bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the correlation between frailty and sleep quality among elderly patients with osteoporosis: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Xu Xiaoru , Zhou Xiaoping , Liu Wenjing , Ma Qing , Deng Xuexue , Fang Ronghua
Published: July 2022

Background

The incidence of osteoporosis increases with age. Frailty is a distinct characteristic seen in older osteoporosis patients. Poor sleep quality is common in elderly individuals. However, there are few studies on the correlation between frailty and sleep quality in elderly patients with osteoporosis in China.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted from December 8, 2020, to April 30, 2021. A total of 247 patients who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were recruited in outpatient departments at West China Hospital. A self-designed demographic data questionnaire, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and the Frailty Phenotype scale were used to evaluate the sleep quality and frailty of the participants. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to evaluate the factors affecting frailty and sleep quality in osteoporosis patients.

Results

A total of 231 valid questionnaires were statistically analysed. The mean frailty score was 3.2 ± 1.6 and a total of 152 (65.8%) were frailty. The mean PSQI score was 11.9 ± 4.5 and a total of 183 (79.2%) patients had poor sleep quality (PSQI > 7). Multiple logistic regression showed that female, pain, polypharmacy, activities of daily living status (ADLs), and sleep quality were independent influencing factors for frailty, while comorbidity, ADLs and frailty status were independent influencing factors for sleep quality.

Conclusion

We found that frailty and sleep quality were prevalent and that frailty was positively correlated with the PSQI score in elderly patients with osteoporosis in China. The higher the frailty score is, the worse the sleep quality. It means the frailer old patients were, the worse their sleep quality, and poor sleep quality may increase the risk of frailty in elderly patients with osteoporosis. To manage elderly patients with osteoporosis effectively, medical staff should pay attention to frailty, sleep quality and its influencing factors.
Effects of group mindfulness-based cognitive therapy and group cognitive behavioural therapy on symptomatic generalized anxiety disorder: a randomized controlled noninferiority trial
Authors: Jiang Si-si , Liu Xue-hua , Han Nan , Zhang Hai-jing , Xie Wu-xiang , Xie Zhi-juan , Lu Xin-yuan , Zhou Xuan-zi , Zhao Yu-qi , Duan Ai-deng , Zhao Shu-qin , Zhang Zhi-cheng , Huang Xue-bing
Published: July 2022

Background

Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) is a promising alternative treatment for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). The objective of this study was to examine whether the efficacy of group MBCT adapted for treating GAD (MBCT-A) was noninferior to group cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) designed to treat GAD (CBT-A), which was considered one of first-line treatments for GAD patients. We also explored the efficacy of MBCT-A in symptomatic GAD patients compared with CBT-A for a variety of outcomes of anxiety symptoms, as well as depressive symptoms, overall illness severity, quality of life and mindfulness.

Methods

This was a randomized, controlled, noninferiority trial with two arms involving symptomatic GAD patients. Adult patients with GAD (n = 138) were randomized to MBCT-A or CBT-A in addition to treatment as usual (TAU). The primary outcome was the anxiety response rate assessed at 8 weeks after treatment as measured using the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA). Secondary outcomes included anxiety remission rates, scores on the HAMA, the state-trait anxiety inventory (STAI), the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD), the Severity Subscale of the Clinical Global Impression Scale (CGI-S), and the 12-item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12), as well as mindfulness, which was measured by the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ). Assessments were performed at baseline, 8 weeks after treatment, and 3 months after treatment. Both intention-to-treat (ITT) and per-protocol (PP) analyses were performed for primary analyses. The χ2 test and separate two-way mixed ANOVAs were used for the secondary analyses.

Results

ITT and PP analyses showed noninferiority of MBCT-A compared with CBT-A for response rate [ITT rate difference = 7.25% (95% CI: -8.16, 22.65); PP rate difference = 5.85% (95% CI: − 7.83, 19.53)]. The anxiety remission rate, overall illness severity and mindfulness were significantly different between the two groups at 8 weeks. There were no significant differences between the two groups at the 3-month follow-up. No severe adverse events were identified.

Conclusions

Our data indicate that MBCT-A was noninferior to CBT-A in reducing anxiety symptoms in GAD patients. Both interventions appeared to be effective for long-term benefits.

Trial registration

Registered at chictr.org.cn (registration number: ChiCTR1800019150, registration date: 27/10/2018).
Prospective associations between psychosocial work factors and self-reported health: study of effect modification by gender, age, and occupation using the national French working conditions survey data
Authors: Niedhammer Isabelle , Derouet-Gérault Laura , Bertrais Sandrine
Published: July 2022

Background

Prospective studies exploring the effects of psychosocial work factors on self-reported health (SRH) are lacking, especially those studying effect modifications. The objectives were to examine the prospective associations of these factors, and multiple exposures to these factors, with SRH in a national representative sample, and effect modifications by gender, age, and occupation.

Methods

The prospective study relied on the three data collection waves (2013, 2016, and 2019) of the national French Working Conditions survey and was based on a sample of 15,971 employees, in good SRH at the beginning of the follow-up period. The occupational exposures were time-varying variables measured in 2013 and 2016, and included: 20 psychosocial work factors grouped into 5 broad domains, 4 exposures related to working time/hours and 4 physical-biomechanical-chemical exposures. The incidence of poor SRH three years later was the outcome. Discrete time Poisson regression models were performed using weighted data and with adjustment for gender, age, marital status, life events, and occupation.

Results

Almost all the studied psychosocial work factors were predictive of poor SRH. Some physical-biomechanical-chemical exposures were found to predict poor SRH. Only rare effect modifications were observed according to gender, age, and occupation. Dose-response associations between multiple exposures and the incidence of poor SRH were observed for 4 among 5 domains of psychosocial work factors.

Conclusions

Our study underlined the effects of psychosocial work factors, as well as multiple exposure effects, on the incidence of poor SRH. However, most of these effects were the same across population groups related to gender, age, and occupation.
Evaluating the impact of a novel behavioural science informed animation upon breast cancer screening uptake: protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Acharya Amish , Ashrafian Hutan , Cunningham Deborah , Ruwende Josephine , Darzi Ara , Judah Gaby
Published: July 2022

Background

Breast cancer screening is estimated to save 1300 lives annually in the United Kingdom. Despite this, uptake of invitations has fallen over the past decade. Behavioural science-informed interventions addressing the determinants of attendance behaviour have shown variable effectiveness. This may be due to the narrow repertoire of techniques trialled, and the difficulties of implementation at a population-scale. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact on breast screening uptake of a novel behavioural video intervention which can contain more complex combinations of behavioural change techniques.

Methods

A 3-armed randomised controlled trial will be undertaken in London comparing the impact of (1) the usual care SMS reminder, to (2) a behavioural plain text SMS reminder and (3) a novel video sent as a link within the behavioural plain text SMS reminder. A total of 8391 participants (2797 per group) will be allocated to one of the three trial arms using a computer randomisation process, based upon individuals’ healthcare identification numbers. The novel video has been co-designed with a diverse range of women to overcome the barriers faced by underserved communities and the wider population. The behavioural SMS content has also been co-designed through the same process as the video. Messages will be sent through the current reminder system used by the London screening programmes, with reminders 7 days and 2 days prior to a timed appointment. The primary outcome is attendance at breast cancer screening within 3 months of the initial invitation. Secondary outcomes will include evaluating the impact of each message amongst socio-demographic groups and according to the appointment type e.g. first invitation or recall.

Discussion

In addition to general declining trends in attendance, there is also concern of increasing healthcare inequalities with breast cancer screening in London. The current novel intervention, designed with underserved groups and the general population, incorporates several behavioural techniques to overcome the barriers to attendance. Understanding its potential impact in a real-world setting therefore may provide significant information on how to address reducing attendance and healthcare disparities.

Trial Registration

This study was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05395871) on the 27thMay 2022.
Challenges of and corrective recommendations for healthcare-associated infection’s case findings and reporting from local to national level in Iran: a qualitative study
Authors: Dehghan-Nayeri Nahid , Seifi Arash , Rostamnia Leili , Varaei Shokoh , Ghanbari Vahid , Sari Ali Akbari , Haghani Hamid
Published: July 2022

Background

The accuracy of health care−associated infections (HAIs) statistics in many countries is questionable and the main reasons of this inaccuracy are not well-known. The study aim was to explore inhibitors of and corrective recommendations for HAIs case findings and reporting in some of Iran hospitals.

Methods

Sixteen face-to-face interviews and an expert panel were performed with expertise of infection prevention and control (IPC) programs in hospitals, and Deputies of Health and Treatment in medical university and Ministry of Health from Feb 2018 to May 2019. Using conventional content analysis, code, subcategories and categories were developed.

Result

Three categories emerged including improper structure preparation, conflict of interest, and inadequate motivation. Allocating distinct budget and adequate staff to IPC programs, developing a user-friendly surveillance system and engaging physicians and nurses for HAIs reporting are the main corrective recommendations accepted by the expert panel.

Conclusion

Despite the improvement in growing case-findings and reporting of HAIs in Iran, there are many challenges which inhibit accurate case finding and reporting of HAIs. So it is necessary to update the structure, system and rules to reach accurate HAIs data in Iran.
Using COM-B model in identifying facilitators, barriers and needs of community pharmacists in implementing weight management services in Malaysia: a qualitative study
Authors: Blebil Ali Qais , Saw Pui San , Dujaili Juman Abdulelah , Bhuvan K. C. , Mohammed Ali Haider , Ahmed Ali , Houssenaly Fatima Zohreine , Hassan Bassam Abdul Rasool , Kaur Anisha , Roien Rohullah
Published: July 2022

Background

Previous qualitative studies exploring the experiences of community pharmacists (CP) in implementing weight management services (WMS) often lack a theoretical underpinning. This study applied the capability, opportunity, motivation, behaviour (COM-B) model to factors associated with WMS implementation among CPs to develop and recommend better intervention strategies.

Methods

A qualitative study design was used by conducting in-depth, semi-structured interviews with CPs. All the interviews were audio-recorded and duly transcribed. The thematic analysis approach was used to analyse the data, and the themes generated were mapped onto COM-B model components.

Results

The themes that emerged were (1) motivation of pharmacists and (2) knowledge and skills, which were identified as both barriers and facilitators, and (3) the barriers to implementation in aspects of social norms and resources. Factors were subsequently categorised into the subcomponents of the model: physical capability (e.g., training), psychological capability (e.g., lack of knowledge), physical opportunity (e.g., product range), social opportunity (e.g., stigma), automatic motivation (e.g., remuneration) and reflective motivation (e.g., CPs extended roles).

Conclusions

In conclusion, programs or training For Cps should develop their psychological capability to change their behaviour by being more proactive in promoting and providing weight management services, with a vital educational component. This behavioural change will improve the promotion of this service and will help many customers who were unaware of this service. Learning opportunities will leave CPs to feel more empowered and overcome barriers to implementing and maintaining WMS in primary care. The study findings provided essential insights into the factors that affect this provided service in Malaysia. The results will help to encourage the embedding of nutrition counselling in academic curricula.
The effect of disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs on skeletal muscle mass in rheumatoid arthritis patients: a systematic review with meta-analysis
Authors: Hein Thales R. , Peterson Leonardo , Bartikoski Barbara J. , Portes Juliana , Espírito Santo Rafaela C. , Xavier Ricardo M.
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease, characterized by chronic and systemic inflammation. Besides, it is known that RA patients may present several comorbidities, such as sarcopenia, a condition where patients present both muscle mass and muscle quality impairment. RA treatment is mostly pharmacological and consists in controlling systemic inflammation and disease activity. Despite that, the effect of pharmacological treatment on sarcopenia is not well characterized.

Objective

To summarize the effects of disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) on skeletal muscle tissue in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients.

Methods

A systematic review of randomized clinical trials and observational studies was conducted using MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science. We selected studies with rheumatoid arthritis patients treated with disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) that analyzed muscle mass parameters such as lean mass and appendicular lean mass. Methodological quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale. Standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were set. A meta-analysis of observational studies was performed using the R software, and we considered significant statistics when p < 0.05.

Results

Nine studies were included in this systematic review. In the meta-analysis, DMARD treatment had no positive difference (p = 0.60) in lean mass. In the same way, in the appendicular lean mass parameter, our results showed that DMARDs did not have changes between baseline and post-treatment analysis (p = 0.93).

Conclusion

There is no evidence of a significant effect of DMARD therapy, either synthetic or biological, on muscle mass. However, this association should be investigated with more studies.
The Association between Aerobic Fitness and Academic Achievement among Elementary School Youth
Authors: Fair Melissa L. , Reed Julian A. , Hughey S. Morgan , Powers Alicia R. , King Sarah
Published: July 2022

Physical activity (PA) and fitness are important for both healthy physical and mental development in youth, including positive effects for academic achievement. Several studies have shown positive associations between PA and academic achievement or cognitive function. However, fewer studies have examined these associations with large representative samples of youth with objective measurement of aerobic fitness and body composition. Therefore, the present study examined the association between aerobic fitness and academic achievement in a large sample of fourth and fifth grade youth from a large southeastern school district. In 2013, objectively measured aerobic capacity via FitnessGram® Progressive Aerobic Cardiovascular Endurance Run was collected for all fourth and fifth grade youth (n = 8641) in a southeastern US county, along with several demographic characteristics. Students also completed the Palmetto Assessment of State Standards test for the following subjects: writing, English/language arts, math, science, and social studies. Multilevel linear regression models were used to examine associations between aerobic fitness and all subject test scores while controlling for demographic characteristics. Results from multilevel linear regression indicate that even after controlling for important covariates, including sex, race/ethnicity, school lunch status, grade level, and youth body mass index, there was a significant positive association between aerobic fitness and academic achievement in writing, English/language arts, math, science, and social studies. Further analysis indicated that the association between increased aerobic fitness and subject test scores was not modified by sex. In conclusion, these findings are supported by previous research highlighting the important role that aerobic fitness for elementary school youth plays in healthy brain development during this rapid period of growth and acquisition of cognitive skills, thus impacting lifelong academic achievement and educational attainment.
A rectosigmoid haemangioma: A rare etiology of rectal bleeding
Authors: Abdulghaffar Shareefa , AlMulla Muna , AlNuaimi Dana , AlKetbi Reem , Khairi Tarig ElNour
Published: July 2022

Cavernous haemangiomas of the rectosigmoid colon are rare benign vascular neoplasms of the GI tract. Patients usually present at a younger age with various degree of rectal bleeding ranging from mild painless episodic bleeding to life-threatening hemorrhage. High index of suspicion and early diagnosis is crucial to avoid unnecessary biopsy and inappropriate management. We report a case of a 26-year-old male patient with a long history of recurrent rectal bleeding. Contrast-enhanced CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis and MRI confirmed the diagnosis of cavernous hemangioma. Further surgical treatment with rectosigmoid resection and colo-anal anastomosis represents the optimum path of management for our patient.
Ο ρόλος των microRNAs του αγγειακού τοιχώματος στα ανευρύσματα ανιούσης θωρακικής αορτής
Authors: Γκολιοπούλου Αθηνά
Published: July 2022

Εισαγωγή: Τα ανευρύσματα θωρακικής αορτής και ο διαχωρισμός τους έχουν υψηλή θνητότητα, επιτάσσοντας την διερεύνηση βιοδεικτών που θα βοηθήσουν στη διάγνωση και θα αποτελέσουν πιθανούς θεραπευτικούς στόχους, όπως τα microRNAs που πρόσφατα συσχετίστηκαν με καρδιαγγειακά νοσήματα και αορτικά συμβάματα συγκεκριμένα. Σκοπός της μελέτης ήταν να εξεταστεί πώς συσχετίζονται ορισμένοι βιοδείκτες ιστού και ορού, καθώς και η έκφραση microRNAs με τα ανευρύσματα και το διαχωρισμό ανιούσας θωρακικής αορτής.Υλικό και Μέθοδοι: Συγκρίναμε τρεις ομάδες ασθενών: 21 ασθενείς με ανεύρυσμα ανιούσας αορτής, 11 ασθενείς με οξύ διαχωρισμό ανιούσης αορτής τύπου Α κατά Stanford και 18 ασθενείς με φυσιολογική διάμετρο ανιούσας αορτής που υπεβλήθησαν σε άλλη καρδιοχειρουργική επέμβαση (ομάδα ελέγχου). Πριν από το χειρουργείο, ελήφθησαν δείγματα αίματος από τους ασθενείς, ώστε να μετρηθούν τα επίπεδα οστεοπροτεγερίνης, αδιπονεκτίνης και υψηλής ευαισθησίας C- αντιδρώσας πρωτεΐνης (hsCRP) ορού. Δείγματα ιστού από το τοίχωμα της ανιούσας αορτής ελήφθησαν κατά τη διάρκεια του χειρουργείου και μετρήθηκαν ιστικά επίπεδα των μεταλλοπρωτεινασών στρώματος [Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs)] 2 και 9, καθώς και τα ιστικά επίπεδα των microRNAs 29 και 195 με αλυσιδωτή αντίδραση πολυμεράσης σε πραγματικό χρόνο [quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qrtPCR)] .Αποτελέσματα: Οι ομάδες ασθενών ελέγχου, ασθενών με ανεύρυσμα και ασθενών με διαχωρισμό δεν διαπιστώθηκε να διαφέρουν στα επίπεδα οστεοπροτεγερίνης, αδιπονεκτίνης, ιστικών MMP2 και ιστικών MMP9. Οι ασθενείς με διαχωρισμό ανιούσας αορτής είχαν υψηλότερα επίπεδα hsCRP, συγκριτικά με τις άλλες δύο ομάδες. Η έκφραση των ιστικών microRNA-29 ήταν 2.11 φορές υψηλότερη στην ομάδα των ασθενών με διαχωρισμό αορτής (p=0.001) και 2.99 φορές υψηλότερη στους ασθενείς με ανεύρυσμα (p<0.001) συγκριτικά με τους ασθενείς στην ομάδα ελέγχου. Η έκφραση ιστικών mircroRNA195 ήταν 2.72-φορές υψηλότερη στους ασθενείς με διαχωρισμό (p<0.001) και 2.00 φορές χαμηλότερη στους ασθενείς με ανεύρυσμα (p=0.08) συγκριτικά με την ομάδα ελέγχου.Συμπεράσματα: Αυτά τα ευρήματα τονίζουν το ρόλο των επιγενετικών τροποποιήσεων, μέσω της έκφρασης ιστικών microRNAs, στη διαμόρφωση του αορτικού τοιχώματος, την αποδόμηση του εξωκυττάριου στρώματος και την προοδευτική αύξηση των ανευρυσμάτων, καθώς και το διαχωρισμό τους. Ο ακριβής ρόλος της έκφρασης microRNAs στην αορτική διάταση και το διαχωρισμό, όπως και ο ρόλος τους ως πιθανοί διαγνωστικοί βιοδείκτες, χρήζουν περαιτέρω έρευνας.
Το ιστορικό παρελθόν ως μέσο διαμόρφωσης της πολιτιστικής στρατηγικής και της διεθνούς εικόνας μιας χώρας
Authors: Παπαϊωάννου Αικατερίνη
Published: July 2022

Η παρούσα διδακτορική διατριβή ασχολείται με τη μελέτη και τη διερεύνηση των τρόπων με τους οποίους το ιστορικό παρελθόν, η ιστορική πορεία χωρών, επιδρά και καθορίζει τη διαμόρφωση της πολιτιστικής τους στρατηγικής και πώς μια τέτοια στρατηγική συνεισφέρει στην οικοδόμηση της διεθνούς εικόνας και ισχύος μιας χώρας. Υπό το πρίσμα αυτό, αναλύεται, ειδικότερα, η περίπτωση της Ισπανίας κατά τον 20ό αιώνα. Τα αποτελέσματα αναδεικνύουν πώς η χάραξη πολιτιστικής στρατηγικής και η ενίσχυση της πολιτιστικής διπλωματίας, μέσα και από τη γόνιμη αξιοποίηση της ιστορικής και εν γένει πολιτισμικής κληρονομιάς, αποτελούν παραμέτρους που μπορούν να διαδραματίσουν καθοριστικό ρόλο στη βελτίωση της θέσης και της εικόνας της χώρας σε ένα εξόχως ανταγωνιστικό διεθνές περιβάλλον αλλά και στο άνοιγμα νέων προοπτικών και οριζόντων σε οικονομικό, πολιτικό και κοινωνικό επίπεδο.
Pelvic Congestion syndrome - common, but underdiagnosed disease of women
Authors: Żyga Justyna
Published: July 2022

Introduction: Pelvic congestion syndrome is defined as the presence of varicose changes in the ovarian veins and venous plexuses associated with chronic pelvic pain syndrome. The main problem with pelvic congestion syndrome is the low awareness of medical staff about this syndrome and the resulting very low recognition. 

State of knowledge: Pelvic congestion syndrome is an important cause of chronic pelvic pain. The diagnosis is based on imaging examination with ultrasound as a first-line choice and correlation with clinical presentation. The aetiology is multifactorial and may result from a combination of genetic predisposition, anatomical abnormalities, hormonal, mechanical factors with venous wall weakness, reverse blood flow and hypertension. The incidence is strongly related to the number of pregnancies. 

Conclusions: Pelvic congestion syndrome is one of the possible causes of chronic pelvic pain, thus differential diagnosis should necessarily include venous insufficiency during interviewing, clinical and ultrasound examination of patients. Among several treatment methods, intravascular embolization is a minimally invasive, effective and safe, currently recognised as a method of choice in treatment.
Misja dyplomatyczna Thomasa Bodleya do krajów niemieckich i Danii w 1585 r. na tle poselstw Daniela Rogersa (1585 i 1588) oraz Johna Skeena i Wilhelma Stewarta (1590)
Authors: Franczak Paweł
Published: July 2022

LATE-ELIZABETHAN DIPLOMATIC MISSIONS: A STUDY COMPARING THE LEGACIES OF THOMAS BODLEY, DANIEL ROGERS, JOHN SKEEN, AND WILLIAM STEWART TO THE COURTS OF THE HOLY ROMAN EMPIRE AND THE KING OF DENMARK

Sir Thomas Bodley is not known well in and outside England, unless one studies the history of libraries and correctly ties him with the eponymous Oxford library, the Bodleian. Nevertheless at the end of 17th century he experienced a brief moment of prominence as an English diplomat heading an embassy to the Holy Roman Empire and the Kingdom of Denmark. No less important were three other diplomats, sent by Queen Elisabeth I soon after him: Daniel Rogers, William Stewart and John Skeen. This article is examines those four diplomatic missions, with stress put on the legacy of Thomas Bodley’s endeavours, which marked a new era in Anglo-German diplomatic relations. The author analyses the differences in the dispatches and reports written by these Elizabethan diplomats.
The Exponomial Choice Model for Assortment Optimization: An Alternative to the MNL Model?
Authors: Aouad Ali , Feldman Jacob , Segev Danny
Published: July 2022

In this paper, we consider the yet-uncharted assortment optimization problem under the exponomial choice model, in which the objective is to determine the revenue-maximizing set of products that should be offered to customers. Our main algorithmic contribution comes in the form of a fully polynomial-time approximation scheme, showing that the optimal expected revenue can be efficiently approached within any degree of accuracy. We synthesize several ideas related to approximate dynamic programming, intended to construct a compact discretization of the continuous state space by keeping track of “key statistics” in rounded form and by operating with a suitable bit precision complexity. We complement this result by a number of NP-hardness reductions to natural extensions of this problem. Moreover, we conduct empirical and computational evaluations of the exponomial choice model and our solution method. Focusing on choice models with a simple parametric structure, we provide new empirical evidence that the exponomial choice model can achieve higher predictive accuracy than the multinomial logit (MNL) choice model on several real-world data sets. We uncover that this predictive performance correlates with certain characteristics of the choice instance—namely, the entropy and magnitude of choice probabilities. Finally, we leverage fully ranked preference data to simulate the expected revenue of optimal assortments prescribed using the fitted exponomial and MNL models. On semisynthetic data, the exponomial-based approach can lift revenues by 3%–4% on average against the corresponding MNL benchmark.

This paper was accepted by Chung Piaw Teo, optimization.

Funding: The research of Danny Segev on this project was supported by the Israel Science Foundation [Grants 148/10 and 1407/20].

Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.4492 .
Pragmatic characteristics of scientific articles titles (on the material of the professional journal "Effective Economics")
Authors:   Poltava State Agrarian Academy, Syzonenko N. M.
Published: July 2022

The article proves that the success of a scientific article is not only ensured by high-quality material, properly and logically structured according to the requirements of scientific publications and standards of scientific writing, but also by a well-chosen title, which has pragmatic potential. The article considers the experience of Ukrainian linguists, who studied a title in the structural, semantic and stylistic, pragmatic perspectives on the material of English and German-language scientific articles. It was found that the pragmatic potential of Ukrainian-language titles of scientific publications requires careful and comprehensive study. 162 titles of scientific articles published in the professional journal "Effective Economics" were analyzed. It was identified that the authors’ intensions to update the theoretical aspects of the study of scientific phenomena are few, but the desire to focus the attention of recipients on the ways of applying theoretical knowledge in order to solve practical problems in various branches of the economy is evident. The authors use pragmatic markers of the modern approaches, tools, strategies, assessment, opportunities, perspectives, improvement, effectiveness, optimization to focus on significant aspects of the problem, on specific ways and means of its solution, on the prospects of further science problem research. The research results showed that the authors of scientific publications implement different pragmatic intentions depending on the object, subject, research material as well as the theme of scientific publications.
Communication strategies of Psalm 119 as specific factors influencing consciousness (based on French translation)
Authors:   State Institution Luhansk Taras Shevchenko National University, Shapovalova L. V. , Chugaeva M. S. ,   State Institution Luhansk Taras Shevchenko National University
Published: July 2022

The article analyzes Psalm 119 as an element of religious discourse and part of the Bible in terms of communication strategies as a factor in its impact on the mind of the addressee. Recourse to the Bible is determined by the power of its influence on the minds of people through the use of various language and speech means. Religious discourse differs from other types of discourse in its manipulativeness. However, since this word has acquired a negative connotation, we consider it inappropriate to use it in relation to biblical texts, and we prefer the term „influence”. Religious discourse is organized taking into account the purpose of influencing the addressee of communication. Therefore, the necessary communication strategies are selected for the effective implementation of this task. Speech influence is carried out with the help of communicative strategies and tactics, the essence of which is operations on the knowledge of the addressee, on his value categories, emotions, will. The choice of communicative strategies depends on the specifics, purpose and genre of religious discourse – to establish faith, convert to faith and explain the rules of life, behavior in the religious world, the place of God and man in it. Psalm 119 is dominated by explanatory and prayerful strategies, so this psalm has a didactic focus. With the help of these strategies, the author not only builds his conversation with God, but also paints his picture of the world, explains his place in it as a person and shows who God is for him and how to address Him. In addition, communication strategies correlate with elements of influence, namely: persuasion / explanatory strategy; suggestion / explanatory strategy; motivation to follow / evaluation and affirmation strategies; with the formation of the benefit of favor / all strategies used in the psalm; manipulation or influence / all the strategies used in the psalm, because they are used to show how it should be.
Investigación-Acción Participativa sobre percepciones, preocupaciones y necesidades de los profesionales de salud en una central de emergencias de Argentina
Authors: Grande-Ratti Maria Florencia , Perez-Manelli Romina Yasmin , Herrera Ana Gabriela , Pedretti Ana Soledad , Aliperti Valeria , Martinez Bernardo , Dawidowski Adriana Ruth
Published: July 2022

Objetivo: Explorar las percepciones, preocupaciones y necesidades del personal de salud en una Central de Emergencias de Adultos (CEA) de Argentina.

Métodos: Investigación o acción participativa, coordinada y ejecutada por el propio personal de la CEA, que incluyó médicos/as, personal de enfermería y administrativo/as para participar activamente en la recolección de información y en el análisis. Se utilizaron metodologías mixtas: análisis documental de quejas y reclamaciones escritas por parte de los pacientes, 10 entrevistas individuales y 2 grupos focales reflexivos con 10 integrantes del personal de salud (de diferente cargo y antigüedad, y residentes en formación).

Resultados: Los tópicos emergentes fueron factores laborales que inducen al error y atentan contra el encuentro clínico centrado en la persona: la sobrecarga y la falta de tiempo, la sobreutilización de recursos por medicina defensiva y la tecnología que reemplaza el contacto físico. El personal de salud manifestó episodios de agresiones de pacientes o sus familiares, cuando las largas esperas y las insuficiencias estructurales (como falta de camas, saturación de sala de espera, incomodidad) atentan contra la paciencia y la tolerancia. A partir de esta reflexión se generaron mejoras en diversas áreas de la CEA.

Conclusiones: La identificación de las problemáticas realizadas por los propios actores de la CEA resultó un método pertinente para generar un proceso de cambio de gestión colectiva, promover la reflexión y concientizar, permitir identificar áreas de mejora, diseñar estrategias y propuestas concretas.
Habitat Prediction and Knowledge Extraction from Musa gracilis Holttum with Limited Data
Authors:   School of Science, Mae Fah Luang University, Muang, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand, Changruenngam Thanayut , Swangpol Sasivimon Chomchalow ,   Department of Plant Science, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400, Thailand, Tovaranonte Jantrararuk ,   School of Science, Mae Fah Luang University, Muang, Chiang Rai 57100, Thailand
Published: July 2022

Species distribution models are a powerful tool to predict suitability map addressing ecology and conservation, especially of rare species. However, the limited occurrence data often decrease the performances of the prediction models. In this research, the Random Forest with Fuzzy selection of pseudo absence point (RFFA) method was created for habitat prediction of species with limited distribution data. In our study, Musa gracilis Holttum is naturally found only in Narathiwat, one of the southernmost provinces in Thailand. With only three collected localities, the species was used as a sample to test effi cacy of the RFFA method. The comparing the model results with real data, the statistical relationship, and the feasibility assessment of the two species distribution models. MaxEnt and RFFA methods showed that the performance of the RFFA model did not differ signifi cantly from that of MaxEnt in terms of effi ciency. It can be concluded from the model using the three-occurrence data that M. gracilis distributes in approximately 7,000 square kilometers, with limited boundary in Thailand peninsular and is facing a risk of extinction in the wild.
The Association of Metformin Doses and Length of Treatment with Glycemic Control and Serum Insulin Levels in Iraqi Patients with Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Abdulrahman Zainab Saad , Alatrakji Mohammed Qasim , Al-Maliky Ahmed Abood , Hussein Khalid Ibrahim , Hussain Saad Abdulrahman
Published: July 2022

Numerous variables, including age, gender, physical inactivity, inadequate dose, noncompliance, and drug-drug interactions, may lead to substantial intraindividual variability in metformin (Met) response. This study aimed to determine how dosages and duration of metformin affected glycemic control and insulin levels in Iraqi patients with T2DM. A total of 153 T2DM patients with a disease duration of more than one year participated in a cross-sectional study at the Diabetes and Endocrinology Center, Baghdad from October 2021 to March 2022. As part of the study method, the patients were evaluated clinically and physically, and their body weight, waist circumference, and body mass index (BMI) were measured. Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting glucose (FSG), insulin, creatinine, and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were evaluated. After data correction for Met doses and length of treatment, FSG, HbA1c, insulin, creatinine, and CRP levels were not substantially different (P > 0.05) among groups taking different doses of Met for different periods. According to Pearson's correlation analysis, there was no significant relationship between Met doses and treatment duration and glycemic control or insulin levels. In conclusion, Met dose and treatment duration were not significantly correlated to glycemic control or serum insulin levels, which could be attributed to other factors.
Hypocholesterolemia Effect of Guazuma Ulmifolia Lamk on Rats Model Hyperlipidemic and Liver Histopathological Picture
Authors: Em Sutrisna Em Sutrisna , Usdiana Devi , Wahyuni Sri
Published: July 2022

The number of herbal medicines in Indonesia as cholesterol drugs is still lacking. Guazuma ulmifolia Lamk. is one of the plants suspected of having an anticholesterol effect. The test design is pre and post test with control group design. A total of 30 rats were divided into 5 groups, with each group consisting of 6 rats. Aquadest as a negative control group and simvastatin 0.72mg/200 bw orally is a positive control group. Groups III, IV, and V were treated the test extract with 3 dose levels. A mouse model of hyperlipidemia was performed with Triton-X. Treatment was carried out for 7 days and cholesterol is measured. Liver organs was taken for histopathological examination. The ethanolic extract of the ethyl acetate fraction of Guazuma ulmifolia Lamk was able to reduce total cholesterol in rats induced by a high cholesterol diet. From the histopathological examination, the ethanol extract of the ethyl acetate fraction of Guazuma ulmifolia Lamk improved liver histoPA. The ethanolic extract of the ethyl acetate fraction of Guazuma ulmifolia Lamk has potencies to develop as hypocholesterolemia agent.
Ameliorating Effect of Bacopa-Monnieri against Nicotine Induced Cerebellar Toxicity in Male Sprague-Dawley Rats
Authors: Sawan Ravi Shankar Prasad , N S Sridevi , Shashidhar K N Shashidhar K N
Published: July 2022

Nicotine present in the tobacco leaves are activated through nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and are involved in neurobehavioral activity. Despite creating awareness, there is an increasing trend in the consumption of tobacco. Few plant products have been documented to protect the pathological consequences of nicotine. The present study is aimed to find the beneficial effects of Bacopa-Monnieri (BM) against nicotine induced physical, psychological, neurobehavioral and biochemical changes in cerebellum. Thirty-two male Sprague-Dawley rats (220-235g) were equally randomized into four groups: Group I: Control; received normal Saline. Group II: received Nicotine (5mg/kg Body-Weight) for 90 days. Group III: received nicotine (5mg/ kg Body-Weight) for initial 90 days followed by Bacopa-Monnieri (100mg/kg Body-Weight) for next 90 days. Group IV: received Bacopa-Monnieri (100 mg/kg Body-Weight) for 90 days. All compounds were administered through oral gavage. Rats were subjected to Open Field Test, Elevated Plus Maze and Beam Walking Test. Following behavioral tests, rats were anesthetized with ketamine (80 ml/kg Body-Weight) and xylocaine (100 ml/kg Body-Weight), brain was dissected and cerebellum was separated. Concentration of Malondialdehyde, Nitric Oxide and activity of Glutathione Peroxidase were measured spectrophotometrically in the supernatant of cerebellum tissue homogenates. Nicotine increases the Malondialdehyde (MDA) and Nitric-Oxide (NO) level in cerebellar tissue compared to control. Nicotine induced increase in Malondialdehyde and Nitric-Oxide level were prevented by Bacopa-Monnieri. The Glutathione Peroxidase (GPx) activity was lower in nicotine treated rats whereas oral supplementation of Bacopa-Monnieri significantly increases the activity of Gluathione-Peroxidase. Bacopa-Monnieri supplementations significantly reverse the Nicotine induced reduction in locomotion activity, exploratory behavior, anxiety, motor impairment and balance. Bacopa-Monnieri confers the protective effects against nicotine induced neurobehavioral alteration and oxidative stress in rats.
An Approach for Learner Categorization Based on Emotions in Intelligent Adaptive E-Learning Environment
Authors: Bala Myneni Madhu , Akkineni Haritha , Srinivasulu Chennupalli
Published: July 2022

The pandemic across the globe has constrained the change from a conventional face to face to e-learning platforms. The most challenging task during online learning is to be aware and support the emotional side of students. In existing environments, the emotion of the listener consideration is lagging. This can be provided by capturing the emotions of the listener through facial expressions. In general, the most common facial expressions are happy, sad, anger, fear, disgust, neutral and surprise. This knowledge can be used to classify different listeners. Hence in this article, we proposed a novel approach to identify an emotion based learner category in the development of Intelligent Adaptive E-Learning Environment by using Convolution Neural Network. The major work is composed of emotion detection model and learner categorization. The emotion detection model is trained by using a standard FER2013 dataset and it is extended with live streams of learners. The results of emotion detection model are extended to categorize the learners by fusing emotions and comprehend as Active, Evaluative, Passive and Non-Listener. The proposed model is trained using 100 epochs and achieved an accuracy of 94.44% in the training phase. This knowledge helps to interpret learner’s participation in e-learning environment.
Design and Performance Evaluation of Soft 3D Models using Metaball in Unreal Engine 4
Authors: Kim Youngsik
Published: July 2022

Soft 3D models such as Slime need to use a variety of different animations in the same situation in order to show a natural dynamic appearance. Metaball can express soft objects well with a small amount of data, but it requires a lot of computation time for real-time rendering. Because of this, it is difficult to find models using Metaball in 3D games. This paper developed a 3D slime game character using Metaball by applying ray marching technique in Unreal Engine 4. In addition, 3D games including slime characters and general fixed game character models were produced and the performance of it were evaluated. Even if the number of slime characters is changed from 0 to 40, it has been verified that the rendering speed is maintained at 30 FPS (Frames Per Second) or more, so that the game can be played.
Strategic IT Demand Management for Business and Innovation Organization
Authors: Wongverawatanakul Ronnasak , Leelasantitham Adisorn
Published: July 2022

Strategic IT demand plays a crucial role in the success of any business. This process requires an in-depth understanding of the organizational strategy level by senior management and management at various levels. This abstract describes the importance of IT Demand Management to the strategic planning of organizations’ information technology innovations where management at all levels are involved in thinking, analyzing, and deciding every important IT investment that it can contribute to business success. This abstract presents a conceptual model, the relationship between EO and TO strategies, and ITDM processes to meet the needs of Optimization of OP that aims to become Innovation Organizations. This result is obtained through a survey study of 50 companies. Samples were management at different levels as the survey can confirm that the ITDM process is an important part of what management needs to know, understand and it can be used as a decision-making tool in organizations’strategic planning as well as it can create a process to become good governance. It can be able to drive and support the IT needs of customers and organizations for the success of the business in the future, truly. Moreover, this concept can be applied in several business areas or industries such as Banking, Energy, Mobile technology, or Telecommunication business.
OrBI – A Hands-free Virtual Reality User Interface for Mobile Devices
Authors: Rozatto Paulo Victor de Magalhães , Oliveira André Luiz Cunha de , Silva Rodrigo Luis de Souza da
Published: July 2022

The purpose of this paper is to present OrBI, a framework for developing hands-free user interfaces for interacting with low-cost Virtual Reality systems through mobile devices. The proposed implementation was developed and used in various Virtual Reality apps. To assess OrBI’s precision and ease to use, we submit the framework to a quantitative and qualitative evaluation. The findings indicate that the proposed interface model is easy to use and have a suitable precision. The findings also showed that the framework might be challenging for older people to use and, in some cases, tiresome.
Linear and Machine Learning modelling for spatiotemporal disease predictions: Force-of-Infection of Chagas disease
Authors: Ledien Julia , Cucunubá Zulma M. , Parra-Henao Gabriel , Rodríguez-Monguí Eliana , Dobson Andrew P. , Adamo Susana B. , Basáñez María-Gloria , Nouvellet Pierre
Published: July 2022

Background

Chagas disease is a long-lasting disease with a prolonged asymptomatic period. Cumulative indices of infection such as prevalence do not shed light on the current epidemiological situation, as they integrate infection over long periods. Instead, metrics such as the Force-of-Infection (FoI) provide information about the rate at which susceptible people become infected and permit sharper inference about temporal changes in infection rates. FoI is estimated by fitting (catalytic) models to available age-stratified serological (ground-truth) data. Predictive FoI modelling frameworks are then used to understand spatial and temporal trends indicative of heterogeneity in transmission and changes effected by control interventions. Ideally, these frameworks should be able to propagate uncertainty and handle spatiotemporal issues.

Methodology/principal findings

We compare three methods in their ability to propagate uncertainty and provide reliable estimates of FoI for Chagas disease in Colombia as a case study: two Machine Learning (ML) methods (Boosted Regression Trees (BRT) and Random Forest (RF)), and a Linear Model (LM) framework that we had developed previously. Our analyses show consistent results between the three modelling methods under scrutiny. The predictors (explanatory variables) selected, as well as the location of the most uncertain FoI values, were coherent across frameworks. RF was faster than BRT and LM, and provided estimates with fewer extreme values when extrapolating to areas where no ground-truth data were available. However, BRT and RF were less efficient at propagating uncertainty.

Conclusions/significance

The choice of FoI predictive models will depend on the objectives of the analysis. ML methods will help characterise the mean behaviour of the estimates, while LM will provide insight into the uncertainty surrounding such estimates. Our approach can be extended to the modelling of FoI patterns in other Chagas disease-endemic countries and to other infectious diseases for which serosurveys are regularly conducted for surveillance.