bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Brain-Hazardous Medications and Potential Subadequate Antidepressant Dosing in Older Surgical Patients Receiving Home Antidepressants: An Observational Study of a Large US Health System
Authors: Pennington Bethany R. Tellor , Holzer Katherine J. , Fritz Bradley A. , Haroutounian Simon , Xu Kevin Y. , Tedder Amanda , Kronzer Alex , Avidan Michael S. , Lenze Eric J.
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND:

Older surgical patients with depression often experience poor postoperative outcomes. Poor outcomes may stem from brain-hazardous medications and subadequate antidepressant dosing.

METHODS:

This was a retrospective, observational cohort study covering the period between January 1, 2021 and December 31, 2021. Patients ≥60 years of age who underwent inpatient surgery and had an overnight stay at an integrated academic health care system comprising 14 hospitals were eligible. We analyzed the prevalence of home central nervous system (CNS)-active potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) and potential subadequate antidepressant dosing in older surgical patients receiving home antidepressants. Univariable and multivariable regression models were used to identify factors associated with home CNS-active PIM prescribing and potential subadequate antidepressant dosing. Additionally, outcomes were compared among patients receiving and not receiving CNS-active PIMs and patients receiving and not receiving subadequate antidepressant dosing.

RESULTS:

A total of 8031 patients were included in this study (47% female, mean age = 70 years) of whom 2087 (26%) were prescribed antidepressants. Roughly one-half (49%, 95% confidence interval [CI], 46.5–50.1) of patients receiving home antidepressants were also receiving ≥1 CNS-active PIM and 29% (95% CI, 27.0–29.3) were receiving a potential subadequate dose. Factors associated with an increased likelihood of receiving a home CNS-active PIM included female sex (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.46), anxiety (aOR, 2.43), asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (aOR, 1.39), and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor use (aOR, 1.54). Patients aged ≥75 years (aOR, 1.57), black race (aOR, 1.48) and those with congestive heart failure (aOR, 1.33) were more likely to be prescribed a potential subadequate antidepressant dose. Patients receiving potential subadequate antidepressant doses were discharged home less often (64% vs 73%), had a longer hospital length of stay (9 days vs 7 days), and a higher mortality rate (18% vs 10%) compared to patients receiving adequate home antidepressant doses (P-value for all <0.01). No differences in these outcomes were found among patients receiving home antidepressants with or without CNS-active PIMs.

CONCLUSIONS:

Older surgical patients receiving antidepressants are frequently prescribed brain-hazardous medications and potentially subadequate antidepressant doses. Those receiving subadequate antidepressant doses may be at risk for worse postoperative outcomes compared to patients receiving adequate doses. The role of preoperative medication optimization to improve outcomes for older surgical patients should be evaluated.
James Watt, of Steam Engine Fame, Offered Inhaled Carbon Monoxide for Putative Therapeutic Action
Authors: Xu Olivia W. , Wang Jingping , Alston Theodore A.
Published: March 2024

James Watt (1736–1819) is remembered as a steam engine innovator and industrial magnate. A polymath, he was also a hands-on contributor to the Medical Pneumatic Institution of Thomas Beddoes. Watt recruited Humphry Davy, who there discovered analgesic action of inhaled nitrous oxide in 1799. Watt also built pneumatic equipment, and he introduced a gas mixture, dubbed hydro-carbonate, as a medical tonic. The bioactive component was carbon monoxide, a readily-lethal inhibitor of the transport and utilization of respiratory oxygen. Despite appreciable toxicity, carbon monoxide is an endogenous product of heme catabolism, and low doses of the gas are under laboratory investigation for therapeutic purposes. However, Watt’s hydro-carbonate constituted a setback in the development of pharmacologically useful gases.
Return Migration and Fertility: French Overseas Emigrants, Returnees, and Nonmigrants at Origin and Destination
Authors: Haddad Marine , Pailhé Ariane
Published: March 2024

Although growing research has emphasized the critical importance of studying returns for understanding various aspects of migration processes, knowledge regarding return migrants’ fertility behaviors remains limited. This study addresses this knowledge gap by comparing rates of first births and completed fertility among three groups: nonmigrants (at origin), migrants, and return migrants. Using extensive data collected both in the home regions and at destination, we analyze female migration from Martinique, Guadeloupe, French Guiana, and Réunion Island to metropolitan France (European France). We find intermediate fertility behaviors for return migrants relative to nonmigrants and migrants: on average, completed fertility levels are lower among return migrants than nonmigrants but slightly higher among return migrants than migrants. Some of these differences can be attributed to selection into migration and return, although significant gaps persist among women with similar socioeconomic characteristics. Our findings highlight three key observations. First, when migrants return before beginning childbearing, their transition to motherhood closely resembles that of nonmigrants with similar characteristics. Second, the lower fertility rates among prospective return migrants indicate an anticipation of disruption effects. Finally, reduced fertility while residing in metropolitan France translates into lower completed fertility rates for return migrants.
Agents of memory in the making
Authors: Ροβίθη Χαρά
Published: March 2024

Το διδακτορικό εντάσσεται στη διεθνή έρευνα για τη μνήμη, τον πόλεμο και τα θύματα του πολέμου. Προσεγγίζει το θέματου τραύματος και της μνήμης μέσα από το πρίσμα μιας ευάλωτης κατηγορίας βετεράνων, τους ανάπηρους πολέμου σε ατομικό και συλλογικό επίπεδο. Αποτελεί συμβολή στην ιστορία του Β’ παγκοσμίου πολέμου στην Ευρώπη και φωτίζει μια πλευρά της περιόδου της κατοχής, της αντίστασης και του εμφυλίου πολέμου στην Ελλάδα παρακολουθώντας τη διαδρομή των ανάπηρων στρατιωτών στην πορεία ενσωμάτωσής τους στη μεταπολεμική ζωή.
Διερευνώντας τη συμβολή γλωσσικών, γνωστικών και πολιτισμικών παραγόντων στη διδακτική και οικοδόμηση γνώσης των θετικών επιστημών με επικέντρωση στα μαθηματικά και την πληροφορική
Authors: Κρητικού Μαγδαληνή
Published: March 2024

Η νέα εποχή διακρίνεται από κοινωνικές, πολιτισμικές, γλωσσικές και εθνικές διαφορές. Στο σχολικό πλαίσιο που είναι μια μικρογραφία της κοινωνίας αποτυπώνονται οι διαφορές αυτές, έτσι γεννάται η ανάγκη για ένα «σχολείο για όλους». Ο εκπαιδευτικός θα πρέπει να μεταφέρει τις γνώσεις ανάλογα με τις ανάγκες των μαθητών του. Η γλωσσική ανομοιογένεια μπορεί να προέρχεται από τις Μαθησιακές Δυσκολίες. Ο όρος «Μαθησιακές Δυσκολίες» είναι γενικός και αναφέρεται σε μια ανομοιογενή ομάδα διαταραχών, οι οποίες εκδηλώνονται με σημαντικές δυσκολίες στην κατάκτηση και χρήση ικανοτήτων ακρόασης, ομιλίας, ανάγνωσης, γραφής, συλλογισμού ή μαθηματικής ικανότητας. Η έρευνα αυτή αναφέρεται στη διερεύνηση της συμβολής γλωσσικών, γνωστικών και πολιτισμικών παραγόντων στη διδακτική και οικοδόμηση γνώσης των θετικών επιστημών με επικέντρωση τα μαθηματικά και την πληροφορική. Στο πλαίσιο της παρούσας διδακτορικής διατριβής, έγινε προσπάθεια διερεύνησης και ανάδειξης του κατά πόσο οι Μαθησιακές Δυσκολίες επηρεάζουν τους μαθητές στο μάθημα των Μαθηματικών και της Πληροφορικής. Στόχος μας ήταν να τοποθετηθούν στο προσκήνιο παράγοντες όπως το φύλο, η διγλωσσία και το μορφωτικό επίπεδο των γονιών και να ελεγθεί η ισχύς και η επίδραση τους. Αρχικά παρουσιάζεται επισκόπηση της βιβλιογραφίας, στην οποία περιγράφονται τα μαθήματα της γλώσσας, των μαθηματικών και της πληροφορικής. Γίνεται εκτενής αναφορά στους παράγοντες που δυσκολεύουν τους μαθητές στην κατανόηση των Μαθηματικών και της πληροφορικής. Έπειτα δίνεται το ερευνητικό μέρος και τα αποτελέσματα της έρευνας.
Digital twinning of temperature fields for modular multilayer multiphase pipeline structures
Authors: Wei Wenlan , Wang Maliang , Cheng Jiarui , Hu Yue , Li Yuqiang , Zheng Jie
Published: March 2024

The temperature field of oil and gas wells in the field of petroleum engineering presents a core problem and challenge in the digital twin framework due to its ultra-long-distance and highly variable structural characteristics. The varying wellbore cross-sectional structures with depth make it difficult to establish an effective and generalized analytical model for heat transfer. In this study, we propose, for the first time, a method to automate the construction of multi-layered and multi-component heat transfer models by using a general computational model based on non-steady-state single-phase structural modules. This method enables the automated generation of complex multi-layered and multi-component heat transfer models, thereby achieving the construction of a generalized model for temperature field characterization with varying wellbore cross-sectional structures over ultra-long distances. Utilizing this modeling approach, we validate the proposed method through case studies using actual wellbore temperature field data. The results demonstrate the lightweight and efficient computational analysis of temperature field information under non-steady-state conditions.
Case Report: Inflammatory orbital pseudotumor revealing Behçet's disease: an original observation
Authors: Sayhi Sameh , Yahyaoui Arij Ezzouhour , Dhahri Rim , Guediche Nour Elhouda , Arfaoui Bilel , Ajili Faida , Ben Abdelhafidh Nadia
Published: March 2024

Objective To provide an original observation of Behçet’s disease, revealed by an inflammatory pseudotumor of the orbit. Methods We reported an observation of an inflammatory pseudotumor of the orbit that revealed Behçet’s disease. Results Twenty-Eight years old patient was admitted to the internal medicine department for painful edema in the right eye with headache and loss of visual acuity. Ophthalmologic examination revealed eye protrusion with conjunctival hyperemia. Orbital MRI resonance imaging revealed periorbital inflammatory thickening associated with inflammatory myositis. Behçet’s was diagnosed based on a history of recurrent oral aphthous since childhood, pseudofolliculitis, pathergy test positivity, and negativity of the rest of the etiological investigations. The evolution was spectacular with boli methylprednisolone and colchicine prescriptions. Conclusion Although the association is rare, Behçet’s disease should be included in the workup of inflammatory pseudotumors of the orbit.
Exploring the status of mother and adolescent daughter communication on reproductive health: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Kashyap Vijiya , Choudhari Dr. Sonali
Published: March 2024

Introduction Adolescents between the ages of 10 and 19 are especially susceptible to problems with sexual and reproductive health (SRH), including unwanted pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and unsafe abortion. Approximately 18% of individuals within this age group reside in India. During this stage, puberty represents a major transition, especially concerning reproductive changes. Sexual and reproductive health conversations with adolescents help to establish their perceptions, attitudes, and values. Mother-daughter conversations serve as an important source of information for adolescent girls, yet many lack access to this knowledge. This study aimed to assess the present status of communication about reproductive health between mothers and their adolescent daughters. Objectives This study aims to evaluate the knowledge, attitude and information sources regarding reproductive health among adolescent daughters, also assessing how frequently they engage in communication on these topics. Methods A community-based cross-sectional study involving both urban and rural areas will be conducted in the Wardha district. The pre-tested questionnaire survey will be used for this study to gather data using a simple random sampling method. A descriptive approach will outline the frequency, communication type, and number of topics for discussions regarding reproductive health between mothers and adolescent daughters. To investigate the communication status between mother and adolescent daughter the chi-square test will be applied. Study implications The findings from this study could contribute significantly to implementing policies, interventions, and educational initiatives that promote better mother-daughter communication about reproductive health issues, ultimately leading to better adolescent health outcomes.
Nasopharyngeal Dysbiosis Precedes the Development of Lower Respiratory Tract Infections in Young Infants, a Longitudinal Infant Cohort Study
Authors: Lapidot Rotem , Faits Tyler , Ismail Arshad , Allam Mushal , Khumalo Zamantungwak , MacLeod William , Kwenda Geoffrey , Mupila Zachariah , Nakazwe Ruth , Segrè Daniel , Johnson William Evan , Thea Donald M , Mwananyanda Lawrence , Gill Christopher J
Published: March 2024

Background Infants suffering from lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) have distinct nasopharyngeal (NP) microbiome profiles that correlate with severity of disease. Whether these profiles precede the infection or are a consequence of it, is unknown. In order to answer this question, longitudinal studies are needed. Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of NP samples collected in a longitudinal birth cohort study of Zambian mother-infant pairs. Samples were collected every two weeks from 1-week through 14-weeks of age. Ten of the infants in the cohort who developed LRTI were matched 1:3 with healthy comparators. We completed 16S rRNA gene sequencing on the samples each of these infants contributed and compared the NP microbiome of the healthy infants to infants who developed LRTI. Results The infant NP microbiome maturation was characterized by transitioning from Staphylococcus dominant to respiratory-genera dominant profiles during the first three months of life, similar to what is described in the literature. Interestingly, infants who developed LRTI had distinct NP microbiome characteristics before infection, in most cases as early as the first week of life. Their NP microbiome was characterized by the presence of Novosphingobium, Delftia, high relative abundance of Anaerobacillus, Bacillus, and low relative abundance of Dolosigranulum, compared to the healthy controls. Mothers of infants with LRTI also had low relative abundance of Dolosigranulum in their baseline samples compared to mothers of infants that did not develop an LRTI. Conclusions Our results suggest that specific characteristics of the NP microbiome precede LRTI in young infants and may be present in their mothers as well. Early dysbiosis may play a role in the causal pathway leading to LRTI or could be a marker of underlying immunological, environmental, or genetic characteristics that predispose to LRTI.
Exploring the understanding of healthcare professionalism and perceived barriers and enablers towards the display of professionalism: a qualitative study
Authors: Chan Li Yun , Ganapathy Sashikumar
Published: March 2024

Background Professionalism plays an integral part in healthcare. The range of definitions and domains of professionalism reflects its complexity and in Singapore, professionalism is codified by the Singapore Medical Council ethical code and ethical guidelines. Many have studied professionalism using a priori frameworks, but none used phenomenological studies to explore professionalism through the perception and lived experiences of healthcare professionals themselves. In addition, few have explored factors that hinder or promote professionalism in an Asian setting. These valuable insights help support the growth and development of programs on professionalism and guide us in changing and making policies. Methods Through semi-structured interviews, views and experiences of healthcare professionals towards professionalism in a single healthcare cluster were explored. Specifically, the perception of professionalism and perceived barriers and enablers were examined. Results Our study found that healthcare professionals largely share the same understanding of professionalism, encompassing conduct, communication, competency, collaboration, and image. Notably, some facets such as the importance of attire and inter-professional collaboration were emphasized more strongly by certain healthcare groups. Conclusions Healthcare professionals see high workload and stress as barriers while factors such as having the right qualities coupled with the support from mentors and team as enablers in the display of professionalism.
Validity arguments for creating a short motivation scale through adaptation of the Japanese motivated strategies for learning questionnaire
Authors: Nomura Osamu , Soma Yuki , Takiguchi Mariko , Matsuyama Yasushi , Tomita Hirofumi
Published: March 2024

Background The coronavirus disease pandemic has substantially altered the mode of medical education, transitioning it from in-person to online. Online learning requires a strong motivational foundation to support self-directed studying. In our previous study, an adapted 31-item Japanese motivation measurement scale using the motivational section from the Japanese version of the Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire (J-MSLQ) was developed. The present study aimed to collect evidence on the validity of the motivation section of the J-MSLQ and clarify whether further revision was necessary. Methods The motivation section of the J-MSLQ comprises a seven-point Likert scale survey containing 31 items. Of 127 fourth-year Japanese medical students invited to participate, 112 responded. Confirmatory factor analysis with structural equation modeling (SEM) was performed using R and R studio for all data analysis. Results The initial SEM model that incorporated all 31 items exhibited inadequate goodness of fit metrics: χ2 = 823.674 (p < 0.001), the comparative fit index (CFI) = 0.786, the root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.093, the standardized root mean square residual (SRMR) = 0.112, the goodness of fit index (GFI) = 0.664, and the adjusted goodness of fit index (AGFI) = 0.602. We optimized the scale by eliminating 12 items with a Z test statistic < 10. Improvements in the goodness of fit metrics of the optimized SEM model were observed, demonstrating moderate model fit: χ2 = 205.602 (p < 0.001), CFI = 0.929, RMSEA = 0.080, SRMR = 0.063, GFI = 0.837, AGFI = 0.768. Conclusions A compact 18-item version of the motivation scale was developed and validated, which alleviated the respondent burden and enabled the researchers to collect data in a shorter time.
Twinning for the Armenian research infrastructure on cancer research
Authors: Sargsyan Karine , Kinkorova Judita , Hartl Gabriele , Pecen Ladislav , Villar Stephanie , Wootton Tracy , Kozlakidis Zisis , Babikyan Davit , Sarkisian Tamara
Published: March 2024

The incidence of cancer is expected to rise globally, with low-and middle-income countries affected disproportionally. One of those countries, Armenia, also faces the challenge of exhibiting one of the lowest research and scientific publication rates within Europe on cancer research. This report presents the experiences of the Twinning for the Armenian Research Infrastructure on Cancer Research (ARICE) program, funded by the European Commission from 2019 – 2024. The project brought together experts from three leading research-intensive, cancer centres: the Medical University of Graz, Austria; the Charles University, Czechia; and the International Agency for Research on Cancer, World Health Organization (IARC/WHO), in partnership with the Yerevan State Medical University. The aim was to enhance the research capacity in Armenia in the field of infrastructure development for clinical genetic research, in particular targeting the collection and use of biological materials, and the data integration for downstream analyses in relation to chronic, non-communicable diseases such as cancer. To this end, training initiatives and educational programmes were developed throughout the duration of the grant and are discussed within their local context.
The genome sequence of the Red-belted Clearwing, Synanthedon myopaeformis (Borkhausen, 1789)
Authors: Langdon William B. V. , Holland Peter W. H. ,   University of Oxford and Wytham Woods Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Management, Samples and Laboratory team,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: Sequencing Operations,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Core Informatics team,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: March 2024

We present a genome assembly from an individual male Synanthedon myopaeformis (the Red-belted Clearwing; Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Sesiidae). The genome sequence is 295.7 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 31 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the Z sex chromosome. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 15.18 kilobases in length. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 15,959 protein coding genes.
A characterization of the family of iterated nonexpansive mappings under every renorming
Authors: Pérez-García Víctor , Castillo-Santos Francisco Eduardo
Published: March 2024

We characterize the family of iterated nonexpansive mappings that
are stable under every renorming. The family of iterated nonexpansive
mappings contains the family of nonexpansive mappings, it also contains
quasi-nonexpansive and Suzuki's (C)-type mappings with fixed points,
among others. We also give the corresponding characterizations for
quasi-nonexpansive and some Suzuki's (C)-type mappings with fixed points.
Guardias campesinas como figuras de seguridad comunitaria en los territorios campesinos: el caso de pradera (Valle del Cauca)
Authors: Castaño Orozco Cristian Sebastian
Published: March 2024

Este artículo busca reconocer las Guardias Campesinas como una institución comunal con incidencia en el manejo de los conflictos rurales en contextos particulares de guerra e implementación del Acuerdo Final de Paz. Se argumenta que las Guardias Campesinas son iniciativas que, más allá de apostar a la construcción de un modelo de seguridad comunitaria para un territorio campesino, puede fortalecer la construcción de un modelo de seguridad comunitaria en el marco de la construcción de Estado (statebuilding) existente en el país, máxime en un contexto de construcción de Paz Territorial. Tomando como experiencia la Guardia Campesina de Pradera (Valle del Cauca), se elabora un Estudio de Caso compuesto por entrevistas, revisión de documentos y Diario de Campo. Se concluye que la construcción del Estado y de Paz en Colombia supone reconocer, tanto las formas como los actores en que participan, las dificultades existentes en la configuración e implementación de sus modelos de seguridad en contextos rurales y el reconocimiento de las iniciativas de Seguridad Comunitaria provenientes del campesinado.
Assessing the quality of antenatal care provision by midwives: a mixed-method study of three levels of healthcare in southwestern Nigeria
Authors: Ayamolowo Sunday Joseph , Adesoji Bukola Abimbola
Published: March 2024

Background

Antenatal care allows healthcare providers to assess the wellbeing of pregnant women and their fetuses, leading to positive maternal and fetal outcomes. This study assessed the available facilities for antenatal care provided by midwives, and factors that influenced the quality of care provided.

Methods

This study used a mixed-method descriptive design based on the Donabedian model to explore the quality of care at 27 health facilities across the three levels of healthcare in Osun State. Qualitative data were collected from 11 purposively selected midwives using an in-depth interview guide, and a hospital checklist was used to collect quantitative data. Data were gathered over 12 weeks, then transcribed and analysed using content and thematic analysis.

Results

Some facilities (9.1%) did not offer all components of antenatal care. When examining the process and structure of care, 98.6% of healthcare facilities were found to have inadequate human resources. Although the equipment at the facilities was functional, it was reportedly inadequate in 27 (84.3%) facilities. Midwives reported that a lack of education, poor working conditions, interprofessional barriers and burnout hindered the provision of quality antenatal care, while community support and regular continuing education were motivating factors.

Conclusions

The quality of antenatal care was rated adequate, but there was a lack of resources, standard guidelines and retraining opportunities for midwives. Adequate manpower and resources are needed to enhance the quality of antenatal care in health facilities in Osun State.
Mothers' knowledge and practice of infection prevention at Ridge Hospital, Ghana
Authors: Cletus Kantam Laari , Mavis Lui , Gilbert Nachinab Ti-Enkawol
Published: March 2024

Background/Aims

Neonatal infection is one of the most common health challenges for newborn care globally. It is also a common contributory reason for admission to neonatal intensive care units in low- and middle-income countries and one of the main causes of mortality and morbidity. This study aimed to assess mothers’ knowledge, practice and perception of factors affecting infection prevention.

Methods

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 193 neonatal mothers from August to September 2021. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on knowledge and practice of infection prevention, as well as factors the participants felt impacted infection prevention. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics.

Results

The majority of mothers had good knowledge (93.3%) and practice (92.7%) of infection prevention. The participants reported multiple factors that they felt impacted neonatal infection prevention, including the mother's education (84.5%), home birth practices (89.1%), poor economic state (85.0%), poor antenatal attendance (93.3%), negative cultural and belief systems (94.8%) and a lack of knowledge of infection prevention (90.7%).

Conclusions

Overall, the majority of neonatal mothers had good knowledge and practice of infection prevention. The Ghana Health Service and Ministry of Health should encourage women to give birth at a health facility, to increase their knowledge of infection prevention, which will then be reflected in improved practice.
Zoonotic hookworms and roundworms affecting dogs and cats in Europe
Authors: Colombo Mariasole , Traversa Donato
Published: March 2024

Ascarids and ancylostomatids are parasitic nematodes that are significant to animal and human health. Widespread misconceptions have often contributed to a tendency among the general public and pet owners to underestimate the importance of these intestinal worms. Similarly, there is a low level of concern even within the veterinary community, despite the need to remain vigilant. Understanding the epidemiology, transmission pathways and clinical implications of these infections is crucial in mitigating their impact on public health and animal wellbeing. This article provides a brief overview of zoonotic hookworms and roundworms affecting dogs and cats in Europe, with a focus on their biology, patterns of transmission, associated diseases and strategies for prevention and control. The article emphasises the need for interdisciplinary collaboration between veterinary and human health sectors and the importance of awareness, early detection and effective management of these zoonotic parasites to safeguard both animal and human health.
Effects of Shallow Surface Drainage Ditches With Controlled Subsurface Drainage Management on Crop Yields in North Carolina
Authors: Watkins Mitchell L. , Poole Chad , Youssef Mohamed A. , Moursi Hossam , Vann Rachel , Heiniger Ron
Published: March 2024

Highlights

Shallow surface ditches with controlled subsurface drainage (SD) increased corn and soybean yields in eight of nine growing seasons compared to conventional drainage.

The SD system increased corn yields on average by 0.4 Mg/ha, or 4% (0.7 Mg/ha, or 6.6%, excluding 2016).

The SD system increased soybean yields on average by 0.5 Mg/ha, or 14.3%.

Abstract. Agricultural drainage in the coastal areas of North Carolina (NC) is commonly achieved through large trapezoidal-shaped ditches. The coastal region of NC has limited topographic relief (slopes < 1%) with poorly drained soils that can cause substantial issues with surface water ponding during high-intensity or long-duration precipitation events without some form of surface drainage. Installation of large free flowing surface ditches (FD) with field crowning improves the drainage intensity but can create negative consequences such as over drainage and side slope scouring within the ditch. Large open ditches remove tillable land from production and serve as a primary transport pathway for pollutants. An alternative drainage design (SD) has been implemented that decreases the size of the surface ditches, limiting their drainage effect to only surface water and potentially improving equipment trafficability. The smaller ditches, installed with precision grade equipment, are placed on a grade sufficient to direct surface flow while keeping soil movement to a minimum. Lateral subsurface drainage tiles are installed to provide subsurface drainage and are connected to a main tile line operated with an outlet control structure for controlled drainage (CD). This study evaluates the crop yield and water table effects of the SD system compared to FD over nine crop seasons from 2014-2022. The SD treatment increased yield in eight of the nine crop seasons overall, four of five corn (Zea mays L.) crops, and all four soybean (Glycine max L.) crops. Overall, SD increased corn yields by 0.4 Mg/ha or 4% (0.7 Mg/ha or 6.6% with the exclusion of 2016) and soybean yields by 0.5 Mg/ha (14.3%). The effects of SD on crop yield and water table show that the system can be utilized to improve crop health and provide better management of cropland for producers. Keywords: Corn Yield, Drainage Water Management, Soybean Yield, Surface Drainage, Water Table.
Competencia digital. Análisis comparativo pospandemia en maestros de instituciones urbanas y rurales
Authors: Carranza-Yuncor Nelly Roxana , Rabanal-León Helen Catalina , Villena Zapata Luigi Italo , Mora Mau María Elizabeth
Published: March 2024

INTRODUCCIÓN. Después de casi dos años de confinamiento y restricciones causadas por la pandemia del SARS-CoV-2, durante los cuales las clases en el sector educativo se brindaron de manera virtual y remota en todos los niveles, y, tras el uso de programas, herramientas tecnológicas y plataformas educativas, es importante investigar los niveles de competencia digital de los docentes de Educación Básica Regular (EBD) de las áreas geográficas rurales y urbanas, en la búsqueda de diferencias y similitudes que permitan el óptimo desempeño y calidad educativa. MÉTODO. El estudio de enfoque cuantitativo, diseño no experimental, tipo descriptivo-comparativo y transversal, contó con una muestra de 436 maestros de 71 instituciones educativas, de los cuales 174 trabajan en colegios rurales y 262 en urbanos, a quienes se les aplicó el cuestionario de DigCompEdu Check-in en las seis áreas (Cabero-Almenara y Palacios-Rodríguez, 2020). RESULTADOS. Se obtuvieron a través del software estadístico RStudio Versión 4.2.1, aplicando la estadística descriptiva e inferencial y la hipótesis se probó mediante la prueba de Mann-Whitney, para comparar dos grupos independientes, en los que los docentes del área urbana y rural se ubican, principalmente, en los niveles iniciales de novato y explorador. DISCUSIÓN. Se observa que en las competencias digitales entre los docentes de ambas áreas geográficas, no hay diferencias significativas (p= 0.767 > .05); sin embargo, es notorio que ningún docente alcanzó los niveles óptimos de pionero y líder, que les permita innovar y plantear estrategias de amplio alcance, lo que demuestra que pese a las distintas condiciones del entorno, los docentes de áreas rurales lograron superar sus limitaciones y estar casi al mismo nivel que los docentes de las áreas urbanas; prevaleciendo los niveles novato y explorador (proceso de incluir las TIC en el aula), seguido de los niveles integrador y experto (reflexiona sobre la aplicación de las TIC con creatividad y confianza).
Dimensions, Not Types: On the Phenomenology of Premonitory Urges in Tourette Syndrome
Authors: Curtis-Wendlandt Lisa , Reynolds Jack
Published: March 2024

Abstract: The use of philosophical phenomenology for conceptual debates in psychiatric nosology and psychopathology is beginning to be recognized. In this paper, we extend this trajectory to include Tourette syndrome (TS), focusing on so-called premonitory urges (PU) preceding Tourettic tics. We clarify some inconsistencies around typology in both phenomenological description and medical classification (i.e., in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders , 5th edition, Text Revision, International Classification of Diseases , 10th edition [World Health Organization, 2004], and the scales that elicit PU). We show how a less typological approach might be usefully deployed in the field, that being the dimensional approach developed by Fernandez (2019a; 2019b). We test both the typological and dimensional approaches in relation to the experience and etiological role of PU in Tourette syndrome. Based on our synthesis of existing studies and new information garnered through phenomenological interviews (using an approach associated with "micro-phenomenology"), we argue that the role of PU in nosology challenges both the current "operational" criteria favored by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders , 5th edition, Text Revision, that are focused on behaviorally observed symptoms, as well as essential and prototypical phenomenological descriptions about a given "type" of experience.
Biphase routing scheme for optimal throughput in large-scale optical satellite networks
Authors: Ning Yunxiao , Zhao Yongli , Nag Avishek , Wang Hua , Zhang Jie
Published: March 2024

In the large-scale optical satellite network (LS-OSN), hundreds to thousands of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites will be interconnected via laser links, offering global coverage characterized by high throughput and low latency. LS-OSNs present an attractive strategy to cultivate a comprehensively connected, intelligent world. However, the dynamic nature of the satellites, as they orbit the Earth, results in frequent changes in the LS-OSN topology. Thus, there is a pressing need for efficient routing algorithms that not only cater to massive traffic demands but also swiftly adapt to these constant topological changes. Traditional routing algorithms for services with specific bandwidth requirements often compromise on either computational speed or throughput efficiency. In response, this study introduces a routing scheme based on flow optimization and decomposition (FOND). This seeks to shorten the computation time while preserving optimal network throughput. Expanding upon the FOND scheme, we further devised two heuristic algorithms: the flow-based greedy path (FGP) and the flow-based greedy width (FGW). Simulation results from a 288-satellite constellation network indicate that both the FGP and FGW outpace contemporary methods in terms of the routing computation time while maintaining a consistent throughput equal to 100% of the network capacity. Notably, the FGP has exhibited an impressive capability, reducing the routing computation time to 0.23% compared to the baseline incremental-widest-path (IWP) algorithm, which operates on Dijkstra’s algorithm principles.
Differentiable design of a double-freeform lens with multi-level radial basis functions for extended source irradiance tailoring
Authors: Tang Haisong , Li Haoran , Feng Zexin , Luo Yi , Mao Xianglong
Published: March 2024

Freeform optics are key for generating prescribed illumination patterns from given sources, which are crucial for solid-state lighting and machine vision illumination. There is an increasing demand for compact freeform optics, which presents a substantial challenge for current design methods since the source dimensions must be considered. Most current extended-source design methods, although requiring profound knowledge of optics and mathematics, focus on the modest goal of obtaining uniform irradiance distributions. We address a more challenging design problem of generating an irradiance distribution of arbitrary shape through a double-freeform lens that can fully encompass the extended source. We propose a differentiable design method whose uniqueness lies in the representation of the double-freeform surfaces using multi-level spherical radial basis functions, which has a natural link to a multi-scale optimization technique. In addition, we employ a sequential unconstrained minimization technology complemented with Lagrange multipliers that add key feasibility constraints on lens shape and size. The proposed method is flexible, general, and efficient in designing highly compact freeform lenses for generating both simple and complex irradiance distributions, as demonstrated through the design examples. This could enable a universal solution to the extended-source design problem.
Insights from a single centre implementation of a digitally-enabled atrial fibrillation virtual ward
Authors: Saleh Keenan , Syan Jasjit , Sivanandarajah Pavidra , Wright Michael , Pearse Sarah , Barrett Jodian , Bird James , McQueen Grant , Khan Sadia
Published: March 2024

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most prevalent cardiac arrhythmia and poses a significant public health burden. Virtual wards are a novel approach utilising digital solutions to provide hospital-level care remotely; their rollout has become a key priority for the UK National Health Service to expand acute care capacity. We devised and implemented a digitally-enabled AF virtual ward to monitor patients being established onto medical therapy following an AF diagnosis or an AF-related hospitalisation. Patients were onboarded either as outpatients to avoid admission or on discharge after an acute AF hospitalisation. Remote monitoring was undertaken using a clinically validated photoplethysmography-based smartphone app. Over a 1–2 week period, patients performed twice daily measurements of heart rate and rhythm and provided corresponding symptoms. A traffic light system guided frequency of telephone assessments by specialist practitioners. Red flag symptoms or abnormal heart rate parameters prompted an urgent care escalation. We report our experience of the first 73 patients onboarded to the AF virtual ward from October 2022 to June 2023 (mean age 65 years, median 68 years, IQR range 27–101 years; 33 females). Thirty-nine (53%) patients had red flag features requiring care escalation, of whom 9 (23%) were advised to attend ED (emergency department) for urgent assessment, 10 (26%) attended for expedited review and 14 (36%) required medication changes. By 3 months post-monitoring, only 3 patients (4%) had re-attended ED with an arrhythmia-related presentation. Virtual ward patients had an average 3-day shorter inpatient stay (mean duration 4 days) compared with AF patients hospitalised prior to virtual ward implementation (mean duration 7 days). Overall, 22 arrhythmia-related readmissions were prevented via the virtual ward model. In this study, we present a novel implementation of a digitally-enabled virtual ward for the acute management of patients with newly diagnosed or poorly controlled AF. Our pilot data indicate that this model is feasible and is potentially cost-effective. Further longitudinal study is needed to definitively evaluate long-term clinical utility and safety.
Impact of the Mbarara University of Science and Technology residency training on increasing access to specialty care workforce
Authors: Tibaijuka Leevan , Kajjimu Jonathan , Atimango Lorna , Owaraganise Asiphas , Boatin Adeline Adwoa , Kayondo Musa , Kamukama Nixon , Ngonzi Joseph
Published: March 2024

Graduate tracer studies provide an avenue for assessing the impact of residency training on the distribution and access to specialty care and exploring job and professional satisfaction of alumnus. This study examined how the Mbarara University of Science and Technology (MUST) clinical residency training program influenced the spatial distribution and career paths of specialists. We conducted a mixed methods study involving an online survey and 12 in-depth interviews (IDIs) from June to September 2022. The online survey was distributed to a convenient sample of clinical residency alumnus from MUST via email and Whatsapp groups. Alumnus were mapped across the countries of current work in QGIS (version 3.16.3) using GPS coordinates. Descriptive and thematic analyses were also conducted. Ninety-five alumni (34.3%) responded to the tracer survey. The majority were males (80%), aged 31–40 years (69%), and Ugandans (72%). Most graduated after 2018 (83%) as obstetricians/gynecologists (38%) and general surgeons (19%). There was uneven distribution of specialists across Uganda and the East-African community—with significant concentration in urban cities of Uganda at specialized hospitals and academic institutions. Residency training helped prepare and equip alumnus with competencies relevant to their current work tasks (48%) and other spheres of life (45%). All respondents were currently employed, with the majority engaged in clinical practice (82%) and had obtained their first employment within six months after graduation (76%). The qualitative interviews revealed the reported ease in finding jobs after the training and the relevance of the training in enhancing the alumnus’ ability to impact those they serve in teaching, research, management, and clinical care. Graduates cited low payment, limited resources, and slow career advancement concerns. Residency training improves the graduates’ professional/career growth and the quality of health care services. Strategic specialty training addressing imbalances in subspecialties and rural areas coverage could optimize access to specialist services.
TurboBlom: A light and resilient key predistribution scheme with application to Internet of Things
Authors: Khabbazian Majid , Safavi-Naini Reihaneh , Shabani-Baghani Ahmad
Published: March 2024

In the Internet of Things (IoT), there are often devices that are computationally too constrained to establish a security key using traditional key distribution mechanisms such as those based on the Diffie-Hellman key exchange. To address this, current solution commonly rely on key predistribution schemes (KPSs). Among KPSs, the Blom scheme provably provides the highest resilience against node capture attacks. This, however, comes at high computational overhead, because the Blom scheme requires many multiplications over a large finite field. To overcome this computational overhead, we present TurboBlom, a novel amendment of the Blom scheme. TurboBlom circumvents the need for field multiplications by utilizing specialized generator matrices, such as random zero-one matrices. We demonstrate that, through this approach, TurboBlom can significantly reduce the computational overhead of the Blom scheme by orders of magnitude. In our next key finding, we demonstrate that TurboBlom offers a level of resilience against node capture that is virtually on par with the Blom scheme. Notably, we prove that the gap between the resilience of the two schemes is exponentially small. These features of TurboBlom (i.e., low computational overhead and high resilience) make it suitable for computationally constrained devices. Such devices exist in abundance in IoT, for example, as part of Low Power and Lossy Networks (LLNs). To demonstrate a sample application of TurboBlom, we show how to use it to enable sender authentication in the Routing Protocol for LLNs (RPL), a standard routing protocol for IoT.
Citizenship status and career self-efficacy: An intersectional study of biomedical trainees in the United States
Authors: Chatterjee Deepshikha , Nogueira Ana T. , Wefes Inge , Chalkley Roger , Sturzenegger Varvayanis Susi , Fuhrmann Cynthia N. , Varadarajan Janani , Jacob Gabrielle A. , Gaines Christiann H. , Hubbard Nisan M. , Chaudhary Sunita , Layton Rebekah L.
Published: March 2024

This study examines the intersectional role of citizenship and gender with career self-efficacy amongst 10,803 doctoral and postdoctoral trainees in US universities. These biomedical trainees completed surveys administered by 17 US institutions that participated in the National Institutes of Health Broadening Experiences in Scientific Training (NIH BEST) Programs. Findings indicate that career self-efficacy of non-citizen trainees is significantly lower than that of US citizen trainees. While lower career efficacy was observed in women compared with men, it was even lower for non-citizen female trainees. Results suggest that specific career interests may be related to career self-efficacy. Relative to US citizen trainees, both male and female non-citizen trainees showed higher interest in pursuing a career as an academic research investigator. In comparison with non-citizen female trainees and citizen trainees of all genders, non-citizen male trainees expressed the highest interest in research-intensive (and especially principal investigator) careers. The authors discuss potential causes for these results and offer recommendations for increasing trainee career self-efficacy which can be incorporated into graduate and postdoctoral training.
Current status of contact lenses usage in Korea: A population-based cohort study 2021
Authors: Kim Minsun , Paik Ji-Sun , Kim Daran , Hwang Ho Sik , Han Kyungdo , Na Kyung-Sun
Published: March 2024

Purpose

To investigate trends in contact lens usage in a nationally representative sample of the Korean population in 2021.

Methods

For this retrospective study, we analyzed data of 3,601 Korean participants aged 10–59 years, from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES 2021 version), who underwent eye examination, of whom 1,136 individuals (274 men and 862 women) were contact lens users. The demographic trend among Korean contact lens wearers was examined using statistical analyses to investigate the changes in their contact lens-wearing experience, duration of lens use, type of lens used, location of purchase, presence of an Eye Care Practitioner(ECP)’s prescription, lens-related ophthalmic complications, and type of lenses worn at the time of complications, according to sex. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine the association of each variable with the rate of complications and use of soft lenses.

Results

The average age of the contact lens users was 33.42±0.33 years, with 70.36% (weighted percentage) of users being women who used contact lenses for significantly longer periods than men (p<0.001). Additionally, only wearing of cosmetic lenses was significantly correlated with the occurrence of complications (p = 0.006), and 6.76% of users purchased lenses without a prescription. Multivariate analysis among the contact lens users revealed a significant relationship between the complication rate and female sex (p = 0.002), pre-existing eye disease diagnosed by ECPs (p = 0.0288), and duration of contact lens use (p<0.0001).

Conclusion

We identified sex differences in contact lens usage trends in Korea. The main changes observed were an increase in middle-aged lens users and a decrease in female users compared to that in the early 2000s. In addition, contact lens complications were significantly associated with sex and pre-existing eye disease. Therefore, those wearing contact lenses for extended periods should exercise caution and consult eye care specialists in the presence of any symptoms.