bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Telomerase RNA plays a major role in the completion of the life cycle in Ustilago maydis and shares conserved domains with other Ustilaginales
Authors: Sanpedro-Luna Juan Antonio , Jacinto-Vázquez José Juan , Anastacio-Marcelino Estela , Posadas-Gutiérrez Carmen María , Olmos-Pineda Iván , González-Bernal Jesús Antonio , Carcaño-Montiel Moisés , Vega-Alvarado Leticia , Vázquez-Cruz Candelario , Sánchez-Alonso Patricia
Published: March 2023

The RNA subunit of telomerase is an essential component whose primary sequence and length are poorly conserved among eukaryotic organisms. The phytopathogen Ustilago maydis is a dimorphic fungus of the order Ustilaginales. We analyzed several species of Ustilaginales to computationally identify the TElomere RNA (TER) gene ter1. To confirm the identity of the TER gene, we disrupted the gene and characterized telomerase-negative mutants. Similar to catalytic TERT mutants, ter1Δ mutants exhibit phenotypes of growth delay, telomere shortening and low replicative potential. ter1-disrupted mutants were unable to infect maize seedlings in heterozygous crosses and showed defects such as cell cycle arrest and segregation failure. We concluded that ter1, which encodes the TER subunit of the telomerase of U. maydis, have similar and perhaps more extensive functions than trt1.
Risk factors of catheter- associated bloodstream infection: Systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Lafuente Cabrero Elisabeth , Terradas Robledo Roser , Civit Cuñado Anna , García Sardelli Diana , Hidalgo López Carlota , Giro Formatger Dolors , Lacueva Perez Laia , Esquinas López Cristina , Tortosa Moreno Avelina
Published: March 2023

Introduction

The prevalence of catheter-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) is high and is a severe health problem associated with an increase in mortality and elevated economic costs. There are discrepancies related to the risk factors of CLABSI since the results published are very heterogeneous and there is no synthesis in the description of all the predisposing factors.

Objective

We aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to synthesize and establish the risk factors predisposing to CLABSI reported in the literature.

Method

This is a systematic review of observational studies following the PRISMA recommendations. MEDLINE and CINAHL databases were searched for primary studies from 2007 to 2021. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO CRD42018083564.

Results

A total of 654 studies were identified, 23 of which were included in this systematic review. The meta-analysis included 17 studies and 9 risk factors were analyzed (total parenteral nutrition (TPN), chemotherapy, monolumen and bilumen catheters, days of catheterization, immunosuppression, kidney disease and diabetes mellitus) due to the homogeneity of their definitions and measurements. The risk factors found to increase the probability of developing CLABSI were TPN, multilumen devices, chemotherapy treatment, immunosuppression and the number of days of catheterization. On the other hand, monolumen devices presented a lower likelihood of triggering this infection.
A new Gaussian curvature of the image surface based variational model for haze or fog removal
Authors: Arif Muhammad , Badshah Noor , Khan Tufail Ahmad , Ullah Asmat , Rabbani Hena , Atta Hadia , Begum Nasra
Published: March 2023

Outdoor images are usually affected by haze which limits the visibility and reduces the contrast of the images. Removal of haze from real-world images is always a challenging task. Recently, many mathematical models have been proposed for the effective removal of haze from real-world images. However, these models may produce staircase effects or lower the image contrast or smooth the edges of the object. In this paper, we propose a model based on Gaussian curvature for the de-hazing of images. The atmospheric veil estimate is included based on dark channel prior (DCP), which can significantly reduce the artifacts on the edge of the image and increase the accuracy. The transmission map then changes to a high-quality map to reduce haze or fog from gray and color images. DCP combined with Gaussian curvature is done for the first time for image de-hazing/de-fogging. The augmented Lagrangian method is used to find the minimizer of the proposed functional, which will be a system of partial differential equations. To get fast convergence, fast Fourier transforms (FFT) is used to solve the system of PDEs. The performance of the proposed model is compared with other state-of-the-art models qualitatively and quantitatively. The proposed model is tested on various real and synthetic images which show better efficiency in staircase effects reduction, haze/fog removal, image contrast, corners, and sharp edges conservation respectively.
Synthesis of TiO2-incorporated activated carbon as an effective Ion electrosorption material
Authors: Barakat Nasser A. M. , Sayed Yasmin T. , Irfan Osama M. , Abdelaty Marawa M.
Published: March 2023

Efficient, chemically stable and cheap materials are highly required as electrodes in the ions-electrosorption-based technologies such as supercapacitors and capacitive deionization desalination. Herein, facile preparation of titanium oxide-incorporated activated carbon using cheap precursors is introduced for this regard. The proposed material was synthesized using the solubility power of the subcritical water to partially dissolve titanium oxide particles to be adsorbable on the surface of the activated carbon. Typically, an aqueous suspension of commercial TiO2 particles (P25) and activated carbon was autoclaved at 180°C for 10 h. The physiochemical characterizations indicated high and uniform distribution of the inorganic material on the surface of the activated carbon. The ionic electrosorption capacity was highly improved as the specific capacitance increased from 76 to 515 F/g for the pristine and modified activated carbon, respectively at 5 mV/s in 0.5 M sodium chloride solution. However, the weight content of titanium oxide has to be adjusted; 0.01% is the optimum value. Overall, the study introduces novel and simple one-pot procedure to synthesis powerful titanium oxide-based functional materials from cheap solid titanium precursor without utilization of additional chemicals.
Decomposing past and future: Integrated information decomposition based on shared probability mass exclusions
Authors: Varley Thomas F.
Published: March 2023

A core feature of complex systems is that the interactions between elements in the present causally constrain their own futures, and the futures of other elements as the system evolves through time. To fully model all of these interactions (between elements, as well as ensembles of elements), it is possible to decompose the total information flowing from past to future into a set of non-overlapping temporal interactions that describe all the different modes by which information can be stored, transferred, or modified. To achieve this, I propose a novel information-theoretic measure of temporal dependency (Iτsx) based on the logic of local probability mass exclusions. This integrated information decomposition can reveal emergent and higher-order interactions within the dynamics of a system, as well as refining existing measures. To demonstrate the utility of this framework, I apply the decomposition to spontaneous spiking activity recorded from dissociated neural cultures of rat cerebral cortex to show how different modes of information processing are distributed over the system. Furthermore, being a localizable analysis,Iτsxcan provide insight into the computational structure of single moments. I explore the time-resolved computational structure of neuronal avalanches and find that different types of information atoms have distinct profiles over the course of an avalanche, with the majority of non-trivial information dynamics happening before the first half of the cascade is completed. These analyses allow us to move beyond the historical focus on single measures of dependency such as information transfer or information integration, and explore a panoply of different relationships between elements (and groups of elements) in complex systems.
Glycemic control and diabetes complications among adult type 2 diabetic patients at public hospitals in Hadiya zone, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Dimore Abraham Lomboro , Edosa Zerihun Kura , Mitiku Asmelash Abera
Published: March 2023

Background

Diabetes is one of the biggest worldwide health emergencies of the 21st century. A major goal in the management of diabetes is to prevent diabetic complications that occur as a result of poor glycemic control. Identification of factors contributing to poor glycemic control is key to institute suitable interventions for glycemic control and prevention of chronic complications.

Methods

A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 305 adult type 2 diabetic patients at public hospitals in Hadiya zone from March 1–30, 2019. The study participants were selected by systematic sampling technique. Data were collected using a pretested structured questionnaire and patient chart review; anthropometric and blood pressure measurements were taken. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with poor glycemic control. Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with respective 95% Confidence Interval (CI) and p < 0.05 were used to set statistically significant variables.

Results

Out of 305 diabetic patients, 222 (72.8%) were found to have poor glycemic control. Longer duration of diabetes (5–10 years) [AOR = 2.24, 95% CI: 1.17–4.27], lack of regular follow-up [AOR = 2.89, 95% CI: 1.08–7.71], low treatment adherence [AOR = 4.12, 95% CI: 1.20–8.70], use of other alternative treatments [AOR = 3.58, 95% CI: 1.24–10.36], unsatisfactory patient physician relationship [AOR = 2.27, 95% CI: 1.27–4.04], and insufficient physical activity [AOR = 4.14, 95% CI: 2.07–8.28] were found to be independent predictors of poor glycemic control. Diabetes Mellitus (DM) complications were slightly higher among participants with poor glycemic control (39.2%), duration of DM 10 and above years (41.9%), low medication adherence (48.5%), taking oral anti-diabetics (54.3%), and DM patients having unsatisfactory patient provider relationship (72.4%).

Conclusion

A significant proportion of diabetic patients had poor glycemic control and DM complications. Therefore, appropriate interventions are required to maintain optimal glycemic control and prevent the development of life-threatening complications among DM patients.
Chlorhexidine bathing in a tertiary care neonatal intensive care unit: A pilot study
Authors: Bar-Meir Maskit , Bendelac Shoshana , Shchors Irina
Published: March 2023

Background

Concerns regarding potential risk of dermal irritation have led to the exclusion of NICU patients from the recommendation regarding the use of 2% chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) wash for daily skin cleansing to reduce bloodstream infections. Our aim was to assess the safety of 2% CHG bathing in NICU patients.

Methods

The regulator required a stepwise study enrollment to three successive groups: term infants, followed by near-term and pre-term infants. For comparison, we used a cohort of matched controls. A propensity score-adjusted regression model was used to compare the groups.

Intervention

Infants were bathed thrice-weekly with 2% CHG-impregnated washcloths. Participant’s skin was examined daily.

Results

Over a total of 661 days of treatment: 384,129, and 148 days for the term, near-term and pre-term groups, respectively, no skin reactions were observed. The intervention group was generally sicker, however, bloodstream infections were similar between the groups.

Conclusion

For infants >30 weeks and >3 days old, 2% CHG bathing was safe. Large multicenter studies are urgently needed to establish the effectiveness of this practice in the NICU.
Prevalence of depression and its association with health-related quality of life in people with heart failure in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Mulugeta Henok , Sinclair Peter M. , Wilson Amanda
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Heart failure is a growing public health concern around the world. People with heart failure have a high symptom burden, such as depression, which affects health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to estimate the pooled prevalence of depression and evaluate its association with HRQoL among people with heart failure in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Methods

This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the JBI methodology. Electronic databases such as MEDLINE, PsycINFO, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus and JBI EBP were searched to identify relevant studies published from January 2012 to August 2022. The methodological quality of each article was assessed using relevant JBI critical appraisal instruments. A random-effects model was employed to estimate the pooled prevalence of depression. Heterogeneity across the studies was investigated using Cochrane’s Q test and I2 statistic. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines 2020 were followed for reporting the results. All statistical analyses were performed using STATA version 17 software.

Results

After screening, a total of 21 eligible articles with 5074 participants with heart failure were included in this review. The pooled prevalence of depression among people with heart failure in LMICs was 51.5% (95% CI = 39.7, 63.3%, I2 = 99.00%). Subgroup analysis revealed, the highest prevalence in studies whose participants were in-patients, and from the Middle East and North Africa, and studies utilizing Becks Depression Inventory (BDI). Depression was positively associated with HRQoL.

Conclusion

This review revealed that almost half of all people with heart failure in low- and middle-income countries have comorbid depression. People with heart failure and depressive symptoms had poor HRQoL. Therefore, early screening of depression is critical for improving HRQoL in this population.

Systematic review registration: PROSPERO CRD42022361759.
Investment case for primary health care in low- and middle-income countries: A case study of Kenya
Authors: Mwai Daniel , Hussein Salim , Olago Agatha , Kimani Maureen , Njuguna David , Njiraini Rose , Wangia Elizabeth , Olwanda Easter , Mwaura Lilian , Rotich Wesley
Published: March 2023

Background

Primary healthcare (PHC) systems attain improved health outcomes and fairness and are affordable. However, the proportion of PHC spending to Total Current Health Expenditure in Kenya reduced from 63.4% in 2016/17 to 53.9% in 2020/21 while external funding reduced from 28.3% (Ksh 69.4 billion) to 23.9% (Ksh 68.2 billion) over the same period. This reduction in PHC spending negatively affects PHC performance and the overall health system goals.

Methods

We conducted a cost-benefit analysis and computed costs against the economic benefits of a PHC scale-up. Activity-Based Costing (ABC) on the provider perspective was employed to estimate the incremental costs. The OneHealth Tool was used to estimate the health impact of operationalizing PHC over five years. Finally, we quantified Return on Investment (ROI) by estimating monetized DALYs based on a constant value per statistical life year (VSLY) derived from a VSL estimate.

Results

The total projected cost of PHC interventions in the Kenya was Ksh 1.65 trillion (USD 15,581.91 billion). Human resource was the main cost driver accounting for 75% of the total cost. PHC investments avert 64,430,316 Disability Adjusted Life-Years (DALYs) and generate cost savings of Ksh. 21.5 trillion (USD 204.4 Billion) over five years. Shifting services from high-level facilities to PHC facilities generates Ksh 198.2 billion (USD 1.9 billion) and yields a benefit-cost ratio of 16:1 in 5 years. Thus, every $1 invested in PHC interventions saves up to $16 in spending on conditions like stunting, NCDs, anaemia, TB, Malaria, and maternal and child health morbidity.

Conclusions

Evidence of the economic benefits of continued prioritization of funding for PHC can strengthen the advocacy argument for increased domestic and external financing of PHC in Kenya. A well-resourced and functional PHC system translates to substantial health benefits with positive economic benefits. Therefore, governments and stakeholders should increase investments in PHC to accelerate economic growth.
Synthesis of novel sulphamethoxazole derivatives and exploration of their anticancer and antimicrobial properties
Authors: Vaickelionienė Rita , Petrikaitė Vilma , Vaškevičienė Irena , Pavilonis Alvydas , Mickevičius Vytautas
Published: March 2023

A series of new derivatives based on sulfamethoxazole were designed and synthesized in this study. The structures of the new compounds were confirmed based on a comprehensive characterization of spectral data by applied IR and 1H as well as 13C NMR spectroscopy. The prepared compounds were tested for their anticancer and antimicrobial properties. Hydrazone 16b demonstrated convincing anticancer effect against all tested cell cultures such as human prostate carcinoma PPC-1 and human kidney carcinoma CaKi-1 cell lines, and human fibroblasts HF, n = 3. The most promising compound 16b showed higher activity against CaKi-1 cell line than the anticancer drugs axitinib and pazopanib used to treat renal cancer. Also, it was more active in the PPC-1 cell line compared to the approved PARP inhibitor Olaparib. Hydrazone 16b was also found to possess good antimicrobial properties against gram-positive bacteria strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, as well as Bacillus cereus.
Every animal matters! Evaluating the selectivity of a Mediterranean bottom trawl fishery from a species community perspective
Authors: Petetta Andrea , Herrmann Bent , Li Veli Daniel , Virgili Massimo , De Marco Rocco , Lucchetti Alessandro
Published: March 2023

Bottom trawl fisheries often catch several species simultaneously. However, most studies addressing the catch performance and selectivity of a specific trawl focus on a few commercially important or most vulnerable species requiring management measures. By contrast, the present study considers the multispecies nature of Mediterranean bottom trawl fisheries through a holistic approach that accounts for the full species community in the catches. Specifically, we evaluated and compared the catch performance of the two codends allowed for this fishery, made of 40 mm square (SM40) and 50 mm diamond (DM50) meshes. Results showed that 50 and 80% of the catch in weight and count numbers, respectively, consisted of species without commercial value, demonstrating that large proportions of the catch are not considered when using the existing approach to evaluate the ecological impact of the fishing activity. Significant differences in catch profiles between the two codends were observed, especially for two commercial flatfish species, Arnoglossus laterna and Citharus linguatula, with larger contributions in the SM40. Further, the SM40 codend had a significantly higher retention, compared to DM50 codend, for specific sizes of Merluccius merluccius and Mullus barbatus. The outcomes of the study can be useful for the Mediterranean bottom trawl fisheries management.
Modifiable and nonmodifiable factors associated with anxiety, depression, and stress after one year of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Islam Azharul , Mahbuba Papia , Ahmed Tanvir , Haque Shamsul
Published: March 2023

Background

People worldwide have experienced various mental health issues during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study investigates the modifiable and nonmodifiable predictors of anxiety, depression, and stress among Bangladeshi participants after one year of the pandemic.

Method

A large group of adult participants (N = 1897), recruited from eight administrative divisions in Bangladesh, completed an online survey in May and June 2021 when the Movement Control Order was in place. We used the Beck Anxiety Inventory, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and Perceived Stress Scale-4 to assess the participants’ anxiety, depression, and stress. We also gave the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale and Life-Orientation Test-Revised to assess mindfulness and optimism.

Results

The results revealed that the prevalence rates for anxiety and depression were 62.5% and 45.3%, respectively. Multivariate analyses showed that several nonmodifiable factors, such as those who were students, unmarried and females, and those living in the Northern region (Rajshahi and Mymensingh division) and dwelling in the rural areas, suffered from worse mental health (accounted for 5%-23% of the variances in the mental health outcome scores). Modifiable factors accounted for an additional 10%-25% of the variances in the same outcome variables. Adults with higher mindfulness and optimism, living in the country’s Southern region (Chattogram division) and those who took both vaccine doses and had no history of mental illness reported better mental health.

Conclusion

Anxiety, depression, and stress remained high in Bangladeshi adults after one year of the pandemic. The community-based interventions should aim to increase the mindfulness and optimism levels among the sufferers. More accelerated vaccination programs across the country could protect people from suffering from overall mental distress.
Association between proximity to COVID-19 and the quality of life of healthcare workers
Authors: Khaing Nang Ei Ei , Quah Claire , Png Gek Kheng , Wong Joanna , Tee Augustine , Oh Hong Choon
Published: March 2023

Background

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) affects almost all countries in the world and it impacts every aspect of people’s life-physically, mentally, and socio-economically. There are several research studies examining the impact of this pandemic on health, however, very few studies examining the impact of this pandemic on quality of life. This study aimed to investigate the association between proximity to the COVID-19 and quality of life of healthcare workers and identify factors influencing quality of life.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among hospital staff in a tertiary hospital in Singapore. Data on demographic, medical history, lifestyle factors, psychosocial factors, and quality of life were collected using online self-administered questionnaire. Quality of life (QoL) was measured by the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire. Robust linear regression was used to determine factors associated with quality of life.

Results

A total of 1911 participants were included in the analysis. The average age of participants was 38.25 (SD = 11.28) years old. 26.90% of participants had been quarantined, hospitalised, being suspected or diagnosed of having COVID-19 infection and they were found to have the lowest levels of QoL across all four domains (physical, psychological, social, and environmental domains). Participants who were singles or nurses, worked in shifts or worked longer hours, had chronic diseases were likely to have lower QoL scores compared to participants in other categories. Healthy lifestyle, social connectivity, resilience, social and workplace support were associated with higher QoL scores.

Conclusions

In planning of measures which aim to improve QoL of healthcare workers, priority should be given to individuals who have been quarantined, hospitalised, being suspected, or diagnosed of having COVID-19 infection. In addition to the proximity of the COVID, lifestyle and psychosocial factors contribute to QoL of healthcare workers. Hence, multifaceted interventions are needed to improve QoL of healthcare workers.
Combining viral genomics and clinical data to assess risk factors for severe COVID-19 (mortality, ICU admission, or intubation) amongst hospital patients in a large acute UK NHS hospital Trust
Authors: Foxley-Marrable Max , D’Cruz Leon , Meredith Paul , Glaysher Sharon , Beckett Angela H. , Goudarzi Salman , Fearn Christopher , Cook Kate F. , Loveson Katie F. , Dent Hannah , Paul Hannah , Elliott Scott , Wyllie Sarah , Lloyd Allyson , Bicknell Kelly , Lumley Sally , McNicholas James , Prytherch David ,   The COVID-19 Genomics UK (COG-UK) consortium, Lundgren Andrew , Graur Or , Chauhan Anoop J. , Robson Samuel C.
Published: March 2023

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, valuable datasets have been collected on the effects of the virus SARS-CoV-2. In this study, we combined whole genome sequencing data with clinical data (including clinical outcomes, demographics, comorbidity, treatment information) for 929 patient cases seen at a large UK hospital Trust between March 2020 and May 2021. We identified associations between acute physiological status and three measures of disease severity; admission to the intensive care unit (ICU), requirement for intubation, and mortality. Whilst the maximum National Early Warning Score (NEWS2) was moderately associated with severe COVID-19 (A = 0.48), the admission NEWS2 was only weakly associated (A = 0.17), suggesting it is ineffective as an early predictor of severity. Patient outcome was weakly associated with myriad factors linked to acute physiological status and human genetics, including age, sex and pre-existing conditions. Overall, we found no significant links between viral genomics and severe outcomes, but saw evidence that variant subtype may impact relative risk for certain sub-populations. Specific mutations of SARS-CoV-2 appear to have little impact on overall severity risk in these data, suggesting that emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants do not result in more severe patient outcomes. However, our results show that determining a causal relationship between mutations and severe COVID-19 in the viral genome is challenging. Whilst improved understanding of the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 has been achieved through genomics, few studies on how these evolutionary changes impact on clinical outcomes have been seen due to complexities associated with data linkage. By combining viral genomics with patient records in a large acute UK hospital, this study represents a significant resource for understanding risk factors associated with COVID-19 severity. However, further understanding will likely arise from studies of the role of host genetics on disease progression.
Circulating microRNAs as potential biomarkers of early vascular damage in vitamin D deficiency, obese, and diabetic patients
Authors: Elmoselhi Adel B. , Seif Allah Mohamed , Bouzid Amal , Ibrahim Zeinab , Venkatachalam Thenmozhi , Siddiqui Ruqaiyyah , Khan Naveed Ahmed , Hamoudi Rifat A.
Published: March 2023

Vitamin D3 deficiency, obesity, and diabetes mellitus (DM) have been shown to increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). However, the early detection of vascular damage in those patients is still difficult to ascertain. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are recognized to play a critical role in initiation and pathogenesis of vascular dysfunction. Herein, we aimed to identify circulating miRNA biomarkers of vascular dysfunction as early predictors of CVDs. We have recruited 23 middle-aged Emiratis patients with the following criteria: A healthy control group with vitamin D ≥ 20ng, and BMI < 30 (C1 group = 11 individuals); A vitamin D deficiency (Vit D level ≤ 20 ng) and obese (BMI ≥ 30) group (A1 group = 9 patients); A vitamin D deficiency, obese, plus DM (A2 group = 3 patients). Arterial stiffness via pulse wave velocity (PWV) was measured and the whole transcriptome analysis with qPCR validation for miRNA in plasma samples were tested. PWV relative to age was significantly higher in A1 group 19.4 ± 4.7 m/s and A2 group 18.3 ± 1.3 m/s compared to controls 14.7 ± 2.1 m/s (p < 0.05). Similar patterns were also observed in the Augmentation pressure (AP) and Alx%. Whole RNA-Sequencing revealed miR-182-5p; miR-199a-5p; miR-193a-5p; and miR-155-5p were differentially over-expressed (logFC > 1.5) in high-risk patients for CVDs vs healthy controls. Collectively, our result indicates that four specific circulating miRNA signature, may be utilized as non-invasive, diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for early vascular damage in patients suffering from vitamin D deficiency, obesity and DM.
How to scale a startup? The Use Bike case and the expansion of rent a bike service in Brazilian hotels
Authors: Araujo Gianfranco da Silva , Schwade Junior Odilo , Alberton Anete , Marinho Sidnei Vieira
Published: March 2023

The “Use Bike” case presents the dilemma faced by César and his partners to finding a way to expand their business. Initially, they have two choices: the sales method through trade representatives or the expansion by franchises. Business experience reveals the various challenges, as well as the advantages associated with each choice. The use of trade representatives implies the need for a bigger investment for the acquisition of bicycles and business expansion, i.e. challenges in terms of cash flow. On the other hand, creating a model for franchising that allows to reproduce the success of the business, requires overcoming challenges and complexities. The presentation of these experiences, with information about the implementation of the project and considerations collected directly from the company's executives, allows the students to be able to discuss the entrepreneurial journey, from the validation of the business models and the possibilities of scalability of a startup that is not exclusively digital.
Perspectivas de estudio sobre el comportamiento suicida en niños y adolescentes: Una revisión sistemática de la literatura utilizando la teoría de grafos
Authors: Gómez Tabares Anyerson Stiths
Published: March 2023

En las últimas décadas se ha incrementado el número de investigaciones sobre el comportamiento suicida en la infancia y la adolescencia, sin embargo, no existen estudios en la actualidad que caractericen la producción científica en perspectivas de investigación. El objetivo de este artículo es caracterizar las perspectivas dominantes de investigación sobre el comportamiento suicida, factores de riesgo y predictores a nivel biopsicosocial en niños(as) y adolescentes. La búsqueda bibliográfica se efectuó en la base de datos Web of Science. Para el manejo de la información se realizó un análisis de citaciones y de clusterización mediante teoría de grafos. Se empleó las herramientas Sci2 Tool y Gephi. Se encontraron tres orientaciones investigativas dominantes enfocadas al análisis de los predictores psiquiátricos de la conducta suicida (1), la relación entre autolesión no suicida y la conducta suicida (2) y el abuso infantil y su relación con la conducta suicida (3). Se espera que este estudio contribuya a la comprensión de las múltiples aristas investigativas sobre el comportamiento suicida en la infancia y la adolescencia. Al mismo tiempo, la metodología utilizada enriquece el campo de estudio al reflejar con precisión su situación actual a nivel investigativo.
Un análisis multicriterio para la toma de decisiones en la selección de una mezcla asfáltica en pavimentos
Authors: Sánchez Edgar , Villegas Flores Noé , Ochoa Averos Sara del Rocío , Saldeño Madero Yelinca Nalena
Published: March 2023

Objetivo: Esta investigación presenta una novedosa metodología multicriterio que permite evaluar dos materiales asfálticos utilizados en el sector de la pavimentación, en aras de aportar directrices al momento de seleccionar un material bajo un perfil sostenible. Esta herramienta metodológica permite evaluar características e indicadores asociados al comportamiento de una mezcla asfáltica de forma integrada, consistente y con impacto medioambiental.
Metodología: Se obtuvo un parámetro de sostenibilidad asociado al estudio de dos materiales del sector de la pavimentación. Se evaluaron las principales características de una mezcla asfáltica en caliente y una mezcla fría bajo las mismas condiciones de contorno. Con respecto al modelo multicriterio, se tomó el concepto de teoría de la decisión, con apoyo de la metodología MIVES y la función de utilidad, permitiendo evaluar y comparar los indicadores propuestos para este caso de análisis.
Resultados: Se obtuvo el índice de sostenibilidad para los dos materiales estudiados. La mezcla asfáltica fría obtuvo un valor de 0,76, representando de forma global un mejor desempeño en los tres ejes analizados (medioambiental, económico y de operación). Por otro lado, la mezcla en caliente obtuvo un índice de 0,57, valor inherente a una respuesta menos positiva que la mezcla fría. 
Conclusiones: La metodología desarrollada permitió incorporar variables e indicadores con unidades de medición distintas y de naturaleza diversa. La obtención de un índice de sostenibilidad en materiales asfálticos supone un avance significativo en la aplicación de metodologías multicriterio.
Odnos zaposlenih v zdravstveni negi do predpisovanja zdravil
Authors: Petrović Marko , Prosen Mirko , Ličen Sabina , Karnjuš Igor
Published: March 2023

Uvod: V številnih evropskih državah so medicinske sestre pridobile kompetenco predpisovanja zdravil. Namen raziskave je bil preučiti, kakšna stališča imajo zaposleni v zdravstveni negi v Sloveniji do predpisovanja zdravil s strani medicinskih sester.Metode: Uporabili smo mešani raziskovalni pristop. Kvantitativni priložnostni vzorec je vključeval 61, kvalitativni namenski vzorec pa 10 zaposlenih v zdravstveni negi iz različnih kliničnih okolij. Kot instrument smo v kvantitativnem delu raziskave uporabili spletni vprašalnik s področja farmacevtske skrbi (Cronbach α = 0,954). Rezultate kvantitativnega dela raziskave smo analizirali s pomočjo računalniškega programa SPSS, ver. Kvalitativni del raziskave je bil izveden z delno strukturiranimi intervjuji, ki so bili analizirani z metodo analize vsebine.Rezultati: Rezultati so pokazali, da imajo zaposleni v zdravstveni negi deljeno mnenje glede predpisovanja zdravil s strani medicinskih sester. Anketiranci z daljšimi delovnimi izkušnjami (> 12 let) so bolj naklonjeni predpisovanju zdravil s strani medicinskih sester (χ2 = 7,708, p = 0,021). Prav tako imajo zaposleni v kliničnem okolju bolj pozitivna stališča do predpisovanja zdravil kot tisti, ki delujejo na področju raziskovanja in izobraževanja (χ2 = 9,721, p = 0,008). Kvalitativni del je pokazal, da je največja ovira za uveljavljanje večje vloge medicinske sestre na področju predpisovanja zdravil pomanjkljivo znanje s področja farmakologije in neustrezna zakonska podlaga.Diskusija in zaključek: Zaposleni v zdravstveni negi imajo pomisleke glede prevzemanja kompetenc s področja predpisovanja zdravil, vendar so kljub temu izrazili željo po določeni stopnji avtonomije na omenjenem področju.
Etična občutljivost študentov zdravstvene nege
Authors: Renko Jakob , Praprotnik Deja , Nastran Ana , Prosen Mirko , Ličen Sabina
Published: March 2023

Uvod: Etična občutljivost je pomemben dejavnik pri zagotavljanju kakovostne zdravstvene oskrbe. Namen raziskave je bil preučiti etično občutljivost študentov zdravstvene nege.Metode: Uporabljena je bila kvantitativna metodologija raziskovanja z metodo anketiranja. Anketiranje je potekalo na priložnostnem vzorcu 126 dodiplomskih študentov zdravstvene nege. Podatki so bili zbrani na podlagi prevedenega in prilagojenega »Vprašalnika za merjenje etične občutljivosti med študenti zdravstvene nege« (ang. Ethical Sensitivity Questionnaire for Nursing Students). Za statistično analizo so bile uporabljene naslednje metode: osnovna deskriptivna statistika ter neparametrični Mann-Whitneyjev U-test in Kruskal- Wallisov H-test.Rezultati: Rezultat notranje konsistentnosti za celoten vprašalnik je pokazal dobro stopnjo zanesljivosti (Cronbach α = 0,711). Anketirani študenti zdravstvene nege na dodiplomskem študiju so prikazali zmerno stopnjo etične občutljivosti (  = 33,50, s = 5,615). Rezultati so pokazali statistično značilne razlike v stopnji etične občutljivosti med rednimi študenti dodiplomskega študija zdravstvene nege in študenti izrednega študija (p = 0,025).Diskusija in zaključek: Ugotovljeno je bilo, da obstajajo možnosti za izboljšanje etične občutljivosti študentov zdravstvene nege. Na podlagi ugotovitev so potrebne nadaljnje raziskave o etični občutljivosti v povezavi z delovno otopelostjo v zdravstvenem sistemu. Smiselno bi bilo raziskati tudi dejavnike, ki vplivajo na etično občutljivost in primerjati etično občutljivost med študenti zdravstvene nege in zaposlenimi medicinskimi sestrami.
Razlogi za zapuščanje poklica med medicinskimi sestrami v bolnišnicah
Authors: Prelec Anita , Skela-Savič Brigita
Published: March 2023

Uvod: Pomanjkanje medicinskih sester je odraz starajoče se družbe in večjih potreb uporabnikov zdravstvenih storitev. Nezadovoljstvo medicinskih sester vodi v izgorelost, ki je najpogostejši vzrok za zapuščanje poklica. Namen integrativnega pregleda literature je bil preučiti razloge za odločitve medicinskih sester v bolnišnicah, da zapustijo poklic.Metode: Uporabili smo integrativni pregled literature. Z uporabo ključnih besed zdravstvena nega, zapuščanje poklica, dejavniki tveganja, izgorelost, zadovoljstvo na delovnem mestu smo pregledali podatkovne baze CINAHL, PubMed in ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global. Vključili smo raziskave v angleškem jeziku, objavljene med letoma 2011 in 2021. Identificirali smo 1.328 zadetkov, za končno analizo pa uporabili osem virov v polnem besedilu: šest virov iz šestega nivoja in dva vira iz sedmega nivoja izbrane hierarhije dokazov. Za pregled poteka raziskave smo uporabili diagram PRISMA. Zbrane podatke smo obdelali s tematsko integrativno analizo.Rezultati: S tematsko integrativno analizo smo identificirali 25 kod, ki smo jih združili v štiri podteme in dve temi: (1) družbeno-ekonomski in organizacijski dejavniki, povezani z zapuščanjem poklica; (2) neustrezni delovni pogoji in pomanjkljiva podpora managementa.Diskusija in zaključek: Kljub aktualnosti teme so raziskave večinoma presečne, intervencijskih raziskav v našem integrativnem pregledu ni. Védenje o zadržanju medicinskih sester v našem kulturnem okolju lahko okrepimo z nacionalnimi retrospektivnimi in prospektivnimi raziskavami, kar nam bo dalo dobra izhodišča tudi za intervencijske raziskave.
PERBEDAAN FAKTOR RISIKO STUNTING DI DAERAH PERKOTAAN DAN PERDESAAN PADA ANAK USIA 6-23 BULAN DI INDONESIA: ANALISIS DATA RISKESDAS
Authors: Ucianna Vivi , Pramono Adriyan , Margawati Ani , Syauqy Ahmad
Published: March 2023

Latar belakang: Stunting merupakan masalah gizi yang sering ditemukan di negara berkembang, termasuk Indonesia. Stunting dapat disebabkan oleh banyak faktor. Perbedaan tempat tinggal di perkotaan dan perdesaan salah satu faktor penyebab stunting. Tujuan: Menganalisis faktor risiko stunting di daerah perkotaan dan perdesaan pada anak usia 6-23 bulan di Indonesia.Metode: Penelitian ini menggunakan desain cross-sectional dengan menganalisis data survei nasional di 34 provinsi di Indonesia tahun 2018 (Riskesdas 2018). Jumlah subjek dalam penelitian ini sebanyak 15.833 anak usia 6-23 bulan. Data dianalisis menggunakan analisis deskriptif, uji chi-square, dan regresi logistik ganda.Hasil: Prevalensi stunting pada usia 6-23 bulan lebih rendah di perkotaan (26,9%) dibandingkan di perdesaan (30,8%). Perbedaan signifikan yang ditemukan pada faktor risiko kejadian stunting antara daerah perkotaan dan perdesaan. Faktor risiko kejadian stunting yang signifikan di perkotaan adalah berat badan lahir rendah (OR=2,017, 95%Cl: 1,655-2,457). Sedangkan, faktor risiko kejadian stunting yang signifikan di perdesaan adalah adalah kelahiran prematur (OR=1,121, 95%Cl: 1,015–1,238) dan riwayat berat badan lahir rendah (OR=2,188, 95%Cl: 1,845–2,595). Setelah dikontrol dengan variable perancu (jenis kelamin dan usia), berat badan lahir rendah (OR=2,017, 95%Cl: 1,655-2,457) tetap menjadi faktor risiko kejadian stunting yang signifikan di perkotaan. Sedangkan, kelahiran prematur (OR=1,121, 95%Cl: 1,015–1,238) dan riwayat berat badan lahir rendah (OR=2,188, 95%Cl: 1,845–2,595) juga tetap menjadi faktor risiko kejadian stunting yang signifikan di perdesaanSimpulan: Berat badan lahir rendah menjadi faktor risiko stunting di daerah perkotaan dan perdesaan. Sedangkan, kelahiran premature menjadi faktor risiko stunting hanya di perdesaan.
What do students think about differentiation and within-class achievement grouping?
Authors: Prast Emilie , Stroet Kim , Koornneef Arnout , Wilderjans Tom
Published: March 2023

Differentiation and achievement grouping are frequently implemented practices to adapt education to students’ varying educational needs based on achievement level. Potential didactical and socioemotional advantages and disadvantages of these practices have been discussed in the literature. However, little is known about the perspective of students themselves. This study examined how students (N = 428) perceived differentiation and within-class homogeneous achievement grouping in primary mathematics education, with attention for potential differences between students of diverse achievement levels. Students of Grades 1, 3 and 5 completed a questionnaire about various differentiated mathematics activities and (if applicable) within-class achievement grouping. In line with the didactical perspective on differentiation, extended instruction and less difficult tasks were appreciated most by low-achieving students whereas more difficult tasks were appreciated most by high-achieving students. Students of all achievement groups had largely positive attitudes about achievement grouping and about their own achievement group. However, some differences between achievement groups were found, with less favourable results for students placed in low achievement groups. Students’ responses to open-ended questions provided additional insights into the reasons behind students’ evaluations of differentiation and achievement grouping. Differences between grade levels were also explored.
The assessment of cortical hemodynamic responses induced by tubuloglomerular feedback using in vivo imaging
Authors: Lee Blaire , Postnov Dmitry D. , Sørensen Charlotte M. , Sosnovtseva Olga
Published: March 2023

The tubuloglomerular feedback (TGF) mechanism modulates renal hemodynamics and glomerular filtration rate in individual nephrons. Our study aimed to evaluate the TGF‐induced vascular responses by inhibiting Na‐K‐2Cl co‐transporters and sodium‐glucose co‐transporters in rats. We assessed cortical hemodynamics with high‐resolution laser speckle contrast imaging, which enabled the evaluation of blood flow in individual microvessels and analysis of their dynamical patterns in the time‐frequency domain. We demonstrated that a systemic administration of furosemide abolishes TGF‐mediated hemodynamic responses. Furthermore, we showed that the local microcirculatory blood flow decreased, and the TGF‐induced hemodynamic oscillations were sustained but weakened after inhibiting sodium‐glucose co‐transporters in Sprague–Dawley rats.
Loss of respiratory complex I subunit NDUFB10 affects complex I assembly and supercomplex formation
Authors: Arroum Tasnim , Borowski Marie-Theres , Marx Nico , Schmelter Frank , Scholz Martin , Psathaki Olympia Ekaterini , Hippler Michael , Enriquez José Antonio , Busch Karin B.
Published: March 2023

The orchestrated activity of the mitochondrial respiratory or electron transport chain (ETC) and ATP synthase convert reduction power (NADH, FADH2) into ATP, the cell’s energy currency in a process named oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). Three out of the four ETC complexes are found in supramolecular assemblies: complex I, III, and IV form the respiratory supercomplexes (SC). The plasticity model suggests that SC formation is a form of adaptation to changing conditions such as energy supply, redox state, and stress. Complex I, the NADH-dehydrogenase, is part of the largest supercomplex (CI + CIII2 + CIVn). Here, we demonstrate the role of NDUFB10, a subunit of the membrane arm of complex I, in complex I and supercomplex assembly on the one hand and bioenergetics function on the other. NDUFB10 knockout was correlated with a decrease of SCAF1, a supercomplex assembly factor, and a reduction of respiration and mitochondrial membrane potential. This likely is due to loss of proton pumping since the CI P
P
-module is downregulated and the P
D
-module is completely abolished in NDUFB10 knock outs.
Sensitivity analysis for causal decomposition analysis: Assessing robustness toward omitted variable bias
Authors: Park Soojin , Kang Suyeon , Lee Chioun , Ma Shujie
Published: March 2023

A key objective of decomposition analysis is to identify a factor (the “mediator”) contributing to disparities in an outcome between social groups. In decomposition analysis, a scholarly interest often centers on estimating how much the disparity (e.g., health disparities between Black women and White men) would be reduced/remain if we set the mediator (e.g., education) distribution of one social group equal to another. However, causally identifying disparity reduction and remaining depends on the no omitted mediator–outcome confounding assumption, which is not empirically testable. Therefore, we propose a set of sensitivity analyses to assess the robustness of disparity reduction to possible unobserved confounding. We derived general bias formulas for disparity reduction, which can be used beyond a particular statistical model and do not require any functional assumptions. Moreover, the same bias formulas apply with unobserved confounding measured before and after the group status. On the basis of the formulas, we provide sensitivity analysis techniques based on regression coefficients andR2{R}^{2}values by extending the existing approaches. TheR2{R}^{2}-based sensitivity analysis offers a straightforward interpretation of sensitivity parameters and a standard way to report the robustness of research findings. Although we introduce sensitivity analysis techniques in the context of decomposition analysis, they can be utilized in any mediation setting based on interventional indirect effects when the exposure is randomized (or conditionally ignorable given covariates).
Mode mixing performance evaluation and influence of elements on the fiber system behaviour
Authors: Ganesan Shanmugapriya , Bhoompally Suneela , Ahammad Shaik Hasane , Kiran Kasi Uday , Kak Anwer Twana Mohammed , Hossain Md. Amzad , Zaki Rashed Ahmed Nabih , Zidan Walid Fahim
Published: March 2023

This study has clarified various micro electro mechanical system (MEMS) processes performance evaluation based on MEMSolver simulation software. The spin time against final resist thickness for the spin coating of a thin film of photo resist and the oxidation time versus oxide thickness for silicone dioxide growth for <100> silicon in wet oxide are clarified. The diffusion profile for Boron after predeposition and drive in of dopants in silicon and the thickness of silicon dioxide mask for Boron diffusion are demonstrated. The dopant distribution resulting from ion implantation and drive in and the percentage of dose penetrating photo resist mask versus thickness of the mask are reported. The film stress versus the film thickness from wafer bow measurements, aluminum deposition rate against temperature using the electronic beam evaporator and the deposition rate of polysilicon versus silane partial pressure are reported. The etch rate of the thermal oxide against percentage concentration of KOH, the etch rate against the etchant temperature for silicon nitride in hot phosphoric acid, and the etch rate against the etchant temperature for the thermal oxide using buffered hydrofluoric acid (BOE) are outlined.