bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Involvement of free-space optics in Raman distributed temperature sensing
Authors: Yao Cheng-Kai , Manie Yibeltal Chanie , Chen Hung-Ming , Hsu Wen-Yang , Lin Tzu-Chiao , Peng Peng-Chun
Published: November 2023

This Letter demonstrates the successful use of free-space optics (FSO) as a transition channel for an air segment in transmitting Raman backscattering signals for distributed temperature sensing (DTS). A barrier-free air segment link shaped by an FSO is part of the Raman-based DTS (RDTS) fiber optic transmission route. For this plan, the FSO enables delivery of the RDTS’s pulse with the low-loss transmission over the air segment while also returning to the RDTS the varied Raman backscattered signals from the probing temperature variations for signal interpretation. The difference between various temperatures sensed and the referential air temperature remains nearly the same before and after passing the FSO. The viability of this technology provides a crucial basis for tackling the high expense of installing and repairing DTS cables and the challenges associated with doing so owing to topographical restrictions.
Transmission of light–matter entanglement over a metropolitan network
Authors: Rakonjac Jelena V. , Grandi Samuele , Wengerowsky Sören , Lago-Rivera Dario , Appas Félicien , de Riedmatten Hugues
Published: November 2023

We report on the transmission of telecom photons entangled with a multimode solid-state quantum memory over a deployed optical fiber in a metropolitan area. Photon pairs were generated through spontaneous parametric downconversion, with one photon stored in a rare-earth-based quantum memory, and the other, at telecommunication wavelengths, traveling through increasing distances of optical fiber, first in the laboratory and then outside in a deployed fiber loop. We measured highly non-classical correlations between the stored and the telecom photons for storage times up to 25 µs and for a fiber separation up to 50 km. We also report light–matter entanglement with a two-qubit fidelity up to 88%, which remains constant within error bars for all fiber lengths, showing that the telecom qubit does not suffer decoherence during the transmission. Finally, we moved the detection stage of the telecom photons to a different location placed 16 km away, and confirmed the non-classical correlations between the two photons. Our system was adapted to provide the transmission of precise detection times and synchronization signals over long quantum communication channels, providing the first steps for a future quantum network involving quantum memories and non-classical states.
Budget monitoring, accountability practices and their influence on the efficiency of county health systems in Kenya
Authors: Musiega Anita , Nyawira Lizah , Tsofa Benjamin , Njuguna Rebecca G. , Munywoki Joshua , Hanson Kara , Mulwa Andrew , Molyneux Sassy , Maina Isabel , Normand Charles , Jemutai Julie , Barasa Edwine
Published: November 2023

Public Finance Management (PFM) practices influence the attainment of health system goals. PFM processes are implemented within the budget cycle which entails the formulation, execution, and monitoring of government budgets. Budget monitoring and accountability actors, structures, and processes are important in improving the efficiency of health systems. This study examined how the budget monitoring and accountability processes influence the efficiency of county health systems in KenyaWe conducted a qualitative case study of four counties in Kenya selected based on their relative technical efficiency. We collected data using in-depth interviews with health and finance stakeholders (n = 70), and document reviews. We analyzed data using a thematic approach, informed by our study conceptual framework. We found that weak budget monitoring and accountability mechanisms compromised county health system efficiency by a) weakening the effective implementation of the budget formulation and execution steps of the budget cycle, b) enabling the misappropriation of public resources, and c) limiting evidence-informed decision-making by weakening feedback that would be provided by effective monitoring and accountability. Devolution meant that accountability actors were closer to implementation actors which promoted timely problem solving and the relevance of solutions. Internal audit practices were supportive and provided useful feedback to health system managers that facilitated improvements in budget formulation and execution. The efficiency of county health systems can be improved by strengthening the budget monitoring and accountability processes. This can be achieved by increasing the population’s budget literacy, supporting participatory budgeting, synchronizing performance and financial accountability, implementing the existent budget monitoring and accountability mechanisms, rewarding efficiency, and sanctioning inefficiency.
Income-based differences in healthcare utilization in relation to mortality in the Swedish population between 2004–2017: A nationwide register study
Authors: Flodin Pär , Allebeck Peter , Gubi Ester , Burström Bo , Agardh Emilie E.
Published: November 2023

Background

Despite universal healthcare, socioeconomic differences in healthcare utilization (HCU) persist in modern welfare states. However, little is known of how HCU inequalities has developed over time. The aim of this study is to assess time trends of differences in utilization of primary and specialized care for the lowest (Q1) and highest (Q5) income quantiles and compare these to mortality.

Methods and findings

Using a repeated cross-sectional register-based study design, data on utilization of (i) primary; (ii) specialized outpatient; and (iii) inpatient care, as well as (iv) cause of death, were linked to family income and sociodemographic control variables (for instance, country of origin and marital status). The study sample comprised all individuals 16 years or older residing in Sweden any year during the study period and ranged from 7.1 million in year 2004 to 8.0 million year 2017. HCU and mortality for all disease as well as for the 5 disease groups causing most deaths were compared for the Q1 and Q5 using logistic regression, adjusting for sex, age, marital status, and birth country. The primary outcome measures were adjusted odds ratios (ORs), and regression coefficients of annual changes in these ORs log-transformed. Additionally, we conducted negative binominal regression to calculate adjusted rate ratios (RRs) comparing Q1 and Q5 with regard to number of disease specific healthcare encounters ≤5 years prior to death.

In 2017, for all diseases combined, Q1 utilized marginally more primary and specialized outpatient care than Q5 (OR 1.07, 95% CI [1.07, 1.08]; p < 0.001, and OR 1.04, 95% CI [1.04, 1.05]; p < 0.001, respectively), and considerably more inpatient care (OR 1.44, 95% CI [1.43, 1.45]; p < 0.001). The largest relative inequality was observed for mortality (OR 1.78, 95% CI [1.74, 1.82]; p < 0.001). This pattern was broadly reproduced for each of the 5 disease groups.

Time trends in HCU inequality varied by level of care. Each year, Q1 (versus Q5) used more inpatient care and suffered increasing mortality rates. However, utilization of primary and specialized outpatient care increased more among Q5 than in Q1.

Finally, group differences in number of healthcare encounters ≤5 years prior to death demonstrated a similar pattern. For each disease group, primary and outpatient care encounters were fewer in Q1 than in Q5, while inpatient encounters were similar or higher in Q1.

A main limitation of this study is the absence of data on self-reported need for care, which impedes quantifications of HCU inequalities each year.

Conclusions

Income-related differences in the utilization of primary and specialized outpatient care were considerably smaller than for mortality, and this discrepancy widened with time. Facilitating motivated use of primary and outpatient care among low-income groups could help mitigate the growing health inequalities.
Trends of land use land cover dynamics of Sheka biosphere reserve, A case of Shato core area, Southwest Ethiopia
Authors: Ameneshewa Workaferahu , Kebede Yechale , Unbushe Dikaso , Legesse Abiyot
Published: November 2023

The usage of land use and land cover change information has significantly risen as a result of the requirement for relevant data for environmental monitoring, modeling, and planning. The main objective of the study is to analyze the trend of land use and land cover dynamics in Sheka biosphere reserve: A Case of Shato Core Area, Southwest Ethiopia. To map the land use and land cover, supervised classifications were used, and an accuracy evaluation was conducted. Information on the trend of land use and land cover change was obtained using the IDRISI software’s land change modeler. Results showed that about 308.29ha (56.7%) of wetland and 3,215.6ha (19.6%) of natural forest were converted to other land use types in the last 30 years. Plantation and rural settlement increased by 2,234.3ha (10.2%) and 1289.6ha (6.6%) respectively from 1991–2021. Sheka biosphere reserve was registered with UNESCO in 2012 and Shato is one of the core areas. It covers 5023.3ha (25.5%) of the study area. However, 1482ha (7.5%) were given to coffee plantations, and currently, only 3,541ha (18%) are left. The main drivers of land cover changes were attributed to large-scale agricultural intensification and its induced expansions of rural settlements in and around the Shato core area. The overall accuracy and kappa statistics for 1991, 2006, and 2021 were 74% (0.74), 81% (0.81), and 81.2% (0.812), respectively. Thus, land use and land cover change trend mapping and analysis play a crucial role in conservation planning and habitat monitoring. The study concluded that wetland and forestland conversions in the study area are decreasing overwhelmingly and need serious intervention mechanisms to tackle the loss of biodiversity in the Shato core area.
Need for cognition moderates the relief of avoiding cognitive effort
Authors: Gheza Davide , Kool Wouter , Pourtois Gilles
Published: November 2023

When making decisions, humans aim to maximize rewards while minimizing costs. The exertion of mental or physical effort has been proposed to be one those costs, translating into avoidance of behaviors carrying effort demands. This motivational framework also predicts that people should experience positive affect when anticipating demand that is subsequently avoided (i.e., a “relief effect”), but evidence for this prediction is scarce. Here, we follow up on a previous study [1] that provided some initial evidence that people more positively evaluated outcomes if it meant they could avoid performing an additional demanding task. However, the results from this study did not provide conclusive evidence that this effect was driven by effort avoidance. Here, we report two experiments that are able to do this. Participants performed a gambling task, and if they did not receive reward they would have to perform an orthogonal effort task. Prior to the gamble, a cue indicated whether this effort task would be easy or hard. We probed hedonic responses to the reward-related feedback, as well as after the subsequent effort task feedback. Participants reported lower hedonic responses for no-reward outcomes when high vs. low effort was anticipated (and later exerted). They also reported higher hedonic responses for reward outcomes when high vs. low effort was anticipated (and avoided). Importantly, this relief effect was smaller in participants with high need for cognition. These results suggest that avoidance of high effort tasks is rewarding, but that the size off this effect depends on the individual disposition to engage with and expend cognitive effort. They also raise the important question of whether this disposition alters the cost of effort per se, or rather offset this cost during cost-benefit analyses.
Improvement of the estimation of the infiltration function in surface irrigation systems
Authors: Salahou Mohamed Khaled , Zhi Wei , Chen Xiaoyuan , Zhang Yupeng , Lü Haishen , Jiao Xiyun
Published: November 2023

Surface irrigation systems are widely used on the North China Plain. The design of surface irrigation systems can be improved by developing simulation models including the advanced trajectory, recession trajectory, and infiltration time. Therefore, the objectives of this study were as follows: (1) to evaluate different models to simulate the advanced and recession trajectories, (2) to propose a new method that reduces the required observation data for estimating the infiltration time, and (3) to evaluate the accuracy of the proposed infiltration function based on the modified infiltration time function. Field experiments were conducted. The results indicated that the power function can represent the advanced and recession trajectories well. A modified function that describes the infiltration time has a high correlation and accuracy with the measured data and can be used to estimate the infiltration time. The proposed infiltration function based on the modified infiltration time function is accurate and can be used to estimate the infiltration function.
Paediatric cancer burden in Namibia: A 10-year retrospective, analytical cohort study of patients admitted at Windhoek Central Hospital
Authors: Kaholongo Ndapewa Ottilie , Mashingaidze-Mano Runyararo
Published: November 2023

Background

Childhood cancers are known to cause significant morbidity and mortality, and the incidence has been increasing exponentially in developing countries. Two studies performed in Namibia in 1988 and 2010 have shown changes in the pattern of paediatric cancers over the years. There is a constant need to have updated statistics on the changing trends in the frequency of different types of cancers to inform policy hence the reason for the current study.

Methods

An analytical retrospective cohort study was performed to analyse paediatric oncology cases that were admitted to the paediatric oncology unit (ward 8 west) at Windhoek Central Hospital (WCH) between 01 January 2011 and 31 December 2020. The study analysed the files of paediatric patients admitted with a paediatric cancer diagnosis from the age of 0 to 16 years. The research data was collected between July 2021 and September 2022.

Results

A total of 174 paediatric cancer patient files met the inclusion criteria. Haematopoietic cancers were the most commonly occurring diagnosis of a paediatric cancer type in the study population (44.8%), of which leukaemias were the most common type of haematopoietic cancer. The other types of cancer apart from haematopoietic cancers consisted of embryonal cancers (37.9%), soft tissue and bone sarcomas (13.8%), and brain or CNS cancers (3.4%). The median age at diagnosis was 5.13 years, with an age range of 0 to 15 years. Fifty five point seven percent (55.7%) were males and 44.3% were females, with a male: female ratio of 1.26:1. Overall, most of the cancers were positively correlated with age, with the interactive-forward test indicating that the method of diagnosis and time significantly (P < 0.05) affected identification at the hospital.

Conclusions

Haematopoietic cancers remain most common type in Namibia. However, there has been a change in the ranking of the other childhood cancer subtypes over the last 3 decades. Good access to diagnosis and treatment modalities was noted as key to detection and clinical outcomes in the last 10 years (2011 to 2020). For future follow-up studies, prospective studies are recommended.
Potential drug–drug interactions of frequently prescribed medications in long COVID detected by two electronic databases
Authors: Meakleartmongkol Theejutha , Tangpanithandee Supawit , Vanavivit Natcha , Jiso Apisada , Pongchaikul Pisut , Kirdlarp Suppachok , Khemawoot Phisit , Nathisuwan Surakit
Published: November 2023

Infection by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) leads to a wide range of acute and chronic complications including long COVID, a well-known chronic sequela. Long COVID often necessitates long-term treatment, which may lead to an increased potential for drug–drug interactions (DDIs). The objective of this study was to assess potential DDIs among frequently prescribed medications in long COVID by using two electronic databases. Sixty frequently prescribed agents were selected from Thailand’s National List of Essential Medicine 2022 for potential DDI analysis by Micromedex and Drugs.com. From these databases, 488 potential DDIs were identified. There were 271 and 434 DDI pairs based on Micromedex and Drugs.com, respectively. Among these DDIs, 77 pairs were labeled as contraindicated or major by both databases. The most common mechanisms for these serious interactions are cytochrome P450 (CYP) inhibition (45%), CYP induction (19%), and QT interval prolongation (7.8%). Based on Fleiss’ kappa (0.073), there was only slight agreement of the DDI severity classifications between these two databases. In conclusion, a large number of potential DDIs were detected among frequently prescribed medications for long COVID. Health care providers should be aware of these DDIs, particularly those that are deemed as contraindicated or major. These DDIs are most likely to cause significant adverse events in patients with long COVID because polypharmacy is common.
Burden of sequelae and healthcare resource utilization in the first year of life in infants born with congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) infection in Germany: A retrospective statutory health insurance claims database analysis
Authors: de Lepper Marion , Stephan Anna-Janina , Wölle Regine , Wang Wei , Jacob Christian , Schneider Kim Maren , Buxmann Horst , Goelz Rangmar , Hamprecht Klaus , Kummer Peter , Modrow Susanne , Greiner Wolfgang , Luzak Agnes , Reuschenbach Miriam
Published: November 2023

Background

Congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) infection can have a broad range of manifestations. This study aimed to assess cCMV-associated sequelae and healthcare resource utilization (HCRU) in infants during the first year of life in Germany.

Methods

A retrospective, controlled cohort study using German claims data from the Institute for Applied Health Research Berlin (InGef) database was conducted. cCMV-associated sequelae and HCRU during the first year of life were assessed by matching (1:60) infants with at least one inpatient/outpatient cCMV diagnosis (ICD-10-GM: P35.1) ≤90 days after birth (cCMV90 cohort) and infants with at least one inpatient cCMV diagnosis plus specific sequelae ≤21 days after birth (cCMV21-S) to infants without cCMV or CMV (ICD-10-GM: B25) diagnosis (control group), respectively. Outcomes were analyzed during the first 365 days of life.

Results

Between 2014–2018, we identified 54 newborns for cCMV90 and 24 newborns for cCMV21-S cohort. Compared to the 3,240 and 1,440 controls, respectively, more cCMV90 infants (83.3% vs. 41.9%, p<0.01) presented with at least one sequela during the first year of life, including intrauterine growth retardation (42.6% vs. 5.3%, p<0.01), sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) to deafness (38.9% vs. 2.2%, p<0.01), and motor development disorders (33.3% vs. 10.9%, p<0.01). Further, 13.0% of cCMV90 infants (vs. 2.3%, p<0.01) suffered from visual impairment. In cCMV21-S cohort, intrauterine growth retardation (79.2% vs. 6.0%, p<0.01), prematurity (54.2% vs. 7.3%, p<0.01), and motor development disorders (50.0% vs. 11.0%, p<0.01) were the most frequent sequelae. Infants in the cCMV90 and cCMV21-S cohort had, on average, 7.3 times and 9.5 times more hospitalizations and 2.0 times and 2.1 times more outpatient physician visits than their respective controls (p<0.01). Hospitalized infants with cCMV stayed, on average, significantly longer in hospital compared to their controls (cCMV90 cohort: 30.3 days vs. 9.0 days, p<0.01; cCMV21-S cohort: 46.5 days vs. 9.3 days, p<0.01).

Conclusions

cCMV-infection shows a considerable disease and healthcare burden during the first year of life. More than 80% of the identified newborns with cCMV suffered from at least one associated sequela during the first year of life, including long-term sequelae such as SNHL (40%) and visual impairment (13%). Additional steps for prevention of cCMV infection and associated sequelae as well as a comprehensive monitoring of disease burden are needed.
Variation trend prediction of ground-level ozone concentrations with high-resolution using landscape pattern data
Authors: Mei Yingying , Xiang Xueqi , Wang Zhenwei , Xiang Deping
Published: November 2023

Scientifically configuring landscape patterns based on their relationship with ground-level ozone concentrations (GOCs) is an effective way to prevent and control ground-level ozone pollution. In this paper, a GOC variation trend prediction model (hybrid model) combining a generalized linear model (GLM) and a logistic regression model (LRM) was established to analyze the spatiotemporal variation patterns in GOCs as well as their responses to landscape patterns. The model exhibited satisfactory performance, with percent of samples correctly predicted (PCP) value of 82.33% and area under receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC) value of 0.70. Using the hybrid model, the per-pixel rise probability of annual average GOCs at a spatial resolution of 1 km in Shenzhen were generated. The results showed that (1) annual average GOCs were increasing in Shenzhen from 2015 to 2020, and had obvious spatial differences, with a higher value in the west and a lower value in the east; (2) variation trend in GOCs was significant positively correlated with landscape heterogeneity (HET), while significant negatively correlated with dominance (DMG) and contagion (CON); (3) GOCs in Shenzhen has a great risk of rising, especially in GuangMing, PingShan, LongGang, LuoHu and BaoAn. The results provide not only a preliminary index for estimating the GOC variation trend in the absence of air quality monitoring data but also guidance for landscape optimizing design from the perspective of controlling ground-level ozone pollution.
Translation, Cross-Cultural Adaptation to Malay, and psychometric evaluation of the AIM-IAM-FIM questionnaire: Measuring the implementation outcome of a community-based intervention programme
Authors: Salleh Hazeqa , Avoi Richard , Abdul Karim Haryati , Osman Suhaila , Kaur Nirmal , Dhanaraj Prabakaran
Published: November 2023

Background

The implementation outcomes determine the success and progress of a community-based intervention programme. The community is an important stakeholder whose effects should be assessed. Nevertheless, Malaysia has limited instruments for determining outcome measurements. This research aimed to develop Malay versions of the Acceptability, Appropriateness, and Feasibility Intervention Measures (AIM-IAM-FIM) questionnaire, which evaluates the implementation outcome of the programme.

Methods

A methodological study of the translation and validation of the implementation outcome measures was conducted from March 2022 until December 2022. Three key analyses were conducted: (1) translation and validation; (2) factor investigation and extraction (n = 170); and (3) scale evaluation (n = 235).

Result

The Malay version measuring the implementation outcome measures of a community-based intervention programme was produced after extensive translation and modification, and it consisted of a single dimension with seven items. The content validity index was 0.9, the exploratory factor analysis showed that the KMO measure of sample adequacy was 0.9277, and Bartlett’s sphericity test was statistically significant. Cronbach’s alpha was good, with a level of 0.938. The single factor structure fitted the data satisfactorily [χ2 (p-value of 0.002), SRMR = 0.030, CFI = 0.999, RMSEA = 0.079, TLI = 0.998]. Factor loading for all items was > 0.7.

Conclusion

The 7-item Malay version of the AIM-IAM-FIM survey instrument is valid and reliable for assessing the acceptability of a community-based intervention study and is applicable to other fields. Future studies in psychometric evaluation are recommended in other states due to the variety of Malay dialects spoken across Asia. The scale may also benefit other areas where the language is spoken.
Factors affecting utilization of modern contraceptive methods among women of reproductive age in Ethiopia
Authors: Beyene Kassu Mehari , Bekele Sara Abera , Abu Meseret Kassahun
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Modern contraceptive use is important for improving health and socioeconomic outcomes, but Ethiopia is among the lowest-using countries. Therefore, this study aimed to determine factors affecting modern contraceptive use among women of reproductive age in Ethiopia.

Methods

This population-based cross-sectional study used data obtained from the 2019 Ethiopia Mini Demographic and Health Survey (EMDHS). A total of 8,885 reproductive-age women were included in the analysis. A weighted generalized estimating equation approach was used to account for the clustering and weighting effects in the assessment of associations between modern contraceptive usage and socioeconomic and demographic variables.

Results

Modern contraceptive use among women of reproductive age in Ethiopia is low (28%). Prevalence is highest among women aged 25-34 (40.11%), with higher education (30.97%), who are Orthodox Christians (31.67%), married (40.40%), middle wealth index (31.70%), female-headed households (31.42%), with 1-3 living children (44.85%), who headed by under 31 years old (40.07%), and in the Amhara region (34.45%). In the generalized estimating equation analysis, women aged 35-44 and over 45, Muslims, households heads aged 41-50 and over 50, and in female-headed households were less likely to use modern contraceptives, while women with primary, secondary, and higher education, married, middle and rich wealth index, and with 1-3 and more living children were more likely to use modern contraceptive than their counterparts (reference group) and were statistically significant.

Conclusion

Modern contraceptive use is notably low among women of reproductive age in Ethiopia. Factors such as age, women’s educational level, religion, marital status, number of living children, wealth status, gender and age of household head, and region were identified as significant factors associated with modern contraceptive use. Therefore, to increase modern contraceptive use, governmental and non-governmental organizations should invest in women’s education and financial empowerment and raise awareness about the benefits of modern contraceptives, especially among older, unmarried, financially poor, elderly-led households, with few living children, and uneducated women.
Assessing affective valence and activation in resistance training with the feeling scale and the felt arousal scale: A systematic review
Authors: Bastos Vasco , Rodrigues Filipe , Davis Paul , Teixeira Diogo Santos
Published: November 2023

Evidence suggests affective responses to exercise can influence exercise adherence. However, there is a limited understanding of how and when to measure core affect in resistance training. As such, the objective of this systematic review was to analyze how the Feeling Scale and/or the Felt Arousal Scale have been used in resistance training to assess core affect. Focus was given to the contextual feasibility, timing, and frequency of assessment. A search in PubMed, SPORTDiscus, and PsycINFO databases was conducted (last search date July, 2022) with the purpose of including experimental and non-experimental studies, utilizing the Feeling Scale and/or the Felt Arousal Scale in resistance training, and focused on apparently healthy individuals of any age. Twenty-seven studies (N = 718 participants) published between 2009–2022 were qualitatively analyzed. Both scales appeared to be able to detect core affect within a wide array of intensities, ages, and equipment. As for the timing and frequency of measurement, no apparent standardization was evident. The use of the Feeling Scale, the Felt Arousal Scale, or both, to measure core affect appears to be feasible in resistance training practices. However, a lack of methodological background raises concerns regarding the quality of previous studies’ assessments and comparisons of results across studies.
How well does NamSor perform in predicting the country of origin and ethnicity of individuals based on their first and last names?
Authors: Sebo Paul
Published: November 2023

Background

We aimed to evaluate NamSor’s performance in predicting the country of origin and ethnicity of individuals based on their first/last names.

Methods

We retrieved the name and country of affiliation of all authors of PubMed publications in 2021, affiliated with universities in the twenty-two countries whose researchers authored ≥1,000 medical publications and whose percentage of migrants was <2.5% (N = 88,699). We estimated with NamSor their most likely "continent of origin" (Asia/Africa/Europe), "country of origin" and "ethnicity". We also examined two other variables that we created: “continent#2” ("Europe" replaced by "Europe/America/Oceania") and “country#2” ("Spain" replaced by “Spain/Hispanic American country” and "Portugal" replaced by "Portugal/Brazil"). Using "country of affiliation" as a proxy for "country of origin", we calculated for these five variables the proportion of misclassifications (= errorCodedWithoutNA) and the proportion of non-classifications (= naCoded). We repeated the analyses with a subsample consisting of all results with inference accuracy ≥50%.

Results

For the full sample and the subsample, errorCodedWithoutNA was 16.0% and 12.6% for “continent”, 6.3% and 3.3% for “continent#2”, 27.3% and 19.5% for “country”, 19.7% and 11.4% for “country#2”, and 20.2% and 14.8% for “ethnicity”; naCoded was zero and 18.0% for all variables, except for “ethnicity” (zero and 10.7%).

Conclusion

NamSor is accurate in determining the continent of origin, especially when using the modified variable (continent#2) and/or restricting the analysis to names with accuracy ≥50%. The risk of misclassification is higher with country of origin or ethnicity, but decreases, as with continent of origin, when using the modified variable (country#2) and/or the subsample.
Preliminary validity of the BNSSS-20 in Arabic: Exploratory study on basic needs satisfaction in sport for a sample of Tunisian athletes
Authors: Baaziz Mohamed , Aloui Ali , Abdellaoui Saber , Stults-Kolehmainen Matthew , Boullosa Daniel , Ben Abderrahman Abderraouf
Published: November 2023

Background

Satisfaction of fundamental needs is an important concept in sport, but currently there is no tool in Arabic to measure this construct. Basic needs are often linked to high rates of motivation and performance. It is necessary to develop tools to assess psychological needs in the sport context.

Aim

This study aimed to validate the Basic Needs Satisfaction in Sport Scale (BNSSS) in Arabic language across Tunisian athletes, and to test its psychometric properties (factorial structure, internal reliability, construct validity, and sensitivity).

Methods

Athletes in various sports participated in this study (370 men, 146 women; mean age 18.35) and voluntarily completed the Arabic version of the BNSSS-20. Both exploratory (EFA, N = 294; males: 68%; females: 32%; [14–18] = 182; [19–28] = 112) and confirmatory (CFA; N = 222; males: 76.6%; females: 23.4%; [14–18] = 103; [19–28] = 119) factor analyses were examined.

Results

Results from the EFA suggest that the BNSSS scale reflects the theoretical model well, with good internal consistency for all factors. All 20 items of BNSSS revealed excellent reliability (McDonald’s omega = 0.773, Cronbach’s α = 0.886, Gutmann’s λ6 = 0.970) and good temporal stability (ICC = 0.84, 95% CI = 0.55–0.93) over a 4-week period. Likewise, the CFA fit indices were excellent.

Conclusion

The BNSSS presented excellent fit to the theoretical model for all indices, confirming the factorial structure and providing validity of the instrument for Tunisian athletes.
Association between physical activity and health-related quality of life in middle-aged and elderly individuals with musculoskeletal disorders: Findings from a national cross-sectional study in Korea
Authors: Lee Jung Hyun , Yun Il , Nam Chung-Mo , Jang Suk-Yong , Park Eun-Cheol
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This study aimed to identify the association between physical activity and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in middle-aged and elderly individuals with musculoskeletal disorders.

Methods

This study used data from the 2016–2020 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES). We included only those over 40 years of age diagnosed with one or more of the following: osteoarthritis, rheumatism, and osteoporosis. In total, 4,731 participants (783 men and 3,948 women) were included as the study population. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the association between physical activity and HRQoL.

Results

In the case of middle-aged and elderly individuals with musculoskeletal disorders, the likelihood of HRQoL worsening was significantly lower for those who regularly engaged in physical activity compared with that of those who did not engage in physical activity at all (men: OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.37–0.90; women: OR 0.64, 95% CI 0.53–0.79). Stratified analysis by the type and intensity of physical activity revealed that the possibility of poor HRQoL was lowest when leisure-related moderate-intensity physical activities were performed (men: OR 0.44, 95% CI 0.22–0.89; Women: OR 0.50, 95% CI 0.36–0.69).

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that engaging in regular physical activity contributes to preventing exacerbation of HRQoL, even if the individual suffers from musculoskeletal disorders. It is necessary to provide an appropriate type and intensity of physical activity in consideration of the patients’ pain and severity.
Construction of a standardized training system for hospital infection prevention and control for new medical staff in internal medicine ICUs based on the Delphi method
Authors: Wu Linfei , Tang Li , Zhuang Linli , Xie Wenyi , Liu Min , Li Jianfang
Published: November 2023

In China, studies have shown nosocomial infections contribute to increased mortality rates, prolonged hospital stays, and added financial burdens for patients. Previous studies have demonstrated that effective infection control training can enhance the quality of infection control practices, particularly in intensive care unit (ICU) settings. However, there is currently no universally accepted training mode or program that adequately addresses the specific needs of ICU medical staff regarding nosocomial infection control. The objective of this study was to develop a standardized training system for preventing and controlling hospital-acquired infections among new medical staff in the internal medicine ICU. Our methodology encompassed an extensive literature review, technical interviews focusing on key events, semi-structured in-depth interviews, and two rounds of Delphi expert correspondence. We employed intentional sampling to select 16 experts for the Delphi expert consultation. Indicators were chosen based on an average importance score of >3.5 and a coefficient of variation of <0.25. The weight of each indicator was determined using the analytic hierarchy process. The efficacy of the two rounds of questionnaires was also evaluated. Our findings revealed that the questionnaires achieved a 100% effective recovery rate, with expert authority coefficients of 0.96 and 0.90. The Kendall coordination coefficients for the first-, second-, and third-level indicators in the initial round of expert consultation questionnaires were 0.440, 0.204, and 0.386 (P < 0.001), respectively. In the second round of expert consultation questionnaires, the Kendall coordination coefficients for the first, second, and third-level indicators were 0.562, 0.467, and 0.556 (P < 0.001), respectively. The final training model consisted of four first-level indicators (hospital infection prevention and control training content, training methods/forms, assessment content, and evaluation indicators), 26 second-level indicators, and 44 third-level indicators. In conclusion, the proposed standardized training system for infection prevention and control among new medical staff in the internal medicine ICU is both scientifically sound and practical, which can contribute to improved patient safety, reduced healthcare costs, and enhanced overall quality of care in internal medicine ICUs. Moreover, it can serve as a framework for future training projects.
Pengaruh Smartphone terhadap Perilaku Agresif Anak Usia SD di Dusun Gondanglegi Pada Masa Pandemi
Authors: Maemonah Maemonah , Rahmi Aisyah Sabilla
Published: November 2023

This study aims to determine the impact of smartphone use on the aggressive behavior of elementary school-aged children in Gondanglegi Hamlet during the pandemic. Employing a quantitative approach, structured questionnaires were distributed to 20 children in Gondanglegi Hamlet. The determination of indicators for smartphone uses and aggressive behavior was based on the latest literature, introducing a novel perspective in the research focus. Regression analysis indicated that smartphone usage significantly influences aggressive behavior. Key findings highlight that the most dominant aggressive behaviors resulting from smartphone usage include envy, insults, pushing, and anger. However, a supportive environment can mitigate the adverse effects of smartphone use. These findings are crucial as they provide insights into the behavioral changes in children during the pandemic and serve as a cautionary note for educators and parents to intensify supervision of smartphone use by children. Recommendations from this study are hoped to assist educators and parents in overseeing children's smartphone use.
Local Wisdom-based Computational Thinking Diagnostic Test: A Bibliometric Analysis Mapping State-of-the-Art and Research Gaps
Authors: Ria Reny Refitaningsih Peby , Susilowati Dyah
Published: November 2023

This research aims to prove the novelty of research related to the implementation of diagnostic tests to improve computational thinking skills based on local wisdom using bibliometric analysis. This type of research uses qualitative descriptive research. The data collection technique uses secondary data in the form of literature from the Google Scholar database. Data analysis uses bibliometric analysis with the help of VOSviewer software. The results of this study indicate that the topics of Computational Thinking, Diagnostic Test, and Local Wisdom have not been found research with these topics, so there are opportunities for research by collaborating topics.
Filantropi Pendidikan Islam Untuk Meningkatkan Kesejahteraan Masyarakat Era Transformasi Digital di Indonesia
Authors: Arrazaq Zaki
Published: November 2023

In connection with efforts to improve people's welfare, it is known as Islamic Philanthropy. The development of Islamic philanthropy in Indonesia is moving fast and still accompanied by technological developments. The purpose of this mini research is to find out how the concept of Islamic philanthropy in Indonesia is to advance people's welfare in the digital transformation era. This writing is a type of qualitative research using the literature study method by taking some data and previous relevant studies in accordance with the object of research. Based on the results of the literature study, it was found that philanthropy in Indonesia is very well known in society. Especially in the digital transformation era that takes advantage of technological developments in the aspect of using social media to invite the public to play an active role in participating in aspects of Islamic philanthropy. Most Islamic philanthropic institutions have used social media to invite the public to issue zakat, alms, infaq and also endowments which will certainly have an impact on people's welfare. Several influencers also took advantage of the media and indirectly campaigned for Islamic philanthropy in Indonesia so that it could be seen by the wider community. The use of social media is the best choice for conveying information to the public, because today they can access information anywhere and anytime with current technological developments.
Diagramme von Gesten. Eine zeichentheoretische Analyse digitaler Bewegungsspuren
Authors: Schüller Daniel , Mittelberg Irene
Published: November 2023

Zusammenfassung. Dieser Beitrag versucht eine zeichentheoretische Untersuchung von Diagrammen, wie sie im Rahmen der motion-capture-gestützten, empirischen Ges­tenforschung zur Repräsentation und Analyse redebegleitender Gesten erzeugt und verwendet werden. Nach Vorüberlegungen zum Diagrammbegriff und einer Darlegung herkömmlicher Mittel der visuellen Repräsentation von redebegleitender Gestik, folgt eine zeichentheoretische Analyse des Motion-Capture-Verfahrens und deren diagram­matisch-semiotische Interpretation. Motion-Capture-Diagramme sind, so unsere Hypo­these, das Produkt eines diagrammatischen Verfahrens, welches als empirische Skala zu deuten ist. Die „Erkenntniskraft der Linie“ (Krämer 2011) liegt hier in der ikonischen Visualisierung von Trajektorien, welche durch die Projektion eines Indexes auf ein Koor­dinatensystem zu Perzeptionsgestalten von Gesten werden. Weiterhin erörtert dieser Beitrag diagrammatische Prozesse in Gesten selbst, welche das eingangs diskutierte System als holistische Gestalt sichtbar machen kann. Diese Verfahren finden ihren räumlich-aktionalen Niederschlag u.a. sowohl in verkörperten Bildschemata, in der rela­tionalen Repräsentation von Abstrakta, als auch in Gestendiagrammen basierend auf mentalen Karten, wie sie z.B. bei der Planung von Reisen in der Face-to-Face-Kommu­nikation im Gestenraum entstehen.
DECISION MAKING AS AN OPTIMAL DECISION RULE IN RADIO SYSTEMS
Authors:   South Ural State University, Chelyabinsk, Russian Federation, Chepurnov I.A. , Chervakov V.O. , Vakhitov M.G. , Klygach D.S.
Published: November 2023

Decision making is considered as an optimal decision rule for a radio system. The algorithms for combining particular solutions based on a Bayesian approach is analyzed. A method for computing the optimal decision rule to determine the class membership of observed values is proposed. The method enables the effective use of particular solutions for making a general decision in another alphabet. The decision is based on information about the composition of the objects under study and their distribution into classes. The method also enables the optimal accounting of the current validity of these particular solutions.
¿Por qué los españoles «saben» lenguas mientras los polacos tan solo las «conocen»? Los verbos de conocimiento en contraste polaco-español
Authors: Zieliński Andrzej
Published: November 2023

The objective of the study is to delve into the main syntactic and semantic differences and similarities of the so-called verbs of knowledge, that is, the predicates, that denote the cognitive attitude of the sentence subject toward the acquaintance. The author will address the contrastive analysis of the main Spanish verbs –saber, conocer– with the corresponding Polish verbs –wiedzieć, znać, potrafić and umieć.
Recent Survey on Internet of Vehicles: Architecture, Applications, Challenges, and Its Solutions
Authors: Marwein Phibadeity S. , Nath Sur Samarendra , Gao Xiao-Zhi , Kandar Debdatta
Published: November 2023

The fame of the Internet of vehicles (IOV) increases the complexity of managing the vast network of interconnected vehicles, devices, and systems, which causes the need for seamless connectivity among vehicles and infrastructure. Developing robust and efficient data transmission technologies is imperative to ensure that IOV functions smoothly and can not only handle the substantial volume of data generated by IOV but also address factors of latency, bandwidth, and scalability to meet the evolving demands of modern transportation systems. Therefore, experts are actively exploring novel solutions and advancements to tackle these challenges to promote IOV to new heights in transportation. In this survey paper, the authors surveyed the IOV of different architectures, provided a comprehensive overview of the Internet of things, vehicular ad hoc networks, and IOV networks, and compared the various networks. Similarly, they studied the multiple challenges of IOV and the corresponding solution available in recent literature. This paper describes the IOV evolution and examines several research papers related to the IOV and research guidance, such as high mobility, load balancing, security, heterogeneity, location accuracy, secure routing, etc.
High-THCCannabisSmoke Impairs Incidental Memory Capacity in Spontaneous Tests of Novelty Preference for Objects and Odors in Male Rats
Authors: Barnard Ilne L. , Onofrychuk Timothy J. , Toderash Aaron D. , Patel Vyom N. , Glass Aiden E. , Adrian Jesse C. , Laprairie Robert B. , Howland John G.
Published: November 2023

Working memory is an executive function that orchestrates the use of limited amounts of information, referred to as working memory capacity, in cognitive functions.Cannabisexposure impairs working memory in humans; however, it is unclear whetherCannabisfacilitates or impairs rodent working memory and working memory capacity. The conflicting literature in rodent models may be at least partly because of the use of drug exposure paradigms that do not closely mirror patterns of humanCannabisuse. Here, we used an incidental memory capacity paradigm where a novelty preference is assessed after a short delay in spontaneous recognition-based tests. Either object or odor-based stimuli were used in test variations with sets of identical [identical stimuli test (IST)] and different [different stimuli test (DST)] stimuli (three or six) for low-memory and high-memory loads, respectively. Additionally, we developed a human-machine hybrid behavioral quantification approach which supplements stopwatch-based scoring with supervised machine learning-based classification. After validating the spontaneous IST and DST in male rats, 6-item test versions with the hybrid quantification method were used to evaluate the impact of acute exposure to high-Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or high-CBDCannabissmoke on novelty preference. Under control conditions, male rats showed novelty preference in all test variations. We found that high-THC, but not high-CBD,Cannabissmoke exposure impaired novelty preference for objects under a high-memory load. Odor-based recognition deficits were seen under both low-memory and high-memory loads only following high-THC smoke exposure. Ultimately, these data show thatCannabissmoke exposure impacts incidental memory capacity of male rats in a memory load-dependent, and stimuli-specific manner.