bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Local adiposity may be a more reliable predictor for infection than body mass index following total knee arthroplasty: a systematic review
Authors: Heifner John J. , Sakalian Philip A. , Rowland Robert J. , Corces Arturo
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Improved understanding of the factors that predispose TKA patients to infection has considerable economic and medical impact. BMI is commonly used as a proxy for obesity to determine the risk of postoperative infection. However, this metric appears to be fraught with inconsistency in this application. BMI is a simple calculation which provides general insight into body habitus. But it fails to account for anatomic distribution of adipose tissue and the proportion of the mass that is skeletal muscle. Our objective was to review the literature to determine if local adiposity was more predictive than BMI for infection following TKA.

Methods

A database search was performed for the following PICO (Population, Intervention, Comparison, and Outcome) characteristics: local measurements of adiposity (defined as soft tissue thickness or fat thickness or soft tissue envelope at the knee) in patients over 18 years of age treated with total knee arthroplasty used to determine the relationship between local adiposity and the risk of infection (defined as prosthetic joint infection or wound complication or surgical site infection).

Quality was assessed using the GRADE framework and bias was assessed using ROBINS‐I.

Results

Six articles (N=7081) met the inclusion criteria. Four of the six articles determined that adiposity was more associated with or was a better predictor for infection risk than BMI. One of the six articles concluded that increased adiposity was protective for short term infection and that BMI was not associated with the outcome of interest. One of the six articles determined that BMI was more strongly associated with PJI risk than soft tissue thickness.

Conclusion

The use of adiposity as a proxy for obesity in preoperative evaluation of TKA patients is an emerging concept. Although limited by heterogeneity, the current literature suggests that local adiposity may be a more reliable predictor for infection than BMI following primary TKA.

Level of evidence

IV systematic review
89Zr-leukocyte labelling for cell trafficking: in vitro and preclinical investigations
Authors: Kahts Maryke , Guo Hua , Kommidi Harikrishna , Yang Yanping , Sayman Haluk Burcak , Summers Beverley , Ting Richard , Zeevaart Jan Rijn , Sathekge Mike , Aras Omer
Published: November 2023

Background

The non-invasive imaging of leukocyte trafficking to assess inflammatory areas and monitor immunotherapy is currently generating great interest. There is a need to develop more robust cell labelling and imaging approaches to track living cells. Positron emission tomography (PET), a highly sensitive molecular imaging technique, allows precise signals to be produced from radiolabelled moieties. Here, we developed a novel leukocyte labelling approach with the PET radioisotope zirconium-89 (89Zr, half-life of 78.4 h). Experiments were carried out using human leukocytes, freshly isolated from whole human blood.

Results

The 89Zr-leukocyte labelling efficiency ranged from 46 to 87% after 30–60 min. Radioactivity concentrations of labelled cells were up to 0.28 MBq/1 million cells. Systemically administered 89Zr-labelled leukocytes produced high-contrast murine PET images at 1 h–5 days post injection. Murine biodistribution data showed that cells primarily distributed to the lung, liver, and spleen at 1 h post injection, and are then gradually trafficked to liver and spleen over 5 days. Histological analysis demonstrated that exogenously 89Zr-labelled human leukocytes were present in the lung, liver, and spleen at 1 h post injection. However, intravenously injected free [89Zr]Zr4+ ion showed retention only in the bone with no radioactivity in the lung at 5 days post injection, which implied good stability of radiolabelled leukocytes in vivo.

Conclusions

Our study presents a stable and generic radiolabelling technique to track leukocytes with PET imaging and shows great potential for further applications in inflammatory cell and other types of cell trafficking studies.
Factors affecting job satisfaction among nurses working in Ondo state
Authors: Olaniyan Joseph Olawale , Adetunji Kemisola Mercy , Adetunji Ademola Abiodun
Published: November 2023

The level of satisfaction received on the job is highly essential in the discharge of duty. Nurses' respected level of job satisfaction improves turnover, commitment, and patient satisfaction. This study assesses factors affecting job satisfaction among nurses at the University of Medical Science Teaching Hospital, Ondo, Nigeria, to identify factors responsible for job satisfaction. The study utilizes the Index of Work Satisfaction with few modifications. Questionnaires were distributed to 154 sample respondents across different units of the hospital. Cronbach's Alpha is used to validate the internal consistency of the instrument. Data coding and cleaning were done using Microsoft Excel, and analysis was done with SPSS (version 23). The percentage is used to explore the responses. In contrast, independent sample t tests and one-way analysis of variance are used to assess variations across different sociodemographic groups of the respondents. Results show that higher percentages of the respondents are dissatisfied with their job because of issues relating to salary and benefits. Workload and Administrative & management bottlenecks also sometimes contribute to job dissatisfaction. Professional pride and colleague relationships are not significant factors that affect job satisfaction. To retain the best hands in the hospital, the management is advised to constantly look into issues relating to salary and benefits for the nurses. They are also advised to look into the processes and procedures for career advancement and pay upgrades in the hospital.
Diagnostic yield of combined ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration and core needle biopsy versus either technique alone in peripheral lung and pleural lesions
Authors: Sweed Rania Ahmed , Khalil Yehia Mohamed , Sharawy Hany Amin , Alsawy Eman Sheta Ali Gawdat , Botros Mina
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Ultrasound (US) has become an integral tool for chest assessment as it provides crucial information on pleural pathologies and peripherally located lung lesions.

Aim

To assess the diagnostic yield of combined fine needle aspiration (FNAB) and core needle biopsy (CNB) versus each technique ultrasound-guided in peripheral lung and pleural lesions.

Methodology

The present study enrolled 30 patients presenting to Alexandria Main University Hospital, with CT scans showing undiagnosed peripheral lung or parietal pleural lesions with or without effusion. A full ultrasound chest assessment was done covering 12 regions. Assessment of the lesion of interest, vascularity was assessed via color Doppler, locating the safest entry site. Real-time US-guided FNAB was done using a spinal needle 22 gauge. Then real-time US-guided CNB using 18 gauge Trucut needle in the same setting. Duration and complications of each procedure were reported. In FNAB, three smears were prepared, fixed in alcohol, and stained with hematoxylin and eosin stain. The remaining sample was fixed in formalin and centrifuged to prepare cell blocks. On the other hand, Trucut needle biopsy specimens were fixed in formalin and processed as paraffin-embedded blocks. Immunohistochemical staining was done. The results were classified into four categories (inadequate, negative, suspicious, and positive for malignancy.

Results

The diagnostic yield of combined techniques was 96.7% versus 63.3% using FNAB and 96.7% using CNB. The sensitivity of FNAB was 86% while CNB was 95%. The specificity and positive predictive value of both methods were 100%. The negative predictive value of FNAB was 57% versus 80% for CNB in peripheral lung lesions. Duration of US-guided CNB was statistically significantly longer than that of FNAB in both peripheral lung and pleural lesions. No major complications were reported using either technique.

Conclusion

Combined FNAB and CNB were not superior to CNB alone regarding diagnostic yield but were superior to FNAB. Ultrasound-guided CNB has a superior diagnostic yield over FNAB, with no statistically significant difference regarding associated complications, both techniques are safe. FNAB provided sufficient material for ancillary molecular testing.
A fast algorithm for simulation and analysis of wavefields in acoustic single-well imaging of logging-while-drilling considering arbitrary types of sources
Authors: Xu Jiaqi , Hu Hengshan , Han Bo
Published: November 2023

Acoustic single-well imaging (SWI) of logging-while-drilling (LWD) is an advanced logging method in reservoir exploration, which uses reflected waves to detect the around-borehole geologic structures and quickly determines the drilling direction for enhancing the drilling-encounter ratio and reducing the drilling risk. Forward acoustic modeling is a fundamental problem for SWI in LWD. Due to the complex structures, it is a challenge to simulate the wave propagation and investigate wavefield characteristics based on the forward model. Numerical modeling is a commonly used method for calculating wavefields; however, it is too computationally expensive. In this study, we develop a fast method for calculating the full reflected pressure and displacement waves (i.e., P-P, SV-SV, SH-SH, and P-SV/SV-P) in SWI of LWD considering different types of sources such as arcuate, monopole, and dipole transmitters. The analytical algorithm is developed by applying the reciprocity relation between the virtual force (displacement) sources located at the receiver position and the outside-borehole virtual forces that are equivalent to the reflections from the formation interfaces. Numerical experiments indicate that the analytical solutions agree well with the reference solutions from the 3D finite-difference time-domain method, demonstrating the accuracy and high efficiency of the analytical method. Based on the analytical solutions, we find that LWD reflected waves are much more sensitive to the azimuth than those in the wireline case, indicating that the availability of LWD is important for identifying the reflector azimuth. Furthermore, to enhance the reception efficiency of reflected waves, the LWD parameters are optimized. For slow formations, we suggest using a dipole source with dominant excitation-frequency band being from 1 kHz to 3 kHz. For fast formations, a dipole with wider excitation-frequency band from 1 kHz to 5 kHz is recommended. For all formations, recording pressure signals indicates much higher reception efficiency than the displacement signals.
Deep carbonate reservoir characterization using multiseismic attributes: A comparison of unsupervised machine-learning approaches
Authors: Zhao Luanxiao , Zhu Xuanying , Zhao Xiangyuan , You Yuchun , Xu Minghui , Wang Tengfei , Geng Jianhua
Published: November 2023

Seismic reservoir characterization is of great interest for sweet spot identification, reservoir quality assessment, and geologic model building. The sparsity of the labeled samples often limits the application of supervised machine learning (ML) for seismic reservoir characterization. Unsupervised learning methods, in contrast, explore the internal structure of data and extract low-dimensional features of geologic interest from seismic data without the need for labels. We compare various unsupervised learning approaches, including the linear method of principal component analysis (PCA), the manifold learning methods of t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding and uniform manifold approximation and projection (UMAP), and the convolutional autoencoder (CAE), on the 3D synthetic and field seismic data of a deep carbonate reservoir in southwest China. On the synthetic data, the low-dimensional features extracted by UMAP and CAE provide a better indication of porosity and gas saturation than traditional seismic attributes. In particular, UMAP better preserves the global structure of geologic features and indicates the potential of decoupling the gas saturation and porosity effects from seismic responses. We demonstrate that joint use of several types of seismic attributes, instead of using a single type of seismic attributes, can better delineate the reservoir structures using unsupervised ML. On the field seismic data, UMAP can effectively characterize the sedimentary facies distribution, which is consistent with the geologic understanding. Nevertheless, the porosity and saturation can not be reliably identified from field seismic data using unsupervised ML, which is likely caused by the complex pore structures in carbonates complicating the mapping relationship between seismic responses and reservoir parameters.
Quantitative characterization of organic and inorganic pores in shale based on deep learning
Authors: Yan Bohong , Sun Langqiu , Zhao Jianguo , Cao Zixiong , Li Mingxuan , Shiba K. C. , Liu Xinze , Li Chuang
Published: November 2023

Organic matter (OM) maturity is closely related to organic pores in shales. Quantitative characterization of organic and inorganic pores in shale is crucial for rock-physics modeling and reservoir porosity and permeability evaluation. Focused ion beam-scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM) can capture high-precision three-dimensional (3D) images and directly describe the types, shapes, and spatial distribution of pores in shale gas reservoirs. However, due to the high scanning cost, wide 3D view field, and complex microstructure of FIB-SEM, more efficient segmentation for the FIB-SEM images is required. For this purpose, a multiphase segmentation workflow in conjunction with a U-net is developed to segment pores from the matrix and distinguish organic pores from inorganic pores simultaneously in the entire 3D image stack. The workflow is repeated for FIB-SEM data sets of 17 organic-rich shales with various characteristics. The analysis focuses on improving the efficiency and relevance of the workflow, that is, quantifying the minimum number of training slices while ensuring accuracy and further combining the fractal dimension (FD) and lacunarity to study a simple and objective method of selection. Meanwhile, the computational efficiency, accuracy, and robustness to noise of the 2D U-net model are discussed. The intersection over the union of automatic segmentation can amount to 80%–95% in all data sets with manual labels as ground truth. In addition, calculated by the FIB-SEM multiphase segmentation, the organic porosity is used to quantitatively evaluate the OM decomposition level. Deep-learning-based segmentation shows great potential for characterizing shale pore structures and quantifying OM maturity.
Dasiglucagon for the Treatment of Congenital Hyperinsulinism: A Randomized Phase 3 Trial in Infants and Children
Authors: Thornton Paul S , De Leon Diva D , Empting Susann , Zangen David , Kendall David M , Birch Sune , Bøge Eva , Ivkovic Jelena , Banerjee Indraneel
Published: November 2023

Context

Congenital hyperinsulinism (CHI) is characterized by dysregulated insulin secretion causing hypoglycemia and consequent brain damage. Dasiglucagon is a glucagon analogue under investigation to treat CHI.

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of dasiglucagon delivered via continuous subcutaneous infusion to children with CHI and persistent hypoglycemia as add-on to standard of care (SoC).

Methods

In this open-label trial, patients were randomized 1:1 to SoC or SoC + dasiglucagon (10-70 µg/h) for 4 weeks. In the following 4 weeks, all patients received dasiglucagon + SoC. Hypoglycemia was assessed by self-monitored plasma glucose (SMPG) and blinded continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). Primary endpoint was average number of SMPG-detected hypoglycemia episodes/week (SMPG <3.9 mmol/L) during Weeks 2 to 4.

Results

Thirty-two patients (0.6-10.9 years) were randomly assigned to dasiglucagon + SoC (n = 16) or SoC (n = 16). The rate of SMPG-detected hypoglycemia decreased from baseline in both groups, but with no statistically significant difference during Weeks 2 to 4 (event rate ratio: 0.85 [0.54; 1.36], P = .5028). However, dasiglucagon administration resulted in a 43% reduction in CGM-detected hypoglycemia (<3.9 mmol/L) vs SoC alone during Weeks 2 to 4 (post hoc analysis; event rate ratio: 0.57 [0.39; 0.83], P = .0029). Dasiglucagon enabled reductions (of 37% to 61%) in all other measures of hypoglycemia assessed by CGM vs SoC alone including extent and percent time in hypoglycemia (post hoc analyses). Dasiglucagon appeared safe and well tolerated. Skin and gastrointestinal events were more frequent with dasiglucagon + SoC than SoC only.

Conclusion

Clinically meaningful reductions in all CGM-recorded measures of hypoglycemia support using dasiglucagon as a potential treatment for CHI.
Analysis of the feelings of patients with HIV/AIDS and HCV in contact with health professionals. Assessment based on cases of stigmatisation and discrimination
Authors: Rogala Maciej , Brzyski Piotr , Biechowska Daria , Donesch-Jeżo Ewa , Kowalska-Bobko Iwona , Kozela Magdalena , Koziara Karolina
Published: November 2023

Cel pracy

Celem pracy było zbadanie przypadków stygmatyzacji i dyskryminacji ze strony przedstawicieli wybranych zawodów medycznych wobec pacjentów z HIV/AIDS oraz HCV i ocena jaki one miały wpływ na odczucia w obu tych grupach.

Metoda

W badaniu wzięło udział 160 pacjentów - 80 z rozpoznanym HIV/AIDS w grupie podstawowej oraz 80 z HCV w grupie porównawczej. Pacjentów zrekrutowano spośród chorych leczonych w dwóch poradniach przyklinicznych Szpitala Uniwersyteckiego w Krakowie

Wyniki

Przypadki stygmatyzacji i dyskryminacji obserwowano znacząco częściej w grupie pacjentów z HIV/AIDS w porównaniu z grupą HCV. W ocenie pacjentów do przypadków stygmatyzacji i dyskryminacji ze strony personelu medycznego dochodzi z powodu lęku i poczucia zagrożenia przed zakażeniem tymi wirusami. Doświadczenie stygmatyzacji i dyskryminacji przez pacjentów manifestuje się utrudnieniami lub odmową udzielania świadczeń zdrowotnych ze strony przedstawicieli zawodów medycznych. Część personelu medycznego obciążała winą pacjentów za zakażenie, wyrażała wobec nich brak szacunku i agresję słowną, a także traktowała ich gorzej, kiedy dowiadywała się o zakażeniu. Ich stan emocjonalny był uzależniony od charakteru relacji z personelem medycznym wywołanym przez stygmatyzację i dyskryminację.

Wnioski

Stygmatyzacja i dyskryminacja przez personel medyczny wobec pacjentów może być powiązana z lękiem przed zakażeniem ale potwierdzenie tej zależności wymagałoby dalszych badań. W przebiegu tych przypadków pacjentów doświadczali pejoratywnej oceny słownej, utrudnień w dostępie do świadczeń zdrowotnych lub odmowy ich udzielenia, co może mieć dla nich określone konsekwencje zdrowotne. Tego typu postawy miały negatywny wpływ na ich stan emocjonalny.
The Role of the AMH, SHBG and LH/FSH Ratio in the Diagnosis of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome in Adolescent
Authors: BÜYÜKYILMAZ Gönül , KOCA Serkan Bilge , TOKSOY ADIGÜZEL Keziban , BOYRAZ Mehmet , GURBUZ Fatih
Published: November 2023

Objective: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) diagnosis is controversial in adolescents. Therefore, auxiliary markers are required for the diagnosis of PCOS. We aimed to evaluate whether luteinizing hormone (LH)/ follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) ratio, free androgen index (FAI), anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH), and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) levels are a useful test to screen adolescents with PCOS and to investigate which of them has more diagnostic value in the PCOS diagnosis.
Material and Methods: A total of 56 girls with PCOS and 70 healthy girls consisted in this study. Pediatric Endocrine Society criteria were used to diagnose PCOS. Clinical examinations and hormonal assays were performed.
Results: The LH/FSH ratio, and FAI levels were detected significantly higher, and SHBG levels were detected significantly lower in the PCOS group than in the control group (p<0.001). The best marker for PCOS diagnosis was found as AMH. In all adolescents with PCOS, irrespective of obesity/overweight, significantly higher AMH levels were observed compared to the control subjects (p<0.001). Also, we measured a LH/FSH ratio cut-off value of 1.48 ng/ml with 77% sensitivity and 77% specificity to differentiate cases with PCOS from healthy controls.
Conclusion: AMH, FAI, and LH/FSH ratio could be usefull and valuable tests for the PCOS diagnosis in the presence of the PCOS criteria. AMH was found to be the strongest diagnostic marker in patients with PCOS.
Conhecimento de equipes de enfermagem quanto às manifestações clínicas e grupo de risco para COVID-19
Authors: Parra Gabriela Elisa , Côrrea Ana Paula Vechi , Uehara Silvia Carla da Silva André
Published: November 2023

Objetivo: comparar o conhecimento de enfermeiros e técnicos de enfermagem atutentes em Unidades de Pronto Atendimento quanto ao reconhecimento de manifestações clínicas e grupos de risco para o desenvolvimento da forma grave da COVID-19. Método: estudo descritivo, realizado com 53 profissionais de três unidades de pronto atendimento, com coleta de dados realizada por meio de questionário autorrespondido. Dados analisados por meio de estatística descritiva e inferencial (testes t-student e qui-quadrado). Protocolo de pesquisa aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa da instituição. Resultados: destaca-se uma associação entre a citação de manifestações clínicas como náuseas e vômitos, grupos de risco e a função, enfermeiros ou técnicos de enfermagem (p<0,05) e o nível de formação, ou seja, os enfermeiros relataram com maior frequência a presença desses sintomas que os técnicos de enfermagem. Conclusão: os profissionais de enfermagem apresentam conhecimento quanto a sintomatologia e grupos de risco, ainda que haja diferença entre o nível profissional.
Dificuldades com amamentação e sua relação com a prática alimentar na alta hospitalar
Authors: Santos Brunna Oliveira de Meneses Freire , Silva Maíra Domingues Bernardes , Dias Barbara Almeida Soares , Alves Davi da Silveira Barroso , Melo Enirtes Caetano Prates
Published: November 2023

Objetivo: descrever as frequências das dificuldades com aleitamento materno durante a internação em alojamento conjunto e sua relação com a prática alimentar na alta hospitalar. Método: estudo transversal conduzido a partir de dados de uma coorte, realizada entre março de 2017 e abril de 2018, mediante entrevistas face a face e coleta de dados de prontuários hospitalares de um hospital de referência nacional para alto risco fetal e infantil. Utilizou-se a estatística descritiva por meio de frequências absolutas, relativas e teste qui-quadrado em todas as análises. Resultados: de 686 mães e seus recém-nascidos, 50,6% das mulheres apresentaram dificuldades com aleitamento materno, com destaque para: pega, sucção, tipo de mamilo, trauma mamilar. Dentre os recém-nascidos que receberam aleitamento materno exclusivo na alta hospitalar, 51,3% não apresentaram dificuldades com amamentação durante a internação. Conclusão: apesar da dificuldade apresentada em metade da amostra estudada, ressalta-se a necessidade do suporte precoce ao aleitamento materno exclusivo ainda no ambiente hospitalar.
Influência do contexto político-institucional na tomada de decisões de docentes de enfermagem sobre a aposentadoria
Authors: Soares Samira Silva Santos , Souza Norma Valéria Dantas de Oliveira , Varella Thereza Christina Mó y Mó Loureiro , Andrade Karla Biancha Silva de , Carvalho Eloá Carneiro , Costa Carolina Cabral Pereira da
Published: November 2023

Objetivo: compreender as percepções de docentes de enfermagem aposentados de uma universidade pública sobre a influência do contexto político-institucional na tomada de decisão pela aposentadoria. Método: pesquisa qualitativa, realizada com 13 docentes de enfermagem aposentados de uma universidade pública do estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. Dados coletados entre março e abril de 2022, mediante entrevista semiestruturada, submetida à análise lexical apoiada pelo software Iramuteq. Resultados: os léxicos “reforma da previdência”, “medo”, “salário” e “greve” apontaram para um contexto de incerteza vivenciado pelos docentes, o qual influenciou na decisão pela aposentadoria. Considerações finais: a decisão pela aposentadoria é complexa, pois é marcada não somente pelas questões pessoais, como também pela relação que o docente estabelece com o trabalho e a instituição, bem como pela percepção que tem sobre o contexto social, econômico e político. Nesse cenário, os docentes de enfermagem aposentam-se com pesar e precocemente, em função dos riscos associados à perda de direitos.
Can medication increase the risk of falls? The importance of medication review
Authors: Nazarko Linda
Published: November 2023

Falls are the second leading cause of unintentional injury deaths worldwide and are a major health issue for older people. One of the factors that can increase the risk of falls is medication. This article examines how medication can affect fall risk and how medication review can reduce the risk of falls.
Local integration: the key to addressing the UK's health and care crisis
Authors: Baksi Arun Kalyan , Sinha Amit , Singhal Parag
Published: November 2023

Arun Kalyan Baksi and colleagues propose a model of care delivery, termed local care boards, integrating all health and social care services in a locality, with the aim of addressing some of the fundamental problems faced by the NHS.
Prioritising prevention of cardiovascular disease: key strategies and areas for improvement
Authors: Bowers Nicola
Published: November 2023

Nicola Bowers, head of research and innovation at Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS trust and president elect of the British Association for Nursing in Cardiovascular Care, highlights the importance of investing in preventative care for cardiovascular disease to reduce the long-term burden on patients and healthcare services.
Inhaler devices: optimising use in children
Authors: Duncan Debbie
Published: November 2023

Inhaled medication is the standard treatment for respiratory disease and wheezing in childhood. Effective treatment is dependent on patients following the right technique, which varies according to the type of inhaler device, the characteristics of the inhaled medicine, and on patient-related characteristics (e.g. inspiratory flow). This article looks at effective inhalation and education, as well as common barriers.
396  MHz CPA femtosecond laser system based on a single crystal fiber rod-type amplifier
Authors: Luo Ting , Wang Tingyao , Pan Xinjian , Li Zhili , Yang Jianjun , Liu Liming , Xu Shixiang
Published: November 2023

The paper presents the results of multiplying the repetition frequency of the seed source to 396 MHz using an extra-cavity fiber multiplication method. The single crystal fiber rod-type amplifier was able to boost the average output power to approximately 15.9 W. Using a transmission gratings-based pulse compressor, an average output power of 9.56 W was achieved, corresponding to a burst energy of up to 382 µJ and a compression efficiency of 81.7%. The shortest pulse duration was optimized to be 594 fs; however, an obvious pedestal was also observed. This system reduces the impact of nonlinear effects on the device by increasing the repetition frequency, thereby increasing the injection energy of a single process in industrial processing.
Preventing Lyme disease through identification of key beliefs
Authors: Valois Pierre , Bouchard Catherine , Aenishaenslin Cécile , Talbot Denis , Tessier Maxime , Pelletier Roxane , Osorio-Rodriguez Beatriz , Bouchard David
Published: November 2023

Lyme disease and other vector-borne diseases are on the rise because of climate change. In the province of Quebec, Canada, Lyme disease has become a public health problem deserving the attention of health authorities. Despite their recognized effectiveness at preventing tick-to-human transmission, rates of adoption of Lyme disease adaptive behaviours (LDAB) remain relatively low in the population. Using the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB), the aim of this study is to identify specific and actionable beliefs associated with the adoption of Lyme disease adaptive behaviours. Specifically, 2,011 people were surveyed to determine the decision-making process behind specific beliefs, which could be targeted for raising awareness. Statistically significant associations were found between the three determinants of the TPB (i.e., attitudes, perceived social pressure and perceived behavioral control) and the intention to adapt. In addition, the intention itself was significantly associated with adopting LDAB. Belief-based analyses indicated that 8 primary beliefs (4 behavioral beliefs, 2 normative beliefs, and 2 control beliefs) were associated with LDAB. Among these, control beliefs (barriers and facilitating factors) appeared to have the greatest impact on adaptation. These findings can be used to guide educational and awareness-raising campaigns to promote LDAB by changing or reinforcing these primary beliefs.
Exploring user experiences of a text message-delivered intervention among individuals on opioid use disorder treatment in Kenya: A qualitative study
Authors: Kiburi Sarah Kanana , Paruk Saeeda , Kwobah Edith Kamaru , Chiliza Bonginkosi
Published: November 2023

Opioid use disorder causes significant burden of disease and treatment comprises pharmacotherapy and psychosocial treatment. Cognitive behavioral therapy is an effective psychosocial intervention used in substance use disorders treatment and can be delivered using digital approach. There is limited use of digital treatment among individuals with opioid use disorder in Kenya. This study aimed to describe the experiences and feedback from participants with opioid use disorder enrolled in a text-message intervention in Kenya. Qualitative data was collected from participants in the intervention arm of a feasibility trial testing a text-message intervention based on cognitive behavioral therapy. Data was collected using open-ended questions in a questionnaire and structured in-depth interviews amongst those who received the intervention. Framework method was applied for analysis. Twenty-four participants (83.3% males) were enrolled with a mean age of 32.5 years (SD9.5). Five themes were identified namely: (1) Gain of cognitive behavioral therapy skills which included: identification and change of substance use patterns; drug refusal skills; coping with craving and self-efficacy; (2) Therapeutic alliance which included: development of a bond and agreement on treatment goals; (3) Feedback on intervention components and delivery such as: frequency, and duration of the text message intervention; (4) Challenges experienced during the intervention such as: technical problems with phones; and barriers related to intervention delivery; (5) Recommendations for improvement of intervention in future implementations. The findings demonstrated participants’ satisfaction with intervention, gain of skills to change substance use patterns, highlighted challenges experienced and suggestions on improving the intervention among individuals with opioid use disorder. The feedback and recommendations provided by the participants can guide implementation of such interventions to allow acceptability, effectiveness and sustainability.

Trial registration: This study was part of a randomized feasibility trial. Clinical trial registration: Pan African Clinical Trial Registry: Registration number: PACTR202201736072847. Date of registration: 10th January 2022
Distribution and treatment needs of soil-transmitted helminthiasis in Bangladesh: A Bayesian geostatistical analysis of 2017-2020 national survey data
Authors: Gerber Daniel J. F. , Dhakal Sanjaya , Islam Md. Nazmul , Al Kawsar Abdullah , Khair Md. Abul , Rahman Md. Mujibur , Karim Md. Jahirul , Rahman Md. Shafiqur , Aktaruzzaman M. M. , Tupps Cara , Stephens Mariana , Emerson Paul M. , Utzinger Jürg , Vounatsou Penelope
Published: November 2023

Background

In Bangladesh, preventive chemotherapy targeting soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections in school-age children has been implemented since 2008. To evaluate the success of this strategy, surveys were conducted between 2017 and 2020 in 10 out of 64 districts. We estimate the geographic distribution of STH infections by species at high spatial resolution, identify risk factors, and estimate treatment needs at different population subgroups.

Methodology

Bayesian geostatistical models were fitted to prevalence data of each STH species. Climatic, environmental, and socioeconomic predictors were extracted from satellite images, open-access, model-based databases, and demographic household surveys, and used to predict the prevalence of infection over a gridded surface at 1 x 1 km spatial resolution across the country, via Bayesian kriging. These estimates were combined with gridded population data to estimate the number of required treatments for different risk groups.

Principal findings

The population-adjusted prevalence of Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, and hookworm across all ages is estimated at 9.9% (95% Bayesian credible interval: 8.0-13.0%), 4.3% (3.0-7.3%), and 0.6% (0.4-0.9%), respectively. There were 24 out of 64 districts with an estimated population-adjusted STH infection prevalence above 20%. The proportion of households with improved sanitation showed a statistically important, protective association for both, A. lumbricoides and T. trichiura prevalence. Precipitation in the driest month of the year was negatively associated with A. lumbricoides prevalence. High organic carbon concentration in the soil’s fine earth fraction was related to a high hookworm prevalence. Furthermore, we estimated that 30.5 (27.2; 36.0) million dosages of anthelmintic treatments for school-age children were required per year in Bangladesh.

Conclusions/significance

For each of the STH species, the prevalence was reduced by at least 80% since treatment was scaled up more than a decade ago. The current number of deworming dosages could be reduced by up to 61% if the treatment strategy was adapted to the local prevalence.
An English-Language adaptation and validation of the Justice Sensitivity Short Scales–8 (JSS-8)
Authors: Groskurth Katharina , Beierlein Constanze , Nießen Désirée , Baumert Anna , Rammstedt Beatrice , Lechner Clemens M.
Published: November 2023

The construct of justice sensitivity has four perspectives that capture individual differences in the strength of reactions to injustice when becoming a victim of injustice (victim sensitivity), when witnessing injustice as an outsider (observer sensitivity), when passively benefitting from an injustice done to others (beneficiary sensitivity), or when committing an injustice (perpetrator sensitivity). Individual differences in these four justice sensitivity perspectives are highly relevant in moral research. With just eight items in total, the Justice Sensitivity Short Scales–8 (JSS-8) are a very efficient way to measure the four perspectives. JSS-8 was initially constructed in German (Ungerechtigkeitssensibilität-Skalen–8, USS-8) and later translated into English. In the present study, we empirically validated this English-language adaptation in a heterogeneous quota sample from the UK. The results show that the psychometric properties (i.e., reliability, validity, standardization) of JSS-8 are good, and that they are comparable with those of the German-language source version. Because of the invariance of loadings, intercepts, and residual variances, researchers can compare manifest scale statistics (i.e., means, variances) of JSS-8 across the UK and Germany. JSS-8 is thus particularly suitable for measuring justice sensitivity in various research areas with constraints on assessment time and questionnaire space.
Supply chain decision based on green investment subsidy and risk aversion
Authors: Liu Pengfei , Yu Shasha , Lin Zigan
Published: November 2023

Considering the risk aversion characteristics of supply chain members, how to effectively design the government subsidy strategy and green supply chain strategy is a realistic and urgent issue. Regarding this, we optimize and compare four three-stage Stackelberg game models between government and a two-echelon green supply chain, namely both manufacturer and retailer risk neutral (BN), manufacturer risk aversion while retailer risk neutral (MA), retailer risk aversion while manufacturer risk neutral (RA) and both manufacturer and retailer risk aversion (BA). The government as the leader decides the subsidy rate of green input cost with the goal of maximizing social welfare; the manufacturer as the first follower makes decisions on product greenness and wholesale price to maximize its own interests; and the retailer as the second follower determines retail prices to maximize its own interests. Employing mathematical reasoning and numerical simulation investigate thoroughly the effects of the government subsidies and the members’ risk aversion. Results indicate that an appropriate government subsidy investment has a positive effect on optimal decisions and related benefits. Risk aversion is in favor of improvement of product greenness and social welfare while reduction of retail price. With the increase of manufacturer risk aversion, green subsidy investment rate and retailer expected revenue increase; on the contrary, the wholesale price and manufacturer expected revenue decrease. With the increase of retailer risk aversion, the wholesale price and manufacturer expected revenue increase, while green subsidy investment rate and retailer expected revenue decrease. In the model of BN, product greenness and social welfare are the lowest, while retail price is the highest. BA is opposite to BN. In the model of RA, green subsidy investment rate and retailer expected revenue the lowest, while wholesale price and manufacturer expected revenue the highest. RA is opposite to MA. The government should formulate appropriate subsidy policies to encourage manufacturers to produce green products and raise consumers’ green awareness. Enterprises should control their own risk aversion and assess the risk aversion of the other party reasonably.
Climate Change Response Strategies and Implications on Sustainable Development Goals in Mutirikwi River Sub-Catchment of Zimbabwe
Authors: Ziti Chenjerai , Chapungu Lazarus , Nhamo Godwell
Published: November 2023

Sub-catchment level water sector response strategies to climate change in Zimbabwe have not been adequately analyzed to determine their impact and connectedness with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In this study, the mixed methods research design is used to examine the implications of water sector climate change response strategies (CCRS) on SDGs in Mutirikwi sub-catchment in Masvingo, Zimbabwe. Results show that the climate is changing, with a statistically significant (p = 0.031; α = 0.05) increase in the annual mean temperature and a declining rainfall trend, though not statistically significant (p=0.753; α = 0.05). Views from local communities and stakeholders confirm the existence of climate change. There is a deluge of response strategies to the changing climate, including borehole drilling, roof rainwater harvesting, surface storage, water reuse and water transfers. These strategies have directly contributed to the achievement of SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 11 (Sustainable Settlements), and SDG 13 (Climate Action). They have also indirectly contributed to the achievement of SDG 3 (Health), SDG 5 (Gender), SDG 9 (Infrastructure) SDG 12 (Sustainable Consumption) and SDG 15 (Life on Land). The study concludes that there is an inextricable link between CCRS and SDGs. However, implementation of the response strategies is riddled with challenges that are threatening the sustainability matters. There is a need to design community-driven response mechanisms synergized with national and international climate adaptation initiatives to ensure sustainability of the strategies through guaranteed policy and resource support from the national government and non-governmental agencies.
Comparative analysis of health state utility measurement methods
Authors:   , Balázs Péter
Published: November 2023

Az egészség keresletként határozható meg, amelyet a véges erőforrásokkal rendelkező egészségügyi rendszer biztosít kínálati oldalról. Bármilyen egészség-nyereség társadalmi közjónak tekinthető. Számos hatékony egészségügyi program és intervenció szolgálja azt, hogy javítsák a populáció egészségét. A közgazdaságtan alapvetően az erőforrások újraelosztásával foglalkozik – ennek eszközeként a szakértők egészség-gazdasági értékeléseket végeznek – az erőforrások hatékonyságának javítását célozva a döntéshozókat informálják az egészségügyi intervenciók költségeiről és hatásairól.
Investigating the Impact of User Experience in Turkey's Online Bookstore: Application of Flow Theory
Authors:   , Mentes Mert
Published: November 2023

In the 1990s, Amazon, Alibaba and eBay, pioneers in digital retailing, integrated technological innovations into their online shopping applications, to increase customers’ satisfaction. These companies have paved the way for the sector's development. Today, online shopping is more user-friendly than ever before. Innovations in electronic commerce -easy navigation, fast webpage loading times, quick product searches, accurate product recommendations, detailed information on product features, accurate visual design and shop atmosphere, and an easy checkout process- are site-specific developments that prioritize a pleasant shopping experience and create competitive advantage to businesses. Digitalization and e-commerce trends have brought significant changes to the retail industry both in developed and developing countries. As consumers increasingly turn to online platforms for their shopping needs, it is crucial for e-commerce businesses to adapt and provide an exceptional online shopping experience. This is particularly true for online book retailers, which cater to book enthusiasts seeking convenience and a wide selection of titles. The empirical research is set in Turkey because it has a significant market for e-commerce (Akar, 2021; Kaya et al. 2019). This dissertation investigates the relationship between trust, satisfaction, and intention to repurchase in the digital retail sector, specifically in book shopping. This is done by conducting a survey with customers who made book purchases from the online store www.idefix.com, one of the largest e-commerce websites in Turkey. For this purpose, a questionnaire survey was administered to 649 active users of www.idefix.com. The flow theory (Csikszentmihalyi, 1975, 1990) was applied to identify the drivers of online shopping satisfaction and repurchase intention. The data was analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM), and the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) was utilized for statistical analysis. Results indicate that the affective and cognitive experiential state have a direct positive effect on online shopping satisfaction and repurchase intention. Findings contribute to the ongoing discussion about consumers' experiences in e-commerce and their impact on the retail sector. The results of the study can provide website managers with a tool to evaluate customers' shopping experiences more accurately on the site and contribute to a better understanding of the relationship between the dimensions of website performance mentioned in the literature. The study also explores theoretical implications.
Effects of educational governance on learning outcome and educational segregation in Taiwan
Authors: Lee Chia Nian
Published: November 2023

Numerous scholarly articles have explored the potential benefits and challenges of expanding public private partnership (PPP) in public service sectors especially health care, elders’ care services and education. The governing of PPP in education deserves close scrutiny to secure the public interest while adapting the vitality of private sector. By using PISA 2018 dataset, this study intends to compare the effects of educational governance between public school and private school on students’ learning outcomes and educational segregation. The multiple linear regression analysis shows that school types and admission policies have significant effects on student’s learning outcome and level of educational segregation. This study provides significant insight on research on school types, educational governance, educational policy and public administration. Further large scale administrative-data based and field trial research may be developed in order to distinguish the self-selection effect by parents or students in order to reach an empirical-tested causal interference.
Effects of Moisture content on Physical Properties of Paddy and Dehusked Rice
Authors: Mazza Moses
Published: November 2023

ABSTRACT

The physical properties of rice are among the most important parameters for designing and development of agricultural machine and other equipment to handle planting, harvesting, processing, packaging and storing. rice milling machine, the physical properties of two most popular produced varieties in Nigeria (FARO 44 and FARO 57) both paddy and dehusked at three different moisture content namely 5, 10 and 15% moisture content were determined. Laboratory studies were carried out to determined physical properties of the two varieties of rice ((FARO 44 and FARO 57) important properties for the laboratory work includes: bulk density, unit density, roundness, axial dimensions ,sphericity, projected areas, unit volume, unit weight, apparent density, were determined based on different moisture content and random sampling techniques. The results showed that minimum lengths of dehusked rice ranged from 4.57 - 5.29 mm while maximum lengths were between 8.21 - 8.25 mm. For paddy these lengths were minimally 7.65 - 8.78 mm and maximum lengths were 11.39 mm. The least range of minor diameters of dehusked rice was 4.57 - 5.29 mm and maximally these were 8.21 - 8.25 mm. Intermediate diameters were minimally 1.43 mm and maximally in the range of 2.71 - 2.78 mm for dehusked rice; for paddy these were 1.65 - 1.76 mm and 2.46 - 2.78 mm, respectively. Geometric mean diameters ranged between 3.31 - 4.05 mm. For paddy, projected area obtained within the range of 11.71 - 29.75 mm
2. For dehusked rice, projected area obtained in the range of 8.79 - 21.19 mm
2. Estimates of roundness were not higher than 33.6% for paddy or 54% for some grains of dehusked rice. The grains appeared more spherical than they were round since paddy were 35.3 - 48.3% spherical while dehusked grains were 39.8 - 59.4% spherical. Bulk densities ranged between 531.0 - 553.8 kg/m
3 and 839.6 - 852.7 kg/m
3 for dehusked forms of Faro 44 and Faro 57, respectively. True density was in the range of 1071.6 - 1566.2 kg/m
3.This study concludes that moisture content and variety affect the engineering property and is useful in the design, development of machine for processing and handling of rice products.

Keywords:physical properties; rice varieties, form and moisture content of paddy and dehusked