bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Examining Strategies Developed by Insurance Companies for Addressing Carbon Emissions in the Automotive Supply Chain in the UK
Authors: Gong Yu , Stanley Joshua , Wang Bin , Alharithi Mohammed
Published: November 2024

The automotive supply chain is one of the top eight value chains that cause 50% of global emissions. Despite its significance, limited literature has researched the role of insurance companies in addressing automotive supply chain emissions. This research explores strategies developed by insurance companies for addressing carbon emissions in the automotive supply chain in the UK. It employs a qualitative multiple case study approach and conducts in-depth analysis of main drivers, barriers, and strategies in four insurance companies in addressing automotive supply chain emissions. It finds that cost savings and competitive advantage, changing mindset, impending regulation, market changes, and increased connectedness are the main drivers. But further progress is slowed down by five main barriers: ‘the complexity of tracking and quantifying emissions’, ‘conflicts of interest in the supply chain’, ‘skill shortage’, ‘lack of accountability’, and ‘profit prioritisation’. To overcome this, the study establishes five main strategies for insurance companies to follow: ‘circular business model with green parts and repair-over-replace methodologies’, ‘supply chain collaboration’, ‘quantifying emissions and setting key performance indicators’, ‘higher weighting for ESG in tenders and policies’, and ‘education and awareness’. If followed correctly, businesses will be able to achieve ‘emission reductions’, ‘gain competitive advantage’, and ‘reduce costs in the supply chain’. Taking into account these findings and the academic literature, this study develops a framework for insurance companies to mitigate automotive supply chain emissions. This is one of the first papers to study carbon emissions in automotive supply chains from the perspective of the insurance industry. It provides practical implications for the insurance industry in developing carbon emission strategies in automotive supply chains.
Key Challenges and Strategies in the Evaluation of Sustainable Urban Regeneration Projects: Insights from a Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Said Zakariye Mohamed , Dindar Serdar
Published: November 2024

The rapid pace of urbanisation has heightened the need for sustainable urban regeneration projects on a global scale. These projects primarily aim to address the increasing demand for buildings and to cultivate liveable urban environments. Over the years, a substantial amount of data has been collected and analysed as a result of various urban regeneration efforts. These data indicate that the success of urban transformation is influenced by a wide range of interconnected factors rather than the mere creation of new areas to meet demand. The primary objective of this study is to carry out a comprehensive and systematic literature review that assesses the effectiveness of sustainable urban regeneration (SUR) projects. This review examines a range of existing factors, including policies, management practices, and economic considerations, while also highlighting frequently overlooked elements such as climate change. Moreover, the study investigates how these factors influence the success of SUR initiatives and seeks to identify their overall impact on the effectiveness of such projects. Specifically, it explores the common challenges encountered, the criteria for performance evaluation, and the strategies that lead to successful SUR projects while emphasising their interconnections. An in-depth assessment of urban regeneration projects is provided, focusing on performance indicators across multiple dimensions: social, cultural, economic, environmental, and physical. A novel organisation involving all stakeholders and addressing climate change is also proposed to ensure the success of the SUR projects. Lastly, the findings highlight existing gaps in the current literature, offering valuable insights for future research and identifying potential directions for further exploration.
Korean Templestay as a Sustainable Global Cultural Product: The Case of Manggyeongsansa
Authors: Kang Moon Young
Published: November 2024

While the trend of de-religiousization has accelerated globally, Korean Buddhism has become very hip around the world. While it was traditionally known as a symbol of a solemn and old religion, with its innovative transformation, Korean Buddhism has gained wide popularity in friendly and trendy atmospheres, especially among people in their 20s and 30s in Korea and abroad, regardless of religion. Thus, Korean Buddhism has a cultural affinity beyond religion, nationality, age, and gender. At the center of this popularization of Buddhism, there exists “Templestay”. Templestay is defined as staying in a Korean temple and experiencing traditional Korean culture, the spirit of Buddhist practice, the natural environment, and the daily life of temples. Templestay was selected as one of the world’s top five most successfully developed tourism and cultural resources by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), and one of the top 10 icons representing Korea according to the Republic of Korea’s Presidential Council on Nation Branding. Thus, Templestay is not just a Buddhist cultural experience but has been officially recognized as a sustainable global cultural product representing Korea with a history of 1700 years, where a global cultural product is defined as a cultural product that is shared on a global level. Considering Templestay’s wide global popularity, as well as its significant impact on the national economy, tourism, and cultural succession, with over 7 million participants, it is important to investigate Templestay from the perspective of sustainable management, such as CSR, CSV, and ESG. However, while a few studies exist on Templestay, the theoretical aspects of Templestay as a subject of sustainable management have not been sufficiently developed, since most research on Templestay has focused on the perspectives of religion or visitor experiences. Thus, by focusing on Manggyeongsansa Templestay, which was selected as one of the best Korean temples among the 150 temples offering Templestay in 2023, the findings from this case study provide significant implications and practical guidelines for the sustainable management of global cultural products to address fundamental issues from an angle that has not been covered sufficiently.
Applying Environmental Sustainability Practices in Martial Arts Sports Clubs: A Case Study of Poznan
Authors: Rozmiarek Mateusz
Published: November 2024

Background: Growing environmental challenges necessitate the implementation of sustainable practices across various sectors, including sports club management. The aim of this study was to investigate environmental management practices in martial arts clubs in Poznan, Poland, with a particular focus on energy and water conservation, waste management, and the promotion of sustainable mobility. Materials and Methods: A qualitative study was conducted with a group of fourteen martial arts clubs operating in Poznan. A semi-structured interview method was employed with club owners and managers, asking about their approaches to reducing energy and water consumption, waste sorting, waste reduction, and promoting sustainable transportation. Data analysis involved thematic analysis, where the practices adopted by individual clubs were compared and qualitatively assessed based on recurring themes. Results: The results indicate significant variability in approaches among the surveyed clubs. Only one club implements comprehensive solutions for energy and water conservation and four take moderate actions, while nine do not pay much attention to these issues. Similarly, only some clubs actively engage in waste sorting and waste reduction efforts, while others do not see the need for such actions. In terms of promoting sustainable transportation, some clubs encourage the use of bicycles and public transport, but the majority do not take any action in this regard. Conclusion: The study reveals that most martial arts clubs in Poznan do not prioritize sustainable environmental management practices, citing other priorities such as athlete comfort and organizational needs. Implementing more systematic pro-ecological actions in these facilities requires greater awareness and support in terms of knowledge and financial resources. These findings provide practical insights for martial arts clubs in Poznan, suggesting that by adopting more comprehensive sustainability practices, they can improve their environmental impact while enhancing their community engagement and organizational reputation.
Time Evolution in Quantum Mechanics with a Minimal Time Scale
Authors: Domański Ziemowit
Published: November 2024

The existence of a minimum measurable length scale was suggested by various theories of quantum gravity, string theory and black hole physics. Motivated by this, we examine a quantum theory exhibiting a minimum measurable time scale. We use the Page–Wootters formalism to describe time evolution of a quantum system with the modified commutation relations between the time and frequency operator. Such modification leads to a minimal uncertainty in the measurement of time. This causes breaking of the time-translation symmetry and results in a modified version of the Schrödinger equation. A minimal time scale also allows us to introduce a discrete Schrödinger equation describing time evolution on a lattice. We show that both descriptions of time evolution are equivalent. We demonstrate the developed theory on a couple simple quantum systems.
Information Theory in a Darwinian Evolution Population Dynamics Model
Authors: Kwessi Eddy
Published: November 2024

Since Darwin, evolutionary population dynamics has captivated scientists and has applications beyond biology, such as in game theory where economists use it to explore evolution in new ways. This approach has renewed interest in dynamic evolutionary systems. In this paper, we propose an information-theoretic method to estimate trait parameters in a Darwinian model for species with single or multiple traits. Using Fisher information, we assess estimation errors and demonstrate the method through simulations.
A Regional Efficiency Assessment of Long-Term Care Services in Taiwan
Authors: Chang Ming-Chung , Hu Jin-Li , Liu Chih-Wei
Published: November 2024

Taiwan is currently an aging society and will be a super-aging society in the near future. The purpose of this research is to use two models of data envelopment analysis (DEA)—the slacks-based measurement (SBM) model and the dynamic slacks-based measurement (DSBM) model—to analyze the efficiency of long-term care (LTC) in Taiwan. This analysis aims to explore the current situation of LTC in Taiwan and provide policy recommendations for LTC. The computation empirical result on the LTC efficiency score presents that the DSBM model exhibits higher efficiency than the SBM model after considering the carry-over variable in the former model. The result from the SBM model indicates that Taiwan’s outlying islands display the worst LTC efficiency, but this result does not appear in the DSBM model. Lastly, these two models both indicate that the number of elderly people being serviced in institutions exhibits higher efficiency and lower slack than those serviced in homes in 2017 and 2018. This paper concludes that the DEA approach is a viable method for examining the performance of the LTC services system as Taiwan approaches a super-aged society.
A Framework for Distributed Orchestration of Cyber-Physical Systems: An Energy Trading Case Study
Authors: Siozios Kostas
Published: November 2024

The increasing number of active energy consumers, also known as energy prosumers, is dramatically changing the electricity system. New products and services that adopt the concept of dynamic pricing are available to the market, where demand and price forecasting are applied to determine schedule loads and prices. Throughout this manuscript, a novel framework for energy trading among prosumers is introduced. Rather than solving the problem in a centralized manner, the proposed orchestrator relies on a distributed game theory to determine optimal bids. Experimental results validate the efficiency of proposed solution, since it achieves average energy cost reduction of 2×, as compared to the associated cost from the main grid. Additionally, the hardware implementation of the introduced framework onto a low-cost embedded device achieves near real-time operation with comparable performance to state-of-the-art computational intensive solvers.
How Does Mangrove Restoration or Reforestation Change Trace Metal Pollution in Mangrove Ecosystems? A Review of Current Knowledge
Authors: Uddin Mohammad Mazbah , Mei Kang , Xie Bin , Cunlu Li , Long Shengxing , Xu Fuliu
Published: November 2024

In recent years, mangrove restoration has gained significant attention due to its carbon storage capacity, role as a pollution sink, and ecological and economic benefits. Moreover, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals’ strategies include mangrove restoration. This review investigates the status of mangrove restoration research and the influence of restoration on trace metal accumulation, speciation, and associated risks in mangrove sediments. Our analysis reveals that research on mangrove restoration is increasing globally, with a notable surge in publications after 2017. However, fewer than 25 articles published between 2007 and 2024 address trace metals in restored mangroves, indicating limited focus from researchers on this topic. Research shows that mangrove restoration can quickly alter sediment properties, such as texture, salinity, and pH. As a result, restored sediments tend to accumulate higher organic carbon content than barren areas. Most studies also suggest that trace metal accumulation is higher in restored sites than in non-restored areas. However, metal speciation varies considerably between sites due to local environmental factors. Furthermore, many studies suggest that restoration may increase the risks posed by trace metals to aquatic biota. The challenges of mangrove restoration research include short study timeframes, low success rates, poorly defined targets, small-scale efforts, conflicts with local communities over resources and benefits, insufficient government funding, and a lack of historical data on community health and pollution status.
Presence of Potentially Toxic Elements in Historical Mining Areas in the North-Center of Mexico and Possible Bioremediation Strategies
Authors: Escot-Espinoza Victor Manuel , Rodríguez-Márquez Susana , Briseño-Bugarín Jorge , López-Luna Maria Argelia , Flores de la Torre Juan Armando
Published: November 2024

This paper provides an overview of the impacts of mining-related environmental liabilities on humans, soils, sediments, surface water and groundwater across various mining districts in Zacatecas, Mexico. An analysis has been carried out on the areas of the state most affected by the presence of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) such as arsenic, lead, cadmium, copper, chromium and zinc, identifying priority areas for environmental assessment and remediation. Likewise, a review of the concentrations of PTEs reported in different environmental matrices of the state’s mining areas with the presence of environmental liabilities was carried out, most of which exceed the maximum permissible limits established by Mexican and international regulations, generating an environmental risk for the populations near these districts due to their potential incorporation into the food chain. Additionally, this study explores research focused on the biostabilization of PTEs using microorganisms with specific metabolic activities. Phytoremediation is presented as a viable tool for the stabilization and elimination of PTEs, in which endemic plants from arid–semi-arid climates have shown favorable results in terms of the phytostabilization and phytoextraction processes of the PTEs present in mining waste.
African Schistosomiasis: A Framework of Indicators Assessing the Transmission Risk and Intervention Effectiveness
Authors: Li Hong-Mei , Midzi Nicholas , Mutsaka-Makuvaza Masceline Jenipher , Qin Zhi-Qiang , Lv Shan , Xia Shang , Qian Ying-Jun , Berquist Robert , Zhou Xiao-Nong
Published: November 2024

Schistosomiasis, a parasitic disease with a complex transmission mechanism, requiring a snail intermediate host, is influenced by biology, the environment, human behavior and the prevailing socioeconomic situation. This study aimed to systematically investigate the importance and feasibility of indicators related to the factors influencing transmission and intervention measures for Schistosoma mansoni and S. haematobium. Based on a literature review and group discussions according to the Delphi method, a framework questionnaire was designed. A total of 33 experts on schistosomiasis were invited, and 27 were accepted, to rate the importance and feasibility of indicators for transmission with and the control of schistosomiasis, with a focus on intervention measures for S. mansoni and S. haematobium infections in Zimbabwe. After two rounds of Delphi consultations with these experts, calculated to have a high average authority coefficient (0.88), a consensus was reached on a framework that included 2 primary, 6 secondary and 39 tertiary indicators. The Delphi–entropy method was applied to assess the weight of each indicator. The key influencing factors included hazardous water exposure, accessibility to safe drinking water, sanitary facilities and the contamination of water bodies by outdoor defecation/urinary habits. The intervention measures involved improved diagnostics, health education, preventive chemotherapy, the presence of national control plans and the implementation of the strategy on water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH). While these factors are already well known, their detailed order of importance could help to improve the allocation of specific control efforts.
Feline Infectious Peritonitis Effusion Index: A Novel Diagnostic Method and Validation of Flow Cytometry-Based Delta Total Nucleated Cells Analysis on the Sysmex XN-1000V®
Authors: Lopes Ricardo , Sampaio Filipe , Carvalho Hugo Lima de , Garcês Andreia , Fernandes Cátia , Neves Carolina Vitória , Brito Alexandre Sardinha de , Marques Tiago , Sousa Carlos , Silva Ana Rita , Martins Ângela , Cardoso Luís , Coelho Ana Cláudia , Duarte Elsa Leclerc
Published: November 2024

The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has led the medical and scientific community to explore the pathogenesis and clinical manifestations of coronaviruses. In felines, a widespread coronavirus known as feline coronavirus (FCoV) can lead to feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), a highly fatal disease characterised by severe systemic inflammation. Diagnosing FCoV remains challenging due to the limited accuracy of the available methods. The present study introduces the FIP Effusion Index, a novel diagnostic method that combines the albumin-to-globulin (ALB/GLOB) ratio with the delta total nucleated cell (∆TNC) count obtained via flow cytometry using the Sysmex XN-1000V® analyser in effusions. Samples from cats (n = 50) with suspected FIP were analysed for ∆TNC, with findings showing that a ∆TNC ≥ 2.1 is highly indicative of FIP and a ∆TNC ≥ 4.9 can be considered diagnostic. The FIP Effusion Index enhanced diagnostic precision in our group of samples, achieving 96.3% sensitivity and 95.7% specificity for values ≥ 5.06, and reaching perfect specificity (100%) with 96.3% sensitivity for values ≥ 7.54. This combined approach surpasses the accuracy of individual parameters, establishing the FIP Effusion Index as a superior diagnostic tool for FIP, with potential applications in both veterinary and human medicine for related coronavirus diseases.
Lack of Serological and Molecular Evidence of Duck Tembusu Virus Infection in Ducks from South Korea
Authors: Kim Sang-Won , Park Jong-Yeol , Kim Ki-Woong , Yu Cheng-Dong , Hu Feng , Lv Jun-Feng , Li Yu-Feng , Cha Se-Yeoun , Jang Hyung-Kwan , Kang Min , Wei Bai
Published: November 2024

The duck Tembusu virus (DTMUV), an emerging flavivirus, has led to severe neurological disorders and substantial economic losses in the duck industry throughout Asia. Considering South Korea’s increasing duck production and its strategic location along the East Asian–Australasian Flyway, this study aimed to assess the presence of DTMUV in South Korea to evaluate potential risks to the poultry industry. We performed a comprehensive serological survey of 1796 serum samples from broiler and breeder ducks collected between 2011 and 2023, alongside molecular detection tests on 51 duck flocks exhibiting suspected clinical signs of DTMUV infection. The absence of serological and molecular evidence for DTMUV or other flavivirus infections suggests that these viruses have not yet affected South Korean duck populations. These findings underscore the critical need for ongoing surveillance, given the virus’s potential to disrupt agriculture and pose public health risks. The study also emphasizes the importance of maintaining stringent biosecurity measures and conducting further research to monitor and prevent DTMUV transmission, particularly due to the possible role of migratory birds and other vectors in spreading zoonotic diseases.
Microvesicle-Shuttled microRNA-130b Activates the Hepatic Inflammation by Inhibiting Glucocorticoid-Receptor-Mediated Immunosuppression in High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese Mice
Authors: Han Zhengqiang , Wang Lijun , Xu Shiyong , Zhang Horsen , Cheng Ji , Pan Shifeng
Published: November 2024

Metabolism-disorder-induced liver diseases have become increasingly prevalent worldwide and are clinically linked to obesity and type 2 diabetes. In addition, a large number of previous literature studies have indicated that plasma miR-130b is a promising biomarker for the early diagnosis and treatment of obesity. However, whether miRNA-130b that was positively correlated with obesity resulted in hepatic inflammation needs to be further studied. Therefore, the study aims to determine the effect of microvesicle-shuttled miRNA-130b (miR-130b-MV) on the hepatic inflammation and its potential mechanism in high-fat diet-induced obese mice. Three-week-old C57BL/6 mice were fed a high-fat diet for eight weeks. Then, the obese mice received tail vein injections of MV-packaged scrambled control microRNA (miR-SC-MV) or miR-130b-MV every other day for 10 days. Compared with the control group, the miR-130b-MV injection significantly reduced the body weight while increasing the ratio of liver wet weight to total body weight. In addition, the miR-130b-MV injection significantly activated the hepatic inflammation by increasing the expression of proinflammatory genes, although the plasma concentrations of IL-6 and TNF-α were only slightly increased. Furthermore, the miR-130b-MV injection significantly increased the hepatic miR-130b expression while significantly suppressing the protein expression and phosphorylation of GR, a potential target of miR-130b. Moreover, the miR-130b overexpression results in a decrease in the expression of endogenous GR protein and a decrease in the activity of the luciferase reporter of GR 3′-UTR. In addition, the miR-130b-MV injection significantly upregulated NF-kB (p50) in both the cytoplasm and nucleus, showing enhanced proinflammation response. The above results demonstrated that miR-130b-MV activated the hepatic inflammation by inhibiting GR-mediated immunosuppression in high-fat diet-induced obese mice, suggesting a novel mechanism underlying the obesity-induced hepatic inflammation, and the inhibition of miR-130b may serve as a new molecular therapeutic target for the prevention and treatment of hepatic inflammation.
Initialization Algorithms of a Rigid–Flexible Coupling Fluid–Structure Interaction System by Considering Length-and-Area Constraints
Authors: Fang Le , Zhou Ziyu , Huang Xingrong , Li Zhe
Published: November 2024

Rigid–flexible coupling fluid–structure interaction systems are expected to be future solutions for reducing energy lost in water. The dynamics of these systems is usually investigated via numerical simulations. However, in existing numerical works there is no accurate algorithm for the initialization of the flexible filament, which ensures both the length and area constraints, leading to inaccurate results or even severe numerical instabilities. We propose two alternative initialization algorithms, respectively, the “Trapezoidal arrangement” and the “Quartic curve arrangement”. The performances of both of these two algorithms are investigated in numerical simulations by using the immersed boundary method. The motion responses and force characteristics of the flexible filament are analyzed carefully, verifying the capability of the proposed algorithms. Specifically, “Quartic curve arrangement” is further recommended due to its good property of convergence.
The Setting-Up Measure to Support Generational Renewal in Agriculture: The Italian Experience
Authors: Licciardo Francesco , Henke Roberto , Piras Francesco , Zanetti Barbara
Published: November 2024

Since the 1970s, the issue of ageing farmers and generational renewal in agriculture has consistently attracted the attention of policymakers. However, despite successive reforms of the European Union Structural Funds, efforts to encourage young people to enter the agricultural sector remain largely focused on agricultural and rural policies, specifically on the First Settlement scheme. This paper highlights the role of the European Union’s rural development policy in supporting and encouraging generational renewal in agriculture. A qualitative analysis of the Italian case examining some of the demographic changes that have occurred within the agricultural system at the regional level has been conducted. The analysis is based on the comparison of policy implementations in different programming periods. Using data from the General Censuses of Agriculture and the Italian Agricultural Payments Agency—supplemented by the Annual Implementation Reports of the Italian Rural Development Programmes—the research traces the evolution of initiatives supporting young farmers. The main findings reveal a notable decline in the number of young people in the primary sector over the last decade, together with an ageing population of agricultural farmers. Measures to support young farmers under the Common Agricultural Policy appear to be ineffective in countering the ageing trend. There is scope for integrated policies to enhance the attractiveness and profitability of rural areas and to ensure long-term sustainable generational renewal in the agricultural sector.
Depletion by Hemodialysis of the Antioxidant Ergothioneine
Authors: Suba Josef K. , Keo Lindsey S. , Sirich Tammy L.
Published: November 2024

Key Points

Hemodialysis may excessively remove valuable solutes.

Ergothioneine, a potentially valuable antioxidant, is markedly depleted in the erythrocytes and plasma of people receiving hemodialysis.

These findings motivate further investigation into the consequences of ergothioneine depletion in people with kidney disease.

Background

Hemodialysis may excessively remove valuable solutes. Untargeted metabolomics data from a prior study suggested that ergothioneine (Ergo) was depleted in the plasma of hemodialysis participants. Ergo is a dietary-derived solute with antioxidant properties. The presence of a highly specific Ergo uptake transporter suggests that it is valuable. Ergo levels are high in tissues susceptible to oxidative stress, particularly erythrocytes. We compared erythrocyte and plasma Ergo levels in participants receiving hemodialysis with those in participants with advanced CKD and participants without known kidney disease (controls). We further examined the extent to which indiscriminate removal by hemodialysis could contribute to Ergo depletion.

Methods

Liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry with stable isotope dilution was used to measure the erythrocyte and plasma levels of Ergo in 12 control, 12 CKD, and 11 hemodialysis participants. We also measured the urinary excretion of Ergo in control and participants with CKD and the dialytic removal of Ergo in hemodialysis participants.

Results

Erythrocyte Ergo levels were markedly reduced in CKD and hemodialysis participants. Erythrocyte levels in CKD participants were on average 24% of the levels in control participants and were even lower in hemodialysis participants, averaging 8% of control participants. Plasma Ergo levels were also reduced in CKD and hemodialysis participants, but to a lesser extent than the erythrocyte levels. Kidney tubular reabsorption of Ergo was avid. By contrast, hemodialysis cleared Ergo at a rate of 146±36 ml/min so that removal of Ergo by hemodialysis greatly exceeded the amount excreted in the urine in both CKD and control participants.

Conclusions

Ergo, a potentially valuable antioxidant, is severely depleted in people maintained on hemodialysis. Future studies are required to assess the consequences of Ergo depletion.
Socioeconomic Inequality in Perceived Need for Mental Healthcare in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in Hamadan, Western Iran
Authors: Borzouei Shiva , Khazaei Salman , Kanooni Sabet Mohammadmahdi , Parastesh Maryam , Mafakheri Sedigheh , Ayubi Erfan
Published: November 2024

Background and aims: The use of mental healthcare services in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients can depend on socioeconomic status (SES). The current study aimed to evaluate socioeconomic inequality in the perceived need for mental healthcare in patients with T2DM in Hamadan, Western Iran. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between March and July 2023 in Hamadan, Western Iran. The study included T2DM patients who were referred to the Diabetes Center of Hamadan. The variables included in the study were demographics, SES, health insurance status, social support, and self-rated mental health. The outcome of interest was the perceived need for mental healthcare. The socioeconomic inequality was evaluated using concentration index and decomposition analysis. Results: A total of 393 patients (mean age: 56.48±10.65, 62% female and 88% urban inhabitants) were enrolled. The prevalence of perceived need for mental healthcare was 43%, and 50.30% of the patients (85) had delay/avoidance of mental healthcare services. The concentration index (95% confidence interval) of perceived mental healthcare needs was -0.24 (-0.18, -0.30), indicating that perceived needs are more concentrated in the socio-economically disadvantaged patients. Decomposition analysis revealed that low economic status and illiteracy were the main contributors to the inequality (approximately 50%). Cost, minimization, and stigma were the most frequently reported reasons for avoidance/delay of mental healthcare services, respectively. Conclusion: There was a pro-poor socioeconomic inequality in perceived need for mental healthcare among T2DM patients. Healthcare policies and facilities to reduce socioeconomic inequality should mainly focus on disadvantaged T2DM patients.
Evaluation of an Epidemiological Skills Laboratory Course Using a Direct Teaching and Online Flipped Classroom Method in Iran: An Interventional Study
Authors: Ahmadi Ali , Kohan Noushin , Rezaei Eisa , Haghdoost Ali  Akbar
Published: November 2024

Background and aims: The epidemiological skills laboratory (ESL) course has been incorporated into the curriculum for Master of Science students in epidemiology. However, it has not been implemented and evaluated in Iran so far. The present study was conducted to compare two teaching methods and the implementation of an ESL lesson. Methods: All MSc students (N=9) in epidemiology at Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences were included in the study during two academic semesters in 2019-2020 using a census sampling method. Three levels of Kirkpatrick’s pyramid were used to evaluate direct teaching and electronic flipped classroom (FC) groups. The Chi-square test, Fisher’s exact test, paired t-test, and independent t-test were used in Stata software with a significance level<0.05. Results: The means±standard deviations (SD) of scores of pre- and post-instructional interventions were 42.1±8.4 and 96.6±2.1 in the intervention group with the FC method and 41.3±3.2 and 77.3±4.7 in the direct teaching group. The means±SDs of satisfaction scores of pre- and post-instructional interventions were 67.8±1.6 and 97.6±5.6 in the intervention group with the FC method and 45.3±5 and 87.3±4.5 in the direct teaching group. Conclusion: Under the conditions of the coronavirus disease 2019 epidemic, mainly the virtualization of students’ education and easy access to virtual education systems to convey instructional content, it is a pleasurable opportunity to use the electronic FC method to teach students. The FC method could improve the students’ epidemiological skills and increase their satisfaction.
Assessment of Transcription Errors and their Effects on Medical Approach, Hospitalization Duration, and Financial Costs of Traumatic Patients: How Can We Prevent Them?
Authors: Abrishami Ramin , Aghili Seyed Hadi , Farhang Ranjbar Mehri , Lashgari Naser-Aldin
Published: November 2024

Background and aims: Transcription errors pose significant risks to patient well-being, potentially leading to morbidity, mortality, and financial burdens on healthcare systems and society. This study assessed the prevalence of transcription errors and their impacts on medical treatment approaches, hospitalization duration, and associated costs. Methods: Direct observation was used to evaluate and compare all patients’ medical records, identifying errors, costs, and hospitalization duration. Physician orders and patient applications were checked, with intervention and control groups categorized based on the presence or absence of errors, respectively. Data were analyzed using descriptive and quantitative methods such as the chi-square, student’s t-test, Mann-Whitney test, and ANCOVA, to assess statistical significance. Results: No significant differences were observed in gender (P=0.73) and age (P=0.89) between patients. Omission errors and incorrect dosage forms were the most common. Errors were more frequent in patients with underlying diseases (P<0.001), with nurses frequently involved (P<0.001). Errors were more prevalent in intensive care units (ICUs) (P=0.002) and during morning and night shifts (P<0.001). A significant association was found between trauma severity and medication error occurrence (P<0.001). Moreover, patients with transcription errors had higher medical expenses and extended hospital stays (P<0.001). Conclusion: Effective preventive measures are crucial to avoid transcription errors and their adverse consequences. Recommendations include minimizing abbreviations, ensuring complete and explicit orders, rigorous training, double-checking, using technology such as Electronic Prescription and Physician Orders, maintaining a distraction-free, ergonomic work environment, and fostering open communication among healthcare providers and patients to enhance medication safety.
Prevalence and Correlates of Sexual Dysfunction in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes at an Endocrine Clinic in Hamadan, Iran
Authors: Asadi Shafagh , Ahmadpanah Mohammad , Soltanian Ali Reza , Borzouei Shiva
Published: November 2024

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder associated with severe medical consequences such as mental illness and sexual dysfunction in adults. In this cross-sectional study, 283 patients with type 2 diabetes, aged 20 to 70 and married, were selected in 2022-2023. Women’s sexual function was evaluated with the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), and men’s sexual function was evaluated with the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF). Based on the results, 49.8% were men and 50.2% were women. The mean age of the patients was 48.13±8.90 years. The prevalence of sexual dysfunction among men and women was 100% and 66.2%, respectively. A negative correlation was observed between sexual dysfunction and age in women (P=0.043) and men (P<0.001) and a negative relationship was also found between sexual dysfunction and the duration of diabetes in men (P=0.026). Sexual dysfunction is widespread among women and men with diabetes, and due to its adverse effect on the quality of life and marital relationships, it should be taken into consideration.
Analysis of Underlying Factors in Financial Neglect and Abuse in Older Adults: A Qualitative Content Analysis
Authors: Rabiey Faradonbeh Maryam , Mohammadi Somayeh , Roshanzadeh Mostafa , Shirvani Mina , Khalilzadeh Naghneh Mohammad Hossein
Published: November 2024

Objectives: To analyze underlying factors in financial neglect and abuse to enhance understanding and inform interventions that can protect the financial well-being of older adults. Design: A qualitative content analysis approach. Setting(s): Borujen, Shahrekord, Iran. Participants: A sample of 15 older adults (8 females and 7 males) aged 60 and above was selected through a purposeful sampling method from healthcare centres in Borujen, based on specific inclusion criteria. Outcome measures: Data were collected through semi-structured, in-depth individual face-to-face interviews. Results: The findings displayed one overarching category, which is lost property, along with four subcategories, including forced reluctance to pursue the recovery of lent money, deprivation of financial independence, distress due to an inability to recover lent money, and children’s financial evasions in repaying the lent money. Collectively, these factors contributed to older adults perceiving their property as lost. Conclusions: Addressing the burden imposed by financial neglect and abuse necessitates coordinated efforts from authorities, ensuring that policymakers and planners in the fields of health and aging implement concrete measures to raise awareness among families, older adults, and service providers regarding elder abuse. Ultimately, these efforts should aim to improve the quality of life for older adults.
HISTORY OF DEVELOPMENT AND RELEVANT ISSUES OF COMPUTER TOMOGRAPHY
Authors: M.R. Madiyeva , D.T. Raissov , A.G. Kuanysheva , A.V. Rakhimbekov , M.N. Baizakova , A. Abylkassymov , A. Kazymbetova , A. Khassenova
Published: November 2024

Computer tomography (CT) - one of the main methods of radiology, studying with X-ray, measurement and computer working differences in attenuation of X-ray radiation by tissues of different density. Computer tomography lets to to conduct research in transverse planes, taking into account the anatomical features of the patient’s body, and, if necessary, to obtain three-dimensional images to accurately assess the relative position of various organs and tissues. In this article shows main centuries and stages of CT development, formation of CT as diagnostic method which constantly uses in different medical institutes all over the world. CT constantly develops and improves. Authors of this article hope that information outlined in this work will be interesting for students and doctors.

Компьютерная томография - один из основных методов лучевой диагностики исследования с использованием рентгеновского излучения, с измерением и компьютерной обработке разности ослабления рентгеновского излучения различными по плотности тканями. Компьютерная томография позволяет проводить исследование в поперечных плоскостях с учетом анатомических особенностей тела пациента, а при необходимости – получать трехмерные изображения для точной оценки взаиморасположения различных органов и тканей. В данной статье показаны основные вехи и этапы развития компьютерной томографии, становления компьютерной томографии как диагностического метода, который используется постоянно в различных медицинских учреждениях по всему миру. Компьютерная томография постоянно развивается и совершенствуется. Авторы данной статьи надеются, что информация, изложенная в данной работе, будет интересна как студентам, так и практикующим врачам.

Компьтерлік томография – сәулелі диагностиканың рентген сәулелерін қолданып зерттеу әдістерінің ең негізгісі, ол жуандығы әр-түрлі тіндердегі рентген сәулесінің әлсіреуін зерттеу және өңдеуге қолданылады. Компьютерлік томография - пациент денесінің анатомиялық ерекшеліктерін ескере отырып көлденең жазықтықтарды зерттеуге және қажет болған жағдайда мүшелер мен тіндердің орналасуының үшөлшемді кескінің алуға көмектеседі. Берілген мақалада компьютерлік томографияның дамуының басты кезеңдері, компьютерлік томографияның бүкіләлемдік медицина орталықтарында диагностикалық әдіс ретінде қалыптасуы көрсетілген. Компьютерлік томография үздіксіз дамып, жетілуде. Берілген мақала авторлары келтірілген мәліметтер студенттермен қатар, тәжірибеден өтуші дәрігерлерді де қызықтыратындығына үміт артады.
ГИРШПРУНГ АУРУЫ АНЫҚТАЛҒАН БАЛАЛАРҒА СТОМА САЛУ ОТАСЫН ЖЕТІЛДІРУ ТӘЖІРИБЕСІ
Authors: Қ.С. Әшірбай , А.Т. Джумабеков , А.З. Кусаинов , Г.Б. Алтынбаева , К.К. Джаксалыкова , К.Э. Хаиров , Э.Б. Айтбаева , Н.Р. Шиланбаев , М. Жақсылық
Published: November 2024

Гирпшпрунг ауруы көбінесе тоқ ішектің нерв жүйесінің туа пайда болған ақауымен сипатталатын ауру, жаңа туған нәрестеде клиникасында жиі іштің кебуі, ауыр түрінде ішек өтімсіздігі белгілерімен көрінеді. Бұл патология кейінгі жылдары нейрокристопатия тобына жатқызылуда. Өлімнің негізгі себебі ауыр энтероколиттің дамуына байланысты. Айқын клиникалық көріністердің болмауына байланысты, бұл аурудың нәрестелік кезеңде анықталмай қалуы жиі байқалады. Қазіргі таңда жалғыз емі тек қана ота жасау болып табылады. Нақты диагноз гистопатологиялық препараттарды қараудан кейін қойылады, диагностикасы нәрестелік кезеңде шырышасты қабаттың, бұлшықетаралықтың толық сараланбағандығынан қиыншылық тудырады.

Hirpsprung's disease most often manifests as symptoms of intestinal obstruction, characterized by the colon nervous system congenital disability, frequent bloating, and impaired stool passage up to the clinic of intestinal obstruction. In recent years, this pathology has belonged to the group of neuro-crystopathy. The leading cause of death is the development of severe enterocolitis. Due to the lack of clear clinical manifestations, it is often observed that this disease goes undetected during the neonatal period. Currently, the only treatment is surgery. The final diagnosis is made after examining histopathological specimens, the diagnosis of which is difficult due to incomplete differentiation of the mucous and intermuscular layers in infancy.

Болезнь Гиршпрунга чаще всего проявляется симптомами кишечной непроходимости, характеризующейся врожденным пороком нервной системы толстой кишки, частым вздутием живота, с нарушением отхождения стула вплоть до клиники кишечной непроходимости. Данная патология в последние годы относится к группе нейрокристопатии. Основная причина смерти связана с развитием тяжелого энтероколита. Из-за отсутствия четких клинических проявлений часто наблюдается, что это заболевание остается незамеченным в периоде новорожденности. В настоящее время единственным лечением является операция. Окончательный диагноз ставится после осмотра гистопатологических препаратов, диагностика которых затруднена из-за неполной дифференциации слизистого и межмышечного слоя в младенческом периоде.
ГЕПАТО-РЕНАЛЬНЫЙ СИНДРОМ ПРИ ЦИРРОЗЕ ПЕЧЕНИ. КЛИНИЧЕСКИЙ СЛУЧАЙ.
Authors: А.Т. Шаханова , З.К. Жумадилова , А.Ш. Каскабаева , Т.Е. Шаханов , Г.К. Капанова , А.С. Ботабаева , Д.К. Кожахметова , К.Ш. Жылкыбаева , Д.К. Муздубаев
Published: November 2024

Гепато-ренальный синдром является одним из грозных осложнений цирроза печени, который может привести к летальному исходу. Описанный клинический случай демонстрирует цирроз печени, который усугубился почечной недостаточностью и печеночной комой, вследствие развития гепато-ренального синдрома. В данной статье описывается течение и тяжесть заболевания, динамика нарастания симптомов. За последние годы распространённость цирроза печени разной этиологии растет. Данные, приведенные в статье будут полезны терапевтам, врачам общей практики, гастроэнтерологам и нефрологам.

Hepato-renal syndrome is one of the formidable complications of liver cirrhosis, which can be fatal. The described clinical case demonstrates a case of liver cirrhosis, which was aggravated by renal failure and hepatic coma due to the development of hepato-renal syndrome. This article shows the severity of the disease, the dynamics of increasing symptoms, and the course of the clinical picture. In recent years, the prevalence of liver cirrhosis of different etiologies is increasing. The data given in the article will be useful for general practitioners, gastroenterologists and nephrologists.
In silico sequential mutagenesis of the Carbohydrate Binding Module Family 32 (CBM32) enhances ligand binding affinity
Authors: Harith-Fadzilah Nazmi , Illias Rosli Md , Alias Nadiawati
Published: November 2024

Alginate lyase is a promising target for genetic modification for its degrading biofilm, contributing to bacterial proliferation and antimicrobial resistance. Apart from the main enzyme, the carbohydrate binding module (CBM) component can also be modified to enhance alginate lyase’s activity. This study aimed to perform sequential in silico mutagenesis, molecular docking of selected amino acid residues of Vibrio splendidus CBM32 and performed molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of the mutated structure to validate its ligand-binding efficacy. Seven residues were selected for mutagenesis based on the predicted bonds that formed between the CBM32 and the glucuronic acid ligand (LGU9). Four of seven sequential residue substitutions increased the ligand binding affinity cumulatively from -5.4 Kcal/mol to -6.9 Kcal/mol. The mutated CBM32 had similar MolProbity scores to the original V. splendidus CBM32 structure. From the post-MD simulation analysis, the mutated CBM32 had higher structural stability in a solvent system, a greater number of hydrogen bonds formed with ligand but a lower solvent-accessible surface area than the original structure. The sequential mutagenesis process significantly increased the ligand binding affinity of CBM32 while incurring a minimal change in the overall CBM32 structure. The information on these substituted residues would be beneficial for designing subsequent in vitro mutagenesis and enzymatic assays.
Formulation and Antibacterial Activity Test of Ethanol Extract Gel of Laruna Root (Chromolaena odorata L.) Against Staphylococcus aureus and Propionibacterium acnes
Authors: St. Rahmadani  , Awaluddin Nurhikma , Awaluddin Akbar
Published: November 2024

Background: The formulation of gel preparations from laruna root extract (Chromolaena odorata L.) has been carried out using Na-CMC base accompanied by physical stability tests of the gel preparations. Objectives: to determine the physical stability of the laruna root extract gel preparation and its good concentration against Staphylococcus aureus and Propionibacterium acnes bacteria. Research method: The physical stability of the gel preparation was determined based on observations of changes in color, odor, shape, pH, uniformity, spreadability, and viscosity before and after storage for 6 cycles at temperatures of 4o C and 40oC. The pH test was carried out using a pH meter and viscosity measurements were carried out using a Brokfield viscometer. Results: The results of the study showed that the laruna root extract gel preparation was declared stable in the homogeneity indicator Results: The results showed that the gel preparation of laruna root extract could be said to be stable on homogeneity parameters where there were no solid particles in the preparation. Stable in good spreading power diameter, i.e. formulas 0, I, II, and III have a diameter of no more than 5-7 cm. For the results of measuring the viscosity of the gel preparation of laruna root extract, it is said to be stable because it is not more than 2000-4000 mPaS. For pH measurement, it is said to be stable because it has a pH in accordance with the quality requirements of skin preparations, which is 4.5-8.0. Conclusion: In the antibacterial activity test, a good clear zone result was obtained at a concentration of 0.3%.