Synchronous Display and Whiteboard-Like Freehand Writing App as Teaching Tool for Virtual Classroom amidst the Pandemic

Purpose: The research evaluates if teachers can achieve better teaching outcomes by using a proposed mobile interactive system (MIS) developed for this study as an additional approach to enhancing teachers’ proficiency in Technological Pedagogical and Content Knowledge (TPACK) in the virtual classroom. Background: According to previous studies, teachers’ self-assessment on TPACK might be affected by their egos because they have autonomy over the students in the classroom. Some studies suggest that utilisation of an interactive whiteboard (IWB) promotes creativity in teaching and learning but that it is unsuitable for a virtual environment due to its large size and the high maintenance costs associated with owning one in a teacher’s residence. Besides, some studies also reveal that allowing the students to assess their teachers through TPACK is able to reduce potential errors which might result from the TPACK self-assessment done by teachers. Methods: Pre- and post- experiments were conducted with the developed MIS integrated into teaching process. Synchronous display (SD) and whiteboard-like freehand writing (WFW) were features of the MIS integrated into the experimental group. Questionnaires were distributed to the students, and a reflective measurement model was formed using SmartPLS and IBM SPSS Statistics. Findings: Based on our findings, teachers’ Technological Content Knowledge had a significant positive effect on TPACK with the inclusion of MIS in online teaching. Predictive relevance was also evaluated through a Q2 value to predict the endogenous construct of the constructed model. The Q2 value was greater than zero, indicating that the model possesses a predictive relevance. Conclusion: The integration of the developed MIS in the virtual classroom has a significant positive impact on the students’ academic performance relating to concept learning and knowledge acquisition of subject matter.

Baseline Drug Treatments as Indicators of Increased Risk of COVID-19 Mortality in Spain and Italy

This study aims to identify baseline medications that, as a proxy for the diseases they are dispensed for, are associated with increased risk of mortality in COVID-19 patients from two regions in Spain and Italy using real-world data. We conducted a cross-country, retrospective, observational study including 8570 individuals from both regions with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection between 4 March and 17 April 2020, and followed them for a minimum of 30 days to allow sufficient time for the studied event, in this case death, to occur. Baseline demographic variables and all drugs dispensed in community pharmacies three months prior to infection were extracted from the PRECOVID Study cohort (Aragon, Spain) and the Campania Region Database (Campania, Italy) and analyzed using logistic regression models. Results show that the presence at baseline of potassium-sparing agents, antipsychotics, vasodilators, high-ceiling diuretics, antithrombotic agents, vitamin B12, folic acid, and antiepileptics were systematically associated with mortality in COVID-19 patients from both countries. Treatments for chronic cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, systemic inflammation, and processes with increased risk of thrombosis as proxies for the conditions they are intended for can serve as timely indicators of an increased likelihood of mortality after the infection, and the assessment of pharmacological profiles can be an additional approach to the identification of at-risk individuals in clinical practice.

Impact of Hello Intervals in AODV in FANET

Business and classified activity of UAV is changing various bionetwork. To perceive risky issue and investigate research zones, our precise content assessment suggests the critical issue like protection, reception and sanctuary are progressively supplanted by operational contemplations incorporating connection by and blow on other airspace clients. Ongoing episodes show that unlimited robot use can incur issues on other airspace clients like air terminals and crisis administrations. Our audit of current administrative methodologies shows a requirement for additional approach and oversight answer to both run quick and efficient ova utilization development, and work with advancement (for example intraurban bundle conveyance), with execution of the planned engineering is approved utilizing three boundaries, to be specific throughput, parcel conveyance proportion (PDR in various UAVs. The outcomes are contrasted and existing conventions show the adequacy of the work regarding throughput rate.

Two Way Coupled Fields Multi-Physics Modeling Is Investigated as an Additional Approach to Address Fluid Elastic Instability

Two way coupled fields multi-physics modeling is investigated as an additional approach to address out-of-plane FEI. It is established in the literature that to model the damping-controlled fluid elastic instability, a finite time delay between tube vibration and fluid perturbation must be realized. The phase lag between tube vibration and flow perturbation due to damping must be adequately captured by the model. The effects of tube frequency, turbulence level, location, and mean gap velocity on the relative phase values must also be captured. This approach will allow the time delay between tube vibration and flow perturbation due to damping, as well as turbulence, and stiffness to be intrinsically modeled. We will introduce the applicability of the method to in-plane FEI in a future paper once we have based lined it against out of plane FEI empirical results.

IMAGE-BASED ORIENTATION DETERMINATION OF MOBILE SENSOR PLATFORMS

Estimating the pose of a mobile robotic platform is a challenging task, especially when the pose needs to be estimated in a global or local reference frame and when the estimation has to be performed while the platform is moving. While the position of a platform can be measured directly via modern tachymetry or with the help of a global positioning service GNSS, the absolute platform orientation is harder to derive. Most often, only the relative orientation is estimated with the help of a sensor mounted on the robotic platform such as an IMU, with one or multiple cameras, with a laser scanner or with a combination of any of those. Then, a sensor fusion of the relative orientation and the absolute position is performed. In this work, an additional approach is presented: first, an image-based relative pose estimation with frames from a panoramic camera using a state-of-the-art visual odometry implementation is performed. Secondly, the position of the platform in a reference system is estimated using motorized tachymetry. Lastly, the absolute orientation is calculated using a visual marker, which is placed in the space, where the robotic platform is moving. The marker can be detected in the camera frame and since the position of this marker is known in the reference system, the absolute pose can be estimated. To improve the absolute pose estimation, a sensor fusion is conducted. Results with a Lego model train as a mobile platform show, that the trajectory of the absolute pose calculated independently with four different markers have a deviation < 0.66 degrees 50% of the time and that the average difference is < 1.17 degrees. The implementation is based on the popular Robotic Operating System ROS.

At-home Specimen Self-Collection and Self-Testing for STI Screening Demand Accelerated by the COVID-19 Pandemic - A Review of Laboratory Implementation Issues

The idea of specimen self-collection or self-STI testing is not new. In 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) published the “WHO Consolidated Guideline on Self-Care Interventions for Health” as a first installment in a planned series for various diseases (8). The first document focused on “Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights”. Self-care including self-testing has the readily apparent benefits of privacy, confidentiality, speed, convenience, and access if the price is affordable. It is “people-centered” (9) and enables active participation in one’s own health. It is also a health system approach as it can reduce burden on stretched systems with world-wide shortages in medical personnel or other barriers to health care access. Potential risks include: low specimen return rates, uncertain follow-up (linkage to care including treatment, repeat testing including test of cure, partner notification, counseling on risk reduction), unintended/unnecessary use (resulting in false positives with their own set of associated problems), incorrect use, lack of understanding of window periods (resulting in false negatives), lack of surveillance data generation, among other issues (9). The WHO systematically reviewed evidence for self-testing or specimen self-collection for GC, CT and syphilis, including US studies, and published a meta-analysis of available evidence (9). Programs offering self-collection of samples increased overall uptake of STI testing services (RR: 2.941, 95% CI 1.188 to 7.281) and case finding (RR: 2.166, 95% CI1.043 to 4.498), prior to the pandemic (9). U. S. laboratory research on the equivalence and/or superiority of self-collected versus provider-collected specimens for test sensitivity was reported by Gaydos et al (summarized or referenced in (10)). Based on this evidence, WHO issued a new recommendation in 2019 “Self-collection of samples for Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis should be made available as an additional approach to deliver STI testing services for individuals using STI testing services” (8). In addition, WHO issued a new and conditional recommendation: “Self-collection of samples for Treponema pallidum (syphilis) and Trichomonas vaginalis may be considered as an additional approach to deliver STI testing services for Individuals using STI testing services” (8). Thus, even before the COVID-19 pandemic, substantial expert agreement existed concerning benefits of this approach.

Portuguese adults’ concerns on the return to indoor sports practice after confinement due to COVID-19 pandemic -mitigation strategies proposals

Objetivo: Este estudio tuvo como objetivo obtener una visión de las preocupaciones de adultos portugueses en lo que refiere al regreso a la actividad deportiva en instalaciones deportivas cubiertas, tras el confinamiento al que obligó la pandemia COVID-19. Posteriormente, se planteó un enfoque adicional a las estrategias tradicionales de mitigación. Métodos: han participado un total de 173 personas que solían practicar actividad deportiva en instalaciones deportivas cubiertas antes de la pandemia. Se aplicó un cuestionario en el que preguntó lo preocupados (1 – nada, a 5 – completamente) que estarían en diferentes aspectos relacionados con este regreso. Resultados: Los encuestados estaban extremadamente preocupados, especialmente por tocar superficies de uso común y por la proximidad con otros usuarios. Todos los contextos (desplazamiento en transporte público al lugar de entrenamiento, vestuarios y características de la práctica de la actividad propiamente dicha) fueron señaladas como grandes fuentes de preocupación, sobretodo en cuanto a la primera citada. Se propuso modificar algunos objetos (o crear otros) que permitan un uso con partes del cuerpo distintas de las manos y utilizar instrumentos intermediarios en la manipulación de objetos deportivos. Conclusión: tocar superficies de uso común y la proximidad de otros usuarios reveló altos grados de preocupación al regresar a la práctica deportiva después del confinamiento. Además del respeto de las reglas de distanciamiento personal, etiqueta respiratoria e higiene de superficies, se sugiere que los practicantes utilicen, en la medida de lo posible, partes corporales alternativas e instrumentos intermedios que eviten el contacto directo con superficies y objetos. Objective: This study aimed to get an insight of Portuguese adult people concerns about returning to physical activity and sports practice at indoor sports facilities, after confinement due to COVID-19’ pandemic. Subsequently, an additional approach to the traditional mitigation strategies was to be proposed. Methods: A total of 173 Portuguese practitioners on indoor physical activity or sports before pandemic participated in this study. A questionnaire asking how much concerned (1 – nothing, to 5 – completely) would they be on different contexts and aspects related to this return was applied. Results: respondents were considerably concerned about this theme, especially with touching on common surfaces and proximity to others. Although considerable concerned if having to travel by public transport to the training facility, using locker rooms and with features of the sports’ practice itself, the former received the highest concerns. Additionally, we have suggested modifying some objects (or creating others) that may allow their use with body parts other than hands - an important contagion source - and exploiting the possibility of using intermediate instruments on objects and sports equipment manipulation, preventing users from touching their surfaces directly. Conclusion: touching on common surfaces and proximity to others revealed high degrees of concern on the return to indoor sports practice after confinement due to COVID-19 pandemic. Alongside the rules of personal distancing, respiratory etiquette and surfaces hygiene, it is suggested that sports practitioners, whenever possible, use alternative body parts and intermediate instruments that avoid direct contact of hands with surfaces and sport objects. Objetivo: Este estudo teve como objetivo obter uma visão das preocupações de adultos portugueses sobre o regresso à atividade física e à prática desportiva em instalações desportivas cobertas, após o confinamento devido à pandemia COVID-19. Subsequentemente, ir-se-ia propor uma abordagem adicional às estratégias tradicionais de mitigação. Métodos: Um total de 173 portugueses praticantes de atividade física ou desportiva em instalações desportivas cobertas antes da pandemia participaram no estudo. Todos preencheram um questionário informando o quão preocupados (1 – nada, para 5 – completamente) estariam em diferentes contextos e aspetos relacionados com este regresso. Resultados: os entrevistados estão consideravelmente preocupados com tocar em superfícies comuns e com a proximidade a outros utentes. Todos os contextos (uso de transporte público para o local de treino, balneários e caraterísticas da prática desportiva propriamente dita) receberam manifestações de preocupação considerável, com o primeiro a obter as maiores preocupações. Sugeriu-se modificar alguns objetos (ou criar outros) que possam permitir o seu uso com partes do corpo que não as mãos e explorar a possibilidade de usar instrumentos intermediários na manipulação de objetos e equipamentos desportivos, evitando, assim, tocar nas suas superfícies diretamente. Conclusão: Ttocar em superfícies comuns e proximidade de outros utentes induzem altos graus de preocupação no regresso à prática desportiva após as restrições provocadas pela COVID-19. Além das regras de distanciamento pessoal, etiqueta respiratória e higiene das superfícies, sugere-se que os praticantes, sempre que possível, utilizem partes alternativas do corpo e instrumentos intermediários que evitem o contacto direto das mãos com superfícies e objetos desportivos.

Minimally Invasive Mastectomy Could Achieve Non-inferior Oncological Outcome in Appropriately Selected Patients: Propensity Matched Analysis of the National Cancer Database

Background Minimally invasive mastectomy (MIM) was emerged as an approach to decrease morbidity and increase patient satisfaction through improved cosmetic results; however, there is a paucity of data regarding the long-term oncologic outcomes of these minimally invasive approaches. Methods Patients who underwent mastectomy procedures were identified in the National Cancer Database (2010-2016). Patients were categorized as MIM or open mastectomy. A 1:1 propensity match was performed to balance the bias on reconstruction, nipple sparing, lymph node procedures, and other confounding factors between the cohorts. Short- and long-term outcomes were compared. Results A total of 328 811 patients met the criteria: 327 643 (99.6%) received open mastectomy and 1168 (.4%) received MIM. Propensity match identified 384 “pairs” of MIM and open mastectomy patients. Among them, MIM was associated with shorter length of stay (LOS) (mean 1.3 vs. 1.06 days, P = .003). No differences were observed in the rates of positive margins, unplanned readmissions, or 90-day mortality between the 2 operative approaches. Overall survival (OS) was equivalent between MIM and open mastectomy patients. Cox proportional hazard regression showed no effect of the procedure performed on OS. Discussion MIM is associated with shorter LOS, and it is non-inferior to open mastectomy in terms of other short-term outcomes and long-term oncologic survival outcomes. These data suggest that MIM may be considered in appropriately selected breast cancer patients as an additional approach to the community.

The Effect of Think Pair Share Learning Method Using Observation Approach Toward the Cognitive Learning Outcome of Senior High School Student Preferences the Study of Biology Lesson

The current learning process of students is directed in a one way process. The teachers have to explain and the students are listening to them instead of being actively involved. It degrades their cognitive learning outcome. The application of Think Pair Share affects the students to become actively involved and giving an opportunity for those who want to comprehend their argument into the class. The additional approach of the method may support to make the students feel their own learning method which goes meaningful. The goal of this research is to know the role of Think Pair Share learning method toward the cognitive learning outcome of senior high school students. The research uses quassi experiments in terms of control class and experiment class approach. The result shows that the reduction of them are 33,53 and 17,21. The normality test result defines that the significance value is 0,0066 (>0,05). It means they have accepted H0, meanwhile the pretest and posttest mark of each class control and experiment distribute normally. The homogeneity test results show a value of 0.439 (> 0.05) so that H0 is accepted, which means that the pretest and posttest values from the experimental and control classes come from the same or homogeneous population. The result of ANACOVA test show that SPSS result is 0,000 (>0.05) so the H1 is accepted. It proves that Think Pair Share method using observation experiment is effectively significant towards the cognitive learning outcome of the students. From this situation, it concludes that the approach is having an impact into the cognitive learning outcome of the students