bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the Applicability of Describing Function Method
Authors: Vavilov S. A.
Published: October 2023

In the present paper, the problem of describing function method is justified by reducing to the procedure to search for sufficient conditions in the special class of system solvability of operator equations. These conditions are derived under the framework of the geometrical functional analysis methods. The applicability of the proposed technique is demonstrated on the study of particular systems from automatic regulation control theory.
Improved Meta-Heuristic Model for Text Document Clustering by Adaptive Weighted Similarity
Authors: Venkanna Gugulothu , Bharati K. F.
Published: October 2023

This paper intends to develop a novel framework for text document clustering with the aid of a new improved meta-heuristic algorithm. Initially, the features are selected from the text document by subjecting each word under Term Frequency-Inverse Document Frequency (TF-IDF) computation. Subsequently, centroid selection plays a vital role in cluster formation, which is done using a new Improved Lion Algorithm (LA) termed as Cross over probability-based LA model (CP-LA). As a novelty, this paper introduced a new inter and intracluster similarity model. Moreover, this centroid selection is made in such a way that the proposed adaptive weighted similarity should be minimal. Based on the characteristics of the document, the weights are automatically adapted with the similarity measure. The proposed adaptive weighted similarity function involves the inter-cluster, and intra-cluster similarity of both ordered and unordered documents. Finally, the superiority of the proposed over other models is proved under different performance measures.
Decision Making Under Pythagorean Fuzzy Soft Environment
Authors: Khan Adnan , Farman Muhammad , Akgül Ali
Published: October 2023

This research article illustrates the notion of strong and complete Pythagorean fuzzy soft graphs (PFSGs). Different operations on PFSGs including union of two PFSGs, join of two PFSGs, lexicographic product of two PFSGs, strong product of two PFSGs, Cartesian product of two PFSGs, composition of two PFSGs are also analysed here. Some properties related to these products are discussed here. The idea of complememt of a PFSG is also eloborated here. Moreover, we establish the application of PFSG in the decision making (DM) problem.
ORGANISING DEVELOPMENT PROCESSES: THE CASE OF PRODUCT–SERVICE SYSTEMS
Authors: AAS TOR HELGE , BREUNIG KARL JOACHIM , MIKAEL HELLSTRÖM MAGNUS , MARIA HYDLE KATJA
Published: October 2023

This study addresses the development of new integrated product–service systems (PSSs). Most empirical research on the organisation of development processes has focussed on new product development, new service development, software development and new business model development in isolation; however, the development of new, complex PSSs that require the integration of these development efforts has received limited research attention. We address this literature gap through a qualitative, in-depth study of five firms operating in the business-to-business context. The findings demonstrate that all new PSS development processes did not implement and use one specific process model. Instead, the organisation of new PSS development processes was contingent upon the type of services to be offered and the target business model. This study proposes a contingency framework for development processes that provides considerable guidance to managers searching for ways to facilitate the processes of developing new PSSs.
Dual Construct Fixation of the Scaphoid
Authors: SIVAKUMAR Brahman Shankar , LAWSON Richard Dorrien , AN Vincent V. G. , LEDGARD James P.
Published: October 2023

Dual construct fixation has been increasingly used in complex peri-articular or peri-prosthetic long bone fractures, those with poor bone quality and in revision situations. We describe the utilisation of a screw-plate construct in the setting of a juxta-articular distal pole scaphoid fracture, review the literature and provide recommendations for future use.

Level of Evidence: Level V (Therapeutic)
CO2 Emission-Constrained Short-Term Unit Commitment Problem Using Shuffled Frog Leaping Algorithm
Authors: Selvakumar K. , Selvabharathi D. , Palanisamy R. , Thamizh Thentral T. M.
Published: October 2023

The increasing concerns about greenhouse gas emissions have made it necessary to incorporate environmental constraints in the operation of power systems. The CO2 emission-constrained short-term unit commitment problem (CSCUCP) is a multiobjective optimization problem that involves minimizing both the cost of operation and the CO2 emissions. This paper proposes an integer-coded shuffled frog-leaping algorithm (SFLA) to minimize both total CO2 emissions and operating costs for the unit commitment problem (UCP) over a one-day scheduling period. The SFLA is inspired by the natural food-searching behavior of frogs. The proposed method aims to determine the optimal start-up and shut-down times for generating units to meet fluctuating loads while minimizing operating costs and CO2 emissions. The method takes into account fuel costs, start-up and shut-down costs, and maintenance costs while satisfying various constraints. The study uses the IEEE 39 bus with a 10-unit test system, and the results are related to conventional methods. The proposed method consistently produces lower CO2 emissions and total operating costs compared to the existing methods.
Impacts of Sociodemographic Factors, Screening, and Organization of Health Services on Breast Cancer Mortality in Brazil: An Ecological Study of 20 Years
Authors: da Luz Costa Thalita , Dantas Diego Bessa , de Campos Gomes Fabiana , Soares Cleuma Oliveira , Castelhano Janielly Reis , Fonseca Laryssa Corrêa , Neves Laura Maria Tomazi , Figueiredo Eric Renato Lima , de Melo Neto João Simão
Published: October 2023

Background. Breast cancer mortality is increasing in Brazil. This study examines the impact of sociodemographic factors, screening procedures, and primary healthcare (PHC) on breast cancer mortality. Methods. An ecological study analyzed secondary data of women diagnosed with breast cancer who died between 2000 and 2019. Sociodemographic factors, screening procedures, and PHC were examined in relation to breast cancer mortality. Statistical analyses included normality tests, Kruskal-Wallis and one-way ANOVA tests with post hoc comparisons, Pearson and Spearman correlation tests, age-period-cohort analysis, Kaplan-Meier analysis, and Cox regression analysis. Significance was set at

p
<
0.05

. Results. Mortality rates were higher in the southeast (15.77) and south (15.97) regions compared to the north (5.07) (

p
<
0.0001

). Survival rates were longer in the southeast (

70.3
±
0.05

) and south (

70.6
±
0.09

) than in the north (

63.98
±
0.053

) (

p
≤
0.001

). Mortality increased with age after 32 years (

p
≤
0.001

). Brown and indigenous women had lower mortality and survival rates. Increased coverage of PHC, ultrasound, and biopsy did not reduce mortality. However, improved cytopathologic analysis led to a decrease in mortality. Conclusions. Sociodemographic factors, screening procedures, and PHC are specific predictors of breast cancer mortality in Brazil.
The Role of the Gut Microbiome in Hematological Cancers
Authors: Hussein Najihah , Rajasuriar Reena , Khan Asif M. , Lim Yvonne Ai-Lian , Gan Gin Gin
Published: October 2023

Humans are in a complex symbiotic relationship with a wide range of microbial organisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. The evolution and composition of the human microbiome can be an indicator of how it may affect human health and susceptibility to diseases. Microbiome alteration, termed as dysbiosis, has been linked to the pathogenesis and progression of hematological cancers. A variety of mechanisms, including epithelial barrier disruption, local chronic inflammation response trigger, antigen dis-sequestration, and molecular mimicry, have been proposed to be associated with gut microbiota. Dysbiosis may be induced or worsened by cancer therapies (such as chemotherapy and/or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation) or infection. The use of antibiotics during treatment may also promote dysbiosis, with possible long-term consequences. The aim of this review is to provide a succinct summary of the current knowledge describing the role of the microbiome in hematological cancers, as well as its influence on their therapies. Modulation of the gut microbiome, involving modifying the composition of the beneficial microorganisms in the management and treatment of hematological cancers is also discussed. Additionally discussed are the latest developments in modeling approaches and tools used for computational analyses, interpretation and better understanding of the gut microbiome data.
Effects of Laughter Therapy on Improving Negative Emotions Associated with Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Shi Hongyu , Wu Yuejin , Wang Lu , Zhou Xiuling , Li Feng
Published: October 2023

Introduction: With aging and growth of the population, the risk of cancer incidence and mortality is rapidly increasing. However, psychosocial treatment has been seriously neglected in many healthcare settings. Laughter therapy is a therapeutic program to improve emotional wellbeing and health which has been applied as a complementary treatment. We aim to explore effects of laughter therapy for patients with cancer on their negative emotions such as depression, anxiety, stress, pain, and fatigue. Methods: We searched the Cochrane Library, Embase, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, WANFANG data, Weipu (VIP), Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and independently rated the risk of bias in every article using the Cochrane Collaboration’s Risk of Bias Assessment Tool. Review Manager and STATA software were used to pool the individually included studies. Results: Seven studies were found eligible to be included in the present review. Overall, study quality was relatively high. Our findings suggest that laughter therapy might have a positive effect on improving emotional response in cancer patients. Arguably, laughter therapy, whether humor or laughter, has a positive effect on anxiety, stress, pain feeling, fatigue, and depression in cancer patients. Conclusions: Laughter therapy is a convenient, multi-modality, flexible-duration therapy to improve negative emotions in cancer patients, regardless of their gender, age, and type of cancer.
The Impact of Early Positive Studies on the Evolution of Extracorporeal Albumin Dialysis Literature: A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Chaba Anis , Warrillow Stephen , Fisher Caleb , Maeda Akinori , Spano Sofia , Bellomo Rinaldo
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Liver failure is a life-threatening condition characterized by the accumulation of metabolic toxins. Extracorporeal albumin dialysis (ECAD) has been promoted as a possible therapy. Methods: We employed bibliometric analysis to scrutinize the conceptual, intellectual, and social structure of the ECAD literature including its co-citation network and thematic analysis to explore its evolution and organization. Results: We identified 784 documents with a mean of 30.25 citations per document in a corpus of 15,191 references. The average citation rate peaked in 1998 at 280.75 citations/year before a second 2013 peak of 54.81 citations/year and then progressively decreased to its nadir in 2022 (1.48 yearly citations). We identified four primary co-citation clusters, with the most impactful publications being small “positive” manuscripts by Mitzner et al. (2000) and Heemann et al. (2002) (Cluster 1). This first cluster had several relational citations with clusters 2 and 3, but almost no citation link with cluster 4 represented by Bañares et al. (2013), Saliba et al. (2013), and Larsen et al. (2016), with their three negative randomized controlled trials. Finally, the thematic map revealed a shift in focus over time, with inflammation and ammonia as recent emergent themes. Conclusions: This bibliometric analysis provided a transparent and reproducible longitudinal assessment of ECAD literature and demonstrated how positive studies with low levels of evidence can dominate a research field and overshadow negative findings from higher quality studies. These insights hold significant implications for future research and clinical practice within this domain.
Conscious Self-Regulation as a Meta-Resource of Academic Achievement and Psychological Well-Being of Young Adolescents
Authors: Morosanova Varvara I. , Fomina Tatiana G. , Bondarenko Irina N.
Published: October 2023

Background. The role of conscious self-regulation in determining students’ psychological well-being and academic performance is considered in the context of the fundamental problem of the regularities of young adolescents’ development. Objective. To reveal the role of meta-resources of conscious self-regulation in determining young adolescents' psychological well-being and academic performance. Design. Sample: 500 students in 4th- to 6th grade (10-12) in general schools, 149 of whom participated in a three-year longitudinal study. The Self-Regulation Profile of Learning Activity and the Well-Being Manifestation scales were used. Results. Conscious self-regulation and academic performance increase significantly in fifth grade and decrease in sixth grade. On the contrary, psychological well-being is characterized by a systemic positive dynamic. A typological analysis identified the levels of psychological well-being of students growing, stable, and declining during the transition period. It was found that the general level of conscious self-regulation made a significant positive contribution and is a universal resource for students' psychological well-being and academic performance. Special regulatory resources for academic performance are described, depending on the trajectory of changes in psychological well-being. Increased well-being is determined by the regulatory competencies of Planning and Evaluation of results and its stability by Planning, Modelling, Flexibility, and Responsibility. The general level of self-regulation, regulatory competencies, Planning, Programming and Responsibility mediate in the relationship between student psychological well-being and academic performance. A longitudinal study found that self-regulation has a long-term positive effect on student psychological well-being and academic performance. Conclusion. Conscious self-regulation is a meta-resource that makes a significant contribution to both the psychological well-being and academic performance. Mediator and prognostic effects of self-regulation on these properties create a psychological basis for practical work.
On the penaeid shrimps of the genus Parapenaeopsis Alcock, 1901 (Crustacea, Decapoda) from Taiwan
Authors: HSU YEN-CHENG , CHAN TIN-YAM
Published: October 2023

Five species in the penaeid shrimp genus Parapenaeopsis Alcock, 1901 are reported from Taiwan. Parapenaeopsis amicus V.C. Nguyên, 1971 and P. venusta De Man, 1907 are formally recorded in Taiwan for the first time. Taxonomic problems related to the species reported from Taiwan are discussed, and a key to the species of Parapenaeopsis in Taiwan is provided.
Quantifying the Environmental Effects on Tropical Cyclone Intensity Change Using a Simple Dynamically Based Dynamical System Model
Authors: Xu Jing , Wang Yuqing , Yang Chi
Published: October 2023

Accurate prediction of tropical cyclone (TC) intensity is quite challenging due to multiple competing processes among the TC internal dynamics and the environment. Most previous studies have evaluated the environmental effects on TC intensity change from both internal dynamics and external influence. This study quantifies the environmental effects on TC intensity change using a simple dynamically based dynamical system (DBDS) model recently developed. In this simple model, the environmental effects are uniquely represented by a ventilation parameter B, which can be expressed as multiplicative of individual ventilation parameters of the corresponding environmental effects. Their individual ventilation parameters imply their relative importance to the bulk environmental ventilation effect and thus to the TC intensity change. Six environmental factors known to affect TC intensity change are evaluated in the DBDS model using machine learning approaches with the best track data for TCs over the North Atlantic, central, eastern, and western North Pacific and the Statistical Hurricane Intensity Prediction Scheme (SHIPS) dataset during 1982–2021. Results show that the deep-layer vertical wind shear (VWS) is the dominant ventilation factor to reduce the intrinsic TC intensification rate or to drive the TC weakening, with its ventilation parameter ranging between 0.5 and 0.8 when environmental VWS between 200 and 850 hPa is larger than 8 m s−1. Other environmental factors are generally secondary, with their respective ventilation parameters over 0.8. An interesting result is the strong dependence of the environmental effects on the stage of TC development.
Improvised energy management control through neuro-fuzzy based adaptive ECMS approach for an optimal battery utilization in non-plugin parallel hybrid electric vehicle
Authors: Rajasekar Vignesh , Ashok Bragadeshwaran
Published: October 2023

This work proposed to integrate intelligent techniques in an adaptive equivalent consumption minimization strategy (AECMS) for a robust equivalence factor correction based on the demand torque and battery state of charge (SOC). The two intelligent approaches of fuzzy logic and genetic algorithmically optimized adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) have been employed. The entire performance is validated using the prepared three hybrid standard driving cycles and also for training the fuzzy inference system (FIS). The proposed ANFIS-ECMS delivers a narrow battery charging and discharging profile within the optimal battery utilization zone. Also, it delivers the higher fuel economy for the three driving cycles in the D1 4.20%, D2 1.175%, and D3 0.90% improvisation is occurred compared to fuzzy-PI AECMS. Even in the reliability assessment of ANFIS-AECMS, the performance has been tested on the self-developed real-world driving cycle. The fuel economy increases by 1.26% and 0.80% are compared to rule-based and fuzzy-PI AECMS. The entire results of this work evidence that the proposed strategy achieves significant improvement in battery and fuel energy utilization and also the reduction in emissions compared with rule-based, conventional fixed PI ECMS and fuzzy-PI based ECMS.
Beginning at the End: Remembering Norman
Authors: Bochner Arthur P.
Published: October 2023

Closing my eyes, I imagine Norman Denzin has entered my study. My mind conjures memories of Norman’s presence in my life extending over more than thirty years as I struggle through conversation to understand and accept that to reach the end of Norman’s life is to reach the beginning of another.
Intercultural communication in second-language (L2) learning via social media within the Inuit context: a scoping literature review
Authors: MacDonald Natasha Ita
Published: October 2023

This scoping literature review examines the extent of research in second-language learning through intercultural communication on social media, specifically in Inuit (Indigenous people of the Arctic) communities. The investigation maps out gaps in the literature and explains the need for research in the Inuit context. Forty-seven studies and related resources are examined through a conceptual lens focused on the intersections between intercultural communication, social media, and Indigenous peoples, revealing concentrations on authentic interaction, Indigenous identity, language revitalization, and maintenance. Particular to the Inuit context, the analysis identifies the following gaps: (a) intercultural communication in second-language learning and Inuit; (b) second language learning through social media and Inuit; and (c) intercultural communication in second-language learning via social media and Inuit. None of the studies reviewed describe pedagogical applications for Inuit. This scoping literature review suggests future research and curriculum development that could be implemented in the Inuit context, particularly in Nunavik.
An analysis of the impact of the construction of aqueducts and dams along the Río Yaqui on the Yaquis of Sonora, Mexico, through the lens of political ecology
Authors: Bax Michael James
Published: October 2023

Speaking to political ecology, this article takes a more holistic analysis of the impacts of the political decisions taken to construct aqueducts and dams along the Río Yaqui, Sonora, Mexico, diverting water away from the traditional homeland of the Yaqui, Indigenous people of Sonora. Moving away from just the agricultural and health implications, instead I demonstrate that environmental change has political sources, and how we regard nature carries deep and often unacknowledged implications and ramifications. Particularly, the dams and aqueducts have had a severe impact on Yaqui culture, as they view the Río Yaqui as crucial culturally. In addition, this article demonstrates that environmental change alters the ability of marginal groups, such as the Yaqui, to resist other actors by showing that their autonomous political system has increasingly been eroded as the Yaqui have been forcefully integrated into the capitalism system.
User-generated content may increase urban park use: Evidence from multisource social media data
Authors: Wei Di , Wang Yuan , Liu Mengyang , Lu Yi
Published: October 2023

Given the numerous health benefits that urban parks and greenspaces provide, it is critical to grasp the key factors that improve park use. Despite the pervasive impact of user-generated content (UGC) in modern society, little is known about the influence of UGC on park use. Therefore, this study examined the effect of UGC on park use based on 613,858 pieces of UGC related to the 251 urban parks in two metropolitans in China, Guangzhou and Shenzhen. After controlling for the confounders, the hierarchical linear regression revealed that the quantity, rating, sentiment, and exposure were significantly associated with park use. Then, we distinguished three distinct relationships between UGC variables and park use. We proposed that the effects of UGC rating, sentiment, and exposure were more reliable predictors of park use because bidirectional associations may not affect them. Furthermore, we found the heterogeneity in the UGC-park use link by UGC and urban park types. The geotagged UGC had a larger effect size on park use than the keyword UGC. Visits to comprehensive parks were significantly affected by UGC, while visits to community parks were not. This study sheds new light on increasing park use from the perspective of digital information, which benefits future research and policy development in modern society.
Structure-informed clustering for population stratification in association studies
Authors: Bose Aritra , Burch Myson , Chowdhury Agniva , Paschou Peristera , Drineas Petros
Published: October 2023

Background

Identifying variants associated with complex traits is a challenging task in genetic association studies due to linkage disequilibrium (LD) between genetic variants and population stratification, unrelated to the disease risk. Existing methods of population structure correction use principal component analysis or linear mixed models with a random effect when modeling associations between a trait of interest and genetic markers. However, due to stringent significance thresholds and latent interactions between the markers, these methods often fail to detect genuinely associated variants.

Results

To overcome this, we propose CluStrat, which corrects for complex arbitrarily structured populations while leveraging the linkage disequilibrium induced distances between genetic markers. It performs an agglomerative hierarchical clustering using the Mahalanobis distance covariance matrix of the markers. In simulation studies, we show that our method outperforms existing methods in detecting true causal variants. Applying CluStrat on WTCCC2 and UK Biobank cohorts, we found biologically relevant associations in Schizophrenia and Myocardial Infarction. CluStrat was also able to correct for population structure in polygenic adaptation of height in Europeans.

Conclusions

CluStrat highlights the advantages of biologically relevant distance metrics, such as the Mahalanobis distance, which captures the cryptic interactions within populations in the presence of LD better than the Euclidean distance.
Tarlov cyst with self-healing cauda equina syndrome following combined spinal-epidural anesthesia: a case report
Authors: Chen Zhexuan , Lin Chuxi
Published: October 2023

Background

Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES) after Combined Spinal-Epidural Anesthesia (CSEA) is a rare disease that most of the time need surgery to relieve spinal cord compression.

Case presentation

A 34-year-old male patient underwent a procedure for prolapse and hemorrhoids (PPH) under CSEA. Anesthesia and surgery were uneventful. However, the patient gradually experienced urinary retention, lower abdomen and back pain, changes in bowel habits and neurological dysfunction of the lower limbs when the catheter was removed. It was later determined that the patient had Tarlov cyst at the left S1 level in the sacral canal. Finally, the patient completely recovered 20 days after drug conservative therapy onset.

Conclusion

This case suggests that CES might occur even after ordinary CSEA. The risk factors are drug neurotoxicity to ropivacaine and Tarlov cyst, which helped to accumulate ropivacaine. The development of ultrasound-guided CSEA and an ultrasound atlas of the spinal canal are required.
Associations of adverse childhood experiences with common psychiatric disorder in later life: results from the China mental health survey
Authors: Li Jinhao , Liu Zhaorui , Li Minghui , Huang Yueqin , Yin Huifang , Xu Guangming , Li Lingjiang , Zhang Tingting , Yan Jie , Yu Yaqin , Xu Xiufeng , Wang Zhizhong , Xu Yifeng , Li Tao , Hou Xiaofei , Xu Xiangdong , Wang Limin , Yan Yongping , Xiao Shuiyuan , Du Xiangdong , Li Guohua
Published: October 2023

Background

Associations between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and common psychiatric disorders among older Chinese individuals have not been well reported. The objectives of this study are to examine the prevalence of ACEs and the associations of ACEs with common psychiatric disorders among older adults in China.

Methods

The study used data from the China Mental Health Survey (CMHS), a nationally representative epidemiological survey, which used computer-assisted personal interviewing (CAPI), logistic regression models were used to examine community-based adult psychiatric disorders and associated risk factors. Finally, 2,317 individuals aged 60 years or over were included in the CMHS. The national prevalence of ACEs in older adults were estimated and logistic regression were used to analyse the association between ACEs and past-year psychiatric disorders.

Results

Prevalence of ACEs among older adults in China was 18.1%. The three most common types of ACEs were neglect (11.6%), domestic violence (9.2%), and parental loss (9.1%). This study proved the association between ACEs and common past-year psychiatric disorders in older adults. ACEs increased the risk of past-year psychiatric disorders in older adults. After adjustment for age, sex, marital status, employment status, education, rural or urban residence, region, and physical diseases, the association between ACEs and past-year psychiatric disorders were still significant.

Conclusions

ACEs are linked to an increased risk for past-year psychiatric disorders in older adults. ACEs may have long-term effects on older adults’ mental well-being. Preventing ACEs may help reduce possible adverse health outcomes in later life.
Do community measures impact the effectiveness of a community led HIV testing intervention. Secondary analysis of an HIV self-testing intervention in rural communities in Zimbabwe
Authors: Thomas Katherine A. , Sibanda Euphemia Lindelwe , Johnson Cheryl , Watadzaushe Constancia , Ncube Getrude , Hatzold Karin , Tumushime Mary K. , Mutseta Miriam , Ruhode Nancy , Indravudh Peach P. , Cowan Frances M. , Neuman Melissa
Published: October 2023

Background

There is a growing body of evidence for the role that communities can have in producing beneficial health outcomes. There is also an increasing recognition of the effectiveness and success of community-led interventions to promote public health efforts. This study investigated whether and how community-level measures facilitate a community-led intervention to achieve improved HIV outcomes.

Methods

This is a secondary analysis of survey data from a cluster randomised trial in 40 rural communities in Zimbabwe. The survey was conducted four months after the intervention was initiated. Communities were randomised 1:1 to either paid distribution arm, where HIV self-test (HIVST) kits were distributed by a paid distributor, or community-led whereby members of the community were responsible for organising and conducting the distribution of HIVST kits. We used mixed effects logistic regression to assess the effect of social cohesion, problem solving, and HIV awareness on HIV testing and prevention.

Results

We found no association between community measures and the three HIV outcomes (self-testing, new HIV diagnosis and linkage to VMMC or confirmatory testing). However, the interaction analyses highlighted that in high social cohesion communities, the odds of new HIV diagnosis was greater in the community-led arm than paid distribution arm (OR 2.06 95% CI 1.03–4.19).

Conclusion

We found some evidence that community-led interventions reached more undiagnosed people living with HIV in places with high social cohesion. Additional research should seek to understand whether the effect of social cohesion is persistent across other community interventions and outcomes.

Trial registration

PACTR201607001701788.
Reach and effectiveness of a worksite health promotion program combining a preventive medical examination with motivational interviewing; a quasi-experimental study among workers in low socioeconomic position
Authors: van de Ven David , Schuring Merel , Kouwenhoven-Pasmooij Tessa A. , Blom Philip , Burdorf Alex , Robroek Suzan J. W.
Published: October 2023

Background

This study aimed to evaluate individual characteristics associated with participation and effectiveness of a worksite health promotion program with motivational interviewing targeting health and health behaviour among Dutch workers in low socioeconomic position.

Methods

In a production company and a hospital, 838 workers were invited for a Preventive Medical Examination and subsequent coaching with motivational interviewing up to 7 sessions within 6 months. Follow-up information was collected after 6 months. Characteristics associated with participation in coaching were assessed with logistic regression models. The effectiveness of coaching on body mass index (BMI), bodyweight, self-rated health, vigorous physical activity, smoking, alcohol intake, fruit- and vegetable consumption, work ability, and sickness absence was evaluated with linear regression models and on participation in health promotion activities with logistic regression analysis. The analyses on effectiveness were performed without and with propensity score adjustment.

Results

Of the 838 invited workers, 313 workers participated in the Preventive Medical Examination and follow-up data were available for 176 workers, of whom 100 workers with increased cardiovascular risk attended coaching. The majority of workers with obesity (73%), overweight (60%), and unhealthy behaviours (58%-69%) at baseline participated in motivational interviewing. Males, workers with overweight or obesity, workers at the production company, workers with insufficient vigorous physical activity, and workers with a low educational level were most likely to participate in coaching. Coaching with motivational interviewing after the Preventive Medical Examination was associated with a 4.74 times higher likelihood [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.99;11.32] to participate in health promotion activities and 10.9% (95%CI: 0.6;21.3) more persons who quit smoking compared to workers without coaching. No statistically significant effects were observed on BMI, bodyweight, health, health behaviour, work ability and sickness absence.

Conclusions

The program combining a Preventive Medical Examination with follow-up coaching reached – as intended – workers with obesity or overweight, those with a low education and with unhealthy behaviours. Adding coaching with motivational interviewing to a Preventive Medical Examination contributed to higher participation in health promotion activities and an increase in smoking cessation after 6 months among workers with a lower socioeconomic position, but was not effective on other outcomes.

Trial registration

The study was registered retrospectively in the Netherlands Trial Register as NL8178 on 22/11/2019.
“It was almost like it’s set up for people to fail” A qualitative analysis of experiences and unmet supportive needs of people with Long COVID
Authors: McNabb Katherine C. , Bergman Alanna J. , Smith-Wright Rhonda , Seltzer Jaime , Slone Sarah E. , Tomiwa Tosin , Alharthi Abeer , Davidson Patricia M. , Commodore-Mensah Yvonne , Ogungbe Oluwabunmi
Published: October 2023

Background

Almost twenty percent of adults with COVID-19 develop Long COVID, leading to prolonged symptoms and disability. Understanding the supportive needs of people with Long COVID is vital to enacting effective models of care and policies.

Design/methods

This qualitative sub-study explored the experiences of people with Long COVID and their unmet needs. Participants enrolled in a larger study to evaluate the post-acute cardiovascular impacts of COVID-19 were invited to participate in subsequent in-depth interviews. Participants were enrolled purposively until saturation at 24 participants. Data were analyzed using thematic content analysis.

Results

Participants focused on adaptations to life with Long COVID and their unmet needs in different life spheres. Three domains, 1) occupational and financial; 2) healthcare-related; and 3) social and emotional support, emerged as areas affecting quality of life. Although participants were motivated to return to work for financial and personal reasons, Long COVID symptoms often resulted in the inability to perform tasks required by their existing jobs, and unemployment. Those who maintained employment through employer accommodations still needed additional support. Participants encountered diagnostic challenges, challenges in accessing specialty appointments, insurance loopholes, high healthcare costs, and medical skepticism. Existing social networks provided support for completing daily tasks; however, those with Long COVID typically turned to others with similar lived experiences for emotional support. Participants found government support programs inadequate and difficult to access in all three domains.

Discussion

We propose a five-pronged policy approach to support persons with Long COVID. These overarching recommendations are (1) improve public awareness of Long COVID; (2) improve clinical care quality and access; (3) implement additional school and workplace accommodations; (4) strengthen socioeconomic benefits and social services; and (5) improve research on Long COVID.
Influence of greater trochanteric bone density and three-dimensional morphology on perioperative greater trochanteric fracture following total hip arthroplasty via an anterolateral approach
Authors: Inoue Daisuke , Kabata Tamon , Kajino Yoshitomo , Yamamuro Yuki , Taninaka Atsushi , Kataoka Tomoyuki , Saiki Yoshitomo , Yanagi Yu , Ima Musashi , Iyobe Takahiro , Tsuchiya Hiroyuki
Published: October 2023

Background

Perioperative greater trochanteric fracture following total hip arthroplasty (THA) using the anterolateral approach is a recognized perioperative complication. There was no previous study to determine the relationship between bone mineral density (BMD) and three-dimensional greater trochanter morphology for perioperative greater trochanter fractures. The purpose of this study is to identify the influence of greater trochanteric bone density and three-dimensional morphology on perioperative greater trochanteric fracture following THA using the anterolateral approach.

Methods

We investigated 209 hips done primary THA using the anterolateral approach and preoperative BMD test for the proximal femoral bone with a minimum of 6 months follow-up. We picked up all patients who had perioperative greater trochanteric fractures. Multivariate analysis was done in order to investigate the influence of the greater trochanter young adult mean (YAM) and three-dimensional morphology on perioperative greater trochanteric fractures.

Results

There were 10 joints (10/209, 4.8%) with perioperative greater trochanteric fractures. Osteosynthesis was required only in one joint (1/209, 0.5%) because the bone fragments were significantly displaced proximally by the gluteus medius. Multivariate analysis showed the combination of Type B femoral shape (in cases where the top of the great trochanter was inside the longitudinal central axis of the planned femoral stem in computed tomography (CT)- based three-dimensional templating) and a YAM of < 80% was the only risk factor for fracture.

Conclusions

The preoperative greater trochanter BMD test (YAM < 80%) and three-dimensional femoral morphology (Type B femoral shape) provide useful information to mitigate the occurrence of perioperative greater trochanter fractures associated with THA using the anterolateral approach.
Online modules to improve health professionals’ end-of-life law knowledge and confidence: a pre-post survey study
Authors: Feeney Rachel , Willmott Lindy , Neller Penny , Then Shih-Ning , Yates Patsy , White Ben
Published: October 2023

Background

Health professionals and medical students have knowledge gaps about the law that governs end-of-life decision-making. There is a lack of dedicated training on end-of-life law and corresponding research on the impact of this type of training.

Objective

To examine the impact of online training modules on key concepts of end-of-life law on Australian health professionals’ legal knowledge and their self-reported confidence in applying the law in practice.

Methods

Online pre- and post-training surveys were completed by training participants. The optional surveys collected demographic data, directly assessed legal knowledge and measured self-reported confidence in applying the law in clinical practice, before and after training.

Results

Survey response rates were 66% (pre-training) and 12% (post-training). The final sample for analysis (n = 136 participants with matched pre- and post-training surveys), included nurses, doctors, allied health professionals, medical students and a small number of non-health professionals. Following completion of the online training modules, legal knowledge scores significantly increased overall and across each domain of end-of-life law. Participants were also more confident in applying the law in practice after training (median = 3.0, confident) than before training (median = 2.0, not confident).

Conclusions

This study found that completion of online training modules on end-of-life law increased Australian health professionals’ legal knowledge and self-reported confidence in applying the law in clinical practice. Participants demonstrated some remaining knowledge gaps after training, suggesting that the training, while effective, should be undertaken as part of ongoing education on end-of-life law. Future research should examine longer term outcomes and impacts of the training.
Evaluating the relationship between pain empathy, knowledge and attitudes among nurses in North China: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Wu Lihua , Chen Xingyu , Jia Shaofen , Yan Liya , Li Jia , Zhang Liwei , Guo Yanjing , Lu Jingjing , Li Wanling
Published: October 2023

Background

Effective pain management is closely related to nurses’ knowledge, attitudes and empathy regarding pain. Nursing educators and managers should understand the relationship between nurses’ pain management knowledge, attitudes and empathy level, and take targeted measures accordingly. Currently, there is limited study exploring the relationship between pain empathy and pain knowledge and attitudes among nurses in North China.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to investigate the level of nurses’ pain management knowledge and attitudes and pain empathy, to analyze the factors influencing pain empathy, and to explore the relationship between these two variables.

Design

This study was a quantitative, descriptive-correlation design.

Setting and participants

The study population was registered nurses in North China, the sample included 177 registered nurses in North China.

Methods

Data were collected with the “General data questionnaire”, “Knowledge and attitudes survey regarding pain” (KASRP) and the “Empathy for pain scale” (EPS) via Wechat mini program “Questionnaire Star”.

Results

The 177 registered nurses completed the survey. The averege correct rate for KASRP was (51.94 ± 9.44)%, and none of the respondents achieved a percentage score of >80%. The mean score for pain empathy was (2.78 ± 0.78), the empathy reactions dimension was (2.99 ± 0.77), and the body and mind discomfort dimension was (2.71 ± 0.80). The results of multiple stepwise linear regression showed that whether they had received empathy training, whether they had greater trauma or severe pain and whether they had negative emotions were independent influencing factors for EPS scores. Pearson correlation analysis showed that KASRP scores were positively correlated with EPS scores (r = 0.242, P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The pain knowledge and attitudes of nurses in North China are far from optimal. Nurses have a relatively low accuracy rate in areas such as medication knowledge, assessment of patient pain based on case studies, and handling PRN prescriptions. Nursing educators and administrators need to design some pain management courses in a targeted manner. Nurses’ empathy for pain was at a moderate level. Pain empathy was positively correlated with pain knowledge and attitudes, suggesting that empathy for pain can be developed postnatally.
Interventions to address unprofessional behaviours between staff in acute care: what works for whom and why? A realist review
Authors: Maben Jill , Aunger Justin Avery , Abrams Ruth , Wright Judy M. , Pearson Mark , Westbrook Johanna I. , Jones Aled , Mannion Russell
Published: October 2023

Background

Unprofessional behaviour (UB) between staff encompasses various behaviours, including incivility, microaggressions, harassment, and bullying. UB is pervasive in acute healthcare settings and disproportionately impacts minoritised staff. UB has detrimental effects on staff wellbeing, patient safety and organisational resources. While interventions have been implemented to mitigate UB, there is limited understanding of how and why they may work and for whom.

Methods

This study utilised a realist review methodology with stakeholder input to improve understanding of these complex context-dependent interventions. Initial programme theories were formulated drawing upon scoping searches and reports known to the study team. Purposive systematic searches were conducted to gather grey and published global literature from databases. Documents were selected if relevant to UB in acute care settings while considering rigour and relevance. Data were extracted from these reports, synthesised, and initial theories tested, to produce refined programme theories.

Results

Of 2977 deduplicated records, 148 full text reports were included with 42 reports describing interventions to address UB in acute healthcare settings. Interventions drew on 13 types of behaviour change strategies and were categorised into five types of intervention (1) single session (i.e. one off); (2) multiple session; (3) single or multiple sessions combined with other actions (e.g. training sessions plus a code of conduct); (4) professional accountability and reporting programmes and; (5) structured culture change interventions. We formulated 55 context-mechanism-outcome configurations to explain how, why, and when these interventions work. We identified twelve key dynamics to consider in intervention design, including importance of addressing systemic contributors, rebuilding trust in managers, and promoting a psychologically safe culture; fifteen implementation principles were identified to address these dynamics.

Conclusions

Interventions to address UB are still at an early stage of development, and their effectiveness to reduce UB and improve patient safety is unclear. Future interventions should incorporate knowledge from behavioural and implementation science to affect behaviour change; draw on multiple concurrent strategies to address systemic contributors to UB; and consider the undue burden of UB on minoritised groups.

Study registration

This study was registered on the international database of prospectively registered systematic reviews in health and social care (PROSPERO): https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42021255490.
House-wall modification after indoor residual spraying in Shashogo district, southern Ethiopia
Authors: Amanuel Melesech , Tadesse Sebsibe , Tamene Aiggan
Published: October 2023

Background

Indoor residual spraying has been a key national malaria prevention and control strategy in Ethiopia. However, there is a gap in monitoring and evaluation of house-wall modification after indoor residual spraying before the end of residual lifespan. This study has determined the prevalence of house-wall modification after indoor residual spraying and identified the associated factors in Shashogo district, southern Ethiopia.

Methods

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from April to May 2022. Data were collected from 640 randomly selected households using a pre-tested questionnaire and an observational checklist. The binary logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with house-wall modification after indoor residual spraying before the end of the potency period.

Results

The prevalence of house-wall modification after indoor residual spraying was found to be 30.4% (95% CI 27.4–34.2%). Educational status of could not read and write [AOR = 1.76, 95% CI (1.16, 2.68)], monthly income of more than birr 3000 [AOR = 3.27, 95% CI (1.78, 6.01)], low level of knowledge about indoor residual spraying [AOR = 3.81, 95% CI (2.39, 6.06)], lack of information within two weeks before spraying [AOR = 2.23, 95% CI (1.44, 3.46)], absence of supervision after spraying [AOR = 1.79, 95% CI (1.14, 2.81)], absence of stagnant water near house [AOR = 3.36, 95% CI (2.13, 5.39)], and thatched roof [AOR = 1.82, 95% CI (1.04, 3.16)] were factors significantly associated with house-wall modification after indoor residual spraying.

Conclusion

This study has revealed that the prevalence of house-wall modification after indoor residual spraying before the end of the residual lifespan in the study area was higher compared to other studies in developing countries. Therefore, special emphasis should be given to providing community education about indoor residual spraying, conducting regular supervision before and after residual spraying, enforcing some legislative strategies for modifying the house-wall before six months after spraying, and improving environmental and housing conditions.