bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sea Ice Elevation Measurements Using 3-D Laser Scanner
Authors: Seo Minji , Park Ji-Eun , Park Jeong-Won , Park Jinku , Kim Hyun-Cheol
Published: April 2023

This study aims to introduce a sea ice elevation dataset estimated by using a 3-D laser scanner during the ice camp of the 2022 Arctic summer field survey. The equipment used is FARO’s Laser scanner FOCUS 3D X 130 HDR. The observed sea ice floe is located in the Arctic Ocean (76°13' N, 174°35') and is a multi-year ice with several melt ponds and ice ridges. We scanned eight sections separately, considering the equipment’s maximum horizontal scan range and the ice surface’s topographic features. The raw data were co-registered based on the positions of reference spheres. The result indicated a significant level of accuracy with a target-based vertical mean error of 4.8 mm. The laser scanner data were merged into point clouds ranging from 160×210 m. As a result, sea ice elevation data were generated in 0 to 2.8 m based on the minimum vertical point in the observation range. Sea ice elevation data is an essential variable in estimating the various properties of sea ice, such as ice thickness and roughness. In addition, using climatic variables such as air temperature and energy budget observed simultaneously can help to understand the physical interaction between the sea ice surface and the atmosphere on a local scale.
Topographic Dataset around Uljin Hujeong Coast Using Multi-beam Echo Sounder and Shipborne Mobile LiDAR
Authors: Kim Won Hyuck , Kim Chang Hwan , Do Jong Dae , Baek Won Dae , Choi Jea Ho , Choi Soon Young , Lee Byung Gil , Park Chan Hong , Go Feel Hoon
Published: April 2023

We obtained a dataset through beach and submarine topography surveys around Hujeoung coast in Uljin. We conducted the beach and submarine topography surveys using small vessels from July 8 to July 11, 2016. The surveying instruments used for the surveys were Shipborne Mobile LiDAR System and Multi-beam Echo Sounder (Kongsberg EM3001). The beach topography was observed up to about 6 m from the shoreline. The width of the beach is about 30 m to 40 m. In the southeast of the survey area, there is an exposed rock with a depth of about 20 m. The area around the rock has sandy sediments. Datasets of the Hujeong coast area can be used for continuous monitoring to development of coastal erosion control system.
Study on the influence of processing variables under various tilting angles of laser nozzle and substrate on the deposition quality of the multi-axis laser metal deposition
Authors: Kim Dukyong , Ko Taehwan , Lee Seung Hwan
Published: April 2023

This study developed a deposition guideline that considered the effect of processing variables, such as laser power, on the deposition quality at various tilting angles of laser nozzle and substrate when fabricating components of complex geometries like overhang and curved structures with the multi-axis laser metal deposition process. The guideline was based on analyzing the effect of processing variables, namely, laser power, beam diameter, and specific energy, on the deposition quality under six spatial variables. Spatial variables were defined by combining the angle of the substrate to the ground (0°, 45°, and 90°) with the angle of the laser nozzle to the substrate (90° and 45°). The bead contact angle and dilution were used as indexes of the deposition quality evaluation. If both the ideal ranges of the evaluation indexes are satisfied, the deposited material can exhibit high surface quality and geometrical accuracy. To prevent excessive dilution caused by the widened and flattened deposit under tilted laser nozzle conditions, a larger beam diameter, when compared to the state where the laser nozzle is perpendicular to the substrate, should be used. For a situation where the effect of the gravitational force is dominant, such as the substrate perpendicular to the ground, the laser power and the specific energy should be controlled simultaneously to maintain the ideal contact angle and dilution. In addition, the effect due to the change in the amount of melted powder on the cross-section geometry caused by beam diameter variation should be considered for every tilted motion.
Farklı Branşlardan Öğretmen Adaylarının Öğretmenlik Uygulamasına Yönelik Görüşleri
Authors: Koçak Gülşen , Yıldırım Pelin , Mindivanli-Akdoğan Esra
Published: April 2023

Bu araştırmanın amacı; fen bilgisi, ilköğretim matematik, sosyal bilgiler öğretmen adaylarının öğretmenlik uygulaması dersinin uygulama sürecinde elde ettikleri görüş ve deneyimlerini belirlemektir. Bu çalışma, nitel araştırma yaklaşımlarından içerik analizi ile yürütülmüştür. Araştırmanın çalışma grubunu, 2018-2019 akademik yılında Atatürk Üniversitesi Kazım Karabekir Eğitim Fakültesi’nde son sınıfa öğrenim gören 12 öğretmen adayı oluşturmaktadır. Veriler, yarı yapılandırılmış görüşme yoluyla toplanmıştır. Görüşme formu, araştırma soruları doğrultusunda alan yazın taraması yapılarak araştırmacılar tarafından oluşturulmuştur. Uzman görüşleri doğrultusunda düzenlemenin ardından görüşme formunun son şekli öğretmen adaylarına uygulanmıştır. Bütün branşlardaki öğretmen adaylarından elde edilen ortak ve farklı bulgular sunulmuştur. Araştırmadan elde edilen sonuçlara göre, genel olarak öğretmen adayları bu uygulamanın adayları öğretmenlik mesleğine iyi hazırladığını ancak bu uygulamanın son sınıfta yapılmasının olumsuz yönlerinin olduğunu ifade etmişlerdir.
Skolmåltiden som en integrerad del av ämnesundervisningen
Authors: Frödén Sara
Published: April 2023

This chapter focuses on the pedagogical potential of the school meal. The qualitative study presented is based on data from a three-year research project. The aim of the study is to examine how the school meal can be integrated into teaching various subjects in primary school. The following research questions are answered: Which food-related themes and content areas are highlighted in teaching different school subjects, and how are these connected to school food and meals? How can the teaching contribute to the development of different types of food literacy? Thirty-seven teachers from four different primary schools in Sweden were interviewed twice about their experiences in using the school meal and food in their teaching. The results show that learning about, of and through (school) food took place during lessons in the classroom and in the school’s restaurant. The character of the school subject and its central content, as well as interdisciplinary cooperation between teachers and the restaurant staff, provide various possibilities for contributing to the development of pupils’ functional, interactive, and critical food literacy.
To Assess the Influence of Product Differentiation Strategy on Performance of Commercial Banks’ Diaspora Remittances in Kenya
Authors: Mutegi Harrison K. , Njeru Phelista , Mwiti Evans
Published: April 2023

The study was conducted to assess influence of product differentiation strategy on performance of commercial banks’ diaspora remittances in Kenya. The evolution of globalization, regionalization and deregulation experienced in the world of business has exposed the business entities to a lot of competitions both locally and internationally. Commercial banks in Kenya have not been spared of the stiff business competitive environment. The commercial banks have resulted into using competitive strategies such as product differentiation strategy. Generic Framework Theory was incorporated in the study since it widely supports the establishment of transaction levies, transmission channels and products innovation, Explanatory research design was used. Both primary and secondary data were collected. Primary data was collected using questionnaire while the secondary data was collected from relevant literature materials, organization’s annual reports and website. The data collection instrument of the study was considered reliable since it attained the Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.795. The study targeted 126 managers of the commercial banks based in their specific headquarter offices in Nairobi. The sampling procedure was done by use of Krejcie & Morgan sampling table giving a sample of 95 managers. The pilot study was based on 10% of the research population giving 13 respondents that were randomly selected. Descriptive statistics which comprised of mean and standard deviations were computed. Inferential statistics which included correlation and regression analysis were also computed. SPSS version 25 was used to aid in data analysis. The study results established R2 of 0.616. Data was presented using tables. The study concluded that product differentiation strategy has a significant influence on performance of commercial banks’ diaspora remittances in Kenya. The study recommends that commercial banks must invest in innovation that can help identify and communicate a product or company's special qualities while highlighting the key differences between that product of a company and others. The study recommended that banks need to adopt product differentiation strategy in order to enhance the performance of Commercial banks’ diaspora remittances in Kenya.
AN OPTIMIZATION-BASED ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FRAMEWORK FOR TEACHING ENGLISH AT THE COLLEGE LEVEL
Authors: Tiwari Hari Prasad
Published: April 2023

Owing to the rapid evolution of digital technology, learning, and computing breakthroughs among students are beginning to converge. The current method of English language teaching is considerably different from the traditional method. This quantitative, quasi-experimental research offers a strategy for incorporating Artificial Intelligence (AI) in college English teaching. The participants in the study consisted of 100 bachelor-level students studying at a constituent college of Tribhuvan University, Nepal. The participants were selected using simple random sampling and divided into two groups: the study group and the control group. I employed a questionnaire and test as the instruments to collect the data. The collected data was analyzed using SPSS 2.0 which is a tool for analyzing quantitatively challenging data. To check the reliability and effectiveness of the prediction, I assessed the model's criteria, designed a comparison test, and conducted a survey questionnaire. The evidence shows that Enhanced Whale Hyper-Tuned Artificial Neural Network (EWH-ANN) EWH-ANN can be employed to optimize English instruction at the college level in general and verbal improvement in particular. It can make English teaching more efficient and customized to fulfill individual students' necessities. The study concluded that The Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA) can be used to tune the hyper-parameters of Artificial Neural Network (ANN) to improve the accuracy of the operation.
Analysis of Banking Innovation with Business Model Canvas in BPRS Suriyah Cilacap Central Java
Authors: Syahputri Nisrina Anggi
Published: April 2023

The 4.0 industrial revolution has encouraged technological innovations that have disrupted or fundamental changes to people‟s lives. Unexpected changes become a phenomenon that will often appear in the industrial revolution era 4.0. To maintain the existence of an company, not only the right strategy is needed but also knowing the Islamic banking business model in BPRS is an important thing to consider. Besides, the business model in the BPRS must continue to be innovated. This research that entitled “Analysis of Banking Innovation with Business Model Canvas in BPRS Suriyah Cilacap Central Java”, has problem statements about how the banking innovation and the SWOT analysis of each Business Model Canvas‟s element in BPRS Suriyah Cilacap. The purpose of this research are to find out the banking innovation and the SWOT analysis of each Business Model Canvas‟s element in BPRS Suriyah Cilacap. This type of research is field research by descriptive qualitative method. The research was collected by observation, documentation and interviews with informants who have good knowledge about marketing and operational BPRS Suriyah Cilacap. The result of this research mentioned that even though BPRS Suriyah Cilacap has good achievements, it must continue to really makes a business model in his banking innovation, then test and analyze it. It still has shortcomings in executing marketing plans. It must continue to make better customer relationships as opportunity to make a big market and must have good action on the challenges of technological development.
Waqf in History a Systematic Literature Review based on Web of Science
Authors: Quddus Muhammad Fathrul , Hasib Fatin Fadhilah
Published: April 2023

Waqf in history is an interesting topic to discuss. By knowing the history related to waqf, a Muslim can develop broader perceptions of waqf. This study aims to determine the roles of waqf in the past to be studied and furthermore it is hoped that it can be a recommendation in managing waqf both in terms of managers and regulators. The method used in this study is a systematic literature review. The data used are articles on the Web of Science (WoS). WoS is the oldest, most widely used, and authoritative database of research publications and citations in the world. The topic keywords used in the search were “Waqf in History”, “Waqf Histories”, and “Waqf and Centuries”. The author selected 23 articles that had been screened with inclusion and exclusion criteria. Furthermore, the author divides the 23 articles into 4 major topics, namely: the role of waqf, accounting and waqf supervision, waqf regulations and rules, and waqf risks.
Implementation of Halal Tourism in Lombok Island (Study on the Compliance of Tourism Actors with the Halal Tourism Regulation)
Authors: Rahmatullah
Published: April 2023

The tourist business of Lombok, particularly the Muslim-friendly sector, was severely impacted by the declaration of COVID-19 as a worldwide pandemic in March 2020. The difficulty that still exists at the present day is the application of the policies mandated by law. One of the criteria for the establishment of halal tourism in line with Regional Regulation No. 2 of 2006 is whether or not the process has been carried out correctly and is supported by government monitoring. According to Soerjono Soekanto's theory of legal efficacy, this study employs a sociological or empirical legal research technique (sociology of law). A community's response to a law provides insight into the effectiveness of the law. In order for a law or legislation to be successful, it must result in changes in behavior on the part of the community members that bring about the intended outcome.
Kandovan the next ‘Capadoccia’? – A potential public health issue for erionite related mesothelioma risk
Authors: Ilgren Edwards B , Kazemain Hossein , Hoskins John A
Published: April 2023

Background:The Kandovan region in Iran is physically and geologically similar to the Cappadocian region in Turkey where fibrous zeolites, including erionite, have been found in volcanic tuffs. In some Cappodocian villages there is strong evidence that erionite, and possibly related minerals, are responsible for the high level of mesothelioma found there. So, although mesothelioma clusters have not been reported in Kandovan, it is a plausible hypothesis that many cases of mesothelioma in Iran may be due to naturally occurring fibrous zeolites.Methods: A detailed study of Iranian geology was made to determine similarities between the Kandovan region and Cappadocia, ‘inter-mountain zones’ in the Western US and Mexico. Areas where mesothelioma cases probably attributable to erionite exposure have been found. Results:Although there is a long history of asbestos use in Iran many cases of mesothelioma do not present with positive asbestos exposure histories. Since fibrous zeolites are so widespread, why have not more mesotheliomas attributable to them been found throughout Iran? Various possible reasons were explored including misdiagnosis, poor surveillance, a general lack of awareness that this tumor may be linked to mineral fibre exposure. There is also the analytical problem of identifying fibrous erionite in lung tissue.Conclusions:There is every reason to believe mesotheliomas due to fibrous zeolite including erionite will be found in Iran. The most likely places to find them are the villages that look very similar to those found in Cappadocia since these are based upon similar geological formations.
Propensity score adjustment of a treatment effect with missing data in psychiatric health services research
Authors: Mayer Benjamin , Puschner Bernd
Published: April 2023

Background: Missing values are a common problem for data analyses in observational studies, which are frequently applied in health services research. This paper examines the usefulness of different approaches to tackle the problem of incomplete observational data, focusing whether the Multiple Imputation (MI) strategy yields adequate estimates when applied to a complex analysis framework.

Methods: Based on observational study data originally comparing three forms of psychotherapy, a simulation study with different missing data scenarios was conducted. The considered analysis model comprised a propensity score-adjusted treatment effect estimation. Missing values were handled by complete case analysis, different MI approaches, as well as mean and regression imputation.

Results: All point estimators of the applied methods lay within the 95% confidence interval of the treatment effect derived from the complete simulation data set. Highest deviation was observed for complete case analysis. A distinct superiority of MI methods could not be demonstrated.

Conclusion: Since there was no clear benefit of one method to deal with missing values over another, health services researchers faced with incomplete observational data are well-advised to apply different imputation methods and compare the results in order to get an impression of their sensitivity.
Towards a More Competitive Italy in Clinical Research: The Survey of Attitudes towards Trial sites in Europe (The SAT-EU Study TM)
Authors: Gehring Marta , Jommi Claudio , Tarricone Rosanna , Cirenei Mariapia , Ambrosio Giuseppe
Published: April 2023

Background

Italy is Europe’s third largest pharmaceutical market, yet it ranks only ninth in the number of NIH-registered clinical trials per capita. The aim of our study was to explore stakeholders’ perception of Italy as place to undertake clinical trials, and to estimate the potential economic impact of selected reforms in terms of incremental trial activity.

Methods

The Survey of Attitudes towards Trials in Europe (SAT-EU Study) was an anonymous, web-based survey which systematically assessed factors impacting clinical trial site selection in Europe. Estimates of Italian economic impact were developed in collaboration with AICRO (Association of Italian Contract Research Organisations).

Results

Responses were obtained from 485 professionals in 34 countries (15% residing in Italy) representing over 100 institutions, spanning BioPharma Clinical Research Organizations (CROs), and Academic Clinical Trial Units (CTUs). Italy ranked tenth of twelve in terms of accessibility and transparency of information required to run clinical trials, and last with respect to predictability and speed of Ethics Committees. Costs of running clinical trials were not considered critical, whereas, fragmented and slow approval process was. Streamlined centralized trial authorization would translate into an estimated 1.1 billion Euros of incremental trial investments over three years. 

Conclusions

Clinical trial professionals consider Italy’s governance of clinical research suboptimal, among the worst in Europe, and indicate that much could be done to make Italy more attractive for clinical trial investments. The present study also provides evidence about stakeholders’ willingness to invest in trials and its economic consequences provided effective reforms are put in place.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and quality of life outcomes: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis of cross-sectional case-control studies
Authors: Coluccia Anna , Fagiolini Andrea , Ferretti Fabio , Pozza Andrea , Goracci Arianna
Published: April 2023

Background. Obsessive-compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a chronic disabling psychological condition, which can severely affect quality of life (QOL). Growing interest has been dedicated to assessing which domains of QOL are more severely affected in patients with OCD. However, research yielded conflicting findings. Investigating QOL in OCD could suggest the need for integration of interventions aimed at improving those specific domains more severely impaired by obsessions and compulsions.

Methods. We will conduct a systematic review of cross-sectional case-control studies according to PRISMA guidelines, where patients with a primary OCD diagnosis were compared on QOL outcomes with healthy controls. Primary objectives will be to examine differences in QOL outcomes between patients with OCD and healthy controls, and to assess which QOL domains are more severely impaired in patients compared with controls, particularly subjective well-being, social and interpersonal functioning, work functioning, and family functioning. Subsequently, the study will investigate potential moderators of QOL in OCD, including participants characteristics (age, sex, presence of comorbid personality disorders, OCD symptom severity, severity of concurrent depressive symptoms, duration of OCD symptoms, and generational cohort), and study characteristics (date of publication and methodological quality of the studies). Online databases will be searched (PsycINFO, PubMED, Science Direct, Cinahl, Biological Abstracts, Psyclit, Embase, The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Google Scholar). To locate unpublished records, conference abstracts, doctoral dissertations and theses will be handsearched, and experts will be contacted. Statistical analyses will be performed though random effect model meta-analysis. Risk of bias assessments will be conducted using the instrument Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies.
Further Studies of Bolivian Crocidolite –Part IV: Fibre Width, Fibre Drift and their relation to Mesothelioma Induction: Preliminary Findings
Authors: Ilgren Edward B. , Van Orden Drew R. , Lee Richard J. , Kamiya Yumi M. , Hoskins John A.
Published: April 2023

Background

The hypothesis that fibre width is a major determinant of mesothelioma induction has been examined by comparative studies of two crocidolites from different sources. Fine fibres fromCapesouthAfricaand the thicker fibre found and used similarly inBolivia.

 

It is well established that ‘thin’ fibre crocidolite fromCapeSouth Africais extremely mesotheliomagenic. Bolivian crocidolite has a much wider width distribution and relatively little mesothelioma inducing potential.

 

Methods

We analysed the mesothelioma demography inBoliviawhere local crocidolite has been used for decades This was compared with the mesothelioma demography in theItalianCityof Casale Monteferrato whereCapecrocidolite was processed for many decades in the Eternit Asbestos Cement plant producing numerous cases of mesothelioma.

We also conducted a limited downwind study from the fiberizing part of the historical operating plant where products containing Bolivian crocidolite were made for sale and use inCochabamba.

 

Results

The demographic study confirmed the absence of a significant mesothelioma excess inBolivia.

Despite the extremely high fibre concentrations measured in the plant, no significant fibre levels were detected 100 meters away.

 

Conclusion

These preliminary findings undermine claims such as those made at Casale that crocidolite fibre can drift up to 15 km and remain airborne in quantities sufficient to contribute significantly to mesothelioma induction.

 

We propose the difference in thickness and the attendant reduction in the percentage ofStantonfibres provides an explanation for the difference in mesothelioma patterns found in each city.
Bias in regression coefficient estimates when assumptions for handling missing data are violated: a simulation study
Authors: Van Kuijk Sander MJ , Viechtbauer Wolfgang , Peeters Louis L , Smits Luc
Published: April 2023

Background

The purpose of this simulation study is to assess the performance of multiple imputation compared to complete case analysis when assumptions of missing data mechanisms are violated.

Methods

The authors performed a stochastic simulation study to assess the performance of Complete Case (CC) analysis and Multiple Imputation (MI) with different missing data mechanisms (missing completely at random (MCAR), at random (MAR), and not at random (MNAR)). The study focused on the point estimation of regression coefficients and standard errors.

Results

When data were MAR conditional on Y, CC analysis resulted in biased regression coefficients; they were all underestimated in our scenarios. In these scenarios, analysis after MI gave correct estimates. Yet, in case of MNAR MI yielded biased regression coefficients, while CC analysis performed well.Conclusion

The authors demonstrated that MI was only superior to CC analysis in case of MCAR or MAR. In some scenarios CC may be superior over MI. Often it is not feasible to identify the reason why data in a given dataset are missing. Therefore, emphasis should be put on reporting the extent of missing values, the method used to address them, and the assumptions that were made about the mechanism that caused missing data.
Knowledge and attitude of general pratictioners towards direct-to-consumer genomic tests: a survey conducted in Italy
Authors: Baroncini Anna , Calabrese Olga , Colotto Marco , Pelo Elisabetta , Torricelli Francesca , Boccia Stefania
Published: April 2023

Background: Personal genomic tests (PGT) offered directly-to-consumers (DTC) for complex disease risk assessment have raised several concerns regarding their potential adverse impact. To mitigate worries continuing professional education has been advocated and the central gatekeeper role of family physicians has been highlighted. Nevertheless, to date, only few studies have been published on awareness, involvement and attitudes of  primary healthcare providers on DTC marketing of PGT and, to the best of our knowledge, none in Italy.
Methods: An exploratory survey to achieve information about knowledge and attitudes towards DTC-PGT of a selected group of family physicians participating to courses on predictive medicine and public health genomics was conducted.
 
Results: A total amount of 114 partially or fully filled questionnaires was obtained. The majority of the primary care providers (68,4%)  expressed that they are unaware that companies are selling genomic tests directly to consumers, while 31,6% was aware.  In terms of attitudes toward testing 61,1% of the aware respondents deemed the DTC-PGT for chronic complex diseases to be ‘‘not clinically useful.’’  The overwhelming majority of our respondents (95,6%) felt unprepared to answer patients’ questions on DTC-PGT. If only aware respondents are considered this percentage results obviously  lower (86,1%), though still very high.
 
Conclusion: The low percentage of aware respondents suggests that DTC advertising in the realm of genomic testing is still limited in Italy. Should DTC-PGT become more widely used, a comprehensive education program may be necessary to increase family physicians’ awareness and help them discuss testing with their patients.
Daily physical activity in Finnish adolescents with long term illnesses or disabilities: psychosocial associations with participation in sports club
Authors: Ng Kwok , Rintala Pauli , Välimaa Raili , Tynjälä Jorma , Villberg Jari , Kokko Sami , Kannas Lasse
Published: April 2023

Background:
Physical activity (PA) in adolescence with long term illnesses or disabilities (LTID) is a public health concern. One way of increasing PA is through participation in sports clubs. Since sports clubs are organised and regular, there are expected to be differences in motivation for physical activity between adolescents that are members and non-members. The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of psychosocial factors on sports club membership and daily PA.
Methods:
Finnish adolescents with self-reported LTID (n=1006) took part in the WHO collaborative Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study in 2002 and 2010. Daily self-reported moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA) was the outcome variable. Psychosocial variables included intention for future PA, self-perceptions, and educational aspirations. Age and sports club membership was included in binary logistic regression analyses Analyses were done separately for boys and girls. 
Results:
Adolescents with LTID who were sports club members were two times more likely to be active daily than non-members. However, for girls, there was no significant difference between members and non-members. Moreover, definite intention for future PA, higher self-perceptions, and educational aspirations to other education or training than general upper secondary school were significant predictors.
Conclusions:
Adolescents with LTID need encouragement to be active daily. One possible way to achieve this is through sports club participation. Implementing adaptive motivating techniques in sports clubs is especially important for girls in clubs. More research is needed on the associations of daily MVPA with different educational aspirations  for adolescents with LTID.
World Health Organization Member States and Open Health Data: An Observational Study
Authors: Greenberg Charles J , Narang Sangeeta
Published: April 2023

BackgroundOpen health data has implications for clinical care, research, public health, and health policy at regional, national, and global levels. No published attempts have been made to determine, collectively, whether WHO member states and governments have embraced the promise and effort required to officially share open health data. The observational study will provide evidence that World Health Organization (WHO) member states individually and collectively have adopted open data recommended principles, providing access to open health data.
MethodsUsing the WHO list of member states (n=194), the researchers identified the presence of open health data or initiatives. With each country, the following types of official government web pages were recorded: a Ministry of Health web page; a conspicuous link on a government web page to open health data; additional government health web sites; national government-sponsored open data repositories; unique attributes of national health data web sites; and adherence to the principles of open government data for health. A supplemental PDF file provides a representation of data used for analysis and observations. Our complete data is available at: https://goo.gl/Kwj7mb
Observations and DiscussionOpen health data is easily discoverable in less than one-third of the WHO member states. 13 nations demonstrate the principle to provide comprehensive open data. Only 16 nations distribute primary, non-aggregated health data. 24 % of the WHO observed member states are providing some health data in a non-proprietary formats such as comma-separated values. The sixth, seventh, and eighth open government data principles for health, representing universal access, non-proprietary formats, and non-patent protection, are observed in about one-third of the WHO member states. While there are examples of organized national open health data, no more than a one-third minority of the world’s nations have portals set up to systematically share open health data. At least 15 WHO member states are observed to not even have a government health ministry representation online.
ConclusionWe hope the data collected in our Google Sheet and the discussion provided in this paper will generate international interest and advocacy for open health data.
Closed testing procedure for multiplicity control. An application on oxidative stress parameters in Hashimoto's Thyroiditis
Authors: Alibrandi Angela
Published: April 2023

Closed Testing procedures represent an effective solution to the need to make inferences on multiple aspects at the same time, controlling the Familywise Error Rate (FWER), that is the error rate of the hierarchical family. Closed Testing procedures have a high degree of adaptability to a wide range of experimental situations, both in parametric than in non-parametric ambit. The attention is focused on the  Bonferroni-Holm method, frequently used to counteract the problem of multiple comparisons. The present paper aims to show an original application of the Closed Testing procedures for multiplicity control in medical research, with reference to the oxidative stress; in particular the Min-P Bonferrroni-Holm method was applied to the p-value adjustment, related to three parameters (BAP, D-ROMS, AGEs) of oxidative stress in Hashimoto’s thyroidytis.
Exploring the relationship of Domestic violence on Health Seeking behavior and Empowerment of Women in Pakistan
Authors: Ferdous Nahida , Kabir Russell , Khan Hafiz T.A. , Chowdhury Mohammad Rocky Khan
Published: April 2023

Background: Violence against women is considered as a global problem and the trend for abusing domestically is very much up. This not only violates the human rights and it has got major implications on physical, mental, social and sexual health of a woman. Worldwide there is little research work on how domestic violence has affected women’s health and their decision-making power. This study aimed to explore the relationship between domestic violence on empowerment of women and their health seeking behavior in Pakistan.
Methods: This research has used secondary data from Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey data 2012-13. About 3687 ever-married women were selected and interviewed for domestic violence from 248 urban and 252 rural areas of Pakistan.
Results: Both chi-square and binary logistic regression analyses were performed. The results show that women with no education have suffered more (43%) from domestic violence. Almost 68% women reported that who have seen their parents beating their mothers have also experiences domestic violence. Logistic regression shown that women from rural areas are highly likely to be victims of domestic violence (OR=1.28, 95% CI 1.07-1.52, p-value<. 001). ANC visit is also found statistically significant with those who suffered violence at home.
Conclusion: Policy makers and other stakeholders should take measures to control and stop violence against women and help them to live equally like a man
Birth cohort trends for breast cancer among women in Europe and North America
Authors: Tarone Robert E.
Published: April 2023

The birth cohort pattern of risk for breast cancer among European women is remarkably similar to that observed among women in the United States and Canada.  A sharp decrease in risk for women born after World War II is particularly intriguing, and warrants further epidemiological investigation in order to identify etiologic factors potentially responsible for the unexpected and unexplained declining risk.
Relationship between health literacy of cancer patients and shared clinical decision-making in a Middle East country
Authors: Khammarnia Mohammad , Setoodezadeh Fatemeh , Ansari-Moghadam Alireza , Yusefi Ali Reza , Eskandari Monire , Ranjbar Arezo Alinejad , Peyvand Mostafa
Published: April 2023

Introduction: The study aimed to investigate the relationship between Health literacy (HL) and shared clinical decision-making among cancer patients in Iran.Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was performed in the south of Iran between January and March of 2017. The study's population was all patients in the southeast of Iran. From here, 500 patients were selected as the study sample by the stratified sampling method. Two standard questionnaires were selected for data-gathering. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 21.0.Results: About 52% of patients did not have enough HL and 47% had a poor participation record in clinical decision-making. There is a positive statistical relationship between HL and participation in clinical decision-making among cancer patients (P=0.001). About 49% of the patients with low HL had poor participation in clinical decision-making. Moreover, HL had a relationship with age, gender, education, place of living, region, and type of cancer (P>0.05).Conclusion: HL among cancer patients is limited and has a positive impact on decision-making in clinical participation. Physicians must try and boost HL among patients. Higher HL helps patients engage in their clinical decision-making. Health workers are an important source for increasing HL among patients.
AD HOC SURVEYS: HOW TO MEASURE AND REPORT QUALITY METHODS
Authors: Di Lonardo Anna , Donfrancesco Chiara , Iannucci Laura , Gargiulo Lidia , Palmieri Luigi , Carle Flavia , Giampaoli Simona
Published: April 2023

Surveys need a clear report on adopted quality methods to support surveillance, research and to implement evidence-based health policies. Aim of this report is to provide a simple and practical tool to those interested in survey, like HIS or HES , suggesting the different aspects of the quality to be controlled. These are crucial to generate useful and reliable results that can help the monitoring of health policy in Europe. Starting from the wide literature available in the field, the various quality dimensions that should be documented in a quality report and support the published results are briefly presented. In this paper, the six dimensions of the quality are analysed, as well as the different steps necessary to implement a survey, with particular attention to the quality and taking account of the remarkable expertise in the field. Before starting the survey, as known, the planning of specific steps is required. Moreover, to improve quality, training and testing of personnel involved in the different sets (organization, data collection, data processing, and statistical analysis) are fundamental. The methods used and the results obtained need to be published.
Are smartphones and tablets influencing the quality of sleep? An Italian answer
Authors: Bert Fabrizio , Gualano Maria Rosaria , Giacomelli Sebastian , Martorana Maria , Siliquini Roberta
Published: April 2023

Background: Electronic media use may affect sleep health. The present study aimed to estimate the association between technological devices usage, especially mobile phone, during the evening/night and self-reported sleep disorders. 

Methods: The survey was conducted between June and September 2016. Anonymous self-reported questionnaire was distributed to the Italian general population and investigated demographic data, presence of sleep disorders and the use of electronic devices. 

Results: The analysis was based on 597 questionnaires. Mobile phone exposure has been associated with increased difficulty falling to sleep (p= 0.018). 

The use of mobile phones at bedtime was significantly related to self-reported sleep disturbance (p <0.001). 

Using mobile phone more than 60 minutes before going to sleep, the use of these devices in bed, surfing internet remained statistically significant in the multivariate analysis. 

Conclusion: Our results suggest that the use of a mobile phone before going to sleep is associated with reporting sleep disturbances. Public health prevention strategies could comprise promotion of optimum sleep habits and information regarding the effects of an intensive electronic devices use on the sleep status.
Disparities in the contraceptive use among currently married women in Muslim densely populated States of India: An evidence from the nationally representative survey.
Authors: Kanchan Sk Md Illias , Jahangir Selim , Mondal Nasim Ahamed , Biswas Abhijit Basu
Published: April 2023

Background: The rationalizations for low use of contraception and high fertility among Muslims compared to other religious group in India are highly controversial. The study was aimed to explain to what extent differences in the use of contraception exist among the religious groups and also examine its associated factors in the Muslim populated States in the country.
Methods: The third round of District Level Household and Facility Survey (DLHS-3) was used to accomplish our objectives. Bivariate analysis was used to show the religion wise distribution of limiting, spacing and traditional methods of contraceptive use in relation to socio-economic characteristics. The multivariate logistic regression was also employed to estimate the odds ratio (95% CI) for contraceptive use. SPSS 20.0 version and Arc GIS 10.0 software were employed to carry out the analyses.
Results: The study found that the prevalence of limiting contraceptive use was comparatively much lower among Muslims (19.9%) than Non-Muslims (39.3%). In comparison to Non-Muslims, Muslims used 3.5 percentage points and 2.6 percentage points spacing and traditional methods of contraception respectively. The Muslims women from Assam (3.4%), Uttar Pradesh (4.4%) and Bihar (8.3%) reported low use of limiting contraceptive methods as compared to other Muslim populated States. The highest difference in the limiting method was observed in Bihar (21 percentage points) and followed by West Bengal (19 percentage points) between Muslim and Non-Muslim. The level of education and place of residence appeared as the main explaining factors of family planning in the study.
Conclusion: The study concluded that the significant inequalities exist among Muslims and Non-Muslims concerning the current use of limiting methods. The policy design and programmes should make on rural, uneducated women to take into account the inequalities in the contraceptive use.
Area under the curve-derived measures characterizing longitudinal patient responses for given thresholds
Authors: Allgoewer Andreas , Schmid Manuel , Radermacher Peter , Asfar Pierre , Mayer Benjamin
Published: April 2023

Background: Calculation of the area under the curve (AUC) is a widely used practice in longitudinal study settings. The AUC values should reflect study participants’ particular trajectories by means of a continuous measure which can be further analysed with ordinary statistical methods. However, its sheer calculation does not necessarily mirror exactly the piece of information one is seeking for. 

Methods: Available formulas for the calculation of the AUC as well as their specific advantages and limitations are presented. Furthermore, some approaches are discussed to develop AUC-derived measures for the application in particular analysis situations, especially capturing the extent of undercutting or exceeding a given threshold. 

Results: The presented formulas provide an extension of the well-established AUC formulas for respective situations where threshold-dependent subareas of the entire AUC are of interest. To our knowledge, the proposed formulas have been introduced for the first time. Their application to real-world data sets demonstrated the ability to flexibly calculate AUCs of specific interest. 

Conclusions: The extended AUC formulas presented in this paper may help to answer research questions more properly in situations where particular thresholds have to be considered in the course of the analysis. Future developments may address the problem of missing values as well as the current limitation of a fixed threshold.
Socio-economic disparities in the appropriateness of diabetes care in an Italian region: findings of AEQUITAS study
Authors: Gesuita Rosaria , Piraccini Francesca , Skrami Edlira , Paolini Italo , Sebastianelli Giuliano , Stramenga Carlo , Bartolucci Dario , Marcobelli Alberico , Romagnoli Fabio , Silvestrini Giulia , Ricciardi Walter , Damiani Gianfranco , Carle Flavia
Published: April 2023

Background: To evaluate socio-economic disparities in diabetes prevalence and care in Marches (a region of central Italy) in 2003-2010 through a cross-sectional study.

Methods: The databases of 52 general practitioners were mined for people with diabetes (age ≥20 years). These data were linked with records from other regional administrative databases. Healthcare disparities, specifically potentially preventable hospitalizations (PPH) related to diabetes and its complications, were analysed using participants’ gender, age, and education data and the Italian Deprivation Index. Crude, age-specific and gender-specific diabetes prevalence was estimated for each year of observation. A time-trend analysis was performed. Admissions that might have been prevented according to Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality criteria were used to calculate the PPH rate for each level of social condition indicators. Rate ratios and 95% confidence intervals were estimated with a multiple Poisson regression model.

Results: The search found 6,494 participants with diabetes mellitus aged ≥20 years. Disease prevalence ranged from 5.4% (2003) to 7.8% (2010), with a significant 0.31% positive trend. Those aged ≤44 years were at significantly higher risk of PPH than older people. A significant PPH excess was found among people living in socio-economically disadvantaged areas. Education and gender did not significantly affect PPH.

Conclusion. People with diabetes seem to use primary care services appropriately irrespective of socio-economic status. Outpatient services are not equally distributed on the regional territory; this may increase disease severity and/or the risk of diabetes complications and affect appropriateness of diabetes care.
Mother Schooling and Malnutrition among Children of Rural-Urban Pakistan
Authors: Farooq Muhammad Umar , Shah Muhammad Abdul Rehman , Yaseen Muhammad Rizwan
Published: April 2023

Background: Although many causes of malnutrition are discussed in previous studies, the impact of mother schooling on malnutrition among children of rural-urban Pakistan and mediating factors is not posited in case of Pakistan. Hence, this study examine the effect of mother schooling and intervening linkages on acute and chronic malnutrition.
Methods: The prior empirical relationship is examined by calculating adjusted risk-ratio with the help of binary logistic regression analyses using a sample size of 3184 rural-urban mothers retrieved from the latest Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey 2012-13 (PDHS).
Results: The urban mothers without education are more likely to have stunted and underweighted infants as compared to rural ones. Rural (urban) mothers with poor (moderate) economic position have more chances of having stunted infants than urban (rural) mothers. However, only urban mothers with poor status have more chances of having underweight kids relative to mothers with rich class. The rural mothers with empowerment and with seeking for medical services are less likelihood to have stunted infants than urban ones.
Value of the Study: The impact of mediating factors arising from education on rural infants’ health is higher than that on urban infants