bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dry eye disease – how our lifestyle choices can affect the disease?
Authors: Dyrek Martyna , Partyka Aleksandra , Małachowski Aleksander , Malinowski Piotr , Błaszczak Ewa , Kopczyńska Urszula , Kopczyński Cezary , Wójcik Jakub , Gurdak Kinga , Dydyk Martyna
Published: October 2024

Introduction: In today’s world, we know how important it is to keep healthy habits because many diseases begin with daily lifestyle choices. Dry eye disease is a disease of the ocular surface and there are many risk factors, that lead to developing this disorder. As the possible factors we can underline deficiency of vitamin D or Omega-3 fatty acids, lack of physical exercise, long screen time, or smoking tobacco. Aim of the study: This review seeks to highlight the issue of dry eye disease linked to everyday routines by examining clinical trial outcomes. Furthermore, it offers an analysis of potential strategies to prevent ocular alterations by critically evaluating the existing data. State of knowledge: The listed lifestyle choices cause a higher risk of developing dry eye disease and affect ocular health on many levels, leading to unpleasant feelings and affecting people’s lives. However, with some lifestyle changes, the risk of developing this disease can be decreased, and negative symptoms can be minimized. It is important to remember vitamin D, and Omega-3 supplementation, daily physical activity, minimalization of the time spent in front of the visual display terminals, and quitting smoking. Conclusions: Many daily habits are connected to developing dry eye disease, and it is very important to remember about the small daily changes, which can decrease the risk of the disease.
Factors affecting employment status in people with epilepsy
Authors: Pasi Sushmita , Riju Sibi , Bhushan Singh Mamta
Published: October 2024

Aim:

People with epilepsy often face difficulties finding and keeping a job in India. This study aimed to determine the employment rate of people with epilepsy, compare it with that of people without epilepsy and to assess the various factors affecting theiremployment status.

Methods:

A comparative cross-sectional study was done by recruiting 140 people with epilepsy and 140 people without epilepsy (relatives of patients) from an epilepsy clinic in New Delhi, India. Demographic and clinical data were collected using questionnaires. Additionally, five items were added to measure self-perceived importance of work, ability to work and family support for working. Psychometric scales were used to measure the psychosocial variables affecting employment. Questionnaires were completed by people with epilepsy.

Results:

The employment rate of people with epilepsy was 59.3% as compared to 70.0% in those without epilepsy (P=0.045). Gender, younger age, having fewer family members, higher educational attainment, self-perceived importance of being employed for personal and financial reasons, and the ability to work and family support for working were some of the factors associated with employment status in people with epilepsy (P<0.05). Among the psychosocial variables, epilepsy stigma and perceived social support were found to be significantly associated with being employed (P<0.05). None of the clinical variables were found to be associated. Of those in the study, 56 out of 83 people with epilepsy, who had a job, felt they were underemployed.

Conclusions:

The employment rate of people with epilepsy was lower than the control population. The majority of those with jobs felt they were underemployed. A host of factors affect employment status in people with epilepsy. This suggests the need for vocational training, raised awareness among the general population, and counselling and other services for people with epilepsy.
Stroke's entangled bank
Authors: Greener Mark
Published: October 2024

The relationship between stroke, sleep and depression are considered in this article, which presents evidence from recently published papers. The article also considers the bidirectional associations between stroke and other conditions.
Empowering nurses to support Greener NHS policy
Authors: Thomas Sue
Published: October 2024

Climate change is a significant global health threat, projected to cause over 250000 deaths annually by 2050, as a result of factors such as extreme heat, flooding and poor air quality caused by pollution. The NHS, as a major healthcare provider, contributes around 4% of the UK's total emissions and in October 2020, became the world's first health service to commit to reaching net zero carbon, in response to the profound and growing threat to health posed by climate change. Nurses, as frontline healthcare providers, are uniquely positioned to drive sustainability initiatives within healthcare settings, reducing environmental impact while improving patient outcomes. Sue Thomas explores how nurses can make a difference in line with the Greener NHS policy.
Navigating the road to recovery after stroke
Authors: Lightbody Liz , Askim Torunn , Cadilhac Dominique , Demeyere Nele , Hilari Katerina , Neves R , Patel Kulsum , Ramos Diana Wong
Published: October 2024

This article considers the patient experience of rehabilitation after stroke, the current situation and how things might be in the future. It draws on presentations given at the European Stroke Organisation's conference this year in Switzerland, and draws conclusions about unmet needs, and health and social care services.
Prediction of Cervical Cancer Lymph Node Metastasis via a Multimodal Transfer Learning Approach
Authors: Zhu Yeqin , Fu Chunlong , Du Junqiang , Jin Yuhui , Du Shunlan , Zhao Fenhua
Published: October 2024

Aims/Background In the treatment of patients with cervical cancer, lymph node metastasis (LNM) is an important indicator for stratified treatment and prognosis of cervical cancer. This study aimed to develop and validate a multimodal model based on contrast-enhanced multiphase computed tomography (CT) images and clinical variables to accurately predict LNM in patients with cervical cancer.

Methods This study included 233 multiphase contrast-enhanced CT images of patients with pathologically confirmed cervical malignancies treated at the Affiliated Dongyang Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University. A three-dimensional MedicalNet pre-trained model was used to extract features. Minimum redundancy-maximum correlation, and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression were used to screen the features that were ultimately combined with clinical candidate predictors to build the prediction model. The area under the curve (AUC) was used to assess the predictive efficacy of the model.

Results The results indicate that the deep transfer learning model exhibited high diagnostic performance within the internal validation set, with an AUC of 0.82, accuracy of 0.88, sensitivity of 0.83, and specificity of 0.89.

Conclusion We constructed a comprehensive, multiparameter model based on the concept of deep transfer learning, by pre-training the model with contrast-enhanced multiphase CT images and an array of clinical variables, for predicting LNM in patients with cervical cancer, which could aid the clinical stratification of these patients via a noninvasive manner.
Sensory processing and social participation in children with autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review
Authors:   Ph.D. Scholar, SRM College of Occupational Therapy, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, SRM Nagar, Kattankulathur, Chengalpattu district, Pin 603203, Tamil Nadu- India, Vignesh Raj S Deepak , Sankar Umaiorubagam Ganapathy ,   Professor and Dean, SRM College of Occupational Therapy, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, SRM Nagar, Kattankulathur, Chengalpattu district, Pin 603203, Tamil Nadu- India, Simran Sandeep Redkar ,   Ph.D. Scholar, SRM College of Occupational Therapy, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, SRM Nagar, Kattankulathur, Chengalpattu district, Pin 603203, Tamil Nadu- India
Published: October 2024

Background: Children with autism spectrum disorder experience various challenges, in which difficulties in social participation represent a significant area of concern. Research studies indicate that autistic children who experience more challenges in sensory processing tend to demonstrate lower social competence. Therefore, a comprehensive synthesis of the evidence exploring the link between sensory processing and social participation is needed to develop targeted interventions and support strategies to enhance social functioning in children with autism spectrum disorder. Objective: This systematic review aimed to investigate the impact of sensory processing on social participation in children with ASD aged 3-18 years. Materials and methods: The review involved a comprehensive search across electronic databases such as Scopus, PubMed, and OTseeker. The McMaster Critical Review Form for Quantitative Studies was used to evaluate the methodological quality of the included articles. Results: A total of 4,158 records were identified through database searches and manual searches. Following the title and abstract review, 10 studies were selected for the full-text review, which led to the inclusion of 8 studies in the systematic review that met the predefined criteria. Among the 8 studies, 7 studies reported a significant correlation between sensory processing and social participation in children with ASD. Specifically, sensory over-responsivity, under-responsivity, and seeking behaviors were found to influence the child’s ability to comprehend, interpret, and respond to social cues effectively, thereby increasing the social challenges commonly associated with ASD. Conclusion: This systematic review underscores the evident impact of sensory processing difficulties on social participation among children with ASD. It highlights the critical role of sensory processing in facilitating successful social functioning across diverse contexts and emphasizes its importance in enhancing overall social well-being in children with ASD.
Faith communities and Fair Trade Towns in the UK: Raising awareness of sustainable development
Authors: Dawson Mark
Published: October 2024

Drawing on my research of Luton Fair Trade Town, in this article I argue that faith communities, working in partnership with Fair Trade Towns, are well-placed to raise awareness of sustainable development. I will discuss the ability of faith communities to raise awareness and bring about change towards sustainable development, utilizing both social and spiritual capital. An analysis focusing on social capital highlights the ability of faith communities to bridge different sections of society, issues and geographies. Spiritual capital concentrates on the motivation to action and this can provide a challenge to the status quo and a vision of how society can work differently, offering a necessary contribution to working towards a sustainable future.
State of the art: The impact of sustainability standards
Authors: Loconto Allison
Published: October 2024

Voluntary sustainability standards emerged in the 1980s with the promise of making agrifood systems sustainable, and have developed over time into rather sophisticated systems of rules and sanctions. With this promise of change, has also come an interest in understanding whether or not change has come about. This is particularly pertinent as public agencies and governments are increasingly seeking to use sustainability standards as proxies for progress towards sustainability. In this short commentary, I share some of the recent knowledge about the impact of sustainability standards and Fairtrade standards in particular. I explore the impact of the use of the Fairtrade Premium and the impact of engagement with the Fairtrade system on business practices. I conclude with some reflections on the importance of standards in current debates in Europe.
The Sustainable Cocoa Debate: Key controversies
Authors: Coulibaly-Ballet Mantiaba , Loconto Allison
Published: October 2024

The sustainability of agriculture has been a topic of public debate over the last twenty years. The cocoa sector has been at the centre of this debate because of the large demand for chocolate in the Global North, which was one of the first sectors to begin to adopt sustainability standards. In this article, we focus on the actions taken by Northern and Southern actors to try to achieve cocoa sustainability over the past five years. Based on interviews and observations in Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana and European countries, complemented by document analysis, we map the controversies in the sector. Three issues emerge from our analysis: fair remuneration for producers, child labour and deforestation. We note differences of views between the actors of the North and the South, especially around the question of the fair remuneration of small producers. Emerging concerns are the single ingredient labels and the European regulations on zero imported deforestation and human rights due diligence.
Providing Care to People With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in Medical Education
Authors: Lunsky Isis Olivia , Gutierrez Gilmar , Rabu Olivier , Gemmill Meg , Hamer Debra
Published: October 2024

Medical professionals commonly report having inadequate training providing care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). This pilot study aimed to address this gap through a virtual Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCE) with individuals with IDD as patient educators for 25 first- and second-year medical students (OSCE participants). Quantitative data through the Prediger competency scale and qualitative data through a semistructured interview were analyzed. OSCE participants reported a significant increase (p < 0.05) in self-perceived competency scores when comparing pre- and post-OSCE scores. Qualitative analysis yielded themes corresponding to improving skills, practice considerations, and perspectives and biases changes. These results suggested that this virtual OSCE promoted the development of self-perceived clinical competency and comfort providing care for individuals with IDD.
Examining Sociodemographic Variability in the Amount and Type of Interventions for Children With Autism
Authors: Durham Hannah S. , Bowman Karrah L. , Harrison Ashley J.
Published: October 2024

Various intervention usage is associated with positive outcomes for children with autism. However, the intensity of these interventions tends to be below recommendations, especially for minoritized children. This study aimed to examine how average weekly intervention hours among children vary by sociodemographic factors. Regression analyses were conducted using data from 2,857 participants with autism included in the Simons Simplex Collection. Findings indicated the amount and type of intervention received varied by race, ethnicity, family income, and maternal education. This study marks an important step in documenting the extent of sociodemographic intervention disparities; and, helps to elucidate which therapy types are most readily underused and by which groups to help inform approaches to increase more equitable access.
Probing the Evolution History of Naish Languages with Reference to Tibetan, Burmese and Rgyalrong: The Open-Syllable Rhymes
Authors: Li Zihe
Published: October 2024

This paper reconstructs the Proto-Naish open-syllable rhyme system. Data from 3 Naish languages—Lijiangba, Malimasa, and Yongning—are employed in the reconstruction. Rhyme correspondences revealed by comparing the three languages are interpreted by referring to conservative languages of the Sino-Tibetan family, in particular Tibetan, Burmese and rGyalrong. Other related languages, such as Tangut, and other Naic languages, such as Namuyi and Xumi, are taken as references. Five open-syllable rhymes, *-a, *-e, *-i, *-u, *-o, are reconstructed to Proto-Naish. Some general tendencies of the sound changes of the Naish languages are summarized, and their implications for the topical issue of the genetic position of the Naish languages are set out.
Knowledge Management: Educational Activities Supported by the Profession in the Australasian Region
Authors: Qayyum Muhammad Asim , Khan Arif
Published: October 2024

Abstract: This study primarily explores and documents knowledge management (KM) educational activities in the Australasian region and discusses some professional aspects that shape academia due to the workplace happenings in this discipline and its practice. A thorough search was carried out in open web space and literary databases, which revealed limited program offerings and hardly any discussion around the KM educational qualifications. The KM professional workplace search also showed little interest in specific KM roles, and the stated job requirements were quite broad. Such a generic workplace consideration leaves the education sector struggling to maintain a robust student body required to sustain an exclusively KM-focused program.
Knowledge Management Education in Europe
Authors: Huvila Isto
Published: October 2024

Abstract: The European knowledge management (KM) education landscape is characterized by diversity and interdisciplinarity, a characteristic facet that is briefly scoped in this article, with references to educational programs across the continent. While there seems to have been a relative decline in dedicated programs titled “knowledge management,” the topic is increasingly taught in the context of a broad variety of degrees, from health care to innovation management, education, and information studies. In higher education, knowledge management is still struggling as a recognized discipline, and it is often taught in the context of technical and engineering education and in business schools as a part of management programs. As a result, the earlier criticisms that knowledge management training does not comprehensively mirror the cross-disciplinary nature of the field and the uneasy relation of knowledge management as a theoretical and practical discipline persist.
Understanding Knowledge Management Education within the North American Higher Education System
Authors: Cervone Frank , Albright Kendra
Published: October 2024

Abstract: The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the higher educational systems in the United States and Canada in general and knowledge management (KM) education specifically. The terminal degree for KM is primarily considered to be a master’s degree, and programs vary across disciplines. There are very few master’s degrees in KM; these are found in academic departments or schools of information, business administration, professional studies, and policy and government. Details on these degree programs as well as certificates are presented. Previous degree programs that have been discontinued are discussed. KM courses are also listed that are offered in other library and information science programs throughout the United States and Canada but not part of a KM degree program otherwise. It appears that KM programs and courses are in decline, although this may suggest an evolution rather than a decay of the field.
Reexamining Knowledge Management Education in Higher Institutions of Learning in Africa: A South African Perspective
Authors: Fombad Madeleine C.
Published: October 2024

Abstract: For twenty-first-century higher education institutions to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving techno-economic environment, knowledge management (KM) education is crucial in their curriculum. KM education expands the theoretical underpinnings of the discipline, producing skilled and competent professionals to implement KM in organizations and businesses. Researchers have reported the lack of an educational career path for KM professionals and have advocated for the need to build a professional qualification that can serve to establish KM, with agreed and accepted entry requirements. KM at educational institutions is still emerging as an interdisciplinary research and teaching discipline, notwithstanding the fact that the concept emerged as an academic discipline in the 1990s. Although KM has been established at private- and public-sector organizations in Africa, it is yet to be integrated as a discipline at most of these institutions. Drawing from five different perspectives of KM, a guideline for KM education is presented comprising an integrated KM curriculum that includes every KM discipline. The article advocates for KM education at higher education institutions from an African perspective. Since the discipline is still maturing, KM researchers have advocated for an annual survey of KM education to track progress toward a mature academic discipline.
Financing Freedom: Self-Purchase and Reenslavement in Seventeenth-Century Andalucía
Authors: McKinley Michelle A.
Published: October 2024

Abstract: This article explores cases in which slaveholders, enslaved and freed people, and courts battled over the customary interpretation of the rights of wage-earning slaves in seventeenth-century Andalucía. Throughout the Spanish Empire, enslaved people could purchase their freedom through the processes of cortación (later known as coartación ) and ransom ( rescate ). People paid their purchase price in installments and eventually received freedom papers, which were notarized agreements that reflected the terms of both parties upon receipt of payment. However, freedom papers do not reveal what happened when contracting parties experienced changed circumstances, and many of the particularities of waged enslavement on the Iberian Peninsula and in the Spanish Empire have remained obscure to scholars. Wage-earning slaves inhabited an ambiguous legal space of conditional liberty with rights determined by custom or social practice rather than legislation. Legal cases can shed new light on how the conditions of waged enslavement and conditional liberty were understood and contested in historical moments of economic crisis in seventeenth-century Andalucía. By focusing on stressful moments of property confiscation and currency devaluation, we can see the meanings ascribed to conditional liberty and the attendant legal rights that people who inhabited this conditional status wielded or struggled to enforce in the absence of legislation or codified doctrine.
Quantum Repeater Node Based on a Trapped-Ion Processor
Authors: Krutyanskiy Victor
Published: October 2024

We present a realization of quantum network node, based on a register of trapped ions interfaced with photons via an optical cavity. The node’s operation as a quantum repeater over 50 km channel is demonstrated.

Full-text article not available; see video presentation
Advanced Quantum Detectors via Advanced Quantum Trickery
Authors: Kwiat Paul
Published: October 2024

One advantage of correlated photons from nonlinear processes is that they can have very wide spectra and very narrow time correlations. However, the value of these is lessened if not lost altogether because of detector limitations. Here we will describe our progress on some new ideas to improve detector performance. Well, new-ish.

Full-text article not available; see video presentation
The contribution of vulnerability to emotional contagion to the expression of psychological distress in older adults
Authors: Richer Marie-Josée , Grenier Sébastien , Plusquellec Pierrich
Published: October 2024

This study examines the differential weight of a wide range of factors—sociodemographic factors, indicators of autonomy, social support, coping styles, vulnerability to emotional contagion, and empathy—in the presence of two profiles of psychological distress and in their absence. This cross-sectional study included 170 older adults. As assessed by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), 65.9% of the individuals in the sample had a clinical or subthreshold level of anxiety and depression (score > 1). Based on the HADS’s clinical cutoff scores for the anxiety and depression subscales, three profiles were created for the no distress, anxiety, and anxious depression groups. The profiles did not differ on demographic indicators except for sex. Vulnerability to emotional contagion, satisfaction with the social network and coping styles emerged as factors weighing the likelihood of being in either of the psychological distress groups relative to individuals with no distress. After controlling for adversity and psychotropic treatment, vulnerability to emotional contagion had the strongest relationship with both psychological distress profiles. Future research, such as a prospective longitudinal study, may provide an opportunity to explain the direction of the relationship between psychological distress and the factors studied, particularly vulnerability to emotional contagion.
Relationship between physical activity and neighborhood environment in preschool children during COVID-19.—A cross-sectional study using 24-hour activity records-
Authors: YAMAGUCHI NAOKI , FUKUMOTO TAKAHIKO , IMAGITA HIDETAKA
Published: October 2024

Maintaining physical activity and the development of physical and cognitive functions are essential especially in vulnerable populations such as children. Considering the substantial impact of the COVID-19 epidemic on preschool children and the lack of research focusing on this age group, this study examined the duration of physical activity among preschool-aged children on weekend days and its relationship with the environment. This study was conducted between October and November 2021, with the cooperation of 357 parents of preschoolers attending kindergartens, nurseries, and childcare centers. Physical activity was assessed using a 24h physical activity record. A questionnaire was used to collect basic data on the neighborhood environment. Stepwise multiple regression analysis was used to analyze the relationship between the five physical activity measures (sedentary time, screen time, indoor playing time, outdoor playing time, and going out time) and the questionnaire data. Our findings revealed a relationship between physical activity and the neighborhood environment; however, the R2 values were low. Despite low prediction accuracy, the results of this study were similar to those of previous studies, indicating a positive correlation of physical activity with the absence of undulating roads, a crime-free environment, and safety around the home. Overall, these findings emphasize the need for providing children with opportunities for outdoor physical activity and play in the context of the COVID-19 recovery phase for adherence to the relevant guidelines.
Level of burnout and associated factors among healthcare workers in central Uganda: A facility-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Kabunga Amir , Kigongo Eustes , Musinguzi Marvin , Tumwesigye Raymond , Akello Anne Ruth , Acup Walter , Asiimwe Mary Gorretti , Nalwoga Viola
Published: October 2024

Background

Burnout among healthcare workers is a global concern with significant implications for both the well-being of the workforce and the quality of patient care. This facility-based cross-sectional study aimed to identify factors associated with burnout among healthcare workers in central Uganda.

Methods

The study, conducted between June and July 2023, utilized a cross-sectional design involving physicians, nurses, and technicians. The study covered both public and private hospitals in central Uganda, incorporating urban and rural settings. A sample size of 550 healthcare workers was selected using a simple random sampling. Data collection involved a socio-demographic survey, the Professional Quality of Life (ProQOL-5). Descriptive statistics, Pearson Chi-square test, and ordinal regression models were employed to analyze demographic factors associated with burnout.

Results

Of 548 participants, 218(39.8%) experienced high burnout levels. Factors significantly associated with high burnout levels included having over 10 years of work experience (OR: 2.04, 95% CI: 1.12–3.73), working more than 40 hours per week (AOR: 4.46, 95% CI: 1.20–16.62), lack of management support (AOR: 14.45, 95% CI: 3.83–54.56), not experiencing workplace violence (AOR: 2.22, 95% CI: 1.31–3.76), and reporting inadequate sleep (AOR: 6.96, 95% CI: 3.86–12.57).

Conclusion

Addressing burnout among healthcare workers in central Uganda requires targeted interventions tailored to the specific challenges faced in the region, including workload distribution, managerial support enhancement, violence prevention strategies, and promotion of adequate sleep. Urgent attention to these factors is essential for enhancing the well-being of healthcare professionals and maintaining quality patient care.
Impact of CA9 expression in the diagnosis of lymph-node metastases in non-small cell lung cancer based on [18F]FDG PET/CT
Authors: Suzuki Satoshi , Yashiro Masakazu , Izumi Nobuhiro , Tsukioka Takuma , Inoue Hidetoshi , Hara Kantaro , Ito Ryuichi , Tanimura Takuya , Nishiyama Noritoshi
Published: October 2024

Background

Lung cancer is the leading cause of the global cancer incidence and mortality. It is important to obtain an accurate diagnosis of lymph-node metastasis before surgery to select the therapeutic strategy for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Carbonic anhydrase 9 (CA9) is considered a marker of hypoxia and it has reported that CA9 is associated with tumor invasion and metastasis. In this study, the correlation between the CA9 expression for lymph-node metastases in NSCLC and [18F]FDG PET/CT results was investigated in order to clarify the efficacy of [18F]FDG PET/CT for detecting lymph-node metastases of NSCLC patients.

Methods

Among the 564 patients who underwent surgical treatment for NSCLC between 2010 and 2016 at our hospital, a total of 338 patients who underwent preoperative [18F]FDG PET/CT were included in this study. CA9 expression was evaluated by immunochemistry. A lymph node with maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) ≥2.5 on [18F]FDG PET/CT was preoperatively defined as a metastatic lymph node.

Result

CA9 positivity was detected in 122 patients; the other 216 patients were CA9-negative. The CA9-positive NSCLC cases significantly associated with pleural invasion (p = 0.0063), pT-factor (p = 0.0080), pN-factor (p = 0.036) and pStage (p = 0.043). CA9-positive patients presented significantly poorer survival rate for OS than that of the CA9-negative patients (p = 0.0024). In the multivariable analysis, histological SCC and CA9 positivity were independent poor-prognosis factors for OS. For the total patient population, the sensitivity and specificity of [18F]FDG PET/CT for lymph-node metastases were 54% and 89%, respectively. In contrast, the sensitivity and specificity were particularly low in the CA9-positive SCC cases (36% and 69%, respectively).

Conclusion

[18F]FDG PET/CT might not be useful for diagnosing lymph-node metastases of CA9-positive SCC cases of NSCLC.
Audit of antibiotic utilization patterns and practice for common eye infections at the ambulatory clinic of a teaching hospital in Ghana: Findings and implications
Authors: Sefah Israel Abebrese , Quagraine Anthony Martin , Kurdi Amanj , Mudenda Steward , Godman Brian
Published: October 2024

Background

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a serious public health issue which is exacerbated by increased inappropriate use of antibiotics for common eye infections. This cross sectional survey was to assess the appropriate use of antibiotics for eye infections in an ambulatory clinic in Ghana and possible determinants.

Method

The medical records of all patients who sought eye care between January 2022 to December 2022 and were prescribed antibiotics were extracted from the hospital’s electronic database. Descriptive, bivariate and multivariate analyses were then conducted.

Results

A total of 1925 patient medical records were extracted, whose median age was 40 years (IQR 26–69), and were mostly females (58.91%, n = 1134/1925). The eye condition commonly treated with antibiotics was bacteria conjunctivitis (33.51%, n = 645/1925). The most prescribed antibiotic was gentamycin (22.96%, n = 442/1925) followed by ciprofloxacin (16.78%, n = 321/1925). These were mostly topical dosage forms (82.13%, n = 1581/1925). Systemic antibiotics prescribed were mostly from the WHO ‘Access’ class (83.33%, n = 280/338). The appropriate choice of antibiotic prescribed was 42.44% (n = 817/1925) and this was positivity associated with age (p<0.001), number of antibiotics prescribed (p <0.001), the prescription of topical dosage forms (p <0.001), and WHO ‘Access’ antibiotic class (p <0.034).

Conclusion

The level of appropriateness of antibiotic prescriptions for eye infections was sub-optimal. Antimicrobial stewardship programs, including prescriber education on guidelines and prescription audit to address associated factors, must now be instigated in this hospital to improve future antibiotic use and prevent the rise of AMR.
Revisión de dos inscripciones de San Román de San Millán (Álava)
Authors: Carcedo de Andrés Bruno P.
Published: October 2024

En este trabajo se presenta una revisión de dos estelas localizadas en el extremo oriental del territorio de los várdulos, en la provincia de Álava. Estas estelas exhiben dos nombres, Lutbelscottio y Luntbelsar, que han presentado dificultades de interpretación. Sin embargo, un análisis exhaustivo tras una evaluación en condiciones materiales más adecuadas evidencia que ambos nombres en realidad se refieren a una única fórmula de expresión de la identificación personal y sugiere la posibilidad de que pudiera tratarse de una fórmula onomástica con duo nomina abreviado o con tria nomina abreviado.
Developing Excel VBA Functions for the Mathematical Modeling of Three-Dimensional Vectors
Authors: Hampel György , Fabulya Zoltán
Published: October 2024

The current computer support for operations involving three-dimensional vectors is insufficient, even in widely used programs like Excel. These programs lack customised features specifically designed for vector operations. However, this limitation can be overcome by using the options provided by Visual Basic for Applications. By creating user functions, we can effectively calculate various results related to the mathematical application of vectors. These functions include determining the magnitude and absolute value of a vector, calculating the angle between two vectors or the cosine of that angle, finding the scalar product and vector product of two vectors, and evaluating the mixed product of three vectors. By incorporating these custom functions into the spreadsheet program, users can easily perform mathematical calculations pertaining to three-dimensional vectors.
Biomechanical Analysis and Modeling of Different Traction Patterns in Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
Authors: Zhang Qiaolin , Bíró István
Published: October 2024

Objective: Traction is a valuable treatment for Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis; however, assessing its biomechanical effects, particularly with new methods, presents challenges. This study aims to explore the biomechanics using finite element analysis, with the goal of enhancing safety and effectiveness. Methods: Based on CT images, two different boundary and loads were applied to simulate two traction methods. The effects of these two traction methods on stress and deformation of lumbar vertebral bodies and intervertebral discs were compared. Results: Under two traction methods, the stress was concentrated on the posterior side. Multi-point traction resulted in higher stress and deformation, and concentrated stress on the convex side as well. However, there is some stress concentration on the vertebral arch, which may lead to injury. Conclusion: Compared to longitudinal traction, multi-point traction can better reduce stress on the vertebral bodies and intervertebral discs, focusing the pulling force on the concave side and achieving greater deformation. Multi-point traction might better suit specific patients needing more correction and pressure relief compared to longitudinal traction.
Fungsi Hati Anak Leukemia Limfoblastik Akut dalam Kemoterapi Fase Induksi berdasarkan Usia dan Status Gizi
Authors: Anggraini Syahzalya , Izzah Amirah Zatil , Anggraini Fika Tri , Alioes Yustini , Handayani Tuti
Published: October 2024

Latar belakang. Kemoterapi merupakan pengobatan utama pada anak leukemia limfoblastik akut (LLA). Kemoterapi fase induksi adalah kemoterapi pertama yang membunuh 95-98% sel leukemik. Pemberian kemoterapi menyebabkan kerusakan hati ditandai dengan peningkatan kadar enzim transaminase dan dapat disertai peningkatan kadar bilirubin. Faktor yang mempengaruhi pengobatan LLA, di antaranya usia dan status gizi.Tujuan. Melihat gambaran kadar enzim transaminase dan bilirubin pada anak LLA berdasarkan usia dan status gizi pada kemoterapi fase induksi.Metode. Penelitian deskriptif retrospektif dengan pendekatan cross-sectional. Pengambilan sampel menggunakan teknik total sampling pasien anak LLA di Rumah Sakit Umum Pusat Dr. M. Djamil, Padang, periode September 2022 sampai Agustus 2023. Data demografis, SGOT, SGPT, dan bilirubin total pasien didapatkan melalui rekam medis.Hasil. Penelitian ini mendapatkan sebanyak 49 sampel, dengan mayoritas responden adalah perempuan (53,1%), usia <10 tahun (65,3%) dan status gizi normal (77,6%). Cenderung terjadi peningkatan ringan SGOT (65,3%) dan SGPT (49%) serta kadar normal bilirubin (49%) pada kemoterapi fase induksi. Kadar SGOT dan SGPT cenderung mengalami peningkatan ringan pada semua kelompok status gizi. Pada 4 anak overweight ditemukan peningkatan berat SGOT (25%) dan SGPT (50%). Kadar bilirubin cenderung normal pada setiap status gizi, tetapi meningkat sedang pada overweight (75%). Peningkatan kadar SGOT dan SGPT cenderung ringan pada setiap kelompok usia. Bilirubin meningkat sedang pada anak ?10 tahun (53%).Kesimpulan. Pada umumnya SGOT dan SGPT mengalami peningkatan kadar ringan serta bilirubin dalam kadar normal pada anak LLA selama kemoterapi fase induksi. Peningkatan berat SGOT,SGPT dan bilirubin ditemukan pada overweight dan usia ?10 tahun.
Hubungan Durasi Tidur dengan Memori Jangka Pendek pada Siswa Sekolah Dasar
Authors: Putra Farras Handyra , Umma Husnia Auliyatul , Moelyo Annang Giri
Published: October 2024

Latar belakang. Fungsi tidur secara tepat hingga kini masih belum jelas, tetapi dipercaya bahwa kekurangan durasi tidur dapat menurunkan kinerja kognitif memori jangka pendek. Namun, hasil beberapa penelitian yang sudah dilaksanakan tidak sejalan dengan teori tersebut. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui apakah terdapat hubungan antara durasi tidur dan memori jangka pendek, dengan harapan mendapatkan hasil yang baru dan signifikan yang sejalan dengan teori yang sudah ada.Tujuan. Mengetahui hubungan antara durasi tidur dengan memori jangka pendek pada siswa SD Al-Islam 2 Jamsaren Surakarta.Metode. Penelitian ini menggunakan studi analitik cross-sectional dengan sampel siswa tingkat sekolah dasar kelas 4-6 SD Al-Islam 2 Jamsaren Surakarta. Instrumen yang digunakan adalah kuesioner SDSC untuk mengetahui durasi tidur dan tes FDST untuk menentukan kualitas memori jangka pendek anak. Teknik analisis yang digunakan adalah uji analisis chi-square dan uji multivariat regresi logistik. Jika pada analisis bivariat terdapat lebih dari 1 variabel bebas/perancu yang signifikan (p<0.25), maka dilanjutkan dengan analisis multivariat. Tes yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah regresi logistik dengan signifikansi statistik p<0,05. Hasil. Hasil uji bivariat yang signifikan (p<0,05) didapatkan pada uji chi-square durasi tidur dengan memori jangka pendek.Kesimpulan. Terdapat hubungan antara durasi tidur dengan memori jangka pendek pada siswa tingkat sekolah dasar.
Gangguan Pendengaran pada Anak dengan Sindrom Bartter
Authors: Muyassaroh Muyassaroh , Pratomo Santo Mudha , Muryawan Heru
Published: October 2024

Latar belakang. Sindrom Bartter merupakan gangguan tubulus ginjal ditandai dengan hiperaldosteronisme sekunder, alkalosis metabolik hipokalemia, disertai tekanan darah yang normal atau rendah. Gangguan elektrolit akibat kelainan ginjal, berpengaruh pada telinga bagian dalam mengakibatkan gangguan pendengaran. Tujuan. Mengetahui gangguan pendengaran pada anak dengan Sindrom Bartter. Metode. Dilakukan pencarian di PubMed, Google Schoolar, dan Cochrane dengan menggunakan kata kunci “Hearing loss”, “barter syndrome”, dan “hypokalemia”. Hasil pencarian dievaluasi menggunakan kriteria eksklusi dan inklusi. Selanjutnya dilakukan telaah kritis dengan memperhatikan validitas, kepentingan dan penerapan pada pasien terhadap artikel lengkap dari studi yang terseleksi. Hasil. Diperoleh satu studi yang relevan dengan pertanyaan klinis dan memenuhi kriteria inklusi dan eksklusi. Luaran dari studi ini memperlihatkan bahwa terdapat pengaruh gangguan pendengaran pada pasien dengan Sindrom Bartter.Kesimpulan. Gangguan elektrolit pada anak dengan Sindrom Bartter memengaruhi pendengaran. Tata laksana farmakologi dan rehabilitasi dapat mengatasi gangguan komunikasi yang terjadi.
Pengaruh Self-Congruity Pengguna Smartphone terhadap Brand Trust melalui Brand Experience sebagai mediator
Authors: Al Ihsan Ibtihajar Mangputri , Chrisjatmiko Kurniawati
Published: October 2024

This research is proposed to determine the influence of self-congruity from actual, ideal and social self-congruity aspects on brand trust mediated by brand experience. The survey was conducted on individuals in Indonesia who use one of the smartphone brands with the largest market share in the country, namely Oppo, Samsung, Xiaomi, Vivo, Apple, Realme, Infinix and Asus. The total samples obtained was 279. The sampling method was carried out by purposive sampling with a cross-sectional way. The model fit test uses Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) as a requirement to continue with hypothesis testing. The results of the study show that there is an influence of actual self-congruity, ideal self-congruity, and social self-congruity on brand trust mediated by brand experience. Moreover, this research also proves that brand experience has an influence towards brand trust.Penelitian ini diajukan untuk mengetahui pengaruh self-congruity dari aspek actual, ideal dan social self-congruityterhadap brand trust yang dimediasi oleh brand experience. Survei dilakukan terhadap individu di Indonesia yang menggunakan salah satu merek smartphone dengan pangsa pasar terbesar, yaitu Oppo, Samsung, Xiaomi, Vivo, Apple, Realme, Infinix atau Asus.Jumlah sampel yang diperoleh adalah 279. Metode pengambilan sampling dilakukan dengan purposive sampling dengan cara cross-sectional. Pengujian kesesuaian model menggunakan Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) sebagai syarat agar kemudian dapat dilakukan pengujian hipotesis. Hasil dari penelitian menunjukkan bahwa terdapat pengaruh actual self-congruity, ideal self-congruity, dan social self-congruity terhadap brand trust yang dimediasi oleh brand experience. Selain itu, penelitian juga membuktikan bahwa brand experience memiliki pengaruh terhadap brand trust.
Sectoral Analysis of Corporate Environmental Disclosure of Listed Manufacturing Companies in Nigeria
Authors: Usman Muhammed Kamaldeen
Published: October 2024

Corporate reporting practice seems to be treated towards activities that bordered investors’ interest with little or no information emphasizing on their impacts on the environment. Despite the harmful effects, such as pollution, resulting from the operations of these companies, there appears to be a reluctance to disclose detailed information about the extent of their environmental impact. This study offers empirical evidence through a sectoral analysis of corporate environmental reporting among listed manufacturing companies. It adopts an ex-post facto research design, examining a population of seventy-six (76) listed manufacturing companies across seven (7) sectors. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed in the analysis of data collected through content analysis from the annual reports of the companies for a period of five (5) years (2018-2022). The results revealed sectoral differences in environmental disclosure, with the Oil and Gas sector leading in overall environmental reporting, especially regarding environmental policies. The Consumer Goods sector disclosed the most information on product and process-related environmental issues, highlighting the negative impacts of manufacturing. The study concludes that significant variations exist in corporate environmental reporting among sectors and recommends a standardized template for environmental disclosure to ensure uniformity among listed firms in Nigeria.
Surabaya International Community Services: Climate Resilience through Community Empowerment in Surabaya
Authors: Fitriani Nurina , Fatmawati Fatmawati , Apsari Retna , Megantoro Prisma , Athari Muhammad Hafizh
Published: October 2024

Universitas Airlangga is fully committed to participating in achieving the SDGs through carrying out community service-based research that includes multidisciplinary knowledge, both from the realms of science and technology and social humanities. This commitment is realized in the implementation of the Surabaya International Community Service program which aims to provide an understanding of global issues that affect society today regarding climate change and the current environment, introduce green energy technology to the international community and encourage the adoption of green energy as an alternative energy source, as well as building a network of cooperation and collaboration between participants from various countries and to overcome global environmental problems. Universitas Airlangga encourages full efforts in realizing the thirteenth point of the SDGs, namely Handling Climate Change through a series of community-based learning activities, mangrove rehabilitation, and dissemination of solar panels as green energy.
The Proposal of Integrated Actions in Transport as Part of a Climate Action Plan for UNICAMP
Authors: Melo Mayara , Cavaliero Carla , Moraes Bruna , Dalbelo Thalita
Published: October 2024

Since 2019, the State University of Campinas (UNICAMP) has been collecting data, preparing, and annually monitoring sustainability indicators submitted to the UI GreenMetric ranking, which guide improvement projects at the university in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This article aims to propose sustainable practices for managing urban mobility on its campuses, drawing inspiration from the experiences of national and international universities that ranked highest in the 2023 edition of the aforementioned ranking. The study employed both qualitative and quantitative research methods, using a descriptive approach combined with Deductive Content Analysis (DCA). This analysis was further validated by the Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) method known as Fuzzy SWARA. Through this process, the study identified the most commonly adopted actions by universities: promoting the use of electric and/or conventional bicycles on campus (11.8%); projects in partnership with government, state, or municipal entities to develop express cycle paths and encourage bicycle use both on campus and in the city (9.2%); conventional bicycle rental on campus (9.2%); and electric car sharing on campus (9.2%). The proposals suggested for UNICAMP include encouraging carpooling, implementing a public transportation exemption or half-fare program for employees, promoting the use of bicycles while ensuring increased campus security, among other initiatives. This research is part of a proposal for a Climate Action Plan for the university, which aims to effectively integrate sustainability into the university's agenda and support the fight against the climate emergency through necessary adaptations.