Preliminary Recommendations Research Articles

Covid – 19: Pandemic, community accountabilities and social responsibilities

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) appeared in Wuhan, China in early December 2019. Since then, governments worldwide have undertaken extraordinary steps to contain coronavirus disease- 2019 (COVID-19) disease. The COVID-19 pandemic also influenced the administration of science. The significant effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on biomedical science and the problems for science-intensive institutions posed by the COVID-19 pandemic have been discussed in this article. The article also encompasses what the researchers should do to sustain a certain degree of scientific operation while maintaining the workers and trainees healthy and dedicated. WHO established preliminary recommendations for laboratory evaluation, guidance on the usage of masks during home treatment and in health care facilities as a measure to mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic. Other measures included clinical administration, prevention and monitoring of infections in health care environments, home care for patients with suspected novel coronavirus, risk coordination and community participation and global surveillance. The infected patients were advised to wear masks to reduce the risk of droplet infection. However, there is insufficient evidence of the efficacy on the use of masks, especially when dealing with a pandemic with minimal alternatives. Many measures countrywide have been executed to reduce the influence of COVID-19 pandemic crisis.

Cognitive biases in the digital age – How resolving the status quo bias enables public-sector employees to overcome restraint

The use of technology has increased significantly in public administrations in recent decades and has become the norm rather than the exception. As a result, the acceptance of or resistance to technology by employees plays a crucial role in local digital developments. Few existing theories address the reliable determinants of the use of technology and take into account the cognitive biases of the users. Our study fills this gap by considering the status-quo-bias perspective. We conduct a mixed-methods study of three German municipalities and develop an integrated theoretical model of the employees' resistance to technology. Our results indicate that resistance to technology is best explained by perceived value, sunk costs, switching benefits, and value for citizens. Based on our findings, we derive preliminary recommendations for action and discuss valuable directions for future scientific work. Our study contributes to the understanding of the resistance to technology in public administrations and opens the door to a vivid discourse on the use of technology in multilevel organizations.

CRITICAL VARIABLES OF MORPHO-PHYSIOLOGICAL RICE PLANT UNDER STAGNANT FLOODING CONDITIONS

<p class="abstrakinggris"><span lang="EN-US">Stagnant flooding (SF) stress has contributed decreasing rice production in Indonesia. The study aimed to explore critical variables of rice growth that contribute to the decreasing grain yield under SF conditions and a common irrigation system (control). The experiment was arranged in a complete randomized block design with four replications to test 10 rice genotypes (Inpari 30 Ciherang Sub-1, Inpara 3, Inpara 4, Inpara 8, IRRI119, IRRI154, IR42, IR14D121, IR14D157, and Tapus). The water depth was managed according to the farmer’s practices for control, while for SF plots the standing water depth was gradually increased from 35 days after transplanting and was maintained at 50 cm until harvest. Results showed that plant height, tillering ability, leaf greenness, panicle number per hill and grain filling percentage were critical growth variables that affect grain yield at optimal conditions. The yield of the 10 genotypes decreased by 25–50% under SF conditions. Inpara 3 had the stable yield in those two watering conditions. Therefore, it could be used as a check variety for SF condition. Inpara 9 and IRRI119 experienced decreased yield of more than 50% under SF conditions. The key factors determining the decreased yield were tillering ability and green leaf level. Optimization of the two variables at SF conditions will largely determine rice yield associated with panicle number per hill and grain number per panicle. Results of the study are useful as preliminary recommendations for designing new variety and cultivation techniques to reduce the impact of SF stress on rice yield.</span></p>

Considerations for using reproduction data in toxicokinetic-toxicodynamic modeling.

Toxicokinetic-toxicodynamic (TKTD) modeling is essential to make sense of the time dependence of toxic effects, and to interpret and predict consequences of time-varying exposure. These advantages have been recognized in the regulatory arena, especially for environmental risk assessment of pesticides, where time-varying exposure is the norm. We critically evaluate the link between the modeled variables in TKTD models and the observations from laboratory ecotoxicity tests. For the endpoint reproduction, this link is far from trivial. The relevant TKTD models for sublethal effects are based on dynamic energy budget (DEB) theory, which specifies a continuous investment flux into reproduction. In contrast, experimental tests score egg or offspring release by the mother. The link between model and data is particularly troublesome when a species reproduces in discrete clutches and, even more so, when eggs are incubated in the mother's brood pouch (and release of neonates is scored in the test). This situation is quite common among aquatic invertebrates (e.g., cladocerans, amphipods, mysids), including many popular test species. In this discussion paper, we treat these and other issues with reproduction data, reflect on their potential impact on DEB-TKTD analysis, and provide preliminary recommendations to correct them. Both modelers and users of model results need to be aware of these complications, as ignoring them could easily lead to unnecessary failure of DEB-TKTD models during calibration, or when validating them against independent data for other exposure scenarios. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2022;18:479-487. © 2021 SETAC.

Experts' opinion on the detection and management of prediabetes in Lebanon.

Given that the complications of type 2 diabetes can start at an early stage, early detection and appropriate management of prediabetes are essential. We aimed to develop an expert opinion on prediabetes in Lebanon to pave the way for national guidelines tailored for the Lebanese population in the near future. A panel of seven diabetes experts conducted a thorough literature review and discussed their opinions and experiences before coming up with a set of preliminary recommendations for the detection and management of prediabetes in Lebanon. Lebanese physicians employ multiple tests for the diagnosis of prediabetes and no national cut-off values exist. The panel agreed that prediabetes screening should be focused on patients exceeding 45 years of age with otherwise no risk factors and on adults with risk factors. The panel reached that fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and HbA1c should be used for prediabetes diagnosis in Lebanon. FPG values of 100-125 mg/dL or HbA1c values of 5.7%-6.4% were agreed upon as indicative of prediabetes. For the management of prediabetes, a three-step approach constituting lifestyle modifications, pharmacological treatment and bariatric surgery is recommended. There should be more focus on research on prediabetes in Lebanon. This preliminary report will be further discussed with the Lebanese Society of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Lipids in 2021 in order to come up with the first Lebanese national guidelines for the detection and management of prediabetes in Lebanon.

Development a mathematical model for the software security testing first stage

This paper reports an analysis of the software (SW) safety testing techniques, as well as the models and methods for identifying vulnerabilities. An issue has been revealed related to the reasoned selection of modeling approaches at different stages of the software safety testing process and the identification of its vulnerabilities, which reduces the accuracy of the modeling results obtained. Two steps in the process of identifying software vulnerabilities have been identified. A mathematical model has been built for the process of preparing security testing, which differs from the known ones by a theoretically sound choice of the moment-generating functions when describing transitions from state to state. In addition, the mathematical model takes into consideration the capabilities and risks of the source code verification phase for cryptographic and other ways to protect data. These features generally improve the accuracy of modeling results and reduce input uncertainty in the second phase of software safety testing. An advanced security compliance algorithm has been developed, with a distinctive feature of the selection of laws and distribution parameters that describe individual state-to-state transitions for individual branches of Graphical Evaluation and Review Technique networks (GERT-networks). A GERT-network has been developed to prepare for security testing. A GERT-network for the process of checking the source code for cryptographic and other data protection methods has been developed. A graphic-analytical GERT model for the first phase of software safety testing has been developed. The expressions reported in this paper could be used to devise preliminary recommendations and possible ways to improve the effectiveness of software safety testing algorithms

COVID-19 Vaccination for Cancer Patients: Progress and Preliminary Recommendations

新型冠状病毒肺炎（coronavirus disease 2019，COVID-19，简称新冠肺炎）疫情对全球公众健康产生了严重影响。广泛接种新型冠状病毒疫苗（简称新冠疫苗）成为终止新冠疫情的最可能有效的手段之一。肿瘤患者在新冠肺炎疫情中感染风险大、严重事件发生率高、死亡率高，应是疫情防治的重点对象。目前肿瘤患者新冠疫苗接种研究证据尚缺乏。本文基于最新的临床研究，对肿瘤患者接种新冠疫苗的安全性和免疫效能相关数据进行初步综述。由于肿瘤患者的免疫功能情况复杂，本文对于应用不同肿瘤治疗方式及处于不同治疗阶段的患者提出初步的新冠疫苗接种建议。肿瘤患者新冠疫苗接种对新冠肺炎的预防极为重要，目前仍需大规模的临床研究和真实世界研究数据来制定更加精细的新冠疫苗接种方案。

Colorectal cancer screening and surveillance strategy for patients with Diamond Blackfan anemia: Preliminary recommendations from the Diamond Blackfan Anemia Registry.

Diamond Blackfan anemia (DBA) is a rare inherited bone marrow failure syndrome characterized by red cell failure, congenital anomalies, poor linear growth, and cancer predisposition. Two previous analyses from the Diamond Blackfan Anemia Registry have quantified DBA as a cancer predisposition syndrome of moderate cancer penetrance. Patients with DBA have a 4.8-fold higher relative risk of developing cancer with an overall cumulative incidence of 13.7% by age 45 years. The two most prevalent solid tumors are colorectal cancer (CRC) and osteogenic sarcoma. Current and evolving data support the institution of cancer screening and surveillance strategies for CRC in DBA.

Modeling window and thermostat use behavior to inform sequences of operation in mixed-mode ventilation buildings

Operable windows have become desirable design features of modern mechanically ventilated office buildings in North America. While they improve perceived control and adaptive comfort, their inappropriate use poses risks associated with increased heating and cooling energy use. Therefore, the sequence of operations for terminal devices serving zones with operable windows should be designed in recognition of these risks, which in turn should be informed by research investigating occupants’ window and thermostat use behavior. To this end, this paper examines window and thermostat use data collected from two mixed-mode ventilation buildings in Ottawa, Canada. Discrete-time Markov logistic regression models and decision tree models were established to predict the likelihood of thermostat keypress and window opening/closing instances and identify the indoor conditions that trigger these actions. Based on this analysis, a set of preliminary recommendations is developed to improve terminal device sequencing in mixed-mode ventilation buildings in cold climates such that the comfort and energy savings potential of operable windows can be fully realized. The recommendations include applying thermostat setpoint setback to encourage occupants to open windows when conditions are advantageous for saving energy and discourage occupants from opening windows when energy penalties may be caused.

Comparative evaluation of the performance of different asphalt concrete road pavements on reinforced concrete road structures

Comparative design of structures allows at an early stage of project development to assess their behavior and predict service life. Approximate numerical methods, for example, the finite element method, are widely introduced to simulate the operation of pavements on road structures. The variety of modern asphalt concrete poses the problem of finding the most effective design solutions based on the results of comparing the performance indicators of road pavements. The article presents the results of modeling by the finite element method of the work of road pavements, consisting of a two-layer asphalt-concrete package, on a reinforced concrete slab of bridge. Various options for combinations of asphalt concrete are considered. The well-known American method of the Asphalt Institute was used as a methodological basis. For the criterion of the limiting state, the indicator of accumulated fatigue cracks in the amount of 10% of the wheelpath area is taken. Preliminary recommendations are given on the field of application of the considered road pavements on reinforced concrete bridges in the conditions of the Syrian Arab Republic.

ARIA-EAACI statement on severe allergic reactions to COVID-19 vaccines - An EAACI-ARIA Position Paper.

Further to the approval of the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine BNT162b2, several severe anaphylaxis cases occured within the first few days of public vaccination. An investigation is taking place to understand the cases and their triggers. The vaccine will be administered to a large number of individuals worldwide and there are raising concerns that severe adverse events might occur. With the current information, the European Academy of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (EAACI) states its position for the following preliminary recommendations that are to be revised as soon as more data emerge. To minimize the risk of severe allergic reactions in vaccinated individuals, it is urgently required to understand the specific nature of the reported severe allergic reactions, including the background medical history of the individuals affected and the mechanisms involved. To achieve this goal, all clinical and laboratory information should be collected and reported. Mild and moderate allergic patients should not be excluded from the vaccine as this could have a significant impact on reaching the goal of population immunity. Healthcare practitioners vaccinating against COVID-19 are required to be sufficiently prepared to recognize and treat anaphylaxis properly with the ability to administer adrenaline. Further to vaccine administration, a mandatory observation period of at least 15 minutes should be followed for all individuals. The current data have not shown any higher risk for patients suffering from allergic rhinitis or asthma, and this message should be clearly stated by physicians to enable our patients to trust the vaccine. More than 30% of the population suffers from allergic diseases and the benefit of the vaccination clearly outweighs the risk of severe COVID-19 development.

Understanding Speed-Accuracy Processing Dynamics in Aphasia Using Response Time Modeling.

People with aphasia demonstrate language impairments evident in both performance accuracy and processing speed, but the direct relationship between accuracy and speed requires further consideration. This article describes two recent attempts to make quantitative progress in this domain using response time modeling: the diffusion model (Ratcliff, 1978) applied to two-choice tasks and a multinomial ex-Gaussian model applied to picture naming. The diffusion model may be used to characterize core linguistic processing efficiency and speed-accuracy tradeoffs independently, and research suggests that maladaptive speed-accuracy tradeoffs lead to performance impairments in at least some people with aphasia. The multinomial ex-Gaussian response time model of picture naming provides a simple and straightforward way to estimate the optimal response time cutoffs for individual people with aphasia (i.e., the cutoff where additional time is unlikely to lead to a correct response). While response time modeling applied to aphasia research is at an early stage of development, both the diffusion model and multinomial ex-Gaussian response time model of picture naming show promise and should be further developed in future work. This article also provides preliminary recommendations for clinicians regarding how to conceptualize, identify, and potentially address maladaptive speed-accuracy tradeoffs for people with aphasia.

A Systematic Review of Complex Polypharmacy in Bipolar Disorder: Prevalence, Clinical Features, Adherence, and Preliminary Recommendations for Practitioners.

Objective: Extensive combination pharmacotherapy regimens for bipolar disorder have gained increasing use in routine practice in ways that outpace data from evidence-based clinical trials. The present review examined the prevalence of complex pharmacotherapy regimens in bipolar disorder patients and sought to characterize factors that most influence polypharmacy prescribing patterns. Data Sources: The authors independently systematically searched the MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Embase databases for English-language observational/naturalistic or randomized controlled polypharmacy trials, using the keywords bipolar and polypharmacy or bipolar and combination treatment and pharmacotherapy. Study Selection: From among 3,566 publications, 49 ultimately met study inclusion criteria. Data Extraction: Information was obtained regarding prevalence rates of extensive polypharmacy as well as clinical characteristics and naturalistic outcomes for patients with simple (≤ 2) or complex (≥ 3) regimens of psychotropic agents. Results: A weighted mean percentage of 32.7% of bipolar outpatients (4,535/13,863) taking ≥ 3 psychotropic medications was identified. Factors associated with complex polypharmacy use include female sex, White race, age > 50 years, history of psychosis, greater burden of depressive illness, subtherapeutic dosing, lower treatment adherence, more extensive psychiatric comorbidity, and a greater history of suicide attempts. Conclusions: Extensive or complex combination pharmacotherapy regimens are common in many patients with bipolar disorder and often reflect greater overall illness severity. Naturalistic studies do not point to better outcomes for patients receiving more complex drug regimens, suggesting likely confounding by indication, high severity, or comorbid conditions. Formal clinical trials are needed to identify optimal drug combinations and durations when using ≥ 3 psychotropic medications to treat patients with bipolar disorder.

Towards domestication of the endemic Malagasy pepper tsiperifery (Piper sp.): Lessons learnt from domestication and cultivation history of other peppers

Introduction – Since the international popularity of tsiperifery, the Malagasy wild pepper (Piper sp.) from Madagascar started to grow, traditional low-intensity harvesting has turned into uncontrolled systematic collection, which is environmentally and socio-economically unsustainable. Domestication could be key for sustainable exploitation of tsiperifery. Here we collated information from comparable domesticated Piper species to identify pathways to accelerate the domestication of tsiperifery. Materials and methods – We conducted a literature review, upon four steps: (1) identification of the already domesticated Piper species; (2) analysis of their domestication history and cultivation methods to highlight the common critical points for domestication; (3) comparison of this information with the limited ones available on tsiperifery; and (4) provision of preliminary recommendations on a possible domestication pathway for tsiperifery. Results and discussion – We identified and analyzed 22 domesticated Piper species. We found nine critical issues, the most important being: (i) genotype selection; (ii) procedure for vegetative propagation; (iii) reproduction of the microclimatic and edaphic conditions of the rainforest understory; (iv) choice of the best supports and cultivation system; (v) reduction of the delay before entry into production; and (vi) control of plant height. For each critical issue, we suggested preliminary recommendations. Conclusion – This paper provides baseline information towards the domestication of tsiperifery. Further on-field and molecular experiments are needed to confirm these findings and identify suitable management practices.

New horizons in falls prevention and management for older adults: a global initiative.

falls and fall-related injuries are common in older adults, have negative effects both on quality of life and functional independence and are associated with increased morbidity, mortality and health care costs. Current clinical approaches and advice from falls guidelines vary substantially between countries and settings, warranting a standardised approach. At the first World Congress on Falls and Postural Instability in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in December 2019, a worldwide task force of experts in falls in older adults, committed to achieving a global consensus on updating clinical practice guidelines for falls prevention and management by incorporating current and emerging evidence in falls research. Moreover, the importance of taking a person-centred approach and including perspectives from patients, caregivers and other stakeholders was recognised as important components of this endeavour. Finally, the need to specifically include recent developments in e-health was acknowledged, as well as the importance of addressing differences between settings and including developing countries. a steering committee was assembled and 10 working Groups were created to provide preliminary evidence-based recommendations. A cross-cutting theme on patient's perspective was also created. In addition, a worldwide multidisciplinary group of experts and stakeholders, to review the proposed recommendations and to participate in a Delphi process to achieve consensus for the final recommendations, was brought together. in this New Horizons article, the global challenges in falls prevention are depicted, the goals of the worldwide task force are summarised and the conceptual framework for development of a global falls prevention and management guideline is presented.

Анализ возможности работы плавучей атомной электростанции совместно с опреснительной установкой

Object and purpose of research. The article discusses in comparison the methods of desalination of seawater and their energy features from the point of view of the feasibility of including a desalination plant in the complex with a floating nuclear power unit. Materials and methods. Based on the analysis of various literary sources, a review of the main methods of nuclear desalination is made. The IAEA DEEP program was used to compare different desalination technologies. Main results. Based on the results of simulating nuclear desalination in the IAEA DEEP program, using the example of the Persian Gulf, preliminary recommendations were drawn up on the use of desalination methods in the joint operation of a desalination plant with a floating nuclear power unit. Conclusion. The integrated complex allows for desalination by both membrane and thermal methods. For the optimal choice of technology, it is necessary to specify the area of deployment and the relative position of the floating nuclear power unit and the desalination plant, and further search for a compromise based on more accurate calculations.

Censored data considerations and analytical approaches for salivary bioscience data

Left censoring in salivary bioscience data occurs when salivary analyte determinations fall below the lower limit of an assay’s measurement range. Conventional statistical approaches for addressing censored values (i.e., recoding as missing, substituting or extrapolating values) may introduce systematic bias. While specialized censored data statistical approaches (i.e., Maximum Likelihood Estimation, Regression on Ordered Statistics, Kaplan-Meier, and general Tobit regression) are available, these methods are rarely implemented in biobehavioral studies that examine salivary biomeasures, and their application to salivary data analysis may be hindered by their sensitivity to skewed data distributions, outliers, and sample size. This study compares descriptive statistics, correlation coefficients, and regression parameter estimates generated via conventional and specialized censored data approaches using salivary C-reactive protein data. We assess differences in statistical estimates across approach and across two levels of censoring (9% and 15%) and examine the sensitivity of our results to sample size. Overall, findings were similar across conventional and censored data approaches, but the implementation of specialized censored data approaches was more efficient (i.e., required little manipulations to the raw analyte data) and appropriate. Based on our review of the findings, we outline preliminary recommendations to enable investigators to more efficiently and effectively reduce statistical bias when working with left-censored salivary biomeasure data.

The Effect of Image Stack Resampling on Manual Segmentation of the Putamen from Magnetic Resonance Imaging

In neurology, brain region surface areas and volumes are often utilized to confirm diagnosis. These metrics are calculated from three-dimensional (3D), digital models sculpted from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) stacks via a process called segmentation. Manual and automated segmentation highlights and in-fills 3D pixels (“voxels”), with length, height, and width dimensions dependent on the spatial increment of scan image capture. The capture of diagnostic images in clinical settings is necessarily low-resolution due to patient safety, time, and costs of equipment operation, yielding 3D surface areas and volumes contingent on a variable degree of missing anatomical information. The degree to which scan resolution affects 3D volumetric and diagnostic potential is poorly documented. We therefore investigate whether an image stack pre-processing technique known as “resampling” may improve volumetric precision in manual segmentation. Resampling is a common data-handling technique that increases the resolution of 3D digital images by inserting new planes of voxels with grayscale values interpolated from existing neighboring values. To form preliminary recommendations regarding the efficacy of resampling procedures for ameliorating low scan resolutions, we quantify inter- and intra-user variation in manual segmentation of the putamen from an MRI study of a healthy individual, using two protocols: 1) original scan resolution, and 2) up-sampled by 100% in all three dimensions, in a repeated-measures experimental design. Six participants (three per test group) segmented the left and right putamina five successive times using a standardized segmentation protocol. For each model surface area and volume data were collected. Results indicate that volume is significantly less variable for putamina that were segmented from the resampled dataset when compared to those segmented from the original dataset. The inverse result was found for surface area: variation was significantly lower for the original dataset. Intra- and inter-user replicability did not differ between methods. Overall, these results support the utilization of up-sampling to increase the accuracy of repeated volume measurements.

COVID-19 vaccination guidelines for patients with multiple sclerosis

The opinion of Russian experts on the possibility of COVID-19 vaccination in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) is presented. The authors of the consensus, based on an analysis of a large number of domestic and foreign guidelines, conclude that it is possible to use killed and inactivated vaccines. Preliminary recommendations are given for COVID-19 vaccination, taking into account the MS disease modifying therapies.

Recommendations for the pragmatic use of ultrasound in rheumatoid arthritis by the GEISPER French group.

To develop recommendations for the appropriate use of ultrasound in the management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in routine practice based on data from the literature and of experts opinion. Based on a systematic literature review, a scientific committee decided on themes and relevant questions to draw up an initial draft of recommendations. These recommendations were submitted to a group of experts in ultrasound in rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases using a Delphi method, which produced preliminary recommendations. These were submitted to an expanded group of ultrasound experts for relevance, comprehensibility and comprehensiveness. The level of agreement of the experts were recorded during a face-to-face meeting. Following two rounds of the Delphi, a consensus was reached on three overarching principles, including definitions of joints, tendons and articular sites to be examined, and 10 recommendations. These recommendations underline the benefit of ultrasound for the diagnosis of RA in cases of inflammatory arthralgia or undifferentiated arthritis as well as in assessing the extent of initial structural and inflammatory damage. They also define the role of ultrasound during follow-up or when considering treatment reduction once clinical remission has been achieved. Lastly, they illustrate the utility of ultrasound in facilitating technical procedures. These 10 consensus-based recommendations should harmonize and optimize clinical practice and thus improve the management of RA patients.