bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diabetic Foot - treatment and prevention - literature review
Authors: Wąsiewicz Edward , Kuźniar Aleksandra , Szawica Dominik , Fularska Kamila , Oleszko Michał , Bernacki Radosław , Bernacki Piotr , Dutka Martyna , Zardzewiały Witold , Sobczak Fryderyk
Published: June 2023

Introduction: Diabetic foot is a serious condition affecting large percentage of long term diabetics .Proper diabetic foot treatment, education and prevention can greatly influence quality of life of many diabetics who are at risk of developing this condition.

Aim of study: The purpose of the study was to review the latest literature on the most recent diabetic foot treatment, education and prevention.

Matherials and methods: A systemic review was conducted using Google Scholar, PubMed and ScienceDirect databases and the search was limited to studies published between 2000 and 2023. The search strategy was based on following terms: diabetic foot, diabetic neuropathy, diabetic ulcer, diabetic foot treatment.

Results: We found many different studies which show importance of gut microflora in various different ailments and diseases, we have also found many showing  factors that influence intestinal microbiota composition.

Conclusions: diabetic foot is a severe complication of diabetes that requires a multidisciplinary approach to treatment. Prevention is essential, and patients should be educated on the importance of foot care and blood sugar control.With proper treatment and management, diabetic foot can be prevented and effectively treated.
When Is More Merrier? A Cloud-Based Architecture to Procure Impressions from Multiple Ad Exchanges
Authors: Hosseini Leila , Tang Shaojie , Mookerjee Vijay
Published: June 2023

This study proposes a method to reduce the cost for acquiring impressions for location-based, mobile advertising firms. Such firms act on behalf of advertisers to execute mobile, in-app, ad campaigns. Ad space is sold on ad exchanges that auction impressions one-at-a-time, on a real-time basis. In this paper, we examine whether ad firms should work with one or multiple ad exchanges to minimize the total procurement cost (equal to the cost incurred to acquire impressions plus the computing cost). By working with more ad exchanges, the ad delivery firm can bid lower on each exchange and potentially save on the total procurement cost. However, ad exchanges typically require ad firms to spend a minimum amount on the exchange. Hence, it is not smart to work with an exchange but acquire very few impressions from this exchange. Working with multiple exchanges also incurs a higher computing cost, corresponding to the computing capacity needed to support the bidding architecture. We solve an optimization problem to determine the optimal number of ad exchanges to use to acquire impressions and the optimal bidding policy on each of these exchanges. We also propose a novel, selective bidding strategy where some bid requests are returned with a zero bid. That is, the ad firm deliberately passes on some opportunities to win impressions. Doing so reduces the computing cost (because returning a zero bid expends minimal computing resources). However, the firm needs to bid higher on other opportunities to meet its demand. We find the optimal selective bidding strategy in addition to the optimal number of ad exchanges and the optimal bidding strategy when non-zero bids are returned. Finally, we demonstrate our solution for a real ad firm (Cidewalk) where the firm is shown to reduce its total cost by 33% by working with multiple ad exchanges (instead of working with a single ad exchange) and the use of selective bidding (instead of returning a nonzero bid for every bid request).
Effects of Hospital-Acquired Conditions on Readmission Risk: The Mediating Role of Length of Stay
Authors: Bichescu Bogdan , Hilafu Haileab
Published: June 2023

Problem definition: Hospital-acquired conditions (HACs) represent undesirable complications that occur during a hospital stay. HACs can compromise patient safety and care outcomes and result in unnecessary socio-economic costs. Although hospitals are expected to reduce the incidence of HACs, few studies have examined the implications of HACs on other clinical outcomes and measures of hospital performance. This study contributes to the literature by exploring the relationship between exposure to a set of target HACs, length of stay (LOS) performance, and 30-day readmission risk. Methodology/results: To estimate the effects of HACs, we conduct econometric analyses using patient-visit-level data for heart attack, heart failure, and pneumonia patients hospitalized in the U.S. state of Florida during 2010–2014. We define LOS performance as the deviation of LOS from the Geometric Mean LOS (GMLOS), a standard LOS set by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. First, we find that exposure to HACs leads to a 37% increase in the odds of readmission and a 79% increase in LOS. Second, an increase in LOS is associated with a decrease in readmission risk, and this decrease is stronger for patients exposed to HACs. Third, LOS performance mediates the HACs-readmission risk relationship, such that the increase in the readmission risk of a HAC patient can be fully suppressed by the patient’s LOS. Fourth, we find that for patients exposed to HACs, the benefits of a longer LOS are almost entirely capitalized when the LOS becomes 65% longer than the GMLOS. Managerial implications: We demonstrate that, when addressing the consequences of HACs, clinicians also face indirectly a trade-off between reducing readmissions and controlling costs. We proffer LOS as a potential mechanism under hospitals’ control for mitigating the adverse effects of HACs on readmission risk. Thus, this study offers guidance to clinicians having to decide when to discharge patients with exposure to HACs.

Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/msom.2022.0088 .
Making Sense of Corporate Purpose
Authors: Ocasio William , Kraatz Matthew , Chandler David
Published: June 2023

Both the societal purpose of the corporation and an individual corporation’s sense of purpose have been subject to increased attention by business elites and academics alike. This special issue presents diverse viewpoints on these two distinct yet interrelated topics. In this introduction, we present the various contributions and build on their insights to develop our independent sensemaking of what corporate purpose entails. Thus, we define corporate purpose, at both the organizational and societal levels, as an institutionalized ideal, a historical, value-based aspiration guiding strategic decision making and practices. We interpret the current societal movement on corporate purpose as one rejecting the logic of shareholder capitalism and proposing sustainable capitalism in its place: an ideal for corporate purpose based on sustainable prosperity for society and its population. At the organizational level, corporate purpose can thus be articulated as a distinctive and meaningful intent to enhance the lives of people. We identify four strategic issues to consider in reconstituting a corporation’s purpose: corporate governance, strategic leadership, stakeholder engagement, and implementation. We conclude by highlighting the centrality of purpose to corporate strategy, an emphasis that was present in the field during its origins but one that got displaced under a logic of shareholder primacy.

History: This paper has been accepted for the Strategy Science Special Issue on Corporate Purpose.
Application of The DMAIC Method in Improving The Quality of Electric Power Steering Housing Products
Authors: Azwir Hery Hamdi , Fanani Zaenal , Oemar Hirawati
Published: June 2023

PT. ABC is a manufacturing company that produces Electric Power Steering (EPS) Housing components. For the past three months, there have been problems with the EPS production process. The problem is related to the finding of defective products which on average reached 3.9% of the total production, and has exceeded the maximum limit allowed by the company, which is 2%. This study aims to overcome these problems by making improvements using the DMAIC method in the hope of finding the root cause of the emergence of defects and making improvements to reduce the number of defects that occur. The improvement results have shown that the number of defects reduced from 3086 pcs to 1948 pcs per 22 working days or decreased by 0.54% with an increase in sigma level from 3.95 to 4.01 sigma. In this case, DMAIC implementation is effectively reduced defects by 1.5% based on the sigma level. To achieve a 6-sigma level equivalent to a world-class industry, companies must make continuous improvements by fixing other root causes.
Re-Engineering The Business Process of Slickline and Electric Line Operation
Authors: Putra Rendi Harun , Cahyo Winda Nur , Zhang Tieling
Published: June 2023

A strategy to save cost related to oil exploration process is discussed in this paper. The focus is to reduce the cost in slickline and electric line operation in order to maintain the business continuity, where this conclusion was obtained by looking at the comparison between the costs incurred during previous operations with the costs incurred at this time by comparing the results of operations obtained as well as comparisons with oil and gas prices both before and after 2018. This concrete step to be taken is a method for lean management because there is a cost suppression in it. The context of its implementation is through Business Process Re-engineering which of course will implement appropriate method steps to be taken. The method steps taken are to implement Value Stream Mapping which in its preparation includes an analysis of the slickline and electric line operation work steps carried out, including by compiling; Product family or operation work steps, Current state map of both operations and Design future state map of Wire Line operation proposal and 5S theory process as completeness. The proposed strategy enable to reduce costs by combining slickline and electric line operations in one unit or one service company, then reducing the number of workers involved and making work more efficient, by reducing the Rig up and Rig process, Down PCE (Pressure Control Equipment), reducing the repetition of the work intervention process.
Quality Function Deployment in Healthcare: Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Sukma Dias Irawati , Stiawan Indra , Kurnia Hibarkah , Purba Humiras Hardi
Published: June 2023

More specific knowledge about Quality Function Deployment (QFD) has grown rapidly. There are many studies on the application of QFD in various industrial sectors including manufacturing, construction and services. QFD is a tool that can be used to assist companies in improving services by translating consumer desires into the technical characteristics of the company. This paper aims to provide a broad understanding and knowledge of the application of QFD in the healthcare industry. The approach used is Systematic Literature Review. This paper involves a review study of various papers from well-known databases related to the implementation of QFD in the healthcare industry. This paper provides benefits for researchers and practitioners to add insight and references for studies related to QFD in health services
Factors influencing job satisfaction and anticipated turnover among intensive care nurses in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al Bazroun Mohammed I , Aljarameez Faiza , Alhamza Roqaya , Ahmed Gasmelseed Y , Alhybah Fatimah , Al Mutair Abbas
Published: June 2023

Background/Aims

High staff turnover among nurses can be caused by a variety of factors, including job dissatisfaction. This study aimed to assess factors influencing job satisfaction and retention among intensive care nurses in three tertiary care hospitals in Saudi Arabia.

Methods

A multi-centre comparative cross-sectional study was carried out with 326 intensive care nurses working across three hospitals in Saudi Arabia. The Minnesota satisfaction questionnaire and the anticipated turnover scale were used to assess nurses' job satisfaction levels and intention to leave their organisation, with items scored on a 7-point Likert scale. Respondents' sociodemographic characteristics were also collected, including age, sex, nationality, salary, years of experience and shift length. Responses were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 25 to identify relationships between variables, with P values of ≤0.05 being considered statistically significant.

Results

Job satisfaction levels were generally low, with an average score of 58.34 out of 140. There was a significant inverse relationship between job satisfaction and intention to leave (P=0.001). Nurses who were not of Saudi Arabian nationality and those who earned less than 10,000 Saudi riyals had significantly higher levels of job satisfaction than Saudi Arabian nationals and those on higher salaries (P=0.001 and P=0.002 respectively). Other sociodemographic variables were not significantly associated with job satisfaction.

Conclusions

Job satisfaction needs to be improved among nurses working in intensive care units to prevent high staff turnover rates. Understanding how sociodemographic variables can affect job satisfaction may help healthcare managers and policymakers to implement effective, targeted strategies to improve staff retention.
Dentistry for adults with autism: a review for dental professionals
Authors: Emanuel Robert , Patel Parul , Farr Will , Anorson Nathan , Male Ian
Published: June 2023

Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by its impact on social communication and interaction. This article reviews its basic epidemiology, and provides advice based on current literature on how to manage behaviour, communication and prevention to provide optimal dental care.

CPD/Clinical Relevance: This article will be of use to practitioners who may be involved in the care of patients with autism.
Quality Characteristics of Loaf Bread Added with Tempeh
Authors: Eo Hee Jeong , Kim Dah-Sol , Joo Nami
Published: June 2023

Tempeh is a traditional Indonesian food that is fermented soybeans with Rhizopus spp. and contains high-quality protein. In this study, tempeh and yeast were set as independent variables following the central composite design to optimize the nutritional quality and sensory characteristics of high-protein loaf bread added with tempeh. The optimal mixing ratio was calculated through the response surface methodology. The optimal mixing ratio of tempehadded loaf bread was 11.27 g of tempeh and 5.46 g of yeast. A comparative analysis of the quality characteristics between the tempeh-added loaf bread and the control group produced by the optimal recipe showed that tempehadded loaf bread contained higher protein content, lower carbohydrates and fats, and lower calories. Among amino acids, essential amino acids such as aspartic acid, threonine, glycine, alanine, lysine, and histidine were significantly higher in tempeh-added loaf bread. Among fatty acids, butyric acid, capric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, palmitoleic acid, and heptadecanoic acid were significantly higher in tempeh-added loaf bread, while lauric acid, linoleic acid, and linolenic acid were significantly lower. This study confirmed the suitability of tempeh as an ingredient for protein-enhanced loaf bread and the potential possibility of it being utilized in bakeries.
Optimization of Protease Production Using Microorganisms from Fermented Food
Authors: So Yun-Sang , Cho Sung Ho , Kim Jun Tae , Kim Kwang-Pyo , Min Kyung Hyun , Seo Dong-Ho
Published: June 2023

Microbial proteases are more economical than plant- and animal-derived proteases due to their ease of production and high activity. This study aimed to optimize the production of proteases from fermentative food-derived microorganisms. Five strains with proteolytic activity among 50 Bacillus sp. were first screened. Two strains with high protease activity were identified: Bacillus amyloliquefaciens SRCM 102139 and Bacillus subtilis SRCM 104999. SRCM 102139 strain and SRCM 104999 strain had the highest protease activity in 0.8% glucose and 0.3% yeast extract, and in 0.8% starch and 0.1% soy peptone, respectively. The production of protease for two strains was optimized by the Central Composite Design (CCD) under response surface methodology. The optimal conditions for protease production in SRCM 102139 were 0.5% and 0.347%, pH 6.0, for carbon (glucose) and nitrogen (yeast extract springer 0202) sources, respectively, with a predicted value of 0.929 U/mL. Additionally, the optimal conditions for protease production in SRCM 104999 were 0.5% and 0.5%, pH 6.7, for carbon (starch) and nitrogen (soy peptone HSP-349) sources, respectively, with a predicted value of 0.431 U/mL. The actual protease activities of SRCM 102139 and SRCM 104999 under the established conditions were 0.926 U/mL and 0.428 U/mL, respectively, closely matching the predicted values.
Using the Independent Monitoring for Quality Program to Examine Longitudinal Outcomes for People With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Authors: Tichá Renáta , Pettingell Sandra L. , Lemanowicz James , Feinstein Celia S. , Bershadsky Julie , Houseworth James , Zhang Alicia Q.
Published: June 2023

The purpose of this study is to lay a foundation for illustrating the importance of longitudinal data collection by sharing the results of the Independent Monitoring for Quality (IM4Q) program in Pennsylvania designed to collect data over time on the quality of services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. In this article, we report on the history and characteristics of the IM4Q program, describe the key variables of interest, and highlight the trends in the key variables over 3 years of data collection (2013, 2016, and 2019). The descriptive results indicate mixed trends for the three areas of focus: comparable rates of people employed in community-based settings, less support-related choice, and better everyday choice-making outcomes.
Real-time demonstration of industrial protocol applications by PHY softwarization for fully virtualized access networks
Authors: Suzuki Takahiro , Koyasako Yushi , Kim Sang-Yuep , Kani Jun-ichi , Yoshida Tomoaki
Published: June 2023

To realize optical access networks that can flexibly and quickly accommodate a variety of new services, we need virtualization of the access systems targeting physical-layer (PHY) softwarization as well as the softwarization of management and control functions. Our previous demonstrations showed 10-Gbps-class passive optical network (PON) PHY implementations on general-purpose servers using graphic processing units. However, only the PON PHY application was considered. As a promising use case, the application of industrial protocols to access networks is being considered. PROFINET isochronous real-time (IRT), which is one such industrial protocol, sets the network requirements of 1-ms latency and 1-µs jitter. This paper builds and tests a demonstration platform that runs industrial protocols combined with Ethernet PHY and PON PHY on a general-purpose server. Ethernet PHY is newly implemented through our technique of parallelizing frame synchronization. To achieve the deterministic communications required by industrial protocols, cyclic transfer and time slot allocation are implemented in the platform. The demonstration results show that the platform achieves real-time software implementation of 10G Ethernet PHY and that our industrial protocol implementations satisfy the PROFINET IRT requirements of latency and jitter. This confirms that the softwarization of optical access systems is possible for applications beyond PON.
Nonlinear confocal positioner for micron-scale target alignment
Authors: Delgado-Aguillón J. , Ruiz C. , Rosete-Aguilar M. , Garduño-Mejía J.
Published: June 2023

This paper presents a novel target positioner system that exhibits high sensitivity and accuracy. Specifically, the system is capable of precisely locating rough target surfaces within a micron-scale in the focal plane. The high sensitivity comes from the nonlinear detection scheme which uses the two-photon-absorption process in a Si-photodiode and a CMOS sensor at 1550 [nm]. The setup employs a confocal configuration that is easy to align and does not require a conjugated focal plane selective aperture (pinhole), thus demonstrating its feasibility and tilt tolerance of the target. Moreover, the system offers high accuracy up to 5 [μm], which corresponds to the step size of the focus scanning. The presented positioner system has potential applications in microfabrication with lasers and laser-driven plasma accelerators even at high repetition rates, limited by the detection bandwidth of the photodiode. Additionally, the principle can be extended to cameras if spatial information is needed and the system design can be extended to other spectral ranges with minimal changes.
Low-complexity frequency-domain nonlinear equalizer with absolute operation for underwater wireless optical communications
Authors: Zhou Yanting , Zhang Junwei , Lu Chao , Guo Changjian
Published: June 2023

A low-complexity 3rd-order frequency-domain nonlinear equalizer (FD-NLE) with absolute operation is proposed and experimentally demonstrated for underwater wireless optical communications (UWOC). In the proposed FD-NLE scheme, absolute operation and fast Fourier transform (FFT) with multiplication operations are utilized instead of the square and convolution operations used in conventional polynomial nonlinear equalizers (PNLEs), respectively. Therefore, complexity reductions by over 77.3% and 66.9% can be achieved compared with those of PNLE and PNLE with absolute operation, respectively, with a memory length larger than 8. A UWOC system using orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) signals with adaptive bit and power loading is also demonstrated to evaluate the performance of the proposed scheme. Experimental results show that data rate increments by ∼ 5.6% and ∼ 5.7% at BER below 7% hard-decision forward error correction (HD-FEC) limit of 3.8 × 10−3, compared with PNLE and PNLE with absolute operation, respectively, are realized using the proposed scheme. Meanwhile, the proposed scheme has an up to 14.7% complexity reduction compared with conventional frequency-domain PNLE (FD-PNLE), while maintaining similar equalization performance.
Squeezing-induced nonreciprocal photon blockade in an optomechanical microresonator
Authors: Wang Dong-Yang , Yan Lei-Lei , Su Shi-Lei , Bai Cheng-Hua , Wang Hong-Fu , Liang Erjun
Published: June 2023

We propose a scheme to generate nonreciprocal photon blockade in a stationary whispering gallery microresonator system based on two physical mechanisms. One of the two mechanisms is inspired by recent work [Phys. Rev. Lett. 128, 083604 (2022)10.1103/PhysRevLett.128.083604], where the quantum squeezing caused by parametric interaction not only shifts the optical frequency of propagating mode but also enhances its optomechanical coupling, resulting in a nonreciprocal conventional photon blockade phenomenon. On the other hand, we also give another mechanism to generate stronger nonreciprocity of photon correlation according to the destructive quantum interference. Comparing these two strategies, the required nonlinear strength of parametric interaction in the second one is smaller, and the broadband squeezed vacuum field used to eliminate thermalization noise is no longer needed. All analyses and optimal parameter relations are further verified by numerically simulating the quantum master equation. Our proposed scheme opens a new avenue for achieving the nonreciprocal single photon source without stringent requirements, which may have critical applications in quantum communication, quantum information processing, and topological photonics.
In-line synthesis of multi-octave phase-stable infrared light
Authors: Kassab Hadil , Gröbmeyer Sebastian , Schweinberger Wolfgang , Hofer Christina , Steinleitner Philipp , Högner Maximilian , Amotchkina Tatiana , Gerz Daniel , Knorr Matthias , Huber Rupert , Karpowicz Nicholas , Pupeza Ioachim
Published: June 2023

Parametric downconversion driven by modern, high-power sources of 10-fs-scale near-infrared pulses, in particular intrapulse difference-frequency generation (IPDFG), affords combinations of properties desirable for molecular vibrational spectroscopy in the mid-infrared range: broad spectral coverage, high brilliance, and spatial and temporal coherence. Yet, unifying these in a robust and compact radiation source has remained a key challenge. Here, we address this need by employing IPDFG in a multi-crystal in-line geometry, driven by the 100-W-level, 10.6-fs pulses of a 10.6-MHz-repetition-rate, nonlinearly post-compressed Yb:YAG thin-disk oscillator. Polarization tailoring of the driving pulses using a bichromatic waveplate is followed by a sequence of two crystals, LiIO3 and LiGaS2, resulting in the simultaneous coverage of the 800-cm-1-to-3000-cm-1 spectral range (at -30-dB intensity) with 130 mW of average power. We demonstrate that optical-phase coherence is maintained in this in-line geometry, in theory and experiment, the latter employing ultra-broadband electro-optic sampling. These results pave the way toward coherent spectroscopy schemes like field-resolved and frequency-comb spectroscopy, as well as nonlinear, ultrafast spectroscopy and optical-waveform synthesis across the entire infrared molecular fingerprint region.
Linear and nonlinear optical properties of the langasite crystal Ca3TaAl3Si2O14
Authors: Remark Théodore , Segonds Patricia , Debray Jérôme , Jegouso David , Víllora Encarnación G. , Shimamura Kiyoshi , Boulanger Benoît
Published: June 2023

We have shown that the optical sign of the uniaxial langasite crystal Ca3TaAl3Si2O14 is positive. We also measured the phase-matching conditions of second-harmonic generation and sum-frequency generation up to 3.5 µm. Simultaneous fitting of these experimental data allowed us to report the Sellmeier equations of the ordinary and extraordinary principal refractive indices, and the magnitude of the nonlinear coefficient.
DYRK1A promotes viral entry of highly pathogenic human coronaviruses in a kinase-independent manner
Authors: Strine Madison S. , Cai Wesley L. , Wei Jin , Alfajaro Mia Madel , Filler Renata B. , Biering Scott B. , Sarnik Sylvia , Chow Ryan D. , Patil Ajinkya , Cervantes Kasey S. , Collings Clayton K. , DeWeirdt Peter C. , Hanna Ruth E. , Schofield Kevin , Hulme Christopher , Konermann Silvana , Doench John G. , Hsu Patrick D. , Kadoch Cigall , Yan Qin , Wilen Craig B.
Published: June 2023

Identifying host genes essential for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has the potential to reveal novel drug targets and further our understanding of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). We previously performed a genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 screen to identify proviral host factors for highly pathogenic human coronaviruses. Few host factors were required by diverse coronaviruses across multiple cell types, but DYRK1A was one such exception. Although its role in coronavirus infection was previously undescribed, DYRK1A encodes Dual Specificity Tyrosine Phosphorylation Regulated Kinase 1A and is known to regulate cell proliferation and neuronal development. Here, we demonstrate that DYRK1A regulates ACE2 and DPP4 transcription independent of its catalytic kinase function to support SARS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2, and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV) entry. We show that DYRK1A promotes DNA accessibility at the ACE2 promoter and a putative distal enhancer, facilitating transcription and gene expression. Finally, we validate that the proviral activity of DYRK1A is conserved across species using cells of nonhuman primate and human origin. In summary, we report that DYRK1A is a novel regulator of ACE2 and DPP4 expression that may dictate susceptibility to multiple highly pathogenic human coronaviruses.
Epidemiology of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli at the human-animal-environment interface in a farming community of central Uganda
Authors: Muleme James , Musoke David , Balugaba Bonny E. , Kisaka Stevens , Makumbi Frederick E. , Buregyeya Esther , Isunju John Bosco , Wambi Rogers , Mugambe Richard K. , Kankya Clovice , Munyeme Musso , Ssempebwa John C.
Published: June 2023

Background

Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli (ESBL-Ec) represents a significant global public health concern. The epidemiology of ESBL-Ec in Uganda is not well understood although it is harbored by humans, animals, and the environment. This study explains the epidemiology of ESBL-Ec using a one health approach in selected farming households in Wakiso district, Uganda.

Methodology

Environmental, human, and animal samples were collected from 104 households. Additional data were obtained using observation checklists and through interviews with household members using a semi-structured questionnaire. Surface swabs, soil, water, human and animal fecal samples were introduced onto ESBL chromogenic agar. The isolates were identified using biochemical tests and double-disk synergy tests. To assess associations, prevalence ratios (PRs) were computed using a generalized linear model (GLM) analysis with modified Poisson and a log link with robust standard errors in R software.

Results

Approximately 83% (86/104) households had at least one positive ESBL-Ec isolate. The overall prevalence of ESBL-Ec at the human-animal-environment interface was approximately 25.0% (95% CI: 22.7–28.3). Specifically, humans, animals and the environment had an ESBL-Ec prevalence of 35.4%, 55.4%, and 9.2% respectively. Having visitors (adj PR = 1.19, 95% CI: 1.04–1.36), utilizing veterinary services (adj PR = 1.39, 95% CI: 1.20–1.61) and using animal waste for gardening (adj PR = 1.29, 95% CI: 1.05–1.60) were positively associated with household ESBL-Ec contamination. Covering the drinking water container with a lid (adj PR = 0.84 95% CI: 0.73–0.96) was associated with absence of ESBL-Ec in a household.

Conclusion

There is wider dissemination of ESBL-Ec in the environment, humans, and animals, indicating poor infection prevention and control (IPC) measures in the area. Improved collaborative one health mitigation strategies such as safe water chain, farm biosecurity, household and facility-based IPC measures are recommended to reduce the burden of antimicrobial resistance at community level.
Socioeconomic inequalities in maternal healthcare utilization: An analysis of the interaction between wealth status and education, a population-based surveys in Tanzania
Authors: Bintabara Deogratius , Mwampagatwa Ipyana
Published: June 2023

Limited scientific, evidence has so far described the interactions between socioeconomic factors and the gap of inequalities in maternal healthcare utilization. This study assessed the interaction between wealth status and education to identify women with greater disadvantage. This analysis used secondary data from the three most recent rounds (2004, 2010, and 2016) of the Tanzania Demographic Health Survey (TDHS). Maternal healthcare utilization was assessed based on six services (outcomes) which are i) booking during the first trimester (bANC), ii) at least four antenatal visits (ANC4+), iii) adequate antenatal care (aANC), iv) facility-based delivery (FBD), v) skilled birth attendance (SBA), vi) cesarean section delivery (CSD). The concentration curve and the concentration index were used to measure socioeconomic inequality in maternal healthcare utilization outcomes. The interaction coefficients suggest that each unit increase in the wealth status is significantly associated with higher odds of utilizing all maternal healthcare services for women with primary and secondary or higher education compared to those with no education (booking during the first trimester [AOR = 1.30; 95% CI: 1.08–1.57], at least four antenatal visits [AOR = 1.16; 95% CI: 1.01–1.33], facility-based delivery [AOR = 1.29; 95% CI: 1.12–1.48], skilled birth attendance [AOR = 1.31; 95% CI: 1.15–1.49]). The highest wealth-related inequality in bANC (EI: 0.166), at least four antenatal visits (EI: 0.259), FBD (EI: 0.323) and skilled birth attendance (EI: 0.328) (P < 0.05) was observed among women with primary and secondary or higher education. These findings provide strong evidence that there is an interaction effect between education attainment and wealth status in socioeconomic inequalities of maternal health services utilization. Therefore, any approach which will address both women’s education and wealth status might be the first step to reducing socioeconomic inequalities in maternal health services utilization in Tanzania.
Intra-urban differentials in the exclusive use of hygienic methods during menstruation among young women in India
Authors: Singh Aditya , Chakrabarty Mahashweta , Chandra Rakesh , Chowdhury Sourav , Singh Shivani
Published: June 2023

Menstrual hygiene among women is a critical public health issue in urban India, but it remains understudied and under-researched. However, to our knowledge, no national level study in India has yet examined the differentials in the exclusive use of hygienic methods among young women (aged 15–24) in urban India. This study attempts to fill this gap by analysing biodemographic, socioeconomic, and geographic differentials in the exclusive use of hygienic methods among these women. We analysed data on 54561 urban women aged 15–24 from National Family Health Survey-5, 2019–21. We used binary logistic regression to examine differentials in the exclusive use of hygienic methods. To examine spatial variation, we mapped exclusive use of hygienic methods across Indian states and districts. The study found that two-thirds of young women in urban India reported exclusive use of hygienic methods. However, there was significant geographic heterogeneity observed at both state and district levels. In states such as Mizoram and Tamil Nadu, the use of hygienic methods was over 90%, while in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, and Manipur, it was less than 50%. The district-level variation in exclusive use of hygienic methods was even more striking. In many states, districts with extremely low exclusive use (less than 30%) were located in close proximity to districts with high exclusive use. Being poor, uneducated, Muslim, having no mass media exposure, living in the north and central regions, not having a mobile phone, getting married before 18, and having an early experience of menarche were associated with lower exclusive use of hygienic methods. In conclusion, substantial biodemographic, socioeconomic, and geographic differentials in the exclusive use of hygienic methods suggest the need for context-specific behavioural interventions. Mass media campaigns and targeted distribution of subsidized hygienic methods could help reduce the existing inequities in the exclusive use of hygienic methods.
Evaluation of economic development policies using a spherical fuzzy extended TODIM model with Z̆-numbers
Authors: Ashraf Shahzaib , Sohail Muhammad , Fatima Adan , Eldin Sayed M.
Published: June 2023

Zadeh’s Z̆-numbers are able to more effectively characterize uncertain information. Combined with “constraint” and “reliability”. It is more powerful at expressing human knowledge. While the reliability of data can have a direct impact on the precision of decisions. The key challenge in solving a Z̆-number issue is reasoning about both fuzzy and probabilistic uncertainty. Existing research on the Z̆-number measure is only some, and most studies cannot adequately convey the benefits of Z̆-information and the properties of Z̆-number. Considering this study void, this work concurrently investigated the randomness and fuzziness of Z̆-number with Spherical fuzzy sets. We first introduced the spherical fuzzy Z-numbers (SFZNs), whose elements are pairwise comparisons of the decision-maker’s options. It can be used effectively to make true ambiguous judgments, reflecting the fuzzy nature, flexibility, and applicability of decision making data. We developed the operational laws and aggregation operators such as the weighted averaging operator, the ordered weighted averaging operator, the hybrid averaging operator, the weighted geometric operator, the ordered weighted geometric operator, and the hybrid geometric operator for SFZ̆Ns. Furthermore, two algorithm are developed to tackle the uncertain information in the form of spherical fuzzy Z̆-numbers based to the proposed aggregation operators and TODIM methodology. Finally, we developed the relative comparison and discussion analysis to show the practicability and efficacy of the suggested operators and approach.
Level of consistency between students’ self-reported and observed study approaches in flipped classroom courses: How does it influence students’ academic learning outcomes?
Authors: Han Feifei
Published: June 2023

Using Student Approaches to Learning research as a theoretical framework, the present study used both self-reported and observational log data to understand students’ study approaches in a flipped classroom course amongst 143 computer science undergraduate students. Specifically, it aimed to examine: 1) to what extent students’ study approaches identified by self-reported and observational log data are consistent with each other; and 2) to what extent students’ academic learning outcomes differ between students who showed consistent and inconsistent study approaches by self-reported and observational log data. Using The Revised Study Process Questionnaire, students were clustered as reporting either a Deep or a Surface Study Approach. Using frequencies of students’ participation in five online learning activities, they were classified as adopting either an Active or a Passive Study Approach. A 2 x 2 cross-tabulation showed a positive and moderate association between clusters of students’ study approaches resulted from two types of data. Amongst students who self-reported a Deep Study Approach, the proportion of students who adopted an Active Study Approach (80.7%) was significantly higher than those who adopted a Passive Study Approach (19.3%). In contrast, of the students who self-reported a Surface Study Approach, the proportion of students who used a Passive Study Approach (51.2%) was significantly higher than those who used an Active Study Approach (48.8%). Furthermore, students who had good study approaches by both self-report and observation did not differ from students who adopted an Active study approach by observation but reported a Surface Study Approach on course grades. Likewise, there was no significant difference in terms of academic learning outcomes between those who had poor study approaches by both self-report and observation and those who adopted Passive study approach by observation but reported a Deep Study Approach. Future studies may consider incorporating some qualitative methods in order to find out possible reasons behind the inconsistencies between self-reported and observed study approaches.
Correlates of emotional violence against children in Rwanda: Findings from a cross-sectional national survey
Authors: Nyandwi Alypio , Munyanshongore Cyprien , Nyirazinyoye Laetitia , Ndola Prata , Perren-Klingler Gisela
Published: June 2023

Introduction

National data on children affected by violence are critical in preventing violence against children. Rwanda conducted its first cross-sectional national survey on violence against children in 2015. This study used data from the Rwanda Survey to describe the profile of children affected by emotional violence (EV) and to assess factors associated with it in Rwanda.

Methods

A sample of 1,110 children (618 boys and 492 girls) aged 13–17 from the Rwanda Survey was analysed. Weighted descriptive statistics were applied to describe the prevalence of EV and the profile of children affected by it. In addition, factors associated with EV were investigated using logistic regression.

Results

Male children were more likely to experience EV than female children. Nine percent (8.87%, 95% CI [6.95–11.25]) of male children versus five percent (5.17%, 95% CI [3.79–7.03]) of female children reported having experienced EV in their lifetime. Seven percent (6.77%, 95% CI [5.15–8.84]) of male children versus four percent of female children (3.97%, 95% CI [2.83–5.54]) reported having experienced EV in the last twelve months before the survey. Fathers and mothers were the top two perpetrators of EV against children. Seventeen percent of male children (17.09%, 95% CI [11.06–25.47]) and 12 percent of female children (11.89%, 95% CI [6.97,19.55]) reported EV by their fathers. Mothers were responsible for nineteen percent (19.25%, 95% CI [12.94–27.65]) of EV reported by male children and eleven percent (10.78%, 95% CI [5.77–19.25]) of EV reported by female children. Female children (OR = 0.48, 95% CI [0.31–0.76]) and children with some trust in people from their communities (OR = 0.47, 95% CI [0.23–0.93]) were less likely to report EV. Factors associated with risk for EV were not attending school (OR = 1.80, 95% CI [1.10–2.92]), living with father only (OR = 2.96, 95% CI [1.21–7.85]), not feeling close to biological parents (OR = 7.18, 95% CI [2.12–24.37]), living in a larger household (OR = 1.81, 95% CI [1.03–3.19]), not having a friend (OR = 2.08, 95% CI [1.02–4.11]), and not feeling safe in the community (OR = 2.56, 95% CI [1.03–6.38]).

Conclusion

EV against children was pervasive in Rwanda, with parents topping the list of its perpetrators. Children from unsupportive socioeconomic family environments, i.e., children without a close relationship with biological parents, children not attending school, children living with their fathers only, children from larger households of five people and more, children without a friend, and children who reported not feeling safe in their communities, were identified as groups of children vulnerable to emotional violence in Rwanda. A family-centred approach, focusing on positive parenting and protecting vulnerable children, is needed to reduce emotional violence against children and the risk factors associated with it in Rwanda.
Strength deterioration prediction of pervious concrete in sulfate and dry-wet cycle environments utilizing ultrasonic velocity
Authors: Song Hui , Fan Shengjie , Zhang Shuiliang , Gong Minghui
Published: June 2023

Strength is a crucial performance indicator for evaluating the durability of pervious concrete (PC). However, there are few models for estimating the remaining strength of in-service PC in sulfate and dry-wet cycle circumstances. Even though there are already direct detection methods for strength, nondestructive testing methods are still worth additional research. This paper aims to give a calculation model for the residual strength of PC under corrosion conditions based on ultrasonic methods, which is economical and convenient for engineering applications. The apparent morphological, compressive strength, and ultrasonic velocity of PC against sulfate and dry-wet cycle attack were examined. The results highlight that the primary cause of the macroscopic mechanical deterioration is the worsening in interface strength. Furthermore, the compressive strength and ultrasonic wave velocity of PC followed the same trends during sulfate and dry-wet cycles, increasing first and subsequently decreasing. Additionally, using the curve-fitting approach, an empirical model of strength deterioration based on ultrasonic velocity was developed and validated utilizing experimental data, demonstrating that the proposed model could more accurately define the strength progression. The results can provide an effective calculation method for monitoring the residual strength of PC pavement engineering in a corrosive environment.
Impact of online live broadcasts on environmental destructive behavioral intention
Authors: Xiao Fengjun , Xu Mengqian , Wu Jian , Meng Changsheng , Hong Yuxiang
Published: June 2023

As information and communication technology advances rapidly, real-time live online broadcasting has emerged as a novel social media platform. In particular, live online broadcasts have gained widespread popularity among audiences. However, this process can cause environmental problems. When audiences imitate live content and perform similar field activities, it can have a negative effect on the environment. In this study, an extended theory of planned behavior (TPB) was used to explore how online live broadcasts relate to environmental damage from the perspective of human behavior. A total of 603 valid responses were collected from a questionnaire survey, and a regression analysis was conducted to verify the hypotheses. The findings showed that the TPB can be applied to account for the formation mechanism of behavioral intention of field activities caused by online live broadcasts. The mediating effect of imitation was verified using the above relationship. These findings are expected to provide a practical reference for the control of online live broadcast content and guidance on public environmental behavior.
Diabetes treatment for persons with severe mental illness: A registry-based cohort study to explore medication treatment differences for persons with type 2 diabetes with and without severe mental illness
Authors: Bakkedal Catrine , Persson Frederik , Kriegbaum Margit , Andersen John Sahl , Grant Mia Klinten , Mohr Grimur Høgnason , Lind Bent Struer , Andersen Christen Lykkegaard , Christensen Mikkel Bring , Siersma Volkert , Rozing Maarten Pieter
Published: June 2023

It has been argued that persons with severe mental illness (SMI) receive poorer treatment for somatic comorbidities. This study assesses the treatment rates of glucose-lowering and cardiovascular medications among persons with incident type 2 diabetes (T2D) and SMI compared to persons with T2D without SMI. We identified persons ≥30 years old with incident diabetes (HbA1c ≥ 48 mmol/mol and/or glucose ≥ 11.0 mmol/L) from 2001 through 2015 in the Copenhagen Primary Care Laboratory (CopLab) Database. The SMI group included persons with psychotic, affective, or personality disorders within five years preceding the T2D diagnosis. Using a Poisson regression model, we calculated the adjusted rate ratios (aRR) for the redemption of various glucose-lowering and cardiovascular medications up to ten years after T2D diagnosis. We identified 1,316 persons with T2D and SMI and 41,538 persons with T2D but no SMI. Despite similar glycemic control at diagnosis, persons with SMI redeemed a glucose-lowering medication more often than persons without SMI in the period 0.5–2 years after the T2D diagnosis; for example, the aRR was 1.05 (95% CI 1.00–1.11) in the period 1.5–2 years after the T2D diagnosis. This difference was mainly driven by metformin. In contrast, persons with SMI were less often treated with cardiovascular medications during the first 3 years after T2D diagnosis, e.g., in the period 1.5–2 years after T2D diagnosis, the aRR was 0.96 (95% CI 0.92–0.99). For people with SMI in addition to T2D, metformin is more likely to be used in the initial years after T2D diagnosis, while our results suggest potential room for improvement regarding the use of cardiovascular medications.