bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Systems analysis of packaging HDPE plastic recycling chain – an informal sector circular economy case in Brazil, Global South: Stakeholder dynamics, material quality, rejects and value appropriation
Authors:   Nathalia Silva de Souza Lima Cano1, Rutkowski Emília Wanda , Velis Costas A.
Published: October 2024

We uncover the systemic complexities of a polymer recycling chain insufficiently investigated, focusing on high-density polyethylene (HDPE) – a core contributor to plastics pollution in the Global South, via mismanaged waste. Rigid blow-moulded HDPE is widely used in retail packaging and fast-moving consumer goods containers; it is also sought-after for the production of ‘secondary’, recycled HDPE (r-HDPE). Starting from a single location (Brazilian town) and a waste picker cooperative (informal recyclers – IRS), we investigate the collection/sorting of municipal solid waste (MSW) recyclables along the downstream value chain of scrap dealing, reprocessing, and manufacturing. The methodological frameworks of technical networks, material flow analysis (MFA), and complex value optimization for resource recovery were used. Results demonstrate an informal to formal spectrum of operations, with clear transition points. The material quality standards required at manufacturing with r-HDPE are poorly applied at the collection stage, indicating a problematic quality management interfacing. Material rejects (losses), allowable contamination level, and monetised value of recyclate are interlinked at each stage. The most substantial value creation and appropriation is accomplished at the initial collection/sorting waste picker stage, followed by the value creation at the final production of the r-HDPE pellet. Reprocessors bear disproportionate material losses, counterbalanced by purchasing pricing. Despite overall rejects of 29% wt.(ar), a high actual recycling rate for rigid HDPE is achieved: 38% wt.(ar), indicative of an effective collection for recycling and refined manual sorting by the partially formalised IRS. These novel insights on informal recycling networks can inform effective interventions to expand circularity and prevent plastic pollution.
BCI-Pacman: A Novel Brain-Computer Interface Driven Entertainment Game with Four Directional Classes for Pacman Movement
Authors: CHOUAG FOUAD
Published: October 2024

This research presents BCI-Pacman, an innovative entertainment game that incorporates a non-invasive Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) to enable the users to control Pacman's movements in four different directions: top, down, left and right. Building upon the classic Pacman paradigm, the game was developed using C++ programming language alongside the SDL library, while BCI capabilities supported by the OPENVIBE platform and EEG signals were acquired using the EMOTIV EPOC device. Empirical evaluations involving four participants showed a satisfactory success rate exceeding 80% in accurately controlling Pacman using the novel four-directional control classes. This improvement represents a previously unexplored advance in the field of BCI-controlled entertainment gaming. User feedback underlines the usability of game, and highlights its potential as an effective and enjoyable interface for interactive gaming experiences.
Unlocking Diversity's Potential: Challenges and Strategies for Human Resource Management in Higher Education, A Case of the University of Botswana
Authors: Oliver Nyamutswa Tapiwa , Lilian Mutseura
Published: October 2024

This study investigates the challenges and benefits of human resource diversity management at the University of Botswana, addressing a significant gap in existing literature concerning human resource practices in Botswana's state universities. Utilizing a descriptive research design, data were collected through a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods, including surveys and interviews with 98 administrative staff members. Findings reveal a diverse workforce characterized by variations in gender, age, race, and religion, which offers opportunities for enhanced innovation and problem-solving. However, challenges such as language barriers, religious differences, and social groupings hinder effective diversity management. The study recommends the implementation of a comprehensive diversity policy prioritizing qualifications and experience, alongside continuous diversity training to foster inclusivity. Additionally, it advocates for policy reforms to attract international talent. The insights gained contribute to the broader understanding of diversity management within higher education contexts in Botswana and beyond.
Simple gangliosides co-localize with amyloid plaques and increase with age in a transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Wang Wenxuan , Myers Sarah J. , Ollen-Bittle Nikita , Whitehead Shawn N.
Published: October 2024

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease accounting for two-thirds of all dementia cases, and age is the strongest risk factor. Beyond the amyloid hypothesis, lipid dysregulation is now recognized as a core component of AD pathology. Gangliosides are a class of membrane lipids of the glycosphingolipid family and are enriched in the central nervous system (CNS). Ganglioside dysregulation has been implicated in various neurodegenerative diseases, including AD, but the spatial distribution with respect to amyloid-beta (Aβ) deposition is not well understood. To address this gap, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) was employed to investigate the age-dependent expression profile of A-series ganglioside species GD1a, GM1, GM2, and GM3 in the APP/PS1 transgenic mouse model of AD that develops age-dependent amyloid-beta (Aβ) plaques. This study utilized a dual resolution approach combining whole brain imaging for comprehensive detection of ganglioside expression across neuroanatomical regions with high-resolution imaging of the cerebral cortex and hippocampus to interrogate plaque-associated ganglioside alterations. Results showed age-dependent changes in the complex gangliosides GM1 and GD1a across white and grey matter regions in both wildtype and APP/PS1 mice. Significantly higher levels of simple gangliosides GM2 and GM3 were observed in transgenic mice at 12 and 18 months compared to age-matched controls in the cortex and dentate gyrus of the hippocampus. Accumulation of GM3 co-localized with Aβ plaques in the aged APP/PS1 mice, and correlated with Hexa gene expression supporting ganglioside degradation as a mechanism for the accumulation of GM3 This work is the first to demonstrate that age-related ganglioside dysregulation is spatiotemporally associated with Aβ plaques using sophisticated MSI and reveals novel mechanistic insights underlying lipid regulation in AD.
GNA15 signaling facilitates the initial phases of pancreas cell transformation and is associated with the basal-like/squamous subtype
Authors: Zolghadri Yalda , Wilkie Thomas M. , Venturini Elisa , Malpeli Giorgio , Zanotto Marco , Mirzaei Farnoosh , Valenti Maria Teresa , Choudhuri Shreoshi Pal , Salvia Roberto , Paiella Salvatore , Pea Antonio , Giacomello Luca , Bassi Claudio , Innamorati Giulio
Published: October 2024

Curative intervention of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains substantially precluded because cancer cells typically spread asymptomatically before diagnosis.
We previously described GNA15 ectopic expression in neoplastic and pre-neoplastic PDAC lesions. Here, we show that GNA15deletion in a mouse model of Kras-dependent PDAC reduced pancreatic neoplastic lesions. Several studies stratified PDAC patients in the “classical/progenitor” and the “basal-like/squamous” molecular subtypes. We find GNA15 expression strongly associated with the “basal-like/squamous” subtype. Bioinformatic data and experimental results from PDAC cell lines and PDX revealed a gene signature implicated in cell-cell or cell-matrix interactions and invasiveness. GNA15 loss-of-function in PDAC cell lines promoted aggregation and reduced the expression of genes supporting cell invasion, such as PLAUR and FN1. Recently, the observation that cells belonging to both subtypes co-exist in the same patient was interpreted as the clonal evolution of the disease from the “classical/progenitor” to “basal-like/squamous”. The simultaneous association of GNA15 with early PDAC stages and the “basal-like/squamous” phenotype challenges this sequential progression while supporting a role for GNA15 in the early asymptomatic dissemination of the disease. The GNA15 signature could contribute a highly specific combination of bio markers and therapeutic targets to trace and eradicate the cellular component responsible for PDAC lethality.
The relationship between diabetes and the severity of pneumonia, a research article
Authors: Yousef Haidar , Al-Ghofary Amjad , Aldawud Abdalaziz , Al-Bardan Hussam
Published: October 2024

This article aimed to evaluate the relation between diabetes and the severity of pneumonia by determining the proportion of diabetes type 2 in patients with pneumonia, identifying characteristics of diabetes such as duration of infection and complications associated with the disease, and identifying poor outcomes of pneumonia such as the admission in the intensive care unit indication and the need for ventilation, and finally to determine the relation between the severity of pneumonia, poor outcomes and diabetes.
Formulation of Weaning Flours and Supplements Based on Flours From Three Tigernut Cultivars in the Fight Against Protein-energy Malnutrition (Pem)
Authors: Noukpozounkou Zerach , Melilla Mamatchi , Badoussi Eric Marius , Fagla Balbine Amoussou , Mitchikpè Evariste Comlan , Chabi Nicodème Worou , azokpota Paulin
Published: October 2024

The present study aims to resolve In order to resolve an imbalance between nutrient intake and the body's needs by producing flours based on tiger nut tubers. The formulation of weaning and supplement flours is the result of different mixtures between different types of tigernut flours, the main source of carbohydrates; soy, a source of plant proteins; dried fry fish, a source of animal proteins and peanuts, a lipid source and moringa, a mineralogical source. The flours obtained are subjected to different nutritional and microbiological dosages. The proportions of each component are determined by the mixing plan of the Minitab software version 2018. In terms of results, tigernut starch flours have the lowest quantities of fiber unlike whole tigernut flours which contain fiber contents greater than 11%. FSB flour has the highest protein, lipid and energy contents as opposed to FASJ flour which on the other hand contains the lowest protein, fiber, energy and energy density values. Fry meal has the highest protein content (74.718 ± 0.11%) but also the lowest fiber content (0.63 ± 0.07%). Furthermore, peanut flour limits the lipid (52.13 ± 1.21%), carbohydrate (30.6 ± 0.75%) and fiber (20.71 ± 0.94%) contents. Among these flours obtained, no composite flour contains peanut flour. The majority of flours meeting the criteria for infant flours are those which contain fry meals. These include FSBFF0, FSBFF5, FASBFF0, FASBFF5, FASBFF10. The flour with both the best protein content (28.58 ± 1.51) and the lowest fiber is FASBFF10. The factorial map shows three (03) flour grouping blocks following the Euclidean distance that separates them. Thus, a first block is noted consisting of two (02) flours (FASN and FASJ); the second block bringing together 5 flours (FSN, FSJ, FSB, FASB, FASBFS10) and the third block with 7 flours (FSBFF0 FSBFF5, FASBFF0, FASBFF5, FASBFF10, FASBFS0, FSJFF0).
The K+ Pump KdpFABC: transport and regulation
Authors:   , Silberberg Jakob Merlin
Published: October 2024

K + is the most abundant cytosolic cation in bacteria, and its homeostasis is vital for bacterial survival, playing roles in many essential processes like pH homeostasis, protein synthesis and osmoregulation. When surrounding K + concentrations become very low, bacteria require an active high-affinity uptake system to ensure sufficient cellular K + levels. In many prokaryotes, this system is the K + pump KdpFABC. Peculiarly, KdpFABC forms a functional chimera between a channel-like subunit (KdpA) and a P-type ATPase (KdpB), and for a long time, the mechanism of how transport and ATP hydrolysis between these subunits are coordinated remained unclear. By applying a combination of cryo-EM, biochemical assays, and MD simulations, we have been able to shed light on a unique transport mechanism that combines both the channel and P-type ATPase subunits. At high K + levels, KdpFABC needs to be inhibited to prevent excessive K + accumulation. This is achieved by a phosphorylation of the serine residue in the TGES 162 motif in the A domain of the pump subunit KdpB, which was shown to stall the complex in the E1P intermediate. Using cryo-EM studies under turnover conditions, we illuminated how stalling in this high-energy intermediate is possible. Furthermore, we identify a previously uncharacterized atypical serine kinase domain in the sensor histidine kinase KdpD as the responsible kinase for KdpB phosphorylation, giving it a dual role in transcriptional and post-translational regulation of the Kdp system.
AGE DYNAMICS OF VEGETATIVE AND NEURODYNAMIC FUNCTIONS AMONG CHILDREN AT THE AGE OF 5-7 DURING MENTAL LOADS
Authors: Ataman Yurii , Yukhymenko Liliia , Kolesnyk Anna , Brizhata Iryna , Tonkopei Yuliia , Sytnyk Olha
Published: October 2024

Purpose. To trace changing dynamics of vegetative and neurodynamic functions among children at the age of 5-7 during mental loads. The study usually starts for the senior pre-school and junior school age. Individual children’s features and work of organ systems ensure adaptive reactions (including those during intensive mental loads). Therefore, we should pay attention to age dynamics of statistical and spectral peculiarities of heart rhythm for pre- and post-load states of kids.
Material and methods. 112 children at the age of 5-7 participated in the research. They come from senior pre-school and junior school institutions in Sumy, a Ukrainian city. The research determines functional activities and nervous power of children via the Diahnost-1M methodology.
The Fazahraf methodology estimates values of the cardiovascular system and influence of the vegetative nervous system on the heart rhythm. The technique collected and analyzed electrical potentials of spectral peculiarities of regulatory functions and significant statistical values of the heart rhythm.
Because of the stage-by-stage research approach and data heterogeneity, we conducted a multi-level mathematical assessment. Most data were not subject to normal distribution since there was a sharp asymmetry of low-stage discretization.
Results. Children may have different features during and after mental loads. They can be defined via most spectral and statistical values of the varying heart rhythm.
The heart rhythm reactions among children at the age of 5 are shifted to sympathicotonia. During mental loads, the dominance of sympathetic influence and instable control of regulatory systems was typical for the 6-year-old sample. Besides, we established a relation between nervous power and cardiovascular activities (r=0.42; р<0.05). In contrast to other age samples, the 7-year-old group showed a balanced cooperation of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. Simultaneously, there was an obvious resistance to external stimuli during mental loads (r=-0.36; р<0.05).
Conclusions. Children at the age of 7 are more adapted to solve mental tasks with a certain speed. Therefore, we should pay a great attention to age functioning of physiological systems. In this way, we may apply the person-centered approach within the study process to raise adaptive abilities of the children’s nervous system
Effects of Spring Freeze Damage and Training Systems on the Viticulture Performance of Young ‘Marquette’ Grapevines
Authors: Centinari Michela , Smith Donald E.
Published: October 2024

‘Marquette’ is a cold-hardy hybrid grape cultivar that has received increased attention for its use in wine production in the upper midwestern and northeastern United States since it was released in 2006. However, ‘Marquette’ is an early budburst cultivar susceptible to spring freeze damage. We examined the influence of high wire bilateral flat cane (HWC) and four-arm Kniffin (4AK) training systems on young ‘Marquette’ performance during a year with spring freeze damage (2017) and the subsequent season without frost events (2018). In 2017, there were two consecutive spring frost events at the experimental site approximately 2 weeks after the vines reached 50% budburst, which damaged more than 70% of the shoots. The percentage of freeze-damaged shoots and the severity of freeze damage to green tissues did not differ between training systems, but 4AK vines had higher yield at harvest (5.16 kg/vine or 3.12 tons/acre) than HWC vines (3.45 kg/vine or 2.10 tons/acre) because of the greater number of buds retained at winter pruning. There was no freeze damage close to budburst in 2018, and the yield of 4AK vines was still higher (11.74 kg/vine or 7.08 tons/acre) than that of HWC vines (8.20 kg/vine or 4.98 tons/acre). In 2018, the Ravaz index (yield-to-pruning weight) values were lower for HWC vines (3.41) than for 4AK vines (5.39), but the training system did not consistently affect fruit composition in either vintage. Within the 4AK system, shoots that emerged from the lower cane had more freeze damage than those of the upper cane and produced lower crop yield and fruit with lower soluble sugars in both vintages. Our results suggest that ‘Marquette’ vines can be grown on a training system with high cropping potential, such as a divided canopy system or a single canopy, with a higher number of buds and shoots than that of our study. Among divided canopy systems, 4AK might not be the best option for vigorous ‘Marquette’ vines because, in addition to greater susceptibility to freeze damage, the lower cane of 4AK was highly shaded by the upper highly vegetative canopy, which might have caused its lower productivity and soluble sugars at harvest compared with those of the upper cane.
Optimizing Glycerin-to-water Ratios for Preserving Eucalyptus Foliage
Authors: Manica Cora L. , Berg Greta M. , Sheshukova Irina , Williams Kimberly A.
Published: October 2024

Fresh eucalyptus stems can be preserved via systemic absorption of glycerin, but the optimal rate of glycerin and its effect on foliage color and stem pliability during holding have not been well-described. We harvested stems of Eucalyptus pulverulenta ‘Baby Blue’ and treated them in solutions of 0% (control), 25%, 50%, and 75% glycerin:reverse-osmosis water for 2 weeks. Leaf greenness was measured nine times during this period; the change in stem weights and solution uptake were measured as well. Stem pliability was evaluated after 2 weeks in solution as well as 1 week after holding the stems dry. The 25% and 50% glycerin treatments increased stem weight, whereas the control and 75% treatments decreased stem weight. The glycerin treatments absorbed less than 50 mL solution per three stems during 2 weeks, whereas those in the control absorbed >270 mL water. The color of foliage was similar during the first 5 days in treatment solutions, but stems in 25% and 50% glycerin treatments were less green than those in the control and 75% treatments by day 6, and this trend continued. No difference occurred in stem pliability among treatments after 2 weeks in glycerin solutions; however, after 1 week of holding, the top 9 cm of stems in glycerin treatments were more pliable than those in the control. Based on these results, we recommend a rate of 25% glycerin to preserve eucalyptus foliage for use in botanical artistry.
Köftür (Cappadocian Jelly Beans) as a Sustainable Regional Delicacy
Authors: KESKİN Emrah
Published: October 2024

Culinary culture is part of the touristic experience, as well as one of the mainstays of gastronomic tourism. Therefore, elements of culinary culture should be protected in order to ensure its continuation. As a dessert, Köftür is among the leading gastronomic products to come out of the Cappadocian region throughout the history. Thus, Köftür is considered as an important element in the domain of sustainable gastronomy culture. The present study was conducted through the qualitative research method. The study serves as a documentary analysis wherein the preparation of Köftür as a rural delicacy is monitored and the relevant preparation stages are investigated. The study concludes that since the rural preparation procedure of Köftür is protected throughout the ages, it is part and parcel of the gastronomic sustainability of Cappadocia. Therefore, Köftür is deemed to be among the rural delicacies contributing to the continuation of the sustainable culinary culture of Cappadocia.
Model of occupational exposure of workers performing inspection of welded joints
Authors: Golikov V. Yu. , Bazhin S. Yu. , Shleenkova E. N. , Bogatyreva V. Yu.
Published: October 2024

A model of occupational exposure to gamma flaw detector operators working with portable flaw detectors in the field has been developed. The initial data for the development and verification of the model were the results of measurements of the characteristics of the gamma radiation field at the workplaces of flaw detectors and data from individual dosimetric monitoring. The relationships between the measured (H*(10), Hp(10)) and protection (effective dose) quantities (conversion coefficients) were determined using calculations and phantom experiments simulating three main operations of the full production cycle: transportation of the flaw detector to the place of X-raying of the product, installation of a flaw detector to perform x-raying and X-raying of the product. As a result of the study, it was found that more than 90% of the dose contribution to the readings of an individual dosimeter is due to the installation of the flaw detector in the working position and X-raying of the product. The values of the conversion coefficients for these operations in the form of the ratio of the effective dose values and the readings of dosimeters (Hp(10)) located on the worker's body at chest level (standard place) and abdominal level differ little for both positions of individual dosimeters. The use of maximum conversion coefficient value of 0.8 Sv/Sv corresponding to the operation of X-raying of the product will ensure conservatism in the assessment of the effective dose for the entire production cycle by no more than 15% and 25% for dosimeters located at the chest level and abdominal level, respectively.
Activity concentrations of 60 Co, 137Cs and 241Am in sieved soil and soil inclusions from the «Taiga» peaceful nuclear explosions site
Authors: Ramzaev V. P. , Repin V. S.
Published: October 2024

The article presents results of comparative study of 137Cs, 60Co, and 241Am activity concentrations in components of the soil samples collected in 2009 on the territory adjacent to the «Taiga» peaceful nuclear explosions site (the Perm region, Russia). The objective of the study was to identify differences between: 1) non fractionated native soil, 2) the soil passed through a sieve with a mesh size of 1.2 mm, and 3) the screened out coarse components. Measurements of the radionuclides activities in counting samples were performed using a semiconductor gamma spectrometer. Statistically significantly lower activity concentrations of 137Cs (factor of 1.2), 60Co (factor of 2.2) and 241Am (factor of 2.6) were found in the finely dispersed sieved fraction of soil compared to the native soil. On the opposite, in the solid radioactive inclusions selected from the screened out coarse fraction, the activity concentrations of 137Cs, 60Co and 241Am were significantly higher compared to those in the native soil. Especially large differences (up to a factor of 10 and more) between the native soil and radioactive inclusions were observed for the refractory and low-volatile 60Co and 241Am. Presumably, these radionuclides were concentrated predominantly in the glassy substance of the radioactive inclusions. For 137Cs, the unevenness in the contamination of different soil components was less pronounced. The results obtained will be used to standardize methods for assessing radioactive contamination of the territory at the sites of peaceful nuclear explosions
The influence of executive function therapy on improving social maturity in children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): An experimental study
Authors: Hidayat Taufik , Imadduddin Imadduddin , Al-Hendawi Maha , Al Afghani Abdullah Azzam
Published: October 2024

Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) have non-adaptive behavioral problems related to social maturity, which impact their future lives as adults, thus necessitating access to appropriate treatment. This experimental study aims to examine the effect of executive function therapy on improving social maturity in children with ADHD. It adopts a comprehensive approach, employing a one-group pretest-posttest design on 20 children with ADHD. The social maturity scores of the children in the initial examination ranged from 32 to 86, measured using the Vineland Social Maturity Scale (VSMS), and then analyzed by one-way repeated measures ANOVA using SPSS. The results show an improvement after executive function therapy (Phase III/Post-test, M = 75.90; Phase II, M = 64.00; Phase I, M = 64.30; Pre-test, M = 61.35), thus indicating a significant influence of the therapy on the improvement of the social maturity of children with ADHD, F(3; 16) = 73.9; p .001, η_p2 = .795 showed moderate level of therapy effectiveness. This study suggested that executive function therapy is effective in improving social maturity in children with ADHD.
Validation of the Interpersonal Forgiveness Indonesian Scale: An examination of its psychometric properties using confirmatory factor analysis
Authors: Yusuf Gilang Tri Prayogo , Şimşek Ahmet Salih , Setiawati Farida Agus , Tiwari Gyanesh Kumar , Kianimoghadam Amir Sam
Published: October 2024

In recent years, research has highlighted the essential role of forgiveness in fostering interpersonal relationships and preserving social harmony. However, more precise measurement methods are necessary, particularly in the Indonesian context. The purpose of this study was to develop the Interpersonal Forgiveness Indonesian Scale. The investigation rigorously explores the construct by implementing confirmatory factor analysis. To evaluate the instrument's reliability, we used McDonald's omega coefficient. This study included 549 adults aged 18 to 35 from Yogyakarta, with a mean age of 23.09, including 258 males and 291 females. The loading values for revenge and avoidance factors were .724 to .841 and .796 to .845, respectively; while benevolence varied more, ranging from .538 to .824. The McDonald's omega value of .953 indicated excellent reliability. Robust correlations between the items and factors on the Interpersonal Forgiveness Indonesian Scale demonstrate its effectiveness and relevance in Indonesia. Future research should explore the dynamics of interpersonal forgiveness across diverse regions in Indonesia to gain a better understanding of the phenomenon within distinct cultural contexts.
Peer support and the mental health of Indonesian migrant workers: The mediating role of spiritual well-being and coping strategies
Authors: Ghufron M. Nur , Azmi Khilman Rofi' , Al-Giffari Haekal Adha
Published: October 2024

Peer support has been highlighted as an important factor in the mental health of Indonesian migrant workers abroad. Although many studies have investigated spiritual well-being and coping strategies, few have investigated the role of these as mediating variables. This study aims to determine the direct and indirect influences of peer support on mental health through the spiritual well-being and coping strategies of Indonesian migrant workers living abroad. The research participants were 183 Indonesian migrant workers based overseas. The sampling technique employed was convenience sampling. The data collection technique used was a scale questionnaire, including the peer support scale, coping strategy scale, spiritual well-being scale and mental health scale. The technique for analyzing the data was structural equation modeling. The results show that peer support (β = .247, p .01), spiritual well-being (β = .176, p .01), and coping strategies (β = .514, p .01) had a direct effect on mental health. At the same time, there was an indirect effect of peer support (β = .159, p .01), which was mediated by spiritual well-being and coping strategies. The research has theoretical implications regarding the importance of the encouragement of friends for the mental health of Indonesian migrant workers, especially when reinforced with spiritual well-being and coping strategies.
The effect of mindful parenting on gender-based violence: Father involvement as a mediator
Authors: Handayani Arri , Ratnaningsih Ika Zenita , Maulia Desi , Widiharto Chr. Argo , Bawono Yudho
Published: October 2024

Gender-based violence (GBV) has increased in the last decade, highlighting the need for significant attention to the prevention of physical and/or sexual violence. This situation is partially influenced by parenting in the family and is specifically reinforced by the involvement of fathers. This study aims to examine the effect of mindful parenting on GBV, with the father's involvement in parenting as a mediator. Data were collected using accidental sampling from 739 people (503 women and 236 men) aged between 18 to 23 years old. The instruments used in the study were the Interpersonal Mindfulness in Parenting (IM-P) scale (31 items, α = .953); the Inventory of Father Involvement (IFI) (26 items, α = .915); and the Social Norms and Beliefs about Gender-based Violence (GBV) Scale (30 items, α = .935). Mediation analysis served to test the research hypothesis. The research results indicate that mindful parenting has a significant effect on GBV, with the direct effect (β = -0.244, p .001) being lower than the indirect effect (β = -0.582, p .001), and the results of the Sobel test (z = -11.649, p = .000, p .001) suggest that this effect is mediated by the father's involvement in parenting. These findings emphasize the importance of increasing societal awareness regarding the significance of father involvement in parenting to reduce gender-based violence. Fathers should provide complete care by being physically and psychologically present, which could alleviate the mother's burden and diminish gender-based violence.
Validity study of the EPOCH Measure of Adolescent Well-being in Malaysian samples
Authors: Yusoff Siti Rashidah , Hoesni Suzana Mohd , Rosharudin Nur Afrina , Muhammad Noor Azimah
Published: October 2024

The EPOCH (Engagement, Perseverance, Optimism, Connectedness, Happiness) Measure of Adolescent Well-being is a newly developed scale designed to evaluate adolescent well-being and positive functioning. This study assesses its validity and reliability in a Malay language version. A total of 444 participants (189 boys and 255 girls) aged 13 and 14 were recruited from public schools in Malaysia. The EPOCH measure demonstrated excellent construct, convergent, concurrent, and discriminant validity, as well as reliability, in the sample. Confirmatory factor analysis showed an adequate model fit (CMIN/df = 2.99, RMSEA = .07, CFI = .91, GFI = .90, TLI = .89), while all the subscales had composite reliability above .70, indicating satisfactory convergent validity. The measure and its subscales exhibited significant positive correlations with cognitive reappraisal (CR), ranging from .21 to .31 (p .01), and negative correlations with expressive suppression (ES), ranging from .04 to .18 (p .01). Two subscales (engagement and perseverance) showed non-significant correlations with ES, while discriminant validity showed negative correlations with depression, anxiety and stress (r = .14 to .54, p .01), except for the engagement subscale. It is concluded that the EPOCH measure is valid and reliable for assessing adolescent well-being in Malaysia, providing culturally relevant instruments for such assessment.
Psychometric properties of the Five-executive Function Tests in Indonesian samples
Authors: Wulanyani Ni Made Swasti , Widhianingtanti Lucia Trisni , Immanuel Aria Saloka , Aisyah Aireen Rhammy Kinara , Hendriks Marc P. H. , Hestyanti Yohana Ratrin , Suryani Angela Oktavia , Van Luijtelaar Gilles
Published: October 2024

Difficulties in executive function (EF) may be causative factors in clinical conditions, including learning disabilities, depression, and anxiety. However, defining the structure of EF is an ongoing issue, although Miyake’s three-factor structure is widely accepted. This study aims to discover the underlying factor structure of EF domains, as measured by five tests and the scores of 840 participants, to establish the domains’ validity and reliability. Five neuropsychological tests were included in the exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses (EFA and CFA): the Digit Span (DS); the Stroop Color Word Test (Stroop Test); the phonemic Verbal Fluency Test (pVFT); the Five Point Test (5PT); and the Trail Making Test (TMT). EFA could be meaningfully performed (KMO = .862, Bartlett’s test: 𝜒2 =1393.169, df 45, p .001) and yielded three factors closely mirroring the three core domains of EF. CFA of the model in which the 5PT loaded on factor 2 showed the best goodness of fit indicators, although the difference with the other three-factor models was small. Currently, these EF tests are available in Indonesia and suitable for use, although obtaining normative scores adjusted for demographic factors is necessary.
Review of research on disaster mitigation emergency congregate shelter planning for vulnerable group
Authors: Sun Lulu , Chu Jianyu
Published: October 2024

The elderly, including individuals with disabilities, women, and children, among other vulnerable evacuees, are the most fragile group during disasters. During major disasters, safely and rapidly transferring vulnerable evacuees to shelters that can meet their sheltering needs is crucial and challenging in emergency rescue work. This article systematically analyzes the sheltering behavior characteristics and sheltering needs of vulnerable evacuees based on relevant research at home and abroad. It also reviews the technical indicators and requirements for emergency shelter planning for vulnerable evacuees, and studies emergency shelter planning models from the perspective of vulnerable evacuees. Finally, it proposes prospects for emergency shelter planning indicators and models based on vulnerable evacuees, providing a reference and guidance for improving and enhancing emergency sheltering strategies for vulnerable evacuees.
Perceptions Experiences and Challenges of Physical Activity among Firefighters with Coronary Heart Disease Risk Factors in the City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services
Authors: Achmat Ghaleelullah , Malema Makhaya , Erasmus Charlene , Kanaley Jill , Leach Lloyd
Published: October 2024

Background

The development of atherosclerosis in firefighters is affected by various cardiovascular risk factors, such as smoking, poor dietary choices, and lack of physical activity. Together, these elements lead to obesity, high blood pressure, unhealthy cholesterol, and increased blood sugar levels. Continuous exposure to these risks raises the chances of worsening atherosclerosis, which can impede blood circulation to essential organs like the heart and brain. As a result, sudden cardiac death is the leading cause of fatalities while on duty in the fire service.

Aim

This study aimed to explore and describe the perceptions, experiences, and challenges associated with physical activity among firefighters with risk factors for coronary heart disease in the City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services.

Methods

A purposive sample of nine full-time active career firefighters from the City of Cape Town Fire and Rescue Services, representing three different ranks, was employed, using a descriptive qualitative study design. The semi-structured interview responses were recorded and transcribed verbatim. The participants were free to leave the study at any time and without penalty, and their rights to confidentiality were protected. The thematic analysis was then used to examine the transcripts.

Results

The results revealed that firefighters were not physically active enough to meet the suggested minimum levels of physical activity and were physically inactive. Sedentary lifestyles have numerous detrimental effects on the human body, such as elevated rates of dyslipidemia, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease mortality, and all-cause death. Therefore, it is essential to reduce sedentary behavior and increase physical exercise to improve the health and well-being of firefighters.

Conclusion

Policy strategies should be designed to introduce physical activities at low-moderate intensity levels and accommodate firefighters with coronary heart disease risk factors. Implementing team-based physical activity interventions has demonstrated positive impacts on individual behavior changes within the fire service.
Criminal responsibility of a juvenile in relation to the provisions of the Criminal Code
Authors: Majchrzak Katarzyna
Published: October 2024

Under Polish criminal law, a juvenile is a person under the age of 17. In principle, such person would not be liable for the offence under the terms of the Criminal Code. The responsibility of juveniles is extensively regulated in the Act of 9th June 2022 on the Support and Rehabilitation of Juveniles. However, in specific cases, which are explicitly set out in the Criminal Code, a juvenile over the age of 15 or even 14 may be held criminally responsible. Whereby the treatment of a juvenile as an adult and the application of criminal responsibility to him/her requires, in addition to the commission of one of the strictly defined offences, that the circumstances of the case and the degree of development of the offender, his/her personal conditions as well as his/her personal characteristics should also support this. The sentence imposed on a juvenile offender may not exceed 2/3 of the upper limit of the statutory penalty range for the offence in question. The legislature, however, left it to the court's discretion whether it would be advisable to apply extraordinary mitigation in a particular case. Furthermore, a juvenile cannot be sentenced to life imprisonment.
Disclosure Patterns of Opioid Use Disorders in Perinatal Care During the Opioid Epidemic on X From 2019 to 2021: Thematic Analysis (Preprint)
Authors: Wu Dezhi , Ng Minnie , Gupta Saborny Sen , Raynor Phyllis , Tao Youyou , Ren Yang , Hung Peiyin , Qiao Shan , Zhang Jiajia , Fillo Jennifer , Li Xiaoming , Guille Constance , Eichelberger Kacey , Olatosi Bankole
Published: October 2024

BACKGROUND

In 2021, the United States experienced a 14% rise in fatal drug overdoses totaling 106,699 deaths, driven by harmful opioid use, particularly among individuals in the perinatal period who face increased risks associated with opioid use disorders (OUDs). Increased concerns about the impacts of escalating harmful opioid use among pregnant and postpartum persons are rising. Most of the current limited perinatal OUD studies were conducted using traditional methods, such as interviews and randomized controlled trials to understand OUD treatment, risk factors, and associated adverse effects. However, little is known about how social media data, such as X, formerly known as Twitter, can be leveraged to explore and identify broad perinatal OUD trends, disclosure and communication patterns, and public health surveillance about OUD in the perinatal period.

OBJECTIVE

The objective is 3-fold: first, we aim to identify key themes and trends in perinatal OUD discussions on platform X. Second, we explore user engagement patterns, including replying and retweeting behaviors. Third, we investigate computational methods that could potentially streamline and scale the labor-intensive manual annotation effort.

METHODS

We extracted 6 million raw perinatal-themed tweets posted by global X users during the opioid epidemic from May 2019 to October 2021. After data cleaning and sampling, we used 500 tweets related to OUD in the perinatal period by US X users for a thematic analysis using NVivo (Lumivero) software.

RESULTS

Seven major themes emerged from our thematic analysis: (1) political views related to harmful opioid and other substance use, (2) perceptions of others’ substance use, (3) lived experiences of opioid and other substance use, (4) news reports or papers related to opioid and other substance use, (5) health care initiatives, (6) adverse effects on children’s health due to parental substance use, and (7) topics related to nonopioid substance use. Among these 7 themes, our user engagement analysis revealed that themes 4 and 5 received the highest average retweet counts, and theme 3 received the highest average tweet reply count. We further found that different computational methods excel in analyzing different themes.

CONCLUSIONS

Social media platforms such as X can serve as a valuable tool for analyzing real-time discourse and exploring public perceptions, opinions, and behaviors related to maternal substance use, particularly, harmful opioid use in the perinatal period. More health promotion strategies can be carried out on social media platforms to provide educational support for the OUD perinatal population.
Retrospective Chart Review Methodology: Piloting an abstraction tool to describe family engagement in the hospital setting (Preprint)
Authors: Morgan Jennifer , Cahill Jennifer , Ritchie Christine , Zhang Lingling , Gazarian Priscilla
Published: October 2024

BACKGROUND

Family engagement refers to the active involvement of family members in the care and decision-making processes of patient care. The current literature lacks clear insight into family engagement in hospital settings because it does not adequately describe the specific domains experienced, the roles families play during inpatient care, or the extent to which these roles are documented in electronic medical records (EMR).

Retrospective Chart Review (RCR's), a foundational methodology of clinical research for over eighty years, extracts both structured and unstructured data from the medical record. It can offer insight into which clinicians initiate and sustain engagement, as evidenced in the unstructured narratives such as a daily progress note. RCR's pre-pilot and pilot testing of an abstraction tool are critical steps in the developing the tool used for data extraction.

OBJECTIVE

This article aims to explain the stages before piloting (pre-piloting) and during piloting of an abstraction tool used for a Retrospective Chart Review (RCR) study. It also explores how these stages influenced the development of the final abstraction tool that was used to extract data on family engagement in hospital settings from the EMR.

METHODS

Using a centralized clinical data registry system, the Research Patient Database Registry (RPDR), and the electronic medical record (EMR), a list of 2053 medical records meeting study inclusion and exclusion criteria was generated. A draft abstraction tool was tested on 9 records until it became stable in a pre-piloting phase. After stratifying the records by race, a convenience sample of 135 Black patients, a randomized sample of 135 White patients, and 135 Asian and other patients were selected using a random number generator. The modified abstraction tool then was piloted on 10% of the sample frame (n=39).

RESULTS

During the pre-pilot stage, the tool was tested on a total of 9 records from the aggregate 2032 records. During the pilot phase, the abstraction tool was applied to 39 patient records taken from the sample population.Two-hundred and ninety-three patients were eligible for inclusion.

CONCLUSIONS

The pre-pilot stage standardized the abstraction tool and aligned the flow of the tool to the EMR. It also addressed possible data extractor assumptions. The pilot phase provided insight into the available information, potential problems, and necessary modifications and refinements before the abstraction tool was finalized for the remaining 405 records.
Absolute Reliability of Gait Kinematics with Ramp and Stair Ascent/Descent Revealed by Markerless Motion Capture in Simulated Living Space: A Test-Retest Reliability Study Design (Preprint)
Authors: Shimotori Daiki , Kato Kenji , Yoshimi Tatsuya , Kondo Izumi
Published: October 2024

BACKGROUND

In recent years, there has been increasing demand for markerless motion capture systems, which are being widely used in biomechanical and clinical research. Moreover, by using markerless motion capture systems in a laboratory environment that mimics living spaces, the data acquired on various activities of daily living (ADLs), such as level walking, ramp walking and stair ascent/descent, should more closely resemble that of real-life activities. However, the absolute reliability of gait parameters in this context is still unclear.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reliability of markerless motion capture system in assessing the ascent and descent of ramps and stairs during walking in a simulated living space.

METHODS

Twenty-one healthy participants performed level walking, ramp and stair ascent/descent on two separate days, with at least a 24-hour interval between sessions. Joint angles were measured using 27 synchronized cameras with a markerless motion capture application, Theia3D, and analyzed in Visual3d for all planes of motion at the hip, knee and ankle joints. The absolute reliability of day-to-day reproducibility was assessed using full-curve analysis [root mean square difference (RMSD)] and discrete point analysis of gait events using the standard error of measurement (SEM). SEM was calculated only for level walking and ramp ascent/descent, where gait events were correctly detected.

RESULTS

The SEM values for level walking and ramp ascent/descent were all below the 5-degree threshold. However, while RMSD values were generally below 5°, this was exceeded for knee-joint flexion-extension angles during ramp ascent and stair ascent (5.07° and 5.70°, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The markerless motion capture system in the living laboratory setting demonstrated a high degree of accuracy for various environments and gait types. The low SEM values obtained indicate good reliability for joint angle measurements across different days. The slightly higher RMSD values for knee-joint angles during ramp and stair ascent may reflect the system's ability to capture the adaptations in joint kinematics in response to changes in gait conditions. These measurements in a living laboratory environment validated the absolute reliability of various gait parameters not only in level walking but also in ramp and stair ascent and descent. The findings suggest potential clinical applications and research opportunities, including the development of assistive devices and robots, using markerless motion capture in more natural living situations, rather than in controlled environments.