bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevalence of caregiver acceptance of malaria vaccine for under-five children in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs)
Authors: Sulaiman Sahabi Kabir , Musa Muhammad Sale , Tsiga-Ahmed Fatimah Ismail , Dayyab Farouq Muhammad , Sulaiman Abdulwahab Kabir , Bako Abdulaziz Tijjani
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Malaria is the second leading cause of death in children after diarrheal disease, with low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) accounting for over 9 in 10 incidence and deaths. Widespread acceptance and uptake of the RTS,S vaccine, recently approved by the world health organization (WHO), is projected to significantly reduce malaria incidence and deaths. Therefore, we conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis with the aim to determine the malaria vaccine acceptance rate and the factors associated with acceptance.

Methods

We searched six databases including Google Scholar, PubMed, Cochrane, African Index Medicus, The Regional Office for Africa Library, and WHO Institutional Repository for Information Sharing (IRIS) to identify studies evaluating the malaria vaccine acceptance rate. This systematic review and meta-analysis followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Studies were included if they were original articles published in the English language in peer-reviewed journals and assessed the prevalence of willingness to accept a free malaria vaccine, and not qualitative. The risk of publication bias was checked using both Beggar’s funnel plot and Egger’s test, while the I2statistic was used to assess the heterogeneity of the included studies. Study quality was determined using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. A meta-analysis was performed using a random effects model to evaluate the pooled prevalence of malaria vaccine acceptance. The protocol for this article was registered prospectively on the International Prospective Register for Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO), with ID number CRD42022334282).

Results

Our analysis included 11 studies with a total sample size of 14, 666 participants. The aggregate malaria vaccine acceptance rate was 95.3% (95% CI:93.0%–97.2%). Among the general population, the acceptance rate was 96.3% (95% CI:92.0%–99.0%) and among mothers, it was 94.4% (95% CI:90.8%–97.2%). By country, Nigeria had the highest acceptance rate (97.6%, 95% CI:96.0%-98.8%), followed by Ghana (94.6%, 95% CI:93.8%-95.3%) and Tanzania (92.5%, 95% CI:84.4%-97.8%). Sociodemographic determinants of vaccine acceptance included place of residence, tribe, age, sex, occupation, and religion. Reasons for low acceptance included safety concerns, efficacy profile, vaccine’s requirement for multiple injections, and poor level of awareness.

Conclusion

Future efforts should be focused on identifying factors that may improve the actual uptake of the RTS,S vaccine in malaria-endemic communities.
Effect of physical activity on the risk of frailty: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhao Wenjing , Hu Peng , Sun Weidi , Wu Weidong , Zhang Jinhua , Deng Hai , Huang Jun , Ukawa Shigekazu , Lu Jiahai , Tamakoshi Akiko , Liu Xudong
Published: December 2022

Objective

The relationship between physical activity (PA) and the risk of frailty has not reached a conclusive result. This systematic review with meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effect of PA on the onset of frailty in the community-dwelling middle and older age adults by pooling data from cohort studies.

Methods

A systematic literature search was performed via PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science up to June 01, 2021. Pooled adjusted effect estimates (ES) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated by using the random-effect model and by comparing the highest with lowest levels of PA. Heterogeneity was tested using the I2 statistic and Q-test. The quality of evidence was evaluated by using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach.

Results

A total of ten cohort studies with 14 records were selected, and the GRADE approach classified the quality of evidence as low. In comparison with the lowest level of PA, the highest level of PA was associated with 41% decreased odds of frailty (ES: 0.59, 95% CI: 0.51–0.67; I2 = 70.0%, P-heterogeneity < 0.001) after pooling results from included studies. In stratified analysis by frailty assessment approach, the highest level of PA was significantly associated with 37% (ES 0.63, 95% CI: 0.52–0.77, 49% (ES: 0.51, 95% CI: 0.41–0.63), and 30% (ES: 0.70, 95% CI: 0.65–0.75) reduced odds of frailty when pooling studies using criteria of physical frailty, multidimensional model, and accumulation of disability, respectively. Stratified analyses further by PA indicators and PA assessment tools yielded similar protective effects in any subgroups.

Conclusions

This study with moderate-certainty evidence shows that a higher level of PA was associated with lower odds of frailty, and the benefits of PA for frailty prevention were independent of frailty assessment tools, PA indicators, and PA assessment methods. Findings from this study may help implement active exercise strategies to prevent frailty.
Genomic analysis of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern circulating in Hawai’i to facilitate public-health policies
Authors: Maison David P. , Cleveland Sean B. , Nerurkar Vivek R.
Published: December 2022

Using genomics, bioinformatics and statistics, herein we demonstrate the effect of statewide and nationwide quarantine on the introduction of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOC) in Hawai’i. To define the origins of introduced VOC, we analyzed 260 VOC sequences from Hawai’i, and 301,646 VOC sequences worldwide, deposited in the GenBank and global initiative on sharing all influenza data (GISAID), and constructed phylogenetic trees. The trees define the most recent common ancestor as the origin. Further, the multiple sequence alignment used to generate the phylogenetic trees identified the consensus single nucleotide polymorphisms in the VOC genomes. These consensus sequences allow for VOC comparison and identification of mutations of interest in relation to viral immune evasion and host immune activation. Of note is the P71L substitution within the E protein, the protein sensed by TLR2 to produce cytokines, found in the B.1.351 VOC may diminish the efficacy of some vaccines. Based on the phylogenetic trees, the B.1.1.7, B.1.351, B.1.427, and B.1.429 VOC have been introduced in Hawai’i multiple times since December 2020 from several definable geographic regions. From the first worldwide report of VOC in GenBank and GISAID, to the first arrival of VOC in Hawai’i, averages 320 days with quarantine, and 132 days without quarantine. As such, the effect of quarantine is shown to significantly affect the time to arrival of VOC in Hawai’i. Further, the collective 2020 quarantine of 43-states in the United States demonstrates a profound impact in delaying the arrival of VOC in states that did not practice quarantine, such as Utah. Our data demonstrates that at least 76% of all definable SARS-CoV-2 VOC have entered Hawai’i from California, with the B.1.351 variant in Hawai’i originating exclusively from the United Kingdom. These data provide a foundation for policy-makers and public-health officials to apply precision public health genomics to real-world policies such as mandatory screening and quarantine.
Perception and willingness to accept COVID-19 Vaccines: A cross-sectional survey of the general population of Sokoto State, Nigeria
Authors: Oche Oche Mansur , Adamu Habibullah , Yahaya Musa , Illo Hudu Garba , Danmadami Abdulaziz Mohammad , Ijapa Adamu , Wali Asmau Mohammad , Yusuf Hamza , Muhammad Hafsat , Aji Abba
Published: December 2022

The number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 globally is well over 400 million, however, the number of cases is showing a downward trend especially in developed countries largely as a result of effective vaccination against COVID-19. In developing countries, vaccination coverage is still very low as a result of vaccine hesitancy, which could be attributed to misconceptions about COVID-19 itself and its newly developed vaccines. This study assessed COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and perception amongst the adult population in Sokoto state, Nigeria. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Sokoto state among 854 respondents selected via a multi-stage sampling technique. Data was collected electronically using a set of structured questionnaire and analysis was done using IBM SPSS version 25. Respondents’ perception was assessed using a 5-point Likert scale ranging from strongly disagree (1) to strongly agree (5). Respondents having a score of 3 and below were graded as having poor perception and those having scores above 3 were graded as having good perception. Respondents’ ages ranged from 17 to 76 years, with a mean of 34.8±12.07; more than half [474(53.7%)] of the respondents were males, 667(75.5%) were married and 539(61.0%) had formal education. The majority [839(95.0%)] of the respondents had a good perception of COVID -19 vaccine; 49.9% agreed enough research would be required on the safety of the vaccine. The majority, (72.4%) expressed their willingness to accept the COVID- 19 vaccine (male 38.4% vs. female 34.0%); 410(47.4%) said they can spend more than one hour to get the vaccine. Significant predictors of willingness to accept COVID 19 vaccine include age (p = 0.006; aOR = 0.223; 95% CI = 0.077–0.645), education (p<0.001; aOR = 1.720; 95% CI = 1.274–2.321) and perception of COVID 19 vaccine (p<0.001; aOR = 0.020; 95% CI = 0.009–0.044). The majority of the respondents had a good perception of COVID- 19 vaccine and more than two-thirds were willing to be vaccinated with the vaccine. Government should make the vaccine available for vaccination since a significant proportion of the respondents expressed their willingness to accept the vaccine
Motivation 2 Quit (M2Q): A cluster randomized controlled trial evaluating the effectiveness of Tobacco Cessation on Prescription in Swedish primary healthcare
Authors: Leppänen Anne , Lindgren Peter , Sundberg Carl Johan , Petzold Max , Tomson Tanja
Published: December 2022

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness of Tobacco Cessation on Prescription (TCP) compared to standard treatment in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas in Swedish primary healthcare (PHC).

Study design

A pragmatic cluster randomized controlled trial, where randomization was conducted at the PHC center level using a computer-generated random allocation sequence.

Setting

18 PHC centers in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas in Stockholm.

Participants

250 adult daily tobacco users (56% female, 41% foreign born) with Swedish social security numbers and permanent resident permits, fluent in Swedish or Arabic, of which 140 responded to the follow-up at 6 months and 139 to the follow-up at 12 months. No blinding was applied.

Interventions

TCP (tobacco cessation counseling for ≥10 minutes, an individualized prescription for tobacco cessation treatment and follow-up on ≥1 occasion) compared to standard treatment.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The primary outcome was self-reported 7-day abstinence at 6 months and the secondary outcomes included self-reported 7-day abstinence at 12 months and 3-month continued abstinence at 6 and 12 months follow-up.

Results

PHC centers were randomized to the intervention group (n = 8) and control group (n = 10). At the PHC centers, 250 patients (TCP n = 188, standard treatment n = 62) were recruited. There was a statistically significant effect of TCP compared to standard treatment for the outcomes 7-day abstinence at 6 months (OR adjusted 5.4, 95% CI 1.57 to 18.93) and 3-month continued abstinence at 6 (OR adjusted 6.4, 95% CI 1.30 to 31.27) and 12 months follow-up (OR adjusted 7.8, 95% CI 1.25 to 48.82).

Conclusions

TCP may be effective in achieving abstinence from tobacco use compared to standard treatment in the given setting but due to several limitations, resulting in high attrition rates and a low statistical power in the study, more research is needed to evaluate this.

Trial registration

ISRCTN 11498135.
Cigarette smoking during breastfeeding in Papua New Guinea: Prevalence and demographic and socio-economic predictors
Authors: Peprah Prince , Agyemang-Duah Williams , Gyamfi Naomi , Asare Bernard Yeboah-Asiamah , Boateng Dickson , Appiah Joseph Oduro , Adu Collins
Published: December 2022

Background

Cigarette smoking during breastfeeding is reported to contribute to significant changes in the composition of breast milk not only by reducing its protective features but also affecting infants’ response to breastfeeding and breast milk. However, studies on the prevalence of cigarette smoking and associated factors during breastfeeding are limited in Papua New Guinea (PNG). This study estimates the prevalence of cigarette smoking and its association with demographic and economic factors among breastfeeding women in PNG.

Methods

We used weighted survey data from the 2016–2018 PNG Demographic and Health Survey (PNGDHS). A weighted sample of 3,822 women who were breastfeeding during the survey were included in the study. The outcome variable in the present study is current cigarette smoking. A multiple logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the association between current cigarette smoking status and socio-demographic and economic variables of breastfeeding women. The regression analysis results were reported using adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with their respective 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

From the weighted sample, the prevalence of cigarette smoking among breastfeeding women was 21.9%; of which 60.8% smoked daily. The mean number of cigarettes smoked in the last 24 hours preceding the survey was 6.05(SD = 5.99). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that breastfeeding women who were from the Momase (aOR: 2.337, CI: 1.786–3.058, p<0.001) and Highlands (AOR: 1.589, CI: 1.213–2.082, p = 0.001), had no religious affiliation (aOR: 3.665, CI: 1.235–10.877, p = 0.019), and households with daughters as household heads (aOR: 1.901, CI: 1.231–2.935, p = 0.004) and being in more than one union (aOR: 2.374, CI: 1.805–3.123, p<0.001) were significantly more likely to smoke cigarette compared to women from southern region, those affiliated to Anglican church, those with husband as household heads, and being in one union respectively.

Conclusion

Cigarette smoking among breastfeeding women in PNG is relatively high, and region of residence, religion, relationship to household head, and the number of unions remain independent predictors. Interventions should target the individual socio-economic and cultural contexts within which breastfeeding occurs.
Social information decreases giving in late-stage fundraising campaigns
Authors: Morvinski Coby , Lupoli Matthew J. , Amir On
Published: December 2022

Online fundraisers often showcase information about the number of donations received and the proximity to the campaign goal. This practice follows research on descriptive norms and goal-directed motivation, which predicts higher contributions as the number of donors increases and as the campaign goal is approached. However, across three studies, we demonstrate that when the campaign is close to completion, individuals give more when they see that there are few (vs. many) donors to the campaign. We observe this result across real campaigns on a fundraising website and obtain causal evidence for this effect in two laboratory experiments. We find that this effect is driven in part by an increase in the perceived progress that one’s donation makes towards reaching the campaign goal. This work identifies a counterintuitive consequence of norm-based marketing appeals and has important implications for fundraisers.
Tai Chi increases functional connectivity and decreases chronic fatigue syndrome: A pilot intervention study with machine learning and fMRI analysis
Authors: Wu Kang , Li Yuanyuan , Zou Yihuai , Ren Yi , Wang Yahui , Hu Xiaojie , Wang Yue , Chen Chen , Lu Mengxin , Xu Lingling , Wu Linlu , Li Kuangshi
Published: December 2022

Background

The latest guidance on chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) recommends exercise therapy. Tai Chi, an exercise method in traditional Chinese medicine, is reportedly helpful for CFS. However, the mechanism remains unclear. The present longitudinal study aimed to detect the influence of Tai Chi on functional brain connectivity in CFS.

Methods

The study recruited 20 CFS patients and 20 healthy controls to receive eight sessions of Tai Chi exercise over a period of one month. Before the Tai Chi exercise, an abnormal functional brain connectivity for recognizing CFS was generated by a linear support vector model. The prediction ability of the structure was validated with a random forest classification under a permutation test. Then, the functional connections (FCs) of the structure were analyzed in the large-scale brain network after Tai Chi exercise while taking the changes in the Fatigue Scale-14, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and the 36-item short-form health survey (SF-36) as clinical effectiveness evaluation. The registration number is ChiCTR2000032577 in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry.

Results

1) The score of the Fatigue Scale-14 decreased significantly in the CFS patients, and the scores of the PSQI and SF-36 changed significantly both in CFS patients and healthy controls. 2) Sixty FCs were considered significant to discriminate CFS (P = 0.000, best accuracy 90%), with 80.5% ± 9% average accuracy. 3) The FCs that were majorly related to the left frontoparietal network (FPN) and default mode network (DMN) significantly increased (P = 0.0032 and P = 0.001) in CFS patients after Tai Chi exercise. 4) The change of FCs in the left FPN and DMN were positively correlated (r = 0.40, P = 0.012).

Conclusion

These results demonstrated that the 60 FCs we found using machine learning could be neural biomarkers to discriminate between CFS patients and healthy controls. Tai Chi exercise may improve CFS patients’ fatigue syndrome, sleep quality, and body health statement by strengthening the functional connectivity of the left FPN and DMN under these FCs. The findings promote our understanding of Tai Chi exercise’s value in treating CFS.
Providing Housing First services for an underserved population during the early wave of the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative study
Authors: Mejia-Lancheros Cilia , Lachaud James , Gogosis Evie , Thulien Naomi , Stergiopoulos Vicky , Da Silva George , Nisenbaum Rosane , O’Campo Patricia , Hwang Stephen
Published: December 2022

Objective

We assessed the critical role of Housing First (HF) programs and frontline workers in responding to challenges faced during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Method

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine HF frontline workers from three HF programs between May 2020 and July 2020, in Toronto, Canada. Information was collected on challenges and adjustments needed to provide services to HF clients (people experiencing homelessness and mental disorders). We applied the Analytical Framework method and thematic analysis to our data.

Results

Inability to provide in-person support and socializing activities, barriers to appropriate mental health assessments, and limited virtual communication due to clients’ lack of access to digital devices were among the most salient challenges that HF frontline workers reported during the COVID-19 pandemic. Implementing virtual support services, provision of urgent in-office or in-field support, distributing food aid, connecting clients with online healthcare services, increasing harm reduction education and referral, and meeting urgent housing needs were some of the strategies implemented by HF frontline workers to support the complex needs of their clients during the pandemic. HF frontline workers experienced workload burden, job insecurity and mental health problems (e.g. distress, worry, anxiety) as a consequence of their services during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Conclusion

Despite the several work-, programming- and structural-related challenges experienced by HF frontline workers when responding to the needs of their clients during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, they played a critical role in meeting the communication, food, housing and health needs of their clients during the pandemic, even when it negatively affected their well-being. A more coordinated, integrated, innovative, sustainable, effective and well-funded support response is required to meet the intersecting and complex social, housing, health and financial needs of underserved and socio-economically excluded groups during and beyond health emergencies.
Antheraea peptide and its analog: Their influence on the maturation of the reproductive system, embryogenesis, and early larval development in Tenebrio molitor L. beetle
Authors: Walkowiak-Nowicka Karolina , Chowański Szymon , Pacholska-Bogalska Joanna , Adamski Zbigniew , Kuczer Mariola , Rosiński Grzegorz
Published: December 2022

In recent years, many new immunologically active peptides from insects have been identified. Unfortunately, in most cases, their physiological functions are not fully known. One example is yamamarin, a pentapeptide isolated from the caterpillars of the Antheraea yamamai moth. This peptide has strong antiproliferative properties and is probably involved in the regulation of diapause. Additionally, antiviral activity was discovered. The results of the research presented in this paper are, to our knowledge, the first attempt to characterize the biological effects of yamamarin on the functioning of the reproductive processes and embryonic development of insects using a model species, the beetle Tenebrio molitor, a commonly known pest of grain storage. Simultaneously, we tested the possible activity of the molecule in an in vivo system. In this research, we present the multifaceted effects of yamamarin in this beetle. We show that yamamarin influences ovarian growth and development, maturation of terminal oocytes, level of vitellogenin gene transcript, the number of laid eggs, duration of embryonic development, and larval hatching. In experiments with palmitic acid-conjugated yamamarin (C16-yamamarin), we also showed that this peptide is a useful starting molecule for the synthesis of biopharmaceuticals or new peptidomimetics with gonadotropic activity and effects on embryonic development. The data obtained additionally provide new knowledge about the possible function of yamamarin in insect physiology, pointing to the important role of this pentapeptide as a regulator of reproductive processes and embryonic development in a heterologous bioassay with T. molitor.
Inter-sleep stage variations in corrected QT interval differ between obstructive sleep apnea patients with and without stroke history
Authors: Ebrahimian Serajeddin , Sillanmäki Saara , Hietakoste Salla , Duce Brett , Kulkas Antti , Töyräs Juha , Leppänen Timo , Lipponen Jukka A. , Kainulainen Samu
Published: December 2022

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is related to the progression of cardiovascular diseases (CVD); it is an independent risk factor for stroke and is also prevalent post-stroke. Furthermore, heart rate corrected QT (QTc) is an important predictor of the risk of arrhythmia and CVD. Thus, we aimed to investigate QTc interval variations in different sleep stages in OSA patients and whether nocturnal QTc intervals differ between OSA patients with and without stroke history. 18 OSA patients (apnea-hypopnea index (AHI)≥15) with previously diagnosed stroke and 18 OSA patients (AHI≥15) without stroke history were studied. Subjects underwent full polysomnography including an electrocardiogram measured by modified lead II configuration. RR, QT, and QTc intervals were calculated in all sleep stages. Regression analysis was utilized to investigate possible confounding effects of sleep stages and stroke history on QTc intervals. Compared to patients without previous stroke history, QTc intervals were significantly higher (β = 34, p<0.01) in patients with stroke history independent of age, sex, body mass index, and OSA severity. N3 sleep (β = 5.8, p<0.01) and REM sleep (β = 2.8, p<0.01) increased QTc intervals in both patient groups. In addition, QTc intervals increased progressively (p<0.05) towards deeper sleep in both groups; however, the magnitude of changes compared to the wake stage was significantly higher (p<0.05) in patients with stroke history. The findings of this study indicate that especially in deeper sleep, OSA patients with a previous stroke have an elevated risk for QTc prolongation further increasing the risk for ventricular arrhythmogenicity and sudden cardiac death.
Association between the Big Five personality traits and medication adherence in patients with cardiovascular disease: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Adachi Takuji , Tsunekawa Yuki , Tanimura Daisuke
Published: December 2022

The correlation between personality traits and health outcomes of primary prevention has been examined. However, there is a lack of evidence on the association between the assessment of personality traits and medication adherence for secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease. Thus, this study aimed to explore the association between personality traits and medication adherence, including compliance to prescribed medications and attitudes toward taking medications among patients with cardiovascular disease. This cross-sectional study included patients hospitalized for cardiovascular disease. We assessed the Big Five personality traits (conscientiousness, neuroticism, openness, extraversion, and agreeableness) of each patient at discharge using the Ten-Item Personality Inventory. In addition, we evaluated four aspects of medication adherence using a 12-item version of the medication adherence scale: medication compliance, collaboration with health care providers, willingness to access and use information on medication, and acceptance to take medication. Logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the correlation between the level of each medication adherence domain and each personality trait. The data of 128 patients with cardiovascular disease were analyzed. Higher conscientiousness score was significantly associated with a high compliance score (odds ratio per 1 point increase, 1.90; 95% confidence interval, 1.30–2.79; p = 0.001), high collaboration score (1.90; 1.31–2.76; p = 0.001), and high willingness score (1.74; 1.19–2.54; p = 0.004) after adjustment for potential confounders. Other combinations of personality traits and medication adherence showed no statistically significant correlations in multivariate analyses. The findings of this study suggest that assessment of personality traits, especially conscientiousness, may facilitate patient–medical staff communication for the improvement of medication adherence in patients with cardiovascular disease.
Defining and measuring multimorbidity in primary care in Singapore: Results of an online Delphi study
Authors: Tyagi Shilpa , Koh Victoria , Koh Gerald Choon-Huat , Low Lian Leng , Lee Eng Sing
Published: December 2022

Multimorbidity, common in the primary care setting, has diverse implications for both the patient and the healthcare system. However, there is no consensus on the definition of multimorbidity globally. Thus, we aimed to conduct a Delphi study to gain consensus on the definition of multimorbidity, the list and number of chronic conditions used for defining multimorbidity in the Singapore primary care setting. Our Delphi study comprised three rounds of online voting from purposively sampled family physicians in public and private settings. Delphi round 1 included open-ended questions for idea generation. The subsequent two rounds used questions with pre-selected options. Consensus was achieved based on a pre-defined criteria following an iterative process. The response rates for the three rounds were 61.7% (37/60), 86.5% (32/37) and 93.8% (30/32), respectively. Among 40 panellists who responded, 46.0% were 31–40 years old, 64.9% were male and 73.0% were from the public primary healthcare setting. Based on the findings of rounds 1, 2 and 3, consensus on the definition of a chronic condition, multimorbidity and finalised list of chronic conditions were achieved. For a condition to be chronic, it should last for six months or more, be recurrent or persistent, impact patients across multiple domains and require long-term management. The consensus-derived definition of multimorbidity is the presence of three or more chronic conditions from a finalised list of 23 chronic conditions. We anticipate that our findings will inform multimorbidity conceptualisation at the national level, standardise multimorbidity measurement in primary care and facilitate resource allocation for patients with multimorbidity.
Hi-LASSO: High-performance python and apache spark packages for feature selection with high-dimensional data
Authors: Jo Jongkwon , Jung Seungha , Park Joongyang , Kim Youngsoon , Kang Mingon
Published: December 2022

High-dimensional LASSO (Hi-LASSO) is a powerful feature selection tool for high-dimensional data. Our previous study showed that Hi-LASSO outperformed the other state-of-the-art LASSO methods. However, the substantial cost of bootstrapping and the lack of experiments for a parametric statistical test for feature selection have impeded to apply Hi-LASSO for practical applications. In this paper, the Python package and its Spark library are efficiently designed in a parallel manner for practice with real-world problems, as well as providing the capability of the parametric statistical tests for feature selection on high-dimensional data. We demonstrate Hi-LASSO’s outperformance with various intensive experiments in a practical manner. Hi-LASSO will be efficiently and easily performed by using the packages for feature selection. Hi-LASSO packages are publicly available at https://github.com/datax-lab/Hi-LASSO under the MIT license. The packages can be easily installed by Python PIP, and additional documentation is available at https://pypi.org/project/hi-lasso and https://pypi.org/project/Hi-LASSO-spark.
Measurement of thermal sweating at rest and steady-state exercise in healthy adults: Inter-day reliability and relationships with components of partitional calorimetry
Authors: Peel Jennifer S. , McNarry Melitta A. , Heffernan Shane M. , Nevola Venturino R. , Kilduff Liam P. , Waldron Mark
Published: December 2022

Objective

Inter-day reliability of sweat measurements, including the absorbent patch and modified iodine-paper techniques, at rest and exercise were evaluated. We further evaluated the effect of iodine paper size and the method of establishing sweat gland activation (sweat gland counting or surface area covered) on reliability. Furthermore, the relationships between all measurement techniques and metabolic heat production [Ḣprod] and evaporative requirement for heat balance [Ėreq] were determined.

Method

Twelve participants were assessed for whole-body sweat loss (WBSL), local sweat rate (LSR; absorbent patch) and sweat gland activation (SGA; iodine-paper) during rest and sub-maximal cycling at ~200, ~250 and ~300 W/m2 Ḣprod in the heat. Variations in iodine paper (1 x 1 cm-9 x 9 cm) were used to quantify SGA by counting sweat glands or surface area covered. The ‘optimal’ area of SGA was also determined based on the highest density of recruited glands.

Results

All measures of the sweating response were positively related with Ḣprod and Ėreq (r = 0.53–0.84), with the 9 x 9 cm and 6 x 6 cm iodine paper sizes being the strongest (r = 0.66–0.84) for SGA. Superior inter-day reliability was found for all measures during exercise (CV% = 6–33.2) compared to rest (CV% = 33.5–77.9). The iodine-paper technique was most reliable at 9 x 9 cm (CV% = 15.9) or when the 1 x 1 cm (CV% = 17.6) and 3 x 3 cm (CV% = 15.5) optimal SGA was determined, particularly when measuring the sweat gland number.

Significance

WBSL, LSR and SGA measurement techniques are sufficiently reliable to detect changes in thermal sweating typically reported. We recommend 9 x 9 cm paper sizes or 1 x 1 cm-3 x 3 cm optimal areas, using either gland counting or surface area to determine SGA.
Towards a feminist historiography of horror cinema
Authors: Peirse Alison
Published: December 2022

Jackie Kong released four feature films between 1981 and 1987, including the horror filmsThe Being(1981) andBlood Diner(1987). She directed all four films, while also working variously as screenwriter, producer and editor on individual productions. In this essay, I use Kong’s experiences of making horror films in the 1980s as a way of critically revisiting our histories of 1980s horror film culture. I offer a feminist model of doing horror film history: not only uncovering and illuminating the unknown or little-known work of women in horror film, but also critically thinking about the way we write our histories, and what this might say about our representation of personal, cultural and national identities. Ultimately, this essay is guided by the following question: what might a feminist historiography of horror cinema look like?
NUJ Reporting Poverty campaign: Introducing a trade union challenge to journalistic representations of the unemployed and the working poor
Authors: Broady Rachel
Published: December 2022

The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) has reporting poverty guidelines for its 25k+ members to use alongside its code of conduct. These were introduced following a campaign from trade union activists and are now available to media workers in the industry including, among others, staff at the BBC, the tabloid and broadsheet press. These guidelines were created to challenge the demonizing and stereotyping of the working poor and people in receipt of benefits found in British journalism. In this article these guidelines are contextualized, within the ideology of austerity, a British media dominated by the middle and upper class and the resulting demonizing of the poor during economic crises. This article posits that the campaigning work can provide a theoretical and practical challenge to encourage and enable workers to join forces in rejecting the scapegoating of low-paid, unemployed and under-employed workers as seen in the media. In so doing, it considers that, while the guidelines may have limited influence in some sections of the media, they are nonetheless a significant tool, and position of solidarity, in challenging the depoliticizing individualizing apparent in reporting poverty, the ‘skivers versus strivers’ discourse, and in providing a critique of the journalistic use of sources. This article, written by a contributor to those guidelines and leader of the NUJ campaign, serves as an introduction to this unique British trade union approach informed and led by collaboration with people who have experienced of poverty.
Inteligencia artificial y periodismo: una aproximación al contexto portugués
Authors: Gonçalves Adriana , Melo Paulo Victor
Published: December 2022

En los últimos años, varios periódicos del mundo han utilizado algoritmos e inteligencia artificial en la producción de noticias. En Portugal, los ejemplos de producción de noticias utilizando estas tecnologías son puntuales, al igual que los estudios sobre el tema. Del carácter incipiente de los trabajos que relacionan la inteligencia artificial y los algoritmos con el periodismo en Portugal es buena muestra los Congresos de la Sopcom. Entre las 18 comunicaciones presentadas en la última década (2011-2021), solo una trata sobre las implicaciones tecnológicas en las rutinas periodísticas y ninguna incluye las percepciones de los periodistas sobre el fenómeno, lo que justifica la importancia de este trabajo. En este artículo, basado en una metodología que combina la revisión teórica y la aplicación de un cuestionario pre-test a periodistas (N=17) de los cuatro periódicos diarios nacionales de mayor circulación: Correio da Manhã, Diário de Notícias, Jornal de Notícias y Público, destacamos tres aspectos: el desconocimiento de contenidos periodísticos que utilizan inteligencia artificial; apertura al uso de inteligencia artificial y necesidad de formación de los periodistas acerca de esta temática. Esta investigación tiene un alcance exploratorio y pretende ampliarse en el futuro, con la distribución de la encuesta a un número mayor de periodistas.
Telegram para el ejercicio de la comunicación interna: Análisis de su uso en universidades hispanohablante
Authors: Cisternas-Osorio Rodrigo , López Navarrete Alberto J. , Cabrera-Méndez Margarita , Díez-Somavilla Rebeca
Published: December 2022

La comunicación digital de las instituciones de educación superior ha adquirido una gran trascendencia en el diseño de las políticas universitarias, aumentando los canales digitales donde las instituciones tienen presencia. Este estudio analiza la comunicación digital de universidades hispanohablantes a través de la aplicación de mensajería Telegram, para identificar las características de los canales más activos.Para ello se han localizado y analizado las cuentas oficiales de las universidades más activas de Ecuador, Colombia, Perú, Chile y España, de las que se seleccionaron 15 canales oficiales. De forma complementaria, se realizaron encuestas abiertas a los responsables de tres universidades españolas destacadas en el uso de Telegram. A través de una metodología cuantitativa y cualitativa aplicada a categorías extraídas de los canales de Telegram, se han observado los formatos, objetivos y tema de los mensajes, así como el uso de emojis, etiquetas y enlaces. Como conclusiones, destacan el uso unidireccional del canal como herramienta de comunicación; el uso preferente de la imagen como formato de apoyo al texto; y la identificación de tres tipologías de canales, según el objetivo de cada universidad. Mientras en los países latinoamericanos el uso de Telegram en universidades como canal de comunicación es minoritario, en España su uso está más extendido, aunque con comunidades incipientes.
La representación de datos como elemento informativo y de construcción de marca en las competiciones deportivas
Authors: Torres-Martín José Luis , Castro-Martínez Andrea , Díaz-Morilla Pablo
Published: December 2022

Los grafismos tienen una importancia capital en las retransmisiones deportivas actuales, ya que contribuyen a la comprensión del evento, definen la identidad visual de las competiciones y ayudan a la espectacularización de estos acontecimientos. Este estudio se centra en las representaciones gráficas de datos en las retransmisiones de fútbol de LaLiga Santander. A través de una revisión bibliográfica-documental y de 4 entrevistas en profundidad a responsables de LaLiga, se pretende analizar el uso que se hace del grafismo en esta competición y describir las herramientas técnicas que se emplean para diseñar y desarrollar su material gráfico audiovisual. Asimismo, se busca determinar el impacto expresivo-narrativo que tiene en las retransmisiones e identificar el equipo humano encargado de este proceso. Este trabajo demuestra que la representación gráfica de datos no solo posee una función informativa, sino que también incide en la identidad visual de la propia competición y en el aumento del atractivo de sus productos audiovisuales. De este modo, el uso de técnicas como los Live 3D Graphics, las repeticiones en 360º o el modelo de probabilidad de gol influyen en la narrativa de las retransmisiones y resultan de utilidad tanto para los aficionados como para los profesionales del fútbol.
Immunotherapy for Cancer: Common Gastrointestinal, Liver, and Pancreatic Side Effects and Their Management
Authors: Sedano Rocio , Cabrera Daniel , Jiménez Andrea , Ma Christopher , Jairath Vipul , Arrese Marco , Arab Juan Pablo
Published: December 2022

Cancer cells can block the activation of T lymphocytes by deploying inhibitory signals to cell surface receptors that downregulate the immune response. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) are monoclonal antibodies that regulate the immune response by acting on these receptors. The use of ICI has been successful for cancer types that do not respond well to conventional chemotherapy, showing clinical benefit in various advanced and metastatic cancers and supporting the promise of cancer immunotherapy. However, in some cases, these treatments are associated with immune-related adverse events, many of which affect the digestive system. The treatment of immune-related adverse events depends on the affected organ and the severity of symptoms. Here, we review the commonly used US FDA-approved ICI and briefly outline their mechanism of action. We also describe the resulting collateral effects on the gastrointestinal tract, liver, and pancreas and discuss their management and prognosis.
Evaluation of Unsupervised Machine Learning Algorithms with Climate Data
Authors: Ramírez Juan Sebastián , Duque Néstor Darío
Published: December 2022

When using climate data, researchers have difficulty determining the clustering algo-rithm and the best performing parameters for processing a specific dataset. We evaluated of the following unsupervi-sed machine learning algorithms: K-means, K-medoids and Linkage-complete, which are applied to three datasets with clima-tological variables (temperature, rainfall, relative humidity, and solar radiation) for three meteorological stations located in the department of Caldas, Colombia, at diffe-rent heights above sea level. Five scenarios are defined for 2, 3, and 5 clusters for each of the two partitioned algorithms, and five scenarios for the hierarchical algorithm, in each one of the meteorological stations. Different quantities and groupings of varia-bles are applied for the different scenarios by using Euclidean distance. Davis-Bouldin is the applied method of quality evaluation of clusters. Normalization with techniques such as range-transformation and Z-trans-formation, as well as some iterations of the algorithm and reduction of dimensionali-ty with PCA. In addition, the computatio-nal cost is evaluated. This study can guide researchers on certain decisions in cluster analysis used in meteorological data, as well as identify the most important algorithm and parameters to take into consideration for the best performance, according to par-ticular conditions and requirements.
The Effect of Environmental Issues on Customer’s Environmental Safety Pattern: An Experiential Text Analysis in the Literature
Authors: MS Mahrinasari , PUJIYONO S. , LAPIAN Agnes L.Ch. , FIRMANSYAH Arif , SAPTANTI Noor , UNTARI Dhian Tyas
Published: December 2022

Rapid economic growth, especially in some developed and developing countries, has exacerbated the collapse of the environment. At this point, buying green products daily is considered an effective way to solve some of the excessive environmental problems. This study aims to investigate how the consumer's environmental protection purchase behavior affects corporate green marketing policies.

To achieve this goal, current researchers have used qualitative textual analysis and collected data, including the current literature. As we focused on maximal validation, databases were mainly used to collect information from peer-reviewed sources. The result indicates that price sensitivity plays a detrimental role, especially in the correlation between green use objectives and environmental concerns. Also, the results reveal that environmental concern plays a fractional role, especially in environmental liability based on the intent of green use.

The results of this study will be essential, especially how collaboration managers can establish their green marketing strategy with the aim of limiting price sensitivity, especially among customers. Finally, this study concludes that corporates must focus on diverting consumer attention to the price of green products. This can be done by highlighting some unique green products' qualities including environment-friendly, organic and low carbon productivity.
A Comparative Analysis of Green Finance Awareness in Poland and Romania
Authors: SIEMIONEK-RUSKAŃ Małgorzata , LEPCZYŃSKI Błażej , FANEA-IVANOVICI Mina
Published: December 2022

In the context of the European Green Deal, green finance represents an important development in the financial landscape. We hereby do a comparative analysis of perceptions and awareness in terms of green finance products and future demand for green finance in Poland and Romania, the two largest CEE EU countries. Using a survey (n=363), we identify the main similarities and differences between the two categories of respondents. More than a half of the respondents from each country are interested in green finance activities. While for most issues, Polish and Romanians provide similar answers, there is a big discrepancy in the level of awareness regarding green finance, which is higher in Poland. The similarity resides from the side of the main benefits resulting from implementing green financial instruments by companies. Both Polish and Romania respondents choose cost savings and improving company’s image as the factors with highest importance. We then discuss the main research and practical implications.
Using Tools to Regulate the Transition to a Green Economy and Preserve the Environment for Countries Exporting Raw Materials
Authors: TATIBEKOVA Aida , ALTAY Marat , KURALBAEV Almas , MARKHAYEVA Bayanslu A. , KARSHALOVA Alma
Published: December 2022

This article considers the tools that form the organizational and financial basis for the green economy transition and the features of their application. Currently, most countries of the world have taken a course towards the green economy transition to ensure a decent life for society while preserving the environment. The study aims at seeking the most effective tools for managing such a transition in a certain order and on time. The article dwells on the state regulation of environmentally oriented industries and support for green investments, as well as social orientation towards the environment. A special emphasis is laid on market-based instruments for financing the development of the green economy, including green bonds. The authors of the article have presented a model of transition to green growth with minimum losses for commodity-exporting countries using special financial instruments that ensure the green economy transition for enterprises in the fuel and energy complex. They also have formed proposals for improving the regulatory potential of environmental legislation and the main objects influenced by the state environmental policy.