bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antibacterial activity and biocompatibility of silver coating via aerosol deposition on titanium and zirconia surfaces
Authors: Choi Sunyoung , Jo Ye-Hyeon , Han Jung-Suk , Yoon Hyung-In , Lee Jae-Hyun , Yeo In-Sung Luke
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this in vitro study was to investigate the antibacterial effect and biocompatibility of silver coatings via aerosol deposition on titanium and zirconia surfaces.

Methods

The surfaces of titanium and zirconia specimens were polished and coated with silver via aerosol deposition. After silver coating, the elemental composition, surface roughness and amount of silver released from the coated surfaces were measured. The bacterial growth on the silver-coated surfaces was investigated via crystal violet assay after incubation with Streptococcus gordonii for 24 h, Fusobacterium nucleatum for 72 h and Porphyromonas gingivalis for 48 h. Human gingival fibroblasts and mouse preosteoblasts were also cultured on the silver-coated specimens to examine the biocompatibility of the coating.

Results

After silver coating via aerosol deposition, the surface roughness increased significantly, and the released silver ranged from 0.067 to 0.110 ppm. The tested bacteria formed significantly less biofilm on the silver-coated titanium surfaces than on the uncoated titanium surfaces. In contrast, biofilm formation on the silver-coated zirconia surfaces was greater than that on the uncoated zirconia surfaces. Human gingival fibroblasts and mouse preosteoblasts proliferated on the silver-coated surfaces without significant differences from the uncoated surfaces.

Conclusions

Silver coating via aerosol deposition provided an antibacterial effect against oral bacteria on titanium surfaces, whereas it promoted more bacterial growth on zirconia surfaces. The proliferation of fibroblasts and osteoblasts was not significantly affected by the silver coating on both titanium and zirconia surfaces.
The impact of teeth and dental restorations on gray value distribution in cone-beam computer tomography: a pilot study
Authors: Wagendorf Oliver , Nahles Susanne , Vach Kirstin , Kernen Florian , Zachow Stefan , Heiland Max , Flügge Tabea
Published: September 2023

Purpose

To investigate the influence of teeth and dental restorations on the facial skeleton's gray value distributions in cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).

Methods

Gray value selection for the upper and lower jaw segmentation was performed in 40 patients. In total, CBCT data of 20 maxillae and 20 mandibles, ten partial edentulous and ten fully edentulous in each jaw, respectively, were evaluated using two different gray value selection procedures: manual lower threshold selection and automated lower threshold selection. Two sample t tests, linear regression models, linear mixed models, and Pearson's correlation coefficients were computed to evaluate the influence of teeth, dental restorations, and threshold selection procedures on gray value distributions.

Results

Manual threshold selection resulted in significantly different gray values in the fully and partially edentulous mandible. (p = 0.015, difference 123). In automated threshold selection, only tendencies to different gray values in fully edentulous compared to partially edentulous jaws were observed (difference: 58–75). Significantly different gray values were evaluated for threshold selection approaches, independent of the dental situation of the analyzed jaw. No significant correlation between the number of teeth and gray values was assessed, but a trend towards higher gray values in patients with more teeth was noted.

Conclusions

Standard gray values derived from CT imaging do not apply for threshold-based bone segmentation in CBCT. Teeth influence gray values and segmentation results. Inaccurate bone segmentation may result in ill-fitting surgical guides produced on CBCT data and misinterpreting bone density, which is crucial for selecting surgical protocols.

Graphical Abstract
Evaluating the feasibility and exploring the efficacy of an emotion-based approach-avoidance modification training (eAAMT) in the context of perceived stress in an adult sample — protocol of a parallel randomized controlled pilot study
Authors: Keinert Marie , Eskofier Bjoern M. , Schuller Björn W. , Böhme Stephanie , Berking Matthias
Published: September 2023

Background

Stress levels and thus the risk of developing related physical and mental health conditions are rising worldwide. Dysfunctional beliefs contribute to the development of stress. Potentially, such beliefs can be modified with approach-avoidance modification trainings (AAMT). As previous research indicates that effects of AAMTs are small, there is a need for innovative ways of increasing the efficacy of these interventions. For this purpose, we aim to evaluate the feasibility of the intervention and study design and explore the efficacy of an innovative emotion-based AAMT version (eAAMT) that uses the display of emotions to move stress-inducing beliefs away from and draw stress-reducing beliefs towards oneself.

Methods

We will conduct a parallel randomized controlled pilot study at the Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany. Individuals with elevated stress levels will be randomized to one of eight study conditions (n = 10 per condition) — one of six variants of the eAAMT, an active control intervention (swipe-based AAMT), or an inactive control condition. Participants in the intervention groups will engage in four sessions of 20–30 min (e)AAMT training on consecutive days. Participants in the inactive control condition will complete the assessments via an online tool. Non-blinded assessments will be taken directly before and after the training and 1 week after training completion. The primary outcome will be perceived stress. Secondary outcomes will be dysfunctional beliefs, symptoms of depression, emotion regulation skills, and physiological stress measures. We will compute effect sizes and conduct mixed ANOVAs to explore differences in change in outcomes between the eAAMT and control conditions.

Discussion

The study will provide valuable information to improve the intervention and study design. Moreover, if shown to be effective, the approach can be used as an automated smartphone-based intervention. Future research needs to identify target groups benefitting from this intervention utilized either as stand-alone treatment or an add-on intervention that is combined with other evidence-based treatments.

Trial registration

The trial has been registered in the German Clinical Trials Register (Deutsches Register Klinischer Studien;DRKS00023007; September 7, 2020).
Representativeness of Patients Enrolled in the Lung Cancer Master Protocol (Lung-MAP)
Authors: Vaidya Riha , Unger Joseph M. , Qian Lu , Minichiello Katherine , Herbst Roy S. , Gandara David R. , Neal Joel W. , Leal Ticiana A. , Patel Jyoti D. , Dragnev Konstantin H. , Waqar Saiama N. , Edelman Martin J. , Sigal Ellen V. , Adam Stacey J. , Malik Shakun , Blanke Charles D. , LeBlanc Michael L. , Kelly Karen , Gray Jhanelle E. , Redman Mary W.
Published: September 2023

PURPOSE

Lung Cancer Master Protocol (Lung-MAP), a public-private partnership, established infrastructure for conducting a biomarker-driven master protocol in molecularly targeted therapies. We compared characteristics of patients enrolled in Lung-MAP with those of patients in advanced non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) trials to examine if master protocols improve trial access.

METHODS

We examined patients enrolled in Lung-MAP (2014-2020) according to sociodemographic characteristics. Proportions for characteristics were compared with those for a set of advanced NSCLC trials (2001-2020) and the US advanced NSCLC population using SEER registry data (2014-2018). Characteristics of patients enrolled in Lung-MAP treatment substudies were examined in subgroup analysis. Two-sided tests of proportions at an alpha of .01 were used for all comparisons.

RESULTS

A total of 3,556 patients enrolled in Lung-MAP were compared with 2,215 patients enrolled in other NSCLC studies. Patients enrolled in Lung-MAP were more likely to be 65 years and older (57.2% v 46.3%; P < .0001), from rural areas (17.3% v 14.4%; P = .004), and from socioeconomically deprived neighborhoods (42.2% v 36.7%, P < .0001), but less likely to be female (38.6% v 47.2%; P < .0001), Asian (2.8% v 5.1%; P < .0001), or Hispanic (2.4% v 3.8%; P = .003). Among patients younger than 65 years, Lung-MAP enrolled more patients using Medicaid/no insurance (27.6% v 17.8%; P < .0001). Compared with the US advanced NSCLC population, Lung-MAP under represented patients 65 years and older (57.2% v 69.8%; P < .0001), females (38.6% v 46.0%; P < .0001), and racial or ethnic minorities (14.8% v 21.5%; P < .0001).

CONCLUSION

Master protocols may improve access to trials using novel therapeutics for older patients and socioeconomically vulnerable patients compared with conventional trials, but specific patient exclusion criteria influenced demographic composition. Further research examining participation barriers for under represented racial or ethnic minorities in precision medicine clinical trials is warranted.
Single centre experience of stent-assisted coiling of wide-necked basilar tip aneurysms
Authors: Nejadhamzeeigilani Hamed , Buende Thierry , Saleem Nayyar , Goddard Tony , Patankar Tufail
Published: September 2023

Objective:

To report clinical and radiological follow-up outcomes of stent-assisted coiling of wide-necked basilar tip aneurysms and to evaluate the safety and efficacy of this treatment choice.

Methods:

A retrospective review was carried out of 19 patients with wide-necked basilar tip aneurysms in our institution between 2010 and 2020. The rates of perioperative complication, morbidity, mortality, imaging follow-up and re-treatment were analysed.

Results:

Our technical complication rate was 11% but did not result in treatment failure. The combined procedure related morbidity and mortality rate of the 19 patients who underwent stent assisted coiling was also 11%. 16 of 19 patients had undergone angiographic follow-up with a mean period of 32 months. 81% of patients with angiographic follow-up had a satisfactory occlusion (RROI or II) with 11% requiring re-treatment. Those requiring re-treatment were both treated with laser-cut stents; this is in contrast with no re-treatments required in the patients treated with braided stents.

Conclusion:

Our report provides acceptable outcomes in wide-necked basilar termination aneurysms which are very challenging to treat. Aneurysms treated with braided stents had better efficacy outcomes than those with laser-cut stents.

Advances in knowledge:

Given the emergent and increasing utility of alternative endovascular techniques such as intrasaccular devices and flow diverters, real-world data are lacking on more conventional approaches such stent-assisted coiling, especially so in the posterior circulation. The associated relatively higher aneurysmal haemorrhagic risk in this location warrants further additional safety and efficacy data for this treatment approach, which this paper provides.
Fusion imaging for pulmonary artery embolization: impact on fluoroscopy duration and contrast agent exposure
Authors: Garnier Matthieu , Curado Adelya , Grancher Adrien , Demeyere Matthieu , Verdalle-Cazes Mikael , Burel Julien , Dacher Jean-Nicolas
Published: September 2023

Objectives:

To assess the impact of fusion imaging guidance on fluoroscopy duration and volume of contrast agent used for pulmonary artery embolization.

Methods:

Thirty-four consecutive patients who underwent pulmonary artery embolization for pulmonary arterio-venous malformation (n = 28) or hemoptysis (n = 6) were retrospectively included. In the experimental group (n = 15), patients were treated using fusion imaging with 2D/3D registration. In the control group (n = 19), no fusion imaging has been used. Fluoroscopy duration and amount of contrast used were measured and intergroup comparison was performed.

Results:

The average volume of contrast agent used for embolization in the fusion group (118.3 ml) was significantly lower than in the control group (285.3 ml) (p < 0.002). The mean fluoroscopy duration was not significantly different between both groups (19.5 min in the fusion group vs 31.4 min in the control group (p = 0.10)). No significant difference was observed regarding the average X-ray exposure (Air Kerma) (p = 0.68 in the univariate analysis). Technical success rate was 100% for both groups.

Conclusion:

Fusion imaging significantly reduces contrast medium volumes needed to perform pulmonary artery embolization. The fluoroscopy duration and the X-ray exposure did not vary significantly.

Advances in knowledge:

CTA-based fusion imaging using 2D-3D registration is a valuable tool for performing pulmonary artery embolization, helpful for planning and guiding catheterization. Compared to the traditional imaging guidance, fusion imaging reduces the volume of contrast agent used.
Are mammography image acquisition factors, compression pressure and paddle tilt, associated with breast cancer detection in screening?
Authors: Hudson Sue M , Wilkinson Louise S , De Stavola Bianca L , dos-Santos-Silva Isabel
Published: September 2023

Objectives:

To assess the associations between objectively measured mammographic compression pressure and paddle tilt and breast cancer (BC) detected at the same (“contemporaneous”) screen, subsequent screens, or in-between screens (interval cancers).

Methods:

Automated pressure and paddle tilt estimates were derived for 80,495 mammographic examinations in a UK population-based screening programme. Adjusted logistic regression models were fitted to estimate the associations of compression parameters with BC detected at contemporaneous screen (777 cases).

Nested case-control designs were used to estimate associations of pressure and tilt with: (a) interval cancer (148 cases/625 age-matched controls) and (b) subsequent screen-detected cancer (344/1436), via conditional logistic regression.

Results:

Compression pressure was negatively associated with odds of BC at contemporaneous screen (odds ratio (OR) for top versus bottom third of the pressure distribution: 0.74; 95% CI 0.60, 0.92; P-for-linear-trend (Pt) = 0.007). There was weak evidence that moderate pressure at screening was associated with lower odds of interval cancer (OR for middle versus bottom third: 0.63; 95% CI 0.38, 1.05; p = 0.079), but no association was found between pressure and the odds of BC at subsequent screen. There was no evidence that paddle tilt was associated with the odds of contemporaneous, subsequent screen or interval cancer detection.

Conclusions:

Findings are consistent with compression pressure, but not paddle tilt, affecting the performance of mammographic screening by interfering with its ability to detect cancers.

Advances in knowledge:

Inadequate or excessive compression pressure at screening may contribute to a reduced ability to detect cancers, resulting in a greater number of interval cancer cases.
Healthcare price transparency in North America and Europe
Authors: Araich Harman , Tran Julia , Jung Jinho , Horný Michal , Sadigh Gelareh
Published: September 2023

Healthcare price transparency is an effort to inform patient decision-making, but also to decrease prices and their variation across healthcare systems for equivalent medical services. The initiative is meaningful only for medical services that are shoppable—such as imaging examinations—for which patients incur out-of-pocket costs. Therefore, several countries in which patients commonly share a portion of their healthcare costs have been implementing mandates to improve healthcare price transparency. However, the provisional implementation has many issues, especially in the United States, including provider non-compliance and limited accessibility of price transparency tools by the general public. Many of the existing tools are not user-friendly, are difficult to navigate, focus on charges and health plan negotiated rates rather than patients’ out-of-pocket costs, and disclose prices on the service level instead of per episode of care. As such, the disclosed amounts are often not reliable. Many price transparency tools also lack valid and measurable quality metrics, which can result in a selection of high-cost care as a proxy for high-value care, as well as an increase in healthcare prices when providers want to imply they offer high-quality care. Nevertheless, the impact of the initiatives on patients’ decision-making and healthcare costs remains unclear. While transparency initiatives are patient-centric, efforts should be made to increase patient engagement, provide accurate patient-specific out-of-pocket cost information, compare available treatment and provider alternatives, and couple price information with quality metrics to enable making fully informed decisions.
Decentralized privacy preserving data sharing
Authors: Μαρκιώρο Θωμάς
Published: September 2023

Εμπορικές φορετές συσκευές όπως φιτνεσς τραςκερς και σμαρτωατςηες έχουν συγκεντρώσει την προσοχή ως δυνατά εργαλεία για έρευνες στον τομέα της υγείας. ´Ομως,η συλλογή και δημοσίευση τέτοιου τύπου δεδομένων εγείρει ζητήματα σε ϑέματα διασφάλισης προσωπικών δεδομένων τα οποία πρέπει να αντιμετωπιστούν. Σε αυτήτην διατριβή, ερευνούμε κινδύνους σε ϑέματα διασφάλισης προσωπικών δεδομένων που προέρχονται από την συλλογή και δημοσίευση δεδομένων από εφαρμογές υγείαςφορετών συσκευών. Συγκεκριμένα, εξετάζουμε το ενδεχόμενο δεδομένα προερχόμενα από φορετές συσκευές να χρησιμοποιηθούν ως ένα ‘δακτυλικό αποτύπωμα’ πουμπορεί να καταργήσει την ανωνυμία των ανθρώπων που τα παρήγαγαν. Επικεντρονώμαστε κυρίως στην πιθανότητα επαναταυτοποίησης χρηστών εφαρμογών τύπουφιτνεσς τραςκινγ οι οποίοι έχουν λάβει μέρος σε πειράματα υγείας, όπως σε μελέτες παρατήρησης. Προκειμένου να μετριαστούν τέτοιου είδους απειλές, παραθέτουμε δι-άφορους μηχανισμούς άμυνας, συμπεριλαμβανομένων ςεντραλιζεδ και δεςεντραλιζεδ προσεγγίσεων, με σκοπό την προστασία ατόμων ευρισκόμενων σε δατασετς φορε-τών συσκευών. Παρότι και οι δύο προσεγγίσεις μελετώνται, η διατριβή ως επί το πλείστων εστιάζει στην δεύτερη, καθώς αυτή επιτρέπει διαδικασίες σανιτιζατιον τωνπροσωπικών δεδομένων, οι οποίες έχουν την δυνατότητα να μπορούν να πληρούν διάφορες προϋποθέσεις ϑεμάτων ασφάλειας. Επιπλέον, οι προτεινόμενες αποκε-ντρωτικές προσεγγίσεις παρέχουν εγγυήσεις ασφάλειας και σε ϑεωρητικό επίπεδο μέσω της έννοιας της διφφερεντιαλ πριαςψ. Σε αυτή την εργασία, δείχνουμε την δυ-νατότητα εφαρμογής αποκεντρωτικών μηχανισμών προς ανωνυμοποίηση δεδομένων προερχόμενων από μελέτες υγείας μέσω φορετών συσκευών και τους προτείνουμεως ένα πρακτικό εργαλείο για την συλλογή και δημοσιοποίηση τέτοιας φύσης δεδομένων.
Itinera Thracica
Authors: Κυρατζής Δημήτριος
Published: September 2023

Η παρούσα διδακτορική διατριβή επιχειρεί να ερευνήσει τις αναφορές στη γεωγραφική περιοχή της Θράκης, όπως αυτές εντοπίζονται στα ταξιδιωτικά κείμενα περιηγητών από το 1300 μέχρι το 1600. Ως γλώσσα των κειμένων έχει επιλεγεί η νεολατινική γλώσσα, η οποία χρησιμοποιούνταν την περίοδο του Ουμανισμού και της Αναγέννησης. Σκοπός της μελέτης είναι να εξετάσει τη σημασία της Θράκης κατά τη διάρκεια των ιστορικών και πολιτικών εξελίξεων που έλαβαν χώρα την περίοδο αυτή καθώς και να αναδείξει τη σημασία της χρήσης της νεολατινικής γλώσσας, ως γλώσσας γραφής των κειμένων. Συγχρόνως εξετάζονται οι επιμέρους ιστοριογραφικές, μυθολογικές, θρησκευτικές και κοινωνιoλογικές αναφορές που σχετίζονται με τη Θράκη, τις πόλεις και τους πληθυσμούς της. Ιδιαίτερη θέση κατέχουν οι πόλεις Κωνσταντινούπολη, Αδριανούπολη, Φιλιππούπολη, αλλά και πολυάριθμα ακόμη μέρη τόσο των ακτών του Βοσπόρου, της Θάλασσας του Μαρμαρά και των ακτών του Βορείου Αιγαίου όσο και της ηπειρωτικής χώρας. Ακόμη ξεχωριστό ενδιαφέρον παρουσιάζει ο τρόπος που αναδεικνύεται η συνύπαρξη και οι σχέσεις ανάμεσα σε χριστιανούς και μουσουλμάνους, όπως και η προσέγγιση των καθολικών περιηγητών. Τέλος, η νεολατινική γλώσσα, χρησιμοποιείται ως κοινή γλώσσα επικοινωνίας ανάμεσα στους πολιτικούς, τους ευγενείς και τους διπλωμάτες των διαφόρων χωρών της Δυτικής Ευρώπης, αποτελώντας συγχρόνως και μια ένδειξη κύρους για τους ομιλητές της. Μελετώνται τα παρακάτω εννέα έργα από οκτώ συγγραφείς: Descriptio Europae Orientalis (Anonymi), Directorium ad Passagium (Guillaume Adam), Liber Insularum Archipelagi (Cristoforo Buondelmonti), Itinerarium (Ciriaco Anconitanus de’ Pizzicolli), Hodoeporicon itineris Constantinopolitani (Paulus Rubigallus Pannonius), De Bosphoro Thracio (Petrus Gyllius), De topographia Constantinopoleos et de illius antiquitatibus (Petrus Gyllius), Hodoeporici Byzantini (Hugo Favolius), Itinera Constantinopolitanum et Amasianum (Ogier Ghiselin De Busbecq). Κάθε έργο εξετάζεται ως ξεχωριστή ενότητα, όπου μελετώνται η ταυτότητα του εκάστοτε συγγραφέα, η δομή του έργου, οι αναφορές στη Θράκη, τα υφολογικά στοιχεία, και παρατίθενται τα συμπεράσματα. Στο τέλος της διατριβής καταγράφονται τα γενικά συμπεράσματα της μελέτης.
HRM AND PUBLIC SERVANT’S HEALTH: EPISTEMOLOGICAL AND METHODOLOGICAL POSSIBILITIES
Authors: Nóbrega Péricles , Rowe Diva
Published: September 2023

The objective of this theoretical essay is to reflect and present epistemological and methodological possibilities about the processes of health, illness and normality in the human resource management practices adopted by the Public Administration in Brazil. The Circle of Epistemic Matrices was used, with its dimensions of technical, practical and emancipatory interest. The analytical approach adopted allowed the identification of alternatives for each of these dimensions, besides discussing the new arrangements of service delivery due to the Covid-19 pandemic, in face of the implementation of telework and the use of new technologies in people management.
Gamificação no uso de aplicativos de serviços
Authors: Valcaci Santana Antônia Aritha , Aguiar Costa Laura Maria
Published: September 2023

Este estudo teve como objetivo analisar de que maneiras as estratégias da gamificação tem impactado no engajamento de uso em aplicativos de serviços digitais. A partir de uma modelagem de equações estruturais, aplicou-se um questionário online com usuários de aplicativos gamificados, obtendo uma amostra com 109 respondentes. Os resultados demonstraram que a expectativa de desempenho, influência social, intenção de uso e uso afetam positivamente na intenção comportamental a utilização das plataformas gamificadas, ao contrário das condições facilitadoras e expectativa de esforço. Este estudo contribui para maior compreensão e aprimoramento de pesquisas relacionadas à eficácia da gamificação em aplicativos móveis.
Inovação, eficiência e competitividade nos subsetores do polo industrial de Manaus
Authors: Fernandes Afonso , Souza Lucas Lopes Ferreira
Published: September 2023

Inovação, competitividade e eficiência estão relacionadas no âmbito industrial. Este trabalho tem como objetivo investigar a relação entre inovação e eficiência com competitividade nos subsetores do PIM, e tenta responder a pergunta: a inovação e a eficiência influenciam a competitividade nos subsetores do PIM? Para isso foi coletado dados secundários da SUFRAMA e do IBGE, e utilizado método de regressão linear multivariada. Os principais resultados são que as variáveis investimento e pessoas ocupadas em inovação tiveram alto poder explicativo e foram estatisticamente significantes; enquanto a variável inovação por cooperação teve pouco poder explicativo e baixa significância estatística de influência na variável faturamento.
Microbiological and Physico-Chemical Quality of Green Mussels Perna viridis (Linnaeus, 1758) Along the Supply Chain in Bacoor City, Cavite, Philippines
Authors: Rosario Hans Christian Cornez del , Tolentino Precious Dee Herbalega , de la Cruz Christian Paul Parcon , Mercado Dy Carmela Jhoy
Published: September 2023

Bacoor City, Cavite, is one of the Philippines' largest mussels producers.
Thus, determining the changes in the microbiological and physico-chemical
attributes of the mussels along its supply chain is essential to ensure the
safety and quality of this commodity. Mussel samples were subjected to a
time-distribution study to identify the presence of foodborne pathogens and to
determine the changes in pH and drip loss. A high prevalence of pathogenic
bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Salmonella, and Vibrio spp. was detected
in the mussel culture sites. Microbiological counts and detection showed
increased aerobic plate count (APC) along the supply chain, higher than the
standard limits. The total coliform still conformed to the required range while
E. coli levels increased along the supply chain, exceeding acceptable levels
for raw consumption. For the presence of pathogenic bacteria in the different
points of the supply chain, results revealed that enteric bacteria E. coli and
Salmonella were present. Furthermore, pathogenic strains of Vibrio such as
V. parahaemolyticus, V. cholerae, and V. alginolyticus were detected. The
study emphasizes the need for improved post-harvest practices, including
proper temperature control and packaging, to maintain the quality and safety
of green mussels. Additionally, efforts to mitigate bacterial contamination
in the culture areas and implement effective depuration processes are
necessary to ensure consumer safety.
Pre-Post Assessment of Serum Zinc and Copper Status in Uncomplicated Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients Receiving Directly Observed Treatment Short Course
Authors: Talreja Saloni Darshan , Manjrekar Poornima A , M S Rukmini , Yalla Durga Rao , Sowndarya K Sowndarya K
Published: September 2023

Mycobacterium tuberculosis causing the infectious disease tuberculosis
has a predilection for the lungs although it is common to see other organs
involved. India has adopted the TB-DOTS program for the treatment of the
same. Undernutrition and tuberculosis are mutually inclusive. Micronutrients
like zinc and copper play a key role in cytokine kinetics and immunity and thus
are important in an individual’s response to infectious disease. Serum copper
and zinc levels in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (pTB) before and
after two months of directly observed treatment short course (DOTS) were
assessed in this study. The serum samples of 39 pTB patients were collected
before the commencement of anti-tubercular therapy (ATT) and tested for
copper and zinc levels. At the end of the intensive phase of treatment, blood
samples of 31 out of the 39 pTB patients were again collected and tested
for the same trace elements. In the pre-post comparison of 31 patients
who could be followed up, an increase in serum zinc levels [101 (74.9) μg/
dl vs 112(155.5) μg/dl)] after the treatment was not statistically significant
(p=0.15). The serum copper levels [184(105.7) μg/dl vs 247(80.8) μg/dl)]
were significantly (p<0.01) increased after two months of DOTS therapy.
Sputum negativity was close to 81%.Serum copper, as well as zinc levels,
were increased after DOTS therapy for two months. Since the response to
therapy was 69%, supplementation of copper and zinc may benefit the pTB
patients in achieving sputum negativity sooner and completely.
Nurses’ Sleep Characteristics by Shift Type in a Tertiary Hospital With Flexible Working Arrangements
Authors: Choi Su Jung , Joo Eun Yeon
Published: September 2023

Objectives: To improve the adaptation of shift work, various flexible shift patterns for nurses have introduced in addition to the existing eight-hour-three-shift system. This study aimed to compare the differences in rotating nurses’ sleep characteristics according to shift patterns. Methods: A total of 62 rotating nurses (all females, mean age 29.79±4.30 years) participated in sleep monitoring for consecutive two weeks. Objective sleep was obtained using Readiband (Fatigue Science, Inc., Vancouver, BC, Canada), a wrist-worn device that uses an accelerometer to distinguish sleep and wakefulness. Subjective sleep characteristics were measured using the Morningness-Eveningness questionnaire (MEQ), Bedtime Procrastination Scale (BPS), Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), and Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). Results: Mean BPS was 30.42±5.10, ESS was 10.42±4.27, and ISI was 11.58±4.16, and there were no statistical differences in sleep parameters except for total sleep time (TST). Although significant differences were not found in sleep parameters according to shift patterns, 27.4% of rotating nurses report subjective sleep problems. More than half (59.7%) suffer from excessive daytime sleepiness. ISI was negatively correlated with age (rho=-0.275, p=0.031) and shift work period (rho=-0.278, p=0.028), but it was positively correlated with ESS (rho=0.306, p=0.015). Furthermore, BPS was negatively correlated with MEQ (rho=-0.351, p=0.005) and TST (rho=-0.307, p=0.016). Conclusions: To improve the sleep of rotating nurses, more active interventions, such as sleep education to reduce bedtime procrastination and short naps during night shifts, are needed.
Insomnia Treatment in the Digital Healthcare Era: Present and Future
Authors: Cho Jae Wook , Kim Hyun-Woo , Jeong Jake , Baek Kwangyeol
Published: September 2023

Insomnia is a prevalent sleep disorder characterized by difficulties in falling asleep, frequent awakenings, or waking up too early. These disturbances adversely affect patient’s health. Although numerous insomnia treatment guidelines recommend cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) as the primary treatment approach, its clinical effectiveness has been hampered because of challenges such as insurance concerns, limited healthcare accessibility, inadequate compensation for providers, and a shortage of specialists. To address these limitations, CBT-I should be implemented as a digital therapeutic modality. Internationally, products such as Somryst, Sleepio, CBT-I Coach, Night Owl-Sleep Coach, and Minddistrict have been utilized. In South Korea, emerging digital therapeutic devices such as Somzz and PilLow Rx are also being introduced. In this review, we explored the current status of digital therapeutic modalities for insomnia in both international and domestic markets, aiming to provide insights into the future prospects in the realm of insomnia treatment in the modern digital healthcare era.
Concepció d'una eina brasilera per a l'elaboració de plans de gestió de dades de recerca : reptes per al model de plans automàtics (maDMP)
Authors: Rezende Laura Vilela Rodrigues , Monteiro Elizabete Cristina de Souza de Aguiar , Stueber Ketlen , Silva Fabiano Couto Corrêa da , Grácio Alexandre Faria de Oliveira , Olivera Alexandre Faria de
Published: September 2023

Objectius: aquest treball presenta un estudi del model conceptual d'una eina per elaborar i gestionar plans per a la gestió de dades automàtics (maDMP, Machine Actionable Data Management Plan) per a l'escenari brasiler dirigit per l'Instituto Brasileiro de Informação em Ciência e Tecnologia (IBICT). Com a objectius, s’analitzen les eines existents per decidir sobre la viabilitat de desenvolupar una solució des del principi o bé adaptar-ne i remodelar-ne una d'existent, a més de dissenyar el model conceptual considerant els agents implicats en l'ecosistema de recerca brasiler.
 Metodologia: es tracta d’un informe de l'experiència amb un estudi exploratori per desenvolupar el model conceptual d'una eina per elaborar un pla de gestió de dades en l'escenari brasiler. S'ha utilitzat el mètode Design Science Research, que estableix un procés sistemàtic que permet a l'investigador recercar, descriure o explicar un fenomen i també dissenyar o prescriure solucions per a un problema concret (Dresch et al., 2014).
 Resultats: es presenten els detalls de l'estudi comparatiu de les eines existents per a l'elaboració de plans de gestió de dades (PGD), a més del disseny del model conceptual de la solució brasilera. S'interpreta que l'escenari ideal per a aquest cas consisteix a personalitzar l'eina DMPTool que ja existia, per tal d’optimitzar els recursos i el temps de desenvolupament. És una eina robusta, amb una comunitat de desenvolupament activa i actualitzacions freqüents, la qual cosa la converteix en una bona solució per crear PGD automàtics. Cal destacar el paper important d'aquest estudi en la comprensió de les connexions i l'intercanvi d'informació necessaris per a l'ecosistema de la ciència brasilera, en el qual l'eina PGD de l'IBICT té un paper centralitzador i aglutinador d'aquesta informació.
La política de preservació digital : models i elements clau per redactar-la
Authors: Leija Román David Alonso
Published: September 2023

Objetivos: este artículo identifica modelos y metodologías para desarrollar políticas de preservación digital, especialmente en la descripción de la intención, el compromiso y la responsabilidad de una organización en el redactado de la política.
 Metodología: se tipifican métodos para desarrollar políticas de preservación digital y modelos con apartados descriptivos para redactar políticas de preservación digital. A continuación, se identifican y concretan coincidencias funcionales en metodologías para desarrollar políticas de preservación digital. Por último, se analiza un cuadro comparativo de modelos con apartados descriptivos para considerar elementos clave para redactar una política de preservación digital.
 Resultados: los modelos descriptivos y los métodos de desarrollo de políticas de preservación digital dan prioridad al redactado de apartados de ámbito declarativo que describen la importancia de la preservación digital desde su ámbito de alcance y objetivos funcionales, los materiales que cubre, los responsables y las autoridades que respaldan las acciones; esto, con el fin de consolidar un pronunciamiento formal de intención, compromiso y responsabilidad como sección introductoria y clave en la política de preservación digital.
The Struggle for Meaningful Work
Authors: Anderson Elizabeth
Published: September 2023

Abstract: This conflict over the proper treatment of workers during the COVID-19 pandemic is the latest battle in a three-century struggle over the political implications of the country’s traditional work ethic.
Plastic People
Authors: Hu Jane
Published: September 2023

Abstract: There has long been a gap between stereotypical ideas of women’s empowerment and gendered reality. Barbie explores these contradictions in miniature.
Ask a Neoliberal An Interview with J. Bradford DeLong
Authors: Shenk Timothy , DeLong J. Bradford
Published: September 2023

Abstract: An economist at UC Berkeley and former member of the Clinton administration, DeLong now views the neoliberal project as a failure. But in 1999 he said it was “the only live utopian program in the world today.” We talked about neoliberalism’s origins, the sources of its appeal, and whether we have really moved beyond it.
Non-line-of-sight optical camera communications based on CPWM and a convolutional neural network
Authors: Wan Xiangyu , Lin Bangjiang , Ghassemlooy Zabih , Huang Tianming , Luo Jiabin , Ding Yongqi
Published: September 2023

Non-line-of-sight (NLOS) optical camera communications (OCC) exhibit greater link availability and mobility than line-of-sight links, which are more susceptible to blocking and shadowing. In this work, we propose an NLOS OCC system, where the data signal is mapped into color pulse width modulation (CPWM) symbols prior to transmission using a red-, green-, and blue light-emitting diode. A convolutional-neural-network-based receiver is used to demodulate the CPWM signal. Based on experimental results, the proposed scheme effectively mitigates the effects of diffuse reflection induced intersymbol interference, resulting in an increased data transmission rate to 7.2 kbps over a link span of more than 2 m, which is typical for indoor applications.
Structure-aware guided filtering for a ring artifact correction in synchrotron x-ray microtomography
Authors: Zhao YuQing , Ma ChenYang , Ji Dong Jiang , Peng YuJie , Li FangZhi , Li YiMin , Hu ChunHong
Published: September 2023

Synchrotron-based x-ray microtomography (S-µCT) is a powerful non-invasive three-dimensional (3D) imaging technique used for visualizing the internal structure of objects with micron-scale spatial resolution. However, in practical applications, ring artifacts often occur in S-µCT, which significantly degrades image quality and hinders interpretation. In this study, we propose a ring artifact correction method based on guided image filtering (GIF). The method first extracts structural prior from the input S-µCT images and then uses it as the guidance image to correct the ring artifacts. Finally, GIF with a self-guidance image is employed to further enhance image quality. Extensive comparisons and analyses on simulations and real data experiments demonstrate that the proposed method is capable of effectively correcting ring artifacts, accompanied by low-dose noise suppression and sparse-view artifact reduction. These findings suggest that the proposed method has great potential to promote the wider applications of S-µCT in the future.
Assessing the mechanisms of multi-drug resistant non-typhoidal Salmonella (NTS) serovars isolated from layer chicken farms in Nigeria
Authors: Fagbamila Idowu Oluwabunmi , Ramon Elena , Lettini Antonia A. , Muhammad Maryam , Longo Alessandra , Antonello Keti , Aworh Mabel K. , Kwaga Jacob K. P. , Abdu Paul A. , Umoh Jarleth U. , Kabir Junaidu A. , Ricci Antonia , Barco Lisa
Published: September 2023

Background

In Nigeria, there have been reports of widespread multiple antimicrobial resistance (AMR) amongst Salmonella isolated from poultry. To mitigate the impact of mortality associated with Salmonella on their farms, farmers resort to the use of antimicrobials without sound diagnostic advice. We conducted this study to describe the AMR patterns, mechanisms and genetic similarities within some Salmonella serovars isolated from different layer farms.

Method

We determine the AMR profiles of two hundred Salmonella isolates, selected based on frequency, serovar, and geographical and sample type distribution. We also assessed the mechanisms of multi-drug resistance for specific genetic determinants by using PCR protocols and gene sequence analysis. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) was conducted on seven selected serovars to determine their genetic relatedness.

Results

Of 200 isolates, 97 (48.5%) revealed various AMR profiles, with the multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) index ranging from 0.07–0.5. Resistance to ciprofloxacin was common in all the multi-drug resistant isolates, while all the isolates were susceptible to cefotaxime, ceftazidime, and meropenem. Genotypic characterization showed the presence of resistance genes as well as mutations in the nucleotide genes with subsequent amino acid substitutions. Fifteen isolates (43%) of S. Kentucky were indistinguishable, but were isolated from four different states in Nigeria (Ogun, n = 9; Kaduna, n = 6; Plateau, n = 3, and: Bauchi, n = 2). PFGE revealed 40 pulsotype patterns (Kentucky, n = 12; Larochelle, n = 9; Virchow, n = 5; Saintpaul, n = 4; Poona, n = 3; Isangi, n = 2, and; Nigeria, n = 2).

Conclusion

This study recorded strictly related but diversely distributed Salmonella serovars with high AMR rates in poultry. We recommend strict regulation on antimicrobial use and regular monitoring of AMR trends among bacteria isolated from animals and humans to inform public policy.
DEI representation on Instagram: An analysis of two fast fashion retailers
Authors: Zumbrock Sarah A. , Sung Jihyun , Mull Ian R.
Published: September 2023

As fashion retailers have started to emphasize their responsibility in society, the significance of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in the fashion industry has increased. This study explores the DEI commitments made by two fast fashion retailers (i.e. H&M and Zara) to examine whether they uphold and portray their DEI commitments through their Instagram postings by focusing on the following four DEI subcategories: people of colour, size inclusivity, LGBTQIA+ and physical disabilities. The study first analysed each retailer’s DEI statement to determine what claims each retailer makes regarding DEI. The data collection process comprised an examination of Instagram posts during the first week of every month from February 2021 to January 2022 utilizing the National Retail Federation (NRF) 4-5-4 calendar. Researchers collected qualitative/quantitative data and used content/comparative analysis to analyse the data. The findings indicated that representation might not be as equitable as their claims state. Based on the findings of this research, the study provides practical implications for enhancing DEI representation in retailers’ Instagram posts and marketing to facilitate more effective communication. Further, this study contributes to the existing literature on DEI commitments in the fashion industry by highlighting the practices of fast fashion retailers in their Instagram posts and marketing.
Invasive Pulmonary Candidiasis in a Patient Requiring Chronic Total Parenteral Nutrition
Authors: Nagar Tripti , Ramakrishna Jahanavi M. , Reddy Trishya , Turk Issam
Published: September 2023

The complications of total parenteral nutrition (TPN) in critically ill patients on short-term supplementation are well-established in the literature. However, data on managing complications, including fungal infections, in those requiring chronic TPN are lacking. The risk of fungal infections in patients requiring long-term TPN is multifactorial, including mechanisms that lead to immune system dysregulation, translocation, and seeding. Current clinical practice favors percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy formation in patients requiring continued parenteral nutritional support, but in some patients who have undergone extensive abdominal surgeries, a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube is infeasible. We present a 42-year-old woman requiring chronic TPN who was found to have cavitary pulmonary candidiasis.
Becoming Max, Athena, and Kristin: Transnormative Nationalism in Dark Angel, Battlestar Galactica, and the Chelsea Manning Controversy
Authors: Cava Peter
Published: September 2023

In Terrorist Assemblages, Jasbir Puar introduces the concept of homonationalism as an analytic for a sociohistorical moment of seeming contradictions in gay politics. Since the book's first edition in 2007, several scholars have theorized the relation between homonationalism and transgender politics by examining nonfictional texts from 2007 onward. That scholarship most often explores the controversy surrounding US transparency activist Chelsea Manning's 2010 leaks of government information and subsequent “coming out” as transgender. However, interactions among homonationalism, transgender politics, and fictional texts remain undertheorized. Analyzing those interactions with a focus on American exceptionalism and science fiction television, this article shows that transnormative nationalism began territorializing through transtextuality as early as 2000. This argument not only contributes a more comprehensive explanation of the relation between homonationalism and transgender politics but also reveals the role of science fiction television in connecting the two. The argument's supporting evidence comprises a science fiction television figure termed the post-post-gender cyborg woman. This figure is incarnated in Max, a transgenic woman in Dark Angel (Fox, 2000–2002), and Sharon, a female humanoid Cylon (or robot) in Battlestar Galactica (Sky1 and Sci Fi Channel, 2004–2009). The method is a multiperspectival cultural studies approach, which holistically interprets a text's cultural meanings through analyzing not only the text but also its transtextually related texts, production, and reception. The data include television episodes, webisodes, DVD special features, tie-in novels, published interviews, professional criticism, fan fiction, and fan video. The analysis concludes with how transnormative nationalism reterritorialized in the Manning controversy.
Hip-hop's Early Introduction to Sex: Queer Readings of Black Male “Rape” in Popular Culture
Authors: Bost Darius
Published: September 2023

In the first two decades of the twenty-first century, there were several stories in the popular media about Black men's and boys’ experiences of childhood sexual violence. Though this media attention is noteworthy given the stereotypes of Black men as hypermasculine and hypersexual that have positioned Black men as beyond the pale of public sympathy, stories of Black male sexual victimization can also traffic in narratives of deviance. This article examines media representation of the childhood sexual experiences of national recording artists Chris Brown and Lil Wayne to show how deterministic narratives of sexual deviance and sexual victimization circumscribe Black men's sexual stories and proposes a way of reading these stories beyond those narrative constraints.
From defending the “opposite of property” to the fundamental right to property, the case for the application of human rights law and philosophy to the international intellectual property regime.
Authors: Lafay Anna-Lisa
Published: September 2023

International intellectual property law has extended so far in scope, both substantially and geographically, that it plays a role in aggravating poverty, creating crises in access to medicine and in the exploitation of indigenous peoples’ resources, to cite a few of its impacts. This expansion of intellectual property law has been extensively criticised, most famously by “cultural environmentalists”, who compare the public domain to a natural resource which is being depleted by intellectual property rights. While this criticism aptly brings into question the international intellectual property regime, the binary it relies on, between the public domain and intellectual property, does little to address the nefarious human impacts of the regime. Instead, bringing intellectual property law within the ambit of international human rights law allows for a more comprehensive evaluation of ethical concerns and human consequences, bringing nuance that the cultural environmentalists’ public domain rhetoric lacks.
LOGIKA TOLERANSI BERAGAMA MENURUT PERSFEKTIF MASYARAKAT PERKOTAAN DI KOTA BANDUNG
Authors: Abdul Halim Ilim , Muhlas Muhlas
Published: September 2023

Penelitian ini menganalisis cara berpikir penganut agama tentang toleransi beragama. Pemikiran toleransi ini sejak dulu sudah diteliti oleh berbagai Lembaga dan diprogramkan oleh pemerintah dan Lembaga-lembaga, namun masih tetap perlu dikaji mengingat masyarakat Indonesia memiliki potensi konflik dan intoleransi. Terdapat tiga hal dibahas di dalam tulisan ini. Pertama, konsep toleransi beragama menurut masyarakat perkotaan. Kedua, tindakan toleransi beragama sebagai bentuk sikap kehidupan. Ketiga, proses penalaran masyarakat perkotaan mengenai toleransi beragama. Konsep logika silogisme yang dikembangkan Aristoteles digunakan dalam penelitian ini sebagai metode deskriptif dengan analisis kualitatif. Temuan utama dalam tulisan artikel ini adanya konsep toleransi beragama dari masyarakat perkotaan. Konsep toleransi beragama itu terangkum dalam tiga nilai yaitu adil, bebas dan identitas. Masyarakat perkotaan memiliki proposisi atau pernyataaan tentang toleransi beragama yang dianggap benar menurut cara pandang dan pengalaman mereka. Terdapat tiga jenis proses penalaran adalah penalaran induktif, deduktif dan silogisme. Simpulan dari tulisan ini adalah  masyarakat perkotaan memiliki pemikiran tentang toleransi beragama yang logis dan dijadikan dasar dalam Tindakan sosial kehidupan beragama.