bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TEE-Guided Cardiac Surgery in a Child with Mitral Valve Prolapse, Hyperthyroidism and Myasthenia Gravis: A Case Report
Authors: Wu Guowei , Xu Hongwei
Published: April 2024

Intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography is used to more accurately assess a patient's cardiac condition and is important for the guidance of cardiac surgery. This case reports a pediatric cardiac surgery performed under TEE guidance in a patient with multiple complications. A 5-year-old child presented with diarrhea as the first symptom. At the age of 2 years, she was admitted to the hospital with ptosis of the right upper eyelid, morning lightness and evening heaviness, hand tremor, and the presence of a murmur in the mid to late stages of cardiac systole on auscultation. She was diagnosed with mitral valve prolapse and myasthenia gravis, which resolved with treatment. Subsequently, she was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism due to obvious protrusion of the eyeballs, and was admitted to the hospital for heart valve surgery after her thyroid function was controlled. Intraoperative TEE suggested mitral valve prolapse combined with embolization of the P2 region. In the complex case of this child, the suture points during mitral valvuloplasty and the scar tissue caused by the mitral valvuloplasty annulus may limit the growth of the annulus as well as the leaflet motion. Therefore, it was recommended that the surgeon perform mitral valve extension to maximize the prognosis. TEE herein guided the cardiac surgical decision making to maximize the prognosis of the child.
On the Motion Past a Slip-Stick Sphere and a Shear Free Sphere in a Viscous Fluid
Authors: Chowdhury Md , Sen Sujit , Chowdhury Anjan , Ahammad Mohammad
Published: April 2024

The theoretical development of the complex fluid flows such as more than one obstacle with different shapes have great interest for scientists to understand flow phenomena and verify the model or approximate solution. The complex physical properties due to a uniform streaming motion past two fixed spheres is investigated having one with shear stress and another being shear stress-free. This study concerns analytical technique of a steady incompressible viscous fluid past to two fixed spheres. The Gegenbaur function and associated Legendre polynomials is used to derive the solution that simplify the process of the theoretical calculations. The mathematical expression for the flow fields are obtained in terms of stream functions by Gegenbaur function and associated Legendre polynomials. The physical properties of interest such as the Stokes stream function, the stress and its drag are calculated. It is understandable that for the uniform streaming motion around a sphere with the stress and its drag are affected owing to the presence of another stress-free are analyzed. The present result can be considered as a generalized by making other established results as a corollary of this solution. This theoretical study helps to the numerical or computational work for the verification of their approximated results of interest.
Between Parametricism and Pragmatism Concept Design Problematics in Zaha Hadid Architects’ Digital Projects
Authors: Coskun Hülya
Published: April 2024

This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the challenges in Zaha Hadid Architects' parametrical projects, focusing on recent digital technologies in the realms of "Architecture" and "Urban planning." Recently, Zaha Hadid Architects “urban-scale" project has awarded the title of "Parametric-urbanism" introduced a new urban design term to the world. This research delves into the design and implementation issues encountered in the Istanbul Kartal-Pendik Master Plan, parametric design which planned non-realistic, and fluiding plots and parcels not dependent on the city maps. 20th century early urban planning doctrines of C. Sitte and some French urbanists known as pragmatists, and realistic. The study expected to contribute design discourse with new approach parametric projects via French pragmatists problem solving methods. A comparative method is used to analyze the late 20th century parametric theories, and urbanism ideologies of 20th century; CIAM, Le Corbusier and French urbanists’ “realistic” and “problem-solving” methods. Zaha Hadid Architects’ “urban-scale” projects created via abstractions of parametric repetitive forms considered problematic. Some inconsistencies are observed in design and implementation process secondary parametric urban elements; road, axis, plot, parcel, block design and dimensions. Also, the urban scale parametric projects can be problematic in complicated, old, historical cities like Rome, Paris, Istanbul.
Research Progress on Fluoride Solution Promoting the Survival of Replanted Teeth
Authors: Yang Hui-Qin , Lin Wan-Yun , Guo Jun-Ling , Luo Ying-Yu , Hu Hui-Juan , Ahmad Minhaj , Guo Zhu-Ling
Published: April 2024

Tooth replantation is an operation in which the lost teeth due to various reasons are treated and replanted in the alveolar socket. The key lies in the regeneration of the alveolar blood vessels and the regeneration of the alveolar bone. Fluoride has been proved to be a substance that promotes the growth of bone cells and has been widely used worldwide. Fluorine is a rare element that mixes with bone minerals during the osteogenic phase. It is a known non hormonal factor that can affect bone formation and has a bidirectional regulatory effect on bone formation. Long term low doses can promote bone formation, while high doses can cause osteoporosis or osteosclerosis. Osteocalcin can regulate bone metabolism, maintain normal bone calcification, inhibit cartilage calcification and irregular crystal precipitation. The mechanism of action of fluoride is that fluoride can stimulate osteoblasts to secrete osteocalcin, allowing more hydroxyapatite crystals to combine with it and precipitate in the bone matrix. Therefore, an appropriate concentration of fluoride solution can promote bone remodeling of alveolar bone and dentin. Through the effect of fluorine on bone cells, fluoride can be applied to tooth replantation surgery in order to improve the success rate of surgery. It was found that fluoride can regulate bone formation by stimulating the proliferation and differentiation of immature osteoblasts, ultimately affecting tooth replantation.
Linking and Delinking Aspects of Economic Growth and Employment in the Indian Economy: Granger Causality Approach
Authors: Padder Altaf
Published: April 2024

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of various economic growth and employment approaches that have been popular throughout economic history, with a focus on linking and delinking aspects of GDP and employment in the Indian economy. The semi-log quadratic model was used for the trends of GDP and employment across the selected countries. For the determination of the linkages between the variables, the Granger causality test promulgated by Engel and Granger (1987), and the maximum likelihood-based technique of Johansen and Julius (1990) and Johansen (1992) were used in the study. The results found that employment and GDP are two different aspects of an economy not only in the Indian economy but across the majority of the world economies. The results of model specification proved the presence of both long-run and short-run relationships between GDP and employment by the Johansen co-integration test in the Indian economy over the period. It has been found that the increase in GDP is negatively influencing the employment level by the VECM model as a 1 per cent increase in GDP results in 0.28 per cent of job losses in the Indian economy. This study aims to provide an overview of several approaches to economic growth and employment that have been popular throughout economic history up to the present, with an emphasis on linking and delinking aspects of economic growth and employment. In the context of an economy, economic growth and employment are two distinct aspects that should be tackled with separate economic strategies.
Homeopathic Medicinal Products and Importance in Diabetes
Authors: Dubey Anubhav , Kumari Mamta , Pandey Mayankesh
Published: April 2024

Background: Diabetes is a condition that happens when your blood sugar (glucose) is too high. It develops when your pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin or any at all, or when your body isn’t responding to the effects of insulin properly. Diabetes affects people of all ages. Most forms of diabetes are chronic (lifelong), and all forms are manageable with medications and/or lifestyle changes. So many health problems can develop in diabetic people, like heart diseases, kidney diseases, eye problems, etc. Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease. A qualified homeopathic doctor needs to be consulted for the selection of the right medicine and its potency. Objective: There are many allopathic medicines available for the treatment of diabetes, but they have lots of side effects. The main objective of this study is to find out the appropriate homeopathic medicines for the treatment of diabetes. Methods: A literature search was conducted on the databases, namely Science Direct and PubMed, with the help of different keywords such as "homeopathic medicine treatment of diabetes." The search was customized by applying the appropriate filters so as to get the most relevant articles to meet the objective of this review article. Result: There are different research and review papers based on the homeopathic medicine treatment of diabetes and the activity of new drug molecules. Conclusion: On the basis of our study, we found that some treatments approach homeopathic medicines for the treatment of diabetes and suggested that if we used homeopathic medicine to reduce the side effects of allopathic medicines.
Carbon Emission and Footprints of Hospitality Industries in Akure Metropolis, South Western Nigeria
Authors: Oladeji Sunday , Ajayi Bukola , Alabi Opeyemi , Agele Samuel , Ajigbo Isaac
Published: April 2024

Climate change and global warming have been identified as major threats to the development of existing ecosystem services and local livelihoods. Mitigating greenhouse gas (GHGs) emissions has become an urgent global policy trajectory with countries acceding to related Treaties and setting national targets. This forms the basis for undertaken this study with a view to assess and report on the Green House Gas (GHG) emission of some hospitality industries in Akure, Nigeria. Using qualitative methodology, the carbon footprint of thirty hotels was assessed. The hotels were selected based on star ratings and categories. Purposive sampling was used to select the respondents based on management heads of the hotels while the result was presented qualitatively using thematic analysis. Results revealed that the sources of GHGs emissions are constituted by human activities including consumption of electricity, fuel combustion, waste generation and laundry services, of which waste and fuel combustion are the highest factor. Reports also showed that the bigger the hotel in term of star rating and category the higher the carbon and GHG emissions. The evaluated hotels emit significant amount of greenhouse gases each year which is detrimental to environment health, The study recommended further research to assess the applicability of the identified strategies for enhancing environmental performance of hospitality industry and to quantify GHGs emissions from cooling appliance within the hospitality industry in the study area.
A Scheme of Downlink HARQ Scheduling in TDD LTE-A
Authors: Zhu Hai , Wang Dan , Sun Peng
Published: April 2024

In order to provide a higher peak data rate, carrier aggregation (CA) is implemented into Long Term Evolution Advanced (LTE-A) systems. However, more and more downlink hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) feedback information need to be transmitted. Especially, in time division duplexing (TDD) systems must comply with the updownconfig, the complexity and storage of HARQ scheduling increase largely under CA. In this paper, a HARQ scheduling scheme is proposed which is based on dynamic information tables to generate and schedule the downlink feedback information of acknowledgment/negative acknowledgment (ACK/NACK) in Long Term Evolution Advanced (LTE-A) system. Some storing tables based on component carriers are designed and a dynamic updated scheme is proposed, which reduces the scheduling complexity and memory occupation effectively.
Optimization of the Creation of a Training Set for the Calibration of a Model Reproducing the Vibration Behavior of an Overhead Line Conductor
Authors: Amroun Hamdi , Hafid Fikri , Ammi Mehdi
Published: April 2024

One of the applications that machine learning can offer to the world of Engineering and Fluid Mechanics in particular is the calibration of models making it possible to approximate the representation of a particular phenomenon. Indeed, the computational cost generated by some fluid mechanics models pushes scientists to use other models close to the original models but less computationally intensive in order to facilitate their handling. Among the different approaches used: machine learning coupled with some optimization methods and algorithms in order to reduce the computation cost induced. This paper proposes a new framework called OPTI-ENS: a new flexible, optimized and improved method, to calibrate a physical model, called the wake oscillator (WO), which simulates the vibratory behaviors of overhead line conductors. An approximation of a heavy and complex model called the strip theory (ST) model. OPTI-ENS is composed of an ensemble machine learning algorithm (ENS) and an optimization algorithm of the WO model so that the WO model can generate the adequate training data as input to the ENS model. ENS model will therefore take as input the data from the WO model and output the data from the ST model. As a benchmark, a series of Machine learning models have been implemented and tested. The OPTI-ENS algorithm was retained with a best Coefficient of determination (R2 Score) of almost 0.7 and a Root mean square error (RMSE) of 7.57e-09. In addition, this model is approximately 170 times faster (in terms of calculation time) than an ENS model without optimization of the generation of training data by the WO model. This type of approach therefore makes it possible to calibrate the WO model so that simulations of the behavior of overhead line conductors are carried out only with the WO model.
Knowledge Attitude and Practice (KAP) and Health Impacts of MRI Among the Patients Attending MRI in Dhaka City
Authors: Sumon Sohel , Rahman Mohammad , Ahamed Marzuk , Sikder Mohammad , Rahman Mohammad , Abedin Mohammad , Akanda Abdur
Published: April 2024

Introduction: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an important diagnostic method in modern clinical medicine. Patients’ knowledge about MRI is of utmost importance for optimizing the workflow, safety, and patient comfort and saving valuable time for the MRI department. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) and health impacts of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) among the patients attending in Dhaka city. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional prospective study carried out at the department of Radiology and Imaging in Islami Bank Central Hospital & Popular Diagnostic Center, Dhaka, Bangladesh during January, 2022 to June, 2022. A purposive random sampling technique was used and a total of 200 cases referred for MRI, from OPD, aged above 15 years were enrolled in this study. The collected data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software, version 23.0. The ethical clearance of this study was obtained from the Ethics Committee of School of Public Health & Life Science, University of South Asia, and Dhaka, Bangladesh. Results: A total of (n=200) cases referred for MRI, from OPD, aged above 15 years were enrolled in this study. The majority 85(42.5%) patients belonged to the age group (46-60) and followed by 72(36%),(36-45) years, 22(11%), (26-35) years, 13(6.5%), (15-25) years and 8(4%), >60 years. The maximum132 (66%) patients were male and the minimum 68(34%) were female. The maximum, 61(30.5%) were graduate and followed by 50(25%) HSC, 30(15%) SSC, 21(10.5%) Primary and 6(3%) had no formal education. Among the study patients, 110(55%) had previous knowledge about MRI. 35(17.5%) patients had previous knowledge about the health effect of MRI.74 (37%) patients had seen close contact of relative/family member to face MRI examination. 196(89%) patients opined conversation is very important before MRI examination. 177(88.5%) patients felt nervous to conduct MRI test and 92(46%) patients practiced MRI before. The maximum 110(55%) felt discomfort. 86(43%) patients opined MRI took long time. 100(50%) of the patients observed metal effect during MRI, 78(39%) patients had MRI phobia and the maximum 18(9%) patients had allergic reaction. Conclusion: This study investigated (55%) study patients had previous knowledge about MRI. (17.5%) patients had previous knowledge about the health effect of MRI.(37%) patients felt to have close contact of relative/family member is needed during MRI test,(89%) patients had positive attitude to conversation before MRI examination, 177(88.5%) patients felt nervous to conduct MRI test and (46%) patients practiced MRI. The major impact of MRI on health was discomfort and MRI phobia.
Examination of the Strategies Put in Place by Lagos State Public Procurement Agency in the Implementation of Public Procurement Law
Authors: Adewoyin Adewunmi
Published: April 2024

This paper examined the strategies put in place by Lagos State Public Procurement Agency in the application of public procurement policy. The paper adopted both primary and secondary sources of data, and primary data were collected via the administration of questionnaires on the respondents. Study population of 1,020 comprised the members of staff from ministries, and agency that supervises the execution of procurement policy in the Lagos State Public Procurement Agency (LSPPA). Proportionate random sampling method was adopted in selecting a sample size of 154 respondents representing 15% of the study population. Secondary data were got from books, academic journals, official document of LSPPA and the internet. Data collected were analysed using percentage, frequency, and (RII) Relative Importance Index. The results of the study revealed that the strategies put in place by Lagos State Public Procurement Agency; such as establishment of a threshold (52.6%, rank 7th), constitution of contract performance audit committee (63%, rank 9.5th), supervision of the deliveries (69.5%, rank 9.5th), and creation of a procurement officer’s desk (57.8%, rank 8th) were not adequately substantial strategies put in place in monitoring the execution of public procurement policy in Lagos state. Moreover, the paper revealed strategies that were mostly substantial which were put in place by Lagos State Public Procurement Agency in the implementation of public procurement law, such as composition of technical review committee (79.9%, rank 1st), appraisal of procurement plan for procuring entities (73.3%, rank 2nd), setting of fair pricing standards and benchmarks (61%, rank 6th), strategic oversight on the contracts (65.6%, rank 5th), keeping of contractors’ database for proper identification (65.6%, rank 4th), publication of details of major contracts in the State (69.5%, rank 3rd) significantly improved accountability, proficiency, efficacy among the ministries selected. The study therefore, concludes that the strategies put in place by LSPPA, Lagos State Public Procurement Agency in the implementation of public procurement law in the state is considerable, and appropriate which ensures that procurement law of the State is followed. It was further evident from six claims affirmation as against four claims that refuted it respectively.
Effect of Nutrients and Phytochemical Compounds of Solanum melongena (Eggplants) on Cognitive Protection in Rats
Authors: Tsafack Hermine , Tchinda Mariane , Kemtsop Michel , Tueguem Geradin , Nouemsi Anne , Womeni Hilaire
Published: April 2024

Many factors among which life style and oxidative stress are implicated in the incidence of neurodegenerative diseases. One of the ways to prevent neurodegeneration is to supply the body with antioxidant molecules derived from food. The aim of this study is to evaluate the nutritional value and neuroprotective activities of eggplants on cognitive impaired rat model. Powder was made with the white and purple Solanum melongena and the nutritional value of each was determined. Total phenolic and flavonoid content, antioxidant activity by DPPH scavenging and reducing iron tests, were determined from aqueous, ethanolic and hydroethanolic fruit extracts. The powder and the most active extract of Solanum melongena were used to determine neuroprotective activity in rats. Male wistar rats were divided into 7 groups of 6 each. Morris water maze and radial maze tests were performed at the end of the experiment to assess behaviour in rats. After 28 days, the rats were sacrificed and biochemical investigations such as protein content, reduced glutathione, catalase activity, malondiadehyde and acetylcholinesterase activity were evaluated in brain homogenates. The purple Solamun melongena showed the highest ash (6.06%), calcium (10.50 mg/100 g of desiccated foods), phosphorus (25.75 mg/100 g of desiccated foods), potassium (218.00 mg/100 g of desiccated foods) and zinc (0.18 mg/100 g of desiccated foods) content. On the other hand, white Solanum melongena showed the highest fiber (3.61%) and iron (0.36 mg/100 g of desiccated foods) content. The greatest phenolic content (69.90 mg GAE /g) and flavonoid content (31.54 mg CATE / g) was observed with the purple Solanum melongena. It also presented the best scavenging DPPH activity (EC 50 = 41.91 μg/ml). The group Sm400 showed the best memory learning activity with radial maze tests (0.66 n/min), a significant decrease of malondialdehyde (15.26 µmole/g), acetylcholinesterase activity (0.13 nmol/min/mg protein) and an increase of protein content (43.71µmole/g) (P<0.05). The group Sm10% showed the best memory capacity radial maze tests (0.73 n/min), the lowest malondialdehyde level and acetylcholinesterase activity (12.45 µmole/g and 0.11nmol/min/mg protein respectively) (P<0.05). Purple Solanum melongena could be used to protect neuron functions.
Globalization and Human Mobility: In Pursuit of Labour Improvement
Authors: Bonilla Ivonne
Published: April 2024

The objective of this article is to study the causes of human mobility in today's world, starting from the main cause which is the search for better job opportunities to increase their income and improve their welfare, as it is supported by the Neoclassical theory on migration. The questions established in this work to be answered are: What are the main causes of migrations? What have been its repercussions on global society? The study is based on the neoclassical migration theory, which main axis is that there are not only internal migrations, from rural to urban, but also to overseas, which have as their main cause job improvement and increasing their wage. Subsequently, in the topic of migration, economy and employment are the main causes of migration and what it entails are explored in depth, such as technological development in the host country and sending of remittances to the country of origin. In the figure there are five main reasons that are considered to be the most common causes of migrations, highlighting job improvement. Then, in the subtheme of globalization and migration, both phenomena are linked, stating that globalization has done a lot to rise the migration, since, with it, technology, social networks have been facilitated trade relations between countries and the fact that people have the impulse to migrate to always seek their social well-being.
Internet of Things (IoT) Enabled Water Distribution System for Smart Water Management
Authors: Abebe Anduamlak
Published: April 2024

Water is a vital resource for life, and its management is a key issue nowadays the water demand is increasing due to global population growth and urbanization. Present technologies for water control are currently facing interoperability problems due to the lack of support for standardization in monitoring and controlling equipment. This problem affects various processes in water management, such as water consumption, water distribution, system identification, and equipment maintenance. Under these conditions, new technologies in the water management infrastructure have been required to enable the distribution of high-quality water to users safely and cost-effectively, from the perspective of efficiently using our world’s precious water resource. The Internet of Things (IoT) Based Smart Water Management System is a cutting-edge technology that integrates sensors, communication devices, and data analytics to efficiently monitor and manage water resources. This system enables real-time monitoring of water quality, consumption, and distribution, allowing for proactive maintenance and optimization of water usage. By leveraging IoT technology, this smart water management system offers improved accuracy, reliability, and cost-effectiveness in managing water resources. Based on standards, the system proposal is a smart water management system model combining Internet of Things technology with decision support systems. This system is more efficient in distribution monitoring and control approach for a water utility to reduce water loss. This approach will help utility operators to improve water management systems, especially by exploiting emerging technologies.
Assessment and Characterization of the Traditional Parkland Agroforestry Practices in Mid and Lowlands of Bale: In the Case of Goro and Ginnir Districts
Authors: Abebe Hirpa , Mengistu Bikila , Mengistu Wondmagegn x , Dibaba Zerihun , Bultuma Baca
Published: April 2024

Agroforestry parklands are playing an important role, through trees and shrubs providing multiple products and important long-term ecological benefits. Purposive sampling methods were applied to select districts, PAs and farmers which mostly used parkland agroforestry practices. Based on information delivered from informal assessment result, formal survey was done with selected 84 HHHs (sample size) for the study purposes. Based on the existences of long lived parkland agroforestry practice and associated challenges four PAs from Ginir and Goro districts of Bale Zones were selected purposively with assistance of district agriculture office expertise and DAs. Survey results showed the presence of 17 woody species of trees and shrubs representing eleven (11) families at the study areas. Of seventeen (17) woody plant species retained/planted and managed on parklands, 82.4% were native. Fabaceae was the most dominant woody species family which accounted about 41.2% of the total number of species recorded. The Croton macrostachyus Hochst., Faidherbia albida, Cordia africana Lam., Acacia abyssinica Hochst., Junperus procera Hochst and Acacia species were the most frequently observed multipurpose woody species in the study area. Almost all of the respondents did practise different types of management activities or practices for the woody species they owned in parkland of the study areas. This finding revealed that pollarding (33.45%), coppicing (21.08%), branch pruning (35.56) and the rest thinning and protection woody species management practices were applied to the scattered trees on croplands of the study areas. On other side, respondents stated that the major challenges for the improvement of parkland agroforestry practices in the study area were instability of rain fail or drought (34.52%) and shortage of farmlands (21.43%). The finding of this study showed that agricultural landscapes (Parkland agroforestery practices) were the home/host of reasonable number of native woody species flora conservation or it’s almost the remnants of the natural vegetation. Therefore, further need for more comprehensive analysis of the multiple benefits and services provided by parkland trees located on farmlands or the interaction effects of the agroforestery components on soil fertility improvement, crop yields and quality in the future.
The benefits and harms of community treatment orders for people diagnosed with psychiatric illnesses: A rapid umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses
Authors: Kisely Steve , Zirnsak Tessa , Corderoy Amy , Ryan Christopher James , Brophy Lisa
Published: April 2024

Aims:

Community treatment orders have been introduced in many jurisdictions with increasing use over time. We conducted a rapid umbrella review to synthesise the quantitative and qualitative evidence from systematic reviews and/or meta-analyses of their potential harms and benefits.

Methods:

A systematic search of Medline, PubMed, Embase and PsycINFO for relevant systematic reviews and/or meta-analyses. Where available, participants on community treatment orders were compared with controls receiving voluntary psychiatric treatment. This review is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42023398767) and the Open Science Framework ( https://osf.io/zeq35 ).

Results:

In all, 17 publications from 14 studies met the inclusion criteria. Quantitative synthesis of data from different systematic reviews was not possible. There were mixed findings on the effects of community treatment orders on health service use, and clinical, psychosocial or forensic outcomes. Whereas uncontrolled evidence suggested benefits, results were more equivocal from controlled studies and randomised controlled trials showed no effect. Any changes in health service use took several years to become apparent. There was evidence that better targeting of community treatment order use led to improved outcomes. Although there were other benefits, such as in mortality, findings were mostly rated as suggestive using predetermined and standardised criteria. Qualitative findings suggested that family members and clinicians were generally positive about the effect of community treatment orders but those subjected to them were more ambivalent. Any possible harms were under-researched, particularly in quantitative designs.

Conclusions:

The evidence for the benefits of community treatment orders remains inconclusive. At the very least, use should be better targeted to people most likely to benefit. More quantitative research on harms is indicated.
An Evaluation of Controversial Statements in Etica Teologica Della Vita
Authors: Šeman Elvis I. , Mathieson Eamonn M. , Villa Umberto P. , Little Deirdre T. , Juanta Randy DLR , Corby Paschal , Fleming John I. , Brendan Purcell
Published: April 2024

The teachings of the Catholic Church on human sexuality, contraception and the treatment of infertility are well established and clearly explained in many Church documents, including Humanae vitae and Familiaris consortio.

In 2022, a book was published in Italian which reported on a seminar organised by an Academy of the Catholic Church about the ethics of life. Titled the Theological Ethics of Life (abbreviated ‘ETV’ in Italian), the conclusion of chapter VII contains statements about contraception and assisted reproductive technologies (ART) which, though somewhat difficult to interpret, appear to be controversial with regard to accepted Church teaching on these subjects.

This paper presents a detailed analysis by a group of Australian Catholic doctors and ethicists of an English translation of paragraphs 172 and 173 of ETV and concludes that they contain statements which deviate from and contradict accepted Catholic teaching on contraception and ART.

The authors also claim that a thorough up-to-date knowledge and understanding of suitable current alternatives to contraception and ART (e.g. in-vitro fertilization, IVF) which are safe, effective, readily accessible and consistent with Catholic ethics appears to be lacking in paragraphs 172 and 173 of ETV.

The authors suggest a better understanding of currently available methods to assist with fertility care, aided by input from Catholic medical experts working in the areas of Fertility Awareness Methods (FAMs) and Restorative Reproductive Medicine (RRM) would better inform ongoing debates about contraception and ART within the Church and be of service to the Faithful who should be encouraged to pursue these alternatives which are both effective and consistent with Church teaching on human sexuality and morals.
The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Unassisted Suicide and Assisted Suicide Rates in French-Speaking Switzerland: Differences by Gender
Authors: Kursner Sarah , Studer Joseph , Fracasso Tony , Weber Gerrit , Michaud Laurent
Published: April 2024

Aims: Most studies on the impact of COVID-19 have shown a decrease or no change in unassisted suicide rates, but effects on assisted suicide have not been studied. We aimed to estimate the association between the COVID-19 pandemic and both types of suicide. Methods: Between 2017 and 2021, 1280 assisted suicides and 535 unassisted suicides were recorded in three Swiss cantons. We conducted descriptive and time series analyses on monthly suicide rates, categorized by gender. Results: Among women, a decrease in assisted suicide rates was found during the acute phases of the pandemic. Among men, assisted suicide rates increased gradually from the onset of the pandemic. Regarding unassisted suicide rates, no significant change was observed in women, while in men, there was a decrease, which was larger at the end than at the onset. Conclusions: COVID-19 had contrasting effects on assisted and unassisted men and women suicide rates.
Exploring the relationship between lower limb strength, strength asymmetries, and curvilinear sprint performance: Findings from a pilot study
Authors: Sašek Matic , Šarabon Nejc , Smajla Darjan
Published: April 2024

Team sports involve various sprinting actions, including curvilinear sprints, yet their neuromuscular factors have been understudied. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the relationship between lower limb muscle strength, strength asymmetries, linear sprint and curvilinear sprint performance. At two visits 12 male (age: 24.8 ± 4.7 years, height: 1.82 ± 0.06 m, body mass: 80 ± 6.58 kg) and 6 female (age: 20.8 ± 1.33 years, body height: 1.60 ± 0.02 m, body mass: 55.3 ± 2.88 kg) student-athletes completed isometric strength measurements of the knee flexors (KF), knee extensors (KE), hip abductors (HABD), hip adductors (HADD), as well as linear sprint and curvilinear sprint to the right and left. Sprint split times over 30 m (t30) were measured and curvilinear sprint split time deficits ( t30deficit) and inter-limb strength asymmetries were calculated. Very large negative correlations were observed between HADD and HABD strength on one side and t30 of curvilinear sprint to the left ( r = −0.75 and −0.71; p < 0.001) and right ( ρ = −0.81 and −0.70; p < 0.001) on the other. The regression model consisting of HADD, HABD, and KF explained 76% and 67% of the variance in left and right curvilinear sprint t30, respectively. Similarly, 59% of the left curvilinear sprint t30deficit variance was explained by the HABD and KF strength. High inter-limb HABD strength symmetry was related to better left and right curvilinear sprint t30 ( r = 0.71 and ρ = 0.75, p < 0.001). These results highlight the pivotal role of hip strength for curvilinear sprint speed, and emphasize the need of symmetrical HABD muscle strength to optimize neuromuscular function during curvilinear sprint.
RCT-based Social Return on Investment (SROI) of a Home Exercise Program for People With Early Dementia Comparing In-Person and Blended Delivery Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Doungsong Kodchawan , Hartfiel Ned , Gladman John , Harwood Rowan , Edwards Rhiannon Tudor
Published: April 2024

Regular exercise and community engagement may slow the rate of function loss for people with dementia. However, the evidence is uncertain regarding the cost-effectiveness and social return on investment (SROI) of home exercise with community referral for people with dementia. This study aimed to compare the social value generated from the in-person PrAISED program delivered before March 2020 with a blended PrAISED program delivered after March 2020. SROI methodology compared in-person and blended delivery formats of a home exercise program. Stakeholders were identified, a logic model was developed, outcomes were evidenced and valued, costs were calculated, and SROI ratios were estimated. Five relevant and material outcomes were identified: 3 outcomes for patient participants (fear of falling, health-related quality of life, and social connection); 1 outcome for carer participants (carer strain), and 1 outcome for the National Health Service (NHS) (health service resource use). Data were collected at baseline and at 12-month follow-up. The in-person PrAISED program generated SROI ratios ranging from £0.58 to £2.33 for every £1 invested. In-person PrAISED patient participants gained social value from improved health-related quality of life, social connection, and less fear of falling. In-person PrAISED carer participants acquired social value from less carer strain. The NHS gained benefit from less health care service resource use. However, the blended PrAISED program generated lower SROI ratios ranging from a negative ratio to £0.08:£1. Compared with the blended program, the PrAISED in-person program generated higher SROI ratios for people with early dementia. An in-person PrAISED intervention with community referral is likely to provide better value for money than a blended one with limited community referral, despite the greater costs of the former.

Trial registration: ISRCTN Registry ISRCTN15320670.
Well-being and entertainment carbon efficiency: A study of spatial externality in geographic psycholinguistics in response to economic policy uncertainty
Authors: Chen Yongchuan , Huo Da , Tang Aidi , Gu Wenjia
Published: April 2024

This study investigates the impact of well-being on carbon efficiency in the entertainment market from the perspective of geographic psycholinguistics. To analyze this impact, we employ quantile regression based on the method of moments and spatial econometric models that incorporate economic policy uncertainty. The results highlight the substantial impact of well-being on energy conservation and carbon emission reduction. On one hand, our findings indicate that well-being significantly reduces carbon emissions and exhibits a spatial externality effect. Furthermore, well-being indirectly contributes to carbon reduction by alleviating the adverse consequences of economic policy uncertainty. The rationale behind this relies on psycholinguistic expressions of well-being, which play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life and serving as psychological foundations for individuals to adopt environmentally conscious actions and low-carbon lifestyles. This exploration is of great significance for understanding the synergistic growth of well-being and the development of the green economy.
The socioeconomic gradient in overweight and obesity among Colombian adult and pediatric populations: A scoping review
Authors: Barrero Jorge A. , Duarte-Zambrano Felipe , Mockus Ismena
Published: April 2024

Background: The imminent increase in overweight and obesity prevalence constitutes a pervasive concern for the adult and pediatric Colombian population. Nonetheless, the unequal distribution across distinct social groups limits the implementation of public health policies targeting these escalating rates. Aim: This study aimed to compile existing evidence regarding the prevalence of overweight and obesity in relation to the socioeconomic status (SES) of the Colombian population. Methods: A scoping review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews parameters in MEDLINE (PubMed), EMBASE, and LILACS databases for inclusion of investigations published up to January 2024. Results: Twenty-two cross-sectional studies were included. A higher prevalence of overweight and obesity was documented in adults with lower SES defined by social stratum and monetary income, while in particular for nonpregnant adult women, the prevalence of excess weight was higher in the medium-low socioeconomic stratum. In the pediatric population, higher SES defined by social stratum was directly related to an increased prevalence and risk of overweight and obesity. The ownership of household assets, however, was positively related to the risk of overweight in both adult and pediatric populations. Conclusion: The findings of this investigation disclose a socioeconomic gradient in overweight and obesity in Colombia that resembles the epidemiological distribution in high-income countries for adults, though similar to low-income countries for the pediatric population. Further intersectoral interventions aimed at the most vulnerable groups are imperative to mitigate the inequalities that condition their predisposition to overweight and obesity.
Effect of cashew nut flour on hematological parameters of children living with HIV
Authors: Silva Costa Andressa , Macedo Costa José de Ribamar , Bandeira Moreira Ana Vladia , Santos Neto Marcelino , Lima Hunaldo Virlane Kelly , Stabnow Santos Floriacy , Moura de Araújo Márcio Flávio , Pereira de Jesus Costa Ana Cristina
Published: April 2024

Aim: To assess the effect of cashew nut flour on the hematological parameters of children living with HIV-AIDS. Method: A 32-week randomized, blind clinical trial conducted at a specialized outpatient clinic. Children aged 2–12 years were allocated to intervention groups (IGs) ( n = 11) receiving 12 g/day of cashew nut flour and control groups (CGs) ( n = 9) receiving 12 g/day of carboxymethyl cellulose. Parameters of erythrocytes, leukocytes, platelets, and lipid profiles were evaluated. Results: In the IG, the elevation and reduction of leukocyte and lipid profile biomarkers, respectively, were not statistically significant ( p > 0.05). A clinically and statistically significant increase in mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration was observed in the CG ( p = 0.018), with a large effect size (Cohen's d = 0.9). There were no statistically significant changes in platelet counts among participants ( p = 0.18). The effect size for white blood cell count, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, very low-density lipoprotein, and triglycerides was moderate in the IG compared to the CG. Conclusion: Cashew nut flour supplementation may increase levels of leukocytes and lipid profile parameters in children living with HIV. Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry (REBEC): U1111.1276.6591.
Farmers’ adoption and effects of three aspects of agricultural information systems in emerging economies: microanalysis of household surveys
Authors: Duong Pham Bao , Pham Thi Tuan Linh , Quynh Nguyen Ngoc , Doanh Nguyen Khanh
Published: April 2024

Agricultural information systems have the potential to provide various benefits to users, especially farmers. However, it remains uncertain whether the three dimensions of agricultural information systems—system quality, information quality, and service quality—can contribute to farmers’ perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use, thus influencing their intention to adopt these systems. We have developed a research framework that combines the Technology Acceptance Model and the Delone and McLean IS Success Model to elucidate the factors shaping farmers’ adoption of agricultural information systems in Vietnam. Field survey data were collected from a sample of 570 farmers in four midlands and mountainous provinces of northern Vietnam. Structural equation modelling was employed for the analysis. The results indicate that the three aspects of agricultural information systems directly enhance farmers’ adoption intentions, or they have a positive correlation with perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use, indirectly promoting such adoption intentions. The findings of this study underscore the importance for system developers and policymakers to prioritize the creation of reliable and user-friendly agricultural information systems that can address emerging issues during farmers’ use, thereby supporting their adoption.
A rotating magneto-photothermoelastic effect with moisture diffusivity of nonlocal semiconductor medium
Authors: Raddadi Merfat H , Mahdy Amr MS , El-Bary Alaa A , Lotfy Khaled , Allan Mohammed
Published: April 2024

This study focuses on investigating the deformation of a one-dimensional elastic nonlocal semiconductor medium. The aim is to understand how the magnetic field and moisture diffusivity affect this deformation. The research aims to analyze the connection between plasma and moisture diffusivity processes in a rotational field, as well as thermo-elastic waves. The study examines the transport process of photo-thermoelasticity while considering the influence of moisture diffusivity. To derive the governing equations of the photo-thermo-elastic medium, Laplace’s transformation technique is used. These equations encompass the carrier density, elastic waves, moisture transport, heat conduction, and constitutive relationships. The fundamental physical parameters in the Laplace domain, such as mechanical stresses, thermal conditions, and plasma boundary conditions, are calculated. Numerical techniques are employed to invert the Laplace transform and obtain complete time-domain solutions for the various physical domains under investigation. The analysis takes into account reference moisture, nonlocality, magnetic field and rotation field. The effects of applied forces on displacement, moisture concentration, carrier density, stress resulting from forces, and temperature distribution are considered through graphical analysis.
Comprehensive Evaluation of Visual Guiding Systems for Enhancing Traffic Safety in Freeway Tunnels: An Improved Matter-Element Method with Case Study
Authors: Wang Shoushuo , Zheng Haoran , Du Zhigang , Han Lei , He Shiming , Jiao Fangtong
Published: April 2024

Provision of visual guiding facilities to improve traffic safety is in disarray. This paper proposes a comprehensive system for evaluating the effectiveness of visual guiding facilities in freeway tunnels. Aimed at addressing the current problems, this paper presents an evaluation system based on three key factors: spatial right-of-way, driving human factors, and driving performance. To evaluate the proposed system, data were collected in tunnels under varying conditions during daytime and nighttime, before and after improvement. The evaluation system categorized spatial right-of-way into lateral, longitudinal, and vertical aspects, which mainly depend on the installation of visual guiding facilities. Driving human factors were evaluated based on visual performance, and the installation method of visual facilities focused on sight distance, sight zone, and visual load. Driving performance was also evaluated by considering vehicle operational characteristics, including the maintaining of speed, distance, and lane. The results demonstrated a considerable improvement in the evaluation level of the visual guiding system, achieving Level B compared with traditional improvement schemes during both daytime and nighttime scenarios. This evaluation system could be a valuable guide for managing and designing traffic engineering in tunnels.