bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Data on selfـــefficacy and its sources during the COVID-19 crisis: A Saudi auditor’s perspective
Authors: Al-Ansi Ali Ali , Baatwah Saeed Rabea , Mgammal Mahfoudh Hussein
Published: August 2024

Background Auditors during COVID-19 experienced an unprecedented situation where normal audit activities became difficult to conduct. Moreover, COVID-19 forced auditors to introduce a new audit approach, “remote auditing,” which was not common in most audit firms and required the adoption of more advanced technologies. Overall, auditors during COVID-19 needed both cognitive and technical factors to deliver high-quality audits. Despite the challenges, research into how auditors dealt with these issues is limited, presenting an intriguing area of study. Methods This dataset provides insights into the Saudi auditor’s experience and beliefs regarding audit activities during COVID-19. Through an online survey, researchers collected data from 193 out of 417 registered auditors with the Saudi Organization for Chartered and Professional Accountants (SOCPA). The survey assessed the auditors’ self-efficacy in conducting audits during the pandemic, exploring its sources and potential moderating factors. Specifically, the dataset includes responses on eight items related to self-efficacy, 19 items covering the four common sources of self-efficacy (mastery experience, vicarious experience, social persuasion, and physiological/emotional states), and six items assessing virtual audit competency. Additionally, the dataset contains demographic information valuable for researchers analysing the relationship between auditor self-efficacy, its sources, and other influencing factors. Conclusions Overall, the dataset included in this article may serve a broader audience and be useful in improving several stakeholders’ understanding of the effects of COVID-19 on auditors and how auditors assess their ability to adapt to the COVID-19 consequences. This research contributes to the existing body of knowledge by highlighting the need for auditors to adapt to new circumstances and adopt innovative approaches during challenging times, thereby ensuring the delivery of high-quality audits.
Integration of democratic values in natural sciences education: A Literature Review of the last 50 Years
Authors: Monsalve-Silva Santiago , Otalvaro-García Gabriel , Cajica Velandia Laura Sofía , Vargas Sánchez Ana Dolores
Published: August 2024

This study examines how democratic values have been promoted through natural sciences education over the last 50 years, providing a comprehensive analysis based on a systematic review of relevant literature. The central problem addressed is understanding the role of natural science education in fostering democratic values such as equity, participation, critical thinking, and ethical responsibility. This research aims to identify and analyze strategies, methodologies, and transformative experiences that contribute to the promotion of democratic values. This study employs the PRISMA methodology to ensure a rigorous and structured systematic review. Data were collected from multiple databases using detailed Boolean equations. Tools such as ScientoPy and VOSviewer were used for data preprocessing, clustering, and network visualization, followed by qualitative analysis to categorize the findings. Educational programs in natural sciences have increasingly integrated democratic values, fostering a culture of inclusivity and participation; the incorporation of ICT has enhanced equity and participation, while civic education has been fundamental in developing critical and informed citizens; citizen science initiatives have empowered students to engage in democratic deliberation and address epistemic injustice; cooperative learning methods in science classes have effectively promoted gender equity and inclusion; and emphasis on sustainability and environmental justice in science education has promoted democratic values and empowered students to take action on global challenges. In conclusion, natural science education is an effective vehicle for promoting democratic values, but it is an understudied field. By integrating practices that emphasize inclusivity, critical thinking, and ethical responsibility, science education not only enhances students’ scientific understanding but also prepares them to be active, informed, and responsible citizens.
Assessment of early neonatal practices to prevent hypothermia ; A comparative study
Authors: GM Smrithi , Renganathan Gayathri , M Rohith , Joseph Nitin , SR Ravikiran
Published: August 2024

Background Globally, neonatal deaths are significantly attributed to hypothermia. This is mostly because of its co-morbidity with asphyxia, premature birth and severe neonatal infections. Worldwide, neonatal hypothermia case fatality rates (CFRs) range from 8.5% to 52%. This study aimed to assess how well a video-based training intervention on mothers’ knowledge and practices in preventing neonatal hypothermia worked. Methods The knowledge and practices of two groups of primi-para mothers—one control group and one intervention group—were compared in order to achieve this. A total of 124 primipara mothers took part in the research. Using a video based tool, the intervention group was educated about preventing hypothermia in newborns. Both control and intervention group mothers were interviewed to compare the knowledge and practices. Results Sixty-one of the sixty-two mothers in the control group were unsure of which body area to cover in order to preserve the baby’s body heat. Following the intervention, 61 out of 62 mothers in the group recognised which body part to cover to protect the baby’s body heat. In the post-intervention group, 98.4% of moms wore a cap over their baby’s head, compared to just 35.5% in the control group. Conclusion The results of this study demonstrate the significant improvement in mothers’ knowledge and actions about the prevention of neonatal hypothermia resulting from the use of a video-based training tool.
Participation in physical activity by adolescents with physical disability: cross-sectional snapshot and future priorities (“Youth Experience Matters” protocol)
Authors: Brady Karen , Kiernan Damien , McConkey Elaine , O'Gorman Eva , Kerr Claire , McDonough Suzanne , Ryan Jennifer , Malone Ailish
Published: August 2024

Young people with physical disability experience challenges to being physically active. To attain the health benefits of physical activity (PA) and sustain engagement, it is essential that participation is meaningful and enjoyable. This study aims to describe current participation in PA by adolescents with physical disability in Ireland, and to establish consensus on their priorities for enhancing physical activity participation. A parallel convergent mixed methods study will be undertaken, comprising a national cross-sectional quantitative assessment of PA participation (“Participation Snapshot”) and Delphi consensus study (“Delphi”). Adolescents (n=100) aged 13–17 years with a physical disability will be invited to take part. The Participation Snapshot primary outcome is the Children’s Assessment of Participation and Enjoyment (CAPE). Contextual factors including underlying medical diagnosis, demographics, mobility (Functional Mobility Scale), hand function (Manual Ability Classification System) and health related quality of life (Child Health Utility 9D) will also be collected. The Delphi will comprise two to four survey rounds, until consensus is reached. Round 1 consists of a bespoke survey, designed and piloted with a public and patient involvement (PPI) panel, with open-ended questions and Likert scales inviting contributions from adolescents on their prior experience and ideas to enhance participation. Responses will be analysed using inductive thematic analysis to construct items and themes, which will then be deductively mapped to the “F-words” and the family of Participation-Related Constructs frameworks. These items will be presented back to participants in subsequent rounds for selection and ranking, until consensus is achieved on the “top 10 priorities” for enhancing PA participation. The project team and PPI panel will then co-design dissemination material and identify targets for dissemination to relevant stakeholder or policy groups. The findings will provide a basis for developing interventions aiming to enhance future PA participation for adolescents with physical disability.
Cliques e gritos para a mudança social: o impacto das tecnologias digitais na Revolução Egípcia
Authors: Di Fátima Branco
Published: August 2024

Os protestos que causaram a renúncia do ditador do Egito, Hosni Mubarak, alargaram o fosso entre os ciber-otimistas e os ciber-céticos sobre o impacto das tecnologias digitais nas mudanças sociais. Mais de uma década após a Primavera Árabe, muitas perguntas ainda não foram respondidas com base em dados empíricos. Este artigo problematiza o impacto das tecnologias digitais, em especial das plataformas de redes sociais, na Revolução Egípcia. Para isto são combinadas fontes primárias e secundárias em um estudo de caso sobre os protestos. Os resultados revelam que o Facebook foi a plataforma utilizada na mobilização para os protestos de rua e para a difusão de informações dentro do país. Já o Twitter estabeleceu as conexões entre o desejo de mudança social e os seus multiplicadores internacionais, sobretudo no Ocidente. O YouTube amplificou histórias de martírio numa conexão entre o jornalismo tradicional e o jornalismo cidadão. Assim, a internet operou como o centro nevrálgico para a articulação de projetos políticos em fluxos internos e externos de insatisfação social que galvanizaram a revolução.
Role of mesenchymal stem cell conditioned medium on wound healing using a developed 3D skin model
Authors: Al-Shaibani Moyassar , Wang Xiao-nong , Tulah Asif , Crossland Rachel E , Dickinson Anne M , Lovat Penny E
Published: August 2024

Alternative 3-dimensional (3D) skin models that replicate in vivo human skin are required to investigate important events during wound healing, such as collective cell migration, epidermal layer formation, dermal substrate formation, re-epithelialisation and collagen production. In this study, a matched human 3D skin equivalent model (3D-SEM) was developed from human skin cells (fibroblast and keratinocytes), characterised using haematoxylin and eosin, immunofluorescence staining and microRNA profiling. The 3D-SEM was then functionally tested for its use in wound healing studies. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were isolated and characterised according to the criteria stipulated by the International Society for Cell Therapy. Cytokine and growth factor secretions were analysed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. MSC-conditioned medium (MSC-CM) was then tested for wound healing capacity using the developed 3D-SEM at different timepoints i.e., at one, two and four weeks. The constructed 3D-SEM showed consistent development of skin-like structures composed of dermal layers and epidermal layers, with the ability to express epidermal differentiation markers and full stratification. They also showed prolonged longevity in culture media, retaining full differentiation and stratification within the four weeks. MicroRNA profiling revealed a strong correlation in microRNA expression between the developed 3D-SEM and the original native skin (p<0.001; R=0.64). Additionally, MSC-CM significantly enhanced migration, proliferation and differentiation of epidermal cells in the wounded models compared to control models at the different timepoints. In conclusion, in this study, the developed 3D-SEM mimicked native skin at the cellular and molecular levels, and clearly showed the important stages of skin regeneration during the healing process. MSC secretome contains growth factors that play a pivotal role in the healing process and could be used as a therapeutic option to accelerate skin healing.
TÜRK MASALLARINDA KOZMİK BİR VAROLUŞ BİÇİMİ: GÜNEŞ VE SEMBOLİK YANSIMALARI
Authors: Özdemir Serdar Deniz
Published: August 2024

ÖZ
İnsan ruhuna yönelen fenomenlerin sembolik taşıyıcısı olan masal, halkın ortak hafızasında yer alan değerler bütünüdür. Bu değerler somut ve soyut pek çok motif etrafında birleşerek anlamlı bir varoluşun da temsilcisi konumunda bulunur. Hayalin en saf formları etrafında şekillenen yapısı, aynı zamanda gerçeklikle doğrudan ve dolaylı ilişkisi, sembollerle örülü anlam katmanları, masalı halk anlatıları arasında son derece özel bir noktaya taşımaktadır. Masalın fantastik dünyasında hayat bulan semboller içerisinde güneşin ve ona bağlı olarak ortaya çıkan kozmik imgelemin de sembolik açıdan son derece önemli bir görünüme sahip olduğunu söylemek mümkündür. Gücü, parlaklığı, aydınlığı, ilerlemeyi, genişlemeyi, yayılmayı ve hatta insanın içsel potansiyelini temsil eden güneş, mitik düşünceyi göksel figürler içerisinde en belirgin şekilde etkileyen gök cismidir. Sahip olduğu muazzam kuvvetle birlikte insanın aradığı ve açığa çıkarmak için çaba harcadığı sırrın merkezine konumlandırdığı güneşin, Türk masallarında sembolik işlevinin oldukça çeşitli bir görünüm arz ettiğini söylemek mümkündür.
Anadolu’dan ve Türk dünyasından derlenen masal metinlerinde yer alan güneş sembolünün çok boyutlu bir şekilde ele alınacağı bu makalede, kolektif kodlarımızda yer alan simgelerin çözümlenmesi amaçlanmaktadır. Böylece kültürel hafızamızda yer alan bilgilerin masal etrafında daha iyi anlaşılması beklenmektedir.
Crafting Bhutan-China Ties: Small State Agency in Emergent Diplomatic Relations
Authors: Dorji Passang , Thomas Nicholas
Published: August 2024

Abstract: Bhutan sits across a geopolitical fault line in South Asia. To its south lies its traditional partner—India. To its north lies China: a country whose economic power could significantly benefit Bhutan but whose regional orientation is strategically opposed to that of India. This article explores how Bhutan manages its growing relationship with China and seeks to chart where the relationship might go in the future. It shows how increasing economic and commercial ties with China are exerting growing pressure on Bhutan, a country with few developmental opportunities. These ties—in parallel to increasing political engagements—are moving Bhutan closer to diplomatic recognition of China; a decision that will impact on the regional balance of power well beyond the country’s borders. How and when this policy shift will occur is unclear, as Bhutan has been able to successfully prioritize its own interests over Chinese agendas. In doing so, Bhutan has managed to exert a higher degree of agency than other small states in the region. This outcome challenges traditional notions of small state agency in international relations. This study finds that this has been possible due to both material power considerations and the perceptional value accorded to the relationship.
Fat and Large Bodies in Homeric Poetry: Iros and Penelope
Authors: Brockliss William
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACT: Unlike the fat body of Iros, παχύς bodies in Homeric poetry are powerful, attractive, and consistent with a non-gender- specific conception of the erotic. In Odyssey 18, Iros’ bulk belies his lack of strength, but Odysseus’ large frame, elsewhere described as παχύς, both promises and delivers effective action. A threat of castration distances Iros from the erotic; Odysseus enjoys sexual intimacy with several characters. Penelope exercises seductive charms over the suitors in book 18, shortly after being described as παχύς; the description of her “παχύς hand” at 21.6 suggests both bulk and strength.
Cato the Elder and the “Theoretical Farmers” of 18th- and 19th-century Britain
Authors: Banducci Laura M.
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACT: Cato the Elder’s De agricultura , the first farming manual in Latin, inspired a genre of farming manuals and didactic texts; yet Cato’s real-life participation in farming and the accuracy of his knowledge has been called into question. Centuries later, we see the rise in agricultural writing among British gentlemen of the 18th and 19th centuries; here wealthy landowners wrote detailed instructions about menial labor. This paper explores the emergence of the farming genre among elite authors in these two contexts and considers how it reflects the tensions of two nascent empires.
Tender Flesh: Theorizing the Hybrid Embodied Poetics of the Asian American Queer Femme in Franny Choi's Soft Science
Authors: Yau Reese Aschheim
Published: August 2024

Abstract: This essay investigates how the grotesque and transgressive aesthetic of Franny Choi's Soft Science (2019) reimagines the Asian American Queer Femme subject's relationship to language, the body, and consciousness. Choi's work unravels this relationship by destabilizing human/nonhuman binary through a polyphonic poetic voice. This act of shapeshifting between humans, cyborgs, cephalopods, and other forms functions as a critique of the oppressive power structures of white supremacy, patriarchy, and cisheteronormativity. To theorize her poetics, I foreground the critical lenses of Donna Haraway's posthuman feminism, Lisa Lowe's Asian American aesthetics, Vivian Huang's inscrutability and Mel Chen's queer linguistic animacies in connection with each other as a framework for understanding the hybrid embodiment of the Asian American Queer Femme. Subsequently, I trace Choi's "hybrid embodied poetics"—a hermeneutic that emphasizes her multitudinous lyric voice—primarily within the poems "Glossary of Terms," "Turing Test," "Shokushu Goukan for the Cyborg Soul," "Chi." Furthermore, this essay emphasizes the interrelated nature of the Asian American Queer Femme's embodied experiences and identities, as Choi's work repositions the theoretical frames of Haraway, Lowe, Huang, and Chen in an intersectional dialogue with each other.
Demonstration and optimization of coherent Doppler wind LiDAR with low sampling resolution
Authors: Huang Kai , Zhang Yunpeng , Yang Jinqing , Chen Xiao , Zhu Xiaopeng , Liu Jiqiao
Published: August 2024

A low sampling resolution scheme for coherent Doppler wind LiDAR (CDWL) is proposed. The CDWL offers advantages in precision and detection resolution but suffers from the requirement of high-speed data acquisition (DAQ) with high sampling resolution, such as 12- or 14-bit, which leads to an increase of the computational complexity and the system cost. The use of a DAQ system with lower sampling resolution can provide a solution to mitigate this problem. The feasibility of the proposed scheme is validated by simulations and experiments. The detection performance can be greatly affected by the quantization interval selected during sampling. It is shown that the optimal quantization interval exists and only depends on the carrier-to-noise ratio (CNR), and the optimal quantization intervals of several sampling resolutions are given at different CNRs. With the given optimal quantization configuration, the low sampling resolution data can be used for reliable wind field measurements. For long-distance detection with a CNR lower than −13dB, the CNR deterioration of 1-bit, 2-bit, 3-bit, and 4-bit signals can be as low as 2, 0.5, 0.2, and 0.1 dB.
Tunable near-infrared photonic nanostructure: employing the phase transition of GSST for extraordinary optical transmission
Authors: Khanehzar Ahmad , Zamani Naser , Hatef Ali
Published: August 2024

This paper presents a reconfigurable plasmonic structure consisting of a phase-change material slab, Ge2Sb2Se4Te1 (GSST), overlaid with a fishnet pattern comprising two dielectric layers containing quantum dots, sandwiching a silver metal layer. We demonstrate the distinct optical tunability of this structure by exploiting the phase transition of GSST from its amorphous to crystalline state in the near-infrared spectrum. Our findings reveal significant tunable contrasts in the structure transmission coefficient that leads to achieve extraordinary optical transmission (EOT). These results highlight the structure’s potential for adaptive optics and reconfigurable photonic applications.
Sagnac-witnessed laser deflection is an ultra-sensitive acoustic detector
Authors: Hillberry Logan E. , Morrison Zachary I. E. , Schlimme Ryan J. , Raizen Mark G.
Published: August 2024

Laser-deflection-based acoustic sensing is known for high bandwidth but low sensitivity. By embedding the sensing laser within a Sagnac interferometer and incorporating split-beam detection—originally developed for optical trapping microscopy—we demonstrate sensitive acoustic detection in air with a 2 MHz bandwidth. In a direct comparison, our method far-exceeds performance metrics of a state-of-the-art, commercially-available, high-bandwidth microphone. In upcoming large-volume-bubble-chamber searches for dark matter, our method could replace traditional acoustic sensors confined to the chamber’s exterior where signals are weakest.
Pathways of exposure to Vibrio Cholerae in an urban informal settlement in Nairobi, Kenya
Authors: Kering Kelvin , Wang Yuke , Mbae Cecilia , Mugo Michael , Ongadi Beatrice , Odityo Georgina , Muturi Peter , Yakubu Habib , Liu Pengbo , Durry Sarah , Deshpande Aniruddha , Gebreyes Wondwossen , Moe Christine , Kariuki Samuel
Published: August 2024

Cholera is a diarrhoeal disease caused by Vibrio cholerae (V. cholerae) bacterium, with strains belonging to serogroups 01 and 0139 causing a huge proportion of the disease. V. cholerae can contaminate drinking water sources and food through poor sanitation and hygiene. This study aimed to identify environmental routes of exposure to V. cholerae within Mukuru informal settlement in Nairobi. We collected nine types of environmental samples (drinking water, flood water, open drains, surface water, shaved ice, raw produce, street food, soil, and public latrine swabs) over 12 months. All samples were analysed for V. cholerae by culture and qPCR, then qPCR-positive samples were quantified using a V. cholerae DNA standard. Data about the frequency of contact with the environment was collected using behavioural surveys. Of the 803 samples collected, 28.5% were positive for V. cholerae by qPCR. However, none were positive for V. cholerae by culture. V. cholerae genes were detected in majority of the environmental water samples (79.3%), including open drains, flood water, and surface water, but were only detected in small proportions of other sample types. Vibrio-positive environmental water samples had higher mean V. cholerae concentrations [2490–3469 genome copies (gc) per millilitre (mL)] compared to drinking water samples (25.6 gc/mL). Combined with the behavioural data, exposure assessment showed that contact with surface water had the highest contribution to the total V. cholerae exposure among children while ingestion of municipal drinking water and street food and contact with surface water made substantial contributions to the total V. cholerae exposure for adults. Detection of V. cholerae in street food and drinking water indicates possible risk of exposure to toxigenic V. cholerae in this community. Exposure to V. cholerae through multiple pathways highlights the need to improve water and sanitation infrastructure, strengthen food hygiene practices, and roll out cholera vaccination.
Navigating complex care pathways–healthcare workers’ perspectives on health system barriers for children with tuberculous meningitis in Cape Town, South Africa
Authors: Baloyi Dzunisani Patience , Myburgh Hanlie , Bester Danite , Anthony Michaile Gizelle , Switala Juli , Schaaf H. Simon , Naidoo Lenny , Solomons Regan , Nuttall James , Murray Jaco , Rohlwink Ursula , Figaji Anthony , Hoddinott Graeme , Du Preez Karen
Published: August 2024

Tuberculous meningitis (TBM) occurs when tuberculosis (TB) bacilli disseminate and seed into the meninges, triggering a severe inflammatory response that often leads to brain infarction. It is the most severe and debilitating form of childhood TB with high mortality, and children who survive TBM often suffer lifelong physical and neuro-disability resulting in emotional, social, and economic burdens for families. In the early stages the symptoms may be non-specific and so the diagnosis is often made late when the patient already has significant brain injury. To facilitate earlier diagnosis, it is important to understand how patients are evaluated. This study aimed to chart health systems for paediatric TBM care at both primary healthcare (PHC) and hospital level in Cape Town, South Africa. We conducted fourteen in-depth interviews and eight days of semi-structured observations of patient flow across eight healthcare facilities. We found that children with TBM navigate multiple levels of care categorised into pre-admission and primary care, hospital admission and inpatient care, and post-discharge follow-up care. Healthcare workers identified the following health system barriers along the TBM care pathway for children: limited post-training and mentorship opportunities to manage TBM, overburdened facilities, time constraints, lack of recognition of TBM symptoms, delays in referral between PHC and hospital, lack of standardized diagnostic algorithms, limited diagnostic tests and a lack of child-friendly, easy-to-administer treatment. Regular and compulsory training on TB and TBM in children, including continuous mentoring and support to healthcare workers working in child health and TB services in high TB-burden settings, can facilitate early recognition of symptoms and rapid referral for diagnosis. Algorithms outlining referral criteria for patients with possible TBM at both PHC facilities and district level hospitals can guide healthcare providers and facilitate timely referral between different levels of healthcare services. An integrated data system and alert functions could flag multiple healthcare visits and improve communication between different healthcare facilities during diagnosis and treatment. Children and families affected by TBM are an especially vulnerable sub-population requiring high priority attention and support.
Information preferences of patients with chronic blood cancer: A qualitative investigation
Authors: Howell Debra A. , McCaughan Dorothy , Smith Alexandra , Patmore Russell , Roman Eve
Published: August 2024

Background

Haematological malignancies (blood cancers) often follow chronic trajectories that can span many months or years. Management of these diseases typically involves periods of ‘Watch & Wait’, whereby patients are monitored by the hospital and only treated at progression, if or when this occurs, which might be never or on multiple occasions. Such remitting-relapsing pathways are unpredictable and can cause anxiety and distress. This study aimed to generate evidence about information preferences, with a view to underpinning future patient-facing resources; potentially mitigating psycho-social difficulties and promoting effective shared decision-making.

Methods

A qualitative study was conducted, set within a UK population-based cohort of patients with haematological malignancies. Sampling was purposive, based on age (initially around the median age of diagnosis) and disease subtype (chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, follicular lymphoma, marginal zone lymphoma and myeloma); and in-depth interviews took place with 35 patients (10 with relatives). Analysis drew on qualitative description and thematic content analysis and included critical reading and annotation of transcripts, identification of common and rare phenomena, generation of codes and coding of material, and theme development.

Results

Patients discussed their preferences and experiences at length and rich data were generated from diagnosis onwards, across diagnostic subtypes. The overarching theme identified was ‘Variations in preferences’ with needs seen to differ from person to person; as well as changing over time for individuals. Five sub-themes were identified: 1) To know or not to know? 2) Needs are dynamic; 3) The polarising issue of prognosis; 4) Preferred sources; and 5) Differences in content, depth and presentation.

Conclusions

Varied, dynamic information preferences indicate that resources should be developed in a way that provides maximum choice, enabling patients to select relevant material at different time-points on their trajectory. The development of blood cancer subtype-specific “real-world clinical scenarios” could improve patient experiences and inform shared decision-making.
HIV and hepatitis B virus co-infection in Mozambique: Policy review and health professionals’ knowledge and practices
Authors: dos Muchangos Vanda , Chambal Lucia , Nilsson Charlotta , Sevene Esperança
Published: August 2024

Background

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) co-infection is a public health problem affecting 2.7 million worldwide. In Mozambique, the prevalence of this co-infection is 9.1%, calling for specific policies on prevention, diagnosis and adequate management in health facilities caring for HIV patients. This study aimed to review the existing policies and to assess the knowledge and practices of health professionals about HIV/HBV co-infection.

Methods

A document and literature review to describe the existing policies and guidelines on HIV/HBV co-infection in Mozambique was performed. Key informants were contacted to clarify or add information. Health Professionals who care for HIV-positive patients in four health centers in Maputo City, the capital of Mozambique, responded to a questionnaire on knowledge and practices about this co-infection. Qualitative analysis was done to identify main themes using content analysis. Descriptive statistics of socio-demographic, knowledge and practice variables was presented using the SPSS Program version 20 and bivariate analysis was applied to describe the association between variables.

Results

Twenty-one policy documents were found, and five key informants were interviewed. Fifty-two participants answered the questionnaire. Only one policy document explicitly referred to HIV/HBV co-infection treatment. Most Health Professionals (96%) were aware of HIV/HBV co-infection. Although the only existing policy is on the treatment, few (33%) referenced antiretroviral formulations containing Tenofovir and Lamivudine. Only 29% of Health Professionals reported screening HIV patients for HBV and 21% practiced HIV/HBV co-infection counselling. No statistically significant differences were found when relating the socio-demographic variables with knowledge and practices.

Conclusion

Policy documents relating to prevention, diagnosis and clinical management of HIV/HBV co-infection were rare or absent. Health Professionals had little knowledge about HIV/HBV co-infection. Defining adequate policies and training of Health Professionals may help increase awareness, increase counselling of patients for disease prevention, diagnosis and proper management of HIV/HBV co-infected patients.
Challenges in managing HIV and non-communicable diseases and health workers’ perception regarding integrated management of non-communicable diseases during routine HIV care in South Central Uganda: A qualitative study
Authors: Kasango Asani , Daama Alex , Negesa Lilian
Published: August 2024

Background

Non-communicable diseases are highly prevalent among adults living with HIV, emphasizing the need for comprehensive healthcare strategies. However, a dearth of knowledge exists regarding the health systems challenges in managing HIV and non-communicable diseases and the perception of health workers regarding the integrated management of non-communicable diseases during routine HIV care in rural Ugandan settings. This study aims to bridge this knowledge gap by exploring the health system challenges in managing HIV and non-communicable diseases and health workers’ perception regarding the integration of non-communicable diseases in routine HIV care in South Central Uganda.

Methods

In this qualitative study, we collected data from 20 purposively selected key informants from Kalisizo Hospital and Rakai Hospital in South Central Uganda. Data were collected from 15th December 2020 and 14th January 2021. Data were analyzed using a thematic content approach with the help of NVivo 11.

Results

Of the 20 health workers, 13 were females. In terms of work duration, 9 had worked with people living with HIV for 11–15 years and 9 were nurses. The challenges in managing HIV and non-communicable diseases included difficulty managing adverse events, heavy workload, inadequate communication from specialists to lower cadre health workers, limited financial and human resources, unsupportive clinical guidelines that do not incorporate non-communicable disease management in HIV care and treatment, and inadequate knowledge and skills required to manage non-communicable diseases appropriately. Health workers suggested integrating non-communicable disease management into routine HIV care and suggested the need for training before this integration.

Conclusion

The integration of non-communicable disease management into routine HIV care presents a promising avenue for easing the burden on health workers handling these conditions. However, achieving successful integration requires not only the training of health workers but also ensuring the availability of sufficient human and financial resources.
Duration of face down positioning following full-thickness macular hole repair: A protocol for a randomized pilot study
Authors: Nanji Keean , Oquendo Paola Lourdes , Srinivasan Sangeetha , Vyas Chinmayi , Prasad Femin , Farrokhyar Forough , Chaudhary Varun
Published: August 2024

Objective

Full-thickness macular holes (FTMH) are defects in the fovea involving all neural retinal layers. They reduce patients’ visual acuity (VA) and impact their quality of life. FTMHs are repaired with pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with intraocular gas tamponade and post-operative face-down positioning (FDP). There is no consensus regarding the ideal positioning requirements following FTMH repair and there lacks clear guidelines on the topic. While analysis of global practice patterns indicates that between 5–7 days is the most common duration suggested by surgeons, there is significant heterogeneity in surgeon preferences. There is, however, biological plausibility to support minimal or even no FDP following surgery and given the disabling nature of FDP for patients, there is a need to better assess key patient outcomes with different FDP durations. As such, this prospective randomized controlled pilot trial will compare 3-days of FDP to 7-days of FDP following PPV for FTMH.

Methods

This single-centered, parallel-group randomized controlled pilot trial will randomize patients 1:1 following PPV to 3 days or 7 days of FDP. This investigation has been approved by the local ethics board (HiREB # 16100) and has been registered on clinicaltrials.gov (NCT06000111). The primary objective will be focused on assessing the feasibility of a larger trial; this will be determined through an assessment of the recruitment rate, retention rate, completion rate and recruitment time. The secondary outcomes involve assessment of the following patient-important outcomes a) macular hole closure rate, b) best-recorded VA, c) a general quality of life measure and vision-specific quality of life measure, d) patient compliance and e) complication rates. Outcomes will be evaluated at 3 months following surgery.

Discussion

The results of this pilot study will determine the feasibility of a larger-scale trial that will answer a patient important question with clinical equipoise.
Foliar application of melatonin improve the number of secondary branches and secondary branch grains quality of rice
Authors: Yan Feiyu , Zhang Guoliang , Zhao Hongliang , Huang Zhiwei , Niu Yuan , Zhu Mingchao
Published: August 2024

Melatonin plays an important role in plant growth and development. However, little information is available about melatonin regulating rice panicle structure and yield. This study explored the regulatory effects and mechanisms of melatonin spraying before the panicle differentiation stage on rice panicle structure and grain quality. The results showed that spraying melatonin before panicle differentiation increased rice yield, which was mainly reflected in the increase in spikelets per panicle and the percentage of filled grains. In addition, melatonin treatment significantly increased the panicle length. The results of panicle structure analysis showed that the increase in spikelets per panicle caused by melatonin was attributed to the significant increase in the number of secondary branches, total number of secondary branch spikelets, and number of spikelets per secondary branch. The results showed that melatonin can increase the content of zeatin, auxin, and gibberellin, and reduce the content of abscisic acid. These results showed that melatonin affected panicle structure by regulating hormone content, thereby improving yield. In addition, melatonin improves the processing quality, appearance quality, and nutritional quality of secondary branch grains. The above results indicate that application of melatonin improves the number of secondary branches and the quality of grainss on secondary branches.
A statistical simulation model to guide the choices of analytical methods in arrayed CRISPR screen experiments
Authors: Kim Chang Sik , Cairns Jonathan , Quarantotti Valentina , Kaczkowski Bogumil , Wang Yinhai , Konings Peter , Zhang Xiang
Published: August 2024

An arrayed CRISPR screen is a high-throughput functional genomic screening method, which typically uses 384 well plates and has different gene knockouts in different wells. Despite various computational workflows, there is currently no systematic way to find what is a good workflow for arrayed CRISPR screening data analysis. To guide this choice, we developed a statistical simulation model that mimics the data generating process of arrayed CRISPR screening experiments. Our model is flexible and can simulate effects on phenotypic readouts of various experimental factors, such as the effect size of gene editing, as well as biological and technical variations. With two examples, we showed that the simulation model can assist making principled choice of normalization and hit calling method for the arrayed CRISPR data analysis. This simulation model is implemented in an R package and can be downloaded from Github.
Impact of productive social safety net on households’ vulnerability to poverty in Tanzania
Authors: Msuha Basil , Kissoly Luitfred D.
Published: August 2024

Social safety nets are expanding in Sub-Saharan Africa. While proponents perceive them as a means to combat poverty and vulnerability, opponents view them as wasteful use of scarce public resources and do not significantly overcome poverty. Previous studies have primarily focused on assessing the impact of these policies on current poverty levels, with insufficient evidence available regarding their impact on future poverty, which deserves equal attention. We drew on the Tanzanian 2017–18 Household Budget Survey, comprising 9,463 households to evaluate the impact of productive social safety net (PSSN) program on households’ vulnerability to poverty (VP). The VP was evaluated using vulnerability as expected poverty (VEP), whereas the impact was estimated using Instrumental Variable (IV) method. We found that PSSN reduces household VP by 13.4%, suggesting that it is an effective policy instrument for reducing poverty and vulnerability. Notably, the estimated impacts were greater for households enrolled in conditional cash transfer (CCT) and public work (PW) combined, suggesting that a package of CCT and PW is likely to have a more substantial impact within the realm of social safety nets. Our findings offer evidence in favor of policies that promote the broader expansion of social safety nets as anti-poverty policy instruments.
The impact of digital financial inclusion on bank performance: An exploration of mechanisms of action and heterogeneity
Authors: Zhao Jing , Wang Congqi , Ibrahim Haslindar , Chen Yanpeng
Published: August 2024

The use of digital technology by banks and other financial institutions to facilitate financial inclusion is referred to as digital financial inclusion. This fusion of digital finance and traditional banking methods has the potential to impact banks’ operational effectiveness. This study uses the panel effects model to examine the link between digital financial inclusion and bank performance in 30 Chinese provinces from 2012 to 2021. This research uses kernel density estimation to examine the spatial-temporal growth patterns of both variables. The mediator variable in examining how digital financial inclusion affects bank performance is risk-taking. Finally, the paper analyses the regional heterogeneity of the impact. It presents the following conclusions: (1) In China, digital financial inclusion and bank performance have constantly increased, with noticeable regional variances in their development levels. This regional inequality has widened gradually since 2018, yet it has not resulted in polarization. (2) The significant positive correlation between digital inclusive finance and banking performance indicates that banking performance tends to increase with the enhancement of digital inclusive finance. (3) Digital financial inclusion impacts bank performance, with risk-taking as a moderator. The spread of digital financial inclusion services enhances banks’ willingness to take risks, enhancing overall efficiency. (4) Digital financial inclusion boosts bank performance in the Northwest, South, North, and East regions while lightly inhibiting it in the Central region. Based on the findings, this study makes bank and government suggestions.
Four types of video-on-demand markets: Comparing the development of European VoD
Authors: Bengesser Cathrin
Published: August 2024

The European video-on-demand (VoD) market has grown rapidly over the past decade, but differences across European nations persist. While the US-based globally operating players Netflix, Amazon and Disney+ dominate the subscription video-on-demand (SVoD) market, VoD services emerging from the legacy media industries and funded by means other than subscription shaped the early development of the European VoD market. This article maps and compares the development of the VoD market within the European Union with a focus on the idiosyncrasies in uptake and offer of VoD in different countries. Building on previous studies of national media systems, the article develops four comparative dimensions for the case of the European VoD market and operationalizes them using quantitative data from the European Audiovisual Observatory (EAO) and Eurostat from the period 2016–22. The comparative data analysis results in a grouping of countries, according to similar levels of market penetration and diversity of catalogue and content offers, while accounting for differences in size, concentration in the SVoD market and levels of market intervention within these clusters. These four types of VoD market development offer a contextualization to nation or service-specific case studies of players in the European market and a basis for hypotheses to explain these differences.
Streaming from a digital periphery: Voyo as an East-Central European response to Netflix
Authors: Szczepanik Petr
Published: August 2024

Voyo, owned by Central European Media Enterprises (CME) and operating across six national territories, is currently one of the only three prominent transnational SVoD services based in countries of Central and Eastern Europe. Under the new owner PPF, a Czech-based investment group which bought CME from AT&T, Voyo enjoyed unprecedented levels of investment in high-end original content, which resulted in a dynamic growth of subscribers from 2020 onwards, making it the second strongest streamer in Czechia and Slovakia after Netflix. The article labels CME’s digital strategy ‘deep localism’ and approaches it through the recent political-economic debates about the geography of platform economy. Despite its multi-territory corporate structure, CME has isolated each of its national Voyo services in terms of original production, licensing and audience targeting. This shows in the high percentage of local content as well as the virtual absence of its cross-border circulation between the national Voyo catalogues, which have been branded as purely national. The article interprets this compartmentalized strategy of deep localism as both a response to the changes in the global streaming market and an attempt to preserve the traditional linear audiences of CME in the new digital era. The research behind the article is based on interviews with CME executives and on comparative VoD catalogue analysis.
Digital reconstructions of home-making during shuttle refuge: Ukrainian refugees’ experiences in Germany
Authors: Teichert Jeannine
Published: August 2024

This article addresses how transient international refugees create new digital reconstructions of home-making when physically and mentally shuttling between two or more places of residence. Worldwide crises force millions of international refugees to adapt to new ways of constant remigration between their temporary places of residence and their home country. Instead of settling in a new place of residence, many international refugees often have difficulties feeling at home where they do not want to be. This article focuses on current refugees from Ukraine in Europe who shuttle between their homeland and their host country. The actual process of the refugees’ constant balancing between physically and mentally leaving and arriving at their home and host countries is coined ‘shuttle refuge’ in this article. It emphasizes the loss of a permanent home during refuge and portrays the necessity of digital reconstructions of home-making with friends and family via communication media due to the unavailability of a constant physical home. After addressing the legal circumstances that currently contribute to the ongoing state of temporariness, this article illustrates practices and effects of the shuttle refugee through a group interview with six recent Ukrainian refugees in Germany at the beginning of the year 2023 to shed light on the interviewees’ adaption to a new cultural environment and their efforts in digital home-making practices with their families and friends.
Aortic dissection causes, diagnosis, treatment and case report
Authors: Singh Maneesh
Published: August 2024

There are three layers of the aorta: the intima, media and adventitia. Aortic dissection is defined as a tear in the intima, causing blood to separate the intima and media layers creating a false lumen. The aortic dissection Stanford classification type A involves the ascending aorta or the aortic arch. This type is treated with surgery. Type B involves the descending aorta and is treated with beta blockers to control hypertension. There is a high surgical mortality with type B aortic dissection. A CT scan, MRI or transesophageal echocardiogram are used for diagnosis. Blood pressure may be unequal in both arms and a chest x-ray may show widening of the mediastinum. There are two options for surgery open heart surgery and endovascular surgery. Open heart Surgery is generally indicated for type A aortic dissection or intramural hematoma. Vascular surgery is a possible option for patients with descending aorta involvement. A patient who survived an aortic dissection had symptoms that began with nonspecific lower back pain and then progressed to lower extremity weakness. He said he felt a chest pain that radiated to his back. Physicians in the OR performed an open heart surgery, and he survived.