bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Leveraging Climate Data for Dengue Forecasting in Ba Ria Vung Tau Province, Vietnam: An Advanced Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Tuan Dang Anh , Dang Tran Ngoc
Published: October 2024

Dengue fever is a persistent public health issue in tropical regions, including Vietnam, where climate variability plays a crucial role in disease transmission dynamics. This study focuses on developing climate-based machine learning models to forecast dengue outbreaks in Ba Ria Vung Tau (BRVT) province, Vietnam, using meteorological data from 2003 to 2022. We utilized four predictive models—Negative Binomial Regression (NBR), Seasonal AutoRegressive Integrated Moving Average with Exogenous Regressors (SARIMAX), Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) v2.0.3, and long short-term memory (LSTM)—to predict weekly dengue incidence. Key climate variables, including temperature, humidity, precipitation, and wind speed, were integrated into these models, with lagged variables included to capture delayed climatic effects on dengue transmission. The NBR model demonstrated the best performance in terms of predictive accuracy, achieving the lowest Mean Absolute Error (MAE), compared to other models. The inclusion of lagged climate variables significantly enhanced the model’s ability to predict dengue cases. Although effective in capturing seasonal trends, SARIMAX and LSTM models struggled with overfitting and failed to accurately predict short-term outbreaks. XGBoost exhibited moderate predictive power but was sensitive to overfitting, particularly without fine-tuning. Our findings confirm that climate-based machine learning models, particularly the NBR model, offer valuable tools for forecasting dengue outbreaks in BRVT. However, improving the models’ ability to predict short-term peaks remains a challenge. The integration of meteorological data into early warning systems is crucial for public health authorities to plan timely and effective interventions. This research contributes to the growing body of literature on climate-based disease forecasting and underscores the need for further model refinement to address the complexities of dengue transmission in highly endemic regions.
Industrial Production Networks and Small Towns: A Case Study from Algeria
Authors: Saidi Feyrouz Ahlam , Saidi Ikram , Molnár Ernő
Published: October 2024

This paper investigates the conditions and consequences of integrating small towns into industrial production networks. It is based on empirical research conducted in Algeria, a hydrocarbon-dependent rentier economy characterized by significant regional inequalities and the political aims of economic diversification and spatial rebalancing. Elaborating the case study of a state-owned cement factory in the small town of Sigus, the research provides insights into the multiple roles of the state in shaping production network integration and the characteristics of small towns as economic locations. The methodology combines secondary data and information with primary research based on semi-structured interviews. It reveals the importance of a multi-scalar regional framework in production network integration, whereby national factors played a key role due to the centralized Algerian state, the state-owned character of the investing company, and the shortcomings of the small town’s local environment. It emphasizes the contradictory impacts of production network integration in economic, social, and environmental terms, primarily on a local level. These contradictions underscore the necessity for critical evaluations to maximize the benefits of production network integration while mitigating its adverse effects. They also call for the more consistent involvement of the local community in similar economic development decisions. Notably, this research contributes significantly to the existing body of literature by addressing the underexplored topic of integrating small towns into production networks within the Algerian context. Doing so offers a more nuanced understanding of the particular economic, social, and environmental dynamics at play in these locations, thereby enriching the discourse on economic development strategies for small towns in rentier economies like Algeria.
Urban Livability Assessment in South Korea: Incorporating Climate Change Vulnerability
Authors: Jun Sunmin , Jung Juchul
Published: October 2024

This study aims to develop an urban livability assessment index that incorporates climate change vulnerability and to apply this index to urban areas in South Korea, thereby analyzing the impact of climate change on living environments and quality of life. Existing frameworks for livability indices often fail to adequately reflect the long-term risks associated with climate change. Consequently, this research proposes a new livability index that includes climate change vulnerability, establishing a policy foundation aimed at protecting and enhancing the quality of life for urban residents. The methodology integrates existing livability indicators with climate change vulnerability indicators across 219 cities and districts in South Korea. Utilizing panel regression analysis and Local Indicators of Spatial Association (LISA) analysis, the study evaluates the spatial clustering characteristics and potential risks in each area. The results indicate that urban infrastructure significantly influences livability, with climate change vulnerability indicators forming high clusters primarily in southern regions. Furthermore, the study confirms economic disparities within the metropolitan area, as well as the exacerbation of social inequalities in regions vulnerable to disaster safety and social services. This research underscores the necessity of integrating climate change vulnerability into livability indices, suggesting that such indices can serve as critical criteria for urban policy formulation and the evaluation of regeneration projects.
Transit-Oriented Development in Middle Eastern Cities: The Urban Renewal Framework for the Souq Waqif in Doha, Qatar
Authors: Osman Tagwa A. A. , Paquet Tarryn N. K. , Furlan Raffaello , Tadi Massimo , Al-Matwi Rashid Saad , Isaifan Rima J.
Published: October 2024

Cities around the world are evolving dramatically due to urbanization. Over the last few decades, rapid urbanization coupled with rapid economic growth in Qatar has resulted in transport-related issues such as urban sprawl, traffic congestion, poor walkability, and an increasingly inefficient transit network lacking pedestrian accessibility and connectivity. The related sprawl (due to a lack of compactness), a lack of intricacy, and connectivity have challenged the built environment’s sustainability. The Souq Waqif neighborhood, renowned for its rich cultural heritage and historical significance, serves as the focal point of this study. Its central positioning and status as a prominent social nexus within Doha render it an ideal case study. Specifically, this research investigates the Souq Waqif metro station, evaluating it through the lens of five distinct design aspects: (1) walkability, (2) ground use balance, (3) mixed-use spaces and public spaces, (4) multi-modality and transportation hubs, and (5) public transportation network. To reach this aim, the study methodology uses a qualitative approach informed by the Integrated Modification Methodology (IMM). The IMM framework provides a means to transform underperforming neighborhoods like Souq Waqif, into more cohesive and sustainable communities by retrofitting, renovating, and reactivating the existing urban fabric. Site observations, interviews, and surveys were used to collect data to complement the analysis. Findings highlight the deficiencies in connectivity and multimodal transportation adjacent to the Souq Waqif metro station. In addition, the ability of metro stations to conserve crucial cultural legacy and social identity in rapidly urbanizing cities like Doha is explored. To this end, recommendations are given to increase the efficiency and sustainability of Souq Waqif and the like.
Comparative Analysis of the Neutralizing Capacity of Monovalent and Bivalent Formulations of Betuvax-CoV-2, a Subunit Recombinant COVID-19 Vaccine, Against Various Strains of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Vakhrusheva Anna V. , Romanovskaya-Romanko Ekaterina A. , Stukova Marina A. , Sukhova Maria M. , Kuznetsova Ksenia S. , Kudriavtsev Aleksandr V. , Frolova Maria E. , Ivanishin Taras V. , Krasilnikov Igor V. , Isaev Artur A.
Published: October 2024

SARS-CoV-2, the causal agent of the COVID-19 pandemic, is characterized by rapid evolution, which poses a significant public health challenge. Effective vaccines that provide robust protection, elicit strong immune responses, exhibit favorable safety profiles, and enable cost-effective large-scale production are crucial. The RBD-Fc-based Betuvax-CoV-2 vaccine has previously demonstrated a favorable safety profile and induced a significant anti-SARS-CoV-2 humoral immune response in clinical trials. Due to the rapid evolution and emergence of new SARS-CoV-2 strains, the relevance of bivalent vaccine formulations has increased. Methods: This study compared the neutralizing capacity of monovalent and bivalent vaccine formulations against different SARS-CoV-2 strains detected with a SARS-CoV-2 microneutralization assay (MNT). Findings: The monovalent Wuhan-based vaccine generated neutralizing antibodies against the Wuhan and Omicron BA.2 variants but not the distinct Omicron BQ.1 strain. Conversely, the monovalent BA.2-based vaccine induced neutralizing antibodies against both Omicron strains but not Wuhan. While the bivalent Wuhan and BA.2-based vaccine was effective against strains containing the same antigens, it was insufficient to neutralize the distinctive BQ.1 strain at a small dosage. Interpretation: These findings suggest that the vaccine composition should closely match the circulating SARS-CoV-2 strain to elicit the optimal neutralizing antibody response and include the appropriate dosage. Moreover, this study did not find additional advantages of using the bivalent form over the monovalent form for the vaccination against a single prevailing SARS-CoV-2 strain.
Anti-Shrinkage Technique for Feline Skin Samples
Authors: Kiniger Caterina , Zorgevica-Pockevica Ligita , Vincenti Simona
Published: October 2024

Surgical resection of subcutaneous neoplasms with clear margins is crucial for preventing local recurrence and avoiding adjuvant treatments. However, the evaluation of surgical margins often differs significantly from the histopathological assessment due to tissue shrinkage, which can result in inaccurate therapeutic assessments and unreliable patient prognoses. In this study, ten feline cadavers were utilized. Six 50 mm diameter specimens were collected from three regions (thorax, flank, femur) and measured at three time points: T0 (excision time), T1 (10 min after incision), and T2 (at least 48 h after sample collection and formalin fixation). Samples in the study group were stretched and fixed on a cork plate with pinpoint needles after excision to restore their original dimensions. All specimens exhibited a similar trend. After 48 h of formalin fixation, the control specimens showed significant shrinkage, with a reduction of 25.73% in radius and 26.32% in diameter. In contrast, the study specimens demonstrated minimal changes, with a radius reduction of −0.28% and no change in diameter. The results indicate that all feline skin specimens experienced significant shrinkage of approximately one-quarter from their pre-incisional size. Stretching and pinning the excised tissues allowed for the restoration and maintenance of original dimensions even after formalin fixation. This technique represents a valid and practical approach to minimize tissue shrinkage.
Abundance Trends of Immature Stages of Ticks at Different Distances from Hiking Trails from a Natural Park in North-Western Italy
Authors: Vada Rachele , Zanet Stefania , Battisti Elena , Ferroglio Ezio
Published: October 2024

Hiking trails may act as hotspots at the wildlife–human interface, posing an acarological risk for people and their pets. Ticks that are maintained in the environment by wild animals may quest on people walking along the trails. Assessing the risk of tick bites for people involved in outdoor activities is a further step in mitigating the risk of tick-borne diseases. This work describes the variation of tick abundance along a gradient of distances from hiking trails, where wildlife passage is favored by higher accessibility. Hiking trails with dense vegetation on the sides were sampled for ticks along a 100 m dragging transect, located in a natural park in North-Western Italy. Additional transects were replicated at 1, 2 and 4 m away from the trail on both sides. After morphological identification, descriptive statistics and modeling were applied to determine the abundance patterns across distances. Larvae were most abundant near the trail, peaking at 1 m and dropping sharply at further distances. Nymphs showed a more gradual and consistent decrease at progressing distance from the trail. Few adults were collected, preventing the identification of a clear trend. With higher tick abundance, the immediate vicinity of hiking trails may represent a source of acarological risk for humans and pets.
Combined Epiretinal Proliferation and Internal Limiting Membrane Inverted Flap for the Treatment of Large Macular Holes
Authors: Dervenis Nikolaos , Vagiakis Iordanis , Papadopoulou Elena P. , Dervenis Panagiotis , Sandinha Teresa
Published: October 2024

We are presenting a new method for the treatment of large macular holes (MHs) with the use of an inverted flap consisting of both internal limiting membrane (ILM) and epiretinal proliferation (EP). A prospective interventional case series was conducted from September 2021 to January 2023. MH patients with coexistent EP visualized preoperatively in macula optical coherence tomography and with a MHs minimum linear diameter larger than 400 microns underwent standard pars plana vitrectomy with the creation of an inverted petaloid flap (consisting of both ILM and EP) and gas tamponade. Sixteen eyes were included in our case series. MHs closure was successful in all the eyes with a single procedure. The preoperative minimum linear diameter was 707.63 (±164.02 μm), and the preoperative best corrected visual acuity was 1.11 ± 0.52. The postoperative BCVA was 0.51 ± 0.20 (p = 0.01) at 6 weeks postoperatively, and the final BCVA was 0.45 ± 0.20 (p = 0.008). EP can be safely combined with ILM for the creation of an inverted, petaloid flap to cover and facilitate the closure of large MHs.
Electric Vehicle Adoption: Implications for Employment in South Africa’s Automotive Component Industry
Authors: Pillay Nalini Sooknanan , Dall-Orsoletta Alaize
Published: October 2024

The transition to electric vehicles (EVs) will require significant changes in the automotive industry, particularly concerning its labour force. This study evaluates the impact of EVs on employment within South Africa’s automotive component manufacturing sector. A system dynamics model was developed to assess the effect of EV market penetration on component manufacturing employment over time. Key drivers of employment in the conventional and the EV component industries were identified and incorporated into the model. The results indicate a negative impact of EV penetration on employment of 18.3% when considering 20.0% EV sales (EV20) in 2040. Scenario analyses highlighted the influence of individual components, battery localisation, and load shedding on labour. Tyre and wheel manufacturing was found to be the most labour impactful component in the conventional industry against electrical engines in the EV counterpart. Localising 25.0% of battery production could increase employment by 6.9% and 2.7% in the EV40 and EV20 Scenarios. Load shedding has a detrimental effect on the country’s economy, assumed to reduce employment by 30.0%. However, strategic industry and policy interventions can mitigate the adverse effects of this transition.
Regional Analysis and Evaluation Method for Assessing Potential for Installation of Renewable Energy and Electric Vehicles
Authors: Akimoto Yutaro , Okano Raimu , Okajima Keiichi , Suzuki Shin-nosuke
Published: October 2024

Many countries are adopting renewable energy (RE) and electric vehicles (EVs) to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. The indicators of RE and EV potentials are different. Decision-makers want to introduce RE and EVs; however, they need a method to find suitable areas. In addition, this is required in the time-series analysis to provide a detailed resolution. In this study, we conducted a time-series analysis in Japan to evaluate suitable areas for the combined use of RE and EVs. The results showed the surplus RE areas and shortage RE urban areas. The time-series analysis has quantitatively shown that it is not enough to charge EV batteries using surplus RE. Moreover, a ranking methodology was developed for the evaluation based on electric demand and vehicle numbers. This enables the government’s prioritization of prefectures and the prefectures’ prioritization of municipalities according to their policies.
Intelligent Robust Controllers Applied to an Auxiliary Energy System for Electric Vehicles
Authors: Ruz Canul Mario Antonio , Ruz-Hernandez Jose A. , Alanis Alma Y. , Rullan-Lara Jose-Luis , Garcia-Hernandez Ramon , Vior-Franco Jaime R.
Published: October 2024

This paper presents two intelligent robust control strategies applied to manage the dynamics of a DC-DC bidirectional buck–boost converter, which is used in conjunction with a supercapacitor as an auxiliary energy system (AES) for regenerative braking in electric vehicles. The Neural Inverse Optimal Controller (NIOC) and the Neural Sliding Mode Controller (NSMC) utilize identifiers based on Recurrent High-Order Neural Networks (RHONNs) trained with the Extended Kalman Filter (EKF) to track voltage and current references from the converter circuit. Additionally, a driving cycle test tailored specifically for typical urban driving in electric vehicles (EVs) is implemented to validate the efficacy of the proposed controller and energy improvement strategy. The proposed NSMC and NIOC are compared with a PI controller; furthermore, an induction motor and its corresponding three-phase inverter are incorporated into the EV control scheme which is implemented in Matlab/Simulink using the “Simscape Electrical” toolbox. The Mean Squared Error (MSE) is computed to validate the performance of the neural controllers. Additionally, the improvement in the State of Charge (SOC) for an electric vehicle battery through the control of buck–boost converter dynamics is addressed. Finally, several robustness tests against parameter changes in the converter are conducted, along with their corresponding performance indices.
Characteristics of inflammatory disease structure in the maxillofacial region among children of different age groups in Krasnodar Krai
Authors: Ponomarenko T. A. , Mitropanova M. N. , Antoniadis S. S. , Lyubomirskaya E. O. , Olenskaya A. V. , Frolkina E. N.
Published: October 2024

Relevance. Acute purulent-inflammatory diseases of the maxillofacial region (APID-MFR) are the leading cause of pediatric referrals to the maxillofacial surgery department. The prevalence of APID-MFR requiring hospitalization among children in Krasnodar and Krasnodar Krai averaged 42.9% from 2017 to 2021.

Objective. To investigate the nature and structure of odontogenic and non-odontogenic inflammatory processes in patients treated at the maxillofacial surgery department of the State Healthcare Institution "Children’s Regional Clinical Hospital" (CRCH), Krasnodar.

Materials and methods. Medical records of patients with inflammatory diseases of the maxillofacial region, treated in the maxillofacial surgery department at CRCH, Krasnodar, from 2017 to 2021, were analyzed. The study focused on examining the structure and characteristics of the pathology in patients receiving inpatient care.

Results. The most common pathology identified in children was periostitis (30.9%), which significantly differed (p = 0.007) from the second most prevalent condition, exacerbation of chronic periodontitis (26.1%). The third place was shared by lymphadenitis (13.6%) and inflammatory skin and subcutaneous tissue diseases, including boils and carbuncles (13.5%), both of which significantly differed from the top two conditions (p < 0.001) but not from each other (p > 0.05). In fourth, fifth, and sixth places were other inflammatory skin and subcutaneous tissue diseases: abscess (10.1%), phlegmon (4.8%), and adenophlegmon (1.0%), which also significantly differed from one another.

Conclusion. The high prevalence of odontogenic APID-MFR in children highlights the insufficient prevention of caries-related complications and emphasizes the need for enhanced pediatric dental care. Early diagnosis and prevention of APID-MFR complications are crucial to improving outcomes in affected children.
The name as a speech act
Authors:   Universitatea Tehnică din Cluj-Napoca, Centrul Universitar Nord Baia Mare, Facultatea de Litere, Felecan Daiana
Published: October 2024

Drawing on the philosophy of language and anthroponymy, we aim to outline a theory of proper names, deliberately sidestepping conventional perspectives, which we have systematically addressed in previous instances. Articulating a distinctive viewpoint, grounded in the established connotations of the anthroponym (most notably its characterization as a rigid designator), we aim to demonstrate that names function as any linguistic sign, not deprived of any of its dimensions. We will also consider situations involving name changes, whether undertaken with the consent of the bearer or independently of their will. To the best of our current knowledge, the examination of proper names as speech acts has not received substantial attention in past or contemporary studies; hence, we will allocate appropriate attention to it. Furthermore, our investigation will encompass discussions on unconventional anthroponyms, addressing them as a key facet of our current research agenda.
Protecting Sensitive Images with Improved 6-D Logistic Chaotic Image Steganography
Authors: Sandhu Mandeep , Ahmed Mohammad , Hussain Mohammad , Head Surender , Khan Imran
Published: October 2024

In the digital age, strong methods for safeguarding sensitive data are essential. Image steganography is a practical technique for data protection that hides information inside seemingly authentic images. The proposed method increases security by using chaotic based image encryption and decryption. Encryption approaches based on chaotic logistic theory present an abundance of attractive and novel opportunities for developing secure image encryption methods. Nevertheless, these maps are frequently used for specific, unpredictable starting parameters. This problem is addressed by the research's Tabu search optimisation method. This method optimises chaotic map initial settings using a fitness function with numerous objectives. For image encryption, the most efficient methods are used to produce confidential keys. The input picture undergoes horizontal and vertical diffusion and permutation during encryption. These operations further scramble the image data, making it even more difficult to detect the hidden information. The primary goal is to develop a safe method for encrypting both color and grayscale images. Two common grayscale and color images that are accessible to the public were used to test the suggested strategy. compare our method with key existing works, specifically on the basis of Number of Pixels Change Rate (NPCR), Unified Average Changing Intensity (UACI), Peak Signal-to-Noise Ratio (PSNR) and speed, respectively, our approach improves upon these studies. Our results demonstrate that 7.9981, 99.8245, 35.6507, and 78.871 are the greatest values of entropy, NPCR, UACI, and PSNR, respectively. Whereas the respective speeds of encryption and decryption increase to 0.8433 and 1.4387 seconds. This innovative approach presents a powerful tool for applications requiring secure image steganography
Antimalarials in Lupus Nephritis
Authors: Caravaca-Fontán Fernando , Yandian Federico , Zand Ladan , Sethi Sanjeev , Fervenza Fernando C.
Published: October 2024

Systemic lupus erythematosus is a chronic multisystem autoimmune disease that affects the kidneys in approximately 50% of patients, with prevalence rising to as high as 70% in certain populations, such as African Americans and Asians. Antimalarials –and particularly hydroxychloroquine– are currently considered a mainstay of therapy, together with immunosuppressants. Over the last decades, several studies have extensively investigated the mechanisms of action of antimalarial agents, and their potential beneficial properties in patients with SLE in general. However, the evidence for the therapeutic benefit of hydroxychloroquine in patients with lupus nephritis (LN) derives mainly from observational studies, conducted in an era prior to the refinement of induction and maintenance protocols for immunosuppressive therapy. Despite the paucity of high-quality evidence on its efficacy in LN, the nephrology community widely supports the universal use of hydroxychloroquine in LN patients, and recommendations for its use are firmly entrenched in various clinical practice guidelines. Nonetheless, the use of antimalarials may also carry inherent risks, underscoring the importance of personalized approaches in these patients. Herein, we comprehensively review the available literature on antimalarials in LN aiming to update the current evidence, limitations, and future perspectives for the use of antimalarials in adults.
Examining the health status of patients with COVID-19 hospitalized in Hajar(S) Shahrekord Medical Education Center after discharge
Authors: Mokhtari Somayeh , Ayazi Zahra , Salehi Tali Shahriar , Eskandari Sadegh , Mokhtari Sahar
Published: October 2024

Background and aims: The emergence of some medium—and long-term outcomes following the acute phase of the disease, known as "long COVID-19," poses a challenge to medical science. This study aimed to determine the health status of COVID-19 patients after discharge. Methods: This is a descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study. The research population included all COVID-19 patients hospitalized at Hajar Educational and Medical Center in Shahrekord over three months. The data collection tool was a questionnaire assessing the health status of patients six weeks after discharge. Data analysis was performed using SPSS23 software and descriptive and analytical statistical tests, including Fisher’s exact test and independent t-test. Results: The total number of hospitalized patients was 160. Among them, 21 patients had died, and 72 patients either did not respond to the phone call or provided unreliable information. Ultimately, data were collected from 67 patients. In examining the complications of COVID-19, 34.4% of the study samples reported weakness and fatigue, 13.4% cough, 8.9% dyspnea, and 1.4% skin complications. A significant correlation was observed between the gender variable with dyspnea and cough variable (P=0.001) and between the gender variable with weakness and lethargy variable (P=0.05). In the correlation analysis between the variables of hypertension, diabetes, lung diseases, overweight, brain diseases, and remdesivir drug injection, a significant relationship was observed with COVID complications. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic is not over, and many sufferers suffer from prolonged covid. Gender and underlying diseases are some of the most important underlying factors in the long-term COVID-19. Creating post-COVID care systems for these patients is highly needed and recommended.
Beyond the pandemic: evaluating the health care workforce’s readiness for sustained use of virtual care after COVID-19
Authors: McLoughlan Angela , Semciw Adam , Borland Ron , Oldenburg Brian , Beauchamp Alison , Mehmet Hanife , Jessup Rebecca
Published: October 2024

Background and aims: This study aimed to investigate healthcare professionals (HCPs) preparedness to continue using telehealth beyond the COVID-19 pandemic, to examine the perceived ability of HCPs to appraise the reliability of online information sources (digital literacy) and, to examine whether a relationship exists between this and preparedness to continue using telehealth. Methods: Single-site cross-sectional survey of HCPs in an outpatient and community therapy setting. The survey was based on a rapid literature review guided by the Theory of Planned Behaviour and Technology Acceptance Model. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise participant demographics, preparedness for telehealth, and digital literacy (based on confidence in appraising online information). Multivariable logistic regression assessed the associations between preparedness to continue using telehealth, the ability to evaluate online information sources, and demographic variables. Results: A total of 783 HCPs were invited, 310 responded, with 287 participants included in the final analysis (37% response rate excluding incomplete surveys). The analysis shows that 54.8% of participants preferred to return to in-person care. Preparedness to continue telehealth varied by profession and clinical activity, with medical professionals and script provision showing the highest readiness for continued telehealth use and allied health professionals the least likely to continue using telehealth (36%). Most (89%) of HCPs felt confident identifying reliable online information sources and there was no relationship between perceived ability to evaluate online information and preparedness to use telehealth. Conclusion: Results suggest hesitancy amongst allied staff toward continued telehealth use post the pandemic, which may be due to the type of care they provide. Future studies on technologies that support HCPs in providing more intensive virtual care would be of benefit.
Multimorbidity raises the odds of decease in COVID-19 patients: An Iranian prospective study
Authors: Faghih Dinevari Masood , Somi Mohammad Hossein , Mokhtari Leila , Sadeghi Majd Elham , Nikniaz Zeinab
Published: October 2024

Introduction: The prevalence of noncommunicable diseases is high in Iran. We postulated that multimorbidity may affect the rate of mortality from COVID-19. So, we investigated the relationship between multimorbidity and COVID-19 mortality. Methods: We used medical reports for collecting clinical laboratory data of patients with COVID-19 in this prospective investigation. Moreover, we documented whether the patient had a known diagnosis of different comorbidities. The patients with more than one comorbidity were considered multimorbidity. The length of follow-up was till participants were discharged from the hospital or deceased. The main outcome was to evaluate the relationship between multimorbidity and death in COVID-19 hospitalized patients. Results: The present prospective study included 1842 patients with COVID-19 with a multimorbidity rate of 37.40%. About 24.6% of participants with more than four comorbidities died. However, this value was about 17% in participants with less than four comorbidities. The odds of mortality from COVID-19 were 53% greater in patients with diabetes. Also, the odds of death were 2.05 (1.21, 3.45) times greater in patients with comorbidities≥4. Conclusion: The results indicated a high rate of multimorbidity in patients with COVID-19 which is related to a higher death rate. So, in countries with higher multimorbidity rates such as Iran, it is necessary to design efficient approaches to alleviate the spread of COVID-19.
The Effect of Regularized Regression and Tree-Based Missing Data Imputation Methods on Classification Performance in High Dimensional Data
Authors: Varol Buğra , Kurt Omurlu İmran , Türe Mevlüt
Published: October 2024

Missing data is an important problem in the analysis and classification of high dimensional data. The aim of this study is to compare the effects of four different missing data imputation methods on classification performance in high dimensional data. In this study, missing data imputation methods were evaluated using data sets, whose independent variables between mixed correlated with each other, for binary dependent variable, p=500 independent variables, n=150 units and 1000 times running simulation. Missing data structures were created according to different missing rates. Different datasets were obtained by imputing the missing values using different methods. Regularized regression methods such as least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (lasso) and elastic net regression were used for imputation, as well as tree-based methods such as support vector machine and classification and regression trees. At the end of simulation, the classification scores of the methods were obtained by gradient boosting machine and the missing data prediction performances were evaluated according to the distance of these scores from the reference. Our simulation demonstrates that regularized regression methods outperform tree-based methods in classifying high dimensional datasets. Additionally, it was found that the increase in the amount of missing values reduced the classification performance of the methods in high dimensional data.
Çayırözü Mahallesinin (İspir/ERZURUM) Toprağı Kaplama Oranı, Botanik Kompozisyon ve Mera Kalitesinin Belirlenmesi
Authors: Çatal Muhammed İkbal , Baykal Hüseyin , Bakoğlu Adil
Published: October 2024

2020 yılında Çayırözü mahallesinde (İspir/ERZURUM) Lup metodu kullanılarak yapılan bu çalışmada, toprağı kaplama ve botanik kompozisyon oranları, mera kalite derecesi ve mera durum sınıfı özellikleri incelenmiştir. Araştırma alanında, Poaceae (9), Fabaceae (9) ve diğer familyalardan Apiaceae (2), Asteraceae (14), Boraginaceae (1), Campanulaceae (1), Caprifoliaceae (1), Caryophyllaceae (3), Convolvulaceae (1), Euphorbiaceae (1), Hypericaceae (2), Lamiaceae (2), Orobanchaceae (1), Plantaginaceae (1), Polygonaceae (3), Rosaceae (3), Rubiaceae (4) ve Scrophulariaceae (1) olmak üzere toplam 59 takson tespit edilmiştir. Çalışma yapılan meranın toplam toprağı kaplama oranı %67.66, toprağı kaplama alanına göre botanik kompozisyon oranları Poaceae %21.33, Fabaceae %19.46 ve diğer familyalar %59.21 olarak belirlenmiştir. 2.98 mera kalite derecesi ile meranın durumu “Zayıf” olarak belirlenmiştir.
THE EFFECT OF FEAR OF COVID-19 DISEASE ON SMOKING BEHAVIOR
Authors: Özsaydı Semiha Zeynep , Gün İskender
Published: October 2024

This study aimed to examine the effects of fear of COVID-19 disease on individuals' smoking behavior. Between April and July 2021, 384 patients who applied to family health centers in Kayseri Melikgazi district were administered a questionnaire, the fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S), and the Fagerström Nicotine Dependence Test (FNDT). Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal Wallis tests were used to compare the groups, Spearman correlation analysis was used to evaluate the correlation of numerical data, chi-square tests were used to analyze categorical data. The median FCV-19S score of the group was 16.0 (min:7-max:35). During the pandemic, 79.1% of the participants had no change in their smoking status. The proportion of smokers who reduced the amount of cigarettes they smoked was higher in those who reported deaths in their circle of friends and relatives due to COVID-19 and in those with lower FNDT scores (p
EVALUATION OF SMOKING STATUS IN MEDICAL STUDENTS
Authors: Çakır Mustafa , Malakcıoğlu Cem , Kavcar Ogün Celal , Kutay Yılmaz Feyza , İkiışık Hatice , Mutlu Hasan Hüseyin , Maral Işıl
Published: October 2024

The aim of this study is to evaluate the smoking status of medical students. This descriptive research was conducted in a medical school with 544 students from first to sixth terms in Istanbul. Online survey form was used in the research. Statistical analyzes were done using SPSS 22.0 program. The mean age of the students participating in the study was 21.0±2.2, 55.7% of them were women and 55.1% of them were living with their families/relatives. It was determined that 6.4% of the students were smoking before joining university, 10.7% were regular/frequent smokers, the average number of cigarettes smoked daily was 10.2±7.5, and the reason for starting smoking was stress in 39.9 percent. It was determined that 62.9% of the smoking students thought to quit smoking and 66.1% knew the methods of quitting smoking. The frequency of regular/frequent smoking was found to be higher in those living alone or with friends at home, and those whose mothers and siblings smoked regularly/frequently. In our study, it was determined that more than half of regular/frequent smokers started smoking before university and the most common reasons for starting were stress, friend influence, and curiosity. It is recommended that awareness trainings about smoking harms be included in different grades in the National Education curriculum and that students should be trained in stress management and choosing friends.
ANKARA İLİNDE OTOPSİLERİ YAPILAN HUZUREVİ VE BAKIMEVİ ÖLÜMLERİNİN POST-MORTEM DEĞERLENDİRİLMESİ
Authors: Emiral Emrah , Değirmenci Bülent , Aslan Mert , Akgüney Betül
Published: October 2024

Çalışmanın amacı, Ankara ve çevre illerde huzurevlerinde ikamet eden ve ölüm sonrasında adli vaka olarak değerlendirilerek otopsisi yapılan olguların post-mortem olarak incelemektir. Çalışmada, bu olguların sosyodemografik özellikleri, ölüm nedenleri ve olayın özellikleri hakkında bilgi toplanılarak bu tür olgularda bildirilmesi gereken durumlar hakkında farkındalık yaratılması ve literatüre katkı sağlanması hedeflenmiştir. Çalışma, Adli Tıp Kurumu Başkanlığı’nın izni ve Ankara Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi İnsan Araştırmaları Etik Kurulu onayı ile gerçekleştirilmiştir. Ocak 2016 ile Aralık 2020 tarihleri arasında otopsisi yapılan huzurevi ve bakımevi ölümleri retrospektif olarak incelenmiştir. Veriler, IBM SPSS (versiyon 20.0) programı kullanılarak analiz edilmiştir. Çalışma grubunun tanımlayıcı bilgileri sayı, yüzde, standart sapma ve ortalama ile sunulmuştur. Çalışma grubu, 7'si bakımevinde, 21'i huzurevinde olmak üzere toplam 28 kişiden oluşmaktadır. Olguların yaşları 23 ile 95 arasında değişmekte olup ortalama yaş 71,4’tür. Olguların %46,4'ü kadın, %53,6'sı erkektir. Ölüm nedenleri arasında pnömoni (%21,4), aterosklerotik kalp hastalığı (%17,9), beyin zarları kanaması (%10,6) ve multipl organ yetmezliği (%10,6) bulunmaktadır. Ölüm şekillerine göre ise %63'ü doğal ölüm, %18,5'i trafik kazası ve ilişkili komplikasyonlar, %14,8'i düşme ve %3,7'si cinayettir. Olguların %70,4'ünde travma bulgusu saptanmıştır. Huzurevi ve bakımevlerinde yaşanan ölümler, yaşlı ve bakıma muhtaç bireylerin sağlık ihtiyaçlarının etkin bir şekilde yönetilmesi gerekliliğini vurgulamaktadır. Fiziksel kısıtlamalarla ilişkili ölümlerin önlenmesi için gerekli önlemlerin alınması ve bu önlemlerin sıkı denetim altında tutulması gerektiği sonucuna varılmıştır.
REASONS OF ABANDONMENT TREATMENT IN PATIENTS WITH LEISHMANIASIS
Authors: Beyazgül Burcu , Koruk İbrahim , Gündüzalp Ahmet , Kuzan Rüstem , Allahverdi Şule
Published: October 2024

The goals of this study that examined patients with Cutaneous Leishmaniasis (CL) who were diagnosed and treated at the Sanliurfa Cutaneous Leishmaniasis Diagnosis and Treatment Center (SCLDTC), were to determine the frequency of treatment discontinuation and the reasons for discontinuation. This was a descriptive study that included individuals who visited the SCLDTC for diagnosis and treatment in 2020 and were diagnosed with CL. The study’s data collection phase took place between July 1, 2020 and December 31, 2020. The study comprised 370 patients who were diagnosed with CL and under treatment as of January 1, 2020. It was found that 187 of these patients discontinued treatment. The frequency of treatment discontinuation was 50.5%. Of those who discontinued treatment, 50.8% were women. It was determined that 3.7% of those who discontinued treatment did not speak Turkish, and 41.1% had not received formal education. Among the patients who discontinued treatment, 21.4% had no job, and 83.9% belonged to the lower socioeconomic status and unemployed group. Of those who discontinued treatment, 54.6% stopped before completing the first course, while 39,0% did not attend the follow-up examination after completing the first course. In cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis, the most common reasons for discontinuing treatment were believing that they do not require treatment (28.9%), disregarding the disease (27.3%), and a lack of medication in SCLDTC (26.7%). In the present study, the most common reasons for discontinuing treatment were a lack of belief in the necessity for treatment, disregarding the disease, and a shortage of medication. Patients’ and society’s knowledge and awareness of CL should be increased, public education programs should be organized, patients admitted to SCLDTC and their relatives should be informed, and the importance of completing the treatment should be explained, especially in neighborhoods where CL cases are densely distributed.
TÜRKİYE CUMHURİYETİ’NİN 100 YILINDA KADIN SAĞLIĞI
Authors: Çöl Meltem , Şeker Nefise
Published: October 2024

Türkiye Cumhuriyeti'nin kuruluşundan bu yana kadın sağlığı alanında önemli ilerlemeler kaydedilmiş, değişen nüfus politikaları, yasal düzenlemeler ve sağlık hizmetleri kadın sağlığını etkilemiştir. Bu yazıda çeşitli dönemlere göre kadın sağlığıyla ilgili politikalar, sağlık hizmetleri ve önemli göstergeler sunulmuş ve değerlendirilmiştir. Cumhuriyetin ilk yüzyılında sağlık alanındaki ilerlemelerle, bebek ve anne ölüm oranları düşmüş, bulaşıcı hastalıklara bağlı ölümler azalmış ve yaşam süresi uzamıştır. Ancak, günümüze bakıldığında sağlık hizmetlerine erişimdeki eşitsizlikler devam etmekte olup sağlık göstergeleri hala istenen seviyelerde değildir. Kadınların yüz yüze olduğu sosyoekonomik eşitsizlikler de önemli bir sorun alanı olarak karşımıza çıkmaktadır. Kadınların sosyal ve ekonomik açıdan güçlenmesini sağlamak için eşit fırsatlar sunulmalı ve sağlık hizmetlerine erişimin önündeki engeller kaldırılmalıdır.
DOES HEALTH LITERACY AND LIFE SATISFACTION PROMOTE HEALTHY EATING AMONG MARRIED WOMEN IN TURKEY?
Authors: Kılıç Mahmut , Yılmaz Nurgül Nehir
Published: October 2024

Healthy nutrition is very important in preventing chronic diseases and promoting overall health. This study aimed to assess the influence of health literacy (HL) and life satisfaction on healthy eating habits among married women aged 18-64. The present cross-sectional study was conducted from 2022 to 2023. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews with women attending family health centers in the central district of Yozgat province. Data collection instruments included a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Healthy Eating Attitudes Scale (HEAS), the Adult Life Satisfaction Scale (ALSS), and the European Health Literacy Survey Questionnaire-Short Form (EHLS-TR-16). A total of 303 women participated in the study. It was found that 59.4% of the women in the research group exhibited high levels of dietary attitudes, with 26.1% achieving an ideal high level. Women's dietary attitudes were influenced by increased life satisfaction (β=0.359), receiving nutritional information from healthcare professionals (β=0.124), and higher health literacy (β=0.113). No significant relationships were observed between healthy eating attitudes and factors such as age, body mass index, family income level, education level, household size, profession and spouse's profession, and education level. Women with higher life satisfaction, those who receive nutritional information from healthcare professionals, and those with higher health literacy have more positive attitudes toward healthy eating. It is recommended that women receive education on both health literacy and healthy eating.
Virtual Physics’ Programs & Students’ Improvements
Authors: Aradi Duncan Ambani , Wekullo Caroline , Ogenga Paul
Published: October 2024

The research article examines the effect of virtual Physics’ programs on students' achievement in the subject within public secondary schools in the Kakamega South sub-county. Quasi-experimental research design was adopted, quantitative data from a sample of form two students was collected using physics achievement test. The data was analyzed using Difference in Difference model. Findings showed a statistically significant difference in achievement between students taught using Physics virtual programs and those taught using face to face. The results of the analysis also showed that students’ achievement in physics was increasing by 1.34 point over time and the increase was statistically significant The findings are in agreement with those of Smith (2013) in a study comparing in-person learning and blended learning in secondary schools within New Zealand who reported a significant difference between students' achievement in blended and face-to-face classes. The findings would provide widespread benefits that extend to individual student by enhancing their understanding hence improved learning achievement. Its overall argument is that the government through KICD rolls out full integration of virtual physics programs in secondary education curriculum, incorporating teacher professional development and blended teaching and learning.
Effect of Perceptions of Professional Image on the Profession Preferences of Nursing Students: A Multi-Centered Study
Authors: Totur Dikmen Burcu , Altinbaş Yasemin , Soyer Er Özlem , Yavuz van Giersbergen Meryem , Uslu Yasemin , Aslan Başli Arzu , Geçit Sinem , Yazur Aslı
Published: October 2024

Stepping into the nursing profession, staying in the profession and career development in the profession are stated to be the result of perceptions of nurses about the image of the profession. The study aims to determine the effect of perceptions of the professional image of nursing students on their profession preferences. The descriptive study was conducted in nursing departments of six universities in Turkey and Cyprus. The sample consisted of 874 freshman students who voluntarily agreed to participate in the research. The data were collected using the introductory information form and the "Image of Nursing Profession Scale". The average score of the nursing students on the Image of Nursing Profession Scale was 152.2 ± 11.4. A statistically significant difference was found in the Image of Nursing Profession Scale total score average in terms of the gender, undergraduate program, choosing the nursing profession willingly, consideration the image of the profession when choosing the nursing profession variables ( p <.05). The nursing students were found to have a good level of perceptions of professional image towards the nursing profession. Individual characteristics and the economic situation of the profession were found to positively affect the voluntary choice of the nursing profession.
Recaudación de impuestos y su inversión en la gestión del riesgo: caso Portoviejo, Ecuador
Authors: Salazar Bravo José Alberto , Paucar Camacho José Abelardo , Feijó Cuenca Nilba Priscila
Published: October 2024

La recaudación de impuestos es uno de los mecanismos que implementan las autoridades como entes generadores de recursos. Sin embargo, existen factores externos que tienen incidencia directa en la planificación institucional y en el presupuesto de las entidades gubernamentales, como la materialización de eventos adversos. En este sentido, el objetivo de esta investigación es analizar la recaudación de recursos del año 2016 al 2019 por el concepto de la Tasa de Gestión de Riesgos del Gobierno Autónomo Descentralizado Municipal de Portoviejo, mismo que se desarrolló a partir de una revisión bibliográfica y del análisis de insumos generados por el gobierno local y otras entidades, además, una tabulación del ingreso anual de la tasa que permitió visualizar las inversiones en cada área de la gestión de riesgos. Los resultados muestran que, en el área de identificación y análisis de riesgos, y manejo de eventos adversos se realizó una mayor inversión en el año 2017, y en el área de reducción de riesgos en el año 2016, por su parte en el área de recuperación no se ejecutó ninguna inversión. Este tipo de análisis coadyuva a establecer estrategias y mecanismos de prevención de riesgos presentes y futuros existentes en el cantón.