bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
INVESTIGATION OF CONSUMER BEHAVIOR IN MARKET SHOPPING IN THE GENDER CONTEXT
Authors: Gül Savaşkan Ayşe , Çatı Kahraman
Published: October 2020

In this study, the behavior of consumers regarding market shopping was observed. The aim of the study is to determine whether the retail shopping behaviors of consumers differ by depending on their gender. “Structured Observation Technique” was chosen as the data collection technique and the data was collected by the researcher personally with participant observation. For this purpose, 225 observations were carried out in a retail chain store in Batman province between 12-22 March in 4 different time periods and covering 2 weekends. The observation form for data collection was prepared in line with the information received from the literature and store employees. The observation form includes the date of observation, the hour of observation, gender, age, the state of being alone while shopping, the state of getting help, the time spent in shopping, the interest in discounted stores, the interest in the price tag, the recommended discounted product, the products purchased, the bag purchase and cloth bag carrying status and payment information. SPSS 22.0 statistical program was used to analyze the data. In the results of working; It has been concluded that female customers have longer shopping times than male customers, female customers are more interested in discounted products, female customers are more likely to have reusable bags with them, and female customers seek more help from staff when shopping.
AMACA YÖNELİK PAZARLAMA KAPSAMINDA SOSYAL SORUMLULUK SUÇLULUĞUNUN MARKA SADAKATİNE YANSIMASI
Authors: DÖNMEZ Mevlüt Sedat
Published: October 2020

Bireyler, toplum kurallarına yönelik aykırı bir davranışta bulunduklarında ya da toplumsal bir soruna kayıtsız kaldıklarında sosyal sorumluluk suçluluğu hissetmektedirler. Markalar ise sosyal sorumluluk stratejileri kapsamında gerçekleştirdikleri amaca yönelik pazarlama faaliyetleriyle toplumsal sorunlara yönelik bir katkı sağlama çabası içerisine girmektedir. Markanın mal veya hizmet satışından elde ettiği kazancın bir kısmını toplumsal bir soruna çözüm sunabilmek adına bağış yapması olarak tanımlanan amaca yönelik pazarlamanın tüketicilerde bir marka sadakati oluşturacağı düşünülmektedir. Bu varsayımdan yola çıkan bu araştırmada tüketicilerin sosyal sorumluluk suçluluğunun marka sadakatine yansımasını irdelemek amaçlanmıştır. Bunun yanı sıra araştırma çerçevesinde katılımcıların sosyal sorumluluk suçluluğu seviyeleri ile marka sadakatleri arasındaki farklılıkların sorgulanması hedeflenmiştir. Ayrıca araştırmada, katılımcıların sosyal sorumluluk suçluluğu ve sadakatleri açısından yaş, cinsiyet, gelir durumu, medeni durum ve çalışma durumu değişkenlerine göre farklılıkların sorgulanması amaçlanmıştır. Bu doğrultuda araştırmada 316 katılımcıdan yüz yüze anket tekniği ile veri toplanmıştır. Çalışma sonucunda sosyal sorumluluk suçluluğunun marka sadakati oluşumu üzerinde pozitif yönde etkisi olduğu bulgusuna erişilmiştir. Bunun yanı sıra katılımcıların sosyal sorumluluk suçluluğu seviyelerinin marka sadakati açısından farklılıklar gösterdiği görülürken; marka sadakati ve sosyal sorumluluk suçluluğunun ise cinsiyet ve gelir durumu değişkenine göre farklılık gösterdiği sonucuna erişilmiştir.
SOSYAL MEDYAYI ETKİN KULLANAN MARKALARIN DİYALOJİK İLETİŞİM AÇISINDAN DEĞERLENDİRİLMESİ
Authors: DOĞAN Ayhan , AKSOY Fatih
Published: October 2020

Günümüzde gelişen iletişim teknolojileri ile birlikte çeşitli kanallarla iletişim kurmak mümkün hale gelmiştir. Bu gelişmeler, şirket-tüketici-, kamu-devlet, birey-birey, birey-devlet vb. birey, kamu, kurum ve kuruluşlar arasındaki ilişkilerde kişilerarası iletişim tarzında iletişimin sağlanmasına imkân vermiştir. Bu şekilde iletişim ortamı sağlayan bir iletişim kanalı da sosyal medya olmaktadır. Sosyal medya ile birlikte ikili ilişkilerde, iletişim çift yönlü olmaktadır, karşılıklı etkileşim söz konusudur ve aktif bir rol oynanmaktadır. Sosyal medyada iletişim kurmanın yanı sıra ilişkilerde kurulmaktadır. Günümüzdeki küresel pazarda artık hedef kitlelerle sadece iletişim kurmak yeterli olmamaktadır. Hedef kitleler ile artık bir ilişki oluşturulması gerekmektedir. Çünkü hedef kitleler markalardan kendi düşüncelerini sormasını istemektedir. Bu çalışmada sosyal medyayı etkin kullanan beş markanın Twitter, Instagram ve Facebook hesaplarının diyalojik iletişim ilkelerinin ne kadarını kapsadığı tespit etmek amaçlanmıştır. Araştırmada nicel araştırma yöntemi kullanılmıştır. 01-15 Temmuz 2019 tarihleri arasında markaların sosyal medya paylaşımları nicel içerik analiz yöntemi ile incelenmiştir. Araştırmadan elde edilen bulgulara göre markalar, diyalojik döngü ve yeniden ziyareti sağlama ilkelerini başarılı şekilde kullanamamıştır. Markalar, bilginin işe yararlılığı ve ziyaretçilerin korunması ilkelerini, diğer ilkelere göre daha başarılı uygulamıştır. Sonuç olarak markaların bazı diyalojik iletişim ilkelerini başarılı şekilde uygularken bazılarını ise etkin şekilde kullanmadığı görülmüştür. Dolayısıyla markaların diyalojik iletişim açısından sosyal medya araçlarını yeterince değerlendiremediklerini söylemek mümkündür.
TAKVİYE EDİCİ GIDA REKLAMLARINDA ALDATICI UNSURLAR
Authors: KAZAZ Arzu , GENÇYÜREK ERDOĞAN Merve
Published: October 2020

Hızla büyüyen ve rekabetçi bir piyasası olan takviye edici gıda ürünleri için reklam çalışmaları, hedeflenen satış başarısını sağlamak için son derece önemlidir. Bireyler, bir sağlık profesyoneline başvurmadan kendi öz bakımlarına destek olmak amacıyla bu tür takviyeleri kullanabilmektedir. Takviye edici gıdalar “ilaç” kategorisinde değerlendirilmemektedir. Dolayısıyla reklam içeriklerinde, bilimsel olarak ispata gerek duyan, aldatıcı/yanıltıcı ifadeler içeren ve mevzuatta izin verilen sağlık beyanlarının dışında kalan beyanlara yer verilmemesi gerekmektedir. Araştırmanın amacı; takviye edici gıda kategorisinde Reklam Kurulu Başkanlığı’na yapılan şikâyetleri inceleyerek, aldatıcı reklam içeriklerine hangi gerekçeler ile yaptırım kararları uygulandığını ve reklam içeriklerinin yayınlandığı mecraları tespit etmektir. Bu kapsamda 2019 yılının son 6 aylık döneminde yayınlanan basın bültenleri incelenmiş ve toplamda 31 takviye edici gıda reklamı şikâyeti tespit edilmiştir. Çalışma nitel bir veri analiz yöntemi olan; betimsel analiz kullanılarak gerçekleştirilmiştir. Bu tür analizde temel amaç; verilerin düzenlenmiş ve yorumlanmış bir biçimde okuyucuya sunularak, ortaya çıkan temaların ilişkilendirilmesi, anlamlandırılmasıdır. Reklam Kurulu yaptığı değerlendirmede, incelediği reklam içeriklerinin tamamına Tüketicinin Korunması Hakkında Kanun’un ilgili maddeleri uyarınca cezai yaptırımlar uygulanmasına karar vermiştir. Ayrıca şikâyete konu olan içeriklerin reklam mecralarının büyük oranda internet olduğu tespit edilmiştir. Bu durum bir reklam mecrası olarak internetin denetim sorununu da ortaya koymaktadır. Araştırmanın takviye edici gıda reklamları alanına, “aldatıcı reklam” bağlamında yaklaşan sınırlı sayıdaki çalışmalardan biri olarak katkı sağlayacağı düşünülmektedir. Reklam sektörü açısından ise; doğru ve mevzuata uygun reklamlar ile aldatıcı reklamlardan kaçınma bağlamında katkısı olacağı öngörülmektedir.
SOSYAL MEDYA ETKİLEYİCİLERİNİN KANAAT ÖNDERLİĞİ ROLÜ
Authors: TAM Mehmet Sinan
Published: October 2020

Günümüzde milyarlarca kullanıcıya sahip farklı ad ve içeriklere sahip sosyal medya platformu bulunmaktadır. Bu platformların çoğunda, son dönemlerde ortaya çıkan sosyal medya etkileyicilerini görmek mümkündür. Yaşadığımız dönemde neredeyse hemen her sosyal medya platformunda görülebilen bu sanal kişiliklerin toplum için hangi hüviyete sahip olduğu önem arz etmektedir. Bu bağlamda araştırma; son yıllarda giderek bilinir hale gelen etkileyicilerin kanaat önderliği rolünün var olup olmadığı ve burada hangi öğelerin öne çıktığını, sosyal medya kullanıcıları nezdinde ortaya koymayı amaçlamaktadır. Nicel yöntem ve tarama araştırma modeliyle gerçekleştirilen çalışmaya 571 kişi katılmıştır. Sosyal medya kullanıcılarına göre; sosyal medya etkileyicileri birer kanaat önderidir. “İletişim, Eğlence, Yakınlık, Taklit, Güven ve Bilgi” değişkenleriyle etkileyicilerin kanaat önderliği rolü Yapısal Eşitlik Modeliyle ortaya konulmaya çalışılmıştır. Sonuç olarak; “İletişim (,16), Taklit (,28) ve Bilgi (,53)” değişkenlerin her biri etkileyicilerin kanaat önderliği rolü üzerinde etkisi (R^2=,836, p=,000) bulgulanmıştır. Araştırma, Halkla İlişkiler alanında yapılacak çalışmalarda hem etkileyiciler hem de etkileyicilerin kitleleri düşünülerek ilgili faaliyetlerin geçekleştirilmesi gerekliliğini ortaya koymaktadır.
PANDEMİ ETKİSİ: KISA FİLM FESTİVALLERİ VE YAŞANAN DÖNÜŞÜM ÜZERİNE BİR DEĞERLENDİRME
Authors: ÇAKAR BİKİÇ Nagihan
Published: October 2020

Wuhan’dan Çin Halk Cumhuriyeti’nin bütün eyaletlerine ve oradan da diğer dünya ülkelerine yayılan Coronavirüs tüm dünyayı etkisi altına aldığı ve sosyal hayatı sekteye uğrattığı gibi bütün alanlarda da zorunlu bir takım değişim ve dönüşümleri beraberinde getirmiştir. Sosyal mesafenin korunma gerekliliği ve insanların yalıtım sürecine girerek evlerine kapanması kamusal alanda gerçekleştirilen birçok faaliyetin dijital platformlara taşınmasına yol açtı. Dijital platformlara yönelen faaliyet alanlarından biri de sinema sektörü için önemli organizasyonlardan biri olarak kabul edilen kısa film festivalleridir. Covid-19 virüsünün yol açtığı pandemi sürecinin sosyal hayatı tehdit etmesi yıl boyunca düzenli olarak yapılan kısa film festivallerini de etkilemiştir. Bu çalışma, Coronavirüsün etkisiyle tüm dünyaya yayılan pandemi sürecinin film festivalleri üzerindeki etkisine odaklanmaktadır. Film festivallerinin pandemi sürecinden etkilenerek şartnamelerinde değişikliğe gitmeleri, festivalleri dijital platformlara taşımaları ve film üretim sürecinin önemli bir boyutunu oluşturan teknik detayları pandeminin getirdiği zorunluluklar nedeniyle daha az önemseyerek içeriği ön plana çıkarmaları çalışmanın çıkış noktasını oluşturmaktadır. Bu bağlamda film festivallerinin özellikleri ve sinema sektöründe üstlendikleri misyon ele alındıktan sonra, festivallere ait başvuru koşulları pandemi öncesi ve sonrası festivaller şeklinde kategorize edilerek başvuru koşullarında yapılan değişiklikler içerik analizi ile tespit edilmiştir. Çalışma sonucunda elde edilen veriler değerlendirilmiş, festivallerin pandemi etkisiyle biçim ve içerik açısından ciddi bir dönüşüme uğradığı tespit edilmiştir.
BUILDING SELF-IDENTITY IN URBAN BACKGROUND: PORTRAIT AND RESHAPING THE THEMATIC PERSPECTIVES OF THE BILDUNG IN THE AGE OF MODERNISM
Authors: GOLBAN Petru , ALTINTAŞ Hasan
Published: October 2020

Among the twentieth-century writers who made the city a part of their discourse aiming at revealing both self-identity and social meanings is James Joyce, a major representative of modernism. Portrait is a Bildungsroman which proves that this type of fiction is a psychological novel about an individual who strives to acquire a self, or, having a self, he or she embarks on a quest for a better self. Portrait prefigures modernism, Joyce making use of his aesthetic concentration to achieve literary innovation by exploring new fields of human experience and developing new means of artistic expression in his focus on individual, primarily psychological, existence. The present study argues about the link between the protagonist and the chronotope of the city as a factor of synthesis of the formative experience which in this novel ends in departure and search, whereas the Bildung (self or identity) is still to be acquired and asserted.
POETIC IMAGINATION SHAPING THE ROMANTIC FRAGMENT: THE CASE OF KUBLA KHAN
Authors: DİTA Patricia Denisa
Published: October 2020

Since the early nineteenth century, various works of literature, literary theory, criticism, philosophy, and other forms of art have faced a sudden change which has raised contradictions and suspense. This upheaval is represented also by fragmentary writing. The list of fragmentary artists is long, starting from Romantic thinkers and writers, such as Schlegel, Keats, and Coleridge, to the Modern and Postmodern ones, such as Adorno, Beckett, Blanchot, and others. The present study focuses on Coleridge’s aesthetic doctrine as influenced by German philosophy and as containing ideas on the essence and kind of poetry, the concept of “organicity” of the poetic work, as well as on the source, function and purpose of poetry, and specifically on Coleridge’s Kubla Khan, Or, a Vision in a Dream. A Fragment as the expression of his concern with the fragility of poetic imagination which in fact shapes the fragmentary character of his poem.
COVID-19: prevention and future initiative within nursing homes
Authors: Wrona Marysia , Tobis Sławomir , Wieczorowska-Tobis Katarzyna , Neumann-Podczaska Agnieszka
Published: October 2020

The high COVID-19 mortality rate in nursing homes in the United States and internationally prompted a comprehensive mini literature review concerning the prevalence, preventative protocol, and proactive initiatives against the highly infectious COVID-19. PubMed articles published between January and June 2020 and data sourced from government ministries of health concerning COVID-19 in nursing homes were used for this review. The prevalence and mortality rate in seven countries were compared. The underlying theme of the articles reviewed addressed four focus areas for the prevention of infectious disease spread: diagnostics, protection of residents in nursing facilities, administration and staff protection, and legislative advocacy. Adaptations and solutions may reduce the current transmission of COVID-19 within nursing homes, as well as in the future.
Scaling Low Resolution Regional Climate Model Results to High Resolution for Predicting Rice and Maize Production under Climate Change Disaster Scenario
Authors: Amnuaylojaroen Teerachai , Chanvichit Pavinee
Published: October 2020

Climate change effect on human-living in verities of way such as health and food security. This study presents predicting crop yields, and production risk in the near future (2020-2029) in northern Thailand using coupling 1 km resolution of regional climate model which is downscaled using a conservative remapping method and the Decision Support System for the Transfer of Agrotechnology (DSSAT) modeling system. The accuracy of the climate and agricultural model was appropriate compared to the observations with Index of Agreement (IOA) in ranges of 0.65 - 0.89. The DSSAT modeling system predicts that rice, and maize production will decrease by 5% and 4% in northern Thailand. In addition, a short-term risk analysis of rice and maize production has shown that, in the context of climate change, maize production appears to be at a high risk of low production in the near future, while rice cultivation might be a low risk.
Sociodemographic and Clinical Characteristics Associated with Suicidal Behaviour and the Relationship with a Nurse-Led Suicide Prevention Program.
Authors: Pons-Baños Judit , Ballester-Ferrando David , Riesco-Miranda Lola , Escoté-Llobet Santiago , Jiménez-Nuño Jordi , Fuentes-Pumarola Concepció , Serra-Millàs Montserrat
Published: October 2020

(1) Aims: To analyse the relationship between demographic and clinical characteristics and particular kinds of suicidal behaviour and its relationship with a nurse-led suicide prevention program. (2) Methods: A 5-year cross-sectional study design. Study performed in the region of Osona (Catalonia) during 2013-2017. Suicidal behaviour was classified as suicidal ideation, interrupted self-directed violence, suicide attempt and completed suicide. (3) Results: The sample included 753 patients ─ of whom 53 died by suicide─ and encompassed 931 suicidal behaviour episodes. Men represented 38.4% of the sample but 81.1% of deaths by suicide. Mental disorders were associated with suicidal behaviour in 75.4% of the sample. 66.4% of the individuals were engaged in the nurse-led Suicidal Behaviour Case Management Program, of which 0.8% (n=4) died by suicide. (4) Conclusion: The main risk factors were female sex for suicidal behaviour, and male sex and older age for suicide. Mental disorders, widowhood and retirement were also associated with suicide. A high proportion of patients was engaged to the nurse-led suicide prevention program with a low proportion of suicides.
SOSIALISASI DAN SIMULASI MITIGASI BENCANA GEMPA BUMI DALAM MENINGKATKAN KESIAPSIAGAAN SISWA SDN 2 WATES PONOROGO
Authors: Arisona Risma Dwi
Published: October 2020

Earthquake disasters occur suddenly without being able to be predicted by humans. By knowing that earthquakes cannot yet be scientifically predicted, efforts should be made to reduce the risk of the consequences of the earthquake. The cause of the large number of victims of earthquake disasters due to lack of knowledge and earthquake disaster preparedness. Therefore, it is important to socialize and simulate earthquake mitigation early to minimize the risk of becoming a victim through disaster education in schools. Education is an effective vehicle for building student behavior in the face of disasters. Knowledge possessed by students can influence the attitude of earthquake disaster preparedness. This research is a practical research with limitation of the problem through the provision of material and training in earthquake disaster mitigation simulation. The results showed that: 1) The material presented was interesting, there was very significant knowledge about the types of disasters, disaster symbols, and preparedness procedures before, when they occurred, and after the earthquake disaster; 2) Adding knowledge and skills in self-rescue in the event of an earthquake; 3) Practicing reflexes in taking steps to save themselves when an earthquake suddenly occurs, 4) Increasing earthquake preparedness for elementary school students and teachers.
Dinamika Menjelang Pendirian Partai Rakyat Demokratik di Masa Orde Baru
Authors: Angga Vicky Verry , Anggraini Juwita
Published: October 2020

ABSTRACTThe Orba government in carrying out its power is almost always repertive acts of the people. The Orba government also practiced an all-out democracy in the political practice of the day. The condition is inflicting discontent of young men and activists. In the 1992, the action committee began to appear and continue to evolve in the next years. The alliances of student alliances then flourished the role of the action committee. Student alliances evolved into a sectoral student organization, laborers, farms, and culture. Sectoral organizations make a struggle against Orba into boxes. The gathering of sectoral organizations then formed the Democratic People's Unity together in 1994, the Democratic People's Unity on its journey didn't go well, there was a difference of opinion between members. The Democratic People's Unity experiences split and delivers the idea of the party's establishment of members. The party's establishment through an uneasy process in the organization. The Extraordinary Congressman 1996 decided the Democratic People Party's foundation. Party is expected to make the movement get radical. Party as a symbol of resistance to your formal democracy system applied by Orba. The party can also be used as a media resistance against the Orba Hegemoni.ABSTRAKPemerintah Orba dalam melaksanakan kekuasaanya hampir selalu melakukan tindakan represif terhadap rakyat. Pemerintah Orba juga mempraktikkan demokrasi semu dalam praktik politik masa itu. Kondisi ini menimbulkan ketidakpuasan dari pemuda dan aktivis. Pada 1992, komite aksi mulai muncul dan terus berkembang di tahun-tahun berikutnya. Aliansi-aliansi mahasiswa kemudian berkembang mengantikan peran komite aksi. Aliansi mahasiswa berkembang menjadi organisasi sektoral mahasiswa, buruh, tani, dan kebudayaan. Organisasi sektoral membuat perjuangan melawan Orba menjadi terkotak-kotak. Kumpulan dari berbagai organiasi sektoral kemudian membentuk Persatuan Rakyat Demokratik sebagai wadah bersama pada 1994. Persatuan Rakyat Demokratik dalam perjalanannya tidak berjalan lancar, terjadi perbedaan pendapat antar anggota. Persatuan Rakyat Demokratik mengalami perpecahan dan melahirkan ide pendirian partai dari sebagian anggota. Pendirian partai melalui proses yang tidak mudah di dalam organisasi. Kongres Luar Biasa 1996 memutuskan pendirian Partai Rakyat Demokratik. Berdirinya partai diharapkan membuat pergerakan menjadi semakin radikal. Partai sebagai simbol perlawanan terhadap sistem demokrasi semu yang diterapkan Orba. Partai juga dapat digunakan sebagai media perlawanan terhadap hegemoni Orba.
Predicting and Clustering Plant CLE Genes with a New Method Developed Specifically for Short Amino Acid Sequences
Authors: Zhang Zhe , Liu Lei , Kucukoglu Melis , Tian Dongdong , Larkin Robert M. , Shi Xueping , Zheng Bo
Published: October 2020

Background: The CLV3/ESR-RELATED (CLE) gene family encodes small secreted peptides (SSPs) and plays vital roles in plant growth and development by promoting cell-to-cell communication. The prediction and classification of CLE genes is challenging because of their low sequence similarity. Results: We developed a machine learning-aided method for predicting CLE genes by using a CLE motif-specific residual score matrix and a novel clustering method based on the Euclidean distance of 12 amino acid residues from the CLE motif in a site-weight dependent manner. In total, 2156 CLE candidates—including 627 novel candidates—were predicted from 69 plant species. The results from our CLE motif-based clustering are consistent with previous reports using the entire pre-propeptide. Characterization of CLE candidates provided systematic statistics on protein lengths, signal peptides, relative motif positions, amino acid compositions of different parts of the CLE precursor proteins, and decisive factors of CLE prediction. The approach taken here provides information on the evolution of the CLE gene family and provides evidence that the CLE and IDA/IDL genes share a common ancestor. Conclusions: Our new approach is applicable to SSPs or other proteins with short conserved domains and hence, provides a useful tool for gene prediction, classification and evolutionary analysis.
Magnitude of Turnover Intention and Associated Factors Among Nurses Working in Emergency Departments of Governmental Hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: A cross sectional institutional based study.
Authors: Aniley Andualem Wubetie , Taye Biniyam , Girma Biruk
Published: October 2020

Background: Turnover intention is a probability of an employee to leave the current institution within a certain period due to various factors. It is the strongest predictor of actual turnover expected to increase as the intention increases. Emergency Department (ED) nurses are especially vulnerable to high turnover because of their increased risk of developing burnout and compassion fatigue associated with the work environment. This study is aimes to assess nurses’ intention to leave emergency departments and associated factors at selected governmental hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.Methods: Institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted on 102 nurses in three selected governmental hospitals, Addis Ababa from February 19 to March 31, 2018, using a structured pre-tested self-administered questionnaire. The logistic regression model was used and an adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval was calculated to identify associated factors.Result: A total of 102 respondents were involved with a response rate of 91.1%. Among them, 79 (77.5%) respondents had the intention to leave the current working unit of the emergency department or hospital. Significant predictive factors of nurses' intention to leave their institutions are educational status (adjusted odds ratio (OR) =4.700, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.033- 50.772; p<0.048), monthly income of less than 3145 Birr (adjusted OR=6.05, 95% CI=1.056-34.641; p<0.043) and professional autonomy (adjusted OR=0.191, 95% CI=0.040- 0.908; p<0.037).Conclusion: More than 77% of the respondents have the intention to leave their current working place of the emergency unit. Educational status, monthly income, and autonomy were significantly associated with emergency nurses’ turnover intention in three governmental hospitals. Emergency leaders and hospital managers should have made efforts to enhance nurses' decision making for patient care activities and shared decision overwork or unit related activities.
Influences on Contraceptive Method Choice Among Adolescent Women across Urban Centers in Nigeria: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Sanchez Elynn Kann , McGuire Courtney , Calhoun Lisa M. , Hainsworth Gwyn , Speizer Ilene S.
Published: October 2020

Background: Despite calls to increase contraceptive use among adolescents and youth, large gaps still exist, creating an unmet need for family planning. Past research has focused on barriers to seeking a method. There is less understanding of the types of methods young women want and who and what influences these decisions. This study examines what method characteristics young Nigerian women prioritize when choosing a method to inform future family planning programming.Methods: In 2018, eight focus group discussions (FGD) were conducted in the Nigerian cities of Ilorin and Jos with 83 young women ages 15-24. Participants were identified by community contacts and separated into groups by religion and marital status. The discussion guide utilized a vignette structure to understand the participants’ perceptions on contraceptive behavior and attitudes and misconceptions surrounding different types of methods. The FGDs were undertaken and analyzed by collaborative teams from the University of Ibadan and the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill. A thematic analysis of the transcripts was performed using Atlas.ti, including two rounds of coding, and multiple reviews by the research team.Results: The method characteristics associated with young women’s contraceptive decisions include: side effects, reliability, length of coverage, privacy, cost, and accessibility. Side effects, reliability, and privacy were described as negatively linked to short-acting methods whereas easy accessibility and low cost were positive characteristics of these methods. Long-acting methods were generally viewed as positive. Participants’ focus on side effects commonly resulted from concerns about the impact on future fertility. The characteristics prioritized by individuals change throughout their adolescence and as their marital status changes. Providers, peers, parents, and partners were all found to have an influence over method choice in different ways. The role of these influencers also changes over the adolescent years. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that programs should prioritize expanding method choice to increase the number of available options to ensure all young women can access a method that fits their desired method characteristics. Programming should ensure that medically accurate information is widely distributed to harness providers, peers, parents and partners as a resource for information about specific methods.
Impact of DRGs-based inpatient service management on the performance of regional inpatient services in Shanghai, China: an interrupted time series study, 2013-2019
Authors: feng lvfan , Tian Yuan , He Mei , Tang Jie , Peng Ying , Dong Chenjie , Xu Wenzhong , Wang Tao , He Jiangjiang
Published: October 2020

Background: The asymmetry of information brings difficulty for government to manage public hospitals. Therefore, Jiading District of Shanghai has been establishing DRGs-based inpatient service management system (ISMS) to effectively compare the output of different hospitals through DRGs, reward desired hospital performance and enhance inpatient service capacity. However, the impact of the implementation of DRGs-based inpatient service management (ISM) policy in Jiading district is still unknow. We therefore conducted this study to evaluate the impact of DRGs-based ISM policy on the performance of inpatient service since its implementation in Jiading District, Shanghai, China in 2017.Methods: Using an interrupted time series design, we analyzed quarterly data of seven DRGs-based performance measures from the ISMS which covered all five public hospitals in Jiading District from 2013 to 2019. We utilized the segmented linear regression model to assess the change of level and trend of performance indicators before and after ISM policy. Dickey–Fuller test was used to examine the stationary of the data. Durbin-Watson test was performed to check the series autocorrelation of indicators.Results: Significant changes in the following indicators were observed since the implementation of ISM policy. The case-mix index (CMI) level decreased by 0.103 (P < 0.05), the trend increased by 0.008 (P < 0.05). The total weight level decreased by 3719.05 (P < 0.05), and the trend increased by 250.13 (P < 0.05). The time efficiency index (TEI) level increased by 0.12 (P < 0.05), and the trend decreased by 0.01 (P < 0.05). The cost efficiency index (CEI) level increased by 0.31 (P < 0.05), and the trend decreased by 0.02 (P < 0.05). No significant difference was found in the change of DRGs number, inpatient mortality of low-risk group cases (IMLRG) and inpatient mortality of medium-to-low risk group cases (IMMLRG).Conclusions: Findings highlight the role of ISM policy in improving the capacity and efficiency of regional inpatient service. Three prerequisites, including a good information system, high-quality EMR data, and a management team, are needed for other countries to implement their own ISM policy to help government manage public hospitals and improve the performance of regional inpatient service.
The Genome of Medicinal Leech (Whitmania pigra) and comparative genomic study for Exploration of Bioactive Ingredients
Authors: Tong Lei , Dai Shao-Xing , Kong De-Jun , Yang Peng-Peng , Tong Xin , Tong Xiang-Rong , Bi Xiao-Xu , Su Yuan , Zhao Yu-Qi , Liu Zi-Chao
Published: October 2020

BackgroundLeeches are classic annelids that have a huge diversity and closely related to people, especially medicinal leeches. Medicinal leeches have been widely utilized in medicine based on the pharmacological activities of their bioactive ingredients. Comparative genomic study of these leeches enables us to understand the difference among medicinal leeches and other leeches and facilitates the discovery of bioactive ingredients.ResultsIn this study, we reported the genome of Whitmania pigra and compared it with Hirudo medicinalis and Helobdella robusta. The assembled genome size of W. pigra is 177 Mbp, close to the estimated genome. Approximately about 23% of the genome was repetitive. A total of 26,743 protein-coding genes were subsequently predicted. W. pigra have 12346 (46%) and 10295 (38%) orthologous genes with H. medicinalis and H. robusta, respectively. About 20% and 24% genes in W. pigra showed syntenic arrangement with H. medicinalis and H. robusta, respectively, revealed by gene synteny analysis. Furthermore, W. pigra, H. medicinalis and H. robusta expanded different gene families enriched in different biological processes. By inspecting genome distribution and gene structure of hirudin, we identified a new hirudin gene g17108 (hirudin_2) with different cysteine pattern. Finally, we systematically explored and compared the active substances in the genomes of three leeches. The results showed that W. pigra and H. medicinalis exceed H. robusta in both kinds and gene number of active molecules.ConclusionsThis study reported the genome of W. pigra and compared it with other two leeches, which provides an important genome resource and new insight into the exploration and development of bioactive molecules of medicinal leeches.
Candidate Genes and Stable QTL for Grain Yield and Seed Size in Durum Wheat
Authors: Mangini Giacomo , Blanco Antonio , Nigro Domenica , Signorile Massimo Antonio , Simeone Rosanna
Published: October 2020

Background: In wheat grain yield is expressed as the product of different components. Among these, thousand kernels weight (TKW) reflects the combination of several grain related traits including grain length (GL), grain width (GW) and area. Grain weight is also affected by phenological traits, such as heading time (HT) and plant height (PH). To detect stable QTL and candidate genes involved in phenotypic control of grain yield, a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from two elite durum wheat cultivars (Liberdur and Anco Marzio) was evaluated for yield components and grain related traits for three growing seasons in southern Italy. The mapping population was genotyped with a 90K SNP array and a high-density genetic linkage map with 5134 markers was obtained.Results: A total of 30 QTL were detected on the durum RIL population including 9 stable QTL for TKW (2 QTL), GL, GW (2 QTL), AREA, HT and PH (2 QTL) distributed on 1B, 2A, 3A and 6B chromosomes. Interestingly, a QTL cluster mapped on 2A included a major QTL for HT explaining at least 70% of phenotypic variance and co-located with a QTL for YLD, TKW, GL and GW and AREA, respectively. In the physical position of this QTL cluster a photoperiod sensitivity gene (Ppd-A1) was found. Serine carboxypeptidase, Big Grain 1 and β-fructofuranosidase candidate genes were mapped in clusters containing stable QTL. Candidate genes involved in auxin metabolism were also found in QTL clusters in which a QTL for AREA was declared.Conclusions: This study showed that yield components and phenological traits had higher inheritances than grain yield, allowing an accurate stable QTL cluster detection. This was a powerful requisite to physically map QTL on the reference durum wheat genome and to identify candidate genes strongly affecting the genetic grain yield network.
27-Gauge trocar-assisted sutureless intraocular lens fixation.
Authors: Jujo Tatsuya , Kogo Jiro , Sasaki Hiroki , Sekine Reio , Sato Keiji , Ebisutani Sakura , Toyoda Yasuhiro , Kitaoka Yasushi , Takagi Hitoshi
Published: October 2020

Backgrounds: However there have been numerous investigations of intrascleral intraocular lens (IOL) fixation techniques, there is room for improvement in terms of simplifying complicated techniques and reducing the high levels of skill required. This study aimed to report a novel technique for sutureless intrascleral fixation of the IOL using retinal forceps with a 27-gauge trocar. Methods: Nineteen eyes of 18 patients underwent intrascleral fixation of the IOL from July 2018 to September 2019 were enrolled in this study. A 27-gauge trocar formed 3-mm scleral tunnels positioned at 4 and 10 o’clock, 2 mm from the corneal limbus. We used a 3-piece IOL haptic grasped by a 27-gauge retinal forceps and pulled from the 27-gauge trocar. The IOL was fixed by making a flange. Main outcome measures were visual acuity, corneal endothelial cell density, IOL tilt, decentration, predicted error of refraction and complications. Results: The 19 eyes were followed up for 1 month. The mean pre- and postoperative logMAR uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) was 1.06 ± 0.63 and 0.40 ± 0.26, respectively (p<0.01), while the mean pre- and postoperative logMAR best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) was 0.27 ± 0.51 and 0.06 ± 0.15, respectively (p=0.09). The mean corneal endothelial cell density was 2406 ± 625 to 2004 ± 759 cells/mm 2 at 1 month (p=0.13). The mean IOL tilt was 3.52 ± 3.00°, and the mean IOL decentration was 0.39 ± 0.39 mm. There was no correlation among IOL tilt, decentration and BCVA (p>0.05). The mean prediction error of the target refraction was –0.03 ± 0.93 D. The complications were vitreous hemorrhage (3 eyes), hyphema (1 eye), IOP elevation (1 eye), iris capture of the IOL (1 eye) and hypotony (2 eyes). No IOL dislocation occurred.Conclusions: IOL intrascleral fixation with a flange achieved good IOL fixation and visual outcome in the scleral tunnels created with the 27-gauge trocar.
Illicit Drug Use by Adolescents: A Public Perception of Influencing Factors in Owerri, Nigeria
Authors: Ogu Udochukwu Ugochukwu , Ezumah Nkoli , Odii Aloysius
Published: October 2020

Background: Illicit drug use among adolescents has become a public health concern which cuts across all social strata. This study explored the public perception of factors that influence illicit drug use among adolescents in Owerri, Nigeria.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional research design was used for the study. The study adopted a mixed-method approach comprising quantitative and qualitative methods and was carried out in Owerri metropolis of Imo State, Nigeria. The research instruments used for data collection were questionnaires and in-depth interview guide. The target population comprised adults 18 years and above residing in the area of interest at the time of the study. For the qualitative method, a total of 10 communities were selected randomly by balloting and availability sampling was employed in the selection of respondents. Respondents for the qualitative method were purposively selected.Results: Our quantitative study found that 50.7% of the respondents, from across the three areas in Owerri metropolis, asserted that peer influence, emotional problems, relationship problems, wanting to feel ‘high’ are factors influencing adolescent consumption of illicit drugs whereas the qualitative study found family background, unique experience such as the death of a loved one, affliction or misfortune as factors influencing adolescents’ illicit drug use. The quantitative results showed that persons with a higher level of education are more likely than those with a lower level of education to perceive a significant difference in drug use between in – school and out – of – school adolescents.Conclusions: Peer influence, emotional problems, relationship problems, the influence of media (especially the social media), among several other identified reasons are perceived by the public as factors that influence adolescents’ use of illicit drugs. As a means to curb some of these factors, the communities, schools and universities should formulate contextual policies policies to prevent drug use and should also hold seminars for parents and families to alert them early to the symptoms of drug use in their children.
Bioequivalence of levamlodipine besylate tablets in healthy Chinese subjects: A single-dose and two-period crossover randomized study
Authors: Xin Li , Wang Chenjing , Li Ting , Liu Yanping , Liu Shuqin , Tao Ye , Ma Yaping , Gao Xiaomeng , Cao Yu
Published: October 2020

Background: Levamlodipine, a calcium channel blocker, has been show act as a cardiovascular drug. To compare the pharmacokinetic parameters between levamlodipine (test formulation) at a single dose of 5 mg and amlodipine (reference formulation) at a single dose of 10 mg, the bioequivalence study was carried out.Methods: A single-dose randomized, open-label, two-period crossover study was designed in healthy Chinese subjects. 48 subjects were divided into fasted and fed groups equally. The subjects randomly received the test or reference formulations at the rate of 1:1. Following a 21-day washout period, the alternative formulations were received. The blood samples were collected at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 24, 36, 48, 72, 96, 120, 144, 168 hours later. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was applied to determine the plasma concentrations of levamlodipine. Adverse events were recorded.Results: The 90% confidence intervals (CIs) of the ratio of geometric means (GMRs) of Cmax, AUC0-t, and AUC0-∞ under both fasted and fed conditions were within the prespecified bioequivalence limits between 80~125%. Under fasted conditions, 24 subjects were enrolled and completed the study. The mean Cmax was (2.70±0.49) ng/mL, AUC0-t was (141.32±36.24) ng×h/mL and AUC0-∞ was (157.14±45.65) ng×h/mL after a single dose of 5 mg levamlodipine. The mean Cmax was (2.83±0.52) ng/mL, AUC0-t was (153.62±33.96) ng×h/mL and AUC0-∞ was (173.05±41.78) ng×h/mL after a single dose of 10 mg amlodipine. Under fed conditions, 24 subjects were enrolled and completed the study. The mean Cmax was (2.73±0.55) ng/mL, AUC0-t was (166.93±49.96) ng×h/mL and AUC0-∞ was (190.99±70.89) ng×h/mL after a single dose of 5 mg levamlodipine. The mean Cmax was (2.87±0.81) ng/mL AUC0-t was (165.46±43.58) ng×h/mL and AUC0-∞ was (189.51±64.70) ng×h/mL after a single dose of 10 mg amlodipine. Serious adverse event was not observed.Conclusion: The trial confirmed that levamlodipine at a single dose of 5 mg and amlodipine at a single dose of 10 mg were bioequivalent under both fasted condition and fed condition.Trial registration: Cinicaltrials, NCT04411875. Registered 3 June 2020 - Retrospectively registered, https://register.clinicaltrials.gov/prs/app/action/SelectProtocol?sid=S0009W1Q&selectaction=Edit&uid=U00050YQ&ts=3&cx=-6iqkm8
Utility of oxygen insufflation through working channel during fiberoptic intubation in apneic patients: a prospective randomized controlled study
Authors: Roh Go Un , Kang Joon Gwon , Han Jung Youn , Chang Chul Ho
Published: October 2020

Background: Airway management is a part of routine anesthetic procedures; however, serious complications, including hypoxia and death, are known to occur in cases of difficult airways. Therefore, alternative techniques such as fiberoptic bronchoscope-assisted intubation (FOBI) should be considered, although this method requires more time and offers a limited visual field than does intubation with a direct laryngoscope. Oxygen insufflation through the working channel during FOBI could minimize the risk of desaturation and improve the visual field. Therefore, the aim of this prospective randomized controlled study was to evaluate the utility and safety of oxygen insufflation through the working channel during FOBI in apneic patients. Methods: Thirty-six patients were randomly allocated to an N group (no oxygen insufflation) or an O group (oxygen insufflation). After preoxygenation, FOBI was performed with (O group) or without (N group) oxygen insufflation in apneic patients. The primary outcome was the velocity of decrease in the partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) during FOBI (VPaO2, mmHg/sec) defined as the difference of PaO2 before and after intubation divided by the time to intubation. The secondary outcomes included the success rate for FOBI, time to intubation, visual field during FOBI, findings of arterial blood gas analysis, and occurrence of FOBI-related complications. Results: We found that VPaO2 was significantly greater in the N group than in the O group (1.01 ± 0.39 vs. 0.42 ± 0.42; p < 0.001), while the visual field was similar between groups. There were no significant intergroup differences in the secondary outcomes. Conclusions: These findings suggest that oxygen insufflation through the working channel during FOBI aids in extending the apneic window during the procedure.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02625194, registered at December 9, 2015
Multiparametric MRI and 18F-DCFPyL PET/CT for detection of locally recurrent prostate cancer after low dose rate brachytherapy
Authors: Walker Stephanie M. , Fernandez Martina , Roy Soumyajit , Mena Esther , Sackett Jonathan , Mease Ronnie , Merino Maria , Pomper Martin , Salerno Kilian , Schott Erica , Wood Bradford , Pinto Peter , Lindenberg Liza , Choyke Peter , Citrin Deborah , Turkbey Baris
Published: October 2020

Background and purpose: Both multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI) and prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-targeting positron emission tomography (PET) imaging have shown promise in early localization of prostate cancer (PCa) recurrence after primary external beam radiotherapy. Detecting recurrence after brachytherapy for PCa using MRI is significantly hampered by susceptibility artifacts secondary to brachy seeds. Here, we compare the efficacy of 18F-DCFPyL (2-(3-{1-carboxy-5-[(6-18F-fluoro-pyridine-3-carbonyl)-amino]-pentyl}-ureido)-pentanedioic acid) PET/CT versus mpMRI for detecting sites of local recurrence after low dose rate (LDR) brachytherapy for prostate cancer.Materials and methods: A total of 155 patients with a history of recurrent PCa who underwent mpMRI at 3 Tesla and 18F-DCFPyL PET/CT were retrospectively reviewed. Patients who underwent LDR brachytherapy for PCa and had subsequent biochemical recurrence (BCR) followed by mpMRI and 18F-DCFPyL PET/CT were included in this study. mpMRI was performed on a 3T scanner with endorectal and surface coils and images were prospectively read by a single expert radiologist. The 18F-DCFPyL PET/CT scan was prospectively interpreted by one of two nuclear medicine physicians. Patients underwent targeted biopsy when deemed clinically necessary and specimens were interpreted by an expert GU pathologist. Positivity rates (PR) from mpMRI and 18F-DCFPyL PET/CT were compared, and pathology results were used to calculate the positive predictive value (PPV) of each imaging modality for detecting PCa recurrence.Results: 15 patients who underwent LDR brachytherapy and had subsequent biochemical failure were imaged with mpMRI and 18F-DCFPyL PET/CT. 18 non-lymph node lesions were identified on at least one imaging modality. The PR for detection of intraprostatic lesions was 60% (9/15) for both PET/CT and mpMRI, with 3 prostate lesions detected by only one modality. 18F-DCFPyL PET/CT identified pelvic and extra-pelvic lymph nodes in 8 (53%) patients, while mpMRI noted positive lymph node findings in only 2 (13%) patients. A total of 15 lesions corresponding to 9 patients were targeted for biopsy. The PPV of 18F-DCFPyL PET/CT and mpMRI for the detection of local recurrence were 84.6% and 71.4%, respectively. For the detection of intraprostatic lesions, 18F-DCFPyL PET/CT and mpMRI had a PPV of 87.5% and 71.4%, respectively. Conclusion: This case series analysis suggests that 18F-DCFPyL PET/CT may detect local and regional recurrent PCa after LDR brachytherapy at a higher rate than mpMRI and that it has the potential to detect suspicious pelvic lymph nodes at a much higher rate. Further studies are needed to validate these findings in larger cohorts.
Risk Factors and Incidence of Suction Loss during Small Incision Lenticule Extraction (SMILE) in 8493 eyes
Authors: Huang Tian-Ze , Shen Ling , Yu Xiao-Ning , Jin Hong-Ying
Published: October 2020

Background: To report the incidence and risk factors of suction loss during small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE). Methods: This retrospective comparative case control study included 8493 eyes of 4261 patients. Patients underwent SMILE surgery between January 2014 and September 2019 were included. Videos of suction loss were reviewed, and the direct causes of suction loss were noted. An independent samples t-test was used for comparisons between the suction loss group and the control group. A binary logistic regression model was used to determine the possible significant risk factors that might increase the likelihood of suction loss during SMILE surgery. Results: Suction loss occurred in 31 (0.37%) eyes of 30 patients; 23 (74.2%) cases occurred in the right eye (the first operative eye) and 8 (25.8%) cases occurred in the left eye. Among the 30 patients, 23 (76.7%) were male and 7 (23.3%) were female. The incidence in the six consecutive years were 0%, 2.13%, 0.34%, 0.24%, 0.22%, and 0.25%. Head and eye movements during surgery caused suction loss in 16 (51.6%) and 15 (48.4%) eyes, respectively. Comparison between the suction loss group and the control group showed that the first operative eye and male sex are at a significantly high risk for suction loss (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The risk factors of suction loss were first operative eye and male sex. Head and eye movements due to patient anxiety are the most common direct causes of suction loss. Surgeon’s experience may help to reduce the incidence of suction loss. Preoperative education and better communication during surgery needs to be emphasized.