bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The relationship between perceptions of electronic health record usability and clinical importance of social and environmental determinants of health on provider documentation
Authors: Sood Natasha , Stetter Christy , Kunselman Allen , Jasani Sona
Published: January 2024

Social and environmental determinants of health (SEDH) data in the electronic health record (EHR) can be inaccurate and incomplete. Providers are in a unique position to impact this issue as they both obtain and enter this data, however, the variability in screening and documentation practices currently limits the ability to mobilize SEDH data for secondary uses. This study explores whether providers’ perceptions of clinical importance of SEDH or EHR usability influenced data entry by analyzing two relationships: (1) provider charting behavior and clinical consideration of SEDH and (2) provider charting behavior and ease of EHR use in charting. We performed a cross-sectional study using an 11-question electronic survey to assess self-reported practices related to clinical consideration of SEDH elements, EHR usability and SEDH documentation of all staff physicians, identified using administrative listserves, at Penn State Health Hershey Medical Center during September to October 2021. A total of 201 physicians responded to and completed the survey out of a possible 2,478 identified staff physicians (8.1% response rate). A five-point Likert scale from “never” to “always” assessed charting behavior and clinical consideration. Responses were dichotomized as consistent/inconsistent and vital/not vital respectively. EHR usability was assessed as “yes” or “no” responses. Fisher’s exact tests assessed the relationship between charting behavior and clinical consideration and to compare charting practices between different SEDHs. Cumulative measures were constructed for consistent charting and ease of charting. A generalized linear mixed model (GLMM) compared SDH and EDH with respect to each cumulative measure and was quantified using odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Our results show that provider documentation frequency of an SEDH is associated with perceived clinical utility as well as ease of charting and that providers were more likely to consistently chart on SDH versus EDH. Nuances in these relationships did exist with one notable example comparing the results of smoking (SDH) to infectious disease outbreaks (EDH). Despite similar percentages of physicians reporting that both smoking and infectious disease outbreaks are vital to care, differences in charting consistency and ease of charting between these two were seen. Taken as a whole, our results suggest that SEDH quality optimization efforts cannot consider physician perceptions and EHR usability as siloed entities and that EHR design should not be the only target for intervention. The associations found in this study provide a starting point to understand the complexity in how clinical utility and EHR usability influence charting consistency of each SEDH element, however, further research is needed to understand how these relationships intersect at various levels in the SEDH data optimization process.
Factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine receipt among mobile phone users in Malawi: Findings from a national mobile-based syndromic surveillance survey, July 2021-April 2022
Authors: Makonokaya Lucky , Kapanda Lester , Maphosa Thulani , Kalitera Louiser Upile , Machekano Rhoderick , Nkhoma Harrid , Chamanga Rachel , Zimba Suzgo B. , Mwale Annie Chauma , Maida Alice , Woelk Godfrey
Published: January 2024

Malawi recommended COVID-19 vaccines for adults aged ≥18 years in March 2021. We assessed factors associated with receiving COVID-19 vaccines in Malawi as part of a telephone-based syndromic surveillance survey. We conducted telephone-based syndromic surveillance surveys with questions on COVID-19 vaccine receipt among adults (≥18 years old) upon verbal consent from July 2021 to April 2022. We used random digit dialing to select mobile phone numbers and employed electronic data collection forms on secure tablets. Survey questions included whether the respondent had received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. We used multivariable analysis to identify factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine receipt. Of the 51,577 participants enrolled; 65.7% were male. Males were less likely to receive the COVID-19 vaccine than females (AOR 0.83, 95% CI 0.80–0.86). Compared to those aged 18–24 years, older age had increased odds of vaccine receipt: 25–34 years (AOR 1.32, 95% CI 1.24–1.40), 35–44 years (AOR 2.00, 95% CI 1.88–2.13), 45–54 years (AOR 3.02, 95% CI 2.82–3.24), 55–64 years (AOR 3.24, 95% CI 2.93–3.57) and 65 years+ (AOR 3.98, 95% CI 3.52–4.49). Respondents without formal education were less likely to receive vaccination compared to those with primary (AOR 1.30, 95% CI 1.14–1.48), secondary (AOR 1.76, 95% CI 1.55–2.01), and tertiary (AOR 3.37, 95% CI 2.95–3.86) education. Respondents who thought COVID-19 vaccines were unsafe were less likely to receive vaccination than those who thought it was very safe (AOR 0.26, 95% CI 0.25–0.28). Residents of the Central and Southern regions had reduced odds of vaccine receipt compared to those in the North (AORs 0.79, (95% CI 0.74–0.84) and 0.55, (95% CI 0.52–0.58) respectively). Radio (72.6%), health facilities (52.1%), and social media (16.0%) were the more common self-reported sources of COVID-19 vaccine information. COVID-19 vaccine receipt is associated with gender, age, education, and residence. It is important to consider these factors when implementing COVID-19 vaccination programs.
User-experience testing of an evidence-to-decision framework for selecting essential medicines
Authors: Piggott Thomas , Moja Lorenzo , Garcia Carlos A. Cuello , Akl Elie A. , Banzi Rita , Huttner Benedikt , Kredo Tamara , Lavis John N. , Schünemann Holger J.
Published: January 2024

Essential medicine lists (EMLs) are important medicine prioritization tools used by the World Health Organization (WHO) EML and over 130 countries. The criteria used by WHO’s Expert Committee on the Selection and Use of Essential Medicines has parallels to the GRADE Evidence-to-Decision (EtD) frameworks. In this study, we explored the EtD frameworks and a visual abstract as adjunctive tools to strengthen the integrate evidence and improve the transparency of decisions of EML applications. We conducted user-experience testing interviews of key EML stakeholders using Morville’s honeycomb model. Interviews explored multifaceted dimensions (e.g., usability) on two EML applications for the 2021 WHO EML–long-acting insulin analogues for diabetes and immune checkpoint inhibitors for lung cancer. Using a pre-determined coding framework and thematic analysis we iteratively improved both the EtD framework and the visual abstract. We coded the transcripts of 17 interviews with 13 respondents in 103 locations of the interview texts across all dimensions of the user-experience honeycomb. Respondents felt the EtD framework and visual abstract presented complementary useful and findable adjuncts to the traditional EML application. They felt this would increase transparency and efficiency in evidence assessed by EML committees. As EtD frameworks are also used in health practice guidelines, including those by the WHO, respondents articulated that the adoption of the EtD by EML applications represents a tangible mechanism to align EMLs and guidelines, decrease duplication of work and improve coordination. Improvements were made to clarify instructions for the EtD and visual abstract, and to refine the design and content included. ‘Availability’ was added as an additional criterion for EML applications to highlight this criterion in alignment with WHO EML criteria. EtD frameworks and visual abstracts present additional important tools to communicate evidence and support decision-criteria in EML applications, which have global health impact. Access to essential medicines is important for achieving universal health coverage, and the development of essential medicine lists should be as evidence-based and trustworthy as possible.
The effect of the Mid-Day Meal programme on the longitudinal physical growth from childhood to adolescence in India
Authors: Gharge Shivani , Vlachopoulos Dimitris , Skinner Annie M , Williams Craig A , Iniesta Raquel Revuelta , Unisa Sayeed
Published: January 2024

The study aims to examine the effect of the world’s largest school-feeding programme, the Mid-Day Meal (MDM) programme, on the changes in the underweight prevalence among school-children in India. Data from the Indian Human Development Survey (IHDS) Rounds 1 (2004–05) and 2 (2011–12) were utilized. The sample included individual-level information of children aged 6 to 9 years in IHDS-1 who then turned 13 to 16 years in IHDS-2. The sample was categorised into four groups based on their MDM consumption history (Group 1: no MDM support in IHDS-1 and IHDS-2, Group 2: MDM support in IHDS-1, Group 3: MDM support in IHDS-2, Group 4: persistent MDM support in IHDS-1 and IHDS-2). The dependent variable was underweight status as defined by the World Health Organisation Child Growth Standards Body Mass Index for age (BMI Z-score) < -2 SD of the median. Bivariate analysis was used to examine the prevalence of underweight and establish associations between underweight status and socio-demographic characteristics. Logistic regression was performed to assess the strength of the association of socio-demographic characteristics and MDM consumption patterns with underweight across poor and non-poor asset groups. The findings suggest that early and persistent MDM support among respondents reduced the likelihood of low BMI Z-scores compared to those without MDM support. Respondents from the poor asset group who received MDM support in at least one of the two survey rounds had higher odds of being underweight in comparison with those who did not receive MDM support at all. Girls and adolescents residing in the Eastern region of India were less likely to be underweight. The study shows that the MDM programme was effective in reducing the rate of underweight among school children. However, continuous programme upscaling with a special focus on children from poor households will significantly benefit India’s school-aged children.
Are lipids always depleted? Comparison of hydrogen, carbon, and nitrogen isotopic values in the muscle and lipid of larval lampreys
Authors: Evans Thomas M. , Beharie Shale
Published: January 2024

Stable isotope ratios in organisms can be used to estimate dietary source contributions, but lipids must first be accounted for to interpret values meaningfully. Lipids are depleted in heavy isotopes because during lipid synthesis light isotopes of carbon (12C) and hydrogen (1H) are preferentially incorporated. Prior work in larval lampreys has noted unusual lipid effects, which suggest lipids are enriched in the heavy isotope of carbon (13C), but still depleted in the heavy isotope of hydrogen (deuterium; 2H); nitrogen, a relatively rare element in lipids, has not been identified as being as sensitive to lipid content. Our objective was to determine if stable isotope ratios of hydrogen, carbon, and nitrogen behaved as expected in larval lampreys, or if their lipids presented different isotopic behavior. The δ2H, δ13C, and δ15N were measured from the muscle of four lamprey species before and after lipid extraction. In addition, muscle of least brook lamprey (Lampetra aepyptera) was collected every three months for a year from two streams in Maryland. Isotopic ratios were measured in bulk and lipid-extracted muscles, as well as in extracted lipids. The difference between muscle samples before and after lipid extraction (Δδ2H, Δδ13C, Δδ15N) was positively related to lipid proxy (%H or C:N ratio) and were fit best by linear models for Δδ2H and Δδ15N, and by a non-linear model for Δδ13C. The difference between lipid-extracted muscle and lipid δ13C (ΔMLδ13C) was negative and varied between months (ANOVA, F3,53 = 5.05, p < 0.005). Our work suggests that while lipids are often depleted in 13C, this is not a universal rule; however, the depletion of 2H in lipid synthesis appears broadly true.
Electromyographic biofeedback therapy for improving limb function after stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Rui , Zhang Shuangshuang , Zhang Jie , Tong Qifeng , Ye Xiangming , Wang Kai , Li Juebao
Published: January 2024

Background

Upper and lower limb impairment is common after stroke. Electromyographic biofeedback therapy is a non-invasive treatment, and its effectiveness in functional rehabilitation of the limb after stroke still remains uncertain.

Objective

The objective of this study was to evaluate whether electromyographic biofeedback can improve upper and lower limb dysfunction in stroke patients.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) were searched from inception to 1st May 2022. Inclusion criteria were randomized controlled clinical trials of electromyographic biofeedback therapy interventions reporting changes in upper and lower limb function in post-stroke patients. Data were extracted by two independent reviewers and pooled in random-effects models using Review manager (RevMan) software.

Results

Our analyses included 10 studies enrolling a total of 303 participants. Electromyographic biofeedback therapy can effectively improve limb function after stroke (standardized mean difference [SMD], 0.44; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.12–0.77; P = 0.008) and in subgroup analyses, the effect sizes of short-term effect (SMD, 0.33; 95% CI, 0.02–0.64; P = 0.04) was significant, but the long-term was not (SMD, 0.61; 95% CI, -0.11–1.33; P = 0.10). In addition, Electromyographic biofeedback therapy can improve the active range of motion of shoulder (SMD, 1.49; 95% CI, 2.22; P<0.0001) and wrist joints (SMD, 0.77; 95% CI, 0.13–1.42; P = 0.02) after stroke.

Conclusion

In this meta-analysis, electromyographic biofeedback therapy intervention can improve upper and lower limb function in patients with stroke. Short-term (less than one month) improvement after electromyographic biofeedback therapy was supported, while evidence for long-term (more than one month) benefits was lacking. Range of motion in the glenohumeral and wrist joints were improved. Stronger evidence for individualized parameters, such as optimal treatment parameters and intervention period, is needed in the future.

Systematic review registration

[https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?recordID=267596], identifier [CRD42022354363].
System dynamics model for an agile pharmaceutical supply chain during COVID‑19 pandemic in Iran
Authors: Hamzehlou Mohammad
Published: January 2024

Unpredictable changes in the current business environment have made organizations pay attention to the concept of agility. This concept is a key feature to survive and compete in turbulent markets while considering customers’ fluctuating needs. An organization’s agility is a function of its supply chain’s agility. The present study offers a System Dynamics (SD) model for Iran’s Pharmaceutical Supply Chain (PSC). The model is presented in three steps. First, the Supply Chain (SC) indicators were extracted based on theoretical foundations and literature review results. Second, an SD model of the PSC was extracted in the context of the COVID‑19 pandemic with the necessary analyses. Finally, the desired outputs and strategies were obtained by conducting a case study. The results indicated that the PSC’s highest agility could be guaranteed by the simultaneous implementation of three strategies: investment, Human Capital Development (HCD), and accelerated completion of ongoing projects on a priority basis. According to these results, the organization had better determine the amount of capital and workforce required for ongoing projects, then design funding solutions to implement these projects and implement them according to the projects’ priority.
Propolis alleviates ulcerative colitis injury by inhibiting the protein kinase C ‐ transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1 ‐ calcitonin gene-related peptide/substance P (PKC-TRPV1-CGRP/SP) signaling axis
Authors: Qian Zhen , Zhang Mengjie , Lu Taiyu , Yu Jiayi , Yin Siyuan , Wang Haihua , Wang Jing
Published: January 2024

This study investigated the protective effect of water-soluble propolis (WSP) on colonic tissues in ulcerative colitis (UC) and the role of the protein kinase C ‐ transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1 ‐ calcitonin gene-related peptide/substance P (PKC-TRPV1-CGRP/SP) signaling pathway. Male SD rats were divided into a control group, a UC model group, various WSP groups (Low-WSP, Medium-WSP, and High-WSP) with UC, and a salazosulfapyridine (SASP) positive control group with UC. After UC was established, the WSP and SASP groups were treated with WSP or SASP, respectively, for 7 d. Each day, body weight measurements were obtained, and the disease activity index (DAI) was recorded by observing fecal characteristics and blood in the stool. After the experiment, hematoxylin and eosin (HE) colonic tissue staining was performed to observe pathological changes, western blotting and immunohistochemistry were performed to detect PKC, TRPV1, CGRP, and SP expression in colonic tissues, and laser confocal microscopy was performed to observe the fluorescence colocalization of PKC/TRPV1, TRPV1/CGRP, and TRPV1/SP. HE staining showed significant colonic tissue structure disruption and inflammatory infiltration in the UC group. Western blotting and immunohistochemistry showed that the expression of PKC, TRPV1, CGRP, and SP in the colonic tissues of the UC group increased significantly compared with that of the control group. Compared with the UC group, the expression of PKC, TRPV1, CGRP, and SP in colonic tissues was significantly reduced in the High-WSP, Medium-WSP, and SASP groups. Immunofluorescence showed the colocalized expression of PKC/TRPV1, TRPV1/CGRP, and TRPV1/SP proteins in the colon tissue of the UC group was significantly reduced after WSP and SASP interventions compared with that of the control group. The results suggest that the mechanism of UC alleviation by propolis may inhibit the PKC-TRPV1-CGRP/SP signaling pathway and the release of inflammatory mediators, thus alleviating inflammation.
The impact of digital educational games on student’s motivation for learning: The mediating effect of learning engagement and the moderating effect of the digital environment
Authors: Li Youling , Chen Di , Deng Xinxia
Published: January 2024

The utilization of digital educational infrastructure in schools has propelled digital educational games to the forefront of educational innovation. Despite an abundance of empirical studies on the relationship between digital educational games and student’s motivation for learning, a consensus has yet to be reached. This study aims to bridge existing research gaps by adopting a mixed-methods approach grounded in behaviorist learning theory and contextual cognitive theory. A detailed questionnaire was disseminated to students from three distinct university in Thailand. After the exclusion of invalid responses, a robust sample of 434 valid responses was curated and utilized for analysis. Utilizing SPSS and MPLUS software, empirical analyses were conducted to explore the impact of digital educational games on student’s motivation for learning. Research results indicate that: First, digital educational games positively influence student’s motivation for learning; Second, learning engagement serves as a mediator between digital educational games and student’s motivation for learning; Third, the digital environment moderates the relationship between digital educational games and student’s learning engagement. Notably, the positive impact of digital educational games on student learning engagement is amplified in a more immersive digital environment. This study contributes to behaviorist theory and social cognition theory by elucidating how digital educational games affect student’s motivation for learning through their engagement and by highlighting the moderating role of the digital environment. Practically, these findings underscore the significance of digital educational games and the digital environments in schools to enhance student’s motivation for learning.
Latent and active tuberculosis development in patients with rheumatoid arthritis receiving biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs: A single-center prospective study
Authors: Hai Binh Bui , Anh Tuan Le , Thi Thu Phuong Nguyen , Van Hung Nguyen , Van Giap Vu , Van Dung Hoang
Published: January 2024

Biologics have revolutionized the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in recent years. However, data from clinical trials and actual clinical practice have shown that biologics currently in use may constitute a risk factor for reactivation of tuberculosis (TB) in patients with latent TB infection. Therefore, screening for latent and active TB infection is mandatory before initiating biologic therapy in patients with RA. This prospective study aimed to analyze the clinical characteristics of patients with RA receiving biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs at Bach Mai Hospital, Vietnam, between 2017 and 2022, and to identify factors affecting the occurrence of active and latent TB infection among these patients. Over a 12-month follow-up period, latent TB infection was confirmed in 20% of the total 180 included patients, while 3 (1.7%) patients developed active TB (one case of pulmonary, pleural, and gluteal TB each). History of TB risk factor exposure and lack of education were significantly associated with the occurrence of active and latent TB infection, with odds ratios (95% confidence intervals [CIs]) of 1.98 (1.78; 2.2) and 1.45 (1.31; 1.6), respectively. Follow-up duration and number of X-ray, computed tomography, bronchoscopy, and sputum acid-fast bacteria examinations were identified as factors that can aid in the early diagnosis of latent TB, with odds ratios (95% CIs) of 1.00 (1; 1.01), 1.02 (1; 1.05), 1.12 (1.11; 1.2), 1.11 (1.09; 1.2), and 1.13 (1.09; 1.17), respectively. Our study showed that, in countries with high TB burden like Vietnam, latent TB infection has high prevalence among patients with RA. We also provide useful information for the screening, monitoring, and treatment of latent and active TB infection in patients with RA.
Different cellular and molecular responses of Bovine milk phagocytes to persistent and transient strains of Streptococcus uberis causing mastitis
Authors: Srithanasuwan Anyaphat , Schukken Ynte H. , Pangprasit Noppason , Chuammitri Phongsakorn , Suriyasathaporn Witaya
Published: January 2024

Streptococcus uberis is frequently isolated from milk collected from dairy cows with mastitis. According to the host’s immunity, bacterial virulence, and their interaction, infection with some strains can induce persistent subclinical inflammation, while infection with others induces severe inflammation and transient mastitis. This study compared the inflammatory response of milk-isolated white blood cells (mWBCs) to persistent and transient S. uberis strains. Quarter milk samples were collected aseptically for bacterial culture from all lactating cows once a week over a 10-week period. A transient and noncapsular strain with a 1-week intramammary infection duration was selected from this herd, while a persistent and capsular S. uberis strain with an intramammary infection longer than 2 months from our previous study was selected based on an identical pulse field gel electrophoresis pattern during the IMI episode. Cellular and molecular responses of mWBCs were tested, and the data were analyzed using repeated analysis of variance. The results showed a higher response in migration, reactive oxygen species generation, and bacterial killing when cells were stimulated with transient S. uberis. In contrast, the persistent strain led to increased neutrophil extracellular trap release. This study also highlighted several important molecular aspects of mWBCs. Gene expression analyses by real-time RT-PCR revealed a significant elevation in the expression of Toll-like receptors (TLR-1, TLR-2, TLR-6) and proinflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-alpha or TNF-α) with the transient strain. Additionally, Streptococcus uberis capsule formation might contribute to the capability of these strains to induce different immune responses. Altogether, these results focus on the immune function of activated mWBCs which demonstrate that a transient strain can elicit a stronger local immune response and, subsequently, lead to rapid recovery from mastitis.
Regional population and social welfare from the perspective of sustainability: Evaluation indicator, level measurement, and interaction mechanism
Authors: Wang Xueyi , Li Mingchun , He Taiyi , Li Ke , Wang Shengzhe , Zhao Haoxiang
Published: January 2024

Key to regional sustainable development are the development and interplay of population dynamics and social welfare, each playing a significant role. As a representative region with demographic characteristics such as negative population growth and large labor outflow, the development and interaction between population and social welfare in Nanchong deserve in-depth exploration. This article takes the development of population and social welfare in Nanchong as the research object, and constructs an evaluation indicator system of population and social welfare through research backtracking, and uses entropy method and coupling coordination model to measure the development level and interactive effect of population and social welfare in Nanchong from 2010 to 2021. The research results show that: Firstly, the comprehensive evaluation results of population in Nanchong shows a linear upward trend, which indicates the stable positive effect of population structure and distribution, the gradual improvement effect of population quality effectively compensate for the weakening effect of population quantity, thus achieving the positive development of population. Secondly, the comprehensive evaluation results of social welfare in Nanchong shows an exponential upward trend, which indicates the social welfare has maintained a rapid growth momentum in various dimensions and the long-term positive effects have completely absorbed the negative effects, thus achieving the positive development of social welfare. Thirdly, during the sample period, the population and social welfare in Nanchong consistently maintained a high level of interaction strength, with factors diffusing and integrating. On this basis, the diffusion theory is used as an empirical reference to construct three interactive mechanisms between the population and social welfare in Nanchong and the implications are inferred from the empirical results.
Disabled life expectancy among older Colombian men and women
Authors: Osuna Margarita , Farina Mateo , Ailshire Jennifer
Published: January 2024

Colombia’s population is rapidly aging and older adults are living longer, however, we have limited information on the level of disability and number of years older Colombians spend with disability. We estimated age-and-gender specific ADL, IADL and mobility disability prevalence and disabled life expectancy (DLE) and to examined gender differences. Life tables came from the Colombian vital statistics and disability prevalence data came from the cross-sectional 2015 Colombia National Survey of Health, Well-being, and Aging. Disabled life expectancy (DLE) was calculated using Sullivan’s method. About one-third to one-half of remaining years will be spent with IADL or mobility disability. The remaining years of life spent with ADL was relatively low at younger ages, but by age 85, about half of remaining life will be spent with disability. Compared to men, women had higher levels of disability and are estimated to spend more years with disability. Gender differences in ADL did not emerge until ages 70 and older. Older Colombians, in particularly women, are estimated to live a significant proportion of their life with disability, particularly IADL and mobility disability. High levels of disability are concerning because the country lacks adequate infrastructure and has limited options for long term care.
Construction of a smart face recognition model for university libraries based on FaceNet-MMAR algorithm
Authors: Liu Yan , Qu Yan
Published: January 2024

The continuous development of science and technology has led to the gradual digitization and intelligence of campus construction. To apply facial recognition technology to construct smart libraries in higher education, this study optimizes traditional facial recognition algorithm models. Firstly, a smart management system for university libraries is designed with facial recognition as the core, and secondly, the traditional FaceNet network is optimized. Combined with MobileNet, Attention mechanism, Receptive field module and Mish activation function, the improved multitask face recognition convolutional neural network is built and used in the construction of university smart library. The performance verification of the constructed model shows that the feature matching error value of the model in a stable state is only 0.04. The recognition accuracy in the dataset is as high as 99.05%, with a recognition error as low as 0.51%. The facial recognition model used in university smart libraries can achieve 97.6% teacher satisfaction and 96.8% student satisfaction. In summary, the facial recognition model constructed by this paper has good recognition performance and can provide effective technical support for the construction of smart libraries.
COVID-19 masks and limited number of shoppers as determinants of shop assistants’ (dis)honesty
Authors: Koscielniak Maciej , Marciniak Dorota , Doliński Dariusz
Published: January 2024

Previous laboratory and field studies have demonstrated that the dishonesty of commercial transaction participants may depend on subtle cues. In this field study conducted on a sample of 216 shop assistants in Poland, we planned to demonstrate that coronavirus disease-related factors could result in an increased propensity for dishonesty among shop assistants. This investigation is unique in its application of social psychological theories to illuminate hitherto unexplored side effects of combating the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Our supposition was that the potential detriment encountered by individuals wearing solid surgical masks would involve being viewed as more abstract and remote, thereby heightening the likelihood of being deceived by a vendor. Moreover, we examined the potential relationship between the limited number of customers in retail establishments (related to pandemic restrictions) and the unscrupulous practices of sellers—specifically the act of retaining change. The effect of wearing masks was statistically non-significant, whereas the impact of other customers’ absence was significant. Moreover, unexpected results related to transaction parties’ genders were obtained, showing that shop assistants tended to be more honest when dealing with customers of the same gender. The results are discussed in the context of empathy toward masked customers, self-awareness theory, social norms of honesty, and identification with gender groups.
Association between abdominal adiposity and clinical outcomes in patients with acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Wakisaka Kayo , Matsuo Ryu , Irie Fumi , Wakisaka Yoshinobu , Ago Tetsuro , Kamouchi Masahiro , Kitazono Takanari ,   on behalf of the Fukuoka Stroke Registry Investigators
Published: January 2024

Background

It is unclear whether abdominal adiposity has an additional effect on post-stroke outcomes. This study aimed to determine whether waist circumference (WC) is independently associated with clinical outcomes after acute ischemic stroke.

Methods

We enrolled patients with acute ischemic stroke from a multicenter hospital-based stroke registry in Fukuoka, Japan. We measured WC on admission and categorized patients into four groups (Q1–Q4) according to the quartiles in females and males. The clinical outcomes were poor functional outcome (modified Rankin scale score 2–6) and death from any cause. Logistic regression analysis was performed to estimate the odds ratio and 95% confidence interval of the outcomes of interest after adjusting for potential confounding factors, including body mass index (BMI).

Results

A total of 11,989 patients (70.3±12.2 years, females: 36.1%) were included in the analysis. The risk of poor functional outcome significantly decreased for Q2–Q4 (vs. Q1) at discharge and Q2–Q3 (vs. Q1) at 3 months, even after adjusting for potential confounders, including BMI. In contrast, adjustment of BMI eliminated the significant association between WC and all-cause death at discharge and 3 months. The association between high WC and favorable functional outcome was not affected by fasting insulin levels or homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance and was only found in patients without diabetes (P = 0.02 for heterogeneity).

Conclusions

These findings suggest that abdominal adiposity has an additional impact on post-stroke functional outcome, independent of body weight and insulin action.
Sex differences in growth and mortality in pregnancy-associated hypertension
Authors: Hercus Jess C. , Metcalfe Katherine X. , Christians Julian K.
Published: January 2024

Background

It is hypothesized that male fetuses prioritize growth, resulting in increased mortality, whereas females reduce growth in the presence of adversity. Preeclampsia reflects a chronic condition, in which fetuses have the opportunity to adjust growth. If females reduce their growth in response to preeclampsia, but males attempt to maintain growth at the cost of survival, we predict that differences in birthweight between preeclamptic and non-preeclamptic pregnancies will be greater among females, whereas differences in mortality will be greater among males.

Methods

We analysed data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We compared pregnancies with pregnancy-associated hypertension (PAH) and controls.

Results

The difference in birthweight between pregnancies affected by PAH and controls varied by fetal sex and gestational age. Among pregnancies of White individuals, at 34–35 weeks, the difference between PAH and controls was higher among females, as predicted. However, this pattern was reversed earlier in pregnancy and around term. Such variation was not significant in Black pregnancies. In both Black and White pregnancies, early in gestation, males had lower odds of death in PAH pregnancies, but higher odds of death in control pregnancies, counter to our prediction. Later, males had higher odds of death in PAH and controls, although the increased odds of death in males was not higher in PAH pregnancies than in controls. Overall, the difference in birthweight between surviving and non-surviving infants was greater in males than in females, opposite to our prediction.

Conclusions

The impact of PAH on birthweight and survival varies widely throughout gestation. Differences in birthweight and survival between male and female PAH and controls are generally not consistent with the hypothesis that males prioritize fetal growth more than females, and that this is a cause of increased mortality in males.
Geologic predictors of drinking water well contamination in North Carolina
Authors: Alvarado Taylor R. , Austin Robert E. , Bradley Phillip J. , Eaves Lauren A. , Fry Rebecca C. , George Andrew , Gray Kathleen M. , Osborne Jason A. , Stýblo Miroslav , Vinson David S. , Duckworth Owen W.
Published: January 2024

More than 200 million people worldwide, including 11 million in the US, are estimated to consume water containing arsenic (As) concentrations that exceed World Health Organization and US EPA standards. In most cases, the As found in drinking water wells results from interactions between groundwater and geologic materials (geogenic contamination). To that end, we used the NCWELL database, which contains chemical information for 117,960 private drinking wells across North Carolina, to determine the spatial distribution of wells containing As contaminated water within geologic units. Specific geologic units had large percentages (up to 1 in 3) of wells with water exceeding the EPA As maximum contaminant level (MCL, 10 μg/L), both revealing significant variation within areas that have been previously associated with As contamination and identifying as yet unidentified problematic geologic units. For the 19 geologic units that have >5% of wells that contain water with As concentrations in exceedance of 10 μg/L, 12 (63%) are lithogenically related to the Albemarle arc, remnants of an ancient volcanic island, indicating the importance of volcanogenic materials, as well as recycled (eroded and deposited) and metamorphosed volcanogenic material. Within geologic units, wells that have As concentrations exceeding 10 μg/L tended to have pH values greater than wells with As concentrations less than 10 μg/L, emphasizing the importance of the extent of interaction between groundwater and geologic materials. Using census information with the geologic-based exceedance percentages revealed the importance of regional geology on estimates of population at risk compared to estimates based on county boundaries. Results illustrate that relating As contamination to geologic units not only helps explain sources of geogenic contamination but sharpens the identification of communities at risk for exposure and further illuminates problematic areas through geologic interpretation.
Editorial
Authors: Hancock Joseph H.
Published: January 2024

We live in a time of celebrating differences and want diversity. Diversity of skin tones, ethnicities, nationalities, religions, sexualities, genders, pronouns, ages, fashions and styles, but I find that no one wants to celebrate differences in ideas or ways of expression. We want to silence people and assimilate ideas. I am not about silence nor is this publication. For ten volumes, we have celebrated diversity and various tones in papers. We do not believe in restricting how our authors write, speak and tell their fashion and style truthfully. Fashion, Style & Popular Culture (FSPC) celebrates diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging of scholars and their works.
Promover la igualdad de género mediante la Agenda 2030 y los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible. Introducción
Authors: Merma-Molina Gladys , Urrea Solano Mayra , Gavilán-Martín Diego
Published: January 2024

Introducción al número 43 de Feminismo/s.
The role of the support of top management in gender equality outcomes in higher education and research
Authors: Tardos Katalin , Paksi Veronika
Published: January 2024

In the past decade, there has been increasing attention globally to the institutionalisation of diversity management practices in research, development and innovation (RDI) organisations, as well as the necessity of addressing more effectively various forms of discrimination and inequalities, especially agendas of gender inequality. Although there is extensive research on the different forms, levels, and reasons for gender inequality in RDI organisations, relatively little research has examined how top management members perceive the importance of the former. Our research examines how gender equality outcomes might differ for higher education and research-performing organisations in Hungary when top management strategically supports gender equality. For this purpose, we use –among the indicators by which the European Union (EU) measures progress related to achieving Sustainable Developmental Goal #5 on Gender Equality– the gender employment gap, the gender pay gap, and positions held by women in senior management. We applied a quantitative approach, using an online questionnaire to survey forty-eight higher education institutions and research centres. Our findings build on a comparison of two subsamples; the first in which top management attributes strategic importance to gender equality, and the second in which this strategic approach is lacking. The results show that the «strategic» subsample can primarily be differentiated from the «non-strategic» subsample due to the former’s implementation of significantly more gender equality initiatives at the individual and cultural levels. Concerning initiatives on the structural and organisational level, no significant difference could be found. Furthermore, while a positive linear relationship was found between the number of gender equality practices and the number of positive gender equality outcomes, comparing gender equality outcomes in the two subsamples in more detail indicated fewer significant differences.
A Comparative study of the flowering phenology of wild growing
geophytes in two different mesoclimatic areas in the Carpathian Basin
Authors: Verbényiné Neumann Krisztina , Baltazár Tivadar , Meinhardt Sarolta , Szirmai Orsolya
Published: January 2024

Plant phenology - timing of cyclical or seasonal biological events -
has proven to be a very sensitive indicator for climate change impacts. The
phenology of many plant species has been advanced by warming, with earlier
spring species being more sensitive. To understand better the driving
factors of the changing phenology we investigated the phenology of
different wild growing geophytes in the Carpathian Basin for three
consecutive years. The study has been carried out as an ex situ experiment
in two different mesoclimatic sites, one in the Gödöllő Botanical Garden of
the Hungarian University of Agriculture and Life Sciences (average
temperature 11,35 °C), other in the Eötvös Loránd University Botanical
Garden, Füvészkert in the central part of Budapest (average temperature
13,16 °C). During the experiment 5 replicates of 5 wild growing geophytes
were examined. The results show an advance of 3.64 days in Budapest, with
strong variation across species. The earliest flowering species didn’t
bloom (Galanthus nivalis) or died (Eranthis hyemalis) by the 3rd year in
the site Budapest. If global warming continues, this advance and negative
effects on wild growing plant species might be more serious in the future.
Effects of high nutrient and heavy metal containing soils on some
chemical and biochemical features of Sudan grass
Authors: Vincze György , Tóth Csilla , Uri Zsuzsanna , Irinyiné Oláh Katalin , Vigh Szabolcs , Simon László
Published: January 2024

In this research we studied the effects of different soil amendments
on the elemental composition and the activities of some enzymes of a Sudan
grass variety (GK Csaba). In the pot experiment we used a soil with low
heavy metal content as a plant grow media, as a control (C) we used the
same soils „enriched” with a 20% wastewater sediment (WS) (originated from
a former wastewater settling plant), a 10% compost (made of sewage sludge
and green waste, SG), or their mix (C + 10% SG + 20% WS). The compost
contained much more essential plant nutrients, while the
wastewater-sediment was rich in toxic heavy metals compared to control
soil. In this study, we determined the elemental composition of soil and
organs of the plants (roots, leaves) and activities of some enzymes in
leaves. Higher concentrations of all essential plant nutrient were detected
in both roots and leaves of the treated plants. The concentration of copper
and zinc were significantly higher (2 and 3 times higher, respectively) in
plants grown in WS containing media (C+20% WS and C+10% SG + 20% WS). The
concentrations of toxic heavy metals were higher in roots compared to
leaves. As an exception, the cadmium concentration was nearly equal in the
roots and the leaves, showing that this element's accumulation is not
limited to the roots, but was also transported into the leaves. The
activities of the examined enzymes (glucose-6 phosphate dehydrogenase,
G6PDH; isocitrate-dehydrogenase, ICDH; peroxidase, POX) did not show
significant changes in presence of WS and SG.
Improved Latrine Coverage and Associated Factors Among Rural Community in Gicumbi Gistrict, Rwanda
Authors: Muhimpundu Alice Umubyeyi , Rutayisire Erigene
Published: January 2024

This study aimed at determining improved latrine coverage and associated factors among rural community in Gicumbi district. A cross-sectional study was employed using mixed methods with quantitative and qualitative data collection approaches. The quantitative approach of data collection method was conducted and then qualitative approach followed. A structured questionnaire was used to collect quantitative data and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) was conducted to collect the qualitative data. The study population consists of household heads or their representatives and key informants from the study area of Gicumbi district. For quantitative the total sample size was 236 households while for qualitative data, a total of three FGDs with eight (8) participants was conducted among twenty four (24) rural community members of Gicumbi district. Raw data from the questionnaire were entered into EPI data and transported into SPSS version 22 for analysis. Descriptive statistics was used to tabulate and describe the data. The strengths of the associations were determined with multiple logistic regressions. The results shows that 69.1% of respondents were male, 30.1% were farmers, 16.9% had formal employment while 57.2% completed secondary education. The prevalence of improved latrine in Gicumbi District was 65.3%. Tertiary education was also 4.3 times more likely to have improved compared to those who did not have formal education (AOR=4.3CI: 95%: 1.027-7.032. P=0.005). Respondents with average monthly income Between 50,000 and 100,000 Rwfs are 2.7 times more likely to have improved latrine (AOR=2.7 CI at 95%:1.009-4.120, P=0.022).
Assessment of structures repeatedly exposed to thermal loading and extinguishing water: a case study of a firefighting training facility
Authors: Müller Petr , Benýšek Martin , Štefan Radek , Holan Jakub , Košťálová Šárka
Published: January 2024

When designing a new structure or assessing an existing one, the risk of fire and its effect on the structure must be considered. Structures are usually assessed for fire resistance at the design stage – i.e. before the possible exposure to fire. If structure is exposed to fire during its service life, a post-fire assessment must be conducted in order to evaluate whether the structure is still safe and reliable for use. The post-fire assessment is conducted quite regularly; however, the assessment is usually conducted for structures exposed to fire only once. This paper presents an interesting and unique case study of a post-fire structural analysis of a firefighting training facility exposed to cyclic fire loading and the effect of extinguishing water. The main conclusion of the study is that though means of protection are recommended, the structure still has a sufficient load-bearing capacity and can continue being used as a firefighting training facility in the future. Aside from the specific conclusions for the investigated structure, this paper presents the best practices and methods for the post-fire assessment of structures exposed to repeated fire loading, and can thus be used as a guidance by other engineers and researchers interested in this topic.