bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Short-Form Video Exposure and Its Two-Sided Effect on the Physical Activity of Older Community Women in China: Secondary Data Analysis
Authors: Wu Chen , Chen Si , Wang Shan , Peng Sijing , Cao Jiepin
Published: August 2023

Background

There is a tendency for older adults to become more physically inactive, especially older women. Physical inactivity has been exacerbated since the COVID-19 pandemic. Lockdowns and information-based preventive measures for COVID-19 increased the number of short-form video app users and short-form video exposure, including content exposure and the duration of exposure, which has demonstrated important effects on youths’ health and health-related behaviors. Despite more older adults viewing short-form videos, less is known about the status of their short-form video exposure or the impacts of the exposure on their physical activity.

Objective

This study aims to describe physical activity–related content exposure among older adults and to quantify its impacts along with the duration of short-form video exposure on step counts, low-intensity physical activity (LPA), and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA).

Methods

We analyzed a subsample (N=476) of older women who used smartphones and installed short-form video apps, using the baseline data collected from an ongoing cohort study named the Physical Activity and Health in Older Women Study (PAHIOWS) launched from March to June 2021 in Yantai, Shandong Province, China. The information on short-form video exposure was collected by unstructured questions; physical activity–related content exposure was finalized by professionals using the Q-methodology, and the duration of exposure was transformed into hours per day. Step counts, LPA, and MVPA were assessed with ActiGraph wGT3X-BT accelerometers. Multiple subjective and objective covariates were assessed. Linear regression models were used to test the effects of short-form video exposure on step counts, LPA, and MVPA. MVPA was dichotomized into less than 150 minutes per week and 150 minutes or more per week, and the binary logistic regression model was run to test the effects of short-form video exposure on the achievement of spending 150 minutes or more on MVPA.

Results

Of 476 older women (mean age 64.63, SD 2.90 years), 23.7% (113/476) were exposed to physical activity–related short-form videos, and their daily exposure to short-form videos was 1.5 hours. Physical activity–related content exposure increased the minutes spent on MVPA by older women (B=4.14, 95% CI 0.13-8.15); the longer duration of short-form video exposure was associated with a reduced step count (B=−322.58, 95% CI −500.24 to −144.92) and minutes engaged in LPA (B=−6.95, 95% CI −12.19 to −1.71) and MVPA (B=−1.56, 95% CI −2.82 to −0.29). Neither content exposure nor the duration of exposure significantly increased or decreased the odds of older women engaging in MVPA for 150 minutes or more per week.

Conclusions

Short-form video exposure has both positive and negative impacts on the physical activity of older adults. Efforts are needed to develop strategies to leverage the benefits while avoiding the harms of short-form videos.
Determinants of Patient Use and Satisfaction With Synchronous Telemental Health Services During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Systematic Review
Authors: Neumann Ariana , König Hans-Helmut , Bokermann Josephine , Hajek André
Published: August 2023

Background

Several recent studies examined patient use and satisfaction with synchronous telemental health services in response to the widespread implementation during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, a systematic review of recent literature on the determinants of these outcomes is missing.

Objective

The aim of this systematic review was to give an extensive overview of the literature on and highlight the influential determinants of patient use and satisfaction with synchronous telemental health services during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

This review satisfied the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines and was registered in PROSPERO. Peer-reviewed, quantitative studies that observed the determinants of patient use or satisfaction with synchronous telemental health services during the COVID-19 pandemic were included. PubMed, PsycInfo, and Web of Science database searches were conducted in August 2022 for English and German language studies published from 2020 onward. Key steps were performed by 2 reviewers. Determinants were synthesized into major categories informed by the dimensions of the widely used and established Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology.

Results

Of the 20 included studies, 10 studies examined determinants of patient use, 7 examined determinants of patient satisfaction, and 3 observed both outcomes. The quality of the studies was mainly good or fair. There was substantial heterogeneity in the study designs, methods, and findings. Sociodemographic characteristics and health-related determinants were mostly considered. Some of the major dimensions of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology were neglected in recent studies. Although most findings were mixed or nonsignificant, some indications for potential relationships were found (eg, for sex, age, and symptom severity).

Conclusions

The findings revealed potential target groups (eg, female and young patients with mild symptoms) for future postpandemic telemental health interventions. However, they also identified patient groups that were harder to reach (eg, older patients with severe symptoms); efforts may be beneficial to address such groups. Future quantitative and qualitative research is needed to secure and expand on recent findings, which could help improve services.

Trial Registration

PROSPERO CRD42022351576; https://tinyurl.com/yr6zrva5
Perceived Patient Workload and Its Impact on Outcomes During New Cancer Patient Visits: Analysis of a Convenience Sample
Authors: Elkefi Safa , Asan Onur
Published: August 2023

Background

Studies exploring the workload in health care focus on the doctors’ perspectives. The ecology of the health care environment is critical and different for doctors and patients.

Objective

In this study, we explore the patient workload among newly diagnosed patients with cancer during their first visit and its impact on the patient’s perceptions of the quality of care (their trust in their doctors, their satisfaction with the care visits, their perception of technology use).

Methods

We collected data from the Hackensack Meridian Health, John Theurer Cancer Center between February 2021 and May 2022. The technology use considered during the visit is related to doctors’ use of electronic health records. A total of 135 participants were included in the study. Most participants were 50-64 years old (n=91, 67.41%). A majority (n=81, 60%) of them were White, and only (n=16, 11.85%) went to graduate schools.

Results

The findings captured the significant effect of overall workload on trust in doctors and perception of health IT use within the visits. On the other hand, the overall workload did not impact patients’ satisfaction during the visit. A total of 80% (n=108) of patients experienced an overall high level of workload. Despite almost 55% (n=75) of them experiencing a high mental load, 71.1% (n=96) reported low levels of effort, 89% (n=120) experienced low time pressure, 85.2% (n=115) experienced low frustration levels, and 69.6% (n=94) experienced low physical activity. The more overall workload patients felt, the less they trusted their doctors (odds ratio [OR] 0.059, 95% CI 0.001-2.34; P=.007). Low trust was also associated with the demanding mental tasks in the visits (OR 0.055, 95% CI 0.002-2.64; P<.001), the physical load (OR 0.194, 95% CI 0.004-4.23; P<.001), the time load (OR 0.183, 95% CI 0.02-2.35; P=.046) the effort needed to cope with the environment (OR 0.163, 95% CI 0.05-1.69; P<.001), and the frustration levels (OR 0.323, 95% CI 0.04-2.55; P=.03). The patients’ perceptions of electronic health record use during the visit were negatively impacted by the overall workload experienced by the patients (OR 0.315, 95% CI 0.08-6.35; P=.01) and the high frustration level experienced (OR 0.111, 95% CI 0.015-3.75; P<.001).

Conclusions

The study’s findings established pathways for future research and have implications for cancer patients’ workload. Better technology design and use can minimize perceived workload, which might contribute to the trust relationship between doctors and patients in this critical environment. Future human factors work needs to explore the workload and driving factors in longitudinal studies and assess whether these workloads might contribute to unintended patient outcomes and medical errors.
Strengthening Mental Health and Resilience Through Schools: Protocol for a Participatory Design Project
Authors: Kegelaers Jolan , Baetens Imke , Soyez Veerle , Van Heel Martijn , Van Hove Lisa , Wylleman Paul
Published: August 2023

Background

Mental health problems are a main contributor to the global burden of disease in children and young people within urban environments. In response, the potential of both school- and sport-based mental health promotion interventions has been advocated. However, there exists limited insights into how sport-based interventions can be integrated within school environment. Moreover, there is a need to consider children and young people’s specific needs, challenges, and motivations when designing novel mental health promotion interventions.

Objective

The Strengthening Mental Health and Resilience Through Schools (SMARTS) project aims to co-design an evidence-informed school-sport-based mental health promotion program. Specific objectives include (1) co-designing a multicomponent program, integrating sport sessions with class-based sessions, and complementing with educational modules for teachers and parents; (2) exploring how the mental health program can be implemented most effectively within the Brussels school system; and (3) conducting preliminary process and outcome testing of the program.

Methods

A participatory design framework will be adopted to develop the program. This framework involves end users throughout the entire study process, from problem identification to intervention delivery and evaluation, while at the same time ensuring program development remains directly informed by the available scientific evidence.

Results

Participant recruitment will commence in September 2023. The full project will be completed by March 2027.

Conclusions

With this intervention, we aim to provide a direct contribution to the promotion of children and young people’s mental health within the Brussels school context. At a broader level, conducting and documenting this large participatory design project can, hopefully, inspire other researchers to tailor their mental health programs to specific populations.

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

PRR1-10.2196/49670
Acceptance and Usability of an Innovative mDentistry eHygiene Model Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic Within the US National Dental Practice-Based Research Network: Mixed Methods Study (Preprint)
Authors: Xiao Jin , Kopycka-Kedzierawski Dorota , Ragusa Patricia , Mendez Chagoya Luis Alberto , Funkhouser Kimberly , Lischka Tamara , Wu Tong Tong , Fiscella Kevin , Kar Kumari Saswati , Al Jallad Nisreen , Rashwan Noha , Ren Johana , Meyerowitz Cyril ,   National Dental Practice-Based Research Network (PBRN) Collaborative Group
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic and other possible future infectious disease pandemics, dentistry needs to consider modified dental examination regimens that render quality care and ensure the safety of patients and dental health care personnel (DHCP).

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to assess the acceptance and usability of an innovative mDentistry eHygiene model amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

This pilot study used a 2-stage implementation design to assess 2 critical components of an innovative mDentistry eHygiene model: virtual hygiene examination (eHygiene) and patient self-taken intraoral images (SELFIE), within the National Dental Practice-Based Research Network. Mixed methods (quantitative and qualitative) were used to assess the acceptance and usability of the eHygiene model.

RESULTS

A total of 85 patients and 18 DHCP participated in the study. Overall, the eHygiene model was well accepted by patients (System Usability Scale [SUS] score: mean 70.0, SD 23.7) and moderately accepted by dentists (SUS score: mean 51.3, SD 15.9) and hygienists (SUS score: mean 57.1, SD 23.8). Dentists and patients had good communication during the eHygiene examination, as assessed using the Dentist-Patient Communication scale. In the SELFIE session, patients completed tasks with minimum challenges and obtained diagnostic intraoral photos. Patients and DHCP suggested that although eHygiene has the potential to improve oral health care services, it should be used selectively depending on patients’ conditions.

CONCLUSIONS

The study results showed promise for the 2 components of the eHygiene model. eHygiene offers a complementary modality for oral health data collection and examination in dental offices, which would be particularly useful during an infectious disease outbreak. In addition, patients being able to capture critical oral health data in their home could facilitate dental treatment triage and oral health self-monitoring and potentially trigger oral health–promoting behaviors.
The Solutions in Health Analytics for Rural Equity Across the Northwest (SHARE-NW) Dashboard for Health Equity in Rural Public Health: Usability Evaluation (Preprint)
Authors: Heitkemper Elizabeth , Hulse Scott , Bekemeier Betty , Schultz Melinda , Whitman Greg , Turner Anne M
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND

Given the dearth of resources to support rural public health practice, the solutions in health analytics for rural equity across the northwest dashboard (SHAREdash) was created to support rural county public health departments in northwestern United States with accessible and relevant data to identify and address health disparities in their jurisdictions. To ensure the development of useful dashboards, assessment of usability should occur at multiple stages throughout the system development life cycle. SHAREdash was refined via user-centered design methods, and upon completion, it is critical to evaluate the usability of SHAREdash.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to evaluate the usability of SHAREdash based on the system development lifecycle stage 3 evaluation goals of efficiency, satisfaction, and validity.

METHODS

Public health professionals from rural health departments from Washington, Idaho, Oregon, and Alaska were enrolled in the usability study from January to April 2022. The web-based evaluation consisted of 2 think-aloud tasks and a semistructured qualitative interview. Think-aloud tasks assessed efficiency and effectiveness, and the interview investigated satisfaction and overall usability. Verbatim transcripts from the tasks and interviews were analyzed using directed content analysis.

RESULTS

Of the 9 participants, all were female and most worked at a local health department (7/9, 78%). A mean of 10.1 (SD 1.4) clicks for task 1 (could be completed in 7 clicks) and 11.4 (SD 2.0) clicks for task 2 (could be completed in 9 clicks) were recorded. For both tasks, most participants required no prompting—89% (n=8) participants for task 1 and 67% (n=6) participants for task 2, respectively. For effectiveness, all participants were able to complete each task accurately and comprehensively. Overall, the participants were highly satisfied with the dashboard with everyone remarking on the utility of using it to support their work, particularly to compare their jurisdiction to others. Finally, half of the participants stated that the ability to share the graphs from the dashboard would be “extremely useful” for their work. The only aspect of the dashboard cited as problematic is the amount of missing data that was present, which was a constraint of the data available about rural jurisdictions.

CONCLUSIONS

Think-aloud tasks showed that the SHAREdash allows users to complete tasks efficiently. Overall, participants reported being very satisfied with the dashboard and provided multiple ways they planned to use it to support their work. The main usability issue identified was the lack of available data indicating the importance of addressing the ongoing issues of missing and fragmented public health data, particularly for rural communities.
Use of Behavior Change Wheel to Design an Intervention Tool to Support the Establishment of Good Behavior in Oral Self-Care for Schoolchildren: Chatbot Development and Usability Study (Preprint)
Authors: Chang Wen-Jen , Chang Pei Ching
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND

Oral health is closely related to general health and quality of life. Schoolchildren are at a critical stage for developing their self-care ability in oral health. Digital health interventions have the potential to support the development of oral self-care in schoolchildren.

OBJECTIVE

The primary aim of this study was to develop an oral self-care educational chatbot for schoolchildren and evaluate its usability as well as effectiveness.

METHODS

The development and evaluation of the oral self-care chatbot consisted of four stages: target behavior analysis, intervention design, system development, and the chatbot evaluation. Initially, the target behavior was analyzed based on clinical observations and the capability-opportunity-motivation behavioral model. Interventional functions were created by following the behavior change wheel. A menu-driven chatbot was developed and integrated with a popular instant messaging application, LINE. The chatbot underwent evaluation for its usability, likeability, and effectiveness. The Chatbot Usability Questionnaire (CUQ) was used for assessing its usability.

RESULTS

The barriers and requirements for achieving good behavior in oral self-care for schoolchildren were identified by the dental professionals. Intervention functions of capability establishment, motivation enhancement, and opportunity creation were designed to support schoolchildren in developing their abilities for engaging in oral self-care. The created LINE chatbot was assessed by thirty pairs of schoolchildren and their accompanying parents from the pediatric dental clinics, two of which were not complete. The results showed good usability, with a mean CUQ score of 79.91, and high likeability with a mean score of 4.32 out of 5 for the designed chatbot.

CONCLUSIONS

Through the rigorous design process, the educational and evidence-based chatbot developed for establishing oral self-care behavior among schoolchildren has received high scores for usability, user likability, and effectiveness in enhancing changes in oral hygiene behavior.
Estimate the long-term aversion effects and trade-offs of major health outcomes for the COVID-19 pandemic (Preprint)
Authors: Nakamoto Ichiro , Zhuang Weiqing
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND

Vaccines have facilitated the substantial reduction and containment of COVID-19 transmission in many countries by early 2023. However, the long-term interconnection between vaccines, traits of the pathogen, vaccination strategies, and cases averted/trade-offs of health outcomes is not well understood.

OBJECTIVE

Estimate the long-term aversion effects and trade-offs of major health outcomes for the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

Utilizing a compartment-calibrated model, I estimated the aversion/trade-offs effect on six major disease burdens (i.e., total/symptomatic/asymptomatic/hospitalized/ICU/death cases averted) over time conditional on a variety level of scenarios.

RESULTS

The findings implied that low-risk immunity profiles of booster doses increased the peak cases averted versus medium- and high-risk counterparts. The effect was most salient for the former paired with enhancing the rollout rate of doses, followed by the medium- and then high-risk scenarios. Positive and chronically durable aversion effects for the low-risk, in contrast, negative trade-offs and decreasing aversion effects for the suboptimal scenarios were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Vaccination strategies, traits of pathogens, and traits of vaccines exert important roles in controlling the transmission of infectious diseases. While there are heterogeneities in vaccines, public strategies, social efforts, and other considerations, this work can provide an evidence-based rationale for the long-term trade-off analysis of vaccination and contribute to the sustainable containment of infectious diseases.
Social Capital in Disaster Management: A Systematic Literature Review of Research Trends from 1998 to 2019
Authors: Susanto Isni Wahidiyah , Kusumasari Bevaola , Santoso Anang Dwi , Bafadhal Oemar Madri
Published: August 2023

This study investigates how different facets of social capital affect community resilience in The face of disasters. There has not been a thorough study that examines social capital across various types of frequently occurring disasters and across the different phases of a disaster, that is, pre-disaster, during disaster, and post-disaster. Previous research on social capital has been conducted in both developed and developing countries using various disaster cases. To synthesize previous research, identify knowledge gaps, and set the course for future research, this study used a literature review technique. This method is both methodical and rigorous. The current analysis found a rising trend in the amount of research on the use of social capital in disaster management, demonstrating a growing interest in the function of social capital in boosting community resilience in the face of disasters. The findings of this study showed that community resilience in disaster management is influenced by social capital components. The study found that the trust and network components of social capital—which include trust, beliefs, norms, rules, networks, and values—have the greatest effects on community resilience. Greater knowledge of the function of social capital in disaster management and the aspects of social capital that are most important for fostering community resilience are provided by these results, which have a substantial impact on future research and disaster management methods.
Typology of Indonesian Stratovolcanoes: Insights from Geomorphological and Geological aspects
Authors: Suhendro Indranova , Haryono Eko
Published: August 2023

This study aims to provide the first general typology of Indonesian stratovolcano (number of analyses=154), including various types of rock compositions and diverse volcanic hazards. Several parameters were evaluated, including average radius (r), average slope (S), surface roughness (RMS), rock compositions, mineralogy, and deposit characteristics. Four types were identified as follows: (1) small-least dissected cones, (2) broad-dissected cones, (3) extremely broad-dissected cones with caldera, and (4) residual-highly dissected cones. Type I is typically small (r=2.1 km), steep (S=19.8ᵒ), rough (RMS=88.8), less evolved (predominantly basic to intermediate), having abundant mafic (olivine, clinopyroxene) and minor hydrous (amphibole, biotite) minerals, with rare pumice and lava domes (mostly scoria and lava flows). Type II has moderate values of r, s, and RMS (8.8 km, 15.2ᵒ, and 47.7, respectively) with predominantly intermediate rocks, minor olivine with abundant hydrous minerals, and abundant pumice and lava domes. Type III is typically large (r=18.1 km), gentle (S=9.2ᵒ), smooth (RMS=40.1), producing abundant felsic rocks and felsic minerals (quartz and sanidine), and characterized by the occurrence of thick ignimbrite deposits. Type IV has relatively similar size to type II (r=8.2 km), but the slope is gentler with coarser surface textures (S=10.7ᵒ and RMS=56.8), includes more portion of ultrabasic rocks and mafic minerals, and has no feature of lava domes with common exposure of intrusions (e.g., dyke). We suggest that the evolution from type I to type III corresponds to maturation stage, whereas the formation of type IV represents erosional stage.
The experience of internal (Domestic) migration among 30 Homeless Former Prisoners in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Authors: Jasni Mohd Alif , Hassan Nazirah , Ibrahim Fauziah , Kamaluddin Mohammad Rahim
Published: August 2023

The recurring return of homeless former prisoners to Chow Kit Road each time after being released from prison leads to various key questions. One of which: What is so interesting about Chow Kit Road that it has become a focal point for these homeless former prisoners? Their return to Chow Kit Road illustrates two big pictures, either they have no choice or they see Chow Kit Road as a suitable home for them. The repeated return of the homeless former prisoners indicated that they have developed a form of comfort and pleasure with the place. Hence, we conducted a qualitative study to understand the repetitive migration among the homeless former prisoners by interviewing 30 of them around Chow Kit Road. This study stopped the data collection process when the study's overall findings achieved data saturation. Atlas.ti software was utilised to perform the thematic coding process. This software provides a more systematic coding process. Several strategies were adopted in this study to increase the data's validity and reliability, triangulation, member check, peer review, long period in the field and audit trail. This study involved a larger qualitative sample by offering several diverse themes. Based on the findings, 11 sub-themes were grouped into 4 superordinate themes, namely social, economic and urban infrastructure, services, and personal offer factors. The social offer factor superordinate theme included sub-themes of familiarity with the environment, ease of getting drugs, and concentration of friends who are also former prisoners. Followed by the economic offer factor with the sub-theme of finding a job and easy ways to earn. The sub-themes of the urban infrastructure and service offer factor superordinate theme were access to transportation, plenty of food aid, and easy access to hospitals. While the sub-themes of the personal offer factor included wanting freedom, nowhere else to go, and bringing oneself away from family. These results added to the existing knowledge by considering migrations from chronic and marginal groups, i.e., the homeless former prisoners as study subjects.
An Analysis of the Causes and Effects of the Out-of-Control Merger and Acquisition of Subsidiaries—A Case Study of the Great Wall of Culture Company
Authors: Cai Yuqing
Published: August 2023

The phenomenon of out-of-control of subsidiaries after mergers and acquisitions is becoming more and more prominent. Effective control of subsidiaries is the most important issue that needs to be paid attention to. How to reasonably and effectively control subsidiaries has become the focus of theoretical and practical research. Taking the acquisition of Jade Education by Great Wall of Culture as an example, this paper analyzes the causes of losing control after the acquisition and analyzes the impact of losing control subsidiaries on the enterprise by means of event research and financial index analysis. The study found that the main reasons for the out-of-control of subsidiaries are unreasonable performance commitment, excessive decentralization caused by cross-border mergers and acquisitions, and out-of-control caused by blind mergers and acquisitions. Moreover, the out-of-control subsidiaries are no longer included in the scope of consolidated statements, which has a significant impact on the operating conditions of enterprises. In order to prevent the subsidiaries from losing control, it is suggested to carefully select the target for merger and acquisition, conduct due diligence on the target enterprise before merger and acquisition, reasonably delegate decision-making power and enrich and improve the performance commitment agreement.
HONEY VALUE CHAIN ANALYSIS: THE CASE OF ABUNA GINDEBERET DISTRICT OF OROMIA REGIONAL STATE, ETHIOPIA
Authors: BORENA BESHA TERESA
Published: August 2023

Annual honey production in Ethiopia was large by African standard. However, its limited value addition activities and poor collaboration between chain actors affect the entire chain. This study was conducted in Abuna Gindeberet district to map honey value chain, identify existing market channel and role of actors across the chain. Both primary and secondary (published and unpublished sources) data were collected. Totally 150 honey producer were selected using pre-tested structured questionnaire; and key informant interview for Traders and consumers; and focus group discussion used. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, aspects of value chain and STATA. Major honey actors include input suppliers, producers, collectors, wholesalers, processors, and consumers. Wholesalers are the main honey value chain governor and producer position in price negotiation and product quality definition is not good. Among producers 7.33% and 65.33% conduct upgrading using honey extractor and storing, respectively. Six market channels were identified and channel was the largest (volume) and channel IV is the longest. Thus, it was highly recommended to improve the inter-linkage to improve whole honey value chain actors and market channel from production to consumption.
LEARNING THE EFFICIENT ESTIMATION TECHNIQUES FOR SUCCESSFUL SOFTWARE PROJECT MANAGEMENT
Authors: THANT KHIN SHIN , KHAUNG TIN HLAING HTAKE
Published: August 2023

The process of software project management involves planning and supervising the development of software projects to deliver a quality product within the customer’s budget and schedule. This process begins with project planning, which includes estimating the work to be done, required resources, and project schedule. Once these activities are accomplished, a project schedule is established that defines software engineering tasks, identifies responsible parties, and specifies inter-task dependencies. The paper aims to explore project management activities and techniques for estimating project size. Overall, software project management involves managing, allocating, and timing resources to develop software that meets requirements and is delivered within budget and schedule. This paper highlights the significance of employing efficient estimation methods to achieve successful software project management. Estimation plays a critical role in the software development process, as it helps project managers to determine the resources and time required for completing the project. The paper starts by introducing the concept of software project management and highlighting its importance in delivering successful projects. The advantages and disadvantages of each technique are discussed, and guidelines for selecting the appropriate technique for a specific project are provided. The paper also explores the importance of accurate estimation in agile software development and the use of estimation tools to simplify the process. Finally, the paper concludes by summarizing the key takeaways from the discussion and emphasizing the significance of efficient estimation techniques in ensuring successful software project management.
BACTERIOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF KWATA ABATTOIR WASTE WATER AWKA, NIGERIA
Authors: CM EZEOKOLI , KC AGU , JC NWOSU , MU ORJI , LI UWANTA , ND UMEODUAGU , AT VICTOR-ADULOJU , BO IKENWA
Published: August 2023

Abattoir wastes can have a detrimental effect on the environment, public health, animal health, and economy of a country if they are not effectively managed and controlled. The bacteriological evaluation of waste water from Kwata abattoir was carried out to determine the bacterial load present and if the waste water generated is suitable for direct discharge into the environment. A total of two samples were aseptically collected, in which the physicochemical analysis of the waste water showed objectionable color and odor, pH of 7.3 and 6.5, and temperature of 30.2°C and 25.3°C for samples A and B, respectively, of which the pH and temperature were within acceptable limits by WHO. The membrane filter method was used to determine the total coliform and thermotolerant coliform counts present per 100 mL of the samples using MacConkey agar and Eosin Methylene Blue Agar, respectively. The total viable count was obtained for both samples: 5.1×105 CFU/mL for sample A and 1.4×106 CFU/mL for sample B. Phenotypic and biochemical tests were carried out for four isolates, which include Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., Bacillus spp., and Bacillus cereus. Thus, it can be concluded from the above study that untreated abattoir waste water contains a high level of pollutants, which supports the growth of the microbial population, as evidenced in the microbial study. Therefore, waste water has to be treated before discharge into the environment to protect public health and promote the safety of the environment.
EFFECT OF 6 WEEKS OF ROPE TRAINING ON THE DELICATE SKILLS OF ELEMENTARY SCHOOL GIRL STUDENTS
Authors: KHANJANI MINA , GRIVEDEHI MOJTABA BRARARZADE , FORGHANI OZRUDI MOHAMMADBAGHER
Published: August 2023

The object of this research is to determine the effect of 6 weeks of rope training on the delicate skills of elementary school girl students. The study has been done in semi experimental method. Statistical society includes all girl students in fourth grade in which are learning Tanavarz National Project and are education in 121 schools in Babul city. Statistical sample has been selected randomly and in first Stage 3 schools and then in any school 1 class and in any class, about 15 students have been selected. They have been divided in three groups of control (n=15), speedy (n=15), and demonstrations (n=15) equally. Statistical datum has been analyzed through one-sided variance, non-parametric test of Kruskal–Wallis, and post hoc test of Tukey by SPSS 22 software in meaningful level of p≤0.05. Datum result showed that participants do have the mean height of 1.37±0.07 m and weight of 33.4±9.6 kg. Findings showed rope training project from statistical view in the two groups of showing and speedy does have meaningful influence on speed and agility of upper part of body and grow of fine motor skills than control group. However, its influence on the growth of response speed and motor visual control was not meaningful in three groups. In other hand, there is no meaningful difference among speed grow and agility of upper part of body and fine motor skills in speedy-demonstrations group (p>0.05), and only there is meaningful difference among the mean growth of speed and agility of upper part of body and fine motor skill in speedy-control group and demonstrations-control group (p<0.05). Finally, the result shows rope training project could be feasible program for the growth of girl’s fine motor skill.
Abstracts from the 2023 AMSA Reciprocal Meat Conference
Authors:   American Meat Science Association
Published: August 2023

Abstracts from the 2023 AMSA Reciprocal Meat Conference.
“Why didn’t we do this years ago?”: Ireland’s Journey to Prohibiting All Corporal Punishment of Children
Authors: Van Turnhout Jillian
Published: August 2023

In December 2015, Ireland became the 47th country to prohibit all corporal punishment of children, abolishing the common law defence of “reasonable chastisement”. This article tells the story of this momentous cultural and legislative change from the perspective of the Senator who championed the reform in the Irish Parliament. From the roots of the English common law defence through revelations of endemic violence against children to human rights rulings and courageous tenacity, the journey to ultimately achieving equal protection for children in Ireland is fully documented.
¿Cómo dialogan la justicia, la historia y la ficción en “Avelino Arredondo” de Jorge Luis Borges? Un aporte hacia el encuentro entre el derecho y la literatura
Authors: Barnech Cuervo María Cecilia
Published: August 2023

En el cuento “Avelino Arredondo”, Borges relata una breve historia acerca del homicidio de un presidente que, parece, no ha estado a la altura de la investidura. Se centra, especialmente, en la minuciosa y decidida preparación del protagonista para cometer dicho crimen. Sabe lo que hace y lo quiere hacer: “Este acto de justicia me pertenece. Ahora, que me juzguen”. Esas son sus palabras finales. La anécdota, además, posee como particularidad (muy borgeana) que parte de un hecho histórico: el asesinato de Idiarte Borda, presidente de la República Oriental del Uruguay, en 1897, por parte de un joven llamado Avelino Arredondo. Estas características permiten estudiar la obra a partir de la posibilidad dialógica entre la historia, la ficción (literatura) y la concepción de la justicia. Para ello, el presente trabajo se estructura en cuatro apartados. El primero parte de la relación de Jorge Luis Borges con la ficción y con la historia de Uruguay del siglo XIX. El segundo se centra en Avelino, su personalidad y su contexto, la preparación del homicidio y su vínculo con la muerte. A continuación se analiza, concretamente, el homicidio como “acto de justicia”: ¿es justificable el homicidio al gobernante “traidor”?, ¿se protege, así, el bien común? En el último apartado se ofrecen algunas apreciaciones personales, sin olvidar que estudiar a Borges siempre es un desafío, más aún, una osadía.
Prophylactic use of diquafosol eye drops for dupilumab-associated conjunctivitis in patients with severe atopic dermatitis: An open-label prospective study
Authors: Ko Hyun-Chang , Shin Kihyuk , Lee Jin-Su , Jeon Hyeshin , Lee Gi-Wook , Shin Jun-Oh , Roh Dongyoung , Kim Yeona , Won Sang-Hyeon , Lee Jungsoo , Kim Hoon-Soo , Kim Byung-Soo , Kim Moon-Bum
Published: August 2023

Background: Dupilumab, a monoclonal antibody that blocks IL-4
receptor alpha, is effective and safe for the treatment of severe atopic
dermatitis (AD). Conjunctivitis is one of the most frequently reported
adverse events associated with the use of dupilumab. Although the
mechanism of conjunctivitis remains unclear, a recent study has
suggested that dupilumab may decrease goblet cell (GC) density and mucin
production, leading to conjunctivitis. Methods: To investigate
the effect of diquafosol, a topical mucin secretagogue, in the
prevention of dupilumab-associated conjunctivitis in patients with
severe AD. Patients with AD who were treated with dupilumab were
randomly assigned to either the control or diquafosol groups. For
patients in the diquafosol group, one drop of diquafosol was
administered to both eyes 2–6 times per day during the first 3 months
after the initiation of dupilumab. The incidence of conjunctivitis was
investigated in both groups after 6 months of dupilumab treatment.
Results: The incidence of conjunctivitis was significantly
lower in the diquafosol group than in the control group (6.6% versus
23.8%, respectively; P=0.005). The severity of conjunctivitis was
mostly mild to moderate in both groups. Only one patient in the control
group developed severe conjunctivitis and had to discontinue dupilumab
treatment. Conclusion: Prophylactic use of diquafosol eye drops
can reduce the incidence of dupilumab-associated conjunctivitis in
patients with severe AD, suggesting that the use of diquafosol eye drops
may be a useful preventive strategy for managing this adverse event.
Intravenous recombinant cerebellin 1 treatment restores spinal glutamate delta 1 receptor signaling and mitigates chronic pain
Authors: Sabnis Siddhesh , Narasimhan Kishore Kumar S. , Chettiar Poojashree , Gakare Sukanya , Shelkar Gajanan , Asati Devansh , Thakur Shriti , Dravid Shashank M.
Published: August 2023

Background and Purpose: Chronic pain remains a major clinical problem
and there is a critical need to develop effective therapeutics. We
recently demonstrated that glutamate delta 1 receptor (GluD1) and
cerebellin 1 (Cbln1) are downregulated in the central amygdala (CeA) in
inflammatory and neuropathic pain. Importantly, we found that
administering Cbln1 intracerebroventricularly (ICV) or in CeA once,
normalizes GluD1 and reduces AMPA receptor expression resulting in
lasting (7-10 days) pain relief. Unlike many CNS-targeting biologics,
Cbln1 structure suggests potential blood-brain-barrier penetration.
Hence, in this study we tested whether systemic administration of Cbln1
provides analgesic effect via CNS mechanism. Experimental Approach:
Analgesic effect of intravenously (IV) administered recombinant Cbln1
was assessed in Complete Freund’s Adjuvant (CFA) inflammatory pain
model. GluD1 knockout and mutant form of Cbln1 were used. Key Results: A
single IV injection of Cbln1 mitigated nocifensive and averse behavior
in both inflammatory and neuropathic pain models. This effect of Cbln1
was dependent on GluD1 and required binding to GluD1 amino terminal
domain. Time course of analgesic effect was similar to previously
reported ICV and intra-CeA injection. Downregulation of GluD1 in both
spinal cord and CeA was observed in the inflammatory pain model,
however, GluD1 expression in spinal cord but not CeA was partially
normalized by IV Cbln1. Importantly, recombinant Cbln1 was detected in
the synaptoneurosomes in spinal cord but not in RCeA. Conclusions and
Implications: Together, our study demonstrates a novel mechanism by
which systemic Cbln1 produces analgesia potentially by central mechanism
involving normalization of spinal cord GluD1 signaling.
GENERAL STABILITY FOR THE VISCOELASTIC WAVE EQUATION WITH NONLINEAR DAMPING AND NONLINEAR TIME-VARYING DELAY AND ACOUSTIC BOUNDARY CONDITIONS
Authors: Kang Jum-Ran , Lee Mi Jin
Published: August 2023

In this paper, we are concerned with the energy decay rates for the
viscoelastic wave equation with nonlinear damping and nonlinear
time-varying delay in the boundary and acoustic boundary conditions.
Here we consider with minimal condition on the relaxation function
g, namely g ′ ( t ) ≤ − µ ( t ) G ( g ( t ) ) , where G is
an increasing and convex function near the origin and µ is a
positive nonincreasing function. The decay rates of the energy depend on
the functions µ,G and on the function F defined by f 0
which represents the growth at the origin of
Nexus between Human Talent Attraction and Digital Recruitment: A Signaling Theory Perspective on Anticipatory Psychological Contract
Authors: Memon Mehreen , Soomro Noman , Qazi Sara Wali
Published: August 2023

This study aims to examine the role of the degree of digitalization in the recruitment process on human talent attraction by increasing candidates’ intention to engage in and take part in the recruitment process. Using the signaling theory perspective, the study suggests that this relatedness is mediated by organizational attractiveness and the anticipatory psychological contract. The study analyzed data collected from 260 students from both government and private sector universities based in Karachi, Pakistan. The study revealed a positive relationship between the degree of digitalization in the recruitment process and candidates’ intention to apply through digital recruitment techniques as a means of talent attraction. The results are acquired using the Partial Least Square  Structural  Equation  Modelling (PLS-SEM) technique through smart PLS software. The results also illustrated that organizational attractiveness and anticipatory psychological contract mediates the relationship between digitalization in the recruitment process and candidates’ intention to apply. The study can help the management of organizations to foster the parameters so that human talent would get attracted and apply for a job at an organization. Furthermore, since the study is based on a sample collected from Pakistan, it contributes to the literature thread from developing countries.
Financial Transparency, Labor Productivity, and Real Wages: Evidence from Mandatory IFRS Adoption
Authors: Golshan Nargess M. , Khurana Inder K. , Silva Felipe B. G.
Published: August 2023

Financial transparency can affect labor markets directly by mitigating information asymmetries and optimizing the matching of heterogeneous firms and employees (matching efficiency channel) and indirectly through the effect of transparency on firms’ capital inputs (capital utilization channel). Exploiting the increase in financial transparency following the mandatory International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) adoption by European Union countries, we perform a battery of tests that indicate subsequent increases in labor productivity and real wages for manufacturing industries in member countries. More importantly, we find evidence that both channels are economically relevant in explaining gains in labor productivity and real wages following the mandatory IFRS adoption. Collectively, our results underscore that the benefits of an increase in transparency go beyond the effects on capital markets and corporate investments, with implications for the allocation of human resources across corporations.
Curbing Enthusiasm: Media Sentiment and the Disciplining Role of Quarterly Earnings Announcements
Authors: Holzman Eric R. , Miller Brian P. , Twedt Brady J.
Published: August 2023

A longstanding literature suggests that earnings provide the market with relevant information about firm performance, but one often overlooked benefit is their role in disciplining market expectations. This study examines the role of earnings announcements in constraining potential mispricing associated with firm-specific media sentiment. We show that media sentiment-driven quarterly returns (orthogonal to risk factors and fundamental news) largely reverse when public earnings are released. Our results suggest that quarterly earnings announcements play an important role in reducing media sentiment-related mispricing.

Data Availability: Data are available from the public sources cited in the text.

JEL Classifications: G14; L82; M41.
Fracture pattern and risk factors for reoperation after treatment of 156 periprosthetic fractures around an anatomic cemented hip stem
Authors: Sattar Ali , Kärrholm Johan , Möller Michael , Chatziagorou Georgios
Published: August 2023

Background and purpose: The Lubinus SP2 stem has been associated with a very low risk of periprosthetic femoral fractures (PPFFs). We aimed, primarily, to study the radiographic morphology of PPFFs close to a Lubinus SP2 stem. Secondarily, we analyzed whether higher reoperation rate was correlated to the revision method chosen or to the characteristics of the fracture and of the bone.Patients and methods: The study included 156 femoral fractures close to a Lubinus cemented stem. These fractures were treated in 40 hospitals in Sweden between 2006 and 2011 and were followed up until 2019. Data from the Swedish Arthroplasty Register was used. Medical records and radiographs were studied. The fractures were classified according to the Vancouver classification. The fracture location and anatomy were delineated. We also measured the remaining attachment index (RAI) and the canal thickness ratio.Results: Vancouver type C (n = 101) and spiral fractures (n = 67, 41 in Vancouver C and 26 in Vancouver B) were the most common fracture types. 4 fractures were avulsion of the greater trochanter. The remaining 51 fractures occurred around the stem (B1: 25, B2: 16, and B3: 10). B fractures were more commonly reoperated on (18 of 51, 35%) than type C fractures (11 of 101, 11%, P = 0.001). In most femurs with type B3 fracture, the fracture line covered an area only around the stem, but in all B1 and in 11 of 16 B2 fractures, it was extended even distal to the stem. ORIF instead of stem revision in B2 fractures, use of short stems or plates, and inadequate reduction of the fractures were risk factors for subsequent reoperations.Conclusion: The higher reoperation rate in type B fractures, compared with fractures distal to the stem, could be caused by their higher degree of complexity and reduced capacity for healing in the region around the stem.