bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Self-Screening as an Effort to Prevent the Risk of Exposure to COVID-19 in Pregnant Women
Authors: Afiyah Raden Khairiyatul , Umamah Farida , Sari Ratna Yunita , Hasina Siti Nur , Sulistyorini Sulistyorini , Prasetyo Budi , Supatmi Supatmi
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND: Pregnant women in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic were listed as one of the vulnerable groups at risk of being infected with COVID-19 because during pregnancy there were changes in gestational physiology and immunological changes in the body’s system. Changes in the immune system that occur during pregnancy can make pregnant women more susceptible to coronavirus infection and more at risk of experiencing severe and fatal disease symptoms.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of self-screening on behavior to prevent the risk of being exposed to COVID-19 in pregnant women.

METHODS: This type of research is experimental using a randomized controlled trial research design. This research was conducted for 2 weeks in August–September 2021. The population of this study was pregnant women in Surabaya. The sampling technique used consecutive sampling technique and was divided into two groups, namely, the intervention group with 39 respondents and the control group with 39 respondents. Data analysis used the Wilcoxon signed ranks test with a significance value of p < 0.05. The questionnaire used in this study was designed using a reference and behavioral theory approach with a reliability of 0.89 and a validity test that obtained a Cronbach alpha value of 0.86.

RESULTS: The average behavior to prevent the risk of being exposed to COVID-19 before conducting a self-screening intervention in the intervention group was 1.92 (the behavior to prevent the risk of being exposed to COVID-19 was sufficient) and in the control group was 1.85 (the behavior to prevent the risk of being exposed to COVID-19 was sufficient) with p = 0.596 which means there is no difference in the average behavior to prevent the risk of being exposed to COVID-19, while after being given the self-screening intervention the average prevention behavior in the intervention group is 2.46 (the behavior to prevent the risk of being exposed to COVID-19 is good) and in the control group is 2.05 (the behavior of preventing the risk of being exposed to COVID-19 is good) with p = 0.000 which means that there is a difference in the average behavior of preventing the risk of being exposed to COVID-19 in the intervention group and the control group after being given a self-screening intervention.

CONCLUSION: In general, this study proves that self-screening can foster behavior to prevent the risk of being exposed to COVID-19 in pregnant women.
Team Members and Patients’ Views on Cost-effectiveness of (Integrated) Clinical Pathway
Authors: Erjavec Karmen
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND: Integrated clinical pathways (ICPs), which have particularly enhanced existing clinical pathways (CPs) through the work of multifunctional teams, have become an important tool to enable informed decision-making and provide more efficient, cost-effective, and value-based care.

AIM: In the absence of studies on the cost-effectiveness of ICPs, the aim of this study was to determine the opinion of team members treating patients with total hip arthroplasty and their patients on the practice of cost-effectiveness of the existing CP and ICP that might be introduced in the future.

METHODS: A mixed descriptive quantitative and qualitative approach was used. A survey of 61 team members of CP for total hip arthroplasty was conducted, as well as in-depth interviews (n = 12) and focus groups (n = 11). In addition, in-depth interviews were performed with 20 patients who had undergone total hip arthroplasty at CP in a typical Slovenian general hospital.

RESULTS: The results showed that participants occasionally prioritized cost-effectiveness over quality of health care. They frequently used CP to reduce the cost and time of patient care. Nurses with secondary education were statistically significantly more likely to prioritize cost-effectiveness of health care over quality of health care than nurses with higher education, physicians, and others. Team members and patients evaluated positively the cost-effectiveness of ICP for total hip arthroplasty, but patients also pointed out that staff, especially nurse had too little contact with patients.

CONCLUSION: Both team members treating patients with total hip arthroplasty and their patients have a positive attitude toward the cost-effectiveness of ICP. The nursing staff has too little contact with the patients due to staff shortages.
DPP-IV Inhibitory Activity of the Ethanolic Extract of Red Gedi Leaves Abelmoschus manihot L. Medic
Authors: Tangka Juliet , Barung Elisabeth Natalia , Lyrawati Diana , Soeatmadji Djoko , Nurdiana Nurdiana
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND: At present, there are many drugs used to manage diabetes including dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-IV) inhibitors which target insulin secretion. Abelmoschus manihot L. Medic, an endemic species of Minahasa, Indonesia, has been used as an antidiabetic herbal medicine. AIM: In this study, we studied its metabolites activities, in silico and in vitro, as inhibitor for DPP-IV, thus regulating insulin secretion. RESULTS: Of 38 identified metabolites, when docked into the catalytic site DPP-IV, 10 showed good binding energy within range of the standard gliptin drugs, that is, hibiscetin, gossypentin, gossypetin - 3-glucoside, myricetin, myricetin 3-glucoside, alpha spinasterol, quercetin, syringaresinol, stigmasterol, and isoquercetin. Three of those ten metabolites showed Ki within standard drugs values, that is, gossypetin, alpha spinasterol, and stigmasterol. The profile of molecular dynamic simulation, total energy and root mean square deviation of those metabolites were all similar with the standard gliptin drugs and predicted good stability of the complexes. The subsequent in vitro assay determining DPP-IV activity of the red Gedi leaves extract demonstrated that indeed the extract inhibited DPP-IV activity with IC50 860.67 μg/mL. Further studies are ongoing to prove the antidiabetic properties of the whole as well as isolated single compounds of the extract in particular gossypetin, alpha spinasterol, and stigmasterol as DPP-IV inhibitors. CONCLUSION: Our in silico studies showed that the compounds of ethanolic extract of red Gedi leaves potentially serve as DPP-IV inhibitors. Based on computed binding affinity, Ki, total energy, RMSD, and stability, the most potent compounds of the extract to inhibit DPP-IV activity are probably gossypetin, alpha spinasterol, and stigmasterol.
Thymol exerts antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic protective effects against gentamicin nephrotoxicity in rats
Authors: Fouad Amr A. , Moussa Nardin A. , Kareem Mustafa M. Abdul , Akl Usama I. , Abdelghany Manal I. , Abdel-Aziz Asmaa M.
Published: February 2022

The renoprotective effect of thymol (TML) was investigated in rats challenged with gentamicin (GN). Rats received TML (20 mg/kg/day, p.o.) for 15 days, and GN (80 mg/kg/day, i.p.) starting from the 8th day. TML significantly lowered serum creatinine and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, and renal malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-18, Bax, caspase-3, and caspase-9 in GN-challenged rats. In addition, TML caused a significant increment of renal total antioxidant capacity in rats received GN. Moreover, TML significantly ameliorated GN-induced histopathological kidney tissue injury, and significantly decreased nuclear factor-κB p65 and kidney injury molecule-1 expressions in kidneys of GN-challenged rats. It was concluded that TML guarded against CN-induced nephrotoxicity in rats via inhibition of oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis.
The High Association of Ophthalmic Manifestations in Individuals With Mucolipidosis Type IV
Authors: Gibson David , Brar Vikram , Li Rachel , Kalra Arun , Goodwin Allison , Couser Natario
Published: February 2022

Purpose:

To present a case report of mucolipidosis type IV (ML4) and review the literature for all of the ophthalmic abnormalities associated with this disease.

Methods:

A systematic review of the literature using PubMed/Medline was conducted, and with the addition of the current case report, the eye and ocular adnexa findings of 93 patients with ML4 are summarized.

Results:

The most common ophthalmic findings reported among the 93 patients included corneal clouding (90.3%), strabismus (58.1%), optic nerve pallor (52.2%), retinal dystrophy/pigmentary changes (50.5%), and retinal vascular attenuation (38.9%). Other less commonly reported findings included nystagmus, photophobia, ocular pain, excessive lacrimation, ptosis, and cataracts.

Conclusions:

The ophthalmic findings discussed in the current case report and literature review serve as indicators for ML4. Early diagnosis of ML4 is important in forming a multidisciplinary management plan, genetic counseling strategy, and maximizing the visual development of affected individuals.

[
J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabimus
. 2022;59(5):332–337.]
Incidence and Risk Factors for Retinopathy of Prematurity in a Portuguese Cohort
Authors: Almeida Ana C. , Brízido Margarida , Teixeira Susana , Coelho Constança , Borrego Luís Miguel , Correia Miguel
Published: February 2022

Purpose:

To evaluate the incidence and risk factors for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in two Portuguese neonatal units with a sub-analysis of infants with a gestational age (GA) of 28 weeks or older.

Methods:

This was a retrospective case series of all infants who underwent ROP screening from 2012 to 2020. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected. Univariate logistic regression was used to examine the risk factors for ROP followed by multivariate regression.

Results:

A total of 475 infants were included with a median GA of 30 weeks (range: 23 to 36 weeks) and a median birth weight of 1,229 grams (range: 408 to 2,620 grams). ROP was diagnosed in 113 infants (23.8%) and 29 (6.1%) were treated. In the multivariate analysis, GA and hyperglycemia were significantly associated with severe ROP (
P
< .001). In the subgroup analysis of infants with a GA of 28 weeks or older, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, late-onset sepsis, and hyperglycemia were linked to severe ROP.

Conclusions:

The incidence of ROP in the cohort falls within the range of other high-income countries. Hyperglycemia overpowered all of the other risk factors. Although rare, more mature infants are also at risk for severe ROP. Infants with older GA share the same group of risk factors, but bronchopulmonary dysplasia seems to play a greater role.

[
J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus
. 2022;59(4):254–260.]
Characteristics and Outcomes of Idiopathic and Non-idiopathic Ocular Motor Apraxia in Children
Authors: Chang Melinda Y. , Grosrenaud Paul , Borchert Mark S.
Published: February 2022

Purpose:

To systematically compare idiopathic and non-idiopathic ocular motor apraxia (OMA) in children.

Methods:

A retrospective chart review was conducted of all children (< 18 years) diagnosed as having OMA from 2010 to 2020. Demographics, clinical characteristics, and oculomotor outcomes were compared for children with idiopathic and non-idiopathic OMA.

Results:

Thirty-seven children were included, 17 (46%) with idiopathic OMA and 20 (54%) with non-idiopathic OMA. Among patients with non-idiopathic OMA, Joubert syndrome was the most frequent underlying diagnosis (30%). Strabismus (45% vs 12%,
P
= .04), nystagmus (30% vs 0%,
P
= .02), and vertical saccade involvement (25% vs 0%,
P
= .049) were significantly more common in non-idiopathic than idiopathic OMA, respectively. Neuroimaging abnormalities (90% vs 18%,
P
< .0001) and developmental delays (100% vs 59%,
P
= .002) were also more frequent in non-idiopathic than idiopathic OMA, respectively. Endocrine disorders (most commonly growth hormone deficiency) were diagnosed in 12% and 20% of children with idiopathic and non-idiopathic OMA, respectively (
P
= .67). On survival curve analysis, improvement in OMA occurred faster and more frequently in children with idiopathic than non-idiopathic OMA (median time to improvement 56 vs 139 months, respectively,
P
= .034).

Conclusions:

Non-idiopathic OMA is associated with a higher rate of vertical saccade involvement, nystagmus, and developmental delays. These findings should prompt neuroimaging in children with OMA. Additionally, endocrine disorders may be more frequent in children with OMA than the general pediatric population.

[
J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus
. 2022;59(5):326–331.]
Clinical and Genetic Profile of Leber's Hereditary Optic Neuropathy in a Cohort of Patients From a Tertiary Eye Care Center
Authors: Bhate Manjushree , Kulkarni Sampada , Nalawade Rohan , Pujar Akhilesh
Published: February 2022

Purpose:

To identify and describe the clinical profile at presentation in patients diagnosed as having Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy with primary and secondary mutations and correlate with treatment.

Methods:

A review of electronic medical records from January 2016 to December 2020 for proven cases of Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy was conducted. A total of 157 patients with clinically suspected Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy (143 males and 14 females) underwent genetic testing and 55 were found to have a mutation for Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy. Data of 55 consecutive patients were retrieved and analyzed for their clinical profile, investigations, mutations identified, treatment, and outcome.

Results:

All 55 patients were male, and the mean age was 23.80 ± 9.90 years (range: 9 to 53 years). The median duration of symptoms before the first physician examination was 6 months. The mean duration between the first hospital visit and genetically proven diagnosis of Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy was 9.03 ± 19.61 months (median: 2 months). More than half of the patients (n = 32; 58.2%) presented with severe to profound vision impairment in the better eye and 72.7% (n = 40) in the worse eye. Bilateral temporal disc pallor was more frequent in 38.2% (n = 21) and 36.4% (n = 20) had bilateral optic atrophy. Primary single mutations were detected in 61.81% (n = 34) and secondary mutations were detected in 38.2% (n = 21). The most common mutation was G11778A. One novel secondary mutation (A13615C) was identified in the cohort. Idebenone was used for treatment in 15 patients, and half of them (n = 8) showed an improvement in vision at 2 to 7 months of follow-up.

Conclusions:

The current cohort is the largest study to date in an Indian population that has analyzed the clinical presentations and mutations of Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy. G11778A was the most common primary mutation and several secondary mutations were identified. A delay in referral, inadequate compliance, and cost of care contributed to the outcomes.

[
J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus
. 2022;59(5):344–349.]
A quantitative strong unique continuation property of a diffusive SIS model
Authors: Wang Taige , Xu Dihong
Published: February 2022

This article is concerned with a strong unique continuation property of solutions for a diffusive SIS (Susceptible - Infected - Susceptible, or SI) model, which belongs to a type of observability inequalities in a time interval \begin{document}$ [0, T] $\end{document}. That is, if one can observe solution on a convex and connected bounded open set \begin{document}$ \omega $\end{document} in a bounded domain \begin{document}$ \Omega $\end{document} at time \begin{document}$ t = T $\end{document}, then the norms of solution on \begin{document}$ [0,T) $\end{document} on \begin{document}$ \Omega $\end{document} are observable. In our discussion, boundary condition is a homogeneous Dirichlet one (hostile boundary condition).
Observer-based SMC for stochastic systems with disturbance driven by fractional Brownian motion
Authors: Meng Xin , Gao Cunchen , Jiang Baoping , Karimi Hamid Reza
Published: February 2022

This paper investigates the problem of disturbance-observer-based sliding mode control for stabilization of stochastic systems driven by fractional Brownian motion (fBm). By proposing a novel disturbance observer, an integral-type sliding surface is put forward with the estimated disturbance error confined within a certain value. Meanwhile, by virtue of fractional infinitesimal operator and linear matrix inequality, a sufficient criterion is derived to guarantee the asymptotic stability of obtained sliding mode dynamics. Further, an observer-based sliding mode controller is designed to ensure finite-time reachability of state trajectories onto the predefined sliding surface. Lastly, an illustrative example is utilized to verify the reliability and applicability of the proposed control strategy.
Existence and multiplicity of positive solutions for a class of Kirchhoff type problems with singularity and critical exponents
Authors: Wu Deke ,   College of Data Science and Information Engineering, Guizhou Minzu University, Guiyang, 550025, China, Suo Hongmin , Peng Linyan , Tian Guaiqi , Chu Changmu
Published: February 2022

In this paper, we study the multiplicity results of positive solutions for a class of Kirchhoff type problems with singularity and critical exponents. Combining with the Nehari method and variational method, we prove the existence of positive ground state solutions. Furthermore, we obtain a relationship between the number of positive solutions and the topology of the global maximum set of $ Q(x) $.
Microbial quality of edible seeds commercially available in southern Portugal
Authors: Silva Daniela ,   Universidade do Algarve, Instituto Superior de Engenharia, Campus da Penha,8005-139, Faro Portugal, Nunes Patrícia , Melo Jessie , Quintas Célia ,   MED, Mediterranean Institute for Agriculture, Environment and Development, Universidade do Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139 Faro, Portugal
Published: February 2022

In the present work, the microbiological quality of sesame, flaxseed, chia, pumpkin sunflower seeds, a mix of seeds, as well as flaxseed flour, marketed in southern Portugal, were studied through the counting of aerobic microorganisms at 30 °C (AM), molds and yeast (M&Y), Escherichia coli (β-glucuronidase positive) (β-GP E. coli), Staphylococcus coagulase positive, and detection of Salmonella spp. The persistence of AM and M&Y populations were also counted in organic and non-organic flaxseed at 20 °C for 11 months. The seeds with the highest average of AM were flaxseed (1.3 x 106 CFU/g) followed by flaxseed flour (1.1 x 106 CFU/g) while the lowest level was found in chia (2.9 x 104 CFU/g). This seed also presented the lowest average values of filamentous fungi (9.8 x 102 CFU/g), whereas sunflower seeds had the highest levels (1.7 x 105 CFU/g). Flaxseed flour had the highest yeast counts (1.5 x 104 CFU/g). Although some samples had high levels of AM and fungi, β-GP E. coli and Salmonella were not detected, therefore, they complied with the microbiological criteria of the European Union. The organic flaxseed contained higher numbers of AM and M&Y than the non-organic ones (p < 0.05). In addition, the storage of flaxseed at 20 °C resulted in changes of AM and M&Y, showing that these populations were able to remain viable after eleven months (AM Log 5.4–Log 5.6; M&Y Log 2.8–Log 4.1). The results obtained in the present study, namely those high levels of AM and fungi (>106 and 104 CFU/g respectively), alert to the need of improving processing practices, storage/distribution conditions of edible seeds and derivatives, as well as the requirement of implementing adequate decontamination techniques.
A NUMERICAL STUDY ON THE EFFECT OF WATER DEPTH ON SHIP HYDRODYNAMIC DERIVATIVES
Authors: George Jesswin , Raj Abhishek , Krishnankutty P
Published: February 2022

Ships behave differently in shallow water when compared to deep water. Added resistance & sluggishness to manoeuvre are the common effects of shallow water conditions. This highlights the necessity of studying ship manoeuvring characteristics in shallow water. In the present study, variation of hydrodynamic derivatives with respect to water depth
is studied. Horizontal planar motion mechanism (HPMM) under different shallow water conditions are numerically simulated using an Unsteady-Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes (URANS) based commercial solver. Several empirical formulas are available for predicting the shallow water derivatives, but most of them are for conventional ships. A new regression expression is proposed for estimating the hydrodynamic derivatives based on the simulated results.
DEVELOPING A HYBRID VALUE ENGINEERING AND RISK ASSESSMENT (VENRA) FRAMEWORK FOR SHIPBUILDING AND SHIP REPAIR INDUSTRY PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENT
Authors: Baihaqi I , Lazakis I , Kurt R E
Published: February 2022

This paper proposes a novel performance measurement framework to enhance the decision-making process in assessing the ship manufacturing (shipbuilding, ship repair, and ship conversion/modification) industry. Integrated Value Engineering and Risk Assessment (VENRA) approach performance measurement for ship manufacturing is developed to tackle the problem. Thorough literature and critical study of the existing performance measurement for ship manufacturing are reviewed to create novel VENRA performance measurements. The attributes collected from the literature are grouped into four criteria performance, named VENRA attributes, combining the technical, business, external and safety/risk performance groups. The initial model will be assessed through fuzzy DEMATEL TOPSIS to achieve the weighted score of each attribute. The framework will be applied to three shipyard case studies in Indonesia. The quantitative data (from shipyards) and qualitative data (from expert opinion/judgment) will be included to get the results and the framework’s effectiveness.
FLOW MANAGEMENT INNOVATION TO SHIFT TOWARD SUSTAINABLE SOCIETY
Authors: Doi H , Shinoda T
Published: February 2022

With action on environmental issues becoming increasingly important, the maritime industry is facing a new paradigm shift for zero emission technology. Environmental issues should be urgently solved; however, this new type of paradigm shift means that the maritime industry will face a dilemma between the current growth-based economy and
the imminent sustainable economy. In this paper, we apply the framework of the theory of constraints when considering the dilemma; the issues are then elucidated, and some holistic improvement solutions are considered.
SAFER ON BOARD ENVIRONMENTS FOR INDONESIAN SEAFARERS AND FISHERS IN THE TIME OF COVID-19 AND BEYOND
Authors: Thomas G , Huang L , Ryan C , Utama I K A P , Riyadi S , Setyawan D , Hetharia W
Published: February 2022

The seafaring and fishing industries in Indonesia have been severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. There is an urgent need to research the best technical solutions to ensure the safety of seafarers and fishers so that they can keep working safely at sea. It is highly unlikely that the Indonesian fleet will be able to rapidly return to the pre-COVID-19 situation within the next few years. Therefore, long-term solutions are required. This research aims to provide guidance for owners, operators and masters to reconfigure their vessels and operations to ensure a safe working environment to counter the potential spread of the virus, as well as maintaining the integral safety of the vessels. The present paper reports several primary activities, including analysis of existing guidelines, questionnaire survey, computational fluid dynamics, remote monitoring and machine learning. These works are expected to provide indications on virus-hazardous
areas for ships, inform guidelines on hygienic and reconfiguring means to counter COVID-19 and potentially the spread of similar viruses, and further establish a long-term monitoring and optimising system for ship safety and performance.
PERFORMANCE EVALUATION ON LOCAL CULTURE-BASED PASSIVE RADAR REFLECTOR FOR TRADITIONAL FISHING BOAT IN INDONESIA
Authors: Wibawa I P A , Rahmat M B , Utari D A , Julianto E , Setijadi E , Birmingham R W
Published: February 2022

The accident of a fishing vessel hit by a larger merchant ship has been quite common in Indonesia. It is because the large vessels failed to detect the fishing boats clearly, which was exacerbated by the absence of passive radar reflector onboard. The previous study found that the attempt to introduce passive radar reflector to local fishing communities need to consider the design of the radar reflector in harmony with the ornamentation found on local fishing boats. Based on the above issue, the passive radar reflector that adopts the ornamentation on local traditional fishing vessels has been designed and tested. The standard octahedral passive radar reflector was covered by casing in the form of Mosque dome made of fiberglass reinforced plastic as an adaptation of local culture. The test showed that there is a slight difference on the performance of passive radar reflector with and without FRP casing.
Simultaneous application of transcranial magnetic stimulation and low-frequency electrostatic field as treatment of carbohydrate and lipid disorders in patients with metabolic syndrome
Authors: Andrey A. Benkov  , Nagornev Sergey N. , Frolkov Valery K. , Reps Valentine F. , Edelev Dmitriy A. , Fesyun Anatoly D. , Yakovlev Maxim Yu. , Tumanova Natalia Fedorovna , Sanina Natalia P. , Maccarone Maria Chiara , Stefano Masiero
Published: February 2022

The metabolic syndrome, which covers a wide variety of pathological concerns, is rapidly becoming a global pandemic. This syndrome is difficult to treat pharmacologically. Physiotherapy techniques, which have both local and systemic effects, can be employed as a suitable substitute. The purpose of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effects of a program of simultaneous physiotherapy that included migrant transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and the exposure to an alternating low-frequency electrostatic field (LFEF) in the treatment of metabolic syndrome patients. Ninety patients were randomly assigned to three study groups. While continuing the usual drug therapy the first group (30 patients) received LFEF intervention, the second group (30 patients) received TMS, and the third group (30 patients) underwent the simultaneous use of these non-invasive techniques (LFEF + TMS). All treatments involved 10 sessions with daily frequency. In all the patients before and after treatment body weight, blood pressure parameters, levels of insulin, cortisol, glucose, total cholesterol, high density lipoproteins, malondialdehyde, and Schiff bases, the activity of the antioxidant enzymes catalase and of the superoxide dismutase were studied. The changes in the outcomes assessed revealed a different reaction to therapy with LFEF or TMS, as well as a greater benefit when both treatments were used at the same time. A simultaneous LFEF and TMS intervention seems a promising resource for the treatment of the metabolic syndrome, particularly of the lipid and carbohydrate metabolism disorders. However, further studies are needed to confirm these findings and investigate the underlying mechanisms.
The effect of food safety training program on food safety knowledge and practices in hotels’ and hospitals’ food services
Authors: Al-Akash Hekmat , Abu Arrah Abdelhakeem , Bhatti Feyza , Maabreh Roqia , Abu Arrah Riham
Published: February 2022

Food Safety Knowledge (FSK) among Food Handlers (FHS) in the food services in both hotels and hospitals has a crucial role in food protection and combating against foodborne diseases. The aim is to check the food safety (FS) training program upon FSK in the Jordanian hotels’ and hospitals’ food services. A pre-test-post-test design was used. A convenience sample of 412 food handlers from randomly selected hotels and hospitals were recruited. Data were collected using 118-questions Food Safety Knowledge Questionnaire (FSKQ); 40- questions tool for FS Practices. A significant improvement in FSK mean scores in the post-test (85.48 17.07/118 points corresponded to 72.44%) compared with the pretest (78.50 13.69/118 points, corresponding to 66.66%). The overall mean FSK score was considered to be “moderate” in pre and post-tests. FS Practice level mean was 26.86 4.38/40 points (67.14%), regarded as “moderate” in the pre-test and continued to be “moderate” after the training despite a significant increase in the post-test scores (27.92 4.45/40 point, corresponded to 69.80%, P=0.000). FHS worked in organizations where HACCP principles are implemented, possessed higher FSK and better FS practices. Although continued to be “moderate”, FSK and FS Practices among FHS in the Jordanian hotels and hospitals have been significantly improved after the FS Training Program.
Nuovi orizzonti dell'utilitarismo edonista
Authors: Fiori Angelo
Published: February 2022

Non disponibile
Molecular drivers of oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma in non-smoking and non-drinking patients: what do we know so far?
Authors: Uddin Sophia , Singh Alka , Mishra Vasudha , Agrawal Nishant , Gooi Zhen , Izumchenko Evgeny
Published: February 2022

Oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC) is one of the most common head and neck cancers worldwide. It is well known that risk factors for OCSCC include tobacco and excess alcohol consumption. However, in recent years, OCSCC incidence has been increasing in patients without these traditional risk factors. The cause of this increase is unclear and various genetic, environmental, and infectious factors have been hypothesized to play a role. Additionally, there are expert opinions that oral cancer in non-smoking, non-drinking (NSND) patients have a distinct phenotype resulting in more aggressive disease presentation and poorer prognosis. In this review, we summarize the current state of knowledge for oral cavity cancer in patients without traditional risk factors.
Excellent Rectal Temperature Cooling Rates in the Polar Life Pod Consistent With Stationary Tubs
Authors: Miller Kevin C. , Amaria Noshir Yazdi
Published: February 2022

Context

Several tools exist to reduce rectal temperature (TREC) quickly for patients experiencing exertional heatstroke (EHS). Stationary tubs effectively treat EHS but are bulky and impractical in some situations. More portable cold-water immersion techniques, such as tarp-assisted cooling with oscillation, are gaining popularity because of their benefits (eg, less water needed, portability). The Polar Life Pod (PLP) may be another portable way to reduce TREC, but few researchers have examined its effectiveness.

Objectives

To determine whether the PLP and stationary tub reduced TREC at acceptable or ideal rates, whether TREC cooling rates differed by method, and how participants felt before, during, and after cooling.

Design

Randomized crossover study.

Setting

Laboratory.

Patients or Other Participants

Thirteen individuals (8 men, 5 women; age = 21 ± 2 years, mass = 73.99 ± 11.24 kg, height = 176.2 ± 11.1 cm).

Intervention(s)

Participants exercised in the heat until TREC was 39.5°C. They immersed themselves in either the PLP (202.7 ± 23.8 L, 3.2 ± 0.6°C) or a stationary tub (567.8 ± 7.6 L, 15.0 ± 0.1°C) until TREC was 38°C. Thermal sensation and environmental symptom questionnaire (ESQ) responses were recorded before, during, and after exercise and cooling.

Main Outcome Measure(s)

Rectal temperature cooling rates, thermal sensation, and ESQ responses.

Results

Participants had similar exercise durations (PLP = 41.6 ± 6.9 minutes, tub = 42.2 ± 9.3 minutes, t12 = 0.5, P = .31), thermal sensation scores (PLP = 7.0 ± 0.5, tub = 7.0 ± 0.5, P > .05), and ESQ scores (PLP = 25 ± 13, tub = 29 ± 14, P > .05) immediately postexercise each day. Although TREC cooling rates were excellent in both conditions, the PLP cooled faster than the stationary tub (PLP = 0.28 ± 0.09°C/min, tub = 0.20 ± 0.09°C/min, t12 = 2.5, P = .01). Thermal sensation in the PLP condition was lower than that in the tub condition halfway through cooling (PLP = 1 ± 1, tub = 2 ± 1, P < .05) and postcooling (PLP = 2 ± 1, tub = 3 ± 1, P < .05). The ESQ scores were higher for PLP than for the stationary tub postcooling (PLP = 25 ± 14, tub = 12 ± 9, P < .05).

Conclusions

The PLP and the stationary tub cooled individuals with hyperthermia at ideal rates for treating patients with EHS (ie, >0.16°C/min). The PLP may be an effective tool for treating EHS when limited water volumes and portability are concerns. Clinicians should have rewarming tools and strategies (eg, heating blankets) available to improve patients' comfort after PLP use.
BC Disaster Risk Reduction Hub: working together to build resilient communities in British Columbia, design concept note
Authors: Safaie S , Journeay J M , Ulmi M
Published: February 2022

BC Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Hub Design Concept outlines the purpose, objectives, role, and institutional structure for the proposed secretariat to be established at provincial level to facilitate connections and collaboration between science and policy
actors for the common goal of disaster and climate risk reduction. The role of DRR Hub includes 1) responding to priority demands of practitioners and policy designers for risk data management and production of relevant risk information and 2) enabling its use in design of policies and investments
that build resilience of the communities in BC. The proposed design of DRR Hub is based on inputs and consultations with a wide range of provincial and local level actors in disaster and climate risk management convened through DRR Pathways project led by Natural Resources Canada. The Hub will
enable collaborations and connections between science and policy researchers, designers, and decision makers to work together in enhancing the governance of disaster and climate risk information and building resilient communities in BC aligned with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction
and BC Emergency Program Act Modernization.
Distributions of degraded and intact lithalsas, North Slave region, Northwest Territories
Authors: Morse P D , Rudy A C A
Published: February 2022

The main objective of this report is to provide an inventory of current (intact or degrading) and old (completely degraded) lithalsas in a representative study area of the southern North Slave region between Behchoko and Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories.
A lithalsa is an ice-rich mound of permafrost that causes the soil to settle downward and water to pond if the ice core thaws (thermokarst pond). Lithalsas, widespread in this region, are therefore very sensitive to thawing. This inventory should help to better understand current and future
permafrost conditions, and is based directly on the GSC's Open File 7255, which provides an inventory of many lithalsas in the region, as well as on the GSC's Open File 8205, which provides an inventory of thermokarst pond development between 1945 and 2005 in the same study area. Using
high-resolution satellite images, we completed the inventory of 475 intact lithalsas in the study area. Then, by combining our field observations of surface geomorphology of degrading lithalsas with recognizable geomorphic patterns in the same satellite imagery, we developed criteria to identify and
map them and we developed an inventory of 556 completely degraded lithalsas. The inventories and databases are prepared for assessment of the relations between elevation, surface geology and distribution of lithalsas, and the trajectory of thermokarst development in the region. The inventories
included with this report can be used directly in a Geographic Information System (GIS).
Is growth in the South African economy profit-led or wage-led?
Authors: Ntshwanti Mzwanele
Published: February 2022

Orientation: This article assessed the impact of functional income distribution on economic growth, and how it can characterise the growth regime as profit-led or wage-led.Research purpose: This study investigated whether the problem of falling wage share as a percentage of gross domestic product (GDP) may have characterised growth as wage-led or profit-led between 1975 and 2019 in South Africa.Motivation for the study: Economic growth in South Africa has been low post the 2008 financial crisis and employees complain about insufficient wages.Research design/approach and method: This article used the Keynesian aggregate demand model and conducted an autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) approach to assess the presence of a long-run relationship between changes in income distribution and aggregate demand.Main findings: The study found that the profit rate, rate of capacity utilisation and the real exchange rate have an influence on net exports. Profit rate and rate of capacity utilisation influenced aggregate consumption. Investment was affected by business confidence, profit rate, foreign demand and rate of capacity utilisation. Demand formation was exhilarationist and growth was profit-led. The foreign sector amplified the extent of profit-ledness.Practical/managerial implications: Government should create policies to reduce inequality in income shares. Institutions should consider reformulating labour dynamics to manage the extent to which the foreign sector amplified the economy to be profit-led.Contribution/value add: The South African economy is profit-led, inconsistent with developed country literature, which suggests that economies are generally wage-led. The findings highlight the importance of the foreign sector in determining the demand formation and growth regimes in the economy.
Developing a brief acceptance and commitment therapy model for industrial psychologists
Authors: Van Lill Xander , Van Lill Rinet
Published: February 2022

Orientation: Mental health distress is on the rise, which has significant implications for labour productivity. Industrial psychologists, who are equipped to offer work-based counselling, can play a vital role in alleviating this burden.Research purpose: This study was an investigation of current literature on industrial psychologists as counsellors, with a focus on acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) as a framework to deliver brief work-based counselling. The aim was to offer a practical model of counselling, derived from the literature, for industrial psychologists to perform work-based counselling.Motivation for the study: There is a paucity of literature pertaining to evidence-based guidelines that industrial psychologists can follow to provide counselling. This study attempts to expand industrial psychologists’ counselling skill set by proposing an ACT intervention that can be applied as a brief counselling process in the workplace.Research approach/design and method: A systematic literature review of three separate literature streams yielded 1297 publications. After further analysis, 25 publications that met the criteria for relevance and quality were considered to create a model for workplace counselling.Main findings: Attention to the role of industrial psychologists as counsellors dwindled after the 1960s but has recently been given renewed attention by South African scholars. The literature review of experimental ACT designs revealed evidence-based guidelines that were combined to create the ACT for Work Well-being Model.Practical/managerial implications: The ACT for Work Well-being Model is a brief counselling protocol to offer systematic steps that industrial psychologists can implement during brief work-based counselling to address anxiety and depressive symptoms.Contribution/value-add: The proposed model is designed to stimulate further empirical validation and ensure evidence-based practice.
Pilot study of submucosal radiofrequency for epistaxis in hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia
Authors: Mortuaire G. , Boute O. , Hatron P.Y. , Chevalier D.
Published: February 2022

Objective: To assess the safety and efficacy of submucosal radiofrequency (RF) treatment for hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) with mild or moderate epistaxis. Methodology: We carried out a prospective pilot study of 16 consecutive patients with HHT-related epistaxis from June 2010 to April 2012. Under local anesthesia, RF was applied to one or both sides of the nose from the columella beneath the septal mucosal (50 joules per puncture). Patients were sent a questionnaire at least six months after the procedure. Results: RF under local anesthesia was well tolerated, according to visual analog scale scores. Neither crusting nor pain was reported one week after the intervention. The frequency of epistaxis per day and per month was significantly lower after RF. The duration of bleeding also decreased from more than 10 minutes to less than 5 minutes in two thirds of patients. Thirteen of the 16 patients were satisfied with the technique and would request it for subsequent procedures to treat repeated bleeding. Conclusion: Submucosal RF treatment for HHT is a safe, well tolerated procedure with significant efficacy in the short term. It should be considered as an alternative technique for managing HHT-related epistaxis, although long-term results remain to be evaluated.
Association between the National Health Insurance coverage benefit extension policy and clinical outcomes of ventilated patients: a retrospective study
Authors: Yoo Wanho , Kim Saerom , Kim Soohan , Jeong Eunsuk , Lee Kwangha
Published: February 2022

Background: This study aimed to investigate the association between the Korean national health insurance coverage benefit extension policy and clinical outcomes of patients who were ventilated owing to various respiratory diseases.Methods: Data from 515 patients (male, 69.7%; mean age, 69.8±12.1 years; in-hospital mortality rate, 28.3%) who were hospitalized in a respiratory intensive care unit were retrospectively analyzed over five years.Results: Of total enrolled patients, 356 (69.1%) had one benefit items under this policy during their hospital stay. They had significantly higher medical expenditure (total: median, 23,683 vs. 12,742 USD, P<0.001), out-of-pocket (median, 5,932 vs. 4,081 USD; P=0.008), and a lower percentage of out-of-pocket medical expenditure relative to total medical expenditure (median, 26.0% vs. 32.2%; P<0.001). Patients without benefit items associated with higher in-hospital mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 2.825; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.995–4.000; P<0.001). In analysis of patients with benefit items, patients with three items (“cancer”, “tuberculosis,” and “disability”) had significantly lower out-of-pocket medical expenditure (3,441 vs. 6,517 USD, P<0.001), and a lower percentage of out-of-pocket medical expenditure relative to total medical expenditure (17.2% vs. 27.8%, P<0.001). They were associated with higher in-hospital mortality (HR, 3.996; 95% CI, 2.535–6.295, P<0.001).Conclusions: Our study showed patients with benefit items had more medical resources and associated improved in-hospital survival. Patients with the aforementioned three benefit items had lower out-of-pocket medical expenditure due to the implementation of this policy, but higher in-hospital mortality.
Awakening in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as a bridge to lung transplantation
Authors: Lee Su Hwan
Published: February 2022

Although the rate of lung transplantation (LTx), the last treatment option for end-stage lung disease, is increasing, some patients waiting for LTx need a bridging strategy for LTx due to the limited number of available donor lungs. For a long time, mechanical ventilation has been employed as a bridge to LTx because the outcome of using extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) as a bridging strategy has been poor. However, the outcome after mechanical ventilation as a bridge to LTx was poor compared with that in patients without bridges. With advances in technology and the accumulation of experience, the outcome of ECMO as a bridge to LTx has improved, and the rate of ECMO use as a bridging strategy has increased over time. However, whether the use of ECMO as a bridge to LTx can achieve survival rates similar to those of non-bridged LTx patients remains controversial. In 2010, one center introduced awake ECMO strategy for LTx bridging, and its use as a bridge to LTx has been showing favorable outcomes to date. Awake ECMO has several advantages, such as maintenance of physical activity, spontaneous breathing, avoidance of endotracheal intubation, and reduced use of sedatives and analgesics, but it may cause serious problems. Nonetheless, several studies have shown that awake ECMO performed by a multidisciplinary team is safe. In cases where ECMO or mechanical ventilation is required due to unavoidable exacerbation in patients awaiting LTx, the application of awake ECMO performed by an appropriately trained ECMO multi-disciplinary team can be useful.
Incidence and severity of major fungal diseases on tomato in three districts within the forest and forest-savannah agro-ecological zones of Ghana
Authors: Opoku B. A. , Kwoseh C. , Gyasi E. , Moses E.
Published: February 2022

This study was initiated to determine the incidence and severity of fungal diseases of tomatoes and document farmers’ knowledge of these diseases and their control measures in Offinso North, Techiman North and Asante Akim North Districts within the forest and forest-savannah agro-ecological zones of Ghana. A survey was conducted in three selected communities in each district to document the incidence and severity of fungal diseases of tomato and also farmers’ knowledge of fungal diseases of tomato and control practices adopted on their farms using a well-structured questionnaire. Early blight, Septoria leaf spot, Fusarium wilt, Crown rot and Sclerotium rot were the major fungal diseases identified in the study. The mean incidence of diseases recorded for the districts was low with the exception of early blight with an incidence of 63.9% at Asante Akim North District. Though the mean fungal disease severities in the three districts were also low, the highest score was recorded by early blight and fusarium wilt in the Asante Akim North District and fusarium wilt and sclerotium rot in the Offinso North District. In general, farmers had perceived knowledge of the tomato diseases because of losses that these diseases caused, but their knowledge on control was poor.
Adoption of improved white yam (Dioscorea rotundata) varieties in Ghana: The role of farm and farmer characteristics
Authors: Acheampong P. P. , A-Appiah A. , Frimpong B. N. , Haleegoah J. , Amengor E. N. , Asante B. O. , Otoo E.
Published: February 2022

Yams (Dioscorea spp) in Ghana are important food staples and the most important non-traditional export crop contributing to foreign exchange and incomes of smallholder producers. Research and development of the crop over the years produced and release three improved Dioscorea rotundata varieties in 2005. However, adoptions of these varieties have been very low. Using cross-sectional data from 544 randomly selected yam farmers and employing the logit model, the farm and farmer characteristics that influence the adoption of yam varieties were assessed. Results revealed the awareness level of improved yam varieties at 50% and low adoption rate of improved yam varieties at about 6%. Factors found to significantly influence adoption were awareness, education, distance to farm and extension access. The study suggests the need to create more awareness and education on the improved yam varieties in order to sensitize farmers and encourage adoption. There is also the need to improve research extension linkage system to enable technology knowledge transfer to extension staff for easy diffusion to farmers.