is been given much emphasis in different aspects since the declaration and introduction of the Zakat institutions in Yobe State Nigeria. The declaration focuses strongly on the reduction of state poverty within the recent activities of Islamic Financial Institutions as Islam provides an essential tool to completely prove in reducing poverty. The objective of the study is to assess the role of Zakat in addressing some levels of poverty reduction in Yobe State, Nigeria. A survey was conducted within 17 local governments of Yobe State, in which 20 questionnaires were served to each local government with total of 340. The study employed factor analysis for assessing the relation between the variables adopted, and descriptive and independent t-test analyses are considered for the analyses. The result shows that the Zakat has played a significant role in addressing poverty reductions in Yobe State, Nigeria.
DOES DEMOGRAPHICS MATTER IN LIFELONG LEARNING? A RESEARCH CONTEXT OF VIETNAM
Authors: PHONG LE THAI , THUY NGUYEN THU , HANH NGUYEN THI , NGOC DAU BAO
Published: September 2021

Objective: Lifelong learning (LLL) has lately attracted significant attention from the society in general, universities and corporations in particular. For the case of Vietnam, the Government has pledged to create a Lifelong Learning Society. A number of initiatives have been launched to help achieve this goal, including the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization Centre for Lifelong Learning (SEAMEO CELLL) and "Book Day", a day dedicated to encouraging reading and raising awareness of its importance in the development of knowledge and skills. Lifelong learning (LLL) programs are also being adopted at libraries, museums, cultural centers, and clubs in Vietnam. In addition to the effort done by the Vietnamese government, a number of non-governmental, non-profit organizations and educational institutions have started to take action to encourage literacy and lifelong learning. It can be said that education and educational reforms are always the top concern of each country. This study is to investigate about lifelong learning of community with 4 aspects: (1) Learning Competencies; (2) Learning Contexts; (3) Learning Contents and (4) Learning Goals as well as examining the differences in the opinion about lifelong learning between categorical variables. The second purpose of the study is to examine the relationship between an individual's perspective on lifelong learning and their actual learning capacity, as well as learning motive.
Methods: The paper deploys primary data collecting from 270 people in different sectors and different occupations. Standard statistical techniques such as mean analysis, OLS multivariable analysis are used to find the answer for proposed hypotheses.
Results: Using a sample of 270 respondents varying in age, gender, and employment status, the authors found that there are differences on the attitudes towards lifelong learning, the motivations and skills needed for this “journey”.
Conclusion: From the findings, researchers proposed recommendations to promoting and fostering lifelong learning of community with the case of Vietnam.
La diversificación de los patrones de movilidad en el cambio de ciclo migratorio: procesos emergentes en la nueva emigración desde España
Authors: Pérez-Caramés Antía
Published: September 2021

En este artículo se presenta un análisis del estado de la cuestión de las investigaciones en torno al fenómeno de la nueva emigración en España a raíz de la crisis económica de 2008. En primer lugar, se aborda el proceso de cambio de ciclo migratorio que ha vivido España desde el año 2008, caracterizado por un renovado interés en las salidas de población, que coincide con un auge de las investigaciones sobre las migraciones intraeuropeas y de carácter cualificado. En segundo término, se elabora una síntesis de las principales contribuciones al estudio sociodemográfico y socioestructural de las nuevas dinámicas de emigración desde España. En último término, se indican los retos pendientes y se propone una agenda investigadora para la nueva emigración que será abordada en los artículos que componen este número monográfico.
Juan A. Roche Cárcel (Edit.). Las sociedades difusas. La construcción/deconstrucción sociocultural de fronteras y márgenes. Barcelona: Anthropos, 2020
Authors: Rodríguez Díaz Susana
Published: September 2021

Las sociedades difusas. La construcción/deconstrucción sociocultural de fronteras y márgenes es una publicación colectiva editada por Juan A. Roche Cárcel en la que se aborda la indeterminación de márgenes y fronteras que se vive en tiempos actuales en las más diversas áreas de la vida social desde un amplio abanico de perspectivas y discursos generados por un conjunto de excelentes investigadores en el ámbito de las ciencias sociales.
The Unfounded Bias Against Autonomous Weapons Systems
Authors: Dombrovszki Aron
Published: September 2021

Autonomous Weapons Systems (AWS) have not gained a good reputation in the past. This attitude is odd if we look at the discussion of other – usually highly anticipated – AI-technologies, like autonomous vehicles (AVs); whereby even though these machines evoke very similar ethical issues, philosophers’ attitudes towards them are constructive. In this article, I try to prove that there is an unjust bias against AWS because almost every argument against them is effective against AVs too. I start with
the definition of “AWS.” Then, I arrange my arguments by the Just War Theory (JWT), covering jus ad bellum, jus in bello and jus post bellum problems. Meanwhile, I draw attention to similar problems against other AI-technologies outside the JWT framework. Finally, I address an exception, as addressed by Duncan Purves, Ryan Jenkins and Bradley Strawser, who realized the unjustified double standard, and deliberately tried to construct a special argument which rules out only AWS.
Ethical and legal implications of using AI-powered recommendation systems in streaming services
Authors: Sorbán Kinga
Published: September 2021

Recommendation engines are commonly used in the entertainment industry to keep users glued in front of their screens. These engines are becoming increasingly sophisticated as machine learning tools are being built into ever-more complex AI-driven systems that enable providers to effectively map user preferences. The utilization of AI-powered tools, however, has serious ethical and legal implications. Some of the emerging issues are already being addressed by ethical codes, developed by international organizations and supranational bodies. The present study aimed to address the key challenges posed by AI-powered content recommendation engines. Consequently, this paper introduces the relevant rules present in the existing ethical guidelines and elaborates on how they are to be applied within the streaming industry. The paper strives to adopt a critical standpoint towards the provisions of the ethical guidelines in place, arguing that adopting a one-size-fits all approach is not effective due to the specificities of the content distribution industry.
Monetary Incentivization of Crowds by Platforms
Authors: Konhäusner Peter , Cabrera Frias Maria Margarita , Dabija Dan-Cristian
Published: September 2021

The platform industry is currently on the rise, and with so many platforms, acquiring users and getting them to engage can be challenging. To address this, many platforms are relying on crowdfunding, network effects and incentives, including monetary incentives. But what techniques are platforms using to monetarily incentivize their crowd? Although the study of platform dynamics has been on the rise, including research on crowdsourcing, network effects and incentivization, there is no present research being done on the methods being implemented by platforms to use monetary incentives on their crowd. This paper uses an inductive empirical method based on grounded theory, with data gathered from 15 different platforms that are known to be using a monetary incentivization method, to analyze and categorize the different strategies used by platforms and their marketing objectives. This paper presents useful information to assist managers to make the right decisions regarding monetary incentives and for fostering the potential of their crowd.
The correlation of blood pressure variability and cognitive function in hypertension patients: a meta-analysis
Authors: Jin Xiaojie , Lu Yi , Zhao Peng
Published: September 2021

Background: Cognitive impairment is very common in patients with
hypertension, it’s necessary to conduct a meta-analysis to evaluate the
association of cognitive function and blood pressure variability in
patients with hypertension, to provide insights into the clinical
management of hypertension and cognitive impairment. Methods: We
searched PubMed et al databases for the case-control studies on the
association between blood pressure variability and cognitive function up
to July 15, 2021. Two researchers independently screened the literature
and retrieved the data. RevMan 5.3 was used for data meta-analysis
Results: A total of 13 studies involving 2754 patients were included.
Meta-analysis indicated that 24-hour systolic [MD= 3.54, 95% CI
(2.48, 4.60)] and diastolic [MD=2.43, 95%CI (1.55, 3.31)] blood
pressure variation coefficient in the CI group were significantly higher
than that of no CI group (all P<0.05). Standard deviation of
systolic [MD=2.20, 95% CI (0.27, 4.13)] and diastolic [MD=1.79,
95% CI (0.80, 2.79)] blood pressure variation in the CI group were
significantly higher than that of no CI group (all P<0.05).
Mean systolic [MD=3.73, 95% CI (0.92, 6.53)]and diastolic [MD =
5.41, 95% CI (0.42, 10.40)] blood pressure variation in the CI group
were significantly higher than that of no CI group (all
P<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences
in the morning peak systolic [MD=7.85,95% CI (-1.30,17.01)] and
diastolic [MD=4.44,95% CI (-6.00, 14.89)] blood pressure drop
between the CI group and no CI group(all P>0.05).
Conclusion: Cognitive impairment in hypertensive patients is closely
associated with increased blood pressure variability, and clinical
medical staff should pay attention to the management of blood pressure
variability in hypertensive patients to reduce the development of
cognitive impairments.
ILLUMINATION OF SPONTANEOUS ECHO CONTRAST WITH HEMORHEOLOGY AND ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY IN MITRAL STENOSIS
Authors: Bilgel Ziya , gullu Hakan , Hamad Saif , Kasar Mutlu , Erol Tansel , Demircan Senol , Muderrisoglu Haldun
Published: September 2021

Backround: Spontaneous echo contrast (SEC) is an echocardiographic
finding particularly found in left atrium of patients with mitral
stenosis (MS) and known as a risk factor for stroke. However, its
pathophysiology is not fully understood. Methods: Forty-eight patients
with MS scheduled for percutaneous mitral valvuloplasty were included in
the study. Blood samples were taken from the aorta and left atrium (LA)
during the procedure. Whole blood viscosity (WBV), plasma viscosity (PV)
and peripheral blood smears were obtained and analysed separately from
these sites. All participants underwent transthoracic and
transesophageal echocardiography prior to the procedure Results: Severe
SEC (grade 3-4) was found in 23 patients, remaining 25 patients had mild
to moderate SEC (grade 0-1-2). Patients with severe SEC had increased LA
diameter, area and PV. However, ejection fraction, left atrial appendage
(LAA) filling and emptying velocities, LAA lateral wall late systolic
velocity, LAA fractional area change and pulmonary vein (PVe) systolic
velocity were found to be significantly reduced in patients with severe
SEC compared to mild to moderate SEC. On multiple linear regression
analysis, atrial fibrillation, left atrium PV and diameter were strongly
correlated with SEC grade (Respectively p=0,011, p=0,013, p=0,030).
Conclusion: We have shown that AF, systolic dysfunction of LAA and left
ventricule, reduced PVe flow velocity, increased LA dimensions and left
atrial PV were related with the severity of SEC in patients with mitral
stenosis. We demonstrated the relationship between the increase left
atrial PV and SEC in addition to impaired hemodynamic determinants in
patients with mitral stenosis.
Endoscopic therapy of small bowel polyps by single balloon enteroscopy in patients with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome
Authors: Cao Zhongsheng , Jin Weili , Wu Xueping , PAN Wensheng
Published: September 2021

Background: Little is known about the efficacy and safety of single
balloon enteroscopy (SBE) in patients with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS).
The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of SBE for
treatment of small bowel polyps in patients with PJS. Methods: We
conducted a single center observational study, which included all
patients diagnosed with PJS who underwent SBE for polypectomy between
January 2018 and March 2021. Complete treatment was defined as the
absence of polyps≥20mm after SBE resection. The clinical records were
retrospectively reviewed. Results: 102 patients (including 40 men and 62
women) with a mean age of 28.7 years (range 13-55y), were enrolled in
our study. The intubation depth via oral approach of patients with
history of laparotomy was significantly shorter than that of the
patients without history of laparotomy ([241.6±64.2] cm vs
[280.9±40.2] cm, P = 0.008). The maximum size of the resected polyps
via anus during the second hospitalization was significantly smaller
than that during the first hospitalization ([2.25±1.29] cm vs
[4.26±3.51] cm, P = 0.032). Complications occurred in 10/129 of
hospitalizations (4 delayed bleeding, 3 perforation, and 3 acute
pancreatitis). Conclusions: SBE is effective and safe for resection of
small bowel polyps in patients with PJS.
Low BMI is associated with poor IUI outcomes: a retrospective study in 13,745 cycles
Authors: Zhen Juan , Cai Jiali , Liu Lanlan , Guo Yanwen , Sun Jingxue , Ren Jianzhi
Published: September 2021

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the association between body mass index
(BMI) and pregnancy outcomes in women receiving intrauterine
insemination (IUI) treatment． Design: Retrospective cohort study.
Setting: University-affiliated hospital. Population: Six thousand four
hundred and seven women undergoing 13,745 IUI cycles stratified by body
mass index (BMI). Method: Cox regression was used to analyze the
association between BMI and cumulative live birth across multiple IUI
cycles. GEE was used to analyze the live birth rate per cycle. Main
Outcome Measure(s): Cumulative outcomes for IUI cycles. Result(s):
Compared with normal weight women (n = 4,563), underweight women (n =
990) had a lower cumulative pregnancy and live birth rate (20.71% vs
25.93%, 17.07% vs 21.61%, respectively), while overweight women (n =
854) had a higher cumulative pregnancy and live birth rate (31.97%,
26.58%). Adjusted for confounders, hazard Ratio (HR) for achieving live
birth following up to a maximal of 4 IUI cycles was 0.8(95%CI:
0.67-0.95) comparing underweight with normal weight. In generalized
estimating equation (GEE) analyses, low BMI was also associated with a
lower per-cycle live birth rate 0.77(95%CI: 0.64-0.92) with adjustment
for cycle-specific parameters, including ovarian stimulation,
endometrial thickness and follicular diameter. Conclusion(s):
Underweight is associated with poor IUI outcomes. Funding: Clinical
Research Special Fund of Chinese Medical Association (NO.18010360765)
and Xiamen Medical Advantage Subspecialty Construction Project
(2018[296])
Design Space Description through Adaptive Sampling and Symbolic Computation
Authors: Zhao Fei , Grossmann Ignacio , Muñoz Salvador García , Stamatis Stephen
Published: September 2021

In this paper, we propose a novel solution strategy to explicitly
describe the design space in which no recourse is considered for the
realization of the parameters. First, to smooth the boundary of the
design space, the Kreisselmeier-Steinhauser (KS) function is applied to
aggregate all inequality constraints, and project them into the design
space. Next, for creating a surrogate polynomial model of the KS
function, we focus on finding the sampling points on the boundary of KS
space. After testing the feasibility of Latin hypercube sampling points,
two methods are presented to efficiently extend the set of boundary
points. Finally, a symbolic computation method, cylindrical algebraic
decomposition, is applied to transform the surrogate model into a series
of explicit and triangular subsystems that can be further converted to
describe the KS space. Two case studies are considered to show the
efficiency of the proposed algorithm.
Risk of cesarean delivery in ongoing pregnancies of nulliparous women after 37 weeks of gestation: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Quibel Thibaud , Bouyer Camille , Rozenberg Patrick , Bouyer Jean
Published: September 2021

Objective: To study the risk of CD for each gestational week among
ongoing pregnancies of nulliparous women at term. Design: A
retrospective, population-based cohort study from January 1, 2016,
through December 31, 2017 Setting: a French perinatal network of the
Yvelines district, France Population: 11 308 nulliparous women with a
singleton fetus in a cephalic presentation and delivered at term
(≥37-week +0 day) Methods: for each week of gestation at term, we
defined ongoing pregnancies as all pregnancies undelivered at the start
of each week. Regression models adjusted by maternal characteristics and
hospital status were used to compare the CD risk between ongoing
pregnancies and the pregnancies delivered the preceding week. The same
methods were applied to subgroups defined by the mode of labor onset.
Main outcome measure: The caesarean delivery rate (CD) Results: Ongoing
pregnancies > 40 weeks+0 days were associated with a higher
risk of CD compared with pregnancies delivered the previous week: 24.3%
in ongoing pregnancies ≥ 40 weeks +0 days versus 19.9% in deliveries
between 39 weeks +0 days and 39 weeks+6 days (Odd ratio adjusted of
1.28, 95%CI [1.15-1.44]; 30.4% in ongoing pregnancies ≥ 41 weeks
+0 days versus 19.6% in deliveries between 40 weeks +0 days and 40
weeks+6 days (OR 1.73, 95%CI [1.51-1.96]). This was also shown for
all modes of labor onset and in every maternity unit. Conclusions: CD
rates increased starting at 40 weeks +0 days in ongoing pregnancies,
regardless of the mode of labor onset.
Outcomes in emergency versus elective cases of placenta accreta spectrum disorder managed by caesarean-hysterectomy within a dedicated multidisciplinary care team: retrospective cohort study.
Authors: Mendoza Homero Flores , Chandran Anjana , Hernandez-Nieto Carlos , Murji Ally , Allen Lisa , Windrim Rory , Kingdom John , Hobson Sebastian
Published: September 2021

Objective: Compare maternal and perinatal outcomes between emergency and
elective caesarean-hysterectomy for placenta accreta spectrum (PAS)
disorders managed by a multidisciplinary team. Design and setting:
Single-centre retrospective cohort study Population: 125 cases of
antenatally suspected and pathologically confirmed PAS disorder.
Methods: Maternal and perinatal outcomes were analyzed. Multivariate
logistic regression was used to test associations, adjusting for
potential confounders. Survival curves exploring risk factors for
emergency delivery were sought. Main Outcome Measures: Maternal outcomes
including hemorrhagic morbidity, operative complications. Perinatal
outcomes included gestational age at delivery, birthweight, Apgar scores
and perinatal death. Results: 25 (20%) and 100 (80%) patients had
emergency and elective delivery, respectively. Emergency delivery had a
higher estimated blood loss (median IQR 2772 [2256.75] vs. 1561.19
[1152.95], p<0.001), with a higher rate of coagulopathy
(40 vs. 6%; p<0.001) and bladder injury (44 vs. 13%;
p<0.001). Emergency delivery was associated with increased
rates of blood transfusion (aOR 4.9, CI95% 1.3-17.5, p=0.01),
coagulopathy (aOR 16.4, CI95% 2.6-101.4, p=0.002) and urinary tract
injury (aOR 6.96, CI95% 1.5-30.7, p=0.01). Gestational age at delivery
was lower in the emergency group (mean SD 35.19 [2.77] vs. 31.55
[4.75], p=0.001), no difference in perinatal mortality was found
(aOR 0.01, CI95% <0.001-17.5, p=0.53). A sonographically
short cervix and/or history of APH had an increased cumulative risk of
emergency delivery with advancing gestational age. Conclusions: Patients
with PAS disorders managed in a tertiary centre by a multidisciplinary
team requiring emergency delivery have increased maternal morbidity and
poorer perinatal outcomes than those with elective delivery.