bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of Problem Based Learning in Grade 3 Islamic Religious Education Lessons on Disgraceful Morals in Elementary Schools
Authors: Alfia Shadita , Nadlif Ainun
Published: December 2022

This study aims to determine how the application of problem based learning and to find out the advantages and disadvantages of problem based learning learning models for Islamic Religious Education class 3 material on despicable morals at Karangbong State Elementary School. This research is a descriptive qualitative research by understanding the phenomenon of what is experienced by the research subject. In this study, the subjects of the study were grade 3 students at Karangbong State Elementary School, Islamic Religious Education teachers, and Administration teachers. The location of this research was conducted at Karangbong State Elementary School. The data collection technique uses Miles and Huberman which consists of four components of analysis, namely, data collection, data reduction, data presentation, and drawing conclusions. The results of this study indicate that the application of the problem-based learning model in Islamic Religious Education class 3 material on reprehensible morals is in accordance with the steps, and students do not experience difficulties in applying the model. By using this model, students become more active and think critically. The only drawback is time.
The Influence of Good Corporate Governance, Company Size, Capital Structure and Company Growth on the Financial Performance of Retail Companies Listed on the IDX
Authors: Kibtiyah Mariatul , Maryanti Eny
Published: December 2022

Financial performance is one of the concerns that is the focus of company management in making choices related to the implementation of company activities. The purpose of this research is to know whether the variables of GCG, company size, capital structure and company growth affect the company's financial performance. Purposive sampling is a sampling technique taken to determine the sample in this research so that this study found a sample of 11 companies in the retail sector so that the total sample taken for 3 years from 11 companies is 33 companies then secondary data which is the source of data in the study This is tabulated and processed with the help of SPSS version 25 then a set of test tools to support the hypothesis with a partial t-test. That the results obtained in this analysis are that the company's performance is proven to be able to be influenced by good corporate governance, the company's performance is proven to be unable to be influenced by the size of the company, the company's performance is proven to be unable to be influenced by the capital structure and the company's performance is proven to be unable to be influenced by the company's growth. The determination test is worth 0 57.9% then the remaining 42.1% in this study can be explained by variables that might affect the company's performance which were not carried out in this research.
Design and Build BTS R2 Information System ("R2 Service Ticket Booking") Web-Based
Authors: Sukma Yudya Hastriawan , Astutik Ika Ratna Indra
Published: December 2022

Technology is currently developing rapidly, especially in the light vehicle automotive sector. This increasingly rapid competition requires business people to maximize their business performance in order to compete in the modern market. Marno Motor Workshop is an MSME engaged in the repair and maintenance of two-wheeled vehicles or motorcycles. The system used in the Marno Motor workshop is still manual. Therefore, in this final report, the author provides suggestions in the form of booking a web-based computerized motorcycle service. Where the system design uses Unifeld Modeling Language (UML) with Hypertext Preprocessor (PHP) programming language, MYSQL database, and uses the Waterfall system development method and uses a system testing method called the Black Box Testing Method. The result of this research is the establishment of an information system for BTS R2 (Wheel Ticket Ordering Service 2) Web-Based at Marno Motor Workshop. With the establishment of this system, it is hoped that it will make it easier for customers to service motorbikes.
Analysis of Accounting Information Systems for Raw Materials and Finished Goods
Authors: Novitasari Maya , Maryanti Eny
Published: December 2022

This study aims to analyze the Accounting Information System for Raw Materials and Finished Goods at PT Berkat Ganda Sentosa Pasuruan. The research approach used is the qualitative approach. The research method used is descriptive method. The data collection method used interview, documentation and observation. The interview method was used to seek in-depth information by asking questions to the company staff and academic experts. The documentation method is carried out to support and strengthen the data in research. The observation method is carried out to record information and activities that occur during field research. In this research, using data analysis techniques such as data reduction, data presentation and data verification. The results of this study indicate that the Raw Material Inventory Accounting Information System at PT. Berkat Ganda Sentosa, this is done well but is still manual, with procedures starting from purchasing to receiving inventory, purchase returns, demand and release of warehouse goods, use of raw materials and also physical inventory counts. All these procedures are carried out with the aim that the mutation of raw material inventory can be controlled easily which consists of various functions with their respective duties and responsibilities along with the completeness of documents that can be accounted for. The structure of the implementation of an Accounting Information System for raw material inventory of PT Berkat Ganda Sentosa Pasuruan includes functions related to AIS, documents and records used as well as a network of procedures that can form an Accounting Information System.
Analysis of Internal Control Information System Product Conversion Cycle Management
Authors: Maghfiro Putri Lailatul , Setiyono Wisnu Panggah
Published: December 2022

Suppliy is one of thei iimportant assiet hiad biy compiany. Becausie suppliy repriesent assiet of hience muist be done interinal contriol whiich is good to takiing carie of thie suppliy from ugliy thiings is whiich is possibile happiened the. Systeim of interinal contriol of sttock to contriol anid manaige thei stiock. Espiecial tariget friom operaition to the suppliy is protiect the suppliy and reporit it precisiely in fiinancial statiement. Methiod usedi by is apprioach methodi qualitatiive that iis, descriiptive analysiis.  From resiearch resiult at Konter Phoenix Jaya Cabang Krian repriesent a periipatetic compiany is area of fruiit distriibutor iimport, or more knowledgeabile as fruiiterer iimport the griocery and at retaiil. Sysitem evaluatiion, iinternal contriol to the suppliy have effectiive, whiere exiistence of dutiy diissociation of betiween functiions of relaited to revienue and expendiiture goods. Moniitoring to merchaniidise stoick is allso condiucted routiinely eaich;everry oine montth oncce by warehiouse sharies through the stock actiivity hospitaliize tthe. Systiem off iinventory contriol of merchandiise at Konter Phoenix Jaya branch Krian have waliked betiter.
Mecanismos de representación literaria de la ciencia en «El anacronópete»
Authors: Lumbreras Martínez Daniel
Published: December 2022

El anacronópete (1887) de Gaspar y Rimbau, la primera novela conocida que plantea el viaje en el tiempo con una máquina, es una obra controvertida para la teoría literaria al situarse en el límite borroso entre la ciencia ficción y la fantasía. Este trabajo analiza si las explicaciones científicas de los acontecimientos de la novela que esta contiene se relacionan con el estado de las ciencias españolas (Biología, Geología, Física y Química) en el siglo XIX, otorgándole así verosimilitud. Se realiza una revisión tanto de la historia de la ciencia como de la crítica literaria para concluir que, pese al discutido final, la novela cuenta con todas las características de las obras de ciencia ficción y es además pionera.
Nueva ley de eutanasia en España. Actualidad y contribuciones desde la psicología de la salud.
Authors: Murillo-Vega Marcos , Garrido-Hernansaiz Helena
Published: December 2022

En 2021 es legalizada la práctica de la eutanasia en España, incorporándose a la cartera de servicios del Sistema Nacional de Salud, convirtiéndose en una alternativa para adultos con una enfermedad terminal y elevado sufrimiento. Las personas que demandan esta práctica enfrentan malestares biopsicosociales y espirituales y dificultades a lo largo del proceso, jugando la psicología un papel clave en su atención. Surge la necesidad de elaborar programas de intervención interdisciplinares adaptados al contexto español, basados en la experiencia y el saber científico acumulado en otros países donde esta práctica ya se encontraba legislada. La Terapia Cognitivo-Conductual, la Terapia Centrada en el Sentido y la Terapia de Dignidad se encuentran entre las intervenciones más desarrolladas para la atención de los momentos finales de la vida, aunque sus resultados precisan mayor replicación. El Sistema Nacional de Salud constituye el escenario óptimo para implementar estas intervenciones, siendo necesario fortalecer a la Psicología de la Salud para que esta pueda asumir esta tarea en adecuadas condiciones.
Imágenes turísticas de las ciudades españolas a partir de la ficción audiovisual
Authors: Osácar Marzal Eugeni , Fraiz Brea José Antonio , Araújo-Vila Noelia
Published: December 2022

El mercado turístico es cada vez más competitivo y en él los destinos con imágenes más fuertes y positivas son los más probables de ser elegidos por los turistas. La inducción de la imagen del destino turístico ha pasado, por tanto, a ser reclamo para atraer visitantes. Los productos audiovisuales se han convertido en una gran oportunidad de promoción turística, convirtiéndose los destinos turísticos en las ubicaciones de las tramas de nuestras películas y series favoritas. El objetivo de esta investigación es analizar la percepción de algunas ciudades españolas por parte del espectador a través de su emplazamiento en dos tipos de productos audiovisuales, largometrajes y series de ficción. La metodología de análisis usada ha sido la cuantitativa, vía encuestas a espectadores nacionales (n=334). Los principales resultados muestran una percepción positiva de la imagen de las ciudades visionadas en series y películas con alta valoración por parte del espectador, con una alta predisposición a ser elegidas como destino vacacional a corto y medio plazo; además de considerar que el incluir ciudades u otros rodajes en exteriores aportan valor a una serie o largometraje. También que, en el territorio español, son Madrid y Barcelona las ciudades con mayor presencia en el sector audiovisual según la percepción de los espectadores.
La ciudad africana poscolonial: imaginario urbano y realidad en la ficción audiovisual
Authors: Luque Revuelto Ricardo Manuel , Moreno Muñoz Daniel
Published: December 2022

El medio natural y la evolución histórica, junto a diferentes culturas y religiones, han modelado unos conjuntos urbanos únicos y muy diversos en África. Aunque dicho continente continúa siendo el menos urbanizado del mundo, sus ciudades están sometidas a procesos de macrocefalia y se ven impulsadas por un acelerado ritmo de crecimiento. El análisis se centra en un extenso número de películas filmadas que posibilitan abordar un estudio que ofrezca reflexiones teóricas sobre las relaciones entre ficción audiovisual y las áreas urbanas en dicho continente con la finalidad de conocer que espacios se representan, cuáles son sus características y que imaginarios urbanos proyecta la ciudad africana. Desde un punto de vista metodológico se emplea un enfoque amplio, relacionado con la Geografía del Paisaje y la Geografía Cultural y se acota el estudio a las filmaciones de las últimas décadas. Entre los resultados se puede destacar la existencia de nuevas referencias visuales y nuevas claves interpretativas que permiten caracterizar los paisajes urbanos actuales de África.
Analgesia postoperatoria con morfina más fentanilo intratecal versus morfina sola intratecal en pacientes intervenidas a cesárea. Hospital María Auxiliadora, 2022
Authors:   , Arias Meneses Rodrigo Nicolas Airton
Published: December 2022

Objetivo: Comparar la analgesia postoperatoria con morfina más fentanilo intratecal versus morfina sola intratecal en pacientes intervenidas a cesárea en el Hospital María Auxiliadora, 2022. Metodología: Estudio observacional, descriptivo-comparativo, cohorte y prospectivo. La población serán 78 pacientes intervenidas a cesárea en julio del 2022, de la cual se conformarán dos grupos: Grupo I: 26 cesareadas que recibieron analgesia postoperatoria con morfina + fentanilo intratecal. Grupo II: 52 cesareadas que recibieron analgesia postoperatoria con morfina sola intratecal. El comparativo se realizarán en términos de nivel de dolor, analgesia de rescate y seguridad, utilizando prueba Chi cuadrado con significancia del 5%.
Dilema Pembelajaran Daring: Beban atau Batu Loncatan
Authors: Fuadah Luluk , Mujakir Mujakir
Published: December 2022

Pembelajaran daring merupakan pembelajaran jarak jauh yang memanfaatkan media internet untuk berinteraksi dan berkomunikasi antara pendidik dan peserta didik atas kebijakan dari pemerintah akibat Pandemi Covid-19. Tujuan dari penyusunan artikel ini adalah untuk mengetahui seberapa efektif pembelajaran daring yang dilaksanakan yang telah menimbulkan banyak dilema dan untuk mengetahui pandangan serta persepsi dari peserta didik terkait pembelajaran daring apakah menjadi beban atau batu loncatan yang akan membawa perubahan bagi dunia pendidikan. Artikel ini menggunakan pendekatan fenomenologi dan jenis penelitian studi kasus. Pengamatan dilakukan di MA Al-Mukarrom kepada 22 responden baik laki-laki maupun perempuan dari seluruh kelas. Hasil penelitian menyatakan bahwa pembelajaran daring dirasakan masih menjadi beban peserta didik karena belum optimalnya prosedur dan proses dari alur pelaksanaan pembelajaran daring.
Application of coupled FICA-FCM feature extraction and QPSO-SVM classifier model to predict coal and gas outbursts
Authors: Liu Xuning , Zhang Zixian , Li Zhixiang , Zhang Guoying
Published: December 2022

The coal and gas outbursts samples data are affected by all kinds of influencing factors, the accuracy of classification on these sample data is not high, the classification of some samples always have errors, which may be inaccurate annotation. In order to reduce the impact of noise data caused by the labeling errors on classification, this paper proposes a combination of classifier and clustering analysis model, which is used to improve the prediction accuracy of coal and gas outbursts. First, the high-order statistical characteristics of fast independent component analysis(FICA) method are used to extract the features of coal and gas outbursts sample data to obtain the independent nonlinear main metadata; Then, the fuzzy clustering mean (FCM) algorithm is used to cluster the coal and gas outbursts samples. Finally, based on improved clustering analysis results, the support vector machine(SVM) classifier based on quantum particle swarm optimization(QPSO) algorithm is used to compare the classification results with the existing labeled results, and the classification results are corrected to improve the classification accuracy. The results show that the performance of coupling model is significantly better than other exiting classifiers for coal and gas outbursts prediction.
Single DVCC based High Frequency Flux Controlled Memristor Emulator and its Experimental Results
Authors: Sharma Pankaj Kumar , Ranjan Rajeev Kumar
Published: December 2022

In this article, a flux-controlled memristor emulator is proposed. The proposed memristor emulator is designed using a single DVCC, three MOSFETs, and one capacitor. Among three MOSFETs, two MOS is used to create an active resistor, and one MOS is used to generate the multiplication factor required for the memristor emulator. The proposed emulator work for both incremental and decremental configurations. PSpice simulation with 180 nm CMOS technology is performed to validate the proposed memristor emulator. The proposed design operates up to 100 MHz frequency. The proposed memristor emulator is experimentally verified using AD844AN and CD4007 ICs. A high pass filter is implemented using the emulator for validating the resistive property of the proposed memristor emulator.
Association of onset-to-surgery time with morbidity and mortality among patients with perforated peptic ulcer: an observational cohort study
Authors: Tan Kanglian , Tan Zhijian , Liang Hailong , Gai Juanjuan , Xie Runsheng , Xiao Yingchao , Cai Bingqin , Chen Zhiqiang
Published: December 2022

Background: Rapid surgery is recommended to improve outcomes after peptic ulcer perforation (PPU), but understanding of the optimal onset-to-surgery time for PPU is limited. The purpose of this study was to assess the optimal time of onset to surgery for PPU that improved patient outcomes.
Methods: Data of eligible patients with PPU at three hospitals from 2019 to 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were categorized as a onset-to-surgery time of ≤ 12 h (early surgery [ES]) or > 12 h (late surgery [LS]). The primary outcome was 30-day sepsis morbidity. Secondary outcomes included 30-day postoperative morbidity and 30-day mortality. Patients’ characteristics and surgical outcomes were also compared. A P value of < 0.05 is considered as statistically significant.
Results: Of 245 patients, 231 (94.3%; mean [SD] age, 62.6 [18.2] years; 153 [70.5%] male)were included in the final analysis. Among the remaining cases, 50.7% underwent ES and 49.3% underwent LS. LS was associated with increased sepsis morbidity within 30 days (ORadj 5.71, 95% CI 2.02-16.10, P = 0.001). In secondary analyses, LS was associated with an increased risk of postoperative morbidity (ORadj 1.93, 95% CI 1.06-3.53, P = 0.032). The 30-day mortality was 0.9% in the ES group and 4.7% in the LS group (ORadj 3.93, 95% CI 0.43-36.05, P = 0.227). In addition, the estimated blood loss during ES was significantly less than that during LS (P = 0.004). The operative time and hospital stay were shorter in the ES group (both P <  0.005). Moreover, patients in the LS group were more likely to need for ICU admission (39.3% vs 22.7%, P = 0.008).
Conclusions: This cohort study found evidence that more favorable outcomes were achieved when surgery was performed within 12 hours after the onset of severe abdominal pain among patients with PPU. These findings provide more clarity around the optimal time of onset to surgery for patients with PPU. However, more well powered researches are needed to confirm the findings.
Impacts of COVID-19 on family violence in Thailand: prevalence and factor-influencers
Authors: Napa Wilai , Neelapaichit Nareemarn , Kongsakon Ronnachai , Chotivitayataragorn Somporn , Udomsubpayakul Umaporn
Published: December 2022

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic situation invaded our society. As a result, rising unemployment, insufficient household income, stress, and women and child health in the family. The study aimed to explore family violence and find the factors influencing family violence during the COVID-19 pandemic in Thailand. The study aimed to explore family violence and find the factors influencing family violence during the COVID-19 pandemic in Thailand.
Methods: This study used a mixed-method approach quantitative questionnaire followed up by qualitative interviews. A cross-sectional design was used to survey family violence among 1,285 women aged 15 years and over who lived with them and were recruited by stratified sampling. The family violence developed questionnaire used had a Cronbach alpha of 0.67 and inter-raters Kappa coefficient of 1.00. In addition, a descriptive qualitative instrument was employed to analyze the data sets from four focus group interviews with 32 staff from agencies working with family violence. The focus group questions related to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic’s impacts on family violence were developed based on researchers’ consensus and researchers independently analyzed data using content analysis
Results: The majority of participants were 45 years old (48%), married (61.1%), living in single-family (52.5%) settings, had lost their job (64.4%), and had moderate to severe economic constraints (37.8%, 40.6%, respectively). The prevalence of family violence was 42.2%. The violent behavior was primarily physical. Family income, stress, and substance abuse were associated with family violence. Findings from the qualitative interviews correlated with this date.
Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic affected families in terms of family violence. Women faced family violence behaviors, including psychological and physical violence, as well as sexual abuse which was associated with family income, economic status, stress, and substance abuse. Future interventions should address the issues of financial support and stress reduction.
Analysis and comparison of SARS-CoV-2 variant antibodies and neutralizing activity for 6 months after a booster mRNA vaccine in a healthcare worker population
Authors: Khan Saahir , Hosseinian Sina , Assis Rafael , Khalil Ghali , Luu Madeleine , Jain Aarti , Horvath Peter , Nakajima Rie , Palma Anton , Hoang Anthony , Razzak Eisa , Garcia Nicholas , Alger Joshua , Kalantari Mina , Silzel Emily , Jasinskas Algis , Zaldivar Frank , Schubl Sebastian , Felgner Philip
Published: December 2022

In the context of recurrent surges of SARS-CoV-2 infections, a detailed characterization of antibody persistence over a 6-month period following vaccine booster dose is necessary to crafting effective public health policies on repeat vaccination. To characterize the SARS-CoV-2 antibody profile of a healthcare worker population over a 6-month period following mRNA vaccination and booster dose. 323 healthcare workers at an academic medical center in Orange County, California who had completed primary vaccination and booster dose against SARS-CoV-2 were recruited for the study. A total of 690 blood specimens over a 6-month period were collected via finger-stick blood and analyzed for the presence of antibodies against 9 SARS-CoV-2 antigens using a coronavirus antigen microarray. The primary outcome of this study was the average SARS-CoV-2 antibody level as measured using a novel coronavirus antigen microarray. Additional outcomes measured include levels of antibodies specific to SARS-CoV-2 variants including Delta, Omicron BA.1, and BA.2. We also measured SARS-CoV-2 neutralization capacity for a subset of the population to confirm correlation with antibody levels. Although antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 wane throughout the 6-month period following a booster dose, antibody levels remain higher than pre-boost levels. However, a booster dose of vaccine generates approximately 3-fold lower antibody reactivity against Omicron variants BA.1 and BA.2 as compared to the original Wuhan strain. Despite waning antibody levels, neutralization activity against the original Wuhan strain is maintained throughout the 6-month period. In the context of recurrent surges of SARS-CoV-2 infections despite vaccination with booster doses, our data indicate that breakthrough infections are likely driven by novel variants with different antibody specificity and not by time since last dose of vaccination, indicating that development of vaccinations specific to these novel variants is necessary to prevent future surges of SARS-CoV-2 infections.
Application of analytical hierarchy process (AHP) for flood susceptibility mapping using GIS techniques in Thamirabarani river basin, Srivaikundam region, Southern India
Authors: S RICHARD ABISHEK. , A Antony Ravindran
Published: December 2022

The assessment of flood risk areas and the development of flood prevention methods depend on having flood susceptibility mapping. The flood-prone area of the Thamirabarani river basin in Srivaikundam region of Tamil Nadu was investigated. Evaluating flood risk using a composite risk and vulnerability index is a widely established tool that serves a critical element in the creation of flood risk reduction programmes. The current work is an attempt to analyze risk due to floods utilizing Analytical Hierarchy Procedures (AHP) including flood hazard factors and vulnerability indicators in a geographical information system environment. To define flood susceptibility maps at different spatial scales, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are currently reliable and useful tool. This article compares the accuracy of various GIS-based flood risk assessment techniques. The geographical database was used to generate eight base layers: land use, drainage density, topographic wetness index (TWI), distance from rivers, river length, slope, DEM, and rainfall. Flood-vulnerable regions have been classified as very low, low, moderate, high, and very high. Each class was assigned a score in order to determine the risk zone. Using a GIS platform, the flood susceptibility was prepared by incorporating all of the thematic layers and the resulting flood frequency map. Local government administrators, researchers, and planners will find the flood susceptibility analysis with this model to be a very helpful and effective tool for developing flood mitigation plans.
Correlation between brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity and microvascular complications in type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Pei Yifei , Shu Yuan , Deng Bo , Liu Yuting
Published: December 2022

Purpose/Aim: To investigate the relationship between brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) and microvascular complications in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).
Materials and Methods:From 2019 to 2021, our hospital enrolled 322 patients with T2DM. Clinical information and biochemical indicators of patients were collected from the inpatient electronic medical record system and analyzed retrospectively. Fundus photography, nerve conduction testing, and sensory threshold measurement were all conducted on the subjects. We measured the pulse wave velocity on both sides of the arm and ankle, then averaged the results. The enrolled cases were divided into two groups based on the baPWV: Group 1 (＜the reference cutoff value, n=160) and Group 2 (≥the reference cutoff value, n=162). The association between risk factors and baPWV abnormalities was investigated using a logistic regression model.
Results:
Group 2 had higher Systolic Blood Pressure(SBP), Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP), duration of diabetes, Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG), Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) and Serum Uric Acid (SUA) than group 1 (all p<0.05). The prevalence of diabetic retinopathy, peripheral neuropathy and nephropathy in group 2 was higher compared to group 1 (p<0.05). The baPWV of the Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN) group and Diabetic Nephropathy (DN) group was noticeably higher than that of non-DPN group and non-DN group, respectively (both p<0.05). The baPWV increased with the aggravation of Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) (p<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that DBP (OR 1.039, 95%CI 1.010-1.068 p=0.008), duration of diabetes (OR 1.059, 95%CI 1.017-1.103 p=0.006), FPG (OR 1.104, 95%CI 1.025-1.188 p=0.009) and BUN (OR 1.128, 95%CI 1.001-1.270 p=0.048) were all independently and positively associated with baPWV.
Conclusions:
The baPWV is strongly associated with microvascular complications of T2DM. The DBP, duration of diabetes, FPG, and BUN were all independent risk factors of baPWV.
A feasibility and pilot study of a “lifelong learning” intervention for people with dementia
Authors: Soerensen Ann Lykkegaard , Thoft Diana Schack , Ward Alison , Campbell Jackie
Published: December 2022

Background:
Developing evidence for the use of psychosocial interventions for people with dementia is a priority for research. This pilot study aimed to provide estimates of variability for a set of outcome measures considered for a larger controlled study of the effect of attending a lifelong learning intervention for people with dementia, compared to receiving treatment as usual. In the study it was also explored how datacollectors and researchers evaluated the use of the outcome measures in a sample of people with mild to moderate dementia.
Methods:
Initially, a participant consultation, with participants and their teachers at a dementia school, was carried out to identify important research outcomes which were Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE), Quality of Life Alzheimer’s Disease (QoL-AD), General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSE), Rosenberg Self-esteem scale, Friendship Scale). The following study was divided into two steps. In step 1 participants included were people with dementia attending a dementia school (intervention group) or usual services (control group). The participants were tested at baseline and at 6-month follow-up. Data were collected between November 2018 and July 2019. In step 2 feasibility and acceptability issues in step 1 with the recruitment of participants, data collection process and outcome measures were evaluated and analysed qualitatively.
Results:
Fifty-five people with dementia were included in the analysis of follow-up. Step 1 provided estimates of changes from baseline to follow-up and ancillary standard deviations were provided for all outcome measures. Step 2 provided reflections about feasibility and acceptability of the intervention itself, the data collection, and the outcome measures. This including views on how people with dementia experience participating in the test situation.
Conclusions:
This study provided estimates of change and variability in the outcome measures. Additionally, issues regarding data collection were identified and should be addressed in future studies. It was demonstrated how people with dementia can participate in research which is meaningful to them.
Trial registration:
Registration with a database of clinical studies was according to national legislation, not required, as the study was evaluating existing activities and thus no clinical intervention.
Screening behaviors for diabetic foot and their influencing factors among general practitioners: a cross-sectional study in Changsha, China
Authors: Zhao Nan , Xu Jingcan , Zhou Qiuhong , Hu Juanyi , Luo Wenjing , Li Xinyi , Ye Ying , Han Huiwu , Dai Weiwei , Chen Qirong
Published: December 2022

Background
Diabetic foot is a serious complication of diabetes with a high disability and mortality rate, which can be prevented by early screening. General practitioners play an essential role in diabetic foot screening, yet the screening behaviors of general practitioners have rarely been studied in primary care settings. This study aimed to investigate foot risk screening behaviors and analyze their influencing factors among general practitioners.
Methods
Using the convenience sampling method, a cross-sectional study was conducted among 844 general practitioners from 78 community health centers in Changsha, China. A self-designed and validated questionnaire was used to assess the general practitioner’s cognition, attitude, and behaviors on performing diabetic foot screening. Multivariate linear regression was conducted to investigate the influencing factors of screening behaviors.
Results
The average score of diabetic foot screening behaviors among the general practitioners was 61.53 ± 14.69, and 271 (32.1%) always or frequently performed foot screening for diabetic patients. Higher training frequency (β = 3.197, p < 0.001), higher screening cognition (β = 2.947, p < 0.001), and more positive screening attitude (β = 4.564, p < 0.001) were associated with more diabetic foot screening behaviors, while limited time and energy (β=-5.184, p < 0.001) and lack of screening tools (β=-6.226, p < 0.001) were associated with fewer diabetic foot screening behaviors.
Conclusion
The score of screening behaviors for the diabetic foot of general practitioners in Changsha was at a medium level. General practitioners’ diabetic foot screening behaviors may be improved through strengthening training on relevant guidelines and evidence-based screening techniques, improving cognition and attitude towards foot screening among general practitioners, provision of more general practitioners or nurse practitioners, and user-friendly screening tools.
Spread and Seasonality of COVID-19 Pandemic Confirmed Cases in sub-Saharan Africa: Experience from Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria, Senegal, and Uganda
Authors: Adebowale Ayo S. , Afolabi Rotimi F. , Bello Segun , Salawu Mobolaji M. , Bamgboye Eniola A. , Adeoye Ikeola , Dairo Magbagbeola D. , Fawole Olufunmilayo I. , Kivumbi Betty , Wanyana Irene , Seck Ibrahima , Diallo Issakha , Leye Mamadou M. M. , Bassoum Oumar , Fall Mane , Ndejjo Rawlance , Kabwama Steven N. , Mapatano Mala Ali , Bosonkie Marc , Egbende Landry , Namale Alice , Kizito Susan , Wanyenze Rhoda K.
Published: December 2022

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the world negatively with huge health and socioeconomic consequences. This study estimated the seasonality, trajectory, and projection of COVID-19 cases to understand the dynamics of the disease spread and inform response interventions.
Method: Descriptive analysis of daily confirmed COVID-19 cases from January 2020 to 12th March 2022 was conducted in four purposefully selected sub-Saharan African countries (Nigeria, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Senegal, and Uganda). We extrapolated the COVID-19 data from (2020 to 2022) to 2023 using trigonometric time series model. A decomposition time series method was used to examine the seasonality in the data.
Results: Nigeria had the highest rate of spread (β) of COVID-19 (β=381.2) while DRC had the least rate (β=119.4). DRC, Uganda, and Senegal had a similar pattern of COVID-19 spread from the onset through December, 2020. The average doubling time in COVID-19 case-count was highest in Uganda (148 days) and least in Nigeria (83 days). A seasonal variation was found in the COVID-19 data for all the four countries but the timing of the cases showed some variations across countries. More cases are expected in the 1st (January-March) and 3rd (July-September) quarters of the year in Nigeria and Senegal, and in the 2nd (April-June) and 3rd (October-December) quarters in DRC and Uganda.
Conclusion: Our findings show a seasonality which may warrant a consideration for COVID-19 periodic interventions in the peak seasons in the preparedness and response strategies.
Exercise therapy, education and cognitive behavioral therapy, alone or in combination with total knee arthroplasty in patients with knee osteoarthritis: A randomized feasibility study
Authors: Rognsvag Turid , Bergvad Ingvild Buset , Furnes Ove Nord , Indrekvam Kari , Lerdal Anners , Lindberg Maren Falch , Skou Søren Thorgaard , Stubberud Jan , Badawy Mona
Published: December 2022

1.1.1 Background

One in five patients experience chronic pain one year after total knee arthroplasty (TKA), highlighting the need for new treatment strategies to improve outcomes. The complexity of interventions for osteoarthritis (OA) and TKA patients requires a thorough development and evaluation process. This feasibility trial aimed to optimize content and delivery of a complex intervention tailored to OA and TKA patients and assess feasibility of initiating a full-scale multicenter randomized controlled trial (RCT).

1.1.2 Methods

Patients scheduled for TKA were included between August 2019 and June 2020, and block-randomized into one of three groups: a) 12-week exercise therapy and education (ExE) and 10-module internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy (iCBT), b) TKA followed by ExE and iCBT and c) TKA and standard postoperative care. Outcomes were i) recruitment and retention rate, ii) compliance to the intervention and follow-up, iii) crossover and iv) adverse events, reported by descriptive statistics.

1.1.3 Results

Fifteen patients were included in the study. Only one out of 146 patients screened for eligibility was included during the first four months. During the next three months, 117 patients were not included since they lived too far from the hospital. To increase the recruitment rate, we did three amendments to the inclusion criteria; 1) screening questions were included in the baseline questionnaire, 2) patients across the country could be included in the study and 3) physiotherapists without specific certification were included, receiving thorough information and support. No patients withdrew from the study or crossed over to surgery during the first year. Nine out of 10 patients completed the ExE program and six out of 10 completed the iCBT program. Fourteen out of 15 patients completed the one-year follow-up. One minor adverse event was registered.

1.1.4 Conclusions

Except for recruitment and compliance to iCBT, feasibility was demonstrated. The initial recruitment process was challenging, and necessary changes were made to increase the recruitment rate. The findings informed how a definitive RCT should be undertaken to test the effectiveness of the complex intervention.
Trial registration:
The MultiKnee RCT, including the feasibility study, is pre-registered at ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03771430 11/12/2018 https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/results?term=NCT03771430
Identifying areas of high drought risk in southwest Western Australia
Authors: Bourne Amanda , Bruce John , Veljanoski Igor , Koh Li-Ann , Parker Kaylene , Mastrantonis Stanley , Guthrie Meredith M.
Published: December 2022

Drought is an extremely serious natural hazard in Australia, associated with financial hardship and damage to soils and vegetation. With droughts expected to become more frequent and more severe as climate change progresses, it is increasingly important to identify drought risk and assess community-level drought resilience at the appropriate spatial, temporal and administrative scale for decision-making. Here, we have used spatial multi-criteria analysis to identify regional priority areas for the implementation of drought resilience interventions or investment in southwest Western Australia (WA). This region is home to the WA grains industry, the largest agricultural contributor to the economy and one of the regions most impacted by climate change in Australia to date, experiencing consistent reduction in rainfall and recurrent drought over the last several decades. We modelled drought exposure, sensitivity and adaptive capacity for the region, incorporating spatially explicit climate, environmental, social and economic data, and produced a suite of priority areas maps, ground-truthed through a participatory mapping process. The maps highlight the northern and eastern wheatbelt as areas at high risk from drought, and have the potential to serve as a powerful tool for local-level drought resilience decision-making. Most of the data we used are publicly available, and the vulnerability framework applied allows for wide replication within and beyond southwest WA.
What Works to Improve Maternal and Infant Health Outcomes among Hispanic Women in the United States: A Systematic Literature Review 2010-2021
Authors: Marian Marian , Jain Sonia
Published: December 2022

Background
Inequities in Maternal and Infant Health (MIH) in Hispanics in the United States are highly prevalent. To our knowledge, few studies, have systematically reviewed what works to improve MIH in this population. The aims of this study were to find robust evidence of what works or innovative interventions to improve MIH among Hispanics in this country.
Methods
A systematic literature review was completed using specific key terms through Google Scholar and PubMed. Peer-reviewed studies of innovative MIH interventions among the Hispanic population and specific outcomes from 2010 and 2021 were included.
Results
A total of 18 articles met the criteria. Most interventions were related to improving breastfeeding practices, quality or delivery of health services, use of technology or health communications, and health financing models. What worked was: 1) the inclusion of Spanish-speaking program facilitators; 2) culturally infused programs that incorporated Hispanic cultural values and families; and 3) the use of technology and health communication to reach and improve behaviors of Hispanic mothers, including in rural areas. Several interventions improved maternal self-efficacy, knowledge, and practices. Though promising evidence, studies were limited by a small sample size, duration, and capturing diversity.
Conclusion
There is growing evidence of MIH interventions implementing culturally responsive and innovative interventions specific to improving breastfeeding practices and MIH outcomes for Hispanic mothers. Though more rigorous evaluations are needed with longer duration, larger sample sizes, and representation of subgroups as well as expanded measures of sociocultural, family, and partner involvement as well as changing demographics.
Debridement, decompression, and interbody fusion using biportal spine endoscopy in patients with lumbar spinal tuberculosis: 1 year follow-up
Authors: Yu Yang , Xie Yizhou , Zhou Qun , Wang Yongtao , Feng Chengzhi , Fan Xiaohong
Published: December 2022

Objectives
The study is aimed to evaluate clinical outcomes of debridement, decompression and interbody fusion by using biportal spine endoscopy for treating treat patients diagnosed with lumbar spinal tuberculosis (LST).
Methods
Forty patients with LST who underwent debridement, decompression, and interbody fusion using biportal spine endoscopy between January 2020 to March 2022 were included in the study. The operation time, blood loss, complication rate, fusion rate, visual analogue scale (VAS) score, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), and kyphotic Cobb’s angle were measured to explore the effects on patients with LST.
Results
The patients were followed up for 12–16 months, and the mean follow-up period was 14.6 months. The mean operation time was 223.4 ± 94.4 min (range, 140–410 min), with a mean blood loss of 235.0 ± 190.5 cc (range, 120–700 cc). The VAS (1.57 ± 0.65) and ODI (8.29 ± 3.05) scores at the last phase of follow-up were significantly lesser than the preoperative scores (5.86 ± 0.86 and 74.29 ± 6.26, respectively). Additionally, the mean JOA score increased from 10.29 ± 2.58 (preoperatively) to 24.93 ± 1.86 (postoperatively). Meanwhile, the mean preoperative ESR and CRP (74.36 ± 8.18 and 71.28 ± 8.58, respectively) decreased to average values. The preoperative kyphotic Cobb’s angle of 21.40 ± 2.22° decreased to 9.86 ± 0.76° postoperatively. However, the kyphotic correction remained unchanged at the last phase of the follow-up. Furthermore, the fusion rate was 100%. The complication rate was 7.5% (three case of cerebrospinal fluid leakage).
Conclusion
Debridement, decompression, and interbody fusion using biportal spine endoscopy might be ideal for treating patients with LST.
A 7DOF redundant robotic arm inverse kinematic solution algorithm based on Bald Eagle swarm intelligent optimization algorithm
Authors: Zhao Guojun , Sun Ying , Jiang Du , Liu Xin , Tao Bo , Jiang Guozhang , Kong Jianyi , Yun Juntong , Liu Ying , Li Gongfa
Published: December 2022

Solving the robot inverse kinematic solution is the key to the subsequent path planning and trajectory tracking control of the robot, which is of great research significance. The inverse kinematic solution of the redundant robotic arm is a great challenge because the parsing solution cannot be obtained by the conventional inverse kinematic solution method. The swarm intelligent optimization algorithm is widely used in the inverse kinematic solution problem of redundant robotic arms by converting the inverse kinematic solution problem of the robotic arm into the minimum value optimization problem of the fitness function, avoiding the tedious process of the traditional inverse kinematic solution. This paper innovatively applies the bald eagle swarm intelligent optimization algorithm (BES algorithm) to the inverse motion solution problem of a 7DOF redundant robotic arm for the first time. The BES algorithm simulates the process of prey hunting by bald eagles in nature and consists of three main phases: selection phase, search phase, and dive phase. In these three phases, the algorithm updates the joint angles to be sought by using different optimization strategies, and obtains high accuracy position values by bringing the obtained joint angles into the positive kinematic expression of the robot arm. The article takes the YuMi 14000 ABB 7DOF industrial robotic arm and the S-R-S humanoid 7DOF robotic arm as the research objects, and the BES algorithm is experimentally compared with the traditional swarm intelligence optimization algorithms DE algorithm, FA algorithm, FOA algorithm, GA algorithm and PSO algorithm in terms of position solving accuracy. The experimental results show that the BES algorithm has higher position solution accuracy and solution stability compared with other algorithms.
Alteration in follow-up echocardiographic indices in patients with COVID-19: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Kahe Zohre , Pasebani Yeganeh , Rafati Ali , Salimi Nastaran , Rezaei Yousef , Rahnamun Zahra , Mousavi Nasrin , Haghighattalab Arezoo Vadadi , Sharifi Farshid , Samiei Niloufar
Published: December 2022

Background
Cardiac problems are frequent (20 to 25%) with COVID-19 and are associated with cardiac complications and in-hospital mortality. Existing research on the echocardiographic examination of COVID-19 focuses mostly on hospitalized patients with severe symptoms and in the acute phase of the disease, leaving out of the spotlight non-hospitalized individuals with mild symptoms. In this study, we wanted to determine the long-term influence of both severe and non-severe COVID-19 on echocardiographic changes.
Methods
This prospective cohort study was conducted during Iran's third COVID-19 wave in November 2020 among healthcare workers with a history of COVID-19 but otherwise healthy. Initially, a total of 100 patients underwent the primary echocardiographic examination 6 to 8 weeks following COVID-19 onset, and 6 months after the COVID-19 diagnosis, 64 subjects underwent the secondary echocardiographic evaluations. Based on clinical or radiological evidence, individuals were categorized into two groups of non-severe and severe COVID-19.
Results
Of 64 participants, 42 (65.6%) were women. The patients ' mean age was 40.4±8.1 years. In the non-severe COVID-19 group, among left ventricular (LV) echocardiographic indices, stroke volume index and ejection fraction increased significantly (24.7±4.1 cc/m2 vs. 29.7±7.0 cc/m2, p-value<0.001 and 61.9% [59.8-64.5] vs. 63.8% [58.2-68.9], p-value=0.029, respectively). Among right ventricular indices, free-wall global longitudinal strain decreased significantly in the secondary echocardiogram: (-32.3±4.6% vs. -28.8±5.8%, p-value=0.002). In the severe COVID-19 group, from LV echocardiographic indices, global longitudinal strain increased significantly over the follow-up period (-20% [-21.4- -19] vs. -23.9% [-25.3--21.9], p-value=0.004) and from RV indices, the fractional area change showed a significant decrease (47.2% [42.3-52.2] vs. 36.4% [31.1-45], p-value=0.002).
Conclusion
Although some patterns of significant change were seen among echocardiographic indices, COVID-19, regardless of severity, did not lead to cardiac impairment in an otherwise healthy population. The current results may not present the outcomes of older adults or with a history of cardiac problems against COVID-19.