bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Virtual reality images created in back and front of a display
Authors: Ogata Yoichi , Kolchiba Mykyta
Published: January 2023

To better investigate the biological mechanism of microorganisms, we developed a novel virtual reality (VR) microscope which incorporates a head-mounted display (HMD) that creates VR images with a digital microscope. This type of VR microscope can be used with any type of optical microscope. The fabricated microscope is quite different from a common bi-focal device, and can create VR images on the back and front of the display. If the VR images are displayed with object (OBJ) images, they are observable in [2 x 2] (back and front VR images and OBJ images; 2x2=4 images). This feature can provide important information on microscopic OBJs, which can be employed in 3D biological analysis. Furthermore, if a laser light source is added to this microscope, the images can be observed in [3 x 2] (back and front laser VR images, VR images, and OBJ images; 3x2=6 images). The lasers would also enable optical trapping and tracking, leading to improved biological analysis.
Demonstrating the first 24-hour continuous vertical monitoring of the atmospheric optical turbulence
Authors: Griffiths Ryan , Osborn James , Farley Oliver , Butterley Timothy , Townson Matthew , Wilson Richard
Published: January 2023

We report what is believed to be the first example of fully continuous, 24-hour vertical monitoring of atmospheric optical turbulence. This is achieved using a novel instrument, the 24-hour Shack-Hartmann Image Motion Monitor (24hSHIMM). Optical turbulence is a fundamental limitation for applications such as free-space optical communications, where it limits
the achievable bandwidth, and ground-based optical astronomy, restricting the observational precision. Knowledge of the turbulence enables us to select the best sites, design optical instrumentation and optimise the operation of ground-based optical systems.
To illustrate our advance we show a 35-hour continuous measurement of the vertical optical turbulence coherence length, time and angle, the Rytov variance and a four-layer vertical profile. Due to its portability and ability to work in stronger turbulence, the 24hSHIMM can also operate in urban locations. We show that this single instrument can replace the large number of turbulence measurement solutions, providing the field with a single optical turbulence monitor, for all but the most demanding of applications.
“I know why I am taking this pill”: Young women navigation of disclosure and support for PrEP uptake and adherence in Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
Authors: Daniels Joseph , De Vos Lindsey , Bezuidenhout Dana , Atujuna Millicent , Celum Connie , Hosek Sybil , Bekker Linda-Gail , Medina-Marino Andrew
Published: January 2023

There is limited understanding of the dynamic interplay between adolescent girl’s and young women’s (AGYW) disclosure and social support for using oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and adherence. Towards this, we conducted interviews with 42 AGYW enrolled in The Community PrEP Study who exhibited either high or low blood concentrations of tenofovir-diphosphate (TFV-DP) in dried blood spots. Guided by Theories of Practice, interviews and analysis focused on AGYW perspectives and experiences with PrEP disclosure, support and adherence. AGYW with high TFV-DP blood concentrations described larger social support networks and disclosure events. In contrast, those with low TFV-DP blood concentrations described disclosing to fewer people, resulting in limited social support. Participants discussed partner support, however, this support was not described as consequential to adherence, irrespective of TFV-DP levels. Those with high levels of TFV-DP in their blood described the ability to navigate social scrutiny and changes in social support, while those with low levels of TFV-DP in their blood were more likely to question their own continued use of PrEP. To facilitate AGYW’s prevention-effective use of PrEP, expanded skill-building for disclosure and resiliency against changes to social support should be examined as part of PrEP services.
Effects of sensorimotor voice training on event-related potentials to pitch-shifted auditory feedback
Authors: Patel Sona , Hebert Karen , Korzyukov Oleg , Larson Charles R.
Published: January 2023

The pitch perturbation technique is a validated technique that has been used for over 30 years to understand how people control their voice. This technique involves altering a person’s voice pitch in real-time while they produce a vowel (commonly, a prolonged /a/ sound). Although post-task changes in the voice have been observed in several studies (e.g., a change in mean fo across the duration of the experiment), the potential for using the pitch perturbation technique as a training tool for voice pitch regulation and/or modification has not been explored. The present study examined changes in event related potentials (ERPs) and voice pitch in three groups of subjects due to altered voice auditory feedback following a brief, four-day training period. Participants in the opposing group were trained to change their voice fo in the opposite direction of a pitch perturbation stimulus. Participants in the following group were trained to change their voice fo in the same direction as the pitch perturbation stimulus. Participants in the non-varying group did not voluntarily change their pitch, but instead were asked to hold their voice constant when they heard pitch perturbations. Results showed that all three types of training affected the ERPs and the voice pitch-shift response from pre-training to post-training (i.e., “hold your voice pitch steady” task; an indicator of voice pitch regulation). Across all training tasks, the N1 and P2 components of the ERPs occurred earlier, and the P2 component of the ERPs occurred with larger amplitude post-training. The voice responses also occurred earlier but with a smaller amplitude following training. These results demonstrate that participation in pitch-shifted auditory feedback tasks even for brief periods of time can modulate the automatic tendency to compensate for alterations in voice pitch feedback and has therapeutic potential.
Association between obesity indicators and cardiometabolic disease in Chinese adults
Authors: Wu Jiang , Zou Li , Liu Yin , Yu Hanbing , Yin Hua , Zhong Lisheng , Liu Yifang , Fu Wenning , Zhang Shengchao
Published: January 2023

Background

Obesity is an established risk factor for cardiometabolic disease. Different measurements of obesity with cardiometabolic disease have been compared in recent studies in Western countries. However, obesity-related criteria for the Chinese population differ from the standard World Health Organization guidelines, and similar research in Chinese adults is limited.

Measures

Data were obtained from a comprehensive intervention project involving a community population with cardiovascular and cerebrovascular risk factors in Shenzhen in 2015. A total of 4,000 participants (1,605 men and 2,395 women) with a mean age of 56.01±9.78 years were included in this study. Categorical data are reported as percentages, and continuous data are reported as mean ± standard deviation. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the associations of body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and neck circumference (NC) with hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia among Chinese adults.

Results

The participants had a mean BMI of 24.25±3.33 kg/m2, mean NC of 33.59±4.16 cm, and mean WC of 82.44±9.84 cm (men: 85.46±9.10 cm, women: 80.40±9.81 cm). Blood pressure, plasma glucose, and lipid levels in the BMI, WC, and NC groups were statistically significant (p < 0.05). BMI, WC, and NC were positively correlated with systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose, total cholesterol, and triglyceride and negatively correlated with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p < 0.05), while the risk of hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia increased with an increase in BMI, WC, and NC (p < 0.05). One SD of BMI, WC, and NC resulted in an increase of 41%, 22%, and 31% risk of hypertension; 45%, 34%, and 47% risk of diabetes; and 37%, 32%, and 23% risk of dyslipidemia, respectively.

Conclusions

Compared to BMI and NC, WC was more strongly associated with cardiometabolic diseases in Chinese adults.
The intelligent modelling and optimization of an economic and ecosystem-friendly model for grid connected prosumer community
Authors: Mussadiq Usman , Ahmed Saeed , Sajid Muhammad , Elkamchouch Dalia H. , Hussain Lal , Gaddah Abdulbaset , Al-Wesabi Fahd N. , Hilal Anwer Mustafa
Published: January 2023

The establishment of grid-connected prosumer communities to bridge the demand-supply gap in developing nations, especially in rural areas will assist to minimize the use of carbon enriched fossil fuels and the resulting economic pressure. In the promoted study, an economic and ecosystem-friendly hybrid energy model is proposed for grid-connected prosumer community of 147 houses in district Kotli, AJK. The grid search algorithm-based HOMER software is used to simulate and analyze the load demand and biomass sources-based onsite collected data through a survey for an optimal proposed design. The research objectives are to minimize the net present cost (USD) of design, the per unit cost of energy (USD/kWh), and the carbon emissions (kgs/year). A sensitivity analysis based on photovoltaic module lifetime is also performed. The simulations show that the per unit cost of energy is reduced from 0.1 USD/kWh to 0.001 USD/kWh for the annual energy demand (kWh/year) of the community. The number of carbon emissions is also minimized from 122056 kgs/year to 1628 kgs/year through the proposed optimal energy model.
Biological effects related to exposure to polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) and decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209) on cats
Authors: Khidkhan Kraisiri , Mizukawa Hazuki , Ikenaka Yoshinori , Nakayama Shouta M. M. , Nomiyama Kei , Yokoyama Nozomu , Ichii Osamu , Takiguchi Mitsuyoshi , Tanabe Shinsuke , Ishizuka Mayumi
Published: January 2023

As an animal familiar to humans, cats are considered to be sensitive to chemicals; cats may be exposed to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209) from indoor dust, household products, and common pet food, leading to adverse endocrine effects, such as thyroid hormone dysfunction. To elucidate the general biological effects resulting from exposure of cats to PCBs and PBDEs, cats were treated with a single i.p. dose of a principal mixture of 12 PCBs and observed for a short-term period. Results revealed that the testis weight, serum albumin, and total protein of the treated group decrease statistically in comparison with those in the control group. The negative correlations suggested that the decrease in the total protein and albumin levels may be disturbed by 4’OH-CB18, 3’OH-CB28 and 3OH-CB101. Meanwhile, the serum albumin level and relative brain weight decreased significantly for cats subjected to 1-year continuous oral administration of BDE-209 in comparison to those of control cats. In addition, the subcutaneous fat as well as serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and triglycerides (TG) levels increased in cats treated with BDE-209 and down-regulation of stearoyl-CoA desaturase mRNA expression in the liver occurred. These results suggested that chronic BDE-209 treatment may restrain lipolysis in the liver, which is associated with lipogenesis in the subcutaneous fat. Evidence of liver and kidney cell damage was not observed as there was no significant difference in the liver enzymes, blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels between the two groups of both experiments. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that provides information on the biochemical effects of organohalogen compounds in cats. Further investigations on risk assessment and other potential health effects of PCBs and PBDEs on the reproductive system, brain, and lipid metabolism in cats are required.
Multizonal observational study conducted by clinical practitioners on evolocumab use in subjects with hyperlipidemia in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait: Results from the ZERBINI study
Authors: Al Faraidy Khalid , Akbar Mousa , Shehri Mohamed , Aljarallah Mohammad , Abdin Hussein Gamal , Dashti Raja , Al Qudaimi Ahmad , Al Nouri Fahad , Awan Zuhier , Essam Ahmed , Emara Alaa
Published: January 2023

Objectives

Dyslipidemia is a prevalent condition with significant morbidity and mortality across the world, including in the Arabian Gulf. The present study aimed to describe the characteristics of patients receiving evolocumab in clinical practice.

Methods

ZERBINI was a multi-country, observational, retrospective/prospective study of subjects receiving evolocumab as part of routine clinical management of their hyperlipidemia. This regional publication reports on adult participants from Saudi Arabia and Kuwait who have had ≥1 dose of evolocumab before enrollment and ≤6 months’ prior exposure to evolocumab. Patient characteristics and treatment persistence data were collected in addition to baseline and follow-up data up to 12 months post-evolocumab initiation.

Results

Overall, 225 patients were included from two sites, Saudi Arabia (N = 155) and Kuwait (N = 70). Mean age was comparable across sites and most patients had baseline coronary artery disease and/or hypertension. Baseline LDL-C levels (mean ± SD 3.6 ± 1.4 mmol/L in Saudi Arabia, 3.1 ± 1.4 mmol/L in Kuwait) were reduced by approximately 57%–62% in the first 6 months after evolocumab initiation (1.5 ± 1.2 mmol/L in Saudi Arabia [n = 63], 1.2 ± 0.8 mmol/L in Kuwait [n = 28]). This decrease was maintained over the 12-month follow-up period. Most patients achieved ACC 2018 LDL-C goals (<1.8 mmol/L; 74.6% in Saudi Arabia, 93.1% in Kuwait) and ESC 2019 LDL-C goals (<1.4 mmol/L; 66.7% in Saudi Arabia, 75.9% in Kuwait) in the first 6 months after evolocumab initiation. Medication persistence with evolocumab was high (up to 90.7%). Evolocumab had a favorable safety profile and no treatment-emergent adverse events were observed at either site.

Conclusion

Evolocumab is an effective lipid-lowering treatment in local populations. LDL-C goal achievement is increased when evolocumab is added to background lipid-lowering therapy with high tolerability and persistence. Long-term follow-up and large-scale data are needed to further support these observations.
Pathogen reduction of monkeypox virus in plasma and whole blood using riboflavin and UV light
Authors: Ragan Izabela K. , Hartson Lindsay M. , Sullivan Elizabeth J. , Bowen Richard A. , Goodrich Raymond P.
Published: January 2023

Background

Monkeypox virus has recently emerged from endemic foci in Africa and, since October 20, 2022, more than 73,000 human infections have been reported by the CDC from over 100 countries that historically have not reported monkeypox cases. The detection of virus in skin lesions, blood, semen, and saliva of infected patients with monkeypox infections raises the potential for disease transmission via routes that have not been previously documented, including by blood and plasma transfusions. Methods for protecting the blood supply against the threats of newly emerging disease agents exist and include Pathogen Reduction Technologies (PRT) which utilize photochemical treatment processes to inactivate pathogens in blood while preserving the integrity of plasma and cellular components. Such methods have been employed broadly for over 15 years, but effectiveness of these methods under routine use conditions against monkeypox virus has not been reported.

Study design and methods

Monkeypox virus (strain USA_2003) was used to inoculate plasma and whole blood units that were then treated with riboflavin and UV light (Mirasol Pathogen Reduction Technology System, Terumo BCT, Lakewood, CO). The infectious titers of monkeypox virus in the samples before and after riboflavin + UV treatment were determined by plaque assay on Vero cells.

Results

The levels of spiked virus present in whole blood and plasma samples exceeded 103 infectious particles per dose, corresponding to greater than 105 DNA copies per mL. Treatment of whole blood and plasma units under standard operating procedures for the Mirasol PRT System resulted in complete inactivation of infectivity to the limits of detection. This is equivalent to a reduction of ≥ 2.86 +/- 0.73 log10 pfu/mL of infectivity in whole blood and ≥ 3.47 +/-0.19 log10 pfu/mL of infectivity in plasma under standard operating conditions for those products.

Conclusion

Based on this data and corresponding studies on infectivity in patients with monkeypox infections, use of Mirasol PRT would be expected to significantly reduce the risk of transfusion transmission of monkeypox.
The continuum of attention dysfunction: Evidence from dynamic functional network connectivity analysis in neurotypical adolescents
Authors: Rafi Halima , Delavari Farnaz , Perroud Nader , Derome Mélodie , Debbané Martin
Published: January 2023

The question of whether attention-related disorders such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are best understood as clinical categories or as extreme ends of a spectrum is an ongoing debate. Assessing individuals with varying degrees of attention problems and utilizing novel methodologies to assess relationships between attention and brain activity may provide key information to support the spectrum hypothesis. We scanned 91 neurotypical adolescents during rest using functional magnetic resonance imaging. We conducted static and dynamic functional network connectivity (FNC) analysis and correlated findings to behavioral metrics of ADHD, attention problems, and impulsivity. We found that dynamic FNC analysis detects significant differences in large-scale neural connectivity as a function of individual differences in attention and impulsivity that are obscured in static analysis. We show ADHD manifestations and attention problems are associated with diminished Salience Network-centered FNC and that ADHD manifestations and impulsivity are associated with prolonged periods of dynamically hyperconnected states. Importantly, our meta-state analysis results reveal a relationship between ADHD manifestations and exhibiting variable and volatile dynamic behavior such as changing meta-states more often and traveling over a greater dynamic range. These findings in non-clinical adolescents provide support for the continuum model of attention disorders.
Research on the characteristics and influencing factors of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei urban network structure from the perspective of listed manufacturing enterprises
Authors: Wang Wengang , Miao Chuning , Yu Haihang , Li Can
Published: January 2023

The production connection is a crucial component of the Inter City Association. An urban network based on the enterprise perspective better reflects the structural characteristics of regional cities. Based on data gathered from the headquarters and branches of the listed manufacturing enterprises in 2020, this paper analyzes the county-level administrative units in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region of China. Using the subordinate connection model and the social network analysis method, this paper examines the spatial structural characteristics and factors of urban networks in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region. The results suggest that resource allocation in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region is unbalanced, with a significant difference in urban radiation and agglomeration capacity. As the administrative centers, Beijing, Tianjin, and Shijiazhuang show a strong ability to allocate resources within the network. The overall network density in the region was shown to be relatively low, with the main links being of low or medium level. The urban network is defined by the network connection led by Beijing and Tianjin with Beijing-Tianjin-Tangshan and Beijing-Baoding-Shijiazhuang as the main axis. These cities exhibit a "dense southeast and sparse northwest" pattern. From a hierarchical perspective, high-level network connections are based mainly on spatial proximity. Analyzing the agglomerative subgroups, the study found that the inner and outer connections of the core subgroups were relatively high. Semi-marginal subgroups generally accepted the radiation of core subgroups, while marginal subgroups had little connection with other subgroups in the region. The results of the QAP analysis show that the administrative relationship, spatial distance, city size difference, economic development level difference, industrial structure difference, and labor cost difference have a significant influence on the urban network of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region.
Macroalgal cover on coral reefs: Spatial and environmental predictors, and decadal trends in the Great Barrier Reef
Authors: Fabricius Katharina E. , Crossman Kerryn , Jonker Michelle , Mongin Mathieu , Thompson Angus
Published: January 2023

Macroalgae are an important component of coral reef ecosystems. We identified spatial patterns, environmental drivers and long-term trends of total cover of upright fleshy and calcareous coral reef inhabiting macroalgae in the Great Barrier Reef. The spatial study comprised of one-off surveys of 1257 sites (latitude 11–24°S, coastal to offshore, 0–18 m depth), while the temporal trends analysis was based on 26 years of long-term monitoring data from 93 reefs. Environmental predictors were obtained fromin situdata and from the coupled hydrodynamic-biochemical model eReefs. Macroalgae dominated the benthos (≥50% cover) on at least one site of 40.4% of surveyed inshore reefs. Spatially, macroalgal cover increased steeply towards the coast, with latitude away from the equator, and towards shallow (≤3 m) depth. Environmental conditions associated with macroalgal dominance were: high tidal range, wave exposure and irradiance, and low aragonite saturation state, Secchi depth, total alkalinity and temperature. Evidence of space competition between macroalgal cover and hard coral cover was restricted to shallow inshore sites. Temporally, macroalgal cover on inshore and mid-shelf reefs showed some fluctuations, but unlike hard corals they showed no systematic trends. Our extensive empirical data may serve to parameterize ecosystem models, and to refine reef condition indices based on macroalgal data for Pacific coral reefs.
Oxidative stability of sunflower and soybean oils enriched with black plum peel extract in comparison with synthetic antioxidants
Authors: Kariminejad Mohaddeseh , Naimabadi Abolfazl , Morshedi Afsaneh , Mohammadi-Moghaddam Toktam , Shokuhi Abolfazl , Bordbar Mahsa
Published: January 2023

Black plum peel is the by-product of plum processing and is a valuable source of antioxidants and phenolic compounds. In this research, total phenolic compounds, total flavonoid content and antioxidant activity of black plum peel were measured. After that, black plum peel extract (in concentrations 0, 400, 800, 1200 and 2000 ppm) as a natural antioxidant for improving the stability of soybean and sunflower oil was used. The oxidative stability parameters of oils (peroxide value, free fatty acids, thiobarbituric acid, conjugated dienes, and carbonyl value) were measured at 60 °C for 4–16 days. Antioxidant activity, total phenolic compounds and total flavonoid content of black plum peel were 86.87% and 100.53 mg GA /g and 871.062 mg Quercetin/g respectively. Black plum peel extract could have a significant positive effect (P<0.05) on improvement of the quality and stability parameters of soybean oil and sunflower oil. The oxidative stability parameters for commercial oils and samples containing black plum peel extract were near each other and in an acceptable range. So, black plum peel is recommended as an oxidative stabilizer of oils and alternative synthetic antioxidants.
How did the beginnings of the global COVID-19 pandemic affect mental well-being?
Authors: Levacher Julie , Spinath Frank M. , Becker Nicolas , Hahn Elisabeth
Published: January 2023

The present study aims to investigate longitudinal changes in mental well-being as well as the role of individual differences in personality traits (Big Five) and the level of Personality Organisation during the first lockdown of the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany. Overall, 272 adults (Mage= 36.94, SDage= 16.46; 68.62% female, 23.45% male, 0.69% non-binary) took part in our study with four weekly surveys during the lockdown as well as a follow-up one month after restrictions were lifted. To analyse the development of mental well-being during and shortly after the first lockdown in Germany latent growth curve models (LGCM) were calculated. The considered facets of well-being differ by their trajectory. Additionally, results suggest that the lockdown did not affect all facets to the same extent. While Life Satisfaction decreases in the short term as a reaction to the lockdown, Stress and Psychological Strain were reduced after the second week of contact restrictions. When adding personality characteristics, our results showed that Neuroticism and Conscientiousness were the two dimensions associated most strongly with SWB during the first month of the pandemic. Thus, our research suggests that personality traits should be considered when analysing mental well-being.
Psychometric properties of ohip-edent b&h for conventional complete denture wearers
Authors: Poštić Srđan D.
Published: January 2023

This study assessed psychometric properties of the Bosnian language version the Oral Health Impact Profile for Edentulous Patients (OHIP-EDENT), translated from the original English language version of and evaluated the Oral Health-related Quality of Life, in complete denture wearers before and after corrections of dentures. Specialist of dental prosthetic interviewed 117 edentulous patients before and after interventions. All patients had problems with their existing complete acrylic resin dentures. During the first visit, the patients were examined by prosthodontic specialists, who registered the status of the existing acrylic complete dentures and described interventions needed to improve denture quality. The patients were interviewed, and they completed the OHIP-EDENT questionnaire. Each patient was re-examined by a prosthodontic specialist one month after the new complete acrylic dentures had been delivered. This study’s basic instrument was the Bosnian language version (B&H) OHIP-EDENT questionnaire. The questionnaire’s internal consistency was first assessed by Cronbach alpha coefficient, which was 0.80, and after correcting of dentures 0.76. Significantly lower scores were found in domains of functional limitation (p = 0.019), psychological discomfort (p = 0.010), physical pain (p = 0.003), and handicap (p = 0.041) after old denture corrections, as well as significantly better quality of life (reduced OHIP-EDENT Summary scores; p = 0.027). The student’s t test of the OHIP EDENT B&H general and group indexes regarding the patients’ conditions after denture interventions showed significant reduction of the general index (p = 0.02) along with reductions of functional limitations (p = 0.019), pain (p = 0.003), physical disabilities (p = 0.15), psychological disability (p = 0.002), and handicap (p = 0.002). The OHIP-EDENT B&H exposed good psychometric properties.
Sex proportion as a covariate increases the statistical test power in growth performance based experiments using as-hatched broilers
Authors: England Ashley D. , Musigwa Sosthene , Kumar Alip , Daneshmand Ali , Gharib-Naseri Kosar , Kheravii Sarbast K. , Pesti Gene , Wu Shu-Biao
Published: January 2023

The availability of sexed day-old broiler chicks is becoming an issue as feather sexing is no longer possible. This has great implications for broiler researchers as the use of randomly distributed mixed-sex birds may result in a greater between-pen variation and thus less statistical power than the use of single-sex birds. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of including sex proportion as a covariate in an analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) on the statistical power compared to analysis of variance (ANOVA) where sex was not considered. The statistical parameters examined include mean square error (MSE), the F-statistic, model fit, model significance and observed power. A total of 4 separate experiments that used mixed-sex broilers with unequal numbers of male and female birds per pen were conducted during which performance of the birds was measured. The male % in each pen was recorded during each experiment and corrected for mortality. The performance results were analysed by ANOVA and the statistical parameters were then compared to ANCOVA where sex proportion was included as a covariate. The results showed that a set of assumptions first needed to be met to run ANCOVA. In addition, if the ANOVA results show a high level of model significance and power, then ANCOVA may not be necessary. In other circumstances where the assumptions are met and model significance and observed power are low, the inclusion of sex proportion as a covariate in the analysis will help to reduce MSE, increase the F-statistic value and improve the model significance, model fit and observed power. Therefore, it is suggested that sex proportion should be considered as a covariate in ANCOVA to improve statistical power in nutritional experiments when male and female broilers are unequally and randomly distributed in pens.
Do customers’ perceptions of Islamic banking services predict satisfaction and word of mouth? Evidence from Islamic banks in Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman Muhammad Khalilur , Hoque Muhammad Nazmul , Yusuf Sharifah Norzehan Syed , Yusoff Mohd Nor Hakimin Bin , Begum Farhana
Published: January 2023

This study aims to investigate the customers’ perceptions of Islamic banking services and their impact on satisfaction and word of mouth (WOM) with others. This study designs the bootstrapping procedures using a partial least square method to test path coefficient results. Structured questionnaires were distributed among clients of Islamic banks in Dhaka city, where 377 responses were collected for data analysis. The findings revealed that there is a highly significant relationship between security and customers’ perception. Ethical responsibility and religious value have a positive and significant impact on customers’ perception whereas benefit has a negative significant impact on customers’ perception. Findings from this study also indicated that customers’ perceptions mediate the effect of ethical responsibility, religious value, benefit, and security on satisfaction. In addition, customers’ satisfaction mediates the effect of customers’ perception and WOM. These findings can promote managers of Islamic banks to build customer satisfaction and WOM with Islamic banking services, and attain competitive advantage that may lead Islamic banks to succeed in the competitive business. This study also provides new insights into customers’ WOM with others about Islamic banking services. This knowledge could assist Islamic banks to understand the customers’ perceptions that would increase satisfaction and in turn, contribute to WOM with others in determining where would be best to target marketing attention of Islamic banking services with limited resources.
Inclusion in the university: Who assumes responsibility? A qualitative study
Authors: Solis-Grant María José , Bretti-López María José , Espinoza-Parçet Camila , Pérez-Villalobos Cristhian , Rodríguez-Núñez Iván , Pincheira-Martínez Cristian , Sepúlveda-Carrasco Cristóbal
Published: January 2023

Society challenges higher education institutions and their members to generate inclusive communities to enable the full development of all members. This study aims to analyze who is responsible for generating inclusion according to community members from a traditional Chilean University. We carried out qualitative research based on the Grounded Theory. We collected data through focus group and semi-structured Interviews, involving 14 undergraduate students, two post-graduate students, 17 faculty members, five non-teaching staff members, and nine executives officers. All of thembelonging to the three campuses of the University. We analyzed data using ATLAS.ti 7.5.7, using the constant comparison method and reaching an axial codification level. From the data analysis, 25 subcategories emerged, grouped into six categories. Later we organized them under the codification paradigm. Results highlighted the perception of the interaction and influence of the social, institutional, and personal fields in the inclusion phenomenon. Also, that inclusive practices must be a responsibility shared among different educational community members.
Prolonged persistence of canine distemper virus RNA, and virus isolation in naturally infected shelter dogs
Authors: Allen Carolyn , Ellis Alexandre , Liang Ruibin , Lim Ailam , Newbury Sandra
Published: January 2023

Canine distemper virus remains an important source of morbidity and mortality in animal shelters. RT-PCR is commonly used to aid diagnosis and has been used to monitor dogs testing positive over time to gauge the end of infectious potential. Many dogs excrete viral RNA for prolonged periods which has complicated disease management. The goal of this retrospective study was to describe the duration and characteristics of viral RNA excretion in shelter dogs with naturally occurring CDV and investigate the relationship between that viral RNA excretion and infectious potential using virus isolation data. Records from 98 different humane organizations with suspect CDV were reviewed. A total of 5,920 dogs were tested with 1,393; 4,452; and 75 found to be positive, negative, or suspect on RT-PCR respectively. The median duration of a positive test was 34 days (n = 325), and 25% (82/325) of the dogs still excreting viral RNA after 62 days of monitoring. Virus isolation was performed in six dogs who were RT-PCR positive for > 60 days. Infectious virus was isolated only within the first two weeks of monitoring at or around the peak viral RNA excretion (as detected by the lowest cycle threshold) reported for each dog. Our findings suggest that peak viral RNA excretion and the days surrounding it might be used as a functional marker to gauge the end of infectious risk. Clarifying the earliest point in time when dogs testing positive for canine distemper by RT-PCR can be considered non-contagious will improve welfare and lifesaving potential of shelters by enabling recovered dogs to be cleared more quickly for live release outcomes.
Neighbourhood socioeconomic disadvantage and body size in Australia’s capital cities: The contribution of obesogenic environments
Authors: Carroll Suzanne J. , Dale Michael J. , Turrell Gavin
Published: January 2023

Residents of socioeconomically disadvantaged neighbourhoods have higher rates of overweight and obesity and chronic disease than their counterparts from advantaged neighbourhoods. This study assessed whether associations between neighbourhood disadvantage and measured body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference, are accounted for by obesogenic environments (i.e., residential distance to the Central Business District [CBD], supermarket availability, access to walkable destinations). The study used 2017–18 National Health Survey data for working-aged adults (aged ≥18 years, n = 9,367) residing in 3,454 neighbourhoods across Australia’s state and territory capital cities. In five of eight cities (i.e., Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, and Perth) residents of disadvantaged neighbourhoods had significantly higher BMI and a larger waist circumference than residents of more advantaged areas. There was no association between neighbourhood disadvantage and body size in Hobart, Darwin, and Canberra. Associations between neighbourhood disadvantage and body size were partially explained by neighbourhood differences in distance to the CBD but not supermarket availability or walkable amenities. The results of this study point to the role of urban design and city planning as mechanisms for addressing social and economic inequities in Australia’s capital cities, and as solutions to this country’s overweight and obesity epidemic and associated rising rates of chronic disease.
Community perspectives on cardiovascular disease control in rural Ghana: A qualitative study
Authors: Patil Bhavana , Hutchinson Maddox Isla , Aborigo Raymond , Squires Allison P. , Awuni Denis , Horowitz Carol R. , Oduro Abraham R. , Phillips James F. , Jones Khadija R. , Heller David J.
Published: January 2023

Background

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevalence is high in Ghana—but awareness, prevention, and treatment is sparse, particularly in rural regions. The nurse-led Community-based Health Planning and Services program offers general preventive and primary care in these areas, but overlooks CVD and its risk factors.

Methods

We conducted in-depth interviews with 30 community members (CM) in rural Navrongo, Ghana to understand their knowledge and beliefs regarding the causes and treatment of CVD and the potential role of community nurses in rendering CVD care. We transcribed audio records, coded these data for content, and qualitatively analyzed these codes for key themes.

Results

CMs described CVD as an acute, aggressive disease rather than a chronic asymptomatic condition, believing that CVD patients often die suddenly. Yet CMs identified causal risk factors for CVD: not only tobacco smoking and poor diet, but also emotional burdens and stressors, which cause and exacerbate CVD symptoms. Many CMs expressed interest in counseling on these risk factors, particularly diet. However, they felt that nurses could provide comprehensive CVD care only if key barriers (such as medication access and training) are addressed. In the interim, many saw nurses’ main CVD care role as referring to the hospital.

Conclusions

CMs would like CVD behavioral education from community nurses at local clinics, but feel the local health system is now too fragile to offer other CVD interventions. CMs believe that a more comprehensive CVD care model would require accessible medication, along with training for nurses to screen for hypertension and other cardiovascular risk factors–in addition to counseling on CVD prevention. Such counseling should build upon existing community beliefs and concerns regarding CVD–including its behavioral and mental health causes–in addition to usual measures to prevent CVD mortality such as diet changes and physical exercise.
Supporting grant reviewers through the scientometric ranking of applicants
Authors: Győrffy Balázs , Weltz Boglarka , Szabó István
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Comparing the scientific output of different researchers applying for a grant is a tedious work. In Hungary, to help reviewers to rapidly rank the scientific productivity of a researcher, a grant decision support tool was established and is available at www.scientometrics.org. In the present study, our goal was to assess the impact of this decision support tool on grant review procedures.

Methods

The established, publicly available scientometric portal uses four metrics, including the H-index, the yearly citations without self-citations, the number of publications in the last five years, and the number of highly cited publications of a researcher within eleven independent scientific disciplines. Publication-age matched researchers are then ranked and the results are provided to grant reviewers. A questionnaire was completed by reviewers regarding utilization of the scientometric ranking system. The outcome of the grant selection was analyzed by comparing scientometric parameters of applying and funded applicants. We compared three grant allocation rounds before to two grant allocation rounds after the introduction of the portal.

Results

The scientometric decision support tool was introduced in 2020 to assist grant selection in Hungary and all basic research grant applicants (n = 6,662) were screened. The average score of funded proposals compared to submitted proposals increased by 94% after the introduction of the ranking. Correlation between ranking scores and actual grant selection was strong in life and material sciences but some scientific panels had opposite correlation in social sciences and humanities. When comparing selection outcome to H-index across all applicants, both type I and type II errors decreased. All together 540 reviewers provided feedback representing all eleven scientific disciplines and 83.05% of the reviewers (especially younger reviewers) found the ranking useful.

Conclusions

The scientometric decision support tool can save time and increase transparency of grant review processes. The majority of reviewers found the ranking-based scientometric analysis useful when assessing the publication performance of an applicant.
Differences in aortic valve area measured on cardiac CT and echocardiography in patients with aortic stenosis
Authors: Choe Jooae , Koo Hyun Jung , Choi Se Jin , Lee Seung-Ah , Kim Dae-Hee , Song Jong-Min , Kang Duk-Hyun , Song Jae-Kwan , Kang Joon-Won , Yang Dong Hyun
Published: January 2023

Background

A certain proportion of patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS) present with discordant grading between different diagnostic modalities, which raises uncertainty about the true severity of AS. The aim of this study was to compare the aortic valve area (AVA) measured on CT and echocardiography and demonstrate the factors affecting AVA discrepancies.

Methods

Between June 2011 and March 2016, 535 consecutive patients (66.83±8.80 years, 297 men) with AS who underwent pre-operative cardiac CT and echocardiography for aortic valve replacement were retrospectively included. AVA was obtained by AVA on echocardiography (AVAecho) and CT (AVACT) using a measurement of the left ventricular outflow tract on each modality and correlations between those measures were evaluated. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors affecting the discordance for grading severe AS.

Results

The AVACT and AVAecho showed a high correlation (r: 0.79, P <0.001) but AVACT was larger than the AVAecho (difference 0.26 cm2, P <0.001). By using the cut-off values of AVACT (<1.2 cm2) and AVAecho (<1.0 cm2) for diagnosing severe AS, the BSA (odds ratio [OR]: 68.03, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 5.45–849.99; P = 0.001), AVAecho (OR: 1.19, 95%CI: 1.14–1.24; P <0.001), tricuspid valve morphology (OR: 2.83, 95%CI: 1.23–6.50; P = 0.01), and normalized annulus area (OR: 1.02; 95%CI:1.02–1.03; P <0.001) were significant factors associated with the discordance between the AVAecho and AVACT.

Conclusion

Patients with larger BSA, AVAecho, and annulus, and tricuspid valve morphology were associated with the AVA discordance between the echocardiography and CT. Complementary use of CT with echocardiography for grading severe AS could be helpful in such conditions.
Development and validation of predictive workable weight equations for Brazilian older adult residents in long-term care institutions
Authors: Lima Marcos Felipe Silva de , de Araújo Cabral Natália Louise , Praça de Oliveira Larissa , Pereira Liberalino Laura Camila , Vieira Cunha Lima Severina Carla , Campos Pedrosa Lucia de Fátima , de Lima Kenio Costa , de Oliveira Lyra Clélia
Published: January 2023

Background

Weight measurement is important in the nutritional anthropometric monitoring of older adults. When this measurement is not possible, estimates may be used.

Aim

Developing and validating weight predictive equations for older adult residents in long-term care institutions in Brazil.

Subjects and methods

The sample comprised 393 older adult residents in long-term care institutions. Data were collected in two stages, with 315 older adults in the first and 78 in the second. We have measured the arm, calf, and waist circumferences, as well as the triceps and subscapular skinfold and knee height. Multiple linear regression was used to develop the equations, which were evaluated through the coefficient of determination, standard error of estimation, Akaike information criterion, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and Bland-Altmann plot.

Results

Five models with different anthropometric measurements were developed, (1) arm circumference as a discriminant variable (ICC: 0.842); (2) best statistical fit for men and women (ICC: 0.874) and its stratification by sex (3) (ICC: 0.876); (4) easy-to-perform measurement for men and women (ICC: 0.842) and its stratification by sex (5) (ICC: 0.828).

Conclusion

Five models for estimating the weight of older adult residents in long-term care institutions were developed and validated. The choice to use the models should be based on the physical capacity of the older adults to be evaluated.
United in Big Data? Exploring scholars’ opinions on academic-industry partnership and the use of corporate data in digital behavioral research
Authors: Favaretto Maddalena , De Clercq Eva , Caplan Arthur , Elger Bernice Simone
Published: January 2023

The growing amount of data produced through digital technologies holds great promise for advancing behavioral research. Scholars worldwide now have the chance to access an incredible amount of personal information, thanks to the digital trace users continuously leave behind them. Private corporations play a crucial role in this scenario as the leading collectors of data on users, thus creating new incentives for partnerships between academic institutions and private companies. Due to the concerns that academic-company partnerships might raise and the ethical issues connected with Big Data research, our study explores the challenges and opportunities associated with the academic use of corporate data. We conducted 39 semi-structured interviews with academic scholars (professors, senior researchers, and postdocs) involved in Big Data research in Switzerland and the United States. We also investigated their opinions on using corporate data for scholarly research. Researchers generally showed an interest in using corporate data; however, they coincidentally shared ethical reservations towards this practice, such as threats to research integrity and concerns about a lack of transparency of companies’ practices. Furthermore, participants mentioned issues of scholarly access to corporate data that might both disadvantage the academic research community and create issues of scientific validity. Academic-company partnerships could be a positive development for the advancement of scholarly behavioral research. However, strategies should be implemented to appropriately guide collaborations and appropriate use of corporate data, like implementing updated protocols and tools to govern conflicts of interest and the institution of transparent regulatory bodies to ensure adequate oversight of academic-corporate research collaborations.