bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Client’s experiences on the provision of person-centered abortion care in public health facilities across four regions of Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Chekol Bekalu Mossie , McCaffrey Sarah , Dijkerman Sally , Acre Valerie , Desta Demeke , Belai Abiyot , Muluye Samuel
Published: July 2023

Background Ethiopia has made remarkable progress in expanding access to and provision of comprehensive abortion care. However, complications due to unsafe abortion still contributes to a significant proportion of maternal mortality in the country. As efforts to increase accessibility, availability, acceptability, and quality of comprehensive abortion care continue, evaluating service quality is critical. This study assesses the quality of comprehensive abortion care in public health facilities, from clients’ perspectives, in four regions of Ethiopia to examine how person-centered care differs based on facility and service characteristics. Methods We conducted 1,870 client exit surveys in 2018 using structured questionnaires with women who received induced abortion or postabortion care services from 76 public health facilities across four regions: Tigray, Amhara, Oromia, and Southern Nations, Nationalities, and People’s. We calculated descriptive, bivariate, and multivariable statistics to examine service characteristics associated with 30 person-centered care outcomes grouped into five domains. Results Comprehensive abortion care clients reported high levels of person-centered care, with participants reporting exceptionally positive experiences for outcomes in the dignity and respect domain and trust, privacy, and confidentiality domain. However, there was notable room for improving client experiences across three domains of person-centered abortion care: autonomy, communication and supportive care, and health facility environment. In the multivariate analysis, client-reported quality outcomes differed significantly by diagnosis, region, health facility type, and procedure type. Findings specifically reveal that clients in Amhara, at tertiary and primary hospitals, and who received postabortion care report lower person-centered care. Conclusions The positive experiences reported by comprehensive abortion care clients highlight the impact of the Ethiopian government’s strategy to increase abortion access in the public health sector. However, numerous disparities in person-centered care were identified, providing insight into opportunities to advance the quality of comprehensive abortion care. Recommendations include investment in initiatives to improve postabortion care client experiences, better integration of reproductive health services at higher-level facilities, and leveraging qualitative methods to research regional differences. These findings can direct regional-level and facility-based person-centered abortion care interventions to ensure the most effective impact on the health outcomes and human rights of people seeking comprehensive abortion care in Ethiopia.
Socio-economic pandemic modelling: Case of Spain
Authors: Snellman Jan E. , Barreiro Nadia L. , Barrio Rafael A. , Ventura Cecilia I. , Govezensky Tzipe , Kaski Kimmo K. , Korpi-Lagg Maarit J.
Published: July 2023

A global disaster, as the recent Covid-19 pandemic, affects every aspect of our lives and there is need to investigate these highly complex phenomena if one aims to diminish their impact in the health of population, as well as their socio-economic stability. In this paper we present an attempt to understand the role of the governmental authorities and the response of the rest of the population facing such emergencies. We present a mathematical model that takes into account the epidemiological features of the pandemic and also the actions of people responding to it, focusing only on three aspects of the system, namely, the fear of catching this serious disease, the impact on the economic activities and the compliance of the people to the mitigating measures adopted by the authorities. We apply the model to the specific case of Spain, since there are accurate data available about these three features. We focused on tourism as an example of the economic activity, since this sector of economy is one of the most likely to be affected by the restrictions imposed by the authorities, and because it represents an important part of the Spanish economy. The results of numerical calculations agree with the empirical data in such a way that we can acquire a better insight of the different processes at play in such a complex situation, and also in other different circumstances.
Application of Sugarcane Bagasse and Peanut Shell in Natura as Bioadsorbents for Vinasse Treatment
Authors: Lima Felipe Aquino , Júnior Antônio Carvalho dos Santos , Sarrouh Boutros , Lofrano Renata Carolina Zanetti
Published: July 2023

Vinasse is one of the most polluting effluents in the sugar-alcohol industry due to its physicochemical properties. It poses a threat to soil fertility and can contaminate groundwater if not appropriately handled. Therefore, it is important to evaluate more sustainable and comprehensive vinasse treatment strategies to safeguard environmental integrity. So, this work aims to evaluate sugarcane bagasse and peanut shell, as renewable adsorbents, for the removal of organic matter, pH, and turbidity found in vinasse effluent. Commercial activated carbon was used to compare the performances. Experimental assays were conducted using the adsorbents under three different concentrations (1: 12.5 g L-1; 2: 25.0 g L-1; 3: 37.5 g L-1) at 3, 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours of treatment, under controlled temperature (25°C) and rotation (200 rpm). The bioadsorbents were able to promote marked removal of organic matter, showing natural adsorbent properties without any previous activation. Major COD removal (63.88%) was observed for the commercial activated carbon after 48 hours of treatment and a concentration of 37.5 g L-1. For the peanut shell and sugarcane bagasse, the major COD removal was 50.94% and 45.35%, respectively, after 48 hours of treatment and a concentration of 12.5 g L-1. The final effluent exhibited high residual COD content, indicating the necessity to associate with another treatment state, such as biodigestion or ozonolysis, acting as a pretreatment or as a posttreatment.
Evaluating County-level Lung Cancer Incidence From Environmental Radiation Exposure, Pm 2.5 , and Other Exposures With Regression and Machine Learning Models
Authors: Lee Heechan , Hanson Heidi A. , Logan Jeremy , Kapadia Anuj , Dewji Shaheen , Agasthya Greeshma A
Published: July 2023

Characterizing the interplay between exposures shaping the human exposome is vital for disease etiology. For example, cancer incidence is attributable to the independent and interactive multifactorial external exposures that shape health. Lung cancer is a perfect example of increased risk linked to environmental, socioeconomic, and lifestyle factors. However, radon epidemiological studies often fail to consider multiple exposures simultaneously. For example, moderating factors, such as PM2.5, may affect the transport of radon progeny to lung tissue.
This ecological analysis leveraged a population-level dataset from the National Cancer Institute’s Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End-Results data (2013-17) to simultaneously investigate the effect of multiple sources of low-dose radiation (gross activity and indoor radon) and PM2.5 on lung cancer rates in the United States. The county-level factors (environmental, sociodemographic, lifestyle) were controlled, and Poisson regression and random forest were used to assess associations with lung and bronchus cancer rates.
Tree-based ML method improved over traditional regression: Poisson regression: 7.58/7.39 (mean absolute percentage error, MAPE); Poisson random forest regression: 1.21/1.16 (MAPE). Effect of PM2.5 increased with the concentration of environmental radon, thereby confirming findings from previous studies that investigated the possible synergistic effect of radon and PM2.5 on health outcomes.
In summary, the results demonstrated (1) a need to include multiple environmental exposures when assessing radon exposure’s association with lung cancer risk, thereby highlighting exposomics framework and (2) that employing ML models may capture the complex interplay between environmental exposures and health, as in the case of environmental radiation exposure and lung cancer incidence.
Solar Geoengineering to Stop Annual Global Warming
Authors: Feinberg Alec
Published: July 2023

Solar geoengineering (SG) solutions have many advantages compared to the difficulty of carbon removal (CR): SG produces fast results, is shown here to have much higher efficiency than CR, is not related to fossil fuel legislation, and is something we all can participate in brightening the Earth with cool roofs, and roads. SG requirements detailed previously to mitigate global warming (GW) have been concerning primarily because of overwhelming goals and climate circulation issues. In this paper, higher feasibility is provided for solar geoengineering applications by focusing on physics-based estimates to stop annual increases in GW. Annual solar geoengineering (ASG) area modification requirements found here are generally 50 to possibly higher than 150 times less compared to the challenge of full SG GW mitigation.
Results indicate that AI paint drone technology is likely needed for Earth brightening to meet annual mitigation goals. As well, results indicate much higher feasibility for L1 space shading compared to prior literature estimates for full GW mitigation. However, stratosphere injections appear challenging in the annual approach.
A serious issue with implementing ASG is the problem of worldwide negative SG which currently dominates yearly practices with the application of dark asphalt roads and roofs. This issue is discussed.
Biodegradation of Petroleum Sludge by Methylobacterium sp. Strain ZASH
Authors: Zakuan Azizi Shamsul Harumain  , Mohd Azrul Naim Mohamad  , Noor Faizul Hadry Nordin  , Mohd Yunus Abd Shukor
Published: July 2023

A bacterium was isolated from sludge-contaminated soil in a petroleum refinery and tested for its ability to degrade aliphatic hydrocarbon compounds present in petroleum sludge. The isolate was grown on minimal salt media agar supplemented with 1% (w/v) petroleum sludge. The isolate was tentatively identified as Methylobacterium s p. s train ZASH based on the partial 16s rDNA molecular phylogeny. The bacterium grew optimally between the temperatures of 30°C and 35°C, pH 7 and 7.5, 0.5% and 1.5% (v/v) Tween 80 as the surfactant, and between 1% and 2% (w/v) peptone as the nitrogen source. The constants derived from the Haldane equation were ?max = 0.039 hr–1, Ks = 0.385% (w/v) total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) or 3,850 mg/L TPH, and Ki =1.12% (w/v) TPH or 11,200 mg/L. The maximum biodegradation rate exhibited by this strain was 19 mg/L/hr at an initial TPH concentration of 10,000 mg/L. Gas chromatography analysis revealed that after 15 days the strain was able to degrade all aliphatic n-alkanes investigated with different efficiencies. Shorter n-alkanes were generally degraded more rapidly than longer n-alkanes with 90% removal for C-12 compared to only 30% removal for C-36. The addition of sawdust did not improve bacterial degradation of petroleum hydrocarbons, but it assisted in the removal of remaining undegraded hydrocarbons through adsorption.
Soil-Enzymes and Antioxidants Activities of Edible Vegetables Grown in Soils Polluted by Gas Flaring
Authors: Doris Akachukwu  , Paul Ndubuisi Anyiam  , Polycarp Nnacheta Okafor  , Chiedozie Ibegbulem  , Ifeoma Irene Ijeh
Published: July 2023

Associated gas flaring has several consequences on the environment. This study was aimed at assessing the impact of gas flaring on soil enzymes and plant antioxidant activities from gas flare-bearing communities in Nigeria. Soil and plant samples were obtained from farmlands in Ukwa West and Izombe gas flaring sites, as well as unpolluted site from Olokoro (used as control). The level of activities of soil urease, dehydrogenase, phosphatases, plant antioxidant enzymes and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) of selected plants (Gnetum africanum [GA], Piper guineense [PG], Gongronema latifolium [GL], Pterocarpus mildbraedii [PM]) were evaluated using standard methods. The results showed that the activities of urease were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in soil from Ukwa site than Izombe and the control soil. Dehydrogenase (DHA) and phosphatases recorded higher activities (P < 0.05) for Izombe soil than in Ukwa compared with the control. For plants, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione S-transferase (GST) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) recorded a significant (P < 0.05) higher activities in all the plants assayed from Ukwa site than Izombe and the control site. The activities of GPx from GA and PG plants at Izombe site were not significant (P > 0.05) when compared with the control, except for PM and GL which recorded a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in GPX and SOD activities, respectively. The activities of catalase enzyme also decreased significantly (P < 0.05) in all plants grown at Ukwa, while an increase was seen for GA and PM grown at Izombe compared with control. The overall variability in enzymes activities is an indication that soil ecosystem and plants are altered significantly by the stress load from the gas flaring pollutants which could serve as bio-indicators for assessing ecological risks and bioremediation.
Economic policy to support lifelong learning system development & SDG4 achievement: Bibliometric analysis
Authors: Onopriienko Kateryna , Lovciová Kornélia , Mateášová Martina , Kuznyetsova Anzhela , Vasylieva Tetiana
Published: July 2023

In order to set economic policy goals, it is important to understand the difference between adult education and lifelong learning, and how much research on SDG 4 combines lifelong learning and economic policy. The purpose of the article is to determine the main directions for justifying the lifelong learning system development, including for achieving sustainable development goal 4 (SDG 4). Based on scientific research data from the Scopus database using the VOSviewer software, this article analyzed the theoretical foundations for substantiating the temporal and geographical interrelationships of the categorical-conceptual system of such terms as “SDG 4”, “adult education”, “lifelong learning” and “economic”. This made it possible to identify the main trends in scientific research and cluster directions of international research on the relationship between adult education, lifelong learning and economic policy. The following trends were obtained: adult education as a driver of economic development; as a social phenomenon and as a source of innovation. The following clusters were identified: adult education as a part of life-long education; adult education under the influence of physical and age-related changes; adult education as part of professional education; the learning process, which is not related to professional activity. As a result of the analysis, an insufficient level of attention among scientific studies devoted to adult education within the framework of SDG 4 was revealed. The article confirmed the need for economic policy to support the lifelong learning system, as well as the difference between the concepts of adult education and lifelong learning.
Acknowledgment The educational outcomes in this publication were created with the support of the EU Erasmus+ program within the framework of projects ERASMUS-JMO-2021-HEI-TCH-RSCH-101048055 – «AICE – With Academic integrity to EU values: step by step to common Europe» and ERASMUS-JMO-2022-HEI-TCH-RSCH-101085198«OSEE – Open Science and Education in Europe: success stories for Ukrainian academia». This study was funded by the grant from the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine “Modelling educational transformations in wartime to preserve the intellectual capital and innovative potential of Ukraine” (registration number 0123U100114). “Convergence of economic and educational transformations in the digital society: modeling of the impact on regional and national security” (state registration number 0121U109553).
Cryptogenic stroke. Part 4: Antiphospholipid syndrome and cancer
Authors: Kulesh A. A. , Belopasova A. V. , Demin D. A. , Mekhryakov S. A. , Syromyatnikova L. I. , Vinogradov O. I.
Published: July 2023

Cryptogenic embolic stroke (embolic strokes of undetermined source, ESUS) is an intermediate diagnosis in patients with unknown etiology of stroke and implies the absence of large sources of cardioembolism and significant extra- and intracranial stenoses and probably embolic pathogenesis of cerebral infarction. In the previous parts of the article, we discussed the issues of diagnosis and secondary prevention of ESUS with underlying potential aortoaortic sources of embolism, paradoxical embolism and atrial cardiopathy. This article discusses the issues of epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis and secondary prevention of ischemic stroke with underlying antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) and cancer-associated stroke (RAI). Both mechanisms of stroke are associated with hypercoagulability, often manifest as multifocal cortical brain lesions, and respond to anticoagulant therapy. While APS should be suspected primarily in young women with pathology of pregnancy, arterial and venous thrombosis, as well as livedo reticularis (racemosa), RAI does not have a specific clinical picture, but can manifest as diffuse cortical infarcts (symptom of three pools) combined with increased D-dimer level. If APS is suspected, appropriate haematological screening is required, followed by the use of the Sydney diagnostic criteria. Possible diagnosis of RAI often requires transesophageal echocardiography (ruling out non-bacterial thromboendocarditis) and oncological screening. Secondary prevention of APS consists in prescribing warfarin with the target international normalized ratio (INR) of 2.0 to 3.0. RAI is treated with anticoagulants, but the choice of a drug and dose is determined by the balance between thrombotic/thromboembolic and hemorrhagic risks.
Possibilities neuroimaging and neurophysiological research methods to objectify rehabilitation potential in patients with ischemic stroke (analytical review of the literature)
Authors: Kostenko E. V. , Kashezhev A. G. , Nakhrapov D.  I. , Pogonchenkova I. V.
Published: July 2023

Cerebral stroke (CS) remains the most important medical and social problem. According to available data, only 25% of stroke survivors return to the premorbid level of daily or work activity, most patients have residual neurological disorders of varying severity. Effective rehabilitation of patients with CS requires not only timely initiation of treatment, but also an individual choice of rehabilitation program. To optimize the rehabilitation strategy in each case, it is necessary to set goals and objectives taking into account the rehabilitation potential (RP) and the prognosis of the patient’s recovery. This paper provides a definition of RP and ways to describe it. The existing neurophysiological methods for assessing the RP of functional recovery after CS, such as electroencephalography, evoked potentials and diagnostic transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), are considered. Information about neuroimaging diagnostic methods – computer (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the context of determining RP is presented. The possibilities of functional and diffusion-t ensor MRI of the brain for assessing RP in various periods of the disease are highlighted in detail. Other possible predictors of the restoration of impaired functions are also considered – the volume and localization of the brain lesion, the patient’s age, cognitive functions and laboratory parameters. Modern complex approaches to the formation of algorithms for the quantitative assessment of RP are described. In particular, the current algorithms for evaluating RP – PREP2 for the upper limb and TWIST for predicting the recovery of walking disorders are described. Currently, there are no generally accepted methods for determining and quantifying RP. The instruments proposed for this purpose are insufficiently sensitive and specific or are not suitable for routine clinical practice.
Monoaromatic Fluorescence Probe for Sensitive Alkaline Phosphatase Analysis by Regulating Intramolecular Hydrogen Bonding
Authors: Zhang Xiaoqing , Chen Yi
Published: July 2023

Enzymatic reactions have been widely applied to the design of various sensing systems. However, the detection sensitivity of partial systems is still low, possibly attributed to the large molecular size of the substrate. In this study, we propose a strategy toward sensitive enzyme analysis with monoaromatic substrate. That is, salicyl phosphate ester (SPE) as a fluorimetric probe is presented for evaluating the enzymatic activity of alkaline phosphatase (ALP). The sensing mechanism is that ALP catalyzes the dephosphorylation cleavage of SPE and generates salicylic acid with strong fluorescence by modulating intramolecular hydrogen bonding. Due to the specific phosphorylation-dephosphorylation chemistry, the SPE based probe shows high specificity toward ALP over other possible interferents. The SPE probe provides a limit of detection of 0.005 U L-1 .In addition, the practical application of the SPE probe is supported by ALP determination in human serum.
Impacts of forest cover change on carbon stock, carbon emission and land surface temperature in Sor watershed, Baro Akobo Basin, Western Ethiopia
Authors: Moisa Mitiku Badasa , Dejene Indale Niguse , Deribew Kiros Tsegay , Gurmessa Mengistu Muleta , Gemeda Dessalegn Obsi
Published: July 2023

Human-induced actions aggravate forest degradation and result in carbon emissions. Increment of carbon emission raises land surface temperature (LST) and contributes to climate change. The aim of this study was to assess the impacts of forest cover change on carbon stocks, carbon emissions and LST over the period 1992–2022 using geospatial techniques in the Sor watershed, Western Ethiopia. The results revealed that forest land declined by 336.6 km2 due to the expansion of agricultural land with an area of 274.9 km2. Results show a decline in carbon stock of 58,883.4 tons/km2 while annual carbon emission exhibited an increasing trend of 2,418,083.91 tons to the atmosphere over the past three decades. As vegetation declined, LST increased by an average of 3.7 °C over the past three decades. All actors, including government and non-governmental organizations, should contribute to tree planting and reafforestation programmes to minimize the increasing trend of LST and carbon emissions. Furthermore, we need to build a climate-resilient green economy to protect people from the negative impacts of climate change.
Ten Topics to Get Started in Medical Informatics Research (Preprint)
Authors: Wolfien Markus , Ahmadi Najia , Fitzer Kai , Grummt Sophia , Heine Kilian-Ludwig , Jung Ian-C , Krefting Dagmar , Kühn Andreas , Peng Yuan , Reinecke Ines , Scheel Julia , Schmidt Tobias , Schmücker Paul , Schüttler Christina , Waltemath Dagmar , Zoch Michele , Sedlmayr Martin
Published: July 2023

UNSTRUCTURED

The vast and heterogeneous data being constantly generated in clinics can provide great wealth for patients and research alike. The quickly evolving field of medical informatics research has contributed numerous concepts, algorithms, and standards to facilitate this development. However, these difficult relationships, complex terminologies, and multiple implementations can present obstacles for people who want to get active in the field. With a particular focus on medical informatics research conducted in Germany, we present in our Viewpoint a set of 10 important topics to improve the overall interdisciplinary communication between different stakeholders (eg, physicians, computational experts, experimentalists, students, patient representatives). This may lower the barriers to entry and offer a starting point for collaborations at different levels. The suggested topics are briefly introduced, then general best practice guidance is given, and further resources for in-depth reading or hands-on tutorials are recommended. In addition, the topics are set to cover current aspects and open research gaps of the medical informatics domain, including data regulations and concepts; data harmonization and processing; and data evaluation, visualization, and dissemination. In addition, we give an example on how these topics can be integrated in a medical informatics curriculum for higher education. By recognizing these topics, readers will be able to (1) set clinical and research data into the context of medical informatics, understanding what is possible to achieve with data or how data should be handled in terms of data privacy and storage; (2) distinguish current interoperability standards and obtain first insights into the processes leading to effective data transfer and analysis; and (3) value the use of newly developed technical approaches to utilize the full potential of clinical data.
Impacts of Smoking Ban Policies on Billiard Hall Sales in South Korea Using Objective Sales Information of a Credit Card Company: Quasi-Experimental Study (Preprint)
Authors: Noh Jin-Won , Cheon Jooyoung , Seong Hohyun , Kwon Young Dae , Yoo Ki-Bong
Published: July 2023

BACKGROUND

Smoking ban policies (SBPs) are potent health interventions and offer the potential to influence antismoking behavior. The Korean government completely prohibited smoking in indoor sports facilities, including billiard halls, since the government revised the National Health Promotion Act in December 2017.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to examine the impact of the SBP on the economic outcomes of indoor sports facilities, particularly billiard halls.

METHODS

This study used credit card sales data from the largest card company in South Korea. Data are from January 2017 to December 2018. Monthly sales data were examined across 23 administrative neighborhoods in Seoul, the capital city of South Korea. We conducted the interrupted time series model using the fixed effects model and the linear regression with panel-corrected standard errors (PCSE).

RESULTS

The sales and transactions of billiard halls were not significantly changed after the introduction of the SBP in the full PCSE models. The R2 of the full PCSE model was 0.967 for sales and 0.981 for transactions.

CONCLUSIONS

The introduction of the SBP did not result in substantial economic gains or losses in the sales of billiard halls. In addition to existing price-based policies, the enhanced SBP in public-use facilities, such as billiard halls, can have a positive synergistic effect on reducing smoking prevalence and preventing secondhand smoke. Health policy makers can actively expand the application of SBPs and make an effort to enhance social awareness regarding the necessity and benefits of public SBPs for both smokers and the owners of hospitality facilities.
Enhancing the Efficiency of a Radiation Oncology Department Using Electronic Medical Records: Protocol for Preparing Radiotherapy (Preprint)
Authors: Cheng Hao-Shen , You Weir-Chiang , Chen Ni-Wei , Hsieh Mu-Chih , Tsai Che-Fu , Ho Chia-Jing , Chen Chien-Chih
Published: July 2023

BACKGROUND

Electronic medical records (EMRs) streamline medical processes, improve quality control, and facilitate data sharing among hospital departments. They also reduce maintenance costs and storage space needed for paper records, while saving time and providing structured data for future research.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate whether the integration of the radiation oncology information system and the hospital information system enhances the efficiency of the department of radiation oncology.

METHODS

We held multidisciplinary discussions among physicians, physicists, medical radiation technologists, nurses, and engineers. We integrated paper records from the radiation oncology department into the existing hospital information system within the hospital. A new electronic interface was designed. A comparison was made between the time taken to retrieve information from either the paper records or the EMRs for radiation preparation. A total of 30 cases were randomly allocated in both the old paper-based system and the new EMR system. The time spent was calculated manually at every step during the process, and we performed an independent 1-tailed t test to evaluate the difference between the 2 systems.

RESULTS

Since the system was launched in August 2020, more than 1000 medical records have been entered into the system, and this figure continues to increase. The total time needed for the radiation preparation process was reduced from 286.8 minutes to 154.3 minutes (P<.001)—a reduction of 46.2%. There was no longer any need to arrange for a nurse to organize the radiotherapy paper records, saving a workload of 16 hours per month.

CONCLUSIONS

The implementation of the integrated EMR system has resulted in a significant reduction in the number of steps involved in radiotherapy preparation, as well as a decrease in the amount of time required for the process. The new EMR system has provided numerous benefits for the department, including a decrease in workload, a simplified workflow, and conserving more patient data within a confined space.
Ethical and Quality of Care-Related Challenges of Digital Health Twins in Older Care Settings: Protocol for a Scoping Review (Preprint)
Authors: Jabin Md Shafiqur Rahman , Yaroson Emillia Vann , Ilodibe Adaobi , Eldabi Tillal
Published: July 2023

BACKGROUND

Digital health twins (DHTs) have been evolving with their diverse applications in medicine, specifically in older care settings, with the increasing demands of older adults. DHTs have already contributed to improving the quality of dementia and trauma care, cardiac treatment, and health care services for older individuals. Despite its many benefits, the optimum implementation of DHTs has faced several challenges associated with ethical issues, quality of care, management and leadership, and design considerations in older care settings. Since the need for such care is continuously rising and there is evident potential for DHTs to meet those needs, this review aims to map key concepts to address the gaps in the research knowledge to improve DHT implementation.

OBJECTIVE

The review aims to compile and synthesize the best available evidence regarding the problems encountered by older adults and care providers associated with the application of DHTs. The synthesis will collate the evidence of the issues associated with quality of care, the ethical implications of DHTs, and the strategies undertaken to overcome those challenges in older care settings.

METHODS

The review will follow the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology. The published studies will be searched through CINAHL, MEDLINE, JBI, and Web of Science, and the unpublished studies through Mednar, Trove, OCLC WorldCat, and Dissertations and Theses. Studies published in English from 2002 will be considered. This review will include studies of older individuals (aged 65 years or older) undergoing care delivery associated with DHTs and their respective care providers. The concept will include the application of the technology, and the context will involve studies based on the older care setting. A broad scope of evidence, including quantitative, qualitative, text and opinion studies, will be considered. A total of 2 independent reviewers will screen the titles and abstracts and then review the full text. Data will be extracted from the included studies using a data extraction tool developed for this study.

RESULTS

The results will be presented in a PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis extension for Scoping Reviews) flow diagram. A draft charting table will be developed as a data extraction tool. The results will be presented as a “map” of the data in a logical, diagrammatic, or tabular form in a descriptive format.

CONCLUSIONS

The evidence synthesis is expected to uncover the shreds of evidence required to address the ethical and care quality-related challenges associated with applying DHTs. A synthesis of various strategies used to overcome identified challenges will provide more prospects for adopting them elsewhere and create a resource allocation model for older individuals.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

DERR1-10.2196/51153
Evaluating the association between indoor radon exposure and self-reported lung cancer risk in residential houses proximal to gold mine tailings in Gauteng: A Cross-sectional study (Preprint)
Authors: Mphaga Khathutshelo
Published: July 2023

BACKGROUND

In South Africa, particularly in Gauteng Province, residential encroachment in areas closer to gold mine tailings continues unabated, posing severe health risks for people who live in these areas. Many people in Gauteng reside near gold mine tailings, a prime source of radon gas, and are mostly unaware of the potential health risks associated with indoor radon exposure. A growing body of literature has implicated indoor radon exposure as a significant risk factor for lung cancer after smoking. Indoor radon exposure has also been associated with an increased risk of developing lung cancer amongst other health problems.

OBJECTIVE

This cross-sectional study seeks to evaluate the association between indoor radon exposure and self-reported lung cancer risk in residential houses proximal to gold mine tailings in Gauteng.

METHODS

Participants will be selected through stratified random sampling from residential houses proximal (less than 2 KM) and distal (More than 5 Km) from gold mine tailings, namely Riverlea and Orlando East. City of Johannesburg (COJ) aerials and cadastral maps will be used to locate residential houses proximal and distal gold mine tailings for comparative reasons. The sample size of 476 residential houses/householders (238 in Riverlea and 238 in Orlando East) has been determined using EPINFO. An interview-administered structured questionnaire will be used to obtain relevant socio-demographic data, health information (on lung cancer), and other lung cancer risk factors. Furthermore, lung cancer statistics from the Provincial Health Department will also be used to compare the rate of lung cancer between areas proximal and distal gold mine tailings. Alpha Guard radon monitor will be utilized to measure radon concentration indoors for 2 hours. Ethical approvals has been obtained from the Research Ethics Committee (REC) and Higher Degrees Committee (HDC) of the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Johannesburg. Data will be analyzed through the use of SPSS v.27. Descriptive statistics, chi-square and logistic regression analysis (both univariate and multivariate will be computed to answer research questions. Research tools will be pre-tested in a pilot study and internal consistency and reliability will be evaluated using Cronbach's alpha

RESULTS

The results of this study will be the first in the country to reveal the lung cancer risks for people residing proximal gold mine tailings, using individual-level data.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study in South Africa to evaluate the association between indoor radon exposure and self-reported lung cancer risk in residential houses proximal to gold mine tailings in Gauteng. The outcomes of this study will enable authorities, in partnership with the general public, to develop appropriate indoor radon exposure policies and to create awareness around indoor radon exposure and related health problems.
Analysis of the Impact of Digital Information Level on Life Satisfaction (2019-2022) for Older Adults in South Korea: A National Community-Based Panel Study (Preprint)
Authors: Lee HOCHEOL , Nam Eun Woo
Published: July 2023

BACKGROUND

South Korea is faced with the dual prospect of becoming a super-aged society amid ever increasing levels of digitalization. In this context, digital information level, which refers to individuals’ access to and ability to utilize the internet and associated information technologies and services has become an urgent concern for South Korea’s older adult population.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the effects of digital information level on life satisfaction among older adults in modern day Korea. The study focused specifically on the association between digital information level and life satisfaction, with specific reference to adults aged 65 years and above.

METHODS

This was a community-based panel study based upon raw panel data collected from 2019-2022. The relevant data were acquired through an interview format using a structured questionnaire across each of the four years. A representative sample was subsequently obtained via proportional stratified probability sampling. Analysis was performed using SPSS 25.0 software. Correlation between digital information level and life satisfaction was analyzed using Pearson correlation analysis; polynomial linear regression analysis was performed to examine the effects of digital information level on life satisfaction.

RESULTS

A total of 4,216 participants were assessed from 2019-2022. The mean digital access score was 27.4 in 2019, 24.4 in 2020, 44.4 in 2021, and 57.2 in 2022, showing an increasing trend over the years. The mean digital competency score was 37.6 in 2019, 39.9 in 2020, 46.1 in 2021, and 42.1 in 2022. The mean digital utilization score was 33.2 in 2019, 33.6 in 2020, 36.8 in 2021, and 62.3 in 2022. Life satisfaction was significantly positively correlated with digital access, digital competency, and digital utilization in all years. In 2019, participants’ life satisfaction score rose significantly by 0.15 with every one-point increase in digital competency (β=0.150, P <.001). It further rose by 0.035 (β=0.035, P =.006) in 2020, 0.030 (β=0.030, P <.001) in 2021, and 0.116 (β=0.116, P <.001) in 2022.

CONCLUSIONS

Digital information level was consistently positively correlated with life satisfaction in each year from 2019-2022. Of the three main elements considered, digital access, digital competency, and digital utilization, digital competency had the strongest impact by a significant degree. Digital information, income, and education level also had a significant effect on life satisfaction. While digital competency improved steadily from 2019 to 2022, it remains below 50% for Korea’s older adult population. Further efforts and novel adaptations are required to improve digital competency and subsequent life satisfaction among Korea’s older adult population.
On Computer Communication Network Security Maintenance Measures
Authors: Wang Hongqiao
Published: July 2023

With the rapid development of China’s science and technology, today’s Internet communication technology has also followed the ever-changing, but there is still a certain network communication information security problems, and this problem is not to be underestimated. Network communication security has a close relationship with national important documents and information protection confidentiality, social security and stability, national development, social and economic development. The use of Internet technology to commit crimes generally does not leave traces of the crime, which increases the chances of using the network to commit crimes.
Darnos una nueva vida
Authors: Benavides Lara Mario Alberto
Published: July 2023

El ser humano es una especie que biológica y culturalmente ha demostrado su capacidad de adaptación a las cambiantes condiciones de vida. Si bien, muchas de estas situaciones han sido generadas por el propio humano y su veta depredadora de la naturaleza —que se manifiesta en fenómenos como el calentamiento global, las hambrunas o la recién superada pandemia, cuyos efectos se exacerban en un mundo social lleno de desigualdades e inequidades que nos han puesto al borde la extinción como especie—, también es justo saber apreciar y fomentar lo que la humanidad ha creado. Como la música y demás artes, y cada una de las acciones de solidaridad, empatía y amor que de manera cotidiana y en los eventos de mayor tribulación surgen en cada uno de nosotros, nosotras y nosotres, y que es lo que en esencia refleja el espíritu humano y su capacidad transformadora
¿Qué hay de nuevo en la búsqueda para tratar la enfermedad de Parkinson?
Authors: Padilla-Godínez Francisco Javier , Martínez-Becerril Hilda Angélica , Guerra Crespo Magdalena
Published: July 2023

La enfermedad de Parkinson es el segundo trastorno neurodegenerativo más común a nivel mundial para el cual no hay un tratamiento curativo. Esta patología se caracteriza por síntomas motores, los cuales se deben en gran medida a la muerte de un tipo específico de células en nuestro cerebro: las neuronas dopaminérgicas, llamadas así por su capacidad para producir el neuromodulador dopamina. Existe evidencia de que en esta pérdida celular participa de manera muy importante la proteína alfa-sinucleína (α-sin). En este texto, nos enfocaremos en revisar dos acercamientos de estudios recientes que buscan nuevas opciones de tratamiento para la enfermedad de Parkinson. Primeramente, se discuten los estudios que buscan la posibilidad de restituir los niveles de dopamina, partiendo del diseño de nanopartículas novedosas que regulen su estabilidad y liberación. Por otro lado, revisaremos las investigaciones dirigidas a conocer si el proceso de co-liberación de neurotransmisores, como el glutamato, podría conferir a las neuronas dopaminérgicas protección contra la agregación de α-sin. Aunque se requieren más investigaciones en el área, los avances hasta ahora son prometedores, y el desarrollo de tratamientos más eficaces para esta patología podrían estar más cerca de lo que pensamos.
La tecnología y la conservación de especies: el poder de las cámaras-trampa
Authors: Hernández Hernández Julio César
Published: July 2023

Estudiar especies animales sigilosas, raras y nocturnas ha sido un desafío para los investigadores de fauna silvestre. Sin embargo, las cámaras-trampa han revolucionado este campo, permitiendo estudiar diferentes aspectos y desarrollar planes de conservación. En este artículo, exploraremos la historia, características y aplicaciones del fototrampeo en el conocimiento y conservación de la vida silvestre.
¡No lo tires, aprovéchalo, es bioeconomía!
Authors: Pérez-Urria Carril Elena , Pintos López Beatriz , Urrialde de Andrés Rafael , Gómez Garay Arancha
Published: July 2023

La humanidad tiene por delante grandes retos, entre ellos producir alimentos y energía para una población mundial de casi 8 mil millones de personas. Esta producción debe ser compatible con el mantenimiento y mejora, si cabe, de los medios y entornos naturales o agrícolas. De no ser así, esos medios se agotarán, se destruirán y no habrá posibilidad de producir nada, materias primas —alimentos, materiales o energía— que sostienen nuestras sociedades. Por otra parte, el sector agroalimentario genera multitud de residuos que pueden ser aprovechados para obtener una variedad de productos de alto valor que pueden ser utilizados en agricultura, alimentación o como materia para generar energía. De aquí nace la necesidad de aprovechar los residuos biológicos, los residuos de la agricultura y la alimentación, y contribuir a mejorar los sistemas de producción. La bioeconomía se presenta como una estrategia para alcanzar esa meta.
Critical factors to improve customer satisfaction and reduce operating costs in large and medium-sized manufacturing companies in Nuevo León and the impact caused by the COVID pandemic
Authors: Quiroga Mireles Jorge Manuel , López Pérez Jesús Fabián
Published: July 2023

The objective of this document is to determine how transportation, trained personnel, customs procedures, preventive maintenance and inventory reliability impact customer satisfaction and operating costs in large and medium-sized companies in the State of Nuevo Leon, Mexico; Likewise, how they were affected by the pandemic caused by COVID. To carry out this research, a measurement instrument was developed, being of a non-experimental, descriptive and longitudinal type, where the results are first evaluated before the pandemic and after the presence of COVID. To analyze the collected information, the structural equation model was used with the method of partial least squares with the SmartPLS3 software. The results are initially presented globally, and later two groups were formed by type of company, those with Mexican and foreign capital; In this way, the approaches of each group and the impact of the factors on the response variables can be evaluated. The results presented in this article are expected to guide companies to improve customer satisfaction and reduce operating costs with and without a pandemic.
Nota editorial
Authors: Jiménez Zaldivar María Elena
Published: July 2023

El séptimo número de RDP Revista Digital de Posgrado publica un artículo de investigación en su sección Artículos: "Formación docente en contextos de educación intercultural de México y Brasil"; en la sección Ensayos contiene “El sistema de nulidades administrativo-fiscal en las leyes federales mexicanas”. Por último, la sección Reseñas bibliográficas recomienda la obra "Financiarización de la naturaleza. Entre efectos geopolíticos y emergencia de alternativas en América Latina", y la reseña del 2do. Congreso Internacional de Artesanía. Voces, saberes y haceres "Sustentabilidad, resistencia y educación para la paz".
Clinical-Epidemiologic Characterization of Patients with Breast Cancer in a Family Medicine Unit
Authors: Sosa-Martínez María de Jesús , Urbina-Aranda Irasema Isabel , Ramírez-Ríos Rogelio , Ocampo-Rentería Teresa , Espino-Rodríguez Yadira , Pérez-Saldívar María Luisa
Published: July 2023

Objective: analyze the clinical-epidemiological characterization of patients with breast cáncer in the Family Medicine Unit (umf) No. 9, of the Mexican Institute of Social Security (imss) in Acapulco, Mexico from 2018 to 2021. Methods: cross-sectional, descriptive, retrospective study which included 71 patients with a positive diagnosis of breast cancer, assigned to the FMU No. 9, in Acapulco, Mexico, from 2018 to 2021. The studied population was obtained from the Institutional Cancer Registry of the Epidemiology system; the source of information was the electronic clinical record, from which clinical-epidemiological information, mammography report, histopathological result, and clinical stage were collected. Descriptive statistics were performed using simple frequencies and percentages with the obtained data. Results: 46.4% (33/71) of breastcancer cases were registered in 2018. 32.4% were 61-70 years old, 98.6% were women, 42.3% were overweight, and 31.0% had type 2 diabetes mellitus (dm2). According to the bi-rads (b) classification, 38.0% presented a b4. Regarding the histopathological report, ductal carcinoma was the most common with 76.1% (54/71). Conclusions: a significant percentage of breast cancer was detected in patients who were overweight, and had type 2 diabetes mellitus, nearly 40% of the patients had lesions of intermediate suspicion of malignancy, while three quarters of the patients presented with ductal carcinoma. It is extremely important to strengthen the primary care level through health promotion, and encourage breast and clinical self-examination during the first medical contact to detect risk factors and clinical signs suggestive of the disease, which will reduce morbidity and mortality.