bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Local Interpretable Explanations of Energy System Designs
Authors: Hülsmann Jonas , Barbosa Julia , Steinke Florian
Published: February 2023

Optimization-based design tools for energy systems often require a large set of parameter assumptions, e.g., about technology efficiencies and costs or the temporal availability of variable renewable energies. Understanding the influence of all these parameters on the computed energy system design via direct sensitivity analysis is not easy for human decision-makers, since they may become overloaded by the multitude of possible results. We thus propose transferring an approach from explaining complex neural networks, so-called locally interpretable model-agnostic explanations (LIME), to this related problem. Specifically, we use variations of a small number of interpretable, high-level parameter features and sparse linear regression to obtain the most important local explanations for a selected design quantity. For a small bottom-up optimization model of a grid-connected building with photovoltaics, we derive intuitive explanations for the optimal battery capacity in terms of different cloud characteristics. For a larger application, namely a national model of the German energy transition until 2050, we relate path dependencies of the electrification of the heating and transport sector to the correlation measures between renewables and thermal loads. Compared to direct sensitivity analysis, the derived explanations are more compact and robust and thus more interpretable for human decision-makers.
A Study of the Non-Linear Seepage Problem in Porous Media via the Homotopy Analysis Method
Authors: You Xiangcheng , Li Shiyuan , Kang Lei , Cheng Li
Published: February 2023

A non-Darcy flow with moving boundary conditions in a low-permeability reservoir was solved using the homotopy analysis method (HAM), which was converted into a fixed-boundary mathematical model via similarity transformation. Approximate analytical solutions based on the HAM are guaranteed to be more accurate than exact analytical solutions, with relative errors between 0.0089% and 2.64%. When λ = 0, the pressure drop of the Darcy seepage model could be instantaneously transmitted to infinity. When λ > 0, the pressure drop curve of the non-Darcy seepage model exhibited the characteristics of tight support, which was clearly different from the Darcy seepage model’s formation pressure distribution curve. According to the results of the HAM, a moving boundary is more influenced by threshold pressure gradients with a longer time. When the threshold pressure gradients were smaller, the moving boundaries move more quickly and are more sensitive to external influences. One-dimensional, low-permeability porous media with a non-Darcy flow with moving boundary conditions can be reduced to a Darcy seepage model if the threshold pressure gradient values tend to zero.
Estimating the Drivers of the Cost of Saved Electricity in Utility Customer-Funded Energy Efficiency Programs
Authors: Murphy Sean , Frick Natalie Mims
Published: February 2023

Energy efficiency programs funded by utility customers provide an electricity resource in most U.S. states, but their scale and cost of saving electricity varies significantly by state. In this paper, we explore the drivers of the cost of saved electricity in these programs with an econometric model and nearly a decade of data reported by efficiency program administrators. We found strong evidence for economies of scale and weak evidence for diseconomies of scale, which suggests that states with low levels of efficiency savings relative to retail sales can increase the size of their efficiency programs without large increases to the cost of saved electricity. We discuss examples of energy efficiency forecasting and potential modeling in light our econometric analysis and identify methodological improvements relevant to utilities and grid operators. This paper provides insights into the economics of customer-funded efficiency programs that will support regulators, utilities, and policymakers to utilize energy efficiency as a resource.
Effects of Fishing Selectivity and Dynamics on the Performance of Catch-Based Data-Limited Assessment Models for Species with Different Life History Traits
Authors: Kuo Ting-Chun , Cheng Ching-Chun , Su Nan-Jay
Published: February 2023

The assessment of fish stocks is often limited by a lack of comprehensive data. Therefore, catch-based methods are increasingly being used because of the availability of more catch data. However, catch-based models may perform differently for species with different traits and fishing histories. In this study, we investigated the performance of catch-based models for species with different life history traits, fishing histories, and under different length selections. We compared simulated biomass with estimated stock status from three widely used catch-based models (Catch-MSY model [CMSY]; catch-only model-sampling importance resampling model [COM-SIR]; state-space catch-only model [SSCOM]) under three fishing history scenarios (constant, increasing then decreasing, and continuously increasing fishing mortality) and three length selectivity scenarios (no selectivity, preferring smaller individuals, preferring larger individuals). Our results showed that CMSY performed the best, particularly when fishing mortality remained constant. Catch-based models performed better for opportunistic species that had larger individuals selected for fishing and equilibrium species that had smaller individuals selected. However, the models tended to overestimate stock status when fishing mortality continued to increase. Therefore, caution should be exercised when applying catch-based methods to data-poor stocks with diverse life history traits, fishing history, and those sensitive to selective fishing.
Microencapsulation with Different Starch-Based Polymers for Improving Oxidative Stability of Cold-Pressed Hickory (Carya cathayensis Sarg.) Oil
Authors: Li Qing , Wang Lu , Zheng Meiyu , Lu Hanyu , Liu Yinying , Wang Yangguang , Lu Shengmin
Published: February 2023

Hickory (Carya cathayensis Sarg.) oil is a nutrient-dense edible woody oil, with its unsaturated fatty acids accounting for more than 90% of total ones, and liable to oxidation spoilage. To efficiently improve its stability and expand its application fields, the microencapsulation of cold-pressed hickory oil (CHO) by the molecular embedding method and freeze-drying technique was performed using malt dextrin (MD), hydroxylpropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD), β-cyclodextrin (β-CD), or porous starch (PS) as a wall material. Two wall materials and/or their CHO microcapsulates (CHOM) with higher encapsulation efficiencies (EE) were selected to carry out physical and chemical characterizations using laser particle size diffractometer, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, derivative thermogravimetry, and oxidative stability tests. Results indicated β-CDCHOM and PSCHOM had significantly higher EE values (80.40% and 75.52%) than MDCHOM and HP-β-CDCHOM (39.36% and 48.32%). The particle sizes of the two microcapsules selected were both widely distributed with their spans being more than 1 µm and a certain degree of polydispersity. Microstructural and chemical characterizations indicated that β-CDCHOM had comparatively stable structure and good thermal stability compared with PSCHOM. Storage performances under light, oxygen, and temperature showed that β-CDCHOM was superior to PSCHOM, especially in terms of thermal and oxidative stability. This study demonstrates that β-CD embedding can be applied to improve the oxidative stability of vegetable oils such as hickory oil and act as a means of preparing functional supplementary material.
A Narrative Mini Review on Current Status of Hypoallergenic Wheat Development for IgE-Mediated Wheat Allergy, Wheat-Dependent Exercise-Induced Anaphylaxis
Authors: Morita Eishin , Matsuo Hiroaki , Kohno Kunie , Yokooji Tomoharu , Yano Hiroyuki , Endo Takashi
Published: February 2023

Immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated food allergies to wheat that develop after school age typically shows a type of wheat-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis (WDEIA). At present, avoidance of wheat products or postprandial rest after ingesting wheat is recommended for patients with WDEIA, depending on the severity of the allergy symptoms. ω5-Gliadin has been identified as the major allergen in WDEIA. In addition, α/β-, γ-, and ω1,2-gliadins, high and low molecular weight-glutenins, and a few water-soluble wheat proteins have been identified as IgE-binding allergens in a small proportion of patients with IgE-mediated wheat allergies. A variety of approaches have been manufactured to develop hypoallergenic wheat products that can be consumed by patients with IgE-mediated wheat allergies. In order to analyze such approaches, and to contribute to the further improvement, this study outlined the current status of these hypoallergenic wheat productions, including wheat lines with a reduced allergenicity that are mostly constructed for the patients sensitized to ω5-gliadin, hypoallergenic wheat by enzymic degradation/ion exchanger deamidation, and hypoallergenic wheat by thioredoxin treatment. The wheat products obtained by these approaches significantly reduced the reactivity of Serum IgE in wheat-allergic patients. However, either these were not effective on some populations of the patients, or low-level IgE-reactivity to some allergens of the products was observed in the patients. These results highlight some of the difficulties faced in creating hypoallergenic wheat products or hypoallergenic wheat lines through either traditional breeding or biotechnology approaches in developing hypoallergenic wheat completely safe for all the patients allergic to wheat.
Convergence Analysis of a New Implicit Iterative Scheme and Its Application to Delay Caputo Fractional Differential Equations
Authors: Ofem Austine Efut , Udo Mfon Okon , Joseph Oboyi , George Reny , Chikwe Chukwuka Fernando
Published: February 2023

This article presents a new three-step implicit iterative method. The proposed method is used to approximate the fixed points of a certain class of pseudocontractive-type operators. Additionally, the strong convergence results of the new iterative procedure are derived. Some examples are constructed to authenticate the assumptions in our main result. At the end, we use our new method to solve a fractional delay differential equation in the sense of Caputo. Our main results improve and generalize the results of many prominent authors in the existing literature.
Multiple Sexual Partners and Its Associated Factors among Bhutanese Adolescents: Findings from 2016 Global School-Based Student Health Survey
Authors: Dendup Tashi , Putra I Gusti Ngurah Edi , Dorji Tandin , Zangmo Sonam , Tshering Karma Doma , Phuntsho Sonam , Khandu Dorji
Published: February 2023

Data on factors influencing multiple sexual partners that can inform cost-effective interventions are limited in Bhutan. This study examined factors associated with multiple sexual partners among adolescents. We analyzed the data of 7437 school-going adolescents from the 2016 Bhutan Global School-based Student Health Survey. Multivariable logistic regression stratified by sex was conducted. The prevalence of sex with multiple partners was 7.39%, with a much higher prevalence among males than females. In the overall sample, males, those >15 years of age, who smoked, consumed alcohol, used drugs, exhibited truancy, and were unmonitored by parents, had higher odds of having sex with multiple partners. In both males and females, being >15 years old, smoking, and drug use were associated with having multiple sexual partners. Alcohol use and truancy were significant only among males, whereas a lack of parental monitoring was significant only among females. The findings suggest that reducing substance use and enhancing parental support, and targeting males and older adolescents may yield larger gains.
Choosing Alternative Career Pathways after Immigration: Aspects Internationally Educated Physicians Consider when Narrowing down Non-Physician Career Choices
Authors: Chowdhury Nashit , Lake Deidre , Turin Tanvir C.
Published: February 2023

Many developed countries admit internationally educated physicians (IEPs) as highly skilled migrants. The majority of IEPs arrive with the intention of becoming licensed physicians to no avail, resulting in underemployment and underutilization of this highly skilled group of people. Alternative careers in the health and wellness sector provide IEPs opportunities to use their skills and reclaim their lost professional identity; however, this path also includes great challenges. In this study, we determined factors that affect IEPs’ decisions regarding their choice of alternative jobs. We conducted eight focus groups with 42 IEPs in Canada. Factors affecting IEPs’ career decisions were related to their individual situations and tangible aspects of career exploration, including resources and skills. A number of factors were associated with IEPs’ personal interests and goals, such as a passion for a particular career, which also varied across participants. Overall, IEPs interested in alternative careers took an adaptive approach, largely influenced by the need to earn a living in a foreign country and accommodate family needs and responsibilities.
Determinants of Acquisition, Persistence, and Clearance of Oncogenic Cervical Human Papillomavirus Infection in the Philippines Using a Multi-Omics Approach: DEFEAT HPV Study Protocol
Authors: de Paz-Silava Sheriah Laine M. , Tabios Ian Kim B. , Tantengco Ourlad Alzeus G. , Climacosa Fresthel Monica M. , Velayo Clarissa L. , Lintao Ryan C. V. , Cando Leslie Faye T. , Perias Glenmarie Angelica S. , Idolor Maria Isabel C. , Francisco Abialbon G. , Catral Charlene Divine M. , Chiong Charlotte M. , Dalmacio Leslie Michele M.
Published: February 2023

HPV infection is one of the most studied risk factors in cervical cancer—the second most common cancer site and cause of death due to cancer in the Philippines. However, there is a lack of population-based epidemiological data on cervical HPV infection in the Philippines. Local reports on co-infections with other lower genital tract pathogens, commonly reported globally, are also lacking, which emphasizes the need to increase efforts in targeting HPV prevalence, genotype, and distribution. Hence, we aim to determine the molecular epidemiology and natural history of HPV infection among reproductive-age Filipino women using a community-based prospective cohort design. Women from rural and urban centers will be screened until the target sample size of 110 HPV-positive women (55 from rural sites and 55 from urban sites) is reached. Cervical and vaginal swabs will be collected from all screened participants. For HPV-positive patients, HPV genotypes will be determined. One hundred ten healthy controls will be selected from previously screened volunteers. The cases and controls will comprise the multi-omics subset of participants and will be followed up after 6 and 12 months for repeat HPV screening. Metagenomic and metabolomic analyses of the vaginal swabs will also be performed at baseline, after 6 months, and after 12 months. The results of this study will update the prevalence and genotypic distribution of cervical HPV infection among Filipino women, determine whether the current vaccines used for HPV vaccination programs capture the most prevalent high-risk HPV genotypes in the country, and identify vaginal community state types and bacterial taxa associated with the natural history of cervical HPV infection. The results of this study will be used as the basis for developing a biomarker that can help predict the risk of developing persistent cervical HPV infection in Filipino women.
Detection of Adverse Drug Reactions in COVID-19 Hospitalized Patients in Saudi Arabia: A Retrospective Study by ADR Prompt Indicators
Authors: Al-Shareef Ebtihal , Khan Lateef M. , Alsieni Mohammed , Karim Shahid , Kamel Fatemah O. , Alkreathy Huda M. , Bafail Duaa A. , Ibrahim Ibrahim M. , Burzangi Abdulhadi S. , Bazuhair Mohammed A.
Published: February 2023

Seeking an alternative approach for detecting adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in coronavirus patients (COVID-19) and enhancing drug safety, a retrospective study of six months was conducted utilizing an electronic medical record (EMR) database to detect ADRs in hospitalized patients for COVID-19, using “ADR prompt indicators” (APIs). Consequently, confirmed ADRs were subjected to multifaceted analyses, such as demographic attribution, relationship with specific drugs and implication for organs and systems of the body, incidence rate, type, severity, and preventability of ADR. The incidence rate of ADRs is 37%, the predisposition of organs and systems to ADR is observed remarkably in the hepatobiliary and gastrointestinal systems at 41.8% vs. 36.2%, p < 0.0001, and the classes of drugs implicated in the ADRs are lopinavir-ritonavir 16.3%, antibiotics 24.1%, and hydroxychloroquine12.8%. Furthermore, the duration of hospitalization and polypharmacy are significantly higher in patients with ADRs at 14.13 ± 7.87 versus 9.55 ± 7.90, p < 0.001, and 9.74 ± 5.51 versus 6.98 ± 4.36, p < 0.0001, respectively. Comorbidities are detected in 42.5% of patients and 75.2%, of patients with DM, and HTN, displaying significant ADRs, p-value < 0.05. This is a symbolic study providing a comprehensive acquaintance of the importance of APIs in detecting hospitalized ADRs, revealing increased detection rates and robust assertive values with insignificant costs, incorporating the hospital EMR database, and enhancing transparency and time effectiveness.
Brain Analysis with a Complex Network Approach in Stroke Patients Based on Electroencephalography: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Asadi Borhan , Cuenca-Zaldivar Juan Nicolás , Nakhostin Ansari Noureddin , Ibáñez Jaime , Herrero Pablo , Calvo Sandra
Published: February 2023

Background and purpose: Brain function can be networked, and these networks typically present drastic changes after having suffered a stroke. The objective of this systematic review was to compare EEG-related outcomes in adults with stroke and healthy individuals with a complex network approach. Methods: The literature search was performed in the electronic databases PubMed, Cochrane and ScienceDirect from their inception until October 2021. Results: Ten studies were selected, nine of which were cohort studies. Five of them were of good quality, whereas four were of fair quality. Six studies showed a low risk of bias, whereas the other three studies presented a moderate risk of bias. In the network analysis, different parameters such as the path length, cluster coefficient, small-world index, cohesion and functional connection were used. The effect size was small and not significant in favor of the group of healthy subjects (Hedges’g = 0.189 [−0.714, 1.093], Z = 0.582, p = 0.592). Conclusions: The systematic review found that there are structural differences between the brain network of post-stroke patients and healthy individuals as well as similarities. However, there was no specific distribution network to allows us to differentiate them and, therefore, more specialized and integrated studies are needed.
To Admit or Not to Admit to the Emergency Department: The Disposition Question at a Tertiary Teaching and Referral Hospital
Authors: Alahmary Khalid , Kadasah Sarah , Alsulami Abdulrahman , Alshehri Ali M. , Alsalamah Majid , Da’ar Omar B.
Published: February 2023

Background: Disposition decision-making in the emergency department (ED) is crucial to patient safety and quality of care. It can inform better care, lower chance of infections, appropriate follow-up care, and reduced healthcare costs. The aim of this study was to examine correlates of ED disposition among adult patients at a teaching and referral hospital based on patients’ demographic, socioeconomic, and clinical characteristics. Method: A cross-sectional study conducted at the ED of the King Abdulaziz Medical City hospital in Riyadh. A two-level validated questionnaire was used—a patient questionnaire and healthcare staff/facility survey. The survey employed a systematic random sampling technique to recruit subjects at a pre-specified interval as patients arrived at the registration desk. We analyzed 303 adult patients visiting the ED, who were triaged, consented to participate in the study, completed the survey, and admitted to a hospital bed or discharged home. We used descriptive and inferential statistics to summarize and determine the interdependence and relationships of variables. We used logistic multivariate regression analysis to establish relationships and the odds of admission to a hospital bed. Results: The mean age of the patients was 50.9 (SD = 21.4, Range 18 to 101). A total of 201 (66%) were discharged home while the rest were admitted to a hospital bed. Results of the unadjusted analysis suggest that older patients, males, patients with low level of education, and those with comorbidities and middle-income were more likely to be admitted to the hospital. The results of the multivariate analysis suggest that patients with comorbidities, urgent conditions, prior history of hospitalization, and higher triage levels were more likely to be admitted to a hospital bed. Conclusions: Having proper triage and timely stopgap review measures in the admission process can help new patients to locations that best support their needs and improve the quality and efficiency of the facility. The findings may be a sentinel indicator that informs overuse or inappropriate use of EDs for non-emergency care, which is a concern in the Saudi Arabian publicly funded health system.
Seasonal Variations in the Starch Properties of Sweet Potato Cultivars
Authors: dos Santos Thaís Paes Rodrigues , Leonel Magali , de Oliveira Luciana Alves , Fernandes Adalton Mazetti , Leonel Sarita , da Silva Nunes Jason Geter
Published: February 2023

Starch is widely used in the food and non-food industries, and this is related to its physicochemical characteristics. In the coming years, climate changes will become unpredictable, and these conditions may affect the process of starch biosynthesis and polymer properties. The sweet potato starch market has grown substantially in recent years and understanding the environmental impacts on starch characteristics will contribute to advances for the sector. Herein, the effects of the growing season on the structural, morphological, and physicochemical properties of sweet potato starches were evaluated. Sweet potato trials with two Brazilian cultivars (Canadense and Uruguaiana) were installed in the dry season (planting in March and harvesting in July) and rainy season (planting in October and harvesting in March). Regardless of the cultivar, starches isolated from plants grown in the rainy season have a more ordered structure, with higher gelatinization temperatures, thermal stability, and resistant starch content. Starches from plants grown in the dry season have a higher percentage of small granules with lower crystallinity and lower gelatinization temperatures. These findings can be useful as early knowledge of these changes can help the supply chain to better plan and target suitable markets for naturally modified sweet potato starches.
The Effect of Partial Sleep Deprivation and Time-on-Task on Young Drivers’ Subjective and Objective Sleepiness
Authors: Cellini Nicola , Bruno Giovanni , Orsini Federico , Vidotto Giulio , Gastaldi Massimiliano , Rossi Riccardo , Tagliabue Mariaelena
Published: February 2023

Despite sleepiness being considered one of the main factors contributing to road crashes, and even though extensive efforts have been made in the identification of techniques able to detect it, the assessment of fitness-to-drive regarding driving fatigue and sleepiness is still an open issue. In the literature on driver sleepiness, both vehicle-based measures and behavioral measures are used. Concerning the former, the one considered more reliable is the Standard Deviation of Lateral Position (SDLP) while the PERcent of eye CLOSure over a defined period of time (PERCLOS) seems to be the most informative behavioral measure. In the present study, using a within-subject design, we assessed the effect of a single night of partial sleep deprivation (PSD, less than 5 h sleeping time) compared to a control condition (full night of sleep, 8 h sleeping time) on SDLP and PERCLOS, in young adults driving in a dynamic car simulator. Results show that time-on-task and PSD affect both subjective and objective sleepiness measures. Moreover, our data confirm that both objective and subjective sleepiness increase through a monotonous driving scenario. Considering that SDLP and PERCLOS were often used separately in studies on driver sleepiness and fatigue detection, the present results have potential implications for fitness-to-drive assessment in that they provide useful information allowing to combine the advantages of the two measures for drowsiness detection while driving.
Collaboration for Developing and Sustaining Community Dementia-Friendly Initiatives: A Realist Evaluation
Authors: Thijssen Marjolein , Graff Maud J. L. , Lexis Monique A. S. , Nijhuis-van der Sanden Maria W. G. , Radford Kate , Logan Pip A. , Daniels Ramon , Kuijer-Siebelink Wietske
Published: February 2023

Background: Dementia-friendly communities (DFCs) are seen as key to the inclusion and participation of people with dementia and carers. Dementia-friendly initiatives (DFIs) are important building blocks for the growth of DFCs. The collaboration between different stakeholders is a central aspect in developing and sustaining DFIs. Aim: This study tests and refines an initial theory about collaborating for DFIs with special attention for the involvement of people with dementia and their carers during the collaboration for DFIs. The realist approach is used for deepening contextual aspects, mechanisms, outcomes, and its explanatory power. Methods: A participatory case study design using qualitative data (focus groups, observations, reflections, minutes from meetings, and exit interviews) was executed in four Dutch municipalities that have ambitions to become dementia- friendly communities. Results: The refined theory on the collaboration for DFIs incorporates contextual aspects such as diversity, shared insights, and clarity. It draws attention to the importance of mechanisms such as the recognition of efforts and progress, informal distributed leadership, interdependency, belonging, significance, and commitment. These mechanisms resonate with feeling useful and feeling collectively powerful in the collaboration. The outcomes of collaboration were activation, getting new ideas, and fun. Our findings address how stakeholders’ routines and perspectives impact the involvement of people with dementia and their carers during collaboration. Conclusion: This study provides detailed information about collaboration for DFIs. The collaboration for DFIs is largely influenced by feeling useful and collectively powerful. Further research is needed to understand how these mechanisms can be triggered with the involvement of people with dementia and their carers in the heart of the collaboration.
Measurement and Simulation of Risk Coupling in Port Hazardous Chemical Logistics
Authors: Geng Xiaoxiao , Lv Yongwei , Zhao Li , Wang Yingchen
Published: February 2023

Hazardous chemical logistics and transportation accidents are the main type of port safety accidents. Correctly and objectively analyzing the causes of port hazardous chemical logistics safety accidents and the coupling mechanisms of risk generation are very important for reducing the occurrence of port hazardous chemical safety accidents. Based on the causal mechanism and coupling principle, in this paper, we construct a risk coupling system for port hazardous chemical logistics and analyze the coupling effects in the risk system. More specifically, a personnel–ship–environment–management system is established and the coupling between the four systems is explored. Taking Tianjin Port as an example, the risk coupling factors are analyzed in combination with system dynamics simulation. Under dynamic changes in coupling coefficients, the change of coupling effects are explored more intuitively, the logical relationships between logistics risks are analyzed and deduced, a comprehensive view of the coupling effects and their evolution process in accidents is provided, and the key causes of accidents and their coupling risk effects are identified. For port hazardous chemicals logistics safety accidents, the presented results not only allow for effective analysis of the causes of safety accidents, but also provide reference for the formulation of prevention strategies.
Economic Analysis of Border Control Policies during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Modelling Study to Inform Cross-Border Travel Policy between Singapore and Thailand
Authors: Cai Celestine Grace Xueting , Lim Nigel Wei-Han , Huynh Vinh Anh , Ananthakrishnan Aparna , Dabak Saudamini Vishwanath , Dickens Borame Sue Lee , Faradiba Dian , KC Sarin , Morton Alec , Park Minah , Rachatan Chayapat , Sittimart Manit , Wee Hwee-Lin , Lou Jing , Teerawattananon Yot
Published: February 2023

With countries progressing towards high COVID-19 vaccination rates, strategies for border reopening are required. This study focuses on Thailand and Singapore, two countries that share significant tourism visitation, to illustrate a framework for optimizing COVID-19 testing and quarantine policies for bilateral travel with a focus on economic recovery. The timeframe is the month of October 2021, when Thailand and Singapore were preparing to reopen borders for bilateral travel. This study was conducted to provide evidence for the border reopening policy decisions. Incremental net benefit (INB) compared to the pre-opening period was quantified through a willingness-to-travel model, a micro-simulation COVID-19 transmission model and an economic model accounting for medical and non-medical costs/benefits. Multiple testing and quarantine policies were examined, and Pareto optimal (PO) policies and the most influential components were identified. The highest possible INB for Thailand is US $125.94 million, under a PO policy with no quarantine but with antigen rapid tests (ARTs) pre-departure and upon arrival to enter both countries. The highest possible INB for Singapore is US $29.78 million, under another PO policy with no quarantine on both sides, no testing to enter Thailand, and ARTs pre-departure and upon arrival to enter Singapore. Tourism receipts and costs/profits of testing and quarantine have greater economic impacts than that from COVID-19 transmission. Provided healthcare systems have sufficient capacity, great economic benefits can be gained for both countries by relaxing border control measures.
Exploring the Functioning of Online Self-Organizations during Public Health Emergencies: Patterns and Mechanism
Authors: Chen Jinghao , Liu Qianxi , Liu Xiaoyan , Wang Youfeng , Nie Huizi , Xie Xiankun
Published: February 2023

With the increasing use of social media, online self-organized relief has become a crucial aspect of crisis management during public health emergencies, leading to the emergence of online self-organizations. This study employed the BERT model to classify the replies of Weibo users and used K-means clustering to summarize the patterns of self-organized groups and communities. We then combined the findings from pattern discovery and documents from online relief networks to analyze the core components and mechanisms of online self-organizations. Our findings indicate the following: (1) The composition of online self-organized groups follows Pareto’s law. (2) Online self-organized communities are mainly composed of sparse and small groups with loose connections, and bot accounts can automatically identify those in need and provide them with helpful information and resources. (3) The core components of the mechanism of online self-organized rescue groups include the initial gathering of groups, the formation of key groups, the generation of collective action, and the establishment of organizational norms. This study suggests that social media can establish an authentication mechanism for online self-organizations, and that authorities should encourage online interactive live streams about public health issues. However, it is important to note that self-organizations are not a panacea for all issues during public health emergencies.
COVID-19 Pandemic Impacted Food Security and Caused Psychosocial Stress in Selected States of Nigeria
Authors: Bwala Dauda G. , Otekunrin Olutosin A. , Adebowale Oluwawemimo O. , Fasina Modupe M. , Odetokun Ismail A. , Fasina Folorunso O.
Published: February 2023

The COVID-19 disease has infected many countries, causing generalized impacts on different income categories. We carried out a survey among households (n = 412) representing different income groups in Nigeria. We used validated food insecurity experience and socio-psychologic tools. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The earning capacities of the respondents ranged from 145 USD/month for low-income earners to 1945 USD/month for high-income earners. A total of 173 households (42%) ran out of food during the COVID-19 pandemic. All categories of households experienced increasing dependency on the general public and a perception of increasing insecurity, with the high-income earners experiencing the greatest shift. In addition, increasing levels of anger and irritation were experienced among all categories. Of the socio-demographic variables, only gender, educational level of the household head, work hours per day, and family income based on society class were associated (p < 0.05) with food security and hunger due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Although psychological stress was observed to be greater in the low-income earning group, household heads with medium and high family income were more likely to have satisfactory experiences regarding food security and hunger. It is recommended that socio-economic groups should be mapped and support systems should target each group to provide the needed support in terms of health, social, economic, and mental wellness.
Comparison of Frailty Assessment Tools for Older Thai Individuals at the Out-Patient Clinic of the Family Medicine Department
Authors: Rattanapattanakul Pimonpan , Prommaban Adchara , Lerttrakarnnon Peerasak
Published: February 2023

This study evaluated the validity of the screening tools used to evaluate the frailty status of older Thai people. A cross-sectional study of 251 patients aged 60 years or more in an out-patient department was conducted using the Frailty Assessment Tool of the Thai Ministry of Public Health (FATMPH) and the Frail Non-Disabled (FiND) questionnaire, and the results were compared with Fried’s Frailty Phenotype (FFP). The validity of the data acquired using each method was evaluated by examining their sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and Cohen’s kappa coefficient. Most of the participants were female (60.96%), and most were between 60 and 69 years old (65.34%). The measured prevalences of frailty were 8.37%, 17.53%, and 3.98% using FFP, FATMPH, and FiND tools, respectively. FATMP had a sensitivity of 57.14%, a specificity of 86.09%, a PPV of 27.27%, and an NPV of 95.65%. FiND had a sensitivity of 19.05%, a specificity of 97.39%, a PPV of 40.00%, and an NPV of 92.94%. The results of the Cohen’s kappa comparison of these two tools and FFP were 0.298 for FATMPH and 0.147 for FiND. The predictive values of both FATMPH and FiND were insufficient for assessing frailty in a clinical setting. Additional research on other frailty tools is necessary to improve the accuracy of frailty screening in the older population of Thailand.
Effects of External Employment Opportunities, Nursing Professionalism, and Nursing Work Environments on Korean Hospital Nurses’ Intent to Stay or Leave
Authors: Lee Mi-Aie , Lim So-Hee
Published: February 2023

This study aims to explore Korean Hospital nurses’ intent to stay or leave their working environment, and to identify the difference between the intent to stay and the intent to leave by identifying the relationship between external employment opportunities, professionalism, and work environment. Data were collected via an online survey and analyzed using stepwise multiple regression analysis. As a result of the analysis, the intent to stay among Korean hospital nurses was influenced by the work environment, external employment opportunities, education level, and marital status, whereas the intent to leave was influenced by the nursing work environment, marital status, and total clinical experience. As a result, the reflected variables differed. Thus, it can be concluded that hospital nurses’ intent to either stay or leave are not concepts that simply contradict each other in the same context but are, in fact, influenced differently by various factors. Nevertheless, it can also be concluded that nursing managers should make efforts to improve the nursing work environment to lower nurses’ intent to leave and increase their intent to stay by improving only the nursing work environment.
Why Do They Not Come Home? Three Cases of Fukushima Nuclear Accident Evacuees
Authors: Ito Naomi , Moriyama Nobuaki , Furuyama Ayako , Saito Hiroaki , Sawano Toyoaki , Amir Isamu , Sato Mika , Kobashi Yurie , Zhao Tianchen , Yamamoto Chika , Abe Toshiki , Tsubokura Masaharu
Published: February 2023

Many people wish to return to where they used to live after evacuation due to disaster. After the Fukushima nuclear accident in 2011, many residents were forced to evacuate due to concerns about radiation. Subsequently, the evacuation order was lifted, and the government promoted a return policy. However, it has been reported that a considerable number of residents living in evacuation sites or other areas wish to return but are unable to do so. Here, we report three cases of Japanese men and one woman who evacuated after the 2011 nuclear accident in Fukushima. These cases reveal the rapid aging of residents and their health issues. These issues suggest that enhancing medical supply systems and access to medical care can aid in post-disaster reconstruction and residents’ returning.
Behavioral Modifications in Children after Repeated Sedation with Nitrous Oxide for Dental Treatment: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Garret-Bernardin Annelyse , Festa Paola , Matarazzo Giorgio , Vinereanu Arina , Aristei Francesco , Gentile Tina , Piga Simone , Bendinelli Elena , Cagetti Maria Grazia , Galeotti Angela
Published: February 2023

Sedation with nitrous oxide (N2O) has been widely used as a viable alternative to general anesthesia to perform dental treatments in uncooperative or anxious children. The purpose of this retrospective study is to assess if repeated sedations with N2O can improve collaboration of uncooperative children. The medical records of 650 children, aged between 3 and 14 years, who underwent at least two sedations, were consulted. Differences in the Venham score during the first sedation and subsequent sedations were collected. After removal incomplete records, 577 children’s records (309 males and 268 females) were analyzed. The Venham score decreased both during each sedation and with repeated sedations (p < 0.01 for both comparisons). In particular, a significant reduction of the Venham score was observed at the first contact with the dentist, with a mean score ranging from 1.56 ± 1.46 to 1.16 ± 1.37, comparing the first and the second sedation, and from 1.65 ± 1.43 to 1.06 ± 1.30, comparing the first with the third sedation (p < 0.01). The reduction in the Venham score was recorded in both healthy and physically impaired patients, and it was significantly greater in older children than in younger children (p < 0.01). In conclusion, uncooperative children with or without physical impairments can be successfully treated with N2O sedation in order to increase their confidence in dental procedures.
Economic and Performance Evaluation of E-Health before and after the Pandemic Era: A Literature Review and Future Perspectives
Authors: Biancuzzi Helena , Dal Mas Francesca , Bidoli Chiara , Pegoraro Veronica , Zantedeschi Maristella , Negro Pietro Antonio , Campostrini Stefano , Cobianchi Lorenzo
Published: February 2023

E-Health represents one of the pillars of the modern healthcare system and a strategy involving the use of digital and telemedicine tools to provide assistance to an increasing number of patients, reducing, at the same time, healthcare costs. Measuring and understanding the economic value and performance of e-Health tools is, therefore, essential to understanding the outcome and best uses of such technologies. The aim of this paper is to determine the most frequently used methods for measuring the economic value and the performance of services in the framework of e-Health, considering different pathologies. An in-depth analysis of 20 recent articles, rigorously selected from more than 5000 contributions, underlines a great interest from the clinical community in economic and performance-related topics. Several diseases are the object of detailed clinical trials and protocols, leading to various economic outcomes, especially in the COVID-19 post-pandemic era. Many e-Health tools are mentioned in the studies, especially those that appear more frequently in people’s lives outside of the clinical setting, such as apps and web portals, which allow for clinicians to keep in contact with their patients. While such e-Health tools and programs are increasingly studied from practical perspectives, such as in the case of Virtual Hospital frameworks, there is a lack of consensus regarding the recommended models to map and report their economic outcomes and performance. More investigations and guidelines by scientific societies are advised to understand the potential and path of such an evolving and promising phenomenon.
Examining the Intermedia Agenda Setting Effects amid the Changsheng Vaccine Crisis: A Computational Approach
Authors: Shi Jian , Wang Hanxiao
Published: February 2023

Scholars have long questioned whether the traditional media effects approach can still be applied in the current digital media era, especially in the non-Western, state-regulated Chinese media environment. This study examines the intermedia agenda setting of traditional media sources and we-media sources in the WeChat Official Accounts through a computational look at the Changsheng Bio-technology vaccine (CBV) crisis. Utilizing LDA topic modeling and Granger causality analysis, results show that both traditional media and we-media (i.e., online news sources operated by individuals or collectives) focus more consistently on two frames, the news facts and the countermeasure and suggestion frames. Interestingly, the traditional media agenda impacts the we-media agenda under the news fact and the countermeasure and suggestion frames, while the we-media agenda influences the traditional media agenda under the moral judgment and causality background frames. Overall, our study demonstrates the mutual effects between the traditional media agenda and the we-media agenda. This study sheds light on the theoretical meaning of network agenda setting and extends its application to social media platforms in Eastern countries and health-related fields.
Beneficial Effects of Dinitrosyl Iron Complexes on Wound Healing Compared to Commercial Nitric Oxide Plasma Generator
Authors: Igrunkova Alexandra , Fayzullin Alexey , Serejnikova Natalia , Lipina Tatiana , Pekshev Alexandr , Vanin Anatoly , Zaborova Victoria , Budanova Elena , Shestakov Dmitry , Kastyro Igor , Shekhter Anatoly
Published: February 2023

Nitric oxide (NO) is a gaseous molecule which plays a key role in wound healing. Previously, we identified the optimal conditions for wound healing strategies using NO donors and an air plasma generator. The aim of this study was to compare the wound healing effects of binuclear dinitrosyl iron complexes with glutathione (B-DNIC-GSH) and NO-containing gas flow (NO-CGF) at their optimal NO doses (0.04 mmol for B-DNIC-GSH and 1.0 mmol for NO-CGF per 1 cm2) in a rat full-thickness wound model over a 3-week period. Excised wound tissues were studied by light and transmission electron microscopy and immunohistochemical, morphometrical and statistical methods. Both treatments had an identical stimulating impact on wound healing, which indicated a higher dosage effectiveness of B-DNIC-GSH compared to the NO-CGF. B-DNIC-GSH spray application reduced inflammation and promoted fibroblast proliferation, angiogenesis and the growth of granulation tissue during the first 4 days after injury. However, prolonged NO spray effects were mild compared to NO-CGF. Future studies should determine the optimal B-DNIC-GSH solution course for a more effective wound healing stimulation.
How to Tackle Bacteriophages: The Review of Approaches with Mechanistic Insight
Authors: Karczewska Monika , Strzelecki Patryk , Szalewska-Pałasz Agnieszka , Nowicki Dariusz
Published: February 2023

Bacteriophage-based applications have a renaissance today, increasingly marking their use in industry, medicine, food processing, biotechnology, and more. However, phages are considered resistant to various harsh environmental conditions; besides, they are characterized by high intra-group variability. Phage-related contaminations may therefore pose new challenges in the future due to the wider use of phages in industry and health care. Therefore, in this review, we summarize the current knowledge of bacteriophage disinfection methods, as well as highlight new technologies and approaches. We discuss the need for systematic solutions to improve bacteriophage control, taking into account their structural and environmental diversity.
Significance of MnO2 Type and Solution Parameters in Manganese Removal from Water Solution
Authors: Michel Magdalena M. , Azizi Mostafa , Mirosław-Świątek Dorota , Reczek Lidia , Cieniek Bogumił , Sočo Eleonora
Published: February 2023

A very low concentration of manganese (Mn) in water is a critical issue for municipal and industrial water supply systems. Mn removal technology is based on the use of manganese oxides (MnOx), especially manganese dioxide (MnO2) polymorphs, under different conditions of pH and ionic strength (water salinity). The statistical significance of the impact of polymorph type (akhtenskite ε-MnO2, birnessite δ-MnO2, cryptomelane α-MnO2 and pyrolusite β-MnO2), pH (2–9) and ionic strength (1–50 mmol/L) of solution on the adsorption level of Mn was investigated. The analysis of variance and the non-parametric Kruskal–Wallis H test were applied. Before and after Mn adsorption, the tested polymorphs were characterized using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope techniques and gas porosimetry analysis. Here we demonstrated the significant differences in adsorption level between MnO2 polymorphs’ type and pH; however, the statistical analysis proves that the type of MnO2 has a four times stronger influence. There was no statistical significance for the ionic strength parameter. We showed that the high adsorption of Mn on the poorly crystalline polymorphs leads to the blockage of micropores in akhtenskite and, contrary, causes the development of the surface structure of birnessite. At the same time, no changes in the surfaces of cryptomelane and pyrolusite, the highly crystalline polymorphs, were found due to the very small loading by the adsorbate.