bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of child marriage and nutritional status of mothers and their under-five children in Bangladesh: a cross-sectional study with a nationally representative sample
Authors: Mim Shanta Akter , Al Mamun Abu Sayed Md. , Sayem Md. Abu , Wadood Md. Abdul , Hossain Md. Golam
Published: May 2024

Background

Child marriage remains an important problem around the world with young mothers and their under-five children often experiencing under-nutrition. The problem is rarely studied in the Bangladeshi population. This paper was designed to identify the association between child marriage and nutritional status of mothers and their under-five children in Bangladesh.

Methods

Nationally representative secondary data was used for this study, data was extracted from the Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey (BDHS) 2017–18. The sample consisted of 7235 mothers aged 18–49 years and their under-five children. The mothers were classified into two classes according to their age at first marriage: (i) child marriage (marriage at < 18 years) and (ii) not child marriage (marriage at ≥ 18 years). The nutritional status of mothers was measured by body mass index (BMI), and under-five children’s nutritional status was measured by (i) height-for-age (z-score) (stunting), (ii) weight-for-age (z-score) (underweight), and (iii) weight-for-height (z-score) (wasting). The chi-square test and two-level logistic regression model were used for data analysis using SPSS software (IBM version 20).

Results

The prevalence of child marriage among Bangladeshi women was 69.0%, with the mean and median of age at the first marriage being 16.57 ± 2.83 years and 16 years, respectively. Of the mothers, 15.2% suffered from chronic energy deficiency (underweight), and 72.8% were married at < 18 years. The prevalence of stunting, underweight, and wasting among under-five children in Bangladesh was 31.0%, 22.0%, and 8.5%, respectively. Compared to women married at the age of ≥ 18 years, there was a significantly higher likelihood of chronic energy deficiency among women who married at < 18 years [Adjusted OR = 1.27, CI: 1.05–1.82; p < 0.05]. Under-five children of mothers married before the age of 18 were more likely to have stunting [Adjusted OR = 1.201, CI: 1.11–1.72; p < 0.05], wasting [Adjusted OR = 1.519, CI: 1.15-2.00; p < 0.01], and underweight [Adjusted OR = 1.150, CI: 1.09–1.82; p < 0.05] compared to children of mothers who married at age ≥ 18.

Conclusion

The rate of child marriage among Bangladeshi women is high, and it is significantly associated with malnutrition among mothers and their under-five children. The Bangladesh government can use the findings of this study to prevent and reduce child marriage and malnutrition among mothers and their under-five children to achieve sustainable development goals by 2030.
Lifestyle management and brain MRI metrics in female Australian adults living with multiple sclerosis: a feasibility and acceptability study
Authors: Wills Olivia , Wright Brooklyn , Greenwood Lisa-Marie , Solowij Nadia , Schira Mark , Maller Jerome J. , Gupta Alok , Magnussen John , Probst Yasmine
Published: May 2024

Background

Limited studies of multiple sclerosis (MS) exist whereby magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain with consistent imaging protocols occurs at the same time points as collection of healthy lifestyle measures. The aim of this study was to test the feasibility, acceptability and preliminary efficacy of acquiring MRI data as an objective, diagnostic and prognostic marker of MS, at the same time point as brain-healthy lifestyle measures including diet.

Methods

Participants living with relapsing remitting MS partook in one structural MRI scanning session of the brain, completed two online 24-hour dietary recalls and demographic and self-reported lifestyle questionnaires (e.g. self-reported disability, comorbidities, physical activity, smoking status, body mass index (BMI), stress). Measures of central tenancy and level of dispersion were calculated for feasibility and acceptability of the research protocols. Lesion count was determined by one radiologist and volumetric analyses by a data analysis pipeline based on FreeSurfer software suite. Correlations between white matter lesion count, whole brain volume analyses and lifestyle measures were assessed using Spearman’s rank-order correlation coefficient.

Results

Thirteen female participants were included in the study: eligibility rate 90.6% (29/32), recruitment rate 46.9% (15/32) and compliance rate 87% (13/15). The mean time to complete all required tasks, including MRI acquisition was 115.86 minutes $$($$
(
± 23.04), over 4 days. Conversion to usual dietary intake was limited by the small sample. There was one strong, negative correlation between BMI and brain volume (rs = −0.643, p = 0.018) and one strong, positive correlation between physical activity and brain volume (rs = 0.670, p = 0.012) that were both statistically significant.

Conclusions

Acquiring MRI brain scans at the same time point as lifestyle profiles in adults with MS is both feasible and accepted among adult females living with MS. Quantification of volumetric MRI data support further investigations using semi-automated pipelines among people living with MS, with pre-processing steps identified to increase automated feasibility. This protocol may be used to determine relationships between elements of a brain-healthy lifestyle, including dietary intake, and measures of disease burden and brain health, as assessed by T1-weighted and T2-weighted lesion count and whole brain volume, in an adequately powered sample.

Trial registration

The study protocol was retrospectively registered in the Australia New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12624000296538).
Experiences of participant and public involvement in an international randomized controlled trial for people living with dementia and their informal caregivers
Authors: Bloska Jodie , Crabtree Sarah , Wollersberger Nina , Mitchell Oti , Coles Jenny , Halsey Caroline , Parry Geraldine , Stewart Robert , Thacker Susan , Thacker Mark , Claydon-Mueller Leica , Winnard Yvette , McMahon Kate , Petrowitz Carina , Smrokowska-Reichmann Agnieszka , van Doorn Beatrix , Baker Felicity A. , Blauth Laura , Bukowska Anna A. , Stensæth Karette , Tamplin Jeanette , Wosch Thomas , Odell-Miller Helen
Published: May 2024

Background

This study was initiated and co-designed by a Participant and Public Involvement (PPI) group attached to HOMESIDE, a randomized controlled trial that investigated music and reading interventions for people living with dementia and their family caregivers across five countries: Australia, Germany, Norway, Poland, and the UK. The aim was to capture experiences of PPI across the five countries, explore the benefits and challenges of PPI in dementia research, and identify contributions made to the study.

Methods

We surveyed PPI members and academic researchers who collaborated on the HOMESIDE study. The survey was co-designed through consultation with PPI members and academics, alongside a small scoping literature review. Survey questions covered four topics: (1) expectations for PPI, (2) perceived contributions of PPI to the research study, (3) benefits and challenges of PPI, and (4) recommendations for future PPI in dementia research.

Results

There were 23 responses, representing 50% of the PPI members (n = 16) and 29% of academics (n = 7). PPI was found to be beneficial to the research and individuals involved. Contributions to the research included supporting recruitment and publicity, advising on the design of participant-facing materials, guiding the design and delivery of the interventions, and identifying cultural differences affecting research delivery. PPI members benefited from building connections, sharing experiences and receiving support, learning about dementia and research, and gaining new unexpected experiences. Academics learned about the realities of living with dementia, which they felt informed and grounded their work. Several challenges were identified, including the need for clear expectations and objectives, inconsistency of PPI members across research stages, limitations of meeting online versus in-person, scheduling difficulties, and language barriers.

Conclusions

This study identifies important considerations for implementing PPI within dementia studies and international healthcare research more broadly. Our findings guided the development of five recommendations: (1) involve PPI members as early as possible and throughout the research process; (2) create a space for constructive criticism and feedback; (3) have clear tasks, roles, and expectations for PPI members; (4) involve PPI members with a diverse range of experiences and backgrounds; and (5) embed infrastructure and planning to support PPI.
General population normative values for the EORTC QLQ-C30 by age, sex, and health condition for the French general population
Authors: Pilz Micha J. , Loth Fanny L.C. , Nolte Sandra , Thurner Anna M.M. , Gamper Eva-Maria , Anota Amélie , Liegl Gregor , Giesinger Johannes M. ,   on behalf of the EORTC Quality of Life Group
Published: May 2024

Background

General population normative values for the widely used health-related quality of life (HRQoL) measure EORTC QLQ-C30 support the interpretation of trial results and HRQoL of patients in clinical practice. Here, we provide sex-, age- and health condition-specific normative values for the EORTC QLQ-C30 in the French general population.

Methods

French general population data was collected in an international EORTC project. Online panels with quota samples were used to recruit sex and age groups. Number and type of comorbidities were assessed. Descriptive statistics were used to calculate general population values for each QLQ-C30 scale, separately for sex, age, and presence of one- and more chronic health conditions. A multivariate linear regression model has been developed to allow estimating the effect of sex, age, and the presence for one- and more chronic health conditions on EORTC QLQ-C30 scores. Data was weighted according to United Nation statistics adjusting for the proportion of sex and age groups.

Results

In total, 1001 French respondents were included in our analyses. The weighted mean age was 47.9 years, 514 (51.3%) participants were women, and 497 (52.2%) participants reported at least one health condition. Men reported statistically significant better scores for Emotional Functioning (+9.6 points, p = 0.006) and Fatigue (−7.8 point; p = 0.04); women reported better profiles for Role Functioning (+8.7 points; p = 0.008) and Financial Difficulty (−7.8 points, p = 0.011). According to the regression model, the sex effect was statistically significant in eight scales; the effect of increasing age had a statistically significant effect on seven of the 15 EORTC QLQ-C30 scales. The sex- and age effect varied in its direction across the various scales. The presence of health conditions showed a strong negative effect on all scales.

Conclusion

This is the first publication of detailed French normative values for the EORTC QLQ-C30. It aims to support the interpretation of HRQoL profiles in French cancer populations. The strong impact of health conditions on QLQ-C30 scores highlights the importance of considering the impact of comorbidities in cancer patients when interpreting HRQoL data.
Preparation of insulating firebricks using date seeds
Authors: Abadir Magdy , Eldesoki Hosam Moselhy , Ibrahim Osama Abdel Bary , Sakka Nada Ragab El
Published: May 2024

Background

The use of combustible vegetable waste in the manufacture of refractory insulating firebricks has a double advantage: making use of vegetable waste and decreasing the production cost of bricks.

Results

Ground date seeds were added to kaolin and grog at different ratios and their blend was mixed with water. The wet mixtures were shaped in steel molds, dried overnight at 90 °C and fired at 1200 °C for 2 h. The physical and mechanical properties of the fired bricks were determined and found to be incompatible with standard values. Small amounts of polystyrene beads and perlite were then added to decrease the bulk density and increase the crushing strength. A mixture composed of 6% date seed, 72.5% kaolin, 17.5% grog, 2.5% perlite and 1.5% polystyrene produced bricks that abided by Indian Standards 2042 requirements regarding their bulk density, porosity, crushing strength, percent linear change on reheat and thermal conductivity at 600 °C.

Conclusions

Date seeds have been successfully used as pore generating material in the preparation of Class B insulating firebricks, in a mixture with kaolin, grog and small amounts of polystyrene and perlite.
An overview of pigment gland morphogenesis and its regulatory mechanism
Authors: Sun Yue , Yang Ping , Han Yifei , Li Huazu , Sun Deli , Chen Jinhong , Zhu Shuijin , Zhao Tianlun
Published: May 2024

Cotton has enormous economic potential, providing high-quality protein, oil, and fibre. But the comprehensive utilization of cottonseed is limited by the presence of pigment gland and its inclusion. Pigment gland is a common characteristic of Gossypium genus and its relatives, appearing as visible dark opaque dots in most tissues and organs of cotton plants. Secondary metabolites, such as gossypol, synthesized and stored in the cavities of pigment glands act as natural phytoalexins, but are toxic to humans and other monogastric animals. However, only a few cotton genes have been identified as being associated with pigment gland morphogenesis to date, and the developmental processes and regulatory mechanism involved in pigment gland formation remain largely unclear. Here, the research progress on the process of pigment gland morphogenesis and the genetic basis of cotton pigment glands is reviewed, for providing a theoretical basis for cultivating cotton with the ideal pigment gland trait.
On the role of generative artificial intelligence in the development of brain-computer interfaces
Authors: Eldawlatly Seif
Published: May 2024

Since their inception more than 50 years ago, Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) have held promise to compensate for functions lost by people with disabilities through allowing direct communication between the brain and external devices. While research throughout the past decades has demonstrated the feasibility of BCI to act as a successful assistive technology, the widespread use of BCI outside the lab is still beyond reach. This can be attributed to a number of challenges that need to be addressed for BCI to be of practical use including limited data availability, limited temporal and spatial resolutions of brain signals recorded non-invasively and inter-subject variability. In addition, for a very long time, BCI development has been mainly confined to specific simple brain patterns, while developing other BCI applications relying on complex brain patterns has been proven infeasible. Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI) has recently emerged as an artificial intelligence domain in which trained models can be used to generate new data with properties resembling that of available data. Given the enhancements observed in other domains that possess similar challenges to BCI development, GAI has been recently employed in a multitude of BCI development applications to generate synthetic brain activity; thereby, augmenting the recorded brain activity. Here, a brief review of the recent adoption of GAI techniques to overcome the aforementioned BCI challenges is provided demonstrating the enhancements achieved using GAI techniques in augmenting limited EEG data, enhancing the spatiotemporal resolution of recorded EEG data, enhancing cross-subject performance of BCI systems and implementing end-to-end BCI applications. GAI could represent the means by which BCI would be transformed into a prevalent assistive technology, thereby improving the quality of life of people with disabilities, and helping in adopting BCI as an emerging human-computer interaction technology for general use.
Left atrial vortex flow and its relationship with left atrial functions in patients with congenital heart disease
Authors: Ito Keita , Oka Hideharu , Shibagaki Yuki , Sasaki Yuki , Imanishi Rina , Shimada Sorachi , Akiho Yuki , Fukao Kazunori , Nakagawa Sadahiro , Iwata Kunihiro , Nakau Kouichi , Takahashi Satoru
Published: May 2024

Background

Four-dimensional flow magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) enables blood flow visualization. The absence of left atrial vortex flow (LAVF) has been implicated in the development of thrombus formation and arrhythmias. However, the clinical relevance of this phenomenon in patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) remains unclear. This study aimed to unravel the relationship of LAVF with left atrial functions in patients with CHD.

Results

Twenty-five participants who underwent cardiac MRI examinations were included (8 postoperative patients with CHD aged 17–41 years and 17 volunteers aged 21–31 years). All participants were in sinus rhythm. Four-dimensional flow MRI (velocity encoding 100 cm/s) assessed the presence of LAVF, and its relationship with left atrial function determined by transthoracic echocardiography was explored. LAVF was detected in 16 patients. Upon classification of the participants based on the presence or absence of LAVF, 94% of participants in the LAVF group were volunteers, while 78% of those in the without LAVF group were postoperative patients. Participants without LAVF had a significantly lower left atrial ejection fraction (61% vs. 70%, p = 0.019), reservoir (32% vs. 47%, p = 0.006), and conduit (22% vs. 36%, p = 0.002) function than those with LAVF.

Conclusions

LAVF occurred during the late phase of ventricular systole, and left atrial reservoir function may have contributed to its occurrence. Many postoperative patients with CHD experienced a loss of LAVF. LAVF may indicate early left atrial dysfunction resulting from left atrial remodeling.
Non-mass enhancement on breast MRI: Clues to a more confident diagnosis
Authors: Mohamed Sara , Elhamd Eman Abo , Attia Noha M.
Published: May 2024

Background

Non-mass enhancement (NME) seen on dynamic contrast enhanced breast MRI (DCE-MRI) may be caused by benign, high risk or malignant lesions. Making a clear distinction between these lesions is challenging due to the significant overlap in their imaging appearance. Our study aims to assess the various patterns of distribution, internal enhancement patterns (IEPs) and kinetics of NME using the BI-RADS lexicon fifth edition with histopathologic correlation to aid in making a more confident recommendation regarding clinical management.

Results

Sixty-six female patients with NME on DCE-MRI were included. Thirty-four lesions (51.5%) were histopathologically proven to be benign and 32 (48.5%) were malignant. Segmental distribution was the most common pattern and was found in 22 cases (33.3%), 14 of them were malignant with p-value < 0.05. Linear distribution was reported in 14 cases, (21.2%), five of which were malignant, with p-value > 0.05. Thirteen cases (19.7%) had focal distribution, only two of them were malignant with p-value < 0.05. Twelve cases (18.2%) were of regional distribution, seven of which were malignant. Multiregional and diffuse distribution were the least common and were found in 3% and 4.5% of cases respectively. As for the enhancement pattern, 30 cases (45.5%) had heterogeneous enhancement. Nineteen of which were malignant with a p-value < 0.05. Clumped enhancement was found in 24 cases (36.4%); 12 cases were found to be malignant. Nine cases (13.6%) were of homogeneous enhancement, all of them were benign and three cases (4.5%) were of clustered ring enhancement with p-value > 0.05. Restricted diffusion value was detected in 75% of malignant cases with p-value < 0.05. In terms of kinetic curve, the most frequent curve was found to be type II plateau curve (26 cases, 39.4%), 15 cases were of benign pathology and the other 11 cases were proven to be malignant. Followed by type III washout curve which was detected in 25 cases (37.9%), 20 cases were malignant and five cases were benign. And type I persistent curve was found in 15 cases (22.7%); 14 cases were histopathologically proven to be benign, and only one case was of malignant pathology, with a total p-value < 0.05.

Conclusions

Our study found that the most common distribution pattern was segmental distribution, being statistically significant with p-value < 0.05, being more common among malignant lesions. As for the enhancement pattern, heterogeneous enhancement was the most common pattern, mainly detected in malignant lesions, with p-value < 0.05. The most common type of kinetic curve was type II curve.
Endoscopic transcanal underlay myringoplasty using a platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) membrane
Authors: Hammouda Mostafa , Heiba Mohamed Hassan , Ibrahim Hazem Othman , Sourial Mina Safwat
Published: May 2024

Background

Tympanic membrane perforations are among the most common indications for otological surgery. Surgeons from all around the world have made accidental and intentional contributions to find the perfect graft material and the best approach to perform tympanoplasty. Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) use in myringoplasty has been popular in the last decade among many surgeons. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of using PRF only as a graft material in myringoplasty.

Methods

We conducted a prospective study including 20 patients with dry central tympanic membrane perforations. The patients underwent endoscopic transcanal myringoplasty using a platelet-rich fibrin membrane by underlay technique. Follow-up was done 3 months postoperatively regarding graft uptake and hearing outcome by audiological assessment using pure tone audiometry.

Results

Sixty percent of patients were surgically successful with complete healing of the tympanic membrane, 10% were partially successful with partial healing of the tympanic membrane, and 30% failed with complete loss of graft. The mean air-bone gap closure was 3.5 dB. No major complications were reported.

Conclusion

Endoscopic myringoplasty using platelet-rich fibrin alone can be performed in cases with tympanic membrane perforations as an alternative to using other autologous grafts. It is a new reliable method for myringoplasty, as well as being an easy, time-saving procedure that avoids the need for any skin incision.
Cotton aphid (
Aphis gossypii
Glover:
Aphididae
) influence associated to water hyacinth nutrient (
Pontederia crassipes
Mart.: Pontederiaceae) in lath house conditions in Great Rift Valley of Ethiopia
Authors: Kassu Tatek , Getu Emana , Muleta Diriba
Published: May 2024

The cotton aphid,
Aphis gossypii
Glover is a polyphagous herbivore known worldwide. The aphid infestation could be considered as a challenge to crops, but an opportunity for alien invasive weed management. Hence, this study was initiated to investigate the potential of cotton aphid on the management of water hyacinth. Aphid-infested water hyacinth plants were used as a stock for rearing the aphid in a lath house at Ethiopian Sugar Corporation, Research and Development Center, Wonji. After rearing, randomly collected 30 aphids were placed onto water hyacinth plants cultivated under three nutrient levels. Aphid population, water hyacinth biomass and percent nitrogen and phosphorus were analyzed. The water hyacinth treated with a high nutrient level had the highest (295.0) mean aphids on apical leaves followed by the middle (178.3) and basal (104.7) leaves. The water hyacinth subjected to medium and no aphid treatment had the highest dry (44.3 g) biomass. However, when treated with a low nutrient level and aphids resulted in the lowest dry (31.9 g) biomass. Nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations were found high in the water hyacinth that received a high nutrient and no aphid treatment. The presence of the aphids reduced the biomass and nutrient concentration of the invasive weed. The findings of the current study revealed that the cotton aphid affected the water hyacinth in the lath house conditions in Ethiopia.
Clinical profile, visual outcome and quality of life in patients undergoing pan retinal photocoagulation for proliferative diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Pandya Meghavi , Banait Shashank , Daigavane Sachin
Published: May 2024

Introduction Visual outcomes and quality of life of individuals with proliferative diabetic retinopathy following pan-retinal photocoagulation (PRP) have only been briefly documented in a few publications. Improved quality of life experienced by patients as a result of PRP is directly associated with a positive impact on visual outcomes. Aim To determine whether visual outcomes and quality of life after PRP in diabetic patients would result in a better predictive image of the patient as a whole, thus boosting the success rates and efficacy of this treatment method. Methods P.R.P. was performed under topical anesthesia as defined by the early treatment diabetic retinopathy study (E.T.D.R.S.) guidelines. Conclusion This evidence-based analytical observational prospective study could aid in exploring the prognostic value of pan-retinal photocoagulation in proliferative diabetic retinopathy.
Systematic review of COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and hesitancy: global perspectives and implications.
Authors: khan Muhammad Mohsin , Shah Noman , Daie Mhran
Published: May 2024

The acceptance rate towards COVID-19 vaccination among the global population could be higher due to the need for more education or awareness of prevention strategies to control the COVID-19 outbreak. Thus, there is a dire need to reduce the population’s reluctance towards COVID-19 vaccination across the globe, which will ultimately lead to the implementation of prevention and control strategies against the COVID-19 virus and improving health outcomes across the globe. The following study intends to conduct a systematic review of the literature to evaluate the relationship between COVID-19 vaccination and the current trends related to COVID-19 vaccination faced by the global population. The methodology employed in this study primarily focused on assessing secondary data by conducting a systematic literature review. Internet and electronic databases were used to select research articles to obtain secondary sources. Six articles were selected from ScienceDirect and Google Scholar for a systematic literature review. The keywords used for the selection of articles were “COVID-19,” “Global trends,” Reluctance, “and “vaccination.” The selected articles that were most suitable for the topic consisted of global trends related to COVID-19 vaccination. Six articles relevant to the topic were selected and reviewed. The selected articles showed data collection results from different research journals. The findings of the six research articles depicted common themes, such as each vaccine having a different level of access attitude towards the regional existence, which primarily depends on the variability to determine the vaccine’s effectiveness. Further studies are required to evaluate the factors and strategies that help healthcare organizations and governments reduce the reluctance to use the COVID-19 vaccine among populations worldwide.
Medical Education in Bangladesh and the United States: A Comparative Overview
Authors: Muntakim Mohammad , Khan Shahrin , Haque Mahfujul Z. , Nipu Ferdous
Published: May 2024

This manuscript presents an overview of Bangladesh medical education system with a brief comparison to the United States. Despite differences in origins and structures, both share similarities and differences in their medical curricula and examination-driven approaches. The paper employs a non-systematic comparative review methodology, gathering information from diverse sources including government websites, educational institutions, and published articles. Medical education in Bangladesh traces its roots back to the mid-20th century, initially influenced by British educational practices. The country now boasts 76 medical colleges—23 public and 53 private—admitting approximately 7,156 students annually for the MBBS degree. The admission process is competitive, with strict eligibility criteria including completion of prerequisite courses and a minimum grade-point average. The five-year MBBS program followed by a one-year clinical internship is a standard pathway in Bangladeshi medical education, with further specialization achieved through fellowship training. In terms of structure, curriculum, and training programs, the Bangladesh medical education system aligns with a lecture-based, examination-focused approach. However, research initiatives are limited due to resource constraints, impacting the quality and quantity of publications. Financially, both public and private medical institutions in Bangladesh charge similar tuition fees ranging from $33,000 to $48,000 USD for the entire MBBS degree, with limited scholarship opportunities. Upon graduation, physicians often opt for private practice, contributing to concerns about retaining qualified medical professionals within the country, particularly in rural areas. Comparatively, the United States has a longstanding history of medical education dating back over two centuries. The American system, encompassing diverse nomenclature for medical schools and varying degrees, presents differences in the application process, structure, and postgraduate training compared to Bangladesh. This comprehensive review highlights the distinctions and commonalities between the medical education systems of the United States and Bangladesh, serving as a resource for prospective students, current practitioners, and residency program directors.
LAW AND INTELLIGENCE: TO KNOW THE COMMONALITY OF SOCIAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL FUNCTIONS (THEORETICAL STUDY)
Authors: Naumov Petr Y. , Zakhartsev Sergey I.
Published: May 2024

Relevance. The phenomenon of law as a special civilized, intellectual and value-substantive social authority attracts the attention of scientists to conceptualize its current state, development trends and problems of formation. It is relevant to establish the functional role of certain social groups in the formation of law and the mechanisms (algorithms) for its effective, fair and correct application in social reality. Various social structures and groups are involved in the development, acceptance, adaptation to social reality and assessment of applicability in life. A special social subject in the triumph of law and justice, as well as the development of its norms, is the intelligentsia, which, being a specific domestic phenomenon, at different stages of the historical development of the state and society acted as a catalyst for both the abolition of outdated norms and the rapid development of law, taking into account the needs of broad social groups.
Materials and methods. The purpose of the research in the article is a comprehensive knowledge of law and the intelligentsia in their functional relationship and relationships of codependency in the minds of the subjects. The subject of the study is to understand the commonality of the social functions of law and the intelligentsia, based on the role of the domestic intelligentsia in the formation of law. To solve research problems, the authors use systemic, activity-based and formal legal approaches as a methodology, which involve the use of component, structural, functional, historical and other types of analysis, synthesis of its results, analogy, comparison, generalization, deduction and abstraction.
Results and conclusions. The main results of the study include: conceptualization of the commonality of social functions of law and the intelligentsia, as well as the conclusion that in the development of the “fabric of law” and “social life of law” an active functional role is played by the intelligentsia and intelligence, which is one of the characteristics of the identity of the domestic legal system.
1 + 1 > 2? Information, Humans, and Machines
Authors: Lu Tian , Zhang Yingjie
Published: May 2024

Our study, conducted through a field experiment with a major Asian microloan company, examines the interaction between information complexity and machine explanations in human–machine collaboration. We find that human evaluators’ loan approval decision-making outcomes are significantly enhanced when they are equipped with both large information volumes and machine-generated explanations, underscoring the limitations of relying solely on human intuition or machine analysis. This blend fosters deep human engagement and rethinking, effectively reducing gender biases and increasing prediction accuracy by identifying overlooked data correlations. Our findings stress the crucial role of combining human discernment with artificial intelligence to improve decision-making efficiency and fairness. We offer specific training and system design strategies to bolster human–machine collaboration, advocating for a balanced integration of technological and human insights to navigate intricate decision-making scenarios efficiently. Specifically, the study suggests that, whereas machines manage borderline cases, humans can significantly contribute by reevaluating and correcting machine errors in random cases (i.e., those without explicitly congruent feature patterns) through stimulated active rethinking triggered by strategic information prompts. This approach not only amplifies the strengths of both humans and machines, but also ensures more accurate and fair decision-making processes.
Navigating a complex case of Mycobacterium xenopi in a patient with blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome
Authors: Gondal Muhammad Umer Riaz , Rovenstine Luke , Ansari Fawwad , Kiyani Zainab , Jyothi Ramachandran Nair Devi Parvathy , Khan Toqeer , Donato Anthony
Published: May 2024

Introduction: Blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome is a rare disorder of venous malformations, with around 200 cases reported. We present a case of Mycobacterium xenopi infection in a patient with blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome. Case Description: A 40-year-old female with blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome, asthma, and bronchiectasis came to the pulmonology clinic with shortness of breath and a cough. She was recently admitted for a bronchiectasis exacerbation but continued to have a worsening productive cough and fevers. The most recent CT scan of the chest showed interval stable right upper lobe fibrocavitary disease, demonstrating gradual progression over two years. She had occasional positive cultures for Mycobacterium Avium Complex and M. xenopi one year previously, assumed to be a colonizer and not treated. Most recent hospital cultures were negative for bacteria and an acid-fast bacilli smear. She was sent to the emergency department for bronchiectasis exacerbation and returned to the clinic six weeks later with two sputum cultures growing M. xenopi. It was decided to treat M. xenopi as this was likely the cause of her cavitary lung lesion and frequent infections. Azithromycin, rifampin, and sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim were initiated. Intravenous amikacin was added later on. She finally had a right partial lung resection done after one year at an outside hospital. She was on and off antibiotics for M. xenopi for approximately three years with negative repeat cultures for non-tuberculous mycobacteria. Conclusion: Due to the high mortality of M. xenopi infections (which can be as high as 69%), treatment of at least twelve months is recommended. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of M. xenopi in a patient with blue rubber bleb nevus syndrome.
Financial knowledge, financial attitude, and personality as antecedent of financial management behavior
Authors: Rahmi Mustika , Al-Shaghdari Fahd , Sulistiyani Tina , Amwa Fanji
Published: May 2024

Purpose: This study looks into the relationship between financial management behavior and financial knowledge, attitude, and personality.
Design/Methodology/Approach- The study population included Yogyakarta's Micro, Small, and Medium-Sized Ceramic Crafts Enterprises. Data for this study was collected through purposeful sampling, with 45 respondents forming up the study sample. Analysis processes were performed on this research data using an analysis program called SPSS.
Findings-The findings show that personality, financial attitude, and financial knowledge positively influence the financial management behavior of Yogyakarta's Micro, Small, and Medium-Sized Ceramic Crafts Enterprises.
Research limitations/implications- To promote the growth of financial management behavior, the ceramic craft industry must maximize its financial knowledge, attitude, and personality.
Originality/value-The study of financial management behavior in Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises, especially ceramic crafts, is still quite limited. In addition, no previous research has discussed financial management behavior by adding personality variables as one of the influencing factors.
Employee performance: The role of competence, organizational culture, and motivation
Authors: Ridwan Selvy Amelia , Yusuf Muhammad , Marhumi Sitti
Published: May 2024

Purpose-A company's internal and external elements might affect employee performance. This study focuses on how motivation, organizational culture, and competence influence employee performance.
Design/Methodology/Approach- The study population consisted of all employees at PT. Telkon Indonesia Regional VII.  Data for this study was collected through questionnaires and 54 respondents were collected. The data analysis of this study was processed using the SPSS 25 statistical tool.
Findings-The findings showed that PT. Telkom Indonesia Regional VII employees' performance is positively impacted by competency and organizational culture. However, motivation shows the opposite effect on PT. Telkom Indonesia Regional VII employees' performance. These findings suggest that encouraging a positive company culture and increasing staff competency can both enhance employee performance. However, motivation had an insignificant effect on increasing employee performance in this study.
Research limitations/implications-For every company, it should be necessary to improve or optimize competence, work culture, and motivation in order to encourage morale which ultimately affects employee performance. This finding shows that improving employee performance can be done in various ways including internal and external aspects of the company.
Originality/value-Study of employee performance in service business, especially PT. Telkom Indonesia Regional VII is still quite limited. Previous research similar to this study in measuring employee performance using different indicators and different objects.
Analysis of factors affecting employee productivity
Authors: Suryani Suryani , Fitri Marliza Ade
Published: May 2024

Purpose-Internal and external factors can affect employee productivity. This study examined the relationship between occupational health, safety, and work environment, which is thought to affect employee productivity.
Design/Methodology/Approach-The study population focused on the employees of the Semen Merah Putih Branch Company. The research data was collected through questionnaires administered to all employees, totaling 47 respondents. The research data were then processed using SPSS.
Findings-Occupational health, safety, and working conditions all had a favorable impact on employee productivity. That is, when workplace support systems and occupational health and safety policies are implemented as effectively as possible, productivity at work will rise, thereby enhancing company performance.
Research limitations/implications-Every business actor needs to focus on optimizing occupational health and safety to encourage increased employee productivity. To support this, business actors must also pay attention to other factors, such as creating a comfortable and safe work environment, to maximize efforts to achieve employee productivity.
Originality/value-Currently, there is a dearth of research on employee productivity, especially for companies engaged in the industry. Previous studies of employee productivity have examined the internal and external aspects of employees, such as motivation, leadership, and organizational culture.
Accuracy of Age Estimation Method Using Dental Radiographs of Permanent Mandibular Second Molars in a Southern Thailand Population
Authors:   Department of Orthodontics, School of Dentistry, University of Phayao, Phayao 56000, Thailand, Theerasopon Pornpat , Woratanarat Wirin ,   School of Dentistry, University of Phayao, Phayao 56000, Thailand, Saiwong Nichawan ,   School of Dentistry, University of Phayao, Phayao 56000, Thailand, Netprakon Namthip ,   School of Dentistry, University of Phayao, Phayao 56000, Thailand, Charoemratrote Chairat ,   Department of Preventive Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla 90112, Thailand, Duangto Phuwadon ,   Department of Anatomy, School of Medical Sciences, University of Phayao, Phayao 56000, Thailand
Published: May 2024

Age estimation is an important process for identifying individuals. In 2020, Duangto et al. estimated age by assessing dental development according to the method of Demirjian on permanent mandibular second molars using a panoramic radiograph. They also developed equations and tested their accuracy in a population of northern Thailand. However, several studies have shown that age estimation methods vary in suitability and accuracy depending on genetic and environmental factors within each population group. Therefore, this research aimed to test the accuracy of dental age estimation using the equations derived from panoramic radiographs of permanent mandibular second molars in a population of southern Thailand. A total of 224 radiographs of 112 males and 112 females aged 7–14 years were used for this study. The samples were categorized into eight groups (28 radiographs per group). The study identified tooth development in stages C–G that followed the Demirjian method and converted these stages into numerical values (3–7). The researchers tested these numerical values in the Duangto et al. equations. The findings revealed that age estimation using the Duangto et al. equations was not significantly different from chronological age. The accuracy had a margin of error not exceeding one year with 95% confidence intervals. In conclusion, the age estimation equations of Duangto et al. can accurately estimate the age of persons living in southern Thailand.
QUANTIFYING RADIATION EXPOSURE IN THE RADIOLOGICAL INVESTIGATION OF NON-ARTHRITIC HIP PAIN
Authors: Mayne Alistair , Saad Ahmed , Botchu Rajesh , Politis Angelos , Wall Peter , McBryde Callum
Published: May 2024

Radiological investigations are essential in the work-up of patients presenting with non-arthritic hip pain, to allow close review of the complex anatomy around the hip and proximal femur. The aim of this study is to quantify the radiation exposure associated with common radiological investigations performed in assessing young adult patients presenting with non-arthritic hip pain.

A retrospective review of our UK tertiary hip preservation centre institutional imaging database was performed. Data was obtained for antero-posterior, cross-table lateral and frog-lateral radiographs, along with data for the low dose CT hip protocol and the Mako CT Hip protocol. The radiation dose of each imaging technique was measured in terms of dose-area product (DAP) with units of mGycm2, and the effective doses (ED, mSv) calculated.

The mean effective radiation dose for hip radiographs was in the range 0.03 to 0.83mSv (mean DLP 126.7–156.2 mGycm2). The mean effective dose associated with the low-dose CT hip protocol was 3.04mSv (416.8 mGycm2) and for the Stryker Mako CT Hip protocol was 8.4mSv (1061 mGycm2). The radiation dose associated with use of CT imaging was significantly greater than plain radiographs (p<0.005)

Investigation of non-arthritic hip pain can lead to significant ionising radiation exposure for patients. In our institution, the routine protocol is to obtain an anteroposterior radiograph and then a specific hip sequence 3 Tesla MRI including anteversion views. This provides the necessary information in the majority of cases, with CT scanning reserved for more complex cases where we feel there is a specific indication. We would encourage the hip preservation community to carefully consider and review the use of ionising radiation investigations.
HOW MUCH DO HIP ARTHROPLASTIES COST? THE BURDEN AND BUDGET IMPACT OF IMPLANTS AND HIP ARTHROPLASTY ON THE NATIONAL HEALTH SYSTEM FOR ENGLAND AND WALES
Authors: Whitehouse Michael
Published: May 2024

Total hip replacement (THR) is one of the most common and cost-effective elective surgical procedures. In the National Health Service (NHS) of England and Wales a myriad of implants for THR are offered at a variety of locally negotiated prices. This study aims to estimate the total burden of elective THR to the NHS, expenditure on implants, and different scenarios of cost changes if implant selection changed for different patient groups.

Using National Joint Registry (NJR) data and NHS reference costs, we estimated the number and expenditure of NHS funded primary and revision THR in the 10-year period 2008–2017 and forecasted the number and expenditure on THR over the next decade. Using NJR average NHS Trust prices for the different implant combinations we estimated the average cost of implants used in THRs and estimated the budget impact on NHS providers from switching to alternative implants.

The NHS spent over £4.76 billion performing 702,381 THRs between 2008–2017. The average cost of implants was £1,260 per surgery, almost a fifth of the cost of primary THR. Providing cemented implant combinations in primary elective THRs may potentially save up to £281 million over the next 10 years, whilst keeping 10-year revision risks low.

The NHS is likely to spend over £5.6 billion providing primary elective THR over the next decade. There are efficiency savings to realise in the NHS by switching to more cost-effective implant combinations available for patients undergoing primary elective THR surgery, but these will need to be balanced against the risks inherent to a change in selection of implants and surgical practice. The HIPPY programme will be conducting practice surveys, discrete choice experiments and a large randomised controlled trial of cemented, uncemented and hybrid fixation in THR for patients under 70 to answer uncertainties.