bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A retrospective study of risk factors for calf venous thrombosis in patients with cerebral hemorrhage
Authors: Gao Xiaogang , Li Yi , Hou Dongzhe
Published: October 2020

Purpose：To investigate the risk factors for calf venous thrombosis in patients with cerebral hemorrhage, so as to provide a reference for customized clinical decision.Methods：396 intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) patients were enrolled in this retrospective study from January 2017 to December 2019. Risk factors and predictors of occurrence for Muscle calf venous thrombosis (MCVT) were summarized and analyzed by Chi-square test and logistic regression analysis.Results: 128 ICH patients with MCVT and 268 without ones were included. Demographic features comparison showed that ICH with MCVT patients showed older average age than those without ones (p=0.039). Co-morbid diseases analysis showed that patients with MCVT tend to complicate with Diabetes Mellitus (DM) (p=0.040). The comparison of laboratory examinations showed serum level of glucose (p=0.011), Fibrinogen (p=0.046) and D-Dimer (p=0.007) was significantly different. For clinical manifestations, the coma degree (GCS score) and muscle strength level were related to occurring of MCVT. Multivariate logistic regression identified higher age (OR=1.036, 95%CI =1.009-1.064, P= 0.008), higher D-Dimer level (OR=2.379, 95%CI =1.338-4.231, P= 0.003), low GCS (OR=0.932, 95%CI =0.868-0.998, P= 0.044) and lower affected side muscle strength (0-3 grade) (OR=1.624, 95%CI =1.009-2.614, P= 0.046) will predict higher incidence of MCVT in ICH patients.Conclusion: According to our study, higher age, higher D-Dimer level, lower GCS score and lower affected side muscle strength were associated with higher incidence of MCVT in ICH patients. Clinical doctors should pay more attention to prevent MCVT in ICH patients which coincide with those risk factors.
Design of efficacious somatic cell genome editing strategies for recessive and polygenic diseases
Authors: Carlson-Stevemer Jared , Das Amritava , Abdeen Amr , Fiflis David , Grindel Benjamin , Akcan Tugce , Alam Tausif , Kletzien Heidi , Kohlenberg Lucille , Goedland Madelyn , Dombroe Micah , Saha Krishanu
Published: October 2020

Gene correction of multiple alleles for compound heterozygous recessive or polygenic diseases is a promising therapeutic strategy. However, the targeting of multiple alleles using genome editors in a single cell could lead to mixed genotypes and adverse events that amplify during tissue morphogenesis. Here we demonstrate that SpyCas9-based S1mplex genome editors can be designed and developed to correct two distinct mutant alleles within a single human cell precisely. Gene-corrected cells in a patient-derived, induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) model of Pompe disease robustly expressed the corrected transcript from both corrected alleles. The translated protein from the gene-corrected cells was properly processed after translation and was able to enzymatically cross-correct diseased cells at levels equivalent to standard-of-care, enzyme replacement therapy (ERT). Using a novel in silico model for the in vivo delivery of these and many other genome editors into a developing liver of a human infant, we identify progenitor cell targeting, delivery efficiencies, and suppression of imprecise editing outcomes at the on-target site as key design parameters controlling the potency and efficacy of in vivo somatic cell genome editing. Both single and double gene correction are efficacious for in vivo somatic cell editing strategies, while double gene correction is more effective than single-gene correction for autologous cell therapy with ex vivo gene-corrected cells. This work establishes that precise gene correction using genome editors to correct multiple distinct gene variants could be efficacious in the treatment of recessive and polygenic disorders.
Hypoalbuminemia in Severe COVID-19 Post Recovery Patients
Authors: Ali Kameran Mohammed , Ali Ayad M. , Tawfeeq Hassan Mohammad , Grazziela Figueredo  , Rostam Hassan Muhammad
Published: October 2020

Pandemic Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a contagious disease affecting more than 200 countries, territories and regions. Thousands of studies have dealt with all aspects of the disease but little is known about post recovery status of the patients. Here, we examined ESR, CRP and serum albumin biomarkers in severe and mild-moderate COVID-19 post recovery patients. In severe group patients, serum albumin had a strong negative correlation with both ESR and CRP (R2= -0.861), (R2= -0.711) respectively. Also, there was a positive correlation between ESR and CRP (R2=0.85) in the same group. However, there was no correlation among mild-moderate group patients in those biomarkers. In addition, no correlation recorded between severe and mild-moderate groups. This finding concludes the sustained elevation of ESR and CRP with decreased serum albumin level in severe COVID-19 post recovery patients.
Covid-19 Therapy: What Have We Learned In 8 Months?
Authors: Adamczyk-Popławska Monika , Kwiatek Agnieszka
Published: October 2020

SARS-CoV-2, a novel pathogenic human coronavirus, emerged in December of 2019 in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). In most cases, the infection causes a mild to moderate respiratory illness. However, a undefined group of infected may develop a severe or critical illness: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and many other complications. Current efforts are focused on limiting the spread of the virus in the population. COVID-19 treatments are intensively evaluated, however, 8 months since the start of the pandemic and despite hundreds of clinical trials, our knowledge of effective treatments is still poor. In this review, we present the current status of drugs and treatments used during SARS-CoV-2 infection. Host-directed and virus-directed drugs, as well as new compounds specific for SARS-CoV-2 are presented.

1. Introduction. 2. Host-directed drugs. 2.1. Antiparasitic drugs with potential for repurposing. 2.2. Host proteases inhibitors. 2.3. Endocytosis inhibitors. 2.4. Immunomodulating drugs affecting host. 3. Virus-directed drugs. 3.1. Broad-range-antiviral drugs. 3.2. Inhibitors of viral S glycoprotein. 3.3. New potential virus-directed drugs against SARS-CoV-2. 4. Conclusions
TECHNOLOGICAL SCHEMES FOR THE PROCESSES OF PREPARATION AND MILLING BINARY GRAIN MIXTURES AND BIOCHEMICAL EVALUATION OF PRODUCED PRODUCTS
Authors: Pankratov G. N. , Meleshkina E. P. , Vitol I. S. , Kechkin I. A. , Nagainikova Ju. R.
Published: October 2020

A study of the preparation and milling of a grain mixture containing 7% of flax seeds has been carried out in order to obtain a composite wheat-flax flour, in which the entire biopotential of flax seeds was preserved. It was revealed that the preparation of the components of the grain mixture should be carried out independently, in parallel flows. During the wheat grain preparation the cold conditioning was carried out, the modes of which were the following: humidity — 15.5%, dwell time in the water — 24 hours. The optimal conditions for milling the wheat-flax mixture have been determined, which are the following: yield (%) / ash content (%) in 3 break systems (in terms of the 1st break system — grain) for the first break system — 53.5 / 1.00; for the second break system. — 22.2 / 1.11; totally for the first and the second break systems — 75.7 / 1.035; totally for the first, the second and the third break systems — 81.0 / 1.1. The technological schemes have been developed and the new varieties of wheat-flax flour with predetermined technological properties and increased nutritional value have been formed. The approximate indices of yield and quality of the new wheat-flax flour varieties are the following: Flour A — yield 45–50%, lipids 3.6–4.0%, protein 13–13.5%, ash 0.55–0.70%, whiteness — 50 conventional units; Flour B — yield 20–25%, lipids 5.5–6.0%, protein 14–14.5%, ash 0.9–1.25%, whiteness — 22 conventional units; Flour C — yield 70–75%, lipids 4.5–5.0%, protein 13.6–14.0%, ash 0.75–0.90%, whiteness — 36 conventional units. It was indicated that the total lipids content in flour from two-component mixtures increases by about 4 times, and the total protein content in the studied samples increases by 1–2%. The content of linoleic acid (ɷ‑6) in wheat-flax flour samples is 1.6…3.3 times higher than in wheat flour; the content of linolenic acid (ɷ‑3) in wheat-flax flour samples is 36.8…57.2 times higher than in wheat flour (taking into account the total lipids content in the samples). The enrichment of wheat flour due to flax seeds allows to make up the deficiency of PUFA family in the diet of a modern person and to obtain products on a grain basis of a balanced composition.
PRODUCTION OF OLIGOFRUCTOSE SYRUP BY ENZYMATIC HYDROLYSIS FROM INULIN-CONTAINING CHICORY SYRUP
Authors: Puchkova T. S. , Pikhalo D. M. , Karasyova O. M.
Published: October 2020

The purpose of the work is to study the enzymatic hydrolysis of inulin-containing syrups of various purification degrees from chicory chips in the production of oligofructose to be used in dietary, diabetic and health-preventive nutrition products. It has been determined that ion exchange purification of the syrup is necessary for hydrolysis. Individual stages of ion-exchange purification are specified using a two-stage scheme: К1-А1-К2-А2 and an additional stage on the “Macronet” sorbent MN200 to stabilize pH and remove bitterness taste. Requirements for the quality of syrup for hydrolysis have been developed: pH value — 4.5–5.0; chromaticity — not more than 0.5 units opt. den.; ash — not more than 0.2%; protein — 0.5%; no bitterness taste. Optimal conditions for hydrolysis of inulin-containing syrup have been established using Novozim 960 endoinulinase (Denmark): temperature — 55–58 °C; pH — 4.7–5.2; DS (dry substance) — 19%; preparation dosage — 0.4 units. INU/g of syrup DS; time 20–24 h. A sample of oligofructose syrup was obtained using the preparation “Novozim 960.” The carbohydrate composition of oligofructose after the inulin hydrolysis was determined: fructooligosaccharides (FOS) — 70.12%; oligofructosides — 24.79%; disaccharides — 2.11%; fructose — 2.98%. Requirements for carbohydrate composition of oligofructose obtained by enzymatic hydrolysis of inulin-containing syrup have been developed: sum total of FOS and oligosaccharides — not less than 93%, sum total of di- and monosaccharides — not more than 7%.
IMPACT OF ARTISANAL TECHNOLOGIES ON THE QUALITY INDICES OF THE COZONAC
Authors: Siminiuc R. , Țurcanu D.
Published: October 2020

The research focused on studying the impact of sourdough with spontaneous flora (SSF) (obtained also from gluten-free flour) and artizanal technologies on the quality indices of cozonac — a traditional pastry product. Physico-chemical and microbiological indices were analyzed, as well as glycemic index (GI) of cozonac samples with different fermentation agents. The experimental results showed that the GI of the cozonac samples have similar values, being between GI = 68 and GI = 71. Respectively, cozonac with SSF samples can be classified in the category of foods with moderate GI, and cozonac with commercial yeast (CY) — in the category of foods with high GI. Digestibility indices for all samples reached values between 72% and 76%. The sensory profiles of baked cozonacs were analyzed descriptively by the panel members, and the results showed that all cozonac samples were characterized by slightly acid taste, with specific and pleasant flavors.

However, it seems that a long fermentation of the dough, even if CY is used as a fermenting agent, leads to the formation of quality indices of the dough and cozonac, very close to the products obtained only with SSF. The use of SSF from sorghum flour would be an alternative in the development of gluten free bakery and pastry products using artisanal technologies.
Mixing times and cutoffs in open quadratic fermionic systems
Authors: Vernier Eric
Published: October 2020

In classical probability theory, the term cutoff describes the property of some Markov chains to jump from (close to) their initial configuration to (close to) completely mixed in a very narrow window of time. We investigate how coherent quantum evolution affects the mixing properties in two fermionic quantum models (the ``gain/loss'' and ``topological'' models), whose time evolution is governed by a Lindblad equation quadratic in fermionic operators, allowing for a straightforward exact solution. We check that the cutoff phenomenon extends to the quantum case and examine how the mixing properties depend on the initial state. In the topological case, we further show how the mixing properties are affected by the presence of a long-lived edge zero mode when taking open boundary conditions.
Inteligencia emocional y resiliencia en adolescentes de una institución educativa pública de Puerto Maldonado
Authors: Estrada Edwin
Published: October 2020

La inteligencia emocional es definida como la capacidad que tienen las personas de gestionar sus emociones de manera adecuada al relacionarse con los demás, lo cual influye en los diferentes ámbitos de su vida. Bajo esa premisa, el objetivo de la presente investigación fue establecer la relación que existe entre la inteligencia emocional y la resiliencia en los estudiantes del quinto grado de educación secundaria de una institución educativa pública de Puerto Maldonado. El enfoque de investigación fue cuantitativo, el diseño no experimental y el tipo correlacional. La muestra estuvo conformada, a través de un muestreo probabilístico, por 93 estudiantes que cursaban el quinto grado de educación secundaria a quienes se les aplicaron dos instrumentos de recojo de datos: el Inventario de Inteligencia Emocional y el Inventario de Factores Personales de Resiliencia. Los resultados indican que el 55,9% de los estudiantes presentan una inteligencia emocional parcialmente desarrollada, el 43% presenta niveles moderados de desarrollo de resiliencia y se halló estadísticamente que existe una relación directa y significativa entre la inteligencia emocional y la resiliencia (rs=0,676; p=0,000<0,05). Se concluyó que cuánto más altos sean los niveles de desarrollo de la inteligencia emocional de los estudiantes, sus niveles de resiliencia serán mayores.
Regulatory agencies and creative accounting practices in Nigeria
Authors: Olojede Paul , Iyoha Francis , Egbide Ben-Caleb , Erin Olayinka
Published: October 2020

Regulation and regulatory agencies are to serve as external control mechanisms to ensure that the financial statements provide a fair view of the company’s operating performance and financial position, free of any unethical practice and suitable for all stakeholders’ needs. Despite the increasing importance of regulatory agencies in enforcing compliance with the standards and laws, it occupies a limited space in accounting research. This study, therefore, investigated the impact of regulatory agencies on creative accounting practices. The study used descriptive and survey research design to achieve its aim. It employed a multi-stage sampling technique, also questionnaires were distributed among 405 respondents consisting of preparers of accounts, users of accounts, and regulators. Out of the number distributed, the respondents returned 241 copies, and all of them were found suitable. The study used Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) to analyze the data and test the hypothesis. The empirical findings showed that the regulatory agencies jointly show a significant impact on creative accounting practices, but the level of contribution to the overall impact by each regulatory agency varies. The study concludes that Nigeria’s regulatory agencies are weak and inefficient in enforcing compliance with the relevant rules. The study recommends that the institutional capacity of the regulatory agencies should be strengthened by enforcing compliance with financial reporting rules and regulation. Most of these agencies should develop capacity in the areas of manpower, information technology infrastructures, and funding.
Acknowledgment The authors acknowledge Covenant University who has solely provided the platform for this research and has also fully sponsored the research cluster search for data across the country.
Suppliers Selection Using FAHP and FTOPSIS in a Chemical Manufacturing Company
Authors: Kurniawan Shelvy , Dewi Stevanni Cyintia , Marisah Siska
Published: October 2020

The research aimed to determine the appropriate weight criteria and sub-criteria in selecting the chemical solvent supplier. It was also to recommend the best alternative suppliers using a comparative analysis method of Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (FAHP) and Fuzzy Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (FTOPSIS). The research was conducted in one of the chemical manufacturing companies in Indonesia. The type of research was descriptive with a quantitative approach that used primary data sources such as questionnaires, interviews, and observations, and secondary data such as books and journals. The criteria studied were cost, quality, delivery, flexibility, supplier profile, and supplier relationship. The results of using FAHP indicate that the criteria with a major influence on the decision making of supplier selection are quality followed by delivery, cost, supplier relationship, flexibility, and supplier profile in sequence. Then, using FTOPSIS, it recommends that the best supplier alternative decision is Supplier A with a weight value of 0,773 and an approved evaluation status. The results have shown that both methods are suitable for supplier selection, particularly in supporting group decision making and modeling uncertainty.
Cooling Caramel in Ethyl Alcohol: Constructing a Mathematical Model
Authors: Khvostov Anatoly , Magomedov Gazibeg , Ryazhskikh Viktor , Plotnikova Inessa , Zhuravlev Aleksey , Magomedov Magomed
Published: October 2020

Introduction. The process of air-cooling caramel remains one of the most complicated issues of contemporary food industry, since it is time-consuming and requires multi-level cooling units. Therefore, the development of an innovative method of cooling caramel in “cold” potable ethanol is an urgent task the modern food science has to solve. The method op-timizes and intensifies the technological process, as it reduces production areas by eliminating some technological stages and complex units of metal-intensive and energyintensive equipment. It gives caramel antiseptic properties and a perfectly smooth, shiny, and dry surface.

Study objects and methods. The research objective was to develop a fundamentally new and promising caramel technology. The experimental studies on the production and cooling were performed in a mixing and forming multi-unit with a high-performance cooling chamber. The chamber had functions of automatic measurements and control of the main parameters of the cooling process. The research used “cold” potable ethanol.

Results and discussion. The paper introduces a mathematical model of the process of cooling caramel in ethanol. It includes heat transfer processes in alcohol, in the caramel mass, and on their border. The model was based on equations of transient heat conduction in a sphere. The process of heat exchange with the environment, i.e. alcohol, was characterized by the coefficient of heat transfer from the sphere. The model parameters included dynamic viscosity, density, thermal conductivity coefficient, and specific heat capacity. Based on the experimental data, the parameters were ap-proximated as a function of temperature by a cubic polynomial.

Conclusion. The developed mathematical model made it possible to estimate the radial temperature distribution of caramel in the form of a sphere during its convective cooling in ethanol. The model also predicted the change in the average volume temperature of the caramel and energy costs depending on the cooling period, the flow speed of the ethanol, the thermophysical properties of the caramel and the cooling agent. The proposed mathematical model can be used to calculate the required consumption of ethanol for cooling and backwater of the caramel production line.
Modified Porous Starch in Development of Biodegradable Composite Polymer Materials
Authors: Papakhin Aleksandr , Kolpakova Valentina , Borodina Zinaida , Sardzhveladze Aslan , Vasiliev Ilya
Published: October 2020

Introduction. Modern food industry needs composite polymer materials based on natural compounds that accelerate the biodegradability of packaging materials. Starch is one of the most effective organic fillers. It has an excellent compatibility with synthetic polymers during extrusion. The research objective was to perform a comparative assessment of the physical and mechanical characteristics of thermoplastic starch based on enzymatic modified porous corn starch. The starch included samples both purified and unrefined from reducing substances. The samples were tested in biodegradable film production. Study objects and methods. The research featured porous starch, hybrid compositions with thermoplastic porous starch (TPS), and films based on low density polyethylene (PLD). The study involved various methods for determining biochemical and structural features of starch, e.g. electron microscopy, and physicomechanical properties of compositions and films. Results and its discussion. Compared to native starch, porous starch had a 1.6 times higher water-binding capacity and a 4 times greater solubility. Its enzymatic attackability was 24% higher, while its dynamic viscosity was a 1.7 times lower. These properties had a positive effect on the biodegradability of the films. The film samples that had the PLD:TPS ratio of 60:40 and the porous starch ratio of 40:60 demonstrated higher indicators of breaking tensile stress than the native starch samples. When the ratio of PLD:TPS was 70:30, the difference reached 14%; with that of 60:40 – 23%. Similar results were obtained for the break elongation: the indicator increased by 74% at the ratio of 70:30, by 65% at the ratio of 60:40, and by 21% at 40:60. The superior tensile stress indicator of the porous starch samples proved its higher strength properties, while the better break elongation results denoted a greater biodegradability. Conclusion. Modified starch, unrefined from reducing substances, proved more expedient for TPS and PLD film production. Unlike refined starch, it reduced the biodegradability period of the final product. The biodegradability period can be specified in a prospective study of food properties during storage using the new film.
Готовность студентов технических вузов к инновационной деятельности
Authors: Буравлева Наталья А. , Богомаз Сергей А.
Published: October 2020

Introduction. Nowadays innovations determine the success of breakthrough transformations in the country. This article examines readiness for innovative activities among student youth studying at technical universities. Methods. The study used the following techniques: (a) the techniques by Sh. Schwartz and R. Inglehart to measure individual values; (b) the questionnaires for assessing activity self-organization and styles of responding to changes; (c) the scales for self-assessing innovative personality traits, needs for autonomy, competence and relatedness, life satisfaction, and academic motivation; (d) ‘openness’ scale of the Big Five questionnaire; and (e) the index of personal readiness for activities. Factor analysis and regression analysis of diagnostic results were carried out. The sample comprised 160 students of Tomsk Technical Universities. Results. The findings identified the most significant factors influencing the manifestation of students’ innovative characteristics. These include, first of all, personality values, styles of responding to changes, and openness to experience. The study of values as a significant predictor of innovative activities showed the heterogeneity of the value system of students studying at technical universities. The simultaneous manifestation of traditional values, values of survival, and the values of openness to change, self-transcendence, and self-determination is characteristic of them. Regression analysis showed that the innovative style of responding to changes is not characteristic of students. Discussion. This study represents the first attempt to measure the main psychological characteristics that affect the manifestation of innovativeness among students of technical universities, and also the parameters of their personal readiness for innovative activities. In the context of readiness for innovative activities personal characteristics of young people are contradictory. However, there are positive tendencies towards self-development and professional improvement. The findings speak in favour of the transitivity of social reality in society and indicate the need to create the educational environment focused on personal development and innovative competencies of students.
Оценка пандемии COVID-19 россиянами с разным уровнем жизнестойкости
Authors: Одинцова Мария А. , Радчикова Наталия П. , Степанова Лариса В.
Published: October 2020

Introduction. The COVID-19 pandemic provides an opportunity to examine the impact of psychological characteristics on human adaptation under uncertainty. Hardiness, which is still controversial for its role in maintaining human mental, physical, and social health, is such a psychological characteristic. Methods. To test the hypothesis that individuals with different levels of hardiness have different attitudes towards the current COVID-19 pandemic, the present study used the Hardiness Survey by S. Maddi (modified by E. N. Osin and E. I. Rasskazova) and a special questionnaire to assess various aspects of the pandemic situation, including its characteristics and impact on various spheres of life, fears, and possibilities for coping (using a 11-point Likert scale). The study was conducted during self-isolation using the Google Form (N = 421; age 18–78 years, mean age = 40.3 ± 12.6 years; 81 % females). Results. Most Russians perceived the pandemic situation as a challenge to their capabilities. The high-risk group comprised 17 % of respondents, which indicates the need for targeted psychological assistance aimed at psychological education. High hardy Russians recognize the uncertainty and complexity of the pandemic situation, and consider it controllable. For the low hardiness group, this situation is highly uncertain, complex, unpredictable, and uncontrollable, affecting physical activity and the quality of social contacts. Besides fears for their loved ones, fear of the future is pronounced among respondents of this group. Discussion. The findings from this study are in agreement with the idea of hardiness as the ability to withstand stressful situations, while maintaining internal balance without reducing performance in activities, which indicates the predictive value of this construct.
Наблюдение локальных и нелокальных электронных квантовых состояний на кремниевой поверхности при комнатной температуре
Authors: Торхов Н.А.
Published: October 2020

Формирование методами атомно-силовой микроскопии на кремниевых поверхностях участков с принудительно измененными одноименными зарядовыми состояниями позволило наблюдать при комнатных температурах когерентные и некогерентные стабильные электронные квантовые объекты. В рамках теории запутанных состояний были определены условия их взаимодействия между собой, объяснены эффекты квантовой экранировки и квантовые интерференционные эффекты между такими объектами. Ключевые слова: кремний, поверхность, когерентные квантовые состояния, квантовая экранировка, квантовая интерференция, запутанные состояния.
Температурная зависимость автоволновых характеристик локализованной пластичности
Authors: Зуев Л.Б. , Баранникова С.А. , Колосов С.В. , Никонова А.М.
Published: October 2020

The behavior of autowaves of localized plastic flow in the Fe-Ni-Cr alloy at temperatures of 143≤ T≤ 420 K is considered. The temperature dependence of the propagation velocity of the autowave is studied. It was found that for the region of low temperatures the inverse proportionality of the autowave velocity to the strain hardening coefficient and the quadratic dispersion law are fulfilled. The temperature independence of the elastoplastic deformation invariant is established.
Структурно-энергетические закономерности накопления повреждений при деформировании гетерогенного материала
Authors: Дамаскинская Е.Е. , Пантелеев И.А. , Корост Д.В. , Дамаскинский К.А.
Published: October 2020

An experimental research of the defect accumulation under uniaxial loading of a natural heterogeneous material is carried out in this work. Defect formation process has been controlled using two non-destructive techniques (methods) such as acoustic emission (AE) and X-ray computed microtomography (CT). The combined use of these methods made it possible to find out correspondence between energy characteristics of AE accompanying the defect formation and the volume of these defects. It was found that total defect volume is lineary dependent on total AE signal energy. This fact corresponds to previously discovered phenomenological relationships for the sources of tectonic earthquakes. Mean defect size has been estimated based on obtained linear dependence. It was shown that mean linear size of defect does not exceed 100μm regardless of the assumptions about the defect shape.
A report on ongoing and planned non-pharmacological intervention studies for the treatment and prevention of malnutrition in elderly a MaNuEL report
Authors: Geisler Corinna
Published: October 2020

The "Malnutrition in the Elderly Knowledge Hub" (MaNuEL) is an action program as part of the Strategic Research Agenda of the Joint Programming Initiative "A Healthy Diet for a Healthy Life".
In the MaNuEL project experts of 22 research groups from 7 countries (Austria, France, Germany, Ireland, Spain, the Netherlands and New Zealand)
came together to bundle up all the knowledge on malnutrition.
Evaluating the Need for Routine COVID-19 Testing of Emergency Department Staff: Quantitative Analysis
Authors: Zhang Yuemei , Cheng Sheng-Ru
Published: October 2020

Background

As the number of COVID-19 cases in the US continues to increase and hospitals experience shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE), health care workers have been disproportionately affected. However, since COVID-19 testing is now easily available, there is a need to evaluate whether routine testing should be performed for asymptomatic health care workers.

Objective

This study aimed to provide a quantitative analysis of the predicted impact that regular testing of health care workers for COVID-19 may have on the prevention of the disease among emergency department patients and staff.

Methods

Using publicly available data on COVID-19 cases and emergency department visits, as well as internal hospital staffing information, we developed a mathematical model to predict the impact of periodic COVID-19 testing of asymptomatic staff members of the emergency department in COVID-19–affected regions. We calculated various transmission constants based on the Diamond Princess cruise ship data, used a logistic model to calculate new infections, and developed a Markov model based on the average incubation period for COVID-19.

Results

Our model predicts that after 180 days, with a transmission constant of 1.219e-4 new infections/person2, weekly COVID-19 testing of health care workers would reduce new health care worker and patient infections by approximately 3%-5.9%, and biweekly testing would reduce infections in both by 1%-2.1%. At a transmission constant of 3.660e-4 new infections/person2, weekly testing would reduce infections by 11%-23% and biweekly testing would reduce infections by 5.5%-13%. At a lower transmission constant of 4.067e-5 new infections/person2, weekly and biweekly COVID-19 testing for health care workers would result in an approximately 1% and 0.5%-0.8% reduction in infections, respectively.

Conclusions

Periodic COVID-19 testing for emergency department staff in regions that are heavily affected by COVID-19 or are facing resource constraints may significantly reduce COVID-19 transmission among health care workers and previously uninfected patients.
Internet-Based Individualized Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Shift Work Sleep Disorder Empowered by Well-Being Prediction: Protocol for a Pilot Study (Preprint)
Authors: Ito-Masui Asami , Kawamoto Eiji , Sakamoto Ryota , Yu Han , Sano Akane , Motomura Eishi , Tanii Hisashi , Sakano Shoko , Esumi Ryo , Imai Hiroshi , Shimaoka Motomu
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND

Shift work sleep disorders (SWSDs) are associated with the high turnover rates of nurses, and are considered a major medical safety issue. However, initial management can be hampered by insufficient awareness. In recent years, it has become possible to visualize, collect, and analyze the work-life balance of health care workers with irregular sleeping and working habits using wearable sensors that can continuously monitor biometric data under real-life settings. In addition, internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy for psychiatric disorders has been shown to be effective. Application of wearable sensors and machine learning may potentially enhance the beneficial effects of internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we aim to develop and evaluate the effect of a new internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy for SWSD (iCBTS). This system includes current methods such as medical sleep advice, as well as machine learning well-being prediction to improve the sleep durations of shift workers and prevent declines in their well-being.

METHODS

This study consists of two phases: (1) preliminary data collection and machine learning for well-being prediction; (2) intervention and evaluation of iCBTS for SWSD. Shift workers in the intensive care unit at Mie University Hospital will wear a wearable sensor that collects biometric data and answer daily questionnaires regarding their well-being. They will subsequently be provided with an iCBTS app for 4 weeks. Sleep and well-being measurements between baseline and the intervention period will be compared.

RESULTS

Recruitment for phase 1 ended in October 2019. Recruitment for phase 2 has started in October 2020. Preliminary results are expected to be available by summer 2021.

CONCLUSIONS

iCBTS empowered with well-being prediction is expected to improve the sleep durations of shift workers, thereby enhancing their overall well-being. Findings of this study will reveal the potential of this system for improving sleep disorders among shift workers.

CLINICALTRIAL

UMIN Clinical Trials Registry UMIN000036122 (phase 1), UMIN000040547 (phase 2); https://tinyurl.com/dkfmmmje, https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr_e/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000046284

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

DERR1-10.2196/24799
Understanding Parents’ Experiences When Caring for a Child With Functional Constipation: Interpretive Description Study (Preprint)
Authors: Thompson Alison P , MacDonald Shannon E , Wine Eytan , Scott Shannon D
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND

Pediatric functional constipation (FC) is a common but serious medical condition. Despite significant effects on children, families, and the health care system, the condition is typically undertreated. Parents carry the primary responsibility for complex treatment programs; therefore, understanding their experiences and needs may offer a critical perspective toward improving clinical care.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to understand and give voice to parents’ experiences and information needs when caring for a child with FC. The ultimate objective is to build an evidence base suitable for creating a digital knowledge translation tool to better support parents caring for a child with FC.

METHODS

This qualitative design used an interpretive description methodology to generate findings aimed at improving clinical care. One-on-one, in-depth interviews were completed either in person or through web-based teleconferencing to explore parents’ perspectives. Data collection and analysis occurred concurrently.

RESULTS

Analysis of 16 interviews generated 4 major themes: living in the shadows; not taken seriously, with a subtheme of persevering and advocating; missing information and misinformation; and self-doubt and strained relationships. One minor theme of affirmative influences that foster resilience and hope was identified.

CONCLUSIONS

Parents have unmet needs for support and information related to pediatric FC. To address gaps in current care provision, decision makers may consider interventions for clinicians, resources for parents, and shifting care models to better meet parents’ needs.
Classification of the Use of Online Health Information Channels and Variation in Motivations for Channel Selection: Cross-sectional Survey (Preprint)
Authors: Zhang Di , Shi Zhen , Hu Hongchao , Han Gang (Kevin)
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND

Existing health education and communication research routinely measures online channel use as a whole by, for example, evaluating how frequently people use the internet to search for health information. This approach fails to capture the complexity and diversity of online channel use in health information seeking. The measurement of generic online channel use may cause too much error, and it lends no support to media planning in public health promotion campaigns or scholarly research involving online channel use.

OBJECTIVE

This study intends to present a thorough picture of patterns of online health information channel use and classify the use of various types of online health information channels, including WeChat, microblogs, web portals, search engines, mobile apps, and online forums. Under the framework of the risk information seeking and processing model, this study also analyzes the differences in individuals’ motivations for channel selection to offer further evidence to validate the classification scheme.

METHODS

This study sampled 542 Chinese internet users in Beijing. The average age of the respondents was 33 years, female respondents accounted for 52.0% (282/542) of the sample, and the average monthly income ranged from US $900 to $1200. The study surveyed the use of 13 commonly used online health information channels and various sociopsychological factors associated with online health information seeking.

RESULTS

This study derived 3 categories of online health information channels: searching, browsing, and scanning channels. It was found that the use of online searching channels was affect driven ﻿(B=0.11; β=0.10; P=.02) and characterized by a stronger need for health knowledge ﻿(B=0.09; β=0.01; P<.001). The use of browsing channels was directly influenced by informational subjective norms ﻿(B=0.33; β=0.15; P=.004) and perceived current knowledge ﻿(B=0.007; β=0.09; P=.003). The use of scanning channels was mainly influenced by informational subjective norms ﻿(B=0.29; β=0.15; P=.007).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study suggest that health communication practitioners and scholars may consider measuring the use of internet, new media, or online media more precisely instead of simply asking the public about the frequency of online channel use or internet use in the acquisition of health information. Scholars and practitioners may consider measuring the use of online health information channels by using the 3-category scheme described in this study. Future research is encouraged to further explore how people process health information when using different online channels.
Responsabilidad social empresarial: información divulgada por las empresas del IBEX35
Authors: Pache-Durán María , Nevado-Gil María Teresa
Published: October 2020

Hoy en día, las empresas muestran un mayor interés por la aplicación de prácticas de Responsabilidad Social Empresarial con la finalidad de obtener un mayor desarrollo económico, así como mantener una buena relación con sus grupos de interés y generar bienestar social y ambiental. En este contexto, el objetivo de este estudio es evaluar la divulgación de prácticas socialmente responsables por parte de las empresas pertenecientes al IBEX35 en sus páginas web, utilizando la técnica de análisis de contenido. Los resultados revelan que la información sobre Responsabilidad Social Empresarial que ofrecen es cuantiosa, tal y como revela el índice de divulgación total, siendo la información en materia económica la más divulgada.
Política industrial y restricciones cambiarias. Un análisis en la industria automotriz Argentina, 2012-2015
Authors: Pérez Artica Rodrigo , Pedro Vigier Hernán
Published: October 2020

El comercio autopartista se ha transformado en una fuente sobresaliente de déficit externo en América Latina, que plantea a la vez un problema macroeconómico y de política industrial. En Argentina, se han diseñado varias políticas para revertir este resultado, sobre todo desde la agudización del estrangulamiento externo en el periodo 2012-2015. En el estudio que aquí se presenta se evalúan los resultados del conjunto de políticas implementadas. Primero, un abordaje econométrico muestra que las medidas efectuadas no consiguieron modificar aspectos clave de la articulación internacional de la cadena automotriz. Segundo, se pretende explicar los resultados mediante la aplicación de entrevistas de profundidad a funcionarios involucrados en la implementación de dicha política.
Standarisasi Halal Majelis Ulama Indonesia dalam Penyembelihan Ayam di Desa Kertawinangun Cirebon
Authors: Muamar Afif , Jumena Juju
Published: October 2020

AbstractThis study aims to determine the process of slaughtering broilers in the village of Kertawinangun and the process of slaughtering according to the the Indonesian Ulema Council standard. This research is descriptive-analytical using qualitative methods. This research resulted in three things, first, the method of slaughtering and processing stages of broilers grouped into three stages, namely the stages in the preparation of chickens, slaughtering, and processing of chickens. And secondly, several factors influence consumer behavior related to halal slaughter, namely; 1) Cultural Factors, namely human behavior is largely determined by the culture that surrounds it, and its influence will always change every time by the times. 2) Social factors include family groups and role models. 3) Personal factors consisting of age and stages of the life cycle, economic conditions, lifestyle, and personality.
LIMITATIONS ON THE ACTIVITY OF BUSINESS ANGELS IN FINANCING STARTUPS
Authors: Cegielska Edyta
Published: October 2020

The article aims to identify limitations on the activity of business angels (also known as “angel investors”) in financing startups. Business angels are the main source of external capital for startups, aside from family and friends. However, the degree to which they are active in the economy, in Poland and in other countries, is bound by certain restrictions, a number of which are related to supply and demand. The article seeks to deepen the theoretical considerations of these limitations from the perspective of demand and supply constraints. The study demonstrates that on the demand side, the greatest limitations that hinder business angels from financing startups are overly-complicated tax laws and a lack of tax incentives for investment activities. On the supply side, it is the failure to meet investment criteria imposed by business angels. Based on the conducted research, it can be concluded that without the interference of public institutions it will be difficult to effectively reduce the limitations on the activity of business angels.
FEEDFORWARD NEURAL NETWORKS AND THE FORECASTING OF MULTI-SECTIONAL DEMAND FOR TELECOM SERVICES: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF EFFECTIVENESS FOR HOURLY DATA
Authors: Kaczmarczyk Paweł
Published: October 2020

The presented research focuses on the construction of a model to effectively forecast demand for connection services – it is thus relevant to the Prediction System (PS) of telecom operators. The article contains results of comparative studies regarding the effectiveness of neural network models and regressive-neural (integrated) models, in terms of their short-term forecasting abilities for multi-sectional demand of telecom services. The feedforward neural network was used as the neural network model. A regressive-neural model was constructed by fusing the dichotomous linear regression of multi-sectional demand and the feedforward neural network that was used to model the residuals of the regression model (i.e. the residual variability). The response variable was the hourly counted seconds of outgoing calls within the framework of the selected operator network. The calls were analysed within: type of 24 hours (e.g. weekday/weekend), connection categories, and subscriber groups. For both compared models 35 explanatory variables were specified and used in the estimation process. The results show that the regressive-neural model is characterised by higher approximation and predictive capabilities than the non-integrated neural model.
Do adjunctive interventions in patients undergoing rapid maxillary expansion increase the treatment effectiveness?
Authors: Santana Lucas Garcia , Marques Leandro Silva
Published: October 2020

Objectives

To evaluate the clinical effectiveness of adjunctive interventions in individuals undergoing rapid maxillary expansion (RME).

Materials and Methods

MEDLINE, Web of Science, Cochrane, Scopus, LILACS, and Google Scholar were searched without restrictions up to June 2020. Trials involving participants undergoing orthopedic or surgical RME, along with adjunctive interventions, were included. Risk-of-bias assessments were performed using the Cochrane tool for randomized trials-2. The certainty level of evidence was assessed through the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation tool.

Results

Six randomized clinical trials, with low to high risk of bias, were included. Low certainty of the evidence suggested that low-level laser facilitated opening of the midpalatal suture during the active phase of RME. Likewise, moderate certainty demonstrated that low-level laser accelerated the healing process of the suture during the retention phase. The clinical impact of this outcome, that is, stability and retention time, was not evaluated. Very low evidence indicated that osteoperforations along the midpalatal suture increased maxillary transverse skeletal gains in young adults undergoing RME. Low evidence suggested that platelet-rich plasma therapy did not minimize the vertical and thickness bone loss after RME in the short term.

Conclusions

Based on currently available information, the use of low-level laser associated with maxillary expansion seems to provide a more efficient suture opening and bone healing. Limited evidence suggests that osteoperforations improve the skeletal effects of RME in non-growing individuals. There are no adjunctive interventions capable of reducing the periodontal side effects of RME.