bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intricate relationship between obstructive sleep apnea and dementia in older adults
Authors: Ercolano Erica , Bencivenga Leonardo , Palaia Maria Emiliana , Carbone Giovanni , Scognamiglio Francesco , Rengo Giuseppe , Femminella Grazia Daniela
Published: October 2023

Numerous evidence reports direct correlation between cognitive impairment, Alzheimer’s disease and sleep disorders, in particular obstructive sleep apnea. Both obstructive sleep apnea and Alzheimer’s disease are highly prevalent conditions whose incidence increases with age. Several studies demonstrate how sleep-disordered breathing may lead to poor cognition, even though the underlying mechanisms of this association remain partially unclear. According to the most recent studies, obstructive sleep apnea may be considered a modifiable risk factor for cognitive dysfunction. In the present review, the authors aim to integrate recent research examining obstructive sleep apnea and Alzheimer’s disease biomarkers, also focusing on the mechanisms that support this correlation, including but not limited to the role of hypoxia and cardiovascular risk. Moreover, the potential favourable effect of obstructive sleep apnea therapy on cognitive function is discussed, to evaluate the benefits deriving from appropriate treatment of sleep-disordered breathing on cognition.
Pediatric postmortem CT angiography: validation of vascular access for PMCT angiography in stillbirths, babies and toddlers
Authors: Bruch G. M. , Hofer P. , Ferraz da Silva L. F. , Pires-Davidson J. R. , Bento dos Santos G. A. , Fischer F. T.
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The use of angiography in postmortem CT angiography (PMCTA) has several advantages. In adults, femoral vascular access is well established. Due to the small and specific anatomy in fetuses and infants, the technique has to be adapted, especially regarding the vascular access. The aim of this study was to evaluate vascular access for pediatric PMCTA (pedPMCTA).

Materials and Methods

Ten pedPMCTAs were performed in stillbirths, babies, and one toddler. A femoral approach by cannulation of the femoral artery and vein, an umbilical approach by cannulation of the umbilical vessels, and an intraosseous approach by an intraosseous needle were evaluated by handling and resulting imaging.

Results

The insertion of a cannula with a size of 18–20 G in the femoral vessels was possible in babies. An umbilical access with peripheral venous cannulas with a size of 14–20 G was feasible in stillbirths and newborns. An intraosseous access is advisable as equal alternative to umbilical and in cases where a femoral access is not possible. The most significant problem with the vascular access is the extravasation of contrast media, but this can be reduced significantly with practice.

Conclusion

When performing pedPMCTA, an umbilical vascular access is recommended if an umbilical cord with open vessels is still present. Otherwise, a bone marrow access should be preferred in the presence of an arteriovenous shunt or if only the venous system needs to be shown. If that is not the case, the femoral access with the possibility to separate venous and arterial scan should be used.
Applications of Mycotoxin Biomarkers in Human Biomonitoring for Exposome-Health Studies: Past, Present, and Future
Authors: Owolabi Iyiola O. , Siwarak Kawisara , Greer Brett , Rajkovic Andreja , Dall’asta Chiara , Karoonuthaisiri Nitsara , Uawisetwathana Umaporn , Elliott Christopher T. , Petchkongkaew Awanwee
Published: October 2023

This publication reviews the state-of-the-art human biological monitoring (HBM) of mycotoxin biomarkers in breast milk, plasma, serum, and whole blood samples with a focus on the past two decades (2000–2011 and 2011–2021). Three aspects have been analyzed and summarized: (a) the biomarkers detected and their levels found, (b) the analytical methodologies developed and employed, and (c) the exposome concept and the significance of omics tools. From the literature reviewed, aflatoxins (AFs) and ochratoxin A (OTA) in human breast milk, plasma and serum were the most widely studied mycotoxin biomarkers for HBM. Regarding analytical methodologies, a clear increase in the development and implementation of mass spectrometry methods for simultaneous determination of multiple mycotoxins was observed. For this purpose, use of liquid chromatography (LC) methodologies, especially when coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) or high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) has grown substantially and are now the methods of choice. A high percentage of the samples analyzed for various mycotoxins in the literature reviewed were found to contain biomarkers, demonstrating a combination of targeted sampling and high levels of human exposure to mycotoxins within the target populations. Also, most HBM investigations only examined exposure to one or a few mycotoxins at a given period. Human exposome studies undertake a wider evaluation of the exposure as part of epidemiological studies through the discovery of novel biomarkers that exist as potential indicators of environmental influences on human health. However, guidelines are required for analytical method validation, as well as algorithms to establish the relationship between the levels of biomarkers detected in human biofluids and mycotoxin intake.
Enhancing Prenatal Group Medical Visits with Mindfulness Skills: A Pragmatic Trial with Latina and BIPOC Pregnant Women Experiencing Multiple Forms of Structural Inequity
Authors: Duncan Larissa G. , Zhang Na , Santana Trilce , Cook Joseph G. , Castro-Smyth Lisabeth , Hutchison Margaret S. , Huynh Tuyen , Mallareddy Deena , Jurkiewicz Laurie , Bardacke Nancy
Published: October 2023

Objectives

Prenatal mindfulness programs can improve mental health, yet access to and cultural and linguistic relevance of existing programs in the United States are limited for people who do not speak English and/or face major life stressors such as migration, housing instability, limited income, and racism. In response, mindfulness skills training drawn from Mindfulness-Based Childbirth and Parenting (MBCP) was integrated into Medicaid-covered CenteringPregnancy (CP) group prenatal healthcare, delivered in Spanish and English by certified nurse-midwives and community co-leaders, and tested in a pragmatic pilot trial.

Method

A provider survey of 17 CP clinics informed development of the enhanced program. Next, it was tested with 49 pregnant people who chose CP prenatal care. All of the sample identified as women; 4% as LGBTQ + ; 90% as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (65% as Latina/e/x); 10% as White; and 63% as Spanish-speaking. Groups were allocated 1:1 to CenteringPregnancy or CenteringPregnancy with Mindfulness Skills (CP +).

Results

Intent-to-treat analysis of self-report interview data indicated CP + yielded lower postpartum depression (the a priori primary study outcome) with a large effect size (Cohen’s d = 0.80) and a trend toward lower postpartum anxiety (Cohen’s d = 0.59) compared to CP. Hypothesized effects on mindfulness, positive/negative affect, and perceived stress were only partially supported at post-birth follow-up. Satisfaction with care was high across conditions.

Conclusions

Augmenting group prenatal healthcare with mindfulness training in Spanish and English appears feasible, did not reduce satisfaction with care, and may have additional mental health benefits. Key questions remain about structural supports for perinatal well-being.

Preregistration

This trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01646463).
Review of the productivity evaluation methods for shale gas wells
Authors: Huang Yize , Li Xizhe , Liu Xiaohua , Zhai Yujia , Fang Feifei , Guo Wei , Qian Chao , Han Lingling , Cui Yue , Jia Yuze
Published: October 2023

The influence of geological and engineering factors results in the complex production characteristics of shale gas wells. The productivity evaluation method is effective to analyze the production decline law and estimate the ultimate recovery in the shale gas reservoir. This paper reviews the production decline method, analytical method, numerical simulation method, and machine learning method. which analyzes the applicable conditions, basic principles, characteristics, and limitations of different methods. The research found that the production decline method can mainly account for the gas well production and pressure data by fitting type curve analysis. The analytical method is able to couple multiple transport mechanisms and quantify the impact of different mechanisms on shale gas well productivity. Numerical simulation builds multiple pore media in shale gas reservoirs and performs production dynamics as well as capacity prediction visually. Machine learning methods are a nascent approach that can efficiently use available production data from shale gas wells to predict productivity. Finally, the research discusses the future directions and challenges of shale gas well productivity evaluation methods.
Opportunities and Challenges for AI-Based Analysis of RWD in Pharmaceutical R&D: A Practical Perspective
Authors: Behr Merle , Burghaus Rolf , Diedrich Christian , Lippert Jörg
Published: October 2023

Real world data (RWD) has become an important tool in pharmaceutical research and development. Generated every time patients interact with the healthcare system when diagnoses are developed and medical interventions are selected, RWD are massive and in many regards typical big data. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze RWD seems an obvious choice. It promises new insights into medical need, drivers of diseases, and new opportunities for pharmacological interventions. When put into practice RWD analyses are challenging. The distributed generation of data, under sub-optimally standardized conditions in a patient-oriented but not information maximizing healthcare transaction, leads to a high level of sparseness and uncontrolled biases. We discuss why this needs to be addressed independent of the type of analysis approach. While classical statistical analysis and modeling approaches provide a rigorous framework for the handling of bias and sparseness, AI methods are not necessarily suited when applied naively. Special precautions need to be taken from choice of method until interpretation of results to prevent potentially harmful fallacies. The conscious use of prior medical subject matter expertise may also be required. Based on typical application examples we illustrate challenges and methodological considerations.
MEMS and MOEMS Gyroscopes: A Review
Authors: Huang Wenyi , Yan Xing , Zhang Sengyu , Li Zhe , Hassan Jamal N. A. , Chen Dingwei , Wen Guangjun , Chen Kai , Deng Guangwei , Huang Yongjun
Published: October 2023

Micro-gyroscopes using micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) and micro-opto-electro-mechanical system (MOEMS) are the new-generation and recently well-developed gyroscopes produced by the combinations of the traditional gyroscope technology and MEMS/MOEMS technologies. According to the working principle and used materials, the newly-reported micro-gyroscopes in recent years include the silicon-based micromechanical vibratory gyroscope, hemispherical resonant gyroscope, piezoelectric vibratory gyroscope, suspended rotor gyroscope, microfluidic gyroscope, optical gyroscope, and atomic gyroscope. According to different sensitive structures, the silicon-based micromechanical vibratory gyroscope can also be divided into double frame type, tuning fork type, vibrating ring type, and nested ring type. For those micro-gyroscopes, in recent years, many emerging techniques are proposed and developed to enhance different aspects of performances, such as the sensitivity, angle random walk (ARW), bias instability (BI), and bandwidth. Therefore, this paper will firstly review the main performances and applications of those newly-developed MEMS/MOEMS gyroscopes, then comprehensively summarize and analyze the latest research progress of the micro-gyroscopes mentioned above, and finally discuss the future development trends of MEMS/MOEMS gyroscopes.
Naturwissenschaftsdidaktik und Dokumentarische Methode
Authors: Rabe Thorid , Abels Simone , Menthe Jürgen
Published: October 2023

In diesem Beitrag wird eine methodologische Rahmung der Dokumentarischen Methode im Kontext der Naturwissenschaftsdidaktiken vorgenommen. Nach einem kurzen Überblick zu naturwissenschaftsdidaktischen Forschungsbeiträgen, die mit der Dokumentarischen Methode arbeiten, werden die theoretischen Grundlagen, zentralen Begrifflichkeiten und forschungspraktischen Schritte der Dokumentarischen Methode dargestellt und an Beispielen erläutert. Auf Grundlage bisheriger Forschungsbefunde wird herausgearbeitet, dass ein Mehrwert für naturwissenschaftsdidaktische Erkenntnisinteressen entsteht, wenn die Dokumentarische Methode das Spektrum der in den Naturwissenschaftsdidaktiken verbreiteten forschungsmethodologischen Zugänge erweitert, weil damit weitere bzw. andere Forschungsgegenstände zugänglich oder vertieft analysierbar werden. Auch spezifische Herausforderungen in der Arbeit mit der Dokumentarischen Methode werden diskutiert, die sich unter anderem daraus ergeben, dass fachdidaktische Normativität und fachliche Normen im Forschungsprozess nach Möglichkeit suspendiert werden sollen. Im Anschluss werden die in der Topical Collection „Naturwissenschaftsdidaktik und Dokumentarische Methode“ in der ZfDN veröffentlichten Beiträge auf methodische Spezifika hinsichtlich der Umsetzung der Dokumentarischen Methode befragt. Abschließend geht der Beitrag auf die naturwissenschaftsdidaktischen Erkenntnisse der Artikel in der Topical Collection ein und verdeutlicht, warum diese Erkenntnisse besonders gut (bzw. nur) durch den praxeologischen Zugang der Dokumentarischen Methode zu gewinnen waren.
Evaluation eines E-Learning-Programms zur Förderung gesunder Telearbeit
Authors: Krowicki Martin , Böckelmann Irina
Published: October 2023

Hintergrund

Telearbeit wurde durch den Wandel der Arbeitswelt zunehmend von Unternehmen als Arbeitsmodell etabliert und durch die COVID-19-Pandemie beschleunigt. Ressourcen und Anforderungen müssen deshalb aus arbeitsmedizinischer Sicht beurteilt werden, um Betriebe bei der gesundheitsförderlichen Implementierung von Telearbeit zu unterstützen.

Methodik

Im Rahmen dieser Untersuchung wurden aus der Literatur fünf wichtige Handlungsfelder herausgearbeitet, auf deren Basis ein E‑Learning-Programm zur gesunden Telearbeit entwickelt wurde. Anschließend wurde geprüft, ob dieses Programm einen positiven Einfluss auf die psychische Gesundheit und Arbeitsfähigkeit von Telearbeitern hat.

Eine Verwaltungsbehörde in Sachsen-Anhalt wurde für die Studie gewonnen. Es erfolgte ein intraindividueller Vergleich mit einer Teilstichprobe (Prä-Post: 25 Telearbeiter, 19 weiblich, 6 männlich). Im Mittelpunkt stand die Durchführung des E‑Learning-Programms (5 Module zu Handlungsfeldern: Work-Life-Balance, soziale Isolation, interessierte Selbstgefährdung, Ergonomie, virtuelle Führung). Es wurden folgende Fragebögen eingesetzt: Kurz-Fragebogen zur Arbeitsanalyse, Work-Ability-Index, Maslach Burnout Inventory.

Ergebnisse

Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass die Teilnahme am E‑Learning-Programm keine signifikanten Verbesserungen hinsichtlich der gemessenen Parameter im Prä-Post-Vergleich erzielte (Arbeitsumgebung, Arbeitsbelastungen, Burnout-Risiko, Arbeitsfähigkeit, Work-Life-Balance), jedoch zeigte sich hier tendenziell eine Zunahme der Arbeitsbelastung (Arbeitsmenge, Kompliziertheit der Arbeit).

Diskussion

Die Studie stand unter dem Einfluss politisch-gesellschaftlicher Ereignissen der letzten Jahre (Pandemie, Flüchtlingswelle aus der Ukraine), was die Teilnahme einer größeren Zahl an Beschäftigten stark beeinflusste. Zukünftig sollten weitere Studien die Effektivität von Online-Interventionen in Verbindung mit Präsenzschulungen (hybrides Lernen) unter regulären Telearbeitsbedingungen untersuchen.
Green Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Lasers Based on InGaN Quantum Dots and Short Cavity
Authors: Yang Tao , Chen Yan-Hui , Wang Ya-Chao , Ou Wei , Ying Lei-Ying , Mei Yang , Tian Ai-Qin , Liu Jian-Ping , Guo Hao-Chung , Zhang Bao-Ping
Published: October 2023

Room temperature low threshold lasing of green GaN-based vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) was demonstrated under continuous wave (CW) operation. By using self-formed InGaN quantum dots (QDs) as the active region, the VCSEL emitting at 524.0 nm has a threshold current density of 51.97 A cm−2, the lowest ever reported. The QD epitaxial wafer featured with a high IQE of 69.94% and the δ-function-like density of states plays an important role in achieving low threshold current. Besides, a short cavity of the device (~ 4.0 λ) is vital to enhance the spontaneous emission coupling factor to 0.094, increase the gain coefficient factor, and decrease the optical loss. To improve heat dissipation, AlN layer was used as the current confinement layer and electroplated copper plate was used to replace metal bonding. The results provide important guidance to achieving high performance GaN-based VCSELs.
stratEst: a software package for strategy frequency estimation
Authors: Dvorak Fabian
Published: October 2023

stratEst is a software package for strategy frequency estimation in the freely available statistical computing environment R (R Development Core Team in R Foundation for Statistical Computing, Vienna, 2022). The package aims at minimizing the start-up costs of running the modern strategy frequency estimation techniques used in experimental economics. Strategy frequency estimation (Stahl and Wilson in J Econ Behav Organ 25: 309–327, 1994; Stahl and Wilson in Games Econ Behav, 10: 218–254, 1995) models the choices of participants in an economic experiment as a finite-mixture of individual decision strategies. The parameters of the model describe the associated behavior of each strategy and its frequency in the data. stratEst provides a convenient and flexible framework for strategy frequency estimation, allowing the user to customize, store and reuse sets of candidate strategies. The package includes useful functions for data processing and simulation, strategy programming, model estimation, parameter testing, model checking, and model selection.
A Resilience Analysis of a Motorway Tunnel Affected by a Traffic Accident Using the Average Vehicles’ Speed as a Metric
Authors: Caliendo Ciro , Russo Isidoro , Genovese Gianluca
Published: October 2023

Given the role of road tunnels in a road network, it is relevant to quantitatively assess their resilience due to disruptive events. In this respect, the travel speed of traffic flow, as a metric of resilience, in the event of traffic accidents in road tunnels has been scarcely used. This represents a gap of knowledge that this paper intends to fill. For the purpose, the research method applied involves the development of a traffic macro-simulation model, and the analysis of results using the average travel speed and its spatial profile as a resilience metric. Particularly, we have evaluated the resilience of a twin-tube motorway tunnel when a traffic accident occurs in a tube. The findings showed how the best functionality level of the system, expressed in terms of average vehicles’ speed, with its related greatest resilience index, is associated with the partial closure of the disrupted tube rather than the complete one. Further benefits might be obtained by activating Variable Message Signs (VMSs) that alert only the Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) to exit the motorway before entering the tunnel and to use an alternative itinerary identified in the nearby transportation network. In this respect, we found that by means of the activation of VMSs as a traffic control strategy, the resilience index increased by about 7–17% when the traffic accident caused the partial closure of the disrupted tube for 1–3 h. Improvements might also be achieved by rapidly opening the two traffic by-passes at the tunnel portals that allow for the use of the adjacent undisrupted tube for two-way traffic. The unavailability of an alternative itinerary in the nearby transportation network along which to re-route the HGVs is also examined, finding a reduction in the functionality conditions of the system. The results obtained might serve as a support tool in the choice of functional recovery strategies in the case of the temporary partial or complete block of a tunnel tube due to a traffic accident.
Breaking Free from Field Layers: The Interest of Post-excavation Stratigraphies (PES) for Producing Reliable Archaeological Interpretations and Increasing Chronological Resolution
Authors: Discamps Emmanuel , Thomas Marc , Dancette Christelle , Gravina Brad , Plutniak Sébastien , Royer Aurélien , Angelin Alexandre , Bachellerie François , Beauval Cédric , Bordes Jean-Guillaume , Deschamps Marianne , Langlais Mathieu , Laroulandie Véronique , Mallye Jean-Baptiste , Michel Alexandre , Perrin Thomas , Rendu William
Published: October 2023

In order to track diachronic changes in archaeological sequences, researchers typically partition time into stratigraphic layers defined during fieldwork, which serve as the framework for ensuing analyses. These analytical units have a significant impact on archaeological inference, defining its resolution, and influencing both the study of cultural assemblages and the reconstruction of past environments. However, field layers are seldom re-evaluated after excavation despite the fact that archaeological deposits are now commonly recognised as often containing material ‘mixed’ together by site formation processes, excavation techniques, or analytical practices. Although the analysis of intra-site spatial data clearly offers a means to overcome these issues, our literature review of 192 journal articles revealed the potential of this data (notably vertical projections of piece-plotted artefacts) to be under-exploited in prehistoric archaeology. Here, we advocate for the development of a more spatially informed framework for interpretation that we refer to as post-excavation stratigraphy or PES. After proposing a definition for PES, we attempt to develop a framework for theoretical considerations underlying their implication, importance, and potential. Three main benefits of PES are highlighted: ensuring assemblage reliability, increased chronological and spatial resolution, and more reliable interpretations based on a multi-stratigraphic approach. We contend that the stratigraphy defined during fieldwork is insufficient and potentially misleading. By providing a different “stratigraphic view” of the same sequence, each specialist can contribute data that, when combined, produces a better understanding of interactions between changes in, for example, technological or cultural traditions, subsistence strategies, or paleoenvironments.
Short wind pulses consistently change the morphology of roots, but not of shoots, across young plants of different growth forms
Authors: Heinze Johannes , Werger Luise , Ogden Michael , Heinken Thilo , Hoefgen Rainer , Weber Ewald
Published: October 2023

Wind is an environmental stimulus that stresses plants of all growth forms at all life-stages by influencing the development, architecture, and morphology of roots and shoots. However, comparative studies are scarce and no study directly investigated whether shoot and root morphological traits of trees, grasses and forbs differ in their response to short wind pulses of different wind intensity. In this study, we found that across species, wind stress by short wind pulses of increasing intensity consistently changed root morphology, but did not affect shoot morphological traits, except plant height in four species. Wind effects in roots were generally weak in tree species but consistent across growth forms. Furthermore, plant height of species was correlated with changes in specific root length and average diameter.

Our results indicate that short-pulse wind treatments affect root morphology more than shoot morphology across growth forms. They further suggest that wind stress possibly promotes root anchorage in young plants and that these effects might depend on plant height.
Social and Economic Impacts of COVID-19 Among Health Professionals in Vietnam: Status and Associations with Quality of Life and Sleep Quality
Authors: Doan Linh Phuong , Boyer Laurent , Auquier Pascal , Fond Guillaume , Tran Bach , Latkin Carl A. , Nguyen Hien Thu , Van Ngo Toan , Ho Roger C. M. , Ho Cyrus S. H. , Zhang Melvyn W. B.
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The COVID-19 pandemic has transformed the way of life of many individuals, especially those working at the frontlines, such as healthcare workers. Our study aims to examine the impact of COVID-19 on the socio-economic status, quality of life, and sleep quality when Vietnam was experiencing the 4th wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 604 healthcare workers using snowball sampling from October through to November 2021. Our study examined the impact of the government’s COVID-19 prevention policy including personal protective measures (5K measures), directive 15, directive 16, and directive 16 plus. The EQ-5D-5L and EQ-VAS were used to measure health-related quality of life and a scale of 1 to 10 was used to rate sleep quality of healthcare workers.

Results

A total of 604 respondents, most people were female (57.9%), and working as civil servants (75.3%). Very few participants were able to increase their earnings during the pandemic. Participants who did not have monthly allowance amounts had the highest proportion (60.1%), followed by those under 2 million VND (21.2%). In the univariate regression model, people with high government policy scores tend to have lower quality of life and sleep quality scores. In addition, in the multivariable regression model, people with high scores on government policies tend to have lower quality of life (EQ-5D) scores.

Conclusion

The COVID-19 prevention measures had a negative impact on quality of life, sleep quality, and daily demands of healthcare workers. These findings should help guide future policy implementations.
Caregiver burden and inflammation in parents of children with special healthcare needs
Authors: Bamber Mandy D. , Solatikia Farnaz , Gaillard Philippe , Spratling Regena
Published: October 2023

Children with special healthcare needs (CSHCN) are a vulnerable population that require specialized services and are often cared for by parents. These parents experience psychological, physiological, and potential inflammatory dysfunction related to amplified caregiving burden which may increase with the complexity of the child’s condition. Due to the potential for inflammatory dysregulation, we aimed to compare caregiver burden and inflammation of parents with CSHCN based on the severity of the child’s condition to parents of typically developing children. A cross-sectional design that included parents of typically developing children (n = 60), non-complex chronic disease (n = 28; one chronic condition that does not progress), and complex chronic disease (n = 32) was used. Parents completed the Caregiver Burden Inventory and blood serum was collected to measure inflammation. Multivariate analyses of variance with post-hoc testing was used to determine between group differences. Parents of children with complex disease experienced greater caregiver burden than parents of typically developing children (p < 0.001) and non-complex chronic disease (p = 0.044). Parents of children with non-complex chronic disease reported greater caregiver burden than parents of typically developing children (p = 0.02). Parents of children with complex chronic disease had lower pro- (p = 0.042) and anti-inflammatory (p = 0.002) composite scores, than parents of typically developing children. Parents of children with greater medical complexity experienced more caregiver burden and potential inflammatory dysregulation. Future research should explore inflammatory processes in this specific population and self-care measures to improve psychological and physical well-being.
Effectiveness of breast cancer campaigns in South Asia
Authors: Jaffar Huda , Kumar Gaurav , Atif Anfal , Iqbal Amna
Published: October 2023

Despite the growing burden of cancer, it remains a low priority in healthcare planning and budgeting in South Asian low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Mass public awareness about cancer signs and symptoms and encouragement to seek help is an important step towards early diagnosis. Due to scarcity of resources in South Asia, the scale of awareness campaigns is limited, and provision of drugs and curative services take precedence over preventative measures. Several misconceptions and superstitious beliefs regarding the treatment of breast cancer with homeopathic medicine and unconventional religious peers provide a challenge to awareness campaigns. Along with that, shortage of staff and transportation add to the difficulties of conducting these campaigns. Interventions such as role plays, weekly clinics providing counseling for the disease, and measures such as pamphlets and presentations have been considered useful. This review assesses the challenges faced by breast cancer awareness campaigns and the interventions that could help in bringing mortality rates lower.
Geographic analysis of landfill suitability in Fez, Morocco: a multi-criteria approach
Authors: Chafiq Tarik , Hmamou Mohamed , Ouhammou Imrane , Labriki Allal , ElHabchi Mourad , Raji Mohammed
Published: October 2023

Solid waste management poses a significant challenge to sustainable development. Locating suitable landfill sites is a key difficulty. This study utilizes the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) with a Geographic Information System (GIS) to identify potential landfill locations in Fez province, Morocco. Nine criteria were evaluated for the study area's suitability, including distance from surface water, distance from buildings, distance from roads, distance from protected areas, distance from forests, distance from farmland, elevation, slope, and slope direction. AHP determined criteria weights, and the Consistency Ratio (CR) ensured judgment reliability. Results highlight proximity to residential areas as the most critical factor, followed by distance from surface water and roads. The suitability map indicates the south and southeast of the province as more suitable for landfill placement than the urban areas, parks, and gardens in the north and northwest. These findings aid decision-makers in improving solid waste management practices in Fez province, Morocco.
‘Slogans’ on Coins in Julius Caesar's Dictatorship Years (49–44 BC)
Authors: Marshall Bruce
Published: October 2023

A number of coins issued during the years 49–44 had on them an additional legend, a trend which had been developing in the preceding fifty years, but which was used much more extensively by Caesar's moneyers. The legends (with two exceptions) all refer to recognised ‘qualities’, which had temples and cults established in the Roman community. The coin types, particularly in the opening years of the civil war between Caesar and Pompeius, were issued in very large numbers, suggesting that they were not only used to pay the troops whom Caesar had already and those he was recruiting, but also that they were put into general circulation. The qualities emphasised on the coins indicate Caesar's programmatic ideology, and the number issued shows that he wished to circulate this ideology widely. The additional legends can be taken therefore to be ‘slogans’, a form of propaganda for Caesar's aims. The two exceptions werePaxandClementia, but there is evidence to suggest that a cult and temple were planned for each of these.
Increasing safe clinical spaces and the efforts of clinical research for uninsured and underinsured LGBTQIA2+ patients: A case study of the Rainbow Clinic – a student-run free LGBTQIA2+ clinic
Authors: Lee Gabriel Alexander , Fritter Jessica , Shihabuddin Courtney DuBois
Published: October 2023

LGBTQIA2+ patients often experience discrimination and hostility in healthcare spaces. Negative perceptions of healthcare can contribute to poor health outcomes in LGBTQIA2+ patients. This population is rarely included in clinical trials through a lack of inclusion in study protocols, informed consent, and trials not addressing their needs and demographics. Many clinical institutions have created LGBTQIA2+-specific clinics; however, few have successfully developed a free clinic dedicated to this population. A Rainbow Clinic was formed at an established student-run free clinic, utilizing the existing infrastructure. Dissemination of this clinic’s creation can help others replicate similar initiatives.
The Age of Consumer Law Enforcement in the European Union: High Hopes or Wishful Thinking?
Authors: Biard Alexandre
Published: October 2023

Not since 2018 and the “New Deal for Consumers” package has the European Union (EU) seemed so close to stepping up the enforcement of consumer protection rules. The European Commission is expected to unveil a new “consumer enforcement package” by the end of the year, which should include revisions of the Regulation on Consumer Protection Cooperation, the Directive on Consumer Alternative Dispute Resolution and the Regulation on EU Online Dispute Resolution. In parallel, the Representative Actions Directive came into force recently. This paper examines these different initiatives and assesses whether these evolutions can truly be the first steps towards a brighter future for the enforcement of consumer protection rules in the EU or whether they are likely to remain a series of missed opportunities.
Describing the monthly variability of hospital-onset Clostridioides difficile during early coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) using electronic health record data
Authors: Lang Kaiting , Atchison T. J. , Singh Priti , Kline David M. , Odei James B. , Martin Jennifer L. , Smyer Justin F. , Day Shandra R. , Hebert Courtney L.
Published: October 2023

Objective:

To assess the relative risk of hospital-onset Clostridioides difficile (HO-CDI) during each month of the early coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and to compare it with historical expectation based on patient characteristics.

Design:

This study used a retrospective cohort design. We collected secondary data from the institution’s electronic health record (EHR).

Setting:

The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Ohio, a large tertiary healthcare system in the Midwest.

Patients or participants:

All adult patients admitted to the inpatient setting between January 2018 and May 2021 were eligible for the study. Prisoners, children, individuals presenting with Clostridioides difficile on admission, and patients with <4 days of inpatient stay were excluded from the study.

Results:

After controlling for patient characteristics, the observed numbers of HO-CDI cases were not significantly different than expected. However, during 3 months of the pandemic period, the observed numbers of cases were significantly different from what would be expected based on patient characteristics. Of these 3 months, 2 months had more cases than expected and 1 month had fewer.

Conclusions:

Variations in HO-CDI incidence seemed to trend with COVID-19 incidence but were not fully explained by our case mix. Other factors contributing to the variability in HO-CDI incidence beyond listed patient characteristics need to be explored.
Tracking coarse sediment in an Alpine subglacial channel using radio-tagged particles
Authors: Jenkin Matt , Hofmann Margaux , Hubbard Bryn , Mancini Davide , Miesen Floreana M. , Herman Frédéric , Lane Stuart N.
Published: October 2023

We present a method for tracking radio-tagged pebbles and cobbles through subglacial meltwater channels under shallow temperate glaciers. Natural particles tagged with active radio transmitters were injected directly into a large subglacial channel 300 m up-glacier from the terminus of the Glacier d'Otemma, Switzerland. A roving antenna was developed to localise tagged particles planimetrically in subglacial and proglacial channel reaches (350 and 150 m long, respectively) using a probabilistic technique, delivering records of the change in particle location and transport distance over time with uncertainty. The roving antenna had a ±5−15 m planimetric precision, a 75% particle localisation rate and operated at a maximum ice depth of 47 m. Additionally, stationary supraglacial and proglacial antennas continuously monitored the passage of tagged particles through consecutive reaches of the channel, constraining the timing of particle transport events. The proglacial antenna system had a 98.1% detection rate and was operational to 0.89 m water depth during testing. Roving and stationary antenna records were combined to create a transport distance model for each particle, which may be used in conjunction with hydraulic data to investigate the kinematics of particle motion. When applied at scale in future studies, this method may be used to reveal the mechanisms and timescales of coarse sediment export from Alpine glaciers.
Neither a Trait nor Wildly Fluctuating: On the Stability of Populist Attitudes and its Implications for Empirical Research
Authors: Schimpf Christian H. , Wuttke Alexander , Schoen Harald
Published: October 2023

The literature on populist attitudes frequently makes one of two assumptions: populist attitudes are either stable or unstable. However, few studies have examined these diverging assumptions empirically. We use panel data collected over six panel waves between 2017 and 2021 in Germany to assess the stability of populist attitudes. Integrating inter-individual stability (variable-centred) and intra-individual stability (individual trajectories), we find that populist attitudes are neither fully stable (trait) nor fully flexible (state). For example, some respondents constantly changed their view on populism while the attitudes in one out of three individuals remained stable. We also explore empirical consequences and find that populist attitudes are more closely linked to vote choice when they are stable. Accordingly, we argue for a more nuanced understanding of the dynamics of populist attitudes, both at the variable and individual levels, where these attitudes are stable and consequential for only a subset of individuals.
The extracapsular dissection technique in the management of benign tumours of the parotid gland: our experience in 194 patients
Authors: Allevi Fabiana , Borzi Patrizia , Valsecchi Federico , Cucurullo Marco , Bolognesi Federico , Rabbiosi Dimitri , Biglioli Federico
Published: October 2023

Objective

The indications for and approaches to extracapsular dissection for parotid gland benign tumours are debated in the literature. This study retrospectively evaluates a single site's short- and long-term results with a standardised extracapsular dissection approach to benign parotid tumours.

Methods

A retrospective review of a single institution's records identified cases with extracapsular dissection as the primary surgery for non-recurrent benign parotid tumours. A total of 194 eligible patients were identified (124 women and 70 men, age 47.75 ± 15.62 years). Pre-, intra- and post-surgical data were reviewed for complications and recurrences.

Results

Histology reported pleomorphic adenoma in 165 patients, Warthin's tumour in 28 patients and both in one patient. Mean follow up was 36 ± 16 months (range, 12–84 months). The incidences of complications following extracapsular dissection were temporary (n = 13) and permanent (n = 0) facial nerve dysfunction, Frey's syndrome (n = 1)) and recurrences (n = 5). These rates align with prior literature.

Conclusion

This case series shows how a standardised approach to extracapsular dissection for benign parotid tumours yields favourable results, supporting a progressive change of strategy towards reduced invasiveness.
Relaxation of relativistic pair plasma in a massive photon field
Authors: Shazad Usman , Iqbal M.
Published: October 2023

The relaxation of relativistic hot electron–positron plasma is investigated by incorporating the effect of non-zero photon mass, and a quadruple Beltrami (QB) relaxed state for the magnetic vector potential is derived. The QB state is a linear superposition of four single force-free fields and is characterized by four self-organized structures of different length scales. The analysis of QB states shows that for certain values of generalized helicities at lower relativistic temperatures, plasma shows diamagnetic behaviour. It is also noteworthy that the inclusion of non-zero photon mass naturally provides the possibility of multiscale structure formation in the relaxed state. In this scenario, one of the field structures is significantly larger than the Compton wavelength of photons, while the other three structures are on the scale of the electron skin depth. The potential implications of this QB state for astrophysical environments are also discussed.
Ageing in place with non-medical home support services need not translate into dependence
Authors: Kuryk Kaitlyn , Funk Laura M. , Warner Grace , Macdonald Marilyn , Lobchuk Michelle , Rempel Julie , Spring Lauren , Keefe Janice
Published: October 2023

Older adults who age at home independently are often celebrated as having anticipated and planned for their care needs in the later stages of life, whereas those who receive assistance from home support services are often stigmatised as dependent and characterised as a ‘drain on the system’. However, this thematic analysis of interview data from 12 home care clients in two Canadian provinces offers evidence that counters the assumption that home care clients are passive recipients of care. Extending Corbin and Strauss' theorisation of how individuals manage chronic conditions alongside Dorothy Smiths' conception of work, we explore how home care clients ‘work’ to receive care as they age in place. Specifically, home care clients not only engage in daily life work, illness work and biographical work, but also advocate for themselves and their workers, co-ordinate and negotiate with members of their caring convoys and networks, and adapt in various ways to navigate personal, relational, structural and policy-level challenges. We suggest that work done by older adults who are ageing in place be addressed, acknowledged and incorporated into care planning and operational policy development to challenge both the stigma of dependency and neoliberal narratives of self-sufficiency.
Making Local Histories: The Authenticity and Credibility of County Gazetteers in Communist China
Authors: Yan Fei , Xiao Tongtian
Published: October 2023

Many scholars have used local Chinese county gazetteers for historical and socioeconomic analyses, yet little research has examined the completeness of coverage or the biases in reporting that characterize the compilation of these gazetteers. In this paper, we provide a novel source for studying Chinese political movements and local history under the communist regime after 1949: the internal-discussion drafts of county gazetteers (xianzhi pingyigao). Our findings constitute the first study to use internal review drafts to examine the authenticity and credibility of county gazetteers. Prior to their publication, gazetteer drafts are compiled by a team of editors and typically receive at least three rounds of rigorous internal review. These internal-discussion drafts are subject to a prolonged and strict process of self and external censorship. Our analysis engages in a close comparison of text samples extracted from two versions of local gazetteers collected from four counties in Guangxi province. Compared to the draft versions, we find evidence of serious data manipulation and a tendency to underreport historical events in the published editions. Our research evidently demonstrates the process of historiography editing and reveals how local history is presented through the lens of government public documents in China.
Towards intersectional approaches to gendered change in Antarctic research
Authors: Seag Morgan C. , Nielsen Hanne E.F. , Nash Meredith , Badhe Renuka
Published: October 2023

Antarctic research remains an enterprise in which people with certain backgrounds and identities have distinct career advantages over others. In this paper, we focus on barriers to women's participation and success in Antarctic research. Drawing on feminist social science literature on gender inequality in science, we identify two foundational, interrelated factors that have hampered progress across global Antarctic research. We propose that these barriers can be effectively addressed through intersectional approaches to change. We synthesize a broad range of multidisciplinary research on intersectionality in scientific workplaces and apply this literature to the unique institutional, historical and geographical contexts of Antarctic research. We argue that an intersectional lens improves understanding of persistent gender inequalities in Antarctic research, and we offer examples of how intersectionality can be practically applied within Antarctic institutions and communities. By embracing intersectional approaches to change, the Antarctic research community has the opportunity to lead in the advancement of equitable global scientific cultures and to fully realize Antarctica's potential as a place for peaceful, scientific collaboration by and for all humanity - not just a privileged few.
Nature in the concrete jungle: valuing urban ecosystem services in Costa Rica
Authors: Piaggio Matías , Siikamäki Juha
Published: October 2023

Urban green spaces are primarily recognized for their ability to provide opportunities for recreational activities. However, these spaces also offer a broader range of ecosystem services and benefits, which are often overlooked by city inhabitants and the government. This paper utilizes choice experiments to estimate the benefits derived from ecosystem services provided by undeveloped natural areas and urban parks in San José, Costa Rica. We evaluate three ecosystem services provided by undeveloped natural areas, namely habitats for animals and plants, hydrological control, and recreation. Additionally, we estimate the benefits derived from the restoration and construction of three types of urban parks: neighborhood, metropolitan, and central district parks. The results demonstrate that individuals place significant value on the restoration of undeveloped natural areas and urban parks. The findings also indicate variations in the valuation of ecosystem services between undeveloped natural areas and different park types, as well as among households.
Lower redemption of monthly Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children benefits associated with higher risk of program discontinuation
Authors: Anderson Christopher E , Yepez Catherine E , Whaley Shannon E
Published: October 2023

Objective:

To determine whether Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) food benefit redemption is associated with discontinuing WIC participation, failure to recertify, overall and by race/ethnicity-language preference and participant category.

Design:

Retrospective cohort study, using multivariable modified Poisson regression to determine risk ratios (RR) and 95 % CI for associations between household-level food benefit redemption (interval-scaled benefit redemption percent, averaged across WIC benefit subcategories, for the final 3, 6 and 12 months of certification) and failure to recertify in WIC, overall and within strata of race/ethnicity-language preference and participant category.

Setting:

WIC administrative data collected November 2019–July 2021 in Southern California.

Participants:

WIC-participating children ages 0–3 years at initial certification from November 2019 to May 2020 (n 41 263).

Results:

In all time periods, and for all subgroups, every 10 % lower food benefit redemption was associated with increased risk of failure to recertify. Among households without missing food benefit data, failure to recertify risk peaked at 505 % higher (RR = 6·05, 95 % CI (5·63, 6·51)) in households with average 12-month redemption <10 % compared with households with ≥70 % redemption.

Conclusions:

Lower WIC benefit redemption was associated with higher risk of failing to recertify among participants. Focused nutrition education around benefit redemption may improve WIC retention and child health through incremental increases in food benefit redemption.