bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE ROLE OF ULTRASONOGRAPHY IN THE MANAGEMENT OF RADIOLUCENT FOREIGN BODIES IN SOFT TISSUES OF EXTREMITIES
Authors:   MS Orthopaedics, Associate professor,Department of Orthopaedics, GMC,Baramulla, J&K, India., Ahmad Dar Nisar , Ahmad Shah Nissar ,   MS Orthopaedics, Senior Registrar, Department of Orthopaedics, GMC, Baramulla, J&K, India., Sajjad Ahmad Syed ,   MD Radiology, Department of Radiodiagnosis, GMC, Baramulla, J&K, India., Rasheed Badoo Abdul ,   MS Orthopaedics, Professor, Department of Orthopaedics, GMC, Baramulla, J&K, India.
Published: February 2023

Aim: High Resolution ultrasonography has revolutionised the management of non-metallic foreign body removal. USG aids in measuring the depth and size of the foreign body, its depth from the skin surface and any associated collection to perform a less invasive, and easier surgery without the need for any additional radiologicalinvestigations like CT scan or MRI both of which are expensive and not easily available. Material and Methods:22 patients with mean age of 33.3 years were admitted in our department for foreign body exploration during the years 2020 to 2022. The affected sites were plantar aspect of feet in 9 patients, leg in 4 patients, palm of the hand in 4 patients, fingers in 5 patients. Preoperatively, all patients underwent USG of the affected part. Duration of the surgery and any complications were observed. Results: The mean patient age was 33.34 years (range 15 to 70). Intraoperatively, we were able to locate and remove foreign bodies in all 22 patients. The actual surgeries lasted less than 15 min in 14 (63.6 %) of the cases and from 15-20 min in 8(36.6%) cases. Foreign bodies retrieved were wood in 12 (63%), thorn in 4 (21%) and rubber pieces of slippers in 6 (10.5%) patients. No complications were observed in any of the patients. Conclusion: Ultrasonography is areliable, cheaper and an easydiagnostic tool for detection and localization of foreign body and should be included in evaluation for clinically suspicious retained non-radiopaque foreign body in soft tissue of extremities.
The influence of assessment on training to improve productivity of construction companies
Authors: M. Mtotywa Matolwandile , Mdlalose Sandile
Published: February 2023

The study investigated the influence of assessment on training to improve productivity of construction companies. This is important for the construction industry, which plays a critical role in a country’s economic development in a continuously shifting business world, entrenching globalization, and a technology-driven economy. The investigation employed a cross-sectional descriptive quantitative design after receiving 234 responses from builders, artisans, general workers, and technicians of construction sites in Gauteng Province, South Africa. Empirical data were analyzed using STATA 14 assisted by the ‘medsem’ package. The results of the exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis confirmed that rework in operations (rework), optimum utilization of equipment (utilization), use of modern equipment (modernization), and identification of defects in raw material (defects) could collectively determine productivity. The AVE value was higher than 0.5 (AVE = 0.523-0.665), with all factors reliable (CR = 0.761-0.869) and the heterotrait-monotrait criterion (HTMT) ≤ 0.85 (HTMT = 0.162-0.652). Assessment has a mediation effect on theoretical and on-the-job training with productivity measures (utilization, modernization, and defects). For on-the-job training, assessment showed a complete mediation effect on modernization (effect size of 98.8% and RID = 84.6). In contrast, for theoretical training, defects showed the highest mediation (effect size = 64.3% and RID = 1.804). The implication is that well-trained employees are critical in construction sites as they can improve productivity.
Economia circular: produção científica divulgada na base scientific periodicals electronic library (spell) à luz da bibliometria e da rede social
Authors: Melo Ribeiro Henrique César
Published: February 2023

O objetivo do estudo foi identificar a representatividade da produção científica do tema economia circular divulgada na base SPELL. Metodologicamente, utilizaram-se as técnicas da bibliometria e da rede social. Uma síntese dos achados deste estudo mostra: Revista de Administração da UFSM, Revista de Gestão Ambiental e Sustentabilidade e a Revista Eletrônica de Estratégia & Negócios foram os periódicos científicos mais prolíferos e ficaram entre os que tiveram maior degree. Simone Sehnem foi a pesquisadora mais proeminente e a mais central. A Universidade do Oeste de Santa Catarina foi a instituição mais profícua, contudo, as instituições Universidade do Sul de Santa Catarina e Universidade de Lincoln foram as mais centrais. Estudo de caso foi o método mais usado pelos autores e, consequentemente, foi o que mais envolveu pesquisadores, lhe fazendo ser o mais central desta pesquisa. Este estudo conclui e contribui para a literatura científica da área Ambiental e, para o tema economia circular, sobretudo, uma visão macro, contemporânea e nacional desta temática, por meio de indicadores bibliométricos e de redes sociais de 1 e 2 modos, ajudando assim a mitigar possíveis gaps na academia sobre seu entendimento e, por consequência, corroborando para difundir, disseminar e socializar o conhecimento que é inerente ao assunto investigado, proporcionando, assim, em alargar e robustecer sua compreensão para os leitores, docentes, pesquisadores, pós-graduandos e profissionais que desejam se aprofundar sobre o citado tema.
Motivating Integration Processes in Entrepreneurial Structures
Authors: Rodionov A. V. , Korneev D. V. , Scherbakova E. V. , Petrushchenko A. E.
Published: February 2023

The article analyzes key theories, reasons for building and functioning of integrated entrepreneurial structures. The authors regard the essence of mergers and acquisitions (M & A) as economic phenomena dealing with capital concentration, which makes it possible to highlight their gradual complication with each stage of global economy development. They define the notion ‘integrated infrastructure of entrepreneurship’, which means a sum total of economic business units that reach mutual coordination in organizational-economic and financial-credit fields in order to resolve common problems and obtain synergy effect. The article studied two principle theories available in today’s economics substantiating benefits of company amalgamation through M & A into integrated business structures: the theory of synergy or the theory of added economic value growth and the theory of pride. By researching detailed classifications of reasons for M & A of companies, goals of integration agreements in view of their participants the classification of reasons was worked out by the following classification signs: reasons of current work efficiency, finance reasons and reasons for gaining competitive advantages. Specific features of home practice in the field of M & A operations were identified and characterized, which include bankruptcy and raiding.
Structural Transformations and Trajectory of Developing Russian Consulting
Authors: Baurina S. B.
Published: February 2023

Even the most successful business could come across such obstacles that would put the company out of operation. Executives and owners try to minimize costs and risks during crisis and search for support on the part of independent experts. And it is specialists on consulting, who can help disperse resources, fix in-company processes, optimize costs and provide answers to other important questions. Home literature shows academic interest in changes and transformations in Russian consulting. However, today prospects and trends of the consulting market development are rather acute, as well as integration of the Russian Federation in international consulting service market based on the new structure of international relations. These circumstances demonstrate the necessity of further academic research in this subject field and make research problems even more topical. The goal of the article is to analyze principle structural transformations and identify promising trajectories of developing Russian consulting market in conditions of global reformation of world economic links. The article shows transformation of the consulting field in current situation, highlights today’s changes and trends, researches the present day standing and assesses lines in the development of consulting market in Russia. The authors conducted structural analysis of offers on consulting service market in conditions of current changes in global policy and economy and identified priorities and prospects of consulting development in Russia. Current processes of restructuring Russian consulting market were systematized, indicators of today’s standing were specified, major trends of developing consulting service market in Russia were presented, echeloned structure of consulting offer on the market was described, priorities and prospects of developing consulting on the territory of Russia in conditions of global transformation of world economic links were grounded. Academic conclusions and findings of the research can be useful for management of Russian companies in choosing potential executors of consulting projects, at the same time they can be used by consulting company and other professional communities.
Building Brand Platform for the Company in Horeca Sphere (Methodology, Research, Result)
Authors: Shchepetova I. V.
Published: February 2023

The article presents methodology of the Marketing story agency and the author, which includes the algorithm for building brand platform for the promising project of the company in the horeca sphere. It is necessary to specify the notion of the term ‘brand platform’ for the sphere of services and public catering, to identify tasks and functions of using the brand platform in order to shape and maintain competitive advantages and promote the new company on the target market n Moscow. It is characterized as complicated and highly competitive, which explains the need to research thoroughly the sources of competitive advantages of the new project, changing customer requests and the essence of value offered to the market. To substantiate the concept of the brand platform the author proposes a scheme of company new project launch to the market, where the principle role is paid by stages of the research and goal-setting and it can also provide a basis for developing the brand platform. It is considered to form an ideological foundation of company business aimed at shaping and delivering value to customer. The brand platform of a new company can help elaborate a marketing program, which plans in detail and implements steps by elements of the marketing complex and could provide success for new project launch in horeca sphere on highly competitive market of Moscow.
Extracellular Vesicles Derived from Plasmodium-infected Hosts as
Stimuli of “Trained” Innate Immunity
Authors: Chen Jin-Guang , Du Yun-Ting , Guan Chang-Hui , Fan Hua-Yu , Liu Yang-Ai , Wang Ting , Li Xin , Chen Guang
Published: February 2023

Although the burden of malaria has been successfully controlled globally, this
disease remains a major public health issue. To date, neither existing drugs nor vaccines
against malaria are sufficient in eliminating malaria worldwide. To achieve the eradication
of malaria by 2040, effective interventions targeting all Plasmodium species are urgently
needed. As the cornerstone of vaccine design, immune memory serves a significant
role in the host's defense against Plasmodium infections. It has long been considered
that innate immunity is non-specific and lacks immunologic memory. However, emerging
evidence has suggested that innate immunity can be trained following exposure of
the body to infectious agents, such as Plasmodium or its products, which, in turn, promotes
the onset of a type of memory in innate immune cells. The above “trained” innate
immune cells, whose phenotype is modified in response to epigenetic modifications,
metabolic recombination, or cytokine secretion, exhibit differential pathophysiology after
the exposure of the body to a pathogen. In addition, Plasmodium-infected red blood cells
and other host cells can secrete exosomes that contain conserved parasite-specific information,
such as proteins, RNA, non-coding RNA molecules, and nucleic acids. These
molecules can act as stimuli for promoting the establishment of “trained” innate immunity
against malaria, thereby altering the onset and progression of the parasitic disease. A
deeper understanding of the role of exosomes in the development of “trained” innate immunity
during Plasmodium infection could provide novel therapeutic and prevention
strategies against malaria infections.
VE-822 Enhanced Cisplatin Chemotherapy Effects on Head and Neck
Squamous Cell Carcinoma Drug-resistant Cells
Authors: Chen Tinglan , Yang Fei , Dai Xiaofeng , Yu Youcheng , Sun Yang , Wu Xingwen , Li Ruixue , Zhou Qianrong
Published: February 2023

Purpose:

The study aimed to assess the effect of p-ATR inhibitor VE-822 in the combination chemotherapy with cisplatin of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and to explore the possible mechanism.

Methods:

The DNA damage levels were determined by comet assay and western blot experiments in cisplatin-resistant and sensitive cell lines. The IC50 value changes after combination treatment with VE-822 in cisplatin sensitive and resistant cell lines were detected by the CCK-8 test. The effects of VE-822 combined with cisplatin on proliferation ability, colony formation ability, migration ability, cell apoptosis and cell cycle changes were observed in vitro. In vivo, the combination treatment effect was verified in the subcutaneous xenograft models of nude mice. Besides, the mechanism of VE-822 assisting cisplatin in chemotherapy was explored by comet assay, western blotting and immunohistochemical experiments.

Results:

The increased expression of the p-ATR protein was related to the DNA damage repair pathway in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cisplatin-resistant cells. VE-822 inhibited cell proliferation, colony formation and migration abilities and improved the cisplatin chemotherapeutic effects in subcutaneous xenograft models of nude mice by inhibiting the p-ATR expression and blocking DNA damage repair pathway.

Conclusions:

The p-ATR expression increased in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cisplatin-resistant cells. VE-822 significantly enhanced the therapeutic effect in cisplatin resistant head and neck squamous cell carcinoma by inhibiting p-ATR expression in vivo and in vitro.
[bmim]BF4-accelarated One-pot Synthesis of 2-amino Thiazole Derivatives
Authors: Duc Dau Xuan , Chung Nguyen Thi
Published: February 2023

An efficient and environmentally-friendly protocol for the synthesis of 2- (arylamino)
thiazoles has been investigated. The two-step, three-component reaction of aryl ketones, Nbromosuccinimide,
and thiourea derivatives was performed using [bmim][BF4] ionic liquid as a solvent
in one pot and gave products in good to excellent yields. Furthermore, the ionic liquid could be
reused up to the 5th time without a considerable decrease in the reaction yield. Thirteen thiazoles were
obtained in high yields (78-89%) under mild conditions (ambient temperature and relatively short reaction
time) and their structures were confirmed by NMR data.
Cervical Cancer: A Review of Epidemiology, Treatments and Anticancer
Drugs
Authors: Mohammadian Taher , Esmaeili Davoud , Babakanrad Elmira , Behzadi Payam
Published: February 2023

Background:

Cancer is the second leading cause of death among men and women and a
highly prevalent cause of mortality among women. Having sexual relations at a young age, having
multiple sex partners, multiple pregnancies, long-term use of birth control pills, receiving a kidney
transplant, and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are the major risk factors of cervical cancer.
Although the risk of cervical cancer has recently increased, its mortality rate has declined. This study
aimed to review cervical cancer, its epidemiology, etiology, treatment methods, and various chemical
plant- and microorganism-derived drugs.

Material and Methods:

Complete information collection was performed by reading most of the
available articles.

Results:

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is the main cause of cervical cancer, and the best
way to prevent it is vaccination between the ages of 9 and 11 years, screening women and, more importantly,
educating girls. One of the easiest methods to screen for this disease is Pap tests and HPV
genotyping (high-risk strains 16 and 18). Cervical cancer is asymptomatic in the early stages, but
after spreading to other parts of the body, it causes symptoms, such as bleeding, pelvic pain, and
dyspareunia. Cervical cancer treatment is based on the stage of the disease and the involvement of
other parts of the body. In general, however, surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and hysterectomy
are among the common treatments for cervical cancer. Each of these methods has its side effects; for
instance, chemotherapy destroys healthy as well as cancer cells.

Conclusion:

Nowadays, with molecular knowledge, new drugs have been developed that are free
from the side effects of cancer treatment methods and only affect cancer cells. All the results have
been reviewed and compiled.
Cardio-Metabolic Health and HRT in Menopause: Novel Insights in
Mitochondrial Biogenesis and RAAS
Authors: Renke Guilherme , Kemen Elaine , Scalabrin Priscila , Braz Cleibe , Baesso Thomaz , Pereira Marcela Batista
Published: February 2023

Recent evidence shows the cardiometabolic effects of estrogen administration in postmenopausal women. Women have a cardiometabolic advantage during their reproductive years,
which is lost at menopause due to declining estradiol (E2). E2, also known as 17-beta-estradiol, has
diverse effects in its target tissues, including the cardiovascular (CV) system, through genomic and
non-genomic signaling. Metabolic changes characteristic of menopause include a worsening lipid
profile, changes in body fat distribution, epicardial and pericardial fat deposition, increased susceptibility to weight gain, and increased blood pressure, resulting in an increased risk of accelerated
cardiovascular disease (CVD) development. E2 mediates its cardioprotective actions by increasing
mitochondrial biogenesis, angiogenesis, and vasodilation, decreasing reactive oxygen species
(ROS) and oxidative stress, and modulating the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). In
this review, we assess whether it is prudent to develop an approach to managing postmenopausal
women based on modifying the patient's CV risk that includes human-identical hormone replacement therapy (HRT), modulation of RAAS, and stimulating mitochondrial biogenesis. Further research is needed to assess the safety and benefit of HRT to reduce cardiometabolic risk.
Chondrosarcoma Skull Base: A Case Report
Authors: Bharti Jyotsna Naresh , Elhence Poonam , Bhaskar Suryanarayanan , Garg Pawan Kumar
Published: February 2023

Introduction:

Chondrosarcomas are primary malignant bone tumor that rarely occurs in the
head and neck region. Squash cytology of skull base neoplasm shows atypical chondrocytes and myxoid
stroma, which suggests many possibilities like chordoma, chordoid glioma, chordoid meningioma
and chondrosarcoma. Isocitrate dehydrogenase gene (IDH) mutations have been reported in 50% to
60% of the head and neck region chondrosarcoma.

Case Presentation:

A 37-year-old female came to the outpatient department and complaint of difficulty
in walking and swaying to the right side for one year. The radiology was suggestive of right-sided
trigeminal schwannoma. However, the squash cytology showed the presence of necrosis, and pink to
bluish-coloured myxoid stroma. The tumor cells were pleomorphic and had a hyperchromatic nucleus,
hyalinized condensed to granular cytoplasm. The histopathological examination of intraoperative soft
tissue showed the presence of cellular lobules of atypical chondrocytes arranged in the myxoid background.
The features were of Chondrosarcoma. No parenchymal invasion was found.

Conclusions:

This case report aims to create awareness about a rare tumor, which rarely forms a differential
diagnosis for skull base neoplasms. As chondrosarcoma are immunoreactive to IDH1 so this
marker can be useful in clinching the diagnosis in conjunction with other immunohistochemical markers
in a small biopsy from skull base neoplasms.
The Beneficial Effects of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Acute Kidney Injury:
A Narrative Review
Authors: Liu Yuxiang , Han Jibin , Fang Jingai , Li Rongshan
Published: February 2023

Background:

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a multifaced disease characterized by a rapid decline
in renal function. However, with growing insight into the pathophysiologic mechanisms of AKI,
currently available interventions for AKI are merely supportive. Thus, novel therapies are urgently needed
to improve the outcomes of patients with AKI. This narrative review aims to explore enhancing the
beneficial effects of Mesenchymal Stem Cells(MSCs) in AKI.

Methods:

The authors examined all studies regarding the role of MSCs in AKI. And the authors undertook
a structured search of bibliographic databases for peer-reviewed research literature using a focused
review question. The most relevant and up-to-date research was included.

Results and Discussion:

Based on encouraging preclinical results, stem cell therapy has been widely
explored over the last decade. Among the various stem cell types investigated, mesenchymal stem cells
are being intensely investigated by virtue of their numerous strengths, such as easy derivation, undemanding
cell culture conditions, anti-apoptosis, immunomodulation, and anti-inflammation effects. Mounting
evidence suggests that MSCs hold great potential in accelerating kidney repair following AKI in various
preclinical models. Unfortunately, low engrafting efficiency and poor survival rate of injected MSCs in
the injured renal tissue are major obstacles MSCs clinical application faces.

Conclusion:

Various strategies, including genetic manipulation, mimicking the cellular microenvironment
with different culture conditions, optimizing MSCs preparation and administration schedule, and
screening patients who may more like benefit from MSCs therapy, have been developed to enhance the
therapeutic potential of MSCs in AKI.
Ang II Controls the Expression of Mapkap1 by miR-375 and Affects the
Function of Islet β Cells
Authors: Lin Xiuhong , Cheng Lin , Wan Yan , Yan Yuerong , Zhang Zhuo , Li Xiaohui , Wu Jiayun , Wang Xiaoyi , Xu Mingtong
Published: February 2023

Background:

The RAS system is involved in the regulation of islet function, but its regulation remains unclear.

Objective:

This study investigates the role of an islet-specific miR-375 in the effect of RAS system on islet β-cells.

Methods:

miR-375 mimics and inhibitors were transfected into insulin-secreting MIN6 cells in the presence or absence of RAS component.

Results:

Compared to control, in Ang II-treated MIN6 cells, miR-375 mimic transfection results in a
decrement in cell viability and Akt-Ser levels (0.739±0.05 vs. 0.883±0.06 and 0.40±0.04 vs. 0.79±0.04,
respectively), while the opposite occurred in miR-375 inhibitor-transfected cells (1.032±0.11 vs.
0.883±0.06 and 0.98±0.05 vs. 0.79±0.04, respectively, P<0.05). Mechanistically, transfection of miR-
375 mimics into Ang II-treated MIN6 cells significantly reduced the expression of Mapkap1 protein
(0.97±0.15 vs. 0.63±0.06, P<0.05); while miR-375 inhibitor-transfected cells elevated Mapkap1 expression
level (0.35±0.11 vs. 0.90±0.05, P<0.05), without changes in mRNA expression. Transfection of
miR-375 specific inhibitors TSB-Mapkap1 could elevate Mapkap1 (1.62±0.02 vs. 0.68±0.01, P<0.05),
while inhibition of Mapkap1 could significantly reduce the level of Akt-Ser473 phosphorylation
(0.60±0.14 vs. 1.80±0.27, P<0.05).

Conclusion:

The effects of Ang II on mouse islet β cells were mediated by miR-375 through miR-375/Mapkap 1 axis. This targeted regulation may occur by affecting Akt phosphorylation of β cells. These results may provide new ideas and a scientific basis for further development of miRNA-targeted islet protection measures.
Study on the Mechanism of Hydrolyzed Seawater Pearl Tablet in Treating
Chronic Sleep Deprivation Mice Model
Authors: Lin Jiang , Luo Fei , Han Siyin , Xia Meng , Chen Zhenxing , Liu Peng
Published: February 2023

Background:

Modern lifestyle increasingly deprives people from sleep to different degrees. Long-term sleep deprivation will facilitate body’s pathological behaviors, such as lethargy, depression, and anorexia.

Objective:

This study is an investigation into the mechanism of hydrolyzed seawater pearl tablet in treating chronic sleep deprivation mice model.

Methods:

The chronic sleep deprivation model was established involving C57BL/6mice; the body weight, behavioral characteristics, hippocampal structure, oxidative stress, apoptosis-related protein expression, and intestinal bacteria in mice were assessed to characterise hydrolyzed seawater pearl tablet.

Results:

Hydrolyzed seawater pearl tablet significantly accelerated body weight, open field test score,
and sugar water preference rate (P < 0.05), alleviated the structural damage of hippocampus, reduced
the content of MDA (P < 0.05), Bax protein expression, increased the content of GSH (P < 0.05), the
activities of SOD, GSH-Px, and Bcl-2 protein expression in the hippocampus, increased the Escherichia
coli, Bacteroides, Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus (P < 0.05), which are beneficial bacteria
in the intestine, in chronic sleep deprivation mice, and reduced the amount of Clostridium perfringens
(P < 0.05), which are harmful bacteria in the intestine.

Conclusion:

Hydrolyzed seawater pearl tablet can improve the depression-like mental state of mice
caused by chronic sleep deprivation. The mechanism involves improving the antioxidant activity of
the hippocampus to eliminate the excessive ROS, which inhibits cell apoptosis and alleviates tissue
structure damage. Meanwhile, it may also be involved in adjusting the microbiota level and improving
the mental and behavioral activities of chronic sleep deprivation mice through the intestine-brain axis.
The Impact of Digital Transformation on Inpatient Care: Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Koebe Philipp , Bohnet-Joschko Sabine
Published: February 2023

Background

In the context of the digital transformation of all areas of society, health care providers are also under pressure to change. New technologies and a change in patients’ self-perception and health awareness require rethinking the provision of health care services. New technologies and the extensive use of data can change provision processes, optimize them, or replace them with new services. The inpatient sector, which accounts for a particularly large share of health care spending, plays a major role in this regard.

Objective

This study examined the influences of current trends in digitization on inpatient service delivery.

Methods

We conducted a scoping review. This was applied to identify the international trends in digital transformation as they relate to hospitals. Future trends were considered from different perspectives. Using the defined inclusion criteria, international peer-reviewed articles published between 2016 and 2021 were selected. The extracted core trends were then contextualized for the German hospital sector with 12 experts.

Results

We included 44 articles in the literature analysis. From these, 8 core trends could be deduced. A heuristic impact model of the trends was derived from the data obtained and the experts’ assessments. This model provides a development corridor for the interaction of the trends with regard to technological intensity and supply quality. Trend accelerators and barriers were identified.

Conclusions

The impact analysis showed the dependencies of a successful digital transformation in the hospital sector. Although data interoperability is of particular importance for technological intensity, the changed self-image of patients was shown to be decisive with regard to the quality of care. We show that hospitals must find their role in new digitally driven ecosystems, adapt their business models to customer expectations, and use up-to-date information and communications technologies.
The Development of a UK Culturally Adapted and Modified Version of the Person Attuned Musical Interactions Manual: Protocol for a 2-Phase Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Waters Bryony , Orrell Martin , McDermott Orii
Published: February 2023

Background

Previous research has suggested that care home interactions need significant improvements, especially those between staff and residents with dementia. Reasons for the lack of interactions are staff time pressures and residents’ language impairments. Although residents may experience reduced language abilities, they can continue to communicate through other forms, including nonverbal communication and music. Person Attuned Musical Interactions (PAMI) is a staff training tool that provides staff with music therapy skill-sharing to promote high-quality interactions between staff and residents using nonverbal communication and music. The tool was originally developed in Denmark. To ensure that the tool is appropriate for UK care homes, a team of researchers in the United Kingdom have modified and culturally adapted the tool.

Objective

This study aims to investigate the appropriateness of the adapted and modified manual for UK care homes and to explore the impact of PAMI on residents with dementia and care staff.

Methods

The project consists of 2 phases, a qualitative field-testing study and a mixed methods evaluation study, which have been developed following the Medical Research Council’s guidelines for complex interventions. Care staff and residents with dementia will be recruited from care homes in Lincolnshire, where the care staff will be trained in the PAMI intervention before implementing the intervention in their daily routines. Fortnightly reflective sessions will be provided throughout the phases to provide supervision and monitoring. The qualitative methods include interviews, reflective session transcripts, diary entries, and resident experience questionnaires. The quantitative outcome measures are residents’ music engagement, staff’s dementia competence, residents’ quality of life, and staff burden. The resident’s music engagement will be administered at 9 fortnightly time points. Staff’s dementia competence, resident’s quality of life, and staff burden will be administered at preintervention and postintervention time points.

Results

The study has been funded by The Music Therapy Charity as part of a PhD studentship. The study began recruiting in September 2021. The research team aims to publish the results of the first phase in July to September 2023 and those of the second phase in October to December 2023.

Conclusions

This study will be the first to investigate the modified version of PAMI. Therefore, it will provide feedback on the appropriateness of the manual for UK care homes. The PAMI intervention has the potential to offer high-quality music intervention training to a larger population of care homes who may currently be restricted by finances, the availability of time, and a lack of training opportunities.

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/43408
US-American professional IRONMAN® triathletes dominate participation but not performance in IRONMAN® races – an internet-based cross-sectional study using a machine learning approach (Preprint)
Authors: Knechtle Beat , Thuany Mabliny , Valero David , Villiger Elias , Nikolaidis Pantelis , Andrade Marilia , Cuk Ivan , Weiss Katja
Published: February 2023

BACKGROUND

Since the first edition of IRONMAN® Hawaii in 1981, the number of races and finishers in the IRONMAN® format has increased considerably. Scientific literature has provided many insights into this specific sport discipline. However, we have no knowledge of where the fastest professional IRONMAN® triathletes originate and where the fastest IRONMAN® race courses take place.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the present study was to investigate where in the world the fastest IRONMAN® race courses for professional IRONMAN® triathletes are.

METHODS

Data of all professional female and male IRONMAN® triathletes competing between 2002 and 2022 in all official IRONMAN® races were collected. A total of 6,954 finishers´ records (2,788 women and 4,166 men) from 68 different countries participating in 56 different event locations were considered. Data were analyzed using machine learning (ML) regression models. The models considered gender, country of origin, and event location as independent variables to predict the final race time. Five different algorithms (Random Forest Regressor, XG Boost Regressor, Ada Boost Regressor, Cat Boot Regressor, and Decision Tree Regressor) were examined.

RESULTS

The race site was the most important variable for the Random Forest Regressor model, while for the other four models, gender was the most important variable. A decision tree algorithm, trained with data from 2002 to 2022, showed that the fastest overall IRONMAN® race times of 08:38:48 h:min:s will be obtained in IRONMAN® Hawaii, IRONMAN® Florida, IRONMAN® Austria, IRONMAN® France, IRONMAN® Wisconsin, IRONMAN® Lanzarote or IRONMAN® Texas by male professional IRONMAN® triathletes originating from any other country than USA, Germany or Canada. Most of the professional IRONMAN® triathletes originated from the USA (1,786), followed by athletes from Germany (674) and Canada (427). Most athletes competed in IRONMAN® Hawaii (926), followed by IRONMAN® Florida (564) and IRONMAN® Austria (454).

CONCLUSIONS

The fastest IRONMAN® race courses for professional IRONMAN® triathletes are predominately located in the USA. Most of the professional IRONMAN® triathletes originated from the USA. The fastest IRONMAN® race times were achieved by male professional IRONMAN® triathletes originating from any other country than USA, Germany, or Canada. These insights are useful for athletes and coaches in planning their professional IRONMAN® career.
Game Elements in the Design of Simulations in Military Trauma Management Training: Protocol for a Systematic Review (Preprint)
Authors: Stathakarou Natalia , Kononowicz Andrzej A , Swain Cara , Karlgren Klas
Published: February 2023

BACKGROUND

Military trauma teams are commonly operating in civilian hospitals during peacetime; in a war situation they must adjust their practices to the austere conditions. Simulations can replicate austere conditions to allow training in a safe environment that tolerates errors. Gamification, understood as the use of game elements to motivate and engage learners in nongame contexts, is gaining interest in medical education and military training. Applying game elements in the design of military trauma management simulations has the potential to provide learners with active learning opportunities and prepare them for providing medical services under austere conditions. Although gamification is known for its engaging and motivational benefits, there are controversies about its pedagogical value. The controversies can be attributed to the fact that various gamification strategies may consist of a different combination of game elements, leading to different outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review aims to understand how game elements are used in the design of simulations in military trauma management training and their reported outcomes.

METHODS

We have designed a search strategy for the purpose of the review. Two researchers will independently assess the identified studies based on the defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The selection process will be represented using a PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) flow diagram. The search will be repeated and updated as necessary prior to publication of the review. Two reviewers will independently extract and manage the data for each of the articles using a structured data extraction form. Any disagreement that arises between reviewers will be resolved through discussion, and a third review author will be consulted when needed. We are going to conduct a thematic synthesis of the extracted game element descriptions. The results are going to be presented in a diagrammatic or tabular form, alongside a narrative summary. The quality of the studies will be assessed.

RESULTS

We implemented and tested the developed search strategy in May 2023. We retrieved 1168 study abstracts, which were reduced to 630 abstracts after deduplication. We have piloted the screening on 20% (126/630) of the identified abstracts in groups of 2 reviewers.

CONCLUSIONS

Although gamification has the potential to motivate learners in various ways, there is a lack of understanding about specific game elements and how they can inform instructional design in different contexts. Our findings will increase the understanding of how game elements are used in the design of simulations in military trauma management training and, thus, contribute to more effective development of future simulations.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

DERR1-10.2196/45969
Non-Communicable Diseases Household Survey Data Analysis, Sana’a City-Yemen, 2017 (Preprint)
Authors: Alkholidy Ghamdan , Anam Labiba Saeed , Al Serouri Abdulwahed , Chaoyang Li
Published: February 2023

BACKGROUND

Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) kill 41 million people each year, accounting for 71% of all deaths globally. The burden of NCDs is rising faster in developing countries of the Middle East than in other regions. The morbidity and mortality of NCDs are still not well-studied in Yemen.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiology of NCDs in Sana’a City, Yemen, for 2017.

METHODS

Raw data of a house-to-house survey that was conducted by the Ministry of Public Health and Population in 2017 were analyzed. Data were collected from household heads who were asked if any household member had one of the following five NCDs: hypertension (HTN), diabetes (DM), bronchial asthma (BA), mental disorders (MD), and epilepsy. Data were entered and analyzed using Epi info 7.2. For calculations of prevalence, 2017 projections from the 2004 census were used.

RESULTS

A total of 241,310 households were surveyed (1,592,646 household members), 59,061 (24.48%) of which included 70,178 members who had at least one NCD. The overall prevalence of NCDs was 4.4%. The disease-specific prevalence was as follows: HTN, 2.3%; DM, 2.2%; BA, 0.4%; MD, 0.27; and epilepsy, 0.19%. The overall NCD prevalence was significantly higher among females than males (5.1% vs 3.8%; odds ratio [OR] 1.35, 95% CI 1.33-1.35), which was also the case for the prevalence of HTN (3.1% vs 1.6%; OR 1.94, 95% CI 1.90-1.98), DM (2.3% vs 2.1%; OR 1.11, 95% CI 1.09-1.13), and BA (0.5% vs 0.3%; OR 1.56, 95% CI 1.49-1.65). In contrast, the prevalence of MD was significantly higher among males than females (0.35% vs 0.16%; OR 2.2, 95% CI 2.06-2.31). The prevalence of NCDs progressively increased with age. Nearly 18% of patients had more than one NCD; 35.2% of the patients with HTN also had DM.

CONCLUSIONS

One-quarter of the surveyed households had at least one member with one or more of the five NCDs and the overall prevalence of NCDs was 4.4%. These data reflect only the tip of the iceberg as the findings are based on self-reported diagnosed cases rather than standardized measures. More attention to NCDs, strengthened health care provision, the ability to obtain high-reliability data, an NCDs stepwise survey, and establishing an NCDs surveillance system are recommended.
Editora en jefe de la Revista CuidArte
Authors: Alonso Trujillo Javier
Published: February 2023

En el año 2019, unos meses antes de que las autoridades sanitarias de México y del mundo establecieran como medida preventiva el confinamiento sanitario de las [...]
CuidArte a diez años de su nacimiento
Authors: Pineda Olvera Juan
Published: February 2023

Es un placer dirigirme a los lectores que han abrevado en las páginas de CuidArte y a los autores que, con sus artículos, han enriquecido la ciencia de [...]
Un dulce hasta luego...
Authors: Guillén Cadena Dulce María
Published: February 2023

Estimad@s tod@s gremio de Enfermería, con mucho afecto y orgullo como directora de la Revista Cuidarte muestro este número especial con motivo del décimo aniversario de [...]
Digital Transformation in B2B Marketing
Authors: Deogaonkar Bhagyashre
Published: February 2023

Abstract: In traditional business marketing it was always done using conventional methods to do product or service marketing like newspaper and billboards etc. This has limitation i.e. it was limited to only particular geographic or any particular area The business was not able to explore the vast area or was not able to connect to its audience but this changed completely with the invention of internet. In this paper we will discuss how changing and evolving technology has changed the face of marketing and made it user friendly at the same time gave business the global exposure .With the advancement of technology one can see tremendous growth in business, healthcare, defence, banking sector and many other departments. The internet played an important role from connecting business globally to providing efficient solutions to the process and methods of business management. The use of internet lead to vast generation of data in various form like structured data and unstructured data, which in turn helped business to use data driven technology to grow business globally This aspect can be termed as Digital Transformation. The definition: Digital transformation is the process of using digital technologies to create new — or modify existing — business processes, culture, and customer experiences to meet changing business and market requirements. This reimagining of business in the digital age is digital transformation.
Analysis of Mathematics Connection Ability in Solving Algebra Problems at VIII Grade Junior High School
Authors: Rahman Irwansyah , Wahyuddin Wahyuddin , Halim ST Nurhumairah
Published: February 2023

This study aims to determine the mathematics connection ability of VIII Grade students in solving algebraic questions in one of the public junior high schools in Makassar City. This research was qualitative. The research subjects consisted of three students selected based on the results of the basic ability test. Data collection techniques used basic ability tests, mathematics connection skills tests, and interviews. Data analysis techniques were data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion. The results showed that: (1) the mathematics connection ability of subjects with high basic abilities met three indicators of mathematical connection ability, namely connecting mathematical concepts, connecting mathematical concepts with other fields of science, and connecting mathematical concepts with everyday life (2) The subject's mathematics connection ability moderate basic ability met two indicators of mathematics connection ability, namely connecting between mathematical concepts and connecting mathematics concepts with everyday life (3) mathematics connection ability of subjects with the low basic ability only meets one indicator of mathematical connection ability, namely connecting between mathematical concepts.
sucesión de poder y su relación con el crecimiento de las empresas familiares del Perú
Authors: Cahuapaza Morales Augusto , Llerena Talavera Diana Karina
Published: February 2023

Es habitual que las empresas se encuentren preocupadas por sus problemas operativos, comerciales, estratégicos, entre otros, pero las empresas familiares que en su mayoría pertenecen al rango denominado Pyme en Perú, tienen problemas adicionales que se originan por su propia naturaleza como por ejemplo la consanguinidad de los socios, la dificultad en la toma de decisiones, la visión de futuro, los planes de sucesión de poder, entre otros.
Por tanto, es objetivo describir y luego relacionar los factores que pueden influir en que una empresa familiar perdure en el tiempo, pero en particular se aborda una variable relevante y particular: la sucesión de poder. En la presente investigación se identifica si es que las empresas familiares de la región Tacna poseen planes de sucesión debidamente comunicados, si es que han sido ejecutados en algún momento, se evalúa la gestión del sucedido para determinar si es que contar con un plan contribuye a que la empresa genere crecimiento en ventas, activos, entre otros, o si es que dicha herramienta de gestión no influye de manera significativa en el desarrollo de la organización.
La recopilación de la información se hizo a través de un muestreo no probabilístico por conveniencia, aplicando la técnica de entrevista a las empresas familiares más representativas de la región Tacna, Perú para indagar sobre su crecimiento, planes, metas y cómo han afrontado o afrontarán el proceso de sucesión de poder.
Finalmente, se determina que en la presente zona geográfica la existencia de una sucesión planificada no tiene una influencia relevante en el desarrollo de las empresas estudiadas.
Discusión de los roles de las actividades de la empresa, los consumidores y los grupos de interés en el cambio del valor de las marcas
Authors: Reynoso Espinoza Deivit Wilfredo , Arbaiza Fermini Lydia
Published: February 2023

Este ensayo discute sobre algunos de los grupos y roles que se deben considerar en el análisis de los cambios en el valor de las marcas. Se plantean los roles activos y pasivos que tienen: las actividades de la empresa, los grupos de interés de la empresa y los consumidores. Las actividades de las empresas se vinculan con el valor de las marcas directamente a través de sus productos, pero especialmente por la experiencia, identidad y la moral de sus procesos.  Los grupos de interés agregan la perspectiva que genera la imagen ética de la empresa en el valor de las marcas, como lo son las responsabilidades medioambientales, su integridad y la creación de valor compartido. Los consumidores son los principales agentes modificadores del valor de la marca. Estos no solo ligan el valor del producto adquirido con la satisfacción de la necesidad, sino agregan constructos sociales que identifican, distinguen y pueden clasificar a las empresas modificando su valor, gracias a la difusión de boca a boca físico y virtual (redes sociales). Este ensayo cobra especial importancia porque en los últimos años sean incrementado las empresas cuyas marcas superan en valor a las de sus activos tradicionales, y se necesita de análisis adicionales para entender este fenómeno.
Manifestations of corruption within the Kwazulu-Natal municipalities: A thorn in the flesh
Authors: Ndlovu Sihle Lloyd , Mutambara Emmanuel
Published: February 2023

Corruption is regarded as a global phenomenon that no country is immune to, and it has been a well-known fact that it is prevalent in less developed countries (Enste & Heldman, 2017). In the South African public sector, evidence points to corrupt activities, such as state capture, real political interference in massive contracts, and political deployments (amaBhungane, 2017; Newham, 2014). Therefore, this study sought to investigate manifestations of corruption within KwaZulu-Natal municipalities. The quantitative research method was used to collect and analyse numerical data. A structured questionnaire was adopted to collect the data from 225 respondents. The result showed that the common manifestations of corruption in the KwaZulu-Natal municipalities were fraud and bribery, financial mismanagement, abuse of power, procurement irregularities, appointment irregularities, and unethical behaviour. Among indicators, items fraud and bribery had the most significant impact on corruption, followed by mismanagement of funds, abuse of resources, procurement irregularities, appointment irregularities, and unethical behaviour. The study is significant because it sheds more light on the various forms of corruption in KwaZulu-Natal municipalities. The study helps South African organisations to detect different forms of corruption and take appropriate mitigation measures. The study expands on limited empirical research on the common manifestations of corruption in the South African public sector.