bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes in Family Structure and Welfare Participation since the 1960s: The Role of Legal Services
Authors: Cunningham Jamein , Goodman-Bacon Andrew
Published: December 2024

This paper evaluates the effects of the War on Poverty's legal services program (LSP), which provided subsidized legal assistance to poor communities, focusing on divorce and welfare access. We use a difference-in-difference (DiD) research design based on the program's rollout from 1965 to 1975. We find temporary increases in the rate of new divorces and persistent increases in welfare participation, consistent with LSP activities. We find increases in nonmarital birth rates that stem from falling marriage rates rather than rising birth rates. Expanded access to legal institutions thus contributed directly and indirectly to changes in family structure in the 1960s. (JEL H53, I32, I38, J12, K36)
Smart Thermostats, Automation, and Time-Varying Prices
Authors: Blonz Joshua , Palmer Karen , Wichman Casey J. , Wietelman Derek C.
Published: December 2024

Can automation complement economic incentives? We explore this question by randomly encouraging households to activate a feature on their existing smart thermostat that automates responsiveness to time-of-use electricity pricing. The feature reduces air conditioning use during the highest-priced afternoon period, raising indoor temperatures above a household's preferred temperature, primarily for customers who are typically home during the day. Customers infrequently override the feature when they experience discomfort, suggesting that they are willing to trade off monetary savings for small increases in discomfort. Automation thus enables low-cost changes in household energy use, with potentially large electricity supply-cost reductions at scale. (JEL D12, D91, L94, L98, Q48)
Media Coverage of Immigration and the Polarization of Attitudes
Authors: Schneider-Strawczynski Sarah , Valette Jérôme
Published: December 2024

This paper investigates the effect of media coverage on immigration attitudes. It combines data on immigration coverage in French television with individual panel data from 2013 to 2017 that records respondents' preferred television channel and attitudes toward immigration. The analysis focuses on within-individual variations over time, addressing ideological self-selection into channels. We find that increased coverage of immigration polarizes attitudes, with initially moderate individuals becoming more likely to report extremely positive and negative attitudes. This polarization is mainly driven by an increase in the salience of immigration, which reactivates preexisting prejudices, rather than persuasion effects from biased news consumption. (JEL D83, D91, J15, J18, L82)
Betting on the House: Subjective Expectations and Market Choices
Authors: Bottan Nicolas , Perez-Truglia Ricardo
Published: December 2024

Home price expectations play a central role in macroeconomics and finance. However, there is little direct evidence on their effect on market choices. We provide causal evidence using a large-scale, high-stakes field experiment in the United States. We sent letters about home price trends to 57,910 homeowners who listed their homes. These letters contained randomized information creating nondeceptive, exogenous variation in home price expectations. Consistent with economic theory, higher expectations reduced selling probability. Behavior was highly elastic: a 1 percentage point increase in expectations caused a 2.63 percentage point reduction in the probability of selling the property within 12 weeks. (JEL C93, D83, D84, R31)
Spatial Integration and Agricultural Productivity: Quantifying the Impact of New Roads
Authors: Adamopoulos Tasso
Published: December 2024

I study the effects of Ethiopia's 1997–2014 road expansion program on agricultural productivity and structural change by combining a quantitative spatial sectoral framework with novel district-level panel data on agricultural production and geocoded transport costs. In the model, the spatial heterogeneity of transport costs affects the distribution of production and mobile inputs across locations and sectors, and the allocation of land across crops within locations. Varying transport costs to their new actual levels, the model delivers substantial structural change, a rise in agricultural productivity onetenth of the data, and a pattern of productivity gains across districts consistent with the data. (JEL H54, O13, O18, Q11, Q13, R42, R53)
Rational Inattention and the Business Cycle Effects of Productivity and News Shocks
Authors: Maćkowiak Bartosz , Wiederholt Mirko
Published: December 2024

We solve a real business cycle model with rational inattention (an RI-RBC model). In the RI-RBC model, the growth rates of employment, investment, and output are about as persistent as in the data, with an amount of inattention consistent with survey data on expectations. Moreover, consumption, employment, and output move in the same direction in response to news about future productivity. By contrast, the baseline RBC model produces neither persistent growth rates nor business cycle comovement after news shocks. (JEL D83, E32, E71)
The Evolution of US Retail Concentration
Authors: Smith Dominic A. , Ocampo Sergio
Published: December 2024

Increasing national concentration has contributed to market power concerns. Yet local trends are more informative about market power in retail, where consumers have traditionally shopped at nearby stores. Using novel product-level census data for all US retailers, we find that local and national concentration increased in parallel and affect most markets, products, and industries. The expansion of multimarket firms into new markets explains most of the increase in national concentration, with consolidation via increases in local market shares increasing in importance between 1997 and 2007. Increases in local concentration can explain one-quarter to one-third of the observed rise in retail gross margins. (JEL D22, L13, L81, R32)
Optimal Bank Reserve Remuneration and Capital Control Policy
Authors: Chi Chun-Che , Schmitt-Grohé Stephanie , Uribe Martín
Published: December 2024

A central prediction of open economy models with a pecuniary externality due to a collateral constraint is that the unregulated economy overborrows relative to what occurs under optimal policy. A maintained assumption in this literature is that households borrow directly from foreign lenders. This paper shows that if foreign lending is intermediated by domestic banks and the government can pay interest on bank reserves and impose capital controls, the unregulated economy underborrows. The optimal bank reserve policy is countercyclical. By increasing bank reserves during contractions, the government acts as a lender of last resort to collateral-constrained households. (JEL E32, E58, F38, F41, G21, G51)
Números
Authors: Dala Bernardina Jovani , Mattos Gandini Marcelo
Published: December 2024

Pretendemos apresentar como o contexto físico-social imposto pelo isolamento na SARS COVID 19 influenciou a produção artística do artista-autor. Considerando-se que a apreensão deste contexto específico é armazenado pela memória/imaginação do sujeito artista, pode-se entender a construção de uma redoma fenomenológica, composta pelo isolamento social no contexto sociocultural que acaba por influenciar seu imaginário e seu respectivo processo criativo. Para dar conta desta relação entre sujeito-objeto realizaremos uma breve análise das obras oriundas deste processo de criativo.
Quero lhe contar como eu vivi
Authors: Rios Costa Caroline
Published: December 2024

Durante a Ditadura militar brasileira (1964-1985), uma série de indivíduos e grupos sociais foram atingidos pelo aparato repressivo imposto pelo regime. Um destes grupos sociais é o de crianças, geralmente sujeitos pouco presentes nos estudos sobre resistência e memória daqueles anos. Dentro de um processo inicial de justiça de transição e de demanda por políticas de memória, verdade, justiça e reparação, o documentário 15 filhos (1996) se tornou um marco, pois se tornou o primeiro momento em que pessoas que faziam parte de famílias militantes e tiveram suas infâncias durante os anos ditatoriais falaram publicamente sobre suas experiências. Tendo o filme como fonte, o objetivo deste artigo é analisar a relação entre ditadura, infância e subjetividade destes indivíduos.
Animação Digital “Torre” como reflexão sobre a Ditadura Militar na perspectiva infantil
Authors: DE SOUZA NATACHA , RUIZ TORRES DAVID
Published: December 2024

Nas tecnologias digitais, a animação é usada como agente ativo permitindo formas inovadoras de expressão artística. O documentário animado, intitulado "Torre" (2017), produzido por Nádia Mangolini, utiliza a animação para abordar temas sensíveis relativos à Ditadura Militar Brasileira (1964-1985). O filme explora as memórias da infância dos protagonistas, oferecendo uma visão subjetiva dos impactos do regime. obra não apenas documenta o passado da família diante da perda de um ente querido, como também proporciona uma reflexão crítica sobre como a ditadura afetou a vida dos sujeitos. Ao fazer, o documentário em formato de animação questiona convenções e amplia aceitações de formas inéditas de expressão, contribuindo para uma compreensão mais rica e diversificada da arte e da história.
“O Vasco é a minha pele"
Authors: Marcolan Letícia
Published: December 2024

O artigo tem como objetivo central investigar a ascensão política de Eurico Ângelo de Oliveira Miranda (1944-2019) no Club de Regatas Vasco da Gama sob o prisma do estilo dirigencial (Bromberger, 2019; Godio, 2010; Burlamaqui, 2013) vascaíno. Para isso, em primeiro lugar, é preciso compreender as representações sociais que compõem a identidade clubística vascaína. Posteriormente, examino a ascensão de Eurico Miranda sustentada por episódios que evidenciam a incorporação e, consequentemente, a reconfiguração da vascainidade por parte de Eurico.
trajetória de Walderez de Barros e suas memórias sobre a ditadura militar (1964-1985)
Authors: Lopes Saraiva Daniel , Machado Ana Carolina
Published: December 2024

O artigo aborda aspectos da história de vida e da trajetória artística de Walderez de Barros, dando ênfase à memória da atriz sobre sua experiência durante a ditadura militar, suas vivências naquele momento sendo artista, mãe e esposa. Mobiliza, para isso, a biografia da atriz, pertencente à Coleção Aplauso, da Imprensa Oficial, e uma entrevista com a atriz seguindo a metodologia da história oral. Seu testemunho possibilita a compreensão de como a classe artística enfrentou os impactos do regime, sobretudo no que se refere à censura, e contribui para uma ampliação de estudos sobre trajetórias de atores e atrizes ainda pouco analisados na historiografia brasileira, bem como para um alargamento de trabalhos sobre a história e a memória das artes no período de exceção.
Ulysses and His peregrini amores in the Latin Love Elegy
Authors: Christidou Danae
Published: December 2024

This article aims to trace the ‘unfaithful Ulysses’ motif in the Latin love elegy of the Augustan era. Roman elegists deconstruct Ulysses’s epic profile by turning his resourcefulness, his most celebrated virtue in epic poetry, into a vice; as a result, the elegiac Ulysses is a cunning sailor who charms women at every port he stops at, always being at the ready to sail away. This image of the epic hero is assessed in two conflicting ways: he is either judged for his insolent erotic behaviour, or he is applauded as the ideal ‘casual lover’, enviable to lovers who are unable to resist their self-destructing, obsessive passions.
Two Remarks on the Nature of the Breviarium of Patriarch Nikephoros of Constantinople and its Final Chapters
Authors: Czachor Antoni
Published: December 2024

In the last modern edition of Nikephoros’ Breviarium (Mango 1990), the editor stated that this work is nothing but a few chronicle sources rewritten in Attic style (maybe sentence by sentence) and that the text shows clear signs of progressive weariness at the end of the narrative. Even if contested by some scholars, Mango’s view on Nikephoros and his work prevails. Careful analysis of the story of deposition and execution of patriarch Constantine (c. 83–84) proves that Nikephoros consciously rearranged his source material to create his own narrative and present the events in a smooth way; it also explains whence comes the supposedly confused chronology in this part of the text. Secondly, the comparison of the Nikephoros’ (c. 86) and Theophanes’ (443, 22–26) descriptions of destructions done in the imperial palace by patriarch Niketas shows that Nikephoros did rewrite his source material in a classical way par excellence, even at the very end of the work. These remarks indicate the need of rethinking or, at least, nuancing Mango’s view on the nature of the Breviarium.
In the Shadow of the Empire
Authors: Gieseke Julian
Published: December 2024

Comparing is a base operation in the description of foreigners. Yet, its role in Hellenistic ethnography is still understudied. The paper looks at practices of comparing in the ethnographic texts of Polybius, Posidonius and Strabo in the 2nd and 1st century BC, which served to integrate the (newly discovered) peoples of western Europe into Greek views of the world. It shows both that the conquest of these areas by the Romans changed Greek perceptions of western ‘barbarians’ and that older ethnographic traditions were still retained.
End-of-life care: recognising the importance of hospice care services throughout the UK
Authors: Ashurst Adrian M
Published: December 2024

Adrian Ashurst discusses holistic hospice care designed to meet the individual needs of residents and families.
Preventing sexual harassment in the workplace: what employers need to know
Authors: Bernstein Adam
Published: December 2024

Adam Bernstein explains what the Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act, 2010) Act 2023 means for employers and employees.
Space Tech Maps Heat Loss in Housing Over Leeds
Authors: Ford Jason
Published: December 2024

Trial identifies poor insulation in city’s homes and targets areas for retrofitting
Patrolling in The Deep
Authors: Wade Andrew
Published: December 2024

The £31bn Dreadnought programme to replace the UK’s Trident-carrying Vanguard submarines is one of the world’s most complex and secretive engineering projects.
Optimization of Ritonavir Preformulation: Techniques and Approaches for Enhancing Drug Formulation
Authors: Nahar Pratiksha Prayag , Patil Dinesh Prabhakar , Malik Md Mahfoozur Rahman , Chavan Mitusha Devanand , Jagtap Shekhar Dipak
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT: Background: Excipients are essential for creating a stable, safe, and effective dosage form. A natural polymer called Lapidium Sativum lyophilized powder was used to create a co-processed excipient. Drug excipient compatibility was examined using a range of approaches, including DSC, infrared (FT-IR) Fourier transform spectroscopy, particle X-ray diffraction, after first drug identification and preformulation process development. Aim: The preformulation research aims to provide an elegant, simple, and cost-effective approach for determining Ritonavir in bulk dosage forms, as well as an in-vitro study. Methods: Ritonavir absorbs at 290 nm. Curves for calibration are displayed across specified wavelengths, and they were determined to be straight between 5 and 30 mcg/ml. The recovery experiments demonstrated the suggested methods accuracy, and the findings were validated in accordance with ICH recommendations. Precision and accuracy investigations were conducted, and good findings were obtained. Result: The validity of Ritonavir was confirmed by DSC and FITR spectra. Ritonavir concentrations in bulk and blood plasma were determined using a UV spectrophotometric technique. Research were conducted into the level of saturation solubility, micromeritical characteristics, temperature of melting, pH, the humidity, and equilibrium profile. The UV method was continuous from 5 to 50 µg/mL. The small % CV values for intra-day and inter-day variations indicated the proposed technique's resilience. A very high regression coefficient value of 0.999 indicated the robustness of the approach. The physicochemical evaluation of the medication indicated RIT's appropriateness for the oral route. Conclusion: In brief, pharmaceutical preformulation investigations were conducted to ensure the successful creation of coprocessed excipients for safe and effective formulation development.
Phytochemical Profiling and Biological Activities of Flavonoid-Rich Extracts from Anisomeles malabarica (L)
Authors: vijayarangan Nanditha , Durai Muthuselvam
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT: This study revealed the antioxidant, antimicrobial, GC-MS, FTIR, and UV-Vis. of ethanol derived from Anisomeles malabarica leaves to identify a new resource with potential therapeutic applications. This study used well-known extraction and significant separation techniques to focus on flavonoid compounds' preparative isolation. The Anisomeles malabarica leaf extract inhibited the DPPH by approximately 62.10% at increasing concentrations (500 µg/ml), 38.47% at minimal concentrations (10 µg/ml), and IC50 at 79.07 µg/ml, separately. The ABTS+ assay revealed that 84.1 per cent of the concentration at the lowest concentration (10 µg/ml) and 91.04% at increasing concentrations (500 µg/ml) showed inhibition. According to the H2O2, the IC50 was 51.67 µg/ml, and the inhibition was approximately 77.8% at higher concentrations (500 µg/ml) and 38.5% at lower concentrations (10 µg/ml). The antimicrobial activity of an Anisomeles malabarica leaf extract was examined against gram-positive, gram-negative, and fungi. Staphylococcus aureus (15.25±0.35mm), Corynebacterium diphtheria (14.25±0.35 mm), followed by Klebsiella pneumonia (14.5±0.7mm), was achieved at 500 µg/ml. While Proteus vulgaris (50 µg /ml, as 5.25±0.7 mm). The antifungal activity against Phialophora verrucosa was achieved at (500 µg/ml, 18.5±0.35 mm) and (400 µg /ml, 17.25±0.7 mm). Whereas Sporothrix schenckii (200 µg /ml, as 4.5±0.7 mm). The leaf extract of Anisomeles malabarica, analysed using GC-MS and FTIR, contained 40 flavonoid compounds, with five peak compounds identified, indicating its potential for phytochemical screening. The study reveals that A. malabarica leaves possess antioxidant properties, effectively treating bacterial degenerative diseases in conventional medicine and validating their use in pharmaceutical formulations.
In Vitro Anthelmintic Activity of Crude Extracts of Melissa Officinalis Against Pheretima Posthuma
Authors: Shuchi Dave , Urmila Vishwakarma , Gopal Rai , Singh Baghel Uttam , Prashant Kumar
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT: Aims: A literature review indicated that there isn't a single scientific study on the anthelmintic properties of the aerial part of Melissa officinalis. The study's main aim is to determine the anthelmintic activity of fresh juice extract, methanolic extract, and volatile oil extract of Melissa officinalis using Pheretima Posthuma as a test worms’ method. Method and materials: The concentrations of the fresh juice extract, methanolic extract, and volatile oil extract of Melissa officinalis Linn. are 10 mg/ml, 20 mg/ml, 30 mg/ml, 40 mg/ml, and 50 mg/ml. Every extract was examined to ascertain the worms' paralysis and death times. Both extracts exhibited anthelmintic action in vitro. As a standard, albendazole was utilized, while saline water served as the control. Result: Melissa officinalis extracts were tested for anthelmintic action against Pheretima Posthuma (earthworms). Normal saline and albendazole (20 mg/ml) were taken as the control and standard medicine, respectively, while four different concentrations were used. The worms' paralysis and death times were established. According to the results, the fresh juice extract had the highest level of activity. Anthelmintic action was demonstrated in a dose-dependent manner by fresh juice extract, volatile oil extract and methanolic extract. Findings were similar to those of the common medication, albendazole. Conclusion: The aerial part of Melissa officinalis extract showed anthelmintic activity. The results were dose-dependent for various extracts, and they were almost similar to those of the popular drug albendazole. Further investigations are underway to isolate the active principle responsible for the action.
Diversity, Extracellular Enzyme Activity and Growth Promoting Potential of Fungal Isolates from the Roots of Coleus aromaticus Benth.
Authors: Kampurath Sajitha Menon , Velayudhankutty Sneha Poongodu , Valsamma Renju Krishna
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT: Coleus aromaticus Benth. a member of Lamiaceae family is a herbaceous plant with numerous medicinal properties. The present study was aimed at the isolation, characterization, extracellular enzyme activity and growth promoting ability of endophytic fungi from the roots of C. aromaticus collected from different parts of Palakkad, Kerala, India. A total of nine cultures grouped into five morphotypes including one non-sporulating taxa mostly belonging to Ascomycota were isolated. Their colonization rate and diversity index was determined. Extracellular enzyme activity and plant growth promotion studies were also carried out. Amylase activity was exhibited by all isolates, while none of them showed tyrosinase, protease, or laccase activity. Among the isolates, Fusarium sp. exhibited significant root and shoot length promotion in Vigna radiata seedlings, and its identification was confirmed through sequence analysis as Fusarium solani. The results indicated that the endophytic association has a positive role in promoting plant growth and revealed diverse mycoflora in the roots of Coleus aromaticus with various biological activities, highlighting the potential for further research into endophytes and their metabolites as a promising field.
The burden of medical contraindications to corneal donation: Time for review
Authors: Dorado-Cortez Oliver , Poinard Sylvain , Epinat Magali , Collange Fanny , Ninotta Sandrine , Goin Paul , Perrot Jean Luc , Gain Philippe , Pollock Graeme , Thuret Gilles
Published: December 2024

Corneal graft (keratoplasty) is the most common allograft in the world, but the imbalance between the number of donors and the number of patients waiting for transplants is abysmal on a global scale and varies enormously from one country to another. The risk of transmission of systemic diseases from donor to recipient is demonstrably low. In over 50 years and an estimated 2.5 million transplants, only 8 cases of rabies, 2 cases of hepatitis B and 2 cases of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) have been documented. Conversely, other cases of rabies, HIV, hep C, hep B and CJD have not been transmitted via keratoplasty. The list of medical contraindications (CI) to corneal donation also includes diseases for which no actual, only theoretical, risk has been identified, in particular, neurodegenerative diseases, hematological malignancies, melanomas, tumors of the central nervous system, neoplastic meningitis and lymphangitic carcinomatosis. Their contribution to the reduction in the potential donor pool has not previously been investigated. We analyzed 45 months of exhaustive data from the hospital coordination for organ and tissue procurement at St-Etienne University Hospital (01/01/2020 to 06/09/2023). Out of the 2349 consecutive potential donors’ files analyzed by the coordination team,1346 (57%) had an CI to donation. The identification of a neurodegenerative disease was the most frequent, accounting for 16% of the files examined and 29% of CIs. Of these, 75% were related to cognitive disorders. The 5 diseases or families of diseases for which there is only theoretical risk of transmission equated to a loss of 712 potential donors, corresponding to 30% of the files examined and 53% of all CIs. Of the 1003 deceased without CI, 738 families (74%) were contacted. No objection to donation was received in 52% of cases, enabling 385 procurements to be carried out. Removing these 5 CIs would have increased the number of donors by 71% (658 instead of 385). The potential pool of corneal donors is significantly restricted by a group of CIs introduced decades ago in response to a theoretical transmission of disease. A substantive amount of evidence now suggests that many CIs now need to be reviewed, modified or discarded altogether. This approach will result in a highly significant worldwide increase in the availability of corneas for transplant and have an immediate and major impact in reducing corneal blindness across the globe. We propose that this reduction in CIs be accompanied by a prospective evaluation process, by allocating the corneas of these donors to patients aged 75 years and over, and by monitoring them for a minimum of 5 years.
Barriers and facilitators to implementing six monthly multi-month dispensing of antiretroviral therapy in two urban HIV clinics during the COVID-19 Era in Malawi
Authors: Chamanga Rachel , Bula Agatha , Magalasi Denview , Mahuva Stella , Nyirenda Mulinda , Torpey Kwasi , Maphosa Thulani , Matoga Mitch
Published: December 2024

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the Malawi Government released a policy that promoted the scale-up of six-monthly multi-month dispensing (6-MMD) of antiretroviral therapy (ART) to people living with HIV in order to decrease congestion at health facilities and transmission of COVID-19. We evaluated the barriers and facilitators to implementing the scale-up of 6-MMD.We conducted a cross-sectional study and collected quantitative and qualitative data from 13 January 2022 to 5 February 2022 at two high-volume primary health facilities in urban Blantyre, Malawi. A survey was self-administered to healthcare workers (HCWs) and a subset were purposively selected for key informant interviews. The interviews were guided by the consolidated framework for implementation research and questions focused on perceived barriers and facilitators to 6-MMD. We calculated proportions of reported barriers and facilitators based on the Likert scale. A thematic content analysis was done for qualitative data. Of the 77 HCWs who participated in the surveys, 56 (73%) were female and 22 (29%) were nurses. Major barriers to the implementation of 6-MMD were low drug supply and lack of understanding of the policy. Other reported barriers were s missing clinic appointments and viral load sample collection, if timelines for ART dispensation and viral load testing were misaligned. The major facilitators were orientation and review meetings, teamwork among staff, and the use of the electronic medical records system to track patients. Additionally, reduction in the number of patient visits, which reduced the workload of healthcare workers was cited as another motivator for implementing 6-MMD. Major facilitators to transition to 6-MMD included health care worker capacity building, teamwork and use of electronic medical records while major barriers included low drug supplies and lack of understanding of policy guidance. These findings may be helpful when developing strategies for increasing coverage and uptake of 6-MMD of ART.
Integration and acceptability of cervical cancer screening as part of postnatal care among women attending postnatal clinics in the Accra Metropolis, Greater Accra Region, Ghana
Authors: Buadi Lawrence Oppong , Odame Raphael , Samba Ali , Kareem Mumuni , Boateng Angela Amoanimaa , Diogo Claudette Ahliba , Morrision Rebecca Tricia , Kwakye George Kumi , Smith-Togobo Cecilia
Published: December 2024

Cervical cancer is a recognized preventable disease yet the fourth most common cancer among women globally. This study assessed the integration and acceptability of cervical cancer screening as part of routine sixth-week postnatal care among women attending a postnatal clinic. This was a cross-sectional descriptive study among 347 postpartum women who were attending their 6th-week postnatal visit. A Pap smear test was performed on each consenting study participant. Only conventional cervical smears were performed. The Pap smear samples were taken using a special kit (PAP-PAK Cytology brush kit) for a 3-smear sampling of the ectocervix (emphasis on the squamo-columnar junction), endocervix (endocervical canal past squamo-columnar junction) and the posterior fornix via a cervical-vaginal scraper and a CytoSoft cytology brush respectively. All smears were fixed with 95% ethyl alcohol and allowed to dry in cool air. The samples were sent to the cytology laboratory and stained with the Pap staining technique. All the smears were examined and reported by the cytology department of Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital. Descriptive statistics such as frequency tables were drawn and proportions were estimated. Bivariable analysis between categorical variables and outcome variables was done. A p-value ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Most (90.5%) of the study participants were satisfied with the Pap test procedure and about 52.7% indicated that paying Gh₵60.00 ($12.50) for screening test was affordable. The outcome of Pap smear tests revealed that most (90.8%) of the participants had normal Pap test results. In the univariable analysis, participants’ educational level (p = 0.006); occupation (p < 0.001), and contraceptive use (p = 0.019) were significantly associated with the acceptability of the Pap test procedure. The multivariable analysis revealed that educational level (aOR = 3.27; 95% CI = 1.05–10.21; p = 0.041) and occupation (aOR = 6.49; 95% CI = 1.67–25.29; p = 0.007) were significantly associated with the acceptability of the Pap test procedure and showed higher odds of acceptability. Integration of cervical cancer screening into the routine sixth-week postnatal clinic has the potential to be feasible with anticipated high uptake. We therefore recommend a pilot study be initiated to integrate cervical cancer screening into the routine maternal health services as part of postnatal care. Also, the Ministry of Health/Ghana Health Service should initiate discussion with the National Health Insurance Authority for possible inclusion as part of the national health insurance scheme’s benefit package in the nearby future.
The sexual and reproductive health needs and preferences of youths in sub-Saharan Africa: A meta-synthesis
Authors: Uka Victoria Kalu , White Helen , Smith Debbie M.
Published: December 2024

The sexual and reproductive health (SRH) needs of youths in sub-Saharan Africa are not being fully met, as evidenced by high rates of unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections in this population. Understanding service needs and preferences of sub-Saharan African youths aged 10–24 years is critical for improving access and SRH outcomes and the focus of this systematic review of qualitative research. Four databases were searched with key words to identify relevant studies, supplemented by citation search, with an update in June 2023. The eligibility criteria were clear and developed a priori. Twenty included studies from seven countries underwent quality appraisal using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP). A meta-ethnographic approach was used to synthesise concepts across studies by the researchers. Four key themes were generated: information needs; service needs; social needs; and delivery preferences. Information needs encompassed desires for age-appropriate education on contraception, safer sex, bodily changes, and healthy relationships to fill knowledge gaps. Social needs consisted of life skills training, vocational development, substance use rehabilitation, and support systems to foster healthy behaviours. Service needs included accessible youth-friendly sexual health services, preventative care, sexually transmitted Infections (STI) management, and contraception; and delivery preferences including competent providers who maintain privacy and confidentiality, convenient youth-oriented settings, free or low-cost provisions, and youth involvement in service design. In conclusion, the identified themes emphasise the diverse nature of SRH needs and preferences among sub-Saharan African youths. Insights from their unique priorities and unmet needs inform policy development and intervention strategies. Tailored awareness campaigns, youth-centred training for providers, youth-friendly and confidential SRH models, comprehensive education, and engaging youth in developing relevant solutions may improve acceptability, access, and health outcomes. These efforts could address barriers around stigma, costs, and lack of knowledge, contributing to enhanced SRH and wellbeing. Fulfilling youth SRH needs in sub-Saharan Africa requires commitment across sectors to evidence-based, youth-focused strategies placing their perspectives at the centre.
Health outcome priorities of people with multiple long-term conditions using the outcome prioritisation tool in the UK: A survey study and feasibility assessment
Authors: Sathanapally Harini , Chudasama Yogini V. , Zaccardi Francesco , Rizzi Alessandro , Seidu Samuel , Khunti Kamlesh
Published: December 2024

Background

The outcome prioritisation tool (OPT) is a simple tool to ascertain the health outcome priorities of people with MLTC. Use of this tool in people aged under 65 years with MLTC has not previously been investigated. This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of using the OPT in people with MLTC aged 45 years or above, in a multi-ethnic primary-care setting and describe the health outcome priorities of people with MLTC by age, clusters of long-term conditions and demographic factors, and to investigate any differences in prioritisation in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

This was a multi-centre cross-sectional study using a questionnaire for online self-completion by people aged 45 years or above with MLTC in 19 primary care settings across the East Midlands, UK. Participants were asked to complete the OPT twice, first from their current perspective and second from their recollection of their priorities prior to COVID-19.

Results

The questionnaire was completed by 2,454 people with MLTC. The majority of participants agreed or strongly agreed that the OPT was easy to complete, relevant to their healthcare and will be useful in communicating priorities to their doctor. Summary scores for the whole cohort of participants showed Keeping Alive and Maintaining Independence receiving the highest scores. Statistically significant differences in prioritisation by age, clusters of long-term conditions and employment status were observed, with respondents aged over 65 most likely to prioritise Maintaining independence, and respondents aged under 65 most likely to prioritise Keeping alive. There were no differences before or after COVID-19, or by ethnicity.

Conclusions

The OPT is feasible and acceptable for use to elicit the health outcome priorities of people with MLTC across both middle-aged and older age groups and in a UK setting. Individual factors could influence the priorities of people with MLTC and must be considered by clinicians during consultations.
Oncogenic human papillomavirus and anal microbiota in men who have sex with men and are living with HIV in Northern Taiwan
Authors: Cheng Shu-Hsing , Yang Yu-Chen , Chen Cheng-Pin , Hsieh Hui-Ting , Lin Yi-Chun , Cheng Chien-Yu , Liao Kuo-Sheng , Chu Fang-Yeh , Liu Yun-Ru
Published: December 2024

Few studies have demonstrated the interplay between human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), anal human papillomavirus (HPV), and anal microbiota, especially in persons living with HIV who are men who have sex with men. We, therefore, explored these interrelationships in a cohort of persons living with HIV, mainly comprising men who have sex with men. HPV genotyping using a commercial genotyping kit and ThinPrep cytology interpreted by Bethesda systems was performed on samples from 291 patients. Samples were characterized by high-throughput sequencing of dual-index barcoded 16s rRNA (V3–4). Bacterial diversity was diminished in individuals living with HIV with CD4+ T cells <500 cells/μL and anal cytology yielding atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance or higher grades (ASCUS+) with detectable HPV 16/18 compared with those with CD4+ T cells ≥500 cells/μL with ASCUS+ and HPV 16/18 and those with normal anal cytology or inflammation without HPV 16/18. Enterobacteriaceae, Ruminococcus, and Bacilli were significantly abundant in persons living with HIV with CD4+ T cells <500 cells/μL with ASCUS+ and HPV 16/18. Bacterial diversity, composition, and homogeneity of dispersion were different in individuals living with HIV with low CD4+ T cells with ASCUS+ and HPV 16/18, and understanding the interaction among immunocompromised hosts, oncogenic HPVs, and microbiota is essential, and the contribution of these factors to anal precancerous lesions needs more in-depth exploration.
An improved particle swarm optimization for multilevel thresholding medical image segmentation
Authors: Ma Jiaqi , Hu Jianmin
Published: December 2024

Multilevel thresholding image segmentation is one of the widely used image segmentation methods, and it is also an important means of medical image preprocessing. Replacing the original costly exhaustive search approach, swarm intelligent optimization algorithms are recently used to determine the optimal thresholds for medical image, and medical images tend to have higher bit depth. Aiming at the drawbacks of premature convergence of existing optimization algorithms for high-bit depth image segmentation, this paper presents a pyramid particle swarm optimization based on complementary inertia weights (CIWP-PSO), and the Kapur entropy is employed as the optimization objective. Firstly, according to the fitness value, the particle swarm is divided into three-layer structure. To accommodate the larger search range caused by higher bit depth, the particles in the layer with the worst fitness value are employed random opposition learning strategy. Secondly, a pair of complementary inertia weights are introduced to balance the capability of exploitation and exploration. In the part of experiments, this paper used nine high-bit depth benchmark images to test the CIWP-PSO effectiveness. Then, a group of Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) images with 12-bit depth are utilized to validate the advantages of CIWP-PSO compared with other segmentation algorithms based on other optimization algorithms. According to the segmentation experimental results, thresholds optimized by CIWP-PSO could achieve higher Kapur entropy, and the multi-level thresholding segmentation algorithm based on CIWP-PSO outperforms the similar algorithms in high-bit depth image segmentation. Besides, we used image segmentation quality metrics to evaluate the impact of different segmentation algorithms on images, and the experimental results show that the MRI images segmented by the CIWP-PSO has achieved the best fitness value more times than images segmented by other comparison algorithm in terms of Structured Similarity Index and Feature Similarity Index, which explains that the images segmented by CIWP-PSO has higher image quality.
Past and present foodscapes of a traditional fermented milk, mabisi, in three Zambian regions
Authors: Chirwa-Moonga Taonga , Talsma Elise F. , Moonga Himoonga Bernard , Zwaan Bas J. , Schoustra Sijmen E. , Dolfsma Wilfred
Published: December 2024

Food serves not only as a source of individual physical sustenance but also a central element in shaping social relationships and culture within families and communities. The concept of foodscapes has emerged as a valuable framework for understanding the intricate connections between food, the environment, and society, highlighting both the physical and cultural dimensions of food. Production and consumption practices of traditional healthy foods, such as the Zambian traditional fermented milk mabisi, evolve over generations, a process influenced by the foodscape they are embedded in. Foodscapes can evolve as a result of several different developments, including migration, acculturation, and urbanization. This paper aims to utilize the concept of foodscape to understand why certain groups of individuals adopt diets incorporating mabisi while others do not. Additionally, the study identifies drivers of healthy food consumption within the broader foodscape. Adopting a qualitative approach using semi-structured interviews, along with purposive and snowball sampling, a total of 86 participants that differ in mabisi production and consumption were sampled from Southern, Eastern, and Western provinces of Zambia. Using thematic analysis, we found that individuals’ dietary choices were influenced by their ethnic origins and the evolving foodscape. Traditional food production practices were replaced by modern food production techniques, shifting from the use of traditional calabashes for mabisi production to plastic containers. Access to healthy indigenous foods has also diminished and because of urbanization and environmental degradation, wild roots, fruits, bushmeat and vegetables were no longer as readily available as before. Understanding the foodscape of a healthy traditionally fermented food such as mabisi, its elements, and its evolution over time, may provide insights that would promote the consumption of healthy traditional foods.
Proximate analysis and vitamin B contents of fresh-made, canned chickpea and broad bean dips commercially produced in Jordan
Authors: Abu Jadayil Seham M. , Alsaed Ali K. , Mahmoud Iman F. , Ahmad Leena M. , Afaneh Fatena , Khalaf Hanaa , Soudi Mohammed Z.
Published: December 2024

Background

Chickpea and broad bean dips are among the most popular legume-based dishes in the Middle Eastern countries. They are either made freshly by restaurants or sold in cans. Various manufacturing processes may enhance or reduce the chemical compositions of any food products, including these dips, which in turn can affect their nutritional values and health benefits. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the nutritional values of the chickpea and broad bean dips and examine the possible differences between those made freshly and those sold as canned products.

Methods

Fresh-made and canned chickpea and broad bean dips were obtained from various restaurants and factories in Jordan and were analyzed for their proximate analysis, titratable acidity, and pH value. Furthermore, vitamins B were analyzed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.

Results

Significant differences were detected between fresh-made and canned chickpea dips, with the former containing higher quantities of fiber (10.96g ± 0.32) while the latter containing higher quantities of proteins (8.06g ± 0.29), fats (8.05g ± 1.08), and the vitamins B1 (0.46 ± 0.02) and B5 (0.87 ± 0.02). On the other hand, a significant difference was detected between fresh-made and canned broad bean dips, while the latter contained higher quantities of carbohydrates (20.94g ± 0.78) and tested B-vitamins (except for B6). These detected differences may be due to different variances of chickpeas and broad beans used, preparation methods, and/or the addition of other ingredients.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that both chickpea and broad bean dips prepared/sold in Jordan were of high nutrition values in terms of proximate analysis, and vitamins B, with higher quantities observed in the canned dips. Higher titratable acidity and lower pH were also significantly found in the canned dips. This study adds to the existing literature regarding the fresh-made and canned chickpea and broad beans dips produced and sold in Jordan. Moreover, this study shows that canned chickpea and broad beans dips can provide consumers with comparable nutrient values to those provided by the freshly made dips. Nevertheless, these findings warrant more investigations.
Effect of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination on HPV infection and recurrence of HPV related disease after local surgical treatment: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Cao Qinxue , Hou Yantao , Wang Chaoyang , Yin Juntao
Published: December 2024

Background

The prophylactic vaccines available to protect against infections by human papillomavirus (HPV) are well tolerated and highly immunogenic. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to explore the efficacy of HPV vaccination on the risk of HPV infection and recurrent diseases related to HPV infection in individuals undergoing local surgical treatment.

Methods

A literature search was performed using PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Scopus, Web of Science, and bioRxiv/medRxiv from inception to July 15, 2024. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting the effect of HPV vaccination on HPV infection and recurrence of HPV related disease after local surgical treatment vs no HPV vaccination were included. The primary outcome measure was risk of recurrence cervical high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) after local surgical treatment, with follow-up as reported by individual studies. Included studies were assessed for risk of bias using the Revised Cochrane risk-of-bias (RoB 2.0 tool). Pooled risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. No restrictions were applied on language, the date of publication, age, sex, and country. All analyses were carried out using the Review Manager 5 software (version 5.4).

Results

Eight RCTs (n = 3068) met the inclusion criteria. The risk of cervical HSIL recurrence was not reduced in individuals who were vaccinated compared with those who were not vaccinated (RR 0.92, 95% CI: 0.66–1.27; I2 = 40%). However, HPV vaccination reduced the risk of recurrence of cervical HSIL related to the HPV types HPV16/18, but uncertainty was large (RR 0.57, 95% CI: 0.18–1.84; I2 = 29%).

Conclusions

Adjuvant HPV vaccination after surgical excision is not associated with a reduced risk of recurrent HSIL overall or a reduced risk of recurrent lesions caused by the most oncogenic strains (HPV16/18). Therefore, HPV vaccination should not be considered for adjuvant treatment in patients undergoing surgical excision.
Psychological sense of community as mediator and growth mindset as moderator in the impact of institutional integrity and perceived teacher support on student thriving: Evidence from private universities in China
Authors: Jiang Yujun , Liu Huying , Ouyang Zhiqun , Xie Meng , Wei Shihang
Published: December 2024

Previous research may have focused more on the direct rather than indirect effects of psychological characteristics on student success. This study explored the mediating effect of psychological sense of community and the moderating effect of growth mindset on the impacts of institutional integrity and perceived teacher support on student thriving in academic, interpersonal, and psychological domains. The hypothesized research model was proposed based on the Thriving Model, and the study was carried out in the setting of private universities in China. This study employed a partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) approach, obtaining a total of 1792 valid questionnaire responses through an online survey. The research highlights that psychological sense of community plays a crucial role in mediating the impact of institutional integrity and perceived teacher support on student thriving. In addition, it was found that growth mindset positively moderates the impact of institutional integrity and perceived teacher support on student thriving. Some implications and recommendations for teachers, administrators, and researchers in relevant fields were provided.