bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The occurrence of and factors associated with mental ill-health amongst humanitarian aid workers: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Cameron Lily , McCauley Mary , van den Broek Nynke , McCauley Hannah
Published: May 2024

Background

Humanitarian crises and disasters affect millions of people worldwide. Humanitarian aid workers are civilians or professionals who respond to disasters and provide humanitarian assistance. In doing so, they face several stressors and traumatic exposures. Humanitarian aid workers also face unique challenges associated with working in unfamiliar settings.

Objective

To determine the occurrence of and factors associated with mental ill-health among humanitarian aid workers.

Search strategy

CINAHL plus, Cochrane library, Global Health, Medline, PubMed, Web of Science were searched from 2005–2020. Grey literature was searched on Google Scholar.

Selection criteria

PRISMA guidelines were followed and after double screening, studies reporting occurrence of mental ill-health were included. Individual narratives and case studies were excluded, as were studies that reported outcomes in non-humanitarian aid workers.

Data analysis

Data on occurrence of mental ill-health and associated factors were independently extracted and combined in a narrative summary. A random effects logistic regression model was used for the meta-analysis.

Main results

Nine studies were included with a total of 3619 participants, reporting on five types of mental ill-health (% occurrence) including psychological distress (6.5%-52.8%); burnout (8.5%-32%); anxiety (3.8%-38.5%); depression (10.4%-39.0%) and post-traumatic stress disorder (0% to 25%). Hazardous drinking of alcohol ranged from 16.2%-50.0%. Meta-analysis reporting OR (95% CI) among humanitarian aid workers, for psychological distress was 0.45 (0.12–1.64); burnout 0.34 (0.27–0.44); anxiety 0.22 (0.10–0.51); depression 0.32 (0.18–0.57) and PTSD 0.11 (0.03–0.39). Associated factors included young age, being female and pre-existing mental ill-health.

Conclusions

Mental ill-health is common among humanitarian aid workers, has a negative impact on personal well-being, and on a larger scale reduces the efficacy of humanitarian organisations with delivery of aid and retention of staff. It is imperative that mental ill-health is screened for, detected and treated in humanitarian aid workers, before, during and after their placements. It is essential to implement psychologically protective measures for individuals working in stressful and traumatic crises.
The relationship between health literacy and the adoption of COVID-19 preventive behaviors: A cross-sectional study in Iran
Authors: Panahi Rahman , Ghorbanpour Zahra , Moradi Bagher , Eidy Fereshteh , Amjadian Mohiadin
Published: May 2024

Background and aim

Health literacy (HL) is one of the effective factors in controlling the COVID-19 epidemic. Considering the high prevalence of COVID-19 disease, the present study aimed to determine the relationship between HL and the adoption of COVID-19 preventive behaviors.

Materials and methods

This was a descriptive-cross sectional study conducted on 214 students selected by simple random sampling method in Esfarayen Faculty of Medical Sciences, Iran, in 2022. The data included demographic and background characteristics, health literacy for Iranian Adults (HELIA), and a valid and reliable questionnaire to measure COVID-19 preventive behaviors. The data were analyzed using SPSS 23, descriptive statistics, and ordinal logistic regression tests.

Results

The mean and standard deviation of the scores of adoption of COVID-19 preventive behaviors and HL among students were 18.18) 4.02(out of 25 and 72.14) and 12.75 (out of 100, respectively. The results of the logistic regression test showed that the HL (P = 0.003), gender (P<0.001), mother’s education (P = 0.039), educational level (P = 0.031), smoking (P = 0.032), and physical activity (P = 0.007) were effective factors in adopting preventive behaviors.

Conclusion

Adopting preventive behaviors against COVID-19 was lower among students with lower levels of health literacy, male students, students with less physical activity, students with illiterate mothers, undergraduate students, and finally smokers. Therefore, it is necessary to pay more attention to these students in designing educational programs. It is suggested to carry out more extensive studies to clarify the effect of HL on the adoption of COVID-19 preventive behaviors.
AngioMT: A MATLAB based 2D image-to-physics tool to predict oxygen transport in vascularized microphysiological systems
Authors: Mathur Tanmay , Tronolone James J. , Jain Abhishek
Published: May 2024

Microphysiological models (MPS) are increasingly getting recognized as in vitro preclinical systems of pathophysiology and drug discovery. However, there is also a growing need to adapt and advance MPS to include the physiological contributions of the capillary vascular dynamics, because they undergo angiogenesis or vasculogenesis to deliver soluble oxygen and nutrients to its organs. Currently, the process of formation of microvessels in MPS is measured arbitrarily, and vascularized MPS do not include oxygen measurements in their analysis. Sensing and measuring tissue oxygen delivery is extremely difficult because it requires access to opaque and deep tissue, and/or requires extensive integration of biosensors that makes such systems impractical to use in the real world. Here, a finite element method-based oxygen transport program, called AngioMT, is built in MATLAB. AngioMT processes the routinely acquired 2D confocal images of microvascular networks in vitro and solves physical equations of diffusion-reaction dominated oxygen transport phenomena. This user-friendly image-to-physics transition in AngioMT is an enabling tool of MPS analysis because unlike the averaged morphological measures of vessels, it provides information of the spatial transport of oxygen both within the microvessels and the surrounding tissue regions. Further, it solves the more complex higher order reaction mechanisms which also improve the physiological relevance of this tool when compared directly against in vivo measurements. Finally, the program is applied in a multicellular vascularized MPS by including the ability to define additional organ/tissue subtypes in complex co-cultured systems. Therefore, AngioMT serves as an analytical tool to enhance the predictive power and performance of MPS that incorporate microcirculation.
Investigating gene-environment interaction on attention in a double-hit model for Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Maroon Melvin , Haddad Faraj , Doornaert Ella , Allman Brian , Schmid Susanne
Published: May 2024

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental behavioral disorder characterized by social, communicative, and motor deficits. There is no single etiological cause for ASD, rather, there are various genetic and environmental factors that increase the risk for ASD. It is thought that some of these factors influence the same underlying neural mechanisms, and that an interplay of both genetic and environmental factors would better explain the pathogenesis of ASD. To better appreciate the influence of genetic-environment interaction on ASD-related behaviours, rats lacking a functional copy of the ASD-linked gene Cntnap2 were exposed to maternal immune activation (MIA) during pregnancy and assessed in adolescence and adulthood. We hypothesized that Cntnap2 deficiency interacts with poly I:C MIA to aggravate ASD-like symptoms in the offspring. In this double-hit model, we assessed attention, a core deficit in ASD due to prefrontal cortical dysfunction. We employed a well-established attentional paradigm known as the 5-choice serial reaction time task (5CSRTT). Cntnap2-/- rats exhibited greater perseverative responses which is indicative of repetitive behaviors. Additionally, rats exposed to poly I:C MIA exhibited premature responses, a marker of impulsivity. The rats exposed to both the genetic and environmental challenge displayed an increase in impulsive activity; however, this response was only elicited in the presence of an auditory distractor. This implies that exacerbated symptomatology in the double-hit model may situation-dependent and not generally expressed.
Turning the tide on big cat trade: Expert opinion on trends and conservation lessons from the Republic of Korea
Authors: Elves-Powell Joshua , Lee Hang , Axmacher Jan C. , Durant Sarah M.
Published: May 2024

Unsustainable trade in big cats affects all species in the genus, Panthera, and is one of the foremost threats to their conservation. To provide further insight into the impact of policy interventions intended to address this issue, we examine the case study of the Republic of Korea (South Korea), which in the early 1990s was one of the world’s largest importers of tiger (Panthera tigris) bone and a major manufacturer of tiger-derived medicinal products. In 1993, South Korea became a Party to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) and introduced a ban on commercial trade in CITES Appendix I-listed big cats a year later. We used an expert-based questionnaire survey and an exploration of the CITES trade database to investigate what has since happened to big cat trade in South Korea. Expert opinion suggested that big cat trade has likely substantially reduced since the early 1990s, as a result of the trade ban and broad socioeconomic changes. However, illegal trade has not been eradicated entirely and we were able to confirm that products reportedly derived from big cats were still publicly available for sale on a range of Korean online marketplaces, sometimes openly. The items most commonly reported by respondents from post-1994 trade and supported by expert-led evidence were tiger and leopard (Panthera pardus) skins and tiger bone wine. Although South Korea may provide a useful case study of a historically significant consumer country for tiger which has made strong progress in addressing unsustainable levels of big cat trade within a short period of time, there remains a need to address recalcitrant small-scale, illegal trade. We also recommend further investigation regarding reports of South Korean nationals being involved in illegal trade in tiger-derived products in Southeast Asia.
Cardiovascular health and cancer risk associated with plant based diets: An umbrella review
Authors: Capodici Angelo , Mocciaro Gabriele , Gori Davide , Landry Matthew J. , Masini Alice , Sanmarchi Francesco , Fiore Matteo , Coa Angela Andrea , Castagna Gisele , Gardner Christopher D. , Guaraldi Federica
Published: May 2024

Context

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and cancer are the two main leading causes of death and disability worldwide. Suboptimal diet, poor in vegetables, fruits, legumes and whole grain, and rich in processed and red meat, refined grains, and added sugars, is a primary modifiable risk factor. Based on health, economic and ethical concerns, plant-based diets have progressively widespread worldwide.

Objective

This umbrella review aims at assessing the impact of animal-free and animal-products-free diets (A/APFDs) on the risk factors associated with the development of cardiometabolic diseases, cancer and their related mortalities.

Data sources

PubMed and Scopus were searched for reviews, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses published from 1st January 2000 to 31st June 2023, written in English and involving human subjects of all ages. Primary studies and reviews/meta-analyses based on interventional trials which used A/APFDs as a therapy for people with metabolic diseases were excluded.

Data extraction

The umbrella review approach was applied for data extraction and analysis. The revised AMSTAR-R 11-item tool was applied to assess the quality of reviews/meta-analyses.

Results

Overall, vegetarian and vegan diets are significantly associated with better lipid profile, glycemic control, body weight/BMI, inflammation, and lower risk of ischemic heart disease and cancer. Vegetarian diet is also associated with lower mortality from CVDs. On the other hand, no difference in the risk of developing gestational diabetes and hypertension were reported in pregnant women following vegetarian diets. Study quality was average. A key limitation is represented by the high heterogeneity of the study population in terms of sample size, demography, geographical origin, dietary patterns, and other lifestyle confounders.

Conclusions

Plant-based diets appear beneficial in reducing cardiometabolic risk factors, as well as CVDs, cancer risk and mortality. However, caution should be paid before broadly suggesting the adoption of A/AFPDs since the strength-of-evidence of study results is significantly limited by the large study heterogeneity alongside the potential risks associated with potentially restrictive regimens.
Prevalence of school related violence in seven countries: A cross-sectional survey
Authors: BenYishay Ariel , Sayers Rachel , Wells Jessica
Published: May 2024

Violence against children in schools harms the affected children, limits their learning and educational attainment, and extends its harms to families and the broader communities. However, to date, comparable cross-country data on violence against children in schools has not been available. We utilize the Violence Against Children and Youth Surveys (VACS) to estimate school-related violence against children in seven countries (Honduras, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia). Leveraging the unique comparability of the surveys, we are able to estimate both physical and sexual violence experienced in childhood and adolescence among youth aged 13-24. Where possible, we also disaggregate by gender and perpetrator type. Overall, within our sample seven countries, we find that 12.11-44.63% of females and 14.28-53.85% of males experienced at least one form of violence. Males experience higher levels of school-related violence and a significant portion of this is due to experiencing physical violence perpetrated by male classmates.
Randomized controlled trial of the effectiveness of olive and black seed oil combination on pain intensity and episiotomy wound healing in primiparous women: A study protocol
Authors: Fili Romina , Behmanesh Fereshteh , Nazmi Sana , Nikpour Maryam , Memariani Zahra
Published: May 2024

Background

Episiotomy is associated with side effects, such as pain and wound infection. Additionally, discomfort after episiotomy affects the quality of life of both the mother and the baby. Medicinal herbs are one alternative method for the treatment of episiotomy wounds. This study will investigate the effectiveness of the combination of olive and black seed oil on pain intensity and the healing of episiotomy wounds in primiparous women.

Methods

This randomized clinical trial will be conducted on primiparous women who have had a normal delivery with an episiotomy. There are 3 groups in this study: one group will receive a combination of olive oil and black seed oil, another group will receive olive oil alone, and the use of oils will start 24 hours after delivery. Ten drops will be applied topically 3 times a day for 10 days. The third group (control) will receive only routine care. Data will be collected through a demographic characteristics questionnaire, REEDA (Redness, Edema, Ecchymosis, Discharge, and Approximation) Scale, and Visual Analog Scale. To determine and compare the effects of pharmaceutical interventions on pain intensity and episiotomy wound healing in the groups, an analysis of variance (ANOVA) test with repeated measurements will be used with SPSS version 22.

Discussion

The results of this study will show the effects of a combination of olive and black seed oil, as well as olive oil alone, on pain intensity and episiotomy wound healing in primiparous women. The positive effects observed in this trial with these oils could be valuable for women who have undergone an episiotomy.
Mobilizing grievances in the internet age: The case of national online petitioning in South Korea, 2017–2022
Authors: Kim Kayoon , Suh Chan S.
Published: May 2024

Which kinds of grievances garner support from the public on online platforms? Focusing on national online petitioning, one of the forms of direct democracy in contemporary politics, we examine the content and characteristics of petitions that succeeded in attracting public attention and support. Using our comprehensive data on online petitions that were submitted to the executive office between 2017 and 2022 in South Korea, our analysis yields three important findings. First, a mix of post-materialist topics such as human rights and gender equality and materialist topics such as safety and environment turn out to be salient among petitions that meet the signature threshold. Second, online petitions the contents of which reveal either moral emotions or Confucian attitudes are more likely to gain public support compared to others. Third, keywords that are related to moral claims asking for the apprehension of perpetrators on behalf of victims, such as ‘victim,’ ‘perpetrator,’ ‘kid,’ and ‘punishment,’ appear most frequently inside the petitions that cross the signature threshold. Such findings provide implications for understanding both the potentials and limitations of national online petitioning in contemporary democracies.
Younger Americans are less politically polarized than older Americans about climate policies (but not about other policy domains)
Authors: Inwald Joshua F. , Bruine de Bruin Wändi , Petsko Christopher D.
Published: May 2024

Political polarization of Americans’ support for climate policies often impedes the adoption of new, urgently needed climate solutions. However, recent polls suggest that younger conservatives favor adopting pro-climate policies to a greater degree than older conservatives, resulting in less political polarization among younger Americans relative to older Americans. To better understand these patterns, we analyzed Americans’ support for various climate policies from 1982–2020, across 16 waves of historical, nationally representative survey data from the American National Election Studies (total N = 29,467). Regression models consistently show that, since 2012, younger Americans have been less politically polarized than older Americans on support for climate policies. Before 2012 and on non-climate policy topics, we did not find consistent statistical evidence for political polarization varying with age. These findings can inform policy debates about climate change and offer hope to environmentalists and policymakers who seek to build broad consensus for climate action at the policy level.
Collaborative servitization in service-oriented company: The case study of telco company
Authors: Mihailović Jovana , Stošić Biljana , Milutinović Radul
Published: May 2024

There is a growing interest in the subject of product-service system (PSS) and collaborative servitization in academia and practice. However, the focus is on exploring the growth of manufacturing companies without specifically analyzing the growth of service companies in applying PSS. There are companies, especially in the telco industry, that expand their service business to complex bundles of products and services. The paper investigates PSS in the service company and the role of collaboration in different PSS development phases: idea generation, development and go to market phase. The study adopted case-based research conducted in international Telco organization. The research demonstrates how a company creates and commercializes integrated packets of products and services, it identifies partners company works with and the benefits and challenges of their cooperation. The study addresses collaboration with customers and identifies five different customer profiles according to their openness to participate in the development of PSS. The study highlights the importance of (1) collaboration models, (2) customer involvement, and (3) strategic focus in successful application of collaborative servitization. The findings complement the literature for collaborative servitization and offer concrete input for companies in terms of how to better organize business, profit from collaboration models and gain market advantage.
The dynamic response of human lungs due to underwater shock wave exposure
Authors: Bar-Kochba Eyal , Iwaskiw Alexander S. , Dunn Jenna M. , Ott Kyle A. , Harrigan Timothy P. , Demetropoulos Constantine K.
Published: May 2024

Since the 19th century, underwater explosions have posed a significant threat to service members. While there have been attempts to establish injury criteria for the most vulnerable organs, namely the lungs, existing criteria are highly variable due to insufficient human data and the corresponding inability to understand the underlying injury mechanisms. This study presents an experimental characterization of isolated human lung dynamics during simulated exposure to underwater shock waves. We found that the large acoustic impedance at the surface of the lung severely attenuated transmission of the shock wave into the lungs. However, the shock wave initiated large bulk pressure-volume cycles that are distinct from the response of the solid organs under similar loading. These pressure-volume cycles are due to compression of the contained gas, which we modeled with the Rayleigh-Plesset equation. The extent of these lung dynamics was dependent on physical confinement, which in real underwater blast conditions is influenced by factors such as rib cage properties and donned equipment. Findings demonstrate a potential causal mechanism for implosion injuries, which has significant implications for the understanding of primary blast lung injury due to underwater blast exposures.
Contributo da Geografia para o Desenho Curricular do Ensino Profissional
Authors: Carvalho Ana
Published: May 2024

Como referem as orientações curriculares para a disciplina de Geografia, a educação geográfica ao proporcionar aos alunos oportunidades de desenvolverem competências nesta área, quer do ponto de vista das dimensões conceptuais e instrumentais do conhecimento, quer do ponto de vista prático, desempenham um papel formativo essencial no desenvolvimento e formação para a cidadania. Assim, partindo de uma análise teorizada do enquadramento curricular da disciplina e temas abordados por outras disciplinas e dimensões do saber, pretende-se que esta dissertação, se diferencie por aliar na esfera metodológica, toda a experiência adquirida do conhecimento empírico de anos de ensino profissional. Propôs-se dar destaque à visão multiescalar da Geografia, bem premente nos documentos curriculares como as Aprendizagens Essenciais e PASEO ou na Carta Internacional da Educação Geográfica, analisando a transversalidade dos temas no Ensino Profissional junto de docentes de Geografia, que lecionam em Cursos Profissionais. Procurou-se aprofundar também estratégias pedagógicas tendo em conta a especificidade do público alvo, muitas vezes pouco motivado para o pensamento espacial, para a perceção dos fenómenos geográficos e dos seus processos explicativos.
Obra Completa Pombalina. Volume 1: Escritos de Inglaterra (1738-1739). Tomo I: Escritos de Inglaterra (1738-1743)
Authors: Faria Ana Leal
Published: May 2024

É bem conhecida a importância histórica do Marquês de Pombal e da sua ação política e diplomática, que o tornaram num dos políticos portugueses mais marcantes e de maior projeção internacional. Sebastião José de Carvalho e Melo, diplomata da corte portuguesa junto da corte inglesa e da corte austríaca, e depois “Primeiro-Ministro” de D. José I, legou à posteridade uma vasta obra por ele escrita ou inspirada diretamente. Poucos projetos terão maior capacidade para renovar o conhecimento do passado de um povo como os que se propõem levantar e editar os escritos e obras dos seus mais relevantes protagonistas. Além de alto serviço cultural, trazendo ao domínio público uma herança soterrada nos arquivos, permitem erguer o conhecimento histórico sobre uma base de solidez ineludível, potenciando interpretações sempre mais criteriosas. É este o intento do projeto desta edição: trazer a público o Corpus Pombalino, por ele entendendo a obra escrita, elaborada ou monitorizada pelo Marquês de Pombal, figura central do século das Luzes, a exemplo de trabalhos similares realizados no âmbito da história da idade moderna para figuras como Frederico II da Prússia ou o Cardeal Richelieu. Urgia, pois, conduzir um projeto desta natureza para o caso do Marquês de Pombal, criando condições para clarear a nublosa interpretativa que ainda paira sobre esta personalidade tão relevante da nossa história, pois desperta amiúde reações extremadas e distanciadas da serenidade das tarefas críticas.
Publicam-se, neste primeiro volume do tomo I da Obra completa pombalina, dedicado à atividade diplomática de Sebastião José de Carvalho e Melo, os ofícios e cartas a outros diplomatas, escritas desde a sua chegada a Inglaterra, em outubro de 1738, até aos finais do ano seguinte.
A análise histórica do nazifascismo pelo marxismo clássico
Authors: Nogueira Kleiton Wagner Alves da Silva
Published: May 2024

O ascenso contemporâneo de governos de extrema-direita: Bolsonaro no Brasil; Trump nos EUA; Erdoğan na Turquia; e as manifestações extremistas na Itália com Meloni; e na França com Le Pen, inquiriu caracterizações como: fascismo do século XXI; neofascismo; fascismo tropical etc. Diante desse contexto, objetivamos no presente artigo, realizar um itinerário reflexivo sobre a produção teórica do marxismo clássico sobre o fascismo do entreguerras. Metodologicamente, nos baseamos na produção autores como: Leon Trotsky; Clara Zetkin; e Antonio Gramsci. A partir da leitura e seleção dos principais argumentos desses intelectuais, entendemos que o fascismo do entreguerras implicou não apenas numa ação burguesa direcionada à eliminação violenta dos organismos políticos socialistas e comunistas, mas num fenômeno classista, que teve na pequena burguesia a consolidação de um fenômeno de massas com vistas a manutenção da ordem capitalista.
EVALUATION OF DIMENSIONAL ACCURACY AND DENSITY OF DENTAL STRUCTURES MANUFACTURED BY DIFFERENT TECHNOLOGIES
Authors: Rajtukova Viktoria , Ondrejová Bibiana , Sinčák Konečná Andrea , Hlubeňová Jana , Hudák Radovan
Published: May 2024

This study focuses on the fabrication and analysis of a total of 90 dental structures (metal parts of dental prostheses – coping, bridges) of 3 types made of cobalt-chromium alloy through different fabrication technologies which include casting, additive manufacturing by selective laser melting (SLM) and subtraction technology by CNC milling. The manufacturing accuracy analysis was carried out by comparing the nominal model and the actual model obtained by 3D scanning of the fabricated dental structures in GOM Inspect software. Density measurements were performed by helium-based gas pycnometry. The data obtained were statistically analysed and a statistically significant difference was confirmed between the subtraction and additive technology. Based on the available manufacturing technologies, materials and equipment used to fabricate the samples for this study, it can be concluded that dentures fabricated by 3D printing are more accurate than dental structures fabricated by milling or casting technology.
Natural dentifrices: how can prolonged toothbrushing influence enamel color and surface roughness?
Authors: Campolina Murilo Guimarães , Dietrich Lia , Galvão Alexia da Mata , Carlo Hugo Lemes , Oliveira Maria Antonieta Veloso Carvalho de , Silva Gisele Rodrigues da
Published: May 2024

This study evaluated the color change (ΔE00) and surface roughness (Ra) of enamel submitted to prolonged toothbrushing with natural non-fluoride dentifrices. Five groups of bovine teeth (n=10) were brushed with a control dentifrice: (C) Colgate Total 12 – Colgate; and four natural dentifrices: (R) Restore – Jeunesse; (OG) OnGuard – doTerra; (OC) OzonCare – Philozon; and (N) Natural activated charcoal – Suavetex. Mechanical toothbrushing simulated one month (T1), six months (T2), one year (T3), and two years (T4) of product use. ΔE00 and Ra were measured before and after toothbrushing. Two-way repeated measures ANOVA and Tukey's test were performed. Dentifrice (p<0.001), toothbrushing time (p=0.004), and their interaction (p=0.031) influenced color change (ΔE00). Natural dentifrices promoted similar color change and Ra to the traditional product. After six months of simulated toothbrushing, OG promoted more color changes than N and R. Only OG and R reached ΔE00 above the acceptability threshold. OC and N dentifrices generated Ra above the limit of clinical roughness from T2. Toothbrushing with natural toothpaste for up to two years causes similar enamel color changes and roughness to the traditional product.
Função de produção para uma empresa do setor aéreo brasileiro
Authors: Silva Beatriz da Rocha , Cirino Jader Fernandes , Cassuce Francisco Carlos da Cunha
Published: May 2024

Dentre as companhias aéreas do mercado nacional, a Gol tem participação destacada.  Desse modo, estimar a função de produção da companhia é importante para verificar a eficiência técnica da mesma, a fim de melhorar o seu desempenho em termos de produção. Sendo assim, o estudo tem como problema de pesquisa a análise da função de produção para a Gol, considerando os dados trimestrais da empresa entre os anos de 2003 e 2022 e a variável Passageiro por Quilômetro Pago Transportado (RPK) em milhões de reais como produto. O modelo, estimado pelo Método de Correção de Erros (MCE) com erros-padrão robustos, definiu as elasticidades parciais de produção para as variáveis de capital (Horas de Voo Totais Diárias) e de trabalho (Funcionários Efetivos no final do período), no curto e no longo prazo. Essas elasticidades mostraram que a produção é mais sensível a uma variação no insumo de capital, ou seja, é intensiva em capital. Ademais, como as elasticidades obtidas para o fator trabalho foram negativas, o mesmo apresentou produto marginal negativo, sendo necessárias medidas para aumentar a produtividade do mesmo de forma a alterar tais valores. No que tange aos retornos à escala, verificou-se para a empresa estudada, retornos decrescentes à escala no curto prazo, mas crescentes no longo prazo.
Nurses’ Knowledge on the Prevention of Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (VAP) among Critically Ill Patients
Authors: Alreshidi Maha Sanat , AlRashidi Fareda Ali , Tuppal Cyruz P. , Al Rashidi Nojoud , Prudencio Denise Angelo M. , Villagracia Rico William A. , Villagracia Hazel N.
Published: May 2024

Background: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a significant concern in healthcare settings, particularly among critically ill patients who require mechanical ventilation. Nurses play a vital role in preventing VAP through their knowledge and implementation of evidence-based practices. However, there exists a notable gap in the research regarding nurses’ knowledge of preventing VAP to improve patient outcomes and reduce healthcare costs.Purpose: This study aimed to assess nurses’ knowledge of preventing VAP among critically ill patients using the ventilator bundle checklist.Methods: This study used a one-group pretest-posttest design to test the change in the nurses’ knowledge scores on VAP working in two government hospitals in Buraidah, Al Qassim Region, Saudi Arabia. The study covered 250 purposively and conveniently sampled nurses from intensive care units. Data collection was performed in three phases: pre-test, VAP educational program, and post-test. Data were collected using self-administered questionnaires on nurses’ socio-demographics, a 20-item self-made survey about the knowledge of VAP and its prevention and the adapted ventilator bundle checklist. The collected data were entered, prepared, and analyzed using SPSS version 25.0. Relevant ethical issues were strictly considered.Results: The results showed that during the pre-test, correct responses were accounted for but showed low scores in the following areas: general knowledge of VAP (27.6%), factors associated with VAP (36%), international guidelines for prevention (20.8%), and nurses’ roles in prevention (16.4%). However, in the post-test, there was a remarkable increase in the knowledge scores in the same categories (95.2%) on general knowledge, on factors associated with VAP (74.8%), on international guidelines (73.6%) and on nurses’ roles in prevention (61.6%). The program significantly improved overall VAP knowledge and knowledge in specific areas like general VAP, associated factors, international guidelines, and nurses’ roles in prevention (p<0.000).Conclusion: A pre-test revealed low baseline knowledge across all four areas assessed: general VAP knowledge, factors associated with VAP, international VAP prevention guidelines, and nurses’ roles in VAP prevention. However, post-test scores markedly increased in all areas, indicating the educational program’s effectiveness. Hence, the findings suggest that educational intervention focused on VAP screening and bundle protocols could be beneficial to address the gap in knowledge on VAP.
Enhanced patient-based real-time quality control using the graph-based anomaly detection
Authors: Shang Xueling , Zhang Minglong , Sun Dehui , Liang Yufang , Badrick Tony , Hu Yanwei , Wang Qingtao , Zhou Rui
Published: May 2024

Objectives

Patient-based real-time quality control (PBRTQC) is an alternative tool for laboratories that has gained increasing attention. Despite the progress made by using various algorithms, the problems of data volume imbalance between in-control and out-of-control results, as well as the issue of variation remain challenges. We propose a novel integrated framework using anomaly detection and graph neural network, combining clinical variables and statistical algorithms, to improve the error detection performance of patient-based quality control.

Methods

The testing results of three representative analytes (sodium, potassium, and calcium) and eight independent variables of patients (test date, time, gender, age, department, patient type, and reference interval limits) were collected. Graph-based anomaly detection network was modeled and used to generate control limits. Proportional and random errors were simulated for performance evaluation. Five mainstream PBRTQC statistical algorithms were chosen for comparison.

Results

The framework of a patient-based graph anomaly detection network for real-time quality control (PGADQC) was established and proven feasible for error detection. Compared with classic PBRTQC, the PGADQC showed a more balanced performance for both positive and negative biases. For different analytes, the average number of patient samples until error detection (ANPed) of PGADQC decreased variably, and reductions could reach up to approximately 95 % at a small bias of 0.02 taking calcium as an example.

Conclusions

The PGADQC is an effective framework for patient-based quality control, integrating statistical and artificial intelligence algorithms. It improves error detection in a data-driven fashion and provides a new approach for PBRTQC from the data science perspective.
What makes audiences resilient to disinformation? Integrating micro, meso, and macro factors based on a systematic literature review
Authors: Kont Jülide , Elving Wim , Broersma Marcel , Bozdağ Çiğdem
Published: May 2024

Despite increased attention since 2015, there is little consensus on why audiences believe or share disinformation. In our study, we propose a shift in analytical perspective by applying the concept of resilience. Through a systematic literature review (n = 95), we identify factors that have been linked to individuals’ resilience and vulnerability to disinformation thus far. Our analysis reveals twelve factors: thinking styles, political ideology, worldview and beliefs, pathologies, knowledge, emotions, (social) media use, demographics, perceived control, trust, culture, and environment. By applying the results to the socio-ecological model (SEM), we provide a comprehensive view on what constitutes resilience to disinformation, delineate between different levels of influence, and identify relevant gaps in research. Our conceptualization contributes to an under-theorized field, in which the term resilience is much used yet rarely sufficiently defined.
The Astrological Schemes Behind bīt niṣirtu and KI in the Babylonian Horoscopes
Authors: Pilloni Alessia
Published: May 2024

The Babylonian horoscopes, edited by Rochberg in 1998, contain sets of astronomical and astrological data on dates of, or close to, individuals’ births. Each element of these short and concise texts reflects the astral divinatory practices and astronomical observation developed over the first millennium BC, as well as the latest innovations, including the zodiac as coordinate system and the occurrence of new astrological schemes partly based on it, which had previously remained obscure. In this paper, I present a new interpretation of the astrological terminology and the schemes that underly some of the data in the Babylonian horoscopes.
Song of Spring: The Manifestation of Love and the Metaphor of Illness
Authors: Wang Haizhou , Zhang Lin
Published: May 2024

The film Song of Spring creatively portray a pair of mother and daughter who are distinct but twinned and complementary, with a focus on traditional Chinese family ethics. The intertextuality between the two characters not only enriches their images but also enhances the ambiguity of the film. Additionally, the film utilizes the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease as a metaphor and employs the love between the mother and daughter as a “medicine” to bridge the gap between them. Through this depiction of the disease, the film also provides a glimpse into the collective memory of the Chinese nation.
High birefringence low loss nearly zero flat dispersion similar to slotted core photonic crystal fibers
Authors: Jia Chunrong , Zhang Qingyu , Chen Zhipeng , Tang Yukun , Di Zhigang
Published: May 2024

Studying high-performance photonic crystal fibers (PCF) is of significant scientific importance for terahertz (THz) waveguide systems. This study introduces a novel PCF design with a core composed of the smallest sub-wavelength units resembling a slotted structure, aiming to achieve high birefringence and low loss. The optical properties of the proposed PCF are analyzed through simulations, yielding impressive results. The PCF exhibits an ultra-high birefringence of 0.07848, a minimum limiting loss of 10−17 dB/cm, and an effective material loss as low as 0.04251 cm−1. Moreover, it demonstrates near-zero flat dispersion of −0.012 ± 0.074 ps/THz/cm over a broad frequency range of 1.2–2.2 THz. This fiber stands out by not only providing high birefringence but also by striking an optimal balance among birefringence, transmission loss, and dispersion for THz waveguides. The implications of this work are profound for the development of THz communication systems, THz polarization-maintaining transmission, and sensing applications. Furthermore, it established an important benchmark for the design of THz-PCFs that prioritize high birefringence, low loss, and near-zero flat dispersion, offering an essential reference for future research and development in this field.
Geodetic innovation in Chilean mining: The evolution from static to kinematic reference frame in seismic zones
Authors: Tarrío José Antonio , Cáceres Catalina , Vásquez Valeria , Marten Miguel , Inzunza Jesarella , Isla Fernando , Caverlotti Marcelo , Jeldres Gabriel , Urrutia Rodrigo , Mardones Cristian , Fernandes Rui
Published: May 2024

The use of regional kinematic reference frames (mRFs) in seismic zones is uncommon worldwide. This article proposes a solution implemented for Chilean mining, whose current projects are based on the classic reference frames (PSAD56 and SAD69). The approach is to move from a classic reference frame to an mRF in seismic countries where earthquakes constantly alter the frame. Our research group calculated an mRF (REDGEOMIN) that includes interseismic, coseismic, and postseismic deformation using CORS with open data from 2009 to 2022 and processed with scientific standards global navigation satellite system. REDGEOMIN consists of a deformation model (ADELA) with an interpolation approach through thin plate spline, allowing the greatest deformation to be modelled at campaign points. The relationship between classical and modern systems was explored with conformal transformations and NTv2 grids to include deformations, especially coming from PSAD56 and SAD69. The results demonstrate that REDGEOMIN aligns with the IGb14 reference frame (<1.0 mm), SIRGAS (ENU = 1.0, 1, 0, 2.0 mm), and the Chilean national reference frame SIRGASChile@2021.00 (ENU = 1, 2, 1, 6, 4.3 mm) aligns with millimetric precision. ADELA deformation model accurately models period locations to within 5 mm. Densification of REDGEOMIN@2022.00 at passive points PSAD56/SAD69 shows centimetric precision. PSAD56/SAD69, adjusted in the 1970s, are outdated due to crustal movement and seismic events and have metric errors. Therefore, different types of transformations were evaluated between PSAD56/SAD69 and REDGEOMIN@2022, whose RMS is between 1.57 and 1.69 m, and national grid transformations (NTv2) with an RMS of 0.23 and 0.16 m for PSAD56 and SAD69, respectively. The relationship between the classic systems and REDGEOMIN allows the transformation of the entire Chilean mining cadastre to epoch 2022.00. Starting in 2022.00, REDGEOMIN/ADELA offers millimetre precision, which is crucial in seismic zones. Furthermore, it paves the way to implement an updated national-level mRF in case of seismic events. Currently, Chilean mining laws are rigid, geodesically speaking. Therefore, legal-technical suggestions for implementing REDGEOMIN are also included in this article.
Why do women choose home births
Authors: Grünebaum Amos , Chervenak Frank A.
Published: May 2024

In recent years, the US has seen a significant rise in the rate of planned home births, with a 60 % increase from 2016 to 2023, reaching a total of 46,918. This trend positions the US as the leading developed country in terms of home birth prevalence. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) suggests stringent criteria for selecting candidates for home births, but these guidelines have not been adopted by home birth midwives leading to poor outcomes including increased rates of neonatal morbidity and mortality. This paper explores the motivations behind choosing home births in the US despite the known risks. Studies highlight factors such as the desire for a more natural birth experience, previous negative hospital experiences, and the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on perceptions of hospital safety. We provide new insights into why women choose home births by incorporating insights from Nobel laureate Daniel Kahneman’s theories on decision-making, suggesting that cognitive biases may significantly influence these decisions. Kahneman’s work provides a framework for understanding how biases and heuristics can lead to the underestimation of risks and overemphasis on personal birth experiences. We also provide recommendations (“nudges according to Richard Thaler”) to help ensure women have access to clear, balanced information about home births. The development of this publication was assisted by OpenAI’s ChatGPT-4, which facilitated the synthesis of literature, interpretation of data, and manuscript drafting. This collaboration underscores the potential of integrating advanced computational tools in academic research, enhancing the efficiency and depth of our analyses.
Non-Hermitian polariton–photon coupling in a perovskite open microcavity
Authors: Kędziora Mateusz , Król Mateusz , Kapuściński Piotr , Sigurðsson Helgi , Mazur Rafał , Piecek Wiktor , Szczytko Jacek , Matuszewski Michał , Opala Andrzej , Piętka Barbara
Published: May 2024

Exploring the non-Hermitian properties of semiconductor materials for optical applications is at the forefront of photonic research. However, the selection of appropriate systems to implement such photonic devices remains a topic of debate. In this work, we demonstrate that a perovskite crystal, characterized by its easy and low-cost manufacturing, when placed between two distributed Bragg reflectors with an air gap, can form a natural double microcavity. This construction shows promising properties for the realisation of novel, tunable non-Hermitian photonic devices through strong light–matter coupling. We reveal that such a system exhibits double-coupled polariton modes with dispersion including multiple inflection points. Owing to its non-Hermiticity, our system exhibits nonreciprocal properties and allows for the observation of exceptional points. Our experimental studies are in agreement with the theoretical analysis based on coupled mode theory and calculations based on transfer matrix method.
A facile and efficient one-pot 3-component reaction (3-CR) method for the synthesis of thiazine-based heterocyclic compounds using zwitterion adduct intermediates
Authors: Mohlala Reagan L. , Coyanis E. Mabel
Published: May 2024

Multicomponent reactions (MCRs) are considered a green strategy by generating diversity of scaffolds from less synthetic effort and safe conditions. This work present the synthesis of dimethyl 8-(tert-butylamino)-4-oxo-4,6-dihydropyrimido[2,1-b][1,3]thiazine-6,7-dicarboxylate in low to moderate yields 33–74 % from the prepared 2-amino-4H-1,3-thiazin-4-one derivatives containing both an acidic proton and a suitable nucleophile with alkyl isocyanides and DMAD/DEtAD. The work portrays facile method under green chemical production processes using green solvents such as acetone, ethanol, isopropanol, and 2-methyl-tetrahydrofuran. This chapter shows the flexibility of zwitterion adduct from the reaction of alkyl isocyanide and DMAD. The zwitterion adduct is trapped by 2-amino-4H-1,3-thiazin-4-one derivatives and forms fused [6-6] heterocyclic compounds. The preparation of starting material thiazine was carried out at different condition from 0 °C temperatures to reflux, while the synthesis of novel dimethyl 8-(tert-butylamino)-4-oxo-4,6-dihydropyrimido[2,1-b][1,3]thiazine-6,7-dicarboxylates was done at room temperature without the use of catalyst.
Performance analysis of a gas turbine engine with intercooling and regeneration process - Part 1
Authors: Quadros Jaimon D. , Thalambeti Prashanth , Ndiaye Mamadou , Mogul Yakub I.
Published: May 2024

Auxiliary systems, such as regeneration and intercooling, have been integrated with the primary gas generator to improve power production and fuel economy in modern gas turbine power plants. Implementing these techniques in turbine engines is challenging due to size, weight, and complex flow patterns. A solution is to use a turboprop engine with a smaller mass flow rate and simpler gas paths. The current study involves the numerical analysis of performance parameters namely, specific power (SP), thermal efficiency (η), and enthalpy based specific fuel consumption (EBSFC) of a turboprop engine using thermodynamic parameters namely, pressure ratio (PR), nozzle pressure ratio (NPR), turbine inlet temperature (TIT), regeneration efficiency (R), and intercooling efficiency (E). The results prove that the introduction of regeneration and intercooling showed significant improvement in the power developed, and reduced fuel consumption.