bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Innovative MPPT Method Based on the Estimated Model of the Photovoltaic Cell considering the Environmental Conditions
Authors: Karizaki Hamidreza Yavari , Ahmadi Kamarposhti Mehrdad , Sedighi Mohsen
Published: September 2023

In this paper, a novel adaptive photovoltaic maximum power point tracking (MPPT) circuit is proposed, called AT2MPPT. The AT2MPPT circuit is based on a type two fuzzy logic set and utilizes a detailed two-diode model of a solar cell, as well as an innovative hybrid algorithm for designing the MPPT circuit. The effects of environmental conditions such as azimuth, wind speed, wind direction, and irradiation, as well as the uncertainty of radiation intensity, are taken into account in the solar cell model. It is demonstrated that changes in environmental conditions can cause up to a 20% change in the PV parameters. To optimize the AT2MPPT parameters and fuzzy membership functions (MFs), a hybrid lightning search algorithm and whale optimization algorithm (hLSA-WOA) are proposed. The accuracy of the hLSA-WOA is evaluated by comparing its results with those of other optimization algorithms on 10 standard benchmarks. The simulation results indicate that the hLSA-WOA has high accuracy and is nontrapping in local optima. Finally, the proposed AT2MPPT circuit is used to track the MPPT of a PV array in partial shade, and its performance is compared with that of P&O and fuzzy MPPT circuits. The results confirm the superior performance of the AT2MPPT circuit, which produces 1.1% more power than the other two circuits. Additionally, the AT2MPPT circuit has lower power ripple and tracking time compared to perturb, observation, and fuzzy MPPT circuits.
Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of the Optimal Control Strategies for Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis Transmission in Ethiopia
Authors: Mengistu Ashenafi Kelemu , Witbooi Peter J.
Published: September 2023

Despite the recent progress of global control efforts, tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant public health threat worldwide, especially in developing countries, including Ethiopia. Furthermore, the emergence of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) has further complicated the situation. This study aims at identifying the most effective strategies for combating MDR-TB in Ethiopia. We first present a compartmental model of MDR-TB transmission dynamics in Ethiopia. The model is shown to have positive solutions, and the stability of the equilibrium points is analyzed. Then, we extend the model by incorporating time-dependent control variables. These control variables are vaccination, distancing, and treatment for DS-TB and MDR-TB. Finally, the optimality system is numerically simulated by considering different combinations of the strategies, and their cost effectiveness is analysed. Our finding shows that, among single control strategies, the successful treatment of drug-susceptible tuberculosis (DS-TB) is the most effective control factor for eliminating MDR-TB transmission in Ethiopia. Furthermore, within the six dual control strategies, the combination of distancing and successful treatment of DS-TB is less costly and more effective than other strategies. Finally, out of the triple control strategies, the combination of distancing, successful treatment for DS-TB, and treatment for MDR-TB is the most efficient strategy for curbing the MDR-TB disease in Ethiopia. Thus, to reduce MDR-TB efficiently, it is recommended that authorities focus on treating MDR-TB, effective treatment of DS-TB, and promoting social distancing through public health education and awareness programs.
Fuzzy Logic Control of an Automatic Changeover for the Management of a Grid-Connected Photovoltaic System
Authors: Dandoussou Abraham , Kenfack Pierre
Published: September 2023

The main objective is to design a smart switch controlled using fuzzy logic which is able to take decisions on different sources of energy in a very brief “switching time” to avoid load shedding. For that, a fuzzy controller is implemented by considering input signals from three power sources: photovoltaic array, batteries, and grid. The inputs are irradiance being the instantaneous measurement of solar energy, voltage range for the power grid, and state of charge for the battery to be able to know if the battery can supply or not. For these corresponding inputs, Takagi’s fuzzy inference system was applied, that permitted to have linear constants as outputs. as such as to be able to control the switch with respect to the source available at a particular period of the day, either day or night. Designing the fuzzy logic controller was able to take decisions with respect to the conditions. The load feeding signal behaviour has been obtained when either of the switches are open or closed over a period of 1000 s. In this system, the batteries charge is either done by the PV array or the power grid according to the established rules of the system.
Integration of Local Farmers' Knowledge for Sustainable Agriculture (Case Study of Horticultural Farmers in Waihatu Village)
Authors: Kakisina Leunard Onisivorus
Published: October 2023

This research aims to explore farmer knowledge and learning practices with a focus on the role of informal knowledge and learning in strengthening agricultural sustainability and resilience. This research was conducted from May-June 2023 in the village of Waihatu, Kairatu District, West Seram Regency, Maluku Province, which is a center for horticultural crop production. This research uses a qualitative research design using case studies and in-depth interviews, observation, and document research. The results showed that the diversity of knowledge sources and forms of learning used by farmers and the special role of local farmer knowledge. That the knowledge potential of farmers is not utilized optimally and there are several ways in which various types of knowledge can be integrated by individual farmers by synthesizing knowledge from various sources, through farmer networks, both facilitated by formal agriculture and knowledge institutions, through collaboration between farmers and researchers as knowledge generators, and through multi-actor knowledge networks that bring together various fields. That dynamic context, complexity and local specificity of today's challenges facing agriculture and the many roles it is asked to fulfill requires more inclusive, flexible modes of knowledge generation, integration and sharing. All stakeholders and all types of knowledge need to be brought together on the same basis in the innovation process. To this end, policy frameworks and initiatives that promote interactive multi-actor approaches to development agriculture, can play a sizeable role.
China’s 21st Century Maritime Strategy
Authors: Zhao Pieter W.G.
Published: September 2023

In less than three decades, the People’s Liberation Army Navy developed from a minor coastal-defence force into the largest naval force in the world. China’s rapid rise in seapower has gained significant attention from established naval circles, academia, and the public. In their efforts to explain this development, analysts have often referred to 19th-century naval history, seeking to connect China’s maritime developments to the ideas of influential naval strategists like Alfred Thayer Mahan and Julian Corbett. However, in doing so, these naval thinkers are often used to make a case about long-term developments or strategic implications regarding China’s alleged grand strategy. This paper seeks to turn this methodology around by solely focusing on the reflection of those naval theories—in their own right—against China’s maritime strategy. In doing so, it aims to historicise China’s 21st-century maritime strategy by testing to what extent it is reflected by the ideas of the navalists that are often presumed to influence Chinese strategic circles. It is argued that while on a grand-strategic level, Chinese strategic thinking seems to reflect the essence of Mahan’s seapower argument regarding its focus on the interconnectedness of maritime commerce and national power, a closer analysis reveals significant discrepancies in terms of both implementation and the broader strategic mindset regarding China’s geostrategic situation.
Leptochilus scandens (Polypodiaceae), a new microsoroid fern species from Guangdong, China
Authors: WEI HONG-JIN , HUANG YI , CHEN BIN
Published: October 2023

Leptochilus scandens, a new microsoroid fern species of Polypodiaceae from southwestern Guangdong, South China, is described and illustrated. The new species is similar to some taxa of the L. ellipticus complex in its frond shape and lobe size, but differs them by its climbing habit, monomorphic frond, fewer lobes, and precocious individuals sometimes with simple or 2- or 3-lobed fertile fronds.
Some superfluous names recently proposed involving the Sino-Himalayan Anemone rupestris (Ranunculaceae)
Authors: FEI WEN-QUN , YUAN QIONG , YANG QIN-ER
Published: October 2023

Based on literature survey, we demonstrate that the name Anemone rupestris Jacquemont ex Cambessedes in the Ranunculaceae has never been validly published and thus has no status in nomenclature. This name is not a later homonym of A. rupestris Wallich ex Hooker & Thomson, the correct name of a widely distributed Sino-Himalayan species. Anemone neorupestris and the four resultant names, A. neorupestris subsp. neorupestris, A. neorupestris subsp. neorupestris var. neorupestris, A. neorupestris subsp. neorupestris var. latifolia and A. neorupestris subsp. gelida, therefore, are all superfluous and illegitimate. In order to prevent their wide use and avoid nomenclatural confusion, we propose to synonymize all these names herein. Lectotypification is proposed for the name A. gelida.
Introducing Nigrograna italica sp. nov. (Nigrogranaceae) from Corylus avellana and Valsaria tectonae sp. nov. (Valsariaceae) from Tectona grandis
Authors: BUNDHUN DIGVIJAYINI , JAYAWARDENA RUVISHIKA S. , CAMPORESI ERIO
Published: October 2023

Two Dothideomycetes taxa collected from Italy and Thailand were investigated. The first collection, colonizing a dead branch of Corylus avellana in Italy, is identified as Nigrograna italica sp. nov. based on morphology, multi-locus phylogenetic analyses, as well as Genealogical Concordance Phylogenetic Species Recognition analysis (GCPSR). The new taxon, which forms a distinct basal lineage to Nigrograna obliqua, is principally characterised by immersed ascomata with an eccentric to centrally located ostiolar neck and brown hyphae near the ascomatal base and sides, which turn olivaceous or olivaceous brown in KOH. The pseudoparaphyses often branch in the middle or above the asci. The short-pedicellate asci comprise knob-like to furcate bases and a small ocular chamber, and the ascospores are 3-euseptate, smooth, and golden brown to chocolate brown which may become slightly darker in KOH. By utilizing the same methodology, the other new collection, isolated from Tectona grandis in Thailand, is identified as Valsaria tectonae sp. nov. This novel taxon mainly differs from its phylogenetically sister taxon, V. neotropica, in possessing a peridium with two regions, and smaller ascospores with tuberculate to tuberculate-reticulate surface. The work herein provides descriptions, illustrations and notes on these two new species that belong to two genera which accommodate taxa with similar morphology.
Clarifying the typification of the name Kalanchoe rhombopilosa (Crassulaceae subfam. Kalanchooideae)
Authors: SMITH GIDEON F.
Published: October 2023

N/A
A Kinematic Modeling Study of the Reorganization of Snowfall between Cloud-Top Generating Cells and Low-Level Snowbands in Midlatitude Winter Storms
Authors: Janiszeski Andrew , Rauber Robert M. , Jewett Brian F. , McFarquhar Greg M. , Zaremba Troy J. , Yorks John E.
Published: September 2023

This paper explores whether particles within uniformly spaced generating cells falling at terminal velocity within observed 2D wind fields and idealized deformation flow beneath cloud top can be reorganized consistent with the presence of single and multibanded structures present on WSR-88D radars. In the first experiment, two-dimensional wind fields, calculated along cross sections normal to the long axis of snowbands observed during three northeast U.S. winter storms, were taken from the initialization of the High-Resolution Rapid Refresh model. This experiment demonstrated that the greater the residence time of the particles in each of the three storms, the greater particle reorganization occurred. For experiments with longer residence times, increases in particle concentrations were nearly or directly collocated with reflectivity bands. For experiments with shorter residence times, particle reorganization still conformed to the band features but with less concentration enhancement. This experiment demonstrates that the combination of long particle residence time and net convergent cross-sectional flow through the cloud depth is sufficient to reorganize particles into locations consistent with precipitation bands. Increased concentrations of ice particles can then contribute, along with any dynamic forcing, to the low-level reflectivity bands seen on WSR-88D radars. In a second experiment, the impact of flow deformation on the reorganization of falling ice particles was investigated using an idealized kinematic model with stretching deformation flow of different depths and magnitudes. These experiments showed that deformation flow provides for little particle reorganization given typical deformation layer depths and magnitudes within the comma head of such storms.

Significance Statement

Past research with vertically pointing and scanning radars presents two different perspectives regarding snowfall organization in winter storms. Vertically pointing radars often observe cloud-top generating cells with precipitation fallstreaks descending into a broad stratiform echo at lower altitudes. In contrast, scanning radars often observe snowfall organized in quasi-linear bands. This work attempts to provide a connection between these two perspectives by examining how two-dimensional convergent and deformation flow occurring in winter storms can contribute to the reorganization of snowfall between cloud top and the ground.
Towards genetic improvement of social behaviours in livestock using large-scale sensor data: data simulation and genetic analysis
Authors: Wang Zhuoshi , Doekes Harmen , Bijma Piter
Published: September 2023

Background

Harmful social behaviours, such as injurious feather pecking in poultry and tail biting in swine, reduce animal welfare and production efficiency. While these behaviours are heritable, selective breeding is still limited due to a lack of individual phenotyping methods for large groups and proper genetic models. In the near future, large-scale longitudinal data on social behaviours will become available, e.g. through computer vision techniques, and appropriate genetic models will be needed to analyse such data. In this paper, we investigated prospects for genetic improvement of social traits recorded in large groups by (1) developing models to simulate and analyse large-scale longitudinal data on social behaviours, and (2) investigating required sample sizes to obtain reasonable accuracies of estimated genetic parameters and breeding values (EBV).

Results

Latent traits were defined as representing tendencies of individuals to be engaged in social interactions by distinguishing between performer and recipient effects. Animal movement was assumed random and without genetic variation, and performer and recipient interaction effects were assumed constant over time. Based on the literature, observed-scale heritabilities ($${h}_{o}^{2}$$

h

o

2

) of performer and recipient effects were both set to 0.05, 0.1, or 0.2, and the genetic correlation ($${r}_{A}$$

r
A

) between those effects was set to – 0.5, 0, or 0.5. Using agent-based modelling, we simulated ~ 200,000 interactions for 2000 animals (~ 1000 interactions per animal) with a half-sib family structure. Variance components and breeding values were estimated with a general linear mixed model. The estimated genetic parameters did not differ significantly from the true values. When all individuals and interactions were included in the analysis, the accuracy of EBV was 0.61, 0.70, and 0.76 for $${h}_{o}^{2}$$

h

o

2

= 0.05, 0.1, and 0.2, respectively (for $${r}_{A}$$

r
A

= 0). Including 2000 individuals each with only ~ 100 interactions, already yielded promising accuracies of 0.47, 0.60, and 0.71 for $${h}_{o}^{2}$$

h

o

2

= 0.05, 0.1, and 0.2, respectively (with $${r}_{A}$$

r
A

= 0). Similar results were found with $${r}_{A}$$

r
A

of – 0.5 or 0.5.

Conclusions

We developed models to simulate and genetically analyse social behaviours for animals that are kept in large groups, anticipating the availability of large-scale longitudinal data in the near future. We obtained promising accuracies of EBV with ~ 100 interactions per individual, which would correspond to a few weeks of recording. Therefore, we conclude that animal breeding can be a promising strategy to improve social behaviours in livestock.
Highly sensitive and rapid determination of Mycobacterium leprae based on real-time multiple cross displacement amplification
Authors: Huang Junfei , Tong Yi , Chen Yijiang , Yang Xinggui , Wei Xiaoyu , Chen Xu , Li Jinlan , Li Shijun
Published: September 2023

Background

Mycobacterium leprae (ML) is the pathogen that causes leprosy, which has a long history and still exists today. ML is an intracellular mycobacterium that dominantly induces leprosy by causing permanent damage to the skin, nerves, limbs and eyes as well as deformities and disabilities. Moreover, ML grows slowly and is nonculturable in vitro. Given the prevalence of leprosy, a highly sensitive and rapid method for the early diagnosis of leprosy is urgently needed.

Results

In this study, we devised a novel tool for the diagnosis of leprosy by combining restriction endonuclease, real-time fluorescence analysis and multiple cross displacement amplification (E-RT-MCDA). To establish the system, primers for the target gene RLEP were designed, and the optimal conditions for E-RT-MCDA at 67 °C for 36 min were determined. Genomic DNA from ML, various pathogens and clinical samples was used to evaluate and optimize the E-RT-MCDA assay. The limit of detection (LoD) was 48.6 fg per vessel for pure ML genomic DNA, and the specificity of detection was as high as 100%. In addition, the detection process could be completed in 36 min by using a real-time monitor.

Conclusion

The E-RT-MCDA method devised in the current study is a reliable, sensitive and rapid technique for leprosy diagnosis and could be used as a potential tool in clinical settings.
Accessory hepatic vein recanalization for Budd-Chiari syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Lv Lu-Lu , Xu Han-Bo , Li Sheng-Li , Xu Peng
Published: October 2023

Background

Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) results when the outflow of the hepatic vein (HV) is obstructed. BCS patients exhibiting an accessory HV (AHV) that is dilated but obstructed can achieve significant alleviation of liver congestion after undergoing AHV recanalization. This meta-analysis was developed to explore the clinical efficacy of AHV recanalization in patients with BCS.

Materials and methods

PubMed, Embase, and Wanfang databases were searched for relevant studies published as of November 2022, and RevMan 5.3 and Stata 12.0 were used for pooled endpoint analyses.

Results

Twelve total studies were identified for analysis. Pooled primary clinical success, re-stenosis, 1- and 5-year primary patency, 1- and 5-year secondary patency, 1-year overall survival (OS), and 5-year OS rates of patients in these studies following AHV recanalization were 96%, 17%, 91%, 75%, 98%, 91%, 97%, and 96%, respectively. Patients also exhibited a significant reduction in AHV pressure after recanalization relative to preoperative levels (P < 0.00001). Endpoints exhibiting significant heterogeneity among these studies included, AHV pressure (I2 = 95%), 1-year primary patency (I2 = 51.2%), and 5-year primary patency (I2 = 62.4%). Relative to HV recanalization, AHV recanalization was related to a lower rate of re-stenosis (P = 0.002) and longer primary patency (P < 0.00001), but was not associated with any improvements in clinical success (P = 0.88) or OS (P = 0.29) relative to HV recanalization.

Conclusions

The present meta-analysis highlights AHV recanalization as an effective means of achieving positive long-term outcomes in patients affected by BCS, potentially achieving better long-term results than those associated with HV recanalization.
PTEN-induced kinase 1 gene single-nucleotide variants as biomarkers in adjuvant chemotherapy for colorectal cancer: a retrospective study
Authors: Mihara Yoshiaki , Hirasaki Masataka , Horita Yosuke , Fujino Takashi , Fukushima Hisayo , Kamakura Yasuo , Uranishi Kousuke , Hirano Yasumitsu , Ryozawa Shomei , Yasuda Masanori , Makino Yoshinori , Shibazaki Satomi , Hamaguchi Tetsuya
Published: October 2023

Background

Fluoropyrimidine-based postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy is globally recommended for high-risk stage II and stage III colon cancer. However, adjuvant chemotherapy is often associated with severe adverse events and is not highly effective in preventing recurrence. Therefore, discovery of novel molecular biomarkers of postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy to identify patients at increased risk of recurrent colorectal cancer is warranted. Autophagy (including mitophagy) is activated under chemotherapy-induced stress and contributes to chemotherapy resistance. Expression of autophagy-related genes and their single-nucleotide polymorphisms are reported to be effective predictors of chemotherapy response in some cancers. Our goal was to evaluate the relationship between single-nucleotide variants of autophagy-related genes and recurrence rates in order to identify novel biomarkers that predict the effect of adjuvant chemotherapy in colorectal cancer.

Methods

We analyzed surgical or biopsy specimens from 84 patients who underwent radical surgery followed by fluoropyrimidine-based adjuvant chemotherapy at Saitama Medical University International Medical Center between January and December 2016. Using targeted enrichment sequencing, we identified single-nucleotide variants and insertions/deletions in 50 genes, including autophagy-related genes, and examined their association with colorectal cancer recurrence rates.

Results

We detected 560 single-nucleotide variants and insertions/deletions in the target region. The results of Fisher’s exact test indicated that the recurrence rate of colorectal cancer after adjuvant chemotherapy was significantly lower in patients with the single-nucleotide variants (c.1018G > A [p < 0.005] or c.1562A > C [p < 0.01]) of the mitophagy-related gene PTEN-induced kinase 1.

Conclusions

The two single-nucleotide variants of PINK1 gene may be biomarkers of non-recurrence in colorectal cancer patients who received postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy.
Giant muscle hydatid in lower extremity: a rare case with neurological symptoms as the first manifestation
Authors: Jia Qiyu , Wu Shuo , Guo Jian , Alimujiang Abudusalamu , Zheng Hao , Zhang Jun , Wang Yingbo , Xie Zengru , Ma Chuang
Published: October 2023

Background

Human hydatid disease typically occurs in organs such as the liver and kidney. Primary solitary intramuscular hydatid disease, however, is rare.

Case Presentation

We report a case of a giant muscle hydatid in the lower extremity, with neurological symptoms as the first manifestation. The symptoms specifically manifested as intermittent pain in the right lower extremity and numbness in the sole of the right foot. However, there were no obvious abnormalities detected in electromyography and lumbar MRI. Subsequent ultrasonography and calf MRI showed that the patient had cystic lesions in the calf. The patient was initially diagnosed with a muscle hydatid cyst. Treatment involved complete surgical excision of the lesion, and the diagnosis of a hydatid cyst was confirmed through macroscopic and microscopic histopathological examination after the mass was excised. The patient was given oral albendazole, and no recurrence was observed during the 12 months of follow-up.

Conclusions

This case underscores the need to consider hydatid disease when diagnosing soft tissue masses in muscles, particularly in endemic areas. Patients may initially present with atypical symptoms like peripheral nerve issues.
Improving MR image quality with a multi-task model, using convolutional losses
Authors: Simkó Attila , Ruiter Simone , Löfstedt Tommy , Garpebring Anders , Nyholm Tufve , Bylund Mikael , Jonsson Joakim
Published: October 2023

Purpose

During the acquisition of MRI data, patient-, sequence-, or hardware-related factors can introduce artefacts that degrade image quality. Four of the most significant tasks for improving MRI image quality have been bias field correction, super-resolution, motion-, and noise correction. Machine learning has achieved outstanding results in improving MR image quality for these tasks individually, yet multi-task methods are rarely explored.

Methods

In this study, we developed a model to simultaneously correct for all four aforementioned artefacts using multi-task learning. Two different datasets were collected, one consisting of brain scans while the other pelvic scans, which were used to train separate models, implementing their corresponding artefact augmentations. Additionally, we explored a novel loss function that does not only aim to reconstruct the individual pixel values, but also the image gradients, to produce sharper, more realistic results. The difference between the evaluated methods was tested for significance using a Friedman test of equivalence followed by a Nemenyi post-hoc test.

Results

Our proposed model generally outperformed other commonly-used correction methods for individual artefacts, consistently achieving equal or superior results in at least one of the evaluation metrics. For images with multiple simultaneous artefacts, we show that the performance of using a combination of models, trained to correct individual artefacts depends heavily on the order that they were applied. This is not an issue for our proposed multi-task model. The model trained using our novel convolutional loss function always outperformed the model trained with a mean squared error loss, when evaluated using Visual Information Fidelity, a quality metric connected to perceptual quality.

Conclusion

We trained two models for multi-task MRI artefact correction of brain, and pelvic scans. We used a novel loss function that significantly improves the image quality of the outputs over using mean squared error. The approach performs well on real world data, and it provides insight into which artefacts it detects and corrects for. Our proposed model and source code were made publicly available.
Factors affecting the benefit of glasses alone in treating childhood amblyopia: an analysis of PEDIG data
Authors: Hernández-Andrés Rosa , Luque María Josefa , Serrano Miguel-Ángel , Scally Andrew , Barrett Brendan T
Published: September 2023

Background

To evaluate factors associated with better outcomes from optical treatment alone in amblyopic children from 3 up to 7 years.

Methods

Data extracted from two studies with similar protocols, Amblyopic Treatment Studies 5 (n = 152) and 13 (n = 128) from the Pediatric Eye Disease Investigator Group database, were used to determine by regression analysis the factors associated with improvements in visual acuity in the amblyopic eye, inter-ocular visual acuity difference and stereoacuity. Input variables were aetiology of amblyopia (anisometropic, strabismic and combined-mechanism amblyopia), treatment compliance, visual acuity, interocular visual acuity difference, stereoacuity, tropia size at distance and near, age and refractive error at baseline.

Results

Despite the range of clinical factors considered, our models explain only a modest proportion of the variance in optical treatment outcomes. The better predictors of the degree of optical treatment success in amblyopic children are visual acuity of the amblyopic eye, interocular visual acuity difference, stereoacuity, treatment compliance and the amblyopic eye spherical-equivalent refractive error. While the aetiology of the amblyopia does not exert a major influence upon treatment outcome, combined-mechanism amblyopes experience the smallest improvement in visual acuity, tropia and stereoacuity and may need longer optical treatment periods.

Conclusions

While results identify the factors influencing optical treatment outcome in amblyopic children, clinicians will be unable to predict accurately the benefits of optical treatment in individual patients. Whether this is because relevant clinical or non-clinical factors (e.g. nature and volume of daily activities undertaken) influences the outcomes from optical treatment has not yet been identified and remains to be discovered.
How do teenagers sleep? Analysis of factors related to sleep disorders in a group of Polish high school students
Authors: Tatar Dominika , Dębski Paweł , Bocian Bogusława , Bąkowska Małgorzata , Będkowska Joanna , Tropiejko Magda , Główczyński Patryk , Badura-Brzoza Karina
Published: October 2023

Insomnia is the most common sleep disorder in the adolescent population. Resulting from a complex interplay of genetic, biological, social, and environmental factors, it affects disturbances in everyday functioning in many aspects of life. The aim of the study was to analyze the factors related to the occurrence of insomnia among high school students.

Material

The study was conducted among 2364 high school students aged between 14 and 19 years old (the average age 17.92 ± 1.10), of which there were 2068 girls and 295 boys.

Method

Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS) and authorial demographic data questionnaire involved questions about physical activity during the day, smoking, frequency of upper respiratory tract infections, problems with concentration and memory, school achievements, and the use of mobile devices at bedtime were used to assess examined parameters. The scale and questionnaires were shared on-line via social media.

Results

Analyzing the results obtained in the study group, the average score of 8.42 ± 4.16 was obtained in the AIS, which allows the assessment of sleep disorders bordering on normal. After division into groups of girls and boys, 8.38 ± 4.56 points were obtained, respectively for girls and 8.43 ± 4.27pts. for boys - the difference was not statistically significant. Similarly, statistically significant differences were not found when dividing the groups into the one in which adolescents used the phone just before bedtime and the one that did not use it. The act of sleeping alone or with another person in the room also did not differentiate the groups statistically, as well as the place of residence. Statistically significant worse results in the AIS scale were obtained by people who declared worse physical activity during the day and smoking cigarettes, as well as those who reported more frequent problems with concentration and memory, had worse school performance and suffered from upper respiratory infections more often.

Conclusions

1). Sleep disorders may be related to factors such as smoking cigarettes or lack of physical activity, as well as difficulties in concentrating attention, memory disorders or worse academic performance and a tendency to contract upper respiratory tract infections. 2). Elimination of factors that may adversely affect the quality of sleep is particularly important in the group of adolescents, in whom the developing structures of the central nervous system may be particularly sensitive to deficiencies in this area. 3). Exploration of the interplay of study duration, screen time, and semester-specific stressors on sleep quality could yield further insights.
Depression and associated factors among Brazilian adults: the 2019 national healthcare population-based study
Authors: Hintz Alexandre Marcelo , Gomes-Filho Isaac Suzart , Loomer Peter Michael , de Sousa Pinho Paloma , de Santana Passos-Soares Johelle , Trindade Soraya Castro , Cerqueira Eneida de Moraes Marcílio , Alves Claudia Maria Coêlho , Rios Yasmine Silva Santos , Batista Josicélia Estrela Tuy , Figueiredo Ana Claudia Morais Godoy , Cruz Simone Seixas da
Published: September 2023

Background

Mental disorders represent a major public health challenge worldwide, affecting 80% of people living in low- and middle-income countries. Depression, a mental disorder, is a chronic disease of long duration that causes changes in the brain, resulting from a combination of genetic, physiologic, environmental, and behavioral factors. The aim of this study was to investigate possible factors associated with depression in Brazilian adults.

Methods

A population-based, cross-sectional study was carried out using the public domain database of the 2019 National Health Survey, conducted in Brazil. Depression was considered the dependent variable, and through hierarchical analysis, predictor variables were investigated such as, at the distal level—socioeconomic variables, at the intermediate level—variables related to lifestyle behavior, health condition, and history, and at the proximal level—demographic variables. Logistic regression analysis was used to obtain the adjusted Odds Ratio and the respective 95% confidence interval to identify possible factors associated with depression.

Results

The study included 88,531 participant records with 10.27% diagnosed with depression. The adjusted association measurements, after selecting the independent variables in the hierarchical analysis, showed the following factors associated with depression with differing magnitudes: age, brown and white race/skin color, female sex, poor, very poor, or regular self-reported health condition, diagnosis of cardiovascular disease, work-related musculoskeletal disorder, history of smoking habit, and macroeconomic region.

Conclusions

An effective strategy for preventing and managing depression in Brazilian adults must include the control of health status and lifestyle behavior factors, with actions and programs to reduce people's exposure to these factors, understanding that socioeconomic-demographic differences of each population can potentially reduce the disease burden.
Japanese public health nurses classified based on empathy and secondary traumatic stress: variable-centered and person-centered approaches
Authors: Kitano Masato , Shoji Kotaro , Nakaita Ikumi , Sano Shinya , Tachibana Shoichi , Shigemura Jun , Tachimori Hisateru , Noguchi Norihito , Waki Fumiko , Edo Naoki , Koga Minori , Toda Hiroyuki , Yoshino Aihide , Nagamine Masanori
Published: October 2023

Background

Healthcare providers frequently help traumatized people and are regularly exposed to indirect trauma from their work, resulting in negative psychological responses, such as secondary traumatic stress. Empathy has been associated with patient’s quality of care and secondary traumatic stress among healthcare providers. However, the relationship between dispositional empathy and secondary traumatic stress has not been fully elucidated. This study used person- and variable-centered approaches to explore the nature of this relationship.

Methods

A total of 1,006 Japanese public health nurses working in the Tohoku region and Saitama prefecture completed questionnaires that included scales assessing dispositional empathy, secondary traumatic stress, and burnout. First, we examined predictors of secondary traumatic stress using multiple linear regression analysis. Then, we conducted a latent profile analysis to classify participants into unique groups based on four subscales of dispositional empathy (i.e., empathic concern, perspective taking, personal distress, fantasy) and secondary traumatic stress. Finally, we compared the mean values of the study variables across these groups.

Results

The multiple regression indicated that in those working in Saitama prefecture, lifetime traumatic experiences, work-related distress, and personal distress were positively related to secondary traumatic stress, but perceived support was negatively related to secondary traumatic stress. Latent profile analysis extracted four unique subgroups. Group 1 displayed the highest secondary traumatic stress levels. Group 2 was characterized by the highest level of empathic concern, personal distress, and fantasy and the lowest perspective taking. Group 3 had a moderate secondary traumatic stress level. Group 4 had the lowest secondary traumatic stress and personal distress scores. In these four groups, the burnout scale (exhaustion, cynicism, and professional efficacy) showed a pattern similar to the secondary traumatic stress scale.

Conclusions

Our person-centered approach showed that this sample of public health nurses could be classified into four unique groups based on their empathy and secondary traumatic stress scores. Although this group of public health nurses was not large, one group displayed high personal distress levels and high secondary traumatic stress levels. Further research is needed to determine effective interventions for this group.
The epidemiology of varicella and effectiveness of varicella vaccine in Ganyu, China: a long-term community surveillance study
Authors: Qiu Lingxian , Liu Sheng , Zhang Minglei , Zhong Guohua , Peng Siying , Quan Jiali , Lin Hongyan , Hu Xiaowen , Zhu Kongxin , Huang Xingcheng , Peng Junchao , Huang Yue , Huang Shoujie , Wu Ting , Xu Jinbo , Dong Zifang , Liang Qi , Wang Wei , Su Yingying , Zhang Jun , Xia Ningshao
Published: September 2023

Background

The real-world data of long-term protection under moderate vaccination coverage is limited. This study aimed to evaluate varicella epidemiology and the long-term effectiveness under moderate coverage levels in Ganyu District, Lianyungang City, Jiangsu Province.

Methods

This was a population-based, retrospective birth cohort study based on the immunization information system (IIS) and the National Notifiable Disease Surveillance System (NNDSS) in Ganyu District. Varicella cases reported from 2009 to 2020 were included to describe the epidemiology of varicella, and eleven-year consecutive birth cohorts (2008–2018) were included to estimate the vaccine effectiveness (VE) of varicella by Cox regression analysis.

Results

A total of 155,232 native children and 3,251 varicella cases were included. The vaccination coverage was moderate with 37.1%, correspondingly, the annual incidence of varicella infection increased 4.4-fold from 2009 to 2020. A shift of the varicella cases to older age groups was observed, with the peak proportion of cases shifting from 5–6 year-old to 7–8 year-old. The adjusted effectiveness of one dose of vaccine waned over time, and the adjusted VE decreased from 72.9% to 41.8% in the one-dose group.

Conclusions

The insufficient vaccination coverage (37.1%) may have contributed in part to the rising annual incidence of varicella infection, and a shift of varicella cases to older age groups occurred. The effectiveness of one dose of varicella vaccine was moderate and waned over time. It is urgent to increase varicella vaccine coverage to 80% to reduce the incidence of varicella and prevent any potential shift in the age at infection in China.
Alcohol policy framing in South Africa during the early stages of COVID-19: using extraordinary times to make an argument for a new normal
Authors: Bartlett Andrew , Lesch Matthew , Golder Su , McCambridge Jim
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Public health and alcohol industry actors compete to frame alcohol policy problems and solutions. Little is known about how sudden shifts in the political context provide moments for policy actors to re-frame alcohol-related issues. South Africa’s temporary bans on alcohol sales during the COVID-19 pandemic offered an opportunity to study this phenomenon.

Methods

We identified Professor Charles Parry from the South African Medical Research Council as a key policy actor. Parry uses a Twitter account primarily to comment on alcohol-related issues in South Africa. We harvested his tweets posted from March 18 to August 31, 2020, coinciding with the first two alcohol sales bans. We conducted a thematic analysis of the tweets to understand how Parry framed alcohol policy evidence and issues during these ‘extraordinary times.’

Results

Parry underlined the extent of alcohol-related harm during ‘normal times’ with scientific evidence and contested industry actors’ efforts to re-frame relevant evidence in a coherent and well-constructed argument. Parry used the temporary sales restrictions to highlight the magnitude of the health and social harms resulting from alcohol consumption, particularly trauma, rather than the COVID-19 transmission risks. Parry portrayed the sales ban as a policy learning opportunity (or ‘experiment’) for South Africa and beyond.

Conclusions

Crisis conditions can provide new openings for public health (and industry) actors to make salient particular features of alcohol and alcohol policy evidence.
Integration measurement and its applications in low- and middle-income country health systems: a scoping review
Authors: Neill Rachel , Zia Nukhba , Ashraf Lamisa , Khan Zainab , Pryor Wesley , Bachani Abdulgafoor M.
Published: September 2023

Background

Despite growing interest in and commitment to integration, or integrated care, the concept is ill-defined and the resulting evidence base fragmented, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Underlying this challenge is a lack of coherent approaches to measure the extent of integration and how this influences desired outcomes. The aim of this scoping review is to identify measurement approaches for integration in LMICs and map them for future use.

Methods

Arksey and O’Malley’s framework for scoping reviews was followed. We conducted a systematic search of peer-reviewed literature measuring integration in LMICs across three databases and screened identified papers by predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. A modified version of the Rainbow Model for Integrated Care guided charting and analysis of the data.

Results

We included 99 studies. Studies were concentrated in the Africa region and most frequently focused on the integration of HIV care with other services. A range of definitions and methods were identified, with no single approach for the measurement of integration dominating the literature. Measurement of clinical integration was the most common, with indicators focused on measuring receipt of two or more services provided at a single point of time. Organizational and professional integration indicators were focused on inter- and intra-organizational communication, collaboration, coordination, and continuity of care, while functional integration measured common information systems or patient records. Gaps were identified in measuring systems and normative integration. Few tools were validated or publicly available for future use.

Conclusion

We identified a wide range of recent approaches used to measure integration in LMICs. Our findings underscore continued challenges with lack of conceptual cohesion and fragmentation which limits how integration is understood in practice.
Supportive couple relationships buffer against the harms of HIV stigma on HIV treatment adherence
Authors: Gutin Sarah A. , Ruark Allison , Darbes Lynae A. , Neilands Torsten B. , Mkandawire James , Conroy Amy A.
Published: September 2023

Introduction

HIV stigma can impact couple relationships through stress or bring partners closer through shared experiences. Conversely, couple relationships may protect against the harms of stigma, including anticipated stigma on negative health outcomes. Yet few studies have assessed the potential link between HIV stigma, relationship dynamics, and antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence. Using dyadic data from a cross-sectional study of Malawian couples living with HIV, we tested associations between anticipated stigma and: 1) relationship dynamics (e.g., trust, sexual satisfaction, communication) and partner support; and 2) self-reported ART adherence.

Methods

Heterosexual couples (211 couples, 422 individuals) with at least one partner on ART were recruited from clinics in Zomba, Malawi. Partners completed separate surveys on anticipated stigma, relationship dynamics, and ART adherence. Linear mixed models evaluated associations between anticipated stigma and relationship dynamics, and whether associations varied by gender. Generalized estimating equation models tested for associations between anticipated stigma and high ART adherence (90–100% vs. < 90%) at the individual level, and whether they were moderated by relationship dynamics at the couple level.

Results

Couples' relationship length averaged 12.5 years, 66.8% were HIV sero-concordant, and 95.6% reported high ART adherence. In multivariable models, sexual satisfaction (β = -0.22, 95%CI = -0.41;-0.03, p = 0.020) and partner social support (β = -0.02, 95%CI = -0.04;-0.01, p < 0.01) were negatively associated with anticipated stigma. Significant interaction effects showed that adherence is moderated in couples with higher partner support and sexual satisfaction such that adherence is lowest when anticipated stigma is high and social support is low, and that adherence is lowest when anticipated stigma is high and sexual satisfaction is low.

Conclusions

Increased anticipated stigma is most associated with lower ART non-adherence at lower levels of social support and sexual satisfaction. Conversely, supportive and fulfilling relationships may buffer the negative association between stigma and ART adherence. Couples’ interventions that focus on improving communication and support systems within couples could reduce the negative impacts of anticipated stigma on couples living with HIV.
Individual-, social- and policy- factors associated with smoking cessation among adult male cigarette smokers in Hanoi, Vietnam: a longitudinal study
Authors: Nguyen Thi Ngoc Phuong , Love Jesper , Hunsberger Monica , Tran Thi Phuong Thao , Nguyen Thuy Linh , Phan Thi Hai , Luong Ngoc Khue , Hoang Van Minh , Ng Nawi
Published: September 2023

Background

Nearly one-in-two Vietnamese men smoke cigarettes placing them among the highest tobacco consumers in the world. Despite the need for smoking cessation to curb the burden of tobacco-related diseases in Vietnam, this rate remains at less than 30%. Therefore, this study examines individual-, social- and policy factors associated with smoking cessation among adult male smokers in Vietnam.

Methods

We established a longitudinal International Tobacco Control study of male smokers in Hanoi, Vietnam, in September 2018. This paper analyses 1525 men who participated in baseline and one-year follow-up. We applied a weighted multivariable logistic regression to examine the association between smoking cessation and individual-, social- and policy predictors.

Results

At follow-up, 14.8% of participants had quit smoking for at least 30 consecutive days during the last year. Among the persistent smokers, 56.6% expressed intention to quit smoking. Factors associated with smoking cessation included a lower number of cigarettes smoked per day (aOR = 0.96, 95% CI: 0.94, 0.99) and having several attempts to quit smoking (aOR = 2.16, 95% CI 1.13, 4.12). Intention to quit smoking was associated with multiple quit attempts, a chronic condition diagnosis, more tobacco-related knowledge, greater self-efficacy, and more worries about their future health. The perceived impact of smoke-free policy and health warning labels were positively associated with intention to quit at any stage.

Conclusions

Interventions aimed at increasing smoking cessation should focus on all aspects of individual, social, and policy factors. Persistent smokers are more motivated to quit if they have made multiple quit attempts, more self-efficacy of quitting and worried about their future health, indicating that increasing smokers’ beliefs and knowledge may be important for behavioural change. Health warning labels and tobacco taxation policies should be maintained and promoted as they are perceived to be particularly useful for persistent smokers’ intention to quit.