bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding nursing personnel's health while working in end‐of‐life care—A hermeneutical study
Authors: Karlsson Margareta , Pennbrant Sandra , Kasén Anne
Published: July 2023

Aim

This study aimed to explore nursing personnel's health while working in end‐of‐life care.

Introduction

End‐of‐life care is challenging both for nursing personnel and for the healthcare organisation, as retaining nursing staff is difficult. Although end‐of‐life care involves the risk of burnout, it also encompasses protective factors that can lead to personal and professional development and satisfaction, and that can enable personnel to encounter their own inner selves. In order to focus on the health of nursing personnel we chose the theory of caritative caring as our theoretical perspective.

Method

A qualitative inductive research design with a hermeneutical approach was chosen to explore nursing personnel's health while working in end‐of‐life care. Two assistant nurses and six registered nurses with experience in end‐of‐life care at a palliative care unit participated. The study was approved by a Regional Ethical Review Board.

Results

The results are presented on three levels: rational, structural and existential. In the rational level, fellowship and togetherness with colleagues, as well as being able to distinguish between private life and work were important for nursing personnel's strategies for maintaining their health. At the structural level, social togetherness, sharing emotions and being involved in each other's emotions were important for nursing personnel's health. The existential level showed that the nursing personnel's own existential situation was affected when their inner self was emotionally affected by the patients' suffering. The awareness of suffering, life and death made the nursing personnel feel inner security, both as nursing professionals and as human beings.

Conclusion

A common perspective based on a theory of caritative care may be helpful for retaining nursing personnel. While the study highlights nursing personnel's health while working in an end‐of‐life care context, the results may also be applicable to nursing professionals' health in other contexts.
Optical, surface, and structural studies of InN thin films grown on sapphire by molecular beam epitaxy
Authors: Feng Zhe Chuan , Xie Deng , Nafisa Manika Tun , Lin Hao-Hsiung , Lu Weijie , Chen Jin-Ming , Yiin Jeffrey , Chen Kuei-Hsien , Chen Li-Chyong , Klein Benjamin , Ferguson Ian T.
Published: July 2023

A series of indium nitride (InN) thin films have been grown on sapphire substrates by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) technology under different growth conditions of temperature and plasma power. Their structural, surface, and optical properties are studied by a variety of techniques of scanning electron microscopy, Hall effect, x-ray diffraction, photoluminescence (PL), Raman scattering, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), synchrotron radiation x-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES), and so on. The lower carrier concentration in InN can be obtained with a higher MBE growth temperature and a lower plasma power. As the plasma power increases, the PL peak energy is observed to shift toward the higher energy side and the Raman E2 (high) and A1 (LO) modes are shifted to the lower frequency. The residual compressive strain in epitaxial InN is relaxed. The lower plasma power and the higher growth temperature are preferred for the MBE growth of high-quality InN films. The influencing factors on the InN PL peak and band gap Eg have been revealed. It is evidenced that the InN PL peak and Eg can be shifted from high down to ∼0.65 eV with the carrier concentration down to low E19 cm−3 and the plasma power down to ∼80 W. Both the XPS and N K-edge XANES revealed the antisite defect of N on the In site, NIn. The XANES In L-edge measurements on the In L3-edge of InN films with various carrier concentrations has indicated the fourfold InN intermediate crystal structures. These obtained results are significant and useful to deepen the understanding and promote further investigation in InN and III-N materials.
Mitochondrial Membrane-Associated Protein Mba1 Confers Antifungal Resistance by Affecting the Production of Reactive Oxygen Species in Aspergillus fumigatus
Authors: Zhu Guoxing , Chen Shu , Zhang Yuanwei , Lu Ling
Published: July 2023

Azole resistance in the human fungal pathogen
Aspergillus fumigatus
is becoming a major threat to global health. To date, mutations in the azole target-encoding
cyp51A
gene have been implicated in conferring azole resistance, but a steady increase in the number of
A. fumigatus
isolates with azole resistance resulting from non-
cyp51A
mutations has been recognized.
Impact of Baloxavir Resistance-Associated Substitutions on Influenza Virus Growth and Drug Susceptibility
Authors: Hickerson Brady T. , Petrovskaya Svetlana N. , Dickensheets Harold , Donnelly Raymond P. , Ince William L. , Ilyushina Natalia A.
Published: July 2023

Baloxavir marboxil, an influenza virus polymerase acidic endonuclease inhibitor, represents a recently approved new class of influenza antivirals. Treatment-emergent resistance to baloxavir has been observed in clinical trials, and the potential spread of resistant variants could diminish baloxavir effectiveness.
Bacterial Diversity on Historical Audio-Visual Materials and in the Atmosphere of Czech Depositories
Authors: Branysova Tereza , Limpouch Ondrej , Durovic Michal , Demnerova Katerina , Stiborova Hana
Published: July 2023

The existing literature on microbial contamination of audio-visual materials has predominantly used culture-based methods to evaluate contamination and has overlooked the potential impact of environmental factors and material composition on microbial communities. Furthermore, previous studies have mainly focused on contamination by microscopic fungi, neglecting other potentially harmful microorganisms.
Multicenter Study of Colistin Heteroresistance in Carbapenem-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae Strains in China
Authors: Weng Yuesong , Wang Tao , Huang Bin , Yu Hua , Jia Wei , Shan Bin , Qu Fen , Tang Yiwei , Chen Liang , Du Hong
Published: July 2023

The problem of CRKP has raised alarms concerning global health. Our study enriches the epidemiological study of colistin heteroresistance among CRKP strains in China, where the prevalence of this phenomenon was previously unknown.
Treatment with add-on IVIg in Myositis Early In the diSease course May be sUperior to Steroids alone for reaching CLinical improvEment (TIME IS MUSCLE): study protocol of a phase-2 double-blind placebo-controlled randomised trial
Authors: Kamperman Renske G , Bogaards Johannes A , Evers Sanne W , Walter Hannah A W , de Visser Marianne , de Borgie Corianne , Colen - de Koning Jantine C A , Verhamme Camiel , Maas Mario , Eftimov Filip , van Schaik Ivo N , van der Kooi Anneke J , Raaphorst Joost
Published: July 2023

Introduction

For idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM) (‘myositis’) standard initial treatment is high-dosed glucocorticoids, which results in relatively slow improvement of muscle strength. Early immunosuppression or modulation by intensive treatment (‘hit-early, hit-hard’) may induce faster reduction of disease activity and prevent chronic disability due to disease-induced structural muscle damage. Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) in addition to standard glucocorticoid treatment may be promising in this regard as was shown in various studies: add-on IVIg improved symptoms and muscle strength in refractory myositis patients and monotherapy IVIg improved outcomes after 9 weeks, in about half of treatment-naive patients.

Hypothesis

We hypothesise that early add-on IVIg leads to a greater clinical response after 12 weeks in patients with newly diagnosed myositis, in comparison to prednisone monotherapy. Second, we expect that early treatment with add-on IVIg leads to a faster time to improvement and sustained positive effects on multiple secondary outcomes.

Methods

The Time Is Muscle trial is a phase-2 double-blind placebo-controlled randomised trial. Forty-eight patients with IIM will be treated with IVIg or placebo at baseline (within 1 week after diagnosis) and after 4 and 8 weeks, in addition to standard therapy with prednisone. The primary outcome is the Total Improvement Score (TIS) of the myositis response criteria at 12 weeks. At baseline, and after 4, 8, 12, 26 and 52 weeks, relevant secondary outcomes will be assessed, including time to moderate improvement (TIS≥40), mean daily prednisone dosage, physical activity, health-related quality of life, fatigue and MRI muscle imaging parameters.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval was obtained from the medical ethics committee of the Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands (2020_180; including a first amendment approval at the 12 April 2023; A2020_180_0001). The results will be distributed through conference presentations and peer-reviewed publications.

Trial registration number

EU Clinical trials register (2020-001710-37).
Determinants of early initiation of breast feeding during COVID-19 pandemic among urban-dwelling mothers from Tigray, Northern Ethiopia: a community-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Gebretsadik Gebretsadkan Gebremedhin , Berhe Kidanemaryam , Gebregziabher Hadush
Published: July 2023

Objectives

The objective of this study was to assess the practice of early initiation of breast feeding (EIBF) and its determinant factors among urban-dwelling mothers from Tigray during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from April to June 2021. Data were analysed using StataSE Version 16 software. To identify determinant factors of the dependent variable, multivariate logistic regression analyses was used at a statistical significance of p<0.05. The strength of the association was measured by OR and 95% CI.

Setting and participants

The study was conducted among 633 lactating mothers of infants under the age of 6 months living in Mekelle city, Tigray, Northern Ethiopia from April to June 2021. A three-stage cluster sampling was used to select study participants.

Main outcome measure

EIBF or no EIBF.

Results

Three hundred and sixty eight (59.6%) mothers/caregivers practised EIBF. Maternal education (adjusted OR, AOR 2.45, 95 % CI 1.01 to 5.88), parity (AOR 1.20, 95 % CI 1.03 to 2.20), caesarean section delivery (AOR 0.47, 95 % CI 0.32 to 0.69) and breastfeeding information and support postdelivery (AOR 1.59, 95% CI 1.10 to 2.31) were found to be significant determinants of EIBF.

Conclusions

EIBF is defined as initiation of breastfeeding within 1 hour after delivery. EIBF practice was far from optimal. During the COVID-19 pandemic, maternal education, parity, type of delivery and the provision of up-to-date breastfeeding information and support right after delivery determined the time of breastfeeding initiation.
Home-based optimal newborn care practice and associated factors among mothers in Ethiopia: a community-based longitudinal panel survey
Authors: Mohammed Shikur , Worku Alemayehu , Girma Eshetu
Published: July 2023

Objectives

The objective of this study was to determine the level of home-based optimal newborn care practice and associated factors among mothers in Ethiopia.

Design

A community-based longitudinal panel survey design.

Setting, participants and outcomes

We used data from the Performance Monitoring for Action Ethiopia panel survey (2019–2021). A total of 860 mothers of neonates were included in the analysis. A generalised estimating equation logistic regression model was used to identify factors associated with home-based optimal newborn care practice and to account for the clustering nature of the data by enumeration area. An OR with 95% CI was used to measure the association between exposure and outcome variables.

Results

The level of home-based optimal newborn care practice was 8.7% with 95% uncertainty interval ranging from 6% to 11%. After adjusting the effect of potential confounding factors, area of residence remained statistically significantly associated with mothers’ optimal newborn care practice. The chance of home-based optimal newborn care practice was 69% times lower among mothers from rural areas compared with those in urban areas (adjusted OR=0.31, 95% CI=0.15, 0.61).

Conclusion

The findings of this study showed that the level of home-based optimal newborn care practice was very low in Ethiopia. Also, home-based optimal newborn care practice was lower among mothers from rural areas in the nation. Therefore, health planners and healthcare providers, including health extension workers, should give priority attention to mothers from rural areas to improve their optimal newborn care practice by considering their context-specific factors or barriers.
Cohort profile: Ngā Kawekawe o Mate Korona | Impacts of COVID-19 in Aotearoa – a prospective, national cohort study of people with COVID-19 in New Zealand
Authors: Russell Lynne , Jeffreys Mona , Churchward Marianna , Cumming Jackie , McKenzie Fiona , O'Loughlin Claire , Asiasiga Lanuola , Bell Rebecca , Hickey Huhana , Irurzun-Lopez Maite , Kamau Laura , Kokaua Jesse , McDonald Janet , McFarland-Tautau Myra , Smiler Kirsten , Uia Tali , Vaka Sione , Veukiso-Ulugia Analosa , Wong Conroy , Ellison Loschmann Lis
Published: July 2023

Purpose

The COVID-19 pandemic has had significant health, social and economic impacts around the world. We established a national, population-based longitudinal cohort to investigate the immediate and longer-term physical, psychological and economic impacts of COVID-19 on affected people in Aotearoa New Zealand (Aotearoa), with the resulting evidence to assist in designing appropriate health and well-being services for people with COVID-19.

Participants

All people residing in Aotearoa aged 16 years or over, who had a confirmed or probable diagnosis of COVID-19 prior to December 2021, were invited to participate. Those living in dementia units were excluded. Participation involved taking part in one or more of four online surveys and/or in-depth interviews. The first wave of data collection took place from February to June 2022.

Findings to date

By 30 November 2021, of 8735 people in Aotearoa aged 16+ who had COVID-19, 8712 were eligible for the study and 8012 had valid addresses so were able to be contacted to take part. A total of 990 people, including 161 Tāngata Whenua (Māori, Indigenous peoples of Aotearoa) completed one or more surveys; in addition, 62 took part in in-depth interviews. Two hundred and seventeen people (20%) reported symptoms consistent with long COVID. Key areas of adverse impacts were experiences of stigma, mental distress, poor experiences of health services and barriers to healthcare, each being significantly more pronounced among disabled people and/or those with long COVID.

Future plans

Further data collection is planned to follow-up cohort participants. This cohort will be supplemented by the inclusion of a cohort of people with long COVID following Omicron infection. Future follow-ups will assess longitudinal changes to health and well-being impacts, including mental health, social, workplace/education and economic impacts of COVID-19.
Kinesiophobia and its associated factors in patients with coronary heart disease: a cross-sectional study based on latent feature analysis
Authors: Wang Zijiao , Zhang Yifan , Wang Yanping , Liu Lamei , Zhang Junmei
Published: July 2023

Objectives

The aim of this study was to explore the current situation of kinesiophobia in patients with coronary heart disease, classify it based on potential profile analysis and explore the relevant factors of kinesiophobia in different categories of patients with coronary heart disease.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

Patients with coronary heart disease in China.

Participants

Adult (aged >18 years) patients with coronary heart disease in China; 252 participants in this study answered the questionnaire.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The study investigated the scores of Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia Heart, and collected information on the patient’s age, gender, monthly household income, education level, place of residence, marital status, occupational status, hypertension, diabetes, heart failure and body mass index (BMI).

Results

Kinesiophobia in patients with coronary heart disease can be divided into low fear type (C1), intermediate fear type (C2) and high fear type (C3). Elderly patients were classified as type C3. Women and patients with a normal BMI were classified as type C1; patients with a normal BMI and patients with an overweight BMI were classified as type C2.

Conclusion

Kinesiophobia of patients with coronary heart disease can be divided into three categories, and intervention measures are implemented according to their different demographic characteristics to reduce kinesiophobia of patients and promote the participation of patients in exercise rehabilitation.
Identifying biomarkers of treatment response to ciclosporin in atopic dermatitis through multiomic predictive modelling: DERMATOMICS study protocol
Authors: Marín-Candón Alicia , García-García Irene , Arias Pedro , Carcas Antonio J , Díaz-García Lucía , Feltes Ochoa Rosa , Hernández Cano Natalia , Herranz Pinto Pedro , Jiménez González María , López -Granados Eduardo , Martínez-Feito Ana , Mayor-Ibarguren Ander , Rosas-Alonso Rocío , Seco-Meseguer Enrique , Borobia Alberto M
Published: July 2023

Introduction

There is a need to optimise the management of atopic dermatitis (AD), improving the efficacy of treatments and reducing the toxicity associated with them. Although the efficacy of ciclosporine (CsA) in the treatment of AD has been thoroughly documented in the literature, the optimal dose has not been yet established. The use of multiomic predictive models of treatment response could optimise CsA therapy in AD.

Methods and analysis

The study is a low-intervention phase 4 trial to optimise the treatment of patients with moderate-severe AD requiring systemic treatment. The primary objectives are to identify biomarkers that could allow for the selection of responders and non-responders to first-line treatment with CsA and to develop a response prediction model to optimise the CsA dose and treatment regimen in responding patients based on these biomarkers. The study is divided into two cohorts: the first comprised of patients starting treatment with CsA (cohort 1), and the second, of patients already receiving or who have received CsA therapy (cohort 2).

Ethics and dissemination

The study activities began following authorisation by the Spanish Regulatory Agency (AEMPS) and the Clinical Research Ethics Committee of La Paz University Hospital approval. Trial results will be submitted for publication in an open access peer-reviewed medical speciality-specific publication.

Trial registration of this study can be located at the EU Clinical Trials Register, available fromhttps://euclinicaltrials.eu/search-for-clinical-trials/?lang=en. Our clinical trial was registered in the website before the enrolment of the first patient complying with European regulations. EU Clinical Trials Register is a primary registry according the WHO. Once our trial was included in a primary and official registry, in order to extend the accessibility to our research, we also registered it retrospectively in clinicaltrials.gov; however, this is not mandatory as per our regulation.

Trial registration number

NCT05692843.
Comorbidities in children with cerebral palsy: a single-centre cross-sectional hospital-based study from India
Authors: Viswanath Maya , Jha Ruchika , Gambhirao Ankita Dilip , Kurup Arjun , Badal Sachendra , Kohli Sarvesh , Parappil Parvathi , John Biju M , Adhikari Krishna Moorthi , Kovilapu Uday Bhanu , Sondhi Vishal
Published: July 2023

Objective

To describe the comorbidities in children with cerebral palsy (CP) and determine the characteristics associated with different impairments.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

Tertiary care referral centre in India.

Patients

Between April 2018 and May 2022, all children aged 2–18 years with a confirmed diagnosis of CP were enrolled by systematic random sampling. Data on antenatal, birth and postnatal risk factors, clinical evaluation and investigations (neuroimaging and genetic/metabolic workup) were recorded.

Main outcome measures

Prevalence of the co-occurring impairments was determined using clinical evaluation or investigations as indicated.

Results

Of the 436 children screened, 384 participated (spastic CP=214 (55.7%) (spastic hemiplegic=52 (13.5%); spastic diplegia=70 (18.2%); spastic quadriplegia=92 (24%)), dyskinetic CP=58 (15.1%) and mixed CP=110 (28.6%)). A primary antenatal/perinatal/neonatal and postneonatal risk factor was identified in 32 (8.3%), 320 (83.3%) and 26 (6.8%) patients, respectively. Prevalent comorbidities (the test used) included visual impairment (clinical assessment and visual evoked potential)=357/383(93.2%), hearing impairment (brainstem-evoked response audiometry)=113 (30%), no understanding of any communication (MacArthur Communicative Development Inventory)=137 (36%), cognitive impairment (Vineland scale of social maturity)=341 (88.8%), severe gastrointestinal dysfunction (clinical evaluation/interview)=90 (23%), significant pain (non-communicating children’s pain checklist)=230 (60%), epilepsy=245 (64%), drug-resistant epilepsy=163 (42.4%), sleep impairment (Children’s Sleep Habits Questionnaire)=176/290(60.7%) and behavioural abnormalities (Childhood behaviour checklist)=165 (43%). Overall, hemiparetic and diplegic CP and Gross Motor Function Classification System ≤3 were predictive of lesser co-occurring impairment.

Conclusion

CP children have a high burden of comorbidities, which increase with increasing functional impairment. This calls for urgent actions to prioritise opportunities to prevent risk factors associated with CP and organise existing resources to identify and manage co-occurring impairments.

Trial registration number

CTRI/2018/07/014819.
Introduction of a dedicated colic clinic reduces referral to treatment times in patients managed expectantly with acute ureteric colic: a quality improvement project
Authors: Cullen Jack , Kum Francesca , Scott Luca , Ismaylov Vugar , Chalokia Ramandeep , Willis Susan
Published: July 2023

Ureteric colic constitutes a large proportion of acute hospital attendances, across the UK, putting pressure on urological services. The British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS) guidelines indicate that for patients managed expectantly, a clinic review should be undertaken within 4 weeks of presentation. This quality improvement project reports the benefit of a dedicated virtual colic clinic to facilitate an efficient care pathway and reduce patient waiting times. A retrospective cycle analysed patients referred from the emergency department (ED) with uncomplicated acute ureteric colic (excluding those admitted for immediate intervention) over 2 months in 2019. A further cycle was carried out 12 months later following the introduction of a new dedicated virtual colic clinic with updated ED referral guidance. The mean time from ED referral to urology clinic review fell from 7.5 to 3.5 weeks. The percentage of patients reviewed in clinic within 4 weeks increased from 25% to 82%. The mean time from referral to intervention including shockwave lithotripsy and primary ureteroscopy fell from 15 to 5 weeks. The introduction of a virtual colic clinic improved the time to definitive management of ureteric stones for patients managed expectantly as per BAUS guidelines. This has reduced waiting times for both clinic review and stone treatment which has enhanced patient experience within our service.
Treatment patterns in paediatric and adult patients with SLE: a retrospective claims database study in the USA
Authors: Brunner Hermine I , Vadhariya Aisha , Dickson Christina , Crandall Wallace , Kar-Chan Choong Casey , Birt Julie A , Ruperto Nicolino , Ramanan Athimalaipet V
Published: July 2023

Objective

To assess real-world treatment regimens and patterns in childhood-onset SLE (cSLE) and adult-onset SLE (aSLE) cohorts, including similarities in treatments, duration of use and adherence.

Methods

This retrospective study utilised data from Merative L.P. MarketScan Research Databases (USA). Index date was the date of first SLE diagnosis (2010–2019). Patients aged <18 years (cSLE) and ≥18 years (aSLE) at index date with confirmed SLE diagnosis and ≥12 months continuous enrolment during pre-index and post-index periods were included. The cohorts were stratified based on the presence (existing) or absence (new) of pre-index SLE. Primary outcomes (post-index period) included treatment regimens (all patients), and adherence (proportion of days covered (PDC)) and discontinuation of therapies initiated within 90 days of diagnosis (new patients). Univariate comparisons between cSLE and aSLE cohorts were performed using Wilcoxon rank-sum and χ2(or Fisher’s exact) tests.

Results

cSLE cohort included 1275 patients (mean age=14.1 years) and aSLE cohort included 66 326 patients (mean age=49.7 years). Antimalarials and glucocorticoids were commonly used among new (cSLE=64.4%/62.0%; aSLE=51.8%/49.7%) and existing (cSLE=68.6%/58.9%; aSLE=63.8%/51.3%) patients in both cohorts. Median oral glucocorticoid dose (prednisone equivalent) was higher in cSLE vs aSLE (new=22.1 vs 14.0 mg/day; existing=14.4 vs 12.3 mg/day; p<0.05). Mycophenolate mofetil use was higher in patients with cSLE vs aSLE (new=26.2% vs 5.8%; existing=37.6% vs 11.0%; p<0.0001). Compared with aSLE, more patients used combination therapies in cSLE (p<0.0001). Median PDC was higher in cSLE vs aSLE for antimalarials (0.9 vs 0.8; p<0.0001) and oral glucocorticoids (0.6 vs 0.3; p<0.0001). Treatment discontinuation was lower in cSLE vs aSLE for antimalarials (25.0% vs 33.1%; p<0.0001) and oral glucocorticoids (56.6% vs 71.2%; p<0.0001).

Conclusions

Management of cSLE and aSLE includes the same medication classes; differences include more intensive use of therapy in cSLE, warranting the need for approved safe medications for cSLE.
Does a history of childbirth impact injury prevalence and mental health in female military members?
Authors: Edwards Chris M. , Miller Émilie , da Silva Danilo F. , Puranda Jessica L. , Souza Sara C.S. , Semeniuk Kevin , Adamo Kristi B.
Published: July 2023

The effect of parity status on the prevalence and impact of musculoskeletal injury (MSKi) among female Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) members is unknown. This study aims to identify whether a history of childbirth and pregnancy-related complications are associated with MSKi occurrence among female members of the CAF. From September 2020 to February 2021, data were collected via an online questionnaire that assessed MSKi, reproductive health, and barriers to recruitment and retention in the CAF. Actively serving, female members were included in this analysis stratified by parous ( n = 313) or nulliparous ( n = 435) status. Descriptive analysis and binary logistic regressions were used to identify prevalence and adjusted odds ratios (aOR) of repetitive strain injuries (RSI), acute injuries, and body regions affected. Covariates included in aOR: age, body mass index, and rank. A p value of <0.05 was considered significant and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were reported. Female members with a history of childbirth were more likely to report an RSI (80.9% vs. 69.9%, OR = 1.57, CI: 1.03 to 2.40), and when stratified by body region, were more likely to have an RSI of the wrist (30.0% vs. 20.5%, aOR = 1.62, CI: 1.09 to 2.40), and foot (39.3% vs. 24.1%, aOR = 1.79, CI: 1.24 to 2.59). When compared to the nulliparous group, parity did not influence prevalence of acute injuries. MSKi and mental health perceptions were different for females who experienced postpartum depression, miscarriage, or preterm birth. Childbirth and pregnancy-related complications impact prevalence of some RSI among female CAF members. Thus, specific health and fitness support may be needed for parous female CAF members.
Towards a management strategy for microplastic pollution in the Laurentian Great Lakes—ecological risk assessment and management (part 2)
Authors: Hataley Eden K. , McIlwraith Hayley K. , Roy Dimple , Rochman Chelsea M.
Published: July 2023

Over the past decade, plastic pollution has been documented throughout the Laurentian Great Lakes basin. Here, we demonstrate the application of published ecological risk assessment and management frameworks for microplastics in aquatic environments by comparing proposed risk thresholds derived using toxicity data from both freshwater and marine species to local monitoring data. Our results suggest that there may be measurable risks from microplastics to aquatic communities in parts of the Great Lakes where current concentrations are relatively high. For example, concentrations in 89% of surface water samples collected across the region exceed the proposed risk thresholds for food dilution toxicity. However, concentrations in all sediment samples remain below the proposed risk thresholds. Accordingly, we suggest that an appropriate and necessary next step for management may include convening a working group of local experts to develop an ecological risk assessment and management framework for the region comprising risk thresholds for microplastics in surface water and sediment. Ultimately, microplastic pollution should be addressed in the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement to ensure coordinated and sustained efforts are taken by the governments of Canada and the United States to reduce their release and impact.
Consistent thermodynamics and topological classes for the four-dimensional Lorentzian charged Taub-NUT spacetimes
Authors: Wu Di
Published: July 2023

In this paper, we derive the consistent thermodynamics of the four-dimensional Lorentzian Reissner-Nordström-NUT (RN-NUT), Kerr–Newman-NUT (KN-NUT), and RN-NUT-AdS spacetimes in the framework of the ($$\psi -\mathscr {N}$$

ψ
-
N

)-pair formalism, and then investigate their topological numbers by using the uniformly modified form of the generalized off-shell Helmholtz free energy. We find that these solutions can be included into one of three categories of those well-known black hole solutions, which implies that these spacetimes should be viewed as generic black holes from the perspective of the topological thermodynamic defects. In addition, we demonstrate that although the existence of the NUT charge parameter seems to have no impact on the topological number of the charged asymptotically locally flat spacetimes, it has a remarkable effect on the topological number of the charged asymptotically locally AdS spacetime.
Doubly differential cross sections for ionisation in proton–helium collisions at intermediate energies: energy and angular distribution of emitted electrons
Authors: Spicer K. H. , Plowman C. T. , Alladustov Sh. U. , Abdurakhmanov I. B. , Bray I. , Kadyrov A. S.
Published: July 2023

Using the two-centre wave-packet convergent close-coupling approach, we continue our study of the proton–helium collision system. This method uses a correlated two-electron wave function to describe the helium target and discretises the continuum using wave-packet pseudostates. The cross section differential in the electron-emission energy and emission angle is calculated for incident-projectile energies in the intermediate range from 70 to 300 keV, where coupling between various channels and electron–electron correlation effects are important. We also apply an alternative, simpler approach that reduces the target to an effective single-electron system. Overall, the present results from both methods agree well with the available experimental data. This positions both implementations of the two-centre wave-packet convergent close-coupling approach well to further study other doubly differential, as well as fully differential, cross sections of single ionisation in proton–helium collisions.

Graphical abstract
Incorporating hybrid networks into urban transportation infrastructures for improved COVID-19 transmission forecasting
Authors: Sai Xiaoyong , Xing Xia , Luan Hengyu , Li Qiongxuan , Gong Rufang , Lu Xiaoguang , Li Dongyao , Sun Yuanyuan , Chen Qiao , Liang Shufeng , Gao Feng
Published: July 2023

In this study, we focus on exploring the propagation characteristics of particle swarms in social networks and analyze the diffusion process of viruses among populations based on system dynamics. The article mainly discusses three propagation influence mechanisms, including individual attributes, group attributes, and particle swarm attributes, and delves into the modeling of diffusion processes based on network structures. Firstly, we adopt the main roads in the transportation network (hub nodes) as the initial network backbone. On this basis, by introducing branch networks with small-world characteristics and scale-free characteristics, we construct a transportation network that integrates multiple properties. Using this network, we conducted a detailed simulation and analysis of the COVID-19 transmission process and compared and verified it with the infection dynamic data of COVID-19 in Shanghai from March to September 2022. The verification results reveal that our proposed model can significantly improve prediction accuracy. Compared with other existing dynamic models, our model demonstrates excellent performance, possessing high practical application value. This study provides robust theoretical support for the propagation characteristics of particle swarms in social networks and lays the foundation for further research and application in related fields.
Mapping the Environmental Education Policies for the Youth to Encourage Rural Development and to Reduce Urbanisation: Econometric Approach
Authors: Hasan Hurriah Ali , Sabbar Sabbar Dahham , Mustamin Siti Walida , Yahya Muhammad , Rahman Rabeatul Husna Abdull , Musa Hani Amer , Jumaing Baharuddin
Published: July 2023

Urbanisation, rural development, climate change, and population growth have significant environmental impacts on sustainability and survival, particularly in rural areas of Indonesia. To slow down the process of urbanisation in these regions, it is essential to promote environmental education among the youth, encouraging them to prioritise rural development and sustainable practices. This study presents a research framework that examines the mapping of environmental education on young preferences for rural development and its impact on reducing urbanisation. Using a knowledge-based approach, the study employs regression and bootstrap analysis on data collected from 227 Indonesian and Malaysian provinces. The results show that ecologically friendly education among executives promotes environmental concerns and managerial practices, mediating the relationship between environmental education and urbanisation. Additionally, understanding these interactions positively moderates the influence of organizational ecological problems. Overall, this study highlights the importance of environmental education in promoting rural development and reducing urbanisation, which is crucial for sustainable development.
A Survey of Tool Support for Working with Design Decisions in Code
Authors: Mehrpour Sahar , Latoza Thomas D.
Published: July 2023

Whenever developers choose among alternative technical approaches, they make a design decision. Collectively, design decisions shape how software implements its requirements and shape non-functional quality attributes such as maintainability, extensibility, and performance. Developers work with design decisions both when identifying, choosing, and documenting alternatives and when later work requires following and understanding previously made design decisions. Design decisions encompass design rationale, describing the alternatives and justification for a design choice, as well as design rules, describing the constraints imposed by specific alternatives. This article summarizes and classifies research on these activities, examining different approaches through which tools may support developers in working with design decisions in code. We focus both on the technical aspects of tools as well as the human aspects of how tools support developers. Our survey identifies goals developers have in working with design decisions throughout the lifecycle of design decisions. We also examine the potential support tools may offer developers in achieving these goals and the challenges in offering better support.
Fine-grained Hardware Acceleration for Efficient Batteryless Intermittent Inference on the Edge
Authors: Caronti Luca , Akhunov Khakim , Nardello Matteo , Yıldırım Kasım Sinan , Brunelli Davide
Published: July 2023

Backing up the intermediate results of hardware-accelerated deep inference is crucial to ensure the progress of execution on batteryless computing platforms. However, hardware accelerators in low-power AI platforms only support the one-shot atomic execution of one neural network inference without any backups. This article introduces a new toolchain for MAX78000, which is a brand-new microcontroller with a hardware-based convolutional neural network (CNN) accelerator. Our toolchain converts any MAX78000-compatible neural network into an intermittently executable form. The toolchain enables finer checkpoint granularity on the MAX78000 CNN accelerator, allowing for backups of any intermediate neural network layer output. Based on the layer-by-layer CNN execution, we propose a new backup technique that performs only necessary (urgent) checkpoints. The method involves the batteryless system switching to ultra-low-power mode while charging, saving intermediate results only when input power is lower than ultra-low-power mode energy consumption. By avoiding unnecessary memory transfer, the proposed solution increases the inference throughput by 1.9× for simulation and by 1.2× for real-world setup compared to the coarse-grained baseline execution.
Cortical Integration of Vestibular and Visual Cues for Navigation, Visual Processing, and Perception
Authors: Keshavarzi Sepiedeh , Velez-Fort Mateo , Margrie Troy W.
Published: July 2023

Despite increasing evidence of its involvement in several key functions of the cerebral cortex, the vestibular sense rarely enters our consciousness. Indeed, the extent to which these internal signals are incorporated within cortical sensory representation and how they might be relied upon for sensory-driven decision-making, during, for example, spatial navigation, is yet to be understood. Recent novel experimental approaches in rodents have probed both the physiological and behavioral significance of vestibular signals and indicate that their widespread integration with vision improves both the cortical representation and perceptual accuracy of self-motion and orientation. Here, we summarize these recent findings with a focus on cortical circuits involved in visual perception and spatial navigation and highlight the major remaining knowledge gaps. We suggest that vestibulo-visual integration reflects a process of constant updating regarding the status of self-motion, and access to such information by the cortex is used for sensory perception and predictions that may be implemented for rapid, navigation-related decision-making.
Optimized White Laminate and Redirecting Film as Back Reflectors for High-Efficiency Monofacial and Bifacial Photovoltaic Modules
Authors: Tao Wusong , Wang Yuanhan , Wang Long , Wang Luchuang , Dai Jian , Li Tao , Jin Hao , Du Ying , Zhang Zheng
Published: July 2023

In this work, we have presented the analysis and optimization of white EVA, white backsheet and redirecting film as back reflector (BR) options applied to the commercial half cell (HC) photovoltaic (PV) modules. White EVA and white backsheet are diffusively reflecting to enhance efficiency on monofacial modules and redirecting film is a structured film applied in the areas between the cells/strings reflecting incoming light at specific angles to the cell surface, which is beneficial for bifacial modules. The influence of BR designs on the optoelectronic performance of PV modules is studied theoretically and experimentally. The combination of white EVA and white backsheet is found to be optically more efficient because of improved light reflecting and scattering, and by applying an optimized transparent/white EVA with an thickness of 0.23/0.22 mm, the maximal electric power of 574.3 W (efficiency of 22.23%) could be obtained. The bifacial module with redirecting film generates about 1.7%∼2.1% more current/power from front side with varying cell/string spaces, but the reduced bifaciality factors of approximate 77.6%∼77.5% are observed.
Flake-Like WO3-Based Thin Films for Enhanced Ethanol Sensing Applications
Authors: Sriram Srinivasa Rao , Pothukanuri Nagaraju , Parne Saidi Reddy , Edla Damodar Reddy
Published: July 2023

Undoped and vanadium-doped tungsten trioxide (V–WO3) nanocrystalline thin films were prepared on glass substrates with spray pyrolysis. The synthesized films were characterized using XRD, Raman spectroscopy, AFM, FESEM, UV-visible spectroscopy, and XPS for micro-structural, topographical, optical and chemical properties. The results showed that XRD analysis confirmed that WO3-based thin films were hexagonal phases. The FESEM images showed the interconnected nanoflake-like morphology of the undoped and V–WO3 thin films. Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) investigations confirmed that the average surface roughness of the thin films ranged from 3.36 nm to 14.2 nm. The optical energy bandgap of the films was estimated from the optical spectrum of absorption. The static liquid distribution method was utilized to examine the gas-sensing characteristics of deposited films. The results show that the 4 wt% vanadium-doped WO3 sensor responds to ethanol vapour at room temperature. The response and recovery times towards 50 ppm of ethanol gas were determined as 32 and 21 s, respectively. The 4 wt% V-WO3 film has shown a response of 2.8, which is 2.15 times more than the undoped WO3.
The Effect of Soy and Whey Protein Supplementation on Glucose Homeostasis in Healthy Normal Weight Asian Indians
Authors: Sambashivaiah Sucharita , Cope Mark , Mukherjea Ratna , Selvam Sumithra , George Nivya , Kuriyan Rebecca , Kurpad Anura V.
Published: July 2023

Milk and legumes are good source of protein foods used to sustain muscle mass, but their effects on postprandial glucose homeostasis and energy metabolism may be different. This is relevant, for example, in the dietetic response to obesity or diabetes, where the intake of high-quality protein is often increased significantly. The objective of this study was to characterize the acute effect of whey and soy protein (15% vs. 30%) on glucose homeostasis, energy metabolism, and satiety. Healthy, normal body mass index (BMI) Indian adult males aged 20–35 years (n = 15) received 4 test meals (2 proteins (soy vs. whey) and 2 doses (15% vs. 30% protein: energy ratio)). Blood samples were collected serially after the meal to calculate the incremental area under the curve for plasma glucose and insulin. Energy expenditure and substrate oxidation were measured after the meal. Satiety was measured with a visual analogue scale. The insulin response, represented by the incremental area under the curve, was significantly higher for the 30% whey compared to the 30% soy protein meal (

p
<
0.01

) but was not significantly different between the 15% protein doses. There were no differences in the plasma glucose response across protein sources or doses. The mean peak fat and carbohydrate oxidation, satiety, and energy expenditure did not differ between the protein sources and doses. In conclusion, at higher doses, whey protein has a greater insulinogenic response, compared to soy protein, and exhibits a dose-response effect. However, at lower doses, whey and soy protein elicit similar insulinogenic responses, making them equally effective protein sources in relation to glucose homoeostasis.
Rapid Analysis of 18 Flavonoids in Tea by Ultrahigh-Performance Liquid Chromatography Coupled with Quadrupole-Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Li Jian , Ma Junmei , Li Qiang , He Liangna , Zhang Mingxing , Zheng Lei , Zhang Yan
Published: July 2023

A method was established for the determination of 18 flavonoids in tea by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole/time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF/MS). The tea samples were extracted by 70% (V/V) methanol aqueous solution, and separation was achieved on a Kinetex F5 column (2.1 mm × 100 mm, 2.6 μm) with methanol and 0.1% formic acid in water as the mobile phase with a gradient elution. The samples were detected in TOF/MS and information-dependent acquisition (IDA)-MS/MS modes. The results showed that the relative standard deviations of 18 flavonoids were less than 5.0 ppm. The correlation coefficients (R2) of the linear equation were greater than 0.998 in the range of 0.10–200 ng/mL. The limits of detection were 0.0010–0.040 ppm, and the limits of quantification were 0.0020–0.10 ppm. The recoveries ranged from 73.8% to 107% at spiked levels of 0.0020–1.0 ppm, with relative standard deviations (RSDs) being less than 10%. The method was simple, specific, and reliable. It could be used for the rapid screening and quantitative analysis of flavonoids in tea.
[Retracted] Alteration of Intestinal Microbiota and Hydrogen Sulfide Metabolism in Patients with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis
Authors: Zhang Shangqing , Chi Yan , Jin Hongfang , Wang Xiuli , Zhao Xue , Gao Ying , Zhang Junqing
Published: July 2023

Objective. To analyze the intestinal microbiota and H2S levels in patients with HT. Methods. Twenty euthyroid HT patients and twenty healthy control individuals were recruited. Fecal samples were collected, and the microbiota was examined using 16S RNA gene sequencing. We also collected serum samples to examine the H2S levels. Results. Compared with patients with HT, the ACE and Chao indices were significantly lower in healthy controls (P = 0.04, 0.03, respectively). The microbial composition of the HT group differed significantly from that of the healthy group. We observed a significant increase in the proportions of Bacteroides, Fusobacterium, Sutterella, and Veillonella in patients with HT (P < 0.05). Linear discriminant analysis and effect size analysis also revealed that Bacteroides and Ralstonia were enriched in patients with HT. Additionally, patients with HT had significantly lower H2S levels than healthy controls (P < 0.005). The enrichment of H2S anabolism was linked to the alteration of intestinal microbiota in patients with HT. Conclusion. We demonstrated that patients with HT have aberrant intestinal microbiome and that H2S anabolism may contribute to HT pathogenesis.