bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estrategias de afrontamiento en adultos jóvenes con duelo por finalización de la relación de pareja
Authors: Matajira Camacho Yeferson Jahir , Vargas Vargas Natalia Juliana
Published: September 2024

El duelo por finalización de una relación de pareja puede ser una experiencia que genera diferentes afectaciones, y para lidiar con ello, las personas utilizan diversos recursos de afrontamiento. El presente estudió buscó identificar las diferentes estrategias de afrontamiento que utilizan las personas en duelo de pareja en general y según el tiempo de finalización del vínculo. Esta investigación, de enfoque cuantitativo, alcance descriptivo no experimental y de corte transversal, fue realizada con 172 participantes, elegidos en un muestro a conveniencia. Se evidenció en los resultados que las estrategias que presentaron menor uso fueron la búsqueda de solución de problemas y la reevaluación positiva, y las más utilizadas fueron la búsqueda de apoyo social, la espera, religión, evitación emocional, el apoyo profesional, la reacción agresiva, la evitación cognitiva y la expresión de dificultad de afrontamiento. A nivel del tiempo de la finalización de la relación, se encontró mayor uso de la evitación emocional, reacción agresiva, evitación cognitiva y el apoyo profesional en aquellos con 6 meses de duelo, y menor uso de la reevaluación positiva, búsqueda de apoyo social, solución de problemas, negación, expresión de la dificultad de afrontamiento y autonomía en este periodo de tiempo. En conclusión, se identificó que las estrategias para afrontar el duelo en pareja varían conforme avanza el tiempo de la finalización del vínculo.
Evaluation of effectiveness of Blue-Green Infrastructure for reduction of pluvial flooding under climate change and internal system failure conditions
Authors: Mugume Seith N. , Nakyanzi Lydia Patricia
Published: September 2024

Blue-Green Infrastructure (BGI) has been proposed as a suitable adaptation measure that can enhance the resilience of existing urban drainage systems (UDSs). However, there are limited studies that have rigorously investigated the performance of BGI options considering future climate change and internal UDS failures. In this study, a coupled 1D–2D PCSWMM model was developed and applied to investigate the effectiveness of potential BGI options in the reduction of pluvial flooding using a case study of a ‘failed’ UDS in Kampala, Uganda. The study results suggest that climate change will increase the frequency of occurrence of extreme rainfall from 1 in 100 years to 1 in 10 years, thereby exacerbating the urban flooding challenge in Kampala City. The study results also ascertained that the use of spatially distributed infiltration trenches and bioretention cells at a catchment scale could lead to a modest reduction of the total flood volume and the average flood duration of at least 12.0% [9.8–14.0%] and 34.3%, respectively, when combined with improved UDS cleaning and maintenance. The findings point towards the need to implement BGI options in combination with improved asset management and investments in the expansion of grey UDSs to enhance global resilience to pluvial flooding under climate change.
Electrodialysis reversal (EDR) technology: a viable solution for addressing water quality challenges in the dry zone, Sri Lanka
Authors: Walawege Dushan Darshana , Wickramasingha Walebada Seethagalage Buddhika , Sandaruwan Ranepura Dewage Charuka , Udayanga Samitha , Perera Iddamalgoda Jayawardanage Judi Udari Nisansala , Nawalage Nawala Mudiyanselaya Semini Kushara , Dassanayake Dassanayake Mudiyanselage Jeewani Lakmali , Bellanthudawa Bellanthudawage Kushan Aravinda
Published: September 2024

Chronic Kidney Disease of Unknown Etiology (CKDu) affects rural Sri Lankan agricultural populations, with poor-quality ground and surface water suspected as the root cause. Hence, we conducted this study to explore the effectiveness of Electrodialysis Reversal (EDR) technology in treating water quality issues related to CKDu in dry zone of Sri Lanka. The EDR plant in Kahatagasdigiliya, Anuradhapura district, managed by the National Water Supply and Drainage Board (NWS&DB) was selected. We measured both physical (colour, turbidity, pH) and chemical (electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, chloride, alkalinity, hardness, nitrate, nitrite, sulfate, fluoride, total phosphate, iron, manganese) parameters of the EDR process. The parameters of the permeate stage of the EDR plant were validated by comparison with data from SLS 614:2013, and removal efficiencies were assessed. The results revealed that all parameters consistently fell within the permissible limits in the permeate stage of the EDR plant. Turbidity (62.65%), sulfate and manganese (50%), colour (47.37%), fluoride (44.19%), and hardness (35.71%) showed high removal efficiencies in the EDR process. The study demonstrated the effectiveness of EDR technology in addressing water quality challenges, validating its potential for groundwater treatment and this contributes to the improvement of groundwater quality in CKDu-prevalent areas.
Analysis of flow regime classification in the Omo-Gibe River Basin: insights into fluid dynamics in Ethiopia
Authors: Bayana Darara Dabtara , Feyessa Fekadu Fufa , Demissie Tamene Adugna
Published: September 2024

The study investigates flow regime in the Omo-Gibe River Basin to address hydrological complexity caused by precipitation and catchment features. Despite employing various methodologies, daily flow data highlight the need for a more comprehensive understanding of flow variability. The study aims to scrutinize flow regime classification, emphasizing the challenges posed by the basin's unique hydrological dynamics, with the ultimate goal of improving water management practices in the region. Using XLSTAT (Excel statistics software), the average base flow index (60.66%), zero flow index (0.25%), coefficient of variation (1.56%), and flashiness index (0.276%) were determined to be the primary hydrological indices that contributed to streamflow characterization. Finally, flow regime classification was described as non-perennial (13%) or perennial (87%) using the shape of the flow duration curve and this hydrological index. However, the magnitude of extreme flow events was judged depending on flow duration curve and calibrated by the flashiness index computed in the study. The study's findings serve as an input for streamflow regionalization and the foundation for future research on the ecology and hydrology of Ethiopia's river basins as well as the management of the water resources throughout the Omo-Gibe River Basin.
In vitro Antileishmanial Activity and In silico Molecular Modeling Studies of Novel Analogs of Dermaseptins S4 and B2
Authors: Haddad Houda , da Franca Rodrigues Klinger Antonio , Othman Houcemeddine , Veras Leiz Maria Costa , Rodrigues Raiza Raianne Luz , Ouahchi Ines , Ouni Bouraoui , Zaϊri Amira
Published: September 2024

Background:

Leishmaniasis is responsible for approximately 65,000 annual deaths.
Various Leishmania species are the predominant cause of visceral, cutaneous, or mucocutaneous
leishmaniasis, affecting millions worldwide. The lack of a vaccine, emergence of resistance, and
undesirable side effects caused by antileishmanial medications have prompted researchers to
look for novel therapeutic approaches to treat this disease. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) offer
an alternative for promoting the discovery of new drugs.

Methods:

In this study, we detail the synthesis process and investigate the antileishmanial activity
against Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis for peptides belonging to the dermaseptin (DS)
family and their synthetic analogs. The MTT assay was performed to investigate the cytotoxicity
of these peptides on the murine macrophage cell line RAW 264.7. Subsequently, we performed
molecular modeling analysis to explore the structure-function correlation of the derivatives interacting
with the parasitic membrane.

Results:

All examined derivatives displayed concentration-dependent antileishmanial effect at
low concentrations. Their effectiveness varied according to the peptide's proprieties. Notably,
peptides with higher levels of charge demonstrated the most pronounced activities. Cytotoxicity
assays showed that all the tested peptides were not cytotoxic compared to the tested conventional
drug. The structure-function relationships demonstrated that the charged N-terminus could be
responsible for the antileishmanial effect observed on promastigotes.

Conclusion:

Collectively, these results propose that dermaseptins (DS) might offer potential as
promising candidates for the development of effective antileishmanial therapies.
Assessing Seminal Plasma Malondialdehyde Acid as a Diagnostic Tool for Male Infertility: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Kumar Naina , Deepthi KN , Padugupati Suhasini , Ghose Seetesh
Published: September 2024

Aim:

The aim of this study was to assess the role of seminal Malondialdehyde Acid (MDA)
in the diagnosis of male infertility.

Background:

Both male and female infertility is increasing all over the world.

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of seminal MDA levels on various
semen parameters of healthy fertile men and men with infertility, and to know the efficacy of seminal
MDA in the diagnosis of male infertility.

Methods:

This case-control study was carried out at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
of a tertiary care center in rural Southern India over a period of two years. The study included
90 infertile men (≥21-50 years) having some pathology in semen reports as cases and 90 fertile
men (having biological children) with normal semen reports as controls. Biochemical tests for
MDA were performed using Human MDA Assay kits on 180 cryopreserved semen samples following
the standard protocol. Results of seminal MDA levels were assessed among cases and controls
and correlated with different semen parameters.

Results:

The mean±SD age for cases was 30.10 ± 4.75 years, and for controls, it was 29.79 ± 5.08
years. Of all the cases, 44 (48.9%) had asthenozoospermia, 22 (24.4%) had oligoasthenozoospermia,
14(15.6%) had oligozoospermia, and 10 (11.1%) had azoospermia. A statistically substantial
variance was observed in mean values of MDA (1.03 ± 0.31 mmol/mL vs. 0.60 ± 0.14 mmol/mL;
p =0.001) between fertile men and men with abnormal semen reports. A negative association was
observed between semen MDA levels with sperm motility, concentration, and normal morphology
in 180 participants. The sensitivity of MDA for male infertility prediction was 86.67% at 76.67%
specificity, 78.79% positive predictive value, and 78.79% negative predictive value.

Conclusion:

MDA has been found to be a promising biomarker for predicting male infertility.
However, large sample sizes and prospective cohort studies are required to further confirm its predictive
accuracy across various populations.
Role of Phytocompounds for Effective Management of Migraine: Current and Future Prospectives
Authors: Randive Swapnil , Sahu Sanjeev Kumar , Vyas Manish
Published: September 2024

Migraine is one of the most painful and debilitating conditions, which is characterized
by a pulsating headache. Many therapeutic strategies are being used to prevent and treat the symptoms
and underlying pathology. A relatively high number of different medications are currently being
used for migraine prevention in clinical practice. However, these compounds were initially developed
for other indications and were different in their mechanisms of action. This review mainly
summarized all the conventional and phytocompounds currently present for the treatment of migraine.
Further, we also discussed therapeutic potential and clinical studies of natural compounds
for the treatment of migraine prophylaxis under various chemical categories like flavonoids, polyphenols,
alkaloids, glycosides, terpenoids, and lactone, acid, and alcohol.
Electro-sustainable Synthesis: Rapid and Efficient Production of Benzothiazole Derivatives through Electrochemical Means for Sustainable Chemistry
Authors: Patel Manoj Kumar , Shivhare Km Neha , Jaiswal Manish Kumar , Tiwari Saurabh Kumar , Prakash Ved , Pal Singh Rana Krishna , Siddiqui Ibadur Rahman
Published: September 2024

Background:

We generally focused on an environmentally green synthesis and we used to
replace toxic methods, hazardous reaction conditions from the greener methods such as electro-organic
synthesis, use of visible light as an energy source, natural and biodegradable green catalysts etc.

Objective:

Synthesis of biologically-active benzothiazole derivatives via eco-compatible method is
the objective of our research article.

Methods:

Electrochemical method where electro-organic synthesis was carried out in an undivided
cell at room temperature in the presence of lithium perchlorate as a supporting electrolyte and electricity
was also utilized here instead of a chemical substance with a simple graphite-iron electrode
combination.

Results:

The generation of 2-substituted benzothiazoles was achieved through the amalgamation of
bis(2- aminophenyl)disulfides with aromatic aldehydes under the influence of the electrodes. Products
were obtained here with the satisfactory to excellent yields with the range of 64% - 91%.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, for the synthesis of benzothiazole derivatives, a different aqueous phase,
facile, simple and dexterous method that is free from any type of hazardous catalyst was reported.
This protocol represents a novel synthetic concept and an eco-compatible pathway along with green
chemistry expertise like usage of the nontoxic solvent with effortless work-up procedure.
Analisis Kualitas Air Minum di Daerah Lingsar Kabupaten Lombok Barat yang Sesuai dengan Baku Mutu Air Minum Menggunakan Parameter Fisika dan Kimia
Authors: Wati Fidia , Meiliyadi Lalu Ahmad Didik , Bahtiar Bahtiar
Published: September 2024

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui kualitas air minum di daerah Lingsar Kabupaten Lombok Barat yang sesuai dengan baku mutu air minum yang dilakukan dengan uji parameter fisika dan kimia. Penelitian ini dilakukan karena mengingat bahwa air merupakan kebutuhan bagi semua makhluk hidup terutama manusia yaitu untuk minum, memasak, mandi, mencuci dll, oleh karena itu penting untuk kita mengetahui kualitas air yang kita pakai setiap hari terutama air yang sering dikonsumsi. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah metode eksperimen dengan menganalisis parameter fisika (suhu, ph, konduktivitas dan TDS) dan parameter kimia kandungan logam berat seperti (Mn, Fe dan Cu). Hasil penelitian yang dilakukan menunjukkan bahwa uji parameter fisika untuk rata-rata suhu maksimum yaitu 26,7   pada mata air pancor bawaq dan untuk nilai minimum sebesar 24,9 , pada mata air sarasute, untuk rata-rata pH maksimum sebesar 6,75 pada mata air sarasute dan pH minimum 6,59 pada mata air pancor bawaq, untuk rata-rata TDS maksimum sebesar 288 mg/L pada mata air pancor siwaq dan TDS minimum sebesar 76,67 mg/L pada mata air sarasute, dan untuk rata-rata maksimum konduktivitas sebesar 204  S/cm pada mata air pancor bawaq dan konduktivitas minimum sebesar 153,76  S/cm pada mata air sarasute. Sedangkan Hasil uji parameter kimia logam berat yaitu untuk  mangan (Mn) pada mata air sarasute tidak terdeteksi, pada mata air pancor bawaq nilai Mn sebesar 0,0054 ppm dan nilai Mn pada mata air pancor siwaq sebesar 0,0060 ppm, untuk kandungan besi dan Tembaga (Cu) pada ketiga mata air tersebut tidak terdeteksi. Oleh karena itu kualitas air minum didaerah lingsar masih aman untuk dikonsumsi baik jika dilihat berdasarkan parameter fisika dan kimiamya karena tidak melebihi batas ambang atau masih berada pada batas ambang yang sudah ditentukan oleh PERMENKES RI Nomor 492/Menkes/Per/IV/2010.
Phenotypic heterogeneity of the neutrophilic granulocytes in terms of the pathogenesis of the late effects of the chronic radiation exposure. Review
Authors:   Urals Research Center for Radiation Medicine of the FMBA of Russia, Kodintseva E.A. , Akleyev A.А. ,   South-Ural State Medical University of the Ministry of Healthcare of Russia
Published: September 2024

One of the main tasks of the contemporary radiobiology is to study mechanisms of the late effects development and to prove that radiation exposure either stimulates or suppresses the systemic immunity that could modify considerably the risks of cancer and cardio-vascular disease development. According to the epidemiological data chronically exposed residents of the Techa riverside settlements demonstrate increased risks of mortality from malignant neoplasms including leukemia and circulatory system diseases in the long-term period after the onset of radiation exposure. The changes in the immune system in these people have been registered over the course of decades and are pro-inflammatory. In the long-term period impairment of the functional activity of phagocytes, one of the most important effector cells of the anti-tumor immunity and inflammation, in chronically exposed people could be viewed as one of the pathophysiologic mechanisms of the carcinogenesis and cardiovascular pathology under long-term low-dose-rate exposure with predominant damage to the bone marrow. The objective of the study is to summarize and analyze the currently important scientific data on the functional activity of the human peripheral blood neutrophilic granulocytes after ionizing radiation exposure including the chronic low dose rate exposure, and phenotypes of the main subpopulations of neutrophilic granulocytes that reflect the specific features of their functioning. The review presents topical information on the main functions of neutrophilic granulocytes, changes in their functional activity under ionizing radiation exposure, and contemporary view of the phenotypes of the main subpopulations of the neutrophilic granulocytes circulating in the peripheral blood.
Medical Students’ Acceptance of Tailored e–Mental Health Apps to Foster Their Mental Health: Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Grüneberg Catharina , Bäuerle Alexander , Karunakaran Sophia , Darici Dogus , Dörrie Nora , Teufel Martin , Benson Sven , Robitzsch Anita
Published: September 2024

Background

Despite the high prevalence of mental health problems among medical students and physicians, help-seeking remains low. Digital mental health approaches offer beneficial opportunities to increase well-being, for example, via mobile apps.

Objective

This study aimed to assess the acceptance, and its underlying predictors, of tailored e–mental health apps among medical students by focusing on stress management and the promotion of personal skills.

Methods

From November 2022 to July 2023, a cross-sectional study was conducted with 245 medical students at the University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany. Sociodemographic, mental health, and eHealth-related data were assessed. The Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) was applied. Differences in acceptance were examined and a multiple hierarchical regression analysis was conducted.

Results

The general acceptance of tailored e–mental health apps among medical students was high (mean 3.72, SD 0.92). Students with a job besides medical school reported higher acceptance (t107.3=–2.16; P=.03; Padj=.027; Cohen d=4.13) as well as students with higher loads of anxiety symptoms (t92.4=2.36; P=.02; Padj=.03; Cohen d=0.35). The t values were estimated using a 2-tailed t test. Regression analysis revealed that acceptance was significantly predicted by anxiety symptoms (β=.11; P=.045), depressive symptoms (β=–.11; P=.05), internet anxiety (β=–.12; P=.01), digital overload (β=.1; P=.03), and the 3 UTAUT core predictors—performance expectancy (β=.24; P<.001), effort expectancy (β=.26; P<.001), and social influence (β=.43; P<.001).

Conclusions

The high acceptance of e–mental health apps among medical students and its predictors lay a valuable basis for the development and implementation of tailored e–mental health apps within medical education to foster their mental health. More research using validated measures is needed to replicate our findings and to further investigate medical students’ specific needs and demands regarding the framework of tailored e–mental health apps.
Developing a Mood and Menstrual Tracking App for People With Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder: User-Centered Design Study
Authors: Apsey Chloe , Di Florio Arianna , Stawarz Katarzyna
Published: September 2024

Background

People with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) experience a range of symptoms that increase and decline as a result of the natural hormonal fluctuations of the menstrual cycle. For the diagnosis of PMDD, symptom severity needs to be recorded daily for at least two symptomatic cycles. In recent years, the rise in interest in Femtech (tools and technology developed to address women’s health issues) has resulted in a large quantity of “period-tracking apps” being developed and downloaded. However, there is not currently a menstrual and mood tracking app that has the full capabilities to accurately capture the symptoms of PMDD to aid with diagnosis.

Objective

This study aimed to collect feedback and insights from potential users (ie, people with lived experience of PMDD or severe premenstrual syndrome) to inform the development of a prototype app that could support prospective mood monitoring of PMDD symptoms for research, and to support diagnosis.

Methods

We conducted two user-centered design studies. Study 1 consisted of 4 interviews with individual participants who had taken part in our previous web-based mood tracking study for PMDD. During the interviews, participants were encouraged to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the existing web-based mood tracking system. Study 2 consisted of 2 workshops with a total of 8 participants, in which participants were asked to discuss the needs and desirable features they would like in a PMDD-specific tracking app. Interviews and workshops were recorded, and the transcripts were analyzed inductively following a thematic approach.

Results

A total of four themes were identified from the interviews and workshops with potential users: (1) ease of use as a key consideration for users with PMDD; (2) avoiding a reductionist approach for a broad range of symptoms; (3) recognizing the importance of correct language; and (4) integrating features for the users’ benefits. These suggestions align with the current understanding of the implications of PMDD symptoms on daily activities and with findings from previous research on encouraging long-term engagement with apps.

Conclusions

To meet the needs of potential users with PMDD or suspected PMDD, there needs to be a special consideration to how their symptoms impact the way they might interact with the app. In order for users to want to interact with the app daily, particularly during the days where they may not have symptoms to track, the app needs to be simple yet engaging. In addition, if the app provides insights and feedback that can benefit the well-being of the users, it is suggested that this could ensure prolonged use.
Development and Evaluation of 4 Short, Animated Videos for Women in Midlife Promoting Positive Health Behaviors: Survey Study
Authors: Hammarberg Karin , Bandyopadhyay Mridula , Nguyen Hau , Cicuttini Flavia , Stanzel Karin Andrea , Brown Helen , Hickey Martha , Fisher Jane
Published: September 2024

Background

Health and health behaviors in midlife are important determinants of healthy aging. There is evidence of unmet needs for health-promoting information for women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and women with low literacy.

Objective

This study aimed to (1) develop accessible short, animated videos viewable and downloadable from YouTube aimed at promoting positive health behaviors in women in midlife and (2) evaluate their accessibility, acceptability, understanding, and usability and whether this was influenced by the level of education or socioeconomic disadvantage.

Methods

In collaboration with a video production company, a multidisciplinary team of academics and health professionals developed 2 short, animated videos on self-management of menopause health and 2 promoting joint health. Their accessibility, acceptability, understanding, and usability to women were evaluated in an anonymous web-based survey.

Results

A total of 490 women viewed the videos and responded to the survey. Of these, 353 (72%) completed all questions. Almost all (from 321/353, 91% to 334/363, 92%) agreed that the information in the videos was “very easy to understand.” The proportions reporting that all or some of the information in the video was new to them varied between videos from 36% (137/386) to 66% (233/353), the reported likelihood of using the practical tips offered in the videos varied from 70% (271/386) to 89% (331/373), and between 61% (235/386) and 70% (263/373) of respondents stated that they would recommend the videos to others. Education-level group comparisons revealed few differences in opinions about the videos, except that women with lower education were more likely than those with higher education to state that they would recommend the 2 joint health videos to others (36/45, 80% vs 208/318, 65%; P=.051 for video 3; and 36/44, 80% vs 197/309, 64%; P=.04 for video 4). There were no differences between women living in the least advantaged areas (Socioeconomic Indexes for Areas quintile areas 1 and 2) and those living in the most advantaged areas (Socioeconomic Indexes for Areas quintile areas 3, 4, and 5) in their responses to any of the questions about the 4 videos.

Conclusions

Most women found the videos easy to understand, learned something new from watching them, planned to use the practical tips they offered, and were likely to recommend them to other women. This suggests that short, animated videos about health self-management strategies in midlife to improve the chance of healthy aging are perceived as accessible, acceptable, easy to understand, and useful by women.
Paving the road for more ethical and equitable policies and practices in telerehabilitation in psychology and neuropsychology: a research protocol for a rapid review (Preprint)
Authors: Morand-Grondin Dorothée , Berthod Jeanne , Sigouin Jennifer , Beaulieu-Bonneau Simon , Kairy Dahlia
Published: September 2024

UNSTRUCTURED

Virtual rehabilitation, or telerehabilitation (TR), has exponentially evolved in the last few years, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. In response to a new reality of strict restrictions of physical contact necessitating the shift from in-person health services to tele-health visits, TR has seen a widespread adoption. In this context, ensuring ethical and equitable TR services is crucial for its sustainable integration into healthcare systems. This requires complete and consistent guidance for clinicians and patients involved. This research protocol outlines a rapid review of TR practices specifically within the context of neuropsychology and psychology rehabilitation. The aim is to synthesize evidence to provide timely insights on potential ethical and equitable benefits and pitfalls associated with the use of TR in a neuropsychology and psychology framework. The protocol describes steps of data collection, including search strategy, screening process, data extraction and analysis methods. Part of a broader cross-Canadian study aiming to inform policy development and clinical practices in TR, this rapid review contributes to help shaping future TR practices to ensure access to high-quality neuropsychology and psychology telerehabilitation services.
Adapting the Germ Defence Web-Based Intervention to Improve Infection Prevention and Control in Care Homes: Interview Study Among Care Home Staff (Preprint)
Authors: Hall Alex , Aguilera-Muñoz Johanna , McGarrigle Lisa , Eost-Telling Charlotte , Denison-Day James , Cabral Christie , Willcox Merlin , Todd Chris
Published: September 2024

BACKGROUND

Infection prevention and control (IPC) is vital in care homes as it can reduce morbidity and mortality by 30%. Ensuring good IPC practice is a perennial challenge in the varied and complex context of care homes. Behavior change interventions delivered via digital technology may be effective in improving IPC among care home staff.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate how an evidence-based, digital behavior change intervention called Germ Defence can be rapidly adapted to meet the needs of care homes.

METHODS

This study applied the person-based approach, which emphasizes iterative approaches to optimizing interventions via individual user feedback. Phase 1 involved initial edits to the website by the research team to create Germ Defence for Care Homes (GDCH) version 1. Phase 2 consisted of stakeholder consultation on GDCH version 1 followed by edits to create GDCH version 2. The formal research (phases 3 and 4) involved individual think-aloud interviews with 21 staff members from management, care, and ancillary positions in 4 care homes providing real-time feedback as they worked through GDCH. Edits were made to create GDCH version 3 between phases 3 and 4. During the development of GDCH versions 2 and 3, it became clear that the intervention would need more fundamental changes beyond the pragmatic, incremental changes that would be possible within the scope of this study. Analysis was completed via a rapid, qualitative descriptive approach to develop a high-level summary of key findings from the interview data.

RESULTS

There were mixed results about the attractiveness of GDCH and its suitability to the care home context. Participants felt that the images needed to be aligned much more closely with the meaning of adjacent text. Many participants felt that they would not have time to read a text-based website, and some suggested that more engaging content, including audio and video, may be preferable. Most participants felt that the overall concept of Germ Defence was clearly relevant to their context. Some felt that it might be a useful introduction for new staff members or a refresher for current staff, but others felt that it did not add anything to their existing IPC training. There were mixed opinions about the level of detail provided in the information offered by the site. While the goal-setting behavior change mechanism may have potential, the findings suggested that it may be unsuitable for care homes and more work is needed to refine it.

CONCLUSIONS

Much more work needs to be done to make Germ Defence more engaging, accessible, and relevant to the care home workforce. Our study highlights the challenges of rapidly adapting an existing intervention to a new context. Future research in this area will require a pragmatic methodological approach with a focus on implementation.
Spatial Evaluation of Waste Disposal Site Selection Using GIS-Based Multi-Criteria Analysis: A Case Study of Dera Ghazi Khan District, Pakistan
Authors: Rehman Aneeq Ur , Ahmad Adeel , Sadef Yumna , Ahmad Sajid Rashid
Published: September 2024

The rapid population growth and rising per capita incomes have caused the city to generate massive amounts of municipal waste, indicating a serious environmental threat. Solid waste disposal has become a crucial problem for several municipalities. The selection of suitable waste disposal sites is a crucial problem in the urban areas of developing countries like Pakistan due to unsatisfactory urban planning and management to decrease human being’s health risks. Particularly, Dera Ghazi (D.G.) Khan district is facing the issue of identifying suitable sites for solid waste disposal. This research aims to select appropriate potential sites suitable for solid waste disposal purposes in the D.G. Khan. Primary datasets used for this study are Landsat-8 satellite imagery, digital elevation model (DEM) with 30-meter resolution for slope extraction. Other criteria included roads, railroads, and rivers digitized using the topographical map of the study area. The maps are prepared to incorporate overlay and suitability analysis using Geographic Information System (GIS), Remote Sensing techniques, and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), a multi-criteria analysis. The final suitability map of study area is prepared using a GIS software suite and categorized as highly, moderately, least, and unsuitable regions, of which 3% is entirely unsuitable area, 70% less suitable, 26.16% moderately suitable, and 0.84% highly suitable area. The suggested disposal sites have been carefully selected to assist policymakers in determining the most sensitive areas and resolving waste management issues with the slightest contamination of water bodies and the environment.
POST-STROKE VISUAL FIELD DEFECTS AND OTHER OPHTHALMOLOGICAL ABNORMALITIES: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY
Authors: ROOPA ROKHADE  , PRADEEP KUMAR JAIN
Published: September 2024

Objective: The study aimed to estimate prevalence of visual field defects (VFDs) and other ophthalmological abnormalities in post-stroke patients.
Methods: This retrospective study, conducted in department of ophthalmology in collaboration of department of neurology of a tertiary care medical institute, analyzed data from 80 adult patients undergoing ophthalmological examination including perimetry for presence of VFDs. Demographic data, including age and gender were extracted. Medical records were reviewed to assess visual disturbances, systemic illnesses, and medications. Gender distribution and presence of risk factors such as diabetes and hypertension were analyzed. Ophthalmological findings and the type and severity of VFDs were noted from perimetry reports. Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography scans were analyzed to identify brain lesions causing VFDs.
Results: In a study of 80 stroke patients, males were more prevalent (58.8%) than females (41.2%), with the most affected age group being 31– 40 years (33.8%). Hypertension was the most common risk factor (35.0%), and ischemic stroke was the most frequent type (66.3%). The anterior circulation was the predominant site of lesions (85.0%). The most frequent VFDs was complete homonymous hemianopia, observed in 20 patients (25.0%), followed by partial homonymous hemianopia in 6 patients (7.5%). Constriction and inferior quadrantanopia were each noted in 3 patients (3.75%), while superior quadrantanopia was seen in 2 patients (2.5%). Hemianopia combined with quadrantanopia and scotoma were the least common (1.25% each). The other common ophthalmological finding was gaze palsy which was seen in 13 (16.25%) patients.
Conclusion: Visual filed defects and other ophthalmological manifestations such as gaze palsies are common in post-stroke patients. Early detection and targeted rehabilitation of these abnormalities enhance recovery, reduce disability and optimize outcomes for stroke survivors.
Comparative Study of Pre-Engineered Building with Varying Wind Speed
Authors: Khanche A. A. , Salunke P. J.
Published: September 2024

This research explores the structural performance of Pre-Engineered Buildings (PEB) using STAAD-Pro software, specifically analyzing the effects of different wind speeds. The wind analysis follows the guidelines of IS 875 (Part III) – 2015, with an emphasis on optimizing steel usage in warehouse structures of sizes 20×100 m, 30×100 m, and 40×100 m, situated in three locations: Mumbai, Delhi, and Mysore. The wind speeds considered for these locations are 44 m/s in Mumbai, 47 m/s in Delhi, and 33 m/s in Mysore. The objective of the study is to examine how varying wind speeds affect PEB design and to optimize steel usage for these structures.
The Effect of Chitosan on the Infection of Apple Fruits with Penicillium fimorum and on the Inhibition of Ochratoxin A Production
Authors:   Department of Plant Protection, College of Agriculture, Basrah University, Iraq, Al Ahmad Manar M. , Fayyadh Mohamad Ammer ,   Department of Plant Protection, College of Agriculture, Basrah University, Iraq, Al saad Lobeid A. ,   Department of Intelligent Medical Systems, College of Computer Science and Information Technology, University of Basrah, Iraq
Published: September 2024

Al-Ahmad, M.M., M.A. Fayyadh and L.A. Al-Saad. 2024. The Effect of Chitosan on the Infection of Apple Fruits with Penicillium fimorum and on the Inhibition of Ochratoxin A Production. Arab Journal of Plant Protection, 42(3): 396-402. https://doi.org/10.22268/AJPP-001261 This study was conducted to test the ability of chitosan micro- and nano-chitosan to inhibit the growth of P. fimorum and its production of Ochratoxin A, and to protect apple fruits from infection. The results obtained showed that the micro- and nano-chitosan inhibited the growth of P. fimorum by 32.33 and 57.91%, respectively. The chitosan treatment reduced the ability of P. fimorum to produce ochratoxin A to 69.16 and 71.14% with micro- and nano-chitosan, respectively. In addition, the concentration of Ochratoxin A decreased in apple fruits (red, yellow, and green) from 121.50, 115.80, and 105.60 ng/g in the control treatment to 53.93, 52.60, and 0.00 ng/g in the micro-chitosan treatment, and to 0.00, 0.00 and 35.10 ng/g in nano-chitosan treatment, respectively. Keywords: Ochratoxin A, P. fimorum, apple fruits, chitosan
LAZER NO BRASIL E AS MULHERES RESIDENTES NAS REGIÕES NORDESTE E SUDESTE
Authors: Bonalume Cláudia Regina , Tavares Marie Luce , Stoppa Edmur Antonio , Isayama Helder Ferreira
Published: September 2024

Este estudo analisa a relação mulheres e lazer, a partir dos dados da pesquisa Lazer no Brasil, com um recorte direcionado às regiões nordeste e sudeste brasileiras. Os resultados demonstram a existência de disparidade entre o que as mulheres gostariam de vivenciar no lazer e o que de fato conseguem. Independentemente das regiões, os dados apontam que elas têm a garantia do seu direito ao lazer prejudicada pelas diferentes jornadas de trabalho; pela escassez na diversificação do lazer; pela falta de tempo, devido às questões relacionadas às tarefas culturalmente entendidas como função das mulheres e pela falta de recursos.
Lyon & Healy: the American Harp
Authors: Ian Mcvoy
Published: September 2024

The design of the pedal harp underwent a series of dramatic changes at the turn of the century, most of them attributable to the inventive minds at a Chicago-based musical instrument manufacturer and music publisher, Lyon & Healy.

Of the many innovations of the Lyon & Healy company, three of the utmost importance to the development of the instrument: the “adjustable fourchette,” allowing simple regulation of the harp’s tuning in the natural and sharp positions, the “single-link mechanism,” an internal change to the mechanism greatly simplifying both function and manufacture, and lastly the “extended soundboard,” an extension of the soundbox of the instrument allowing for greater volume. Each of these improvements has since been adopted by every modern-day harp maker.

This paper endeavors to combine original patents, miscellaneous historical documents, and evidence gathered from extant historical instruments by Lyon & Healy to identify each of the above and other specific changes, their inventors, the time of their introduction, as well as the overall motivation behind each of these important changes.
Human-AI Design Version 0.9.2, 2024-09-24
Authors: Udo Maria Fon
Published: September 2024

This paper introduces the Human-AI Design approach, a novel framework for addressing complex sustainability challenges through the integration of human expertise and artificial intelligence. The approach leverages social and global entropy concepts to quantify and visualize resource distribution and irreversible processes within social and ecological systems. By combining entropy modeling, participatory processes, and advanced AI techniques, Human-AI Design offers a comprehensive methodology for tackling multifaceted global issues. The paper presents a theoretical framework, outlines the methodology, and demonstrates its application through a case study on global water resource management. The approach's potential is further explored in extended applications across various domains, including education, urban planning, biodiversity conservation, and climate change mitigation. Future scenarios of human-AI coevolution are discussed, highlighting both the immense potential and significant challenges ahead. The Human-AI Design approach represents a promising step towards more effective and integrated solutions to global sustainability challenges, offering new possibilities for understanding and managing complex systems while emphasizing the importance of ethical considerations and adaptive implementation.
The use of artificial intelligence in optimising education management processes
Authors: Cholyshkina Olga , Onyshchenko Andrii , Kudin Volodymyr , Gladka Myroslava , Oleksiienko Serhii
Published: September 2024

As a strategic technology, artificial intelligence (AI) contributes to the transformation of the economy and symbolises a new stage not only in the history of digital technologies but also in the global development of modern civilisation. It also plays an important role in improving the quality and accessibility of education. The use of AI allows us to move from standard methods of teaching and education management to individual and effective strategies. This article analyses the use of AI in the field of education management and highlights innovative approaches introduced by AI. The potential disadvantages and ethical issues arising from the integration of these technologies into the field of education are considered. Prospects and directions of AI use in education are outlined. Conclusions are drawn about the importance of AI for current and future education.
The coherent emergentist concept of machines; or why the popular concept of artificial intelligence is a materialist anthropomorphism
Authors: Paksi Daniel
Published: September 2024

The concept of artificial intelligence is very popular in both science and culture today. Similarly, the concept of emergence has become quite popular during the last decades in the sciences. For example, it is commonplace in the case of machines to speak of an overall blueprint and several different material components; thus, we can regard the blueprint as a kind of comprehensive emergent additive. However, is it true then that the machine, due to this plus component, is not material? Practically nobody wants to acknowledge that. Still, in practice, there are no machines without added blueprints. In my paper, based on Samuel Alexander’s original concept of emergence, I will investigate these problems and contradictions, which stem from the materialist interpretation of the concept, and I will present a coherent emergentist concept of machines, according to which machines are clearly a unique kind between simple material things and living beings.
Technophilosophical underpinnings of Westworld (2016–2022)
Authors: Singh Pankaj
Published: September 2024

Using the events of the HBO series Westworld (2016–2022) as a springboard, this paper attempts to elicit a number of philosophical arguments, dilemmas, and questions concerning technology and artificial intelligence (AI). The paper is intended to encourage readers to learn more about intriguing technophilosophical debates. The first section discusses the dispute between memory and consciousness in the context of an artificially intelligent robot. The second section delves into the issues of reality and morality for humans and AI. The final segment speculates on the potential of a social interaction between sentient AI and humans. The narrative of the show serves as a glue that binds together the various ideas that are covered during the show, which in turn makes the philosophical discussions more intriguing.
Funding Developing Asia’s Old-Age Needs: Challenges and Opportunities
Authors:   University of Hawaii, Mason Andrew , Park Donghyun ,   Asian Development Bank, Estrada Gemma ,   Asian Development Bank
Published: September 2024

Focusing on developing economies in Asia, this paper analyzes how individuals fund their old-age needs and concludes that developing Asia’s old-age funding needs will rise substantially because of population aging between 2025 and 2065.
GAN-DNADE: Image encryption algorithm based on generative adversarial network and DNA dynamic encoding
Authors: Wang Xi
Published: September 2024

Aiming at the problems such as small key space and incomplete color channel encryption in traditional image encryption, this paper proposes a novel image encryption algorithm based on generative adversarial network (GAN) and DNA dynamic encoding. This paper introduces GAN into random key generation, and uses GAN to learn and train the random key generated by hyperchaotic system. A parallel chaotic system is used to generate two sets of pseudo-random sequences, and DNA dynamic encoding is introduced to further transform them to generate a new sequence. The pixel-level diffusion and scrambling of images within and between channels are carried out by using random sequences. The experimental results show that the randomness of GAN can significantly expand the key space, and the proposed algorithm has significant advantages in the security and anti-attack ability of ciphertext images.
MFE-transformer: Adaptive English text named entity recognition method based on multi-feature extraction and transformer
Authors: Gao Liuxin
Published: September 2024

English text named entity recognition aims to alleviate the problem of insufficient labeling data in the target domain. Existing methods usually use feature representation or model parameter sharing to realize cross-domain transfer of entity recognition capability, but there is still a lack of full utilization of structured knowledge in text sequences. Therefore, this paper proposes an adaptive English named text entity recognition method based on multi-feature extraction and transformer. Firstly, a bidirectional long term memory conditional random field entity recognition model based on BERT pre-trained language model is constructed on a generic domain dataset. In the training process, the weights of two character vectors of text words are dynamically calculated and combined, which makes the model make full use of the information in the character granularity, and the parts-of-speech information and block analysis are added as additional features. The word vectors, character-level features and additional features are spliced into the BiLSTM-CRF neural network model for training. Finally, experiments are carried out on five English datasets and specific cross-domain named entity recognition datasets respectively. The results show that the average performance of the proposed model is improved by 0.43% and 1.47% compared with the current cross-domain model, indicating that the structured knowledge in feature representation can effectively improve the entity recognition capability of the target domain.