bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Communication, socialization, and ITC. The psychosocial construction of sustainability
Authors: Pol Enric , Castrechini-Trotta Angela , Pellicer-Cardona Isabel , Cañete-Massé Cristina
Published: January 2024

Over the past two decades, the facets related to environmental crises (in the plural) have grown increasingly intricate. What began as environmentalists’ apprehension over nature degradation and the encouragement of citizen-driven initiatives has evolved. The current shift in emphasis and prevailing message strives to foster a culture where citizens refrain from independent initiatives. Instead, the directive is to heed the guidance of the knowledgeable (scientists, politicians, corporations, interest groups, etc.), as substantiated by our investigative findings, which align, in part, with existing literature. Conversely, our exploration into environmental communication, notably the insights gleaned from longitudinal research concerning pro-environmental knowledge, attitudes, and actions, reveals a decline in citizens’ effective inclinations toward embracing pro-environmental behaviors. Meanwhile, the escalation of the climate crisis is fueling heightened levels of echo-anxiety and solastalgia. This trajectory is closely intertwined with a growing global disillusionment within society – not just regarding the future – instilling a sense of disillusionment concerning pro-environmental messages and slogans disseminated by governing bodies and corporations. This has led to a state resembling learned helplessness, as articulated by Seligman, or what we prefer to term “induced” helplessness, rather than fostering conditions conducive to empowerment. This article comprehensively examines various reports and our inquiries, revealing how communication management and its constituents lie at the heart of forging novel narratives, fresh cognitive dissonances, and emerging social representations. Notably emphasized is the pivotal role played by information and communication technologies (ICT), particularly through dissemination on widely-used social networks. Since the 2010s, these platforms have assumed a paramount role in shaping socialization processes, surpassing educational institutions and conventional mass media.
Fear of progression, loneliness, and hope in patients with gastrointestinal cancer: a cross-sectional relational study
Authors: Li Yanjun , Xiao Tian , Liao Haiyan , Qu Haimei , Ren Pan , Chen Xiaoju
Published: January 2024

Introduction

In recent years, fear of disease progression (FoP) has become one of the most common psychological problems in cancer patients. However, there are fewer studies on the FoP in patients with gastrointestinal tumors. We aimed to assess the level of FoP in patients with gastrointestinal tumors and analyze the factors related to FoP. We also aimed to examine the relationship among loneliness, hope and FoP in patients with gastrointestinal cancer.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted on three Grade A hospitals in southwestern China from November 2021 to July 2022. The demographic and clinical characteristics questionnaire, Fear of Disease Progression Scale (FoP-Q-SF), Cancer Loneliness Scale (CLS), and Herth Hope Index (HHI) were included in this study. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, independent samples t-tests, one-way analysis of variance, and multiple linear regression analysis.

Results

In total, 245 gastrointestinal cancer patients participated in this study. The average (standard deviation) FoP score in patients was 32.94 ± 10.64. In total, 245 gastrointestinal cancer patients participated in this study. The average (standard deviation) FoP score in patients was 32.94  ±  10.64. The average score of CLS was 17.65  ±  6.71, and that for the HHI was 31.27  ±  7.73. Pearson correlation analysis showed that FoP was negatively significant correlated with hope level (r = −0.522) and FoP was positively significant correlated with loneliness (r = 0.545). Linear regression analysis showed that educational level, age, living condition, hope, and loneliness were the significant predictors of FoP and explained 53.10% of the variability in FoP (F = 16.372).

Conclusion

Findings highlight the need to strengthen attention to FoP in gastrointestinal cancer patients. Our study showed that gastrointestinal cancer patients who have a high school education, are age 45 to 59, live alone, high level of loneliness, and low level of hope have higher FoP. Medical staff should enhance clinical screening of FoP and consider the formulation of relevant interventions for high-risk groups to reduce loneliness among patients, raise their hope level, and reduce their FoP.
School children’s mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Martinsen Kristin , Lisøy Carina , Wentzel-Larsen Tore , Neumer Simon-Peter , Rasmussen Lene-Mari Potulski , Adolfsen Frode , Sund Anne Mari , Ingul Jo Magne
Published: January 2024

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted the daily routines of children, with social distancing and quarantine leading to reduced social interactions and potential increased conflicts within families. These factors can increase the risk for anxiety and depression while reducing overall quality of life.

Methods

Our study included 1843 school children aged 8 to 12 from 56 schools over a 2.5-year period before and during the pandemic. This multi-wave cross-sectional study utilized baseline data from an optimization trial of an indicated preventive intervention. The main outcomes were self-reported symptoms of anxiety and depression, and quality of life was the secondary outcome measure. Furthermore, responses to COVID-relevant questions were measured using a self-composed scale. Our objectives were to compare anxiety and depression symptom levels between cohorts of children who participated in the study before and during the pandemic, to examine if anxiety or depression predicted the COVID response, and whether anxiety and depression and subtypes of anxiety had an impact on quality of life during the pandemic. Linear regression and interaction models were used to examine relevant associations.

Results

Levels of anxiety and depression were higher in all waves compared to pre-pandemic levels. Quality of life was lower during the pandemic than before the pandemic, particularly among children with generalized anxiety symptoms. Quality of life was negatively associated with loneliness.

Discussion

Our study revealed that children reported higher anxious and depressive symptoms during the pandemic compared to pre-pandemic levels, as well as reduced quality of life. Lockdowns and restrictions may have contributed to this burden. Additionally, self-reported loneliness was a significant possible consequence of the restrictive measures imposed on children during the pandemic. Additional research is needed to investigate the long-term effects of the pandemic on children, particularly regarding the stability of elevated levels of anxiety and depression. Such studies could examine whether these conditions are indicative of a trajectory toward more severe internalizing disorders.

Clinical trial registration: NCT04263558.
Biological evolution and human cognition are analogous information processing systems
Authors: Castro-Alonso Juan C. , Hidalgo Alejandro A. , Sweller John
Published: January 2024

The mechanisms that govern biological evolution and human cognition are analogous, as both follow the same principles of natural information processing systems. In this article, we describe the following five principles that provide an analogy between biological evolution and human cognition: (a) Randomness as Genesis Principle and (b) Borrowing and Reorganizing Principle, which indicate how natural information processing systems obtain information; (c) Narrow Limits of Change Principle and (d) Information Store Principle, which indicate how information is processed and stored; and (e) Environmental Organizing and Linking Principle, which indicate how stored information is used to generate actions appropriate to an environment. In human cognition, these analogs only apply to cognitive processes associated with biologically secondary knowledge, the knowledge typically taught in educational institutions. Based on these five principles, cognitive load theory researchers have provided diverse prescriptions to optimize instructional activities and materials. We conclude by discussing general instructional implications and future research directions based on this analogy.
Association of Barrett's esophagus with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome: a bidirectional analysis of Mendelian randomization
Authors: Tan Wei , Cao Yanli , Ge Liang , Li Guangcai , Liu Peijun
Published: January 2024

Background

Observational studies have reported associations between Barrett's esophagus (BE) and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), but the causal relationship remained unclear due to potential confounding biases. Our study aimed to elucidate this causal relationship by deploying a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) methodology.

Methods

Instrumental variables (IVs) for Barrett's esophagus were obtained from a public database that comprised 13,358 cases and 43,071 controls. To investigate OSAS, we utilized summary statistics from a comprehensive genome-wide association study (GWAS) encompassing 38,998 cases of OSAS and 336,659 controls. Our MR analyses adopted multiple techniques, including inverse variance weighted (IVW), weighted median, weighted mode, MR-Egger, and simple mode.

Results

The IVW analysis established a causal relationship between Barrett's esophagus and OSAS, with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.19 and a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 1.11–1.28 (p = 8.88E-07). Furthermore, OSAS was identified as a contributing factor to the onset of Barrett's esophagus, with an OR of 1.44 and a 95% CI of 1.33–1.57 (p = 7.74E-19). Notably, the MR–Egger intercept test found no evidence of directional pleiotropy (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

This study identifies a potential association between BE and an increased occurrence of OSAS, as well as the reverse relationship. These insights could influence future screening protocols and prevention strategies for both conditions.
Social skills training with a tabletop role-playing game, before and during the pandemic of 2020: in-person and online group sessions
Authors: Henning Germano , de Oliveira Reinaldo Rodrigo , de Andrade Marcus Túlio Pereira , Gallo Renato Villela , Benevides Raissa Roberti , Gomes Rodrigo Antonio Fuga , Fukue Lucas Eiji Kong , Lima Arthur Vaciloto , de Oliveira Maria Beatriz Baggio Z. N. , de Oliveira Daniel Amorim Medeiros , Werpp Morgana , Moraes Lucas , Neto Francisco Lotufo
Published: January 2024

Background

The area of social skills is broad, in theory and in practice. For social skills training, various clinical practices have been applied in group sessions, as have motivational resources such as role-playing games (RPGs). In recent years, the need arose to assess the clinical impact of the pandemic. The objective of this study was to determine the impact that the pandemic has had on in-person and online social skills training.

Methods

We evaluated six subjects with autism spectrum disorder, with or without another, similar disorder, each of whom attended a total of 12 two-hour RPG sessions over a 12-month period. The original (Portuguese-language) version of the Social Skills Inventory for Adolescents was applied at three different time points (pre-, mid-, and post-intervention).

Results

After six in-person tabletop RPG sessions, there was an increase in the mean frequency scores and a decrease in the mean difficulty scores. However, during the pandemic, the remaining six sessions were conducted online and the effect was the opposite.

Conclusion

Our data indicate that there is a need for further studies assessing social skills training in online contexts.
Multinational appraisal of the epidemiological distribution of opioid fatalities: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Onohuean Hope , Oosthuizen Frasia
Published: January 2024

Background

The global or multinational scientific evidence on the distribution of opioid fatality is unknown. Hence, the current study collects epidemiological characteristics to shed light on the ongoing global or multinational opioid crisis and to promote the development of public health prevention/management strategies.

Method

All documents on PRISMA standards were retrieved via electronic databases.

Results

Among the 47 articles relevant to our studies, which depict a total population size of 10,191 individuals, the prevalence of opioid fatal overdose was 15,022 (14.74%). Among the 47 articles, 14 of them reported the gender of the participants, with 22,125 (15.79%) male individuals and 7,235 (5.17%) female individuals, and the age distribution of the participants that was most affected by the overdose was as follows: 29,272 (31.13%) belonged to the 18-34-year-old age group and 25,316 (26.92%) belonged to the less than 18-year-old age group. Eighteen studies qualified for the meta-analysis of the multinational prevalence of fatal opioid overdose, depicting an overall pooled prevalence estimate of 19.66%, with 95% CIs (0.13–0.29), I2 = 99.76% determined using the random-effects model, and Q statistic of 7198.77 (p < 0.0001). The Egger test models of publication bias revealed an insubstantial level of bias (p = 0.015). The subgroup analysis of the study design (cohort or other) revealed that others have the highest prevalence estimate of 34.37, 95% CIs (0.1600–0.5901), I2 = 97.04%, and a sample size of less than 1,000 shows the highest prevalence of 34.66, 95% CIs (0.2039–0.5234), I2 = 97.82%, compared to that of more than 1,000 with a prevalence of 12.28, 95% CIs (0.0675–0.2131), I2 = 99.85%. The meta-regression analysis revealed that sample size (less-than or greater-than 1,000), (p = 0.0098; R2 = 3.83%) is significantly associated with the observed heterogeneity.

Conclusion

Research-based findings of fatal opioid overdose are grossly lacking in middle- and low-income nations. We established that there is a need for opioid fatality surveillance systems in developing nations.
The impact of emotional dysregulation and comorbid depressive symptoms on clinical features, brain arousal, and treatment response in adults with ADHD
Authors: Huang Jue , Mauche Nicole , Ahlers Eike , Bogatsch Holger , Böhme Pierre , Ethofer Thomas , Fallgatter Andreas J , Gallinat Jürgen , Hegerl Ulrich , Heuser Isabella , Hoffmann Knut , Kittel-Schneider Sarah , Reif Andreas , Schöttle Daniel , Unterecker Stefan , Strauß Maria
Published: January 2024

Introduction

The role of emotional dysregulation (ED) in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has become an important issue. This study, in which we analyzed data from a predictive pharmaco-EEG-trial, aimed to examine whether symptoms of ED in adult ADHD affect ADHD symptom severity, brain arousal regulation as measured by resting EEG, and the response to stimulant medication.

Methods

ED is defined as having a sex- and age-corrected T-score of >70 on the emotional lability subscale of the German version of Conners’ Adult ADHD Rating Scale. A total of 115 participants were included in the study, 56 of whom had ED. Participants with ED were more impaired in terms of the severity of core ADHD symptoms, especially inattentive symptoms, comorbid depressive symptoms, interpersonal relationships, and quality of life. In addition, participants with ED were more likely to report a total score above 13 on the Beck Depression Inventory-II, which was considered to be the cutoff for mild depression.

Results

No differences were found between the ED and non-ED groups in response to stimulant medication or in brain arousal regulation. In addition, there was no significant effect of ED with comorbid depressive symptoms on treatment response. There was a trend for subgroups that showed a change in brain arousal regulation associated with symptom improvement.

Discussion

Our findings may support the assumption that ED may be an important feature of ADHD. The use of EEG-based brain arousal regulation as a diagnostic and predictive tool in ADHD in the presence of ED and comorbid depressive symptoms should be further investigated.
Enhancing resiliency and optimizing readiness in military personnel through psychological flexibility training: design and methodology of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Peterson Alan L. , Moore Brian A. , Evans Wyatt R. , Young-McCaughan Stacey , Blankenship Abby E. , Straud Casey L. , McLean Christopher S. , Miller Tashina L. , Meyer Eric C. ,   for the STRONG STAR Consortium
Published: January 2024

Background

Enhancing resiliency and optimizing readiness in military personnel is a high priority for the U.S. Department of Defense. Most military resiliency-enhancement programs are evidence-informed interventions. However, few randomized studies have demonstrated efficacy of any intervention or training program to enhance resiliency and prevent the development of psychological health symptoms in military personnel when exposed to operational stressors. This manuscript provides an overview of the theoretical foundation, research design, and research methods of a preventive intervention trial designed to evaluate the efficacy of a training program to enhance resiliency and prevent psychological health symptoms in military personnel. The resiliency training intervention is based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), an evidence-based intervention with broad empirical support for improving functioning in those living with psychological and medical conditions.

Method/design

This study will evaluate the efficacy of a two-day training program based on ACT for fostering psychological flexibility, the central target in ACT, for enhancing resiliency, and for preventing the development of psychological health symptoms. The research participants will be a non-clinical population of active duty military personnel (N = 600). The ACT-based training program (n = 300) will be compared to a military resiliency training as usual, known as Master Resilience Training (n = 300). Assessment measures will be administered at the baseline assessment, after training, prior to a military deployment, and after returning from a deployment. Qualitative interviews will be conducted to provide feedback on the training program.

Clinical Trial Registration: NCT05094115.
Aging in place in rural Northeast China: a mixed methods examination of the influence of social capital on mental well-being in middle and late adulthood
Authors: Gao Yunfei , Wu Jing
Published: January 2024

The rural development strategy in contemporary China has evolved from focusing solely on “absolute poverty alleviation” to addressing multiple dimensions, including “targeting relative poverty and revitalizing the entire rural area.” Using a mixed-methods approach, our study aimed to examine whether and how social capital, particularly social support and social trust, influences the mental well-being of middle-aged and older people aging in place in a remote rural Northeast area of China, exploring three constructs: life purpose, self-actualization, and capability. Our quantitative findings revealed that higher levels of social support and social trust were positively related to higher levels of life purpose. Increased social support was positively related to increased life purpose through increased social trust. However, the associations between social support, social trust, and the constructs of self-actualization and capability were not substantiated after controlling for covariates. Our interview data illuminated how middle-aged and older people perceived the interplay between social support, social trust, and mental well-being.
Improving women’s experiences with gestational diabetes from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds in Australia: a qualitative study
Authors: Lau Hiu Wing Rachel , Dong Johnathon , Weir Tessa , Chopra Meenakshi , Olivetti Lyn , Fulcher Gregory , Glastras Sarah
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is the fastest growing type of diabetes in many countries worldwide, including Australia. Although studies have explored the experiences of women with GDM from ethnic minority groups, few have compared their experiences with women from Anglosphere backgrounds.

Objective

To investigate the responses to diagnosis, the management of GDM, and the experiences of healthcare services among women with GDM from different culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds.

Methods

Participants were recruited via convenience sampling by advertisement posted around antenatal clinics of three hospitals in NSLHD: Royal North Shore, Hornsby, and Manly Hospitals. The interviews were semi-structured, one-on-one, and in-person conducted by a trained female volunteer. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed into text. The data was analyzed via an inductive and descriptive coding approach. The codes were then categorized into main themes and sub-themes.

Results

30 women (7 Australian-born, 11 Chinese, 8 Indians, and 4 Koreans) partook the semi-structured interviews and 5 themes were identified: (1) Reaction to diagnosis; (2) Management issues; (3) Roles of friends and family; (4) Information access; and (5) Experience with healthcare services. The lack of culturally tailored dietary information, social support and language barriers were the main factors underpinning the differences in GDM experiences among women from CALD backgrounds versus Australian-born.

Conclusion

Healthcare models should provide more emotional support upon diagnosis, culturally tailored guidelines for lifestyle modifications, and involve friends and family in care and management to enhance the experience of GDM for women from CALD backgrounds.
Incidence, antimicrobial resistance and mortality of Pseudomonas aeruginosa bloodstream infections among hospitalized patients in China: a retrospective observational multicenter cohort study from 2017 to 2021
Authors: Xiao Shuzhen , Liang Xianghui , Han Lizhong , Zhao Shengyuan
Published: January 2024

Background

Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) accounts for high antimicrobial resistance and mortality rates of bloodstream infections (BSIs). We aim to investigate incidence, antimicrobial resistance and risk factors for mortality of P. aeruginosa BSIs among inpatients.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study were conducted at two tertiary hospitals in 2017–2021. Medical and laboratory records of all inpatients diagnosed with P. aeruginosa BSIs were reviewed. A generalized linear mixed model was used to identify risk factors for mortality.

Results

A total of 285 patients with P. aeruginosa BSIs were identified. Incidence of P. aeruginosa BSIs fluctuated between 2.37 and 3.51 per 100,000 patient-days over the study period. Out of 285 P. aeruginosa isolates, 97 (34.04%) were carbapenem-resistant (CR) and 75 (26.32%) were multidrug-resistant (MDR). These isolates showed low resistance to aminoglycosides (9.51–11.62%), broad-spectrum cephalosporins (17.19–17.61%), fluoroquinolones (17.25–19.43%), and polymyxin B (1.69%). The crude 30-day mortality rate was 17.89% (51/285). Healthcare costs of patients with MDR/CR isolates were significantly higher than those of patients with non-MDR/CR isolates (P < 0.001/=0.002). Inappropriate definitive therapy [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 4.47, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.35–14.77; P = 0.014], ICU stay (aOR 2.89, 95% CI: 1.26–6.63; P = 0.012) and corticosteroids use (aOR 2.89, 95% CI: 1.31–6.41; P = 0.009) were independently associated with 30-day mortality.

Conclusion

Incidence of P. aeruginosa BSIs showed an upward trend during 2017–2020 but dropped in 2021. MDR/CR P. aeruginosa BSIs are associated with higher healthcare costs. Awareness is required that patients with inappropriate definitive antimicrobial therapy, ICU stay and corticosteroids use are at higher risk of death from P. aeruginosa BSIs.
Driving factors of urban community epidemic prevention and control capability: QCA analysis based on typical cases of 20 anti-epidemic communities in China
Authors: Shi Ruyi , Lu Bo , Zhong Yiwen
Published: January 2024

Introduction

In the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak, urban communities have emerged as the frontline defenders in epidemic prevention and control, providing the most effective means of curbing the spread of virus both inward and outward. This study attempts to explain the underlying factors and mechanisms that shape the community epidemic prevention and control capacity (CEPCC).

Methods

We adopted a resilience-based perspective and drew on a sample of 20 exemplary anti-epidemic communities in China. By constructing an analytical framework and employing the fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis method (fsQCA), we explored how four conditional variables—infrastructure completeness, community self-organizing ability, redundancy of community resources, and stability of regional economic development—and their various configurations impact the CEPCC.

Results

Our findings reveal that the four conditional variables, when considered in isolation, cannot effectively enhance the CEPCC. Instead, four configuration pathways with mixed conditional variables exist. Notably, community self-organizing ability emerges as a vital condition for effectively strengthening the CEPCC.

Discussion

This study identifies four pathways to improve the CEPCC and confirms the validity of the data results through case studies. Conclusions of this research contribute to a more nuanced understanding of the factors influencing the CEPCC, which can help communities to better plan and prepare for future epidemics and ensure better response and adaptation to the impacts of future emergencies.
Coupling coordination of the provision of medical services and high-quality economic development in the Yangtze River Economic Belt
Authors: Yang Shipeng , Yan Hongtao , Gong Yefang , Zeng Siying
Published: January 2024

Background

Promoting high-level coupling coordination between the provision of medical services (PMS) and high-quality economic development (HED) has emerged as a critical issue in China’s pursuit of high-quality development and is now a significant subject of concern in the area of welfare economics.

Materials and methods

Based on panel data from 11 provinces and municipalities in the Yangtze River Economic Belt, covering the period from 2010 to 2020, this study conducted an empirical analysis of the coupling coordination between PMS and HED and its influencing factors. Methods combined a comprehensive evaluation model, a coupling coordination model, and a panel Tobit model.

Results

The study found that: (1) Regarding the overall situation in the Yangtze River Economic Belt, the overall PMS demonstrates a fluctuating upward trend, while HED fluctuates within the lower range of 0.3 to 0.4. The coupling coordination degree between PMS and HED fluctuates within the moderate range of 0.5 to 0.6. (2) In terms of the spatiotemporal evolution trends, there still exists substantial spatial disparity among provinces and municipalities within the Yangtze River Economic Belt regarding PMS; nonetheless, this gap is gradually narrowing. Significant regional disparities are also observed in HED, with Shanghai, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang leading among the provinces and municipalities in the Yangtze River Economic Belt. The coupling coordination degree between PMS and HED displays notable spatial discrepancies, where downstream areas of the Yangtze River Economic Belt such as Shanghai, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang exhibit a higher coupling coordination degree compared to other provinces and municipalities. However, most provinces and municipalities outside this group remain at a moderately coordinated stage concerning the degree of coupling coordination between PMS and HED. (3) Economic development level and local government competition had a significant negative impact on coupling coordination between PMS and HED, whereas there was a significantly positive impact on the degree of fiscal autonomy and urbanization.

Discussion

This study contributes to comprehensively understanding the coupling and coordination relationship between the PMS and HED across provinces and municipalities in the Yangtze River Economic Belt. It provides empirical evidence for the collaborative evolution of PMS and HED.
Risk factors for hospitalization and pneumonia development of pediatric patients with seasonal influenza during February–April 2023
Authors: Zhang Yuqian , Huang Xing , Zhang Jianguo , Tao Zhimin
Published: January 2024

Objectives

In China influenza remains a low activity for continuous 3 years due to COVID-19 controls. We here sought to study the clinical characteristics and risk factors of the influenza infection among children after the mandatory COVID-19 restrictions were lifted.

Methods

We included 1,006 pediatric patients with influenza A virus (IAV) infection, enrolled in one tertiary hospital in Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province, China, during February to April 2023. Patients were divided into the outpatient (n = 798) and inpatient (n = 208) groups, and their baseline characteristics were compared between two groups to conclude the risk factors for pediatric hospitalization. Separately, pediatric inpatients (n = 208) were further divided into the pneumonia and non-pneumonia groups with comparison of their clinical characteristics, including their laboratory test results and representative radiological features, to derive the key determinants for pneumonia development after hospitalization.

Results

Compared to outpatients, IAV-infected pediatric inpatients exhibited younger age, higher female: male ratio, more co-infection of influenza B virus (IBV) and hematological abnormality. Multivariate regression analysis determined the independent risk factors of hospitalization to be the clinical symptom of abdominal pain (OR = 2.63, [95% CI, 1.05–6.57], p = 0.039), co-infection of IBV (OR = 44.33, [95% CI, 25.10–78.30], p = 0.001), elevated levels of lymphocytes (OR = 2.24, [95% CI,1.65–3.05], p = 0.001) and c-reactive proteins (CRPs) (OR = 1.06, [95% CI, 1.03–1.08], p = 0.001) upon hospital admission. Furthermore, the cough symptom (OR = 17.39, [95% CI, 3.51–86.13], p = 0.001) and hospitalization length (OR = 1.36, [95% CI, 1.12–1.67], p = 0.002) were determined to be risk factors of pneumonia acquirement for pediatric inpatients.

Conclusion

While the abdominal pain, viral co-infection and some hematological abnormality mainly contribute to hospitalization of pediatric patients with IAV infection, the length of hospital stay and clinical sign of coughing upon hospital admission constitute the key determinants for nosocomial pneumonia development.
Incentive mechanism for sharing and using EHR in medical consortiums based on performance evaluation
Authors: Tian Sheng Hu , Jiang Rong , Chen Yu
Published: January 2024

Background

The construction of medical consortiums not only promotes active cooperation among hospitals, but also further intensifies active competition among them. The shared use of electronic health records (EHR) breaks the original pattern of benefit distribution among hospitals.

Objective

The purpose of this paper is to establish an incentive mechanism for the shared use EHR, and to reveal the incentive effect and mechanism of key factors, and to put forward management suggestions for solving the real conflicts.

Methods

We constructed a basic incentive model and an incentive model that introduces performance evaluation as a supervisory signal, based on analyzing the hospital cost function, the hospital benefit function, and the incentive contract function. Finally, the incentive effects of key factors before and after the introduction of performance evaluation were verified and compared using MATLAB simulation method.

Results

The profit level and incentive coefficient of hospitals sharing EHR are independent of the amount of one-time government subsidies. Regardless of whether a performance evaluation supervisory signal is introduced or not, the incentive coefficients are increasing functions with respect to ρ, τ, but decreasing functions with respect to β, δ, γ. After the inclusion of supervisory signal of performance evaluation in the model, the ability of hospitals to use EHR has a higher impact effectiveness on improving both incentive effects and benefit levels. The impact of the value-added coefficient on the level of earnings is consistently greater than it would have been without the inclusion of the performance evaluation supervisory signal.

Conclusions

Enhancing the capacity of hospitals to use EHR and tapping and expanding the value-added space of EHR are 2 key paths to promote sustainable shared use of EHR. Substantive performance evaluation plays an important role in stabilizing incentive effects.
The re-emergence and transmission of Monkeypox virus in Nigeria: the role of one health
Authors: Ogunleye Seto C. , Akinsulie Olalekan C. , Aborode Abdullahi T. , Olorunshola Mercy M. , Gbore Damilola , Oladoye Moyinoluwa , Adesola Ridwan O. , Gbadegoye Joy O. , Olatoye Boluwatife J. , Lawal Mariam A. , Bakare Akeem B. , Adekanye Oluwabori , Chinyere Ezemba C.
Published: January 2024

The Monkeypox virus, commonly abbreviated as mpox, is a viral zoonosis that is experiencing a resurgence in prevalence. It is endemic to regions of West and Central Africa that are characterized by dense forested areas. Various measures pertaining to animals, humans, and the environment have been recognized as potential factors and catalysts for the spread of the disease throughout the impacted regions of Africa. This study examines the various factors contributing to the transmission of the virus in Nigeria, with a particular focus on the animal-human and inter-human modes of transmission in rural communities and healthcare facilities. The One Health approach was emphasized as crucial in the prevention and management of this issue. Literature suggests that preventing repeated zoonotic introductions could potentially halt the transmission of the mpox virus from animal to human hosts, leading to a potential decrease in human infections.
Empowering breast cancer diagnosis and radiology practice: advances in artificial intelligence for contrast-enhanced mammography
Authors: Kinkar Ketki K. , Fields Brandon K. K. , Yamashita Mary W. , Varghese Bino A.
Published: January 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) applications in breast imaging span a wide range of tasks including decision support, risk assessment, patient management, quality assessment, treatment response assessment and image enhancement. However, their integration into the clinical workflow has been slow due to the lack of a consensus on data quality, benchmarked robust implementation, and consensus-based guidelines to ensure standardization and generalization. Contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) has improved sensitivity and specificity compared to current standards of breast cancer diagnostic imaging i.e., mammography (MG) and/or conventional ultrasound (US), with comparable accuracy to MRI (current diagnostic imaging benchmark), but at a much lower cost and higher throughput. This makes CEM an excellent tool for widespread breast lesion characterization for all women, including underserved and minority women. Underlining the critical need for early detection and accurate diagnosis of breast cancer, this review examines the limitations of conventional approaches and reveals how AI can help overcome them. The Methodical approaches, such as image processing, feature extraction, quantitative analysis, lesion classification, lesion segmentation, integration with clinical data, early detection, and screening support have been carefully analysed in recent studies addressing breast cancer detection and diagnosis. Recent guidelines described by Checklist for Artificial Intelligence in Medical Imaging (CLAIM) to establish a robust framework for rigorous evaluation and surveying has inspired the current review criteria.
A review on artificial intelligence for the diagnosis of fractures in facial trauma imaging
Authors: Pham Tuan D. , Holmes Simon B. , Coulthard Paul
Published: January 2024

Patients with facial trauma may suffer from injuries such as broken bones, bleeding, swelling, bruising, lacerations, burns, and deformity in the face. Common causes of facial-bone fractures are the results of road accidents, violence, and sports injuries. Surgery is needed if the trauma patient would be deprived of normal functioning or subject to facial deformity based on findings from radiology. Although the image reading by radiologists is useful for evaluating suspected facial fractures, there are certain challenges in human-based diagnostics. Artificial intelligence (AI) is making a quantum leap in radiology, producing significant improvements of reports and workflows. Here, an updated literature review is presented on the impact of AI in facial trauma with a special reference to fracture detection in radiology. The purpose is to gain insights into the current development and demand for future research in facial trauma. This review also discusses limitations to be overcome and current important issues for investigation in order to make AI applications to the trauma more effective and realistic in practical settings. The publications selected for review were based on their clinical significance, journal metrics, and journal indexing.
Brain organoids and organoid intelligence from ethical, legal, and social points of view
Authors: Hartung Thomas , Morales Pantoja Itzy E. , Smirnova Lena
Published: January 2024

Human brain organoids, aka cerebral organoids or earlier “mini-brains”, are 3D cellular models that recapitulate aspects of the developing human brain. They show tremendous promise for advancing our understanding of neurodevelopment and neurological disorders. However, the unprecedented ability to model human brain development and function in vitro also raises complex ethical, legal, and social challenges. Organoid Intelligence (OI) describes the ongoing movement to combine such organoids with Artificial Intelligence to establish basic forms of memory and learning. This article discusses key issues regarding the scientific status and prospects of brain organoids and OI, conceptualizations of consciousness and the mind–brain relationship, ethical and legal dimensions, including moral status, human–animal chimeras, informed consent, and governance matters, such as oversight and regulation. A balanced framework is needed to allow vital research while addressing public perceptions and ethical concerns. Interdisciplinary perspectives and proactive engagement among scientists, ethicists, policymakers, and the public can enable responsible translational pathways for organoid technology. A thoughtful, proactive governance framework might be needed to ensure ethically responsible progress in this promising field.
Unveiling the predictive power: a comprehensive study of machine learning model for anticipating chronic kidney disease
Authors: Khan Nitasha , Raza Muhammad Amir , Mirjat Nayyar Hussain , Balouch Neelam , Abbas Ghulam , Yousef Amr , Touti Ezzeddine
Published: January 2024

In today's modern era, chronic kidney disease stands as a significantly grave ailment that detrimentally impacts human life. This issue is progressively escalating in both developed and developing nations. Precise and timely identification of chronic kidney disease is imperative for the prevention and management of kidney failure. Historical methods of diagnosing chronic kidney disease have often been deemed unreliable on several fronts. To distinguish between healthy individuals and those afflicted by chronic kidney disease, dependable and effective non-invasive techniques such as machine learning models have been adopted. In our ongoing research, we employ various machine learning models, encompassing logistic regression, random forest, decision tree, k-nearest neighbor, and support vector machine utilizing four kernel functions (linear, Laplacian, Bessel, and radial basis kernels), to forecast chronic kidney disease. The dataset used constitutes records from a case-control study involving chronic kidney disease patients in district Buner, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. For comparative evaluation of the models in terms of classification and accuracy, diverse performance metrics, including accuracy, Brier score, sensitivity, Youden's index, and F1 score, were computed.
Characterizing atmospheric aerosols using polarimetry and shadow hiding
Authors: Zubko Evgenij , Zheltobryukhov Maxim , Chornaya Ekaterina , Shmirko Konstantin A. , Lisitsa Vladimir V. , Pavlov Andrey N. , Kochergin Anton , Kornienko Gennady , Videen Gorden
Published: January 2024

Unpolarized sunlight is scattered by aerosols acquiring partial linear polarization. By aiming a ground-based detector vertically upward, it can record the polarimetric response of aerosols that are illuminated by the Sun. As the Sun sets, a portion of the sky is shadowed and the polarimetric response of the aerosols in the unshadowed region can be measured. This provides a means of scanning different portions of the atmospheric column with time. By comparing the measured polarimetric response with that of model agglomerated debris particles we can place constraints on the sizes and chemical composition of the aerosols in different portions of this column. We conducted a survey over 24 different epochs from April 2021 to December 2022, consisting of approximately 600 measurements of polarization of the atmosphere in twilight at the Ussuriysk Astrophysical Observatory. We found that most of the measurements correspond with water-ice particles or dust. However, on some occasions organic carbon dominated the measurements. These epochs correspond with increased fire seats in the region.
Network dynamics of positive energy districts: a coevolutionary business ecosystem analysis
Authors: Zapata Riveros Juliana , Scacco Paulet Michelle , Ulli-Beer Silvia
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Amid the rising interest in sustainable urban development, Positive Energy Districts (PEDs) have become a focus of research. This study examines the dynamic processes that influence the development and scalability of PEDs from a co-evolutionary business ecosystem perspective.

Methods

To delve into the dynamics of Positive Energy Districts, we applied the business ecosystem framework to a real-world case study, namely the Hunziker Areal. Our research methodology involved the development and validation of a high-level conceptual model. This was achieved through workshops and guided interviews with experts engaged in pilot and research projects related to PEDs.

Results

The study highlights the significance of employing a systemic approach to evaluate the potential of PEDs in enhancing housing sustainability while creating value for diverse stakeholders. Through the utilization of causal loop diagrams, key feedback loops explaining the diffusion of PEDs are identified. Moreover, the study reveals varying perceptions of PED utility among stakeholders, who assess the impact using different Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) such as CO2 target achievement and well-being. Key factors influencing technology adoption, such as low prosumer electricity unit cost, are also identified.

Discussion

Our findings further shed light on crucial aspects affecting value capture and the attractiveness of the ecosystem to investors. Additionally, the study underscores the critical role of supportive policies and regulations in facilitating the diffusion and scalability of Positive Energy Districts.
Feasibility of OpenPose markerless motion analysis in a real athletics competition
Authors: Cronin Neil J. , Walker Josh , Tucker Catherine B. , Nicholson Gareth , Cooke Mark , Merlino Stéphane , Bissas Athanassios
Published: January 2024

This study tested the performance of OpenPose on footage collected by two cameras at 200 Hz from a real-life competitive setting by comparing it with manually analyzed data in SIMI motion. The same take-off recording from the men's Long Jump finals at the 2017 World Athletics Championships was used for both approaches (markerless and manual) to reconstruct the 3D coordinates from each of the camera's 2D coordinates. Joint angle and Centre of Mass (COM) variables during the final step and take-off phase of the jump were determined. Coefficients of Multiple Determinations (CMD) for joint angle waveforms showed large variation between athletes with the knee angle values typically being higher (take-off leg: 0.727 ± 0.242; swing leg: 0.729 ± 0.190) than those for hip (take-off leg: 0.388 ± 0.193; swing leg: 0.370 ± 0.227) and ankle angle (take-off leg: 0.247 ± 0.172; swing leg: 0.155 ± 0.228). COM data also showed considerable variation between athletes and parameters, with position (0.600 ± 0.322) and projection angle (0.658 ± 0.273) waveforms generally showing better agreement than COM velocity (0.217 ± 0.241). Agreement for discrete data was generally poor with high random error for joint kinematics and COM parameters at take-off and an average ICC across variables of 0.17. The poor agreement statistics and a range of unrealistic values returned by the pose estimation underline that OpenPose is not suitable for in-competition performance analysis in events such as the long jump, something that manual analysis still achieves with high levels of accuracy and reliability.
Adoption of processing technologies and innovative food preservation techniques: findings from smallholders in the Lindi Region in Tanzania
Authors: Sarr Malika , Majili Zahra , Khalili Niloofar , Matavel Custodio E. , Mbwana Hadijah A. , Kaingo Jacob , Löhr Katharina , Rybak Constance
Published: January 2024

Adopting processing technologies and innovative food preservation is crucial for improving the food security and nutritional status of rural populations in Tanzania and other countries in the Global South. However, low adoption rates among smallholders highlight the need for a better understanding of farmers’ decision-making processes. The aim of this study is to examine extrinsic and intrinsic factors influencing smallholders’ decision-making processes in the adoption of innovative food processing and preservation techniques (specifically, pigeon pea flour-based products, threshers, dehullers) in Mitumbati and Mibure in the Lindi Region in Tanzania. Primary data on 555 farm households were collected using a standardized survey. Extrinsic influential factors were analyzed using binary logistic regression analysis. The results on internal decision-making are based on an analysis of barriers and motivations identified by farmers in relation to the uptake of the different innovations. Training and awareness emerged as the most significant factors positively associated with the adoption of all innovative processing and preservation techniques. Moreover, the results show that the primary drivers for smallholders in the study region to adopt innovative technologies were the potential health benefits and time savings they offered. The main challenge they faced was a lack of knowledge about the innovations. The results indicate that disseminating knowledge is crucial for the successful adoption of innovative processing technology in the study region. Improving and expanding training programs to be more inclusive can help to create incentives and overcome barriers, leading to increased adoption.