bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ag-Containing Carbon Nanocomposites: Physico-Chemical Properties and Antimicrobial Activity
Authors: Galaburda Mariia , Zienkiewicz-Strzalka Malgorzata , Blachnio Magdalena , Bogatyrov Viktor , Kutkowska Jolanta , Choma Adam , Derylo-Marczewska Anna
Published: December 2023

The subject of the present work is the synthesis and analysis of the structural and morphological properties of Ag-containing carbon composites and the investigation of their practical application in water purification and disinfection. A series of composites were synthesized by carbonization of resorcinol–formaldehyde polymers filled with Ag-containing fumed silica under an inert atmosphere at 800 °C. The as-synthesized micro- and mesoporous carbon composites were characterized by their specific surface area of 466–529 m2/g. The suitability of the composites for flow-through filters was evaluated by kinetic studies on the adsorption of 4-chlorophenol. The composite with the highest amount of metallic nanophase showed the most effective kinetics with a rate constant (log k) and half-life (t0.5) of −2.07 and 81 min, respectively. The antimicrobial susceptibility was determined against Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923) and Gram-negative strains (Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC 700603, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853, and Acinetobacter baumannii ATCC 19606). The zones of bacterial growth inhibition correlated with the silver nanoparticle content and were the lowest for RFC-02 (10–12 mm) and the highest for the RFC-1 composite (15–16 mm), resulting from the increase in number of evenly distributed small Ag nanoparticles (3–5 nm) in the samples.
AI-Enabled Compressive Spectrum Classification for Wideband Radios
Authors: Nawaz Tassadaq , Naidu Ramasamy Srinivasaga
Published: December 2023

Cognitive radio is a promising technology that emerged as a potential solution to the spectrum shortage problem by enabling opportunistic spectrum access. In many cases, cognitive radios are required to sense a wide range of frequencies to locate the spectrum white spaces; hence, wideband spectrum comes into play, which is also an essential step in future wireless systems to boost the throughput. Cognitive radios are intelligent devices and therefore can be opted for the development of modern jamming and anti-jamming solutions. To this end, our article introduces a novel AI-enabled energy-efficient and robust technique for wideband radio spectrum characterization. Our work considers a wideband radio spectrum made up of numerous narrowband signals, which could be normal communications or signals disrupted by a stealthy jammer. First, the receiver recovers the wideband from significantly low sub-Nyquist rate samples by exploiting compressive sensing technique to decrease the overhead caused by the high complexity analog-to-digital conversion process. Once the wideband is recovered, each available narrowband signal is given to a cyclostationary feature detector that computes the corresponding spectral correlation function and extracts the feature vectors in the form of cycle and frequency profiles. Then profiles are concatenated and given as input features set to an artificial neural network which in turn classifies each NB signal as legitimate communication with a specific modulation or disrupted by a stealthy jammer. The results show a classification accuracy of about 0.99 is achieved. Moreover, the algorithm highlights significantly high performances in comparison to recently reported spectrum classification techniques. The proposed technique can be used to design anti-jamming systems for military communication systems.
Method Validation for Quantification of PFOS and PFOA in Human Plasma and a Pilot Study in Blood Donors from Thai Red Cross Society
Authors: Lertassavakorn Teerapong , Pholphana Nanthanit , Rangkadilok Nuchanart , Suriyo Tawit , Teeyapant Punthip , Satayavivad Jutamaad
Published: December 2023

Information regarding per- and polyfluorinated substances concentrations in biological samples from the Thai population was still lacking. A sensitive bioanalytical method was developed and validated for the quantification of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) levels in human plasma. Simple protein precipitation and LC–MS/MS techniques were used with stable isotope internal standards of 13C8–PFOS and 13C8–PFOA. The validated method followed the ICH bioanalytical validation guideline, and the results showed good accuracy, precision, and reproducibility. The validated analytical method was then applied to determine PFOS and PFOA concentrations in 50 human plasma samples from the National Blood Center, Thai Red Cross Society. The concentrations were found to be in ranges of <0.91–6.27 ng/mL for PFOS and <0.49–2.72 ng/mL for PFOA. PFOS was also measured separately for its isomers, and the geometric means of the linear isomer (L–PFOS) and branched isomer (br–PFOS) in plasma samples were at 1.85 and 0.41 ng/mL, respectively. Both PFOS and PFOA concentrations were lower in comparison to previous reports from other countries. The present study showed the application of our reliable method to determine PFOS and PFOA in biological samples in order to monitor the human exposure of both chemicals in Thailand.
Lake Avernus Has Turned Red: Bioindicator Monitoring Unveils the Secrets of “Gates of Hades”
Authors: Esposito Germana , Glukhov Evgenia , Gerwick William H. , Medio Gabriele , Teta Roberta , Lega Massimiliano , Costantino Valeria
Published: December 2023

Lake Avernus is a volcanic lake located in southern Italy. Since ancient times, it has inspired numerous myths and legends due to the occurrence of singular phenomena, such as coloring events. Only recently has an explanation been found for them, i.e., the recurring color change over time is due to the alternation of cyanobacterial blooms that are a consequence of natural nutrient inputs as well as pollution resulting from human activities. This current report specifically describes the red coloring event that occurred on Lake Avernus in March 2022, the springtime season in this region of Italy. Our innovative multidisciplinary approach, the ‘Fast Detection Strategy’ (FDS), was devised to monitor cyanobacterial blooms and their toxins. It integrates remote sensing data from satellites and drones, on-site sampling, and analytical/bioinformatics analyses into a cohesive information flow. Thanks to FDS, we determined that the red color was attributable to a bloom of Planktothrix rubescens, a toxin-producing cyanobacterium. Here, we report the detection and identification of 14 anabenopeptins from this P. rubescens strain, seven of which are known and seven are newly reported herein. Moreover, we explored the mechanisms and causes behind this cyclic phenomenon, confirming cyanobacteria’s role as reliable indicators of environmental changes. This investigation further validates FDS’s effectiveness in detecting and characterizing cyanobacterial blooms and their associated toxins, expanding its potential applications.
MeV Dark Energy Emission from a De Sitter Universe
Authors: Alcántara-Pérez Yasmín B. , García-Aspeitia Miguel. A. , Martínez-Huerta Humberto , Hernández-Almada Alberto
Published: December 2023

The evolution of a de Sitter Universe is the basis for both the accelerated Universe and the late-stationary Universe. So, how do we differentiate between both universes? In this paper, we state that it is not possible to design an experiment using luminous or angular distances to distinguish between the two cases because they are the same during the de Sitter phase. However, this equivalence allows us prediction of the signal of a constant dark energy emission with a signal peak around 29.5 MeV, in which, according to our astrophysical test of survival probability, the radiation must be non-standard photons. Remarkably, experiments by EGRET and COMPTEL have observed an excess of gamma photons in this predicted region, coming from a possible decay process of dark energy emission, which may constitute the smoking gun of a late-stationary Universe with the continuous creation of non-standard radiation, an alternative approach to understanding the current stages of the Universe’s evolution.
Spatial Analysis of Risk Exposure of Urban Trees: A Case Study from Bologna (Italy)
Authors: Caggiu Laura , Fiorani Federico , Corradini Elisa , Felice Enrico , Minelli Alberto
Published: December 2023

In Europe, more than two-thirds of the population live in urban areas. The management of urban green areas and trees is becoming increasingly relevant involving different players and stakeholders, as well for keeping a focus on the Sustainable Development Goals. Society and policy makers are often unaware of the disservices that neglecting these areas can cause. Appropriate monitoring interventions can protect both citizens and trees themselves. The aim of the study was to assess the risk potential in urban trees in Bologna suburbs (Italy). For each tree in the city of Bologna, three target variables identifying the number and categories of streets, buildings, and walking and cycle paths near the tree were considered and used as covariates. A multiple regression model assessing the relationship between a dependent synthetic spatial variable (digital number, DN), proxy of the likelihood of tree failure, and the three independent covariates was estimated. Both the number of streets and walking and cycle paths in the area surrounding a tree are shown to be significantly associated with the DN value. The use of open data can assist in monitoring and maintaining urban green areas. The tool supports a virtuous circle between stakeholders in urban systems through sustainability and efficiency.
Phenotypical Screening of an MMV Open Box Library and Identification of Compounds with Antiviral Activity against St. Louis Encephalitis Virus
Authors: Sotorilli Giuliana Eboli , Gravina Humberto Doriguetto , de Carvalho Ana Carolina , Shimizu Jacqueline Farinha , Fontoura Marina Alves , Melo-Hanchuk Talita Diniz , Cordeiro Artur Torres , Marques Rafael Elias
Published: December 2023

St. Louis encephalitis virus (SLEV) is a neglected mosquito-borne Flavivirus that may cause severe neurological disease in humans and other animals. There are no specific treatments against SLEV infection or disease approved for human use, and drug repurposing may represent an opportunity to accelerate the development of treatments against SLEV. Here we present a scalable, medium-throughput phenotypic cell culture-based screening assay on Vero CCL81 cells to identify bioactive compounds that could be repurposed against SLEV infection. We screened eighty compounds from the Medicines for Malaria Venture (MMV) COVID Box library to identify nine (11%) compounds that protected cell cultures from SLEV-induced cytopathic effects, with low- to mid-micromolar potencies. We validated six hit compounds using viral plaque-forming assays to find that the compounds ABT-239, Amiodarone, Fluphenazine, Posaconazole, Triparanol, and Vidofludimus presented varied levels of antiviral activity and selectivity depending on the mammalian cell type used for testing. Importantly, we identified and validated the antiviral activity of the anti-flavivirus nucleoside analog 7DMA against SLEV. Triparanol and Fluphenazine reduced infectious viral loads in both Vero CCL81 and HBEC-5i cell cultures and, similar to the other validated compounds, are likely to exert antiviral activity through a molecular target in the host.
Impact of SARS-CoV-2 Infection on Humoral and Cellular Immunity in a Cohort of Vaccinated Solid Organ Transplant Recipients
Authors: Ayala-Borges Bernardo , Escobedo Miguel , Egri Natalia , Herrera Sabina , Crespo Marta , Mirabet Sonia , Arias-Cabrales Carlos , Vilella Anna , Palou Eduard , Mosquera María M. , Pascal Mariona , Colmenero Jordi , Farrero Marta , Bodro Marta
Published: December 2023

The aim of the present study was to determine humoral and T-cell responses after four doses of mRNA-1273 vaccine in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients, and to study predictors of immunogenicity, including the role of previous SARS-CoV-2 infection in immunity. Secondarily, safety was also assessed. Liver, heart, and kidney transplant recipients eligible for SARS-CoV-2 vaccination from three different institutions in Barcelona, Spain were included. IgM/IgG antibodies and T cell ELISpot against the S protein four weeks after receiving four consecutive booster doses of the vaccine were analyzed. One hundred and forty-three SOT recipients were included (41% liver, 38% heart, and 21% kidney). The median time from transplantation to vaccination was 6.6 years (SD 7.4). In total, 93% of the patients developed SARS-CoV-2 IgM/IgG antibodies and 94% S-ELISpot positivity. In total, 97% of recipients developed either humoral or cellular response (100% of liver recipients, 95% of heart recipients, and 88% of kidney recipients). Hypogammaglobulinemia was associated with the absence of SARS-CoV-2 IgG/IgM antibodies and S-ELISpot reactivity after vaccination, whereas past symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection was associated with SARS-CoV-2 IgG/IgM antibodies and S-ELISpot reactivity. Local and systemic side effects were generally mild or moderate, and no recipients experienced the development of de novo DSA or graft dysfunction following vaccination.
COVID-19 Vaccine Confidence Mediates the Relationship between Health Literacy and Vaccination in a Diverse Sample of Urban Adults
Authors: Hurstak Emily , Farina Francesca R. , Paasche-Orlow Michael K. , Hahn Elizabeth A. , Henault Lori E. , Moreno Patricia , Weaver Claire , Marquez Melissa , Serrano Eloisa , Thomas Jessica , Griffith James W.
Published: December 2023

We sought to analyze the relationship between health literacy, confidence in COVID-19 vaccines, and self-reported vaccination. We hypothesized that the relationship between health literacy and vaccination would be mediated by vaccine confidence. We recruited (N = 271) English- and Spanish-speaking adults in Boston and Chicago from September 2018 to September 2021. We performed a probit mediation analysis to determine if confidence in COVID-19 vaccines and health literacy predicted self-reported vaccination. We hypothesized that the relationship between health literacy and vaccination would be mediated by vaccine confidence. Participants were on average 50 years old, 65% female, 40% non-Hispanic Black, 25% Hispanic, and 30% non-Hispanic White; 231 (85%) reported at least one COVID-19 vaccination. A higher mean vaccine confidence score (t = −7.9, p < 0.001) and higher health literacy (t = −2.2, p = 0.03) were associated with vaccination, but only vaccine confidence predicted vaccination in a multivariate model. Vaccine confidence mediated the relationship between health literacy and COVID-19 vaccination (mediated effects: 0.04; 95% CI [0.02, 0.08]). We found that using a simple tool to measure vaccine confidence identified people who declined or delayed COVID-19 vaccination in a diverse sample of adults with varying levels of health literacy. Simple short survey tools can be useful to identify people who may benefit from vaccine promotion efforts and evidence-based communication strategies.
Enhancing Safety Assessment of Automated Driving Systems with Key Enabling Technology Assessment Templates
Authors: Skoglund Martin , Warg Fredrik , Thorsén Anders , Bergman Mats
Published: December 2023

The emergence of Automated Driving Systems (ADSs) has transformed the landscape of safety assessment. ADSs, capable of controlling a vehicle without human intervention, represent a significant shift from traditional driver-centric approaches to vehicle safety. While traditional safety assessments rely on the assumption of a human driver in control, ADSs require a different approach that acknowledges the machine as the primary driver. Before market introduction, it is necessary to confirm the vehicle safety claimed by the manufacturer. The complexity of the systems necessitates a new comprehensive safety assessment that examines and validates the hazard identification and safety-by-design concepts and ensures that the ADS meets the relevant safety requirements throughout the vehicle lifecycle. The presented work aims to enhance the effectiveness of the assessment performed by a homologation service provider by using assessment templates based on refined requirement attributes that link to the operational design domain (ODD) and the use of Key Enabling Technologies (KETs), such as communication, positioning, and cybersecurity, in the implementation of ADSs. The refined requirement attributes can serve as safety-performance indicators to assist the evaluation of the design soundness of the ODD. The contributions of this paper are: (1) outlining a method for deriving assessment templates for use in future ADS assessments; (2) demonstrating the method by analysing three KETs with respect to such assessment templates; and (3) demonstrating the use of assessment templates on a use case, an unmanned (remotely assisted) truck in a limited ODD. By employing assessment templates tailored to the technology reliance of the identified use case, the evaluation process gained clarity through assessable attributes, assessment criteria, and functional scenarios linked to the ODD and KETs.
Water Footprint of Animal Breeding Industry and Driving Forces at Provincial Level in China
Authors: Xing Haohan , Xie Yun , Li Baoming , Cong Hongbin , Zheng Weichao , Liu Huan
Published: December 2023

Agriculture significantly contributes to the global water footprint (WF) with the animal breeding industry accounting for over 33% of agricultural water consumption. Since 2000, rapid development in animal breeding has intensified the pressure on water resources. Forecasts indicate a projected 70% increase in freshwater usage in the meat industry by 2025 compared to 2000, particularly in developing countries, such as China, yet comprehensive studies regarding China’s animal breeding industry WF remain limited. This study aimed to assess the variations in the green, blue, and gray WF of pork, beef, milk, eggs, and chicken meat across 31 provinces in China from 2000 to 2017. Additionally, a driving force analysis using the Kaya equation and LMDI method was conducted. Findings revealed that the total WF of animal products increased from 1049.67 Gm3 (in 2000) to 1385.05 Gm3 (in 2017) in China, and pork exhibited a significantly higher WF compared to other animal products, contributing 64.49% to China’s total animal product WF. The sharp rise in the green WF demonstrated regional disparities in water consumption efficiency within the animal breeding industry. The increase in the blue WF was associated with rising livestock numbers and China’s efforts to conserve water. The increase in the gray WF indicated that increased consumption of animal products heightened wastewater treatment pressures, particularly in economically developed provinces. The augmentation in China’s animal product WF was primarily influenced by policy and economic effects, with increased agricultural equipment funding and enhanced production efficiency identified as effective strategies for WF reduction. This study suggests that the promotion of technology, combined with scientific policies, can alleviate the pressure on water resources in the animal breeding industry in developing countries.
Design Parameters Investigation on Sand Transportation Characteristics of V-Inclined Pipe Based on Eulerian–Eulerian Two-Phase Flow Model
Authors: Yao Rao , Wang Zhengwei , Huang Xingxing
Published: December 2023

During the operation of the water transportation pipelines in the upstream of the Yellow River, varying degrees of sand deposition often occur under a low flow rate. Taking into account the effect of different pipe inclinations, pipe diameters, and inlet sand content, the Eulerian–Eulerian two-phase model was applied in the numerical simulation of sediment-laden flow in a V-inclined pipe. The results indicate that there is a significant difference between a V-inclined pipe and horizontal pipe affected by gravity. Compared with the downward inclined pipe, sand deposition is evident in the upward inclined pipe. The high-velocity region moves upward and the asymmetry of the cross-sectional velocity increases. As the pipe diameter increases, the interaction between sand and the wall as well as the degree of turbulence decrease, so that the distribution of sand volume concentration across the cross section will be more uniform. Under different inlet sand content, the lowest point of the pipe experiences the most sand deposition, with sand volume concentration and velocity distribution across the cross-sections becoming uneven as inlet sand content increases. The location of the maximum liquid velocity varies from section to section. When the inlet sand content increases from 0.42% to 5%, the liquid velocity of the pipe cross-section no longer satisfies the rule of high velocity for middle and low velocity near the wall.
Analysis of Stress Characteristics of a Vertical Centrifugal Pump Based on Fluid-Structure Interaction
Authors: Li Siwei , Tu Yongsha , Ye Changliang , Yan Hongyeyu , Dai Jin , Dang Mengfan , Yang Chunxia , Zheng Yuan , Li Yongbiao
Published: December 2023

Vertical centrifugal pumps play a crucial role in numerous water conservancy projects. However, their continuous operation can lead to the development of cracks or even fractures in some centrifugal pump blades, resulting in a substantial adverse impact on the operation of the pumping station unit and jeopardizing safe production. This study employs the fluid-structure interaction method to comprehensively investigate the modal characteristics of the impeller, both in an air environment and immersed in water. Furthermore, the analysis of static and dynamic stress attributes is conducted. The natural frequency of the impeller when submerged in water is significantly lower than its frequency in an air medium, typically accounting for approximately 0.35 to 0.46 of the air-based natural frequency. There are conspicuous stress concentrations at specific locations within the system, specifically at the rounded corners of the blade back exit edge, the impeller front cover, the middle of the blade inlet edge, and the junction where the blade interfaces with the front and back cover. It is crucial to underscore that when the system operates under high-flow or low-flow conditions, there is a pronounced stress concentration at the interface between the impeller and the rear cover plate. Any deviation from the intended design conditions results in an escalation of equivalent stress levels. Through dynamic stress calculations during a single rotational cycle of the impeller, it is discerned that the cyclic nature of stress at the point of maximum stress is primarily influenced by the number of blades and the rotational velocity of impeller. This research carries significant implications for effectively mitigating blade fractures and cyclic fatigue damage, thereby enhancing the operational reliability of vertical centrifugal pumps in water conservancy applications.
Mobile application for sensory deprivation of neurodiverse children during dental treatment
Authors: Dontsova А. S. , Gulenko O. V.
Published: December 2023

Relevance. Dental care for children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) requires modification of the conventional treatment setting, which includes many sensory stimuli that influence the behaviour of these children. However, it is not possible to eliminate all dental treatment stimuli from clinical practice. The development of a new method for digital priming of neurodiverse patients was facilitated by the need to mitigate unavoidable dental treatment stimuli to achieve sensory deprivation, expressed as reduced anxiety and improved cooperation.

The study aimed to investigate the level of cooperation and anxiety in children with ASD before and during dental treatment using a developed mobile application.

Material and Methods. Forty-three children aged 7 and 12 years old with con-firmed ASD of varying severity participated in the study. The cooperation and anxiety level in children with ASD were assessed according to the Larry L. Venham clinical anxiety rating scale before and during treatment using the mobile application.

Results. During dental treatment, the children with mild/moderate autism showed a statistically significant (p < 0.05) decrease in their anxiety level and improvement of the cooperativeness profile, which indicates a positive effect of the developed mobile application on the level of anxiety and cooperation.

Conclusion. Further research is necessary to evaluate similar information and communication technology types as a part of significant approaches to sensory deprivation, behaviour improvement, and dental treatment outcomes in vulnerable children.
Was denken die Ungarndeutschen über sich selbst und über die Ungarn?
Authors: Waldhauser Szimonetta
Published: December 2023

Die vorliegende Studie hat das Ziel, die Sprach- und Sprechereinstellugen von Ungarndeutschen im Ungarischen Mittelgebirge zu den ungarndeutschen Dialekten und zum Ungarischen bzw. zu ihren SprecherInnen zu untersuchen. In der Studie werden zuerst die Begriffe ,Einstellung‘, ‚Sprach- und Sprechereinstellung‘, ‚Auto- und Heterostereotype‘ definiert. Nach einem kurzen Überblick über die letzten (in Ungarn durchgeführten) Einstellungserhebungen in Bezug auf die Ungarndeutschen sowie der Darstellung der Datenerhebung (Forschungsmethode, Forschungsgebiet, UntersuchungsteilnehmerInnen) werden die Ergebnisse der Untersuchung in Bezug auf die Hypothesen erörtert.
Rám nézett a kép
Authors: Petrovszkaja Katya
Published: December 2023

"Rám nézett a kép" a címe Katya Petrovszkaja legújabb könyvének, amelyben a képekkel való párbeszédben az eseti és az általános, az álom és a valóság, a gazdag kultúrtörténeti vértezettség és az egyéni impressziók keveredése mutatkozik meg. Miért épp ez a fotó? – teszi fel a kérdést a "Donbászi bányász"-ban; mert hónapok óta üldözte ez a kép, mint egy vérfarkas szeme. De mennyire valódi az imaginárius? Többek között ezt a problémát vizsgálja "Az elképzelhető kép", amelyhez alapul Török László "A család" című World Press Photo díjas fényképe szolgál.
Implementing the Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme in seven English Primary Care Networks: a qualitative study
Authors: Bramwell Donna , Hammond Jonathan , Warwick-Giles Lynsey , Bailey Simon , Checkland Kath
Published: December 2023

Background

The Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme (ARRS) provides funding to Primary Care Networks (PCNs) in England to recruit additional staff into specified roles. The intention was to support general practice by recruiting an extra 26 000 staff by 2024, increasing access and easing workload pressures.

Aim

To explore the establishment of the ARRS as part of PCNs’ development to understand their role in supporting general practice.

Design and setting

A longitudinal, qualitative case study involving seven geographically dispersed PCNs across England.

Method

Data were collected from July 2020 to March 2022, including 91 semi-structured interviews and 87 h of meeting observations. Transcripts were analysed using the framework approach.

Results

Implementation of the ARRS was variable across the study sites, but most shared similar experiences and concerns. The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on the introduction of the new roles, and significant variability was found in modes of employment. Cross-cutting issues included: the need for additional space to accommodate new staff; the inflexibility of aspects of the scheme, including reinvestment of unspent funds; and the need for support and oversight of employed staff. Perceived benefits of the ARRS include improved patient care and the potential to save GP time.

Conclusion

The findings suggest the ARRS has potential to fulfil its objective of supporting and improving access to general practice. However, attention to operational requirements including appropriate funding, estates, and management of staff is important if this is to be realised, as is clarity for the scheme post-contract end in 2024.
Diagnosis and management of acute infections during telehealth consultations in Australian general practice: a qualitative study
Authors: Baillie Emma J , Merlo Gregory , Biezen Ruby , Peprah Boaitey Kwame , Magin Parker J , van Driel Mieke L , Hall Lisa
Published: December 2023

Background

The use of telehealth has increased dramatically since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Little is known about how GPs manage acute infections during telehealth, and the potential impact on antimicrobial stewardship.

Aim

To explore the experiences and perceptions of GP trainees’ and supervisors’ use of telehealth, and how it influences their management of acute infections.

Design & setting

Australian GP registrars (trainees) and supervisors were recruited via email through their training organisations. Semi-structured interviews with 18 participants were conducted between July and August 2022.

Method

Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using a reflexive thematic approach.

Results

We identified six overall themes. 1. Participants experienced impaired diagnostic capacity during telehealth consultations. 2. Attempts to improve diagnostic acuity included various methods, such as having patients self-examine. 3. The management of clinical uncertainty frequently entailed referring patients for in-person assessment, overinvestigating, or overtreating. 4. Antibiotic prescribing decisions during telehealth were informed by less information than were in-person consults, with varying impact. 5. Participants believed that other GPs improperly prescribed antibiotics during telehealth. 6. Supervisors believed that registrars hadn’t developed the knowledge or skills to determine when conditions could be managed appropriately via telehealth.

Conclusion

Telehealth has potential for reducing transmission of acute infections and increasing access to healthcare. However, the implications of GPs, especially less experienced GPs, making diagnoses with less certainty, and consequently compromising antimicrobial stewardship, are a concern. Patient self-assessment tools may improve outcomes of telehealth consultations for acute infections.
Analysis of Interior Elements on the Atmosphere of Interior Space in Cikondang Traditional House
Authors: Muzaki Mutiara Silmi , Isfiaty Tiara
Published: December 2023

This research aims to analyze the application of interior elements as an aspect of shaping the atmosphere or atmosphere of the interior space in the Cikondang traditional house so that it can be a reference for contemporary concept houses to get the same atmosphere or atmosphere of space. Cikondang traditional house is located in Cikondang traditional village, Lamajang Village, Pangalengan District, Bandung Regency, West Java. The Cikondang traditional house is made by following the rules of the applicable customs, as well as determining the interior elements. One example is that the building materials of the house use natural materials that grow in the prohibited forest and can only be used after passing a series of rituals. The method used in this research is descriptive analysis with data acquisition through observation and literature study. This research describes the application of interior elements such as lines, shapes, patterns, colors, textures (materials) and lighting which are factors that form the atmosphere of the space in the house. The results of this study are the application of interior elements such as lines, shapes, patterns, colors, textures (materials) and lighting in the space creating a spatial atmosphere that gives the impression of simplicity, safety, comfort, nature, and warmth resulting from the application of interior elements to interior elements namely floors, walls, and ceilings in Cikondang traditional houses.

 Keywords: Interior Elements, Room Atmosphere, Cikondang Traditional House
Russian Agricultural Exports: Economic and Statistical Analysis
Authors: Ternovsky D. S.
Published: December 2023

The article presents the results of an economic and statistical analysis of Russian agricultural exports from 2012 to 2021 – a period of intensive growth during which revenue in foreign markets doubled, and the country entered the top twenty leaders in food exports. The in- fluence of the factors of physical volume and price on the dynamics of exports of products from the agricultural sector of Russia is analyzed, and a change in the assessment of the contribution of individual product categories to export growth was revealed when recalculating indica- tors from current prices to comparable prices. It has been established that average prices for Russian agricultural products are half the world pri-ces, which leads to a lack of income from the export of agricultural products for Russia (on average, about 4.9 billion US dollars per year for the last five years). The main reason for this deviation is that a significant share of the structure of Russian food exports is made up of products with a low degree of processing. Additionally, there is a situation with lower prices for some Russian goods of a comparable range, primarily in the food and processing industries.

An assessment of the risks to the sustainability of Russian agribusiness in the event of a disruption in export supplies showed that, given the low level of development of intra-industry trade, domestic production remains quite vulnerable to a potential reduction in exports when foreign trade restrictions are introduced. If trade chains are broken, only 20% of exports can be redirected to the domestic market to replace imports.

An analysis of the achievement of targets for the development of Russian agricultural exports in 2016–2021 was carried out and indicates that, despite its significant overall growth during the period under study, in some years its dynamics lagged behind the values established in state programs, even considering their repeated adjustments. This is largely due to the dependence of the growth of Russian exports of agricultural products on the increase in the production of grain and oilseeds, which is influenced, among other things, by random weather factors. Thus, based on data for individual years, it is impossible to judge the success or failure in the implementation of Russian agricultural export devel- opment programs, and the methodology for assessing the achievement of target indicators itself requires improvement.
Social Accounting Matrices: Challenges and Prospects of Use in Macroeconomic Statistics
Authors: Tatarinov A. A.
Published: December 2023

The paper presents results of the first stage of research on the construction of social accounting matrices (SAMs) for the Russian Federation as part of the HSE University study on statistical assessment of households’ economic behaviour. The author analyses the methodological foun- dations of SAM compilation, their connection with the System of National Accounts (SNA) and their use in macroeconomic analysis. Special attention is paid to the application of SAM in evaluating exogenous impacts, including multiplier effects, arising in all spheres of the national economy at governing decision-making and implementation of economic policy projects.

The paper reviews aggregated social accounting matrices for the Russian Federation for the year 2020 that were compiled according to the SNA methodology and based on the G. Pyatt and A. Roe modified model. The author proposes the scheme of accounts partial trans- formation enhancing the reflection of direct income flows between institutional sectors. The properties of SAM as a static economic impact evaluation model are reviewed, and for illustration purposes, results of experimental computation of the effect of changed demand from the Rest of the World are considered.

Analysis of areas of SAM application and its development as a tool for macroeconomic research highlights the importance of development methods of a detailed representation of the structure of household incomes and expenditures in social accounting matrices. It will foster solutions to poverty, inequality and connected social problems. It is noted that, with increased attention to the social aspects of macroeconomic accounting, SAM can become a major tool for measuring well-being and household income formation and distribution processes in macroeconomic statistics.
Official Statistics Today: Choosing the Path of Development
Authors: Surinov A. Yе.
Published: December 2023

Building on the analysis of the current state of state statistics in Russia, the author formulates development priorities for the national statistical system (NSS) amid digitalization and scarcity of resources. The paper explains the NSS focus on the use of records and state registers as the information basis of official statistics. It is proposed to consider Big Data as a source of additional information that requires verification and adjustments when generating official statistics.

The article justifies the need to preserve the system of traditional statistical surveys that allows for measuring phenomena and processes in society and the economy, including characteristics that are not registered when events are recorded by authorities. The author emphasizes the relevance of this system when implementing an essential function of state statistical bodies – creating an integrated information and statistical space in the country.
Regulación legal e impacto social de la violencia vicaria en Sinaloa, México
Authors: Castro Teresita Lugo
Published: December 2023

Las relaciones sociales son complicadas por naturaleza, no siempre se desarrollan en forma gregaria; desafortunadamente la violencia es un problema que está latente en nuestra vida cotidiana; existen diferentes tipos de violencia, en lo que concierne a la violencia vicaria, se manifiesta como cualquier acción u omisión que se ejerza por parte de una persona considerada agresor, quien por sí o a través de interpósita persona, llamada víctima indirecta, cause un daño o afectación física, psicológica o patrimonial contra una víctima directa, mediando entre ellos una relación de parentesco por consanguinidad o afinidad  con quien tenga o haya tenido una relación de hecho. En ese sentido, el Estado debe estar comprometido con la prevención y erradicación de la misma, a través de la creación de normatividad e instituciones que puedan coadyuvar a comprender la génesis de ésta problemática, pero también nosotros como ciudadanos, debemos concientizarnos para proponer diversas estrategias que permitan, quizás no eliminar, pero si disminuir los índices de violencia vicaria, e incluso crear mecanismos que incluyan la promoción de valores basados en actitudes y aptitudes en mujeres y varones, porque consideramos que la persona provocadora, no es exclusiva o únicamente atribuible a un varón, sino que las mujeres también pueden incurrir en este delito, por lo que acorde con la combinación del método documental descriptivo y reflexivo, podremos comprender el móvil y factores criminógenos, que originan esta conducta contra determinadas personas en situaciones de vulnerabilidad.
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of Solid Waste Management Systems in African Countries: A Systematic Review
Authors: Elijah Etido Udoh , Oluwatobi Ojo Damilola , Yakubu Emmanuel Alura , Ezeuzo Ezinne Bertila , Hampo Chima Cyril , Abubakar Aminat
Published: December 2023

Life cycle assessment (LCA) is a vital tool for evaluating the environmental burden of solid waste. This study investigated the outcomes of selected studies that applied the LCA methodology in assessing the environmental consequences of solid waste management (SWM) systems in Africa. Thirteen process-based LCA studies on SWM were reviewed, drawing from established criteria in databases such as SCOPUS, Elsevier, and Google Scholar. These studies were distributed across various African countries, with three conducted in Mauritius and Nigeria each, two in Zimbabwe and South Africa each, and one in Tanzania, Ghana, and Uganda, respectively. The evaluated parameters included aspects such as goal and scope, functional unit, system boundary, impact assessment categories, and sensitivity analysis. The findings revealed that majority of the studies employed similar waste management scenarios to determine the most environment-friendly, yet they differed considerably in some parameters. Climate change and global warming were the most assessed impact categories. Municipal solid waste (MSW) and plastic waste were the leading waste categories. MSW typically comprises paper, bottles, metal, plastics, glass, organics, and mixed waste proportions. The study also stated that the lack of reliable data on solid waste was a significant challenge faced by African countries in LCA studies. The paper’s findings highlighted that a significant number of the studies, particularly in Nigeria, did not incorporate sensitivity analysis into their assessments, a crucial component for result interpretation. Consequently, the study emphasizes the importance of conducting more LCA research studies in African countries to produce pertinent data on SWM.
Phenotypic Characterization and Plasmid DNA Profiling of Multidrug-Resistant Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus in Wastewater Effluents From Healthcare Environments in Lafia, Nigeria
Authors: Nfongeh Joseph Fuh , Okonkwo Lucy Nwakaego , Odonye Dantani Dauda , Lamini Jebes Ngolo , Salami Oluwafemi Matthew , Etim Lawrence Bassey , Fadayomi Victor Kolawole , Ifeanyi Adibe Onyemachi
Published: December 2023

Background: Multidrug-resistant Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus are frequent culprits of severe healthcare-associated infections and have been identified as significant pollutants in hospital settings. The research into plasmids as potential carriers for transferring new resistance genes among clinical pathogens has been quite constrained. This study was conducted to determine the extent of multidrug resistance and the presence of plasmids in E. coli and S. aureus isolates derived from wastewater effluents at healthcare institutions in Lafia, Nigeria. Methods: A total of 231 effluent samples were collected from different units within the healthcare facilities and bacterial identification performed using standard CLSI identification techniques. Phenotypic multidrug resistance was analyzed using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method while plasmid DNA was extracted by alkaline lysis and separated using 0.8% agarose gel electrophoresis. Results: A total of 167 (72.3%) and 175 (75.6%) samples were positive for E. coli and S. aureus, respectively. Both E. coli and S. aureus exhibited the greatest resistance to amoxicillin, with resistance rates of 79.0% and 66.3%, respectively. Conversely, the lowest resistance was observed for levofloxacin (26.3%) and cotrimoxazole (25.1%) in E. coli and S. aureus, respectively. The study did not find any significant correlation between the phenotypic antibiotic resistance profiles of the isolates and different wastewater discharge points (P>0.05). Out of the total isolates, 77 (46.1%) of E. coli and 51 (29.1%) of S. aureus were resistant to all tested antibiotics. A majority of these isolates exhibited multiple antibiotic resistance index (MARI) values greater than 0.5, with 87.4% of E. coli and 80.6% of S. aureus demonstrating multidrug resistance. Plasmid analysis for E. coli indicated that the largest proportion of the selected isolates (46.7%) carried double plasmids with sizes ranging from 1500 to 6000 base pairs (bp), and 6.7% had no plasmids. In the case of S. aureus, 53.3% of the isolates harbored a single plasmid with a size of 7500 bp, while 46.7% had no plasmids. Conclusion: The wastewater discharged from healthcare facilities in the examined community was found to be significantly contaminated with multidrug-resistant organisms carrying plasmids with resistance genes.
Probabilistic Risk of Nitrates to Human Health Via Drinking Water: A Case Study of Water Supply for Dandan Station and its Quarters in Mosul, Iraq
Authors: Mohtfer Zahraa Anmar , Al-Saffawi Abdulazeez Younis. T.
Published: December 2023

Background: The primary objective of this study was to assess the nitrate ion concentration in drinking water and determine the potential health risks associated with nitrate contamination for humans. Methods: A total of 100 water samples were collected from ten sites, including the Dandan water supply station and adjacent residential neighborhoods on the right side of Mosul city between September 2021 and February 2022. Results: The results of the study revealed that the concentration of nitrate ions ranged between (0.95-3.614 mg/L). Based on the study’s results, all of the analyzed water samples fell within the international drinking water quality standards set by the World Health Organization. The concentrations of nitrate ions corresponded to low values of both chronic daily intake (CDI) and hazard quotient (HQ or QI), which ranged from 0.05162 to 0.18164 mg/kg/day and 0.03226 to 0.11357, respectively. Consequently, the hazard index (HI) for this study remained within safe limits for drinking water. The study also revealed that infants and individuals within the age group of 21 and older were the most susceptible to potential nitrate-related health risks, while the age group of 16 to 18 exhibited the lowest susceptibility to such risks. Conclusion: The study recommends the use of examined water for drinking due to its safe and healthy nitrate ion concentration. It further suggests the continuation of periodic assessments of drinking water supply stations to ensure ongoing consumer safety, as no potential health risks, including cancerous and non-cancerous risks, were identified.
Environmental Risk Assessment of Hydrocarbon-Rich Sludge of a Gas Refinery Using the Integrated Approach of PMBOK Standard Risk Management and FMEA Technique: A Case Study
Authors: Khezri Mehdi , Farahani Maryam , Motahhari Saeed , Azadbakht Bita
Published: December 2023

Background: The present study aimed to assess the potential hazards of hydrocarbon-rich gas refinery sludge from the South Pars Gas Complex-First Refinery, Iran, and to analyze how these risks could impact the project goals based on the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) guidelines. Methods: Statistical population of this analytical, cross-sectional survey was 31 health, safety, and environment (HSE) experts from the study refinery selected by purposeful sampling. Environmental, health, safety, and technical risks were categorized and identified using the PMBOK guidelines. Delphi method and 5-point Likert scale questionnaire were employed to assess the significance of each risk. Priority one risks within each category were determined using Primavera Risk Analysis version 8.7 software. Results: Following three Delphi steps, 17 out of 77 primary risks were identified and finalized. The first rank with the highest weight corresponded to time and cost group (the risk of soil contamination via sludge stored in the burn pit due to aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons), human resources group (radioactive materials accumulated on the inner surfaces of pipes, valves, pumps, heat exchangers, tanks, boilers and other equipment and the risk of these materials being hazardous for human health), and quality group (failure to supply equipment and quality control systems and personal protective equipment). Conclusion: The research findings pinpointed 17 risks within various domains, encompassing time and cost, human resources, quality, contract, scope, and communication. These identified risks necessitate a comprehensive, integrated approach to risk management for effective mitigation and resolution.