bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Energy, demand for computing power and the Green World
Authors: Sobolev Nikolai A.
Published: July 2024

The review looks at the main trends in global energy production and consumption over the last half century, based on P.L. Kapitza’s 1975 analysis using a unified approach based on the Umov–Poynting vector. Such aspects of the problem as the impact of energy consumption on gross national product per capita, reasons for different approaches of countries to the transition to renewable energy sources, existing sources of energy, global distribution of its production and consumption, features and prospects of different energy technologies, as well as technologies to reduce energy consumption are touched upon. Thus, since 1975, the price of one kilowatt-hour of "solar" electricity has fallen by orders of magnitude and this technology has moved to the forefront, while fusion still remains the "energy of the future" and coal continues to hold its position in the market. Somewhat unexpectedly, electronics and telecommunications have become a major consumer of energy, urging a shift from von Neumann architecture to neuromorphic technology in computers and the development of femto and attowatt optoelectronics. And a totally unforeseen energy consumer has been cryptocurrency mining. On the other hand, the harvesting of dissipated energy in a variety of ways is seen as an environmentally friendly alternative to the use of batteries in low and ultra-low-power devices.
The genus Acerocephala and observations of the life history of Acerocephala hanuuanamu sp. nov. (Hymenoptera, Cerocephalidae) and its bark beetle host on the island of O‘ahu, Hawai‘i
Authors: Honsberger David N. , Honsberger Maya , Lorenzo-Elarco J. Hau‘oli , Wright Mark G.
Published: July 2024

The behavior of Acerocephala hanuuanamusp. nov. found parasitizing Cryphalus brasiliensis under the surface of wood in Ficus microcarpa trees on the island of O‘ahu in Hawai‘i is deduced from observations in naturally occuring branches, and from direct observation using specially designed “phloem sandwich” observation chambers which consist of tree bark peeled through the phloem layer from freshly cut branches and sandwiched between a sheet of aluminum and a sheet of plexiglass. Cryphalus brasiliensis beetles, found living in large numbers in the phloem tissues in F. microcarpa trees, were collected and placed into these chambers. They tunneled into the wood and reproduced, producing an active colony of all life stages. Acerocephala hanuuanamu wasps were then placed into the system and their behavior observed. Typical behavior, aspects of which were recorded in video and still images, was as follows. A female A. hanuuanamu enters the tunnels of the bark beetles. She digs through the debris in the tunnels in a search for larvae and pupae. Cryphalus brasiliensis prepupae construct a hard pupal chamber around themselves before they pupate, and upon encountering a larva in the tunnels or the exterior of a pupal chamber with a pupa inside, she adeptly turns around in the tunnel to sting it, either inserting her ovipositor directly into the larva or by laboriously pushing it through the hard shell of the pupal chamber. When finished stinging, she withdraws her ovipositor slowly and carefully, often extracting tissue from the beetle immature as a sheath around her ovipositor. This structure remains projecting from the larva or pupa, and then the wasp turns around and host feeds through this structure, in the case of a pupa at a substantial distance through the wall of the pupal chamber. Oviposition occurs on larval stages and pupal stages. The egg hatches and the larva develops as an ectoparasitoid on the beetle. When finished feeding, it detaches and pupates in the tunnel. Mating behavior is also described. In addition to C. brasiliensis in F. microcarpa, A. hanuuanamu was also observed attacking Cryphalus mangiferae in mango (Mangifera indica) branches. Acerocephala ihulenasp. nov. was also found on O‘ahu parasitizing Eidophelus pacificus in hau (Hibiscus tiliaceus) branches, and is described. The genus Acerocephala is revised given the perspective resulting from these two new species and aspects of functional morphology observed in the behavioral studies, Acerocephala indicacomb. nov. is transferred to the genus, and a key to the genus is provided.
Prevalence and Outcomes of Cognitive Frailty Among Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zhang Yixiong , Xia Haozhi , Jiang Xing , Wang Qiuling , Hou Lili
Published: July 2024

Purpose:

To systematically review the available evidence regarding the prevalence and outcomes of cognitive frailty—a clinical syndrome characterized by the combination of physical frailty and cognitive impairment, without dementia—in community-dwelling older adults.

Method:

The following databases were searched: PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, EBSCO, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, ProQuest, CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, and CBMdisc (inception to October 2, 2023).

Results:

Twenty-four studies were included (
N
= 62,169) reporting a median prevalence of cognitive frailty among community-dwelling older adults of 12.2%. Frailty with cognitive impairment was independently associated with increased all-cause mortality (adjusted 8-year hazard ratio [HR] = 2.6, 95% confidence interval [CI] [2.05, 3.30]). There was evidence of increased risk of 3-year mortality for frailty (adjusted HR = 1.92, 95% CI [1.26, 2.93]) and prefrailty (adjusted HR = 1.79, 95% CI [1.33, 2.41]) with cognitive impairment. There was also evidence of increased risk of dementia for frailty (adjusted 24-month HR = 6.19, 95% CI [2.74, 13.99]; adjusted 4-year HR = 4.98, 95% CI [2.17, 11.41]) and prefrailty (adjusted 4-year HR = 5.21, 95% CI [2.95, 9.20]; adjusted 5-year HR = 14.5, 95% CI [1.68, 125.1]) with cognitive impairment. Activities of daily living (ADL) dependence was more frequent in individuals with cognitive impairment and frailty (adjusted 4-year odds ratio = 5.6, 95% CI [2.13, 14.72]).

Conclusion:

Of community-dwelling older adults, 12.2% have cognitive frailty as well as increased risk of all-cause mortality, dementia, and ADL dependence. Further studies on prevention and treatment of cognitive frailty is warranted. Health care providers should formulate specific interventions to decrease the impact of cognitive frailty. [
Research in Gerontological Nursing, 17
(4), 202–212.]
A Longitudinal Study on the Relationship Between Family Size and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living: The Masking Effect of Depressive Symptoms
Authors: Gu Shiping , Du Xinnan , Li Sangsang , Han Dan , Wu Yunyi , Zhao Jie , Zhang Mei , Wang Jing
Published: July 2024

Purpose:

According to use and disuse theory, the decreasing size of families in China may have a considerable influence on older adults' health. However, research on the associations among family size, depression, and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) in this population is limited. Thus, the current study examined the role of depression on the impact of family size on IADL and explored the differences between urban and rural areas.

Method:

Mediation analyses were performed with data from 7,290 older adults aged ≥60 years from the Harmonized China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study in 2011, 2013, 2015, and 2018, using stepwise regression and bootstrap methods.

Results:

Family size had a positive impact on IADL limitations of older adults (0.29,
p
< 0.01), and the masking effects of depressive symptoms had a partial effect of family size on older adults' IADL. However, these effects only exist in rural areas.

Conclusion:

Providing emotional support through psychological counseling and guiding caregivers to provide moderate care support is crucial, particularly in rural areas, for alleviating depressive symptoms due to changes in family size and maintaining independent living skills among older adults. [
Research in Gerontological Nursing, 17
(4), 165–175.]
Single hyperspectral image super-resolution using a progressive upsampling deep prior network
Authors: Wang Haijun , Zheng Wenli , Wang Yaowei , Yang Tengfei , Zhang Kaibing , Shang Youlin
Published: July 2024

Hyperspectral image super-resolution (SR) aims to enhance the spectral and spatial resolution of remote sensing images, enabling more accurate and detailed analysis of ground objects. However, hyperspectral images have high dimensional characteristics and complex spectral patterns. As a result, it is critical to effectively leverage the spatial non-local self-similarity and spectral correlation within hyperspectral images. To address this, we have proposed a novel single hyperspectral image SR method based on a progressive upsampling deep prior network. Specifically, we introduced the spatial-spectral attention fusion unit (S2AF) based on residual connections, in order to extract spatial and spectral information from hyperspectral images. Then we developed the group convolutional upsampling (GCU) to efficiently utilize the spatial and spectral prior information inherent in hyperspectral images. To address the challenges posed by the high dimensionality of hyperspectral images and limited training dataset, we implemented a parameter-sharing grouped convolutional upsampling framework within the GCU to ensure model stability and enhance performance. The experimental results on three benchmark datasets demonstrated that the proposed single hyperspectral image SR using a progressive upsampling deep prior network (PUDPN) method effectively improves the reconstruction quality of hyperspectral images and achieves promising performance.
Utopías de un tiempo que está cansado. La ficción como crítica de la historia en Respiración Artificial
Authors: S. Alejandro Fielbaum
Published: July 2024

Tempranamente, Piglia plantea una ficción crítica de las formas dominantes de la crítica. Ello le permite leer las tensiones que atraviesan la obra de Borges, cuya relación con el siglo XIX presentamos a través de sus menciones de Juan Crisóstomo Lafinur. Piglia plantea otra relación, más discontinua, con el siglo XIX, que puede seguirse en su novela Respiración Artificial. Presentamos las críticas a tal novela de Sarlo, Aira y Halperín para terminar argumentando que algunas señas acerca de Sarmiento en tal novela pueden leerse con cierta ambivalencia, y así abrir cierta mirada de la ficción como crítica del discurso histórico.
Friction Stir Techniques Exploring Fracture and Fatigue Behavior in Hybrid Composite Joints
Authors: Khalaf Hassanein I. , Al-Sabur Raheem
Published: July 2024

Hybrid composite materials are essential in engineering because they combine the unique properties of several reinforcement materials in a way that works well together. Friction stir processing (FSP) is an advanced form of friction stir welding classified as solid-state welding. In recent years, FSP has been used to fabricate hybrid composite material processes, especially in aluminum, and has been extended to include most lightweight metal. Fracture and fatigue behavior in hybrid composite joints fabricated through FSP play a crucial role in understanding these materials' mechanical performance and guiding the development of robust and durable structures in aerospace, automotive, marine, and other engineering industries. Although many studies are related to FSP in hybrid composite materials, they are scarce in fatigue and fracture mechanics. In this chapter, there is a serious attempt to provide a more in-depth understanding of the topic through a brief explanation of the related paragraphs.
Monitoring Structural Health Using Friction Stir Techniques for Hybrid Composite Joints
Authors: Viraj Dravid Sampada , Gopi B. , Kumaresan T. , K. Nehru. , Hari B. S. , Boopathi Sampath
Published: July 2024

This chapter examines the application of friction stir methods (FST) to hybrid composite joint structural health monitoring. FST processing and welding are cutting-edge techniques that are well-known for minimizing flaws and enhancing joint strength when connecting and altering composite materials. The benefits of FST over conventional bonding procedures are examined, along with its principles and application. The chapter also covers the incorporation of FST with structural health monitoring (SHM) approaches, emphasizing the real-time evaluation of structural integrity and the identification of flaws prior to catastrophic breakdown. The compatibility of recent SHM technologies with FST-joined hybrid composites is evaluated, including fiber optic sensors, piezoelectric transducers, and electromechanical impedance approaches. The efficacy of FST-integrated SHM systems in identifying and addressing problems in hybrid composite joints is demonstrated in this chapter, along with its potential for predictive maintenance and life extension.
Balancing Act Sustainability and Environmental Considerations in Friction Stir Processing of Hybrid Composites
Authors: Gajjela Rajyalakshmi , Jayakrishna K. , Deepa A. , Panta Srihari Reddy
Published: July 2024

Friction stir processing (FSP) has emerged as a promising technique for joining and modifying materials, particularly in the realm of hybrid composites. This chapter delves into the intricate balance between sustainability and environmental concerns inherent in the application of FSP to hybrid composites. By examining the various parameters and methodologies involved in FSP, alongside the environmental impact assessment, this study aims to elucidate the opportunities and challenges in achieving sustainability goals within this processing technique. The discussion encompasses the selection of base materials, tool design, process optimization, and waste management strategies, all of which play critical roles in determining the environmental footprint of FSP. Through a comprehensive review and analysis, this chapter provides insights into the current state of sustainability considerations in FSP of hybrid composites, while also outlining avenues for future research and development.
Analysis of CBDCs in South America, the Caribbean, and Their Impact on Financial Inclusion
Authors: Albert Juan-Francisco , Gómez-Fernández Nerea , Náñez Alonso Sergio Luis
Published: July 2024

This research analyzes the potential of a CBDC to address challenges such as financial inclusion in South America and the Caribbean. To this end, data from Global Findex on gender, age, educational level, income, and employment status have been used. Subsequently, through multilevel binomial logit models, three dependent variables were analyzed: account ownership, internet or cell phone use for financial transactions, and cell phone use for in-store payments. The results suggest that addressing gender, educational, economic, and labor disparities is crucial to promote more equitable financial inclusion through CBDCs. Actions such as educational programs on digital finance, ensuring equitable access to technology and connectivity, designing intuitive and accessible interfaces, and conducting awareness and advocacy campaigns to encourage the adoption of CBDCs are proposed. These measures could contribute to greater financial and digital inclusion in the region.
Preparing for the Future of Central Bank Digital Money in Türkiye
Authors: Duğru Meltem
Published: July 2024

Developments in technology and the internet have led to the questioning of the current monetary system. This situation triggered studies on central bank digital money (CBDC). The rush to avoid being left behind in the system and the inevitable rise of other currencies gave rise to these currencies. CBDCs have been designed and piloted by an increasing number of countries for some time. Thus, its possible effects on the economy, monetary policies, and banks are observed. Türkiye is among the countries working on CBDC. In this study, the process of CBDCs, which are being prepared all over the world, in Türkiye is discussed. In the studies on CBDC, the stages that have been achieved, the current point and future plans are emphasized. As a result of the evaluations, it is thought that it is too early for CBDC to be issued in Türkiye. First of all, it is important to fully establish the necessary systemic infrastructure and administrative and legal framework so that these currencies can be released to the market. On the other hand, the outcomes of monetary policies should be followed carefully.
Central Bank Currency in India
Authors: Kashyap Amit Kumar
Published: July 2024

India has made remarkable progress in digital payments innovation, showcasing a vibrant shift in the nature and functions of money. Recent technological advancements have made it possible to digitize currency, and the introduction of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) is a significant development in this area. The study explores various aspects of the subject, including the legal framework, technological issuance architecture, fundamental principles, potential hazards, stakeholder influence, use cases, and critical CBDC-R issues. This study is relevant considering India's advancements in digital payments and the increasing global acceptance of CBDCs. The study highlights the potential of CBDC-R to improve India's economic landscape, emphasizing the importance of taking proactive measures to ensure its successful implementation and widespread acceptance.
Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Activation in Pulmonary Alveolar Epithelial Cells Limits Inflammation and Preserves Lung Epithelial Cell Integrity
Authors: Zimmerman Elizabeth , Sturrock Anne , Reilly Christopher A , Burrell-Gerbers Katherine L , Warren Kristi , Mir-Kasimov Mustafa , Zhang Mingyang A , Pierce Megan S , Helms My N , Paine Robert
Published: July 2024

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a receptor/transcription factor widely expressed in the lung. The physiological roles of AHR expressed in the alveolar epithelium remain unclear. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that alveolar epithelial AHR activity plays an important role in modulating inflammatory responses and maintaining alveolar integrity during lung injury and repair. AHR is expressed in alveolar epithelial cells (AECs) and is active. AHR activation with the endogenous AHR ligand, FICZ (5,11-dihydroindolo[3,2-b] carbazole-6-carboxaldehyde), significantly suppressed inflammatory cytokine expression in response to inflammatory stimuli in primary murine AECs and in the MLE-15 epithelial cell line. In an LPS model of acute lung injury in mice, coadministration of FICZ with LPS suppressed protein leak, reduced neutrophil accumulation in BAL fluid, and suppressed inflammatory cytokine expression in lung tissue and BAL fluid. Relevant to healing following inflammatory injury, AHR activation suppressed TGF-β–induced expression of genes associated with epithelial–mesenchymal transition. Knockdown of AHR in primary AECs with shRNA or in CRISPR-Cas-9–induced MLE-15 cells resulted in upregulation of α-smooth muscle actin (αSma), Col1a1, and Fn1 and reduced expression of epithelial genes Col4a1 and Sdc1. MLE-15 clones lacking AHR demonstrated accelerated wound closure in a scratch model. AHR activation with FICZ enhanced barrier function (transepithelial electrical resistance) in primary murine AECs and limited decline of transepithelial electrical resistance following inflammatory injury. AHR activation in AECs preserves alveolar integrity by modulating inflammatory cytokine expression while enhancing barrier function and limiting stress-induced expression of mesenchymal genes.
Ethics, rationality and medicine
Authors: Sgreccia Elio
Published: July 2024

Not available.
Bone marrow transplantation: ethical aspects
Authors: Fasanella Giuseppe , Sgreccia Elio
Published: July 2024

Transplantation of an organ or tissue nowadays represents a real prospect of cure for several patients. Scientific advances, especially in the biological and genetic fields, have made it possible to better address the crucial problem of rejection. However, the story of transplantation still remains an intricate, painful, confusing one.
Family counseling centers: the law and the current situation
Authors: Longo Carminati Valeria
Published: July 2024

On July 29, 1975, the Italian state, through Law 405, established the Family Counseling Centers and delegated to the regions the task of making the services operational, through implementing laws, over the next 4 years. Although with some delays and some unevenness, by the end of the 1970s, under different names that mainly referred to family assistance and education for responsible parenthood, the consultorial services made their appearance throughout the country.
Biological basis of extrapolation to humans from animal drug trials
Authors: Preziosi Paolo
Published: July 2024

A careful assessment of “life expectancy” from past centuries to the present day leads one to consider how it has gradually increased since the early 19th century, from 35 to 40 years in the period of the Roman Empire to about 53 years for men and 56 for women in 1930-35, to 66 and 70 years respectively from 1955 to 1960, with a tendency at the present time for a further modest increase especially in the female sex.
Animal experimentation: are there practical answers to an ethical dilemma?
Authors: Zbinden Gerhard
Published: July 2024

Not available.
Antiandrogens in the treatment of violent sexual behavior: ethical reflections
Authors: Sgreccia Elio , Mele Vincenza
Published: July 2024

A comprehensive and general treatment of sexological therapies considered from an ethical point of view does not yet exist, just as there is no agreement among the various schools on the most appropriate therapies for individual disorders or specific pathologies of sexuality.
Prenatal olanzapine exposure and congenital talipes equinovarus (clubfoot): a case report and review of emerging evidence
Authors: Khosravi Mohsen
Published: July 2024

Recently, concerns have emerged about the potential teratogenic effects of olanzapine, particularly its association with congenital malformations such as congenital talipes equinovarus (clubfoot). Evidence from a large Finnish study, which reported a 2.5-fold increase in musculoskeletal anomalies, as well as various case reports, suggests a significant link between in-utero exposure to olanzapine and these anomalies. This case report aims to add to the growing body of evidence by detailing a new instance of clubfoot following prenatal olanzapine exposure. A 25-year-old woman suffering from bipolar I disorder with psychotic features was treated with olanzapine during pregnancy, resulting in the birth of a male infant with clubfoot but no other malformations. This case underscores the importance of careful risk assessment and monitoring for pregnant women undergoing psychiatric treatment with olanzapine. Potential mechanisms, such as disrupted fetal musculoskeletal development due to olanzapine’s pharmacological effects, warrant further investigation. Comparative analysis with other cases highlights consistent patterns, emphasizing the need for further research to elucidate the mechanisms and risk factors involved.
Semilinear elliptic equations on manifolds with nonnegative Ricci curvature
Authors: Catino Giovanni , Monticelli Dario Daniele
Published: July 2024

In this paper, we prove classification results for solutions to subcritical and critical semilinear elliptic equations with a nonnegative potential on noncompact manifolds with nonnegative Ricci curvature. We show in the subcritical case that all nonnegative solutions vanish identically. Moreover, under some natural assumptions, in the critical case we prove a strong rigidity result, namely we classify all nontrivial solutions showing that they exist only if the potential is constant and the manifold is isometric to the Euclidean space.
On finite time Type I singularities of the Kähler–Ricci flow on compact Kähler surfaces
Authors: Cifarelli Charles , Conlon Ronan J. , Deruelle Alix
Published: July 2024

We show that the underlying complex manifold of a complete non-compact two-dimen­sional shrinking gradient Kähler–Ricci soliton

(M,g,X)

with soliton metric

g

with bounded scalar curvature

\operatorname{R}_{g}

whose soliton vector field

X

has an integral curve along which

\operatorname{R}_{g}\not\to0

is biholomorphic to either

\mathbb{C}\times\mathbb{P}^{1}

or to the blowup of this manifold at one point, and that the soliton metric 

g

is toric. We also identify the corresponding soliton vector field

X

in each case. Given these possibilities, we then prove a strong form of the Feldman–Ilmanen–Knopf conjecture for finite time Type I singularities of the Kähler–Ricci flow on compact Kähler surfaces, leading to a classification of the bubbles of such singularities in this dimension.
An Investigation on Exhaust Pulse Characteristics of Asymmetric
Twin-Scroll Turbocharged Heavy-Duty Diesel Engine
Authors: Wu Liangqin , Jin Jianjiao , Wang Jie , Zhang Chenyun
Published: July 2024

The shape and energy distribution characteristics of exhaust pulse of an
asymmetric twin-scroll turbocharged engine have a significant impact on the
matching between asymmetric twin-scroll turbines and engines, as well as the
matching between asymmetric twin scrolls and turbine wheels. In this article,
the exhaust pulse characteristics of an asymmetric twin-scroll turbocharged
engine was studied. Experiments were conducted on a turbine test rig and an
engine performance stand to determine the operation rules of exhaust pulse
strength, turbine flow parameters, turbine isentropic energy, and turbine
efficiency. The results showed that the exhaust pulse strength at the inlets of
both the small and large scrolls continuously decreased with the increase of
engine speed. And the flow parameters at the inlets of the small and large
scrolls exhibited a “ring” or “butterfly” shape with the change of expansion
ratio depending on the pressure deviation of the extreme points at the troughs
on both sides of the “secondary peak” of the exhaust pressure pulse,
respectively. Besides, the distribution trend of turbine isentropic power was
consistent with the trend of exhaust pressure pulse at the inlets of the small
and large scrolls. Furthermore, when opening the balance valve, it caused the
appearance of “concave” and “convex” features near the “main peak” and
“secondary peak” of the turbine isentropic power pulses, respectively. Finally,
as the engine speed increased, the fluctuation of turbine instantaneous
efficiency gradually decreased. When calculating the instantaneous efficiency of
the turbine, the influence of the rotor’s rotational inertia needs to be
considered, otherwise, there may be a false phenomenon of exceeding 100%
efficiency.
Steel Tubing, Seamless 0.95Cr - 0.20Mo (0.28 - 0.33C) (SAE 4130), Aircraft Quality 150 ksi (1034 MPa) Tensile Strength
Authors:   AMS E Carbon and Low Alloy Steels Committee
Published: July 2024

This specification covers aircraft-quality, low-alloy steel in the form of round, seamless tubing.
A Hospital Performance Assessment Model Using the IPOCC Approach
Authors: Roya Malekzadeh  , Ghasem Abedi  , Edris Hasanpoor  , Matina Ghasemi  , Ghahraman Mahmoodi
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND፡ Developing a practical model to assess hospital performance improves the quality of services and leads to patient satisfaction. This study aims to develop and present such a model using the IPOCC (Input, Process, Output, Control and Context) approach.METHODS: This study used a mixed-method research. The statistical population of the qualitative part included 27 experts who were purposefully selected and the sampling process was continued by the snowball method until the data saturation was reached. The quantitative part included 334 managers at differentlevels within a hospital, who were selected by a random sampling method based on Cochran's formula.RESULTS: The hospital evaluation model has 5 dimensions with 20 factors: input (human, financial, physical, information and equipment), process (treatment, para-clinical, prevention, management, and leadership processes), outcome (patient, staff and community outcomes and key performance index), control (internal control, external control), context (hospital culture,hospital status, the role of evaluators and community conditions). The value of chi-square was 4689.154, the degree of freedom was 2385, and the ratio of chi-square to the degree of freedom in the model was 1.966, which is an acceptable value. The values obtained from CFI, GFI, and IFI fit indices were acceptable. The SRMR index was 0.1130.CONCLUSIONS: Using a performance assessment model along with the IPOCC approach evaluates hospital processes and the output obtained from the proper implementation of these processes in all areas. The areas include the hospital provided services like the control and context, or the traditional perspectives like physical, human, financial, and equipment resources.
Improving Hand Hygiene Compliance of Intensive Care Unit by Using Pender’s Model
Authors: Nasrin KHosravi  , Ali Alami  , Mohammad Hasan Aelami  , Shahla KHosrovan
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND፡ Hand hygiene (HH) compliance is an effective behavior in controlling hospital-acquired infection because the hand is the main means of transmitting infections in patient-medical staff communication as well as the inanimate environment. This study aimed to explore the effect of applying Pender’s Health Promotion Model on the HH compliance of intensive care unit staff.METHODS: This quasi-experimental study with a single research group was conducted from January to July in 2019. The required data were collected from 90 staff of the intensive care units of Imam Reza Hospital in Mashhad, Iran through 1796 and 2343 opportunity of monitoring before and after the intervention. The data collection instruments were a standard HH observation form and a researcher-made HH questionnaire in the light of Pender’s health promotion model. The data were statistically analyzed in SPSS using Paired-samples T-test and Chi-squared test.RESULTS: The mean age of the 90 included participants was 35.92 (± 6.5) years and the mean length of their work experience was 10 (±1.5). The hand hygiene index rose from 23% before the intervention to 41.4% after the intervention (p=0.001). Moreover, statistically significant differences were found in moments after touching surroundings (p=0.001), before and after touching a patient (p=0.001), and also in perceived barriers (p=0.015), interpersonal influences (p=0.008) and situational influences (p<0.001).CONCLUSION: Pender’s model showed to have improved the staff’s HH compliance as a professional behavior.
Factors Affecting Contraceptive Use in Ethiopian: A Generalized Linear Mixed Effect Model
Authors: Mulusew Admassu  , Awoke Seyoum Tegegne
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND: Ethiopia is the second most populous nations in Africa. Family planning is a viable solution to control such fast-growing population. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of contraceptive use and its predictors in Ethiopia.METHODS: About 4,563 women were drawn randomly by Central Statistics Agency from its master sampling frame. The survey was conducted from January, 2014 to March, 2016 within six months’ interval for the study period. The study was conducted using secondary data collected by PMA2020/Ethiopia project. Negative Binomial regression model was employed for data analysis. The model was selected using information criterion.RESULTS: Predictors like easy access of health service, residence area, level of health institutions, regions, availability of community health volunteers, experience sharing, support from husbands, level of education and employment status of women as well as residence area significantly affected the performance of contraceptive use in Ethiopia. From the interaction effects of health centers with region and health post with number of opening days per a week were significant predictors of the contraceptive use.CONCLUSION: The performance of contraceptive use was different from one individual to another because of their experience sharing, support from their husbands, employment status and education level. A woman who got encouragement to use birth control from her husband had good performance to be effective for her contraceptive use. There should be an experience sharing/orientation, about use of birth control to protect women from unwanted pregnancy. Hence, rural women should get experience from urban women.
Tuberculosis Lymphadenitis and Human Immunodeficiency Virus Co-infections among Lymphadenitis Patients in Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Yohannes Zenebe  , Yesuf Adem  , Begna Tulu  , Daniel Mekonnen  , Awoke Derbie  , Zewdie Mekonnen  , Fantahun Biadglegne
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND: Tuberculosis and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are among the major health problems in Ethiopia. This study assessed the proportion of tuberculosis lymphadenitis (TBLN), HIV infection and their co-infection among TBLN presumptive individuals at the selected hospitals in NorthwestEthiopia.METHODS: Institution based cross sectional study was carried out. Data on demographic and clinical variables were collected with standardized questionnaire. Microbiological culture was done on specimen obtained by fine needle aspirates. The HIV status was determined by rapid anti-HIV antibody test. Data was entered and scrutinized using SPSS version 20 statistical packages. A stepwise logistic regression model was used. The result was considered as statistically significant at P<0. 05.RESULTS: A total of 381 lymphadenitis patients were included in the study. The overall prevalence of TBLN and HIV were at 250(65.6%) and 9(2.4%), respectively and their co-infection was at 6(2.4%). Based on the cytological examination, 301(79.0%) of them were diagnosed as TBLN. The age group, (P=0.01) and residency, (P=0.01) were found significantly associated with TBLN. Similarly, unsafe sex was also statistically significant for HIV infection (P=0.007).CONCLUSION: Tuberculosis lymphadenitis is the leading cause of TB and lymphadenitis in the region. However, TBLN-HIV coinfection was promisingly low. High rate of discrepancy was noticed between cytological and culture results. Hence, the TBLN diagnostic criteria shall pursue revision.
Clinical Profile of Neonates Admitted with Sepsis to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit of Jimma Medical Center, A Tertiary Hospital in Ethiopia
Authors: Melkamu Berhane  , Netsanet Workneh Gidi  , Beza Eshetu  , Mulatu Gashaw  , Getnet Tesfaw  , Andreas Wieser  , Guro K. Bårnes  , Guenter Froeschl  , Solomon Ali  , Esayas Kebede Gudina
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND፡ Globally, over 3 million newborn die each year, one million of these attributed to infections. The objective of this study was to determine the etiologies and clinical characteristics of sepsis in neonates admitted to intensive care unit of a tertiary hospital in Ethiopia.METHODS: A longitudinal hospital based cohort study was conducted from April 1 to October 31, 2018 at the neonatal intensive care unit of Jimma Medical Center, southwest Ethiopia. Diagnosis of sepsis was established using the World Health Organization’s case definition. Structured questionnaires and case specific recording formats were used to capture the relevant data. Venous blood and cerebrospinal fluid from neonates suspected to have sepsis were collected.RESULTS: Out of 304 neonates enrolled in the study, 195 (64.1%) had clinical evidence for sepsis, majority (84.1%;164/195) of them having early onset neonatal sepsis. The three most frequent presenting signs and symptoms were fast breathing (64.6%; 122/195), fever (48.1%; 91/195) and altered feeding (39.0%; 76/195). Etiologic agents were detected from the blood culture of 61.2% (115/195) neonates. Bacterial pathogens contributed for 94.8% (109/115); the rest being fungal etiologies. Coagulase negative staphylococci (25.7%; 28/109), Staphylococcus aureus (22.1%; 24/109) and Klebsiella species (16.5%; 18/109) were the most commonly isolated bacteria.CONCLUSION: Majority of the neonates had early onset neonatal sepsis. The major etiologies isolated in our study markedly deviate from the usual organisms causing neonatal sepsis. Multicentre study and continuous surveillance are essential to tackle the current challenge to reduce neonatal mortality due to sepsis in Ethiopia.
Effect of Community-Based Functional Aerobic Training on Motor Performance and Quality of Life of Children with Spastic Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Evans Osei OWUSU ANSA  , Wisdom Kwadwo MPRAH  , Monday Omoniyi MOSES  , Isaac OWUSU  , Enoch ACHEAMPONG
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND: Efficacies of community-based exercise programmes have been well reported but there is scarce information on the expediency of community-based rehabilitation in a society where many of children with disabilities live in poorly resourced settings with extremely limited rehabilitative services. The study investigated the effects of community-based functional aerobic exercise (CBFAE) on gross motor function, walking distance, and quality of life of children with cerebral palsy (CP).METHODS: Quasi-experimental design was used. Children with gross motor function classification system (GMFCS) levels I – II participated in eight weeks CBFAE training four times/week, 50 minutes/day at 40-80% maximum heart rate. Gross motor function (GMF), walk distance and quality of life were assessedpre and post CBFAE training.RESULTS: Significant improvement observed in GMF (Dstanding) (8.2%, P=.000), GMF (E-walking+running+jumping (5.12%, P=.004), walking distance (6.09%, P=.009). Higher significant positive effects of CBFAE observed in Social wellbeing and acceptance (107.10%, P=.000), and participation and physical health (105.04%, P=.005) by children parent proxy. Self-reported results showed that for CBFAE, significant positive improvements were higher in Pain and impact of disability (67.93%, P=.049) and Participation and physical health (60.00%,P=.042).CONCLUSION: CBFAE training contributes majorly to improved standing, walking, jumping and running and selfesteem, quality of life of children with spastic CP. Clinicians and exercise therapists should essentially incorporate CBFAE training and activities into the management of children with CP for improved mobility and functional performances.
Prevalence and Pattern of Ocular Morbidity among School Children in Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Getahun Abayo  , Girum W. Gessesse  , Tsedeke Asaminew
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND፡ Visual health is linked to school achievement, quality of life and productivity. But eye screening in school children is not routinely done in most Ethiopian schools. This study was done to determine prevalence and pattern of ocular morbidity among school children in Roman Dega-Kedida,Southern Ethiopia.METHOD: This was a cross-sectional study. All children aged 16 years or less, attending the school during the study period were included. Data entry and statistical analyses were performed using SPSS Version 16. A P - value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.RESULT: A total of 778 children participated in this study. The female to male ratio was 1.06:1. The mean age was 11.34(±2.31) years. A total of 201 (25.8%) children had ocular morbidities. The most common was trachoma found in 85(10.9%). Of these, 49(56.5%) had active trachoma, while 37(43.5%) had either trachoma scar or trachomatous trichiasis. Allergic conjunctivitis was found in 49(6.3%), refractive error in 37(4.8%), and xerophthalmia in 17(2.2%) children. Visual impairment in one or both eyes was found in 41(5.3%) children. Thirty-two children (4.1%) had bilateral Visual impairment of which 6(18.8%) had moderate to severe visual impairment. The cause of visual impairment was refractive error in 37(90.2%), corneal opacity in 3(7.3%) and cataract in 1(2.4%) child.CONCLUSION: Most of the ocular diseases observed were either preventable or treatable. Health education to the community and establishing regular school screening program is recommended.
Unilateral Renal Artery Stenosis Associated with Severe Hypertension: Atypical Presentation of Tuberculosis
Authors: Netsanet Workneh Gidi  , Workineh Tesfaye  , Mohammed Beshir
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND፡ Renal artery stenosis is a common cause of hypertension in children; however, infectious causes of renal artery stenosis are rare. Diagnosis of TB in children is challenging, causing delay in diagnosis. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case of a 4-year-old girl who was presented with loss of consciousness and seizure of one day duration. The patient had severe acute malnutrition, symptom complex of TB and contact with adults having smear positive tuberculosis. Subsequently, her blood pressure was 200/140 mmhg. The patient was diagnosed with disseminated TB with left renal artery stenosis, severe hypertension, cardiomegaly, upper gastrointestinal bleeding, stroke and severe malnutrition. Diagnosis was confirmed with head CT scan, MRI and ultrasound of the kidneys. The patient was on antituberculosis drugs, prednisolone, nifedipine, furosemide, antiepileptic drugs and nutritional therapy. After treatment with antituberculosis drugs and other supportive care all the symptoms subsided, while the hypertension was not controlled, necessitating surgical intervention for the left renal stenosis.CONCLUSION: Atypical presentations of TB have to be considered especially when there is a strong contact history. Tuberculosis preventive therapy may have prevented all the complications, had it been given the moment the index cases were diagnosed.
Pattern and Outcome of Colorectal and Perianal Surgery in a Referral Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Daniel Zemenfes Ashebir  , Hana Abebe Gebreselassie
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND: Colorectal and perianal surgery encompasses a broad range of procedures to address various pathologies arising from the colon and anorectum. Data regarding the pattern and outcome of colorectal and perianal disorders requiring surgery remains largely unknown in Ethiopia.METHODS: A descriptive cross sectional one-year review was made and all patients who were admitted and operated for colorectal and perianal disorders were included in the study. Data was collected by chart review and analyzed by SPSS version 23.RESULT: Colorectal and perianal surgeries accounted for 14.6% of the procedures in the study period. Males constituted the major share of the study population. The mean age for perianal and colorectal pathologies were 39.6±13.7 and 44.8± 16.2 years respectively. Among the colorectal disorders redundant sigmoid was the most common indication for admission 41(34.4%) followed by colorectal neoplasms 38(31.9%) while among the perianal conditions, fistula in ano was the most common pathology accounting for 69(43.4%) of admissions followed by hemorrhoids 35(22%). The overall incidence of post-operative complications in the colorectal and perianal procedure groups was found to be 29(24.4%) and 4(2.5%) respectively. There was no mortality in the perianal group whereas there were 11(9.2%) deaths in the colorectal procedure group.CONCLUSION: Colorectal surgeries accounted for a fair share of procedures among the other specialty units. The morbidity and mortality associated with colorectal procedures is fairly high and warrants attention.
Pre-hospital Care to Trauma Patients in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: Hospital-based Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Tsegaye G/Ananya  , Menbeu Sultan  , Biruktawit Zemede  , Ayalew Zewdie
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND፡ Trauma is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Prompt use of pre-hospital care is associated with reduced early and late morbidity and mortality from trauma. This study aimed to assess the time to reach the facility and the pattern of pre-hospital care provided for trauma patients.METHODS: A cross-sectional study design with a structured interview questioner was used for patients presenting to Addis Ababa Burn Emergency and Trauma Hospital Emergency Department from April 1 to May 30, 2020.RESULT: Out of 238 interviewed patients, the most common means of transportation from the scene to the initial health facility were taxi 77(32.4%) and ambulance 54(22.7%). The time of arrival from the scene to the initial health care facility was within one hour, 133(56.1%) and in 1-3 hours 84(35.5%). Some form of care was provided at the scene in 110(46.2%) of cases. The care provided was bleeding arrest 74(31.1 %), removing from wreck 51(21.4%), splinting/immobilizing injured area 38(16%), position for patient comfort 19(8%), and others. Relatives were the most common care provider 49(45%) followed by bystanders 37(33.9%), trained ambulance staff 19(17.4%), and police 2 (1.8%). The main reasons for not providing care were lack of knowledge 79(61.2%), and lack of equipment 25 (19.4%).CONCLUSION: The study showed relatives and bystanders were the first responders during trauma care. However, ambulance utilization for pre-hospital care was low. There was trauma patients delay to arrive to hospital. Only half of the patients presented to the health facility within Golden hour.
Variations of Peroneus Tertius Muscle in Omani Population: A Surface Anatomical Study
Authors: Srinivasa Rao Sirasanagandla  , Al Wad Al Balushi
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND: Peroneus tertius muscle (PTM) is a muscle of the anterior compartment of the leg. It is a highly variable muscle with a prevalence rate ranging from 42%-100% in different populations worldwide. We sought to explore the frequency of PTM and its existing variants, based on surface anatomical evaluation of the foot, in Omani subjects.METHODS: In this study, a total of 222 adult Omani subjects (total 444 feet) were examined for the presence of PTM. The presence of PTM and its morphological types were identified based on surface anatomical examination using a standard palpation method. Descriptive statistics were used to present the data. The gender influence on the occurrence of PTM was determined by the Chi-square test.RESULTS: The frequency of PTM was observed in 59.9% of total feet. A statistically significant gender difference with male dominance was observed on both right (p = 0.02) and left (p <0.01) feet. Regarding PTM types, the F2 type was most common on both right (38.5%) and left feet (46.2%). The bilateral occurrence of PTM was found in 47.7% of cases.CONCLUSION: The frequency of PTM in Omani subjects is considerably high when compared to other Arab populations. The baseline information on the PTM proportion and distribution of its types is clinically important for physiotherapists and orthopedic surgeons.
Prevalence of H. Pylori in Perforated Peptic Ulcer Disease at Saint Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Mekdim Tadesse  , Eyasu Musie  , Berhanetsehay Teklewold  , Endalkachew Hailu
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND፡ Helicobacter Pylori is the most common cause of peptic ulcer disease with disputable association with perorated Peptic Ulcer disease (PPD). This study aims to determine magnitude of Helicobacter Pylori in PPD and the outcomes of treatment, at Saint Paul Hospital Millennium Medical College (SPHMMC)METHOD: Between January 9, 2013 and February 7, 2018, all patients operated for PPD were recruited retrospectively. Data was extracted from patient’s medical records using pretested questionnaire. Data analysis was done by SPSS version 20Result: During the 5 years, 46 patients fulfilling inclusion criteria were included in the study. H. Pylori test was positive for stool antigen in 10 (21.7%) and serology eleven (23.9 %) of patients. Overall, nineteen (41.3%) of patients had positive result regardless of the type of test used. Out of 46 patients, twenty-six (56.5%) patients were given eradication therapy and thirty-four (73.9%) patients were given PPI alone or as a part of eradication therapy. During their hospital stay, five (10.9%) patients developed deep and superficial surgical site infection and two (4.3%) of patients have died.CONCLUSION: The prevalence of H. Pylori among PPD patients in this study is lower compared to most studies. Further prospective studies should be conducted in the future to understand association with H. Pylori and provide recommendations on eradication treatment.