bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adolescent and Parent Perspectives on Digital Phenotyping in Youths With Chronic Pain: Cross-Sectional Mixed Methods Survey Study
Authors: Nestor Bridget A , Chimoff Justin , Koike Camila , Weitzman Elissa R , Riley Bobbie L , Uhl Kristen , Kossowsky Joe
Published: November 2023

Background

Digital phenotyping is a promising methodology for capturing moment-to-moment data that can inform individually adapted and timely interventions for youths with chronic pain.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate adolescent and parent endorsement, perceived utility, and concerns related to passive data stream collection through smartphones for digital phenotyping for clinical and research purposes in youths with chronic pain.

Methods

Through multiple-choice and open-response survey questions, we assessed the perspectives of patient-parent dyads (103 adolescents receiving treatment for chronic pain at a pediatric hospital with an average age of 15.6, SD 1.6 years, and 99 parents with an average age of 47.8, SD 6.3 years) on passive data collection from the following 9 smartphone-embedded passive data streams: accelerometer, apps, Bluetooth, SMS text message and call logs, keyboard, microphone, light, screen, and GPS.

Results

Quantitative and qualitative analyses indicated that adolescents and parent endorsement and perceived utility of digital phenotyping varied by stream, though participants generally endorsed the use of data collected by passive stream (35%-75.7% adolescent endorsement for clinical use and 37.9%-74.8% for research purposes; 53.5%-81.8% parent endorsement for clinical and 52.5%-82.8% for research purposes) if a certain level of utility could be provided. For adolescents and parents, adjusted logistic regression results indicated that the perceived utility of each stream significantly predicted the likelihood of endorsement of its use in both clinical practice and research (Ps<.05). Adolescents and parents alike identified accelerometer, light, screen, and GPS as the passive data streams with the highest utility (36.9%-47.5% identifying streams as useful). Similarly, adolescents and parents alike identified apps, Bluetooth, SMS text message and call logs, keyboard, and microphone as the passive data streams with the least utility (18.5%-34.3% identifying streams as useful). All participants reported primary concerns related to privacy, accuracy, and validity of the collected data. Passive data streams with the greatest number of total concerns were apps, Bluetooth, call and SMS text message logs, keyboard, and microphone.

Conclusions

Findings support the tailored use of digital phenotyping for this population and can help refine this methodology toward an acceptable, feasible, and ethical implementation of real-time symptom monitoring for assessment and intervention in youths with chronic pain.
Understanding Employee Voice Behavior Through the Use of Digital Voice Channel in Long-Term Care: Protocol for an Embedded Multiple-Case Study
Authors: Kepplinger Anja , Braun Alexander , Fringer André , Roes Martina
Published: November 2023

Background

Specific challenges in the health care sector, such as hierarchical structures, shortages of nursing staff, and high turnover of nursing staff, can be addressed by a change process of organizational culture into shared governance. Data from business organizations show that the use of digital voice channels provides employee voice. This approach makes concrete the opportunity for employees to raise their voices by answering surveys and making comments in an anonymous forum, which subsequently positively influences staff turnover and sick leave. Since there is no clear understanding of how a digital voice channel can be used in long-term care to address employee voice, a research gap has been identified.

Objective

The purpose of ADVICE (Understanding Employee Voice Behavior; the acronym for this study) is to understand how the use of a digital voice channel performs in long-term care (residential long-term care and home care facilities). The aim of this study is to understand how the digital voice channel can support staff in making their voices heard and to see what managers need to use the voice channel to change the work environment.

Methods

An embedded multiple-case study will be used to explore the experiences of 2 health care providers who have already implemented a digital voice channel. ADVICE is organized into two main phases: (1) a scoping review and (2) an embedded multiple-case study. For this purpose, focus group interviews with employees, discursive-dialogical interviews with managers, meeting protocols, and data from the digital voice channel will be analyzed. First, all units of analysis from every embedded unit will be separately analyzed and then comprehensively analyzed to obtain a case vignette from every embedded unit (within-analysis). In the second stage, the analyzed data from the embedded units will be compared with each other in a comparative analysis (cross-analysis).

Results

The results will provide insight into how digital voice channels can be used in long-term care to address employee voice. We expect to find how the digital voice channel can empower nurses to speak up and, consequently, create a better work environment. Data collection began in August 2023, and from a current perspective, the first results are expected in summer 2024.

Conclusions

In summary, the results may help to better understand the use of a digital voice channel in the health care sector and its transformative potential for leadership. At the organizational level, research can help to improve the attractiveness of the workplace by understanding how to give employees a voice.

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

PRR1-10.2196/48601
Epidemic Characteristics, Spatiotemporal Pattern, and Risk Factors of Other Infectious Diarrhea in Fujian Province From 2005 to 2021: Retrospective Analysis (Preprint)
Authors: Lu Yixiao , Zhu Hansong , Hu Zhijian , He Fei , Chen Guangmin
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND

Other infectious diarrhea (OID) continues to pose a significant public health threat to all age groups in Fujian Province. There is a need for an in-depth analysis to understand the epidemiological pattern of OID and its associated risk factors in the region.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we aimed to describe the overall epidemic characteristics and spatiotemporal pattern of OID in Fujian Province from 2005 to 2021 and explore the linkage between sociodemographic and environmental factors and the occurrence of OID within the study area.

METHODS

Notification data for OID in Fujian were extracted from the China Information System for Disease Control and Prevention. The spatiotemporal pattern of OID was analyzed using Moran index and Kulldorff scan statistics. The seasonality of and short-term impact of meteorological factors on OID were examined using an additive decomposition model and a generalized additive model. Geographical weighted regression and generalized linear mixed model were used to identify potential risk factors.

RESULTS

A total of 388,636 OID cases were recorded in Fujian Province from January 2005 to December 2021, with an average annual incidence of 60.3 (SD 16.7) per 100,000 population. Children aged <2 years accounted for 50.7% (196,905/388,636) of all cases. There was a steady increase in OID from 2005 to 2017 and a clear seasonal shift in OID cases from autumn to winter and spring between 2005 and 2020. Higher maximum temperature, atmospheric pressure, humidity, and precipitation were linked to a higher number of deseasonalized OID cases. The spatial and temporal aggregations were concentrated in Zhangzhou City and Xiamen City for 17 study years. Furthermore, the clustered areas exhibited a dynamic spreading trend, expanding from the southernmost Fujian to the southeast and then southward over time. Factors such as densely populated areas with a large <1-year-old population, less economically developed areas, and higher pollution levels contributed to OID cases in Fujian Province.

CONCLUSIONS

This study revealed a distinct distribution of OID incidence across different population groups, seasons, and regions in Fujian Province. Zhangzhou City and Xiamen City were identified as the major hot spots for OID. Therefore, prevention and control efforts should prioritize these specific hot spots and highly susceptible groups.

CLINICALTRIAL
Analysis of Self-Care Activities in Type 2 Diabetes in Brazil: Protocol for a Scoping Review (Preprint)
Authors: Toledo Marileila Marques , da Silva Edson , Esteves Elizabethe Adriana
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease that is growing worldwide. It is estimated that 15.7 million people aged between 20 and 79 years live with diabetes in Brazil, and the majority of cases are type 2 diabetes (T2D). To successfully manage diabetes, the patient needs to develop self-care activities. However, there is limited understanding of what self-care activities are performed by people with T2D in Brazil.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to identify and map studies that evaluate self-care activities in T2D in Brazil.

METHODS

This is a scoping review protocol structured according to the methodological guidelines of the Joanna Briggs Institute. Six databases and gray literature were used. The process of searching, identifying, and evaluating the papers was carried out by 2 independent reviewers, guided by the assumptions established by the Joanna Briggs Institute. We sought to answer the following guiding question: How are self-care activities for people with T2D evaluated in Brazil? We included papers and publications in any language, from public and private domains, and with different methodological approaches.

RESULTS

Initial database searches produced a total of 681 results. These papers will be critically analyzed, and relevant information will be extracted. Quantitative and qualitative results of the papers reviewed will be presented to respond to the study’s objective. We intend to publish the scoping review in the first half of 2024.

CONCLUSIONS

The protocol for this scoping review will evaluate the main self-care activities carried out by adults and older people with T2D in Brazil. The results may help identify knowledge gaps and contribute to future research and diabetes education interventions.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

DERR1-10.2196/49105
The Efficacy and Therapeutic Alliance of Augmented Reality Exposure Therapy in Treating Adults With Phobic Disorders: Systematic Review (Preprint)
Authors: Hasan Safa , Alhaj Hamid , Hassoulas Athanasios
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND

Phobic disorders are characterized by excessive fear of a stimulus that can affect the quality of a patient’s life. The lifetime prevalence in adults is 7.7% to 12.5%. The current literature provides evidence-based inferences about the effectiveness of in-vivo exposure therapy (IVET) in treating phobia. However, this method can put the therapist and the client in danger, with high drop out and refusal rates. A newer approach for exposure therapy using augmented reality technology is under assessment.

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review investigated the novel technology’s efficacy, cost-efficacy, and therapeutic alliance in treating adults with phobia.

METHODS

An extensive search was conducted using 4 major databases (MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Embase, and Scopus) using a comprehensive list of synonyms for augmented reality exposure therapy (ARET) and phobic disorders. The search targeted any randomized control trial testing ARET in adults with phobic disorders up to August 8, 2022.

RESULTS

A total of 6 studies were included, with 208 participants providing results. Studies investigating the efficacy of ARET compared to no intervention showed significant results (P<.05) in the ARET group improvement. Head-to-head comparative studies comparing ARET to IVET showed no significant difference (P>.05) in the effectiveness and therapeutic alliance between both therapies. Further, the results demonstrated that the ARET group had a better long-term effect than IVET, with the ability to put the patients in more situations to face the feared object.

CONCLUSIONS

The current data suggest clinically significant efficacy and a promising therapeutic alliance of ARET. However, no data are available investigating the cost-effectiveness of ARET. Further research is warranted to ascertain ARET’s cost-effectiveness and examine its efficacy in other populations and anxiety conditions.
User Experience Evaluation of a Spinal Surgery Robot: Workload, Usability, and Satisfaction Study (Preprint)
Authors: Choi Hyeonkyeong , Kim Seunghee , Jang Wonseuk
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND

Robotic spine surgery has continued to evolve since its US Food and Drug Administration approval in 2004, with products now including real-time video guidance and navigation during surgery. As the market for robotic surgical devices evolves, it is important to consider usability factors.

OBJECTIVE

The primary objective of this study was to determine the user experience of a surgical-assistive robotic device. The secondary objective was to evaluate workload, usability, the After-Scenario Questionnaire (ASQ), and the System Usability Scale (SUS). In addition, this study compares the workload, usability, and satisfaction survey of the device among different occupational groups using the device.

METHODS

Doctors (n=15) and nurses (n=15), the intended users of the surgical assistant robot, participated in the usability evaluation. Participants performed essential scenarios for the surgical assistant robot and provided scenario-specific satisfaction (ASQ), workload (NASA Task Load Index), and usability (SUS) scores.

RESULTS

Both doctors and nurses had task success rates of 85% or higher for each scenario. ASQ results showed that both doctors and nurses were least satisfied with ease of completing the task of registration (group 1: mean 4.73, SD 1.57 and group 2: mean 4.47, SD 1.8), amount of time it took (group 1: mean 4.47, SD 1.63 and group 2: mean 4.40, SD 2.09), and support information satisfaction (group 1: mean 5.13, SD 1.50 and group 2: mean 5.13, SD 1.89). All participants had low workloads, and the overall Task Load Index score had a P value of .77, which is greater than .05. The SUS results showed that the overall usability mean for doctors was 64.17 (SD 16.52) and the mean for nurses was 61.67 (SD 19.18), with a P value of .84, which is greater than .05, indicating no difference between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, doctors and nurses evaluated the interaction of the device in a simulated environment, the operating room. By evaluating the use experience and usability of the device with real intended users, we can develop a more effective and convenient user interface.
The role of SmartWatch Technology in the provision of care for type 1 or type 2 Diabetes Mellitus or Gestational Diabetes: a systematic review. (Preprint)
Authors: Alvarez Sergio , Fellas Antoni , Wynne Katie , Santos Derek , Sculley Dean , Acharya Shamasunder , Navathe Pooshan , Girones Xavier , Coda Andrea
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND

The use of Smart technology in the management of all forms of diabetes mellitus has grown significantly in the past ten years. Technologies such as the SmartWatch have been proposed as a method of assisting in the monitoring of blood glucose levels as well as other alert prompts such as medication adherence and daily physical activity targets. These important outcomes reach across all forms of diabetes and have the potential to increase compliance of self-monitoring with the aim of improving long term outcomes such as HbA1c.

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review aims to explore the literature for evidence of SmartWatch technology in type 1,2 and gestational diabetes.

METHODS

A systematic review was undertaken by searching Ovid MEDLINE and CINAHL databases. A second search using all identified keywords and index terms was performed on Ovid MEDLINE (January 1966 to August 2023), EMBASE (January 1980 to August 2023), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (the Cochrane Library, latest issue), CINAHL (from 1982), IEEE Xplore, and ACM Digital Libraries, and Web of Science databases.

RESULTS

Five studies were included for qualitative synthesis in this review, however, none of these studies were randomised clinical trials and published research is currently focusing on usability and feasibility.

CONCLUSIONS

This systematic review has highlighted the lack of robust randomised clinical trials that explore the efficacy of SmartWatch technology in the management of patients with type 1, 2 and gestational diabetes.
Combining Clinical-Radiomics Features With Machine Learning Methods for Building Models to Predict Postoperative Recurrence in Patients With Chronic Subdural Hematoma: Retrospective Cohort Study (Preprint)
Authors: Fang Cheng , Ji Xiao , Pan Yifeng , Xie Guanchao , Zhang Hongsheng , Li Sai , Wan Jinghai
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND

Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) represents a prevalent medical condition, posing substantial challenges in postoperative management due to risks of recurrence. Such recurrences not only cause physical suffering to the patient but also add to the financial burden on the family and the health care system. Currently, prognosis determination largely depends on clinician expertise, revealing a dearth of precise prediction models in clinical settings.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to use machine learning (ML) techniques for the construction of predictive models to assess the likelihood of CSDH recurrence after surgery, which leads to greater benefits for patients and the health care system.

METHODS

Data from 133 patients were amassed and partitioned into a training set (n=93) and a test set (n=40). Radiomics features were extracted from preoperative cranial computed tomography scans using 3D Slicer software. These features, in conjunction with clinical data and composite clinical-radiomics features, served as input variables for model development. Four distinct ML algorithms were used to build predictive models, and their performance was rigorously evaluated via accuracy, area under the curve (AUC), and recall metrics. The optimal model was identified, followed by recursive feature elimination for feature selection, leading to enhanced predictive efficacy. External validation was conducted using data sets from additional health care facilities.

RESULTS

Following rigorous experimental analysis, the support vector machine model, predicated on clinical-radiomics features, emerged as the most efficacious for predicting postoperative recurrence in patients with CSDH. Subsequent to feature selection, key variables exerting significant impact on the model were incorporated as the input set, thereby augmenting its predictive accuracy. The model demonstrated robust performance, with metrics including accuracy of 92.72%, AUC of 91.34%, and recall of 93.16%. External validation further substantiated its effectiveness, yielding an accuracy of 90.32%, AUC of 91.32%, and recall of 88.37%, affirming its clinical applicability.

CONCLUSIONS

This study substantiates the feasibility and clinical relevance of an ML-based predictive model, using clinical-radiomics features, for relatively accurate prognostication of postoperative recurrence in patients with CSDH. If the model is integrated into clinical practice, it will be of great significance in enhancing the quality and efficiency of clinical decision-making processes, which can improve the accuracy of diagnosis and treatment, reduce unnecessary tests and surgeries, and reduce the waste of medical resources.
Evaluation of Patient-Facing Mobile Apps to Support Physiotherapy Care: Systematic Review (Preprint)
Authors: Merolli Mark , Francis Jill J , Vallance Patrick , Bennell Kim L , Malliaras Peter , Hinman Rana S
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND

Mobile health interventions delivered through mobile apps are increasingly used in physiotherapy care. This may be because of the potential of apps to facilitate changes in behavior, which is central to the aims of care delivered by physiotherapists. A benefit of using apps is their ability to incorporate behavior change techniques (BCTs) that can optimize the effectiveness of physiotherapeutic interventions. Research continues to suggest that despite their importance, behavior change strategies are often missing in patient management. Evaluating mobile apps that physiotherapists can use to drive behavior change may inform clinical practice and potentially improve patient outcomes. Examining the quality of apps and exploring their key features that can support behavior change and physiotherapy care are important aspects of such an evaluation.

OBJECTIVE

The primary aim of this study was to describe the range of mobile apps in app stores that are intended for use by patients to support physiotherapy care. The secondary aims were to assess app quality, BCTs, and their behavior change potential.

METHODS

A systematic review of mobile apps in app stores was undertaken. The Apple App Store and Google Play were searched using a 2-step search strategy, using terms relevant to the physiotherapy discipline. Strict inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied: apps had to be intended for use by patients and be self-contained (or stand-alone) without the requirement to be used in conjunction with a partner wearable device or another plugin. Included apps were coded for BCTs using the Behavior Change Technique Taxonomy version 1. App quality was assessed using the Mobile App Rating Scale, and the App Behavior Change Scale was used to assess the app’s potential to change behavior.

RESULTS

In total, 1240 apps were screened, and 35 were included. Of these 35 apps, 22 (63%) were available on both the Apple App Store and Google Play platforms. In total, 24 (69%) were general in their focus (eg, not condition-specific), with the remaining 11 (31%) being more specific (eg, knee rehabilitation and pelvic floor training). The mean app quality score (Mobile App Rating Scale) was 3.7 (SD 0.4) of 5 (range 2.8-4.5). The mean number of BCTs identified per app was 8.5 (SD 3.6). BCTs most frequently included in the apps were instruction on how to perform a behavior (n=32), action planning (n=30), and self-monitoring of behavior (n=28). The mean behavior change potential score (App Behavior Change Scale) was 8.5 (SD 3.1) of 21 (range 3-15).

CONCLUSIONS

Mobile apps available to support patient care received from a physiotherapist are of variable quality. Although they contain some BCTs, the potential for behavior change varied widely across apps.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

RR2-10.2196/29047
Analisis Metode Sisip Trafo Satu Fasa dan Rekonfigurasi Jaringan dalam Mengatasi Trafo Overload pada Gardu SCG08-0066 PT PLN (Persero) ULP Magelang Kota
Authors: Sahidanto Muhammad Hanif Setyo , Wafiq Burhanuddin , Zain Hanif Alauddin , Nurulita Fivta Abidha , Putri Tika Erna
Published: November 2023

Pada kondisi di lapangan, tidak jarang terjadi adanya trafo yang kelebihan beban. Hal ini dapat memengaruhi kinerja sistem seperti, drop tegangan, ketidakseimbangan beban, dan kerugian daya. Pada wilayah kerja PT PLN (Persero) ULP Magelang Kota terdapat trafo satu fasa dengan nomor gardu SCG08-0066 yang mengalami overload dengan persentase pembebanan sebesar 92,72%.  Untuk mengatasi masalah tersebut, solusi yang dapat dilakukan adalah dengan melakukan perbaikan pada jaringan distribusi listrik, sebagai contoh dengan menambahkan trafo satu fase sebagai penyisipan pada bagian jaringan tertentu dan melakukan rekonfigurasi jaringan. Metode yang digunakan adalah dengan melakukan pengamatan langsung di lapangan dan menggunakan simulasi perangkat lunak. Simulasi ini diperlukan untuk mendapatkan hasil yang akurat mengenai nilai persentase pembebanan dan jatuh tegangan pada trafo sebelum dan setelah dilakukan sisip trafo maupun rekonfigurasi jaringan. Hasil dari simulasi penyisipan trafo satu fasa pada gardu SCG08-0066 mengalami penurunan dari pembebanan awal, yaitu 200,7 A turun menjadi 158,9 A dengan penurunan sebesar 19,3%. Sedangkan pada rekonfigurasi jaringan dihasilkan penurunan sebesar 19,82% dari pembebanan awal, yang mulanya 200,7 A turun menjadi 158,1. Hasil dari kedua metode tersebut dapat menurunkan persentase pembebanan trafo sehingga tidak mengalami overload. Selain itu, kedua metode tersebut dapat memperbaiki jatuh tegangan di ujung jaringan, yang mulanya 195 Volt menjadi 212 Volt. Namun apabila kedua metode tersebut dilakukan perbandingan, maka metode sisip trafo merupakan metode paling efektif untuk mengatasi trafo overload karena beban yang ada disuplai oleh trafo sisipan baru, sehingga lebih terjamin untuk kontinuitas jangka panjang.
Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Klebsiella pneumoniae Isolated from Intensive and Non-intensive Care Units Patients: A One-year Retrospective Study in a Tertiary Healthcare Hospital, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Moustafa Nouran Magdy , Mahmoud Fatma M. , Khamsin Noor Wael Bu , Almomen Fatima , Alali Manar , Abosbaih Maryam , Khalaf Diyaa Mazen , Mohamed Rania A.
Published: November 2023

Antimicrobial-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) constitutes a major global health warning and is significantly implicated in severe infections associated with increased morbidity and mortality. As hospitalized patients in the ICU are more vulnerable to severe infections with increased cost of treatment and prolonged hospital stays, we aimed to compare antimicrobial susceptibility of K. pneumoniae obtained from intensive care unit (ICU) and non-intensive care unit (non-ICU) patients as well as to investigate potential impact of antimicrobial resistance on patient outcome. A retrospective, cross-sectional study conducted on ICU and non-ICU patients having K. pneumoniae infection during 2021 at Prince Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Hospital (PMAH) in Riyadh. Data regarding K. pneumoniae and their antimicrobial susceptibility, were retrieved and analyzed through R Software. 229 K. pneumoniae were isolated, 33.2% from ICU patients, and 66.8% from other departments. Most of the patients were males (66.8%) belonged to the older age group (62.9%). The isolates were obtained from endotracheal aspirate, sputum, blood, urine and wound samples. The ICU patients developed higher resistance to all examined antibiotics than non-ICU (p<0.001). More than 60% of ICU Klebsiella isolates were extended-spectrum b-lactamases (ESBL) and multidrug resistant (MDR) compared to non-ICU isolates (p<0.001). The most effective drugs were amikacin, imipenem, and meropenem, but their effectiveness substantially decreased against MDR strains. There was a statistically significant difference between the MDR, ESBL, and sensitive groups regarding hospital stay and mortality (P< 0.001). ICUs have exhibited a remarkable increase in MDR K. pneumoniae, which has a negative impact on patient outcomes.
The Impact of Stress on Acne
Authors: Bhaijamal Rizwan A , Nayak S P Srinivas
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Despite general acknowledgment of a link between stress and acne, few research have been conducted to evaluate this link. The purpose of this study was to discover the link between stress and acne severity.

Method: The research was carried out on adolescent students chosen from Singapore's Choa Chu Kang Secondary School. A total of 94 (59%) of the 160 students invited to participate in the study accepted (43 males and 51 women), and all participants provided parental informed agreement. Mid-year exams at schools were chosen as the stress model for the study. Singaporean children undergo an intensive school examination process. The outcome of such tests has a significant impact on children's long-term employment possibilities. The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) was utilized in this study to assess acne severity in relation to stress using the global acne grading system (GAGS). The questionnaire also contained some confounding factors related to the severity of acne.

Conclusions: According to the findings of this study, it is concluded that stress has a favorable correlation with acne severity.
Current Trends and Recent Development of Transdermal Drug Delivery System TDDS
Authors: Soni Devbrat , Prakash Kartikay , Shakeel Kashif , Kesharawani Priyanka
Published: November 2023

The basic goal of TDDS is to administer medications at a predefined pace into systemic circulation through the skin with little inter- and intrapatient variance. TDDS come in a variety of forms, including reservoir and matrix systems, single-layer drugs in adhesive, and multi-layer drugs in adhesive. With more than 35 items already authorised for sale in the US and around 16 active components authorised for use as TDDSs internationally, the market value of TDDS products is growing quickly. Due to its low likelihood of patient rejection, simplicity of administration, and patients' convenience and perseverance, a transdermal drug delivery system [TDDS] is a desirable substitute for traditional needle injections. However, transdermal administration is complicated and constrained by the physicochemical characteristics of the skin. The many types of TDDS approaches that are now accessible are covered in this study, along with their individual benefits and drawbacks, characterization techniques, and potential. A transdermal patch is an tenacious medical patch that's applied to the skin to administer a particular quantum of drug via the skin and into the bloodstream, constantly accelerating the mending of a damaged body part. Transdermal medicine administration is a fairly new technology that has the implicit to reduce the need for needles when furnishing a wide range of specifics, but the cost is an essential element to take into account.
Ayurvedic Management of Ashmari – A Single Case Study
Authors: Parmar Damini , Patel Jigna , Padadharia Dhruval , Ninama Divyabahen
Published: November 2023

Since ancient times Ashmari is mentioned in Ayurvedic texts. Ashmari is a disease related to the urinary system (Mutravahasrotas). Mutrashmari is described under Asthamahagad (difficult to cure) in Ayurveda. It possesses symptoms such as Jwara (Fever), Basti Pida (Discomfort and pain in the bladder), Aruchi (Anorexia), Mutrakriccha(Difficulty in micturition), Bastishira Vedana (Pain in Urethra), Mushka Vedana (Pain in testicles) and Shepha Vedana (Pain in the penis) have been described in Ayurvedic classical texts.

 A 34-year-old female patient visited OPD, with complaints of pain in the right side of the Abdomen, Burning Micturition, Nausea and Vomiting. The USG reported calculus measuring 16-17mm in right upper ureter 5mm in lower calyx of right kidney and few tiny 3-4 mm in right kidney 5-4 mm in Left kidneywith the normal functioning of vitals. The patient was treated with Chandraprabha Vati 2 BD, GokshuradiGuggulu 2 BD, Gokshurchurna +Punarnava churnaand Hajrulyahoodbhasma BD on OPD basis. The patient was advised initially follow up after 7 days and later after every 15 days. Along with medication, the patient was also advised to follow diet and lifestyle restrictions. The patient got relief in signs and symptoms and the USG report showed size of calculus decrease and some small calculi expelled.
SOCIAL STABILITY OF PROVINCIAL CHINESE CITIES (BASED ON THE MATERIALS OF ZHIZHAO)
Authors:   Central Russian Institute of Management, Branch of RANEPA, KAIRA Yu.V. , LIU Ju. ,   Central Russian Institute of Management, Branch of RANEPA
Published: November 2023

The article updates the need to consider social stability as the basis of social development, the success of which is measured by the population satisfaction with the level, quality and standards of life. The purpose of the work is the empirical confirmation of the universality of indicators of population satisfaction with socio-economic and socio-political aspects of life in maintaining social stability. By social stability we understand the stable state of society with the preservation of the legitimacy and effectiveness of social institutions in the presence of the potential for social development, manifested in the preservation and improvement of living conditions of the population, regardless of external influences on society and emerging changes within it. The evidence is based on the results of a sociological study conducted at the Department of Sociology and Social Technologies, which reflects the features of the social life of provincial Chinese cities both in comparison with Chinese megacities and in comparison with Russian provincial cities using the example of Chinese Rizhao and Russian Orel. A special place in the work is given to identifying universal factors of social stability, such as socio-political and socio-economic. It is summarized that social problems in Chinese provincial cities are in many ways similar to those in Russia, and the factors of social stability are universal.
MUNICIPAL PUBLIC POLICY IN THE CONTEXT OF CONSOLIDATION OF MUNICIPALITIES
Authors:   Institute of Sociology of the Federal Center of Theoretical and Applied Sociology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, NIKOVSKAYA L.I. , YAKIMETS V.N. ,   Researcher at the Kharkevich Institute for Information Transmission Problems of the Russian Academy of  Sciences
Published: November 2023

The purpose of the article is to present the results of a study of municipal public policy (hereinafter MPP) in the Vologda Municipal District in 2023 in the context of reforming the local government system. The basis of the concept under study is laid within the framework of bill No. 40361-8 “On the general principles of the organization of local self-government in a unified system of public authority.” The latest bill proposes a reform that “centralizes” local government (hereinafter LSG), significantly changing the principles of its territorial and organizational structure. In particular, by consolidating municipalities through the abolition of the settlement level and the transition to a single-level LSG model; this significantly reduces its powers, transferring a significant part of them to the discretion of the regions. In a system of public authority created on this basis, local self-government may face a lack of representativeness of public interests and the final loss of its own purpose. The multi-layered nature of the concept of MPP allows us to assess the optimal balance between the political and administrative properties of state and municipal authorities, that combines administrative regulation and the use of forms of public participation. Based on the index approach, the features of the state of institutions and mechanisms of MPP in the municipal district are presented according to the criteria of consistency and indicators of the completeness of the functionality of actors and subjects of MPP, its typological features are identified and analyzed, which make it possible to minimize the negative consequences of the transition to a new model of the territorial and organizational structure of local authorities in the Vologda region areas.
MODELING AND DESIGNING USERS’ NEEDS IN THE DIGITAL ECONOMY
Authors:   Orel State University named after I.S.Turgenev, LYAPINA I.R. , SIBIRSKAYA E.V. ,   Plekhanov Russian University of Economics
Published: November 2023

The purpose is to study the features of the formation of a system of stage modeling and design of user needs in the digital economy. The subject of the study is the users’ needs in the digital economy and how they are formed. Research methodology. The methodological basis of the study requires the use of tools with theoretical and graphical approaches. In this case, in the context of study, methods of graphical and tabular accumulation of information, grouping, accumulation of ideological views, and systematization of processes are used. As a result of the study, it was indicated that changes in the processes caused by a change in the economic paradigm lead to the formation of new needs among users. The specific needs of the digital economy are determined by the implementation of information infrastructure, the organization of a system of strategic planning and surveillance, the collection and accumulation of spatial data, the creation and diversification of complex systems. Therefore, design of users’ needs is based on (1) the need to solve the problem, (2) the need that is not obvious, (3) the need that is formed according to the current development circumstances, (4) the need based on strategic thinking, (5) the need in conditions of transformation of the external environment.
Límites semánticos de los conceptos de servicio público, función pública y administrativa frente al principio constitucional de solidaridad
Authors: Giraldo Jiménez Edier Adolfo , Garcés Giraldo Luis Fernando , Rey Alba Edgar James
Published: November 2023

La pregunta que resuelve este artículo de investigación es ¿cuáles son los límites semánticos de los conceptos de función pública, función administrativa y servicio público respecto a la aplicación del principio constitucional de la solidaridad? La prestación de servicios públicos por parte del Estado se realiza, principalmente, a través de la función administración y la función pública. Por esta razón, estos tres conceptos están íntimamente ligados hasta el punto de que no puede existir el uno sin el otro, sobre todo en el marco del Estado Social de Derecho en el cual los Estados tienen una mayor responsabilidad con los ciudadanos en lo que respecta a la salvaguarda y protección de derechos sociales, económicos y culturales. Tanto la función administrativa, como la función pública y la prestación de los servicios públicos deben materializar el principio de la solidaridad de acuerdo con el Artículo 95 de la Constitución Política de Colombia que pretende materializar a su vez los principios de equidad e igualdad social.
Implementasi Sistem Pakar Sebagai Diagnosis Mandiri Penyakit Asma Pada Remaja Menggunakan Aplikasi Berbasis Web
Authors: Nopindra Alpari , Sayuti Solihin , Saquro Abdan
Published: November 2023

Asma merupakan penyakit saluran nafas yang banyak dijumpai baik pada anak â€“ anak maupun dewasa. Sekelompok pasien mungkin bebas dari serangan jangka waktu yang lama mengalami gejala jika berolahraga atau terpapar allergen atau terinfeksi virus pada saluran pernapasan. Pasien lain mungkin mengalami gejala yang terus â€“ menerus atau serangan akut yang sering. Penyakit asma menyebabkan pasien memerlukan perawatan, baik dirumah sakit maupun dirumah.Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui Implementasi Sistem Pakar Sebagai Diagnosis Mandiri Penyakit Asma Pada Remaja Menggunakan Aplikasi Berbasis Web. Metode penelitian ini menggunakan metode Quasi-Experiment dengan pendekatan The Non-Randomized Without Control Group Pretest And Posttest Design. Sampel penelitian ini berjumlah 40 responden yang memenuhi kriteria inklusi dan eklusi. Hasil penelitian dari 40 responden di peroleh nilai rerata sebelum dilakukan edukasi kesehatan penerapan protokol kesehatan (pre-test) adalah 6,38 dengan nilai minimal 4 dan nilai maksimal 8, sedangkan nilai rerata setelah dilakukan edukasi kesehatan (pos-test) adalah 8,65 dengan nilai minimal 7 dan nilai maksimal 10. Hal ini menunjukan peningkatan dari nilai pre-test dengan nilai rerata perbandingan antara pre-test post-test adalah 2,28. Terdapat juga 31 (77,5%) responden yang meningkat pengetahuannya, 6 (15%) responden yang tetap pengetahuannya dan 3 (7,5%) responden yang menurun pengetahuannya. Hasil uji analisis bivariat dengan Wilcoxon T-Test pada responden Pre-tes dan Post-Tes hasil pengujian data menunjukkan nilai p = 0,000 <0,05, maka dapat disimpulkan secara statistic terdapat perbedaan pengetahuan yang bermakna antara pengetahuan sebelum dan sesudah aplikasi berbasis web
Determination of Business Strategy with SWOT and AHP
Authors: Prasetya Prita
Published: November 2023

This study aims to formulate strategic decision-making in the paint industry through the SWOT-AHP hybrid method. The calculated priorities of the SWOT factor can form a management approach to the company's main decisions. The calculated priorities of the SWOT factor can form a management approach to the company's main decisions. From the study results, it is expected to get an overview of the application of strategic analysis using the hybrid SWOT-AHP method based on influencing factors. AHP analysis using expert choice software. The SWOT analysis and AHP method results produce strategy priorities: (1) Build omni channel, (2) Build close relationships with all channels. (3) Build a close relationship with personal values, especially for Pareto stores. (4) Sales collaboration, (5) Start building infrastructure for digital business, (6) Formulate strategies to build collaborative relationships.
Embedding fintech-specific content in higher education
Authors: Siddiqui Zakia , Rivera Claudio Andres
Published: November 2023

Fintech is one of the most talked about topics in the finance industry in this era. Still, the change or increase in the market share of fintech companies is relatively small compared to that of other conventional financial services. To help the fintech industry, universities with academicians can play a vital role by introducing fintech-specific content. The most essential element in teaching fintech-specific content is teaching finance and technology (Hendershott et al., 2021). Regarding this, during the last few years, many top universities have taught fintech-specific courses in undergraduate, graduate, and executive programs. This content seeks to prepare specialists from the field who can strengthen the fintech industry better. For now, no specific curriculum or teaching format is taught by fintech as this is a fast-changing industry, and the curriculum needs to be adapted accordingly (Thomas & Milner, 2023). The authors are interested in understanding the critical elements regarding the content that must be introduced in these programs. This paper aims to build a structure for the universities to follow if they want to teach courses in fintech-specific content. To achieve this goal, the authors will collect information and conduct the content analysis on the profile of fintech-specific offered by the top 20 universities in the world and on the literature focusing on fintech-specific content. In addition, there will be a discussion on the pedagogical approaches suggested for higher education institutions building interdisciplinary programs like fintech-specific content programs.
No difference in clinical outcome but in RSA in total knee arthroplasty with the ATTUNE vs. the PFC Sigma: a randomized trial with 2-year follow-up
Authors: Keiller Thom , Saari Tuuli , Sharegi Bita , Kärrholm Johan
Published: November 2023

Background and purpose: Despite usage of the ATTUNE total knee arthroplasty (TKA) for about 10 years, few randomized trials exist. We evaluated whether the ATTUNE CR design showed improved clinical results compared with the PFC Sigma CR after 2 years and if there was a difference in tibial component migration.Patients and methods: 96 patients with knee osteoarthritis were randomly treated with cemented ATTUNE or PFC Sigma TKA. 42 patients with the ATTUNE and 48 with the PFC Sigma attended the 2-year follow-up. Patient-reported outcome measurements (PROMs), migration measured with RSA, implant position, and the development of radiolucent zones were studied. Non-parametric tests and repeated measures analysis were used at the statistical evaluation.Results: The Oxford Knee Score (OKS) at 2 years (primary outcome) and neither of the secondary PROM outcomes differed between the groups (mean difference OKS ATTUNE – PFC: –0.08, 95% confidence interval [CI] –2.9 to 2.7). RSA showed posterior tilt of the tibial component in the ATTUNE group with proximal lift-off anteriorly and subsidence of the tibial tray posteriorly. In contrast, the PFC Sigma tibial component tilted forward (mean difference ATTUNE – PFC: –0.7°, CI –1.1° to –0.4°) with maximum subsidence in the front and maximum lift-off of the posterior edge. The postoperative implant positions and the extension of radiolucent lines around the tibial component at 2 years did not differ.Conclusion: We found no significant differences in clinical outcome between the 2 groups but minor differences in migration pattern of the tibial component. The clinical long-term significance of this finding if any is not known.
Positivity and stability of descriptor linear systems with interval state matrices
Authors:   Białystok University of Technology, Kaczorek Tadeusz
Published: November 2023

The positivity and asymptotic stability of descriptor linear continuous-time and discrete-time systems with interval state matrices and interval polynomials are investigated. Necessary and sufficient conditions for the positivity of descriptor continuous-time and discrete-time linear systems are established. It is shown that the convex linear combination of polynomials of positive linear systems is also the Hurwitz polynomial. The Kharitonov theorem is extended to the positive descriptor linear systems with interval state matrices. Necessary and sufficient conditions for the asy mptotic stability of descriptor positive linear systems have been also established. The considerations have been illustrated by numerical examples.
Representation of electrical mode in arc furnaces by a state change model and determination of probabilities of those states
Authors:   Lviv Polytechnic National University, Lozynskyy Orest , Lozynskyy Andriy ,   Lviv Polytechnic National University, Paranchuk Yaroslav ,   Lviv Polytechnic National University
Published: November 2023

It is the first paper where the electrical mode of an arc furnace (AF) is proposed to be considered as a state change. This work also proposes a methodology for calculating the time values of the probabilities of these states. The methodology is based on the representation of state-change processes by the Markov model of continuous time, discrete state (CDS) stochastic processes. The state of electrical mode in each phase of an arc furnace is identified by the value of arc current that can be set for a given melting period, may be in the range of permitted deviations, or may get to the range of large operational or emergency deviations. Assuming that the system goes from state to state under the action of the Poisson flows of events, the concept of intensity of disturbance flows, and the intensity of flows of control actions are introduced. This makes it possible to form a system of Kolmogorov differential equations to change the state probabilities of the AF electrical mode. The solution of the system results in obtaining time dependencies of change in state probabilities. When analyzing graphs of changes over time in the probabilities of AF electrical mode states, it is possible to choose the desired intensity of the flow of control actions, which ensures that the electrical mode is in a given state under the action of the corresponding disturbance flow.
PREPARATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF FLY ASH ADDITIVE MODIFIED POLIESTER BASED MEMBRANE
Authors: Efendi Januar , Aprilia Sri , Djuned Fauzi M
Published: November 2023

Recently, Polyethersulfone (PES) polymer material based on flat sheet membranes reached much attention in membrane technology. However, PES polymer has low hydrophilicity. This study describes PES-based membranes incorporating fly ash as an additive. The first analysis was conducted by Fourier Transform Infrared, Scanning Electron Microscope, tensile strength, and porosity tests. Four membranes, including pure PES membranes, were prepared via the phase inversion process, namely MA–0, MA–0.1, MA–1, and MS–1. The characteristics of the membrane samples were analyzed in terms of chemical group, morphology, mechanical and membrane surface hydrophilicity. The characterization results show that additive incorporation increased pure water flux performance, and the highest pure water permeability increased up to 70% by the MA–1 membrane. Moreover, it increased by 19% compared to pure silica-modified PES membrane (MS–1). In addition, the MA-1 membrane at a pressure of 3 bar reached significant performance in the trend of pure water flux values because of these improvements in membrane characteristics. The membrane also shows a higher tensile strength with adding additives to the membrane prepared.