bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Planting the seeds of innovative e-learning platform in higher education institutions in Ethiopia: The case of ET online college
Authors: Zelelew Habtamu , Teshome Zelalem , Tadesse Tefera , Keleta Yonas
Published: July 2022

Many institutions of higher education systems worldwide are transitioning from face-to-face modality to e-learning as a means of solving issues of limited resources and access to quality education. One of the crucial prerequisites for the successful implementation of e-learning is a careful consideration of emerging technologies and the underlying pedagogy of how learning takes place using a virtual platform. In practice, however, this consideration is often a neglected aspect in developing countries’ context, and this neglect results in several challenges in academic setups. This study identifies and evaluates clusters of e-learning features and implementation strategies in use and challenges sought at the ET Online College located in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The features of these strategies are briefly discussed, as well as how these strategies evolved during the implementation processes. The college’s e-learning components have achieved merits for quality by their primary users (online students, e-course instructors, and technology, instructional design, and curriculum experts), web designers and graphic designers, and administrators within the college. These also achieved acceptance nationally by the larger key stakeholders. The findings and recommendations of the study can be used as empirical evidence-base to help policymakers strategically think about the implementation of e-learning in the Ethiopian Higher Education institutions, and other similar contexts at large.
Density functional theory study of dissociative adsorption of H2 molecules on NiTi (001) surfaces
Authors: Arifin Rizal , Selamat Ali , Asih Retno , Darminto  , Malyadi Muhammad , Putra Wawan Trisnadi
Published: July 2022

Ti-based alloys have the potential to be used as hydrogen storage units, including NiTi. In contrast, NiTi alloy is sensitive to H atoms. It has been found that hydrogen can cause embrittlement in NiTi alloys. Thus, it is become indispensable to elucidate the reaction of H2 molecules on the NiTi surface. Using density functional theory, we investigated the dissociation mechanism of H2 molecules on the B2 NiTi (001) surface. We found that H atoms tend to come closer to Ni atoms on the Ti- and Ni-terminated (NiTi) (001) substrate. The calculation results showed that the adsorption energy of H atoms at the hollow site was higher than that at the top site. We identified two dissociation mechanisms of H2 molecules on Ti and Ni terminated on NiTi (001) substrates via the hollow sites of the adsorption route. The adsorption energy values obtained were extremely low, that is, 0.23 and 0.38 eV for the Ni and Ti terminated of NiTi (001) substrates, respectively. The dissociation reaction of H2 molecules, which is an exothermic reaction, can quickly occur on the NiTi (001) surface because of the low activation energy.
Methods for neighbourhood Mapping, boundary agreement
Authors: Dalton Nicholas S , Hurrell Mark
Published: July 2022

Any analytical study of a neighbourhood must begin with an accurate definition of the geographic region that contains it. For a long time, there has been an interest in taking surveys of neighbourhood extents, but this can generate numerous haphazardly sketched polygons. Researchers typically face the challenges of using boundary polygons reported by each participant and unifying these polygons into one representative boundary. Over the years, several researchers have reported their findings on methods for unifying these boundaries. We present and compare the following five methods (two existing, one modified and two new): Dalton radial average, Bae–Montello average, a vectorised version of the Bae–Montello raster grid overlay, a vectorised derivative inspired by the Wenhao kernel density axis method maximum kernel density axis and a new k-medians clustering method. A crowd-sourced evaluation method is presented. N=42 raters ranked the five methods of aggregating real boundary data based on the results from three study areas. We found that the boundary aggregation method derived from the Bae–Montello grid, closely followed by the Dalton radial average method, provided the most reasonable results. This paper outlines the reasons for these results and illustrates how this knowledge may point to the ability of future algorithms to improve the presented methods. The paper ends with a recommendation that neighbourhood boundaries should utilise boundaries derived from the Bae–Montello raster grid overlay method and/or the Dalton radial average method to facilitate comparisons in the field.
Between Caste and Occupation: Issues of Sweeper Community in Kashmir
Authors: Ahmad Khanday Mudasir , Shah Habibullah
Published: July 2022

Caste is a form of social stratification characterized by occupational ranking, intermarrying and ritual hierarchy. The hierarchy here includes disparities in status and access to goods and services. This disparity is mainly found among lower castes like sweepers. Sweepers belong to the lowest rung regarding caste and occupation from Kashmir to Kanyakumari. They use long-handled brooms and carts to sweep roads, gardens, marketplaces and other public places. This study attempted to review the existing literature to exhibit caste and occupation-based issues of this particular community in Kashmir. A systematic review methodology was espoused, and the relevant literature was searched through key databases, such as Google Scholar, Project Muse, PubMed, JSTOR and ScienceDirect, for this review paper by combining the keywords. The systematic review revealed that in Kashmir, the sweeper community was at the bottom of the caste and occupational structure. This mechanism institutionalizes the transmission of unclean work from generation to generation, and it was still a structural flaw that maintained inequality against the sweeper community. The people of this community are found educationally backward, socially ostracized and economically inferior. The upper castes typically forbid these people from entering their homes, whereas living amidst this community is deemed unpleasant. The process of caste mobility, such as Sayyidization, similar to Sanskritization and Ashrafization, is evident among the members of the sweeper community.
Coating of a viscoplastic material onto a moving porous web during forward roll coating process: A theoretical study
Authors: Zahid Muhammad , Siddique Imran , Ali Rifaqat
Published: July 2022

In this paper, a mathematical model of forward roll for coating a thin viscoplastic fluid onto a moving porous web is developed when the web passes through a small gap between the two rigid rolls. The conservation equations in the light of lubrication approximation theory are non-dimensionalized and solutions for the velocity profile, flow rate, pressure distribution are calculated numerically by using Range-Kutta-Fehlberg’s method. It is found that by changing (increasing/decreasing) the material parameters, one can really control the engineering quantities like velocity distribution, flow rate, pressure distribution, and penetration depth The velocity graphs show that the gap between the velocity curves decrease, as fluid moves toward the separation point. This has a significant effect on the final volume of fluid flowing as at the separation point the fluid splits evenly. It was also found that the degree of fluid penetration is affected by the web flexibility and permeability. It has also been found that viscoelastic parameter and ratio of viscous to elastic forces have great impact on the emerging parameters, furthermore, the pressure gradient has been significantly affected with the variation in permeability and deformability. It is worth mentioning that the present study is a quick reference for the engineer working in coating industries and to compare the results with experimental data. Some results are shown graphically.
Coordinating Lifesaving Product Development Projects with no Preestablished Organizational Governance Structure
Authors: Barbosa Ana Paula Paes Leme , Facin Ana Lucia Figueiredo , Salerno Mario Sergio , Freitas Jonathan Simões , Reis Marina Carelli , Lasmar Tiago Paz
Published: July 2022

We employed a longitudinal, grounded theory approach to investigate the management of an innovative product developed in the context of a life-or-death global emergency. This project involved about 40 multidisciplinary researchers, multisector companies, and open-source collaboration. Inductively, we identified the emergence and evolution of project coordination approaches, roles, and the project network along with the project's life cycle. The present study shows how configurations of these elements coevolve as the project moves forward with no predefined structures or procedures. Therefore, it provides insights for coordinating innovative projects in the face of extreme time constraints and ill-defined institutional frameworks.
Quality of life, psychological distress, and prognostic perceptions in caregivers of patients with multiple myeloma
Authors: O’Donnell Elizabeth K. , Shapiro Yael N. , Yee Andrew J. , Nadeem Omar , Laubach Jacob P. , Branagan Andrew R. , Anderson Kenneth C. , Mo Clifton C. , Munshi Nikhil C. , Ghobrial Irene M. , Sperling Adam S. , Agyemang Emerentia A. , Burke Jill N. , Harrington Cynthia C. , Hu Bonnie Y. , Richardson Paul G. , Raje Noopur S. , El-Jawahri Areej
Published: July 2022

Although caregivers of patients with multiple myeloma (MM) play a critical role in supporting their loved ones throughout the illness course, studies examining caregiver quality of life (QOL), psychological distress, and prognostic awareness are lacking. We conducted a cross-sectional, multisite study of patients undergoing treatment with MM and their caregivers. Eligible caregivers were enrolled to 1 of 3 cohorts based on lines of therapy. Caregivers completed validated questionnaires to assess their QOL, psychological distress, and perceptions of prognosis. We enrolled 127 caregivers of patients with MM (newly diagnosed [n = 43], 2-3 lines of therapy [n = 40], and ≥4 lines of therapy [n = 44]). Caregiver QOL and psychological distress did not differ by line of therapy. The rate of clinically significant anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms were 44.1% (56/127), 15.8% (20/127), and 24.4% (31/127), respectively. When examined in dyads, caregivers reported higher rates of clinically significant anxiety (44.4% [55/124] vs 22.5% [28/124]) compared with patients with MM. Most caregivers (84.2%, 101/120) reported that the oncologist had informed them that the patient’s cancer was incurable; however, only 50.9% (58/114) and 53.6% (59/110) of caregivers acknowledged the patient’s cancer was terminal and incurable, respectively. Caregivers of patients undergoing treatment for MM experience substantial psychological distress across the disease continuum, particularly anxiety. The majority of caregivers of patients with MM report that knowing the patient’s prognosis is extremely important and report that the oncologist told them that the patient was incurable. Nevertheless, a significant portion of caregivers believe that the patient’s MM is curable.
Magnetic resonance spectroscopy associations with clinicopathologic features of estrogen-dependent endometrial cancer
Authors: Zhang Jie , Liu Qingwei , Li Jie , Liu Zhiling , Wang Ximing , Li Na , Huang Zhaoqin , Xu Han
Published: July 2022

Background

We studied the magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) associations with clinicopathologic features of estrogen-dependent endometrial cancer (type I EC).

Methods

Totally 45 patients with type I EC who underwent preoperative multi-voxel MRS at 3.0 T were enrolled. The mean ratio of the Cho peak integral to the unsuppressed water peak integral (Cho/water) of the tumor was calculated. The Cho/water and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) of type I EC with and without local invasion, as well as with different levels of Ki-67 staining index (SI) (≤ 40% and > 40%), were compared. Correlation test was used to examine the relationship of Cho/water, as well as mean ADC, with Ki-67 SI, tumor stage, and tumor grade.

Results

The mean Cho/water of EC with Ki-67 SI ≤ 40% (2.28 ± 0.93) × 10−3 was lower than that with Ki-67 SI > 40% (4.08 ± 1.00) × 10−3 (P < 0.001). The mean Cho/water of EC with deep and superficial myometrial invasion was (3.41 ± 1.26) × 10−3 and (2.43 ± 1.11) × 10−3, respectively (P = 0.011). There was no significant difference in Cho/water between type I EC with and without cervical invasioin ([2.68 ± 1.00] × 10−3 and [2.77 ± 1.28] × 10−3, P = 0.866). The mean Cho/water of type I EC with and without lymph node metastasis was (4.02 ± 1.90) × 10−3 and (2.60 ± 1.06) × 10−3, respectively (P = 0.014). The Cho/water was positively correlated with the Ki-67 SI (r = 0.701, P < 0.001). There were no significant differences in ADC among groups (all P > 0.05).

Conclusion

MRS is helpful for preoperative assessment of clinicopathological features of type I EC.
In-silico analysis of interacting pathways through KIM-1 protein interaction in diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Abid F. , Rubab Z. , Fatima S. , Qureshi A. , Azhar A. , Jafri A.
Published: July 2022

Background

Human Kidney Injury Molecule-1, also known as HAVCR-1 (Hepatitis A virus cellular receptor 1), belongs to the cell-surface protein of immunoglobulin superfamily involved in the phagocytosis by acting as scavenger receptor epithelial cells. The study focused on pinpointing the mechanisms and genes that interact with KIM-1.

Methods

This in-silico study was done from March 2019 to December 2019. The Enrichment and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network carefully choose proteins. In addition, the diagramed gene data sets were accomplished using FunRich version 3.1.3. It was done to unveil the proteins that may affect the regulation of HAVCR1 or may be regulated by this protein. These genes were then further considered in pathway analysis to discover the dysregulated pathways in diabetic nephropathy. The long list of differentially expressed genes is meaningless without pathway analysis.

Results

Critical pathways that are dysregulated in diabetic nephropathy patients have been identified. These include Immune System (Total = 237, P < 0.05), Innate Immune System (Total = 140, P < 0.05), Cytokine Signaling Immune system (Total = 116, P < 0.05), Adaptive Immune System (Total = 85) and Neutrophil degranulation (Total = 78).

Conclusion

The top 5 genes that are interacting directly with HIVCR1 include CASP3, CCL2, SPP1, B2M, and TIMP1 with degrees 161, 144, 108, 107, and 105 respectively for Immune system pathways (Innate Immune System, Cytokine Signaling Immune system, Adaptive Immune System and Neutrophil degranulation).
Preoperative chemoradiotherapy with capecitabine and triweekly oxaliplatin versus capecitabine monotherapy for locally advanced rectal cancer: a propensity-score matched study
Authors: Li Anchuan , Huang Tingxuan , Zheng Rong , Chi Pan , Li Zhihua , Wang Xiaozhong , Xu Benhua
Published: July 2022

Background

Distant metastasis has been the main failure pattern for locoregionally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) patients, and intensified neoadjuvant chemotherapy has become a popular research topic. The present study aimed to compare the survival outcomes, acute toxicities and surgical complications in LARC patients who received preoperative chemoradiotherapy with triweekly oxaliplatin and capecitabine (triweekly XELOX) or capecitabine.

Methods: Between 2007 and 2017, patients with clinically staged II-III rectal cancer who were treated with preoperative chemoradiotherapy using either triweekly XELOX (oxaliplatin 130 mg/m2 plus capecitabine 825 mg/m2) or capecitabine were included. Variables potentially influencing chemotherapy treatment selection were used to generate propensity scores (PS). The association between chemotherapy regimens and survival endpoints, including distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS), were evaluated and adjusted with PS. The acute toxicities and surgical complications were also compared.

Results

A total of 810 patients were included in the analysis; 277 (34.2%) patients received triweekly XELOX, and 533 (65.8%) received capecitabine. The pathological complete response (pCR) rates were 20.2 and 19.9% (P = 0.912) for the groups treated with triweekly XELOX and capecitabine, respectively. The 5-year DMFS, OS and DFS with triweekly XELOX versus capecitabine were 75.6% vs. 77.6% (P = 0.555), 79.2% vs. 83.3% (P = 0.101), and 69.9% vs. 73.7% (P = 0.283), respectively. Triweekly XELOX was not associated with an increased risk of severe toxicity during chemoradiotherapy, but it increased the risk of postoperative complications compared to capecitabine. After PS adjustment, the differences between the two groups remained insignificant in pCR rate, survival outcomes, and acute toxicities, and the difference in surgical complications disappeared.

Conclusions

Triweekly XELOX or capecitabine concurrent with neoadjuvant radiotherapy leads to similar long-term survival outcomes, acute toxicities and surgical complications in LARC patients.
Prognostic value of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in DCIS: a meta-analysis
Authors: Wu Shuang-Ling , Yu Xinmiao , Mao Xiaoyun , Jin Feng
Published: July 2022

Background

Tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) have been shown to be associated with the prognosis of breast ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS). In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we investigated the role of TILs and TIL subsets in predicting the recurrence risk of DCIS.

Method

PubMed, Medline, Web of Science, Embase and Cochrane were searched to identify publications investigating the prognostic role of TILs in DCIS. After study screening, data extraction and risk of bias assessment, a meta-analysis was performed to assess the association between TILs (total TILs, CD4+, CD8+, FOXP3+, PD-L1+ TILs) and the risk of DCIS recurrence.

Results

A pooled analysis indicated that dense stromal TILs in DCIS were associated with a higher recurrence risk (HR 2.11 (95% CI 1.35–3.28)). Subgroup analysis showed that touching TILs (HR 4.73 (95% CI 2.28–9.80)) was more precise than the TIL ratio (HR 1.49 (95% CI 1.11–1.99)) in estimating DCIS recurrence risk. Moreover, the prognostic value of TILs seemed more suitable for patients who are diagnosed with DCIS and then undergo surgery (HR 2.77, (95% CI 1.26–6.07)) or surgery accompanied by radiotherapy (HR 2.26, (95% CI 1.29–3.95)), than for patients who receive comprehensive adjuvant therapies (HR 1.16, (95% CI 1.35–3.28)). Among subsets of TILs, dense stromal PD-L1+ TILs were valuable in predicting higher recurrence risk of DCIS.

Conclusion

This systematic review and meta-analysis suggested a non-favorable prognosis of TILs and stromal PD-L1+ TILs in DCIS and indicated an appropriate assessment method for TILs and an eligible population.
Patient and professional use of the root coverage esthetic score (RES) and how it relates to patient satisfaction following periodontal plastic surgery
Authors: Sørdahl Anne Judith , Verket Anders
Published: July 2022

Background

Following periodontal plastic surgery in the treatment of recession defects, previous studies have reported that patients rate the esthetic outcomes more favorable than dental professionals. The root coverage esthetic score has been developed and suggested to serve as a comprehensive assessment instrument as it addresses several esthetic outcomes following root coverage procedures. However, no study has yet reported on patient use of this instrument. In the present study clinical, esthetic and patient-reported outcomes following periodontal plastic surgery were assessed. The primary objective was to compare the esthetic/clinical outcome as judged by the patient and by one dentist by using the root coverage esthetic score. The secondary objective was to evaluate the correlation between patient-reported outcomes, root coverage esthetic score and clinical parameters following treatment of recession defects.

Materials and methods

Subjects that had undergone periodontal plastic surgery were invited to score the treatment outcome according to the root coverage esthetic score, which subsequently also was professionally scored by a dentist. Thereafter, the subjects answered a questionnaire on patient satisfaction. All types of surgical root coverage procedures in canine or incisor teeth were included.

Results

A total of 34 subjects were included, presenting 46 treated recessions. No statistically significant different score was found comparing the root coverage esthetic score by the patient and the professional. The majority of subjects was satisfied with the treatment outcome, and most would have undergone the treatment again.

Conclusion

The root coverage esthetic score assessment can be conducted by patients and was not statistically significant different to that of the professional. Patient satisfaction is not always dependent on complete root coverage or the other clinical parameters included in the root coverage esthetic score.
Junior Medical Officers’ knowledge of advance care directives and substitute decision making for people without decision making capacity: a cross sectional survey
Authors: Bryant Jamie , Waller Amy , Bowman Alison , Pickles Robert , Hullick Carolyn , Price Emma , White Ben , Willmott Lindy , Knight Anne , Ryall Mary-Ann , Sanson-Fisher Rob
Published: July 2022

Background

For the benefits of advance care planning to be realised during a hospital admission, the treating team must have accurate knowledge of the law pertaining to implementation of advance care directives (ACDs) and substitute decision making.

Aims

To determine in a sample of Junior Medical Officers (JMOs): (1) knowledge of the correct order to approach people as substitute decision makers if a patient does not have capacity to consent to treatment; (2) knowledge of the legal validity of ACDs when making healthcare decisions for persons without capacity to consent to treatment, including the characteristics associated with higher knowledge; and (3) barriers to enacting ACDs.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted at five public hospitals in New South Wales, Australia. Interns, residents, registrars, and trainees on clinical rotation during the recruitment period were eligible to participate. Consenting participants completed an anonymous pen-and-paper survey.

Results

A total of 118 JMOs completed a survey (36% return rate). Fifty-five percent of participants were female and 56.8% were aged 20–29 years. Seventy-five percent of JMOs correctly identified a Guardian as the first person to approach if a patient did not have decision-making capacity, and 74% correctly identified a person’s spouse or partner as the next person to approach. Only 16.5% identified all four persons in the correct order, and 13.5% did not identify any in the correct order. The mean number of correct responses to the questions assessing knowledge of the legal validity of ACDs was 2.6 (SD = 1.1) out of a possible score of 6. Only 28 participants (23.7%) correctly answered four or more knowledge statements correctly. None of the explored variables were significantly associated with higher knowledge of the legal validity of ACDs. Uncertainty about the currency of ACDs and uncertainty about the legal implications of relying on an ACD when a patient’s family or substitute decision maker disagree with it were the main barriers to enacting ACDs.

Conclusion

JMOs knowledge of the legal validity of ACDs for persons without decision making capacity and the substitute decision making hierarchy is limited. There is a clear need for targeted education and training to improve knowledge in this area for this cohort.
Assessing Thailand’s 1-3-7 surveillance strategy in accelerating malaria elimination
Authors: Sudathip Prayuth , Naowarat Sathapana , Kitchakarn Suravadee , Gopinath Deyer , Bisanzio Donal , Pinyajeerapat Niparueradee , Sintasath David , Shah Jui A.
Published: July 2022

Background

Thailand’s strong malaria elimination programme relies on effective implementation of its 1-3-7 surveillance strategy, which was endorsed and implemented nationwide in 2016. For each confirmed malaria patient, the Ministry of Public Health’s Division of Vector Borne Diseases (DVBD) ensures completion of case notification within 1 day, case investigation within 3 days, and foci investigation within 7 days. To date, there has not been a comprehensive assessment of the performance and achievements of the 1-3-7 surveillance strategy although such results could help Thailand’s future malaria elimination strategic planning.

Methods

This study examined adherence to the 1-3-7 protocols, tracked progress against set targets, and examined geographic variations in implementation of the 1-3-7 strategy in the programme’s initial 5 years. An auto-regressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) time series analysis with seasonal decomposition assessed the plausible implementation effect of the 1-3-7 strategy on malaria incidence in the programme’s initial 5 years. The quantitative analysis included all confirmed malaria cases from public health and non-governmental community facilities from October 2014 to September 2021 (fiscal year [FY] 2015 to FY 2021) (n = 77,405). The spatial analysis included active foci with known geocoordinates that reported more than five cases from FY 2018 to FY 2021.

Results

From FY 2017 to FY 2021, on-time case notification improved from 24.4% to 89.3%, case investigations from 58.0% to 96.5%, and foci investigations from 37.9% to 87.2%. Adherence to timeliness protocols did not show statistically significant variation by area risk classification. However, adherence to 1-3-7 protocols showed a marked spatial heterogeneity among active foci, and the ARIMA model showed a statistically significant acceleration in the reduction of malaria incidence. The 1-3-7 strategy national indicators and targets in Thailand have shown progressive success, and most targets were achieved for FY 2021.

Conclusion

The results of Thailand’s 1-3-7 surveillance strategy are associated with a decreased incidence in the period following the adoption of the strategy although there is notable geographic variation. The DVBD will continue to implement and adapt the 1-3-7 strategy to accelerate progress toward malaria elimination. This assessment may be useful for domestic strategic planning and to other countries considering more intensive case and foci investigation and response strategies.
Impact of early mean arterial pressure level on severe acute kidney injury occurrence after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest
Authors: Dupont Vincent , Bonnet-Lebrun Anne-Sophie , Boileve Alice , Charpentier Julien , Mira Jean-Paul , Geri Guillaume , Cariou Alain , Jozwiak Mathieu
Published: July 2022

Background

The optimal early mean arterial pressure (MAP) level in terms of renal function remains to be established in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). We aimed to evaluate the association between early MAP level and severe acute kidney injury (AKI) occurrence in patients with OHCA.

Results

In 568 consecutive patients, the percentage time spent below a predefined MAP threshold and the corresponding area below threshold (ABT) were calculated from continuous MAP measurement. Both MAP-derived variables were calculated for different MAP thresholds (65, 75 and 85 mmHg) and time periods (the first 6 and 12 after ICU admission). 274 (48%) patients developed severe AKI defined as stage 3 of KDIGO. Both ABT and percentage time were independently associated with severe AKI, regardless of the MAP threshold and time period considered. Highest adjusted odds ratios for developing severe AKI were observed while considering the first 6 h period. Within the first 6 h, every 100 mmHg-h increase in ABT under MAP thresholds of 65, 75 and 85 mmHg increased severe AKI risk by 69% (OR = 1.69; 95% CI 1.26–2.26; p < 0.01), 13% (OR = 1.13; 95% CI 1.07–1.20; p < 0.01) and 4% (OR = 1.04; 95% CI 1.02–1.06; p < 0.01), respectively. Every 10% increase in percentage time spent under MAP thresholds of 65, 75 and 85 mmHg increased severe AKI risk by 19% (OR = 1.19; 95% CI 1.06–1.33; p < 0.01), 12% (OR = 1.12; 95% CI 1.04–1.19; p < 0.01) and 8% (OR = 1.08; 95% CI 1.02–1.14; p < 0.01), respectively.

Conclusions

Both severity and duration of early arterial hypotension after ICU admission remained associated with severe AKI occurrence while considering a MAP threshold as high as 85 mmHg after OHCA.
How education and GDP drive the COVID-19 vaccination campaign
Authors: Ngo Vu M. , Zimmermann Klaus F. , Nguyen Phuc V. , Huynh Toan L. D. , Nguyen Huan H.
Published: July 2022

Background

Since vaccination is the decisive factor for controlling the COVID-19 pandemic, it is important to understand the process of vaccination success which is not well understood on a global level. The study is the first to judge the now completed "first wave" of the vaccination efforts. The analysis is very relevant for the understanding why and where the vaccination process observed got stuck by the end of 2021.

Methods

Using data from 118 countries globally and weighted least squared and survival analysis, we identify a variety of factors playing crucial roles, including the availability of vaccines, pandemic pressures, economic strength measured by Gross Domestic Product (GDP), educational development, and political regimes.

Results

Examining the speed of vaccinations across countries until the Fall of 2021 when the global process got stuck, we find that initially authoritarian countries are slow in the vaccination process, while education is most relevant for scaling up the campaign, and the economic strength of the economies drives them to higher vaccination rates. In comparison to North and Middle America, European and Asian countries vaccinated initially fast for 5% and 10% vaccination rate thresholds, but became rather slow reaching the 30% vaccination level and above. The findings are robust to various applied estimation methods and model specifications.

Conclusions

Democratic countries are much faster than authoritarian countries in their vaccination campaigns when controlling for other factors. This finding suggests that the quality of government and the political environment play a key role in popular support for government policies and programs. However, despite the early success of their vaccination campaigns, the democratic country group has been confronted with strong concerns of vaccine reluctance among their vast populations, indicating the two most potent variables explaining the speed of the COVID-19 vaccination campaign are education and economic conditions.
Integrated transcriptome analysis for the hepatic and jejunal mucosa tissues of broiler chickens raised under heat stress conditions
Authors: Kim Deok Yun , Lim Byeonghwi , Kim Jun-Mo , Kil Dong Yong
Published: July 2022

Background

Heat stress (HS) is one of the most important threats for the current poultry industry. Therefore, many efforts have been made to ameliorate the adverse effect of HS on poultry production; however, physiological and molecular mechanisms pertaining to HS are still limited in poultry. Therefore, the objective of the current study was to investigate functional alterations based on individual and integrated transcriptomes in the liver and jejunal mucosa tissues of broiler chickens exposed to HS conditions.

Results

Broiler chickens exposed to HS showed decreased growth performance and increased corticosterone concentrations in the feather. In the transcriptome analysis, the number of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in the liver and jejunal mucosa by HS conditions. In the liver, genes related to amino acid oxidation, tryptophan metabolism, lipid metabolism, oxidative phosphorylation, and immune responses were altered by HS, which support the reason why heat-stressed poultry had decreased productive performance. In the jejunal mucosa, genes related to defense systems, glutathione metabolism, detoxification of xenobiotics, and immune responses were differently expressed by HS conditions. The integrated transcriptome analysis with DEGs found in the liver and jejunal mucosa showed a considerable connectivity between the core nodes in the constructed networks, which includes glutathione metabolism, xenobiotic metabolism, carbon metabolism, and several amino acid metabolisms.

Conclusions

The core network analysis may indicate that increased requirement of energy and amino acids in the jejunal mucosa of broiler chickens exposed to HS conditions is likely compromised by increased oxidation and synthesis of amino acids in the liver. Therefore, our results may provide comprehensive insights for molecular and metabolic alterations of broiler chickens raised under HS conditions, which can aid in the development of the novel strategies to ameliorate the negative effect of HS on poultry productivity and health.
Online singing interventions for postnatal depression in times of social isolation: a feasibility study protocol for the SHAPER-PNDO single-arm trial
Authors: Bind Rebecca H. , Estevao Carolina , Fancourt Daisy , Hazelgrove Katie , Sawyer Kristi , Rebecchini Lavinia , Miller Celeste , Dazzan Paola , Sevdalis Nick , Woods Anthony , Crane Nikki , Manoharan Manonmani , Burton Alexandra , Dye Hannah , Osborn Tim , Greenwood Lorna , Bakolis Ioannis , Lopez Maria Baldellou , Davis Rachel , Perkins Rosie , Pariante Carmine M.
Published: July 2022

Background

Postnatal depression (PND) affects 13% of new mothers, with numbers rising during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite this prevalence, many women have difficulty with or hesitancy towards accessing pharmacological and/or psychological interventions. Group-based mother-baby activities, however, have a good uptake, with singing improving maternal mental health and the mother-infant relationship. The recent lockdowns highlight the importance of adapting activities to an online platform that is wide-reaching and accessible.

Aims

The SHAPER-PNDO study will primarily analyse the feasibility of a 6-week online singing intervention, Melodies for Mums (M4M), for mothers with PND who are experiencing barriers to treatment. The secondary aim of the SHAPER-PNDO study will be to analyse the clinical efficacy of the 6-week M4M intervention for symptoms of postnatal depression.

Methods

A total of 120 mothers and their babies will be recruited for this single-arm study. All dyads will attend 6 weekly online singing sessions, facilitated by Breathe Arts Health Research. Assessments will be conducted on Zoom at baseline and week 6, with follow-ups at weeks 16 and 32, and will contain interviews for demographics, mental health, and social circumstances, and biological samples will be taken for stress markers. Qualitative interviews will be undertaken to understand the experiences of women attending the sessions and the facilitators delivering them. Finally, data will be collected on recruitment, study uptake and attendance of the programme, participant retention, and acceptability of the intervention.

Discussion

The SHAPER-PNDO study will focus on the feasibility, alongside the clinical efficacy, of an online delivery of M4M, available to all mothers with PND. We hope to provide a more accessible, effective treatment option for mothers with PND that can be available both during and outside of the pandemic for mothers who would otherwise struggle to attend in-person sessions, as well as to prepare for a subsequent hybrid RCT.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:NCT04857593. Registered retrospectively on 22 April 2021. The first participants were recruited on 27 January 2021, and the trial is ongoing.
Transmission line protection challenges influenced by inverter-based resources: a review
Authors: Quispe Juan Carlos , Orduña Eduardo
Published: July 2022

High penetration of renewable energy sources (RES) leads to new challenges for protection devices. Protection schemes are typically designed according to the dynamic behavior of rotating machines as generation sources, while the RES dynamic response, mainly governed by inverters, is not considered. Consequently, some relevant algorithms of transmission line protection are experiencing challenges because of the fact that magnitude and phase angle comparison, amount of negative-sequence, and short-circuit current level are affected by the RES. Therefore, an in-depth study of this issue is necessary, one which considers the main causes and new methodological criteria solutions. This work presents an extensive literature review of the evaluation of electrical protection performance and the effects of RES connected to a power grid through inverters. Bibliographic data on many representative publications related to this topic are obtained to show the current research lines and their proposed solutions. In addition, this work identifies the main protection functions affected and describes the new protection schemes that consider RES. Finally, an analysis and discussion of the selected bibliography are presented.
Neurological manifestations of post-COVID-19 syndrome S1-guideline of the German society of neurology
Authors: Franke Christiana , Berlit Peter , Prüss Harald
Published: July 2022

Infection with the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) leads to COVID-19 (COrona VIrus Disease-2019). SARS-CoV-2 acute infection may be associated with an increased incidence of neurological manifestations such as encephalopathy and encephalomyelitis, ischemic stroke and intracerebral hemorrhage, anosmia and neuromuscular diseases. Neurological manifestations are commonly reported during the post-acute phase and are also present in Long-COVID (LCS) and post-COVID-19 syndrome (PCS). In October 2020, the German Society of Neurology (DGN, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Neurologie) published the first guideline on the neurological manifestations of COVID-19. In December 2021 this S1 guideline was revised and guidance for the care of patients with post-COVID-19 syndrome regarding neurological manifestations was added. This is an abbreviated version of the post-COVID-19 syndrome chapter of the guideline issued by the German Neurological society and published in the Guideline repository of the AWMF (Working Group of Scientific Medical Societies; Arbeitsgemeinschaft wissenschaftlicher Medizinischer Fachgesellschaften).
Safety of the BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine in children and adolescents with juvenile idiopathic arthritis: a tertiary-center early experience
Authors: Abdelgalil Abobakr A. , Bakry Reima A. , Muzaffer Mohammed A.
Published: July 2022

Background

Research on the COVID-19 vaccination in patients with underlying rheumatic disorders in pediatric age is lacking. We studied possible adverse events of the mRNA BNT162b2 vaccine against SARS-CoV-2 (Pfizer-BioNTech) in children and adolescents with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), and also if there is a risk of flaring of the underlying JIA. We reported 36 JIA patients aged 5–18 years old received 2 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine (72 doses). Patients were followed before and after vaccination, and any related adverse event was recorded. JIA disease activity was assessed using Juvenile Arthritis Disease Activity Score-10 (JADAS-10) before and after vaccination.

Results

Among 72 doses of the vaccine received, local adverse events (AEs) were reported by majority of the patients (66.7%); most commonly reported local AE was pain at the site of injection. Systemic AEs were revealed by (65.3%), most commonly reported systemic AEs were tiredness, myalgia, and headache. Almost all the reported AE were mild to moderate and resolved within 1–2 days and were also more frequently noted after the second dose. No flaring of the underlying primary rheumatic disease after vaccination. No one of the study group revealed serious adverse events.

Conclusions

This is one of the early studies reporting that mRNA COVID-19 vaccine seems to be safe in children and adolescents with JIA. Almost all the reported adverse events were mild to moderate and transient. Also, no serious adverse events or flaring of the primary disease were reported.
Επαγγελματική ευημερία εκπαιδευτικών και ενίσχυση κλίματος σχολικής μονάδας
Authors: Γούτας Θεόδωρος
Published: July 2022

Η τελευταία δεκαετία χαρακτηρίζεται από τη ραγδαία αύξηση των προβληματικών συμπεριφορών των μαθητών . Ευρήματα διαφόρων μελετών συγκλίνουν στο ότι όταν οι εκπαιδευτικοί αντιμετωπίζουν το ζήτημα αποκλειστικά με την επιβολή ποινών, τότε αυξάνονται η σχολική διαρροή, η επιθετικότητα, οι απουσίες και η καθυστερημένη προσέλευση των μαθητών στα μαθήματα. Επιπρόσθετα, πλήθος ερευνητικών αποτελεσμάτων υποδεικνύουν τη θετική επίδραση διασχολικών παιδαγωγικών παρεμβάσεων στην κοινωνική συμπεριφορά των μαθητών και στο σχολικό κλίμα. Σκοπός της εργασίας είναι η εφαρμογή των διαδικασιών του πρωτογενούς επιπέδου πρόληψης Σχολικού Συστήματος Προώθησης Θετικών Συμπεριφορών (ΣΣΠΘΣ) σε δημοτικά σχολεία και στόχος η διερεύνηση της επίδρασης του στην επαγγελματική ευημερία και τη συλλογική αποτελεσματικότητα των εκπαιδευτικών καθώς και στο κλίμα των σχολικών μονάδων στις οποίες εφαρμόστηκε. Το δείγμα της έρευνας αποτελείται από 271 εκπαιδευτικούς από 30 δημοτικά σχολεία των νομών Θεσσαλονίκης, Ημαθίας και Χαλκιδικής. Για την εκτίμηση των υπό εξέταση εννοιών οι εκπαιδευτικοί συμπλήρωσαν δύο φορές τρία ερωτηματολόγια: μία φορά πριν την εφαρμογή της παρέμβασης και μία μετά από την εφαρμογή της. Τα αποτελέσματα της παρούσας έρευνας υποδεικνύουν ότι η επίδραση του ΣΣΠΘΣ στην επαγγελματική ευημερία και τη συλλογική αποτελεσματικότητα των εκπαιδευτικών καθώς και στο σχολικό κλίμα είναι γενικά θετική και σημαντική. Βέβαια, δεν πρέπει να παραγνωριστεί το γεγονός ότι η παρέμβαση υλοποιήθηκε κατά το διδακτικό έτος 2020 – 2021, όταν δηλαδή εφαρμόστηκε στα σχολεία αφενός η εξ αποστάσεως εκπαίδευση και αφετέρου η διά ζώσης επαναλειτουργία τους με μέτρα αυξημένης προστασίας της δημόσιας υγείας λόγω της πανδημίας CoViD-19. Ωστόσο, το ότι δεν διαπιστώθηκαν σημαντικές διαφορές στην επαγγελματική ευημερία των δύο ομάδων των εκπαιδευτικών μετά την εφαρμογή του ΣΣΠΘΣ, μπορεί να αποδοθεί στο ότι οι εκπαιδευτικοί επένδυσαν ούτως ή άλλως στην ανάπτυξη της σχολικής διασύνδεσης και της αποτελεσματικότητας της διδασκαλίας τους, προκειμένου να ανταποκριθούν στις ανάγκες της τηλεκπαίδευσης. Ακόμη, στις σχολικές μονάδες που εφαρμόστηκε η παρέμβαση αφενός βελτιώθηκε το σχολικό κλίμα και αφετέρου οι εκπαιδευτικοί βελτίωσαν τη συλλογική τους αποτελεσματικότητα ως αποτέλεσμα της κύριας επίδρασης της παρέμβασης. Το ΣΣΠΘΣ εφαρμόστηκε για πρώτη φορά σε σχολεία της πρωτοβάθμιας εκπαίδευσης στην Ελλάδα. Ως συνέπεια, τα ευρήματα αποκτούν ιδιαίτερη βαρύτητα· αρχικά, επειδή ευθυγραμμίζονται με αντίστοιχα προγενέστερων ερευνών, επιβεβαιώνοντας κατ’ αυτόν τον τρόπο τη σημασία της παρέμβασης σε εκπαιδευτικά συστήματα διαφορετικών χωρών. Κατά δεύτερο λόγο, τα ευρήματα έχουν σημασία επειδή η θετική επίδραση της παρέμβασης προέκυψε από τη μικρότερη σε χρονική διάρκεια εφαρμογή της παρέμβασης, λόγω της αναστολής της δια ζώσης λειτουργίας των σχολικών μονάδων.
Analysis and study of the potential increase in energy output generated by prototype solar tracking, roof mounted solar panels
Authors: Harazin Jacek , Wróbel Andrzej
Published: July 2022

Roof mounted solar panels come in form of fixed panels, unable to adjust to sun’s position during day and throughout the year. As an effect, the efficiency of such solution is usually dependent on the roof slope and position of the building in relation to sun’s day arc during seasons. These problems can be bypassed in free standing solar installations by equipping solar panels with solar tracker installations. Thanks to solar tracking, solar panels can be dynamically positioned perpendicular to the sun position and gather energy more efficiently throughout the day. This article presents a possibility of creating a roof mounted solar tracking panel to increase irradiance efficiency. A prototype of solar tracking panel with two axes of movement was designed with an intention of an easy adaptation to being mounted on sloped surfaces of building roofs. A reference stationary panel was used to compare the efficiency of both solutions. A 5-day study was carried out to determine if the proposed solution could provide any benefits. Based on the study, the authors made an attempt to draw a conclusion whether the design could considerably increase the solar energy output to be worth the extra spending associated with solar tracker installation.
Contraception knowledge and uptake among in-school adolescents in three South African townships: Baseline findings from the Girls Achieve Power (GAP Year) Trial
Authors: Pleaner Melanie , Kutywayo Alison , Beksinska Mags , Mabetha Khuthala , Naidoo Nicolette , Mullick Saiqa
Published: July 2022

Background: South African adolescents experience barriers to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) knowledge and uptake. This study provides insight into contraceptive and other SRH service knowledge, perceptions, and uptake among adolescents in high HIV prevalence settings.

Methods: A baseline cross sectional survey was conducted among 3432 grade 8s enrolled into the Girls Achieve Power (GAP Year) trial from 26 public high schools across three South African townships (Soweto, Thembisa and Khayelitsha) (2017 - 2018). An interviewer-led survey collected information on SRH knowledge and perceptions; an audio computer-assisted self-interviewing technique gathered SRH service uptake. Descriptive analysis indicates frequency distribution of socio-demographics and knowledge, uptake and perceptions of SRH services. Chi-square test tested for associations between age and sex and selected variables that measure SRH knowledge and uptake.

Results: In total, 2383 learners, completed both survey components. Of these, 63.1% (n=1504) were female and 81.4% (n=1938) aged 12-14. Almost a fifth (18.3%, n=436) had ever had sex and less than 1% had accessed SRH services in the last year. Of the 157 females who had ever had sex, 50.9% had ever used contraception. Of those who had sex in the last three months, 59.0% reported using a contraceptive method. Condom use was inconsistent: almost all females said they had not used or could not remember if a condom was used at last sex.

Conclusion: This paper contributes to the evidence strengthening learner SRH education, including the national Integrated School Health Programme. Key themes include the need for age-appropriate, differentiated comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) for the range of ages found in the same grade in South African schools. Education on different contraceptive methods, informed decision-making, and emergency contraception is key. School-based interventions should embrace integrated HIV, STI, and pregnancy prevention messages. Closer links with health services need to be constantly fostered and reinforced.
Forgotten War
Authors: Suski Robert
Published: July 2022

Niewiele wiadomo o konflikcie między Cesarstwem Rzymskim a Persją w drugiej połowie lat 30. III w. Persowie podbili Hatrę, gdzie prawdopodobnie stacjonował rzymski garnizon, i zajęli większą część rzymskiej prowincji Mezopotamii. Mimo to ta wojna jest właściwie pomijana w pracach wielu historyków rzymskich i bizantyjskich. Przyczyn może być kilka: cesarz osobiście nie brał udziału w konflikcie, utrata rzymskiej Mezopotamii była chwilowa, autorzy bizantyjscy błędnie identyfikowali podobne konflikty, umieszczając je w niewłaściwym porządku chronologicznym, powielając lub łącząc takie wydarzenia historyczne, historycy rzymscy skupili swoją uwagę na sytuacji w Europie, a nie na Bliskim Wschodzie.
Podróż Izabeli i Jana Działyńskich po Bliskim Wschodzie (1862-1863)
Authors: Obtułowicz Barbara
Published: July 2022

W artykule został odtworzony przebieg podróży po Bliskim Wschodzie, którą odbyli Izabela z Czartoryskich Działyńska i jej mąż Jan Działyński w latach 1862-1863. Zawiera ona także pewne uwagi o relacjach małżeńskich hrabiostwa Działyńskich, przyjaźni jaka łączyła Izabelę z jej bratową księżną Marią Witoldową oraz jej przywiązania do matki. Ponadto eksponuje materiał ikonograficzny wykonany własnoręcznie przez hrabinę. Całość jest oparta na materiałach archiwalnych, głównie francuskojęzycznych, dotychczas nie wykorzystanych w historiografii.