bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A 3 month nutrition and exercise program improved hallux strength among senior daycare center users in Korea: a cluster randomized controlled trial
Authors: Sim Jiwon , Lim Jongguk , Lee Hayoung , Park Sohyun , Shin Dongsoo
Published: July 2024

Introduction

With a growing aging population, the focus on the health and well-being of older adults, especially in preventing falls, becomes crucial. This 3 month study, initiated in July 2022, aimed to assess the impact of a nutrition and exercise program in senior daycare centers in Chuncheon, South Korea.

Methods

A 3 month study, beginning in July 2022, included 204 older adults from 10 senior daycare centers in Chuncheon, South Korea. Randomly assigned to intervention or control groups, the intervention involved nutrition, daily toe exercises, or both. Control centers received interventions post-measurements. Pre- and post-intervention analyses used paired t-tests and multiple linear regression, assessing metrics like toe grip strength for significance. While 204 were initially enrolled, the analysis included 151 participants due to dropouts.

Results

Participants, with a mean age of 83.3 years (43.1% aged ≥ 85 years), exhibited mild to moderate cognitive impairment and multiple chronic illnesses. Health data indicated that 37.3% were obese, and the average BMI was 24.0 kg/m2. Both the intervention and control groups showed significant improvements in toe grip strength post-intervention. Specifically, the exercise-only and combined exercise-nutrition groups demonstrated significant differences in hallux strength compared to the control group after adjusting for age and gender.

Conclusion

The study showed that a basic nutrition and exercise program increased toe strength in older adults with chronic diseases, including mild cognitive impairments. This intervention holds potential to prevent muscle strength decline and reduce fall risks in older individuals. As the first of its kind in Korean senior daycare centers, it emphasizes the need for future research and standardized programs for senior daycare users.
The Medicine Wheel as a public health approach to lifestyle management interventions for indigenous populations in North America
Authors: Greer Tammy , Lemacks Jennifer L.
Published: July 2024

This analytic essay intends to elevate Medicine Wheel, or generally “four directions” teachings, to encourage a more comprehensive alignment of lifestyle intervention components with traditional ecological knowledge systems of Indigenous cultures in North America. North American Medicine Wheels provided people with a way to orient themselves both within their traditional belief systems and to the seasonal changes in their areas, improving survivability. The wheel or circle is a sacred symbol, indicating the continuity and perpetuity of all of life. The four directions are iconized in many Indigenous cultures across North America with different directions representing different aspects of our world and of ourselves, different seasons of the year and of our lives, different beings of the earth and tribes of humans with a balance among those necessary for health and wellbeing. In the context of public health, teachings of the four directions warn that a lack of balance limits our ability to achieve optimal health. While there is much public health success in lifestyle interventions, existing practice is limited by a siloed and one size fits all approach. Medicine Wheel teachings lay out a path toward more holistic and Indigenous-based lifestyle intervention that is modifiable depending on tribal teachings and needs, may appeal to a variety of Indigenous communities and is in alignment with health behavior change theory. It is a public health imperative that lifestyle management interventions are fully optimized to rigorously determine what can be achieved when interventions are implemented in a holistic and Indigenous-based manner, and in alignment with an Indigenous model of health. This more complete alignment would allow for a stronger foundation to further explore and develop social determinants (i.e., housing, employment, etc.) and structural intervention enhancements to inform public health practice and promote health equity.
The long shadow of accumulating adverse childhood experiences on mental health in the United Arab Emirates: implications for policy and practice
Authors: Murphy Anthony , England Dawn , Elbarazi Iffat , Horen Neal , Long Toby , Ismail-Allouche Zeina , Arafat Cairo
Published: July 2024

Introduction

This study investigates the cumulative effects of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on adult depression, anxiety, and stress in Abu Dhabi, controlling for demographic factors, lifestyle, and known health and mental health diagnoses.

Methods

Utilizing a cross-sectional design and self-report measures, the research aims to fill a critical gap in understanding the specific impacts of ACEs in the UAE. Based on a multi-site, cross-sectional community sample of 697 residents of Abu Dhabi.

Results

The findings reveal significant variances in current screening values for depression, anxiety, and stress attributable to ACEs after controlling for demographic factors, lifestyle risk factors, and adult diagnoses of health and mental health conditions.

Discussion

The results underline the lifelong impact of ACEs and reinforce the importance of early identification and intervention. In particular, the implications for policy and practice in understanding and mitigating ACEs long-term effects on mental health are considered.
Am I the odd one? Exploring (in)congruencies in the realism of avatars and virtual others in virtual reality
Authors: Mal David , Döllinger Nina , Wolf Erik , Wenninger Stephan , Botsch Mario , Wienrich Carolin , Latoschik Marc Erich
Published: July 2024

Virtual humans play a pivotal role in social virtual environments, shaping users’ VR experiences. The diversity in available options and users’ individual preferences can result in a heterogeneous mix of appearances among a group of virtual humans. The resulting variety in higher-order anthropomorphic and realistic cues introduces multiple (in)congruencies, eventually impacting the plausibility of the experience. However, related work investigating the effects of being co-located with multiple virtual humans of different appearances remains limited. In this work, we consider the impact of (in)congruencies in the realism of a group of virtual humans, including co-located others (agents) and one’s self-representation (self-avatar), on users’ individual VR experiences. In a 2×3  mixed design, participants embodied either (1) a personalized realistic or (2) a customized stylized self-avatar across three consecutive VR exposures in which they were accompanied by a group of virtual others being either (1) all realistic, (2) all stylized, or (3) mixed between stylized and realistic. Our results indicate groups of virtual others of higher realism, i.e., potentially more congruent with participants’ real-world experiences and expectations, were considered more human-like, increasing the feeling of co-presence and the impression of interaction possibilities. (In)congruencies concerning the homogeneity of the group did not cause considerable effects. Furthermore, our results indicate that a self-avatar’s congruence with the participant’s real-world experiences concerning their own physical body yielded notable benefits for virtual body ownership and self-identification for realistic personalized avatars. Notably, the incongruence between a stylized self-avatar and a group of realistic virtual others resulted in diminished ratings of self-location and self-identification. This suggests that higher-order (in)congruent visual cues that are not within the ego-central referential frame of one’s (virtual) body, can have an (adverse) effect on the relationship between one’s self and body. We conclude on the implications of our findings and discuss our results within current theories of VR experiences, considering (in)congruent visual cues and their impact on the perception of virtual others, self-representation, and spatial presence.
Research on the livelihood capital and livelihood strategies of resettlement in China’s South-to-North Water Diversion Middle Line Project
Authors: Li Qian , Xu Yi , Zhao Xue , Xie Jiaxiao , Jiao Tianyi , Su Zhaoxian
Published: July 2024

Resettlement is an important part of water conservancy and hydropower projects, and its development is a proper means of comprehensively promoting rural revitalization. The issue of sustainable livelihoods in resettlement has always attracted significant attention. Based on the traditional sustainable livelihood framework, this paper attempts to incorporate psychological capital and construct a sustainable livelihood index system for resettlement caused by water conservancy and hydropower projects. It also adopts research data from 138 migrant resettlement sites along the middle route of the South to North Water Diversion Project, and employs generalized ordinal logistical models to carry out empirical research on the relationship between migrants’ livelihood capital and livelihood strategies. The results show that the values of migrants’ capital vary across different types of resettlement sites, and natural capital, physical capital, social capital, psychological capital are greatly affected by location distribution, while human capital and financial capital show only slight differences. The choice of migrants’ livelihood strategies also vatu across different resettlement sites, and these strategies are closely related to their livelihood capitals showing a positive correlation. The role played by different kinds of livelihood capitals in the transformation of migrants’ livelihood strategies vary, and the impact of migrants’ livelihood capital on this transformation also differs. The roles of various livelihood capitals in the transformation of migrants’ livelihood strategies are different, and the extents to which each livelihood capital plays a role will change as migrants’ livelihood strategies tend to diversify. This study can provide a reference for the formulation, implementation and optimization of policies related to the relocation and resettlement of migrants from water conservancy and hydropower projects, post-completion support and livelihood development.
Soybean yield variability and predictability from applied phosphorus sources and rhizobia inoculation in Northern Nigeria
Authors: Kabiru Muhammad Rabiu , Buernor Alfred Balenor , Dahhani Sara , Hafidi Mohamed , Jibrin Jibrin Mohammed , Jemo Martin
Published: July 2024

Supplementing soybean plants with phosphorus (P) and inoculation with effective rhizobia (Rh) strains enhance grain yield and profits and promotes sustainable agricultural practices in Nigeria. Limited field data exists on the effects of P forms (e.g., less soluble rock-P) on yield improvement with Rh or alone. We conducted a study where we grew soybeans in two agroecological zones (AEZs), i.e., Sudan (SS) and the Northern Guinea Savanna (NGS) of Nigeria. The P-treatments included no phosphorus (no-P), half the recommended amount of less soluble rock phosphate (RP), plus half the amount of water-soluble triple super phosphate (TSP). Soybean plants were subjected to one of the three different strains of Bradyrhizobia: Bradyrhizobium elkanii (Be), B. japonicum (Bj), or B. diazoefficiens strain (Bd). Control and nitrogen (40 kg N ha−1) treatments were included. The number of nodules, dry weights (DW), and shoot biomass weight were measured at flowering. A linear mixed model predicted grain yield and nodules DW variables from the managed and environmental factors, including manganese (Mn), magnesium (Mg), and the two AEZs. Soybean yield for ½RP + ½TSP gave a 27.4% relative increase to the control. Plants inoculated with the Be strain displayed the highest grain yield under the NGS soils. The linear mixed regression explained the yield and nodule variation with a trained root means square value of 0.87 and 0.82, respectively. The P sources, Rh inoculation, and the inoculated strains explained the yield variation well. Additionally, the soil-Mn content negatively impacted the yield, while the increasing soil-Mg enhanced nodule dry weight. Studies on the required Mn availability and forms in soil and the threshold concentrations of Mg for optimal N2 fixation and yield of soybeans are discussed.
Evaluating zoonotic metacestodes: gross and histopathological alterations of beef in north–west Ethiopia one health approach for meat inspection and animal management
Authors: Alene Dessie , Maru Moges , Demessie Yitayew , Mulaw Asnakew
Published: July 2024

Zoonotic metacestodes present a significant threat to both veterinary and public health. Specifically, the prevalence of metacestodes is often concentrated among consumers of raw meat and underdeveloped countries. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of condemned red offal and examine the gross and histopathology features of zoonotic metacestodes. A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2022 to July 2023 at the Bahir Dar municipal abattoir. A simple random sampling method employed in the abattoir survey to investigate pathological changes of offal and its rate of condemnation. Following a gross inspection of the red offal, representative tissue samples collected and preserved in 10% neutral buffered formalin. Subsequently, the size and number of cysts determined, and their viability and fertility evaluated. Hematoxylin and eosin staining utilized to analyze various lesions with microscope. A total of 340 cattle examined and 7.5% red offal condemned due to hydatid cysts 4.12% in the lungs, 3% in the liver, 0.6% in the kidneys, and 0.9% in other organs. Red offal condemned due to Cysticercus bovis 0.6% in the liver and 0.3% in the tongue. A statistically significance relationship was found between lung rejection due to hydatidosis (p < 0.05), body condition score, and origin of the animal. Among the detected calcified cysts, 83.34% of C. bovis and 47.62% of hydatid cysts. Histopathological examination revealed hydatid cysts and their oncospheres within the portal circulation, as well as necrotized, calcified daughter cysts observed on Bowman’s capsule. The alveoli and bronchiole parenchyma compressed with pressure of protoscolices and it infiltrated by eosinophils. The cyst wall is attached to the thick hepatic capsule of the liver, with the hepatic parenchyma displaying islands of irregular hepatocytes. Cysticercus bovis detected in the deteriorated and necrotized muscle bundles, along with granulomatous lesions characterized by infiltration of mononuclear cells. Gross and histological examinations is invaluable tool for diagnosing hydatidosis and cysticercosis, providing well-organized baseline data to enhance our understanding the burden of zoonotic metacestodes.
Effect of dietary Chinese herbal preparation on dry matter intake, milk yield and milk composition, serum biochemistry, hematological profile, and reproductive efficiency of Holstein dairy cows in early postpartum period
Authors: Abulaiti Adili , Ahsan Umair , Naseer Zahid , Ahmed Zulfiqar , Liu Wenju , Ruan Chongmei , Pang Xunsheng , Wang Shujuan
Published: July 2024

The present study investigated the effects of various inclusion levels of dietary Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) preparation on feed consumption, milk yield and milk composition, serum biochemistry, hematological profile, and reproductive efficiency of Holstein dairy cows. A total of 117 lactating Holstein cows were randomly divided into four groups as control (n = 27; without CHM supplementation) and treatment groups CHM-0.5 (n = 31), CHM-0.75 (n = 29), and CHM-1 (n = 30) fed diet supplemented with 0.5, 0.75, and 1 kg/cow/d for 30 days, respectively. The study began at d 20 postpartum (d 0 of the study). At d 50 postpartum, the cows in all groups were subjected to estrus synchronization using a modified Ovsynch protocol (GPGMH) and observed for reproductive variables. Feed intake, milk yield and milk composition, serum biochemistry and hematological profile, and reproductive efficiency were measured. A significantly higher milk yield with improved milk lactose, milk protein and milk fat were found in the CHM-0.75 group compared to the other groups (p < 0.05). Besides, the estrus response, ovulation rate, ovulatory follicle diameter, and pregnancy rate increased in CHM-0.75 compared to CHM-0 or CHM-0.5 group (p < 0.05). The serum metabolites (glucose, AST, arginine, BUN, and NO) showed variations among the treatment groups at different time points (synchronization, AI, or post-AI). In conclusion, CHM supplementation improves the milk yield, milk composition, and serum metabolites in dairy cows. Daily supplementation of 0.75 kg CHM before the GPGMH protocol application enhances the reproductive traits in dairy cows under summer conditions.
Exploring the potential roles of apelin, visfatin, and irisin in energy regulation in farm animals: an overview
Authors: Shokrollahi Borhan , Jang Sun-Sik , Lee Hyun Jeong , Ahmad Hafiz Ishfaq , Sesay Abdul Rahman , Ghazikhani Shad Ali , Morammazi Salim , Abdelnour Sameh A.
Published: July 2024

Adipose tissue, both intricate and fundamental to physiological functions, comprises cell types, including adipocytes, pivotal in secreting bioactive peptides known as ‘adipokines.’ Apelin (APLN), Visfatin (VSFTN), and Irisin (IRSN) are novel adipokines involved in regulating energy, carbohydrate, protein, and lipid metabolism. APLN acts as an endogenous ligand for G-protein-coupled receptors, VSFTN is essential in nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) biosynthesis, and IRSN is released from skeletal muscle and adipose tissues. Their influence spans various physiological domains, including insulin resistance and sensitivity, cardiovascular functions, angiogenesis, and reproductive systems. This review focuses on the potential roles of APLN, VSFTN, and IRSN in energy regulation mechanisms related to farm animal production. Despite accumulating evidence of their significance, comprehensive understanding is still emerging, with most studies based on model organisms. Thus, there’s a pressing need for targeted research on farm animals. Addressing these knowledge gaps could pave the way for improved health strategies, reproductive efficiency, and productivity in farm animals. Future research should focus on understanding the multifaceted interactions of these adipokines and their implications for promoting sustainable and effective animal production.
Ocimum basilicum and Lagenaria siceraria Loaded Lignin Nanoparticles as Versatile Antioxidant, Immune Modulatory, Anti-Efflux, and Antimicrobial Agents for Combating Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria and Fungi
Authors: El-Samahy Lamiaa A. , Tartor Yasmine H. , Abdelkhalek Adel , Pet Ioan , Ahmadi Mirela , El-Nabtity Sameh M.
Published: July 2024

Lignin nanoparticles emerged as a promising alternative for drug delivery systems owing to their biodegradability and bioactive properties. This study investigated the antimicrobial activity of the ethanolic extract of Ocimum basilicum-loaded lignin nanoparticles (OB-LNPs) and Lagenaria siceraria seed oil-loaded lignin nanoparticles (LS-LNPs) to find a solution for antimicrobial resistance. OB-LNPs and LS-LNPs were tested for their antimicrobial potential against Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella enterica, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Trichophyton rubrum, and Microsporum canis. OB-LNPs and LS-LNPs were further tested for their anti-efflux activity against ciprofloxacin-resistant Salmonella enterica strains and for treating Salmonella infection in a rat model. We also investigated the antifungal efficacy of OB-LNPs and LS-LNPs for treating T. rubrum infection in a guinea pig model. Both OB-LNPs and LS-LNPs showed strong antimicrobial potential against S. Typhimurium and T. rubrum infections. LS-LNPs showed antibacterial activity against Salmonella enterica species with a MIC range of 0.5–4 µg/mL and antifungal activity against T. rubrum with a MIC range of 0.125–1 µg/mL. OB-LNPs showed antibacterial activity against Salmonella enterica species with a MIC range of 0.5–2 µg/mL and antifungal activity against T. rubrum with a MIC range of 0.25–2 µg/mL. OB-LNPs and LS-LNPs downregulated the expression of ramA and acrB efflux pump genes (fold change values ranged from 0.2989 to 0.5434; 0.4601 to 0.4730 for ramA and 0.3842–0.6199; 0.5035–0.8351 for acrB). Oral administration of OB-LNPs and LS-LNPs in combination with ciprofloxacin had a significant effect on all blood parameters, as well as on liver and kidney function parameters. Oxidative stress mediators, total antioxidant capacity, and malondialdehyde were abolished by oral administration of OB-LNPs and LS-LNPs (0.5 mL/rat once daily for 5 days). Interferon-γ and tumor necrosis factor-α were also reduced in comparison with the positive control group and the ciprofloxacin-treated group. Histopathological examination of the liver and intestine of OB-LNPs and LS-LNPs-treated rats revealed an elevation in Salmonella clearance. Treatment of T. rubrum-infected guinea pigs with OB-LNPs and LS-LNPs topically in combination with itraconazole resulted in a reduction in lesion scores, microscopy, and culture results. In conclusion, OB-LNPs and LS-LNPs possess immunomodulatory and antioxidant potential and can be used as naturally derived nanoparticles for drug delivery and treatment of Salmonellosis and dermatophytosis infections.
Analysis of Ferritin, Hepcidin, Zinc, C-Reactive Protein and IL-6 Levels in COVID-19 in Patients Living at Different Altitudes in Peru
Authors: Silva-Caso Wilmer , Kym Sungmin , Merino-Luna Alfredo , Aguilar-Luis Miguel Angel , Tarazona-Castro Yordi , Carrillo-Ng Hugo , Bonifacio-Velez de Villa Eliezer , Aquino-Ortega Ronald , del Valle-Mendoza Juana
Published: July 2024

Background: Despite great scientific efforts, understanding the role of COVID-19 clinical biomarkers remains a challenge. Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study in two Peruvian cities at different altitudes for comparison: Lima and Huaraz. In each place, three groups were formed, made up of 25 patients with COVID-19 in the ICU, 25 hospitalized patients with COVID-19 who did not require the ICU, and 25 healthy subjects as a control group. Five biomarkers were measured: IL-6, hepcidin, ferritin, C-reactive protein, and zinc using ELISA assays. Results: Ferritin, C-reactive protein, and IL-6 levels were significantly higher in the ICU and non-ICU groups at both study sites. In the case of hepcidin, the levels were significantly higher in the ICU group at both study sites compared to the non-ICU group. Among the groups within each study site, the highest altitude area presented statistically significant differences between its groups in all the markers evaluated. In the lower altitude area, differences were only observed between the groups for the zinc biomarker. Conclusion: COVID-19 patients residing at high altitudes tend to have higher levels of zinc and IL-6 in all groups studied compared to their lower altitude counterparts.
A Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Approach for Assessing the Sustainability of an Innovative Pin-Connected Structural System
Authors: Ma Jianwei , Siddhpura Milind , Haddad Assed , Evangelista Ana , Siddhpura Arti
Published: July 2024

Structural design plays a very important role in reducing environmental impacts by reusing resources, recycling materials, and minimizing waste and pollution in the construction sector. Sustainable design becomes more effective than traditional solutions in achieving the transition to sustainability. The decision-making process is not simple due to the different preferences of clients, architects, and engineers. This paper aims to develop a decision framework for assessing sustainability in the early structural design stage. Multi-criteria decision-aiding (MCDA) methods have been implemented to improve the selection of regulations. A technical ranking approach, the Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (FAHP) method, has been employed to identify the optimal solution. Three alternatives including an innovative and two traditional structural systems have been selected and compared in terms of three criteria—economic, social, and environmental impacts. Nine sub-criteria for ranking the importance level of sustainable design have been determined through a literature review and professional experts. FAHP methods show that the economic impact (58%) is the most important criterion for assessing the sustainability of structural systems, followed by the environment with 31%. The social aspect contributes 11% to this method, and it is ranked as the least important criterion. This research revealed that MCDA methods can be used as a guideline for engineers to improve the selection in the process of sustainable design. The decision model proposed in this study has been verified and, therefore, can be applied for similar projects.
Digital Horizons in Construction: A Comprehensive System for Excellence in Project Management
Authors: Fonseca Salazar Santos , Benito Patricia Aguilera , Piña Ramírez Carolina
Published: July 2024

In today’s competitive construction industry, companies are under increasing pressure to enhance efficiency and productivity. This research examines how digitalization can address issues such as market instability, low productivity, lack of investment in innovation, workforce issues, and management deficiencies. It explores the potential of technologies like Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Lean Construction (LC) to improve project management. The “House of COANFI” framework, integrating Lean principles with strategy, process, projects, and people, is proposed as a solution for enhancing project management, promoting organizational coherence, continuous improvement, and technological adoption. The methodology includes a literature survey, stakeholder workshops, developing an information system, and validation through case studies. Key findings highlight the benefits of COANFI implementation, including better data management, improved productivity, collaborative integration, and organizational learning. However, challenges such as resistance to change, data quality issues, and integration complexity must be addressed. The study concludes that digitalization, supported by frameworks like COANFI, can significantly enhance efficiency and competitiveness. Future research should validate these methodologies in real-world applications, explore strategies for managing organizational change, and investigate the impact of digital technologies on sustainability, helping the construction sector achieve long-term growth and sustainability.
Unlocking the Potential Role of Decellularized Biological Scaffolds as a 3D Radiobiological Model for Low- and High-LET Irradiation
Authors: Charalampopoulou Alexandra , Barcellini Amelia , Peloso Andrea , Vanoli Alessandro , Cesari Stefania , Icaro Cornaglia Antonia , Bistika Margarita , Croce Stefania , Cobianchi Lorenzo , Ivaldi Giovanni Battista , Locati Laura Deborah , Magro Giuseppe , Tabarelli de Fatis Paola , Pullia Marco Giuseppe , Orlandi Ester , Facoetti Angelica
Published: July 2024

Introduction: Decellularized extracellular matrix (ECM) bioscaffolds have emerged as a promising three-dimensional (3D) model, but so far there are no data concerning their use in radiobiological studies. Material and Methods: We seeded two well-known radioresistant cell lines (HMV-II and PANC-1) in decellularized porcine liver-derived scaffolds and irradiated them with both high- (Carbon Ions) and low- (Photons) Linear Energy Transfer (LET) radiation in order to test whether a natural 3D-bioscaffold might be a useful tool for radiobiological research and to achieve an evaluation that could be as near as possible to what happens in vivo. Results: Biological scaffolds provided a favorable 3D environment for cell proliferation and expansion. Cells did not show signs of dedifferentiation and retained their distinct phenotype coherently with their anatomopathological and clinical behaviors. The radiobiological response to high LET was higher for HMV-II and PANC-1 compared to the low LET. In particular, Carbon Ions reduced the melanogenesis in HMV-II and induced more cytopathic effects and the substantial cell deterioration of both cell lines compared to photons. Conclusions: In addition to offering a suitable 3D model for radiobiological research and an appropriate setting for preclinical oncological analysis, we can attest that bioscaffolds seemed cost-effective due to their ease of use, low maintenance requirements, and lack of complex technology
Assessment and Treatment of Pain in Hospitalized Children at a Tertiary Children’s Hospital: A Cross-Sectional Mixed Methods Survey
Authors: Roessler De Angulo Nadia , Postier Andrea C. , Purser Lisa , Ngo Lena , Sun Karen , Friedrichsdorf Stefan
Published: July 2024

(1) Background: Acute pain in hospitalized children remains under-recognized and under-treated. Our objective is to benchmark pain assessment, documentation, treatment, and patient experience in children admitted to a US children’s hospital. (2) Methods: A cross-sectional, mixed-method survey of pain for children hospitalized ≥24 h. Charts were reviewed for modalities of pain assessment and treatment for all inpatients. If pain was documented, patients/caregivers were surveyed regarding their experience with pain and its management. (3) Results: Chart review: All 107 patients had ≥1 pain score documented. A total of 47 patients had a pain score ≥0, 35 (74.5%) of whom had ≥1 moderate-severe score. Seventy (65.4%) patients received ≥1 intervention for pain, including medications from ≥1 class (e.g., opioids) (n = 55, 51.4%) and/or integrative/non-pharmacologic intervention(s) (n = 39, 36.4%). There were assessment and documentation gaps. Patient survey: A total of 39 (83.0%) interviews were attempted; 25 (53.2%) were completed. The worst pain was mostly caused by acute illness (n = 13, 52%) and painful procedures (n = 10, 40%). Suggestions for improvement included increasing the use of integrative modalities and optimizing patient–clinician communication. (4) Conclusions: All patients admitted ≥24 h had ≥1 pain score documented; however, gaps in documentation were common. Multimodal treatment and integrative modalities were underutilized. Procedures were a frequent cause of under-treated pain, prompting an institution-wide quality improvement project.
Diving into the Digital Landscape: Assessing the Quality of Online Information on Neonatal Jaundice for Parents
Authors: Baumgartner Michael Karl , Behr Anna-Lena , Garbe Anne Christina , Quatember Christoph , Reutter Heiko , Woelfle Joachim , Fahlbusch Fabian Benedikt , Hanslik Gregor
Published: July 2024

Background: Hyperbilirubinemia is a common condition in newborns. While mild cases of jaundice are common and typically resolve spontaneously, severe hyperbilirubinemia can lead to serious neurologic complications if left untreated. With the constant adaptation of guidelines, clinical management has significantly improved, and treatment has become routine for pediatricians. However, for parents of affected children, managing the condition is not routine. In today’s digital age, parents often seek additional information by accessing a wide range of medical resources on the internet. While this can be empowering, it also presents challenges, as the quality and accuracy of online medical information can vary widely. Therefore, we analyzed the current quality of information on jaundice found on the internet by parents. Methods: A simulated internet search (using the Google search engine) was conducted from a layperson’s perspective using German (“Neugeborenes Gelbsucht”, “Baby Gelbsucht”) and English (“jaundice newborn”, “jaundice baby”) search terms. Subsequently, the quality of the search results was assessed by two independent neonatologists based on the DISCERN Plus Score, HONcode certification, and the JAMA criteria. Results: Websites targeting non-medical laypersons exhibited significant variability in quality. Notably, the content of English websites was superior to that of websites in the German language. The majority of English sites were predominantly institutional, whereas most German sites were commercially oriented. Conclusions: Although information on jaundice is readily accessible online for non-medical individuals, there were notable differences in quality based on language and significant variability in the quality of information warranting attention from healthcare professionals. Furthermore, German websites providing information on jaundice were often hosted by commercial organizations. We propose that pediatric societies engage in developing and maintaining organization-based medical information to improve online resources for parents.
Study on the Degradation Performance of AlGaN-Based Deep Ultraviolet LEDs under Thermal and Electrical Stress
Authors: Gong Mingfeng , Sun Xuejiao , Lei Cheng , Liang Ting , Li Fengchao , Xie Yu , Li Jinmin , Liu Naixin
Published: July 2024

AlGaN-based deep-ultraviolet (DUV) LEDs could realize higher optical power output when adopting a p-AlGaN contact layer instead of a p-GaN contact layer. However, this new type DUV LEDs exhibit poor reliability. Thus, this study thoroughly investigates the degradation behaviors of AlGaN-based DUV LEDs with a p-AlGaN contact layer through different aging tests, including single thermal stress, single electrical stress with air-cooling, single electrical stress, and thermoelectric complex stress. It can be found that both high temperature and large working current play crucial roles in accelerating the degradation of optoelectronic properties of the DUV LEDs, and the single high thermal stress without electrical stress can also bring obvious performance degradation to the DUV LEDs, which is a significantly different finding from previous studies. This is because thermal stress on DUV LED could bring some metal electrode elements entering the p-AlGaN layer. Thus, the degradation of optical and electrical properties under the thermal and electrical stress could be not only attributed to the degradation of the device’s ohmic contacts, but also due to the metal electrode elements entering the p-AlGaN layer through thermal diffusion, leading to the generation of tunneling current and the generation of defects within or around the active region. Despite that the peak wavelengths of the DUV LEDs remained stable, the turn-on voltage and series resistance increased. Particularly worth mentioning is that the value of the optical power degradation under thermoelectric conditions is larger than the sum of the single thermal and single electrical optical power degradation, which is a result of the mutual reinforcement of thermal and electrical stresses to exacerbate the defect generation and ohmic contact degradation. Based on the study above, preparing p-AlGaN layers with hyperfine gradient aluminum fractions and reducing the junction temperature may help to improve the reliability of AlGaN-based DUV LEDs with the p-AlGaN contact layer.
Important and Feasible Actions to Address Cervical Screening Participation amongst South Asian Women in Ontario: A Concept Mapping Study with Service Users and Service Providers
Authors: Devotta Kimberly , O’Campo Patricia , Bender Jacqueline , Lofters Aisha K.
Published: July 2024

Regular cervical screening can largely prevent the development of cervical cancer and innovative methods are needed to better engage people in screening. In Ontario, Canada, South Asian women have some of the lowest rates of screening in the province. In this study, we used concept mapping to engage two stakeholder groups—South Asian service users and service providers—to identify and prioritize points of intervention to encourage the uptake of cervical screening. After participants brainstormed a master list of statements, 45 participants rated the statements based off ‘importance’ and ‘ease to address’ in relation to encouraging cervical screening. A bivariate plot (X-Y graph) that shows the average rating values for each statement across the two rating variables (a ‘go-zone’ display) was produced to display priorities for implementation. Statements that were considered high priority to address reflected issues around education and awareness including understanding and communication related to cervical screening and preventative care, as well as the need for trusted sources of information. Statements that were considered high priority but challenging to implement were centered around fear, stigma, discomfort, family and personal priorities. This study highlighted that stigma, norms and social relations that impact the uptake of screening must be addressed in order for education and awareness raising to be effective and to move people from conviction around screening to action.
An Integrative Analysis of the Specific Distinctness of Valvata (Cincinna) ambigua Westerlund, 1873 and Valvata (Cincinna) piscinalis (Müller, 1774) (Gastropoda: Valvatidae)
Authors: Schäffer Maibritt , Hausdorf Bernhard
Published: July 2024

Valvata (Cincinna) piscinalis (Müller, 1774) is a widespread and variable Palaearctic freshwater snail species. Some authors have separated more depressed forms with a wider umbilicus as a distinct species, Valvata (Cincinna) ambigua Westerlund, 1873. The latter species was described from Scandinavia and has also been reported from Siberia and Kazakhstan and more recently from Central Europe. We conducted an integrative study of the delimitation and relationships of V. ambigua and V. piscinalis using both morphometric and molecular genetic analyses. Analyses of the morphometric data did not reveal differentiation into distinct clusters. Rather, the shell characteristics used to distinguish V. ambigua and V. piscinalis showed continuous variation. There is little variability in mitochondrial DNA sequences in the V. piscinalis complex. A median-joining network based on cytochrome oxidase sequences showed that the morphological character states supposedly characteristic of V. ambigua and V. piscinalis did not correlate with the genetic relationships of the individuals studied. We therefore consider V. ambigua to be synonymous with V. piscinalis.
Post and Core Treatment to Refit Telescopic Crown-Retained Dentures after Abutment Tooth Fracture: An Evaluation of Therapy by Retrospective Survival Analysis
Authors: Vogler Jonas Adrian Helmut , Abrahamian William , Reich Sarah Marie , Wöstmann Bernd , Rehmann Peter
Published: July 2024

Telescopic crown-retained dentures (TCDs) are one of the most common types of prosthetic restorations for partially edentulous patients; however, post and core (PC) treatment shows the worst survival probability if the tooth is used as an abutment for the TCD. Due to extra axial forces, abutment tooth fracture is a common cause of failure for TCDs; thus, PC treatment is often needed to refit the existing telescopic crown (TC). However, there are no clinical survival data on whether the PC treatment was used to refit the TC after abutment tooth fracture (PC2) or the PC was already fitted at the time of TCD treatment (PC1). A total of 246 patients with 399 PC treatments were retrospectively evaluated for follow-ups up to 17.33 years. The files were analysed for PC1 and PC2. Furthermore, the influence of the jaw, type of tooth, luting material, PC material, bone attachment, therapist and cause of failure was recorded. For statistical analysis, Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression analyses were conducted. PC2 showed highly significant lower survival probabilities than PC1 (p < 0.001). Moreover, the bone attachment and the age of the patient at the time of fitting the PC crown had an influence on the survival (p < 0.001). Therefore, PC2 should be carefully discussed with the patient and PC1 should be favoured in endodontically treated abutment teeth for TCDs.
Streamflow Prediction Using Complex Networks
Authors: Farhat Abdul Wajed , Deepthi B. , Sivakumar Bellie
Published: July 2024

The reliable prediction of streamflow is crucial for various water resources, environmental, and ecosystem applications. The current study employs a complex networks-based approach for the prediction of streamflow. The approach consists of three major steps: (1) the formation of a network using streamflow time series; (2) the calculation of the clustering coefficient (CC) as a network measure; and (3) the use of a clustering coefficient-based nearest neighbor search procedure for streamflow prediction. For network construction, each timestep is considered as a node and the existence of link between any node pair is identified based on the difference (distance) between the streamflow values of the nodes. Different distance threshold values are used to identify the critical distance threshold to form the network. The complex networks-based approach is implemented for the prediction of daily streamflow at 142 stations in the contiguous United States. The prediction accuracy is quantified using three statistical measures: correlation coefficient (R), normalized root mean square error (NRMSE), and Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE). The influence of the number of neighbors on the prediction accuracy is also investigated. The results, obtained with the critical distance threshold, reveal that the clustering coefficients for the 142 stations range from 0.799 to 0.999. Overall, the prediction approach yields reasonably good results for all 142 stations, with R values ranging from 0.05 to 0.99, NRMSE values ranging from 0.1 to 12.3, and the NSE values ranging from −0.89 to 0.99. An attempt is also made to examine the relationship between prediction accuracy and the catchment characteristics/streamflow statistical properties (drainage area, mean flow, coefficient of variation of flow). The results suggest that the prediction accuracy does not have much of a relationship with the drainage area and the mean streamflow values, but with the coefficient of variation of flow. The outcomes from this study are certainly promising regarding the application of complex networks-based concepts for the prediction of streamflow (and other hydrologic) time series.
Correction: Algayyim et al. Sugarcane Biomass as a Source of Biofuel for Internal Combustion Engines (Ethanol and Acetone-Butanol-Ethanol): A Review of Economic Challenges. Energies 2022, 15, 8644
Authors: Algayyim Sattar Jabbar Murad , Yusaf Talal , Hamza Naseer H. , Wandel Andrew P. , Fattah I. M. Rizwanul , Laimon Mohamd , Rahman S. M. Ashrafur
Published: July 2024

In the original publication [...]
Analysis of the Impact of Wind Farm Construction on the Marine Environment
Authors: Łazuga Kinga
Published: July 2024

The development of offshore wind farms is an important step toward increasing the share of green energy in Poland’s energy mix, offering promising prospects for the energy industry. However, in addition to numerous benefits, such investments also carry potential risks for the marine environment, including the risk of spills of hazardous substances such as gear oils, hydraulic oils, and lubricants. This paper analyses the potential impact of oil spills from offshore wind farms on the marine ecosystems of the Baltic Sea, taking into account hydrometeorological factors, particularly protected areas (such as Natura 2000 sites) and the intensity of ship traffic in the area of the planned farms. Simulations of spill scenarios are also presented to assess the potential extent of pollution and its impact on the environment. This paper emphasises the importance of advanced monitoring and safety systems in minimising the risk of accidents and responding quickly to possible incidents. The development of offshore wind farms in Poland presents itself as a key element in a sustainable energy development strategy, combining advanced technology with environmental concerns.
Assessment of Municipal Waste Forecasting Methods in Poland Considering Socioeconomic Aspects
Authors: Nęcka Krzysztof , Szul Tomasz , Piotrowska-Woroniak Joanna , Pancerz Krzysztof
Published: July 2024

As a public service, municipal waste management at the local and regional levels should be carried out in an environmentally friendly and economically justified manner. Information on the quantity and composition of generated municipal waste is essential for planning activities related to the implementation and optimization of the process. There is a need for reliable forecasts regarding the amount of waste generated in each area. Due to the variability in the waste accumulation rate, this task is difficult to accomplish, especially at the local level. The literature contains many reports on this issue, but there is a lack of studies indicating the preferred method depending on the independent variables, the complexity of the algorithm, the time of implementation, and the quality of the forecast. The results concerning the quality of forecasting methods are difficult to compare due to the use of different sets of independent variables, forecast horizons, and quality assessment indicators. This paper compares the effectiveness of selected forecasting models in predicting the amount of municipal waste collection generated in Polish municipalities. The authors compared nine methods, including artificial neural networks (ANNs), support regression trees (SRTs), rough set theory (RST), multivariate adaptive regression splines (MARS), and random regression forests (RRFs). The analysis was based on 31 socioeconomic indicators for 2451 municipalities in Poland. The Boruta algorithm was used to select significant variables and eliminate those with little impact on forecasting. The quality of the forecasts was evaluated using eight indicators, such as the absolute percentage error (MAPE), mean absolute error (MAE), and coefficient of determination (R2). A comprehensive evaluation of the forecasting models was carried out using the APEKS method. An analysis of the results showed that the best forecasting methods depended on the set of independent variables and the evaluation criteria adopted. Waste management expenditures, the levels of sanitation and housing infrastructure, and the cost-effectiveness of waste management services were key factors influencing the amount of municipal waste. Additionally, this research indicated that adding more variables does not always improve the quality of forecasts, highlighting the importance of proper selection. The use of a variable selection algorithm, combined with the consideration of the impact of various socioeconomic factors on municipal waste generation, can significantly improve the quality of forecasts. The SRT, CHAID, and MARS methods can become valuable tools for predicting municipal waste volumes, which, in turn, will help to improve waste management system.