bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Political ideology of nonprofit organizations
Authors: Han Baran , Ho Benjamin , Xia Zizhe
Published: September 2023

Objective

This article provides a novel measure of nonprofit political ideology using semantic text analysis of public Internal Revenue Service filings. It explores the relationship between electoral competition and private donations.

Methods

Mission statements of over 150,000 U.S. nonprofits are matched to Congressional speeches to classify ideology on a political spectrum. The measure is validated against established ideology scores. Donation data are analyzed to examine if donors strategically countervail expected policy changes after elections.

Results

The proposed measure shows a significant correlation with other ideology metrics. Donations are found to move in sync with ideological shifts of the government rather than to countervail expected policy changes after elections.

Conclusion

The mission statement‐based measure enables studying nonprofit positioning. Findings suggest expressive motivations make donation trends complementary to voting trends.
MapSafe: A complete tool for achieving geospatial data sovereignty
Authors: Sharma Pankajeshwara , Martin Michael , Swanlund David
Published: September 2023

Sensitive geographic data are invaluable assets for the people to whom they belong and their disclosure should be decided by the sovereign data owner (SDO). Due to several high‐profile data breaches and business models that commercialize user data, the need for new approaches to geoprivacy and data sovereignty has grown. We propose MapSafe, a client web application that first obfuscates datasets using donut masking or hexagonal binning, separately, and thereafter implements a multi‐level encryption scheme that permits SDOs to share the final encrypted volume containing the geospatial information when they choose and at a level of detail which they are comfortable. The authenticity verification of the volume is facilitated by storing the hash value corresponding to the encrypted volume immutably on the Blockchain as a public record. Our approach places geoprivacy under data guardians'’ control, and its integration capabilities promote its adoption in existing and future geospatial web systems.
IS IT POSSIBLE THAT ROBOTS WILL NOT ONE DAY BECOME PERSONS?
Authors: Reiss Michael J.
Published: September 2023

That robots might become persons is increasingly explored in popular fiction and films and is receiving growing academic analysis. Here, I ask what would be necessary for robots not to become persons at some point. After examining the meanings of “robots” and “persons,” I discuss whether robots might not become persons from a range of perspectives: evolution (which has led over time from species that do not exhibit personhood to species that do), development (personhood is something into which each of us grows), chemistry (must persons be carbon‐based and must robots be non–carbon‐based?), history (we now consider more entities to be persons than was once the case), and theology (are humans privileged over the rest of creation, and how relevant is panpsychism?). I end by considering some of the implications if/once robots do become persons.
Community Activation for Disaster Risk Reduction Through OpenStreetMap: A Scoping Review
Authors: Muhamad Nurfashareena , Muhamad Hakimi Faten Hanani , Mahadzir Muhammad Daniel Azlan
Published: September 2023

The advancement of geospatial technology has significantly altered how data is utilised for facilitating the growth of open-access data for disaster risk reduction (DRR). OpenStreetMap (OSM) is a part of Volunteered Geographic Information (VGI), built on the concept of volunteerism and heavily reliant on user contributions to spatial data. In recent years, OSM has emerged as a fundamental tool in all aspects of DRR, enabling well-informed decision-making and empowering active community contributions. This study aims to review the utilisation of OSM in DRR and proposes recommendations to enhance community resilience. The five-step scoping review method was conducted on 25 selected papers to investigate the current knowledge and uncover the potential applications of OSM within the community for DRR. The review commenced by defining the research questions, identifying pertinent literature sources, selecting relevant literature for inclusion, extracting key themes from the literature, and finally, consolidating, summarising, and reporting the results. The findings revealed that OSM’s worldwide accessibility for various objectives has been instrumental in its widespread adoption and rising prominence. Nevertheless, this review emphasises that despite its rapid expansion into other fields, OSM continues to hold significant importance and widespread usage in the context of DRR. This study presented findings on community involvement in OSM and explored the opportunities for community-led DRR implementation. The paper provides insights into the application of OSM in advanced and developing countries while delving into potential future pathways. OSM places significant emphasis on community-driven, on-the-ground data collection, providing governments with a chance to enhance policy management in DRR. As the incorporation of OSM in decision-making expands, it will garner attention from diverse sectors, demonstrating the platform’s effectiveness on a broader and more impactful level.
Oil Palm Nutrient Mapping Using Multispectral Drone
Authors: Mohd Jefri Nurul Syafiza , Rasib Abd Wahid , Ahmad Anuar , Darwin Norhadija , Mohd Amir Nurarina , Wan Yusof Wan Mohd Hairy
Published: September 2023

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) is one of the platforms that have recently proven profitable in agriculture, despite being more commonly used as a carriage platform.  Nevertheless, the use of UAVs for mapping promotes precision agriculture. Foliage mapping and nutrient mapping are examples of mapping techniques that are beneficial for oil palm. Assessing the condition and distribution of nutrient content is essential for plantation management to monitor the health of the trees, identify potential problems such as nutrient deficiency or pest infestation, and optimise management practices for higher yields. Therefore, this study aims to produce nutrient content information from UAV and spectroradiometer data. Compact remote sensing sensors operating at visible (RGB) (0.4-0.7 micrometre), Near Infra-red (NIR) (0.7-1.2 micrometre), thermal infrared (TIR) and Long-wave Infrared (LWIR) bands (7-14 micrometre) were used in this study to determine the concentration of foliage content in the oil palm plantation. Nutrient elements such as Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K), Calcium (Ca), and Magnesium (Mg) were detected from the foliar content as indicated in the 17th frond of oil palm leaves. This study successfully developed a method for identifying and quantifying the nutrient content of oil palm plantations using a drone platform. This study would aid in predicting oil palm production and provide farm owners and managers with valuable decision-making information.
A Review of Data Sources and Techniques used for Landslide Visualization
Authors: Murthy Tharshini , Mohamad Yusoff Izham , Md Nor Nik Norliati Fitri , Abdul Rashid Siti Masayu Rosliah , Ghadikolaei Seyed Milad Bagheri , Samsudin Siti Hamsah
Published: September 2023

Landslides are slope failure disasters threatening human life and destroying infrastructures. Landslides happen suddenly and cause huge losses. Landslide visualization can provide information and an overview of slope movement and landslides. This study reviews the visualization of landslides by analyzing literature published on this topic from 2018 until February 2023. This study used publications from the ‘Web of Science’ (WOS) and ‘Scopus’ in the last five years to get the latest information on this topic. This study has examined trends in the number of publications and sources of publication, study areas, visualization techniques and datasets used, and visualizations produced in either 2D or 3D. The number of publications shows an increasing trend, and the journal that publishes the most articles is ‘Remote Sensing’. Areas from China are often chosen as study areas in this topic, followed by Slovenia. There were 19 visualization techniques identified through the article, and Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) was used frequently in 3 publications. Digital Elevation Model (DEM) data is used in most articles (8 articles) compared to the other 10 data, which are Digital Terrain Model (DTM), Knowledge Template, Electromagnetic VLF-R Data, Cloud Data of Discrete Points, Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR) Data, Electric Resistivity Tomography (ERT) Data, Airborne Lidar, Target Ground Sampling Distance (GSD), Area of Interest, and in situ Data. Landslide visualization in 3D form is produced in most articles compared to 2D. The analysis shows a preference for 3D visualization over 2D, although both techniques are employed due to their unique advantages. The review exercise reveals a rising publication trend, highlighting the prominence of 3D visualization techniques and the popularity of DEM data in landslide visualization studies, while also suggesting the need for more recent and comprehensive research in this field.
Social participation experiences of older adults with an early-onset physical disability: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Turcotte Samuel , Simard Pascale , Levasseur Mélanie , Raymond Émilie , Routhier François , Lamontagne Marie-Ève
Published: September 2023

Objective:

The objective of this review is to assess and synthesize the available qualitative evidence on the experiences of social participation of older adults with an early-onset physical disability.

Introduction:

Understanding the experiences of social participation among older adults with a physical disability acquired earlier in life can guide the development of interventions and policies. It will also help with fostering meaningful community participation and aid in improving the quality of their social participation.

Inclusion criteria:

This review will consider primary studies that explore the experiences of social participation of older adults with an early-onset physical disability. The review will focus on qualitative data, including methods such as phenomenology, grounded theory, ethnography, action research, and feminist research. Studies in French or English will be considered for inclusion, and there will be no limitation on publication dates.

Methods:

A keyword search strategy will be carried out in MEDLINE (Ovid), PsycINFO (Ovid), CINAHL (EBSCOhost), Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. ProQuest Dissertations and Theses (ProQuest) will be searched for unpublished articles. Two independent reviewers will perform the screening and inclusion process, assess the quality of the evidence, and complete data extraction. The JBI approach to critical appraisal, study selection, data extraction, and data synthesis (meta-aggregation) will be used. The ConQual approach will be used to establish confidence in the synthesized findings.

Review registration:

PROSPERO CRD42022371027
Simulation of the Thermoacoustic Response of an Aero-Engine Gas Turbine Fuel Injector Using a Hybrid CFD-CAA Method
Authors: Reinhardt Hanna , Alanyalıoğlu Çetin Ozan , Fischer André , Lahiri Claus , Nicolai Hendrik , Hasse Christian
Published: September 2023

Given the stringent emission regulations of aircraft engines, the trend in the aero industry is toward developing leaner combustion systems, which are prone to produce combustion instabilities. Hybrid methods of simultaneous acoustics and fluid dynamics simulations offer an elegant solution for the numerical prediction of these instabilities, taking advantage of the appropriate discretization of relevant scales. The presented work employed a hybrid simulation framework to identify the thermoacoustic response of a practically relevant configuration. The fluid dynamics were described using a computational fluid dynamics solver employing the low Mach formulation of the Navier–Stokes equations, while the acoustics were simulated using a computational aeroacoustics solver employing the acoustic perturbation equations. The coupling was implemented to exchange information between both solvers during runtime. The considered real-life configuration was designed to investigate the thermoacoustic behavior of realistic gas turbine injectors. It is acoustically excited to characterize the given injector via the flame transfer function approach under controlled operating conditions. The computational fluid dynamics simulation results were postprocessed to obtain the acoustic behavior of the combustor. The reacting scattering matrix was constructed and then compared to the experimental reference, both obtained using the multimicrophone method. Finally, two different postprocessing approaches were used to calculate the flame transfer function and discuss the applied hybrid computation method. This work demonstrated that the hybrid method can capture general features of the flame response of a complex three-dimensional combustion system.
Balance Recovery Strategy in Children With and Without Hearing or Visual Impairments
Authors: Zarei Hamed , Norasteh Ali Asghar , Lieberman Lauren J. , Brian Ali
Published: September 2023

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the balance recovery strategy in children with hearing (HI) and visual impairments (VI) compared with those without these disorders. Materials and Methods: This study featured a cross-sectional design with subjects (N = 45) placed within one of three equally stratified purposive groups (HI, VI, and comparison) within the age range of 9–13 years (mean = 11.43, SD = 1.5). Balance recovery strategy was measured in static and after-perturbation conditions by a four-camera Vicon system used to record three-dimensional lower body kinematic data. A repeated-measures analysis of variance (3 × 2, Group × Condition) was utilized to analyze data. Significance was set at p ≤ .05. Results: In the static condition, the results of the study showed that there was no significant difference between the groups in the ankle joint sway (p > .05). In hip joint sway, VI children had greater sway compared with comparison (p = .001) and HI children (p = .02). Also, HI children had greater sways than comparison (p = .02). In the after-perturbation condition, the results showed that VI children had greater sway in the hip and ankle joints than HI children (p = .001) and comparison (p = .001) to restore and maintain balance. Conclusion: It seems that comparison as well as higher proportion VI children use a hip strategy to maintain and restore balance. Also, it seems that HI children use a different strategy (ankle strategy) to maintain and restore balance compared with comparison and VI children.
First-year growth trajectory and early nutritional requirements for optimal growth in infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Coignard Maxime , Mellul Kelly , Stirnemann Julien , Khen-Dunlop Naziha , Lapillonne Alexandre , Kermorvant-Duchemin Elsa
Published: September 2023

Objective

To describe the growth trajectory of children with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) during the first year, to assess the risk factors for growth failure (GF) at 1 year and to determine nutritional intakes at discharge required for early optimal growth.

Design

Single-centre retrospective cohort study based on data from a structured follow-up programme.

Setting and patients

All neonates with CDH (2013–2019) alive at discharge and followed up to age 1.

Interventions

None.

Main outcome measures

Weight-for-age z-score (WAZ) at birth, 3, 6 and 12 months of age; risk factors for GF at age 1; energy and protein intake of infants achieving early optimal growth.

Results

Sixty-three of 65 neonates who were alive at discharge were included. Seven (11%) had GF at 1 year and 3 (4.8%) had a gastrostomy tube. The mean WAZ decreased in the first 3 months before catching up at 1 year (−0.6±0.78). Children with a severe form or born preterm experienced a deeper loss (from −1.5 to −2 z-scores) with late and limited catch-up. The median energy intake required to achieve positive or null weight growth velocity differed significantly according to CDH severity, ranging from 100 kcal/kg/day (postnatal forms) to 139 kcal/kg/day (severe prenatal forms) (p=0.009).

Conclusions

Growth patterns of CDH infants suggest that nutritional risk stratification and feeding practices may influence growth outcomes. Our results support individualised and active nutritional management based on CDH severity, with energy requirements as high as 140% of recommended intakes for healthy term infants.
Steroid-induced glaucoma: an avoidable cause of irreversible blindness
Authors: Teo Benjamin H K , Au Eong Jonathan T W , Au Eong Kah Guan
Published: September 2023

A man in his 70s on regular follow-up with an ophthalmologist for 10 years presented with blurry vision in his right eye for 4 days. He was diagnosed with elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) bilaterally 18 months earlier and treated with antiglaucoma eye-drops. On direct questioning, he admitted to using fixed combination tobramycin 0.3%/dexamethasone 0.1% eye-drops frequently to relieve ocular redness and discomfort in both eyes for 3.5 years without his ophthalmologist’s knowledge. Examination disclosed markedly elevated IOP, advanced optic disc cupping and tunnel vision due to steroid-induced glaucoma bilaterally. After cessation of the eye-drops and 2 weeks of antiglaucoma therapy, his IOP returned to normal and his visual field remained stable for 4 years.

Our case highlights the danger of habitual self-treatment of prescription medications containing corticosteroids and the importance of taking a detailed medication history in the diagnosis and management of steroid-induced glaucoma.
Case of human rabies despite post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) and complete recovery after intrathecal rabies immunoglobulin (RIG)
Authors: Ing Shan Kai , Ng Han Sim Benjamin , Lee Yih Hoong , Ling Tiing Yun
Published: September 2023

This article has been retracted.
Optimal utilization of maternal health service in Indonesia: a cross-sectional study of Riskesdas 2018
Authors: Aryastami Ni Ketut , Mubasyiroh Rofingatul
Published: September 2023

Objective

This paper analyses the optimal utilization of maternal health services in Indonesia from 2015 to 2018.

Design

National cross-sectional study.

Setting

This study takes place in 34 provinces in Indonesia.

Participants

The population in this study were mothers in all household members in Basic Health Research of Riskesdas 2018. The sample was all mothers who had a live birth within 5 years before data collection (1 January 2013 to July 2018) and had complete data. The number of samples analysed was 70 878.

Primary outcome

We developed a scoring for the optimal utilization of maternal health services as the outcome variable.

Results

This analysis involved 70 787 mothers. The utilization of maternal care was not optimal. Mothers who delivered in health facilities achieved 83.3% of services. Better care is experienced more by mothers who live in urban areas. Mothers who delivered at health facilities significantly used threefold optimal care (ORa=3.15; 95% CI 3.00 to 3.30; p<0001). A statistically significant difference of optimal maternal care was found in mothers with better education (ORa=1.22; 95% CI 1.18 to 1.27; p=0.001); holding health insurance (ORa=1.25; 95% CI 1.21 to 1.30; p<0001), having more access to health facilities (ORa=1.13; 95% CI 1.09 to 1.17); p<0.001), less parity (ORa=1.16; 95% CI 1.11 to 1.20; p<0.001).

Conclusion

The optimal utilization of MHS is independent of the free services delivery, but having health insurance and less parity brought about a better optimal score for MHS. Mothers in rural areas were more protective of optimal utilization. Finally, the eastern region used more optimal health services.
Effectiveness of a smartphone-enabled dyadic self-care programme (SDSCP) for stroke survivors and caregivers: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Wang Wenna , Wang Xiaoxuan , Vellone Ercole , Zhang Zhenxiang
Published: September 2023

Introduction

The promotion of self-care has begun to serve as a central response strategy to the rising burden of stroke. In fact, stroke self-care can be recognised to be a dyad phenomenon having an effect on the health of stroke survivors and their caregivers. While studies have confirmed the effectiveness of smartphone-based interventions in improving self-care among stroke survivors, there remains a lack of evidence specifically regarding dyadic self-care interventions for both patients and caregivers.

Aim

The present single-blinded, two-arm, randomised controlled trial aims to verify the effectiveness of a smartphone-enabled dyadic self-care programme (SDSCP) for stroke survivors and their caregivers.

Methods and analysis

The estimated sample size is 152 stroke survivor–caregiver dyads. The participants will be randomly classified (1:1) into either a control (N=76) or an experimental group (N=76) through block randomisation. The participants classified into the experimental group will be provided with SDSCP, and during the initial home visit, the research team members will provide instructions to all patients and caregivers on how to download and use the smartphone application. While the participants in the control group will be given the existing stroke standard care. The main outcome measures of stroke survivors will consist of the Self-Care of Stroke Inventory and a short version of the Stroke Specific Quality of Life Scale. The outcome measures of stroke caregivers will primarily cover the Caregiver Contribution to Self-Care of Stroke Inventory and Zarit burden interview. The data of this study will be collected at three time points, including baseline, 1 month and 6 months from the baseline.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has been approved by the Ethics Committee of Zhengzhou University (ZZUIRB 2021–115) in January 2021. The results achieved in this study will facilitate the clinical practice to improve self-care of stroke survivors and promote dyadic health outcomes for stroke patients and caregivers.

Trial registration number

The study was registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry and the registration number is ChiCTR2100053591.
Physical Activity and Its Associated Factors among Patients with Hypertension at Amhara Region Comprehensive Specialised Hospitals, Northwest Ethiopia: An Institutional Based Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Belay Gashaw Jember , Fentanew Molla , Belay Misganaw , Gobezie Melese , Bekele Gebremariam , Getie Kefale , Shiferaw Kassaw Belay , Takele Mihret Dejen , Cherkos Kassahun , Zemariam Alemu Birara
Published: September 2023

Background

Accurate evaluation of physical activity for patients with hypertension is important to determine patients’ health outcomes and intervention measures. Information about physical activity among patients with hypertension in Ethiopia is not well known.

Objective

This study was aimed to assess the physical activity and associated factors among patients with hypertension.

Study design

An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted.

Study setting

The study was conducted at the Tertiary Hospital Northwest, Ethiopia.

Outcome measures

Physical activity was assessed by Global Physical Activity Questionnaire as the primary outcome and factors significantly associated with physical activity were secondary outcomes.

Participants

Four hundred and twenty patients with hypertension took part in the study; among those 233 were men and 187 were women. The study participants were chosen using a systematic random sampling method. SPSS V.20 statistical software was used to analyse the data. In the multivariable logistic regression analysis model, adjusted OR (AOR) with a 95% CI and p value<0.05 were used to identify the associated factors with physical activities.

Results

Our study showed that 19.1% of study participants had inadequate physical activity, being old age with AOR: 10.27 (3.21 to 33.01), low or poor self-efficacy with AOR: 10.34 (4.89 to 21.84), poor self-rated health with AOR: 5.91 (1.73 to 20.13) and lack of adequate facilities with AOR: 4.07 (1.72 to 9.66) were significantly associated with inadequate physical activity.

Conclusion

Inadequate physical activity was detected in one-fifth of the study participants, according to our research. Being elderly, having low self-efficacy, having inadequate facilities and having poor self-rated health were all linked to inadequate physical activity.
Clinical outcomes of non-COVID-19 orthopaedic patients admitted during the COVID-19 pandemic: a multi-centre interrupted time series analysis across hospitals in six different countries
Authors: Hoogervorst Lotje Anna , Stijnen Pieter , Albini Marco , Janda Nina , Stewardson Andrew J , Patel Kiran , Nelissen Rob G H H , Marang-van de Mheen Perla
Published: September 2023

Objectives

To assess across seven hospitals from six different countries the extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic affected the volumes of orthopaedic hospital admissions and patient outcomes for non-COVID-19 patients admitted for orthopaedic care.

Design

A multi-centre interrupted time series (ITS) analysis.

Setting

Seven hospitals from six countries who collaborated within the Global Health Data@Work collaborative.

Participants

Non-COVID-19 patients admitted for orthopaedic care during the pre-pandemic (January/2018–February/2020) and COVID-19 pandemic (March/2020–June/2021) period. Admissions were categorised as: (1) acute admissions (lower limb fractures/neck of femur fractures/pathological fractures/joint dislocations/upper limb fractures); (2) subacute admissions (bone cancer); (3) elective admissions (osteoarthritis).

Outcome measures

Monthly observed versus expected ratios (O/E) were calculated for in-hospital mortality, long (upper-decile) length-of-stay and hospital readmissions, with expected rates calculated based on case-mix. An ITS design was used to estimate the change in level and/or trend of the monthly O/E ratio by comparing the COVID-19 pandemic with the pre-pandemic period.

Results

69 221 (pre-pandemic) and 22 940 (COVID-19 pandemic) non-COVID-19 orthopaedic patient admissions were included. Admission volumes were reduced during the COVID-19 pandemic for all admission categories (range: 33%–45%), with more complex patients treated as shown by higher percentages of patients admitted with ≥1 comorbidity (53.8% versus 49.8%, p<0.001). The COVID-19 pandemic was not associated with significant changes in patient outcomes for most diagnostic groups. Only for patients diagnosed with pathological fractures (pre-pandemic n=1671 and pandemic n=749), the COVID-19 pandemic was significantly associated with an immediate mortality reduction (level change of −77.7%, 95% CI −127.9% to −25.7%) and for lower limb fracture patients (pre-pandemic n=9898 and pandemic n=3307) with a significantly reduced trend in readmissions (trend change of −6.3% per month, 95% CI −11.0% to −1.6%).

Conclusions

Acute, subacute, as well as elective orthopaedic hospital admissions volumes were reduced in all global participating hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic, while overall patient outcomes for most admitted non-COVID-19 patients remained the same despite the strain caused by the surge of COVID-19 patients.
Factors affecting knowledge and attitude of healthcare workers towards basic life support in Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar, Pakistan: a cross-sectional analysis
Authors: Hasnain Samar , Hussan Jehan , Khan Laiba , Muhammad Shabir , Kamal Khkula , Sawaira  , Hayat Umair , Abbasi Areej , Akhlaq Muhammad , Ahmad Ali , Ahmad Khizar
Published: September 2023

Objective

This study was conducted to assess the knowledge and attitude of healthcare workers towards basic life support (BLS) in Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar, and to investigate the factors affecting them.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

This study was carried out in a tertiary care hospital in Peshawar, Pakistan.

Participants

201 healthcare professionals were recruited for this study through simple convenience sampling which included house officers (HOs), trained medical officers, postgraduate residents, professors, specialty registrars and nurses. Healthcare professionals who were reluctant to give consent were excluded from the study.

Results

Among the chosen participants, only 16.4% had good knowledge whereas 63% had a good attitude towards BLS. Knowledge of participants was found to be positively associated with less time elapsed between the training sessions (p=0.041). On the other hand, factors such as age(p=0.004), designation (p=0.05), number of BLS sessions attended (p=0.012) and the time elapsed since the last BLS session attended (p=0.015), were positively associated with the attitude of healthcare professionals.

Conclusion

The level of knowledge and attitude towards BLS by healthcare professionals was suboptimal. Those individuals who had attended BLS training sessions frequently had better knowledge and attitude as compared with their counterparts.
Translating digital healthcare to enhance clinical management: a protocol for an observational study using a digital health technology system to monitor medication adherence and its effect on mobility in people with Parkinson’s
Authors: Packer Emma , Debelle Héloïse , Bailey Harry G B , Ciravegna Fabio , Ireson Neil , Evers Jordi , Niessen Martijn , Shi Jian Qing , Yarnall Alison J , Rochester Lynn , Alcock Lisa , Del Din Silvia
Published: September 2023

Introduction

In people with Parkinson’s (PwP) impaired mobility is associated with an increased falls risk. To improve mobility, dopaminergic medication is typically prescribed, but complex medication regimens result in suboptimal adherence. Exploring medication adherence and its impact on mobility in PwP will provide essential insights to optimise medication regimens and improve mobility. However, this is typically assessed in controlled environments, during one-off clinical assessments. Digital health technology (DHT) presents a means to overcome this, by continuously and remotely monitoring mobility and medication adherence. This study aims to use a novel DHT system (DHTS) (comprising of a smartphone, smartwatch and inertial measurement unit (IMU)) to assess self-reported medication adherence, and its impact on digital mobility outcomes (DMOs) in PwP.

Methods and analysis

This single-centre, UK-based study, will recruit 55 participants with Parkinson’s. Participants will complete a range of clinical, and physical assessments. Participants will interact with a DHTS over 7 days, to assess self-reported medication adherence, and monitor mobility and contextual factors in the real world. Participants will complete a motor complications diary (ON-OFF-Dyskinesia) throughout the monitoring period and, at the end, a questionnaire and series of open-text questions to evaluate DHTS usability. Feasibility of the DHTS and the motor complications diary will be assessed. Validated algorithms will quantify DMOs from IMU walking activity. Time series modelling and deep learning techniques will model and predict DMO response to medication and effects of contextual factors. This study will provide essential insights into medication adherence and its effect on real-world mobility in PwP, providing insights to optimise medication regimens.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval was granted by London—142 Westminster Research Ethics Committee (REC: 21/PR/0469), protocol V.2.4. Results will be published in peer-reviewed journals. All participants will provide written, informed consent.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN13156149.
Roles of doctor–patient relationship perception and job satisfaction in the impact of workplace violence on medical professionals’ turnover intentions in the early phase of COVID-19: a cross-sectional study in China
Authors: Li Tiantian , Guan Lizheng , Zhang Rui , Han Youli , Guo Rui , Li Jun , Ma Chengyu , Zhang Ning , Fan Yezhi , Huang Yumei
Published: September 2023

Objective

This study aimed to explore the role of the doctor–patient relationship (DPR) perception from the perspective of medical professionals in the association between workplace violence (WPV), job satisfaction and turnover intention in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic based on the affective events theory (AET).

Design

A cross-sectional study.

Setting

Nine medical institutions in Beijing were enrolled in this study.

Participants

In total, 792 medical professionals participated in the study, excluding administrators and logisticians.

Results

The structural equation model was well adapted (comparative fit index (CFI) = 0.933; root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.060). DPR mediated the association between WPV and job satisfaction, with an indirect effect of 0.247 (p<0.001). DPR perception mediated the effect of WPV on turnover intention, with an indirect effect of 0.090 (p<0.001). It also played a chain-mediating role in job satisfaction between WPV and turnover intention, with a mediation value of 0.117 (p<0.001), accounting for 53.42% of the total effect.

Conclusions

This study developed a stable model using AET. DPR perception plays an important role in the relationship between WPV and job satisfaction and turnover intention, suggesting the key impact of emotional factors. This has strong practical implications for maintaining the stability of medical teams. Therefore, medical institutions should improve the level of DPR perception from the perspective of medical professionals to effectively prevent mental health problems following WPV.
BabyBreathe trial: protocol for a randomised controlled trial of a complex intervention to prevent postpartum return to smoking
Authors: Notley Caitlin , Brown Tracey J , Bauld Linda , Clark Allan B , Duneclift Sharon , Gilroy Vicky , Harris Tess , Hardeman Wendy , Holland Richard , Howard Gregory , Man Mei-See , Naughton Felix , Smith Dan , Turner David , Ussher Michael
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Many people quit smoking during pregnancy, but postpartum smoking relapse is common. Maintaining smoking abstinence achieved during pregnancy is key to improving maternal and child health. There are no evidence-based interventions for preventing postpartum smoking relapse. This trial aims to determine whether an intervention to prevent postpartum relapse is effective and cost-effective.

Methods and analysis

A randomised controlled trial of a complex intervention to prevent postpartum smoking relapse (BabyBreathe), with internal pilot, economic and process evaluations. Participants are adults who are pregnant and who report having quit smoking in the 12 months before, or during pregnancy. Participants are eligible if they read and understand English, and provide informed consent. Following consent and biochemical validation of smoking abstinence, participants are randomised to intervention or usual care/control (no specific relapse prevention support). The BabyBreathe intervention consists of manualised advice from a trained member of the health visiting service, health information leaflets for participants and partners, access to the BabyBreathe website and app. At the time of birth, participants are posted the BabyBreathe box and support is provided by text message for up to 12 months postpartum. Target sample size is 880, recruiting across midwifery services at four hubs in England and Scotland and through remote advertising in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Outcomes are collected at 6 and 12 months. The primary outcome is self-reported sustained smoking abstinence at 12 months, carbon monoxide verified. Secondary outcomes include self-reported abstinence, time to relapse, partner smoking status and quality of life.

Ethics and dissemination

The trial was approved by the North West Preston Research Ethics committee (21/NW/0017). Dissemination will include publication in peer-reviewed journals, presentation at academic and public conferences including patient and public involvement and to policymakers and practitioners.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN70307341
Abnormal gastrointestinal motility is a major factor in explaining symptoms and a potential therapeutic target in patients with disorders of gut–brain interaction
Authors: Camilleri Michael
Published: September 2023

The objective of this article is to review the evidence of abnormal gastrointestinal (GI) tract motor functions in the context of disorders of gut–brain interaction (DGBI). These include abnormalities of oesophageal motility, gastric emptying, gastric accommodation, colonic transit, colonic motility, colonic volume and rectal evacuation. For each section regarding GI motor dysfunction, the article describes the preferred methods and the documented motor dysfunctions in DGBI based on those methods. The predominantly non-invasive measurements of gut motility as well as therapeutic interventions directed to abnormalities of motility suggest that such measurements are to be considered in patients with DGBI not responding to first-line approaches to behavioural or empirical dietary or pharmacological treatment.
Financial burden of anterior cruciate ligament reconstructions in football (soccer) players: an Australian cost of injury study
Authors: Ross Andrew George , Agresta Blaise , McKay Marnee , Pappas Evangelos , Cheng Tegan , Peek Kerry
Published: September 2023

Objectives

To estimate the financial burden of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructions in amateur football (soccer) players in Australia over a single year, including both direct and indirect cost.

Methods

Available national direct and indirect cost data were applied to the annual incidence of ACL reconstructions in Australia. Age-adjusted and sex-adjusted total and mean costs (ACL and osteoarthritis (OA)) were calculated for amateur football (soccer) players in Australia using an incidence-based approach.

Results

The estimated cost of ACL reconstructions for amateur football players is $A69 623 211 with a mean total cost of $A34 079. The mean indirect costs are 19.8% higher than the mean direct costs. The mean indirect costs are lower in female (11.5%, $A28 628) and junior (15.3%, $A29 077) football players. The mean ACL costs are 3–4-fold greater than the mean OA costs ($A27 099 vs $A6450, respectively), remaining consistent when stratified by sex and age group. Our model suggests that for every 10% increase in adherence to injury prevention programmes, which equates to approximately 102 less ACL injuries per year, $A9 460 224 in ACL costs could be saved.

Conclusion

While the number of ACL reconstructions per year among football players in Australia is relatively small, the annual financial burden is high. Our study suggests that if injury prevention exercises programmes are prioritised by stakeholders in football, significant cost-savings are possible.
Research misconduct as a challenge for academic institutions and scientific journals
Authors: Candal-Pedreira Cristina , Ross Joseph S , Marušić Ana , Ruano-Ravina Alberto
Published: September 2023

Research misconduct refers to a set of unethical practices in research and publication and is the main reason for retraction of articles published in the academic literature. Research misconduct has negative consequences and has generated public scepticism about research, which has led to increasing distrust in science. In this context, a joint effort by the scientific community, academic institutions, scientific journals and research funders is needed to identify and prevent research misconduct. In this paper, we will evaluate what has already been done and what is needed to do to better address research misconduct. The focus of this paper will be on the actions taken by academic institutions, as the first line of defence, and scientific journals, as the gatekeepers of science. However, scientific journals and academic institutions are only a part of a much larger and multistakeholder effort needed to address the challenges scientific research is facing.
Splenic mass diagnosis in dogs undergoing splenectomy according to breed size
Authors: O'Byrne Kadie , Hosgood Giselle
Published: September 2023

Various splenic diseases can result in a splenic mass and necessitate splenectomy. The objective of this study was to compare the prevalence of malignant and benign splenic diseases, and type of malignant disease, in dogs categorised by breed size. It was hypothesised that the prevalence of splenic disease would be significantly different in small versus large‐breed dogs. All dogs had a splenic mass identified with ultrasonography or CT, and had a confirmed diagnosis. Dogs were categorised as small, medium and large breeds according to breed standards. There were 54 small, 139 medium and 41 large‐breed dogs; 129/234, 55% (95% CI 49% to 61%) had malignant disease versus 105/234, 45% (95% CI 39% to 51%) with benign disease (P=0.117). The prevalence of malignant versus benign disease was not significantly different for small (P=0.276), medium (P=0.074) or large‐breed dogs (P=0.080). Small‐breed dogs were 2.3 times more likely than large‐breed dogs to have benign disease. Small‐breed dogs with malignant disease were one‐third as likely as large‐breed dogs to have haemangiosarcoma. In conclusion, the overall prevalence of malignant and benign diseases was 50:50; however, compared with large‐breed dogs, small‐breed dogs are more likely to have benign disease. When small dogs do have malignant disease, they are, however, less likely to have haemangiosarcoma. This information is important to consider in early discussions with owners of dogs of various breed sizes.
Ten‐minute chat
Authors: Scott Claire
Published: September 2023

Claire Scott is a fourth‐year student at the Royal Veterinary College. She has embarked on rotations and completed several of her required extramural studies weeks, including one spent with Veterinary Record.
Supersymmetric partition function hierarchies and character expansions
Authors: Wang Rui , Liu Fan , Li Min-Li , Zhao Wei-Zhong
Published: September 2023

We construct the supersymmetric$$\beta $$βand (q, t)-deformed Hurwitz–Kontsevich partition functions throughW-representations and present the corresponding character expansions with respect to the Jack and Macdonald superpolynomials, respectively. Based on the constructed$$\beta $$βand (q, t)-deformed superoperators, we further give the supersymmetric$$\beta $$βand (q, t)-deformed partition function hierarchies throughW-representations. We also present the generalized super Virasoro constraints, where the constraint operators obey the generalized super Virasoro algebra and null super 3-algebra. Moreover, the superintegrability for these (non-deformed) supersymmetric hierarchies is shown by their character expansions, i.e.,$$\sim character$$∼character.
The 3-loop polynomial of knots obtained by plumbing the doubles of two knots
Authors: Yamaguchi Kouki
Published: September 2023

The 3-loop invariant (or, the 3-loop polynomial) of a knot is a rational form (or, a polynomial) presenting the 3-loop part of the Kontsevich invariant of knots. In this paper, we calculate the 3-loop polynomial of knots obtained by plumbing the doubles of two knots; this class of knots includes untwisted Whitehead doubles. We construct the 3-loop invariant by calculating the rational version of the Aarhus integral of a surgery presentation. As a consequence, we obtain an explicit presentation of the 3-loop polynomial for the knots.
Complete symmetry group for the generalized convection-reaction-diffusion equation
Authors: Paliathanasis A.
Published: September 2023

In this paper, we perform a detailed group classification for a generalized convection-reaction-diffusion equation with three unknown functions. Specifically, we determine all the functional forms for the unknown functions where the given equation admits nontrivial Lie point symmetries. The classification problem provides us with eight families of equations summarized in four categories. The admitted Lie symmetries form the four Lie algebras [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. For the four families of the classification problem we calculate the one-dimensional optimal system and we derive all the similarity transformations which reduce the partial differential equation into an ordinary differential equation. Applications of the similarity transformations are presented while exact solutions are derived.
Dynamical system scenario for accretion discs: Dark energy acting through the spacetime metric
Authors: Deogharia Giridhari , Biswas Ritabrata
Published: September 2023

Studies of accretion toward black holes are found in the literature where dark energy is chosen to act as the accreting agent. Studies of a dynamical system related to such a phase portrait are also available. In this paper, the central engine is opted to be embedded in a dark energy universe. Footprints of the dark energy equation of state are found in the black hole’s metric chosen by us. Using the pseudo Newtonian method, the force complexity due to relativity is replaced with simplified terms. Dynamical system for a viscous accretion is constructed. Each point of this said system is a three-coordinated tuple presenting radial inward speed, sonic speed and specific angular momenta one after the other. A bent curve of center equilibrium is found. Two planes are seen which are, respectively, attractor and repeller. Every case is physically interpreted. For a viscous accretion onto a dark energy embedded black hole, it is followed that the center equilibrium points are forming a closed curve taking the origin on its own plane. Though the orbit of such a center equilibrium curve keeps only a part of it in the space of discussion.