bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ossifying fibroma from surgical excision to periodontal management: case report
Authors: El ayachi Houda , Assimi Sihame , Sabaoui Zakia , Cherkaoui Amine
Published: November 2023

Introduction and importance:

Peripheral ossifying fibroma is one of the commonly occurring reactive benign lesions that occurs in the gingiva, predominantly in females, especially in the anterior maxillary region of young women and in pediatric patients. It causes unsatisfactory esthetics, difficulty in maintaining good oral hygiene and difficulty in mastication.

The importance of this clinical case is to emphasize the interest of early management of the residual defect after the removal of the gum growth.

Case presentation:

A 39-year-old female patient was referred to the clinical department of periodontology, with the chief complaint of bleeding gingiva, unsatisfactory esthetics and gum growth on the interproximal area in relation to left maxillary canine and premolar region, with the size ~2 cm×1.5 cm.

Clinical discussion:

This article describes an atypical case of peripheral ossifying fibroma with the clinical, histopathologic, and radiographic features in the posterior maxilla in an adult female patient. Treatment consisted of complete surgical excision, gingival curettage, and management of keratinezed gingiva by utilizing laterally displaced flap. Clinical healing was satisfactory at 2 weeks, and excellent coverage of residual mucogingival defect with no evidence of recurrence was achieved 3 weeks postoperatively. The patient was satisfied with case resolution with a follow-up of 1 year.

Conclusion:

Although surgical excision is the treatment of choice, sometimes it may induce residual soft tissue defect, which may further precipitate functional and esthetic discrepancies if not managed.
End-organ damage due to iron overload related to blood transfusion in an 11-year-old male
Authors: Chreitah Ahmad , Aljanati Omar , Bress Fatima , Jamahiri Bushra , Alkilany Zeina , Assaf Sidra
Published: November 2023

Introduction and importance:

Iron overload is an abnormal accumulation of iron in parenchymal organs that leads to end-organ damage which could be either primary or secondary to repeated blood cell transfusion, its manifestations usually start in middle age and rarely in childhood.

Case presentation:

The authors present a rare case of an 11-year-old male with iron overload secondary to repeated packed blood transfusion for autoimmune haemolytic anaemia. He developed type 1 diabetes, pituitary atrophy, and hepatic injury. It was difficult to maintain good control of his diabetes. He had a fatal acute circulatory collapse due to multiple organ failure.

Clinical discussion:

Iron overload is a clinical consequence of repeated blood transfusion that could result in end-organ damage, usually occurring in adolescence and is less likely at a young age as in our case. The accumulation of iron in the tissues causes diabetes mellitus due to the destruction of β cells in the pancreas, and the increase in insulin resistance in the peripheral tissues.

Conclusion:

Iron overload is a serious complication of repeated blood transfusion, which could be prevented by early treatment with iron chelators at maximum tolerated doses.
Mucopolysaccharidosis type I Hurler-Scheie syndrome: a case report
Authors: Lamichhane Samit , Sapkota Aashish , Sapkota Sanjiv , Adhikari Nishob , Aryal Shishir , Adhikari Pradeep
Published: November 2023

Introduction and importance:

Hurler syndrome, also known as mucopolysaccharidoses type I, is a rare autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disorder with decreased activities of α-L iduronidase, resulting in the accumulation of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) within various tissues.

Case presentation:

The authors presented a case report of a 15-year-old male who presented with a lower respiratory tract infection and was admitted to the pediatrics department with a history of facial dysmorphism, skeletal abnormalities, and corneal clouding and below-normal cognitive function which is consistent with the Hurler-Scheie syndrome. Skeletal abnormalities include inverted j-shaped sella turcica, bullet-shaped phalanges, thoracolumbar kyphosis, and acetabular dysplasia.

Clinical discussion:

Mucopolysaccharidosis I is classically divided into three syndromes, that is, Hurler syndrome (the severe form), Hurler-Scheie syndrome (the intermediate form), and Scheie syndrome (the attenuated form). Most of a doctor’s first diagnosis is based on their observation of the signs and symptoms.

Conclusion:

Early disease diagnosis, genetic counseling, and regular follow-up with recent treatment modalities can reduce mortality significantly and improve the child’s health status.
Postoperative analgesic effects of intravenous dexamethasone for patients undergoing cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia at Dilla University Referral Hospital, Ethiopia, 2023: a double-blind randomized controlled trial
Authors: Gurmu Mesfin , Mulugeta Hailemariam , Zemedkun Abebayehu , Girma Timsel , Destaw Belete , Tadessa Muhiddin , Adamu Yayeh , Hailu Seyoum
Published: November 2023

Background:

The use of cesarean section (CS) worldwide has increased to unprecedented levels. In Ethiopia, the CS delivery rate is above the rate recommended by the WHO. The postoperative pain experience is moderate to severe in most patients during their postoperative period. The administration of intravenous dexamethasone is thought to have an analgesic effect after surgery even though the analgesic profile of preoperatively administered dexamethasone is less addressed.

Objective:

This study aimed to assess the postoperative analgesic effect of preoperative intravenous dexamethasone for patients undergoing cesarean delivery under spinal anesthesia at Dilla University Referral Hospital, Southern Ethiopia.

Methodology:

A double-blinded randomized controlled trial (RCT) was done on 112 patients undergoing elective CS under spinal anesthesia who were allocated randomly into normal saline and dexamethasone groups. Total analgesic consumption, time to first analgesic request, and postoperative pain score with the numerical rating scale (NRS) were followed for 24 h in both groups. Shapiro–Wilk tests were used to check normality. Independent samples t-test was used for the comparison of means between groups, Mann–Whitney U test for non-normally distributed data, and χ
2 test for categorical variables, and P-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant with a power of 80%.

Result:

The finding of this study showed that the postoperative pain score of the dexamethasone group was significantly lower than the normal saline group at 2, 4, 6, 12, 18, and 24 h with a statistically significant P-value <0.05. There was also a significant difference in the time to the first rescue analgesic request between the two groups, with the dexamethasone group (median=347.5 min) and the normal saline group (median=230 min) with P=0.001.

Conclusion and recommendation:

The authors conclude that preoperative administration of 8 mg of dexamethasone prolongs the first analgesic request time, decreases postoperative tramadol and diclofenac consumption, and decreases the postoperative pain score. The authors recommend that researchers conduct further RCTs with a different dose of dexamethasone and on a multicenter basis.
Practice of enhanced recovery after cesarean delivery in resource-limited setting
Authors: Ibrahem Amelmasin Faris , Melkie Tadese Belayneh , Filatie Tesera Dereje , Tegegne Biresaw Ayen , Admassie Belete Muluadam
Published: November 2023

Background:

Caesarean section is one of the most common procedures and clinician faces dual challenges with feto-maternal morbidity and mortality after caesarean delivery. Enhanced recovery after caesarean delivery protocols might effectively reduce postoperative feto-maternal morbidity and mortality. Therefore, this study aimed to assess practice of enhanced recovery after caesarean delivery among parturients who underwent elective caesarean delivery.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study design was conducted from March to June 2021 on 225 consecutive parturients scheduled for elective caesarean delivery. A semi-structured questionnaire which developed from Society of Obstetric Anesthesia and Perinatology, evidence-based recommendations regarding enhanced recovery after a caesarean (2020) to collect data. Data was collected through direct observation, reviewing the chart, and patient’s interview. Data were entered and analyzed in SPSS version 20.

Result:

Preoperative pathway; limit fasting interval (91%), haemoglobin screen and optimization (82%), and patient education (100%) found good Areas of practice Intraoperative pathway; administering postoperative nausea and vomiting prophylaxis (100%), fluid optimization (88%), neuraxial anaesthesia with a neuraxial opioid (91%), initiating multimodal analgesia (88%), optimal uterotonic administration (88%), delayed umbilical cord clamping (85%), and prophylactic antibiotic (100%) found areas with good areas of practice. Postoperative pathways; initiation of multimodal analgesia (74%) and early removal of the urinary catheter (62%) were found areas good areas of practice

Conclusion and recommendation:

The overall practice of enhanced recovery after caesarean delivery was below the target. The authors recommend that this comprehensive and specialized hospital administrator implement enhanced recovery after caesarean delivery protocol and give short-term training for health professionals’ about the protocol
Mediation and Dose-Response Relationship Among Physical Activity, Daylight Exposure, and Rest-Activity Circadian Rhythm in Patients With Esophageal and Gastric Cancer
Authors: Chen Hui-Mei , Cheung Denise Shuk Ting , Huang Chien-Sheng , Wu Yu-Chung , Hsu Po-Kuei
Published: November 2023

Background

Physical activity and daylight exposure predict rest-activity circadian rhythm (RACR) in patients with cancer. However, whether daylight exposure mediates the relationship between physical activity and RACR and the optimal amounts of physical activity and daylight that benefit RACR remain unclear.

Objectives

This study investigated the mediating role of daylight exposure and determined the dose-response relationship among daylight exposure, physical activity, and RACR in patients with cancer.

Methods

This cross-sectional exploratory study recruited 319 patients with esophageal and gastric cancer from 2 surgery outpatient departments in Taiwan. Daylight exposure (>500 lux), physical activity (up activity mean), and RACR (midline estimating statistic of rhythm) were measured through actigraphy. Regression was performed, and the receiver operating characteristic curve was plotted.

Results

Daylight exposure (>500 lux) partially mediated the relationship between physical activity (up activity mean) and RACR (midline estimating statistic of rhythm). The optimal cutoffs for discriminating between satisfactory and poor RACR were 187.43 counts/min for physical activity (sensitivity, 90.3%; specificity, 84.4%) and 35.71 min/d for daylight exposure (sensitivity, 55.9%; specificity, 78.2%).

Conclusions

Participants who engaged in physical activity were more likely to receive daylight exposure and experience improved RACR. The optimal level of daylight exposure and frequency of physical activity that can improve RACR in patients with esophageal and gastric cancer are 36 min/d and 187 counts/min, respectively.

Implications for Practice

Healthcare professionals should encourage patients to engage in exercise or physical activity during the daytime to improve their circadian rhythm.
Identification of the host reservoir of SARS-CoV-2 and determining when it spilled over into humans
Authors: Pamjula Vidyavathi , Strachan Norval J.C , Perez-Reche Francisco J.
Published: November 2023

1

Since the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 in Wuhan in 2019 its host reservoir has not been established. Phylogenetic analysis was performed on whole genome sequences (WGS) of 71 coronaviruses and a Breda virus. A subset comprising two SARS-CoV-2 Wuhan viruses and 8 of the most closely related coronavirus sequences were used for host reservoir analysis using Bayesian Evolutionary Analysis Sampling Trees (BEAST). Within these genomes, 20 core genome fragments were combined into 2 groups each with similar clock rates (5.9×10−3and 1.1×10−3subs/site/year). Pooling the results from these fragment groups yielded a most recent common ancestor (MRCA) shared between SARS-COV-2 and the bat isolate RaTG13 around 2007 (95% HPD: 2003, 2011). Further, the host of the MRCA was most likely a bat (probability 0.64 - 0.87). Hence, the spillover into humans must have occurred at some point between 2007 and 2019 and bats may have been the most likely host reservoir.
Biosurfactant stabilized nanoemulsions as multifunctional magnetically targeted delivery vehicles
Authors: Wilson Russell J. , Liu Yun , Yang Guangze , Gao Yuan , Zhao Chun-Xia
Published: November 2023

Nanoemulsions have been widely used for pharmaceutic applications. However, there remains a significant challenge to functionalize available pharmaceutical surfactants with targeting or reporter moieties to generate next-generation drug delivery systems. Herein, a designed biosurfactant platform technology, based on our library of α-helical peptide AM1 derivatives, was used to prepare multifunctional magnetic nanoemulsion drug delivery systems. Key factors such as electrostatic and steric stabilization of the nanoemulsions were determined using this peptide library. Stabilization of the nanoemulsion was achieved by controlled and tunable loading of PEG-functionalized biosurfactant at the oil-water interface. A model drug and iron oxide nanoparticles were incorporated into the oil core to prepare multifunctional nanoemulsions.In vitrocell uptake experiments using an external magnetic field demonstrated controlled rapid uptake of iron oxide loaded nanoemulsions by SKOV3 cancer and RAW 264.7 macrophage cells. SKOV3 cells demonstrated a slower rate of uptake under a magnetic field when compared to RAW 264.7 cells. This work demonstrates a highly adaptable hierarchical nanoemulsion system that can provide a platform to develop effective multifunctional nanomedicines and tools for biomedical insights.

Graphical Abstract
Islamic governance and leverage: the interacting role of corporate social responsibility disclosure
Authors: Puspitasari Novi , Harymawan Iman , Ab Aziz Norazlin
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This study aims to analyze the relationship between Islamic governance (IG) and leverage and examine the interaction of corporate social responsibility disclosure (CSRD) in the relationship between IG and leverage.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used 444 observational data comprising Asian, European and African Islamic banks (IBs) and analyzed using the regression analysis method to answer the research hypothesis.

Findings

This study finds that IG had a significant positive effect on leverage, indicating that it can increase the leverage of IBs. In other words, IG boosts the public confidence to entrust their funds to IBs through current accounts and savings. However, this study shows that CSRD weakens the relationship between IG and leverage. In addition, this study includes the control variables of board size, Islamic supervisory board size and company size, where all three variables showed their effect on leverage. These results were obtained through additional analysis by categorizing our sample based on CSRD.

Research limitations/implications

The results of this study show that IG significantly positively affects IB leverage globally. This can be used as a basis for policymakers to include the ICG variable in analyzing IBs leverage. The weakness of this study is the use of IG variables based on disclosure so that IG components that affect leverage cannot be analyzed accurately. Future research can use the IG variable by using specific IG component values such as the number of meetings, member attendance and remuneration of SSB members in analyzing IB leverage globally.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this research is the first study to discuss the interaction of CSRD with IG on leverage in Islamic banking in Asia, Europe and Africa, thus adding to the existing literature on Islamic banking.
Prioritisation and causal relationships of industry 4.0 readiness determinants: empirical validation of an assessment framework
Authors: Samaranayake Premaratne , Ramanathan Krishnamurthy , Weerabahu Weerabahu Mudiyanselage Samanthi Kumari
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The main purpose of this research is to (1) prioritise key determinants of Industry 4.0 (I4.0) readiness assessment and (2) evaluate causal relationships among those determinants and associated sub-criteria based on inputs from industry experts.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology involved two phases: (1) an MCDM approach for determining causal relationships among determinants and (2) empirical validation of findings from the first phase using industry experts' inputs.

Findings

It was found that while the choice of I4.0 technologies is important, organisational factors are also critical, as evidenced by the ranking of the “Strategy and Organisation” determinant as the highest rank prominent determinant. Also, the ranking of the sub-criteria within each determinant shows the importance of several organisational influencing and resulting sub-criteria.

Research limitations/implications

This research extends the existing literature on I4.0 by demonstrating the prioritisation of determinants and delineating causal relationships among them and associated sub-criteria as a basis for developing I4.0 adoption guidelines. This research is limited to the specific scope of determinants selected/considered and experts' inputs from the Sri Lankan manufacturing sector. Future studies could consider extending this research into a broader global manufacturing context.

Practical implications

Prioritisation and causal relationships of I4.0 readiness assessment determinants, supported with inputs from functional managers and industry experts, could be used to guide practitioners in developing guidelines for I4.0 adoption in a phased manner.

Originality/value

This research provides a re-evaluation and validation of a selected I4.0 readiness assessment framework from the perspectives of interdependencies and casual relationships among its determinants and sub-criteria, based on inputs from industry experts as a basis for developing guidelines for I4.0 adoption.
Pakistan’s export potential assessment at intensive and extensive margins
Authors: Ahmad Imtiaz , Ahmad Maha , Qadir Ghulam , Afridi Asad Khan
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This study aims to estimate Pakistan’s export potential in new and existing export products, as well as their potential destination markets.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a nonparametric approach based on demand, supply and easiness factors for estimating export potential at disaggregated product and destination levels.

Findings

A significant number of new export products (extensive margin) and existing products (intensive margin) are identified that have export potential. The estimated unrealized export potential at extensive margins is $2bn and at intensive margins is $5bn. The range of new products included value-added products, semifinished products and intermediate products. Surprisingly, there is high potential to diversify in China and export existing products more intensively in the EU. Moreover, the potential at extensive margins is regional diverse compared to intensive margins.

Research limitations/implications

The methodology used in this paper only provides export potential for short-to-medium term period because the global demand conditions are varying. Also, the mineral and resource-based products cannot be included in the analysis because their exports are heavily dependent on the availability of natural resources.

Practical implications

The findings have important policy implications in terms of providing guidelines for government policies related to industrial development, international trade and export promotion at the product and destination level. Overall, the study reveals that traditional sectors lack room for product diversification. As the existing export incentives favor major industries. To foster diversification, existing incentives must be redesigned to cover new products or sectors. Moreover, China has the greatest potential for product diversification, while Europe has the greatest potential to export current products more intensively. Further research is needed to simulate trade policy scenarios and estimate demand, supply and ease factors in export potential.

Originality/value

This study provides a unique perspective on export potential assessment at disaggregated product and destination levels, reinforcing the importance of redesigning trade policies and export incentives separately for export diversification.
Dismantling structural and individual cisgenderism in Illinois libraries: a descriptive research study on cisnormativity, transprejudice and biases against transgender and nonbinary populations
Authors: Ness Cristalan
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Recent library and information science literature suggests transgender and nonbinary populations are not treated, served and represented on an equal or equitable basis as cisgender populations are in libraries. This article aims to assess the prevalence of bias and inclusion efforts in Illinois libraries.

Design/methodology/approach

This quantitative, cross-sectional, descriptive study utilizes a critical queer theory lens and includes a Likert scale survey with a demographic question on gender identity to measure four constructs and determine if there is a relationship between gender identity and bias, inclusion efforts, and knowledge of transgender and nonbinary user needs.

Findings

Results suggest respondents' biases reinforce structural cisgenderism in Illinois libraries and may account for the unequal conditions trans and nonbinary populations experience. Additionally, there is a correlation between cisgender-identifying Illinois LIS professionals and biased attitudes and behaviors, use of inclusive practices, and knowledge of transgender and nonbinary user needs.

Originality/value

This study contributes quantitative data, analysis and practical implications to a body of predominantly qualitative library literature on transgender and gender diverse experiences in libraries.
Exploring an automated method for the analysis of virtual reference interactions
Authors: Turp Clara , Hervieux Sandy
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This study aims to determine if automated coding with regular expression is a strong methodology to identify themes in virtual reference chat.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used a combination of manual and automated coding of chat transcripts for a period of two years to identify the categories of questions related to the new library system. This methodology enabled them to determine if regular expression accurately identified the topics of chat transcripts.

Findings

They discovered that regular expression is an appropriate method to identify themes in virtual reference interactions. This method enabled them to establish that patrons asked questions related to system changes in the weeks following their implementations.

Originality/value

This study highlights a new methodology for transcript analysis.
The art museum as activist: A case study
Authors: Gullickson Charis
Published: November 2023

How do art museums illuminate patriarchal ideologies for the general public? In this article I share my experiences with critical pedagogies developed for the exhibition Like Betzy (2019–2020) by Nordnorsk Kunstmuseum (Northern Norway Art Museum). The art museum intervened in its exhibition and monuments in public spaces to attract engagement with local communities, critically question, and instigate dialogue and debate on the persistence of gender inequality. Using institutional critique as a theoretical and methodological framework, this analysis demonstrates a case of art museum activism. Additionally, I address the implications of transgression in the art museum's normative modus operandi. Although this case study is specific to a local context, I argue that monuments can serve as a site for public vulnerability, a place where museums step beyond their walls and outside their echo chambers to incite positive social justice‐oriented changes in communities.
Saving the Vietnamese Mekong River Delta—People's attitudes, opinions and willingness to help
Authors: Ahlheim Michael , Vuong Duy Thanh
Published: November 2023

The unique nature and environment of the Vietnamese Mekong Delta as well as its agricultural production and its traditional lifestyle are endangered by a rising sea level and increasing salinization of the ground and surface water. This paper aims at the assessment of Vietnamese people's information on and attitudes towards these problems as well as their respective convictions and beliefs. Imbedded in an online survey with 2000 completed interviews we also conducted a Contingent Valuation study with which we want to assess people's willingness to contribute personally and financially to saving the Mekong Delta as an indication of the benefits they would expect from such a project. We interviewed three different groups of respondents, one of which lives directly in the Mekong Delta, a second lives outside the Delta, but close to it, that is in Ho Chi Minh City, and the third group lives far away from the Delta in Hanoi. With these three subsamples of respondents we wanted to capture not only the use benefits but also the nonuse benefits accruing from such a project. In the course of the interviews, we found that the Mekong Delta is of great interest and importance to all interviewees, no matter in which part of Vietnam they live. They were mostly well informed on the problems there and had strong opinions on the causes of these problems as well as on suitable strategies to fight them. In our Contingent Valuation study, we assessed the willingness of people at the different study sites to contribute financially to a hypothetical project for the preservation of the Mekong Delta and the socio‐economic, attitudinal and psychological determinants of this willingness. Besides these empirical findings, we also obtained valuable insights regarding various methodological aspects of Contingent Valuation studies.
Can't pass or won't pass: the importance of motivation when quantifying improved connectivity for riverine brown trout Salmo trutta
Authors: Dodd Jamie R. , Cowx Ian G. , Joyce Domino A. , Bolland Jonathan D.
Published: November 2023

Reversing the negative impacts that anthropogenic habitat fragmentation has on animal movement is a key goal in the management of landscapes and conservation of species globally. Accurate assessment of measures to remediate habitat fragmentation, such as fish passage solutions in rivers, are imperative but are particularly challenging for territorial species, which are less likely to leave their existing home range, or populations composed of both migratory and resident individuals (i.e., partial migration). This investigation quantified the movements of translocated (captured upstream of the impediment and released downstream) and non‐translocated (captured and released downstream of the impediment) riverine brown trout (Salmo trutta L.), a species known to perform a homing movement, through a fish pass using passive integrated transponder (PIT) telemetry. A significantly higher proportion of translocated fish approached, entered, and passed (on a wider range of flows) compared to non‐translocated fish, consistent with the theory that motivation is a key driver in fish pass use. Translocated fish that entered the pass were significantly larger than those that approached but did not enter, presumably due to physiological capability. Translocated fish were a more reliable indicator of the fish passage solution effectiveness than non‐translocated fish. Our findings hence imply that many fish passage solutions globally, and potentially measures to remediate habitat fragmentation for other taxa, may have been mistakenly assessed for unmotivated animals. Studying both non‐translocated and translocated fish is recommended to provide more accurate and cost‐effective fish passage solution assessments.
Genetic mechanisms and biological processes underlying host response to ophidiomycosis (snake fungal disease) inferred from tissue‐specific transcriptome analyses
Authors: Mathur Samarth , Haynes Ellen , Allender Matthew C. , Gibbs H. Lisle
Published: November 2023

Emerging infectious diseases in wildlife species caused by pathogenic fungi are of growing concern, yet crucial knowledge gaps remain for diseases with potentially large impacts. For example, there is detailed knowledge about host pathology and mechanisms underlying response for chytridiomycosis in amphibians and white‐nose syndrome in bats, but such information is lacking for other more recently described fungal infections. One such disease is ophidiomycosis, caused by the fungus Ophidiomyces ophidiicola, which has been identified in many species of snakes, yet the biological mechanisms and molecular changes occurring during infection are unknown. To gain this information, we performed a controlled experimental infection in captive Prairie rattlesnakes (Crotalus viridis) with O. ophidiicola at two different temperatures: 20 and 26°C. We then compared liver, kidney, and skin transcriptomes to assess tissue‐specific genetic responses to O. ophidiicola infection. Given previous histopathological studies and the fact that snakes are ectotherms, we expected highest fungal activity on skin and a significant impact of temperature on host response. Although we found fungal activity to be localized on skin, most of the differential gene expression occurred in internal tissues. Infected snakes at the lower temperature had the highest host mortality whereas two‐thirds of the infected snakes at the higher temperature survived. Our results suggest that ophidiomycosis is likely a systemic disease with long‐term effects on host response. Our analysis also identified candidate protein coding genes that are potentially involved in host response, providing genetic tools for studies of host response to ophidiomycosis in natural populations.
Caregiving for frail home‐dwelling older people: A qualitative study of family caregivers' experiences
Authors: Søvde Bente Egge , Sandvoll Anne Marie , Natvik Eli , Drageset Jorunn
Published: November 2023

Background

The increasing frailty of home‐dwelling older people can lead to rising expectations from their family caregivers due to various demographic developments and political guidelines. European data show that 60% of home‐dwelling older people receive informal care. Frailty among older people is a state of vulnerability, increasing the risk of adverse health outcomes, declining daily activities and needing long‐term care.

Aim

To explore family caregivers' lived experiences with caring for frail, home‐dwelling older people.

Methods

We conducted a phenomenological study to obtain in‐depth descriptions of the phenomenon. We interviewed nine family caregivers, five men and four women between 52 and 90 years old, in‐depth in their homes. We used a hermeneutical phenomenological approach described by van Manen and followed the COREQ checklist.

Results

The phenomenon's essential meaning is described as striving to adapt throughout the caring relationship. The interrelated themes describe different caring relationships, caring for a family member and letting go of the primary caring responsibility.

Conclusions

Family caregivers describe care as meaningful yet demanding. In our study, the varying condition of frailty was an additional challenge in care. By addressing these challenges, healthcare providers can better support and help family caregivers to withstand their caring relationships. The Norwegian Centre for Research Data approved the study (Ref.61202).
Low agreement between Swedish national registers and parental questionnaires on allergic rhinitis
Authors: Vasileiadou Styliana , Wennergren Göran , Celind Frida Strömberg , Goksör Emma
Published: November 2023

Background

Allergic rhinitis (AR) has been well documented using questionnaire‐based studies. Here, we examine the agreement between parental‐reported data during childhood with the emphasis on 12‐year‐olds and data from two national Swedish registers to determine whether register data on AR can supplement or replace questionnaire data.

Methods

Data were collected from a prospective, longitudinal cohort study of children born in western Sweden in 2003. Parental questionnaires were filled out at 6 months and one, four, eight, and 12 years of age. A total of 3634 children were linked to the Swedish Prescribed Drug Register (SPDR) and the National Patient Register (NPR) using personal identity numbers. The agreement between the register and questionnaire data was estimated using Cohen's kappa with 95% confidence intervals.

Results

According to the SPDR, 9.9% (n = 360/3634) of the children were dispensed specific AR medication at 11–13 years of age compared with the 12 years questionnaire where 23% reported AR medication use during the last 12 months. The overall agreement between questionnaire and SPDR data on AR medication was slight (kappa 0.05). At 11–12 years, 1.8% (n = 65/3634) of the children received an outpatient AR diagnosis in the NPR, while 10% reported doctor‐diagnosed AR in the questionnaire. The overall agreement between questionnaire and NPR data on AR diagnosis was slight (kappa 0.16).

Conclusions

There was poor agreement between questionnaire and register data regarding AR and dispensed medication. Explanations could include over‐the‐counter drugs and diagnosis in primary care, which are not included in the registers.
Experience of less invasive surfactant administration with a 5F infant feeding tube in a tertiary center of low‐ and middle‐income countries
Authors: Sk Md Habibullah , Saha Bijan
Published: November 2023

Background

Less invasive surfactant administration (LISA) results in less need for mechanical ventilation and a reduction in death, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and intraventricular hemorrhage as outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and short‐term outcomes of surfactant administration by the LISA method using an 5F infant feeding tube in preterm infants.

Methods

During the period from May, 2019 to August, 2022, we carried out a prospective observational study that included all premature infants with respiratory distress syndrome who were admitted to our neonatal intensive care unit. The study involved collecting and analyzing data on the procedural efficacy of LISA, vital parameters, and short‐term outcomes.

Results

Our study included a total of 110 infants with an average gestational age of 30.9 ± 1.9 weeks and a mean birthweight of 1347.5 ± 354.1 g. Of these infants, two required intubation during the LISA procedure, whereas 11 infants required intubation within 72 h after LISA. Infants with a higher pre‐surfactant fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) requirement, an elevated Score for Neonatal Acute Physiology with Perinatal Extension (SNAPPE), and the presence of sepsis were associated with the need for intubation within the first 72 h of life. Thirty‐one infants also experienced a drop in saturation of peripheral oxygen (SpO2) below 80% for more than 1 min.

Conclusions

Less invasive surfactant administration was feasible and safe to administer via an orotracheally introduced 5F infant feeding tube in non‐invasive ventilation to support spontaneously breathing infants between 28+0 and 33+6 weeks of gestation.
A multilevel conceptual framework on green practices: Transforming policies into actionable leadership and employee behavior
Authors: Ahmed Fawad , Callaghan Deborah , Arslan Ahmad
Published: November 2023

As organizations have recognized their cause/solution relationship with the environment, increasing attention is being given to the role of employees make in achieving green organizational objectives. Even though, business sustainability initiatives are often led by leaders; employee green behavior (EGB) plays a vital role in success of such initiatives. The current paper focuses on relatively less researched topic of EGB. It uses a narrative review approach to develop a multi‐level conceptual framework that draws upon the connectivity of leadership influence at firm and team levels, and how this influences individual level EGB. The paper offers a holistic approach to influencing effective green strategies in organizational contexts. By doing so, it contributes to the larger debate on different dimensions, mechanisms, and levels of environmentally responsible behavior in organizational settings and opens up new avenues for multi‐level and cross‐layer empirical research.
Incidental findings of soft tissue gas in canine and feline thoracic computed tomographic examinations
Authors: Goins Matt , Puggioni Antonella , Hoey Seamus
Published: November 2023

Computed tomography (CT) is a commonly used modality in small animal veterinary medicine. Anecdotally, gas bubbles are frequently identified in small animals undergoing thoracic CT examination. The aim of this retrospective observational study was to record the occurrence and prevalence of vascular and extravascular gas in routine thoracic CT examinations in dogs and cats. Patients with any clinical signs of diseases   related to soft tissue gas were excluded. A total of 84 canine studies and 90 feline studies were included, detecting gas in 66.7% of all studies, with gas more likely to be detected in canine studies (75.0%) than in feline cases (58.9%) (P = 0.009). Canine studies were more likely to have gas detected in postcontrast studies than in precontrast studies (P = 0.016). Intravascular gas was detected in 65.5% of all included studies (75% canine and 56.7% feline). Extravascular gas was detected in 13.8% of all studies (14.3% canine, 13.3% feline), with gas detected in the vertebral canal of 8.62% of all studies (canine 11.9%, feline 5.56%) and within fascial planes in 5.75% of all studies (canine 2.38%, feline 8.89%). In conclusion, gas bubbles were identified in the majority of canine and feline thoracic CT studies without clinical evidence of a pathologic etiology.
Gaining Public Acceptance Towards Nuclear Waste Disposal
Authors: Seppälä Timo
Published: November 2023

In many countries that use nuclear power, solution for the long-term management of spent nuclear fuel is pending and decisions on the final disposal of nuclear waste are lacking.

The “unresolved” waste problem is an argument that nuclear communicators will surely encounter sooner or later in their endeavors to speak in favor of nuclear energy. At the same time, communicators must admit that there is no empirical evidence on the long-term safety of disposal, let alone that references to operating final repositories for high-level nuclear waste exist.

Despite of the challenges in nuclear waste communication, it is possible to gain public acceptance for nuclear waste disposal. For example, in Finland the site for the final repository of spent nuclear fuel was accepted by the locals and by the Parliament already 22 years ago, making it possible to apply operating license which is currently under review.

One of the factors of the successful siting is a communication strategy that identifies and aligns objectives, themes and result indicators for communication for each stakeholder group. The presentation focuses on the elements of the holistic communication strategy that is applicable to long-term siting projects for nuclear repositories. In addition to Finland, the presentation also discusses successful siting processes in Sweden and Switzerland.
Investigation, Development and Assessment of Innovative Direct Conditioning Solutions for Radioactive Liquid Organic Waste Within the PREDIS Project
Authors: Pancotti Federica , Guerra Mafalda , Fournier Maxime , Hamadache Kahina , Hasnaoui Abdelaziz , Bucur Crina , Marquez Evamaria , Lara Esperanza , Hayes Martin , Provis John , Svitlychnyi Yevhenii , Sayenko Sergey , Cori Davide , Mossini Eros , Santi Andrea , Phung Quoc Tri , Nguyen Thi Nhan
Published: November 2023

In the framework of the Horizon-2020 PRE-DISposal management of radioactive waste (PREDIS) project, research activities are on-going to address the key issue of Radioactive Liquid Organic Waste (RLOW), which consists in the lack of reliable disposal or treatment routes, by investigating, developing and assessing direct conditioning solutions based on geopolymers and alkali-activated materials as conditioning matrices. Such solutions have to lead to final waste forms exhibiting properties and performances compatible with safety and technical requirements related to disposal, as well as to prolonged storage and transport.

During the first two and half years of the project, several formulations have been tested for the incorporation of specific types of RLOW.

The study of the direct conditioning process targeted an incorporation rate (Waste Loading) up to 30%–40% by volume of the different RLOW types. Following an initial screening phase, three reference formulations, based on metakaolin, fly ash, blast furnace slags and mixes of raw materials, were identified as the most promising in terms of improving waste loadings and the properties of the waste forms.

The reference formulations were tested and optimised in terms of choice and quantity of aluminosilicate precursors, alkaline activators, possible blended binder systems and additives facilitating the organic waste emulsification (surfactants), to achieve waste forms with good rheological and mechanical properties. The robustness of the formulations was assessed with reference to waste, raw materials, and process variability.

After a qualitative screening, based on a predefined set of criteria, a limited number of formulations were selected to further consolidate the reference formulations by testing them with real RLOW and to investigate the feasibility of scale-up by exploratory pilot scale tests planned for the last year of the project.
Extreme Drop Durability of Sintered Silver Traces Printed With Extrusion and Aerosol Jet Processes
Authors: Abusalma Hisham , Richards Hayden , Dasgupta Abhijit , Bujanda Andres , Yu Jian , Tsang Harvey
Published: November 2023

This study will focus on the drop durability of printed conductive traces that are ubiquitous in Printed Hybrid Electronics (PHEs). There are several methods, such as syringe extrusion printing, inkjet printing, and aerosol jet printing (AJP) to print conductive traces. Silver is a popular material for printing conductive elements due to its low sintering temperature and low susceptibility to oxidation and is the material of study in this paper. Silver conductive elements are usually printed using either AJP or extrusion printing, and these methods will be used in this study.

In this paper, silver traces are printed on 1.6 mm thick FR4 cantilever beams that are dropped with a drop tower at accelerations in excess of 40,000 Gs at room temperature. The silver is printed near the base of the cantilever beam (near the edge clamp fixture) to maximize the strain experienced by the traces. Two sets of samples are prepared with different printing methods: extrusion and AJP. The AJP samples are plated with a layer of copper ink and sintered. The traces are then covered with a printed polyimide layer to increase durability. Flexural strain of the cantilever beam and electrical resistance of the traces are measured in-situ during drop, to monitor the dominant response eigen-modes and resulting damage in the samples. High-speed footage of the drop (at 20,000 fps) is used to measure the tip displacement. Strain and tip displacement measurements are used to calibrate and verify a 3D shell finite element model (FEM) of the drop loading of the cantilever beam. This model is used to predict the strain history in the printed traces as well as the resulting dynamic eigen-modes in the sample, caused by drops at different G-levels. Damage in the silver traces is optically inspected.

The long-term goal is to provide insights into the drop-durability of printed silver traces quantitatively, establish the foundation for a high strain-rate damage model, and provide suggestions to improve the durability of 3D printed electronics using optimization of specimen design features and the printing process parameters.
Effect of Sintering Conditions on Electrical Resistivity of Printed Silver Inks
Authors: Xu Hua , Lo Jeffery C. C. , Qiu Xing , Cheng Yuanjie , Tao Mian , Lee S. W. Ricky , Ko Lawrence C. L. , Yeung Ho Ki , Yau Chun Ho
Published: November 2023

Thermal sintering is a simple, cost-effective, and high-throughput option for printed silver inks with nanoparticles. Low-temperature sintering processes are necessary for printed electronics to accommodate substrates or polymer components that cannot withstand high temperatures. However, it is difficult to reach a low level resistivity with printed silver nanoparticles sintered at low temperatures. This study focused on the effect of solvent evaporation during the sintering process and the effect of ligands on the resistivity of the final product. The present investigation used commercial silver ink due to its excellent properties such as low cracking, high uniformity, and good adhesion to the substrate. The solvent was a mixture of propylene glycol monomethyl ether and diethylene glycol monomethyl ether. Thermal gravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry were used to characterize the temperatures of solvent evaporation and ligand decomposition. The resistivities of the sintered silver inks were measured. The study found that preheating was effective in helping achieve lower resistivity and that the removal of ligands could further decrease the resistivity by about 20%.
Surface-Mount Component Attachment on Aerosol Jet Printed Sustainable Water-Base Silver Nanoparticle Ink
Authors: Lall Pradeep , Karakitie Daniel , Miller Scott
Published: November 2023

Additive methods are preferred over processes that need hard tooling due to ramp-up speed and soft tooling. Increasing demand for the miniaturization of electronics has accelerated the development of flexible electronics technology. Flexible electronic architectures have gained traction in products for various end applications. The prior generation of additive processes used volatile organic solvent-based inks to fabricate printed circuits. Increased emphasis on environmental, social, and governmental factors has called attention to the development of sustainable products. Recent material development has seen the emergence of water-based inks with low-impact environmental waste. Sustainable inks use water as the carrier medium in place of volatile solvents. Owing to the recent introduction of these formulations, less is known about the ability to form functional circuits with sustainable inks or their performance relative to the incumbent non-sustainable volatile organic solvent-based inks. In this paper, Components were attached to additively printed water-based ink circuits fabricated using an aerosol jet. Interconnect methods have been studied, including — electrically conductive adhesives. The component performance of RLC has been studied as a function of operating frequency and compared with the rated values. Mechanical performance has been studied using the shear load to failure and electron dispersive x-ray spectroscopy. The electrical performance has been correlated with the mechanical performance and optical methods have also been used to characterize the results of the printed trace.