bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Knowledge and practice of standard measures in occupational exposure to blood and body fluids among nurses in a University Hospital in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Sreedharan Jayadevan , Muttappallymyalil Jayakumary , Venkatramana Manda
Published: June 2024

This cross sectional study was conducted to assess the knowledge and practice of preventive measures inoccupational exposure to blood and body fluids among nurses in a university hospital in the UAE. A pre-testedstructured self administered questionnaire was used for data collection. The mean age of the respondentswas 29.59±5.96 years and the median duration of clinical experience was 63 months ranging from 10 monthsto 264 months. Of the total, 25.7% reported having had exposure to splashes of blood and body fluids intothe eyes or mouth. 98% of nurses reported that if there had been any splash of blood or body fluids it isimportant to rinse with plenty of running water. 98% knew that the ideal method of disposal of sharp waste(e.g. hypodermic needles) was to put it in a puncture proof container immediately after use. 93.1% of thenurses reported that the needle pricks, cuts or scratches should be bled by squeezing. 93% habitually usedmasks always during surgery and 80.4% always wore goggles during surgery. With regard to recapping ofneedles, 44.6% were aware that needles should be recapped by single hand technique after use and amongthem 93.3% practiced this method; there was a statistically significant association (p<0.001) between theawareness and practice, but not between years of experience and needle recapping technique after use. Theknowledge among nurses about preventive measures in occupational exposure to blood and body fluids isadequate but in practice it is inadequate.
The Italian approach to rare diseases and the action of the Italian National Centre for Rare Diseases
Authors: Taruscio Domenica , Vittozzi Luciano
Published: June 2024

The European Commission, recognizing that a number of healthcare and knowledge issues are common to allrare diseases in spite of the wide variety of their clinical manifestation, has recently initiated the promotionof national plans and comprehensive strategies for improving the provision of care to rare disease patients.In Italy, for some time, a number of coordinated initiatives have been undertaken at National and Regionallevel in order to provide quality care to rare disease patients. Some of these initiatives anticipate therecommendations at the European Union level.A key legal instrument has been the Ministerial Decree 279/2001 which established, with the collaboration ofthe Regions, the national network for the surveillance, diagnosis, treatment and cost exemption for rarediseases. Other regulations facilitate access to drugs and to assistance for the disabilities associated withrare diseases. More recently specific initiatives have been adopted to foster research on rare diseases and theinvolvement of patients in decision making regarding rare diseases.Another key step in the development of an effective strategy to tackle rare diseases in Italy, has been theestablishment of the National Centre for Rare Diseases. The Centre is currently developing a wide variety ofinitiatives: some contribute to the full implementation of the national legislative provisions and to thecoordination of activities among the Regions; others aim to develop autonomous initiatives within its missionof research, provision of technical expertise and documentation as well as information on rare diseases.
Rare diseases and orphan drugs in Eastern European Countries
Authors: Stefanov Rumen , Taruscio Domenica
Published: June 2024

Background: Rare diseases are a serious public health problem. The countries of Eastern Europe are republicsin transition. Although many of them are already members of the EU and others could be further accepted, atthis stage it is difficult for local governments to spend money on rare diseases. The aim of this article is toreview current rare diseases and orphan drug activities in Eastern European countries (EEC).Methods: An extensive review of published literature and conference proceedings was undertaken in order toascertain the current status and ongoing activities in 10 Eastern European countries - Belarus, Bulgaria, CzechRepublic, Hungary, Moldova, Poland, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, and Ukraine. Data were collected andaggregated in 5 directions – information and awareness; diagnosis and screening practices; clinicalmanagement and rehabilitation; patient organizations and national plans on rare diseases.Results: The awareness and public health initiatives on rare diseases in Eastern European countries aregenerally low. EEC, which are also EU member states provide comparatively better healthcare services topeople with rare diseases in respect to clinical management, rehabilitation and access to orphan drugs.Patient associations are becoming more and more active, thus pushing local governments to consider EUlegislation and best practices on rare diseases. However, the gap between EEC and the rest EU member statesrequire intensive attention and support by the European commission, especially on improving awareness bytranslation of available information sources in local languages, and facilitating networking projects among allEuropean countries.
Meta-analysis of non-randomized studies in interventional cardiology: a critical appraisal
Authors: Navarese Eliano Pio , Lupi Alessandro , Buffon Antonino , Sansa Mara , Franchi Elena , Aurelio Andrea , Bongo Angelo Sante
Published: June 2024

Utilisation of meta-analysis is becoming more and more common in interventional cardiology. The aim of this statistical approach is to collect a large number of patients from randomized clinical studies and nonrandomized registries in order to obtain a pooled estimate of the results. Nevertheless, simply pooling these results without a correct methodological approach can easily lead to biased conclusions. In this report we analyse the possible methodological drawbacks of such an approach and we suggest a simplified check-list of items to be considered in the effort of building-up a meta-analysis from non-randomized studies.
Romanian health system strategic directions for the next decade
Authors: Vlădescu Cristian , Galan Adriana , Olsavszky Victor , Scîntee Silvia Gabriela
Published: June 2024

Background: The exceptional changes in the Romanian society after 1989 have strongly influenced thereforms of the health system.Methods: Several tools were used for this health policy review: finding the evidence to prove that there areimportant public health problems in Romania, as well as reviewing the existing legislation and policy papersrelated to health system, stakeholder analysis, meetings and working groups with key players from the healthsector.Results: Health indicators for Romania are some of the poorest in the WHO European region, not only at EUlevel. A mix of specific indicators for developed countries (e.g. high mortality by cardiovascular diseases,increasing incidence of cancer) and specific indicators for developing countries (e.g. re-emergence of somecommunicable diseases, like TB) can be noticed. Unfavourable comparisons also exist for the indicatorsdescribing the performance of the health system: poor access to basic health services especially in rural area,inadequate human resources management, lack of integration of the health services in order to assure thecontinuity of care, poor health information management, and reduced intersectoral cooperation. Six majorintervention areas have been identified by the Presidential Health Commission set up in 2008, in order toaddress the dysfunctions of the health system: Health system financing, Health system organization, Drugpolicy, Primary care, Hospital services and Human resources. In order to address them, 29 specificrecommendations were made.Conclusions: If the declared intentions of the new minister of health are implemented in line with theproposed presidential strategy, then coherency might finally have a chance to drive the process forward.
Public health research needs and challenges in transitional countries of South Eastern Europe
Authors: Burazeri Genc , Brand Helmut , Laaser Ulrich
Published: June 2024

The former communist countries of Southeastern Europe (SEE) are undergoing a rapid process oftransformation from state-enforced rigid economies to market-oriented societies. Compared with EuropeanUnion, SEE countries are characterized by higher death rates including not only infant mortality and maternaldeath, but also cardiovascular mortality and injuries. Yet, there is no sufficient research in SEE countriesdirected towards gaining a clear understanding of the health effects of transition and the fluctuations inhealth outcomes. A general characteristic in almost all SEE countries relates to the comparable problems theyface for engaging in research work which include: (i) lack of funds; (ii) lack of expertise, and; (iii) lack of “gooddata”. Nevertheless, there is an emergent need to improve research capacities in order to address and analyzeon a scientific basis the health problems and challenges in SEE countries. From this point of view, the Forumfor Public Health in South Eastern Europe (FPH-SEE: www.snz.hr/fph-see) seems a suitable network topromote, provide guidance and support different research activities and research projects in SEE countries.To increase the visibility of FPH-SEE network and to enhance its collaboration and active communication withEuropean academic institutions and donors, it was decided to establish an office near the Department ofInternational Health, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, which will beresponsible for the coordination of the research network for SEE countries. This will help to promote researchfunding and to develop and strengthen research capacities in the SEE region.
Bringing cancer back to the top of the EU health agenda
Authors: Albreht Tit , Brinovec Radivoje Pribaković
Published: June 2024

Slovenia put forth cancer as the main topic for its Presidency to the Council of the European Union. This paperdescribes the process, which led to the adoption of the Council Conclusions on cancer in June 2008.Theprocess included the production of two policy dialogues, a book on cancer, a conference on cancer and theCouncil's conclusions, which aim to inform EU health policy in the field of cancer. As a problem of growingpublic health importance, cancer needs to be addressed on the four levels, which cover its key elements –primary prevention, screening, integrated cancer care and research. These should become parts of aconsistent national strategy to address cancer in developing a national cancer plan based on a common EUstrategy for an integral approach to cancer management.
Spatial analysis of drug-related hospital admissions: an auto-Gaussian model to estimate the hospitalization rates in Italy
Authors: Colasante Emanuela , Molinaro Sabrina , Mariani Fabio
Published: June 2024

Introduction: The aim of this study is to evaluate, even if partially, how much the drug use phenomenon impacts on the Italian National Heatlh System throughout the estimation at local level (Local Health Unit) of the hospitalization rate caused by substance use and abuse such as opiates, barbiturates-sedativeshypnotics, cocaine and cannabis, and keeping in mind the phenomenon distribution in the space and so the fact that what happens in a specific area depends on what is happening in the neighbourhoods close to it (spatial autocorrelation).
Methods: Data from hospital discharge database were provided by the Ministry of Health and an auto- Gaussian model was fitted. The spatial trend can be a function of other explanatory variables or can simply be modeled as a function of spatial location. Both models were fitted and compared using the number of subjects kept in charge by Drug Addiction Services and the number of beds held by hospitals as covariates.
Results: Concerning opiates use related hospitalizations, results show areas where the phenomenon was less prominent in 2001 (Lombardy, part of Liguria, Umbria, part of Latium, Campania, Apulia and Sicily). In the following years, the hospitalization rates increased in some areas, such as the north of Apulia, part of Campania and Latium. A dependence of the opiates related hospitalization rates on the rate of subjects kept in charge by the Drug Addiction Services is highlighted. Concerning barbiturates-sedatives-hypnotics consumption, the best model is the one without covariates and estimated hospitalization rates are lower then 3 per thousand. The model with only the covariate “rate of subjects kept in charge by Drug Addiction Services” has been used both for cocaine and cannabis. In these two cases, more than a half of the Local Health Units report hospitalization rates lower than 0.5 per thousand.
Conclusions: This study has allowed for the development of an indirect indicator for the phenomenon of drug use and it constitutes an effort in answering specific needs for the planning of health policies related to a field that, given the specificity of the phenomenon, is often difficult to detect and quantify by means of more common data analysis techniques. Moreover, it is important to highlight that, being this study a first attempt in applying this statistical methodology to data regarding drug addiction, it needs to be further improved.
Measuring needs
Authors: Murriani Laura , Ricciardi Walter
Published: June 2024

The interest in measuring the health of populations, through measuring the demand and offers of health care, is deeply rooted in history. Population health indicators in use today are built upon from mortality measures from the 1500s; regular census information starting from the 1800s; civil registration records of vital statistics commencing in the 1850s; regular national surveys, which were first initiated in the 1950s; and health system and other administrative databases used widely since the 1960s. The ancient Greeks believed that the God of medicine had two daughters: Hygeia and Panacea, the first was the goddess of prevention and wellness, while the second was the goddess of treatment. Thus suggesting that people have long believed that there is more to health than health care. Today the actual concept of population health recognizes many interconnected aspects of society, the environment, and individuals all contributing to health. To increase opportunities for comparability, more valid, comprehensive and standardized ways of measuring and reporting on population health indicators are needed. The use of health indicators contributes to overall population health goals, namely improving the health populations, reducing health inequalities and measuring the performance of health care system. The objective of performance assessment is to provide governments and populations with information about the state of their health care system.
Genomics, medicine and public health
Authors: Trbovich Alexander M.
Published: June 2024

Public health genomics unifies the scientific disciplines of genetics and public health. Public health genomicsaims to facilitate the transfer of newly acquired knowledge in genetic and molecular biology into classical med-icine, to evaluate the currently available genetic tests, and to educate both the medical community and the gen-eral population about advancements in molecular and cell biology of medical interest. Due to various factors,the application of new genetic discoveries in classical medicine and the evaluation of the current genetic clini-cal tests occur at relatively slow paste. The challenge of public health genomics is to create the most effectivemodus for coexistence of new molecular and cell biology discoveries and classical medical techniques inapplied medicine. The ultimate goal is to accomplish a truly individualized medical therapy.
Spatial methods in areal administrative data analysis
Authors: Ma Haijun , Virnig Beth A. , Carlin Bradley P.
Published: June 2024

Administrative data often arise as electronic copies of paid bills generated from insurance companies includ-ing the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Such data are widely seen and analyzed in the public health area,as in investigations of cancer control, health service accessibility, and spatial epidemiology. In areas likepolitical science and education, administrative data are also important. Administrative data are sometimesmore readily available as summaries over each administrative unit (county, zip code, etc.) in a particular setdetermined by geopolitical boundaries, or what statisticians refer to as areal data. However, the spatialdependence often present in administrative data is often ignored by health services researchers. This canlead to problems in estimating the true underlying spatial surface, including inefficient use of data andbiased conclusions. In this article, we review hierarchical statistical modeling and boundary analysis(wombling) methods for areal-level spatial data that can be easily carried out using freely available statisti-cal computing packages. We also propose a new edge-domain method designed to detect geographicalboundaries corresponding to abrupt changes in the areal-level surface. We illustrate our methods usingcounty-level breast cancer late detection data from the state of Minnesota.
Meta-analysis in public health: potentials and problems
Authors: Ioannidis John P.A.
Published: June 2024

Meta-analysis has evolved as a primary tool for evidence-based medicine. Initially, meta-analysis was seenas a technique that could improve statistical power in a research world of small, underpowered studies.We increasingly recognize that meta-analysis is a critical tool that can help us measure and understand notonly summary effects, but also heterogeneity (diversity) and bias. Here I discuss some key themes and chal-lenges for “meta-epidemiology”. These include the contrast between randomized and observational evi-dence; the evolutionary nature of biomedical evidence; the contrast between small and larger studies; thedifficulties in appraising study “quality” and its potential impact on the study effects; and the scandal ofmissing even minimal, key information on the harms of interventions that are otherwise postulated to beeffective. I discuss a general outlook about the validity of the evidence in medicine and public health. I sug-gest that we should learn to live with uncertainty, since the evidence that is available is often limited, biased,or both. This means that we should be prepared to dismiss big chunks of biomedical dogma, including per-haps whole specialties and sub-specialties of current medicine, as false, erroneous, irrelevant or even poten-tially dangerous for the health of individuals and populations. An effort should be made to shift the accu-mulation and synthesis of evidence towards answering critical public health-related questions.This paper is based on a lecture presented at the European Public Health Association 2005 annual confer-ence in Graz, Austria
Should psychosocial intervention be added to pharmacological treatment for opiate abuse/dependence? An overview of systematic reviews of the literature
Authors: Amato Laura , Davoli Marina , Minozzi Silvia , Vecchi Simona , Perucci Carlo A.
Published: June 2024

Background: Opioid abuse and dependence are major health and social issues in most societies. Differentinterventions are available, but the majority of heroin patients relapse and these relapses are a substantialproblem to their rehabilitation. Psychosocial interventions for drug addicts have been suggested as possibleinstruments to overcome the difficulty of maintaining a drug-free state. The aim of this paper is to provide asummary of the available evidence of effectiveness.Methods: We summarised the results from two systematic reviews on psychosocial interventions combinedwith Methadone Maintenance Treatment and Methadone or Buprenorphine Detoxification Treatment. Results:For detoxification treatments, the results show that benefits can be gained from adding any psychosocialtreatment to any substitution detoxification treatment in terms of completion of treatment: relative risk (RR)1.68 (95% CI 1.11-2.55), and compliance (proportion of clinical absences): RR 0.48 (95% CI 0.38-0.59); for theuse of heroin during treatment, the differences were not statistically significant. For maintenance treatments,there is an additional benefit to be gained in adding any psychosocial treatment to methadone maintenancetreatment in relation to the use of heroin during treatment: RR 0.69(95% CI 0.53-0.91); no statisticallysignificant additional benefit was shown in terms of treatment retention and results at follow-up.Conclusions: Psychosocial treatments offered in addition to pharmacological detoxification treatments areeffective in terms of completion of treatment and compliance, while adding any psychosocial support tomethadone maintenance significantly improves the non-use of heroin during treatment but does not improvethe other outcomes considered
Tobacco smoke in Piedmont: attributable morbidity and impact on hospital costs
Authors: Versino Elisabetta , Gianino Maria M. , Renga Giovanni
Published: June 2024

Background: Tobacco smoke is the main cause of mortality and morbidity in most industrialized countries.The aim of this research is to estimate the smoke attributable morbidity for Piedmont residents in the years1997-2002 and the related costs for the regional health service, using as an indicator the number of hospitaladmissions caused by smoke and as an instrument the DRG rates.Methods: extraction of hospital admissions for smoking-related diseases; estimate of the proportion ofhospital admittances attributable to smoking; estimate of the overall cost and the smoke attributable costfor each year.Results: The attributable proportion in men is clearly higher than in women. In men it decreases from 10.6%in 1997 to 8.2% in 2002, while values among women seem to have reached a plateau. The economic valueof the attributable admissions, at current prices, shows a downward trend for men from 1997 to 2001 and anupward one in the year 2002, while for women the trend is fluctuating.Conclusions: This method demonstrates the following original features: we used metanalytic relative risksreal prevalence data, considering a fifteen-year latency period between exposure and effect on health.Themodel that we developed adheres more adherent to the natural history of the disease and to the local healthproblem, giving us a useful tool for planning purposes.Furthermore, the economic estimate is made for eachsingle DRG instead of applying medium rates for MDC, which happens more frequently at the national level.
Incidence and costs of hip fractures vs acute myocardial infarction among population of Local Health Authorities Lecce/1 and Lecce/2: a two years survey
Authors: Piscitelli Prisco , Camboa Pierluigi , Forcina Bruno , Fitto Felice , Borgia Oronzo , Surace Gianfranco , Colì Giuseppe , Farì Francesco , Quarta Fabrizio , Rollo Rodolfo , Trianni Gianluigi , Sanapo Franco , Falzea Bruno , Carrozzini Francesco
Published: June 2024

Background: in the frame of the aging trend of the Italian population, hip fractures are supposed to be one of themost critical problems to be faced from health care professionals, public health researchers and policy makers.Methods and Results: the objective of this study was to quantify hip fractures’ incidence and costs incomparison with a severe-perceived disease such as acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in a sample of790.000 people living in Lecce area. To evaluate incidence of hip fractures and AMI, we utilizedhospitalization database from Local Health Authorities Lecce/1 and Lecce/2. DRGs were used as indicatorsof direct costs; rehabilitation costs, social and indirect costs were not computed, but the latest availableliterature data suggest that they exceed the overall direct costs.Conclusion: consistently with national surveys, our results show that hip fractures have an incidencecomparable to AMI and higher costs.
Health Technology Assessment: a field still maturing!
Authors: Battista Renaldo N.
Published: June 2024

With this issue’s focus on Health Technology Assessment (HTA), the Italian Journal of Public Health has tackled an area of growing importance in today’s increasingly complex health care delivery systems.
As the articles in this issue demonstrate, HTA has grown from a relatively narrow technical focus to a form of policy research underway in dozens of countries. Since its inception just over three decades ago,HTA has evolved through three distinct phases: the machine, the disease and the delivery mode, with the third of these still underway.
As the focus has shifted from machines to disease conditions to service delivery approaches, HTA has drawn on research and modes of discourse from a growing variety of disciplines. Thus, despite the evolution that continues, HTA remains, at its core, both multidisciplinary and pragmatic, for the strengths of HTA arise from its integration of the efforts of actors in multiple, diverse disciplines with a view to producing knowledge that will assist decision-makers. The machine phase was marked by a focus on the technical performance of health technologies, often embodying innovative approaches to diagnosis or treatment of human illness.
Given the newness and costliness of many technologies selected for assessment, a significant emphasis was placed on assessing the safety of these devices. Imaging technologies were the subject of assessment in many settings, perhaps in part because devices such as the CT scanner produced remarkable visual results that were heralded as affording breakthroughs in diagnosis and treatment. One need only look through the programs of early HTA conferences to see the emphasis on high cost, infrastructure-intensive health technologies that was the hallmark of the machine period.
Τhe theory of complexity as a tool for a new conceptual framework for nursing
Authors: Stoufis Nikolaos
Published: June 2024

Introduction: Modern scientific thinking, overcoming the perception of a fully deterministic world, has laid the groundwork for understanding reality in all its dimensions as they arise from non-linear and parallel dynamic processes.
Purpose: The purpose of this systematic review is to describe how complexity theory and complex adaptive systems theory can contribute to the development of nursing science through the understanding of the contemporary interactions that determine the context of health care delivery.
Methodology: The literature was searched in online databases, researchgate, pub med, and academia.eu. The inclusion criteria for the articles were as follows: They were published between 2000 and 2022, had a primary focus on the science of complexity and complex adaptive systems and how these theories are incorporated into contemporary nursing theory and practice.
Results: Most studies emphasize the need for a new approach to nursing science through a meaningful understanding of complex phenomena such as healthcare organizations as living organisms openly multidimensional and unstable. Nursing science internationally approaches health as a complex phenomenon that can only be sustained (or restored) through a holistic approach that accepts the unpredictable and relies on subtle emergent forces within the overall system.
Conclusions: Approaching nursing as a complex adaptive system can offer a new framework for understanding the factors that shape the quality of service delivery and a new strategic planning approach based on the selforganization of nursing, both at the academic and clinical levels.
Special Education and Field Education: Literary Review
Authors: Carvalho Renata Natalina , Vasconcellos Talita Silva Perussi
Published: June 2024

Objective: Recognizing the importance of the rural education process from the perspective of educating people with disabilities, this study sought to understand what Brazilian literature in recent years on the subject offers us.
 
Theoretical Framework: Seeks to bring legislative evolution in search of knowledge about the transversality of special education.
 
Method: The bibliographic survey was carried out in the periodic databases CAPES, Scielo and in the productions made available by GEPEC - Group of Studies and Research in Rural Education at UFSCar. In order to analyze the selected research, the method consisted of quantitative and qualitative, dividing the process into categories for verification and discussion.
 
Results and Discussion: The analysis procedures allowed us to conjecture that studies in the area are scarce and to highlight that the increase in research that focuses on these aspects is important.
 
Implications of the Research: The research allowed us to understand the scenario of Brazilian studies on special education in the field.
 
Originality/Value: The study brought contributions to future research, providing an overview of how Brazilian research still needs to answer questions on the topic.
Morphometric Transformations of the Perdizes and Fojo Watersheds in Campos do Jordão, SP, Brazil: Land Use/Land Cover Changes after 12 Years, with Focus on Urbanized Areas
Authors: Fulan Mateus Henrique , Cavalheiro Wanderson Cleiton Schmidt , Santos Junior Nilson Reinaldo Fernandes dos , Souza Renato Francisco da Silva , Santos Miquele Araújo dos , Carneiro Kaline de Almeida Alves , Macedo Rodrigo Santana , Fulan João Ânderson , Vendruscolo Jhony
Published: June 2024

Objective: The main objective of this study was to compare urbanized areas, supplemented by additional information such as tree vegetation, areas without vegetation, and the presence of agriculture in the Fojo and Perdizes watershed located in Campos do Jordão, SP, Brazil, 12 years after their characterization, using supervised classification methods.
 
Theoretical Framework: The use of geotechnologies for the assessment of the LULC change allows the holistic visualization of the area, compared to former studies.
 
Method: The base image for the study was generated through the Semi-Automatic Classification Plugin, with Sentinel-2 satellite spectral data as the base. Land use and cover classifications were conducted through Quantum GIS, with the Orfeo Toolbox plugin  as the supervised classification tool.
 
Results and Discussion: The results obtained reveal significant land use changes in Campos do Jordão, specifically on Fojo watershed, where there was a 48% decrease of urban land use.
 
Research Implications: The theoretical implications of the research contributes to the future study of other environmental interest areas, allowing the classification of other regions, encouraging future researches of land use and cover changes, influencing other areas such as geoprocessing, urban planning and ecology.
 
Originality/Value: Usage of modern technologies for the assessment of land use change in an area previously studied can evidentiate recent changes, in this case, the great reduction of urbanized area in Campos do Jordão. The results obtained through the study may influence further scientific research especially for geoprocessing, as new technologies aid a better understanding.
Vietnam's Gen Z: Recruitment Process and Turnover Intentions
Authors: Yen Mac Thi Hai , Cuong Tran Thi , Anh Luong Thi Minh , Linh Bui Phuong , Linh Truong Khanh
Published: June 2024

Purpose: The study aims to explore the dynamics between recruitment process factors and their impact on affective commitment and turnover intentions among Vietnam's Generation Z workforce in the technology sector. The objectives are multifaceted: firstly, to assess how various recruitment practices influence affective commitment among this demographic; and secondly, to examine the extent to which affective commitment can mitigate turnover intentions. This investigation is grounded in the context of Vietnam's rapidly evolving technology landscape, where retaining young talent has become increasingly critical.
 
Methods: This research employed a quantitative methodology, gathering data from 250 Generation Z employees within Vietnam's technology sector through surveys. The sampling strategy incorporated both proportionate stratified random sampling and purposive sampling to ensure a representative cross-section of respondents. Data collection relied on standardized questionnaires, enabling the capture of nuanced insights into participants' perceptions and experiences. The analytical framework was anchored in Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), facilitating a robust examination of the intricate relationships between recruitment process elements, affective commitment, and turnover intentions.
 
Results and Discussion: The findings underscore the significant influence of recruitment process factors—namely job analysis, job evaluation, job specification, and job description—on the affective commitment of Generation Z employees in the technology sector. Notably, job analysis emerged as the most potent predictor of affective commitment, suggesting that detailed understanding and clarity of job roles are paramount for this cohort. Conversely, affective commitment exhibits a strong negative correlation with turnover intentions, affirming its role as a crucial mediator. These outcomes highlight the pivotal role of strategic recruitment practices in fostering organizational loyalty and reducing turnover among Generation Z employees in Vietnam's technology sector. The discussion integrates these results with the broader literature, suggesting that transparent, purpose-driven recruitment strategies aligned with the values and aspirations of Generation Z can significantly enhance their affective commitment and retention.
Comparative Analysis of Cryptocurrency Portfolio Strategies Integrating ESG Criteria Across Market Conditions and Time Periods
Authors: Chaiyarit Yotaek , Phuensane Pongsutti
Published: June 2024

Objective: This study investigates how Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria can be integrated into cryptocurrency portfolio strategies, evaluating their performance across different market conditions and time periods.
 
Theoretical Framework: This research is based on Modern Portfolio Theory (MPT) and principles of ESG investing. The study uses Markowitz's mean-variance optimization and the triple bottom line approach to understand the benefits of ESG integration in investment strategies.
 
Method: The research involves a comparative analysis of various cryptocurrency portfolio strategies, including Buy-and-Hold, Simple Moving Average (SMA), MinVar, and MaxSharpe. Data was collected daily from October 1, 2016, to September 31, 2021. The study uses mean-variance analysis to assess risk-return profiles, incorporating ESG factors into the evaluation framework.
 
Results and Discussion: The results show that the Buy-and-Hold strategy consistently yielded the highest returns across most portfolios. However, during volatile periods, strategies like MinVar and MaxSharpe provided better risk-adjusted returns. The discussion contextualizes these results within the theoretical framework, highlighting how ESG integration enhances risk management and aligns investments with sustainable development goals (SDGs).
 
Research Implications: This research suggests that integrating ESG criteria into cryptocurrency portfolios can improve risk management and align investments with sustainability goals. These findings have practical implications for investment strategy development and sustainable finance practices.
 
Originality/Value: This study offers a unique analysis of cryptocurrency portfolio strategies that incorporate ESG criteria. Its findings are relevant for influencing sustainable investment practices and optimizing cryptocurrency portfolios in line with ESG principles.
Penentuan Kandungan Metabolit Sekunder, Fenolik Total serta Uji Aktivitas Antibakteri dan Antijamur Ekstrak Daun Sungkai (Peronema canescens Jack) di Kabupaten Agam dan Kota Padang
Authors: - Norman Ferdinal , Ningsih Yanisa Fitria , Afrizal Afrizal
Published: June 2024

Sungkai (Peronema canescens Jack) is the traditional medicinal plants used in Indonesia. The purpose of this study was to determine the content of secondary metabolites, total phenolic content and test the antibacterial and antifungal activity of Sungkai plant leaf extract. Extraction was carried out by gradual maceration using 3 solvents with different polarity, starting from hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol. The results showed that the phytochemical profile of Sungkai leaves contained flavonoids, phenolics, saponins, triterpenoids, steroids and alkaloids. In the total phenolic test using the Folin-Ciocalteau method. The highest total phenolic content was found in the methanol extract of 195.8 mgGAE/g sample for the Padang City. The antibacterial and antifungal activity of Sungkai leaf extract were tested using the Well diffusion method. The largest diameter of the clear zone on antibacterial activity was produced in the ethyl acetate extract of the Kab. Agam with a concentration of 50% is 7 mm in Escherichia coli bacteria and 5.6 mm in Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. The highest antifungal activity against Candida albicans was produced in the ethyl acetate extract of the Padang City area of ​​6.4 mm. The ability of the extract activity is still much lower when compared to the positive control
Status of Magnetic Elements of the SKIF Injector
Authors: Pavlyuchenko V. A. , Nikiforov D. A. , Starostenko A. A. , Zhilyaev K. V. , Molokoyedov A. M. , Pakhomov A. Yu. , Subaev E. A. , Chekmenev D. I. , Cheskidov V. G.
Published: June 2024

The paper describes the magnetic injector system for the SRF “Siberian Circular Photon Source” (SKIF). The results of modeling quadrupole and solenoid lenses, as well as dipole correctors for an injector based on a linear accelerator are presented. These elements should make it possible to transport the electron beam throughout the accelerator without loss. The results of measurements of all produced magnetic elements are demonstrated. The described elements are working normally at the linear accelerator stand.
The Efficient Application of Instilling Negative Pressure Wound Therapy With a Hypochlorous Acid-Preserved Wound Cleanser: A Case Series and Practical Advice
Authors: Matthews Marc , Fernández Luis , Hermans Michel , Chakravarthy Debashish
Published: June 2024

Background. The use of negative pressure wound therapy with instillation and dwell time (NPWTi-d) has been shown to be effective in removing nonviable tissue, reducing bioburden, and promoting granulation tissue formation in acute and chronic infected wounds. Objective. To illustrate the clinical efficacy of the use of pure hypochlorous acid (pHA) antimicrobially preserved wound cleansing solution as the instillation fluid for NPWTi-d (NPWTi-d/pHA) in wound bed preparation in patients with complex wounds. Case Report. The treatment protocol for use of NPWTi-d/pHA in preparing wound beds for final closure is demonstrated in 3 illustrative cases of patients with complex wounds resulting from necrotizing infection and trauma with heavy contamination. All 3 patients developed a healthy-appearing wound bed deemed suitable for primary closure an average of approximately 1 month following initial surgical debridement. Conclusion. The cases presented demonstrate the ability of a pHA antimicrobially preserved wound cleansing solution used as the instillation fluid with NPWTi-d to aid in bacterial reduction, mechanical debridement, and promotion of wound healing. Use of NPWTi-d/pHA in these cases of extensive necrotizing infection and posttraumatic injury with heavy contamination allowed for final closure an average of 1 month after initial surgical debridement.
THE GLYCEROL/WATER MIXTURE IS AN EFFECTIVE DEEP EUTECTIC SOLVENT FOR THE EXTRACTIONS FROM FOOD WASTE MATRIXES
Authors: Pompei Francesca , Lepore Elison , Torregrosa-Chinillach Alejandro , Catalini Francesco , Alonso Diego A. , Chinchilla Rafael , Gabrielli Serena , Mannozzi Cinzia , Vittori Sauro , Tiecco Matteo
Published: June 2024

Deep Eutectic Solvents (DESs) are a novel class of organic liquids that are becoming increasingly important in the literature for their green and catalytic properties and for their peculiar structural features. Because of these, they are finding fruitful applications in many different topics. One of the most explored one is their use as green effective extracting agents from food matrices and food waste matrices of valuable bioactive compounds, thanks to their affinity with aromatic and phenolic compounds. In this work, the mixture glycerol/water at 1/2.55 molar ratio is demonstrated to be a DES thanks to the comparison of the experimental melting points with the theoretical curves. This approach is used with both liquid starting components for the first time to our knowledge. This DES was then tested as extracting agent on different food waste matrixes: onion, tomato and apple peels; spent coffee grounds and grape pomace. The results were compared with those obtained with the water and glycerol only components, showing a superior capability of the DES in the extractions, as well as superior antioxidant properties of the extracts. This promotes the use of this mixture at the eutectic point as a DES and opens for a novel approach in which the extract could be directly used without further purification procedures considering the food grade of the DES components.
Data-driven analysis of text-mined seed-mediated growth AuNP syntheses
Authors: Lee Sanghoon , Cruse Kevin , Gleason Samuel P. , Alivisatos A. Paul , Ceder Gerbrand , Jain Anubhav
Published: June 2024

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are widely used functional nanomaterials that exhibit adjustable properties based on their shapes and sizes. Creating a comprehensive dataset of AuNP syntheses is useful for understanding control over their shape and size. Here, we employed search-based algorithms and fine-tuned the Llama-2 large language model to extract 492 multi-sourced seed-mediated AuNP synthesis recipes from the literature. With this dataset which we share online, we verified that the seed capping agent type such as CTAB or citrate plays a crucial role in determining the morphology of the AuNPs, aligning with established findings in the field. We also observe a weak correlation between the final AuNR aspect ratio and silver concentration, although a large variance reduces the significance of this relationship. Overall, our work demonstrates the value of literature-based datasets for advancing knowledge in the field of nanomaterial synthesis for further exploration and better reproducibility.
Model mechanism for lipid uptake by the human STARD2/PC-TP phosphatidylcholine transfer protein
Authors: Talandashti Reza , Moqadam Mahmoud , Reuter Nathalie
Published: June 2024

The human StAR-related lipid transfer domain protein 2 (STARD2), also known as phosphatidylcholine (PC) transfer protein, is a single-domain lipid transfer protein thought to transfer PC lipids between intracellular membranes. We performed extensive μs-long molecular dynamics simulations of STARD2 of its apo and holo forms in the presence or absence of complex lipid bilayers. The simulations in water reveal ligand-dependent conformational changes. In the 2 μs-long simulations of apo STARD2 in the presence of a lipid bilayer, we observed spontaneous reproducible PC lipid uptake into the protein hydrophobic cavity. We propose that the lipid extraction mechanism involves one to two metastable states stabilized by choline-tyrosine or choline-tryptophane cation-π interactions. Using free energy perturbation, we evaluate that each PC-tyrosine cation-π interactions contribute 1.8 kcal/mol and 2.5 kcal/mol to the affinity of a PC-STARD2 metastable state, thus potentially providing a significant decrease of the energy barrier required for lipid desorption.
Habilidades sociales en la práctica preprofesional: un enfoque teórico de las habilidades necesarias del profesional en formación
Authors: Flores Benalcázar Iván Giovanny
Published: June 2024

El estudio presenta las valoraciones de distintos estudiantes de educación superior y profesionales en ejercicio activo, quienes en base a sus experiencias en sus prácticas pre profesionales, contribuyeron a identificar y valorar las habilidades sociales necesarias que debería tener y manifestar el profesional en formación en su praxis. Objetivo que se logró cristalizar gracias al enfoque de investigación cualitativo, de tipo exploratorio y con un diseño fenomenológico, su cohesión permite, analizar y comprender los problemas y necesidades de la sociedad, desde las experiencias y valoraciones de los sujetos que intervienen en un mismo contexto. Para la recolección de datos se optó por aplicar la técnica del grupo focal y su instrumento una entrevista participativa, para su conformación se procedió a seleccionar bajo criterios de inclusión y exclusión a estudiantes universitarios y profesionales de carreras de carácter humanístico y altruista como: la Pedagogía, Psicopedagogía, Psicología  Clínica e Industrial, profesionales relacionados con el área de Salud, y profesionales del Derecho. Gracias a las experiencias de los participantes se pudo determinar a las HHSS en la praxis en tres categorías: HHSS necesarias para el trato con las personas, para la intervención con las personas y habilidades necesarias de acuerdo a las funciones de la profesión. Finalmente las conclusiones del estudio revelan la dificultad que tienen el estudiante de nivel superior al momento de iniciar su práctica y reconoce que las HHSS son de gran importancia en el  ejercicio de su profesión, sugiriendo que su aprendizaje y adquisición se debería tratar dentro de la academia y sobre todo antes de iniciar su práctica profesional.
Science Teachers’ Experiences Teaching Students with Visual Impairment: A Quantitative Analysis
Authors: Qaisar Sana , Bashir Rukhsana , Kanwal Asma
Published: June 2024

Purpose: The purpose of the study investigates the teaching experiences of science teachers teaching students with visual impairment at elementary school level by focusing on challenges in teaching-learning science concepts and availability of human and material resources.  
Design/Methodology/Approach: Descriptive study under quantitative approach followed a survey method to collect data from 50 teachers working in government special education schools for these students.
Findings: The findings indicate number of challenges faced by teachers in teaching science subjects particularly abstract concepts to students with visual impairment, lack of enthusiasm among students, limited access to material resources, and a lack of support personnel.
Implications/Originality/Value: These findings underscore the need for teacher training programs, enhanced resource provisions, and tailored instructional strategies to fulfill the unique needs of students with visual impairment in science education.