bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fourteen-Year Creep Monitoring and Benchmark Velocity Parameters of Natural Slopes at ‘Serra do Mar’, Brazil
Authors: Abramento Mauricio , Leite Rafael Brandão
Published: February 2024

This paper presents the analysis and results of a 14-year monitoring of creep behavior along a 100m high slope at Serra do Mar, Brazil. The slope is located nearby a roadway and an industrial area and was suffering from creep movements triggered by an excavation at its foot. Creep movements were especially severe during the rainy periods due to water table fluctuation. Inclinometer readings from 2009 to 2011 showed that the creep movement involved a soil mass around 15 to 20m thick and was in the so-called tertiary phase, with relatively high acceleration. Prediction models showed that the slope failure would probably occur in another two to three years, which required immediate implementation of mitigation actions. By the end of 2011, several horizontal deep drains were installed along the slope to reduce the water table level. Since then, the inclinometers showed that creep acceleration was eliminated and creep velocity was substantially reduced, bringing the slope back to primary and secondary, stable creep movements. Monitoring results of Horizontal Deep Drains show that flow volumes increase substantially during the rainy seasons, showing that the solution efficiently stabilizes the slope. With the basis of monitoring results for both secondary and tertiary creep phases as well as comparison with instrumentation results from other monitored slopes in the region, benchmark parameters related to creep velocity and acceleration for Serra do Mar slopes are discussed and presented. This constitutes the first organized study on slope movement velocities at Serra do Mar and presents an important contribution for researchers and designers.
Product Insights from Customer-Generated Data Using Topic Modeling with BERTopic and Sentiment Analysis with XLM-T: An Experiment on Turkish Reviews
Authors: Birim Şule Öztürk
Published: February 2024

As information sharing through social media becomes widespread in every field, users frequently share their experiences with products purchased through e-commerce sites. This user-generated content is an opportunity for product owners to monitor users’ opinions. Since the number of user reviews is ever-increasing, decision makers need the right methods to monitor and extract valuable information from review data. In this study, an approach is proposed to determine the most prevalent product aspects and users’ opinions about them. In the proposed approach, first-topic modeling is applied to extract mostly debated product features. In addition, the monthly changes in the topics of reviews over time were examined using dynamic topic modeling. Next, sentiment analysis is applied to identify whether the customers like or dislike the features in the extracted topics. To apply the proposed approach, reviews about six similar security cameras were scraped from HepsiBurada.com, a famous e-commerce platform in Turkey. BERTopic is applied to extract topics, while XLM-T, a transformer-based technique, is implemented for sentiment analysis. From the experiments, fourteen topics related to product features were found. Extracted topics are mostly debated during the pandemic period. After the pandemic, the frequencies relatively stabilized. Among the extracted topics, ten have positive sentiment, while four have negative sentiment. The amount of review data is limited, and a different product with a large number of reviews can be used for further studies. Topics are manually named by exploring representative words. Further studies can utilize a tool for the automated labeling of topics using representative words. Sentiments about the product features may present valuable insight into product improvement scenarios. Additionally, the proposed approach can systematically identify product opportunities from a large amount of user-generated data.
Qualitative study on endogenous dynamic mechanism of drug dependence
Authors: Wang Jingsong , wang shen , gan xiaohuan
Published: February 2024

Stimulating and strengthening the endogenous motivation of abstinence is the key and prerequisite for the psychological withdrawal of synthetic drug addicts.At present, there is still a lack of systematic explanation framework for the endogenous motivation of abstinence.The article takes endogenous motivation as the starting point, combines endogenous and exogenous two-way perspectives, and based on in-depth interviews, the grounded theory research method, adopts the intensity sampling strategy, and takes typical drug addicts, successful drug addicts, and front-line policemen in drug rehabilitation centers under the jurisdiction of Fujian Province as the research objects to build an overall endogenous motivation resource exhaustion model for drug addicts.The research shows that: (1) the "four factor onion model" with lack of control, negative sense of life meaning, negative goal pursuit, passive cutting and expectation as the main body is the negative internal driving force for drug addicts to quit addiction.(2) The lack of sense of control is an important inducement for the lack of endogenous motivation to quit addiction, and the lack of external supervision of withdrawal mechanism may be one of the external reasons for the lack of sense of control.(3) The gradual improvement of family internal construction capacity and social support system can stimulate the endogenous motivation of abstinence and promote the reconstruction behavior of abstinence individuals.
Directional Breeding Generates Distinct Genetic Diversity in Hybrid Turf Bermudagrass as Probed with Simple Sequence Repeat Markers
Authors: Serba Desalegn , Fang Tilin , Wu Yanqi
Published: February 2024

Bermudagrass (Cynodon spp.) is a drought-resistant warm-season turfgrass adapted to the southern and transitional zones in the United States. Multiple hybrid cultivars have been developed and released for use as turfgrass, and others are still undergoing development. Increasing genetic diversity of commercial cultivars is vital to stress tolerance. A DNA profiling study of 21 experimental selections from the Oklahoma State University turfgrass breeding program and 11 cultivars was conducted using 51 simple sequence repeat primer pairs across the bermudagrass genome. A pairwise genetic relationship analysis of the genotypes using 352 polymorphic bands showed genetic similarity coefficients ranging from 0.59 to 0.89. The average pairwise population differentiation values were 0.012 for the 11 cultivars and 0.169 for the 21 selections. A cluster analysis using the unweighted paired group with the arithmetic average method grouped the entries into six clusters. A correlation analysis identified different levels of pairwise genetic relationships among the entries that largely reflected parental relationship. Directional breeding and selection for cold hardiness or drought resistance created progeny that had distinct genetic diversity in the tested bermudagrasses. It is evident that an increase in genetic diversity of the existing cultivar pool with the release of one or more experimental selections for commercial use will strengthen and improve bermudagrass systems.
MORPHO-PHYSIOLOGICAL AND AGRONOMICAL RESPONSE TO INTERMITTENT DROUGHT IN GROUNDNUT GENOTYPES UNDER SAHELIAN ENVIRONMENT
Authors:   Department of Biology , Faculty of Sciences and Technics , Abdou Moumouni University of Niamey, PO Box 10662, Niamey, Niger., M. Aminou Moutari , Falalou Hamidou ,   International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Sahelian center, BP 12404, Niamey, Niger., Abdou Harou ,   Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Adre Salifou Unversity of Zinder, BP 656, Zinder, Niger., Mendu Venugopal ,   Department of Plant Sciences and Plant Pathology, 412 Leon Johnson Hall, Bozeman, MT, 59717-3140, Montana State University, USA.
Published: February 2024

Selection of groundnut genotypes with high and stable grains yield in the semi-arid tropics would enable farmers to increase yields and improve their incomes. The objectives of this work were to assessgroundnut genotypes response toan intermittent water deficit at the seed filling phase and select drought-tolerant and high-yielding genotypes. Two experiments were conducted in two yearsduring off-seasons at the ICRISAT Sahelian Centre.Fourteen genotypes were assessed in adjacent terminal water-stressed (WS) and well-watered (WW) conditions in a randomized complete block design with four replications. Morpho-physiological parameters such asthe leaf area (LA)and the Specific Leaf Area (SLA), the yield and its components were investigatedunder WW and WS conditions.Our findings showed a genotypic variationand a significant negative effect of WS on investigated parameters. LA, SLA, HY, SY, HSW and HI were decreased up to 48.59%, 25.29%, 30.14%, 51.70%, 21.17% and 23.80% respectively.The genotypic variation observed indicated that ICG 311,ICG 4598,ICG 5663, ICG 6813 and ICG 12235produced the highest and stable yields underintermittent water deficit.These genotypes could be useful for groundnut breeding programs for selecting improved genotypes tolerant tolate season intermittent drought and high grain yield under Sahelian conditions.
SNIFFING VERSUS RAMPED POSITION IN THE VIDEO-LARYNGOSCOPY-GUIDED TRACHEAL INTUBATION OF MORBIDLY OBESE PATIENTS: A PROSPECTIVE RANDOMIZED OBSERVATIONAL STUDY
Authors:   Post Graduate Student, Department of Anaesthesia, MRMC, Kalaburagi., N. Adilakshmi , Singh Gajendra ,   Professor, Department of Anaesthesia, MRMC, Kalaburagi., S. Kamareddy Pratima ,   Professor and Head of The Department, Department of Anaesthesia, Kalaburagi., Wali Shilpa ,   Post Graduate Student, Department of Anesthesia, MRMC, Kalaburagi., D.S Anush ,   Post Graduate Student, Department of Anaesthesia, MRMC, Kalaburagi.
Published: February 2024

Sniffing versus Ramped position in the videolaryngoscopy-guided tracheal intubation of morbidly obese patients: a prospective randomized observational studyÂ” Introduction: Ramped positioning is recommended for intubating obese patients undergoing direct laryngoscopy. However, whether the use of the ramped position can provide any benefit in videolaryngoscopy-guided intubation remains unclear. This study assessed intubation time using videolaryngoscopy in morbidly obese patients in the ramped versus sniffing positions. Materials and Methods: This is a prospective randomized observational study in patients with morbid obesity (n = 82 body mass index [BMI] ? 35 kg/m2). Patients were randomly allocated to either the ramped or the standard sniffing position groups. During the induction of general anesthesia, difficulty in mask ventilation was assessed using the Warters scale. Tracheal intubation was performed using a C-MACÂ® D-Blade videolaryngoscope, and intubation difficulty was assessed using the intubation difficulty scale (IDS). The primary endpoint was the total intubation time calculated as the sum of the laryngoscopy and tube insertion times. Conclusion: Compared with the sniffing position, the ramped position reduced intubation time in morbidly obese patients and effectively facilitated both mask.
AN ANALYSIS OF INTERLINGUAL VS INTRALINGUAL ERRORS MADE BY ARAB LEARNERS OF ENGLISH AND TEACHING STRATEGIES TO REDUCE THE ERRORS
Authors:   Higher Colleges of Technology, Dubai Mens College, UAE., Makarevicius Algirdas , Babu Rajan Panthayil ,   Higher Colleges of Technology, Madinat Zayed College, UAE., Harttrup Philip ,   Higher Colleges of Technology, Abu Dhabi Womens College, UAE.
Published: February 2024

Arabic students learning English as a second language tend to commit several errors. This paper explores some of the common interlingual versus intralingual errors made by Arabic learners of English. The authors consider that by addressing morphological, lexical, and semantic errors, English teachers can help Arabic learners develop a more comprehensive and nuanced command of the English language, leading to improved communication skills in various contexts. The instructional strategies offered in this paper provide insights to English teachers and Arabic tertiary-level students on reducing or eliminating these errors. The teaching tips presented in this paper are also helpful to both seasoned and new teachers to reduce errors made by Arabic students learning English as a second language.
INFLUENCE OF THE AGRO-ECOLOGICAL ZONES IN SENEGAL ON DIETARY CONSUMPTION OF PEANUT
Authors:   Department of Plant Biology, Cheikh Anta DIOP University of Dakar, BP 5005, Senegal., Diene Nar , M. Diedhiou Papa ,   Department of Aquaculture, Agronomic Sciences and Food Technologies, Gaston Berger University of Saint-Louis, BP 234, Senegal., Diop Amadou ,   Department of Pharmacy, Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry and Bromatology, Faculty of Medicine and Odonto-Stomatology, BP 5005, Dakar.
Published: February 2024

Peanutisa valuable source of nutrients, but the patterns of peanut consumption, consumption frequencies and factors influencing peanut consumption in Senegal are poorly understood.This study surveyed the populations of four agroecological zones of Senegal:The Peanut Basin (BA), the Lower and Middle Casamance (BMC), the Eastern Senegal and Upper Casamance (SOHC) and the Senegal River Valley (VFS) with the aim of generating data on the consumption of peanut to fill this lack of knowledge and information on this food which represents a good part of the diet of the Senegalese population. The survey sampling plan is designed according to the principles of simple random sampling (SAS) combined with prior stratification. The results of the study showed that peanut-based dishes such as Nieleng in the BA use approximately 1048g of peanut during its preparation. In the VFS, the preparation of Dakhine requires an intake of 692g of peanut. The frequency of consumption of peanut-based dishes also varies according to agro-ecological zones. In the Peanut Basin, Mafe using approximately 465.7g per dish is consumed once or twice a week as is Mbaxalu Saloum in the BMC where 222.8g of peanut are used for a prepared dish. Individual peanut consumption varies depending on the agro-ecological zones. The highest average consumption is noted in the BA with 50.57g. It is followed by the SOHC, the VFS and the BMC with respective values of 41.38g, 25.18g. and 24.73g. People headed by a man in households consume an average of 50g of peanut per day per dish and those headed by a woman, around 40g.Polygamous families consume on average 55.4g of peanut per day per peanut dish. People in families whose chef did not attend school consume on average 51.6g of peanut per dish followed by those whose chef attended Koranic school with 50.9g of peanut per dish per day.
An overview of wastewater treatment technologies in Minas Gerais, Brazil: predominance of anaerobic reactors
Authors: Muniz de Queiroz Marina , Dantas Marina Salim , Oliveira Sílvia Maria Alves Corrêa
Published: February 2024

The deficit in sewage collection and treatment is a problem in Brazil, and a large portion of untreated sewage, usually disposed of directly into water bodies, compromises water quality, with implications for public health and environmental balance. This scenario does not differ in the State of Minas Gerais, where only 44% of the urban population has their sewage treated. This study aimed to evaluate the current use of wastewater treatment technologies in active wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in Minas Gerais, based on a database from the Sewage Atlas, and analyze how the characteristics of the municipality and the treatment system influence the selection of adopted technologies. Information on 376 active WWTPs and 26 WWTPs designed or under construction was obtained. The most used technologies include upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactors, with or without post-treatment, adopted in more than 70% of WWTPs. A logistic regression model was fitted to explain the presence of post-treatment UASB reactors in the municipality. The model showed that the chance of implementing this technology is 3.3 times greater for municipal autarchies and 7.1 times greater for public companies compared to municipal governments.
Effect of exposure to disinfection by-products during swimming exercise on asthma-related immune responses
Authors: Lee Bo-Ae
Published: February 2024

Swimming is a widely practiced exercise in modern society, where there is a heightened interest in health. The exceptional benefits of swimming are well-known, yet the issue of water quality management inevitably arises due to its nature as an aquatic exercise. Several studies reported that chlorine disinfectants commonly used in swimming pool water disinfection could degrade into toxic disinfection by-products (DBPs) and suggested that the DBPs might induce respiratory disorders, including asthma. Conversely, there were also reports that the DBPs had no significant effects on respiratory conditions. In this study, we investigated the influence of swimming exercise and DBPs on asthma. The decomposition products had little effect on the number of T cells in various immune organs. However, swimming exercise was found to increase the cell count in proportion to the exercise duration. Nevertheless, there were no significant changes in other immune cells and the secretion of asthma-related cytokines. These findings indicate that the effects of swimming pool DBPs on respiratory conditions during swimming exercise are either negligible or absent, and instead, the immunological benefits gained through consistent swimming exercise outweigh any potential drawbacks.
Integrated forecasting method of medium-and long-term runoff by ridge regression based on optimal sub-model selection
Authors: Chen Binbin , Chen Zhengdong , Song Chuping , Song Yanhong
Published: February 2024

Numerous studies have demonstrated that the combination models can improve the runoff forecast performance compared to individual forecasts. However, some models do not take into account the effects of inappropriate sub-models on the combination models. Based on this, a medium-and long-term runoff integrated forecasting method based on optimal sub-models selection was proposed. First, the sub-models, including linear regression (MLR), BP neural network (BPNN), wavelet neural network (WNN), and support vector regression (SVR), are optimally selected based on the nearness degree. Second, ridge regression (RR) is used to combine the optimal sub-models to predict runoff. Finally, the Guandi hydropower station is taken as an example to verify the effect of the integrated forecasting model. The results show that SVR, BPNN, and WNN are the optimal sub-models, and RR-3 is the optimal integrated forecasting model composed of the optimal sub-models. In addition, compared with the other two combination models, the RR-3 performs better.
Improving the performance of a condensation water production system through support vector machine modeling and genetic algorithm optimization
Authors: Hajinajaf Shayan , Jolandan Shaban Ghavami , Masoudi Hassan , Rohani Abbas
Published: February 2024

Water scarcity is recognized as a critical global concern and one viable solution involves extracting water from atmospheric humidity by leveraging subterranean coldness. This study meticulously evaluates the operational efficacy of a water production system by examining four pivotal factors: buried pipe length (TL), air flow rate (AFR), air temperature (AT), and air humidity (AH). A positive correlation between these variables and water vapor production is established, with AT exerting the most pronounced influence. Significantly, the analysis of variance reveals the main and interactive effects of the variables, except for TL × AFR, at a 5% significance level. To enhance understanding of the intricate interplay among these factors, a proficient least squares support vector machines model is devised, employing a radial basis function kernel. This model demonstrates an impressive 98% concurrence between projected and empirical data, with a minimal error of 0.66 mL and 5.99%. An in-depth sensitivity analysis underscores the differential impact of AT, AH, TL, and AFR on water vapor (WV) prediction. Optimal values of 3.98 m, 6.89 m3/h, 46.30 °C, and 86.62% for TL, AFR, AT, and AH, respectively, are obtained through subsequent optimization of independent variables using genetic algorithms, resulting in a notable water production of 23.61 mL.
Nitrate increases the capacity of an aerobic moving-bed biofilm reactor (MBBR) for winery wastewater treatment
Authors: Walker Patricio , Nerenberg Robert , Pizarro Gonzalo , Aybar Marcelo , Pavissich Juan Pablo , González Bernardo , Pastén Pablo
Published: February 2024

We used bench-scale tests and mathematical modeling to explore chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal rates in a moving-bed biofilm reactor (MBBR) for winery wastewater treatment, using either urea or nitrate as a nitrogen source. With urea addition, the COD removal fluxes ranged from 34 to 45 gCOD/m2-d. However, when nitrate was added, fluxes increased up to 65 gCOD/m2-d, twice the amount reported for aerobic biofilms for winery wastewater treatment. A one-dimensional biofilm model, calibrated with data from respirometric tests, accurately captured the experimental results. Both experimental and modelling results suggest that nitrate significantly increased MBBR capacity by stimulating COD oxidation in the deeper, oxygen-limited regions of the biofilm. Our research suggests that the addition of nitrate, or other energetic and broadly used electron acceptors, may provide a cost-effective means of covering peak COD loads in biofilm processes for winery or another industrial wastewater treatment.
MSCs as Biological Drugs: From Manufacturing to Commercialization
Authors: Yu Hao , Yang Xiaonan , Zhao Meng , Zhang Leisheng
Published: February 2024

Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) can be used as a therapeutic agent
in regenerative medicine, owing to their unique self-renewal, multi-lineage
differentiation, and immunoregulation properties. The manufacturing of authorized
MSC products should depend on good manufacturing practices (GMP), Good
Laboratory Practice (GLP), and Good Clinical Practice (GCP). Until now, many
biotech companies have invested in developing the clinical application of MSC product
all over the world. Meanwhile, the application of MSC products for human use must
comply with regulations and guidance for a biotech company. In this chapter, we
discuss the process and development of MSC products from production-manufacturing
to commercialization.
Wybrane aspekty cyberbezpieczeństwa. Bezpieczeństwo fizyczne pracowni komputerowych
Authors: Sekulski Bartosz , Kordylewski Daniel , Orenkiewicz Krystian , Kaluziński Mateusz , Lisiak-Felicka Dominika
Published: February 2024

Artykuł poświęcony został zagadnieniom związanym z cyberbezpieczeństwem. Zawiera prezentację przykładów ataków cyberprzestępców na instytucje edukacyjne. Ponadto autorzy skupili się na kwestiach bezpieczeństwa fizycznego, które dość często jest bagatelizowanym elementem systemu zarządzania bezpieczeństwem informacji. W artykule przedstawione zostały działania zrealizowane przez członków Studenckiego Koła Naukowego NET związanych z projektowaniem i organizowaniem zaplecza sprzętowego i sieciowego pracowni komputerowych w nowym kampusie Państwowej Uczelni Zawodowej we Włocławku – Centrum Nauk Technicznych i Nowoczesnych Technologii.
Mechanical characterisation of bamboo for construction: the state-of-practice and future prospects
Authors: Harries Kent , Molari Luisa
Published: February 2024

Methods for material characterisation of bamboo necessary for the structural design of bamboo and its expanded use in the construction sector are described. Directions for revising the nascent existing ISO 22157:2019 standard and future directions for this standard are discussed. Critical needs identified include i) improved performance of standard shear and flexural tests; ii) the need to establish protocols and methods for quantifying the long-term behaviour of bamboo and its degradation under environmental exposure; and, iii) establishing the efficacy of emerging methods of bamboo treatment. Requirements are placed in the test standards – grading – structural design ecosystem and are intended to guide future revisions of test and design standards.
Enhancing operational efficiency in Vietnamese securities companies: Lessons from global practices and strategic recommendations
Authors:   Department of Banking and Insurance, Academy of Finance, Hanoi, Vietnam, Minh Tien Cao
Published: February 2024

This study aims to improve the operational efficiency of Vietnamese securities companies by analyzing international practices and deriving pertinent lessons. Employing a research sample of secondary data, including audited financial statements and financial safety ratio reports from 70 Vietnamese stock market companies between 2013 and 2020, the study adopts analytical, synthetic, and comparative methodologies, underpinned by historical materialism. It meticulously investigates and evaluates practical aspects of business efficiency in securities companies, pinpointing specific challenges impeding operational efficiency in the Vietnamese context. The findings emphasize the need for substantial financial resources, advanced technical infrastructure, enhanced human resource quality and research activities, development of consulting services, and diversification of business operations and investor clientele. Additionally, it highlights the importance of flexible business strategies and effective utilization of company strengths. These insights offer a blueprint for Vietnamese securities firms to improve their performance and competitiveness in the global market.
Virtual Reality–Based Training in Chronic Low Back Pain: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Li Ran , Li Yinghao , Kong Youli , Li Hanbin , Hu Danrong , Fu Chenying , Wei Quan
Published: February 2024

Background

Low back pain is one of the most prevalent pain conditions worldwide. Virtual reality–based training has been used for low back pain as a new treatment strategy. Present evidence indicated that the effectiveness of virtual reality–based training for people with chronic low back pain is inconclusive.

Objective

This study conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the immediate- and short-term effects of virtual reality–based training on pain, pain-related fear, and disability in people with chronic low back pain.

Methods

We searched the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, PEDro, CENTRAL, and CINAHL databases from inception until January 2024. Only randomized controlled trials assessing the effects of virtual reality–based training on individuals with chronic low back pain were selected. The outcomes were focused on pain, pain-related fear measured by the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia, and disability measured by the Oswestry Disability Index. The immediate term was defined as the immediate period after intervention, and the short term was defined as 3 to 6 months after intervention. The Cochrane Risk of Bias tool and the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation) approach were used to evaluate the quality of the methodology and evidence, respectively.

Results

In total, 20 randomized controlled trials involving 1059 patients were eligible for analysis. Virtual reality–based training showed significant improvements in pain (mean difference [MD] –1.43; 95% CI –1.86 to –1.00; I2=95%; P<.001), pain-related fear using the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (MD –5.46; 95% CI –9.40 to 1.52; I2=90%; P=.007), and disability using the Oswestry Disability Index (MD –11.50; 95% CI –20.00 to –3.01; I2=95%; P=.008) in individuals with chronic low back pain immediately after interventions. However, there were no significant differences observed in pain (P=.16), pain-related fear (P=.10), and disability (P=.43) in the short term.

Conclusions

These findings indicated that virtual reality–based training can be used effectively for individuals with chronic low back pain in the immediate term, especially to reduce pain, alleviate pain-related fear, and improve disability. However, the short-term benefits need more high-quality trials to be demonstrated.

Trial Registration

PROSPERO CRD42021292633; http://tinyurl.com/25mydxpz
Help-Seeking, Support, and Engagement in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Online Communities on Facebook: Content Analysis
Authors: Pham Sheila , Churruca Kate , Ellis Louise A , Braithwaite Jeffrey
Published: February 2024

Background

The prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) has drastically risen in recent years. For some, self-management includes the use of GDM online communities on Facebook. Such communities can fill gaps in information and support that participants are not able to access elsewhere to address unmet needs. Given the popularity of sharing information about pregnancy on Facebook and the documented benefits of diabetes online communities, the same may be true of GDM online communities.

Objective

This study aimed to categorize and quantify what is being discussed in GDM Facebook groups, including informational and emotional help-seeking behavior, and how this support and engagement may be demonstrated by peers through comments and reactions.

Methods

We sourced the data from the 2 largest Facebook groups focused on GDM in Australia. A summative content analysis was conducted on original posts across the 2 groups and coded for topics as well as help-seeking types. The coding scheme was based on the previous work of Liang and Scammon. Visible indicators of engagement, including the number of comments and “reactions,” were tabled and manually evaluated.

Results

There were 388 original posts, and the analysis produced 6 topics: GDM self-management (199/388, 51.3%), GDM clinical management (120/388, 30.9%), preparing for birth (40/388, 10.3%), mental distress (35/388, 9%), birth announcement (29/388, 7.5%), and GDM journey reflections (21/388, 5.4%). Secondary coding of help-seeking type revealed more than half of the posts were informational help-seeking (224/388, 57.7%), while a small proportion were both informational and emotional help-seeking (44/388, 11.3%), and some (12/388, 3.1%) were emotional help-seeking only. Self-disclosure was identified as a fourth category, comprising almost a quarter of all posts (90/388, 23.2%). A total of 6022 comments were posted in response to the original posts, and there were 4452 reactions across all posts. Emotional help-seeking attracted the most comments per thread (mean 21.5, SD 19.8), followed by informational and emotional help-seeking (mean 20.2, SD 14.7), informational help-seeking (mean 15.6, SD 14.6), and self-disclosure (mean 14.3, SD 21.8). Across all help-seeking categories, few reactions occurred compared to comments; in contrast, self-disclosure attracted a large number of reactions (mean 9.4, SD 45.3).

Conclusions

This is one of the first studies to examine peer support in a GDM online community on Facebook. Our findings suggest that active participants’ needs around information and support in relation to GDM are being somewhat met by peer-led online communities. Given the practical limitations of formal health care, including the provision of ongoing social support, it is important to recognize how GDM online communities can complement formal health care and help address unmet needs.
Virtual Reality–Based Training in Chronic Low Back Pain: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials (Preprint)
Authors: Li Ran , Li Yinghao , Kong Youli , Li Hanbin , Hu Danrong , Fu Chenying , Wei Quan
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND

Low back pain is one of the most prevalent pain conditions worldwide. Virtual reality–based training has been used for low back pain as a new treatment strategy. Present evidence indicated that the effectiveness of virtual reality–based training for people with chronic low back pain is inconclusive.

OBJECTIVE

This study conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the immediate- and short-term effects of virtual reality–based training on pain, pain-related fear, and disability in people with chronic low back pain.

METHODS

We searched the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, PEDro, CENTRAL, and CINAHL databases from inception until January 2024. Only randomized controlled trials assessing the effects of virtual reality–based training on individuals with chronic low back pain were selected. The outcomes were focused on pain, pain-related fear measured by the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia, and disability measured by the Oswestry Disability Index. The immediate term was defined as the immediate period after intervention, and the short term was defined as 3 to 6 months after intervention. The Cochrane Risk of Bias tool and the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation) approach were used to evaluate the quality of the methodology and evidence, respectively.

RESULTS

In total, 20 randomized controlled trials involving 1059 patients were eligible for analysis. Virtual reality–based training showed significant improvements in pain (mean difference [MD] –1.43; 95% CI –1.86 to –1.00; I2=95%; P<.001), pain-related fear using the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (MD –5.46; 95% CI –9.40 to 1.52; I2=90%; P=.007), and disability using the Oswestry Disability Index (MD –11.50; 95% CI –20.00 to –3.01; I2=95%; P=.008) in individuals with chronic low back pain immediately after interventions. However, there were no significant differences observed in pain (P=.16), pain-related fear (P=.10), and disability (P=.43) in the short term.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicated that virtual reality–based training can be used effectively for individuals with chronic low back pain in the immediate term, especially to reduce pain, alleviate pain-related fear, and improve disability. However, the short-term benefits need more high-quality trials to be demonstrated.

CLINICALTRIAL

PROSPERO CRD42021292633; http://tinyurl.com/25mydxpz
AIDSVu Cities’ Progress Toward HIV Care Continuum Goals: Cross-Sectional Study (Preprint)
Authors: Hood Nicole , Benbow Nanette , Jaggi Chandni , Whitby Shamaya , Sullivan Patrick Sean ,   AIDSVu Health Department Collaborators
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND

Public health surveillance data are critical to understanding the current state of the HIV and AIDS epidemics. Surveillance data provide significant insight into patterns within and progress toward achieving targets for each of the steps in the HIV care continuum. Such targets include those outlined in the National HIV/AIDS Strategy (NHAS) goals. If these data are disseminated, they can be used to prioritize certain steps in the continuum, geographic locations, and groups of people.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to develop and report indicators of progress toward the NHAS goals for US cities and to characterize progress toward those goals with categorical metrics.

METHODS

Health departments used standardized SAS code to calculate care continuum indicators from their HIV surveillance data to ensure comparability across jurisdictions. We report 2018 descriptive statistics for continuum steps (timely diagnosis, linkage to medical care, receipt of medical care, and HIV viral load suppression) for 36 US cities and their progress toward 2020 NHAS goals as of 2018. Indicators are reported categorically as met or surpassed the goal, within 25% of attaining the goal, or further than 25% from achieving the goal.

RESULTS

Cities were closest to meeting NHAS goals for timely diagnosis compared to the goals for linkage to care, receipt of care, and viral load suppression, with all cities (n=36, 100%) within 25% of meeting the goal for timely diagnosis. Only 8% (n=3) of cities were >25% from achieving the goal for receipt of care, but 69% (n=25) of cities were >25% from achieving the goal for viral suppression.

CONCLUSIONS

Display of progress with graphical indicators enables communication of progress to stakeholders. AIDSVu analyses of HIV surveillance data facilitate cities’ ability to benchmark their progress against that of other cities with similar characteristics. By identifying peer cities (eg, cities with analogous populations or similar NHAS goal concerns), the public display of indicators can promote dialogue between cities with comparable challenges and opportunities.
Applicability of Retrospective and Prospective Gender Scores for Clinical and Health Data: Protocol for a Scoping Review (Preprint)
Authors: Schindler Lea , Beelich Hilke , Röll Selina , Katsari Elpiniki , Stracke Sylvia , Waltemath Dagmar
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND

Gender is known to have a strong influence on human health and disease. Despite its relevance to treatment and outcome, gender is insufficiently considered in current health research. One hindering factor is the poor representation of gender information in clinical and health (meta) data.

OBJECTIVE

We aim to conduct a scoping review of the literature describing gender scores. The review will provide insights into the current application of gender scores in clinical and health settings. The protocol describes how relevant literature will be identified and how gender scores will be evaluated concerning applicability and usability in scientific investigations.

METHODS

Our scoping review follows the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews) guidelines. A title and abstract screening was conducted on PubMed, followed by a full-text screening. The inclusion and exclusion criteria were discussed by a team of 5 domain experts, and a data-charting form was developed. The charted data will be categorized, summarized, and analyzed based on the research questions during the scoping review.

RESULTS

We will report our research results according to the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. The literature retrieval was carried out on June 13, 2024, and resulted in 1202 matches. As of July 2024, the scoping review is in the data extraction phase and we expect to complete and publish the results in the first quarter of 2025.

CONCLUSIONS

The scoping review lays the foundation for a retrospective gender assessment by identifying scores that can be applied to existing large-scale datasets. Moreover, it will help to formulate recommendations for standardized gender scores in future investigations.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

DERR1-10.2196/57669
Title:- Evaluation of comparative efficacy of Trisamagutika versus Kshargutika in management of Tundikeri (chronic tonsillitis) in children: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Study (Preprint)
Authors: Dhumale Dr Sonali , Rathi Dr Renu , Rathi Dr Bharat
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND

• Tonsillitis is more common in children between 5 to 15 years ( more in 4 to 8 years.).There are 7,455,494 cases of tonsillitis and 2,00,000 tonsillectomies are performed in India per year. The incidence of this disease is about 7% of all visits to the paediatrician. Tundikeri is one of the Urdhwajatrugat Roga (diseases of Head and neck) mentioned by Acharya Sushrut, Vagbhata. Tonsillitis and Tundikeri can be correlated as both have the same features. Any infection in a growing child affects the immune system Repeated attacks of tonsillitis hampers routine growth and development also. Lastly, a radical cure for recurrent attacks is Tonsillectomy. Kshargutika from Charaksamhita is one of the formulations to treat kanthgat roga. The present study will be conducted to explore the efficacy of Kshargutika versus the efficacy of Trisamagutika in the management of chronic tonsilitis in children.

OBJECTIVE

1. To evaluate the comparative efficacy of Trisamagutika as standard control medicine versus Kshargutika in children with chronic tonsillitis on objective & Subjective parameters
2. To assess recurrence in terms of proportion in the reference of the control group ( Trisamagutika) and trial group(Kshargutika).

METHODS

Children with chronic Tonsillitis fulfilling inclusion criteria shall be randomly divided into two groups; 36 patients in each group. One group (P) will be given Trisamagutika and the other group (Q) will be given Kshargutika for 15 days orally B.D. Assessment will be done at 0,5,10 &15 th day. Followup will be taken every month for up to 1 year

RESULTS

Results will be drawn on the observations of subjective parameters.

CONCLUSIONS

The conclusion of the study will be drawn based on statistical data calculated from the collected data.

CLINICALTRIAL

- CTRI No.- CTRI/2023/08/056542
Dated- 16/08/2023
Efficacy and Implementation Planning Across the Veterans Affairs Polytrauma System of Care: Protocol for the REACH Intervention for Caregivers of Veterans and Service Members With Traumatic Brain Injury (Preprint)
Authors: Perrin Paul B , Haun Jolie N , Klyce Daniel W , Melillo Christine , Nakase-Richardson Risa , Seel Ronald T , Martindale-Adams Jennifer , Nichols Linda O , Perera Robert A , Xia Bridget , Hahm Bridget , Zuber Jeffrey
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND

The responsibility of care for Veterans and Service Members (V/SMs) with traumatic brain injury (TBI) often defaults to informal family caregivers. Caregiving demands considerable knowledge, skill, and support to facilitate the health and well-being of V/SMs and themselves. Persistent and common TBI caregiver issues include strain, depression, and anxiety. While evidence-based, brief interventions have been developed and implemented for family caregivers in Veteran neurodegenerative populations, few interventions have been developed, adapted, or tested to support the unique needs of caregivers of V/SMs with TBI.

OBJECTIVE

This study will adapt and test an evidence-based, personalized, 6-session telehealth caregiver intervention, “Resources for Enhancing All Caregivers’ Health” (REACH), to meet the unique needs of caregivers of V/SMs with TBI. If successful, a community-based participatory research team will develop an implementation plan to roll out REACH TBI across the national Veterans Affairs Polytrauma System of Care.

METHODS

This mixed methods, crossover waitlist control clinical trial will use a Type 1 Hybrid Effectiveness-Implementation approach to adapt and then test the effects of REACH TBI on key TBI caregiver outcomes.

RESULTS

This study was funded by the Department of Defense in September 2023. Participant enrollment and data collection will begin in 2024.

CONCLUSIONS

If effective, REACH TBI will be the first evidence-based intervention for caregivers of V/SMs with TBI that can be scaled to implement across the Veterans Affairs Polytrauma System of Care and fill a notable gap in clinical services.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

PRR1-10.2196/57692
mHealth-Based Just-in-Time Adaptive Intervention to Improve the Physical Activity Levels of Individuals With Spinal Cord Injury: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)
Authors: Carey Rachel L , Le Ha , Coffman Donna L , Nahum-Shani Inbal , Thirumalai Mohanraj , Hagen Cole , Baehr Laura A , Schmidt-Read Mary , Lamboy Marlyn S R , Kolakowsky-Hayner Stephanie A , Marino Ralph J , Intille Stephen S , Hiremath Shivayogi V
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND

The lack of regular physical activity (PA) in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI) in the United States is an ongoing health crisis. Regular PA and exercise-based interventions have been linked with improved outcomes and healthier lifestyles among those with SCI. Providing people with an accurate estimate of their everyday PA level can promote PA. Furthermore, PA tracking can be combined with mobile health technology such as smartphones and smartwatches to provide a just-in-time adaptive intervention (JITAI) for individuals with SCI as they go about everyday life. A JITAI can prompt an individual to set a PA goal or provide feedback about their PA levels.

OBJECTIVE

The primary aim of this study is to investigate whether minutes of moderate-intensity PA among individuals with SCI can be increased by integrating a JITAI with a web-based PA intervention (WI) program. The WI program is a 14-week web-based PA program widely recommended for individuals with disabilities. A secondary aim is to investigate the benefit of a JITAI on proximal PA, defined as minutes of moderate-intensity PA within 120 minutes of a PA feedback prompt.

METHODS

Individuals with SCI (N=196) will be randomized to a WI arm or a WI+JITAI arm. Within the WI+JITAI arm, a microrandomized trial will be used to randomize participants several times a day to different tailored feedback and PA recommendations. Participants will take part in the 24-week study from their home environment in the community. The study has three phases: (1) baseline, (2) WI program with or without JITAI, and (3) PA sustainability. Participants will provide survey-based information at the initial meeting and at the end of weeks 2, 8, 16, and 24. Participants will be asked to wear a smartwatch every day for ≥12 hours for the duration of the study.

RESULTS

Recruitment and enrollment began in May 2023. Data analysis is expected to be completed within 6 months of finishing participant data collection.

CONCLUSIONS

The JITAI has the potential to achieve long-term PA performance by delivering tailored, just-in-time feedback based on the person’s actual PA behavior rather than a generic PA recommendation. New insights from this study may guide intervention designers to develop engaging PA interventions for individuals with disability.

CLINICALTRIAL

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05317832; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05317832

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

DERR1-10.2196/57699
Дослідження ендотелію рогової оболонки у хворих із синдромом мілкої передньої камери при факоемульсифікації катаракти
Authors: Lavryk N.S. , Gurzhyi Y.M. , Shulezhko I.A.
Published: February 2024

Актуальність. При синдромі мілкої передньої камери (СМПК) виникають певні складнощі при виконанні ФЕК, як відмітив L. Buratto (1999), що пов’язані з відсутністю достатнього простору для проведення маніпуляцій, а також з дією фізичних факторів. Відмічене можливе пошкодження ендотеліальних клітин (ЕК) рогівки, тому особливості ЕК відображають ступінь хірургічної травми. Мета: дослідити на очах хворих на катаракту із синдромом мілкої передньої камери залежність щільності ендотелію рогівки після операції факоемульсифікації від доопераційних глибини ПК та щільності ЕК та можливість збереження кількісних та якісних показників ендотелію рогівки. Матеріали та методи. Проаналізований стан 128 хворих на катаракту із СМПК, що були розділені на 2 групи: група 1 (61 око) — комбінована операція: задня мікровітректомія та ФЕК (КОЗМВЕФЕК; патент № 80762), група 2 (68 очей) — загальноприйнятий метод ФЕК. Обстеження до та після операції: візус, поле зору, внутрішньоочний тиск, біомікроскопія, сонографія; ЕК рогівки досліджували за допомогою ендотеліального мікроскопа SP-3000P (Topcon). Результати. Проведені дослідження показали, що ефективність КОЗМВЕФЕК та стандартної ФЕК суттєво не відрізняється. При порівнянні ускладнень відмічено, що через 1–3 місяці і 6–12 місяців після запропонованої операції КОЗМВЕФЕК (група 1) більшою мірою зберігається щільність ендотеліального шару рогівки: втрата ЕК менше в 2 рази (р < 0,05), менші прояви полімегатизму та поліморфізму ЕК (р < 0,05), ніж при стандартній ФЕК. Висновки. 1. Визначено залежність показника щільності ендотелію (ЕК) після операції від доопераційних глибини ПК (r = 0,54, p < 0,05) та щільності ендотелію (ЕК) до операції (r = 0,63, p < 0,05). Втрата ЕК після операції залежала від щільності ЕК до операції (r = 0,51, p < 0,05). Ці дані мають значення при плануванні хірургічного втручання. 2. Оцінюючи рівень травматичності хірургічного втручання на очах із СМПК, визначили, що умови маніпуляцій у ПК при КОЗМВЕФЕК та ФЕК за рахунок поглиблення ПК сприяли кращому збереженню ендотеліального шару рогівки, ніж при стандартній методиці ФЕК. Показники при порівнянні характеризують менш виражені прояви полімегатизму (р < 0,05) та поліморфізму (р < 0,05) ЕК рогівки при збереженні щільності клітин (р < 0,05).