bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Associations between biological maturation, physical performance, postural control, and mathematical achievement in youth soccer players
Authors: Hermassi Souhail , Konukman Ferman , Al-Marri Senaid Salem , Hayes Lawrence D. , Bartels Thomas , Schwesig René
Published: March 2024

This investigation explored relationships between biological maturation, physical and academic performance in young male soccer players. Thirty-eight players (age: 9.79 ± 1.21 years; body mass index (BMI): 20.4 ± 2.39 kg/m2; body fat: 16.8 ± 2.21%) participated. Measures of anthropometry used for body mass, body fat percentage (%BF), and BMI as well. Postural control, 15 m sprint, squat jumps and counter-movement jumps (SJ, CMJ), and T-half test for change-of-direction (CoD) were parameters of physical performance. The grade point average (GPA) of mathematics determined academic attainment. Moore’s equations were used to estimate their maturity status (PHV). Biological maturation was highly correlated with most (not 15 m sprint) physical and academic performance parameters, especially CMJ (r = -0.812) and mathematics (r = -0.781). Academic performance showed the largest relations to the jumping performance (CMJ: r = 0.771; SJ: r = 0.723). In contrast, anthropometric and fatness parameters were not relevantly (r ≥ 0.5) correlated with any other parameters. The largest correlations were calculated for sitting height vs. SJ (r = -0.408), sitting height vs. postural control (r = -0.355), leg length vs. postural control (r = -0.339). As a result, it is essential to take biological maturation inconsideration while assessing the physical and academic achievement of young soccer players. In consequence, soccer coaches and physical education (PE) teachers should be cognizant of the impact of biological maturity on physical and academic performance to assist fair and equal opportunities for achievement in young players.
Associations between diet quality, demographics, health conditions and spice and herb intake of adults with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Hammer Emily , Acevedo Sofia , Andrade Jeanette Mary
Published: March 2024

Scant literature has been able to demonstrate an association between dietary habits and spice and herb consumption, especially for those who have chronic kidney disease. The objectives of this study were to 1) determine the frequency and quantity of spices and herbs consumed and 2) determine the associations between diet quality and its food components, demographics, and health conditions with spice and herb frequency and variety consumption of adults with chronic kidney disease. A cross-sectional online study was conducted with adults with various stages of chronic kidney disease (n = 71). Participants responded to an online demographic, diet and spice and herb questionnaire on RedCap. Diet quality was determined through the diet questionnaire. Descriptives, frequencies and Spearman correlations were conducted using SPSS v28 with a significance of p<0.05. Most participants were in chronic kidney disease stage 3 (42.3%) with a majority (98.6%) self-identifying as non-Hispanic white. On average, participants consumed black pepper more than once daily (47.9%) with the spice quantity at 5 g. The median diet quality score was 38.5 (range 31.5–48.5). Positive associations were identified with overall diet quality scores and certain spices such as basil (r = 0.33; p<0.01) and cinnamon (r = 0.37; p<0.002). Further associations were seen with food groups, self-identifying as white and health conditions with spice frequency and variety of spices and herbs consumed. Overall, positive associations were observed with diet quality and spice and herb intake, in which higher diet quality scores would indicate higher consumption of spices and herbs. Further research should focus on diet quality and spice and herb consumption in reducing progression of this disease.
Efficacy of acupuncture for anxiety and depression in functional dyspepsia: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Xu Zhiwei , Zhang Xuecheng , Shi Hongshuo , Liang Minghao , Ning Fenglan , Wang Qi , Jia Hongling
Published: March 2024

Objective

To assess the effectiveness of acupuncture for treating depression and anxiety in patients diagnosed with functional dyspepsia (FD).

Methods

PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CNKI, Wanfang Data, Sinomed, and VIP Database were searched until April 30, 2023 for Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) comparing acupuncture to placebo or drugs for symptom alleviation. Two independent reviewers conducted the study search, data extraction, and bias risk assessment using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Mean difference (MD), risk ratio (RR), and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) were computed. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were also performed. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system was employed to evaluate the evidence level.

Results

A total of 16 RCTs involving 1315 participants were included. Acupuncture demonstrated marked superiority over placebo (MD = -7.07, 95%CI: -11.03 to -3.10, very low quality evidence) in mitigating Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) scores and was found to be more effective in reducing Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) scores than either placebo (MD = -4.63, 95%CI: -6.28 to -2.98, low quality evidence) or first-line drugs (MD = -2.71, 95%CI: -5.19 to -0.23, very low quality evidence). In terms of attenuating Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA) and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD) scores, acupuncture consistently outperformed both placebo (HAMA: MD = -2.58, 95%CI: -4.33 to -0.83, very low quality evidence; HAMD: MD = -1.89, 95%CI: -3.11 to -0.67, low quality evidence) and first-line drugs (HAMA: MD = -5.76, 95%CI: -10.18 to -1.35, very low quality evidence; HAMD: MD = -5.59, 95%CI: -7.59 to -3.59, very low quality evidence). However, no significant difference was observed between acupuncture and placebo in terms of improvement in Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) scores.

Conclusions

Based on current clinical evidence, acupuncture might have a positive effect on depression and anxiety in patients with FD. Further large-sample, multi-center, high-quality RCTs validation are required, as the conclusion is limited by the quantity and quality of the included studies.
Prediction model of land surface settlement deformation based on improved LSTM method: CEEMDAN-ICA-AM-LSTM (CIAL) prediction model
Authors: Zhu Shengchao , Qin Yongjun , Meng Xin , Xie Liangfu , Zhang Yongkang , Yuan Yangchun
Published: March 2024

The uneven settlement of the surrounding ground surface caused by subway construction is not only complicated but also liable to cause casualties and property damage, so a timely understanding of the ground settlement deformation in the subway excavation and its prediction in real time is of practical significance. Due to the complex nonlinear relationship between subway settlement deformation and numerous influencing factors, as well as the existence of a time lag effect and the influence of various factors in the process, the prediction performance and accuracy of traditional prediction methods can no longer meet industry demands. Therefore, this paper proposes a surface settlement deformation prediction model by combining noise reduction and attention mechanism (AM) with the long short-term memory (LSTM). The complete ensemble empirical mode decomposition with adaptive noise (CEEMDAN) and independent component analysis (ICA) methods are used to denoise the input original data and then combined with AM and LSTM for prediction to obtain the CEEMDAN-ICA-AM-LSTM (CIAL) prediction model. Taking the settlement monitoring data of the construction site of Urumqi Rail Transit Line 1 as an example for analysis reveals that the model in this paper has better effectiveness and applicability in the prediction of surface settlement deformation than multiple prediction models. The RMSE, MAE, and MAPE values of the CIAL model are 0.041, 0.033 and 0.384%; R2 is the largest; the prediction effect is the best; the prediction accuracy is the highest; and its reliability is good. The new method is effective for monitoring the safety of surface settlement deformation.
Impacts of chemical fertilizer reduction on grain yield: A case study of China
Authors: Xiong Changjiang , Zhao Xianghao
Published: March 2024

Reducing fertilizer usage is a crucial measure for achieving high-quality development in Chinese agriculture. Utilizing panel data from 31 Chinese provinces spanning from 2004 to 2019, this study empirically analyzes the dynamic relationship between fertilizer application and grain production, exploring the underlying mechanisms. The study findings reveal that the application of fertilizers maintains a positive impact on grain production. The two variables will demonstrate a dynamic alternation between "strong decoupling" and "retreat decoupling," suggesting that grain production may either increase or gradually decline, while fertilizer application exhibits a decreasing trend. Mechanism analysis reveals a distinct substitution relationship between fertilizer use efficiency and application quantity. Increasing fertilizer use efficiency while reducing application quantity still facilitates the stable and increased production of grains. Heterogeneity analysis indicates that the efficiency of fertilizer use has a more pronounced impact on grain yield in the eastern and western regions. Increasing fertilizer quantity is detrimental to wheat yield but has a promoting effect on corn yield. However, in the main grain-producing areas, increasing fertilizer quantity can enhance wheat yield but is unfavorable for the overall grain yield. Additionally, nitrogen fertilizer input has exceeded the optimal level compared to potassium fertilizer. Continuously increasing nitrogen fertilizer input will hinder the increase in grain yield. Therefore, there is a need to shift from the notion of "more fertilizer is better" and focus on improving fertilizer use efficiency to transition from the emphasis on "quantity" to "quality" of fertilizer application.
Refining and adapting the measurement properties of evidence-based practice measures for physiotherapy students
Authors: Al Zoubi Fadi M. , Bussières André , Chan Hoi Wai , Leung Kit Yat , Ng Yui Yin , Lau Ka Chun , Ngai Shirley P. C. , Tsang Sharon M. H. , Wong Arnold Y. L. , Thomas Aliki
Published: March 2024

Objective

There is a lack of reliable and valid evidence-based practice (EBP) measures for physiotherapy students. This study validated EBP-student (EBP-S) measures for physiotherapy students.

Methods

EBP measures developed from previous research were cross-culturally validated for use by physiotherapy students. The adapted EBP-S consisted of six measures: use of EBP, EBP activities, EBP knowledge, self-efficacy for EBP, attitudes towards EBP, and perceptions of the teaching and assessment of EBP in the curriculum. The final version was completed by physiotherapy students (n = 335). The psychometric properties for each EBP-S measure were estimated, including construct validity using Rasch model, internal consistency reliability using person separation index (PSI), test-retest reliability using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and differential item functioning (DIF).

Results

Two formative measures (use of EBP and EBP activities) were only linguistically modified for use with students. A Rasch model was applied to the other four reflective measures. For knowledge, 55% (6/11) items fit the Rasch model with chi-square fit statistic (χ2) = 34.46, p = 0.08; PSI = 0.85. For self-efficacy, 89% (8/9) items fit the Rasch model with χ2 = 25.11, p = 0.80; PSI = 0.89. For attitudes, 62% (8/13) items fit the Rasch model with χ2 = 61.49, p = 0.00; PSI = 0.71. For perception of the teaching and assessment of EBP in the curriculum, 62% (8/13) items fit the Rasch model with χ2 = 80.99, p = 0.45; PSI = 0.92. perception of the teaching and assessment of EBP in the curriculum showed DIF in three items. The ICCs ranged between 0.80 and 0.98.

Conclusions

The EBP-S measures were validated for physiotherapy students, including the testing of psychometric properties, which were not tested in the original studies. Further refinements should be considered for the use of the EBP-S with other groups of students or if changes are applied to the current curriculum.
Association of integration with oral health among Indian migrants living in the Netherlands
Authors: Pabbla Amandeep , Agyemang Charles , Heijden Geert van der , Duijster Denise
Published: March 2024

Background

Limited data exist about the relationship between acculturation and oral health. Hence, the aim of this study was to assess the association of integration with self-reported oral health, behaviours, and oral healthcare utilization among Indian migrants living in the Netherlands, a cross sectional survey study.

Methods

Between February and April 2021, a random sample from Dutch municipalities was obtained for the Indian migrants living in the Netherlands (n = 147). A validated questionnaire was used to collect information on independent variables, namely socio-demographic, integration assessment tool: Immigration Policy Lab (IPL-12) and everyday discrimination scale (EDS). The outcome variables were self-reported oral health, oral health behaviours, and oral healthcare utilization. Multiple regression analysis was used to assess the associations.

Results

Higher integration among Indian migrants was associated with longer stay in the Netherlands, having a Dutch passport, intention to settle in the Netherlands, and having a permanent residence. After adjusting for covariates such as age, gender, marital status, education, income, occupation, and dental insurance, regression analysis showed that Indians with higher integration had lower odds of reporting their oral health as fair to poor [OR = 0.92(95%CI:0.0.85;0.99)] than the Indians with low integration scores. Also, Indians with higher integration had lower odds of using a manual toothbrush as compared to an electric toothbrush or use of both [OR = 0.86(95%CI:0.76;0.97)]. Highly integrated Indians had lower odds of consuming Indian sweets than lower integrated Indians (OR = 0.91; 95%CI:0.86;0.97). Indians with higher integration had 1.15 times (95% CI:1.03;1.29) higher odds of visiting a Dutch dental professional than visiting a dentist in both places (India and the Netherlands). No significant association was found between discrimination and the three outcome variables.

Conclusion

Integration is positively association with self-reported oral health outcomes among the Indian migrants. Measure to improve integration among Indian migrants may help to promote healthy oral health behaviours and improve their oral health care utilization.
EEG as a potential ground truth for the assessment of cognitive state in software development activities: A multimodal imaging study
Authors: Medeiros Júlio , Simões Marco , Castelhano João , Abreu Rodolfo , Couceiro Ricardo , Henriques Jorge , Castelo-Branco Miguel , Madeira Henrique , Teixeira César , de Carvalho Paulo
Published: March 2024

Cognitive human error and recent cognitive taxonomy on human error causes of software defects support the intuitive idea that, for instance, mental overload, attention slips, and working memory overload are important human causes for software bugs. In this paper, we approach the EEG as a reliable surrogate to MRI-based reference of the programmer’s cognitive state to be used in situations where heavy imaging techniques are infeasible. The idea is to use EEG biomarkers to validate other less intrusive physiological measures, that can be easily recorded by wearable devices and useful in the assessment of the developer’s cognitive state during software development tasks. Herein, our EEG study, with the support of fMRI, presents an extensive and systematic analysis by inspecting metrics and extracting relevant information about the most robust features, best EEG channels and the best hemodynamic time delay in the context of software development tasks. From the EEG-fMRI similarity analysis performed, we found significant correlations between a subset of EEG features and the Insula region of the brain, which has been reported as a region highly related to high cognitive tasks, such as software development tasks. We concluded that despite a clear inter-subject variability of the best EEG features and hemodynamic time delay used, the most robust and predominant EEG features, across all the subjects, are related to the Hjorth parameter Activity and Total Power features, from the EEG channels F4, FC4 and C4, and considering in most of the cases a hemodynamic time delay of 4 seconds used on the hemodynamic response function. These findings should be taken into account in future EEG-fMRI studies in the context of software debugging.
Acceptability and feasibility of long-term, real-time electronic adherence monitoring of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use among young women in Kenya: A mixed methods study
Authors: Ogello Vallery A. , Rono Bernard Kipkoech , Ngure Kenneth , Sedah Eric , Thuo Nicholas B. , Musinguzi Nicholas , Baeten Jared M. , Bukusi Elizabeth A. , Mugo Nelly R. , Haberer Jessica E.
Published: March 2024

Real-time electronic adherence monitoring involves “smart” pill boxes that record and monitor openings as a proxy for pill taking and may be useful in understanding and supporting PrEP use; however, acceptability and/or feasibility for PrEP users is uncertain. We sought to understand the experiences of using a real-time electronic adherence monitor for PrEP delivery among young women in Kisumu and Thika, Kenya. We used the Wisepill device to monitor PrEP use among 18-24-year-old women for two years. Half of the participants were randomized to also receive SMS adherence reminders (daily or as needed for missed doses). We assessed acceptability quantitatively and qualitatively according to the four constructs of Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT): performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, and facilitating conditions. We assessed feasibility by monitor functionality during periods of PrEP use. We analyzed quantitative data descriptively and compared by site and over time; qualitative data were analyzed inductively and deductively. The median age was 21 years (IQR 19–22), median education was 12 years (IQR 10–13), 182 (53%) had disclosed PrEP use, and 55 (16%) reported recent intimate partner violence. Most participants reported high levels of usefulness and high interest in using the monitor with few problems or worries reported throughout follow-up. Feasibility was high overall with some differences by site (96% functional monitor days in Kisumu vs 88% in Thika). Few monitors were reported lost (N = 29; 8%) or dysfunctional (N = 11; 3%). In qualitative interviews, electronic monitoring was perceived as useful because it supported privacy, confidentiality, easy storage, and PrEP adherence. Effort was generally considered low. Participants expressed some concern for stigma from monitor and/or PrEP use. Facilitating conditions involved the monitor size, color, and battery life. Overall, real-time electronic adherence monitoring was a highly acceptable and feasible approach to understand PrEP adherence among young women in a sub-Saharan African setting.
Lower doses of carvedilol in Japanese heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction could show the potential to be non-inferior to higher doses in US patients: An international collaborative observational study
Authors: Maeda Makiko , Humber Douglas , Hida Eisuke , Ohtani Tomohito , Wang Guannan , Wu Tong , Takeda Shiori , Situ Jacinta N. , Hayashi Jun , Nonen Shinpei , Takeda Toshihiro , Okamoto Hiroshi , Hori Masatsugu , Sakata Yasushi , Fujio Yasushi , Tsunoda Shirley M.
Published: March 2024

The Japanese national guidelines recommend significantly lower doses of carvedilol for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) management than the US guidelines. Using real-world data, we determined whether initial and target doses of carvedilol in Japanese patients (JPNs) differ from those in US patients (USPs), especially in Asian Americans (ASA) and Caucasians (CA), and investigated differences in outcomes. We collected data from the electronic medical records, including demographics, carvedilol dosing, tolerability, cardiac functional indicators like EF, cardiovascular events including all-cause deaths, and laboratory values from the University of California, San Diego Health and Osaka University. JPNs had significantly lower doses (mg/day) of carvedilol initiation (66 USPs composed of 38 CAs and 28 ASAs, 17.1±16.2; 93 JPNs, 4.3±4.2, p<0.001) and one year after initiation (33.0±21.8; 11.2±6.5, p<0.001), and a significantly lower relative rate (RR) of dose discontinuation and reduction than USPs (RR: 0.406, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.181–0.911, p<0.05). CAs showed the highest reduction rate (0.184), and ASAs had the highest discontinuation rate (0.107). A slight mean difference with narrow 95% CI ranges straddling zero was observed between the two regions in the change from the baseline of each cardiac functional indicator (LVEF, -0.68 [−5.49–4.12]; LVDd, −0.55 [−3.24–2.15]; LVDd index, −0.25 [−1.92–1.43]; LVDs, −0.03 [−3.84–3.90]; LVDs index, −0.04 [−2.38–2.30]; heart rate, 1.62 [−3.07–6.32]). The event-free survival showed no difference (p = 0.172) among the races. Conclusively, despite JPNs exhibiting markedly lower carvedilol doses, their dose effectiveness has the potential to be non-inferior to that in USPs. Dose de-escalation, not discontinuation, could be an option in some Asian and ASA HFrEF patients intolerable to high doses of carvedilol.
Research on energy-saving control of agricultural hybrid tractors integrating working condition prediction
Authors: Feng Ganghui , Zhang Junjiang , Yan Xianghai , Dong Chunhong , Liu Mengnan , Xu Liyou
Published: March 2024

To address the issues of tractors using too much fuel and not being energy efficient, a predictive control strategy based on Pontryagin’s minimum principle integrating working condition prediction is proposed for agricultural hybrid tractors. The Dongfanghong 1804 tractor is being used for research. Firstly, the main parameters of the hybrid drive system are determined and modeled. Secondly, based on the adaptive cubic exponential forecasting method, the working condition information for a period of time in the future is predicted through historical working condition information. Furthermore, combining the predicted working conditions information, the goal is to minimize the total energy consumption cost of the entire machine. Motor power and diesel engine power are control variables. The battery state of charge is a state variable. Subsequently, a predictive control strategy based on Pontryagin’s minimum principle integrating working condition prediction is proposed. Finally, the simulation test is carried out based on the MATLAB simulation platform. Research indicates: under plowing conditions, compared with the power following control strategy, the proposed predictive control strategy can effectively manage the performance of the diesel engine and motor, ensuring they operate at their most efficient level. The total energy consumption costs of the power following control and predictive control strategies are 37.17 China Yuan (CNY) and 33.67 CNY, respectively. The cost of energy used is decreased by 9. 42%, which helps make tractor field plowing more efficient and economical.
Variation of sugar compounds in Phoebe chekiangensis seeds during natural desiccation
Authors: He Huangpan , Gao Handong , Xue Xiaoming , Ren Jiahui , Chen Xueqi , Niu Ben
Published: March 2024

To investigate the role of sugar metabolism in desiccation-sensitive seeds, we performed a natural desiccation treatment on Phoebe chekiangensis seeds in a room and systematically analyzed the changes in seed germination, sugar compounds, malondialdehyde, and relative electrical conductivity during the seed desiccation. The results revealed that the initial moisture content of P. chekiangensis seed was very high (37.06%) and the seed was sensitive to desiccation, the germination percentage of the seed decreased to 5.33% when the seed was desiccated to 22.04% of moisture content, therefore, the seeds were considered recalcitrant. Based on the logistic model, we know that the moisture content of the seeds is 29.05% when the germination percentage drops to 50% and that it is desirable to keep the seed moisture content above 31.74% during ambient transportation. During seed desiccation, sucrose and trehalose contents exhibited increasing trends, and raffinose also increased during the late stage of desiccation, however, low levels of the non-reducing sugar accumulations may not prevent the loss of seed viability caused by desiccation. Glucose and fructose predominated among sugar compounds, and they showed a slight increase followed by a significant decrease. Their depletion may have contributed to the accumulation of sucrose and raffinose family oligosaccharides. Correlation analysis revealed a significant relationship between the accumulation of sucrose, trehalose, and soluble sugars, and the reduction in seed viability. Sucrose showed a significant negative correlation with glucose and fructose. Trehalose also exhibited the same pattern of correlation. These results provided additional data and theoretical support for understanding the mechanism of sugar metabolism in seed desiccation sensitivity.
Factors associated with caregiver burden of toileting assistance at home versus in a nursing home: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Shogenji Miho , Yoshida Mikako , Kakuchi Takahiro , Hirako Kohei
Published: March 2024

This study aimed to identify differences in caregiver burden related to toileting assistance, and examine the factors associated with the most burdensome aspects of providing toileting assistance. In 2019, a self-administered postal survey was conducted with 743 caregivers of older adults who received subsidies for continence products in Komatsu City, Japan. Both family caregivers and nursing home staff answered questions regarding older adults’ urinary/fecal symptoms, toileting assistance, and perceived caregiver burden. Older adults living at home had less need for toileting assistance than those in nursing homes. However, family caregivers experienced more burden than nursing home staff. The most frequent physical burden associated with toileting assistance for family caregivers was urinary/fecal leakage from absorbent incontinence products. This burden was linked to family caregivers providing care at home, using a combination of urinary pads and diapers, and symptoms that caused burdens on caregivers including urinary/fecal incontinence, nocturia, and no desire to urinate. These results suggest that leakage caused by the inappropriate use of urinary pads combined with diapers is a source of caregiver burden. Continence care experts should provide guidance to family caregivers of older adults, particularly those who are underweight and frail, regarding the selection and fitting of absorbent incontinence products.
What do people know and think about medical overuse? an online questionnaire study in Germany
Authors: Nürnberger Carolin , Kühlein Thomas , Hueber Susann
Published: March 2024

Background

Medical overuse is defined as health care services that exceed the individual needs of patients and when the potential harms of medical interventions exceed their benefits. It has impacts on patients as well as on health care resources. To address medical overuse, it is important to understand the knowledge and experiences of overuse on the side of patients.

Research questions

What is the citizens’ understanding of overuse? How do they assess its relevance, causes, consequences and potential solutions?

Methods

A quantitative online survey was conducted. The participants were asked to state what they understand by medical overuse. Statements on causes, consequences and possible solutions were evaluated. Recruitment was carried out via a panel of a market research institute (Schlesinger Group).

Results

The survey was completed by 406 participants. In terms of age and gender, the sample corresponded to the distribution in the German population. The majority had never heard of medical overuse (58%). About 60% assumed that medical overuse means "too much medicine including overtreatment and overtesting”. Medical overuse was mainly suspected for services not covered by the public health insurance system (56%), surgical interventions (45%) and medication prescriptions (37%). Reasons for medical overuse were seen in uncoordinated care and financial incentives, but also in the expectations of patients. The main problem with medical overuse was seen in rising health care costs, while harmful physical and mental consequences for patients were mentioned less often. In order to reduce medical overuse, little importance was attributed to a primary care based system or higher financial contribution of patients. Instead, stricter cost control on the side of physicians and better coordination between care providers were suggested as solutions. Differences in socio-demographic characteristics hardly showed any differences in response behavior.

Conclusion

More than half of the respondents had never heard of medical overuse. Overuse was mainly associated with financial causes and consequences. It was not seen that overuse can be harmful for patients directly. The limited awareness of the problem of overuse probably is a barrier to tackling it effectively. Communicating the topic to the public might therefore be an effective start to mitigate medical overuse.

Take home message

Many citizens seem not to be familiar with the concept of medical overuse, especially not with the fact that it may directly cause harm to patients. Informing citizens about the harms of medical overuse might be helpful in mitigating it.
Importation trends in antibiotics for veterinary use in Rwanda: A retrospective study between 2019 and 2021
Authors: Manishimwe Rosine , Ndayisenga Balthazar , Habimana Richard , Mwikarago Ivan Emile , Habiyaremye Theobald , Ndindibije Jean Paul , Shyaka Anselme , Kabatende Joseph , Habyalimana Vedaste , Karangwa Charles , Bienvenu Emile
Published: March 2024

Estimating antibiotic consumption in animals is fundamental to guiding decision-making and research on controlling the emergence and spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in humans, animals, and the environment. This study aimed to establish importation trends of antibiotics for veterinary use in Rwanda between 2019 and 2021. Data was collected from the Rwanda Food and Drugs Authority’s database. Quantities of imported antibiotic active ingredients were computed using the information extracted from the issued import licenses. These quantities were subsequently adjusted per animal biomass. In total, 35,291.4 kg of antibiotics were imported into Rwanda between 2019 and 2021, with an annual mean of 11,763.8 ± 1,486.9 kg. The adjustment of imported quantities of antibiotics per animal biomass revealed that 29.1 mg/kg, 24.3 mg/kg, and 30.3 mg/kg were imported in 2019, 2020, and 2021 respectively. A slight but not statistically significant decline in antibiotic importation was noted in 2020 (p-value = 0.547). Most of the imported antibiotics were indicated to be used in food-producing animals (35,253.8 kg or 99.9% of the imported antibiotics). Tetracyclines (17,768.6 kg or 50.3%), followed by sulfonamides (7,865.0 kg or 22.3%) and aminoglycosides (4,071.1 kg or 11.5%), were the most imported antibiotics over the studied period. It was noted that 78.9% of the imported antibiotics were categorized as highly important antimicrobials for human medicine. This study established a generalized overview of the importation of antibiotics for veterinary use in Rwanda. These results can serve as guidance for the control of antibiotic misuse. They can be used to make a correlation between antibiotic importation, antibiotic consumption, and the occurrence of antibiotic resistance in the country.
Association between albumin-corrected anion gap and in-hospital mortality of intensive care patients with trauma: A retrospective study based on MIMIC-Ⅲ and Ⅳ databases
Authors: Yin Fei , Qiao Zhenguo , Wu Xiaofei , Shi Qiang , Jin Rongfei , Xu Yuzhou
Published: March 2024

Background

To investigate the correlation between albumin-corrected anion gap(ACAG) within the first 24 hours of admission and in-hospital mortality in trauma patients in intensive care unit(ICU).

Materials and methods

We utilized the MIMIC-Ⅲ and MIMIC-Ⅳ databases to examine trauma patients admitted to the ICU. The relationship between ACAG and in-hospital mortality in trauma patients was analyzed using Receiver Operating Characteristic(ROC) curve, Kaplan-Meier (K-M) survival curve, and Cox regression model. Propensity score matching (PSM) and subgroup analysis were conducted to enhance stability and reliability of the findings. Mortality at 30-day and 90-day served as secondary outcomes.

Results

The study enrolled a total of 1038 patients. The AUC for ACAG (0.701, 95%CI: 0.652–0.749) was notably higher than that for anion gap and albumin. The Log-rank test revealed that the optimal cut-off point of ACAG for predicting in-hospital mortality was determined to be 20.375mmol/L. The multivariate Cox regression analysis demonstrated an independent association between high ACAG level and a higher risk of in-hospital mortality (HR = 3.128, 95% CI: 1.615–6.059). After PSM analysis, a matched cohort consisting of 291 subjects was obtained. We found no signifcant interaction in most stratas. Finally, The in-hospital, 30-day, and 90-day survival rates in the high ACAG group exhibited a statistically decrease compared to those in the low ACAG group both pre- and post-matching.

Conclusion

The elevated level of ACAG was found to be independently associated with increased in-hospital mortality among trauma patients in the ICU.
A case study on finding grounds for how to know and understand, how to act on that (partial) knowledge, but also on paradoxes involved and obstructions posed: The complexities of sexual harassment complaints from 2021 until 2023 at an arts academy
Authors: Bauer Una
Published: March 2024

In this article, I am exploring the complexities and paradoxes of institutional processes in Academia that have been put in place in order to deal with (sexual) harassment complaints within the context of feminist epistemologies and relational ethics. The goal to repair institutional culture burdened with various forms of implicit and explicit abuse and emotional manipulation, but also reliant on particularly emotionally dense ways of relating amongst students and teachers at an Arts Academy appears to be rather less straightforward than one might have hoped.
Collective tissues of the systering body
Authors: Herbut Anka , Novakovits Elena , Wolińska Kasia , Johnson Maeve , Buh Maša Radi
Published: March 2024

This text is a collage of perspectives and considerations of how we work as a collective. It is an entry from wandering around, conversing and, ultimately, agreeing that we are in the process of figuring out what it is that we do and how we want to do it. It does not follow a linear narration but it is a polyphonic composition expressing our co-existence over the last two years. Our meeting was possible thanks to the fellowship programme which enabled our paths to cross, creating space for the intersection of different generations, socioeconomic circumstances, and geopolitical contexts. It then led us to form a collective as a way of building up on the work we had done together and expanding it beyond the timeframe and scope of Critical Practice (Made in Yugoslavia)*. Still, we held onto the idea of collectivity, horizontal knowledge sharing, decentralised group structure and reciprocity as guiding principles for that future evolution of our work which has been instilled in us through the CP experience.
Feminist book club as a reparative method and a form of female pleasure
Authors: Otorepec Klara
Published: March 2024

This article is an attempt to theorise the Sisterhood * of the Proud Dolphin feminist book club as a method of feminist reparation and empowerment. The article is based on 6 years of continuous monitoring, attending and co-leading of the club, which is still ongoing at the time of writing. The club is voluntary, attended by participants of diverse age and socio-economic status, their number varying depending on individual meetings and reading seasons. Currently, the meetings take place once a month. The literature ranges from prose and poetry to theoretical works and is decided at each meeting according to the interest of the participants.
Alternative clowns
Authors: Oleami Samo
Published: March 2024

In this essay, Samo Oleami discusses two performances, Anja Bezlova’s Feed My Ego 2 and Tjaž Juvan’s The Musical Table, both of which he takes as a starting point for a reflection on the dramaturgical role of the clown. As he writes, the function of the clown is not to convey inner emotional states, but rather to have the advantage of being a folk character, which is familiar to the general audience and can therefore lead them to less understandable aspects of the performances.
Factors Associated with Depression among Middle-aged Postmenopausal Women: An Ecological System Perspectives
Authors:   Crisis and Emergency Management: Theory and Praxis, Park Sooyeon
Published: March 2024

The aim of this study was to examine factors affecting depression based on an ecological system perspectives among postmenopausal middle-aged women. This study was the data of 1,300 middle-aged postmenopausal women aged 50-64 years from the 16th Korea Welfare Panel Study. Using the SPSS program, descriptive statistical analysis, independent sample t-test, correlation analysis, and multiple regression analysis were conducted. As a result, subjective health status(β= -.172, p<.001), self-esteem(β = -.395, p<.001), and family relation satisfaction(β= -.104, p<.001) had a statistically significant effect in influencing depression, and the total explanatory power was 36.4%. These ecological systemic factors may help community health professionals develop multilevel strategies for preventing and managing depression in middle-aged postmenopausal women.
THE EFFECT OF ORGANIC FERTILIZERS ON THE CONTENT OF TRACE ELEMENTS IN THE GREEN MASS OF CORN
Authors: Syrchina Nadezhda Viktorovna , Pilip Larisa Valentinovna , Ashikhmina Tamara Yakovlevna
Published: March 2024

The optimal content of trace elements in green feeds is of fundamental importance for ensuring high productivity of cattle. For the production of green fodder, corn grown in fields located near livestock complexes and fertilized by by-products of animal husbandry (BPA) is used. In conditions of a high load of BPA (manure, manure runoff), the accumulation of trace elements in the green mass of corn (GMC) occurs more intensively than when using fertilizers in mineral form. Corn cultivation promotes active removal of Fe, Zn, Mn from the soil and weak removal of Cu. The accumulation of trace elements in plants grown on acidic soils fertilized by BPA is higher than when grown on neutral soils. According to the absolute content in GMC, trace elements are arranged in the following sequence: Mn>Fe>Zn>Cu. The corresponding series coincides with the sequence of decreasing concentrations of mobile forms of elements in agro-ecosystems, but differs from the sequence of changes in the indices of accumulation (IA) of trace elements. The IA values calculated on the basis of experimental data are arranged as follows: Fe>Zn>Mn>Cu. The IA of all trace elements, except Cu, in the GMC was higher than one, so corn can be classified as battery plants. IA Cu in different agro-ecosystems was below 1 and practically did not depend on the level of metabolic acidity. The weak accumulation is probably due to the low Cu content in sod-podzolic soils, the high stability of Cu complexes with organic ligands and the significant content of nitrogen available to plants in soils fertilized by BPA.
Matrix Transposition Algorithm Using Cache Oblivious
Authors: Guzmán López Samuel , San Gil Santana Adolfo J. , Cuba Alonso del Rivero Jorge A. , Pérez  Lovelle Sonia , Díaz Pando Humberto
Published: March 2024

The Parallel and Distributed Computing group belonging to the Integrated Technological Research Complex (CITI). has been engaged in the creation of general-purpose components that support the processing of large volumes of information that characterize the problems involved in parallel computing.
Using the oblivious cache model, which works independently of the computer architecture, and the divide and conquer principle, an algorithm for matrix transposition is implemented to reduce the execution time of this algebraic operation. The algorithm ensures that most of the data content is loaded to the cache for fast processing, and makes the most of its stay in the cache to minimize missed reads and achieve greater speed.
The work includes conclusions and statistical tests carried out from experiments on computers with different architectures, reflecting the superiority of the algorithm that uses oblivious cache from an order of matrix determined according to the characteristics of each PC.
Simulation Research of Motion of Lightweight Wheeled Mobile Robot on Various Types of Soft Ground – a Case Study
Authors: Trojnacki Maciej , Dąbek Przemysław
Published: March 2024

A problem of influence of three types of soft ground on longitudinal motion of a lightweight four-wheeled mobile robot is considered. Kinematic structure, main design features of the robot and its dynamics model are described. A numerical model was elaborated to simulate the dynamics of the robot's multi-body system and the wheel-ground interaction, taking into account the soil deformation and stresses occurring on the circumference of the wheel in the area of contact with the deformable ground. Numerical analysis involving four velocities of robot motion and three cases of soil (dry sand, sandy loam, clayey soil) is performed. Within simulation research, the motion parameters of the robot, ground reaction forces and moments of force, driving torques, wheel sinkage and slip parameters of wheels were calculated. Aggregated research results as well as detailed results of selected simulations are shown and discussed. As a result of the research, it was noticed that wheel slip ratios, wheels’ sinkage and wheel driving torques increase with desired velocity of motion. Moreover, it was observed that wheels’ sinkage and driving torques are significantly larger for dry sand than for the other investigated ground types.
The Overview of Challenges in Detecting Patients' Hazards During Robot-Aided Remote Home Motor Rehabilitation
Authors: Wilk Julia , Falkowski Piotr , Osiak Tomasz
Published: March 2024

Home, minimally‐supervised rehabilitation has become an arising technological trend due to the shortages in medical staff. Implementing such requires providing advanced tools for automatic real‐time safety monitoring. The paper presents an approach to designing the mentioned safety system based on measurements and modelling the interface between a patient’s musculoskeletal system and a rehabilitation device. The content covers the segmentation of patients regarding their health conditions and assigns them suitable measurement techniques. The defined groups are described with the hazards, which they are most endangered, and their causes. Each case is correlated with the appropriate data type that may be used to detect potential risk. Moreover, a concept of using presented knowledge for tracking the safety of bones and soft tissues according to the biomechanical standards is included. The paper forms a set of guidelines for designing safety systems based on measurements for robot‐aided home kinesiotherapy. It can be used to select an appropriate approach regarding a specific case; so to decrease costs and increase the accuracy of the designed tools.
Binary Shufﬂed Frog Leaping Algorithm for Optimal Allocation of Power Quality Monitors in Unbalanced Distribution System
Authors: Mohammadi Ashkan Doust , Mohammadi Mohammad
Published: March 2024

This paper deals with optimal detection of number and best locations of power quality monitors (PQMs) in an unbalanced distribution network based on the monitor reach area concept. The proposed model uses binary strings which represent the state presence or absence of PQMs in each buses of network. In this paper the binary version of shufﬂed frog-leaping algorithm (BSFLA) because of having ability to improve the search capability with a fast convergence rate is utilized for optimization process. The overall cost function is formulated to optimize the two indices which are monitor overlapping index and sag severity index. The only optimization constraint in this problem is that, the number of monitors that can detect voltage sags due to a fault at a specific bus must not be zero. In this study, DIGSILENT software is utilized for fault analysis while the optimization problem is handled by the BSFLA. To verify the proposed algorithm, the IEEE 34 Bus unbalanced distribution network, is considered as case studies and results are compared to the similar investigations so as to illustrate the effectiveness of proposed algorithm.
New Robust Model for Stability and H∞ Analysis for Interconnected Embedded Systems
Authors: Zouhri Amal
Published: March 2024

This paper presents a novel approach to analyzing the robust stability of interconnected embedded systems. The paper starts by discussing the challenges associated with designing stable and robust embedded systems, particularly in the context of interconnected systems. The proposed approach combines the H∞ control theory with a new model for interconnected embedded systems, which takes into account the effects of communication delays and data losses. The paper provides a detailed mathematical analysis of the new model and presents several theorems and proofs related to its stability. The effectiveness of the proposed approach is demonstrated through several practical examples, including a networked control system and a distributed sensor network. The paper also discusses the limitations of the proposed approach and suggests several directions for future research. The proposed filter design method establishes a sufficient condition for the asymptotic stability of the error system and the satisfaction of a predefined H∞ performance index for time-invariant bounded uncertain parameters. This is achieved through the use of the strict linear matrix inequalities (LMI) approach and projection lemma. The design is formulated in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMI). Numerical examples are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed filter design methods.