bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fabrication and luminescent properties of erbium‐doped Y2O3–MgO and Gd2O3–MgO nanocomposite ceramics
Authors: Balabanov Stanislav , Permin Dmitry , Normani Simone , Belyaev Alexander , Koshkin Vitaliy , Andreev Pavel , Ladenkov Igor , Braud Alain , Camy Patrice , Solé Rosa Maria , Mateos Xavier , Loiko Pavel
Published: December 2024

We report on the fabrication and optical properties of erbium‐doped Y2O3–MgO and Gd2O3–MgO nanocomposite ceramics, with a particular focus on their mid‐infrared emission. The ceramics were fabricated by a self‐propagating high‐temperature synthesis followed by hot pressing. The transmittance of 1.7 mm‐thick 5 at.% Er:Y2O3–MgO and 7 at.% Er:Gd2O3–MgO ceramics at 3 µm amounted to 79.4% and 21.5%, respectively. This difference in transmission, as revealed by microstructural analysis, is due to variation in the distribution of residual pore sizes, while the average grain size is almost the same for both ceramics, being ∼200 nm. The composites exhibited luminescence in the visible, near‐infrared, and mid‐infrared spectral ranges attributed to electronic transitions of Er3+ ions in the cubic sesquioxide phase. Peculiarities in the Raman and luminescence spectra were identified in comparison to single‐phase Er:Y2O3 and Er:Gd2O3 ceramics, which may indicate certain solubility of MgO in the sesquioxide phase of the composites.
Protocols for Postanesthesia Care Unit Handoff and Patient Safety: A Scoping Review
Authors: Martins Fabiana Zerbieri , de Lima Luciana Bjorklund , Trevilato Denilse Damasceno , Hemesath Melissa Prade , de Magalhães Ana Maria Müller
Published: December 2024

Aim

To map studies that tested an intervention orienting patient transfer to Postanesthesia Care Unit (PACU) and identify outcomes related to care safety.

Methods

Scoping review guided by recommendations of the JBI Manual and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analysis extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA‐ScR) guide. The Population, Concept, and Context (PCC) framework was used to develop the research question and consolidate inclusion and exclusion criteria in databases consulted without date parameters. The review protocol was registered in the Open Science Framework.

Results

The systematic search identified 182 records. After reading their titles and abstracts, 49 studies were read in full. The final sample consisted of 17 texts published between 2013 and 2024. The main elements evaluated in the implementation of interventions to guide patient transfer to the PACU related to patient safety were as follows: increase in the number of transferred information; higher rates of professional satisfaction with teamwork; presence of surgical professionals; questions from the receiver and adequacy to the instrument. Also was identified a pause to monitor the patient before the transfer and reduction of omitting information, interruptions, distractions, task errors, hypoxemia, nausea, vomiting and excessive pain.

Conclusions

The variables evaluated after the interventions to promote a structured patient transfer to the PACU have the potential to guide the development of quality assessment indicators and contribute to the promotion of a safety culture in institutions.

Impact

Considering the constant increase in complexity and demand for perioperative care, the investigation of patient transfer processes to the PACU can provide support for the management of surgical practices and contribute to improving patient safety and the experience of the health professionals involved.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution.

OSF registration: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/M2FYN.
Mindsets of Parenting Ability: Coping With Challenges and Engaging in Parenting
Authors: Burnette Jeni L. , Becker Whitney , Hoyt Crystal L. , Lipsey Nikolette P.
Published: December 2024

Parenting can bring both joy and stress. Identifying factors that foster greater engagement and enjoyment while also helping parents cope with inevitable stressors is critical for healthy child development and parental wellbeing. In the current work, we build on growth mindset theory to explore individual differences in beliefs about the changeable nature of parenting ability. Specifically, across three correlational studies (N = 1170), we investigated if growth mindsets about parenting related to coping in the wake of parenting setbacks and to parental engagement. Growth mindsets predicted more positive expectations and less avoidant coping after parenting challenges, and these processes, and growth mindsets, correlated with parental engagement. Across the three studies, average links between growth mindsets and the two primary outcomes of interest—avoidant coping and engagement—were r = −0.31 and r = 0.20, respectively.
Prevalence and Cardio‐Renal Comorbidities of Masked Hypertension: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Zhu Hailan , Li Jiahuan , Li Lingxiao , Liang Xiaoyan , Huang Chunyi , Cai Xiaoyan , Huang Yuli , Huo Yanchang
Published: December 2024

Aim

The prognosis of masked hypertension is controversial. The aims of this meta‐analysis were to determine the global prevalence of masked hypertension and to better understand its association with the risk of cardiorenal comorbidities and all‐cause mortality.

Methods

We searched the PubMed, Embase (OVID), The Cochrane Library, WanFang Data, and CNKI databases for relevant studies published from inception until January 15, 2024. Cohort studies that reported an association of masked hypertension with the risk of cardiorenal comorbidities and all‐cause mortality were eligible for meta‐analysis.

Results

Twenty‐six studies (with 129,061 participants) were included. The median follow‐up duration was 7.38 years. The pooled prevalence of masked hypertension was 18% (95% confidence interval [CI] 15%–21%). Compared with normotensive individuals, those with masked hypertension had an increased risk of all‐cause mortality (relative risk [RR] 1.64, 95% CI 1.32–2.04) and incident cardiovascular disease (RR 1.57, 95% CI 1.45–1.69). The results were similar regardless of treatment status and in multiple subgroup analyses. Masked hypertension was also associated with increased risks of cardiovascular mortality (RR 1.69, 95% CI 1.02–2.78) and composite renal outcomes (RR 3.57, 95% CI 2.32–5.50).

Conclusion

Masked hypertension is prevalent in adults and associated with increased risks of all‐cause mortality, cardiovascular disease, cardiovascular mortality, and composite renal events.
Efficacy of a Novel Adjustable Snare Technique Versus the Conventional Technique for Converting the Orobiliary Catheter to a Nasobiliary Catheter
Authors: Li Xianglin , Ning Yumei , Zhu Yue , Li Wei , Yang Pengcheng , Wang Jing , He Xiaojun , Zhao Qiu , Duan Lingling , Zhang Xiaodan
Published: December 2024

Background and Object

It is a challenging step to guide a nasobiliary catheter from the mouth to the nasal cavity in endoscopic nasobiliary drainage (ENBD), and new methods are always being explored to improve the procedure. We have developed a novel device which is composed of a dedicated adjustable snare and a tongue depressor–like handle, for completing oral–nasal conversion of the ENBD tube. In this study, we aim to assess the utility of our new technique in repositioning the ENBD catheter by comparing it with conventional guidewire technique.

Method

The patients who underwent ENBD at Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University were enrolled to the study. They were randomly divided into the new and conventional technique groups. The primary outcome was the first‐time success rate of operation. The secondary outcome included the procedure time, the comfortable degree, and adverse event rates.

Results

Compared with using the conventional technique, the first‐time success rate of operation using the novel adjustable snare technique to replace the ENBD catheter from the mouth to the nostril was significantly improved (76.19% vs. 51.43%, p < 0.001). The procedure time was significantly shorter using the new device (78.96 s vs. 102.4 s, p < 0.001). In addition, the discomfort scores of patients in the new technique group were lower than those in the conventional group (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Our novel adjustable snare technique improved the first‐time success rate of the nasobiliary catheter repositioning, shortened the procedure time, and alleviated the patient's discomfort.

Trial Registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry number: ChiCTR2400085838.
Anthropometric measurements as predictors of nutritional status in black South African women during pregnancy
Authors: Erasmus Christen R. , Maharaj Niren R. , Chuturgoon Anil A.
Published: December 2024

Background

Nutritional risk assessment is an essential component of primary health care screening, especially for pregnant women. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between maternal body mass index (BMI) and maternal anthropometric measurements in black South African pregnant women, both with and without human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Materials and Methods

A cross‐sectional observational study design was used. Two hundred black South African pregnant women were recruited of which 90 were HIV‐infected and 110 were HIV‐uninfected. The anthropometric measurements assessed included mid‐upper arm circumference (MUAC), tricep skinfold (TSF), subscapular skinfold (SSF), mid‐arm muscle circumference (MAMC), wrist circumference (WC), frame size, and BMI.

Results

Maternal age was significantly associated with changes in maternal anthropometric measurements. Maternal BMI was significantly correlated with other maternal anthropometric measurements including MUAC, TSF, SSF, MAMC, WC, and frame size. The anthropometric measurements that were found to be accurate for assessing obesity in pregnancy included TSF (≥20.75 mm), SSF (≥21.75 mm), MAMC (≥25.23 cm), and WC (≥16.25 cm). Additionally, SSF (≥15.75 mm) and MAMC (≥23.35 cm) could be used to assess for overweight nutritional status. Lastly, frame size could be used to assess for underweight (≥10.05) and normal (≥9.95) nutritional status. No significant anthropometric differences were observed between the HIV‐infected pregnant women and the HIV‐uninfected pregnant women in this study.

Conclusion

Surrogate anthropometric measurements offer a simple solution for assessing nutritional status in pregnant women. MUAC was the most accurate method for identifying overweight and obesity. Furthermore, maternal HIV status did not affect the anthropometric measurements.
Status Transfer across Borders: The Mediating Role of Common Partners in First Entry
Authors: Liu Yu , Maula Markku , Pinkham Brian C.
Published: December 2024

Recent studies on organizational status and international business (IB) have found evidence for the transferability of status to new markets by showing that, at least under certain circumstances, network status in the home market affects a firm's entry into and performance in new foreign markets; however, the status transfer mechanisms in these studies have thus far been inferred and not directly tested. We focus on this black box of how status transfers, or more plainly, how high network status in one market leads to high network status in another market. We posit that an important underlying mechanism is the mediating role of the status of common partners in partner selection. Firms with high home‐country status are more likely to have high‐status common partners facilitating tie formation with prospective high‐status local partners in the new market. We argue that through this mechanism, foreign firms with a higher status in their home country are more likely to partner with firms of higher local status in the entered market, thereby transferring their status to the new market. The hypotheses receive support from mediation effect analyses of global venture capital (VC) investments, contributing to an improved understanding of the stratus transfer mechanisms in international settings.
Measuring work attitudes with less: Supervised construct scoring to shorten work attitude measures
Authors: Speer Andrew B. , Delacruz Angie Y. , Wegmeyer Lauren J.
Published: December 2024

Work attitude and perceptions surveys are useful to understand workforces and improve employee well‐being. However, surveys are often lengthy, leading companies to use less effective methods or measure only a few constructs. Researchers have tried various scale reduction methods, including single‐item measures (Matthews et al., Journal of Business and Psychology, 2022), but these and other scale‐shortening methods often compromise content validity and reliability. This research tests a novel scale‐shortening method called supervised construct scoring (SCS) to create shorter work attitude and perception measures. Despite using only 39% of the original items, SCS scores exhibited nearly equivalent psychometric properties as full‐scale scores and superior psychometric properties when compared to single‐item measures. SCS represents a paradigm shift in scale shortening, and the new Short Work Attitude and Perception Scales (SWAPS) algorithms are made freely available: https://osf.io/9tueh/?view_only=482dc89e3cbf4c1489e28aabff307caa.
A Process‐ and Status‐Centered Approach to Educational Identity Development in Late Adolescence: The Importance for Well‐Being
Authors: de Moor Elisabeth L. , Christiaens Annabelle H. T.
Published: December 2024

Objective

During late adolescence, adolescents' educational identity may be especially salient as they need to make important decisions regarding their education around the transition from secondary school to tertiary education. The way adolescents shape their identity during this period may have important implications for their academic functioning and psychological well‐being.

Method

In the present study, we used four half‐yearly measurements of educational identity from 208 Dutch adolescents (Mage = 17.8, 73.6% female) to examine identity change in late adolescence. We combined an identity process‐centered approach, focusing on identity commitment, exploration, and self‐doubt processes, with an identity status‐centered approach, focusing on their constellation, and linked individual differences in identity to well‐being.

Results

Findings evidenced some developmental change, generally in the direction of a more mature identity (i.e., lower exploration and self‐doubt; transitions toward a status characterized by high commitment, average exploration, and low self‐doubt), but also much stability. Furthermore, being in an identity status characterized by low engagement in all three processes was associated with poorer psychological well‐being.

Conclusions

Our findings emphasize the need to examine identity, especially across identity‐salient periods, and highlight important next steps in the pursuit of a better understanding of educational identity in late adolescence.
Directed Sorting Using Trained Assessors for Categorization of Honeybush Tea: Comparison of Correspondence Analysis and DISTATIS Combined With Barycentric Text Projection
Authors: Moelich Erika I. , Muller Magdalena , Kidd Martin , van der Rijst Marieta , Joubert Elizabeth
Published: December 2024

The validity of sorting as rapid method for sensory characterization of food has been demonstrated, however, research on its effectiveness to profile complex products, especially when using trained assessors, is limited. In this study, directed sorting based on aroma (sortingAROMA), palate (sortingPALATE) and both aroma and palate attributes (sortingGLOBAL) were conducted by trained assessors to categorize honeybush tea prepared from five Cyclopia species. Descriptive sensory analysis provided a detailed sensory profile of the same samples for comparison. SortingAROMA and sortingPALATE resulted in similar sample configurations. SortingGLOBAL was less effective at grouping samples per species. Despite the use of trained assessors, three replicate sessions were needed to ensure consistent results, particularly for sortingAROMA. Both DISTATIS, combined with Barycentric Text Projection (BTP), and Correspondence Analysis (CA) produced similar correspondences between attributes and sample groupings. The bootstrap ratios of DISTATIS‐BTP confirmed significant sample‐attribute associations, thereby providing additional information.
Light Environment of Arctic Solstices is Coupled With Melatonin Phase‐Amplitude Changes and Decline of Metabolic Health
Authors: Gubin Denis , Danilenko Konstantin , Stefani Oliver , Kolomeichuk Sergey , Markov Alexander , Petrov Ivan , Voronin Kirill , Mezhakova Marina , Borisenkov Mikhail , Shigabaeva Aislu , Yuzhakova Natalya , Lobkina Svetlana , Petrova Julianna , Malyugina Olga , Weinert Dietmar , Cornelissen Germaine
Published: December 2024

Light environment in the Arctic differs widely with the seasons. Studies of relationships between objectively measured circadian phase and amplitude of light exposure and melatonin in community‐dwelling Arctic residents are lacking. This investigation combines cross‐sectional (n = 24–62) and longitudinal (n = 13–27) data from week‐long actigraphy (with light sensor), 24‐h salivary melatonin profiles, and proxies of metabolic health. Data were collected within the same week bracketing spring equinox (SE), and winter/summer solstices (WS/SS). Drastic seasonal differences in blue light exposure (BLE) corresponded to seasonal changes in the 24‐h pattern of melatonin, which was phase delayed and reduced in normalized amplitude (NA) during WS/SS compared to SE. The extent of individual melatonin's acrophase and Dim Light Melatonin Onset (DLMO) change from SE to WS correlated with that from SE to SS. Although similar in extent and direction, melatonin phase changes versus SE were linked to morning BLE deficit in WS, contrasting to evening BLE excess in SS. Seasonal changes in sleep characteristics were closely associated with changes in the phases of BLE and melatonin. Proxies of metabolic health included triglycerides (TG), high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), TG/HDL ratio, and cortisol. Adverse seasonal changes in these proxies were associated with delayed acrophases of BLE and melatonin during WS and SS. TG and TG/HDL were higher in WS and SS than in SE, and cross‐sectionally correlated with later melatonin and BLE acrophases, while lower HDL was associated with later BLE onset and later melatonin acrophase. Overall, this study shows that optimal 24‐h patterns of light exposure during SE is associated with an earlier acrophase and a larger 24‐h amplitude of melatonin, and that both features are linked to better metabolic health. Improving light hygiene, in particular correcting winter morning light deficit and summer evening light excess may help maintain metabolic health at high latitudes. Novel solutions for introducing proper circadian light hygiene such as human‐centric light technologies should be investigated to address these issues in future studies.
Implementing farmers' rights under the plant variety protection law in India: Analysing the complex regulatory framework and its impact
Authors: Babu Amrithnath Sreedevi
Published: December 2024

The Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights Act, 2001 (PPVFR Act) in India was touted as a unique law when it was enacted as it included farmers' rights provisions as well. The legislation contains some tall promises, which, if implemented in their truest sense, would assist the farmers in getting recognition and rewards for the conservation efforts that they have put in. This paper examines the implementation of the Act from the viewpoint of the delegated/subordinate/secondary legislation, which constitute the practical framework for implementing the primary legislation in practice. Although the PPVFR Act includes a separate chapter on farmers' rights, it is not certain whether the legislation's stated objective of protecting the rights of farmers has been realised or not. The uncertainty is mainly because of the inconsistencies between the PPVFR Act and the delegated/subordinate legislation, which will be the focus area of this paper. The present paper contends that the ineffective implementation of the PPVFR Act can be attributed to the arbitrary actions undertaken by the central government and PPVFR Authority in contravention of the statute via public notices, rules, and regulations. This, in turn, has contributed to the deplorable plight of the farmers in multiple ways.
A Case of Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Antibody‐Associated Disease With a False‐Positive Aquaporin‐4 Antibody Test
Authors: Ota Kazuma , Ishii Junko , Yoshimura Hajime , Kohara Nobuo , Kawamoto Michi
Published: December 2024

Antibodies to aquaporin‐4 (AQP4‐Ab) are sensitive and highly specific serum markers of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). A 32‐year‐old man presenting with left optic neuritis was diagnosed with NMOSD on the basis of AQP4‐Ab positivity by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Three years later, ELISA AQP4‐Ab was also positive when he presented with left leg involuntary movement with right frontal medial cortex hyperintensity on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Three years thereafter, he had left facial involuntary movement with hyperintense lesions from the right temporal lobe to the insular cortex on MRI. His serum was negative for AQP4‐Ab by ELISA and cell‐based assay (CBA), but positive for myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) antibodies by CBA. We retested his preserved serum; the CBA test was negative for AQP4 but positive for MOG antibodies throughout the entire period. The ELISA AQP4‐Ab test result was a false positive, and the patient was diagnosed with MOG antibody‐associated disease. The results of ELISA AQP4‐Ab should be interpreted with caution, especially at low titers.
Factors Associated With Medical Expenses Among Long‐Term Care Insurance Recipients Aged 65 Years or Older in Korea
Authors: Ham Ok Kyung , Cho Insook , Kim Dahye , Suh Minhee
Published: December 2024

This study examined the factors associated with medical expenses among LTCI (long‐term care insurance) recipients in Korea. Secondary data analysis was performed using the 2019 Korea National Health Insurance (KNHI) reimbursement data of I metropolitan city. Data from 52 434 older adults who were LTCI recipients and living in I metropolitan city areas were included. Based on the Andersen healthcare utilization model, the variables included the predisposing (age, sex, and living alone), enabling (health insurance and place of residence), and need factors (disability, LTC grade, use of LTCI services, and participation in health screening). All the predisposing, enabling, and need factors were significant. Older age, higher LTC grade, use of visiting nursing service, admission to an aged care facility, and participation in health screenings were negatively associated with medical expenses. Females, those living alone, non‐disabled individuals, medical aid beneficiaries, and rural residents were less likely to incur medical expenses. Appropriate use of LTCI services (e.g., visiting nursing) will help reduce unnecessary medical expenses. Nevertheless, access to health care services for older adults living alone in rural areas must be improved.
Mechanistic insights into plant community responses to environmental variables: genome size, cellular nutrient investments, and metabolic tradeoffs
Authors: Hersch‐Green Erika I. , Fay Philip A. , Hass Hailee B. , Smith Nicholas G.
Published: December 2024

Affecting biodiversity, plants with larger genome sizes (GS) may be restricted in nutrient‐poor conditions. This pattern has been attributed to their greater cellular nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) investments and hypothesized nutrient–investment tradeoffs between cell synthesis and physiological attributes associated with growth. However, the influence of GS on cell size and functioning may also contribute to GS‐dependent growth responses to nutrients.

To test whether and how GS is associated with cellular nutrient, stomata, and/or physiological attributes, we examined > 500 forbs and grasses from seven grassland sites conducting a long‐term N and P fertilization experiment.

Larger GS plants had increased cellular nutrient contents and larger, but fewer stomata than smaller GS plants. Larger GS grasses (but not forbs) also had lower photosynthetic rates and water‐use efficiencies. However, nutrients had no direct effect on GS‐dependent physiological attributes and GS‐dependent physiological changes likely arise from how GS influences cells. At the driest sites, large GS grasses displayed high water‐use efficiency mostly because transpiration was reduced relative to photosynthesis in these conditions.

We suggest that climatic conditions and GS‐associated cell traits that modify physiological responses, rather than resource–investment tradeoffs, largely explain GS‐dependent growth responses to nutrients (especially for grasses).
The Power of Precision: How Algorithmic Monitoring and Performance Management Enhances Employee Workplace Well‐Being
Authors: Deng Hui , Lu Ying , Fan Di , Liu Wei , Xia Yuhuan
Published: December 2024

Can algorithmic control positively impact employee well‐being in the workplace? This study examines the potential benefits of algorithmic control, particularly through monitoring work activities and assessing performance, in enhancing employees' workplace well‐being within conventional employment settings. Grounded in labour process theory, our analysis of a multi‐wave data set reveals that both algorithmic monitoring and performance management can foster employees' perceptions of organizational fairness, which subsequently supports workplace well‐being. Additionally, the study finds that algorithmic transparency further strengthens these positive effects, emphasizing the value of clear and accessible communication around algorithmic processes. These insights offer a practical framework for leveraging algorithmic tools to harness the power of precision, enhancing perceptions of fairness and promoting employee well‐being.
A Cause Without Rebels? Exploring the Tensions Between Framing and Identity in the Mobilisation of Platform Workers
Authors: Gauthier‐Penhirin Arthur , Acquier Aurélien
Published: December 2024

The development of the gig economy has sparked significant societal and academic debates about increased work precarity. While social movements appear necessary to improve the conditions of gig workers, they are difficult to develop in a context marked by the absence of a clear collective identity among workers. Accordingly, this article explores the complex interactions between framing, resonance and identity to explain the failure of a social movement organisation (SMO) to mobilise platform deliverers in France. It shows how the SMO's framing constructed and conveyed an embedded identity presenting platform workers as alienated, disguised employees, which clashed with a shared identity among deliverers based on an independent entrepreneur ideal. These results clarify the links between framing and identity resonance and suggest that aligning frames with the target audience's identities plays a key role in developing social movements in the gig economy.
LIFE FROM DEATH: MULTI‐SPECIES FERTILITY RITUALS WITHIN A ROMANO‐BRITISH RITUAL SHAFT IN SOUTHERN ENGLAND
Authors: Green Ellen
Published: December 2024

Romano‐British shaft deposits are an important part of the ritual make‐up of the province. However, understanding the meaning of these features is often difficult due to the lack of textual sources. This paper discusses a first century AD shaft from Surrey, England, using a multi‐proxy approach to investigate potential ritual significance. Its unique assemblage, containing one of the largest deposits of human and animal remains ever excavated from a single Romano‐British feature along with the first recorded instance of Romano‐British use of red ochre on bone (a dog baculum, or penis bone), allowed for a series of cosmological connections to fertility be identified.
Photoreceptor layer elevation due to subretinal fluid: Impact on visual acuity measurements and simulation from biometrics
Authors: Parimi Vamsi , Elsner Ann E. , Papay Joel A. , Clark Christopher A. , Miura Masahiro , Gast Thomas J.
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Visual acuity (VA) is a primary outcome measure that defines the success of clinical interventions for retinal diseases such as age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) or diabetic macular oedema (DME). These conditions can lead to the presence of subretinal fluid, causing substantial photoreceptor layer elevation. Hyperopic defocus then occurs, affecting the VA measurements. In this study, we simulated the induced hyperopic shift for real‐world values of photoreceptor layer elevation and measured the effect on VA measurements.

Methods

To simulate the hyperopic shift, we used a four‐surface eye model. To measure the effect of defocus on VA, normally sighted adults (N = 44, mean [SD] age = 32 [13.0] year, range: 21–71 year) performed four test conditions, that is, defocus of 0.00, +0.75, +1.50 and +2.25 D. For each subject, mean VA and SD obtained from a cumulative normal fit to the VA data provided the coefficient of variation (CV) and 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

Refractive error induced by photoreceptor layer elevation was maximum for hyperopic error conditions, followed by emmetropic and myopic refractive error conditions. The 76% threshold VA worsened with increasing defocus conditions. The 95% CI was significantly larger for +0.75, +1.50 and +2.25 D defocus compared to no defocus (p = 0.04, 0.02 and 0.01, respectively). The CI for the +2.25 D defocus condition was larger (3–10 letters) compared with no defocus (3–6 letters).

Conclusions

Photoreceptor layer elevation causes a hyperopic shift sufficient for clinically meaningful changes: worse VA and more variable measurements.
Therapeutic Approach to Odontogenic Cervicofacial Necrotising Fasciitis: An Unusual Case Report
Authors: Bahia Marcelo Santos , Kadooka Marcella Yumi , de Lima Medeiros Yuri , de Araújo Oliveira Dandara Menezes , Trivellato Priscila Faleiros Bertelli , Sverzut Cassio Edvard , Trivellato Alexandre Elias
Published: December 2024

Background

The necrotising fasciitis is a severe and progressive infection of the superficial fascia and the adjacent subcutaneous tissues. The involvement of the head and neck regions is rare and associated with high rates of mortality. The aim of this study was to report the treatment used for cervicofacial necrotising fasciitis originating from an odontogenic abscess.

Methods

A 54‐year‐old male, diabetic, complained of asymmetry and pain in the left face area. During the clinic exam, we noticed an odontogenic abscess in the left cervical, submandibular, sublingual and buccal spaces, besides the submental space. We performed extraction of the left lower first, second and third molars alongside extraoral drainage of the odontogenic abscess in the left submandibular and submental regions. Two days after the procedure, the area became blackened, evolving to local necrosis, fascial detachment and erythematous margins.

Results

We performed surgical debridement of the wound and biopsy with a positive culture for Streptococcus pyogenes . We established the diagnosis of cervicofacial necrotising fasciitis, followed by intravenous Gentamicin 240 mg and Clindamycin 600 mg administration, 18 sessions of hyperbaric oxygen therapy and vacuum curative maintenance. We reached total remission of the lesion and satisfactory cicatrisation within 18 days.

Conclusion

Surgical debridement, antibiotic therapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy and vacuum‐assisted closure displayed satisfactory results in odontogenic cervicofacial necrotising fasciitis treatment.
Better safe than sorry: the unexpected drought tolerance of a wetland plant (Cyperus alternifolius L.)
Authors: Biruk Lucia Nadia , Tomasella Martina , Petruzzellis Francesco , Nardini Andrea
Published: December 2024

A common assumption of plant hydraulic physiology is that high hydraulic efficiency must come at the cost of hydraulic safety, generating a trade‐off that raises doubts about the possibility of selecting both productive and drought‐tolerant herbaceous crops. Wetland plants typically display high productivity, which requires high hydraulic efficiency to sustain transpiration rates coupled to CO2 uptake. Previous studies have suggested high vulnerability to xylem embolism of different wetland plants, in line with expected trade‐offs. However, some hygrophytes like Cyperus alternifolius L. can also experience prolonged periods of low water levels leading to substantial drought stress. We conducted an in‐depth investigation of this species' hydraulic safety and efficiency by combining gas exchange measurements, hydraulic measurements of leaf hydraulic efficiency and safety, optical measurements of xylem vulnerability to embolism, and determination of cell turgor changes under drought. Our data confirm the high hydraulic efficiency of this wetland species, but at the same time, reveal its surprising drought tolerance in terms of turgor loss point and critical water potential values inducing xylem embolism and hydraulic failure, which were well below values inducing turgor loss and full stomatal closure. C. alternifolius emerges as a highly productive plant that is also well‐equipped to tolerate drought via a combination of early stomatal closure and delayed onset of hydraulic damage. The species might represent a model plant to develop crops combining two of the most desirable traits in cultivated plants, i.e., high yield and significant drought tolerance.
Experiential Faculty Development to Increase the Number of Entrustable Professional Activity Assessments
Authors: Buyck Michael , Desaulniers Pierre , Chénier Christophe , Moussa Ahmed
Published: December 2024

Background

Emergency medicine (EM) residents must complete both adult and paediatric entrustable professional activities (EPAs). During their paediatric emergency medicine rotation at a university paediatric hospital, EM residents struggled to receive EPA assessments because preceptors had not yet been trained due to the stepwise implementation of EPAs. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of a workshop on behaviour change by measuring the number of EPA assessments.

Methods

A comparative pretraining and posttraining study involving 27 invited faculty members was conducted to assess the impact of a faculty development programme. The training was delivered via videoconference with experiential learning techniques to practise every aspect of the supervision of an EPA, including selecting the appropriate EPA according to mirroring real‐world situations, giving feedback, evaluating autonomy and recording the EPA in the resident's logbook.

Results/Findings

In total, 20 out of 27 eligible faculty members (74%) agreed to participate in the study. Their main challenges reported were a lack of trainee initiative, preceptor training and competence in supervising EPAs. Over the 12‐month analysis period, the enrolled faculty assessed 125 EPAs for 38 EM residents, including 52 pre‐intervention EPAs and 73 post‐intervention EPAs. Calculation of data points above the median showed a 1‐point difference in the EPAs assessments to resident ratio between the pre‐ and post‐intervention periods (3/7 vs. 4/7).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that faculty training using multiple educational strategies may enable EM residents to receive more EPA assessments during their paediatric emergency medicine rotation.
Assessment of bacterial isolates and antimicrobial susceptibility patterns in external ocular infections among patients attending eye clinic at Kafrelsheikh University Hospitals
Authors: Essawy Sally Hassan , ELShafie Mohamed Ahmed , Ghazy Yasmeen Mohamed Mohamed , Saadoun Mo'men Mahmoud , Nosair Nahla A. , Ahmed Hebatalla Abdelmaksoud , El Nahal Ayat Shaban Mousa
Published: December 2024

Background

Ocular infections can harm the eye's anatomic structure on numerous levels. They are a global health issue. Endophthalmitis, a serious complication following cataract surgery, can result in substantial ocular morbidity and vision loss despite the administration of antibiotics. Bacterial ocular flora are the primary causative agents. This study aimed to assess the types of bacterial isolates on the external ocular surface and evaluate their antimicrobial susceptibility patterns in pre‐operative cataract patients at Kafrelsheikh University Hospitals.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study enrolled 691 patients scheduled for routine cataract surgery in the Department of Ophthalmology at Kafrelsheikh University Hospitals, Egypt. Each patient underwent a comprehensive assessment of medical history, including the use of traditional medicine, past eye trauma, and any prior eye surgeries, as well as ophthalmic clinical data such as visual acuity and ocular surface disorders. Conjunctival swabs were collected and processed using standard microbiological procedures to identify bacterial isolates and their respective antimicrobial susceptibility patterns.

Results

Among the 691 patients enrolled (median age 60 years, IQR 54–66), 59.8% were female. Conjunctival cultures yielded positive results in 38 cases (5.6%). The most frequently isolated organisms were Staphylococcus aureus, accounting for 52.6% of isolates, followed by Staphylococcus epidermidis at 15.8%. Notably, S. aureus demonstrated the highest resistance to erythromycin and vancomycin, with all 20 isolates showing resistance. In contrast, linezolid exhibited high efficacy, with 19 isolates showing sensitivity and only one displaying resistance.

Conclusion

This study indicated that ocular conditions such as dry eye syndrome, Meibomian gland dysfunction, and scaly blepharitis are strongly associated with the prevalence of culture‐confirmed ocular infections. Regarding antibiotic susceptibility, most Staphylococcus species demonstrated the greatest sensitivity to linezolid and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole.
Clinical manifestations of Florida spot keratopathy in dogs and cats: One hundred cases (2021–2024)
Authors: Pe'er O. , W. Handel K. , Arad D. , Sebbag L. , Ofri R.
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study describes the ocular findings in dogs and cats diagnosed with Florida spot keratopathy (FSK) at a single institution.

Methods

Affected animals underwent a single comprehensive ophthalmic examination, with no follow‐ups conducted. Data on patient demographics and clinical findings were collected and analyzed.

Results

Based on the presence of round, white, fluorescein negative anterior stromal lesions, FSK was diagnosed in 84 dogs and 16 cats, with mean ± SD ages of 6.5 ± 3.7 and 5.9 ± 4.6 years, respectively. FSK was the presenting complaint in 18% of dogs and 12.5% of cats. Most patients had unilateral lesions, with 57% of dog eyes and 55% of cat eyes having more than three lesions per eye. Lesions varied in size (0.5–7.6 mm in dogs, pinpoint to 5 mm in cats) and were predominantly located in the central cornea of dogs, while scattered throughout the cornea of cats. Progression was reported in just 4% of dogs and 6% of cats, while transient irritation was reported in 18% of dogs and 12.5% of cats. Owners reported the presence of little fire ants (LFA) in the vicinity of 21% of dogs and 38% of cats.

Conclusions

FSK should be considered a differential diagnosis for transient ocular irritation in dogs and cats, with most lesions being non‐progressive. While an association with LFA has been suggested in both animals and humans, this link remains speculative and has not been confirmed by rigorous academic research.
Analisis Keperluan: Faktor Penerimaan Guru ke atas Aplikasi Bunyi-Huruf
Authors: Abdullah Mastura , Zain Azizah
Published: December 2024

This study aims to analyze teachers' needs for a letter sound application using a quantitative approach. The survey was conducted among preschool teachers in the state of Pahang using a purposive sampling method. A total of 166 preschool teachers participated in this study. The findings indicate that the construct of mobile device usage level achieved the highest mean score of 6.25 with a standard deviation of 0.69. Meanwhile, the construct of teachers' understanding of the use of mnemonic techniques had the lowest mean score of 5.07 with a standard deviation of 1.26. The construct of teachers' acceptance of the letter sound application obtained the second-highest mean score of 6.06 with a standard deviation of 0.67. The construct of teachers' perception of letter teaching had the third-highest mean score of 5.80 with a standard deviation of 0.96. Although there were variations in the mean scores for each construct, overall, the mean scores were within a high range, between 5.01 and 7.00. This study provides an overview that preschool teachers in the state of Pahang generally have a high level of mobile device usage and acceptance of the letter sound application. However, there is a need to improve their understanding of mnemonic techniques in letter teaching.
Abstrak:
Kajian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis keperluan guru terhadap aplikasi bunyi huruf melalui pendekatan kuantitatif. Kajian tinjauan ini dijalankan ke atas guru prasekolah di negeri Pahang dengan menggunakan kaedah pensampelan bertujuan. Seramai 166 orang guru prasekolah telah mengambil bahagian dalam kajian ini. Dapatan kajian menunjukkan bahawa konstruk tahap penggunaan peranti mudah alih mempunyai skor min tertinggi iaitu 6.25 dengan nilai sisihan piawai .69. Sementara itu, konstruk tahap kefahaman guru terhadap penggunaan teknik mnemonik adalah yang terendah dengan nilai min 5.07 dan nilai sisihan piawai 1.26. Konstruk penerimaan guru ke atas aplikasi bunyi huruf memperoleh skor min kedua tertinggi dengan nilai 6.06 dan nilai sisihan piawai .67. Konstruk persepsi guru terhadap pengajaran huruf pula mempunyai skor min ketiga tertinggi iaitu 5.80 dengan nilai sisihan piawai .96. Walaupun terdapat variasi dalam skor min bagi setiap konstruk, keseluruhannya skor min berada dalam julat yang tinggi, iaitu antara 5.01 hingga 7.00. Kajian ini memberikan gambaran bahawa guru prasekolah di negeri Pahang secara amnya mempunyai tahap penggunaan peranti mudah alih dan penerimaan terhadap aplikasi bunyi huruf yang tinggi, namun terdapat keperluan untuk meningkatkan kefahaman mereka terhadap teknik mnemonik dalam pengajaran huruf.
Demolition Works Topic: An Interactive e-Module Development for VAK Learning Style
Authors: Hasbollah Ahmad Hakimi , Ariffin Arihasnida , Hamzah Norhasyimah , Zakaria Normah , Rubani Siti Nur Kamariah
Published: December 2024

The purpose of this study is to design and develop a teaching and learning e-module for the topic of Demolition Works based on the VAK learning styles for the Construction Technology 3 (BBB30503) course at the Faculty of Technical and Vocational Education (FPTV), UTHM. This study also evaluates the developed teaching and learning e-module in terms of design, content, and functionality. The researcher used three phases of the ADDIE Model as the design model during the development of this e-module. The three phases involved are the analysis phase, the design phase, and the development phase. The instrument used to evaluate the e- module in terms of design, content, and functionality was an expert evaluation questionnaire. The developed e-module was assessed by three experts, consisting of lecturers from UTHM. These experts included one lecturer from the field of multimedia and two lecturers from the field of building construction. The results of the study analysis found that most of the questionnaire items received a high level of agreement. Overall, the researcher found that the developed e-module is a suitable teaching aid for use during the teaching and learning process for the Construction Technology 3 (BBB30503) course at FPTV, UTHM.
Leveraging Expert Insight to Define Multifaceted Student Engagement Levels in Higher Education Online Learning Using a Belief Rule-Based Framework
Authors: Chong Ke Ting , Ibrahim Noraini , Huspi Sharin Hazlin , Wan Kadir Wan Mohd Nasir
Published: December 2024

Educational Data Mining (EDM) is an interdisciplinary field that aims to address education issues by using vast amounts of educational data. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Education Malaysia desires to promote online education to raise teaching and learning standards and increase efficiency. Therefore, it is crucial to increase student engagement for improving the teaching and learning process, institutional effectiveness, as well as EDM research. Although student engagement is getting more important with the growth of online learning, there is no clear consensus to identify and differentiate student engagement into distinct levels. Moreover, student engagement is a multidimensional construct that is made up of behavioural, cognitive, emotional, and social engagement. The purpose of this paper is to collect and analyse the professional view and opinion of three educational experts on student engagement so that they can be utilised to develop the rules that will distinguish between levels by implementing a belief rule-based system. According to the experts' findings, it is critical for the lecturer to identify students who are having problems engaging with online learning early on so that they can be helped to engage more fully and, as a result, do better academically. Besides, prediction of student engagement level depends on multiple dimensions, while statistical methods like mean, median, and quartile can be utilised to translate numerical data into verbal terms. Lastly, the best time to extract data for the student engagement level prediction is the week before mid-semester break.
Disaster Resilience Plan Towards Flexible Regional Logistic Management
Authors: Raja Mazlan Raja Marzyani , Idrus Nurul-Ain
Published: December 2024

COVID-19, which emerged in 2019, was the most recent pandemic, significantly affecting populations worldwide. It led to a global catastrophe, in the aspects of politics, environment, social life, health, and economy. Since therapeutic care had not been able to mitigate the spread of the virus, prevention tactics were adopted, which include movement control orders, lockdown, mandatory distancing, and mask wear. Some of these inevitable severe containment measures have been found to disrupt the global supply chain where the consumer manufacturing sector was affected the most. With the certainty that future disasters will happen in one form or another, and to avoid future disruption, the supply chain management of an organization should be prepared with a resilience plan to be more flexible, dynamic, and agile in ensuring supply chain continuity. One way to achieve this is through management of the logistics in the supply chain. This paper aims to present alternative guidelines and strategies in the form of a contingency plan for disaster resilience and flexible logistics management. A qualitative study was conducted on a consumer electronic goods company located in Malaysia, with a factory in Thailand and retailer distribution centres in Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, and Malaysia. A thematic analysis of the semi-structured interview results identified seven key impacts of COVID-19 on logistics management. The most critical impacts found are ‘shortage of storage capacity’ and ‘lack of containers’. Meanwhile, necessary qualities required in withstanding disasters were revealed, including ‘the ability to be flexible’, ‘adaptability to new things’, and ‘finding alternative solutions’. Finally, this paper concludes with a proposal of guidelines and strategies for resilience and contingency plan implementation.