bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Organic Agriculture in Focus: Exploring Serbian Producers’ Views on the Common Agricultural Policy and the National Agrarian Policy
Authors: Tomaš Simin Mirela , Milić Dragan , Novaković Dragana , Zekić Vladislav , Novaković Tihomir
Published: May 2024

Organic agriculture represents an alternative system of agricultural production that is included in the so-called sustainable agricultural practices. Development strategies in almost all countries today highlight the problem of environmental degradation, which is partly caused by the application of agrotechnical measures used in conventional agriculture. Consequently, organic production is gaining more and more importance, affecting the trend of its development. Considering the status of the Republic of Serbia as a candidate country for the European Union, it is of particular importance to understand the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) of the EU and the position that organic producers and production have. The aim of this research was to analyze the attitudes of organic producers towards the CAP and the agrarian policy of the Republic of Serbia and their expectations following the Republic of Serbia’s entry into the EU. Statistical data processing involved descriptive statistical analysis followed by binary logistic regression. The results of the research showed that organic producers are not sufficiently familiar with the CAP, they believe that the agricultural policy of the Republic of Serbia is not favorable for organic producers and that their situation will not change significantly with entry into the EU, but that the position of organic production in the EU is better in comparison to that of the Republic of Serbia. In conclusion, the authors state that such attitudes and thoughts of organic producers are a limiting factor in the further development of organic agriculture and that it is necessary to work on them through continuous measures developed by competent ministries, local self-governments and advisory services.
Assessing the Influence of Planting Dates on Sustainable Maize Production under Drought Stress Conditions
Authors: Tang Huaijun , Xie Xiaoqing , Zhang Lei , Liu Cheng
Published: May 2024

Water is one of the most precious resources and is essential to agricultural output; the biggest user of water is the agricultural sector. Several societal sectors are impacted by the problem of climate change, including agriculture, water resources, and irrigation water demand. A key element in determining sustainable crop production potential is choosing the right cultivars at the right time of year to plant. The dates on which maize is sown are greatly impacted by high summer temperatures and low spring temperatures. Water stress and the timing of sowing can have a significant impact on maize crop yield and water use efficiency. As a result, figuring out the ideal irrigation volume and sowing dates depending on local conditions is essential. A split plot layout was used to create a randomized complete block design for an experiment with five sowing dates (A, B, C, D, and E) and six hybrids (KWS3376, Xinyu 65, KWS9384, Huamei No. 1, Xinyu 102, and Heyu 187). All sowing dates and hybrids had a significant impact on the yield and yield-contributing features (leaf length, ear diameter, grain number per spike, grain breadth, hundred-grain weight, etc.) of maize crops according to the data analysis. A higher grain yield with yield features, such as ear length, number of grains per ear, and hundred-grain weight, was obtained with early-season sowing. Delayed seeding resulted in a lower crop yield. The seasonally delayed seeding of maize reduces yield and yield characteristics. Xinyu 65 produced the highest yield and yield component values of any hybrid. For improved yield and yield traits in the examined area, the study recommended planting maize hybrid Xinyu 65 early in the growing season.
A Multi-Objective Approach for Optimal Sizing and Placement of Distributed Generators and Distribution Static Compensators in a Distribution Network Using the Black Widow Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Shaikh Rameez , Stojcevski Alex , Seyedmahmoudian Mehdi , Chandran Jaideep
Published: May 2024

This paper presents a new optimization technique for the locations and sizes of Distributed Generators (DGs) and distribution static compensators (DSTATCOMs) in a radial system of a distribution network based on a multi-objective approach. It uses black widow optimization to improve voltage profile and power loss reduction. The black widow optimization simulates the mating behaviour of black widow spiders. The optimum size and placement of DGs and DSTATCOMs are deemed to be decision variables that are defined by using black widow optimization. The proposed technique is implemented in selected IEEE bus systems to evaluate its performance. The simulation results indicate reduced power losses and voltage profile enhancement as sizes and locations of integrated DGs and DSTATCOMs are adjusted based on optimization. The number of DGs and DSTATCOMs required to achieve the objectives is reduced. Furthermore, the results of the black widow algorithm are compared to existing techniques in the literature.
Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm Using Velocity Pausing and Adaptive Strategy
Authors: Tang Kezong , Meng Chengjian
Published: May 2024

Particle swarm optimization (PSO) as a swarm intelligence-based optimization algorithm has been widely applied to solve various real-world optimization problems. However, traditional PSO algorithms encounter issues such as premature convergence and an imbalance between global exploration and local exploitation capabilities when dealing with complex optimization tasks. To address these shortcomings, an enhanced PSO algorithm incorporating velocity pausing and adaptive strategies is proposed. By leveraging the search characteristics of velocity pausing and the terminal replacement mechanism, the problem of premature convergence inherent in standard PSO algorithms is mitigated. The algorithm further refines and controls the search space of the particle swarm through time-varying inertia coefficients, symmetric cooperative swarms concepts, and adaptive strategies, balancing global search and local exploitation. The performance of VASPSO was validated on 29 standard functions from Cec2017, comparing it against five PSO variants and seven swarm intelligence algorithms. Experimental results demonstrate that VASPSO exhibits considerable competitiveness when compared with 12 algorithms. The relevant code can be found on our project homepage.
Sufficient Conditions for Linear Operators Related to Confluent Hypergeometric Function and Generalized Bessel Function of the First Kind to Belong to a Certain Class of Analytic Functions
Authors: Mondal Saiful R. , Giri Manas Kumar , Kondooru Raghavendar
Published: May 2024

Geometric function theory has extensively explored the geometric characteristics of analytic functions within symmetric domains. This study analyzes the geometric properties of a specific class of analytic functions employing confluent hypergeometric functions and generalized Bessel functions of the first kind. Specific constraints are imposed on the parameters to ensure the inclusion of the confluent hypergeometric function within the analytic function class. The coefficient bound of the class is used to determine the inclusion properties of integral operators involving generalized Bessel functions of the first kind. Different results are observed for these operators, depending on the specific values of the parameters. The results presented here include some previously published findings as special cases.
A Note on the Application of the Double Sumudu–Generalized Laplace Decomposition Method and 1+1- and 2+1-Dimensional Time-Fractional Boussinesq Equations
Authors: Eltayeb Hassan , Mesloub Said
Published: May 2024

The current paper concentrates on discovering the exact solutions of the singular time-fractional Boussinesq equation and coupled time-fractional Boussinesq equation by presenting a new technique known as the double Sumudu–generalized Laplace and Adomian decomposition method. Here, two main theorems are addressed that are very useful in this work. Moreover, the mentioned method is effective in solving several problems. Some examples are presented to check the precision and symmetry of the technique. The outcomes show that the proposed technique is precise and gives better solutions as compared to existing methods in the literature.
Hospitality Art Experience Model: The Effects of Visual Art on Guests’ Attitudes and Behavior
Authors: Godovykh Maksim
Published: May 2024

Art evokes a wide range of effects, including emotional, cognitive, and behavioral outcomes. Despite the growing recognition of the role of art in tourism and hospitality, there is a gap in understanding how the different attributes of visual art influence guests’ responses. This perspective paper aims to address this gap by introducing a conceptual framework of the effects of visual art attributes on guests’ perceptions and behavioral intentions and calls for future research on the effects of different art characteristics in hospitality settings. Various attributes of visual art, such as the style, content, size, context, color palette, and thematic relevance of artworks, can serve as antecedents to guest experiences. Several factors can moderate the relationships between different art attributes and perceptions of art, including socio-demographic characteristics, personality traits, cultural differences, familiarity with art, and prior experiences. Hotel or vacation rental characteristics, including price, service quality, ratings, amenities, and other factors, can also interact with art perceptions in shaping attitudes toward the accommodation and behavioral intentions. A combination of survey methods, interviews, experience sampling, experiments, and emerging techniques can be applied in future studies to explore the effects of visual art and its attributes on guest and business outcomes. The proposed framework brings important implications for both academic scholarship and industry practice.
Correction: de Oliveira et al. Viper Venom Phospholipase A2 Database: The Structural and Functional Anatomy of a Primary Toxin in Envenomation. Toxins 2024, 16, 71
Authors: de Oliveira Ana L. Novo , Lacerda Miguel T. , Ramos Maria J. , Fernandes Pedro A.
Published: May 2024

In the published publication [...]
Frequent Dietary Multi-Mycotoxin Exposure in UK Children and Its Association with Dietary Intake
Authors: Charusalaipong Praosiri , Gordon Margaret-Jane , Cantlay Louise , De Souza Nicosha , Horgan Graham W. , Bates Ruth , Gratz Silvia W.
Published: May 2024

Mycotoxins are potent fungal toxins that frequently contaminate agricultural crops and foods. Mycotoxin exposure is frequently reported in humans, and children are known to be particularly at risk of exceeding safe levels of exposure. Urinary biomonitoring is used to assess overall dietary exposure to multiple mycotoxins. This study aims to quantify multi-mycotoxin exposure in UK children and to identify major food groups contributing to exposure. Four repeat urine samples were collected from 29 children (13 boys and 16 girls, aged 2.4–6.8 years), and food diaries were recorded to assess their exposure to eleven mycotoxins. Urine samples (n = 114) were hydrolysed with β-glucuronidase, enriched through immunoaffinity columns and analysed by LC-MS/MS for deoxynivalenol (DON), nivalenol (NIV), T-2/HT-2 toxins, zearalenone (ZEN), ochratoxin A (OTA) and aflatoxins. Food diaries were analysed using WinDiet software, and the daily intake of high-risk foods for mycotoxin contamination summarised. The most prevalent mycotoxins found in urine samples were DON (95.6% of all samples), OTA (88.6%), HT-2 toxin (53.5%), ZEN (48.2%) and NIV (26.3%). Intake of total cereal-based foods was strongly positively associated with urinary levels of DON and T-2/HT-2 and oat intake with urinary T-2/HT-2. Average daily mycotoxin excretion ranged from 12.10 µg/d (DON) to 0.03 µg/d (OTA), and co-exposure to three or more mycotoxins was found in 66% of samples. Comparing mycotoxin intake estimates to tolerable daily intakes (TDI) demonstrates frequent TDI exceedances (DON 34.2% of all samples, T-2/HT-2 14.9%, NIV 4.4% and ZEN 5.2%). OTA was frequently detected at low levels. When mean daily OTA intake was compared to the reference value for non-neoplastic lesions, the resulting Margin of Exposure (MoE) of 65 was narrow, indicating a health concern. In conclusion, this study demonstrates frequent exposure of UK children to multiple mycotoxins at levels high enough to pose a health concern if exposure is continuous.
Concomitant Botulinum Toxin Injections for Neurogenic Detrusor Overactivity and Spasticity—A Retrospective Analysis of Practice and Safety
Authors: Leilaz Arnaud , Joussain Charles , Denys Pierre , Bensmail Djamel , Levy Jonathan
Published: May 2024

As multiple indications for botulinum toxin injections (BTIs) can coexist for neurological patients, there are to date no description of concomitant injections (CIs) to treat both spasticity and neurogenic detrusor overactivity incontinence (NDOI) in patients with spinal cord injuries (SCIs) and multiple sclerosis (MS). We therefore identified patients followed at our institution by health data hub digging, using a specific procedure coding system in use in France, who have been treated at least once with detrusor and skeletal muscle BTIs within the same 1-month period, over the past 5 years (2017–2021). We analyzed 72 patients representing 319 CIs. Fifty (69%) were male, and the patients were mostly SCI (76%) and MS (18%) patients and were treated by a mean number of CIs of 4.4 ± 3.6 [1–14]. The mean cumulative dose was 442.1 ± 98.8 U, and 95% of CIs were performed within a 72 h timeframe. Among all CIs, five patients had symptoms evocative of distant spread but only one had a confirmed pathological jitter in single-fiber EMG. Eleven discontinued CIs for surgical alternatives: enterocystoplasty (five), tenotomy (three), intrathecal baclofen (two) and neurotomy (one). Concomitant BTIs for treating both spasticity and NDOI at the same time appeared safe when performed within a short delay and in compliance with actual knowledge for maximum doses.
Actinobacteria as Promising Biocontrol Agents for In Vitro and In Planta Degradation and Detoxification of Zearalenone
Authors: De Troyer Larissa , De Zutter Noémie , De Saeger Sarah , Dumoulin Frédéric , Croubels Siska , De Baere Siegrid , De Gelder Leen , Audenaert Kris
Published: May 2024

Zearalenone (ZEN) is a prevalent mycotoxin found in grains and grain-derived products, inducing adverse health effects in both animals and humans. The in-field application of microorganisms to degrade and detoxify ZEN is a promising strategy to enhance the safety of food and feed. In this study, we investigated the potential of three actinobacterial strains to degrade and detoxify ZEN in vitro and in planta on wheat ears. The residual ZEN concentration and toxicity in the samples were analysed with UHPLC-MS/MS and a bioluminescence BLYES assay, respectively. Streptomyces rimosus subsp. rimosus LMG19352 could completely degrade and detoxify 5 mg/L ZEN in LB broth within 24 h, along with significant reductions in ZEN concentration both in a minimal medium (MM) and on wheat ears. Additionally, it was the only strain that showed a significant colonisation of these ears. Rhodococcus sp. R25614 exhibited partial but significant degradation in LB broth and MM, whereas Streptomyces sp. LMG16995 degraded and detoxified ZEN in LB broth after 72 h by 39% and 33%, respectively. Although all three actinobacterial strains demonstrated the metabolic capability to degrade and detoxify ZEN in vitro, only S. rimosus subsp. rimosus LMG19352 showed promising potential to mitigate ZEN in planta. This distinction underscores the importance of incorporating in planta screening assays for assessing the potential of mycotoxin-biotransforming microorganisms as biocontrol agents.
Timing of Assessment of Humoral and Cell-Mediated Immunity after Influenza Vaccination
Authors: Otani Naruhito , Nakajima Kazuhiko , Yamada Kumiko , Ishikawa Kaori , Ichiki Kaoru , Ueda Takashi , Takesue Yoshio , Yamamoto Takuma , Higasa Satoshi , Tanimura Susumu , Inai Yuta , Okuno Toshiomi
Published: May 2024

Assessment of the immune response to influenza vaccines should include an assessment of both humoral and cell-mediated immunity. However, there is a lack of consensus regarding the timing of immunological assessment of humoral and cell-mediated immunity after vaccination. Therefore, we investigated the timing of immunological assessments after vaccination using markers of humoral and cell-mediated immunity. In the 2018/2019 influenza season, blood was collected from 29 healthy adults before and after vaccination with a quadrivalent inactivated influenza vaccine, and we performed serial measurements of humoral immunity (hemagglutination inhibition [HAI] and neutralizing antibody [NT]) and cell-mediated immunity (interferon-gamma [IFN-γ]). The HAI and NT titers before and after vaccination were strongly correlated, but no correlation was observed between the markers of cell-mediated and humoral immunity. The geometric mean titer and geometric mean concentration of humoral and cellular immune markers increased within 2 weeks after vaccination and had already declined by 8 weeks. This study suggests that the optimal time to assess the immune response is 2 weeks after vaccination. Appropriately timed immunological assessments can help ensure that vaccination is effective.
Priority Setting and Resource Allocation in Coastal Local Government Marine Regulatory Reform: Application of Machine Learning in Resource Optimization
Authors: Tian Yingying , Wang Qi
Published: May 2024

This study investigates the prioritization and resource allocation strategies adopted by the coastal local governments of Qingdao, Dalian, and Xiamen in the context of marine regulatory reform aimed at enhancing regulatory efficiency. Data on relevant opinions, departmental requirements, and existing resource allocations were collected through a questionnaire survey. A backpropagation (BP) neural network was then applied to analyze the survey data, prioritize regulatory tasks, and propose resource allocation schemes. The findings demonstrate that integrating machine learning into marine regulation can significantly improve resource utilization efficiency, optimize task execution sequences, and enhance the scientific and refined nature of regulatory work. The BP neural network model exhibited strong predictive capabilities on the training set and demonstrated good generalization abilities on the test set. The performance of the BP neural network model varied slightly across different management levels. For the management level, the accuracy, precision, and recall rates were 85%, 88%, and 82%, respectively. For the supervisory level, these metrics were 81%, 83%, and 78%, respectively. At the employee level, the accuracy, precision, and recall rates were 79%, 81%, and 76%, respectively. These results indicate that the BP neural network model can provide differentiated resource allocation recommendations based on the needs of different management levels. Additionally, the model’s performance was assessed based on the employees’ years of experience. For employees with 0–5 years of experience, the accuracy, precision, and recall rates were 82%, 84%, and 79%, respectively. For those with 5–10 years of experience, the metrics were 83%, 86%, and 80%, respectively. For employees with over 10 years of experience, the accuracy, precision, and recall rates were 85%, 88%, and 82%, respectively. These data further confirm the applicability and effectiveness of the BP neural network model across different experience groups. Thus, the adoption of machine learning technologies for optimizing marine regulatory resources holds significant practical value, aiding in the enhancement of regulatory capacity and effectiveness within coastal local governments.
Investigating the Hydrological Relationship between the North Taihang Tunnel and Tianshengqiao Nine Falls
Authors: Wang Xinfeng , Gong Lei , Liu Yuanqing , Wang Yan , Wang Qingang , Song Mian , Xiao Pan , Shi Zheming
Published: May 2024

The impact of a tunnel construction on the groundwater system depends on various parameters and cannot be easily predicted. Along these lines, a deep understanding of the hydrological relationship between tunnels and surface water is considered of vital importance for ensuring safety during railway construction. Upon completion, the North Taihang Tunnel will be one of four extra-long railway tunnels running through the natural ecotope and level-3 protection areas of the Tianshengqiao National Geological Park in Fuping County, Hebei Province. It will be 1 km away from the Tianshengqiao Nine Falls, which is known as a breathtaking landscape feature in Northern China. Local government, societies, and railway design units have raised concerns about whether the construction and operation of the North Taihang Tunnel will affect the Tianshengqiao Nine Falls. To effectively address this issue, in this work, hydrogeological mapping and hydraulic potential-energy calculations were performed in conjunction with hydrochemical and geological structure analyses. The groundwater system units in the study area were divided and the water source of the nine-level waterfall was determined retrospectively. In addition, the recharge of groundwater to the nine-level waterfall was calculated, the hydrogeological properties of the linear structure were analyzed, and the dominant channels of underwater discharge in surface water were compared and studied. The extracted results indicated that: (1) The Tianshengqiao Nine Falls represent a seasonal fall landscape, which is mainly supplied by surface water formed by precipitation and a low proportion of groundwater supply. (2) The water bodies of the North Taihang Tunnel project and Tianshengqiao Nine Falls belong to two independent groundwater systems. (3) No linear structure that connects these two groundwater systems has yet been discovered. It is widely accepted that a minor possibility of hydraulic connection might be present between the North Taihang Tunnel and Tianshengqiao Nine Falls. This work analyzed the water quantity of Nine Falls, determined the hydraulic relationship between the tunnel project and the waterhead of the Nine Falls, and addressed all stakeholder concerns. The conclusions could provide technological support for the scheduled construction projects.
Optimization of an Industrial Recycling Line: The Effect of Processing Parameters on Mechanical Properties of Recycled Polyethylene (PE) Blends
Authors: Lamtai Alae , Elkoun Said , Kharmoudi Hniya , Robert Mathieu , Diez Carl
Published: May 2024

This study concerns the optimization of an industrial recycling line; in other terms, this paper aims to find the optimal processing parameters that allow for a decrease in the loss of stress crack resistance (SCR) using a notched crack ligament stress (NCLS) test and an increase in the gain of the elongation at break, flexural modulus, and Izod impact strength of a polyethylene (PE) blend before and after recycling. The recycling line is composed mainly of a mono- and twin-screw extruder and a filtration system. Hence, the research question is as follows: How can we optimize the recycling process, without compromising the mechanical properties of recycled polyethylene (PE) blends? To answer the research question, Taguchi’s design of experiment and grey relational analysis (GRA) for multiobjective optimization was applied. Experiments were performed according to L16 standard orthogonal array based on five process parameters: mono-screw design, screw speed of the mono- and twin-screw extruder, melt pump pressure, and filter mesh size. Based on grey relational analysis (GRA), the optimal setting of process parameters was identified, and a barrier screw and a higher screw speed for both extruders were allowed to have optimal mechanical properties. Furthermore, the analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated that the mono-screw design and screw speed of the mono- and twin-screw extruder significantly impact the mechanical properties of recycled polyethylene (PE) blends.
Hidden systems in primary care cancer detection: an embedded qualitative intervention development study
Authors: Hiscock Julia , Law Rebecca-Jane , Brain Kate , Smits Stephanie , Nafees Sadia , Williams Nefyn H , Rose Jan , Lewis Ruth , Roberts Jessica L , Hendry Annie , Neal Richard D , Wilkinson Clare
Published: May 2024

Background

UK cancer mortality is worse than in many other high-income countries, partly because of diagnostic delays in primary care.

Aim

To understand beliefs and behaviours of GPs, and systems of general practice teams, to inform the Think Cancer! intervention development.

Design and setting

An embedded qualitative study guided by behaviour change models (COM-B [Capability, Opportunity, Motivation – Behaviour] and theoretical domains framework [TDF]) in primary care in Wales, UK.

Method

Twenty qualitative, semi-structured telephone interviews with GPs were undertaken and four face-to-face focus groups held with practice teams. Framework analysis was used and results were mapped to multiple, overlapping components of COM-B and TDF.

Results

Three themes illustrate complex, multilevel referral considerations facing GPs and practice teams; external influences and constraints; and the role of practice systems and culture. Tensions emerged between individual considerations of GPs (Capability and Motivation) and context-dependent external pressures (Opportunity). Detecting cancer was guided not only by external requirements, but also by motivational factors GPs described as part of their cancer diagnostics process. External influences on the diagnosis process often resulted from the primary–secondary care interface and social pressures. GPs adapted their behaviour to deal with this disconnect. Positive practice culture and supportive practice-based systems ameliorated these tensions and complexity.

Conclusion

By exploring individual GP behaviours together with practice systems and culture we contribute new understanding about how cancer diagnosis operates in primary care and how delays can be improved. We highlight commonly overlooked dynamics and tensions that are experienced by GPs as a tension between individual decision making (Capability and Motivation) and external considerations, such as pressures in secondary care (Opportunity).
What helps or hinders the communication of poor prognosis between secondary and primary care? A systematic review with narrative synthesis
Authors: Pocock Lucy , Palit Tanuka , McDermott Adam , Creavin Sam , Gilbert Emma , Merriel Samuel WD , Moore Steven , Purdy Sarah , Barclay Stephen , Selman Lucy E
Published: May 2024

Background

The communication of poor prognosis from secondary to primary care helps to ensure that patients with life-limiting illness receive appropriate coordinated care in line with their preferences. However, little is known about this information-sharing process.

Aim

To determine how poor prognosis is communicated from secondary care to primary care.

Design and setting

This was an international systematic review and narrative synthesis of studies published in English.

Method

Four electronic databases were searched from 1 January 2000 to 17 May 2021, supplemented by hand-searching of key journals. One-quarter of titles and abstracts were independently screened by a second reviewer. Two reviewers undertook data extraction and quality appraisal, independently using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Data were analysed using narrative synthesis. Reporting follows Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidance.

Results

Searches identified 23 853 unique studies of which 30 met the inclusion criteria. Few studies had a focus on the interprofessional communication of poor prognosis. Information about prognosis was not commonly communicated from secondary to primary care and was more likely to occur if death was imminent. Lack of identification of poor prognosis by secondary care teams was a barrier. Facilitators included shared electronic records and direct clinician–clinician contact. GPs welcomed this information from secondary care and felt it was vital for continuity of care.

Conclusion

Although the communication of poor prognosis from secondary to primary care is highly valued it is rare and associated with cultural and systemic challenges. Further research is necessary to understand the information needs of GPs and to explore the challenges facing secondary care clinicians initiating this communication.
People from ethnic minorities seeking help for long COVID: a qualitative study
Authors: Smyth Nina , Ridge Damien , Kingstone Tom , Gopal Dipesh P , Alwan Nisreen A , Wright Alexa , Chaudhry Ashish , Clark Sophie , Band Rebecca , Chew-Graham Carolyn A
Published: May 2024

Background

People from ethnic minority groups are disproportionately affected by COVID-19, less likely to access primary health care, and have reported dissatisfaction with health care. Although the prevalence of long COVID in ethnic minority groups is unclear, such populations are underrepresented in long-COVID specialist clinics and long-COVID lived-experience research, which informed the original long-COVID healthcare guidelines.

Aim

To understand the lived experiences of long COVID in people from ethnic minority groups.

Design and setting

Qualitative study of people living with long COVID in the UK.

Method

Semi-structured interviews with people who self-disclosed long COVID were conducted between June 2022 and June 2023 via telephone or video call. Thematic analysis of the data was conducted. People who were living with long COVID, or caring for someone with long COVID, advised on all stages of the research.

Results

Interviews were conducted with 31 participants representing diverse socioeconomic demographics. Help-seeking barriers included little awareness of long COVID or available support, and not feeling worthy of receiving care. Negative healthcare encounters were reported in primary health care; however, these services were crucial for accessing secondary or specialist care. There were further access difficulties and dissatisfaction with specialist care. Experiences of stigma and discrimination contributed to delays in seeking care and unsatisfactory experiences, resulting in feelings of mistrust in health care.

Conclusion

Empathy, validation of experiences, and fairness in recognition and support of healthcare needs are required to restore trust in health care and improve the experiences of people with long COVID.
Family medicine journals’ endorsement of reporting guidelines and clinical trial registration: a cross-sectional analysis
Authors: Compton Wyatt , Dennis Brody , Clark Payton , Smith Caleb A , Nees Danya , Hughes Griffin , Vassar Matt
Published: May 2024

Background

Family medicine, vital for patient care but underfunded, prompts an evaluation of how family medicine journals endorse, require, and advocate for reporting guidelines (RGs), clinical trial, and systematic review registration.

Aim

Assess endorsement and requirement of RGs, and the stance on registration of clinical trials and systematic reviews in family medicine journals, impacting research quality and transparency.

Design & setting

A cross-sectional analysis of 43 ‘family practice’ journals, identified through the 2021 Scopus CiteScore, was undertaken. Editors-in-chief were contacted to confirm article types. Data extracted from ‘instructions to authors’ pages focused on recommendations or requirements for use of RGs, and for trial registration.

Method

To ensure confidentiality and prevent bias, authors independently extracted data on the requirement or recommendation for use of RGs and clinical trial registration to provide an overview of research standards.

Results

From the 43 journals, the most recommended guidelines were CONSORT (69%), PRISMA (58%), and STROBE (60%). The most required were PRISMA (16%) and CONSORT (11%). Clinical trial registration was recommended or required by 67% of journals. Additionally, 40 out of the 43 (93%) journals cited at least one reporting guideline in their instructions to authors.

Conclusion

Family medicine journals exhibit a variety of endorsement and requirement patterns for RGs and clinical trial registration. While guidelines like CONSORT, PRISMA, and STROBE are acknowledged, caution is needed in presuming a direct link between mention of these RGs and enhanced research quality. A nuanced approach, promoting diverse RGs and rigorous study registration, is essential for elevating transparency and advancing research standards in family medicine.
PROSTITUTION AND SEX TOURISM IN THE MODERN WORLD AS EXAMPLES OF THE EXPERIENCE
INDUSTRY
Authors: Petrov Vadim , Yakimchuk Daria ,   Yaroslav-the-Wise Novgorod
            State University
Published: May 2024

in the modern world, such a social phenomenon as prostitution and sex tourism is
widely developed. This specific “experience industry” includes about a dozen states and
regions of the world, such as, first of all, Thailand, Vietnam, Cuba, the Dominican
Republic, partly China, and a number of other countries, if we talk about male clients.
It is customary to consider such services as an unambiguously criminal and negative
phenomenon, which must be fought both at the government level and on behalf of
international public and human rights organizations, as a modern form of slavery,
exploitation and objectification of women. There is also female sex tourism, for
example, in Turkey, Zanzibar, therefore, in our opinion, it is impossible to see here
only facts of female sexual exploitation. In this regard, we aim to conduct a
qualitative analysis of these industries, to rethink the basic clichés about this area,
without encroaching on justification, but without condemning both sex workers and their
clients. Modern prostitution and sex tourism have long been established as a social
phenomenon that has centuries-old historical and even religious roots and has embodied
in an almost legalized experience industry.
Strategies of personification of the image of London: From binary conflicts to systems
Authors:   Belarusian State University, Zelezinskaya Natalia
Published: May 2024

The article is devoted to the city of London as one of the main topoi of British literature. London acquires the status of a central image in the Victorian novel where its anthropomorphism is created by binary conflicts of richness and poverty, splendor and dirt, good and evil, etc. Victorians saw London as a city of contrasts. Contemporary citizens talk about it in terms of diversity and ambiguity. British literature has developed the image of London into complex entangled systems, which reflects the present-day collective sensitivity to subjective attitudinal ambivalence and multiplicity of correct opinions. The article contemplates the images of the biggest and the greatest, city on earth in London by E. Rutherford (1997), London: The Biography by P. Ackroyd (2000), and Capital by J. Lanchester (2012). All the novels proceed from the anthropocentric presuppositions, i.e. from the perspective of the new genre of an urban biography. An urban biography as a genre gives new potency to the axiological dimension of a literary work since it remodels the reader’s perception and estranges (defamiliarizes) the object whether it is the history, politics, or social processes of Great Britain. The British novels under consideration manifest various intentions of their authors, which results in different strategies of estrangement. The article observes a variety of means of constructing anthropomorphic structures of the novels: physiological personification in Ackroyd’s, a cultural-historical excursion in Rutherford’s, and a contemporary social snapshot creating a critical public sphere in Lanchester’s narrative. The tendency to transfer topoi into anthropomorphic images is explained by the trend toward general dehumanization in the posthuman era.
The role of digital culture in the development of a modern city
Authors:   Belarusian State University, Panshin Boris
Published: May 2024

The purpose of the article is to attract the attention of young researchers to the problem of the development of digital culture as one of the key factors in the successful development and implementation of digital technologies in various spheres of life in a modern city. It is shown that digitalization leads to changes not only in various areas of urban management, but also affects the perception of the city as a public space. It is emphasized that digital devices are able to interact with users, and citizens are able to define or redefine their environment and their activities, increasingly focusing on the digital environment, which requires an appropriate digital culture. Another factor is the complementation of the physical space of the city with digital space, in which most of the social life currently takes place, which can be considered as a convergence of the urban and digital environments. This situation can be defined as a new paradigm for the development of a modern city – an integrated community of citizens, enterprises and organizations, as well as various digitized elements of the urban economy, which requires the development of new approaches to the study of urban culture in the context of digitalization. The concept of the article is that the development of modern cities is influenced by digitalization, digital economy and digital culture.
TERAPIAS ALTERNATIVAS APLICADAS EN EL CUIDADO DE ENFERMERÍA
Authors: Damaris Janina Chuqui Suqui , Ana Lucía Jiménez Peralta
Published: May 2024

Las terapias alternativas juegan un papel esencial en la práctica de enfermería, brindando a los profesionales la capacidad de ofrecer atención integral que incluya aspectos físicos, emocionales, mentales y espirituales de la salud. Sin embargo, al parecer existe un nivel bajo de conocimiento y aplicabilidad en relación a estas terapias alternativas. De tal modo el objetivo fue determinar el uso de las terapias alternativas en el cuidado de enfermería. Para alcanzar su cumplimiento, se empleó un enfoque cuantitativo de tipo descriptivo con diseño transversal de corte transversal. Los participantes fueron 100 enfermeros de la provincia de Tungurahua seleccionados mediante un muestreo no probabilístico por conveniencia a quienes se les aplicó un cuestionario en torno a las terapias alternativas. Los resultados indicaron que la formación y el conocimiento en relación con las terapias alternativas eran bajas entre los profesionales de enfermería, a pesar de su nivel medio de aplicabilidad. Las terapias más conocidas fueron la masajeterapia y la aromaterapia, mientras que la masajeterapia, nuevamente, y la relajación fueron las más utilizadas por parte del personal de enfermería. Estos hallazgos subrayan la necesidad de mejorar la formación y la educación en terapias alternativas en el ámbito de la enfermería, a fin de aprovechar al máximo su potencial beneficioso para los pacientes.
INFECTIOUS MUSCLE CELLULITIS DUE TO STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS
Authors: Francisco Xavier Poveda Paredes , Álvaro Paúl Moina Veloz , Carlos Fernando Yauli Flores
Published: May 2024

La infección de partes blandas como la celulitis es una patología aguda piógena de piel y tejidos subcutáneos que produce una alta tasa de morbimortalidad por las complicaciones que produce, su principal etiología es el contagio endógeno de bacterias oportunistas como Staphylococcus y Streptococcus. Para esta investigación se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo de carácter transversal retrospectivo, en donde se tomaron los datos clínicos y estudios complementarios de una paciente con un cuadro clínico de Hematoma del músculo con sobreinfección, desarrollando a posteriori celulitis infecciosa, de acuerdo a los estudios microbiológicos realizados se obtuvo el aislamiento e identificación de Staphylococcus aureus sensible a meticilina. La paciente presentó inflamación, enrojecimiento, calor y dolor en el muslo con secreción purulenta, se inició tratamiento antimicrobiano, curación y drenaje diario, con resultados satisfactorios
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN DYSPHAGIA AND NUTRITIONAL STATUS IN OLDER ADULTS IN PRIMARY CARE
Authors: Margeli Rodríguez Velarde , Yareni Bello Sánchez , Mario German Montes Osorio , Dora María Estrada Durán , Cesiah Areli Montaño Salvador , Abigail Contreras Gómez
Published: May 2024

Antecedentes: En México, el incremento de adultos mayores ha repercutido en el sistema de salud, trayendo consigo complicaciones y así repercutiendo en la calidad de vida. Uno de los principales problemas es la disfagia, que afecta a los hábitos alimentarios de las personas mayores, provocando deterioro funcional y pérdida de independencia. Estudios demostraron que la implementación de medidas de atención primaria, como el diagnóstico de disfagia, puede prevenir o retrasar problemas como la desnutrición en los adultos mayores1,2,3. Objetivo: Identificar la relación entre disfagia y el estado nutricional en adultos mayores en primer nivel de atención. Material y método: Estudio descriptivo, prospectivo y transversal, realizado en la Unidad de Medicina Familiar 64 de Córdoba, Veracruz, en una muestra de 376 adultos mayores. Se recabaron datos sociodemográficos en una hoja de recolección y aplicaron dos instrumentos validados: EAT-10: Eating Assessment Tool que identifica disfagia y Mini Nutritional Assessment - Short Form (MNA-SF) para el estado nutricional. Se analizaron los datos aplicando estadística descriptiva e inferencial para establecer la relación entre disfagia y estado nutricional a través de la prueba estadística x2, considerando significancia estadística aquellas con una p<0.05. Se utilizó el programa GraphPad Prism 8 para la representación de los datos en tablas y gráficos. Resultados: Se estudiaron 376 pacientes adultos mayores, encontrando 163 pacientes (43.35%) con problemas de disfagia, y 213 pacientes (56.65%) se encontraron sin problemas de disfagia, al relacionar con la variable de estado nutricional, en el riesgo de desnutrición se obtuvo un resultado de p <0.0001 mediante x2. Conclusiones: La disfagia es una enfermedad que provoca alteraciones en el estado nutricional del paciente provocando deterioro de la calidad de vida, por lo tanto, detectar a tiempo problemas de disfagia y nutrición evitara la presencia de complicaciones asociadas.
PRESENCE OF DYSPNEA AS A SEQUEL IN PATIENTS RECOVERED FROM COVID 19 IN FAMILY MEDICINE UNIT 1 ORIZABA, VERACRUZ.
Authors: Dra. Gloria Elda Marroquin Vazquez. Dra. Gloria Elda Marroquin Vazquez. , Dra. Diana Isabel Díaz Díaz. Dra. Diana Isabel Díaz Díaz. , Dr. Arturo Ruiz Jurado.
Published: May 2024

La COVID-19 se convirtió en un reto de salud ya que la enfermedad no solo termina en la fase aguda, sino que los pacientes siguen presentando síntomas, como disnea en reposo o durante algún esfuerzo físico. La gravedad de la disnea es posible cuantificar utilizando la escala modificada del Consejo de Investigación Médica (mMRC), la cual, califica el impacto de la disnea en las actividades diarias. OBJETIVO: Identificar la presencia de disnea como secuela en pacientes recuperados de la COVID 19 en la Unidad de Medicina Familiar no.1 MATERIAL Y MÉTODO: Es un estudio ambispectivo, longitudinal, analítico, observacional, en 86 pacientes con diagnóstico de la COVID-19 en marzo de 2022. mediante la aplicación de la escala mMRC a los 3 meses, 6 meses y 9 meses, adscritos a la Unidad de Medicina Familiar No. 1. Los datos se anexaron a excel y se analizaron mediante el programa graphpad Prism para la generación de gráficas y frecuencias, utilizando para estadística inferencial la X2 como medida de asociación entre la disnea, factores sociodemográficos y comorbilidades, considerando como estadísticamente significativo aquellos con una p< a 0.05. RESULTADOS: El grado de disnea de acuerdo con la mMRC a los 3 meses, fue el grado 2 representado por un 48.8%; a los 6 meses el grado 0 con un 48.8%; y finalmente a los 9 meses nuevamente el grado 0 fue el más frecuente 83.7%. Así mismo se encontró asociación estadística con la ocupación, la diabetes mellitus, la hipertensión y la obesidad. CONCLUSIONES: Se confirmó la presencia de disnea en pacientes recuperados de la COVID – 19 en una unidad de primer nivel con un 16.3%. La ocupación, la diabetes mellitus, la hipertensión y la obesidad fueron las comorbilidades, que se encontraron asociadas a la presencia de disnea.
QUALITY OF NURSING CARE FOR PREMATURE NEWBORNS WITH RESPIRATORY DISTRESS SYNDROME.
Authors: Fabiola Nalleli Avitia Chairez , Salatiel Huerta Ramírez , Isabel Beristain García , Ma. Cristina Ochoa Estrada
Published: May 2024

Introducción: El síndrome de dificultad respiratorio (SDR) o enfermedad de la membrana hialina (EMH) es una de las patologías más comunes en la unidad de cuidados intensivos neonatales (UCIN) que afecta fundamentalmente a los recién nacidos pretérmino, siendo una de las áreas más vulnerables del ambiente hospitalario, es por lo que se debe brindar una atención de enfermería de calidad. Objetivo: Identificar la calidad de la atención de enfermería al recién nacido prematuro con síndrome de dificultad respiratoria Metodología: Investigación no experimental, descriptiva de corte transversal. Muestreo no probabilístico, la población que participó en el estudio fueron profesionales de enfermería de dos hospitales públicos pertenecientes a la secretaría de salud en el estado de Durango. Resultados: se encontró que el personal de enfermería brinda atención de calidad al recién nacido prematuro con resultados adecuados arriba de los 70 puntos. Conclusiones: en su mayoría el personal de enfermería que participó expuso el conocer y brindar un cuidado de enfermería de calidad en los pacientes del servicio de neonatología, considerando que este es uno de los servicios más vulnerables del ambiente hospitalario.
MALIGNANT PLEURAL MESOTHELIOMA.
Authors: Patricia Íñiguez de Heredia Monforte Patricia Íñiguez de Heredia Monforte , Jorge Romero Martínez , Pablo Diego Previtera González , Carlos Murillo Arribas
Published: May 2024

El mesotelioma es un tumor raro, agresivo y de mal pronóstico. La supervivencia a los 5 años no supera el 10% en algunas series. A día de hoy, el asbesto es el principal factor de riesgo para su desarrollo. Es un tumor heterogéneo debido a las alteraciones en la metilación del ADN. La clínica es inespecífica, debutan con derrame pleural, dolor, disnea, tos y síndrome constitucional. Se realiza inicialmente una radiografía de tórax en la que se encontrará engrosamiento pleural, derrame y pérdida de volumen. En el TAC se podrá apreciar engrosamiento pleural y derrame en algunos casos. Los pacientes con derrame pleural podrán beneficiarse de la toracocentesis, que será diagnóstica en el 32% de las ocasiones. En caso de derrame pleural recidivante, dentro del manejo paliativo, podría valorarse la colocación de drenaje pleural tunelizado de cara al alivio sintomático en estos pacientes