bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How school leadership practices relate to student outcomes: Insights from a three-level meta-analysis
Authors: Tan Cheng Yong , Dimmock Clive , Walker Allan
Published: December 2021

The present study aims to generate broad insights from the large corpus of literature on the associations between a comprehensive range of school leadership practices and student outcomes in different school contexts. Three-level meta-analysis of 493 independent effects from 108 studies published since 2000 showed that the mean effect size was small at r  = 0.14. Effect sizes for leadership practices ranged from r’s  = 0.10 to .26. Results underscored the importance of different types of leadership practices related to instructional management, enhancing teacher capacity, and engaging external stakeholders to improve student outcomes. School leadership practices were significantly associated with students’ academic achievement (in different subjects except science) and learning attitudes/processes but not attainment. Moderator analyses showed that school leadership effects were significant in studies using a school-level analysis but not in those using a lower-level of analysis. Additionally, school leadership effects were significant at different grade levels (G1–G6, G7–G12) and in research reported in different study types (articles, dissertations) and in different years (2000–2009, 2010–2018).
Influence of the flexor digitorum superficialis tendon transfer on grip strength
Authors: Garkisch Angelina , Schmitt Stefanie , Kim Nicole , Fischer Dagmar-C. , Prommersberger Karl-Josef , Mühldorfer-Fodor Marion
Published: December 2021

The flexor digitorum superficialis tendon of the ring finger can be transferred to the thumb flexor. We followed ten patients after such a transfer for 5–128 months and measured grip strength and force transmission of the fingers and individual phalanges while the patients gripped 10-cm or 20-cm diameter cylinders. The grip strength of the middle, ring and little fingers was reduced when gripping the 10-cm cylinder, with a significantly larger decrease in the ring finger. With the 20-cm cylinder, grip forces of all fingers were almost identical, with slightly lower force of the ring finger and slightly higher forces in the index and small fingers. We conclude that after transfer of flexor digitorum superficialis tendon from a ring finger, grip strength of the ring finger is reduced. Finger forces are more hampered while gripping objects with smaller circumferences than large ones.
Clinical and radiological results of distal radioulnar joint arthroplasty with the Aptis prosthesis
Authors: Lambrecht Delphine , Vanhove Wim , Hollevoet Nadine
Published: December 2021

We report the results of the treatment of disorders of the distal radioulnar joint with the semi-constrained Aptis prosthesis. Nineteen patients were assessed at a mean follow-up of 7 years. All patients had been operated on previously at the wrist, forearm or elbow. The Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand score had a mean value of 40, the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation score had a mean of 49 and the visual analogue scale for pain had a mean of 3.9. The mean ranges of pronation, supination, wrist flexion and wrist extension were 78°, 76°, 60° and 51°, respectively. The mean grip strength was 23 kg. Complications were noted in ten patients. Eighteen patients would undergo the operation again. The 10-year cumulative survival rate was 84%. The Aptis prosthesis may be a solution to treat patients in whom previous surgery at the distal radioulnar joint has failed.

Level of evidence: IV
Decolonising the Marketing Academy: An Indigenous Māori Perspective on Engagement, Methodologies and Practices
Authors: Love Tyron R. , Hall C. Michael
Published: December 2021

In a context where the marketing discipline and its institutions has no choice but to face up to its embeddedness in social issues it is therefore important and timely to consider how marketing in colonial states – in which indigenous lands were/are appropriated, cultures systematically discriminated against, and identities, language and generations stolen – acknowledges its past and confront its future. This essay calls for the understanding and incorporation of indigenous knowledges and worldviews. It further asks for considerations of cultural control, nonappropriation and participatory approaches in marketing. Acknowledging that a university or business school is sited on indigenous lands, or opening a meeting with greetings or formal introductions are relevant, but they become little more than indigenous tokenism unless they are part of a wider journey of change and understanding. Any incorporation of indigenous worldviews into marketing education and research must be cognisant of the potential for exploitation.
Sellar, suprasellar, and parasellar masses: Imaging features and neurosurgical approaches
Authors: Lubomirsky Bryan , Jenner Zachary B , Jude Morgan B , Shahlaie Kiarash , Assadsangabi Reza , Ivanovic Vladimir
Published: December 2021

The sellar, suprasellar, and parasellar space contain a vast array of pathologies, including neoplastic, congenital, vascular, inflammatory, and infectious etiologies. Symptoms, if present, include a combination of headache, eye pain, ophthalmoplegia, visual field deficits, cranial neuropathy, and endocrine manifestations. A special focus is paid to key features on CT and MRI that can help in differentiating different pathologies. While most lesions ultimately require histopathologic evaluation, expert knowledge of skull base anatomy in combination with awareness of key imaging features can be useful in limiting the differential diagnosis and guiding management. Surgical techniques, including endoscopic endonasal and transcranial neurosurgical approaches are described in detail.
An innovative technique to treat epulis fissuratum: A case report
Authors: Khalifa Chaima , Bouguezzi Adel , Sioud Sameh , Hentati Hajer , Selmi Jamil
Published: December 2021

The purpose of this article is to present a case demonstrating the treatment of epulis fissuratum due to a poorly adapted prosthesis using a single surgical procedure involving conventional excision and free gingival graft. We, herein, present a case involving a 58-year-old patient with epulis fissuratum. Treatment of this case was essential due to the masticatory problems. This technique can be effective to deepen the height of the residual alveolar ridge and to increase the amount of keratinized tissue.
Distance with Customers Effects on Green Product Innovation in SMEs: A Way Through Green Value Co-creation
Authors: Han Mei , Xu Bilin
Published: December 2021

Based on the perspective of multidimensional proximity, this paper examined the relationships between cognitive and social proximities with key customers and green product innovation performance via the mediation of green value co-creation by using data from 211 fine chemical small and medium-sized enterprises in clusters in China. Moderating effects of geographical distance and green project duration were assessed to further explore the relationship. The results revealed that social and cognitive proximities can promote green co-production and enhance green product innovation performance. Moreover, the relationship between social proximity and green co-production is hindered when customers are geographically distant or short duration partners of green projects. Eventually, this study was quite different from previous research by relating proximities to green value co-creation and green innovation performance in the context of small and medium-sized enterprises in emerging markets. The study provides a research framework for related research on green innovation.
Whole-genome sequencing-based phylogeny, antibiotic resistance, and invasive phenotype of Escherichia coli strains colonizing the cervix of women in preterm labor
Authors: Williams Marvin , Jones Alyssa B. , Maxedon Amanda L. , Tabakh Jennifer E. , McCloskey Cindy B. , Bard David E. , Heruth Daniel P. , Chavez-Bueno Susana
Published: December 2021

Background

Escherichia coliis a major neonatal pathogen and the leading cause of early-onset sepsis in preterm newborns. MaternalE. colistrains are transmitted to the newborn causing invasive neonatal disease. However, there is a lack of data regarding the phenotypic and genotypic characterization ofE. colistrains colonizing pregnant women during labor.

Methods

This prospective study performed at the University of Oklahoma Medical Center (OUHSC) from March 2014 to December 2015, aimed to investigate the colonization rate, and the phylogeny, antibiotic resistance traits, and invasive properties ofE. colistrains colonizing the cervix of fifty pregnant women diagnosed with preterm labor (PTL). Molecular analyses including bacterial whole-genome sequencing (WGS), were performed to examine phylogenetic relationships among the colonizing strains and compare them with WGS data of representative invasive neonatalE. coliisolates. Phenotypic and genotypic antibiotic resistance traits were investigated. The bacteria’s ability to invade epithelial cellsin vitrowas determined.

Results

We recruited fifty women in PTL. Cervical samples yieldedE. coliin 12 % (n=6). The mean gestational age was 32.5 (SD±3.19) weeks. None delivered an infant withE. colidisease. Phenotypic and genotypic antibiotic resistance testing did not overall demonstrate extensive drug resistance traits among the cervicalE. coliisolates, however, one isolate was multi-drug resistant. The isolates belonged to five different phylogroups, and WGS analyses assigned each to individual multi-locus sequence types. Single nucleotide polymorphism-based comparisons of cervicalE. colistrains with six representative neonatalE. colibacteremia isolates demonstrated that only half of the cervicalE. coliisolates were phylogenetically related to these neonatal invasive strains. Moreover, WGS comparisons showed that each cervicalE. coliisolate had distinct genomic regions that were not shared with neonatalE. coliisolates. Cervical and neonatalE. coliisolates that were most closely related at the phylogenetic level had similar invasion capacity into intestinal epithelial cells. In contrast, phylogenetically dissimilar cervicalE. colistrains were the least invasive among all isolates.

Conclusions

This pilot study showed that a minority of women in PTL were colonized in the cervix withE. coli, and colonizing strains were not phylogenetically uniformly representative ofE. colistrains that commonly cause invasive disease in newborns. Larger studies are needed to determine the molecular characteristics ofE. colistrains colonizing pregnant women associated with an increased risk of neonatal septicemia.
Identification of genes related to tipburn resistance in Chinese cabbage and preliminary exploration of its molecular mechanism
Authors: Yuan Jingping , Shen Changwei , Yuan Ranghua , Zhang Huaixia , Xiao Yan , Wang Xiaoling , Pan Feifei , Wu Chunhui , Li Qingfei , Yuan Jingyun , Liu Xuesheng
Published: December 2021

Background

Tipburn, also known as leaf tip necrosis, is a severe issue in Chinese cabbage production. One known cause is that plants are unable to provide adequate Ca2+ to rapidly expanding leaves. Bacterial infection is also a contributing factor. Different cultivars have varying degrees of tolerance to tipburn. Two inbred lines of Chinese cabbage were employed as resources in this research.

Results

We determined that the inbred line ‘J39290’ was the tipburn resistant material and the inbred line ‘J95822’ was the tipburn sensitive material based on the severity of tipburn, and the integrity of cell membrane structure. Ca2+ concentration measurements revealed no significant difference in Ca2+ concentration between the two materials inner leaves. Transcriptome sequencing technology was also used to find the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of ‘J95822’ and ‘J39290’, and there was no significant difference in the previously reported Ca2+ uptake and transport related genes in the two materials. However, it is evident through DEG screening and classification that 23 genes are highly linked to plant-pathogen interactions, and they encode three different types of proteins: CaM/CML, Rboh, and CDPK. These 23 genes mainly function through Ca2+-CaM/CML-CDPK signal pathway based on KEGG pathway analysis, protein interaction prediction, and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) of key genes.

Conclusions

By analyzing the Ca2+ concentration in the above two materials, the transcription of previously reported genes related to Ca2+ uptake and transport, the functional annotation and KEGG pathway of DEGs, it was found that Ca2+ deficiency was not the main cause of tipburn in ‘J95822’, but was probably caused by bacterial infection. This study lays a theoretical foundation for exploring the molecular mechanism of resistance to tipburn in Chinese cabbage, and has important guiding significance for genetics and breeding.
A novel locus (Bnsdt2) in a TFL1 homologue sustaining determinate growth in Brassica napus
Authors: Li Kaixiang , Xu Liang , Jia Yongpeng , Chen Cuiping , Yao Yanmei , Liu Haidong , Du Dezhi
Published: December 2021

Background

The determinate growth habits is beneficial for plant architecture modification and the development of crops cultivars suited to mechanized production systems. Which play an important role in the genetic improvement of crops. In Brassica napus, a determinate inflorescence strain (4769) has been discovered among doubled haploid (DH) lines obtained from a spring B. napus × winter B. napus cross, but there are few reports on it. We fine mapped a determinate inflorescence locus, and evaluated the effect of the determinate growth habit on agronomic traits.

Results

In this study, we assessed the effect of the determinate growth habit on agronomic traits. The results showed that determinacy is beneficial for reducing plant height and flowering time, advancing maturity, enhancing lodging resistance, increasing plant branches and maintaining productivity. Genetic analysis in the determinate (4769) and indeterminate (2982) genotypes revealed that two independently inherited recessive genes (Bnsdt1, Bnsdt2) are responsible for this determinate growth trait. Bnsdt2 was subsequently mapped in BC2 and BC3 populations derived from the combination 2982 × 4769. Bnsdt2 could be delimited to an approximately 122.9 kb region between 68,586.2 kb and 68,709.1 kb on C09. BLAST analysis of these candidate intervals showed that chrC09g006434 (BnaC09.TFL1) is homologous to TFL1 of A. thaliana. Sequence analysis of two alleles identified two non-synonymous SNPs (T136C, G141C) in the first exon of BnaC09.TFL1, resulting in two amino acid substitutions (Phe46Leu, Leu47Phe). Subsequently, qRT-PCR revealed that BnaC09.TFL1 expression in shoot apexes was significantly higher in NIL-4769 than in 4769, suggesting its essential role in sustaining the indeterminate growth habit.

Conclusions

In this study, the novel locus Bnsdt2, a recessive genes for determinate inflorescence in B. napus, was fine-mapped to a 68,586.2 kb - 68,709.1 kb interval on C09. The annotated genes chrC09g006434 (BnaC09.TFL1) that may be responsible for inflorescence traits were found.
Intravenous infusion route in maternal resuscitation: a scoping review
Authors: Nakamura Eishin , Takahashi Shinji , Matsunaga Shigetaka , Tanaka Hiroaki , Furuta Marie , Sakurai Atsushi ,   the Japan Resuscitation Council (JRC), Guideline Editorial Committee
Published: December 2021

Background

The concept that upper extremities can be used as an infusion route during cardiopulmonary resuscitation in pregnant women is a reasonable recommendation considering the characteristic circulation of pregnant women; however, this method is not based on scientific evidence.

Objective of the review

We conducted a scoping review to determine whether the infusion route should be established above the diaphragm during cardiopulmonary resuscitation in a pregnant woman.

Discussion

We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-RCTs on the infusion of fluids in pregnant women after 20 weeks of gestation requiring establishment of an infusion route due to cardiac arrest, massive bleeding, intra-abdominal bleeding, cesarean section, severe infection, or thrombosis. In total, 3150 articles from electronic database were extracted, respectively. After title and abstract review, 265 articles were extracted, and 116 articles were extracted by full-text screening, which were included in the final analysis. The 116 articles included 78 studies on infusion for pregnant women. The location of the intravenous infusion route could be confirmed in only 17 studies, all of which used the upper extremity to secure the venous route.

Conclusion

Pregnant women undergo significant physiological changes that differ from those of normal adults, because of pressure and drainage of the inferior vena cava and pelvic veins by the enlarged uterus. Therefore, despite a lack of evidence, it seems logical to secure the infusion route above the diaphragm when resuscitating a pregnant woman.
Cerebral palsy in children: subtypes, motor function and associated impairments in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Tsige Selamenesh , Moges Ayalew , Mekasha Amha , Abebe Workeabeba , Forssberg Hans
Published: December 2021

Background

Although, there is no population-level data in Ethiopia, a previous retrospective hospital-based study identified CP as the most common developmental disability in children. The overall aim of this study is to describe the clinical spectrum of CP in Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital in Addis Ababa, including CP subtype, gross and fine motor function, presence and pattern of associated impairments, and possible risk factors in children aged 2 to 18 years.

Methods

A hospital-based descriptive cross-sectional study conducted- July – September of 2018 among 207 children with suspected motor symptoms. The Surveillance of CP in Europe (SCPE) decision tree was used as a guideline for inclusion and evaluation was by standardized questionnaire and clinical examination. Descriptive, bivariate and multivariate statistical analyses, Chi-square test, crudes association and adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval employed.

Result

One hundred seventy four children who fulfilled the clinical criteria were included. Half (50.6%) were under the age of 5 years with a mean age of 5.6 (SD 3.6) years; 55.2 were male. The majority had bilateral spastic CP (60.4%) followed by unilateral spastic CP 21.8%, dyskinetic CP 10.4%, and ataxic CP 3.4%; 4% were unclassifiable. Of the children, 95.4% had speech difficulty, 87.4% learning disabilities, 60.9% epilepsy, 24.7% visual impairment and 8.6% hearing impairment. On gross motor function (GMFCS) and manual ability (MACS) classification systems, 75.3% of the children had level IV and V functional impairment. More than 80% of the mothers had complications during delivery Half of the neonates did not cry immediately after birth,44% were resuscitated with bag mask ventilation at birth and 64% immediately admitted to NICU. During the first month of life, 50% had infection, 62% had trouble feeding, 49.4% had difficulty breathing, 35% had seizure and 13.8% had jaundice.

Conclusion

The severe forms of CP predominate; most children are dependent on their parents for routine activities of daily living and cannot communicate well. Multidisciplinary care approaches and focused functional habilitation services are needed. Causal relationships cannot be drawn from these data but findings make a strong argument for improving maternal and child health care.
Self-evaluation as an active ingredient in the experience and treatment of adolescent depression; an integrated scoping review with expert advisory input
Authors: Orchard Faith , Westbrook Juliette , Gee Brioney , Clarke Tim , Allan Sophie , Pass Laura
Published: December 2021

Background

Negative self-perceptions is one of the most common symptoms of depression in young people, and has been found to be strongly associated with severity of depression symptoms. Psychological treatments for adolescent depression are only moderately effective. Understanding the role and importance of these self-perceptions may help to inform and improve treatments. The aim of this review was to examine self-evaluation as a characteristic of adolescent depression, and as an active ingredient in treatment for adolescent depression.

Methods

We conducted a scoping review which included quantitative and qualitative studies of any design that reported on self-evaluation as a characteristic of, or focus of treatment for, adolescent depression. Participants were required to be 11–24 years and experiencing elevated symptoms of depression or a diagnosis. We also met with 14 expert advisory groups of young people with lived experience, clinicians, and researchers, for their input. Findings from 46 peer-reviewed research studies are presented alongside views of 64 expert advisors, to identify what is known and what is missing in the literature.

Results

Three overarching topics were identified following the review and reflections from advisors: 1) What does it look like? 2) Where does it come from? and 3) How can we change it? The literature identified that young people view themselves more negatively and less positively when depressed, however expert advisors explained that view of self is complex and varies for each individual. Literature identified preliminary evidence of a bidirectional relationship between self-evaluation and depression, however, advisors raised questions regarding the influences and mechanisms involved, such as being influenced by the social environment, and by the cognitive capacity of the individual. Finally, there was a consensus from the literature and expert advisors that self-evaluation can improve across treatment. However, research literature was limited, with only 11 identified studies covering a diverse range of interventions and self-evaluation measures. Various barriers and facilitators to working on self-evaluation in treatment were highlighted by advisors, as well as suggestions for treatment approaches.

Conclusions

Findings indicate the importance of self-evaluation in adolescent depression, but highlight the need for more research on which treatments and treatment components are most effective in changing self-evaluation.
Risk factors for digital stress in German public administrations
Authors: Wrede Sammy Joelle Shirley , Rodil dos Anjos Dominique , Kettschau Jan Patrick , Broding Horst Christoph , Claassen Kevin
Published: December 2021

Objective

As the digitization of the working world progresses, the demands on employees change. Not least, this is true for the setting of public administrations in Germany, which is currently affected by the transformation to E-Government. This study aims to identify and describe a risk cluster of digitally stressed employees in public administrations.

Methods

An online sample of 710 employees from three public administrations in North Rhine-Westphalia were surveyed about digital stress (7 items) and several potential risk factors (19 items) derived from the current research. In the first step, a hierarchical agglomerative cluster analysis is used to detect the risk cluster. This is followed by a comparison to the group of the remaining employees regarding their risk profiles.

Results

The analysis states that the digitally stressed cluster accounts for approximately ten percent of the public administration’s employees of the total sample. Employees in the risk cluster are less satisfied with on-site work overall, experience less collegial support on-site, experience less collegial support in the home office, resign more often, are more likely to feel overwhelmed, are less educated, are older in age and more often have relatives in need of care.

Conclusion

This work was able to identify and describe a group of digitally stressed rather than left-behind employees in public administrations to bring awareness to potentially destructive factors in the digital transformation process but eventually to social inequalities. The findings offer the basis for interventions to arise and evoke potential for further research.
Efficacy and potential mechanisms of Chinese herbal compounds in coronavirus disease 2019: advances of laboratory and clinical studies
Authors: Xiang Mu-Feng , Jin Cheng-Tao , Sun Li-Hua , Zhang Zhi-Hui , Yao Jing-Jing , Li Liu-Cheng
Published: December 2021

The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is still spread and has made a severe public health threat around the world. To improve disease progression, emerging Chinese herbal compounds were used in clinical practice and some agents have proven beneficial in treating COVID-19. Here, the relevant literature from basic researches to clinical application were identified and comprehensively assessed. A variety of Chinese herbal compounds have been reported to be effective in improving symptoms and outcomes in patients with COVID-19, particularly together with routine treatment strategy. The pharmacological activities were mainly attributed to the relief of clinical symptoms, inhibition of cytokine storm, and improvement of organ function. Besides, the development of novel antiviral drugs from medicinal herbs were further discussed. The updated laboratory and clinical studies provided the evidence of Chinese herbal compounds such as Lianhua Qingwen prescription, Shufeng Jiedu prescription, and Qingfei Paidu Tang for the relief of COVID-19. However, both of the randomized controlled trials and real world researches need to be done for supporting the evidence including the efficacy and safety in fighting COVID-19.
Australian guideline on wound classification of diabetes‐related foot ulcers: part of the 2021 Australian evidence‐based guidelines for diabetes‐related foot disease
Authors: Hamilton Emma J. , Scheepers Joanna , Ryan Hayley , Perrin Byron M. , Charles James , Cheney Jane , Twigg Stephen M. ,   Australian Diabetes‐related Foot Disease Guidelines & Pathways Project
Published: December 2021

Background

Wound classification systems are useful tools to characterise diabetes‐related foot ulcers (DFU) and are utilised for the purpose of clinical assessment, to promote effective communication between health professionals, and to support clinical audit and benchmarking. Australian guidelines regarding wound classification in patients with DFU are outdated. We aimed to adapt existing international guidelines for wound classification to develop new evidence‐based Australian guidelines for wound classification in people with diabetes and DFU.

Methods

Recommended NHRMC procedures were followed to adapt suitable International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot (IWGDF) guidelines on wound classification to the Australian health context. Five IWGDF wound classification recommendations were evaluated and assessed according to the ADAPTE and GRADE systems. We compared our judgements with IWGDF judgements to decide if recommendations should be adopted, adapted or excluded in an Australian context. We re‐evaluated the quality of evidence and strength of recommendation ratings, provided justifications for the recommendation and outlined any special considerations for implementation, subgroups, monitoring and future research in an Australian setting.

Results

After the five recommendations from the IWGDF 2019 guidelines on the classification of DFUs were evaluated by the panel, two were adopted and three were adapted to be more suitable for Australia. The main reasons for adapting, were to align the recommendations to existing Australian standards of care, especially in specialist settings, to maintain consistency with existing recommendations for documentation, audit and benchmarking and to be more appropriate, acceptable and applicable to an Australian context. In Australia, we recommend the use of the SINBAD system as a minimum standard to document the characteristics of a DFU for the purposes of communication among health professionals and for regional/national/international audit. In contrast to the IWGDF who recommend against usage, in Australia we recommend caution in the use of existing wound classification systems to provide an individual prognosis for a person with diabetes and a foot ulcer.

Conclusions

We have developed new guidelines for wound classification for people with diabetes and a foot ulcer that are appropriate and applicable for use across diverse care settings and geographical locations in Australia.
Characteristics of older adult hospitalized patients with bronchial asthma: a retrospective study
Authors: Zhang Yuan , Huang Lewei
Published: December 2021

Background

Bronchial asthma is a chronic inflammation of the airways. Older adult patients with bronchial asthma are defined as patients older than 65 and with a previous or current clear diagnosis of asthma. The purpose of this study was to determine the characteristics of older adult hospitalized patients with bronchial asthma.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the data from patients with bronchial asthma admitted to the General Hospital of the Northern Theater Command from September 2018 to January 2020. We divided them into the older adult (≥ 65 years) and the younger (< 65 years) groups. We compared the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of the two groups.

Results

There were 181 inpatients with bronchial asthma, including 41 older adult patients, accounting for 22.7%. There were significant differences in age, sex, smoking, duration of disease, age at diagnosis of asthma, hospital stays, hospitalization costs, number of acute attacks 1 year before admission, number of hospitalizations in our hospital one year before admission, asthma control test score, forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), FEV1/FVC, the severity of acute attacks, comorbidities, and inhaled corticosteroid dose between the two groups. There were many older adult patients with asthma (mostly late-onset asthma). The hospitalization costs were high. Most patients had many comorbidities, poor asthma control, severe attack, and heavy economic burdens.

Conclusion

Attention should be focused on achieving asthma control in older adult patients to improve their quality of life and reduce their economic burdens.
Quality of public health insurance and individuals’ consumption structure upgrades: evidence from China
Authors: Zhang Pengfei , Gao Jinghua
Published: December 2021

Background

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the quality of public health insurance and individuals’ consumption structure upgrades in China.

Methods

This study was conducted using data from a population of 6430 Chinese individuals aged 18 to 70 y from the 2017 Chinese Social Survey. We used multiple linear regression models and the two-stage least-squares model to explore the impact and heterogeneity of the quality of public health insurance on individuals’ consumption structure upgrades. Furthermore, we performed structural equation modelling to clarify the mediation effects of the impact.

Results

The quality of public health insurance was significantly correlated with individuals’ consumption structure upgrades (β = 0.368, SD = 0.084), and the impact of the quality of public health insurance on individuals’ hedonic consumption in urban regions was significantly higher than that in rural regions (β = 0.499, SD = 0.218). Furthermore, the quality of public health insurance could promote upgrades to individuals’ consumption structure by reducing the burden of medical expenses and stabilizing or increasing individuals’ expectations regarding the future economic level.

Conclusion

The results indicated that developing countries should implement additional measures to enhance the quality of public health insurance, which would not only help protect the health of individuals but also stimulate individuals’ consumption to achieve rapid economic growth.
Synthesis and application of g-C3N4/Fe3O4/Ag nanocomposite for the efficient photocatalytic inactivation of Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis bacteria in aqueous solutions
Authors: Ghodsi Soudabeh , Esrafili Ali , Sobhi Hamid Reza , Rezaei Kalantary Roshanak , Gholami Mitra , maleki Ramin
Published: December 2021

Contamination of water with bacteria is one of the main causes of waterborne diseases. The photocatalytic method on the basis of bacterial inactivation seems to be a suitable disinfectant due to the lack of by-products formation. Herein, g-C3N4/Fe3O4/Ag nanocomposite combined with UV-light irradiation was applied for the inactivation two well-known bacteria namely, E. coli and B. subtilis. The nanocomposite was prepared by a hydrothermal method, and subsequently it was characterized by XRD, FT-IR, SEM, EDX and PL analyses. The optimum conditions established for the inactivation of both bacteria were as follows: nanocomposite dosage 3 g/L and bacterial density of 103 CFU/mL. In the meantime, the efficient inactivation of E. coli and B. subtilis took 30 and 150 min, respectively. The results also revealed that inactivation rate dropped with an increase in the bacterial density. It is also pointed out that OH˚ was found out to be the main radical species involved in the inactivation process. Finally, the kinetic results indicated that the inactivation of E. coli and B. subtilis followed the Weibull model. It is concluded that C3N4/Fe3O4/Ag nanocomposite along with UV-light irradiation is highly effective in inactivating E. coli and B. subtilis bacteria in the aqueous solutions.
Spherical harmonic covariance and magnitude function encodings for beamformer design
Authors: Luo Yuancheng
Published: December 2021

Microphone and speaker array designs have increasingly diverged from simple topologies due to diversity of physical host geometries and use cases. Effective beamformer design must now account for variation in the array’s acoustic radiation pattern, spatial distribution of target and noise sources, and intended beampattern directivity. Relevant tasks such as representing complex pressure fields, specifying spatial priors, and composing beampatterns can be efficiently synthesized using spherical harmonic (SH) basis functions. This paper extends the expansion of common stationary covariance functions onto the SHs and proposes models for encoding magnitude functions on a sphere. Conventional beamformer designs are reformulated in terms of magnitude density functions and beampatterns along SH bases. Applications to speaker far-field response fitting, cross-talk cancelation design, and microphone beampattern fitting are presented.
Electrical energy transition in the context of Ghana
Authors: Osei-Tutu Paul , Boadi Samuel , Kusi-Kyei Vincent
Published: December 2021

Background

In Ghana, energy transition as a research theme is new. It is unclear whether energy transition has occurred or not, and if so, in what form. This study sought to find out whether this transition has occurred in Ghana’s electrical energy sector and how using indicators deduced from literature, such as change in energy source type, change in energy ownership and management, and transition to greener vehicular transportation.

Methods

Information on Ghana’s electrical energy transition was obtained from thematic content analysis of Ghana’s renewable energy policy documents, energy sector reports, newspaper articles and information on the websites of Ghana’s energy sector institutions such as the Volta River Authority, Ghana Grid Company Limited, Electricity Company of Ghana and the Northern Electricity Distribution Company.

Results

In this study, it was demonstrated that two structural changes have occurred in Ghana’s electrical energy sector: (1) Transition from an exclusively hydro energy to a hydro-thermal mix, with thermal energy constituting about 69% of the 2020 generation mix; and (2) Transition from an exclusively state supplied energy to a state-private supply mix, with about 56% of the 2020 supply coming from private companies. These changes were motivated by the need to expand the energy supply in response to an increasing demand of 10–15% per year. The study also indicated that renewable energy had attracted attention in policy, with policy targets such as 10% renewable energy in the energy mix by 2030 and provision of renewable energy to 1000 off-grid communities by 2030. However, renewable energy currently constitutes less than 1% of the electrical energy mix. Also, there has been no change in the heavy reliance on fossil energy for vehicular transportation.

Conclusions

The study concludes that energy transition in its broad sense of structural changes in a country’s electrical energy system has occurred in Ghana, however a sustainable energy transition in the sense of a transition to greener energy has not occurred. It is recommended that further studies should be conducted on why Ghana’s renewable energy agenda has so far only been an agenda in policy with very minimal implementation in practice.
Digitalisation and sustainable energy transitions in Africa: assessing the impact of policy and regulatory environments on the energy sector in Nigeria and South Africa
Authors: Nwaiwu Fortune
Published: December 2021

Background

Digital technologies have unique characteristics for achieving radically disruptive transitions within the energy sector. They provide opportunities for new production and consumption models between micro-producers and consumers of electricity within communities in a way that transforms the traditional energy generation and consumption model. The study critically assessed the digitalisation of energy systems in Africa within the context of existing policy frameworks in the quest to achieve sustainable energy transitions in Africa. It investigated how digital technologies such as blockchain, digital platforms and smart grids were adopted and implemented within the energy sector to achieve new energy production and consumption models that are both environmentally sustainable and socially inclusive. This assessment was done within the context of existing policy and regulatory frameworks of the society where the use cases were domiciled.

Methods

The aim of the research was to investigate how sustainable energy transitions are being achieved in Nigeria and South Africa through the digitalisation of energy systems. A qualitative methodological approach was done in three stages—a document analysis that reviewed relevant literature on the energy sector policies in Nigeria and South Africa; the next step involved a comparative case study conducted to assess the characteristics of digital technology deployment in each country’s energy transition. Finally, outcomes of the comparative case studies were then situated within the context of existing policies within the countries covered by the study.

Results

Results from the research indicate that Africa is still in the early stages of adoption and application of digital technologies such as blockchain and smart grids within the energy sector. The results also showed a disconnect between the policy environment and industry efforts at achieving this. The current applications as exemplified in the use cases by the three companies covered in this study indicates that Africa's sustainable energy transition is in a rudimentary or early adoption stage, and they are not currently aided by the policy environments in which such projects are domiciled.

Conclusions

The research provides deep insights into the current state and developments within the energy sector especially in relation to how digital technologies are being adopted and implemented in solving the energy poverty prevalent across sub-Saharan Africa.
Prevalence of antimicrobial resistance and its clinical implications in Ethiopia: a systematic review
Authors: Berhe Derbew Fikadu , Beyene Getachew Tesfaye , Seyoum Berhanu , Gebre Meseret , Haile Kassa , Tsegaye Mulugeta , Boltena Minyahil Tadesse , Tesema Emawayish , Kibret Taddele Cherinet , Biru Mulatu , Siraj Dawd S. , Shirley Daniel , Howe Rawleigh , Abdissa Alemseged
Published: December 2021

Background

Antimicrobial resistance is one of the major public health challenges in Ethiopia. However, there is no comprehensive summary of existing AMR data in the country.

Aim

To determine the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance and its clinical implications in Ethiopia.

Methods

A systematic literature search was performed on the PubMed/Medline database. Original studies on antimicrobial resistance conducted in Ethiopia between 1st January 2009 and 31st July 2019 were included. The outcome measure was the number of isolates resistant to antimicrobial agents in terms of specific pathogens, and disease condition. Data was calculated as total number of resistant isolates relative to the total number of isolates per specific pathogen and medication.

Results

A total of 48,021 study participants enrolled from 131 original studies were included resulting in 15,845 isolates tested for antimicrobial resistance. The most common clinical sample sources were urine (28%), ear, nose, and throat discharge collectively (27%), and blood (21%). All the studies were cross-sectional and 83% were conducted in hospital settings. Among Gram-positive bacteria, the reported level of resistance to vancomycin ranged from 8% (Enterococcus species) to 20% (S. aureus). E. coli, K. pneumoniae and P. aeruginosa were the most common Gram-negative pathogens resistant to key antimicrobial agents described in the national standard treatment guideline and were associated with diverse clinical conditions: urinary tract infections, diarrhea, surgical site infections, pneumonia, ocular infections, and middle ear infections.

Conclusion

Overall, there is a high prevalence of antimicrobial resistance in Ethiopia. Empirical treatment of bacterial infections needs to be guided by up-to-date national guidelines considering local antimicrobial susceptibility patterns. Equipping diagnostic laboratories with culture and drug susceptibility testing facilities, and establishing a strong antimicrobial stewardship program should be high priorities.
Integrated enhanced Raman scattering: a review
Authors: Eslami Sahand , Palomba Stefano
Published: December 2021

The demand for effective, real-time environmental monitoring and for customized point-of-care (PoC) health, requires the ability to detect low molecular concentrations, using portable, reliable and cost-effective devices. However, traditional techniques often require time consuming, highly technical and laborious sample preparations, as well as expensive, slow and bulky instrumentation that needs to be supervised by laboratory technicians. Consequently, fast, compact, self-sufficient, reusable and cost-effective lab-on-a-chip (LOC) devices, which can perform all the required tasks and can then upload the data to portable devices, would revolutionize any mobile sensing application by bringing the testing device to the field or to the patient. Integrated enhanced Raman scattering devices are the most promising platform to accomplish this vision and to become the basic architecture for future universal molecular sensors and hence an artificial optical nose. Here we are reviewing the latest theoretical and experimental work along this direction.
Conquering the labour market: the socioeconomic enablement of refugee women in Austria
Authors: Schiestl David W. , Kittel Bernhard , Ibáñez Bollerhoff Maite
Published: December 2021

Refugee women from the Near and Middle East face specific challenges when entering the Austrian labour market. Particularly gender-based factors, including care and reproductive work, exert pressure on these women and constitute major hurdles for successful entry into employment in Austria. Based on nine qualitative interviews with refugee women who swiftly gained entry to the labour market as well as ten qualitative interviews with experts from public and private support organisations, we investigate refugee women’s social and cultural capital as well as the individual agencies that foster paths into the labour market. We introduce the concept ofenablementas the process of gathering the preconditions for overcoming the challenges that arise on that path. Finally, we illuminate the ways in which the three dimensions of individual, relational and institutional enablement interrelate and shape individual agency with regard to labour market integration.
Inclusion of the fractured level into the construct of short segment fixation in patients with thoracolumbar fractures: clinical and radiological outcome
Authors: Hamdan Ali R. , Mahmoud Radwan Nouby , Tammam Ahmed G. , El-Khateeb Eslam El-Sayed
Published: December 2021

Background

Thoracolumbar fractures represent a widespread injuries that can cause significant disability and strain the healthcare system. Different surgical approaches are described in the literature. This study was conducted to evaluate the fractured level inclusion in short-segment fixation of thoracolumbar junction spine fractures.

Results

Preoperative neurological deficit was reported in seven patients ranging from ASIA grade C to D. All of these patients improved to grade E by the end of the follow-up period, except for one patient who improved from grade C to D. The mean Oswestry Disability Index was 19.87%. The mean postoperative Cobb angle was 11.77° which significantly improved compared to a preoperative value of 19.37°. There was a significant improvement in the postoperative anterior and posterior vertebral body height compared to the preoperative values. The vertebral body compression ratio significantly improved during the postoperative period to a mean of 84% compared to 76% preoperative.

Conclusions

There was significant improvement of the postoperative values of the mean Cobb angle, the anterior and the posterior vertebral body height as well as the vertebral body compression ratio compared to the preoperative values.
Prevalence of enterotoxin genes (SEA to SEE) and antibacterial resistant pattern of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from clinical specimens in Assiut city of Egypt
Authors: Baz Ahmed A. , Bakhiet Elsayed K. , Abdul-Raouf Usama , Abdelkhalek Ahmed
Published: December 2021

Background

Infections in communities and hospitals are mostly caused by Staphylococcus aureus strains. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of five genes (SEA, SEB, SEC, SED and SEE) encoding staphylococcal enterotoxins in S. aureus isolates from various clinical specimens, as well as to assess the relationship of these isolates with antibiotic susceptibility. Traditional PCR was used to detect enterotoxin genes, and the ability of isolates expressing these genes was determined using Q.RT-PCR.

Results

Overall; 61.3% (n = 46) of the samples were positive for S. aureus out of 75 clinical specimens, including urine, abscess, wounds, and nasal swabs. The prevalence of antibiotic resistance showed S. aureus isolates were resistant to Nalidixic acid, Ampicillin and Amoxicillin (100%), Cefuroxime (94%), Ceftriaxone (89%), Ciprofloxacin (87%), Erythromycin and Ceftaxime (85%), Cephalexin and Clarithromycin (83%), Cefaclor (81%), Gentamicin (74%), Ofloxacin (72%), Chloramphenicol(59%), Amoxicillin/Clavulanic acid (54%), while all isolates sensitive to Imipinem (100%). By employing specific PCR, about 39.1% of isolates were harbored enterotoxin genes, enterotoxin A was the most predominant toxin in 32.6% of isolates, enterotoxin B with 4.3% of isolates and enterotoxin A and B were detected jointly in 2.1% of isolates, while enterotoxin C, D and E weren’t detected in any isolate.

Conclusion

This study revealed a high prevalence of S. aureus among clinical specimens. The isolates were also multidrug resistant to several tested antibiotics. Enterotoxin A was the most prevalent gene among isolates. The presence of antibiotic resistance and enterotoxin genes may facilitate the spread of S. aureus strains and pose a potential threat to public health.