bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Guide to supervision orders
Authors: Bury James
Published: July 2024

James Bury, head of policy, research and development at CoramBAAF, outlines the implications of the Public Law Working Group's new draft best practice recommendations on supervision orders
The relationship of Public Service Motivation on job satisfaction
Authors: Dos Santos Carvalho Kelle , La Falce Jefferson Lopes , Verwaal Ernst , Vasconcelos Machado Guimarães Ludmila
Published: July 2024

The objective of this study is to evaluate the influence of the Public Service Motivation on job satisfaction. A Structural Equation’s Modeling was carried out in a Brazilian public university with 7,640 public servants. This study can be considered as a replication. The model that was tested showed that the relationship between the PSM and job satisfaction is positive in the Brazilian context. The results showed that satisfaction is a PSM dependent variable and that the model can be used in mapping the importance that an individual give not only with the relationship between the PSM and job satisfaction but also with each dimension from each construct directing assertively implement Human Resources policies.
Local uses and traditional knowledge of Nibung (Oncosperma tigillarium) in Riau Province, Indonesia
Authors: DESTI DESTI , MASTUTI RETNO , AZRIANINGSIH RODIYATI , ARUMINGTYAS ESTRI LARAS
Published: July 2024

Abstract. Desti D, Mastuti R, Azrianingsih R, Arumingtyas EL. 2024. Local uses and traditional knowledge of Nibung (Oncosperma tigillarium Jack. Ridl.) in Riau Province, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 25: 2043-2050. Nibung (Oncosperma tigillarium Jack. Ridl.), the symbolic plant of Riau Province, serves as its mascot flora. This research analyzes the local uses and traditional knowledge of nibung in both coastal and non-coastal areas of Riau, Indonesia. Ethnobotanical information regarding nibung was gathered from local communities through interviews, conducted with a structured questionnaire, supplemented by field observations and discussions with community members. Respondents were chosen using purposive and snowball sampling methods. It found that more than five types of utilization of nibung practiced by the local community, consisting of constructions, tools and utensils, medicinal purposes, as a source of vegetables or additional food, and for flavoring some dishes. In this case, stem is the highest part of nibung, which was used by the local people. In the coastal areas show a higher utilization of nibung compared to the non-coastal areas. Respondents show an understanding of the cultural and socio-economic importance of nibung, reflecting local wisdom in its utilization. They selectively harvest mature plants, leaving saplings to grow and thrive, only take a mature one, and leave the saplings to grow. Before cutting down nibung trees, they carefully choose the mature ones, and avoid cutting down those without shoots in a clump. In this investigation, the local wisdom regarding the cutting of nibung among Riau's coastal communities is known as the "memenyan" tradition. Before harvesting nibung, they perform the tradition of burning incense ("kemenyan") as a ritual for seeking permission to cut down the nibung. On the other hand, in the non-coastal areas, its tradition involves the datuk penghulu and ninik mamak, elders who play a crucial role in granting permission to cut nibung. It support conservation efforts through sustainable utilization and engaging local communities within the nibung's habitat.
Genetic structure and current distribution of Liriomyza huidobrensis, L. sativae and L. trifolii (Diptera: Agromyzidae) on vegetable crops in Bali, Indonesia
Authors: UTAMA I WAYAN EKA KARYA , SUPARTHA I WAYAN , YULIADHI KETUT AYU , SUDIARTA I PUTU , YUDHA I KADEK WISMA , SALEH SAHABUDDIN , WAHYUNI SRI , WIRADANA PUTU ANGGA
Published: July 2024

Abstract. Utama IWEK, Supartha IW, Yuliadhi KA, Sudiarta IP, Yudha IKW, Saleh S, Wahyuni S, Wiradana PA. 2024. Genetic structure and current distribution of Liriomyza huidobrensis, L. sativae and L. trifolii (Diptera: Agromyzidae) on vegetable crops in Bali, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 25: 2104-2114. Liriomyza spp. (Diptera: Agromizidae) is a polyphagous pest that attacks various types of vegetable and ornamental plants throughout the world. The most damaging species are Liriomyza huidobrensis (Blanchard), Liriomyza sativae (Blanchard), and Liriomyza trifolii (Burgess). There have been no reports regarding mapping of population distribution and population genetics of Liriomyza in the Bali region using the Cytochrome C Oxidase Subunit I (COI) approach. This research aims to map the population and genetic structure of L. huidobrensis, L. sativae and L. trifolii on vegetable plants in Bali. This research uses a purposive sampling method which represents vegetable plantings in each district and city in Bali Province. Identification of the Liriomyza spp. gene structure using the COI approach using LCO and HCO primers. The results of the research found that the spatial distribution of invasive leafminer fly species, namely L. sativae and L. trifolii, was evenly distributed throughout the city districts in Bali. The distribution pattern of L. trifolii is uniform with an S2/X value <1, while L. huidobrensis is found in the highland areas with a clustered distribution pattern with an S2/. The genetic distance between the three Liriomyza species found in vegetable plants in Bali is much longer. This means that the three Liriomyza species show very high levels of genetic differentiation in mitochondrial and nuclear genes, and differentiation between species in nuclear genes. This genetic variation can influence the ability of insects to quickly adapt to new environments and contribute to population dynamics and dispersal capacity.
Identification and pathogenicity of Ceratocystis manginecans causing wilt disease on Acacia mangium in Sabah, Malaysia
Authors: YUNUS NADZIRAH MOHD , MAID MANDY , YONG WILSON THAU LYM , ANTHONY FIONA EVELYN , SUDIN MAHMUD , TAYLOR PAUL W. J.
Published: July 2024

Abstract. Yunus NM, Maid M, Yong WTL, Anthony FE, Sudin M, Taylor PWJ. 2024. Identification and pathogenicity of Ceratocystis manginecans causing wilt disease on Acacia mangium in Sabah, Malaysia. Biodiversitas 25: 2170-2182. An alarming incidence of wilt disease has been reported in an Acacia mangium plantation in Ulu Kukut, Kota Belud District, Sabah, Malaysia. Infected trees exhibited symptoms such as severe wilting, sapwood discoloration or black lesion, and a fruity-sweet odor emanating from the fermentation exudate at the wound lesion. This is the first investigation of the causal wilt pathogen in a commercial A. mangium plantation in Ulu Kukut, located in the western region of Sabah. This study aimed to identify the causal fungal pathogen from infected A. mangium trees using morphological characterization and DNA sequence comparisons for the regions of Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS), beta-tubulin 1 (bt1), transcription elongation factor-1 alpha (tef1), guanine nucleotide-binding protein subunit beta-like protein (ms204), and second largest subunits of RNA polymerase II (rpb2). The fungal isolates shared morphological characteristics with the wilt pathogen Ceratocystis sp., including a globose base with a long neck-ended tip with ostiolar hyphae. Sequence-based phylogenetic analysis confirmed the identity of Ceratocystis manginecans, distinguishing them from all other Ceratocystis species. Bioassays inoculating phyllodes and twigs of 1-year-old A. mangium trees confirmed that C. manginecans was the cause of wilt disease. Confirming the identity of the causal agent of the increasingly destructive and severe wilt disease aids in developing effective disease management strategies for Acacia-based plantations.
All-fiber, near-infrared, laser system at 780 nm for atom cooling
Authors: Marchesini Matteo , Dondi Michelangelo , Rossi Leonardo , Bolognini Gabriele , Prevedelli Marco , Minardi Francesco
Published: July 2024

One of the prominent platforms for quantum technologies, cold atoms require reliable laser systems. We present the design, implementation, and characterization of a simple, compact, and economical laser system at 780 nm, entirely based on fiber components. Two semiconductor lasers at 1560 nm are amplified in a single erbium-doped fiber amplifier and frequency-doubled in a periodically-poled lithium niobate crystal. We characterize the amplitude noise and the linewidth of the lasers, as well as the SHG efficiency. With an RMS relative amplitude noise of 3 × 10−4 at 1 s and linewidths below 1 MHz, our system is suitable for cooling and trapping of Rb atoms.
Implementation and analysis of 32 channel CSRZ DWDM
system at narrow channel spacing
Authors: Dhadhal Dharmendra , Thummar Ruturaj , Mishra Vivekanand
Published: July 2024

In this work, we use CSRZ modulation at 32 x 40 Gbps DWDM long-haul communication system
under the effect of non-linearities using the dispersion compensation technique. The proposed system performance
is measured at 30 GHz, 40 GHz, and 50 GHz channel spacing in terms of BER, Q-factor, and eye-diagram for the
varied launched laser power ranging from −5 dBm to 10 dBm of CW laser array and 6000km transmission
distances. We use three EDFA amplifiers for signal amplification to boost signal power. By optimizing the system
parameters, we use pre and post-Gaussian filters at the transmission distance of 6000 km is achieved for a BER
value of 1.4306E-010 with a corresponding Q-factor value of 6.30611 at 5 dBm input power at 30GHz channel
spacing and without the Gaussian filter, we achieve Q factor is 4.18952 and BER is 1.35038E-05 at -5 dBm power
level at 50GHz channel spacing.
Open-Source Toolbox for Photographic Characterization of Optical Propagation
Authors: Sørensen Simon , Ulsig Emil , Philip Frederik , Sørensen Frederik , Madsen Magnus , Gardner Asger , Tønning Peter , Thomsen Simon , Gravesen Kevin , Stanton Eric , Volet Nicolas
Published: July 2024

An alternative method for characterizing optical propagation in photonic integrated circuits based on imaging of scattered light is presented and demonstrated for the spectral range of 450-980 nm. The method is applied to waveguide structures of varying widths and is found to be independent of the input coupling. Propagation losses as low as 1.4 dB/cm are measured for spiral alumina waveguides. Using a tunable laser the optical losses are also determined for AlGaAs-on-insulator waveguides at 910-980 nm wavelengths and are compared to cut-back measurements. An open-source toolbox is introduced, allowing for reliable processing of data and estimation of optical propagation losses.
Non-Sequential Raytracing Modeling of Newton's Ring Reveals Large Errors in Analytical Studies
Authors: Sun Haiyin
Published: July 2024

OpticStudio non-sequential raytracing is performed to model Newton’s ring. The results are accurate and significantly different from the analytical study results obtained previously with some approximations, and will have an impact on lens fabrication shop procedure.
Cavity-enhanced dual-comb spectroscopy in the molecular fingerprint region using free-running quantum cascade lasers
Authors: Markus Charles , Hayden Jakob , Herman Dan , Kocheril Philip , Ober Douglas , Bashiri Termeh , Mangold Markus , Okumura Mitchio
Published: July 2024

Cavity-enhanced dual-comb spectroscopy promises broadband, high-resolution, and highly sensitive spectroscopic measurements on sub-millisecond timescales, making it highly attractive for trace gas monitoring.
In this work, we demonstrate cavity-enhanced dual-comb spectroscopy in the molecular fingerprint region using two quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) operating as optical frequency combs centered at 1063 cm^-1 spanning 56 cm^-1. The high-finesse bow-tie cavity provided a 285 m effective pathlength, and the high power-per-mode of the QCL combs granted a strong multi-heterodyne signal of the swept-cavity transmission.
This ultimately resulted in a noise equivalent absorption per spectral element of 1.8×10^-9 cm^-1 Hz^-1/2. Measurements of the ν₈ fundamental band of methanol determined concentrations as low as 1.3 ppm in a single shot, with a detection limit of 20 ppb after 30 averages. This demonstrates the potential of cavity-enhanced dual-comb spectroscopy in challenging applications such as free radical kinetics and environmental monitoring.
Co-existence of synaptic plasticity and metastable dynamics in a spiking model of cortical circuits
Authors: Yang Xiaoyu , La Camera Giancarlo
Published: July 2024

Evidence for metastable dynamics and its role in brain function is emerging at a fast pace and is changing our understanding of neural coding by putting an emphasis on hidden states of transient activity. Clustered networks of spiking neurons have enhanced synaptic connections among groups of neurons forming structures called cell assemblies; such networks are capable of producing metastable dynamics that is in agreement with many experimental results. However, it is unclear how a clustered network structure producing metastable dynamics may emerge from a fully local plasticity rule, i.e., a plasticity rule where each synapse has only access to the activity of the neurons it connects (as opposed to the activity of other neurons or other synapses). Here, we propose a local plasticity rule producing ongoing metastable dynamics in a deterministic, recurrent network of spiking neurons. The metastable dynamics co-exists with ongoing plasticity and is the consequence of a self-tuning mechanism that keeps the synaptic weights close to the instability line where memories are spontaneously reactivated. In turn, the synaptic structure is stable to ongoing dynamics and random perturbations, yet it remains sufficiently plastic to remap sensory representations to encode new sets of stimuli. Both the plasticity rule and the metastable dynamics scale well with network size, with synaptic stability increasing with the number of neurons. Overall, our results show that it is possible to generate metastable dynamics over meaningful hidden states using a simple but biologically plausible plasticity rule which co-exists with ongoing neural dynamics.
COVID-19 knowledge and practices in Jigawa State, Nigeria: A cross-sectional survey conducted during the second wave
Authors: Salako Julius , Bakare Damola , Sogbesan Abiodun , Colbourn Tim , Shittu Funmilayo , Bakare Ayobami A. , Uchendu Obioma , Graham Hamish , McCollum Eric D. , Iuliano Agnese , Burgess Rochelle Ann , Beard James , Falade Adegoke G. , King Carina ,   INSPIRING Consortium
Published: July 2024

Population knowledge of COVID-19 and adherence to prevention measures may not be equitably distributed, limiting the success of public health measures. We aimed to understand whether COVID-19 knowledge differed by socio-economic status in a rural low-income setting of Jigawa State, Nigeria. We conducted a secondary analysis of the baseline cross-sectional survey of the INSPIRING cluster randomised controlled trial in Kiyawa Local Government Area, Jigawa State, from January—June 2021. Compounds were selected using simple random sampling proportional to trial cluster size. Within each compound, a representative head of compound and all women aged 16–49 years were eligible to complete a survey, which asked about socioeconomics, knowledge of COVID-19 symptoms, prevention strategies and risks for poor outcomes. We converted these into binary outcomes of “good knowledge” for symptoms, prevention and risks. Associations between woman and head of compound characteristics and good knowledge were assessed using adjusted logistic regression. We surveyed 3800 compound heads and 9564 women. Overall, <1% of respondents had been tested for COVID-19, but access to facemasks (HoC 60.0%; women 86.3%) and willingness to be vaccinated (HoC 73.9%; women 73.4%) were high. COVID-19 knowledge was low, with 33.2% of heads of compounds and 26.0% of women having good symptom knowledge, 39.5% and 30.4% having good prevention knowledge, and 17.7% and 15.4% having good risk knowledge, respectively. Those with more education, from higher wealth quintiles and access to a radio had better knowledge. Access to a mobile phone was associated with good symptom knowledge, but worse prevention and risk knowledge. We found significant differences in COVID-19 knowledge associated with socio-economic factors in rural Jigawa state, and access to communication devices was not consistently associated with better knowledge. Public health messaging in Nigeria needs to be adapted and delivered in way that ensures accessibility to all.
Direct factor Xa inhibitors and the risk of cancer and cancer mortality: A Danish population-based cohort study
Authors: Bosch Floris , Horváth-Puhó Erzsébet , Cannegieter Suzanne C. , van Es Nick , Sørensen Henrik T.
Published: July 2024

Background

Preclinical animal studies have suggested that myeloid cell–synthesized coagulation factor X dampens antitumor immunity and that rivaroxaban, a direct factor Xa inhibitor, can be used to promote tumor immunity. This study was aimed at assessing whether patients with atrial fibrillation taking direct factor Xa inhibitors have lower risk of cancer and cancer-related mortality than patients taking the direct thrombin inhibitor dabigatran.

Methods and findings

This nationwide population-based cohort study in Denmark included adult patients with atrial fibrillation and without a history of cancer, who started taking a factor Xa inhibitor or dabigatran between 2011 and 2015. Data on medical history, outcomes, and drug use were acquired through Danish healthcare registries. The primary outcome was any cancer. Secondary outcomes were cancer-related mortality and all-cause mortality. Outcome events were assessed during 5 years of follow-up in an intention-to-treat analysis. The propensity score-based inverse probability of treatment weighting was used to compute cumulative incidence and subdistribution hazard ratios (SHRs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs), with death as a competing event. Propensity scores were estimated using logistic regression and including in the model sex, age group at index date, comorbidities, and use of comedications. A total of 11,742 patients with atrial fibrillation starting a factor Xa inhibitor and 11,970 patients starting dabigatran were included. Mean age was 75.2 years (standard deviation [SD] 11.2) in the factor Xa cohort and 71.7 years (SD 11.1) in the dabigatran cohort. On the basis of the propensity score-weighted models, after 5 years of follow-up, no substantial difference in the cumulative incidence of cancer was observed between the factor Xa inhibitor (2,157/23,711; 9.11%, 95% CI [8.61%,9.63%]) and dabigatran (2,294/23,715; 9.68%, 95% CI [9.14%,10.25%]) groups (SHR 0.94, 95% CI [0.89,1.00], P value 0.0357). We observed no difference in cancer-related mortality (factor Xa inhibitors cohort 1,028/23,711; 4.33%, 95% CI [4.02%,4.68%]. Dabigatran cohort 1,001/23,715; 4.22%, 95% CI [3.83%,4.66%]; SHR 1.03, 95% CI [0.94,1.12]), but all-cause mortality was higher in the factor Xa inhibitor cohort (factor Xa inhibitors cohort 7,416/23,711; 31.31%, 95% CI [30.37%,32.29%]. Dabigatran cohort 6,531/23,715; 27.56%, 95% CI [26.69%,28.45%]; HR 1.17, 95% CI [1.13,1.21]). The main limitations of the study were the possibility of residual confounding and the short follow-up period.

Conclusions

In this population based cohort study, factor Xa inhibitor use was not associated with an overall lower incidence of cancer or cancer-related mortality when compared to dabigatran. We did observe an increase in all-cause mortality in the factor Xa inhibitor cohort.
Efficacy of acupuncture combined with traditional Chinese herbal for primary epilepsy patients with cognitive impairment: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Xue Hua , Zeng Li , He Hongxian , Xu Dongxun
Published: July 2024

Background

Epilepsy is a common and serious chronic neurological disorder, and some patients suffer from cognitive dysfunction. We aim to assess the efficacy and safety of acupuncture combined with traditional Chinese herbal for primary epilepsy patients with cognitive impairment.

Methods

To search the randomized control trials (RCTs) published before April 20, 2023 from PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Web of science, and Wanfang Database. The risk of bias within each individual trial was evaluated using the Cochrane Collaboration tool. RevMan5.3 software was used for statistical analysis. The odds ratio (OR) or weighted mean difference (WMD) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated for each RCT before data pooling.

Results

The primary outcomes involve changes in cognitive function and behavioral disturbances. The secondary outcomes focused on quality of life and adverse effects.

Conclusion

The results of this review are expected to provide new guidelines for the treatment of primary epilepsy patients with cognitive impairment.

Trial registration

This systematic review protocol was registered at the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) (Registration number: CRD42023415355).
Characteristics and outcomes of community-based perinatal peer support: Protocol for a systematic review
Authors: Branjerdporn Grace , Kimball Hayley , Pirotta Reaksmey , Branjerdporn Nataya , Collins Taryn , Bowman Genevieve , Gillespie Kerri M.
Published: July 2024

Background

Mental health issues and parenting difficulties in the perinatal period are common, and have significant negative impacts on individuals, families, and broader society. Community-based peer support programs might be an effective adjunct to standard mental health interventions in perinatal mental health issues, specifically where low-cost interventions are required, or access to professional care is limited.

Methods

A systematic review will be undertaken. Searches will be conducted on four electronic databases (Pubmed, Embase, Cinahl, and PsycINFO), using terms related to perinatal mental health and peer support. Literature will be screened by title and abstract and then by full text. Selected studies will be evaluated using the Quality Assessment with Diverse Studies (QuADS) tool. Data relevant to community-based perinatal peer support intervention characteristics and outcomes will be extracted, and synthesised narratively.

Discussion

This review will contribute to the existing evidence about perinatal mental health peer support, by synthesising information about community-based interventions specifically. The findings will be used to inform the design, implementation, and evaluation of a community-based perinatal mental health peer support program in urban and rural/remote hospital and health services in Australia.

Trial registration

Systematic review registration: CRD42023451568.
Providers’ experiences with abortion care: A scoping review
Authors: Dempsey B. , Callaghan S. , Higgins M. F.
Published: July 2024

Background

Induced abortion is one of the most common gynecological procedures in the world, with as many as three in every ten pregnancies ending in abortion. It, however, remains controversial. The objective of this scoping review was to explore and map existing literature on the experiences of those who provide abortion care.

Methods and findings

This exploratory review followed the Levac et al. guidelines and was reported in accordance with the PRISMA-ScR checklist. CINAHL, Cochrane, EMBASE, PsycInfo, PubMed, and Web of Science were used to identify peer-reviewed, original research articles published on providers’ experience of abortion. We identified 106 relevant studies, which include a total sample of 4,250 providers from 28 countries and six continents. Most of the studies were qualitative (n = 83), though quantitative (n = 15) and mixed methods (n = 8) studies were also included. We identified two overarching themes: (1) Providers’ experiences with abortion stigma and (2) Providers’ reflections on their abortion work. Our findings suggest that providers from around the world experience challenges within society and their communities and workplaces which reinforce the stigmatization and marginalization of abortion and pose questions about the morality of this work. Most, however, are proud of their work, believe abortion care to be socially important and necessary, and remain committed to the provision of care.

Conclusions

The findings of this review provide a comprehensive overview on the known experiences of providing abortion care. It is a key point of reference for international providers, researchers, and advocates to further this area of research or discussion in their own territories. The findings of this review will inform future work on how to support providers against stigmatization and will offer providers the chance to reflect on their own experiences.
Association of urinary bisphenol A with hyperlipidemia and all-cause mortality: NHANES 2003–2016
Authors: Guo Lijuan , Zhao Pin , Xue Shilong , Zhu Zhaowei
Published: July 2024

Background

The connection between urinary bisphenol A (BPA) and hyperlipidemia is still unclear, and few studies have evaluated whether urinary BPA affects mortality among individuals with hyperlipidemia. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the link between urinary BPA and hyperlipidemia and assess the impact of urinary BPA on mortality risk in subjects with hyperlipidemia.

Methods

We analyzed data of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2003 to 2016. Multivariable logistic analysis was performed to examine the relationship between urinary BPA and hyperlipidemia. Cox regression analysis was carried out to investigate the relationship between urinary BPA and all-cause mortality in subjects with hyperlipidemia.

Results

This study included 8,983 participants, of whom 6,317 (70.3%) were diagnosed with hyperlipidemia. The results showed that urinary BPA was higher in participants with hyperlipidemia group than those without hyperlipidemia (3.87 ± 0.32 vs. 2.98 ± 0.14, P = 0.01). Urinary BPA levels were analyzed in tertiles. Compared with tertile 1 of BPA (reference), the odds ratio (95% confidence interval) of hyperlipidemia related to tertile 3 of BPA was 1.28 (1.11–1.48). The hazard ratio for all-cause death associated with the highest versus lowest tertile of urinary BPA was 1.20 (95% confidence interval: 1.01–1.44; P = 0.04) among participants with hyperlipidemia.

Conclusions

The study indicated a positive relationship between urinary BPA and the risk of hyperlipidemia. Urinary BPA was associated with a significantly higher risk of all-cause mortality in adults with hyperlipidemia.
Validation of the patient reported experiences and outcomes of safety in primary care compact Form Brazil
Authors: Silva Ana Elisa Bauer de Camargo , Sousa Tanielly Paula , Guimaraes Rafael Alves , Pagotto Valéria , Lima Juliana Carvalho de , Sousa Maiana Regina Gomes de , Bernardes Cristina Alves
Published: July 2024

Objective

To analyze the psychometric properties of the cross-culturally adapted version of the Patient Reported Experiences and Outcomes of Safety in Primary Care (PREOS–PC) Compact Form Brazil.

Methods

A methodological study was conducted with 281 adult Primary Health Care users. Data collection took place online. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was used to evaluate the psychometric properties of the PREOS–PC after the process of cross-cultural adaptation to the Brazilian context. Internal consistency was evaluated through Cronbach’s alpha coefficient (α) and McDonald’s omega coefficient (ω).

Results

The sample consisted of 73.3% women. The mean age was 36.1 years (SD = 12.2). Of the 23 items of the PREOS–PC that were eligible for CFA, a model with four correlated domains and 16 items presented satisfactory fit indexes. The domains were Practice Activation (PrA) (four items), Patient Activation (PaA) (two items), Experiences of patient safety events (EPaS) (five items) and Outcomes of patient safety (OPaS) (six items). One domain (GPeS) presented one question with a 0 to 10 response scale and two open questions, which cannot be inserted in the CPA due to the nature of the items, but can be included in the application of the scale, being evaluated individually. In this factorial model, five items (EPaS2, EPaS3, EPaS4, EPaS5, EPaS6 and EPaS8) presented factor loadings ≤ 0.30. The α and ω values demonstrated good internal consistency for all domains of the PREOS–PC.

Conclusions

The Brazilian version of the PREOS–PC Compact Form Brazil composed of four domains (PrA, PA, EPaS and OPaS) and 16 items presented evidence of validation of its psychometric properties and can be used to evaluate the experiences and results of patient safety in Primary Health Care in the Brazilian context.
Education in focus: Significant improvements in student learning and satisfaction with ophthalmology teaching delivered using a blended learning approach
Authors: Doyle Andrea J. , Murphy Conor C. , Boland Fiona , Pawlikowska Teresa , Ní Gabhann-Dromgoole Joan
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study aimed to measure student satisfaction with a revised ophthalmology delivery format, which due to the pandemic had previously relied on a remote online flipped classroom (OFC) format compared to a blended learning format. This educational strategy combined online learning with in-person seminars and practical patient centred sessions. Our previous investigations demonstrated a significant lack of student satisfaction with a curriculum solely reliant on a remote OFC, as such we hypothesised that a blended learning approach would result in improved levels of student satisfaction and knowledge gain.

Methods

Non-randomised intervention study of two groups; group 1 = OFC group and group 2 = BL group, compared perspectives of 4th year ophthalmology students using a validated course evaluation questionnaire (CEQ).

Results

A total of 59 students from the BL group (n = 257; response rate = 23.0%) and 28 from the OFC group agreed to participate in the study (n = 114; response rate = 24.6%). Participants in the BL group felt it was easier to determine the standard of work that was expected (77.42% v 60.71%) and demonstrated significantly increased satisfaction with staff motivation of students (95.16% v 64.29%, p <0.001) and provision of feedback (74.19% v 46.43%, p = 0.004), compared to the OFC group. Furthermore, students in the BL group also felt the course significantly improved their analytical skills (64.52% v 42.85%, p = 0.023) and ability to work as part of team (69.36% v 25%, p <0.001) as well as reporting reduced dissatisfaction with the level of choice afforded in terms of how they would learn (33.88% v 60.71%, p = 0.31) and the how they were assessed (59.68% v 89.28%, p = 0.004). No evidence of a statistical difference in exam score was observed.

Conclusions

The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated an unavoidable pivot to online and distance learning, to meet the challenges presented by government mandates and social distancing requirements. Since many of these directives have been reversed, it is important to evaluate the effectiveness and learner perceptions’ of the online and distance learning interventions. In this study we demonstrated a significant student preference for BL compared to the OFC approach, with comparable student performances determined by MCQ examinations. Our findings suggest a preference for reintroducing in-person and patient engagement activities in post-pandemic health professions education.
Study on the multifunctional spatial-temporal evolution and coupling coordination of cultivated land: A case study of Hebei Province, China
Authors: Liu Shijie , Zhou Yapeng , Qi Yuepu , Chen Yaheng , Liu Wei , Xu Hao , Wang Shutao
Published: July 2024

The rational use of cultivated land can guarantee food security and thus is highly important for ensuring social stability, economic development and national security. The current study investigated the multifunctional temporal and spatial variation characteristics of cultivated land and explored the spatial and temporal characteristics of the multifunction and coupling coordination degrees of cultivated land throughout Hebei Province. Based on the administrative division data, statistical yearbook data and land use status data of the impacted areas, a multifunctional evaluation index system of cultivated land was established. The CRITIC weight method and entropy weight method were used to determine the weight of the index, the comprehensive index model was used to determine the production, social security, ecology and landscape functions of cultivated land of Hebei Province in different periods, the coupling coordination model was used to explore the multifunctional coupling coordination degree of cultivated land in each county, and spatial autocorrelation analysis was performed to determine the correlation of the multifunctional coupling coordination degrees. From 2000 to 2020, the production, social security and landscape function of cultivated land in Hebei Province trended upward; the ecological function trended slightly downward. The multifunctional coupling coordination degree of cultivated land in Hebei Province trended significantly upward and changed from limited coordination to intermediate coordination. Furthermore, it exhibited strong agglomeration and a significant positive spatial correlation, forming a ’V’-type change rule of first decreasing and then increasing. Hebei Province exhibited remarkable spatial and temporal characteristics of the multifunction and coupling coordination degrees of cultivated land. Regions could thus customize different cultivated land functions to maximize the benefits of cultivated land use. The findings of this study may provide a scientific basis and theoretical support for sustainably using and managing cultivated land resources in areas with similar human geographical environments.
All hands on deck during the COVID-19 pandemic. Maintaining face-to-face medical education and clinical placements
Authors: Humphreys Hilary , Baxter Ronan , Gilroy Judith , Cavalleri Gianpiero L. , O’Connor Tom , Kerrigan Steve W. , Fitzpatrick Fidelma , Gilligan Quinn Aoife , McConkey Sam , McGrogan Kilian
Published: July 2024

Medical students must have robust educational experiences, graduate and commence timely employment. Here, we describe how the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) delivered clinical placements in medical programmes over the first three waves of the COVID-19 pandemic in Ireland, including a student-centred, holistic approach to students’ educational, social and health needs with strong student involvement, re-organising the university’s primary care team, developing COVID-19 PCR testing on site and re-focusing communications and student services. This resulted in re-arranging the students into learning communities, and students and staff electronically recorded their COVID-19 symptom status daily. In-person observed structured clinical examination and other clinical exams progressed. No lockdown of any campus occurred. Over the two senior years, 693 students completed 15,000 weeks of clinical and experiential learning across 104 sites, similar to previous years, including anatomy practicals, procedural skills training, simulated ward rounds and patient encounters, case-based presentations and small group tutorials. The compliance rate with the daily symptom tracker was 91%. The percentage response rate and the number of students providing feedback from October 2020 to April 2021 was as high as 50%. The overall response rate was 33%. By mid-May, 93–95% of students in the two senior years had had at least one dose of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine, with 99% fully vaccinated by the start of the next academic year in autumn 2021. Over the period of testing for SARS-CoV-2, just over 22,000 samples were processed, of which 0.79% were positive; no medical student acquired COVID-19 or was associated with nosocomial transmission. The total investment by the RCSI in Dublin, was €9.3m (€1.2 in capital expenditure and €8.1 in operational expenses). Continuing face-to-face clinical placements during a pandemic was possible through a multi-model approach that prioritised two-way communication, compliance with national public health advice and student screening.
Plasmodium gametocyte carriage in humans and sporozoite rate in anopheline mosquitoes in Gondar zuria district, Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Minwuyelet Awoke , Abiye Melkam , Zeleke Ayalew Jejaw , Getie Sisay
Published: July 2024

Although the overall burden of malaria is decreasing in Ethiopia, a recent report of an unpredictable increased incidence may be related to the presence of community-wide gametocyte-carrier individuals and a high proportion of infected vectors. This study aimed to reveal the current prevalence of gametocyte-carriage and the sporozoite infectivity rate of Anopheles vectors for Plasmodium parasites. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from May 01 to June 30/2019. A total of 53 households were selected using systematic random sampling and a 242 study participants were recruited. Additionally,515 adult female Anopheles mosquitoes were collected using Center for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC) light traps and mouth aspirators. Parasite gametocytemia was determined using giemsa stain microscopy, while sporozoite infection was determined by giemsa staining microscopy and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Among the total 242 study participants, 5.4% (95%, CI = 2.9–8.3) of them were positive for any of the Plasmodium species gametocyte. Furthermore, being female [AOR = 15.5(95%, CI = 1.71–140.39)], age group between 15–29 years old [AOR = 16.914 (95%, CI = 1.781–160.63)], no ITNs utilization [AOR = 16.7(95%, CI = 1.902 -146.727)], and high asexual parasite density [(95%, CI = 0.057–0.176, P = 0.001, F = 18.402)] were identified as statistically significant factors for gametocyte carriage. Whereas sporozoite infection rate was 11.6% (95%, CI = 8.2–15.5) and 12.7% (95%, CI = 9.6–16.3) by microscopy and ELISA, respectively. Overall, this study indicated that malaria remains to be an important public health problem in Gondar Zuria district where high gametocyte carriage rate and sporozoite infection rate could sustain its transmission and burden. Therefore, in Ethiopia, where malaria elimination program is underway, frequent, and active community-based surveillance of gametocytemia and sporozoite infection rate is important.
Emergence and spread of SARS-CoV-2 variants from farmed mink to humans and back during the epidemic in Denmark, June-November 2020
Authors: Rasmussen Thomas Bruun , Qvesel Amanda Gammelby , Pedersen Anders Gorm , Olesen Ann Sofie , Fonager Jannik , Rasmussen Morten , Sieber Raphael Niklaus , Stegger Marc , Calvo-Artavia Francisco Fernando , Goedknegt Marlies Jilles Francine , Thuesen Esben Rahbek , Lohse Louise , Mortensen Sten , Fomsgaard Anders , Boklund Anette , Bøtner Anette , Belsham Graham J.
Published: July 2024

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) not only caused the COVID-19 pandemic but also had a major impact on farmed mink production in several European countries. In Denmark, the entire population of farmed mink (over 15 million animals) was culled in late 2020. During the period of June to November 2020, mink on 290 farms (out of about 1100 in the country) were shown to be infected with SARS-CoV-2. Genome sequencing identified changes in the virus within the mink and it is estimated that about 4000 people in Denmark became infected with these mink virus variants. However, the routes of transmission of the virus to, and from, the mink have been unclear. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the generation of multiple clusters of the virus within the mink. Detailed analysis of changes in the virus during replication in mink and, in parallel, in the human population in Denmark, during the same time period, has been performed here. The majority of cases in mink involved variants with the Y453F substitution and the H69/V70 deletion within the Spike (S) protein; these changes emerged early in the outbreak. However, further introductions of the virus, by variants lacking these changes, from the human population into mink also occurred. Based on phylogenetic analysis of viral genome data, we estimate, using a conservative approach, that about 17 separate examples of mink to human transmission occurred in Denmark but up to 59 such events (90% credible interval: (39–77)) were identified using parsimony to count cross-species jumps on transmission trees inferred using Bayesian methods. Using the latter approach, 136 jumps (90% credible interval: (117–164)) from humans to mink were found, which may underlie the farm-to-farm spread. Thus, transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from humans to mink, mink to mink, from mink to humans and between humans were all observed.
Host JAK-STAT activity is a target of parasitoid wasp virulence strategies
Authors: Brantley Susanna E. , Stouthamer Corinne M. , Kr Pooja , Fischer Mary L. , Hill Joshua , Schlenke Todd A. , Mortimer Nathan T.
Published: July 2024

Innate immune responses that allow hosts to survive infection depend on the action of multiple conserved signaling pathways. Pathogens and parasites in turn have evolved virulence factors to target these immune signaling pathways in an attempt to overcome host immunity. Consequently, the interactions between host immune molecules and pathogen virulence factors play an important role in determining the outcome of an infection. The immune responses of Drosophila melanogaster provide a valuable model to understand immune signaling and host-pathogen interactions. Flies are commonly infected by parasitoid wasps and mount a coordinated cellular immune response following infection. This response is characterized by the production of specialized blood cells called lamellocytes that form a tight capsule around wasp eggs in the host hemocoel. The conserved JAK-STAT signaling pathway has been implicated in lamellocyte proliferation and is required for successful encapsulation of wasp eggs. Here we show that activity of Stat92E, the D. melanogaster STAT ortholog, is induced in immune tissues following parasitoid infection. Virulent wasp species are able to suppress Stat92E activity during infection, suggesting they target JAK-STAT pathway activation as a virulence strategy. Furthermore, two wasp species (Leptopilina guineaensis and Ganaspis xanthopoda) suppress phenotypes associated with a gain-of-function mutation in hopscotch, the D. melanogaster JAK ortholog, indicating that they inhibit the activity of the core signaling components of the JAK-STAT pathway. Our data suggest that parasitoid wasp virulence factors block JAK-STAT signaling to overcome fly immune defenses.
Making meaning material: A textile politics of autistic interests
Authors: Long Rebecca-Eli M.
Published: July 2024

Disability offers important considerations for participatory crafting projects that seek to foreground diverse forms of knowledge-making. As a case study in ‘disability craft’, this ethnographic knitting project uses collaborative knitting pattern design to explore autistic adults’ interests in the context of the autistic self-advocacy movement in the United States. Colloquially known as ‘special interests’, these interests challenge ableist stereotypes about what it means to be autistic. Crucially, this project was informed by the autistic author’s own special interest of knitting, making special interests both the object and method of research. Knitting is used to explore what counts as meaningful knowledge and who can create it. Through themes of identity, well-being and communication, special interests are shown to be intensely meaningful. The final knitted objects from this project materialize knowledge about how autistic people navigate the world and show how craft can support autistic activism against epistemic injustice.
Expanded visualities: Photography and emerging technologies
Authors: Stylianou-Lambert Theopisti , Neokleous Kleanthis , Fisher Andrew
Published: July 2024

This editorial introduces the Special Double Issue of Philosophy of Photography (15.1&2), which focuses on the impact of novel technologies on photography and through this on our understanding of the contemporary world. It sketches the contents of the featured articles and articulates some of the technical developments, concerns and questions that inform and link them.
The first frame: A camera-less photographic encounter with the foetus
Authors: Fahd Cherine
Published: July 2024

This article examines two first-hand encounters with the foetus to reflect on the familial, photographic and political dimensions of 3D and 4D foetal portraits. It examines the photographic status of foetal portraits as intimates of the family album while acknowledging their public meaning in reproductive politics. The article aims to situate 3D and 4D foetal portraits within photographic history, theory and practice by examining how these camera-less images align with photographic vision.
From outer space to latent space
Authors: Sunde Emilie K.
Published: July 2024

Dall-E2 and Stable Diffusion promote their text-to-image models based on their level of (photo)realism. The use of photographic language is not superficial or accidental but indicative of a broader tendency in computer science and data practice. To nuance the general application of photorealism, I position the term alongside photographic realism and computational photorealism. To contextualize important nuances between these three terms, contemporary examples from astrophotography are analysed and reconstructed using text-to-image models. From the comparative analysis, computational photorealism emerges as a modified term that recognizes the relationship between photography and text-to-image models without conflating their ontological and epistemological differences.
Making the ‘short game’ a ‘long game’: Promoting clothing longevity in the use phase
Authors: Joyner Martinez Cosette M. , Iran Samira
Published: July 2024

As the most significant portion of a garment’s ecological footprint stems from its use, clothing users play a pivotal role in extending the clothing lifespan by way of their wear, care and repair habits. Despite the fashion industry’s slow progress towards sustainability, clothing users have autonomy to shape their practice, which holds promise for reducing environmental impacts. There is a need to explore more critically various practices such as wear, care and repair habits that contribute to longevity within the consumer’s sphere of influence. Likewise, there is a need to transform educational perspectives in the field of sustainable consumption, as increased knowledge alone has been found insufficient to drive behavioural change. This study investigates the impact of short-term behavioural modification challenges (the ‘short game’) on users’ long-term consumption behaviour (the ‘long game’). Through a case study involving young female university students, this study characterizes the implementation of a lifestyle change towards sustainable clothing use practice and highlights its effects on long-term behaviour. This case illustrates an educational intervention that employed cognitive (head), affective (heart) and practical (hands) learning activities to advance specific competencies associated with sustainable consumption in the context of clothing use behaviours. The study provides a window into the logistical challenges, emotional longings and social pressures that young consumers must invariably reconcile to remain motivated and persist in the ‘long game’ of clothing longevity. By focusing learners’ attention on clothing use behaviours and providing some supportive conditions, young consumers can make meaningful and lasting changes to their practice.