bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
La consolidación de los estudios filológicos: Trinidad Arcos Pereira, Yolanda Arencibia Santana y Maximiano Trapero Trapero en diálogo con Antonio María Martín Rodríguez
Authors: Arcos Pereira Trinidad , Trapero Trapero Maximiano , Arencibia Santana Yolanda , Martín Rodríguez Antonio María
Published: February 2022

Diálogo Vivo ULPGC es un proyecto editorial del Servicio de Publicaciones y Difusión Científica de la Universidad de Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, que pretende conservar, en formatos audiovisual e impreso, la memoria y la historia de la ULPGC a través del diálogo entre sus protagonistas. En este segundo volumen de la colección, tres personalidades decisivas en la creación y consolidación de los estudios filológicos en nuestra universidad, Yolanda Arencibia Santana, Maximiano Trapero Trapero y Trinidad Arcos Pereira, dialogan con el director del Servicio de Publicaciones de la ULPGC. La sesión fue grabada el 14 de julio de 2021 en el Paraninfo de la ULPGC y en ella los tres intervinientes comparten experiencias sobre su vocación filológica, su formación académica, su vinculación como profesores primero con el Colegio Universitario de Las Palmas y después con la ULPGC, las difíciles relaciones con la Universidad de La Laguna antes de la creación de nuestra universidad, la ilusión generada por la presión social y el proyecto de creación de la ULPGC, la creación y consolidación de la Facultad de Filología, el difícil equilibrio para el profesor universitario entre dedicación investigadora y docente, los pros y los contras de aceptar responsabilidades en la gestión, los aspectos positivos y negativos de la implantación del sistema de grados, la competencia no siempre leal de las universidades privadas… y otra serie de cuestiones que no dejarán frío al lector interesado.
CODE-SWITCHING AS MEDIA SPEECH: AN EVIDENCE IN INDONESIAN PODCAST
Authors: Pradina Fathia Anggriani
Published: February 2022

A communicative code plays a main role in every conversation. The aim is to make a communicative goal in every situation. In this digital era, people tend to make something interesting to attract people’s attention. Namely Podcast, is one of the programs in digital platform that been used as the media to share everything in audio output. In Podcast, the host uses code-switching to make the communication livelier and sometimes to emphasize the statements or questions. Therefore, the host and the guest will have a very communicative interaction along the interview. This study aims to analysed the situational goal in a Podcast which host uses English as his switching code. The situational goal can be seen from the type of code-switching that the host used connected to the type of illocutionary forces at the speech act level.  The data are recorded and transcribed from several episodes of the Podcast. The result shows that code-switching as the media speech is deliberately use as a very functional code to reach the situational goal.
IMPLIKATUR UNGKAPAN BAHASA DAERAH DALAM GUGATAN PENGHINAAN DAN PENCEMARAN NAMA BAIK DI NTT: SEBUAH STUDI KASUS LINGUISTIK FORENSIK
Authors: Sanubarianto Salimulloh Tegar
Published: February 2022

Trends in lawsuits against violations of UU ITE relate to insults and defamation have increased significantly in the past three years, not least in NTT. Some of the cases in the lawsuit included regional expressions. One of them is the case of UU ITE with the decision number 84/Pid.Sus/2019/PN Olm. With the method of in-depth and documentative interviews, this study aims to reveal the implicature in the subject matter text through the Frank Parker implicature disclosure approach. The result showed that the motivation of speaker using local language expressions can be revealed through direct, indirect, and literal speech acts. In literal speech act, speech and implications have not negation. In direct speech act, speakers have implications to advise speech partners. Whereas indirect speech acts, speakers have implications to threaten the speech partners. The conclusion of this study indicate that local languages are effectively used to touch the personal identity of the speech partner so that they are often used to insult and defame.
ANALISIS MAKNA DALAM GEGURITAN IKI GURITE SEPI KARYA SURTIKANTI (SUATU KAJIAN SEMIOTIKA RIFFATERRE)
Authors: Melani Ayuni Diah , Rosyidah Laelatur , Putra Dhiya Restu , Faza Alfan Muhyar
Published: February 2022

This study aims to describe a sign and implied meaning in Surtikanti’s Geguritan Iki Gurite Sepi poetry. The approach used in this study is a semiotic approach based on Michael Riffaterre's model. Based on Riffaterre's semiotic approach, the data in this study were analyzed by: 1) Heuristic reading; 2) Hermeneutic Reading; 3) Indirectness of expression; 4) Matrix, model, and variant of poetry; 5) Hypogram. The method used is descriptive qualitative which produces descriptive qualitative data in the form of words, phrases, and sentences contained in poetry. The results of this study indicate that the semiotics used in the study of Javanese poetry or geguritan entitled Geguritan iki, gurite sepi by Surtikanti's has markers and signifiers in it.
DETERMINASI KONFUSIANISME DALAM ANALISIS WACANA KRITIS NOVEL KLASIK “JOURNEY TO THE WEST”
Authors: Rahmawati Melinda , Nuraini Yustiara , Widianto Bimo Rafi , Yanti Debi Robi , Sulaeman Sulaeman
Published: February 2022

The purpose of research to see the determination formed by Confucianism in critical discourse analysis of the classic novel "Journey To The West". The method used is descriptive qualitative with critical discourse analysis in historical approach (discourse-historical-approach). The result of this research is the presence of a Confucian determination based on the results of critical discourse analysis of discourse-historical-approach to the classic novel "Journey To The West" which is inherent as culture. The conclusion of this research is that there are Confucian values depicted in the classic novel "Journey To The West" through the characterization of the characters in the novel so that Confucianism remains inherent in Chinese society.
Predictive Algorithms in the Diagnosis and Management of Pediatric Hip and Periarticular Infection
Authors: Hunter Sarah , Kioa Georgina , Baker Joseph F.
Published: February 2022

➤ Although the criteria of Kocher et al. were an important advancement in our ability to diagnose septic arthritis of the hip early, the changing microbial landscape and availability of advanced imaging have rendered it insufficient for contemporary clinical use.

➤ Routine use of magnetic resonance imaging and recognition of disseminated disease have prompted the development of algorithms to predict concurrent osteoarticular infection in cases of septic arthritis and osteomyelitis that were previously assumed to be “isolated.”

➤ Recent research has attempted to stratify childhood bone and joint infection (BJI) by severity to guide treatment planning. This is valuable, as patients with multifocal disease, more virulent pathogens, and immunocompromise can have longer hospital stays and require multiple surgeries.

➤ The increasing prevalence of clinical prediction algorithms in childhood BJI is not completely matched by quality in methodology. Clinicians need to be wary of adopting predictive algorithms prior to robust external validation.
Innovation of Learning Management in Madrasah Level
Authors: Zamroni Zamroni
Published: February 2022

The presence of Islamic education i.e. madrasah has significantly contributed to the live of public citizen in Indonesia. Therefore, the existence of madrasah education develops in accordance with the needs and demands of society today as well as it be able to adjust the existence of the industrial revolution 4.0. The development madrasah education must be done by increasing the quality of human resources, redesigning curriculum development and managing the quality of learning. In this context, as an effort to achieve the above educational goals, new breakthroughs in the field of learning are needed i.e. continuous quality improvement by carrying out various approaches, especially in the field of learning management innovation in order to drive the Islamic education as a central for excellence where the students are able to compete in the midst of the 4.0 industrial revolution era. The existence of learning management essentially aims to build and develop the full potential of learners, and these efforts can only be made if all learning activities are programmed in accordance with the needs of students, parents, and society expectations. Therefore, at the practical level, learning activities are understood to be able to run effectively and efficiently if all of the above activities start from the managerial process, through the learning planning process; learning management; management of students management of quality human resources or professionalism of teachers; development of learning activities and the process of evaluating good learning.
Students’ Discipline Management in Strengthening Modern Human Resources
Authors: Ilyasin Mukhamad
Published: February 2022

This research is aimed to describe how students’ discipline management is applied in order to weakening human resources in 21st century. This research was conducted at three different Islamic schools called madrasah i.e. Madrasah Aliyah Negeri (MAN) Makassar, MAN Batu, Malang, and MAN Insan Cendekia Paser, East Kalimantan. In this case, madrasah principal, vice principal, classroom teachers, dormitory teachers, and students became participants in this research. In this case, the researcher observed and interviewed the subject in order to describe deeply regarding with the application of students’ discipline management. The result shows that there are four discipline methods applied at MAN Makassar, MAN Batu, MAN Insan Cendekia Paser i.e. the art of distribution, the control of activity, the organization of geneses, and the composition of forces. Other than that, medium to create discipline atmosphere is also appeared from hierarchical observation, normalizing judgement, and examination. Future implication regarding with students’ discipline management is also discussed in this research.
Yeast-based Directed-evolution for High-throughput Structural Stabilization of G Protein-coupled Receptors (GPCRs)
Authors: Meltzer M. , Zvagelsky T. , Papo Niv , Engel Stanislav
Published: February 2022

The immense potential of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) as targets for drug discovery is not fully realized due to the enormous difficulties associated with structure elucidation of these profoundly unstable membrane proteins. The existing methods of GPCR stability-engineering are cumbersome and low-throughput; in addition, the scope of GPCRs that could benefit from these techniques is limited. Here, we present a yeast-based screening platform for a single-step isolation of GRCR variants stable in the presence of short-chain detergents, a feature essential for their successful crystallization using vapor diffusion method. The yeast detergent-resistant cell wall presents a unique opportunity for compartmentalization, to physically link the receptor's phenotype to its encoding DNA, and thus enable discovery of stable GPCR variants with unprecedent efficiency. The scope of mutations identified by the method reveals a surprising amenability of the GPCR scaffold to stabilization, and suggests an intriguing possibility of amending the stability properties of GPCR by varying the structural status of the C-terminus.
Improvement of Bovine Pestiviral diagnosis by the development of a cost-effective method for detecting viral RNA in fresh specimens and samples spotted in filter papers.
Authors: Favaro Paula Melisa , Molineri Ana , Santos Maria J. Dus , Calvinho Luis F. , Pecora Andrea
Published: February 2022

Bovine pestiviruses are the causative agents of Bovine viral diarrhea, a disease that generates severe economic losses in cattle. The aim of this study was to improve its diagnosis by means of developing a RT-qPCR to detect bovine pestiviruses A, B and H; and to set a protocol for collecting, shipping and conserving bovine pestiviral RNA in filter papers. The developed RT-qPCR showed high sensitivity in detecting these viruses in different matrixes: viral stocks, semen and serum samples. Regarding the possibility of using the technique to test serum pools, it was possible to identify a positive serum sample within a pool containing 30 sera. In addition to evaluating the qPCR from fresh samples, the use of filter papers to sow bovine samples was analyzed. The sampling method in two different filter papers using bovine blood drops was a useful alternative for diagnosis purposes and allowed the preservation of pestiviral RNA up to 12 months under refrigeration.
Spinal Immobilisation Vs No-immobilisation in Trauma Patients: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Saloum Salma , Mulhem Ali
Published: February 2022

Background: Despite the common application of pre-clinical immobilisation in trauma patients for many years, the existing evidence for this intervention is still weak. The need for pre-clinical immobilisation and applying the right immobilisation procedures on the right trauma patients is still controversial in the scientific literature. Objectives: This systematic review aims to compare different outcomes to answer whether the pre-clinical immobilisation of trauma patients is more effective than no pre-clinical Immobilisation and analyse it critically. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted according to the PRISMA criteria in the Pubmed and EMBASE databases with meta-analyses. We searched for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and no randomised studies of intervention (NRSIs, both prospective and retrospective studies) comparing two different groups of trauma patients (pre-clinical immobilisation vs no pre-clinical immobilisation). We set no time or language limitations. Two reviewers screened the title/abstracts and the full-texts independently. We resolved any conflicts with discussion. Results: We identified 2,726 studies from Pubmed and EMBASE. After double stage screening, a total of 13 studies were included in the systematic review. Both spinal injuries (OR= 3.69, 95% CI from 1.82 to 7.49) and neurological deficits (OR= 2.67, 95% CI from 1.15 to 6.18) occurred in the pre-clinical immobilised patients significantly more often than non immobilised. We found higher mortality (OR= 1.97, 95% CI from 1.12 to 3.46) and six times higher side effects (OR= 6.01, 95% CI from 2.880 to 12.91) in the group of pre-clinical immobilisation compared to the control. Conclusions: Pre-clinical immobilisation seems unable to reduce the neurological deficits, mortality, or spine injuries in trauma patients than no-immobilisation. The side-effects of the intervention are higher than the control. The quality of evidence is low. Regarding this topic, there is a critical need for primary studies in general and randomised controlled trials in specific.
Association of Diabetes Complications With Depression and Suicidality in Hospitalized Patients: a Multicenter Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Pakdin Majid , Ebrahimi Alireza , Jahromi Mohammadsaeed Gharaati , Firoozabadi Ali
Published: February 2022

Objective: The present study aimed to compare the prevalence of depression symptoms and suicidal ideation between diabetic patients admitted at hospital and healthy individuals. It also aimed to determine the relationship between types of diabetes complications and severity of symptoms.Method: A total of 89 patients, who were admitted to the hospital because of the complications of the disease, were voluntarily and conveniently participated in the study. The participants were given the questionnaires of Beck Depression Inventory-2nd-edition and Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation. They were divided into two age groups: 18-50 years old and 50-75 years old. Control group, consisting of 89 individuals without any underlying disease, were randomly selected from the patients’ visitors, matched with the participants according to the age group and gender. Statistical analysis was performed between the two groups based on scores obtained. Results: Beck Depression Inventory Scale score was significantly higher, regardless of age, in the patient group compared to the control group. However, there was no significant difference between the scores of Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation between the patient group and the control group. In the patient group, it was found that among the variables, female gender, and diabetic foot were associated with higher severity of depression symptoms.Conclusion: It is vitally essential for diabetic patients to undergo periodic psychiatric evaluation. Early diagnosis of depression could help them to better cope with their mental health issue, and as a result, it will decrease risk of suicidal ideation and other consequences.
A qualitative study of the implementation of a pilot school-based, toothbrushing programme
Authors: Wang Min-Ching , Marshman Zoe , Chen Wei-Han , Shih Wen-Yu
Published: February 2022

BackgroundThe aim of the study was to explore stakeholders’ barriers and facilitators to implement a school-based toothbrushing programme.MethodsFocus groups and interviews were used to explore the views of elementary school students, teachers, staff, and nurses in a piloted school-based toothbrushing programme. The topic guides were developed according to the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) to cover the behavioural factors systematically and comprehensively. Data were analysed with content analysis.ResultsOverall, 36 students, 29 teachers/staff, and five school nurses (N=65) were included. The main theme was the importance of ‘habit’. The routine and schedule in school helped children establish the toothbrushing habit. However, children did not appear to retain the dental knowledge which was taught in the programme. Instead the key factors in the implementation of the programme were providing fluoride toothpaste and toothbrush for use in schools, allowing teachers and staff to choose the timing of the brushing and engaging classmate to supervise each other is essential.ConclusionsImplementing a school-based toothbrushing programme with the support of staff and engagement of children can h elp children to develop a toothbrushing habit. Further research is needed to explore ways to motivate teachers and staff to fully embrace such a programme. Classmate-supervised toothbrushing may reduce the burden of teachers and staff to implement a school-based toothbrushing programme. This paper also shows that providing suitable fluoride toothpaste rather than dental knowledge may better form children’s brushing habits.
DEHypGpOls: A Genetic Programming with Evolutionary Hyper-Parameter Optimization and its Application for Stock Market Trend Prediction
Authors: ARI DAVUT , ALAGOZ Baris Baykant
Published: February 2022

Stock markets are one of the most popular financial markets since they can bring high revenues to their investors. In order to reduce the risk factor for investors, intelligent and automated stock market trend prediction tools are developed by using computational intelligence methods. This study presents a hyper-parameter optimal Genetic Programming (GP) model generation framework for a day-ahead prediction of stock market index trends. In order to obtain the best trend prediction model from the stock market data, a Differential Evolution (DE) algorithm is implemented to optimize hyper-parameters of a GP algorithm with Orthogonal Least Square (GpOls). Evolutions of GpOls agents within the hyper-parameter search space allow adaptation of GpOls algorithm for a given training dataset by enabling optimal autotuning of user-defined parameters. Authors demonstrated that this structure can significantly improve modeling performances of GpOls algorithms for data-driven modeling applications. In the study, the proposed DE based hyper GpOls (DEHypGpOls) algorithm is implemented for a day-ahead forecast problem of the Istanbul Stock Exchange 100 Index (ISE100) trends. In the experimental study, real trend data from ISE100 and seven other international stock markets are used to extract a day-ahead forecast model of daily ISE100 trends. The forecast model of the DEHypGpOls algorithm can provide 68% prediction accuracy for the test dataset. In ISE100 index market simulations, daily exchanges of ISE100 index according to buy or sell signal of the forecast model of DEHypGpOls provided about 273% more income compared to the income of a long-term investment strategy.
A Novel Structure of All-optical Optimised NAND, NOR and XNOR Logic Gates Employing a Y-shaped Plasmonic Waveguide for Better Performance and High-Speed Computations
Authors: Swarnakar Sandip , Anguluri Surya Pavan Kumar , Sreev Alluru , Kumar Santosh
Published: February 2022

All-optical devices are proven to have broad range of applications in the areas of communication. These devices form the basic building blocks of complex integrated circuits. By integrating these devices in the fields like signal processing, chip designing and network computations, a much more efficient device can be achieved. The design of all-optical logic gates like NAND, NOR and XNOR using plasmonic based Y-shaped power combiner is implemented in this paper work. The concept of linear interference is applied in the combiner to achieve the desired logic gates. The work is simulated and analysed using Finite-Difference Time Domain (FDTD) method, which is valuated using MATLAB. The present work fits under the area of 60 µm2 which is smaller than the existing structures. The insertion loss, transmission efficiency and extinction ratio parameters are calculated and compared to variety of other designs.
Mode-locked fiber laser operating in the C and L bands with immobilized molybdenum disulfide saturable absorber over etched SMF
Authors: Wang Zhihao , Liu Chao , Li Guoru , Su Xiancui , Wang Yiran , Xie Yiyan , Gao Feilong , Kumar Santosh , Zhang Bingyuan
Published: February 2022

In this work, a passively mode-locked erbium-doped fiber laser with layers of molybdenum disulfide saturable absorber (MoS2 -SA) immobilized etched single mode fiber (SMF) is developed. MoS2-SA are synthesized via liquid phase exfoliation then transferred to etched fiber (EF). SA is used to achieve mode-locked operation in an erbium-doped fiber laser. With a pump power of 250 mW, a repetition rate of 11.07 MHz produces a pulse width of 388 fs and a maximum average output power of 16.9 mW. This work demonstrates the potential of SA based on EF in C and L band mode-locked fiber lasers.
The Clinical Frailty Scale as Predictor of Overall Survival After Resection of High-grade Glioma
Authors: Klingenschmid Julia , Krigers Aleksandrs , Pinggera Daniel , Kerschbaumer Johannes , Thomé Claudius , Freyschlag Christian F.
Published: February 2022

Background
The Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS) describes the general level of fitness or frailty and is widely used in geriatric medicine, intensive care and orthopaedic surgery. This study was conducted to analyze, whether CFS could be used for patients with high-grade glioma.
Methods
Patients harboring high-grade gliomas, undergoing first resection at our center between 2015 and 2020 were retrospectively evaluated. Patients’ performance was assessed using the Rockwood Clinical Frailty Scale and the Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) preoperatively and 3–6 months postoperatively.
Results
289 patients were included. Pre- as well as postoperative median frailty was 3 CFS points (IqR 2–4) corresponding to “managing well”. CFS strongly correlated with KPS preoperatively (r = -0.85; p < 0.001) and at the 3–6 months follow-up (r = -0.90; p < 0.001). The reduction of overall survival (OS) was 54% per point of CFS preoperatively (HR 1.54, CI95% 1.38–1.70; p < 0.001) and 58% at the follow-up (HR 1.58, CI95% 1.41–1.78; p < 0.001), comparable to KPS. Patients with IDH mutation showed significantly better preoperative and follow-up CFS and KPS (p < 0.05). Age and performance scores correlated only mildly with each other (r = 0.21…0.35; p < 0.01), but independently predicted OS (p < 0.001 each).
Conclusion
CFS seems to be a reliable tool for functional assessment of patients suffering from high-grade glioma. CFS includes non-cancer related aspects and therefore is a contemporary approach for patient evaluation. Its projection of survival can be equally estimated before and after surgery. IDH-mutation caused longer survival and higher functionality.
Incidence of Nephrotoxicity Associated with Intravenous Colistimethate Sodium Administration for the Treatment of Multidrug-resistant Gram-negative Bacterial Infections
Authors: Sadyrbaeva-Dolgova Svetlana , García-Fumero Ricardo , Jimenez-Morales Alberto , Pasquau Juan , Hidalgo-Tenorio Carmen
Published: February 2022

Colistimethate sodium (CMS) is the inactive prodrug of colistin, CMS has a narrow antibacterial spectrum with concentration-dependent bactericidal activity against multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria, including P. aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii. This study aimed to analyze potential correlations between clinical features and the development of CMS-induced nephrotoxicity. This retrospective cohort study was conducted in a tertiary-care university hospital between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2019. A total of 163 patients received CMS therapy. 75 patients (46%) developed nephrotoxicity attributable to colistin treatment, although only 14 patients (8.6%) discontinued treatment for this reason. 95.7% of CMS were prescribed as target therapy. Acinetobacter baumanii spp. was the most commonly identified pathogen (72.4%) followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (19.6%). Several risk factors associated with nephrotoxicity were identified, among these were Charlson Index (OR 1.29, 95%CI 1.02–1.62; p = 0.032); admission to the ICU (OR 4.25, 95%CI 1.63–11.07, p = 0.003) and cumulative dose per patient (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.01–1.05, p = 0.003). In terms of in-hospital mortality, risk factors were male sex (OR 2.43, 95%CI 1.06–5.56, p = 0.035); age (OR 1.03, 95%CI 1.01–1.05, p = 0.043) and higher maintenance doses (OR 1.21, 95%CI 1.03–1.43, p = 0.023). Nephrotoxicity due to CMS treatment was not related to mortality (OR 1.42, 95%CI 0.68–2.99, p = 0.351). In conclusion, it was shown once again that CMS is a drug with a high incidence of nephrotoxicity. Its complex management, administering the loading dose and monitoring creatinine at least every 48 hours, with consequent adjustment of the maintenance dosage, leads to a high percentage of inappropriate use.
Implementing Screening for Hypertension in Archetypal HIV Primary Care: A Mixed-Methods Assessment
Authors: Buzaalirwa Lydia , Nambala Lydia , Banturaki Grace , Amor Penninah Iutung , Katahoire Anne , Geng Elvin , Semeere Aggrey
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND: High prevalence of HIV and hypertension in sub-Saharan Africa puts HIV-infected adults are at high risk of end-organ complications. Both World Health Organization (WHO) and national guidelines recommend screening and treatment of hypertension among HIV-infected adults on antiretroviral therapy(ART). We evaluated the implementation of hypertension screening among adults on ART at three Uganda Cares Primary care facilities. METHODS: Using an explanatory mixed-methods approach we reviewed patient records, and interviewed both patients and providers during 2017 and 2018. We obtained demographics, clinical and blood pressure (BP) measurements via records review. We estimate the period prevalence of screening and use adjusted log binomial regression to evaluate for predictors of screening. In-depth interviews were analysed using a thematic approach to explain the observed prevalence and predictors of BP screening. RESULTS: Records for 1426 HIV-infected adults were reviewed. Patients had a median age of 35 years and 65% of them were female. Most were on ART (89% on first-line) with median duration was 4 years. Only 262 (18%) were overweight or obese with a body mass index (BMI) >25 Kg/M2. In 2017 or 2018 patients made a median of 3 visits and 783 patients had a BP recorded, hence a period prevalence 55%. Older age, male sex, more clinic visits, and clinic site were associated with screening in the adjusted analyses. Erratic BP screening was collaborated by patients’ and providers’ interviews. This was attributed to challenges that included; patient numbers, staffing, provider apathy, access to treatment, and availability and function of BP equipment. CONCLUSION: Almost half of regular HIV clinic attendees at these prototypical primary care HIV clinics were not screened for hypertension for a whole year. Improving BP screening requires attention to addressing modifiable challenges and ensuring local buy-in beyond just providing equipment.
Does Medical Disparity Exist While Treating Severe Mental Illness Patients with Acute Appendicitis in Emergency Departments? A Real-World Database Study
Authors: Hung Shang-Kai , Kou Hao-Wei , Wu Kai-Hsiang , Chen Shou-Yen , Li Chih-Huang , Lee Chao-Wei , Hung Yu-Yung , Gao Shi-Ying , Wu Po-Han , Hsieh Chiao-Hsuan , Chaou Chung-Hsien
Published: February 2022

Background
Patients with severe mental illness (SMI) have a shorter life expectancy and have been considered by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a vulnerable group. As the causes for this mortality gap are complex, clarification regarding the contributing factors is crucial to improving the health care of SMI patients. Acute appendicitis is one of the most common indicators of emergency surgery worldwide. A higher perforation rate has been found among psychiatric patients. This study aims to evaluate the differences in appendiceal perforation rate, emergency department (ED) management, in-hospital outcomes, and in-hospital expenditure among acute appendicitis patients with or without SMI via the use of a multi-centre database.
Methods
Relying on Chang Gung Research Database (CGRD) for data, we selectively used its data from January 1st, 2007 to December 31st, 2017. The diagnoses of acute appendicitis and SMI were confirmed by combining ICD codes with relevant medical records. A non-SMI patient group was matched at the ratio of 1:3 by using the Greedy algorithm. The outcomes were appendiceal perforation rate, ED treatment, in-hospital outcome, and in-hospital expenditure.
Results
A total of 25,766 patients from seven hospitals over a span of 11 years were recruited; among them, 11,513 were excluded by criteria, with 14,253 patients left for analysis. SMI group was older (50.46 vs. 44.43 years, p < 0.01) and had a higher percentage of females (56.52 vs. 44.43%, p = 0.01) and Charlson Comorbidity Index. An analysis of the matched group has revealed that the SMI group has a higher unscheduled 72-hour revisit to ED (17.93 vs. 10.38%, p = 0.01). There was no significant difference in appendiceal perforation rate, ED treatment, in-hospital outcome, and in-hospital expenditure.
Conclusions
Our study demonstrated no obvious differences in appendiceal perforation rate, ED management, in-hospital outcomes, and in-hospital expenditure among SMI and non-SMI patients with acute appendicitis. A higher unscheduled 72-hour ED revisit rate prior to the diagnosis of acute appendicitis in the SMI group was found. ED health providers need to be cautious when it comes to SMI patients with vague symptoms or unspecified abdominal complaints.
Traditional Versus Modern Educational Methods; Which One Is More Effective On Health Literacy Of Caregivers Of Patients With Cancer? A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Naseri-Salahshour Vahid , Sajadi Mahbobeh , Nasrabadi Alireza Nikbakht , Karimi Mahmood , Fournier Andrew , Pazhokh Elham
Published: February 2022

Purpose: Cancer is the main cause of death in developed countries and is the third leading cause of death in Iran. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of traditional versus modern educational methods on the health literacy of caregivers of patients with cancer.Methods: This study was a randomized controlled trial in which 93 caregivers of patients with cancers referred to Ayatollah Khansari Hospital of Arak (Iran) participated. Simple random allocation to either the intervention group (n=45) which consisted of education using modern virtual social networks (Telegram messenger) or the control group which included using traditional face-to face education methods (n=48) was completed. At baseline and at two weeks post intervention, health literacy questionnaire was completed by participants in both groups.Results: The mean health literacy in the two groups did not differ significantly at baseline (p> 0.05). At two weeks post intervention the average health literacy in the intervention group was significantly higher than the control group (p <0.05).Conclusion: The social network intervention was more effective in improving the health literacy of caregivers of people with cancer compared to usual face-to-face methods. Thus, the use of these methods is recommended. New educational methods provide a valuable strategy for nurses and other health professionals to improve health literacy, attitudes and knowledge of cancer patient’s families.Trial registration: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT20161223031522N11)
Management of respiratory failure in immune checkpoint inhibitors-induced overlap syndrome: A case series
Authors: Cuenca John A. , Hanmandlu Ankit , Wegner Robert , Botdorf Joshua , Tummala Sudhakar , Iliescu Cezar A. , Nates Joseph L. , Reddy Dereddi Raja
Published: February 2022

Purpose: To describe the diagnostic approach and management of respiratory failure secondary to the checkpoint inhibitor-induced overlap syndrome.Methods: A retrospective case series of cancer patients receiving treatment with checkpoint inhibitors that developed overlap syndrome. All patients were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center between August and October 2021.Results: Four cases are described. In all the patients, a high troponinemia raised the concern for myocarditis, leading to a complete workup. However, the predominant feature of the syndrome differed among the cases. For instance, two patients showed marked myocarditis as the primary driver of disease with a shorter hospital stay, likely due to early recognition and treatment. In contrast, the other two patients had a prolonged need for ICU due to severe neuromuscular involvement secondary to myositis and myasthenia gravis. Treatment was based on steroids, plasmapheresis, intravenous immunoglobulin, and immunosuppressive biological agents such as rituximab and infliximab.Conclusions: The management of respiratory failure is challenging, particularly in those patients with predominant myasthenia gravis. Along with intensive clinical monitoring, bedside pulmonary function tests can guide the decision-making process of selecting a respiratory support method, the timing of elective intubation, and extubation.
Air pollution, heterogeneity, and subjective well-being: Evidence from China's micro survey data
Authors: Yu Yunjiang , Shu Xing , Anwar Sajid , Yang Sibo
Published: February 2022

Previous studies have not paid much attention to the heterogeneous effects of air pollution on subjective well-being. By matching the 2018 China Labour-Force Dynamics Survey data (CLDS2018) with urban air pollution data, we empirically examine the impact of air pollution on subjective well-being across pollution levels, income levels, gender, age, education as well as city size and region. Empirical analysis shows that an increase in air pollution has a negative and statistically significant impact on the well-being and the effect varies considerably across pollution levels, income levels, age, gender, education level, city size and region. Re-estimation using air pollution data released by the U.S. embassy in China shows that the empirical results presented in this paper are robust. After accounting for potential endogeneity and selection bias, PM2.5 continues to have a significant negative impact on the well-being of residents. Our analysis shows that air pollution is an important contributor to the Easterlin paradox, and (in the process of air pollution control) attention needs to be paid to both individual heterogeneity and urban differences.
Relationship Between Workplace Incivility and the Professional Quality of Life in Nurses
Authors: Nazari Shima , Nikpeyma Nasrin , Haghani Shima , Fakhuri Fatemeh , Afshar Pouya Farokhnezhad
Published: February 2022

Background: Workplace Incivility is a common issue in the nursing profession. On the other hand, studies imply that the professional quality of life in nurses is lower than average. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between workplace incivility and the professional quality of life in nurses.Methods: This cross-sectional correlational study was conducted in 2021 in Tehran. Participants were 200 nurses randomly recruited from selected hospitals of TUMS. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire, the Nursing Incivility Scale (NIS), and the Professional Quality Of Life scale (ProQOL). Data analysis was performed through correlation test and multiple regression analysis, using the SPSS software version 16.Results: The mean age of participants was 32.30 ± 7.22, and 76.5% were female. There was a significant correlation between the professional quality of life and workplace incivility. Multiple regression analysis between the subscales of workplace incivility and professional quality of life demonstrated that the incivility from the supervisor (β= -0.29, P= 0.001) and incivility from patients (β= -0.27, P< 0.001) can predict the compassion satisfaction dimension. The incivility from the supervisor (β= 0.24, P= 0.001) and incivility from patients (β= 0.26, P< 0.001) can explain burnout. The incivility from the patients can explain secondary traumatic stress (β= 0.14, P= 0.02).Conclusions: This study showed that nurses experienced the incivility of various groups, including doctors and patients. Therefore, it seems necessary to identify behaviors of incivility and to reduce them through various ways like continuous training courses, clarifying the roles of nurses, and improving the professional image of nursing in society.
Effectiveness of Home Based ‘Egg-suji’ Diet in Management of Severe Acute Malnutrition of Rohingya Refugee Children
Authors: Roy S K , Jahan Khurshid , Khatoon Soofia , Alam Nurul , Tasnim Saria , Parveen Shahana , Ferdaus Ambrina , Cubra Khadijatul
Published: February 2022

Background Prevalence of Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) among Rohingya children aged 6-59 months who took shelter in refugee camp in Cox’s Bazar district, Bangladesh was found to be 7.5%. Objective To measure the effectiveness of home made diet in the management of Severe Acute Malnutrition of Rohingya Refugee Children. Methods In total 645 SAM children (MUAC <11.5 cm) aged 6-59 months were selected and fed the home made diet for three months by their caregivers and followed up for next two months. Nutrition counseling, demonstration of food preparation and the ingredients of food (rice powder, egg, sugar and oil) were provided to the families for three months to cook ‘Egg-suji’ diet to feed the children. Results The study children were assessed for nutritional status. After intervention, energy intake from diet increased from 455.29±120.9 Kcal/day to 609.61±29.5 Kcal/day (P=0.001) in three months. Frequency of daily food intake improved from 4.89±1.02 to 5.94±0.26 (P=0.001). The body weight of children increased from 6.3±1.04 kg to 9.93±1.35 kg (p=0.001) height increased from 67.93±6.18 cm to 73.86±0.35 (p=0.001) cm and MUAC improved from 11.14±1.35 cm to 12.89±0.37 cm (P=0.001). HAZ improved from -3.64 ±1.35 to -2.82±1.40 (p=0.001) WHZ improved from -2.45±1.23 to 1.03±1.17 (p=0.001) WAZ improved from -3.8 ±0.61 to -0.69±0.78, MUACZ improved from -3.32±0.49 to 1.8±0.54 (P=0.001) from beginning to end of observation. Morbidity was found in 5.12% children in the first month which reduced to 0.15% at the end of follow up. Conclusions Nutritional counseling and supply of food ingredients at refugee camps resulted in complete recovery from severe malnutrition for all children which was sustainable.
Use or Not Use? The Role of Trust and Habit in mHealth Ser-vices Use Intention Among Older Population in Hong Kong
Authors: Liu Justina YW , Sorwar Golam , Rahman Sajedur , Hoque Rakibul
Published: February 2022

Background: Evidence from literature suggests that mobile health (mHealth) services can potentially improve healthcare outcomes among elderly population. Hence, the government of Hong Kong has recently taken several community and IT services initiatives for training older people on how to enhance their abilities and interest in using mHealth technology. Although mHealth services have been widely implemented worldwide, their adoption and use by elderlies are very low including those in Hong Kong. This study aims to understand key factors influencing mHealth use intention among the elderly Chinese population in Hong Kong. Methods: We extended the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT2) as the basis of our conceptual framework. We applied Partial Least Squares path modeling method to conduct the Structural Equation Model (SEM) technique that allows measuring the theoretical validity of any conceptual framework. A convenience and snowball sampling methods were used to recruit community-dwelling older people aged 65 or above. In total, 201 valid responses were used for testing the theoretical validity of the proposed conceptual framework. Results: The primary finding shows that the widely used UTAUT2 model falls short in explaining mHealth service acceptance behavior in the elderly population. We further propose a simplified model, the Healthcare Technology Service Acceptance (HTSA) model, to understand the formation of mHealth service acceptance behavior. The findings show that trust is an important component of technology service acceptance intention behavior that was missing in the UTAUT2 model. The results also show that several antecedent factors (i.e., social influence, government policy, and service quality) are critical in forming technology trust beliefs. Conclusions: The study shows that the HTSA model can better explain mHealth acceptance behavior than the UTAUT2 model. This study advances knowledge in the mHealth technology adoption domain by proposing a simplified new version of the UTAUT2 model for understanding healthcare technology service acceptance and use intention among the elderly population. The findings of the study provide valuable information to the Hong Kong government and healthcare organizations for a wider adoption of mHealth services specially in older populations. "
Degradation of Bisphenol A and S in Wastewater during Cold Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Treatment
Authors: Kovacic Ana , Modic Martina , Hojnik Natasa , Vehar Anja , Kosjek Tina , Heath David , Walsh James L. , Cvelbar Uroš , Ester Heath
Published: February 2022

Developing novel, fast and efficient ecologically benign processes for removing organic contaminants is crucial for pawing the sustainable development in water treatments. For this reason, this study investigates the implementation of Cold Atmospheric pressure Plasma (CAP) generated in ambient air as an efficient agent for removal of Bisphenol A (BPA) and Bisphenol S (BPS)—known endocrine disrupting compounds in water and wastewater, by monitoring degradation kinetics and its transformation products. The highest removal efficiencies of BPA (>98%) and BPS (>70%) were obtained after 480 s of CAP exposure. A pseudo-first-order kinetic revealed that BPA (-kt = 0.0044 ̶ 0.0090 s−1) degrades faster than BPS (-kt = 0.0004 ̶ 0.0023 s−1) and that the degradation is also time- and CAP power-dependent, while the initial concentration or matrix type had a negligible effect. This study also tentatively identified three previously reported and one novel transformation product of BPA and four novel transformation products of BPS. Their postulated structures suggested similar breakdown mechanisms, i.e., hydroxylation followed by ring cleavage. The results demonstrate that CAP technology is as efficient or better in process duration and removal efficiency than other advanced oxidation processes but has the advantage of not requiring additional chemicals and needs a modest amount of electrical energy, making it a highly promising treatment for water and wastewater remediation.
Combination of Blood Flow Velocity and Vascular Diameter: The Flow Index is a Better Parameter for Assessing Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: Huang Wei-Lun , Tung Sheng-Yung , Tseng Chi-Shin , Wang Tzung-Dau , Lee Wen-Jeng , Chen Jyh-Horng , Su Yann-Ron , Chang Hong-Chiang , Chang Yi-Kai
Published: February 2022

Background
Dynamic duplex sonography (DUS) is not comprehensive in the evaluation of arteriogenic erectile dysfunction (ED). We introduced a new parameter, the flow index (FI), into the assessment of arteriogenic ED.
Methods
A retrospective review of a prospective database was conducted. Patients undergoing DUS and pelvic computed tomography angiography (CTA) for the evaluation of ED were included. The FI was calculated from peak systolic velocity (PSV) and the percentages of pelvic arterial (PLA) stenosis. Correlations between PSV, PLA stenosis, the FI, and erectile function were calculated.
Results
Eighty-three patients were included. Compared with PSV, the FI had better correlations with the erection hardness score (rs=0.405, P< 0.001 for FI; rs= 0.294, P= 0.007 for PSV) and a better area under the curve for arteriogenic ED (AUC= 0.759 for FI; AUC= 0.700 for PSV). In patients with normal DUS but ED, PLA stenosis was more severe (62.5% vs. 10.0%, P= 0.015), and the FI was lower (8.35 vs. 57.78, P= 0.006), while PSV was not different.
Conclusion
The FI is better than PSV in the evaluation of arteriogenic ED. On the other hand, assessment of the pelvic arterial system should be included in the evaluation of ED.
An analysis of fiscal policy on the income distribution of Chilean households
Authors: Garrido Nicolás , Morales Jeffrey
Published: February 2022

This paper analyzes the effect of taxation and government spending on income distribution in Chile. The analysis is carried out using the accounting approach by computing the Chilean Social Accounting Matrix for the year 2016 with 41 institutions. The results obtained show that households with higher income have a lower elasticity of income to government expenditure than lower-income households. The high elasticity in higher incomes is consequence of the high stake of income and the high elasticity of the low-income households is consequence of a poor participation on the income distribution. Thus, when the effects on the households is measured by its nominal impact, the highest income household receives 10 times more income than lowest income household as consequence of the fiscal expenditure. Using counterfactual simulations, it is shown that this regressive effect of government spending has its origin in the unequal distribution of personal income made by markets.
An OLG Approach to Model the GHG Mitigation Mechanism of the Paris Agreement
Authors: Yang Zili
Published: February 2022

The Paris Agreement set up a blueprint for global GHG mitigation. Specifically, it specifies the temperature target by the end of the 21st century, outlines nationally determined contributions (NDCs), and periodical communication arrangements. In the literature on climate change economics, the above components of the Paris Agreement are not modeled simultaneously. In this paper, we adopt an overlapping generations (OLG) approach in the RICE2020 model to capture the above mechanisms of the Paris Agreement. Incorporating the OLG approach in an integrated assessment model (IAM) provides a rigorous economic interpretation of the mechanism set in the Paris Agreement. Through multi-scenario simulations in RICE2020, we conclude that the temperature target is not achievable under the NDCs and periodical communications mechanisms.