bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Individual-based and interactional resilience mechanisms in social and healthcare service NPOs during the COVID-19 pandemic: Handling a disruptive extreme context in Austria
Authors: Kaltenbrunner Katharina Anna , Stötzer Sandra , Grüb Birgit , Martin Sebastian
Published: August 2022

While Austrian social and healthcare service nonprofit organizations (NPOs) are key performers in the COVID-19 pandemic, we also notice their vulnerability in terms of struggling with this disruptive extreme context. The particularity of disruptive extreme contexts is that organizations commonly can neither anticipate them, nor prepare specific countermeasures or specialized resources for fighting against them. Thus, we regard organizational resilience based on non-specialized resources as an appropriate approach for dealing with (the struggles of) disruptive extreme contexts. Organizational resilience refers to an organization's ability to resist disruptive extreme contexts while maintaining and adapting functionality and ultimately learning from these extreme contexts by mobilizing and accessing the required resources, behaviors and capabilities. Based on 33 expert interviews with NPO top and middle managers we aim to explore individual-based and interactional resilience mechanisms of NPOs in the pandemic. The qualitative content analysis yielded to following results: Individual personality traits (e.g., pragmatisms, flexibility) and attitudes (serenity and optimism) constitute individual-based resilience mechanisms. Moreover, a shared (crisis) understanding (e.g., common sense of direction), social connectedness (e.g., team cohesion) and managerial staff orientation (e.g., a caring attitude) as interactional resilience mechanisms helped to maintain and adapt NPOs' functioning. Overall, this study reinforces the multilevel nature of resilience in terms of the crucial combination of individual and interactional resilience mechanisms for facing adversity. Moreover, it emphasizes the evolving nature of resilience in terms of the required time for, e.g., building trust.
Impact of fine arts education on psychological wellbeing of higher education students through moderating role of creativity and self-efficacy
Authors: Jin Xuguang , Ye Yuan
Published: August 2022

The purpose of our research was to explore the impact of fine arts education on psychological wellbeing among undergraduate students through moderating role of creativity and self-efficacy. Art is the most effective medium for expressing human ideals, culture, identity, lifestyles, emotions, and societal experiences. Cross-sectional research was carried out on 376 undergraduates in the 2022–2023 academic year at the public and private Chinese universities, and those students who are currently enrolled in fine arts courses. A link to the Google Doc survey was sent through email and social media channels (i.e., WeChat). The time frame of the data collection was 3 months, from February 2022 to April 2022. While analyzing the obtained data, we used IBM SPSS version 25, which includes both descriptive and inferential statistics. The overall results of the study indicate that the fine arts education positively and significantly influences psychological wellbeing. Moreover, findings also indicate that the creativity and self-efficacy positively and significantly moderate the relationship between fine arts education and psychological wellbeing. The study highlighted the significance of fine arts education in Chinese students. Through this study, students studying in this field should be made more aware of the importance of fine arts education and its link with psychological wellbeing. Further, art courses should be added to the curriculum at different levels of education to boost the creativity and self-efficacy of higher education students in China. Implications for parents, students, and teachers are also discussed.
Family functioning and adolescent depression: A moderated mediation model of self-esteem and peer relationships
Authors: Huang Xinquan , Hu Ningning , Yao Zhengdong , Peng Biao
Published: August 2022

In consideration of family system theory, the vulnerability model of depression, and the stress buffering model of social support, the current study examined the effect of family functioning on adolescent depression, the mediating effect of self-esteem, and the moderating effect of peer relationships. A sample of Chinese adolescents (n = 562, 47.15% male, 52.85% female, mean age 14.33 years, SD = 1.81 years) completed questionnaires regarding family functioning, depression, self-esteem, and peer relationships. The results showed that: (1) family functioning had a significant negative predictive effect on adolescent depression; (2) self-esteem plays a mediating role between family functioning and adolescent depression; and (3) peer relationships have a moderating effect on the relationship between self-esteem and adolescent depression, supporting the moderated mediation model. These results reveal the influence mechanism of family functioning on adolescent depression and have implications for adolescent depression intervention.
Cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the postpartum depression literacy scale
Authors: Guo Pingping , Cui Nianqi , Mao Minna , Zhang Xuehui , Chen Dandan , Xu Ping , Wang Xiaojuan , Zhang Wei , Zheng Qiong , Zhang Le , Xiang Zhenzhen , Jin Yin , Feng Suwen
Published: August 2022

Background and aim

The postpartum depression literacy (PoDLi) of perinatal women is closely related to the occurrence, recognition, and treatment of postpartum depression, therefore valid instruments for evaluating the level of PoDLi are of great significance for both research and clinical practice. This study aimed to cross-culturally adapt the postpartum depression literacy scale (PoDLiS) into Chinese and to test its psychometric properties among Chinese perinatal women.

Materials and methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted from April to May 2022 in a tertiary hospital in Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China. 619 out of the 650 perinatal women that were approachedviaa convenience sampling method completed the Chinese version of the PoDLiS (C-PoDLiS). Content validity [the content validity index of items (I-CVI) and scale-level content validity index (S-CVI)] was evaluated by an expert panel. Psychometric properties, including item analysis, structure validity (exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis), convergent and discriminant validity, reliability (internal consistency, test-retest reliability), criterion validity (concurrent validity, predictive validity), and floor/ceiling effect were examined.

Results

The final version of C-PoDLiS is a six-factor structure consisting of 27 items, which explained 61.00% of the total variance. Adequate content validity (I-CVI = 0.833–1.00, S-CVI = 0.920) was ensured by the expert panel. The modified confirmatory factor analysis model revealed that the 6-factor model fitted the data well (χ2/df= 1.532, root mean square error of approximation = 0.042, goodness of fit = 0.900, incremental fit index = 0.949, comparative fit index = 0.948, Tucker–Lewis index = 0.940). The total Cronbach’s α was 0.862, the total McDonald’s ω was 0.869, and the test-retest reliability coefficient was 0.856. Results of convergent validity (average variance extracted = 0.486–0.722) and discriminant validity provided good or acceptable psychometric support. Significant correlations between scores of the C-PoDLiS and Mental health literacy scale (r= 0.155–0.581,p< 0.01) and Attitudes toward seeking professional psychological help short form scale (r= 0.361–0.432,p< 0.01) supported good concurrent and predictive validity, respectively. No floor/ceiling effect was found.

Conclusion

The C-PoDLiS was demonstrated to be a sound instrument with good reliability and validity for evaluating Chinese perinatal women’s PoDLi levels. Its use in the future can facilitate data aggregation and outcome comparisons across different studies on this topic.
Measuring patients' satisfaction toward health tourism in Malaysia through hospital environment, nutritional advice, and perceived value: A study on Chinese exchange students
Authors: Li Liu , Ragavan Neethiahnanthan Ari , Patwary Ataul Karim , Baijun Wu
Published: August 2022

Malaysia is a reputed destination for health tourism in the Asia Pacific region for its hospitable nature and good quality of service. Patients' satisfaction has been a key concern in health tourism to maintain the flow of tourists' arrival for medical purposes. By considering the importance of health tourism and patients' satisfaction in Malaysia, this study aimed to examine the influence of hospital environment, nutritional advice, perceived value on patients' satisfaction. This study is cross-sectional in nature and follows a quantitative approach. The researchers used questionnaires as a survey tool to obtain information from the respondents. The sample of this is chosen from Chinese exchange students in Malaysia. Using a systematic random sampling technique, 205 usable responses were selected from the respondents and proceeded with further analysis. The study conducted structural equation modeling using Smart PLS version 3. The results found that hospital environment, nutritional advice, and perceived value significantly influence patients' satisfaction in Malaysia.
Treatment outcome and factors associated with mortality due to malaria in Munini District Hospital, Rwanda in 2016–2017: Retrospective cross-sectional study
Authors: Hakizayezu François , Omolo Jared , Biracyaza Emmanuel , Ntaganira Joseph
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Malaria is a major public health burden in developing countries despite efforts made by several countries. This disease leads to high morbidity and mortality among Rwandans, particularly in the Southern Province where it was the sixth national cause of morality; at Munini hospital it is the first cause of mortality, but the associated factors remain unknown. In this study, we determined the factors associated with deaths among patients with severe malaria to come up with evidence-based interventions to prevent malaria and its factors.

Methods

A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted on malaria patients who were treated at the Munini District Hospital from 2016 to 2017. Data were collected from the hospital records or registers relating to patients who were admitted with severe malaria. The odds ratio was estimated by bivariate logistic regression and multivariate hierarchical regression models for determining the associated factors of deaths. Data were analyzed using STATA/MP Version 14.1 and Epi-info with proportions.

Results

The study population were mostly women (n = 237, 59.1%), farmers (n = 313, 78.05%), aged 16–30 years (n = 107, 26.68%). Our results indicated that the majority of deaths were women (56.25%). Socio-economic and clinical determinants are important predictors of death among patients with severe malaria. Patients with coma had higher odds of dying (AOR = 7.31, 95% CI :3.33–16.1, p < 0.001) than those who were not. The possibility of mortality increased by almost four times in patients who delayed consultation by a day (AOR = 3.7, 95%CI:1.8–4.1; p < 0.001) compared to those who came in very early. Patients who had severe malaria in the dry season were at a lower risk of mortality (AOR = 0.23, 95%CI:0.08–0.64, p = 0.005) compared to those with severe malaria during the rainy season.

Conclusion

Lack of health insurance, age of the patient, delayed diagnosis, coma, proximity and access to healthcare services, and weather conditions were the major factors associated with mortality among patients with severe malaria. Comprehensive, long-term, equity-based healthcare interventions and immediate care strategies are recommended.
Development of humanistic nursing practice guidelines for stroke patients
Authors: Li Min , Ji Yu-gui , Yang Zi-qing , Xie Hong-zhen
Published: August 2022

Purpose

To construct humanistic nursing practice guidelines suitable for stroke patients.

Design

This study was a development and validation study of guidelines using multiple methods, including literature review, qualitative research, questionnaire survey, thematic discussion, and Delphi expert consultation.

Methods

Twenty-five experts from seven provinces and municipalities in China were interviewed over two rounds from December 2020 to February 2021. The first-level index was scored for importance and rationality, while the second-level index was scored for importance and feasibility using a five-point Likert scale. Delphi data was collected via a paper version of the questionnaire. The coefficients of variation and coordination were used to represent the degree of dispersion of expert opinions.

Findings

In the two rounds of letter consultation, the questionnaire's recovery and effective rates were both 100%, while the opinion submission rates of the two rounds were 84 and 52%, respectively. Moreover, the expert authority coefficient was 0.91, and the coordination coefficients of expert opinions in the first round were as follows: importance of 0.03 and rationality of 0.07 for the first-level index; importance of 0.09 and feasibility of 0.11 for the secondary index. In round two, the coordination coefficients of expert opinions were as follows: importance of 0.04 and rationality of 0.05 for the first-level indicators; importance of 0.12 and feasibility of 0.10 for the secondary index. The results for the secondary index were P < 0.001 for the two rounds. The humanistic nursing practice guidelines for stroke patients that were ultimately formed included five first-level indicators (physiological care, safety care, emotional care, dignity care, and rehabilitation needs) and 46 s-level indicators.

Conclusion

Our results show that the “Practice Guidelines for Humanistic Nursing for Stroke” established by experts adopts Maslow's hierarchy of needs as its structural framework. It meets people's basic needs and can provide a reference for the construction of a humanistic nursing specialty practice for stroke patients.

Clinical relevance

Humanistic nursing guidelines for stroke could provide a reference for the construction of humanistic nursing practice in the stroke specialty.

Clinical resources

Copeptin and long-term risk of recurrent vascular events after transient ischemic attack and ischemic stroke: population-based study https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26451023/. Effectiveness and usage of a decision support system to improve stroke prevention in general practice: a cluster randomized controlled trial https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28245247/. Guidelines for adult stroke rehabilitation and recovery: a guideline for healthcare professionals from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27145936/.
The Artificial Intelligence System for the Generation of Sports Education Guidance Model and Physical Fitness Evaluation Under Deep Learning
Authors: Li Yuanqing , Li Xiangliang
Published: August 2022

In recent years, China's achievements in artificial intelligence (AI) have attracted the attention of the world, and AI technology has penetrated into all walks of life. In particular, the in-depth integration of AI technology with sports education guidance and physical fitness evaluation has achieved very significant progress and results, which has improved the quality of life of people and provided more high-quality, customized, and personalized health management services for human beings. This study aimed to explore the application model of deep learning in sports education and guidance and in the analysis of the residents' physical fitness, so as to formulate a personalized and intelligent exercise program. The residents of A and B units are selected as the research object to evaluate the physical fitness. Subsequently, the self-designed questionnaire is used to survey the chronic disease online, and the acquired data are put into a deep learning model for the analysis to obtain the physique scoring results and exercise guidance. According to the results of physical fitness evaluation, the proportion of overweight was the highest (40.4%), followed by fatty liver (24.3%) and hyperlipidemia (20.4%), showing high incidence in people aged 41–50 years. The highest incidence of female gynecological diseases was gout (23.0%) and hyperlipidemia (20.6%). After exercise therapy, the scores were excellent and good. Conclusions: The database SQL Server 2005 was a platform for storing all kinds of data and knowledge-based rule information. The user's access service was provided by the remote server via the browser. Therefore, building a rule-based reasoning mechanism can realize physical test data collection, physical fitness evaluation, and information management for improving physical fitness.
The gender peak effect: Women are most vulnerable to infections during COVID-19 peaks
Authors: Wu Cary , Qian Yue
Published: August 2022

In this article, we describe a gender peak effect that women's relative share in COVID-19 infections increases when there is a sharp increase in cases, and it reaches the highest level during peak times in each wave of the COVID-19 outbreak. We demonstrate this gender peak effect by analyzing detailed, sex-disaggregated Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) data. The data include 1,045,998 men and women who were confirmed cases of COVID-19 from March 2020 to February 2022. We show that women's relative share in COVID-19 infections always increases and reaches the level exceeding men's share when we see a sharp peak in case number. We further show that women's higher share in care work (e.g., captured by occupation and age variables) largely explains their elevated infections during COVID-19 peaks. Effective public health interventions during infectious disease outbreaks must recognize this potential gender peak effect and take appropriate measures to curb women's health vulnerabilities.
Comparing the perceptions and opinions of the 2007 and 2019 Canada's food guides among parents of young children
Authors: Ramuscak Alyssa V. , Ma David W. L. , Forbes Laura E. , Duncan Alison M. , Sadowski Adam , Haines Jess
Published: August 2022

Background

The Canada's Food Guide (CFG) is recognized as the most prominent authoritative guideline for healthy eating in Canada. In 2019, Health Canada released the latest iteration of the CFG with substantial changes to its messaging and format from the previous 2007 CFG.

Objective

This study compared the awareness, use, knowledge, and opinions of the 2007 and 2019 CFGs among parents with children aged 18 months to 5 years who are participants in a family-based intervention trial, the Guelph Family Health Study.

Methods

The sample consisted of 327 parents (59% women) who responded to questions about the 2007 CFG and 177 parents (60% women) who responded to questions about the 2019 CFG. Parents' awareness and knowledge of the 2007 and 2019 CFGs were compared using Pearson's Chi-Square, while parents' opinions of the two CFGs were compared using Wilcoxon Rank-Sum tests. To describe and provide context about how parents used the 2007 and 2019 CFG descriptive analysis was used. To analyze the open-answer comments parents provided for the 2007 and 2019 CFGs thematic coding was used.

Results

Awareness of the 2007 and 2019 CFGs was high with 94.5 and 90.4% of parents reported having heard about the 2007 and 2019 CFGs, respectively. Knowledge of the plate proportion recommendations in the 2019 CFG was significantly higher than knowledge of the recommended number of servings in the 2007 CFG with 93.4% of parents identifying the Vegetable and Fruit Plate Proportions in the 2019 CFG. Parents identified that the 2019 CFG was a helpful and trustworthy resource, and that it was easier to follow and understand, and more representative of their culture and traditional foods than the 2007 CFG.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that parents' knowledge of the 2019 CFG recommendations was higher than for the 2007 CFG recommendations. Parents also had more positive opinions about the 2019 CFG as compared to the 2007 CFG. Future research is needed to explore whether these higher levels knowledge of the 2019 CFG recommendation translate to healthier eating patterns among Canadian families.
Economic evaluation of sintilimab plus chemotherapy vs. pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy for the treatment of first-line advanced or metastatic squamous NSCLC
Authors: Chen Pingyu , Wang Xintian , Zhu Shengwen , Li Hongchao , Rui Mingjun , Wang Yingcheng , Sun Haikui , Ma Aixia
Published: August 2022

Background and objective

Sintilimab has superior efficacy and safety in patients with advanced or metastatic squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but its cost-effectiveness in China is unclear. This study is to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of sintilimab plus chemotherapy vs. pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy for locally advanced or metastatic squamous NSCLC in China.

Methods

From the perspective of the Chinese health system, the partitioned survival model with three health states was established in a 3-week cycle and a lifetime time horizon. The two-stage method was used to estimate the overall survival hazard ratios to avoid the bias by crossover design in ORIENT-12 and KEYNOTE-407 studies. The anchored matching adjusted indirect comparison method (MAIC) was used for indirect comparison based on the individual patient data from ORIENT-12 and the publicly published KEYNOTE-407 study due to the lack of head-to-head clinical trials. Only direct medical costs were included, and utilities were derived from the published literature in the base case analysis. Sensitivity analysis was also performed to verify the robustness of the model results. In addition, the scenario analysis where the utilities were derived from the Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30 (QLQ-C30) scale in the ORIENT-12 by mapping to the EuroQol-5-dimension 5-level (EQ-5D-5L) was carried out to explore the uncertainty of the results.

Results

Compared with pembrolizumab + chemotherapy, sintilimab + chemotherapy incurred a lower lifetime cost ($12,321 vs. 36,371) and yielded fewer quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) (0.9902 vs. 1.0085), which resulted in an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of $1,314,208/QALY. A sintilimab strategy is a cost-effectiveness option under the WTP of 1–3 times the GDP per capita in China ($11,250/QALY~$33,749/QALY). The utility value of the post-progression, the unit cost of albumin paclitaxel, and the utility value of the progression-free state were the main drivers in the deterministic sensitivity analysis (DSA). According to the probabilistic sensitivity analysis (PSA), sintilimab + chemotherapy was 100% cost-effective when the WTP was 1–3 times China's per capita GDP. The results of the scenario analysis showed that sintilimab + chemotherapy obtained more QALYs (1.2319 vs. 1.1815) and lower costs ($12,321 vs. 36,371), which implied that sintilimab + chemotherapy may dominate the pembrolizumab + chemotherapy.

Conclusion

Compared with pembrolizumab + chemotherapy, sintilimab + chemotherapy is more cost-effective for first-line treatment in Chinese patients with locally advanced or metastatic squamous NSCLC.
Contribution of local climate zones to the thermal environment and energy demand
Authors: Yang Ruxin , Yang Jun , Wang Lingen , Xiao Xiangming , Xia Jianhong
Published: August 2022

Urban heat islands (UHIs) and their energy consumption are topics of widespread concern. This study used remote sensing images and building and meteorological data as parameters, with reference to Oke's local climate zone (LCZ), to divide urban areas according to the height and density of buildings and land cover types. While analyzing the heat island intensity, the neural network training method was used to obtain temperature data with good temporal as well as spatial resolution. Combining degree-days with the division of LCZs, a more accurate distribution of energy demand can be obtained by different regions. Here, the spatial distribution of buildings in Shenyang, China, and the law of land surface temperature (LST) and energy consumption of different LCZ types, which are related to building height and density, were obtained. The LST and energy consumption were found to be correlated. The highest heat island intensity, i.e., UHILCZ 4, was 8.17°C. The correlation coefficients of LST with building height and density were −0.16 and 0.24, respectively. The correlation between urban cooling energy demand and building height was −0.17, and the correlation between urban cooling energy demand and building density was 0.17. The results indicate that low- and medium-rise buildings consume more cooling energy.
A comparison of surgical approaches in the treatment of grade C postoperative pancreatic fistula: A retrospective study
Authors: Záruba Pavel , Rousek Michael , Kočišová Tereza , Havlová Karolína , Ryska Miroslav , Pohnán Radek
Published: August 2022

Background

Postoperative pancreatic fistula is one of the most dreaded complications following pancreatic resections with Grade C the most severe. Several possible types of surgical intervention are available but to date, none of them have clearly shown superiority. This study aims to compare different surgical approaches.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of patients who underwent revision surgery for postoperative pancreatic fistula between 2008 and 2020 was performed. Three surgical approaches were compared: open drainage; a disconnection of the pancreaticojejunostomy; and salvage total pancreatectomy. The data of nine monitored parameters were collected. Selected parameters were statistically analyzed and compared.

Results

A total of 54 patients were included. Eighteen patients underwent open drainage, 28 had disconnections of the pancreaticojejunostomy and eight had salvage total pancreatectomy. Statistically significant differences were observed in the time of Intensive Care Unit stay, the number of surgical interventions, 90-day mortality, the number of administered blood transfers and treatment costs. Open drainage showed to be superior in each category. The difference in long-term survival also slightly favored simple drainage.

Conclusion

Open drainage procedure showed to be superior to other types of interventions in most of the monitored parameters. Disconnection of the pancreaticojejunostomy and a salvage total pancreatectomy had similar results, which correlated with the surgical burden of these interventions.
A systematic review of ankle fracture-dislocations: Recent update and future prospects
Authors: Cao Mu-Min , Zhang Yuan-Wei , Hu Sheng-Ye , Rui Yun-Feng
Published: August 2022

Background

Ankle fracture-dislocations are one of the most severe types of ankle injuries. Compared to the simple ankle fractures, ankle fracture-dislocations are usually more severely traumatized and can cause worse functional outcomes. The purpose of this study was to review the previous literatures to understand the anatomy, mechanisms, treatment, and functional outcomes associated with ankle fracture-dislocations.

Methods

The available literatures from January 1985 to December 2021 in three main medical databases were searched and analyzed. The detailed information was extracted for each article, such as researchers, age, gender, groups, type of study, type of center research, level of evidence, significant findings, study aim, cause of injury, time from injury to surgery, type of fracture, direction of dislocation, follow-up, postoperative complications and functional evaluation scores.

Results

A total of 15 studies (1,089 patients) met the inclusion criteria. Only one study was a prospective randomized trial. The top-ranked cause of injury was high-energy injury (21.3%). Moreover, the most frequent type of fracture in ankle dislocations was supination-external rotation (SER) ankle fracture (43.8%), while the most common directions of dislocation were lateral (50%) and posterior (38.9%).

Conclusions

Collectively, most ankle fracture-dislocations are caused by high-energy injuries and usually have poor functional outcomes. The mechanism of injury can be dissected by the ankle anatomy and Lauge-Hansen's classification. The treatment of ankle fracture-dislocations still requires more detailed and rational solutions due to the urgency of occurrence, the severity of injury, and the postoperative complications.
Gastrointestinal, metabolic, and nutritional disorders: A plant-based ethnoveterinary meta-analysis in the Catalan linguistic area
Authors: Cáceres Fuencisla , Vallès Joan , Garnatje Teresa , Parada Montse , Gras Airy
Published: August 2022

Veterinary care is fundamental for animal wellbeing, and so is achieving a comprehensive understanding of traditional ethnoveterinary applications. However, little attention has been paid to it so far in industrialized countries, and in particular in Western Europe. In this context, the present work aims to make a contribution to this issue in the Catalan linguistic area, focusing on the study of plants used, at a popular level, to treat and deal with gastrointestinal, metabolic, and nutritional disorders, which are among the most important issues that affect animals. Data obtained in this study come from the popular knowledge about plants for veterinary purposes from 599 informants, who jointly provided 1,405 reports of use from 148 plant taxa. The most cited species have been Tanacetum parthenium (L.) Sch.Bip. (9.04%), Olea europaea L. subsp. europaea var. europaea (6.26%), and Euphorbia lathyris L. (6.26%). At higher taxonomic levels, the botanical families with more ethnoveterinary applications were Asteraceae (24.48%), Euphorbiaceae (8.33%), and Oleaceae (7.12%). Among the total use reports, 95.02% refer to disorders of the gastrointestinal system, 4.34% to nutritional disorders, and 0.64% to metabolic disorders. Antidiarrheal (18.01%), digestive (16.51%), and laxative (15.80%) have been the most reported veterinary uses. The most used plant parts have been the aerial part (40.50%), the fruit or the infructescence (18.65%), and the flower or inflorescence (16.01%). The main preparation and administration forms reported were tisane (58.69%), followed by direct use (without any specific pharmaceutical form; 21.77%). The global corpus of ethnoveterinary knowledge for the gastrointestinal system disorders in the territory of study is diverse, with some species having a very high cultural value, as indicated by an informant consensus factor very close to 1. Some reported uses were also confirmed after consultation of encyclopedic pharmacological works, although few of these works are specifically devoted to veterinary uses. The results of this study are relevant to preserve the ethnoveterinary knowledge, but also represent an important contribution to be taken into account in research for future development of new plant-based drugs for animals.
Strengthening Capacity for Implementation Research Amid COVID-19 Pandemic: Learnings From the Global Alliance for Chronic Diseases Implementation Science School
Authors: Aziz Zahra , Haregu Tilahun , Kyobutungi Catherine , Yan Lijing , Irazola Vilma , Absetz Pilvikki , Bandurek Isobel , Roberts Morven , Vedanthan Rajesh , Folkes Sheree , Cao Yingting , Wen Yu , Aung Myo Nyein , Danhieux Katrien , Desloge Allissa , Oldenburg Brian
Published: August 2022

Objective: To describe the design, delivery and evaluation of the 3rd Global Alliance for Chronic Diseases (GACD) Implementation Science School (ISS), delivered virtually in 2020 for the first time.

Methods: Since 2014, GACD has supported the delivery of more than ten Implementation Science Workshops for more than 500 international participants. It has also been conducting an annual ISS since 2018. In this study, we described the design, delivery and evaluation of the third ISS.

Results: Forty-six participants from 23 countries in five WHO regions attended the program. The virtual delivery was well-received and found to be efficient in program delivery, networking and for providing collaborative opportunities for trainees from many different countries. The recently developed GACD Implementation Science e-Hub was found to be an instrumental platform to support the program by providing a stand-alone, comprehensive online learning space for knowledge and skill development in implementation research.

Conclusion: The delivery of the virtual GACD ISS proved to be feasible, acceptable and effective and offers greater scalability and sustainability as part of a future strategy for capacity strengthening in implementation research globally.
Evaluating Plant Disease Detection Mobile Applications: Quality and Limitations
Authors: Siddiqua Ayesha , Kabir Muhammad Ashad , Ferdous Tanzina , Ali Israt Bintea , Weston Leslie A.
Published: August 2022

In this technologically advanced era, with the proliferation of artificial intelligence, many mobile apps are available for plant disease detection, diagnosis, and treatment, each with a variety of features. These apps need to be categorized and reviewed following a proper framework that ensures their quality. This study aims to present an approach to evaluating plant disease detection mobile apps, which includes providing ratings of distinct features of the apps and insights into the exploitation of artificial intelligence used in plant disease detection. The applicability of these apps for pathogen or disease detection, identification, and treatment will be assessed along with significant insights garnered. For this purpose, plant disease detection apps were searched in three prominent app stores (the Google Play store, Apple App store, and Microsoft store) using a set of keywords. A total of 606 apps were found and from them, 17 relevant apps were identified based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. The selected apps were reviewed by three raters using our devised app rating scale. To validate the rater agreements on the ratings, inter-rater reliability is computed alongside their intra-rater reliability, ensuring their rating consistency. Also, the internal consistency of our rating scale was evaluated against all selected apps. User comments from the app stores are collected and analyzed to understand their expectations and views. Following the rating procedure, most apps earned acceptable ratings in software quality characteristics such as aesthetics, usability, and performance but gained poor ratings in AI-based advanced functionality, which is the key aspect of this study. However, most of the apps cannot be used as a complete solution to plant disease detection, diagnosis, and treatment. Only one app, Plantix–your crop doctor, could successfully identify plants from images, detect diseases, maintain a rich plant database, and suggest potential treatments for the disease presented. It also provides a community where plant lovers can communicate with each other to gain additional benefits. In general, all existing apps need to improve functionalities, user experience, and software quality. Therefore, a set of design considerations has been proposed for future app improvements.
Contributions of Body Segments to the Toe Velocity during Taekwondo Roundhouse Kick
Authors: Jung Taewoon , Park Hyoungjin
Published: August 2022

The roundhouse kick is the most commonly executed kick in Taekwondo competitions. Because it is the fastest kick among kicking techniques and can easily change its motion on the basis of the opponent’s motion, the roundhouse kick is suitable for scoring points. To explore the functional role of segmental movements during the roundhouse kick, this study aimed to investigate the effects of various footwork techniques on biomechanical contributions of body segments to toe velocity during roundhouse kicks. Ten elite Taekwondo athletes performed roundhouse kicks with different footwork positions. The contributions of body segments to the toe velocity were obtained through 3D motion analysis. Results were compared by repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA), and there were significant differences in the contributions of whole-body movement, trunk movement, trunk rotation, and toe velocity. It was concluded that in the minimum knee flexion (MKF) event, for all types of footwork, thigh rotation showed the most significant contribution (51–64.4%), followed by trunk rotation (16.7–29.9%) and whole-body movement (5.1–13.4%). However, in the impact event, the contribution of thigh rotation decreased, while the contribution of calf rotation increased significantly.
Dried and Powdered Leaves of Parsley as a Functional Additive to Wheat Bread
Authors: Dziki Dariusz , Hassoon Waleed H. , Biernacka Beata , Gawlik-Dziki Urszula
Published: August 2022

Parsley leaves (PL) are a rich source of many bioactive compounds and show many health-promoting properties. The aim of this study is to analyze the effect of the addition of PL to wheat flour on the physical, antioxidant, and sensory properties of wheat bread. Wheat flour was partially substituted with 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5% PL. Bread dough was prepared using the direct method. Bread loaves were cooled, and then their volume, texture, color, total phenolic content, and antioxidant activity were evaluated. In addition, a sensory evaluation of bread was performed. Incorporation of PL into wheat decreased the bread volume and increased the crumb moisture but had little influence on the crumb texture. The crumb of the enriched bread was darker and greener compared with the control sample. PL addition increased the redness of the crumb as well. The total color difference for the enriched bread ranged from 9.3 to 21.4. According to the sensory evaluation, the amount of wheat flour added to PL should not exceed 3%. Such a kind of bread showed about a twofold higher level of phenolic compounds and enhanced antioxidant activity compared with the control bread. This study showed that powdered PL can be a valuable nutritional supplement to wheat bread. Future research should focus on the possibilities of fortifying various types of food with this additive.
Optimization of Train Operation Planning with Full-Length and Short-Turn Routes of Virtual Coupling Trains
Authors: Zhou Xu , Lu Fang , Wang Liyu
Published: August 2022

Virtual coupling uses wireless communication instead of mechanical coupling to ensure that trains are easily reconnected or disconnected. This technology can shorten the interval time between trains, give full play to the carrying capacity of lines, and improve the service level of urban rail transit. This paper optimizes the train operation plan with full-length and short-turn routes of virtual coupling trains by establishing a two-level optimization model. The upper model is used to minimize passenger travel time and enterprise operation cost, and the lower model to optimize the equilibrium of train load rate on short-turn routes. Meanwhile, a method based on the genetic algorithm is designed to solve the model. A case study of the Metro Line M has been carried out. The results can verify the efficiency and feasibility of the proposed method. The full-length and short-turn routes of virtual coupling trains can effectively reduce passenger travel time, enterprise operating cost and the number of vehicles, and improve the average load factor of the trains. Finally, sensitivity analyses are performed using three parameters which include departure frequency of the full-length train and short-turn train, starting and terminal station of short-turn route, and number of marshalled vehicles of the full-length train and short-turn train.
Challenges of Hydrodynamic Cavitation of Organic Wastes
Authors: Szaja Aleksandra , Montusiewicz Agnieszka , Lebiocka Magdalena
Published: August 2022

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of hydrodynamic cavitation (HC) as a pre-treatment method for selected organic wastes. In these HC experiments, municipal wastewater (MW) and mature landfill leachate (MLL) as well as mixtures of lignocellulosic waste (LB) suspended in these waste streams were investigated. For all HC tests, the same operational parameters were assumed: an inlet pressure of 7 bar, and 30 recirculations through the cavitation zone. A steel orifice plate with a conical concentric hole of 3/10 mm was used as the HC inductor. In almost all the materials analysed, solubilisation and decomposition of complex organic matter were observed, which were confirmed by an improved biodegradability index (BI) and soluble chemical oxygen demand (SCOD) content in the cavitated mixtures. The exception was the series with sole MW; in this case, the BI was reduced. In turn, regarding the multicomponent mixtures, more beneficial results were found for LB and MW, which were confirmed by improved BI, alkalinity and SCOD content. The results obtained indicate that HC might be applied as a pre-treatment method for selected organic wastes for further biomethane production. However, a key factor in its successful application is the selection of suitable operational conditions chosen individually for each waste type.
Geochemical Characterization of Groundwater in the Confined and Unconfined Aquifers of the Northern Italy
Authors: Orecchia Cristina , Giambastiani Beatrice M. S. , Greggio Nicolas , Campo Bruno , Dinelli Enrico
Published: August 2022

Having an accurate and easily accessible geochemical database is crucial for a correct groundwater management. Here, for the first time in Italy, chemico-physical data of groundwater collected by different Environmental Protection Agencies during the 2018 were integrated into a single database to assess the geochemical status of a wide and complex aquifer system. Data were assembled, reformatted, corrected, homogenized, and then grouped according to the aquifer type (phreatic, semi-confined, and confined) and the sampling seasons. A total of 3671 validated samples were classified into hydrochemical facies; inorganic N compounds and trace elements were also evaluated. The water were classified mainly as Ca-HCO3 and Ca-Mg-HCO3 (90%); locally, Na-HCO3, Mg-HCO3, Ca-SO4, Na-Cl, and Ca-Cl types were detected. In the phreatic aquifers, NO3 contamination and high concentrations of Na+, K+, and NH4+ were found and linked to anthropogenic sources, such as agricultural and livestock activities. Along the Adriatic coast, Na-Cl water confirmed saltwater intrusion phenomena. Landward, evaporitic rocks dissolution, and the upconing of relict marine water explained high EC, Na+, K+, Cl−, and SO42− concentrations. The dissolution of Fe-Mn oxide-hydroxides coupled with organic carbon oxidation under reducing environment justified high NH4+, Fe, Mn, and As recorded in the semi-confined and confined aquifers.
Theoretical Exposure Dose Modeling and Phase Modulation to Pattern a VLS Plane Grating with Variable-Period Scanning Beam Interference Lithography
Authors: Song Ying , Zhang Ning , Liu Yujuan , Zhang Liu , Liu Zhaowu
Published: August 2022

Variable-period scanning beam interference lithography (VP-SBIL) can be used to fabricate varied-line-spacing (VLS) plane gratings. The exposure phase modulation method to pattern a VLS grating with a desired groove density must be carefully devised. In this paper, a mathematical model of the total exposure dose for VLS plane grating fabrication is established. With model-based numerical calculations, the phase modulation effects of the parameters, including the fringe locked phase, fringe density, and step size, are analyzed. The parameter combinations for the phase modulation are compared and chosen, and the optimal coordinate for phase compensation is selected. The calculation results show that the theoretical errors of the groove density coefficients can be controlled within 1e-8. The mathematical model can represent the deposited exposure dose for patterning VLS gratings during the lithography process, and the chosen parameters and proposed phase modulation method are appropriate for patterning VLS gratings with VP-SBIL.
Do Carbon-Plated Running Shoes with Different Characteristics Influence Physiological and Biomechanical Variables during a 10 km Treadmill Run?
Authors: Kiesewetter Pierre , Bräuer Sabrina , Haase Ralf , Nitzsche Nico , Mitschke Christian , Milani Thomas L.
Published: August 2022

Footwear properties can influence physiological and biomechanical variables, which may lead to positive changes in distance running performance. One innovative development in running shoe technology is adding carbon fiber plates to increase midsole bending stiffness. However, there are only a few studies investigating the influence of shoe conditions on both physiological and biomechanical variables, simultaneously, when running for longer than 5 min or for distances > 1 km. Hence, the purpose of the current study was to investigate the influence of different running shoe concepts with carbon fiber plates on physiological and biomechanical parameters during a 10 km treadmill run. Twenty-three athletes participated in the study, which comprised four measurement days for each subject. On the first day, subjects performed a treadmill exhaustion test to determine maximum oxygen uptake. On the second, third, and fourth days, each subject ran 10 km at 70% of their maximum oxygen uptake in one of three shoe models. Significant differences were found between the shoe conditions for the biomechanical parameters, but not for the physiological parameters. It seems that runners adjusted their running styles to the shoe conditions during the 10 km run to reduce the load on the lower extremities without compromising their endurance performance. These results may have practical implications for runners, coaches, and shoe manufacturers.
Enhanced Search-and-Rescue Optimization-Enabled Secure Route Planning Scheme for Internet of Drones Environment
Authors: S. Alrayes Fatma , Dhahbi Sami , S. Alzahrani Jaber , Mehanna Amal S. , Al Duhayyim Mesfer , Motwakel Abdelwahed , Yaseen Ishfaq , Atta Abdelmageed Amgad
Published: August 2022

The Internet of Drones (IoD) is greatly developed and promotes many civil applications. However, it can still be prone to several security problems which threaten public safety. The issue of security poses further problems upon linking the IoD to the Internet, as its data stream is exposed to attack. For secure communication between drones, an effective route planning scheme with a major intention of accomplishing security is needed. With this aim, this study develops an enhanced search-and-rescue optimization-enabled secure route planning (ESRO-SRP) scheme for the IoD environment. The presented ESRO-SRP technique mainly aims to derive a set of optimal routes to the destination. In addition, the ESRO-SRP algorithm is derived by the integration of the quasi-oppositional-based learning (QOBL) concept with the conventional SRO algorithm. Moreover, the presented ESRO-SRP technique derived a fitness function encompassing different input parameters such as residual energy, distance, and degree of trust. The experimental validation of the ESRO-SRP technique is carried out under several aspects, and the results demonstrated the enhancements of the ESRO-SRP model over recent approaches. The ESRO-SRP model has provided an increased packet delivery ratio (PDR) of 86%, whereas the BRUe-IoE, ORP-FANET, UAVe-WSN, and TR-UAV Swarm approaches have accomplished a minimal PDR of 79.60%, 73.60%, 67.60%, and 63.20%, respectively.