bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE CONCEPT OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT WITH THE MANGROVE AVICENNIA MARINA AS A REDUCTOR OF WAVE ENERGY
Authors: Herison Ahmad , Bengen Dietriech Geoffrey , Romdania Yuda , Zakaria Ahmad , Luthfiyani Heni Nur , Al Safar M.Rizki , Arief Farah Diba
Published: June 2023

Coastal building construction is considered risky of abrasion by sea waves. One alternative that can be used as an effort to prevent abrasion is to take advantage of pneumatophore and litter of the Avicennia marina mangrove. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of Avicennia marina pneumatophore and litter for attenuating sea waves. The applied research methods were Transect-squared, Spot-check, and Sondani methods. The measurement of wave data employed SBE 26Plus and RBRDuo T.D. They were carried out at 5 stations with thicknesses of 3 m, 5 m, 10 m, 20 m, and 50 m respectively. The obtained raw data was then processed and the largest value of pneumatophore was produced at STA 1. The mangrove was able to attenuate the energy as much as 50% with the ratio of pneumatophore + litter + other factors = 14,93% + 16,44% + 18,63%. At STA 2, the attenuated energy was 54% with a ratio of 10,36% + 7,08% + 36,55%. At STA 3, the attenuated energy was 83% with a ratio of 5,43% + 2,29% + 75,28%. At STA 4, 91% of the energy was attenuated with a ratio of 4,22% + 1,05% + 85,73%. The farthest mangrove, at STA 5, attenuated the energy as much as 92%, with a ratio of 3,90% + 0,48% + 87,62%. It is safe to infer that the suppression of wave energy by pneumatophore and litter on the coast has the greatest effectiveness as the pneumatophore releases optimal bending power and the litter bears the smallest porosity value, while such other factors as large trees, core trees, seedlings, piles, sedimentation, and twigs dominate are more dominant as the mangrove thickness increases.
Split link detection for sl(P)$\mathfrak {sl}(P)$ link homology in characteristic P$P$
Authors: Wang Joshua
Published: June 2023

We provide a sufficient condition for splitness of a link in terms of its reduced link homology with arbitrary field coefficients. The proof of sufficiency uses Dowlin's spectral sequence and sutured Floer homology with twisted coefficients. If is prime and the coefficient field is of characteristic , then the sufficient condition for splitness is also necessary. When , we recover Lipshitz–Sarkar's split link detection result for Khovanov homology with  coefficients.
Official Visits and Economic Freedom
Authors: Kodila-Tedika Oasis , Khalifa Sherif
Published: June 2023

This study examines the effect of U.S. Presidents and Secretaries of State visits to a country on institutional quality, particularly on economic freedom. Hence, the study develops a model that predicts the conditions under which official visits can enhance the quality of institutions. We compile variables on official visits from 1960 to 2019 from the archives of the U.S. State Department to test the predictions of our model. In addition, we use the endogenous treatment model estimation to deal with potential endogeneity. The estimation results show that the official visits have a statistically significant negative effect on economic freedom, particularly in non-democratic countries with less political freedom. The estimation results are robust with different types of visits and samples. The study presents multiple explanations for these results, including the possibility of the following: First, some American administrations adopt a pragmatic approach aimed at achieving strategic objectives while overlooking practices that do not enhance institutional quality. Second, these official visits may improve other aspects of institutional quality that are more observable to the international community than economic freedoms. Third, American policymakers care more about achieving short-term objectives from their visits that can be presented as accomplishments to their electorate rather than institutional reforms that will only yield benefits to the United States in the long run. Finally, economic freedoms are associated with political freedoms per the Hayek-Friedman hypothesis.
Umbrales críticos: aportes a la pregunta por los límites de lo humano
Authors: Bernal Velásquez Reinaldo J. , Chirolla Gustavo , Fleisner Paula , Gómez Pérez Gustavo , Rosas Rodríguez Ana María , Salinas Leal Héctor , Sierra Gutiérrez Francisco
Published: June 2023

La pregunta por los límites de lo humano no tiene una única respuesta, sino que puede abordarse desde múltiples perspectivas que van desde la relación humano-animal hasta la posible disolución de lo humano en la máquina, pasando por nuestra relación problemática con la naturaleza y lo natural. Precisamente, este libro reúne siete estudios que, como umbrales críticos a estas discusiones y a otras por venir, contribuyen al debate contemporáneo sobre los límites de lo humano, teniendo como telón de fondo la tensión actual entre humanismo, transhumanismo y posthumanismo. Se trata, por tanto, de una serie de estudios que, por el sentido de su indagación, desborda las fronteras de la filosofía, adentrándose en los terrenos de otras disciplinas y saberes, como el ecofeminismo, la antropología, la neurociencia, la biología y los estudios ambientales.
At Work and at Play: A Plan to Increase the Number of Women in Golf
Authors: Hindman Lauren C. , McGinnis Lee P. , Marcus Benjamin
Published: June 2023

The golf industry has realized a recent boom, due primarily to the lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and limited socially safe activities. Despite the growth, male golfers continue to dominate participatory play. Women are also underrepresented as employees in the golf industry. Abiding by the mission of the American Golf Industry Coalition to make golf more diverse, inclusive, and friendlier to women, students are asked to resolve numerous questions and issues. Such items include diversity, equity, and inclusion-based hiring, recruiting, and marketing practices that involve more women and minorities. Many of these strategies center around American Golf Industry Coalition’s initiative to “Make Golf Your Thing.” Professional Golfers’ Association Golf Professional Sarah Stone and Chevy Chase Country Club in Maryland are portrayed as the protagonist to help localize the issues and provide a basis for concrete solutions. This study is suitable for upper-division sport management and sport marketing courses, as well as courses examining diversity, equity, and inclusion in sports.
Driving Female Student Attendance at Sizable State University
Authors: Sattler Liz , Trattner Claire , Achen Rebecca
Published: June 2023

The Athletic Department at Sizeable State University has struggled both on and off the field in recent years. With a majority of their teams finishing in the bottom half of the conference 3 years in a row, student attendance at home athletic events is at an all-time low. Despite these challenges, the women’s basketball team has found success in recent years even finishing first in the conference last season and making a trip to the NCAA tournament. With an incoming student class made up of majority females, and a growing mound of research on female sports fandom, the athletic director has challenged the marketing team to specifically target female college students with their marketing initiatives in the upcoming season. Driven by a largely female leadership team at Sizable State University, Grace Perkins, the associate athletic director for marketing, has been tasked with developing these new marketing strategies which will drive female student attendance at home athletic events, with particular focus on home women’s basketball games.
Differences in Habitual and Maximal Gait Velocity Across Age Groups: A Cross-Sectional Examination
Authors: Paulson Sally , Gills Joshua L. , Campitelli Anthony , Jones Megan D. , Sanders Joohee I. , Glenn Jordan M. , Madero Erica N. , Vincenzo Jennifer L. , Walter Christopher S. , Gray Michelle
Published: June 2023

Prior work, primarily focusing on habitual gait velocity, has demonstrated a cost while walking when coupled with a cognitive task. The cost of dual-task walking is exacerbated with age and complexity of the cognitive or motor task. However, few studies have examined the dual-task cost associated with maximal gait velocity. Thus, this cross-sectional study examined age-related changes in dual-task (serial subtraction) walking at two velocities. Participants were classified by age: young-old (45–64 years), middle-old (65–79 years), and oldest-old (≥80 years). They completed single- and dual-task walking trials for each velocity: habitual (N = 217) and maximal (N = 194). While no significant Group × Condition interactions existed for habitual or maximal gait velocities, the main effects for both condition and age groups were significant (p < .01). Maximal dual-task cost (p = .01) was significantly greater in the oldest-old group. With age, both dual-task velocities decreased. Maximal dual-task cost was greatest for the oldest-old group.
Predictors of Usual and Peak Gait Speed in Community-Dwelling Older Adults With Mild-to-Moderate Alzheimer’s Dementia
Authors: Salisbury Dereck L. , Maxfield Molly , Joseph Rodney P. , Coon David , Wang Jinjiao , Li Junxin , Yu Fang
Published: June 2023

Gait speed significantly affects functional status and health outcomes in older adults. This cross-sectional study evaluated cognitive and physical fitness contributors to usual and peak gait speed in persons with Alzheimer’s dementia. Multiple hierarchal linear regression was used to obtain squared semipartial correlation coefficients (sr2) and effect sizes (Cohen’s ƒ2). Participants (n = 90; 56% male) averaged 77.1 ± 6.6 years of age and 21.8 ± 3.4 on Mini-Mental State Examination. Demographic/clinical, physical fitness, and cognition variables explained 45% and 39% of variance in usual and peak gait speed, respectively. Muscle strength was the only significant contributor to both usual (sr2 = .175; Cohen’s ƒ2 = 0.31; p < .001) and peak gait speed (sr2 = .11; Cohen’s ƒ2 = 0.18; p < .001). Women who were “slow” walkers (usual gait speed <1.0 m/s) had significantly lower cardiorespiratory fitness and executive functioning compared with “fast” walkers. In conclusion, improving muscle strength may modify gait and downstream health outcomes in Alzheimer’s dementia.
Joy, Jobs, and Sweat: Older Adults’ Physical Activity During COVID-19 Lockdowns in New Zealand
Authors: Chamussy Lisa , Morgan Tessa , Morgan Kathryn , Williams Lisa , Wiles Janine , Gott Merryn
Published: June 2023

This qualitative narrative correspondence study investigates older adults’ experiences of physical activity (PA) during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns in Aotearoa, New Zealand. This paper presents a reflexive thematic analysis of 501 letters received from 568 participants that discussed PA. Participants described PA as bringing joy and rhythm to daily life under stay-at-home measures. The most frequently discussed forms of PA included exercising, gardening, and housework. Four interconnected conceptual themes identified were as follows: (a) renegotiating environmental relationships, (b) social connection, (c) pleasure and PA, and (d) navigating active aging discourses. This paper emphasizes the important environmental and social motivations for becoming and remaining physically active despite restrictions on movement. Older adults’ understandings and performance of PA were heavily shaped by active aging discourses. As such, we suggest that initiatives seeking to promote PA should foreground older adults’ feelings of connection, productivity, and pleasure and recognize their diversity. This is contrary to current recommendations focused on duration or intensity of older adults’ PA.
Rare penetrant mutations confer severe risk of common diseases
Authors: Fiziev Petko P. , McRae Jeremy , Ulirsch Jacob C. , Dron Jacqueline S. , Hamp Tobias , Yang Yanshen , Wainschtein Pierrick , Ni Zijian , Schraiber Joshua G. , Gao Hong , Cable Dylan , Field Yair , Aguet Francois , Fasnacht Marc , Metwally Ahmed , Rogers Jeffrey , Marques-Bonet Tomas , Rehm Heidi L. , O'Donnell-Luria Anne , Khera Amit V. , Farh Kyle Kai-How
Published: June 2023

We examined 454,712 exomes for genes associated with a wide spectrum of complex traits and common diseases and observed that rare, penetrant mutations in genes implicated by genome-wide association studies confer ~10-fold larger effects than common variants in the same genes. Consequently, an individual at the phenotypic extreme and at the greatest risk for severe, early-onset disease is better identified by a few rare penetrant variants than by the collective action of many common variants with weak effects. By combining rare variants across phenotype-associated genes into a unified genetic risk model, we demonstrate superior portability across diverse global populations compared with common-variant polygenic risk scores, greatly improving the clinical utility of genetic-based risk prediction.
Autonomous alignment and healing in multilayer soft electronics using immiscible dynamic polymers
Authors: Cooper Christopher B. , Root Samuel E. , Michalek Lukas , Wu Shuai , Lai Jian-Cheng , Khatib Muhammad , Oyakhire Solomon T. , Zhao Renee , Qin Jian , Bao Zhenan
Published: June 2023

Self-healing soft electronic and robotic devices can, like human skin, recover autonomously from damage. While current devices use a single type of dynamic polymer for all functional layers to ensure strong interlayer adhesion, this approach requires manual layer alignment. In this study, we used two dynamic polymers, which have immiscible backbones but identical dynamic bonds, to maintain interlayer adhesion while enabling autonomous realignment during healing. These dynamic polymers exhibit a weakly interpenetrating and adhesive interface, whose width is tunable. When multilayered polymer films are misaligned after damage, these structures autonomously realign during healing to minimize interfacial free energy. We fabricated devices with conductive, dielectric, and magnetic particles that functionally heal after damage, enabling thin-film pressure sensors, magnetically assembled soft robots, and underwater circuit assembly.
Reforming regulation with an eye toward equity
Authors: Hahn Robert W.
Published: June 2023

The Biden administration seeks to change how agencies weigh the effects of regulation
U.S. debt deal clouds funding hopes
Authors: Mervis Jeffrey
Published: June 2023

Civilian programs take a back seat to defense in averting default
Scientists protest changes to U.S. pesticide data
Authors: Gewin Virginia
Published: June 2023

Move to reduce scope and frequency of U.S. Geological Survey database sparks concern
Primate genomes offer new view of human health and our past
Authors: Pennisi Elizabeth
Published: June 2023

Sequencing efforts may also aid primate conservation
A Candidate Bacterial-Type Amino Acid Decarboxylase Is Essential for Male Gamete Exflagellation and Mosquito Transmission of the Malaria Parasite
Authors: Kina Umit Y. , Kamil Mohd , Deveci Gozde , Rafiqi Ab. Matteen , Matuschewski Kai , Aly Ahmed S. I.
Published: June 2023

A frequent side effect of chemotherapy against malaria parasite blood infections is a dramatic induction of the sexual blood stages, thereby enhancing the risk of future malaria transmissions. The polyamine biosynthesis pathway has been suggested as a candidate target for transmission-blocking anti-malarial drug development.
F-Type Pyocins Are Diverse Noncontractile Phage Tail-Like Weapons for Killing
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Saha Senjuti , Ojobor Chidozie D. , Li Annie Si Cong , Mackinnon Erik , North Olesia I. , Bondy-Denomy Joseph , Lam Joseph S. , Ensminger Alexander W. , Maxwell Karen L. , Davidson Alan R.
Published: June 2023

Pseudomonas aeruginosa
is an opportunistic pathogen that causes antibiotic-resistant infections with high mortality rates, particularly in immunocompromised individuals and cystic fibrosis patients. Due to the increasing frequency of multidrug-resistant
P. aeruginosa
infections, there is great need for the development of alternative therapeutics.
Regionalization of the antiviral response in the gastrointestinal tract to provide spatially controlled host/pathogen interactions
Authors: Stanifer Megan L. , Karst Stephanie M. , Boulant Steeve
Published: June 2023

As the largest mucosal surface, the gastrointestinal (GI) tract plays a key role in protecting the host against pathogen infections. It is a first line of defense against enteric viruses and must act to control infection while remaining tolerant to the high commensal bacteria load found within the GI tract. The GI tract can be divided into six main sections (stomach, duodenum, jejunum, ileum, colon, and rectum), and enteric pathogens have evolved to infect distinct parts of the GI tract. The intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) lining the GI tract are immune competent and can counteract these infections through their intrinsic immune response. Type I and type III interferons (IFNs) are antiviral cytokines that play a key role in protecting IECs against viruses with the type III IFN being the most important. Recent work has shown that IECs derived from the different sections of the GI tract display a unique expression of pattern recognition receptors used to fight pathogen infections. Additionally, it was also shown that these cells show a section-specific response to enteric viruses. This mini-review will discuss the molecular strategies used by IECs to detect and combat enteric viruses highlighting the differences existing along the entero-caudal axis of the GI tract. We will provide a perspective on how these spatially controlled mechanisms may influence virus tropism and discuss how the intestinal micro-environment may further shape the response of IECs to virus infections.
The C
2
H
2
transcription factor SltA is required for germination and hyphal development in
Aspergillus fumigatus
Authors: Baltussen Tim J.H. , van Rhijn Norman , Coolen Jordy P.M. , Dijksterhuis Jan , Verweij Paul E. , Bromley Michael J. , Melchers Willem J.G.
Published: June 2023

Germination of inhaled
Aspergillus fumigatus
conidia is a necessary sequitur for infection. Germination of conidia starts with the breaking of dormancy, which is initiated by an increase of the cellular perimeter in a process termed isotropic growth. This swelling phase is followed by polarized growth, resulting in the formation of a germ tube. The multinucleate tubular cells exhibit tip growth from the hyphae, after which lateral branches emerge to form the mycelial network. The regulatory mechanisms governing conidial germination are not well defined. In this study, we identified a novel role for the transcription factor SltA in the orchestration of germination and hyphal development. Conidia lacking
sltA
fail to appropriately regulate isotropic growth and begin to swell earlier and subsequently switch to polarized growth faster. Additionally, hyphal development is distorted in a ∆
sltA
isolate as hyphae are hyper-branching and wider, and show branching at the apical tip. ∆
sltA
conidia are more tolerant to cell wall stressors on minimal medium compared to the wild-type (WT) strain. A transcriptome analysis of different stages of early growth was carried out to assess the regulatory role of SltA. Null mutants generated for three of the most dysregulated genes showed rapid germ tube emergence. Distinct from the phenotype observed for ∆
sltA
, conidia from these strains lacked defects in isotropic growth, but switched to polarized growth faster. Here, we characterize and describe several genes in the regulon of SltA, highlighting the complex nature of germination.

IMPORTANCE

Aspergillus fumigatus
is the main human fungal pathogen causing aspergillosis. For this fungus, azoles are the most commonly used antifungal drugs for treatment of aspergillosis. However, the prevalence of azole resistance is alarmingly increasing and linked with elevated mortality. Germination of conidia is crucial within its asexual life cycle and plays a critical role during the infection in the human host. Precluding germination could be a promising strategy considering the role of germination in
Aspergillus
spp. pathogenicity. Here, we identify a novel role for SltA in appropriate maintenance of dormancy, germination, and hyphal development. Three genes in the regulon of SltA were also essential for appropriate germination of conidia. With an expanding knowledge of germination and its different morphotypes, more advances can be made toward potential anti-germination targets for therapy.
Maternal haemodynamics in Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy under antihypertensive therapy (HyperDiP): study protocol for a prospective observational case–control study
Authors: Palmrich Pilar , Haase Nadine , Sugulle Meryam , Kalafat Erkan , Khalil Asma , Binder Julia
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are associated with a high incidence of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. HDP, in particular pre-eclampsia, have been determined as risk factors for future cardiovascular disease. Recently, the common hypothesis of pre-eclampsia being a placental disorder was challenged as numerous studies show evidence for short-term and long-term cardiovascular changes in pregnancies affected by HDP, suggesting a cardiovascular origin of the disease. Despite new insights into the pathophysiology of HDP, concepts of therapy remain unchanged and evidence for improved maternal and neonatal outcome by using antihypertensive agents is lacking.

Methods and analysis

A prospective observational case–control study, including 100 women with HDP and 100 healthy controls, which will assess maternal haemodynamics using the USCOM 1A Monitor and Arteriograph along with cardiovascular markers (soluble fms-like kinase 1/placental-like growth factor, N-terminal pro-B type natriuretic peptide) in women with HDP under antihypertensive therapy, including a follow-up at 3 months and 1 year post partum, will be conducted over a 50-month period in Vienna. A prospective, longitudinal study of cardiovascular surrogate markers conducted in Oslo will serve as a comparative cohort for the Vienna cohort of haemodynamic parameters in pregnancy including a longer follow-up period of up to 3 years post partum. Each site will provide a dataset of a patient group and a control group and will be assessed for the outcome categories USCOM 1A measurements, Arteriograph measurements and Angiogenic marker measurements. To estimate the effect of antihypertensive therapy on outcome parameters, ORs with 95% CIs will be computed. Longitudinal changes of outcome parameters will be compared between normotensive and hypertensive pregnancies using mixed-effects models.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval has been granted to all participating centres. Results will be published in international peer-reviewed journals and will be presented at national and international conferences.
Competency in nursing practice: a concept analysis
Authors: Mrayyan Majd T , Abunab Hamzeh Y , Abu Khait Abdallah , Rababa Mohammad J , Al-Rawashdeh Sami , Algunmeeyn Abdullah , Abu Saraya Ahmed
Published: June 2023

Objective

Competency denotes the ability to execute a certain task or action with the necessary knowledge. Competency definitions and measurements are challenging for nursing and other professions due to their multidimensional aspects. This study aimed to clarify the concept of competency in nursing practice and propose an accurate definition.

Design

Walker and Avant’s approach was used to elucidate the concept of competency in nursing practice.

Data sources

ScienceDirect, PubMed, ProQuest, Scopus and CINAHL were searched from 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2021.

Eligibility criteria

We included studies with the keywords: “concept analysis”, “competence”, “competency” and “nursing”. The search was limited to full-text studies written in English that used theoretical and empirical approaches.

Data extraction and synthesis

We extracted the concept’s uses, defining attributes, and the consequences and antecedents of the concept.

Results

60 articles were identified from the search process; after excluding duplicates and works unrelated to the study aim and context following the full-text screening, 10 articles were included in this concept analysis. The common defining attributes of competency were knowledge, self-assessment and dynamic state. Competency in nursing practice had many reported positive consequences that include but are not limited to improved patient, nurse and organisational outcomes.

Conclusions

Nurses can benefit from the result of this analysis in practice to implement professional care, in particular clinical contexts and situations to enhance patients’ health.
Role of health facility governing committees in strengthening social accountability to improve the health system in Tanzania: protocol for a participatory action research study
Authors: San Sebastian Miguel , Maluka Stephen , Kamuzora Peter , Kapologwe Ntuli A , Kigume Ramadhani , Masawe Cresencia , Hurtig Anna-Karin
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Social accountability is important for improving the delivery of health services and empowering citizens. The government of Tanzania has transferred authority to plan, budget and manage financial resources to the lower health facilities since 2017. Health facility governing committees (HFGCs) therefore play a pivotal role in ensuring social accountability. While HFGCs serve as bridges between health facilities and their communities, efforts need to be made to reinforce their capacity. This project therefore aims to understand whether, how and under what conditions informed and competent HFGCs improve social accountability.

Methods and analysis

This study adopts a participatory approach to realist evaluation, engaging members of the HFGCs, health managers and providers and community leaders to: (1) map the challenges and opportunities of the current reform, (2) develop an initial programme theory that proposes a plan to strengthen the role of the HFGCs, (3) test the programme theory by developing a plan of action, (4) refine the programme theory through multiple cycles of participatory learning and (5) propose a set of recommendations to guide processes to strengthen social accountability in the Tanzanian health system. This project is part of an ongoing strong collaboration between the University of Dar es Saalam (Tanzania), and Umeå University (Sweden), providing opportunities for action learning and close interactions between researchers, decision-makers and practitioners.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval to conduct the study was obtained from the National Ethical Review Committee in Tanzania— National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR/HQ/R.8a/Vol.IX/3928). Permissions to conduct the study in the health facilities were given by the President’s Office Regional Administration and Local Government and relevant regional and district authorities. The results will be published in open-access, peer-reviewed journals and presented at scientific conferences.
Investigating Clinical Excellence and Impact Awards (INCEA): a qualitative study into how current assessors and other key stakeholders define and score excellence
Authors: Treadgold Bethan M , Campbell John L , Abel Gary A , Sussex Jon , Froud Robert , Hocking Lucy , Pitchforth Emma
Published: June 2023

Objectives

The National Clinical Excellence Awards (NCEAs) in England and Wales were designed, as a form of performance-related pay, to reward high-performing senior doctors and dentists. To inform future scoring of applications and subsequent schemes, we sought to understand how current assessors and other stakeholders would define excellence, differentiate between levels of excellence and ensure unbiased definitions and scoring.

Design

Semistructured qualitative interview study.

Participants

25 key informants were identified from Advisory Committee on Clinical Excellence Awards subcommittees, and relevant professional organisations in England and Wales. Informants were purposively sampled to achieve variety in gender and ethnicity.

Findings

Participants reported that NCEAs had a role in incentivising doctors to strive for excellence. They were consistent in identifying ‘clinical excellence’ as involving making an exceptional difference to patients and the National Health Service, and in going over and above the expectations associated with the doctor’s job plan. Informants who were assessors reported: encountering challenges with the current scoring scheme when seeking to ensure a fair assessment; recognising tendencies to score more or less leniently; and the potential for conscious or unconscious bias in assessments. Particular groups of doctors, including women, doctors in some specialties and settings, doctors from minority ethnic groups, and doctors who work less than full time, were described as being less likely to self-nominate, lacking support in making applications or lacking motivation to apply on account of a perceived likelihood of not being successful. Practical suggestions were made for improving support and training for applicants and assessors.

Conclusions

Participants in this qualitative study identified specific concerns in respect of the current approaches adopted in applying for and in assessing NCEAs, pointing to the importance of equity of opportunity to apply, the need for regular training for assessors, and to improved support for applicants and potential applicants.
Quality of life and associated factors among chronic kidney disease patients at Zewditu Memorial and Tikur Anbessa Specialised Hospitals, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study design
Authors: Berhe Teshome , Tegegne Gobezie T , Berha Alemseged Beyene
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with significant morbidity, mortality, healthcare cost and reduced health-related quality of life (HRQoL). This study aimed to assess HRQoL and associated factors among patients with CKD at both Zewditu Memorial and Tikur Anbessa Specialised Hospitals, Ethiopia.

Method

A cross-sectional study design was performed. All patients who visited the renal clinics in both hospitals from March to July 2019 were targeted, and data were collected using interviews and medical records. HRQoL was assessed using the Kidney Disease and Quality of Life-36 tool. Normality assessment was done for HRQoL subscales. Descriptive statistics, logistic regression, t-test and one-way analysis of variance were performed.

Result

A total of 300 patients with CKD were included. Around 62% of them were in either stage 3 or 4 CKD. The mean domain scores of physical component summary (PCS), mental component summary (MCS), burden of kidney disease, effect of kidney disease and symptoms and problems of kidney disease (SPKD) subscales were 50.4, 59.5, 63.1, 74.6 and 80.4, respectively. The lowest HRQoL was seen in the PCS scale, while the highest was in SPKD. In addition, the study revealed that a lower level of education, elevated serum creatinine and a history of smoking were significantly associated with poor PCS score. Further, the presence of three or more comorbidities, CKD-related complications and a lower haemoglobin level were significantly associated with poor MCS.

Conclusion

The overall mean scores of PCS and MCS were low, below the standard level. Level of education, serum creatinine and smoking history were significantly associated with PCS, while the presence of comorbidity, complications and haemoglobin level were significantly associated with MCS. Stakeholders working on CKD management should design a relevant strategy targeting patients, patients’ care providers and healthcare professionals to improve HRQoL of patients.
Objectives and outcomes of patient-driven innovations published in peer-reviewed journals: a qualitative analysis of publications included in a scoping review
Authors: Dahlberg Marie , Lek Madelen , Malmqvist Castillo Moa , Bylund Ami , Hasson Henna , Riggare Sara , Reinius Maria , Wannheden Carolina
Published: June 2023

Objectives

The aim of this study was to gain a deeper understanding of the objectives and outcomes of patient-driven innovations that have been published in the scientific literature, focusing on (A) the unmet needs that patient-driven innovations address and (B) the outcomes for patients and healthcare that have been reported.

Methods

We performed an inductive qualitative content analysis of scientific publications that were included in a scoping review of patient-driven innovations, previously published by our research group. The review was limited to English language publications in peer-reviewed journals, published in the years 2008–2020.

Results

In total, 83 publications covering 21 patient-driven innovations were included in the analysis. Most of the innovations were developed for use on an individual or community level without healthcare involvement. We created three categories of unmet needs that were addressed by these innovations: access to self-care support tools, open sharing of information and knowledge, and patient agency in self-care and healthcare decisions. Eighteen (22%) publications reported outcomes of patient-driven innovations. We created two categories of outcomes: impact on self-care, and impact on peer interaction and healthcare collaboration.

Conclusions

The patient-driven innovations illustrated a diversity of innovative approaches to facilitate patients’ and informal caregivers’ daily lives, interactions with peers and collaborations with healthcare. As our findings indicate, patients and informal caregivers are central stakeholders in driving healthcare development and research forward to meet the needs that matter to patients and informal caregivers. However, only few studies reported on outcomes of patient-driven innovations. To support wider implementation, more evaluation studies are needed, as well as research into regulatory approval processes, dissemination and governance of patient-driven innovations.
Detecting significant retrospective patterns in state space fish stock assessment
Authors: Breivik Olav Nikolai , Aldrin Magne , Fuglebakk Edvin , Nielsen Anders
Published: June 2023

Retrospective patterns are commonly investigated to validate fish stock assessment models. A widely applied measure for retrospective bias is Mohn’s ρ and corresponding retrospective plots. However, retrospective patterns can be interpreted differently by experts. To make decisions regarding significant retrospective patterns less subjective, we proposed a post-sample Mohn’s ρ significance test. As case studies, we applied the state space assessment model SAM with data on Northeast Arctic cod and Norwegian coastal cod north of 67°N. We showed that the acceptance regions of Mohn’s ρ depends on both the data available and the assessment model complexity. We also assessed the test power under a range of assumption violations and conclude that Mohn’s ρ is useful for detecting violations associated with bias, but not for violations associated with variances and correlations.
Image Enhancement Approach for the Underwater Images Using the Optimized Color Balancing Model
Authors: S. R. Lyernisha , Christopher C. Seldev , S. R. Fernisha
Published: June 2023

Marine resources are one of the valuable resources that need to be explored and protected, but are affected due to environmental factors. The underwater images are distorted due to the light scattering and absorption phenomenon, which draws the attention of the researcher to restoring the underwater images which is a challenging task. High-quality underwater images help us to learn and study deep-sea environments, and also help in gaining deep knowledge about the ocean resources. In this research, deep learning methods are used for obtaining high-quality underwater images. Accordingly, a channel-based white balancing and social situation-aware guard optimization (WBSSGO) dependent multi-variant balancing color correction model is proposed by integrating the grouping behavior and adaptability nature of the guards and flocks, which acts as the search agents in the proposed optimization. A multi-variant-based white balancing model is employed for balancing the channels and correcting the distorted underwater images. The performance of the developed model is validated using PIQE, BRISQUE, and UCIQE, which acquired minimal values of 27.202, 24.692, and 29.725, respectively with comparative methods, while the higher value of SDME is 64.049 dB for the proposed method, which is reported to acquire the higher visual quality of underwater images.
Capacity-insensitive algorithms for online facility assignment problems on a line
Authors: Harada Tsubasa , Itoh Toshiya , Miyazaki Shuichi
Published: June 2023

In the online facility assignment problem [Formula: see text], there exist [Formula: see text] servers [Formula: see text] on a metric space where each [Formula: see text] has an integer capacity [Formula: see text] and a request arrives one-by-one. The task of an online algorithm is to irrevocably match a current request with one of the servers with vacancies before the next request arrives. As special cases for [Formula: see text], we consider [Formula: see text] on a line , which is denoted by [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], where the latter is the case of [Formula: see text] with equidistant servers. In this paper, we perform the competitive analysis for the above problems. As a natural generalization of the greedy algorithm grdy, we introduce a class of algorithms called MPFS (Most Preferred Free Servers) and show that any MPFS algorithm has the capacity-insensitive property, i.e., for any MPFS algorithm alg for [Formula: see text], if alg is [Formula: see text]-competitive when [Formula: see text], then alg is [Formula: see text]-competitive for general [Formula: see text]. By applying the capacity-insensitive property of the greedy algorithm grdy, we derive the matching upper and lower bounds [Formula: see text] on the competitive ratio of grdy for [Formula: see text]. To investigate the capability of MPFS algorithms, we show that the competitive ratio of any MPFS algorithm alg for [Formula: see text] is at least [Formula: see text]. Then, we propose a new MPFS algorithm idas (Interior Division for Adjacent Servers) for [Formula: see text] and show that the competitive ratio of idas for [Formula: see text] is at most [Formula: see text], i.e., idas for [Formula: see text] is best possible in all the MPFS algorithms. We also give numerical experiments to investigate the performance of idas and grdy and show that idas performs better than grdy for distribution of request sequences with locality.
XimSwap: Many-to-Many Face Swapping for TinyML
Authors: Ancilotto Alberto , Paissan Francesco , Farella Elisabetta
Published: June 2023

The unprecedented development of deep learning approaches for video processing has caused growing privacy concerns. To ensure data analysis while maintaining privacy, it is essential to address how to protect individuals’ identities. One solution is to anonymize data at the source, avoiding the transmission or storage of information that could lead to identification. This study introduces XimSwap, a novel deep learning technique for real-time video anonymization, which can remove facial identification features directly on edge devices with minimal computational resources. Our approach offers a comprehensive solution that guarantees privacy by design. This novel method for implementing face-swapping ensures that the pose and expression of a target face remain unchanged and can be used on embedded devices with very limited computational resources. By incorporating style transfer layers into convolutional ones and optimizing the network’s operation, we achieved a reduction of over 98% in the required operations and parameters compared with state-of-the-art architectures. Our approach also significantly reduces RAM usage, making it possible to implement the anonymization process on tiny edge devices, including microcontrollers, such as the STM32H743.
Short-Term Rate Benchmarks: The Post-LIBOR Regime
Authors: Tuckman Bruce
Published: June 2023

The London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR), the predominant family of global short-term rate benchmarks for the past 40 years, ceased to exist in June 2023. Given the low volumes of interbank loans on which LIBOR had been based, the revelations that LIBOR had been manipulated, and the risks that countless LIBOR-dependent financial instruments without fallback rates would be cast into limbo, regulators over the last decade pushed to replace LIBOR with risk-free overnight rate benchmarks. In the United States, the new benchmark, Secured Overnight Financing Rate (SOFR), is an overnight rate based on US Treasury repo transactions: Use of term rates and derivatives on term rates is limited, and use of credit-sensitive term rates is discouraged. This article recounts the rise and fall of LIBOR; reviews the academic literature on the efficiency benefits of benchmarks, the LIBOR scandal, and the pros and cons of risk-free versus credit-sensitive rate benchmarks; and calls for further academic work on the current policy of entrenching a single-benchmark SOFR regime relative to the alternative of encouraging a two- or multi-benchmark regime of SOFR and one or more credit-sensitive term rates.
Use of a Superficial Abdominal Wall Vein in a Gravida Patient for Emergency Vascular Access
Authors: Ha Christine , Naftalovich Rotem , Chaudhry Faraz , Eloy Jean , Spano Erica , Tewfik George
Published: June 2023

Obtaining vascular access through a superficial vein of the abdominal wall of a gravida patient is an option in an emergency Cesarean surgery when other means fail. Such superficial veins may be mistaken for striae gravidarum on physical exam. A small intravenous (IV) cannula is not ideal but could save valuable time and avoid delaying induction of general anesthesia. Once the airway is secured, a larger bore IV can then be inserted while surgical exposure is undergoing. Analysis of the risks and benefits of inducing general anesthesia with a small gauge IV for a gravida patient should take into consideration risk factors for massive peripartum hemorrhage such as placental disorders (accreta, increta, precreta, abruption, or previa), presence of uterine fibroids, preeclampsia, hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, low platelet count (HELP syndrome), severe polyhydramnios, history of grand multiparty, and bleeding disorders such as Von Willibrands and hemophilia.
Cytotoxicity and Mineralization Activity of Calcium Silicate-Based Root Canal Sealers Compared to Conventional Resin-Based Sealer in Human Gingival Fibroblast Cells
Authors: Shokrzadeh Mohammad , Motafeghi Farzaneh Sadat , Lotfizadeh Anahita , Ghorbani Mohammad , Haddadi Kohsar Azam
Published: June 2023

Background. Root canal obturation is performed by gutta-percha cones and sealer. Therefore, these materials, specially sealers, must be biocompatible. This study investigated the cytotoxicity and mineralization activity of two calcium silicate-based sealers (Endoseal MTA and Ceraseal) and an epoxy resin-based sealer (AH26). Materials and Methods. In this experiment, the cytotoxicity of Endoseal MTA, Ceraseal, and AH26 on human gingival fibroblast cells was examined using Methyl-Thiazol-Tetrazolium assay at time intervals of 24, 48, 72, and 120 hr. The mineralization activity of sealers was evaluated by Alizarin red staining assay. Prism, ver.3, software was used to perform statistical tests. One-way analysis of variance analysis, followed by Tukey’s test, was used to determine the group differences. P-values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results. Cytotoxicity of sealers decreased gradually (

P
<
0.0001

). AH26 showed the highest level of cytotoxicity (

P
<
0.001

). In terms of cytotoxicity, no considerable differences were observed between the two-calcium silicate-based sealers (

P
>
0.05

). AH26 showed the lowest mineralization activity (

P
<
0.0001

). Among the calcium silicate-based sealers, mineralization and formation of calcium nodules were more frequently observed in the Endoseal MTA group (

P
<
0.001

). Conclusion. The examined calcium silicate-based sealers had less cytotoxicity and higher mineralization activity than the resin-based sealer (AH26). There was negligible difference between the cytotoxicity of the two-calcium silicate-based, but the cell mineralization caused by Endoseal MTA was higher.
Identification and Phylogenetic Analysis of Mycobacterium avium subsp. avium Strain Isolated from Cow
Authors: Bao Yanhong , Yang Tianze , Zhang Hanxue , Wang Zi , Muhammad Inam , Jiang Xiuyun , Ma Hongxia
Published: June 2023

Mycobacterium avium subsp. avium (MAA) is the main tuberculosis pathogen of poultry and wild birds. MAA can also infect mammals such as pigs, cattle, and horses and can pose a threat to people with low immunity. Here, we describe the first identification of MAA strain HJW isolated from a cow in Jilin Province, China. The isolate was completely sequenced and a phylogenetic analysis of its relationship to members of the Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) was performed. The results revealed that strain HJW was type MAA based on the analysis of insertion sequence amplification and whole genome sequencing. The HJW genome size was 4,961,843 bp with a GC content of 69.28%. The strain was genetically most closely related to the Mycobacterium avium subsp. avium strain DSM 44156. This study suggests that MAA may pose an infection risk to cattle and provides data support for the phylogeny of Mycobacterium avium.
An IoT-Enabled Intelligent and Secure Manufacturing Model Using Blockchain in Hybrid Cloud Communication System
Authors: Bhattacharyya Sudipto , Athithan Senthil , Pal Souvik , Sarkar Bikramjit , Akila D. , Chowdhury Subrata , Chandran Karthik , Gurusamy Saravanakumar
Published: June 2023

The smart manufacturing system can become a linked network with the help of the Internet of Things (IoT). Devices connected to the IoT are susceptible to various attacks and assaults. An effective protection plan is needed to ensure that the billions of IoT nodes are protected from these hazards. The security mechanisms on IoT devices are ineffective due to resource limitations. As a result, the academic community has recently paid attention to the cloud-, fog-, and edge-based IoT systems. A robust cloud provider is in the cloud or fog to perform computationally demanding activities, including safety, data analysis, decision-making process, and monitoring. Hash identities and upgraded Rivest–Shamir–Adleman (RSA) have been used to secure the IoT device’s data. A four-prime integer of 512 bits makes up the proposed security algorithm. A hash signature is used to provide device authentication. An effective clustering method for sensing devices based on the node level, separation from the clusters, remaining energy, and fitness has been presented for long network life. The suggested swarm-based method determines the sensor nodes’ fitness. A deep neural network- (DNN-) based resource scheduling algorithm (DNN-RSM) is meant to reduce the delay and communications overhead for IoT components in the hybrid cloud system. For optimum resource allocation, all queries originating from the cluster head are categorised using DNN based on their storage, processing, and bandwidth needs. The suggested structure delivers better outcomes, particularly regarding energy use, delay, and safety level. The results of the simulation provide credence to the concept that the proposed strategy is superior to the current system. The suggested scheme includes stringent security, decreased energy usage, decreased latency, and efficient resource utilization.