bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hybrid model for software development: an integral comparison of DevOps automation tools
Authors: Narang Poonam , Mittal Pooja
Published: June 2022

DevOps is a fine fusion of development and operations teams together to deliver more efficient, reliable and quality software. DevOps make use of alternative set of automation tools for different development stages of software. The research presented in th is paper analyses selective automation tools to provide comprehensive and comparative tabular analysis followed by graphical comparison according to latest Google Trends. Best performer tools out of these alternative tool sets are grouped together into int egrated tool chain (ITC) in order to escalate DevOps performance in future. A hybrid automated model for software development using these selective automation tools from the ITC is also proposed. This analytic comparison will prove to be a big utility for young researchers, students and software developers to be cognizant with DevOps automation cul ture. Study of other tools or enhancement of the proposed hybrid model could also be considered as a part of future research.
Hybrid metaheuristic to solve job sequencing problem
Authors: Anaya - Fuentes Gustavo Erick , Rivera - Gómez Héctor , Montaño-Arango Oscar , Corona-Armenta José Ramón , Martínez-Muñoz Enrique
Published: June 2022

In this article, the job shop scheduling problem was solved, which is considered as an NP - Hard problem, so it is difficult to solve. The proposed algorithm consists in the combination and adaptation of the nearest neighbor meta heuristics and iterated local search (ILS) to find optimal solutions. The proposed algorithm was evaluated by comparing the results with those presented in different instances and sizes of the literature. The results of the proposed method were close in high percentages to the best re sults and averages obtained by other methods in the literature and in some cases, they were improved. The above represents the feasibility of a new combination of efficient methods in solving task scheduling problems.
Converting 2D magnetic resource imagining brain tumors to 3D structure using depth map machine learning techniques
Authors: Riyazudeen K. A. Mohamed , Sathik Mohamed
Published: June 2022

The use of medical imaging technology aids clinicians in recognizing and assessing patient problems, as well as improving treatment procedures. However, while conducting complex procedures such as the excision of brain tumors, the knowledge and biological research gathered from 2D images are insufficient. Converting 2D images to 3D images may assist doctors in determining the size, shape, and sharp area of tumor cells in the brain. The feasibility of translating 2D medical image data to a 3D model is described in this work. A suggested framework for predicting the size, shape, and location of a brain tumor using a minimized genetic machine learning method, and then converting the tumor information into 3D images using a depth map estimation approach after detecting the tumor information. When the tumor is located, the left and right view data are combined to form a 3D magnetic resonance imaging reconstruction. We used mixed reality methods to minimize file size while preserving the greatest quality of the model during a brain surgical operation.
Neuromorphic solutions: digital implementation of bio-inspired spiking neural network for electrocardiogram classification
Authors: Chen Dze Rynn , Wong Yan Chiew
Published: June 2022

Conventional techniques of off-chip processing for wearable devices cause high hardware resource usage which leads to heat generation and increased power consumption. Hence, edge computing methods such as neuromorphic computing are considered the most promising modern technology to replace conventional processing. It is beneficial to employ neuromorphic processing in electrocardiogram (ECG) classification, enabling engineers to overcome the constraints of heat generation caused by hardware utilization. Thus, this work aims to investigate common building blocks in a spiking neural network (SNN), analyze the spike-based plasticity mechanism and implement ECG classification on a neuromorphic circuit. The MIT-BIH Arrhythmia database (MITDB) is preprocessed in MATLAB, then used to train and test an SNN designed for field programmable gate arrays (FPGA), employing spike-based plasticity and Izhikevich neurons. The behaviour of spike timing dependent plasticity (STDP) in a neuromorphic circuit is also visualized in this work. The state-of the-art performance of this work lies in providing a generic mechanism to adapt ECG classification into a neuromorphic solution, a non-Von Neumann architecture. The proposed digital design utilizes 1.058% of hardware resources on a Zedboard. Application-wise, this work provides a foundation for development of neuromorphic computing in wearable medical devices that perform continuous monitoring of ECG.
Comparative study among constrained application protocol extensible messaging and presence protocol of IoT
Authors: Alshrif Abdal Motalib , Gouda Ashraf A. , Razek Mohammed A.
Published: June 2022

Many specialists are now looking for ways for commercial development and the introduction of technology and internet applications, especially since many homes in smart and developed cities need a great degree of fitness and electrical control. Now, days the Internet of Things shows a most important potential for commercial development in certain sectors. Therefore, this paper came with the aim of revealing a large variety of constantly evolving protocols for the internet of thing network design in particular three of these are constrained protocols such as message queuing telemetry transfer, application protocol message protocol extended, and message queuing telemetry transfer. To achieve this, the researcher used and followed the qualitative approach that relies on survey tools and theoretical presentation. Among the results obtained that: message queuing telemetry transfer is the best protocol among the three types as it has a high degree of reliability using supportive service quality levels and characterized by the use of neutral packets. The information may also contain binary or text content and has a superior transmission mechanism with efficiencies such as one-to-one, many-to-many or one-to-nothing. In addition, and for ease he uses easy-to-state strategies.
O panorama do turismo associado à produção de cafés no Brasil
Authors: Tavares Beatriz Carvalho , Oliveira Alini Nunes de , Minasi Sarah Marroni , Pagnussat Eduarda Cividini
Published: June 2022

Entre as bebidas mais consumidas no mundo, o café coloca o Brasil como maior produtor e exportador em nível mundial. Apesar da relevância do café como produto agrícola, pouco se sabe sobre sua relação com o turismo. Interessados em compreender a oferta de turismo cafeeiro no Brasil, o objetivo deste artigo é realizar um levantamento do contexto atual da oferta turística associada à produção cafeeira no país, por meio de pesquisas bibliográfica e documental e da aplicação de questionário a informantes qualificados no período de março a maio de 2021. Ao total, foram 20 respondentes ligados às instituições, associações e grupos de produtores distribuídos por 33 regiões no Brasil. O levantamento indica que a relação entre turismo e café ainda se encontra em estágio inicial, e o número de regiões com desenvolvimento da atividade turística é bastante inferior à totalidade de propriedades produtoras de café no Brasil. Detectou-se que o principal perfil de propriedades brasileiras é a agricultura familiar e a produção do café arábica é predominante. A pesquisa também identificou carência e dificuldade de acesso a informações sobre o tema. Como implicação prática, as informações sistematizadas neste estudo formam um banco de dados para contribuir com o conhecimento e planejamento do turismo de café.
Além dos milagres da tenda: a representação das relações interculturais no Brasil a partir da obra de Jorge Amado
Authors: Ferreira Pedro G.
Published: June 2022

A publicação de Tenda dos Milagres, por Jorge Amado, propõe uma reflexão em torno das relações interculturais no Brasil. Remontando episódios do livro, este artigo debate a construção do protagonista e de sua produção literária contra a hegemonia do modelo europeu de conhecimento. A partir desta análise, é possível entender o ambiente no qual se insere Pedro Archanjo e as violências estruturais que Jorge Amado denuncia na sua obra, inspirada no contexto desigual e racista da sociedade brasileira
"Era só uma mancha na lente": debates sobre ufologia e educação da atenção
Authors: Borda Pedro Henrique Barbosa
Published: June 2022

Este trabalho tem como objetivo situar a análise que os ufólogos fazem a respeito das fotografias de discos-voadores dentro de um processo de aprendizagem que Ingold chamou de educação da atenção, de tal forma a serem capazes de discriminar o verdadeiro veículo extraterrestre de eventuais confusões ou farsas. A partir desse argumento, conforme Latour, que a crença é uma categoria inventada pelo Ocidente para desqualificar outras produções epistemológicas que se distanciam da ciência, e que isso, por sua vez, desempenha um papel fundamental no processo de desqualificação das fotografias apresentadas pelos ufólogos enquanto evidência de que estamos sendo visitados por seres extraterrestres. Nesse sentido, é preciso olhar para esses registros com seriedade de modo a entender com mais clareza a dinâmica desses coletivos ufológicos.
Knockout of Sorbin And SH3 Domain Containing 2 (Sorbs2) in Cardiomyocytes Leads to Dilated Cardiomyopathy in Mice
Authors: McLendon Jared M. , Zhang Xiaoming , Matasic Daniel S. , Kumar Mohit , Koval Olha M. , Grumbach Isabella M. , Sadayappan Sakthivel , London Barry , Boudreau Ryan L.
Published: June 2022

Background

Sorbin and SH3 domain containing 2 (Sorbs2) protein is a cytoskeletal adaptor with an emerging role in cardiac biology and disease; yet, its potential relevance to adult‐onset cardiomyopathies remains underexplored. Sorbs2 global knockout mice display lethal arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy; however, the causative mechanisms remain unclear. Herein, we examine Sorbs2 dysregulation in heart failure, characterize novel Sorbs2 cardiomyocyte‐specific knockout mice (Sorbs2‐cKO), and explore associations between Sorbs2 genetic variations and human cardiovascular disease.

Methods and Results

Bioinformatic analyses show myocardial Sorbs2 mRNA is consistently upregulated in humans with adult‐onset cardiomyopathies and in heart failure models. We generated Sorbs2‐cKO mice and report that they develop progressive systolic dysfunction and enlarged cardiac chambers, and they die with congestive heart failure at about 1 year old. After 3 months, Sorbs2‐cKO mice begin to show atrial enlargement and P‐wave anomalies, without dysregulation of action potential–associated ion channel and gap junction protein expressions. After 6 months, Sorbs2‐cKO mice exhibit impaired contractility in dobutamine‐treated hearts and skinned myofibers, without dysregulation of contractile protein expressions. From our comprehensive survey of potential mechanisms, we found that within 4 months, Sorbs2‐cKO hearts have defective microtubule polymerization and compensatory upregulation of structural cytoskeletal and adapter proteins, suggesting that this early intracellular structural remodeling is responsible for contractile dysfunction. Finally, we identified genetic variants that associate with decreased Sorbs2 expression and human cardiac phenotypes, including conduction abnormalities, atrial enlargement, and dilated cardiomyopathy, consistent with Sorbs2‐cKO mice phenotypes.

Conclusions

Our studies show that Sorbs2 is essential for maintaining structural integrity in cardiomyocytes, likely through strengthening the interactions between microtubules and other cytoskeletal proteins at cross‐link sites.
Safety and Efficacy of SSRIs in Improving Poststroke Recovery: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Kalbouneh Heba M. , Toubasi Ahmad A. , Albustanji Farah H. , Obaid Yazan Y. , Al‐Harasis Layla M.
Published: June 2022

Background

Several studies investigated the role of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in improving poststroke recovery; thus, we have decided to conduct this systematic review and meta‐analysis to investigate the efficacy and safety of SSRIs in poststroke recovery.

Methods and Results

In this meta‐analysis we searched the following databases: PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, and Google Scholar. The studies were included if they were placebo‐controlled trials in design and reported SSRIs’ effects on poststroke depression, anxiety, disability, dependence, motor abilities, and cognitive functions. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the revised Cochrane risk‐of‐bias tool for randomized trials. The search yielded 44 articles that included 16 164 patients, and about half of the participants were treated with SSRIs. Our results showed that SSRIs had a significant effect on preventing depression (weighted mean difference [WMD], −7.05 [95% CI, −11.78 to −2.31]), treating depression according to the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression score (WMD, −1.45 [95% CI, −2.77 to −0.14]), anxiety (relative risk, 0.23 [95% CI, 0.09–0.61]), dependence (WMD, 8.86 [95% CI, 1.23–16.48]), motor abilities according to National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score (WMD, −0.79 [95% CI, −1.42 to −0.15]), and cognitive functions (WMD, 1.00 [95% CI, 0.12–1.89]). On the other hand, no significant effect of SSRIs on disability was observed. Additionally, we found that treating with SSRIs increased the risk of seizures (relative risk, 1.44 [95% CI, 1.13–1.83]), whereas there was no difference in the incidence of gastrointestinal symptoms or bleeding between SSRIs and a placebo.

Conclusions

Our study showed that SSRIs are effective in preventing and treating depression, and improving anxiety, motor function, cognitive function, and dependence in patients after stroke. These benefits were only reproducible with the citalopram subanalysis but not fluoxetine. Further well‐conducted placebo‐controlled trials are needed to investigate the safety and efficacy of citalopram among patients after stroke.

Registration

URL:
www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/
; Unique identifier: CRD42021285766.
New herb gall wasps from Iran (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae)
Authors: TAVAKOLI MAJID , STONE GRAHAM N. , PUJADE-VILLAR JULI , MELIKA GEORGE
Published: June 2022

Five new gall wasp species, Aulacidea koeiana Melika, Tavakoli & Stone, sp. nov., A. lorestanica Melika, Tavakoli & Stone, sp. nov., A. piroziae Melika, Stone & Pujade-Villar, sp. nov., Phanacis strigosa Melika, Stone & Tavakoli, sp. nov., P. tavakolii Melika, Stone & Pujade-Villar, sp. nov. are described from Lorestan, Iran. Descriptions, diagnoses, plus information on biology and host associations are given for all new species, and we provide the first description of the male of Isocolus beheni Melika & Karimpour, 2008.
Description of Fumariphilus Nieves-Aldrey, gen. nov., a new genus of herb gall wasps, with a key to genera of the tribe Aulacideini (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae)
Authors: NIEVES-ALDREY JOSÉ LUIS
Published: June 2022

A new genus of herb gall wasps, Fumariphilus Nieves-Aldrey gen. nov., (Hymenoptera, Cynipidae, Aulacideini), is described. Previous molecular phylogenetic analyses, and resulting systematic changes at the tribe level, have shown that the related species Aylax hypecoi Trotter and Neaylax versicolor Nieves-Aldrey have been incorrectly placed within their respective genera. In order to reflect their monophyletic lineage and to accommodate these species within the tribe Aulacideini, it is necessary to erect a new genus. The two species, Fumariphilus versicolor (Nieves-Aldrey, 1985) n. comb. and Fumariphilus hypecoi (Trotter, 1913) n. comb. placed in the new genus induce galls in fruits of species of, respectively, Hypecoum L. (Papaveraceae: Fumarioideae: Hypecoeae) and Fumaria L. (Papaveraceae: Fumarioideae: Fumarieae), reflecting a host-plant association that is unique among all the cynipids. Diagnostic morphological features of both the adult and the larvae and an identification key to the species of the new genus are provided. Adults of Fumariphilus versicolor n. comb., are also re-described and, for both species of Fumariphilus, the terminal instar larva is described and illustrated with SEM images. Following the erection of the new genus Fumariphilus, Aylax Hartig, sensu Nieves-Aldrey, 1994 is now sufficiently delimited within the tribe Aylacini sensu stricto Ashmead, 1903, which comprises species associated with only plants of the genus Papaver (Papaveraceae). Likewise, Neaylax Nieves-Aldrey, 1994, which now includes only the gall wasp species that associate with species of Salvia (Lamiaceae), is sufficiently delimited within the tribe Aulacideini Nieves-Aldrey, Nylander & Ronquist, 2015. Also provided in this work is an updated and illustrated identification key to the genera of the Aulacideini.
Syncola crypsimorpha (Meyrick, 1922) (Gelechioidea: Blastobasidae): A new pest species associated with cultured lac in India
Authors: JADHAV MAHESH M. , ADAMSKI DAVID , SHASHANK P.R. , RAJGOPAL N.N. , MESHRAM NARESH M. , MOHANASUNDARAM A. , SINGH J.P.
Published: June 2022

A host association for Syncola crypsimorpha (Meyrick, 1922) is discovered after 100 years, since its original description. In India, two blastobasid species, Syncola crypsimorpha (Meyrick, 1922) and S. pulverea (Meyrick, 1907) (Lepidoptera: Gelechioidea), are predators of cultured lac, Kerria lacca (Kerr, 1782) (Hemiptera: Kerridae). Descriptions, diagnoses, and images and illustrations of the adult stage, including the male and female genitalia, for these two species are provided to facilitate identifications. A lectotype for Syncola crypsimorpha is designated herein.
Water Vapor Transport by an Equivalent-Barotropic Cyclonic Anomaly Corresponding to Extreme Austral Late Summer Precipitation in Southeast Australia during 2021
Authors: Zhang Yue , Zhou Wen , Ling Jian , Qi Lixin
Published: June 2022

Southeast Australia (SEA) experienced a wet February as well as an extremely wet March accompanied by devastating floods during 2021. Regional water vapor balance analysis at different levels indicates the leading role of water vapor inflow through zonal boundaries during February, and the dominant contribution of water vapor input through meridional boundaries during March, providing adequate anomalous moisture for abnormal precipitation. The horizontal distribution of vertically integrated water vapor flux is characterized as an anomalous cyclonic circulation pattern around the Tasman Sea and SEA, responsible for the intensified water vapor transport along northwesterlies from the tropical Indian Ocean and along anomalous onshore easterlies from the Tasman Sea during both months. Partition of the contributions of dynamic and thermodynamic processes to the anomalous atmospheric water vapor flux reveals the dominant role of the anomalous wind field, but the anomalous variation in the moisture field also plays a part in the water vapor convergence for SEA. The presence of upper and lower large-scale atmospheric circulations ascertains that cyclonic water vapor flux is attributed to a dominant equivalent-barotropic cyclone system over SEA. The plausible joint impacts of internal forcing from the positive southern annular mode (SAM) oscillation, and external forcing from La Niña, are further confirmed by composite analysis; a La Niña–induced low pressure system dominates the lower level over the Australian continent, and the SAM-caused anomalous cyclonic disturbance propagating from higher latitudes governs the higher level above southern Australia, leading to the important equivalent-barotropic cyclonic circulation just above the region of interest.
Losing Hearts & Minds: Aid and Ideology
Authors: Child Travers B
Published: June 2022

“Hearts and minds” theory contends development aid strengthens community support for counterinsurgents by providing jobs and public goods. Based on field interviews in Kabul, we develop an alternative theoretical framework emphasizing instead the ideological preferences of civilians. In our model, some aid projects are ideologically contentious while others are benign. Given a mix of foreign aid, each civilian supports either the counterinsurgents or rebels, depending on his/her idiosyncratic preferences. In this setting, greater provisions of aid can actually erode community support. Donors therefore calibrate the mix of foreign aid to appease population groups with relatively strong ideological sensibilities. Individual-level analysis based on unique Afghan data substantiates key features of our theory. Benign projects lead to favorable opinions of development, while contentious aid has the opposite effect. Moreover, favorable opinions of development are associated with stronger support for government and counterinsurgents, and weaker support for rebels.
An Implausible Virtual Interview: Conversations with a Professional Research Subject
Authors: Owens Lisa Lucile
Published: June 2022

The author explores interactions with one research subject who feigns credentials and invents stories in order to participate in social science research interviews online. The possibility of intentional deception among interviewees in virtually mediated fieldwork is a critical consideration in the context of the recent extensive pivot to online-based fieldwork during the need for social distancing associated with the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Following this rapid shift in what is generally accepted as the “gold standard” for social science research interviews, widespread use of online-based interviewing methods will likely endure as equivalent to in-person methods. A methodological case study with implications for virtually mediated fieldwork, this article highlights some of the advantages and disadvantages of virtually mediated interviews and provides practical suggestions.
The Role of Hate Crime Victimization, Fear of Victimization, and Vicarious Victimization in COVID-19-Related Depression
Authors: Wenger Marin R. , Lantz Brendan , Gallardo Gabriella
Published: June 2022

As the COVID-19 pandemic has spread and continued, much attention has been focused on the physical costs of the virus. That said, early research has also demonstrated an impact on mental health, including depression. At the same time, there has been a documented increase in hate crime victimization during the pandemic. Importantly, hate crime victimization—and fear of victimization—has also been demonstrated to increase depressive symptoms. Following this, we posit that hate crime victimization, and fear of victimization, may play a significant role in COVID-19-related depressive symptoms. We test these hypotheses using results from a sample of 3,117 participants who responded to a survey administered in May 2020. Results indicate that not only do a higher perceived personal risk of COVID and experiences with hate crime predict higher depressive symptoms but that hate crime experiences mediate the relationship between perceived risk of COVID and depressive symptoms.
An Investigation of Surgical Nurses' Professional Values, Ethical Sensitivity and Quality of Care: A Cross-Sectional Study From Northwest Turkey
Authors: Mert Selda , Kersu Özlem , Aydin Sayilan Aylin , Akyolcu Neriman
Published: June 2022

Nurses’ professional values are closely associated with their ethical sensitivity and the quality of nursing care. The aim of this study was to determine surgical nurses’ perceptions of their professional values, ethical sensitivities and quality of care, the relationship between these variables, and the factors influencing these. The sample of this cross-sectional, descriptive and relational study consisted of 231 nurses working in the surgical units of two university hospitals and a training and research hospital. The study revealed a statistically significant negative relationship between the nurses’ professional values scale median score and the Moral Sensitivity Questionnaire median score, and a positive significant relationship between the Nurses' Professional Values Scale median score and the Care Behaviors Scale median score. Having ethical problems in their professional lives increased the ethical sensitivity of nurses, while having a medical-vocational high school and vocational school of health services degree and participation in training/meetings about professional values and ethics increased the perception of the quality of nursing care. Awareness of professional values is crucial in providing quality nursing care that is in line with ethical principles; therefore, it is recommended that the continuity of surgical nurses’ participation in training/meetings on professional values and ethics be ensured, that they be supported to become members of professional associations, and that supportive working environments be provided to improve the quality of nursing care.
Exploring Relationship Between Workplace Bullying and Healthcare Organization’s Well-being: Mechanism of Psychological Contract Violation and Forgiveness
Authors: Sharma Ritika , Prasad Asha
Published: June 2022

The article is an investigative study drawn on the grounded theory approach, envisaging the relation between workplace bullying and employee behavioural outcomes among resident doctors in Indian healthcare organizations. Using an interpretative paradigm, the authors explored underlying psychological mechanisms among 48 participant doctors in light of India’s unique culture characterized by power distance and high collectivism. Findings suggest that the prevalence of bullying in Indian healthcare organizations impacts employee behavioural outcomes emerging as a major challenge in healthcare management. The authors further exhibit restricted or non-violation of resident doctors’ psychological contracts towards such diabolic acts at work due to the development of passive feelings in light of learned helplessness. The current study establishes that Indian resident doctors are less pretentious, and the protestations against supervisory mistreatment are subdued even before joining the medical profession. Indian kids being fostered with relationship-focused values, namely tolerance, patience and respect towards their elders/seniors from a very tender age develop feelings of passivity, which might result in limited or no violation of their psychological contract. Drawing on conservation of resources (COR) theory, forgiveness emerged as a coping mechanism in pernicious work culture, providing uniqueness to study. This qualitative research study promulgates the unique response mechanism of workplace bullying in the Indian context. The study results open new gateways to empirically analyse the relationship between bullying-response mechanisms in developing economies. Theoretical and managerial implications are discussed in the present research study.
Responsibilising young benefit recipients: Income management and financial capability in New Zealand
Authors: Humpage Louise , Bielefeld Shelley , Marston Greg , Staines Zoe , Peterie Michelle , Mendes Philip
Published: June 2022

New Zealand recipients of the Youth Payment and Young Parent Payment, who are disproportionally Indigenous Māori and sole mothers, must participate in ‘Money Management’. This form of income management restricts spending, monitors financial transactions and requires compulsory budgeting education. Drawing on interviews with Money Management participants, Youth Service mentors and policymakers, this article argues that Money Management aims to responsibilise young people through conditional welfare, rather than improve their long-term financial capability as articulated. This becomes obvious through analysis of how Money Management ignores: 1) New Zealand financial literacy education policy developments, 2) the literature on best practice in financial literacy education and how values about money and wealth are shaped by 3) Māori world views and 4) gendered norms. The article concludes that states should take more responsibility, by increasing social security incomes and better regulating the financial, labour and housing markets, to ensure the financial capacity of their citizens.
The role of relational mobility in relationship quality and well-being
Authors: Park BoKyung , Kim Minjae , Young Liane
Published: June 2022

This paper examined the associations among: (1) the perceived freedom to initiate and end interpersonal relationships ( relational mobility), (2) relationship quality, and (3) well-being. Across 38 nations, people in nations with higher relational mobility reported greater well-being, which was explained by higher-quality relationships with close others (Study 1A). This effect was replicated at the individual level, after controlling for extraversion and socio-economic status (Study 1B). Finally, first-year college students with higher relational mobility reported receiving more social support from new friends during the COVID-19 pandemic, which explained those students’ higher well-being during the pandemic (Study 2). Together, this work demonstrates that relational mobility can explain enhanced well-being across nations, individuals, and life circumstances, and indicates potential avenues for interventions that increase the well-being of individuals and societies.
Minimal clinically important difference of the Berg Balance Scale and comfortable walking speed in patients with acute stroke: A multicenter, prospective, longitudinal study
Authors: Hayashi Shota , Miyata Kazuhiro , Takeda Ren , Iizuka Takamitsu , Igarashi Tatsuya , Usuda Shigeru
Published: June 2022

Objective

To determine the minimal clinically important difference between the Berg Balance Scale and comfortable walking speed in acute-phase stroke patients.

Design

Multicenter, prospective, longitudinal study.

Setting

Inpatient acute stroke rehabilitation.

Subjects

Seventy-five patients with acute stroke, mean (SD) age 71.7 (12.2) years.

Intervention

Inpatients with acute stroke were assessed with the Berg Balance Scale and comfortable walking speed before and after rehabilitation. Physiotherapy was conducted to improve balance and gait over a 2-week period: an average of 40 min/day on weekdays and 20 min/day on weekends and holidays.

Main measures

The patients’ Berg Balance Scale, comfortable walking speed, Global Rating of Change scale (patient-rated and physiotherapist-rated), and motor score of the Functional Independence Measure were obtained. Minimal clinically important differences were estimated using both anchor- (receiver operating characteristic curves and change difference) and distribution-based approaches (minimal detectable change and 0.5× the change score [SD]).

Results

The baseline scores were 31.2 (18.9) for the Berg Balance Scale and 0.79 (0.35) m/s for comfortable walking speed. The minimal clinically important difference in the Berg Balance Scale was 6.5–12.5 points by the anchor-based approach and 2.3–4.9 points by the distribution-based approach. The minimal clinically important difference in comfortable walking speed was 0.18–0.25 m/s by the anchor-based and 0.13–0.15 m/s by the distribution-based approach.

Conclusions

A change of 6.5–12.5 points in the Berg Balance Scale and 0.18–0.25 m/s in the comfortable walking speed is required in these measurements’ anchor-based minimal clinically important differences to be beyond measurement error, and to be perceptible by both patients and clinicians.
Medical laboratory staff satisfaction and their perspective on the role of health institutions to combat COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Basnet Buddha Bahadur , Satyal Deepa , Pandit Roshan , Maharjan Anjila , Karki Rashmi , Mishra Shyam Kumar , GC Srijana , Basnet Til Bahadur
Published: June 2022

Objective

To assess the facilities and challenges encountered in the clinical laboratories, satisfaction of the medical laboratory staff (MLS) toward their profession and their views on the role of related health institutions during the first wave of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in Nepal.

Methods

A web-based cross-sectional study was conducted among registered MLS in Nepal. Data were collected using a structured self-reported questionnaire on the Google Docs platform.

Results

A total of 301 respondents were enrolled in the study; of which 180 were male and 121 were female. Of the 301 respondents, a lack of infrastructure was reported by 241 (80.1%), a lack of skill development training by 204 (67.8%), limited availability of diagnostics kits by 151 (50.2%), overburdened by the workload by 142 (47.2%) and difficulty in sample management by 129 (42.9%). A total of 244 of 301 respondents (81.1%) believed that stakeholder institutions should collaborate with the government during the pandemic. The level of satisfaction during the pandemic (130 of 301; 43.19%) was found to have decreased compared with before the pandemic (203 of 301; 67.4%).

Conclusion

MLS were not fully satisfied with the available resources during the pandemic.
The Efficacy of Outsourced Employment Services for Adults Exiting Australian Prisons
Authors: Ollerton Janice , Giles Margaret J. , Baldry Eileen , Cale Jesse
Published: June 2022

Crime rates in Australia have declined or been steady over the past decade yet prison populations are at all-time highs. Similarly, unemployment rates have been low but unemployment for those ex-prisoners seeking work is very high. In this paper, we draw on the findings of an Australia-wide survey of government-funded employment service providers who support working-aged Australians including ex-prisoners in their search for work. We find that the heterogeneity of the needs of ex-prisoners coupled with the frugality and inflexibility of government policies and practices frustrates the abilities of these agencies to provide services to this target group.
Understanding Engagement With Forensic Smartphone Apps: The Service Design Engagement Model
Authors: Ross Stuart , Wood Mark A. , Johns Diana , Murphy John , Baird Ron , Alford Brooke
Published: June 2022

Justice services have begun to integrate the use of mobile applications into treatment, support, and rehabilitative programs for forensic clients. One such application that been adopted to support forensic clients is “eRecovery”: a smartphone application that provides clients recovering from a substance addiction with support for managing relapse. In this article, we report on evaluation findings from a trial of eRecovery in an Australian Community Justice Centre, and reflect on several issues relating to fostering and sustaining client engagement with similar applications within forensic and justice settings. We propose the Service Design Engagement Model to organize, visualize, and describe the stages and factors important to adoption, appropriation, and on-going routine use of the software by forensic clients. The model recognizes the role of contextual and environmental factors in supporting users through the early stages of engagement, and the importance of user agency in longer-term engagement with therapeutic apps.
Influence of implant parameters on biomechanical stability of TMJ replacement: A finite element analysis
Authors: Banerjee Anik , Rana Masud , Chakraborty Arindam , Singh Ankush Pratap , Roy Chowdhury Amit
Published: June 2022

The articular disc reduces the stress distribution from the mandible to fossa. In total temporomandibular joint (TMJ) replacement, the implant is required to reduce the stress on fossa implant. Current studies lack standard and optimized parameters for the cylindrical dome on Christensen TMJ implant collar. This study briefed a novel TMJ implant head design and investigates the biomechanical behaviour by considering the articular disc. The radius of the head was varied with the height of the cylinder height to obtain the design of the experiment and the stress distribution was compared with an intact mandible-articular disc model by considering the viscoelastic property of the TMJ disc. The model was simulated at three different angles: 20°, 0° and −20° in the mediolateral direction to simulate the manducation. FEA analysis showed high stresses at the circular heads, and high strength is achieved with increased implant cylinder length and diameter. The results also showed a stress reduction of 50% on the fossa from the mandible. Hence, the newly designed head and suggested modifications may be used as a reference for further clinical improvement of Christensen TMJ as well as other TMJ implants.
Black soldier fly, Hermetia illucens as a potential innovative and environmentally friendly tool for organic waste management: A mini-review
Authors: Rehman Kashif ur , Hollah Clemens , Wiesotzki Karin , Rehman Rashid ur , Rehman Asif Ur , Zhang Jibin , Zheng Longyu , Nienaber Theresa , Heinz Volker , Aganovic Kemal
Published: June 2022

The application of black soldier fly (BSF), Hermetia illucens based technology to process organic wastes presents a practical option for organic waste management by producing feed materials (protein, fat), biodiesel, chitin and biofertilizer. Therefore, BSF organic wastes recycling is a sustainable and cost-effective process that promotes resource recovery, and generates valuable products, thereby creating new economic opportunities for the industrial sector and entrepreneurs. Specifically, we discussed the significance of BSF larvae (BSFL) in the recycling of biowaste. Despite the fact that BSFL may consume a variety of wastes materials, whereas, certain lignocellulosic wastes, such as dairy manure, are deficient in nutrients, which might slow BSFL development. The nutritional value of larval feeding substrates may be improved by mixing in nutrient-rich substrates like chicken manure or soybean curd residue, for instance. Similarly, microbial fermentation may be used to digest lignocellulosic waste, releasing nutrients that are needed for the BSFL. In this mini-review, a thorough discussion has been conducted on the various waste biodegraded by the BSFL, their co-digestion and microbial fermentation of BSFL substrate, as well as the prospective applications and safety of the possible by-products that may be generated at the completion of the treatment process. Furthermore, this study examines the present gaps and challenges on the direction to the efficient application of BSF for waste management and the commercialization of its by-products.
Time of Day of BNT162b2 COVID-19 Immunization Affects Total SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Levels but Not Neutralizing Activity
Authors: Filippatos Filippos , Tatsi Elizabeth-Barbara , Efthymiou Vasiliki , Syriopoulou Vasiliki , Michos Athanasios
Published: June 2022

To examine whether immunization time affects the immune responses elicited by the BNT162b2 COVID-19 vaccine, we investigated the possible association between total SARS-CoV-2 spike protein receptor binding domain (TAbs-RBD) and neutralizing (NAbs-RBD) antibodies with vaccination time. A cohort of 468 healthcare workers (mean age [±SD]: 48 [±13] years), were included in the study. One month after the second dose, healthcare workers who were vaccinated between 1500-2200 h had higher TAbs-RBD compared to 0700-1100 h and 1100-1500 h ( p = 0.006). One month after the third dose, healthcare workers who were vaccinated between 0700-1100 h and 1500-2200 h had significantly higher TAbs-RBD compared to 1100-1500 h ( p = 0.034). However, no association of NAbs-RBD with vaccination time was detected after each of the 3 doses ( p > 0.4). Despite the possible effect of BNT162b2 vaccination time in TAbs-RBD levels, possibly due to rhythmic expression of clock genes, neutralizing activity was not associated with vaccination time and, therefore, further investigation is required.
Ex Vivo Versus In Vivo Liposuction Hemolysis Index in High-Definition Liposuction and Body Contouring
Authors: Mowlavi Arian , Sin Zachary , Young Stephanie , Sahami Chelsea , Sharma Varun
Published: June 2022

Background:

Ex vivo liposuction is a novel technique wherein tissues that are preoperatively planned for excision can be liposuctioned in a sterile manner after removal from the patient. Excised tissues are routinely obtained during a tummy tuck or variant, lateral thigh tuck, buttock tuck, brachioplasty, upper body tuck, and medial thigh tuck. These tucking procedures are performed when moderate to severe skin redundancy is present in patients undergoing body contouring. Traditionally, these tissues were first liposuctioned prior to being excised, termed in vivo liposuction. However, we have developed ex vivo liposuction protocols wherein the tissues are liposuctioned after they have been excised off the patient. Routine processing of harvested fat focuses on minimizing blood products in the aspirate prior to injection. This is because blood products are felt to contain pro-inflammatory products that negatively affect fat graft take. We hypothesized that fat collected by ex vivo technique provides a less bloody harvest than fat collected by in vivo technique.

Materials and Methods:

We quantitated blood concentrate of ex vivo versus in vivo fat aspirate by comparing the hemolysis index in 14 consecutive patients undergoing high-definition liposuction and body contouring.

Results:

Comparison of hemolysis index demonstrated significant reduction in blood concentrate in ex vivo versus in vivo fat aspirate. In vivo hemolysis index demonstrated a larger median than ex vivo hemolysis index. These results confirm our clinical observation that fat harvested by ex vivo liposuction is cleaner and less blood-tinged than fat harvested by in vivo liposuction.

Conclusion:

No patients experienced complications related to fat graft infection nor fat emboli. Ex vivo liposuction has proven a safe and less blood-tinged technique for harvesting fat in patients who require excisional procedures.
Hukou-Based Rural–Urban Migration Status and Domestic Violence Against Wives in China: Implications for Policy and Practice
Authors: Li Xiangmei , Wang Jun
Published: June 2022

Migration in China has been shaped by the household registration system (hukou) that determines stratified citizenship among migrants. Adopting a feminist intersectionality lens, this study investigated how hukou institution, class, and regionality intersect to have an impact on migrant women's experience of physical, psychological, and sexual violence perpetrated by their husbands. The analysis of nationally representative data from the third wave of Women's Social Status Survey in China ( n = 5411) revealed that compared to rural non-migratory wives, (a) return migrants were more likely to experience all three forms of violence; (b) temporary migrants had higher odds to suffer from psychological violence; and (c) permanent migration was not a significant predictor of any form of domestic violence (DV). The findings indicate that migration should be examined in all its complexity from an intersectionality perspective and a within-gender heterogeneity framework may be necessary if we aim to address the multiplicity in migrant women's lives. In practice, attempt to alleviate the negative impact of migration on DV requires reforms or the abolition of the hukou system, and programs and services should be provided in particular to return women migrants who face triple oppression of institutional discrimination, socioeconomic stratification, and regionality marginalization.
Family involvement in nursing homes: an interpretative synthesis of literature
Authors: Hovenga Nina , Landeweer Elleke , Zuidema Sytse , Leget Carlo
Published: June 2022

Background

Family involvement in nursing homes is generally recognized as highly valuable for residents, staff and family members. However, family involvement continues to be challenging in practice.

Aim

To contribute to the dialogue about family involvement and develop strategies to improve family involvement in the nursing home.

Methods

This interpretative synthesis consists of a thematic analysis and care ethical interpretation of issues regarding family involvement from the perspective of families in nursing homes reported in literature.

Findings

This study reveals the complexities of family involvement in the nursing home by drawing attention to the moral dimension of the issues experienced by families, as seen through the theoretical lens of Baier’s care ethical concept of trust as a theoretical lens. The synthesis of literature resulted in a thematic categorization of issues reported by families, namely, family–staff relationship, psychosocial factors and organizational circumstances. The care ethical interpretation of the synthesis of literature showed that the concept of trust resonates with all reported issues. Trust evolves over time. Early issues are mostly related to getting to know each other. Secondly, families want to experience that staff are competent and of good will. Difficult feelings families may have, such as guilt or loneliness, and dealing with the deterioration of the loved one puts families in a vulnerable position. This power imbalance between family and staff impedes a trusting relationship. Issues related to organizational circumstances, such as understaffing, also undermine families' trust in staff and the nursing home.

Discussion and conclusion

Baier’s theoretical concept of trust provides a deeper insight into the moral dimension of family involvement from the perspective of families in the nursing home. To improve family involvement in practice, we propose to aim future interventions at reinforcing trust in the relationship between family and staff as well as in the organizational context in which these care relationships occur.
Assessing the Moderating Role of Trialability and Perceived Risk of E-Banking Adoption in an Emerging Economy
Authors: Essel Ronald Ebenezer
Published: June 2022

Several researches have been undertaken to establish the influencing factors of electronic banking (e-banking) acceptance in Ghana. Nevertheless, none of these inquiries have investigated the influence of trialability (T) and perceived risk (PR) on e-banking actual adoption (AA) within the Ghanaian context. This inquiry assessed the moderating role of T and PR on customer’s intent to implement e-banking in Ghana. Data was obtained from 980 e-banking users in Ghana via convenience sampling using an online survey aided with structured/close-end questionnaires. The hypothesized associations were analysed via structural equation modelling (SEM). Results showed that effort expectancy (EE), facilitating conditions (FC), social influence (SI) and performance expectancy (PE) exhibited positive and significant influence on e-banking AA via T and lower PR, with EE revealing the strongest impact (β = 0.401), followed by PR (β = 0.310), T (β = 0.240), FC (β = 0.238), PE (β = 0.213) and SI (β = 0.202). This inquiry emphasizes the need for banks to concentrate on the design/development of useful, security-oriented and user-friendly e-banking products/services that recognizes diverse end user needs in order to improve e-banking AA in Ghana. This inquiry contributes to the e-banking literature by incorporating the uncharted/unexplored metric of T and PR into the unified theory of acceptance and usage theory (UTAUT-model) to evaluate its moderating influence on the association between behavioural intentions and e-banking AA in Ghana.