bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Olive-Oil Chain of Salerno Province (Southern Italy): A Life Cycle Sustainability Framework
Authors: Maffia Angela , Palese Assunta Maria , Pergola Maria , Altieri Gessica , Celano Giuseppe
Published: November 2022

Agriculture, and the related food systems, represents one of the sectors that use most of the available water resources and is responsible for a large part of the greenhouse gases increase in Earth’s atmosphere. The aim of the present research was to estimate the three dimensions of sustainability—identified by the 2030 Agenda—of the olive oil supply chain in a typical production area within Campania Region (South Italy), through the analysis of seven different olive oil systems: four certified as organic, two of which irrigated (BIO1, BIO2, BIO-IRR1, BIO-IRR2); two integrated (INT1, INT2); and one hobbyist (HOBB). The novelty of the research was the broad-spectrum sustainability evaluation of these systems, through the estimation of their water and carbon footprints, and some economic and social aspects, to classify them in sustainability classes. So, the Life Cycle Thinking approach was used to quantify the environmental impacts and the social issues, as well as the costs of production of 1 litre of packed oil produced. Environmental impacts were assessed thought the life cycle assessment methodology, with a focus on the global warming and the water footprint, using the SimaPro 9.0 software and Hoekstra methodology, respectively. The cost production evaluation was performed by the life cycle costing methodology, while a primordial approach of social sustainability estimation was built identifying the stakeholders involved and suitable impact categories. Results showed that, per litre of oil, HOBB and BIO2 were the systems that emitted less CO2 eq (0.73 and 1.50 kg, respectively); BIO-IRR1 and BIO1 were the systems with the smallest water footprint (2.97 and 3.65 m3, respectively); HOBB and BIO1 were the systems with the lowest production costs (3.11 and 3.87 €, respectively). From a social point of view, INT1 and INT2 were the most pro-social systems. Overall, BIO1 was in absolute the most sustainable system under the various aspects considered. Hence the need to spread more and more (a) organic production methods, characterized by the use of self-produced fertilizers (on-farm compost); (b) more efficient machines use, for saving fuel; (c) balanced nitrogen fertilization to lower the water footprint.
Lighting a Path for Autonomous Vehicle Communication: The Effect of Light Projection on the Detection of Reversing Vehicles by Older Adult Pedestrians
Authors: Mason Brian , Lakshmanan Sridhar , McAuslan Pam , Waung Marie , Jia Bochen
Published: November 2022

Pedestrian understanding of driver intent is key to pedestrian safety on the road and in parking lots. With the development of autonomous vehicles (AVs), the human driver will be removed, and with it, the exchange that occurs between drivers and pedestrians (e.g., head nods, hand gestures). One possible solution for augmenting that communication is an array of high-intensity light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to project vehicle-to-pedestrian (V2P) messages on the ground plane behind a reversing vehicle. This would be particularly beneficial to elderly pedestrians, who are at particular risk of being struck by reversing cars in parking lots. Their downward gaze and slower reaction time make them particularly vulnerable. A survey was conducted to generate designs, and a simulator experiment was conducted to measure detection and reaction times. The study found that elderly pedestrians are significantly more likely to detect an additional projected message on the ground than detect the existing brake light alone when walking in a parking lot.
Going Abroad and Going Green: The Effects of Top Management Teams’ Overseas Experience on Green Innovation in the Digital Era
Authors: Meng Shuang , Wang Pengxiang , Yu Jiajie
Published: November 2022

Green innovation has become one of the most important approaches to achieving sustainable development in modern business. Top management team (TMT)’s overseas experience, as one type of unique resources, constitutes the cognitive basis of the team and thus influences firms’ strategic decision-making. Based on the upper echelon theory, this study aims to investigate the effect of TMT’s overseas experiences on green innovation performances. By utilizing a panel dataset of Chinese listed firms, this study shows that TMTs’ overseas experience indeed promotes firms’ green innovation performance and that both firms’ digital transformation and regions’ digital economy development positively moderate the relationship between TMTs’ overseas experience and green innovation. These findings not only help managers better organize the TMT and green innovation strategy but also draw policymakers’ attention to the importance of the digital economy and sustainable development.
Coping Styles Utilized during Suicide and Sudden Death Bereavement in the First Six Months
Authors: Mathieu Sharna , Todor Racquel , De Leo Diego , Kõlves Kairi
Published: November 2022

Individuals bereaved by suicide experience substantial emotional distress and are at risk for poorer mental health, substance use concerns, and suicidal behaviors. This study aimed to explore whether those bereaved by suicide reported different coping styles compared to those bereaved by sudden death in the first six months. It also aimed to determine whether a previous mental health diagnosis (PMHD) and experiencing stigma and/or shame impacted the utilization of adaptive and maladaptive coping. The sample was constituted by individuals bereaved by suicide (n = 142) compared to those bereaved by sudden death (n = 63), six months after loss. The study included immediate family members who were 18 years or older and understood the English language. After controlling for demographics there were no significant differences in coping styles between bereavement types. Regardless of bereavement type, having a PMHD was associated with increased avoidant and problem-focused coping, and stigma and shame were each associated with increased avoidant coping. Women were also more likely to report using adaptive coping. Findings demonstrate no difference by bereavement type and have implications for the tailoring of grief/postvention supports that are sensitive to perceived stigma/shame to better facilitate utilization of adaptive emotion-focused coping, particularly for men and those with pre-existing mental health problems.
Closing the HIV Treatment Gap for Adolescents in Windhoek, Namibia: A Retrospective Analysis of Predictors of Viral Non-Suppression
Authors: Munyayi Farai , van Wyk Brian
Published: November 2022

Windhoek joined the Fast-Track Cities Initiative in 2017 to optimize HIV service delivery for adolescents, promoting adherence and sustaining viral suppression. Recent surveys and programmatic data show that the treatment gap remains greatest among children and adolescents living with HIV. A retrospective cohort analysis of adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) at Windhoek healthcare facilities was conducted. Routine clinical data were extracted from the electronic Patient Monitoring System (ePMS). The SPSS statistical package was used to determine viral non-suppression and perform inferential statistics. 695 ALHIV were analysed with median age of 16 years (IQR = 13–18). Viral non-suppression at 1000 copies/mL threshold was 12%. Viral non-suppression was associated with age at ART initiation, duration on ART, current ART regimen and WHO Clinical Stage. In multivariate analysis, longer duration on ART was a protective factor for viral non-suppression (13–24 months vs. >24 months: aOR = 8.92, 95% CI 2.60–30.61), while being on third line regimen (vs. first line) was protective against viral non-suppression (aOR = 0.11, 95% CI 0.03–0.49). A significant treatment gap is evident for ALHIV with high viral non-suppression levels. Interventions are required to counter treatment fatigue to keep adolescents engaged in ART, and timely switching to rescue regimens for failing adolescents.
Domestic Waste Classification Behavior and Its Deviation from Willingness: Evidence from a Random Household Survey in Beijing
Authors: Ma Ben , Jiang Yixuan
Published: November 2022

To realize widespread domestic waste classification (DWC), deviation between residents’ waste classification willingness (WCW) and waste classification behavior (WCB) needs to be reduced. Based on an extended framework of the theory of planned behavior, this study investigates residents’ WCW, WCB and their deviation through a random face-to-face survey of 632 households in Beijing. By employing the ordered logit model, determinants have been empirically revealed. We find that there is a deviation between WCW and WCB. 54.3% of respondents reported a higher degree of WCW than that of WCB. The deviation is determined by specific external conditions, including attitudes and norms associated with other subjects that are not authoritative regulators, and the implementation of various policy instruments for DWC. The higher the satisfaction with the services of property enterprises, the higher the deviation is. The positive WCB of peers in communities failed to create positive subjective norms, but instead exacerbated free-rider phenomenon by inducing their negative WCB. Flat-rate charge, publicity measures and the effectiveness of DWC within community can significantly reduce the deviation. On this basis, policy suggestions are put forward to further reduce the deviation and improve the rate of DWC.
Improving the Efficiency of Geographic Target Regions for Healthcare Interventions
Authors: Tuson Matthew , Yap Matthew , Kok Mei Ruu , Boruff Bryan , Murray Kevin , Vickery Alistair , Turlach Berwin A. , Whyatt David
Published: November 2022

Appropriate prioritisation of geographic target regions (TRs) for healthcare interventions is critical to ensure the efficient distribution of finite healthcare resources. In delineating TRs, both ‘targeting efficiency’, i.e., the return on intervention investment, and logistical factors, e.g., the number of TRs, are important. However, existing approaches to delineate TRs disproportionately prioritise targeting efficiency. To address this, we explored the utility of a method found within conservation planning: the software Marxan and an extension, MinPatch (‘Marxan + MinPatch’), with comparison to a new method we introduce: the Spatial Targeting Algorithm (STA). Using both simulated and real-world data, we demonstrate superior performance of the STA over Marxan + MinPatch, both with respect to targeting efficiency and with respect to adequate consideration of logistical factors. For example, by design, and unlike Marxan + MinPatch, the STA allows for user-specification of a desired number of TRs. More broadly, we find that, while Marxan + MinPatch does consider logistical factors, it also suffers from several limitations, including, but not limited to, the requirement to apply two separate software tools, which is burdensome. Given these results, we suggest that the STA could reasonably be applied to help prevent inefficiencies arising due to targeting of interventions using currently available approaches.
Inspiratory Muscle Training Improves Aerobic Fitness in Active Children
Authors: Lin Ching-Hsin , Lee Chih-Wei , Huang Chien-Hui
Published: November 2022

Research on the effect of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) on exercise performance is inconsistent. IMT has not been applied to fit child athletes, who are more likely to develop inspiratory muscle fatigue, and, consequently, to benefit from IMT. Methods: Thirty children (mean age: 10.7 ± 1.2 years) were recruited and randomly assigned to a high-intensity (HG), a low-intensity (LG), or a control group (CG). For both training groups, a double-blind procedure was applied. In the HG, 80% of maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) was used as the level of training intensity. The LG used 30% MIP. Training groups were trained at 6 breaths a set, 4 sets a day, totaling 24 breaths a day for 6 weeks. Exercise capacity outcomes include maximal and submaximal aerobic capacity, as measured as VO2max and distance from six-minute walk test (6MWD). Results show improvement in MIP, VO2max, and 6MWD only in the HG. MIP in the HG significantly increases from 108.7 (100.8–143.3) to 144.4 (130.0–175.6) cmH2O. VO2max in the HG increases from 43.0 (40.5–45) to 53.0 (46–63) mL·kg−1·min−1. The 6MWD increases from 792.0 (737.5–818.0) to 862.0 (798.5–953.5) m. Data are presented as median (interquartile range). No difference is found in the LG or CG. Conclusion: high-intensity IMT increases MIP, maximal, and submaximal exercise capacity in the HG, but no difference is found in the LG or CG. Therefore, high-intensity type of IMT improves aerobic fitness in fit children by appropriately applying inspiratory muscle strength training.
Public Health System Economic Efficiency and COVID-19 Resilience: Frontier DEA Analysis
Authors: Kuzior Aleksandra , Kashcha Mariia , Kuzmenko Olha , Lyeonov Serhiy , Brożek Paulina
Published: November 2022

The article summarizes the arguments and counterarguments in the scholarly discussion about the problem of choosing a model of healthcare organization. The study’s primary goal was to identify the economic efficiency of the public health system and resistance to COVID-19. The relevance of addressing this research issue is that the epidemiological challenges posed by the pandemic worldwide have manifested themselves differently in various countries. Therefore, it is advisable to consider the effectiveness of public healthcare models and how they have worked out in the fight against COVID-19. Research in the work was carried out in the following logical sequence: conducting scientometric analysis of research, creation of a statistical research base for 22 countries of the world; construction of integral indices of the economic efficiency of the health care system; calculation of public health system resilience to the COVID-19 pandemic; application of frontier DEA analysis to determine system efficiency; comparison and analysis of the results of research on the economic efficiency of public health systems obtained by different methods. The article presents the results of a comparison of the economic efficiency of the public health system, which showed that the system built according to the Beveridge principle is the most resistant to the pandemic and, at the same time, has the highest indices of economic efficiency.
Research on Evolutionary Game of Water Environment Governance Behavior from the Perspective of Public Participation
Authors: Sun Meng , Gao Xukuo , Li Jinze , Jing Xiaodong
Published: November 2022

As an informal environmental regulation, public participation plays a vital role in the multi-governance environmental system. Based on the evolutionary game theory, this paper constructs the game models of government enterprise, public enterprise and government public enterprise, and analyzes the impact of different intensity of government behavior and public participation on enterprise behavior strategies. The results show that: (1) In the two-party evolutionary game, the behavior of each stakeholder is related to its costs and benefits. Still, effective public participation allows the enterprise to choose legal discharge, even if the benefits of legal discharge are smaller than illegal discharge. (2) In the three-party evolutionary game, the steady-state conditions of government and the public are the same as those in two-party evolutionary game models. However, the decision-making behavior of enterprises also needed to consider the impact of public whistle-blowing on their reputation and image. (3) With the increase of the government’s ecological protection publicity, subsidies, fines, public concern, and whistle-blowing, the evolution speed of the enterprise towards legal discharge is faster.
Residents’ Behavioral Intention of Environmental Governance and Its Influencing Factors: Based on a Multidimensional Willingness Measure Perspective
Authors: Li Shijie , Xia Yan , Xiao Rongbo , Jiang Haiyan
Published: November 2022

The rapid development of industrialization has brought about a huge demand for mineral resources, and the mining industry has posed a threat to sustainable land use while promoting economic development. In the context of collaborative governance, residents are an important aspect of land pollution abatement. Therefore, understanding residents’ willingness to participate in environmental governance and exploring its influencing factors have important implications for improving the motivation of residents to participate in environmental governance and improve the local habitat. Using the multidimensional willingness measurement data of rural households’ perception of mining environment governance around the Dabaoshan mining area in Shaoguan in 2020, based on the extended theory of planned behavior, this study established a multidimensional measurement of willingness, including willingness to participate, willingness to pay, and willingness to mobilize, and used structural equation modeling to explore the factors influencing residents’ behavioral intention of environmental governance. The results suggest that behavioral attitudes had a positive effect on willingness to participate and willingness to pay. In addition, subjective norms had no significant effect on willingness to participate but were negatively related to willingness to pay. Although perceived behavioral control had no significant effect on willingness to participate, it had a positive effect on willingness to pay. In addition, the results also show that the willingness to pay and willingness to participate of farmers were positively related to their willingness to mobilize. Based on the above findings, this study proposes some policy implications to improve residents’ behavioral intention of land pollution abatement, including strengthening value perception, improving subjective awareness, building communication platforms, and improving personal capacity.
“I Don’t Think It’s on Anyone’s Radar”: The Workforce and System Barriers to Healthcare for Indigenous Women Following a Traumatic Brain Injury Acquired through Violence in Remote Australia
Authors: Fitts Michelle S. , Cullen Jennifer , Kingston Gail , Wills Elaine , Soldatic Karen
Published: November 2022

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women experience high rates of traumatic brain injury (TBI) as a result of violence. While healthcare access is critical for women who have experienced a TBI as it can support pre-screening, comprehensive diagnostic assessment, and referral pathways, little is known about the barriers for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women in remote areas to access healthcare. To address this gap, this study focuses on the workforce barriers in one remote region in Australia. Semi-structured interviews and focus groups were conducted with 38 professionals from various sectors including health, crisis accommodation and support, disability, family violence, and legal services. Interviews and focus groups were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim and were analysed using thematic analysis. The results highlighted various workforce barriers that affected pre-screening and diagnostic assessment including limited access to specialist neuropsychology services and stable remote primary healthcare professionals with remote expertise. There were also low levels of TBI training and knowledge among community-based professionals. The addition of pre-screening questions together with professional training on TBI may improve how remote service systems respond to women with potential TBI. Further research to understand the perspectives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women living with TBI is needed.
Using Grounded Theory to Identify Online Public Opinion in China to Improve Risk Management—The Case of COVID-19
Authors: Zhang Chao , Ma Ning , Sun Guohui
Published: November 2022

Background: During the outbreak of COVID-19, online public opinion related to the epidemic was rapidly generated and developed rapidly. If some online public opinions cannot be effectively responded to and guided, it will bring risks to social order. The government should understand how to use information on social media to grasp public demands, provide useful information in a timely manner and take countermeasures. Studying the formation mechanism of online public opinion during the outbreak can help the government make scientific decisions and improve risk management capabilities. Methods: The research selects the public opinion information of online platforms represented by WeChat, online communities, Sina Weibo and search engines, involving 75 relevant texts (1 January to 31 March 2022). According to the grounded theory method, using the QSR NVivo12 qualitative research software, the collected network texts were successively researched using open coding, axial coding and theoretical coding. Results: The structure of online public opinion during the COVID-19 epidemic was obtained. The operation mechanism of the online public opinion system about COVID-19 was mainly affected by the interaction of online public opinion objects, online public opinion subjects, online public opinion intermediaries and government forces. It was based on social facts and citizens’ appeals as the starting point, subject behaviors and prevention and control measures as the focus, government’s governance as macro-control and citizens’ evaluation as the guide. Conclusions: Scientific analysis of online public opinion is an important tool to identify and manage risks and improve the quality of government activities. Online public opinion has the function of assisting government decision-making, and the government can identify the important information reflected in it, especially the mainstream public opinion, as a reference for decision-making. By taking effective measures and properly responding to citizens’ reasonable demands, the government can prevent social risks and avoid new negative public opinions. Contributions: According to the characteristics of the basic model of online public opinion, this study provides risk mitigation suggestions for Chinese public sectors to use online public opinion, optimize epidemic prevention policies and formulate strategic measures.
Does the Urban Agglomeration Policy Reduce Energy Intensity? Evidence from China
Authors: Ding Rui , Zhou Tao , Yin Jian , Zhang Yilin , Shen Siwei , Fu Jun , Du Linyu , Du Yiming , Chen Shihui
Published: November 2022

With the expansion of the scale of China’s economy and the acceleration of urbanization, energy consumption is increasing, and environmental degradation and other problems have arisen. In order to solve such prominent problems, China proposed the “carbon peak” and “carbon neutral” targets in 2020. Although there are research conclusions about the impact of urbanization on energy intensity (EI), conclusions about the impact of the urban agglomeration policy (UAP) on EI are still unclear. Therefore, the article studies the impact of the urban agglomeration policy on EI in 279 prefecture-level cities by constructing a Difference-In-Differences (DID) model and mediating effect model. The results show that UAP has a significant effect on reducing EI, but their effects are different with the impact of urban heterogeneity, and the urban agglomeration policy of “Core” cities is less effective than those of “Edge” cities. From the perspective of the influencing mechanism, UAP takes green innovation capability as the intermediary variable to influence EI. The placebo test, PSM-DID regression, counterfactual test, and instrumental variable method all reflect the robustness of the research conclusions. Based on this, the paper puts forward some suggestions for urban agglomeration planning and green technology innovation.
Characterising Psycho-Physiological Responses and Relationships during a Military Field Training Exercise
Authors: Bulmer Sean , Corrigan Sean L. , Drain Jace R. , Tait Jamie L. , Aisbett Brad , Roberts Spencer , Gastin Paul B. , Main Luana C.
Published: November 2022

Over a 15-day period, that included an eight-day field trial, the aims of this study were to (1) quantify the physical workload, sleep and subjective well-being of soldiers in training; (2a) Explore relationships between workload and well-being, and (2b) sleep and well-being; (3) Explore relationships between workload, sleep, and well-being. Methods: Sixty-two Combat Engineer trainees (59 male, 3 female; age: 25.2 ± 7.2 years) wore an ActiGraph GT9X to monitor daily energy expenditure, physical activity, and sleep. Rating of perceived exertion (RPE), sleep quality, and fatigue were measured daily, subjective well-being was reported days 1, 5, 9, 13 and 15. Multi-level models were used for the analysis. Results: Well-being was affected by a combination of variables including workload, subjective sleep quality, sleep duration, and sleep efficiency. RPE and subjective sleep quality were consistently significant parameters within the models of best fit. Conclusions: Perceptions of well-being were lower during the field training when physical workload increased, and sleep decreased. Energy expenditure was comparatively low, while daily sleep duration was consistent with field training literature. Subjective assessments of workload and sleep quality were consistently effective in explaining variations in well-being and represent an efficient approach to monitor training status of personnel.
Evaluation of Automatic Prediction of Small Horizontal Curve Attributes of Mountain Roads in GIS Environments
Authors: Gülci Sercan , Acar Hafiz Hulusi , Akay Abdullah E. , Gülci Neşe
Published: November 2022

Road curve attributes can be determined by using Geographic Information System (GIS) to be used in road vehicle traffic safety and planning studies. This study involves analyzing the GIS-based estimation accuracy in the length, radius and the number of small horizontal road curves on a two-lane rural road and a forest road. The prediction success of horizontal curve attributes was investigated using digitized raw and generalized/simplified road segments. Two different roads were examined, involving 20 test groups and two control groups, using 22 datasets obtained from digitized and surveyed roads based on satellite imagery, GIS estimates, and field measurements. Confusion matrix tables were also used to evaluate the prediction accuracy of horizontal curve geometry. F-score, Mathews Correlation Coefficient, Bookmaker Informedness and Balanced Accuracy were used to investigate the performance of test groups. The Kruskal–Wallis test was used to analyze the statistical relationships between the data. Compared to the Bezier generalization algorithm, the Douglas–Peucker algorithm showed the most accurate horizontal curve predictions at generalization tolerances of 0.8 m and 1 m. The results show that the generalization tolerance level contributes to the prediction accuracy of the number, curve radius, and length of the horizontal curves, which vary with the tolerance value. Thus, this study underlined the importance of calculating generalizations and tolerances following a manual road digitization.
Model to Optimize the Management of Strategic Projects Using Genetic Algorithms in a Public Organization
Authors: Romero Izurieta Richard , Toapanta Toapanta Segundo Moisés , Caucha Morales Luis Jhony , Hifóng María Mercedes Baño , Gómez Díaz Eriannys Zharayth , Mafla Gallegos Luis Enrique , Maciel Arellano Ma. Roció , Orizaga Trejo José Antonio
Published: November 2022

Public organizations lack adequate models and methods to efficiently support and manage processes related to information security and IT investments. The objective is to optimize the management of strategic projects planned to improve the information security of a public organization and make efficient use of its available resources. The deductive method and exploratory research were used to review and analyze the available information. A mathematical model resulted that optimizes two objectives: (1) minimizing the costs of the strategic projects to be executed, and (2) maximizing the percentage of improvement in the organization’s information security. According to the result of the simulation, a subset of planned strategic projects was obtained that allows improving the information security of a public organization from 84.64% to 92.20%, considering the budgetary limitations of the organization. It was concluded that the proposed model is efficient, practical and can be a support tool for the IT management of a public organization.
Insecticide Susceptibility Status of Anopheles and Aedes Mosquitoes in Malaria and Dengue Endemic Areas, Thai–Myanmar Border
Authors: Pusawang Kanchon , Sattabongkot Jetsumon , Saingamsook Jassada , Zhong Daibin , Yan Guiyun , Somboon Pradya , Wongpalee Somsakul Pop , Cui Liwang , Saeung Atiporn , Sriwichai Patchara
Published: November 2022

The occurrence and spread of insecticide resistance has had a negative effect on the efficacy of insecticide–based tools and is distributed worldwide, including the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS). This study aims to determine the insecticide susceptibility of malaria and dengue vectors in malaria and dengue hotspots on the Thai–Myanmar border. Mosquito larvae and pupae were obtained from water sources from December 2019 to April 2020 in Tha Song Yang District, Tak province, western Thailand. WHO bioassay susceptibility tests were conducted with three classes of insecticides to evaluate the knockdown and mortality rates of Anopheles and Aedes aegypti female adults. V1016G and F1534C kdr mutations in the voltage-gated sodium channel of Ae. aegypti were identified using a multiplex PCR. A total of 5764 female mosquitoes were bioassayed in this study, including Anopheles spp. (92.63%) and F1 Ae. aegypti (7.37%). After 24 h of observation, An. minimus s.l. (n = 3885) and An. maculatus s.l. (n = 1138) in Suan Oi (SO) and Tala Oka (TO) were susceptible to pyrethroids, organophosphates and carbamates (except bendiocarb) with 98–100% mortality (MR). Resistance to bendiocarb was detected with a mortality rate of 88.80%, 88.77%, and 89.92% for An. minimus s.l. (n = 125, 125) and An. maculatus s.l. (n = 66), respectively. The first generation of Ae. aegypti adult females were suspected of resistance to deltamethrin (n = 225, MR = 96.89%) and confirmed resistance to permethrin (n = 200, MR = 20.00%). V1016G and F1534C mutations were detected in three genotypes, heterozygote and homozygote forms. The correlation between the kdr alleles and deltamethrin resistance was significant. In conclusion, bendiocarb resistance was found in primary malaria vectors, An. minimus s.l. and An. maculatus s.l. F1 Ae. aegypti population was pyrethroids-resistant, associated with kdr alleles. Therefore, molecular analysis should be conducted to gain insights into the mechanism of insecticide resistance. Routine malaria vector control programmes, such as fogging implementation in hotspot villages to induce Aedes resistance available in peri–domestic sites, are questionable.
Lessons Learned from the Module Production for the First CMS Silicon Tracker
Authors: Honma Alan
Published: November 2022

A personal view of some of the more important lessons learned from the module production for the CMS silicon tracker. This work took place from about 2002–2005. The focus is on areas where I had strong personal involvement; therefore, the tasks of hybrid production, hybrid assembly, and the wire bonding of modules and hybrids are emphasized. This article will first give a general description of the silicon tracker project and how the module production was organized. Then, there will be description of several of the key issues or problems during the production and how they were resolved. Some recommendations for future similar large-scale productions will be given.
Recent Trends in Diabetes-Associated Hospitalizations in the United States
Authors: Rubens Muni , Ramamoorthy Venkataraghavan , Saxena Anshul , McGranaghan Peter , McCormack-Granja Elise
Published: November 2022

The purpose of this study was to examine trends in diabetes-related hospitalizations over the period 2010 to 2019 using Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) to facilitate informed policies regarding diabetes-related prevention and management. Between 2010 and 2019, there were 304 million hospitalizations above 18 years of age, of which 78 million were diabetes-associated hospitalizations. The overall population-adjusted diabetes hospitalizations significantly increased from 3079.0 to 3280.8 per 100,000 US population (relative increase, 6.6%, Ptrend < 0.028). Age-stratified analysis showed that hospitalizations significantly increased for 18–29 years (relative increase, 7.8%, Ptrend < 0.001) while age- and gender-stratified analysis showed that diabetes hospitalization significantly increased for 18–29-year males (relative increase, 18.1%, Ptrend < 0.001). Total hospitalization charge increased from 97.5 billion USD in 2010 to 132.0 billion USD in 2019 (relative increase, 35.4%, Ptrend < 0.001). Our study’s findings suggest that diabetes-associated hospitalizations will continue to increase in the future because recent evidence indicates a reappearance of diabetes complications. It is important to screen, prevent, and control diabetes at a younger age based on the trends observed in our study.
Off-Label Benralizumab in Severe Non-Necrotizing Eosinophilic Vasculitis following Critical COVID-19 Disease and in DRESS
Authors: Pintea Irena , Muntean Ioana Adriana , Dobrican Carmen Teodora , Miron Nicolae , Deleanu Diana
Published: November 2022

Benralizumab is a humanized recombinant mAb that binds to the interleukin 5 receptor (IL-5R) expressed on eosinophils and is approved for the treatment of severe eosinophilic asthma. There are a series of severe eosinophilic disorders that may benefit from this treatment, and it could be a life-saving therapy. In this paper, we present two severe patients with eosinophil-induced diseases that had a good resolution after one dose of Benralizumab 30 mg. The first case is a severe non-necrotizing eosinophilic vasculitis following critical COVID-19 disease and the second case is a DRESS (Drug Rash with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms Syndrome) due to allopurinol. Conclusions: The successful administration of Benralizumab in rare or severe eosinophilic disease could be an option for life-saving therapies when conventional treatments fail.
Totally X-ray-Free Ultrasound-Guided Mini-Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy in Galdakao-Modified Supine Valdivia Position: A Novel Combined Surgery
Authors: Liu Yi-Yang , Chen Yen-Ta , Luo Hao-Lun , Shen Yuan-Chi , Chen Chien-Hsu , Chuang Yao-Chi , Huang Ko-Wei , Wang Hung-Jen
Published: November 2022

We introduced a novel surgery that combines ultrasound guidance, miniaturization and Galdakao-modified supine Valdivia (GMSV) position in percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) and evaluated the safety and efficacy. This retrospective, single-center study retrospectively reviewed 150 patients who underwent ultrasound-guided mini-PCNL in the GMSV position from November 2019 to March 2022. All perioperative parameters were collected. Stone-free status was defined as no residual stones or clinically insignificant residual fragments (CIRF) <0.4 cm on postoperative day one. Among the 150 patients, the mean age was 56.96 years. The mean stone size was 3.19 cm (427 mm2). The mean S.T.O.N.E. score was 7.61, including 36 patients (24%) with scores ≥9. The mean operative time was 66.22 min, and the success rate of renal access creation in the first attempt was 88.7%. One hundred and forty (93.3%) patients were stone free. The mean decrease in Hemoglobin was 1.04 g/dL, and no patient needed a blood transfusion. Complications included transient hematuria (n = 13, 8.7%), bladder blood clot retention (n = 2, 1.3%), fever (n = 15, 10%) and sepsis (n = 2, 1.3%). Totally X-ray-free ultrasound-guided mini-PCNL in the GMSV position is feasible, safe and effective for patients with upper urinary tract stones, indicating the synergistic and complementary effects of the three novel techniques.
Gender Differences in Usage and Subjective Appreciation of an Online Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Wildfire Evacuees: Descriptive Study
Authors: Binet Émilie , Ouellet Marie-Christine , Lebel Jessica , Békés Vera , Morin Charles M. , Belleville Geneviève
Published: November 2022

Background: Based on the most common psychological difficulties of the evacuees from the 2016 Fort McMurray wildfires in Alberta, Canada, a therapist-guided cognitive behavioral self-treatment was developed. This study aimed to explore how gender influences the usage and subjective appreciation of the RESILIENT online treatment. Methods: Our study included 81 English-speaking evacuees with significant posttraumatic symptoms, or with some posttraumatic symptoms accompanied by at least mild depression symptoms or subclinical insomnia, and who logged into the platform at least once. Various usage and subjective appreciation variables were analyzed, including number of completed sessions, number of logins, number of words per session, perceived efforts, perception of usefulness and intention to continue using the different strategies. Results: No difference was detected in most objective usage indicators. The number of words written in sessions 7 and 10 was significantly greater for women than for men. Regarding subjective appreciation, men had a greater perception of having put strong efforts in the cognitive restructuring strategy, while women reported in a greater proportion that they wanted to continue using physical exercise as a behavioral activation strategy. Conclusions: Our study offers a first look into how women and men use online treatments, and what their preferences are.
Special Issue “New Insights into Contraception”
Authors: Benagiano Giuseppe , Primiero Francesco M.
Published: November 2022

Today, a diverse range of contraceptive techniques is available to women; this, coupled with continued positive trends in female children and adults’ educational attainment, will hasten declines in fertility and continue to slow population growth [...]
Clinical Outcomes of Mid-Urethral Sling (MUS) Procedures for the Treatment of Female Urinary Incontinence: A Multicenter Study
Authors: Chmaj-Wierzchowska Karolina , Raba Grzegorz , Dykczyński Piotr , Wilczak Maciej , Turlakiewicz Karolina , Latańska Ilona , Sujka Witold
Published: November 2022

Introduction: Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) has a significant impact on the quality of life of many women. Due to embarrassment, most women do not seek medical attention for this condition. The treatment of this problem includes preventive therapies, and in the more advanced stage of urinary incontinence, surgery is a solution. Despite doubts regarding the implantation of urological tapes, the use of tension-free minimally invasive methods constitutes the “gold standard” in the treatment of stress urinary incontinence in women. Objective: The purpose of this article was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ultralight, polypropylene urogynecological tape (Dallop® NM ULTRALIGHT, Tricomed S.A., Poland) in the surgical treatment of female stress urinary incontinence and mixed urinary incontinence. Methods: This is a multicenter, retrospective cohort study. The included women were adults with stress urinary incontinence (Grade 2 with a positive cough test or Grade 3) or had mixed urinary incontinence and who had undergone “retropubic” or “transobturator” surgery and completed a postoperative follow-up. Results: The study included 68 women from three hospitals. All women completed <6-month and >6-month follow-ups. The median age was 55 (range 36–80). The average value of BMI in the “retropubic” group was 28.6 ± 5.58, and in the “transobturator” group, it was 26.1 ± 4.60. Sixty-three percent (63%, n = 43) of patients were operated on using the “transobturator” method, while thirty-seven percent (37%, n = 25) were operated on using the “retropubic” method. Both the “retropubic” and “transobturator” groups had comparable results in the treatment of SUI. The study showed efficiencies of 84% for the “transobturator” method and 80% for the “retropubic” method. In the “retropubic” group, intraoperative complications were reported in three patients (7%), in comparison to none in the “transobturator” group. There were no tape-related adverse events or infections reported in any case. Conclusions: The presented research confirms the safety and efficacy of retropubic and transobturator tape methods in both short- and long-term follow-up—the success rate was over 80%. In addition to the surgical method used, the experience of the surgeons also has an impact on the final outcome of the surgery. The conducted multi-center study offers the opportunity to eliminate the influence of the human factor on the effectiveness of the procedure.
1.5 T MR-Guided Daily Adapted SBRT on Lymph Node Oligometastases from Prostate Cancer
Authors: Nicosia Luca , Trapani Giovanna , Rigo Michele , Giaj-Levra Niccolò , Mazzola Rosario , Pastorello Edoardo , Ricchetti Francesco , Cuccia Francesco , Figlia Vanessa , Fiorini Matilde , Alongi Filippo
Published: November 2022

Introduction: The aim of our study was to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of a daily adaptive MR-guided SBRT on 1.5 T MR-linac in patients affected by lymph node oligometastases from PCa. Materials and Methods: The present study is a prospective observational study conducted in a single institution (protocol n°: MRI/LINAC n. 23748). Patients with oligometastatic lymph nodes from PCa treated with daily adaptive MR-guided SBRT on 1.5 T MR-linac were included in the study. There was a minimum required follow-up of 3 months after SBRT. The primary end-point was local progression-free survival (LPFS). The secondary end-points were: nodal progression-free survival (NPFS), progression-free survival (PFS), and toxicity. Results: A total of 118 lymph node oligometastases from PCa were treated with daily adaptive 1.5 T MR-guided SBRT in 63 oligometastatic patients. Of the patients, 63.5% were oligorecurrent and 36.5% were oligoprogressive. The two-year LPFS was 90.7%. The median NPFS was 22.3 months and the 2-year NPFS was 46.5%. Receiving hormone therapy before SBRT was correlated with a lower NPFS at the multivariate analysis (1 y NPFS 87.1% versus 42.8%; p = 0.002–HR 0.199, 95% CI 0.073–0.549). Furthermore, the oligorecurrent state during ADT was correlated with a lower NPFS than was the oligoprogressive state. The median PFS was 10.3 months and the 2-year PFS was 32.4%. Patients treated with hormone therapy before SBRT had a significantly lower 1-year PFS the others (28% versus 70.4%; p = 0.01–HR 0.259, 95% CI 0.117–0.574). No acute and late toxicities occurred during treatment. Conclusions: The present study is the largest prospective study of 1.5 T lymph node SBRT on MR-linac in patients with PCa. Lymph node SBRT by 1.5 T MR-linac provides high local control rates with an excellent toxicity profile.
Orthobiologic Injections for the Treatment of Hip Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review
Authors: Zaffagnini Marco , Boffa Angelo , Andriolo Luca , Raggi Federico , Zaffagnini Stefano , Filardo Giuseppe
Published: November 2022

The use of orthobiologics is gaining increasing interest as a minimally invasive treatment for hip osteoarthritis (OA). The aim of this study was to investigate the evidence about the safety and efficacy of these products. A systematic review of the literature was performed according to the PRISMA and Cochrane guidelines. The study quality was assessed using the RoB 2.0 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and the modified Coleman Methodology Score (mCMS) for all studies. A total of 20 clinical studies (735 patients) was identified, 12 on PRP injections and eight on cell-based therapies (five from bone marrow, two from adipose tissue, and one from amniotic fluid). The publication trend increased over time, with over 50% of articles published from 2019. The literature analysis showed only six RCTs, all on PRP injections. The mCMS showed an overall fair methodology (mean score 59.4). While the number of studies and their methodology are still limited, the available evidence suggests safety and overall promising results, with the treatment success being inversely proportional to the severity of OA. Further high-level controlled trials are needed before drawing more definitive conclusions on the real potential of orthobiologics for the injective treatment of patients affected by hip OA.
Serum Selenium and Incident Cardiovascular Disease in the PREvención con DIeta MEDiterránea (PREDIMED) Trial: Nested Case-Control Study
Authors: Gutiérrez-Bedmar Mario , Gil Fernando , Olmedo Pablo , Ruiz-Canela Miguel , Martínez-González Miguel Ángel , Salas-Salvadó Jordi , Babio Nancy , Fitó Montserrat , Del Val García Jose Luís , Corella Dolores , Sorlí José V. , Ros Emilio , Fiol Miquel , Estruch Ramón , Santos-Lozano José Manuel , Arós Fernando , Serra-Majem Lluís , Pintó Xavier , Gómez-Gracia Enrique , Muñoz-Bravo Carlos
Published: November 2022

Background: Selenium is an essential trace mineral with potential interest for cardiovascular disease (CVD) prevention owing to its antioxidant properties. Epidemiological data on selenium status and CVD remain inconsistent. The objective of this study was to ascertain whether low serum selenium (SSe) concentrations are related to an increased risk of a first CVD event in a population at high cardiovascular risk. Methods: We undertook a case-control study nested within the “PREvención con DIeta MEDiterránea” (PREDIMED) trial. A total of 207 participants diagnosed with CVD (myocardial infarction, stroke, or cardiovascular death) during the follow-up period (2003–2010) were matched by sex, age, and intervention group to 436 controls by incidence density sampling. Median time between serum sample collection and subsequent CVD event occurrence was 0.94 years. SSe levels were determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry analysis. Covariates were assessed through validated questionnaires, in-person interviews, and medical record reviews. Conditional logistic regression was used to calculate multivariable-adjusted odds ratios (ORs). Results: Among women, the mean SSe concentration was lower in cases than in controls (98.5 μg/L vs. 103.8 μg/L; p = 0.016). In controls, SSe levels were directly associated with percentage of total energy intake from proteins and fish intake (p for linear trend < 0.001 and 0.049, respectively), whereas SSe concentrations were inversely associated with age, body mass index, and percentage of total energy intake from carbohydrates (p for linear trend < 0.001, 0.008 and 0.016 respectively). In the total group, we observed an inverse dose–response gradient between SSe levels and risk of CVD in the fully-adjusted model (highest vs. lowest quartile: OR = 0.47, 95% CI: 0.27–0.81; ptrend = 0.003). Conclusions: Among elderly individuals at high cardiovascular risk, high SSe concentrations within population reference values are associated with lower first CVD incidence.