bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Palm Oil Production and Marketing in the Municipality of Houeyogbe in South-West Benin
Authors: Gislain Kadjegbin Toundé Roméo , Dossoumou Cochikpa Hervé , Kassimou Demba Diallo
Published: September 2022

The agricultural sector play important role in the development of Houeyogbe municipality. This study aims to analyze the production and marketing of palm oil in Houeyogbe. The methodological approach is based on data collection, processing, analysis and interpretation. A total of 294 farmers were interviewed and, the data collected was processed using Excel software. Finally, the SWOT analysis was used. The results reveal that, oil palm exploitation is an activity carried out primarily by women. 30 % of the earnings from the sale of palm oil are intended for home-consumption and the remaining 70 % for sale and export. In addition, for a production of 15 liters of palm oil in the dry season, the producers make a revenue from 135000 FCFA (245.45 $) to 330000 FCFA (600 $) with an estimated expense of 80000 FCFA (145.45 $). The profit margin varies from 55000 FCFA (100 $) to 250000 FCFA (454.54 $) in the dry season. In the rainy season, the processing of 200 measures of palm nuts yields a quantity of 150 liters of red oil, the selling price is 9000 FCFA (16.36 $) per 25 liter can, which gives a revenue of 135000 FCFA (245.45 $) with an estimated expense of 60000 FCFA (109.9 $). The profit margin is 75000 FCFA (136.36 $). Retail marketing of palm oil is not developed in Houeyogbe’s municipality. Most retail marketing is directly linked to consumption. Most of the wholesalers are beginners who come from urban areas with trucks to buy palm oil in bulk. They sell for the most part in the markets of Lokossa, Azovè, Dogbo, Athiémè, and sometimes in Cotonou. It is recommended that actors at various levels take into account the various constraints that constitute bottlenecks so that appropriate solutions are provided to improve the performance of the various actors in the palm oil sector in the commune of Houéyogbé.
All-optical design for multiplexer and comparator utilizing hybrid plasmonic waveguides
Authors: Abdulwahid Saif H. , Wadday Ahmed Ghanim , Abdul Sattar Sinan M.
Published: September 2022

Two optical combinational logic circuits, namely a

2

×

1

multiplexer and a comparator utilized by hybrid plasmonic waveguides, have been designed, analyzed, and simulated standing on the finite element method (FEM) with a COMSOL software package version 5.5. Transmission at the output port versus a wavelength range from 800 to 2000 nm, the contrast ratio, the modulation depth, and the insertion loss are the aspects used to estimate the circuits’ functionality. The realization of these circuits was based on the fundamentals of the constructive and destructive interferences among the input and the biasing ports. The multiplexer circuits require a single substructure with a measurement of

400

×

400

n
m

and delivers the best transmission of 202.3% and 99.75% as a modulation depth, while the comparator performed by three substructures with a

1300

×

400

n
m

overall size offers a 202.6% as the best transmission and 99.99% modulation depth in the Equality situation. The operating wavelength and the magnitude of the transmission threshold are 1310 nm and 0.3, respectively.
Multispectral near-infrared imaging for wetness estimation
Authors: Maeda Yoshihiro , Tsukimura Goki , Sugimura Daisuke , Hamamoto Takayuki
Published: September 2022

Estimation of the wetness of objects is an important technique for recognizing states in the real world. In this paper, we propose a non-contact method for estimating the wetness of objects using multispectral near-infrared (NIR) imaging. In contrast with a previous method that requires hyperspectral (110-band) images taken with fine spectral resolution (5 nm intervals) to estimate the degree of wetness, our method enables accurate wetness estimation using few-band NIR images with coarse spectral resolution (40 nm intervals). In general, water absorbs a substantial amount of incident light at wavelengths around 1000 nm and a smaller amount at wavelengths around 900 nm. This phenomenon indicates that the light absorption coefficient of water particularly varies over the NIR spectral band. These differences in the light absorption coefficients of water in the NIR bands are exploited in the model we derived for the appearance of a wet object surface, facilitating accurate wetness estimation. The effectiveness of the proposed method is demonstrated experimentally.
Effect of Antigen Retrieval on Genomic DNA From Immunodissected Samples
Authors: Johann Donald J. , Shin Ik Jae , Roberge Adam , Laun Sarah , Peterson Erich A. , Liu Meei , Steliga Matthew A. , Muesse Jason , Emmert-Buck Michael R. , Tangrea Michael A.
Published: September 2022

Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining is an established technique for visualizing proteins in tissue sections for research studies and clinical applications. IHC is increasingly used as a targeting strategy for procurement of labeled cells via tissue microdissection, including immunodissection, computer-aided laser dissection (CALD), expression microdissection (xMD), and other techniques. The initial antigen retrieval (AR) process increases epitope availability and improves staining characteristics; however, the procedure can damage DNA. To better understand the effects of AR on DNA quality and quantity in immunodissected samples, both clinical specimens ( KRAS gene mutation positive cases) and model system samples (lung cancer patient-derived xenograft tissue) were subjected to commonly employed AR methods (heat induced epitope retrieval [HIER], protease digestion) and the effects on DNA were assessed by Qubit, fragment analysis, quantitative PCR, digital droplet PCR (ddPCR), library preparation, and targeted sequencing. The data showed that HIER resulted in optimal IHC staining characteristics, but induced significant damage to DNA, producing extensive fragmentation and decreased overall yields. However, neither of the AR methods combined with IHC prevented ddPCR amplification of small amplicons and gene mutations were successfully identified from immunodissected clinical samples. The results indicate for the first time that DNA recovered from immunostained slides after standard AR and IHC processing can be successfully employed for genomic mutation analysis via ddPCR and next-generation sequencing (NGS) short-read methods.
Childhood body mass index trajectories and associations with adult-onset chronic kidney disease in Denmark: A population-based cohort study
Authors: Aarestrup Julie , Blond Kim , Vistisen Dorte , Jørgensen Marit E. , Frimodt-Møller Marie , Jensen Britt W. , Baker Jennifer L.
Published: September 2022

Background

Although excess adult adiposity is a strong risk factor for chronic kidney disease (CKD), evidence for associations with early life body size is limited. We investigated whether childhood body mass index (BMI) trajectories are associated with adult-onset CKD and end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) using a population-based cohort. Further, we examined the role of adult-onset type 2 diabetes (T2D) in these associations.

Methods and findings

We included 151,506 boys and 148,590 girls from the Copenhagen School Health Records Register, born 1930 to 1987 with information on measured weights and heights at ages 6 to 15 years. Five sex-specific childhood BMI trajectories were analyzed. Information on the main outcomes CKD and ESKD, as well as T2D, came from national health registers. Incidence rate ratios (IRRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using Poisson regression adjusted for year of birth. During a median of 30.8 person-years of follow-up, 5,968 men and 3,903 women developed CKD and 977 men and 543 women developed ESKD. For both sexes, the rates of CKD and ESKD increased significantly with higher child BMI trajectories in comparison with the average BMI trajectory (40% to 43% of individuals) and the below-average BMI trajectory (21% to 23% of individuals) had the lowest rates. When including T2D, most associations were significant and men (IRR = 1.39, 95% CI: 1.13 to 1.72) and women (IRR = 1.54, 95% CI: 1.28 to 1.86) with the obese childhood BMI trajectory (2% of individuals) had significantly higher CKD rates than the average BMI trajectory, whereas for ESKD, the associations were positive, but nonsignificant, for men (IRR = 1.38, 95% CI: 0.83 to 2.31) but significant for women (IRR = 1.97, 95% CI: 1.25 to 3.11) with the obese BMI trajectory. A main study limitation is the use of only hospital-based CKD diagnoses.

Conclusions

Individuals with childhood BMI trajectories above average had higher rates of CKD and ESKD than those with an average childhood BMI trajectory. When including T2D, most associations were significant, particularly with CKD, emphasizing the potential information that the early appearance of above-average BMI growth patterns provide in relation to adult-onset CKD beyond the information provided by T2D development.
Perceived manageability of debt and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic: A UK population analysis
Authors: Shevlin Mark , Redican Enya , Hyland Philip , Butter Sarah , McBride Orla , Hartman Todd K. , Murphy Jamie , Vallières Frédérique , Bentall Richard P.
Published: September 2022

Objectives

This study examined the association between perceived manageability of debt and risk of depression, anxiety, and mental health help-seeking among a nationally representative sample of adults living in the United Kingdom (UK).

Methods

Data was derived from the COVID-19 Psychological Research Consortium (C19PRC) Study Wave 6 (August/September 2021) which examined the psychological, social, and economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the UK adult population. Bivariate and logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine the association between different levels of perceived debt manageability (i.e., “easily manageable”, “some problems”, “quite serious problems”, “very serious problems”, “cannot manage at all”) and mental health related outcomes.

Results

Almost a quarter of the sample (24%, n = 494) reported debt management problems, and debt manageability associated with higher levels of anxiety, depression, and mental health help-seeking. After adjusting for demographic variables (e.g. income, receipt of benefits), logistic regression analysis demonstrated a dose-response association between increasing levels of debt manageability problems and mental health outcomes. Specifically, adjusted odds ratios for anxiety ranged from 2.28 (‘some problems’) to 11.18 (‘very serious problems’), for depression ranged from 2.80 (‘some problems’) to 16.21 (‘cannot manage at all’), and for mental health help-seeking ranged from 1.69 (‘some problems’) to 3.18 (‘quite serious problems’, ‘very serious problems’).

Conclusion

This study highlights that debt manageability problems represent a robust predictor of depression, anxiety, and mental-health help seeking.
Comprehensive analysis of a decade of cumulative radiocesium testing data for foodstuffs throughout Japan after the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident
Authors: Nakamura Kosuke , Chiba Shinji , Kiuchi Takashi , Nabeshi Hiromi , Tsutsumi Tomoaki , Akiyama Hiroshi , Hachisuka Akiko
Published: September 2022

The unexpected accident at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station in Japan, which occurred on March 11th, 2011, after the Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami struck the north-eastern coast of Japan, released radionuclides into the environment. Today, because of the amounts of radionuclides released and their relatively long half-life, the levels of radiocesium contaminating foodstuffs remain a significant food safety concern. Foodstuffs in Japan have been sampled and monitored for 134,137Cs since the accident. More than 2.5 million samples of foodstuffs have been examined with the results reported monthly during each Japanese fiscal year (FY, from April 1st to March 31st) from 2012 to 2021. A total of 5,695 samples of foodstuffs within the “general foodstuffs” category collected during this whole period and 13 foodstuffs within the “drinking water including soft drinks containing tea as a raw material” category sampled in FY 2012 were found to exceed the Japanese maximum permitted level (JML) set at 100 and 10 Bq/kg, respectively. No samples from the “milk and infant foodstuffs” category exceeded the JML (50 Bq/kg). The annual proportions of foodstuffs exceeding the JML in the “general foodstuffs” category varied between 0.37% and 2.57%, and were highest in FY 2012. The 134,137Cs concentration for more than 99% of the foodstuffs monitored and reported has been low and not exceeding the JML in recent years, except for those foodstuffs that are difficult to cultivate, feed or manage, such as wild mushrooms, plants, animals and fish. The monitoring data for foodstuffs show the current status of food safety risks from 134,137Cs contamination, particularly for cultured and aquaculture foodstuffs on the market in Japan.
Two-step nationwide epidemiological survey of myasthenia gravis in Japan 2018
Authors: Yoshikawa Hiroaki , Adachi Yumi , Nakamura Yosikazu , Kuriyama Nagato , Murai Hiroyuki , Nomura Yoshiko , Sakai Yasunari , Iwasa Kazuo , Furukawa Yutaka , Kuwabara Satoshi , Matsui Makoto ,   Taskforce of Validation of Evidence-based Diagnosis and Guidelines, and Impact on Quality of Life (QOL) in Patients with Neuroimmunological Diseases
Published: September 2022

Objective

To study the updated prevalence and clinical features of myasthenia gravis (MG) in Japan during 2017.

Methods

We sent survey sheets to the randomly selected medical departments (number = 7,545). First, we asked the number of MG patients who visited medical departments from January 1, 2017, to December 31, 2017. Then, we sent the second survey sheet to the medical departments that answered the first survey to obtain the clinical information of patients who received MG diagnosis between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2017.

Results

The received answer to the first survey were 2,708 (recovery rate: 35.9%). After all, the prevalence of the 100,000 population was estimated as 23.1 (95%CI: 20.5–25.6). As a result of the second survey, we obtained 1,464 case records. After checking the duplications and lacking data, we utilized 1,195 data for further analysis. The median [interquartile range (IQR)] from the onset age of total patients was 59 (43–70) years old. The male-female ratio was 1: 1.15. The onset age [median (IQR)] for female patients was 58 (40–72) years old, and that for male patients was 60 (49–69) years old (Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test, p = 0.0299). We divided patients into four categories: 1) anti-acetylcholine receptor antibody (AChRAb) (+) thymoma (Tm) (-), 2) AChRAb(+)Tm(+), 3) anti-muscle-specific kinase antibody (MuSKAb) (+), and AChRAb(-)MuSKAb(-) (double negative; DN). The onset age [median (IQR)] of AChRAb(+)Tm(-) was 64 (48–73) years old, and AChRb(+)Tm(+) was 55 (45–66), MuSKAb(+) was 49 (36–64), DN was 47 (35–60) year old. The multivariate logistic regression analysis using sex, initial symptoms, repetitive nerve stimulation test (RNST), and edrophonium test revealed that sex, ocular symptoms, bulbar symptoms, and RNST were factors to distinguish each category. The myasthenia gravis activities of daily living profile at the severest state were significantly higher in MuSKAb(+). MuSKAb(+) frequently received prednisolone, tacrolimus plasmapheresis, and intravenous immunoglobulin; however, they received less acetylcholine esterase inhibitor. 99.2% of AChRAb(+)Tm(+) and 15.4% of AChRAb(+)Tm(-) received thymectomy. MuSKAb(+) did not receive thymectomy, and only 5.7% of DN received thymectomy. The prognosis was favorable in all categories.

Conclusion

Our result revealed that the prevalence of Japanese MG doubled from the previous study using the same survey method in 2006. We also found that the onset age shifted to the elderly, and the male-female ratio reached almost even. Classification in four categories; AChRAb(+)Tm(-), AChRAb(+)Tm(+), MuSKAb(+), and DN, well describe the specific clinical features of each category and differences in therapeutic approaches.
Learning how a tree branches out: A statistical modeling approach
Authors: Dutilleul Pierre , Mudalige Nishan , Rivest Louis-Paul
Published: September 2022

The increasingly large size of the graphical and numerical data sets collected with modern technologies requires constant update and upgrade of the statistical models, methods and procedures to be used for their analysis in order to optimize learning and maximize knowledge and understanding. This is the case for plant CT scanning (CT: computed tomography), including applications aimed at studying leaf canopies and the structural complexity of the branching patterns that support them in trees. Therefore, we first show after a brief review, how the CT scanning data can be leveraged by constructing an analytical representation of a tree branching structure where each branch is represented by a line segment in 3D and classified in a level of a hierarchy, starting with the trunk (level 1). Each segment, or branch, is characterized by four variables: (i) the position on its parent, (ii) its orientation, a unit vector in 3D, (iii) its length, and (iv) the number of offspring that it bears. The branching structure of a tree can then be investigated by calculating descriptive statistics on these four variables. A deeper analysis, based on statistical models aiming to explain how the characteristics of a branch are associated with those of its parents, is also presented. The branching patterns of three miniature trees that were CT scanned are used to showcase the statistical modeling framework, and the differences in their structural complexity are reflected in the results. Overall, the most important determinant of a tree structure appears to be the length of the branches attached to the trunk. This variable impacts the characteristics of all the other branches of the tree.
Psychosocial stress and cannabinoid drugs affect acetylation of α-tubulin (K40) and gene expression in the prefrontal cortex of adult mice
Authors: Tomas-Roig Jordi , Ramasamy Shyam , Zbarsky Diana , Havemann-Reinecke Ursula , Hoyer-Fender Sigrid
Published: September 2022

The dynamics of neuronal microtubules are essential for brain plasticity. Vesicular transport and synaptic transmission, additionally, requires acetylation of α-tubulin, and aberrant tubulin acetylation and neurobiological deficits are associated. Prolonged exposure to a stressor or consumption of drugs of abuse, like marihuana, lead to neurological changes and psychotic disorders. Here, we studied the effect of psychosocial stress and the administration of cannabinoid receptor type 1 drugs on α-tubulin acetylation in different brain regions of mice. We found significantly decreased tubulin acetylation in the prefrontal cortex in stressed mice. The impact of cannabinoid drugs on stress-induced microtubule disturbance was investigated by administration of the cannabinoid receptor agonist WIN55,212–2 and/or antagonist rimonabant. In both, control and stressed mice, the administration of WIN55,212–2 slightly increased the tubulin acetylation in the prefrontal cortex whereas administration of rimonabant acted antagonistically indicating a cannabinoid receptor type 1 mediated effect. The analysis of gene expression in the prefrontal cortex showed a consistent expression ofApoEattributable to either psychosocial stress or administration of the cannabinoid agonist. Additionally,ApoEexpression inversely correlated with acetylated tubulin levels when comparing controls and stressed mice treated with WIN55,212–2 whereas rimonabant treatment showed the opposite.
Pyrazinamide resistance in rifampicin discordant tuberculosis
Authors: Mvelase Nomonde Ritta , Singh Ravesh , Swe Swe-Han Khine , Mlisana Koleka Patience
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains with phenotypically susceptible rpoB mutations (rifampicin discordant) have emerged following implementation of rapid molecular drug resistance testing for tuberculosis. Whilst rifampicin resistance is known to be associated with resistance to other rifamycins (rifapentine and rifabutin) as well as isoniazid and pyrazinamide, rifampicin discordant strains have shown high rates of susceptibility to isoniazid and rifabutin. However, pyrazinamide susceptibly testing results have not been reported.

Materials and methods

We evaluated pyrazinamide resistance in 80 rifampicin discordant and 25 rifampicin and isoniazid susceptible isolates from KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa using Mycobacteria Growth Indicator Tube method and sequencing of the pncA. We also compared susceptibility of pyrazinamide with that of isoniazid.

Results

Pyrazinamide resistance was found in 6/80 (7.5%) rifampicin discordant isolates. All pyrazinamide resistant isolates were also resistant to isoniazid and pyrazinamide resistance was found to be associated with isoniazid resistance. No pyrazinamide resistance was found among the isoniazid susceptible isolates.

Conclusion

Given the low prevalence of pyrazinamide resistance in rifampicin discordant TB, this anti-TB drug still has a significant role in the treatment of these patients. Performing pyrazinamide susceptibility testing remains a challenge, our findings show that isoniazid susceptible isolates are unlikely to be resistant to pyrazinamide among the discordant TB isolates.
Pregestational neurological disorders among women of childbearing age—Nationwide data from a 13-year period in Hungary
Authors: Bereczki Dániel , Bálint Mónika , Ajtay András , Oberfrank Ferenc , Vastagh Ildikó
Published: September 2022

Objectives

Comprehensive statistics evaluating pregnancies complicated by various medical conditions are desirable for the optimization of prenatal care and for improving maternal and fetal outcomes. The main objective of our study was to assess pregnancies during a 13-year study period with accompanying pregestational neurological disorders in medical history on a nationwide level.

Methods

In the framework of the NEUROHUN 2004–2017 project utilizing medical reports submitted for reimbursement purposes to the National Health Insurance Fund, we included women with at least one labor during 2004–2016 who had at least one pregestational diagnosis of a neurological disorder received within this time frame prior to their first pregnancy during the studied period. Three-digit codes from the 10th International Classification of Diseases (ICD) were used for the identification and classification of neurological and obstetrical conditions.

Results

Specific inclusion and exclusion criteria were employed during the study process. A total of 744 226 women have been identified with at least one delivery during the study period with 98 792 of them (13.3%) having at least one neurological diagnosis received during 2004–2016 before their first gestation in the time frame of the study. The vast majority of diagnosis codes were related to different types of headaches affecting 69 149 (9.3%) individuals. The most prevalent diagnoses following headaches were dizziness and giddiness (15 589 patients [2.1%]; nerve, nerve root and plexus disorders (10 375 patients [1.4%]); epileptic disorders (7028 patients [0.9%]); neurological diseases of vascular origin (6091 patients [0.8%]); other disorders of the nervous system (5358 patients [0.7%]); and demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system (2129 patients [0.3%]). The present findings of our study show high prevalence of pregestational neurological disorders, the dominance of headaches followed by the rather nonspecific diagnosis of dizziness and giddiness, the relevance of nerve, nerve root and plexus disorders and epilepsy, and the importance of cerebrovascular disorders among women of childbearing age.

Conclusion

The present research findings can help healthcare professionals, researchers and decision makers in adopting specific health policy measures based on nationwide data and further aid the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic algorithms of various neurological manifestations concerning women of childbearing age.
HLA-DRB1: A new potential prognostic factor and therapeutic target of cutaneous melanoma and an indicator of tumor microenvironment remodeling
Authors: Deng Huiling , Chen Yuxuan , Wang Jiecong , An Ran
Published: September 2022

Cutaneous melanoma (CM) is the most common skin cancer and one of the most aggressive cancers and its incidence has risen dramatically over the past few decades. The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a crucial role in the occurrence and development of cutaneous melanoma. Nevertheless, the dynamics modulation of the immune and stromal components in the TME is not fully understood. In this study, 471 CM samples were obtained from TCGA database, and the ratio of tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TICs) in the TME were estimated using the ESTIMATE algorithms and CIBERSORT computational method. The differently expressed genes (DEGs) were applied to GO and KEGG function enrichment analysis, establishment of protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and univariate Cox regression analysis. Subsequently, we identified a predictive factor: HLA-DRB1 (major histocompatibility complex, class II, DR beta 1) by the intersection analysis of the hub genes of PPI network and the genes associated with the prognosis of the CM patients obtained by univariate Cox regression analysis. Correlation analysis and survival analysis showed that the expression level of HLA-DRB1 was negatively correlated with the Stage of the patients while positively correlated with the survival, prognosis and TME of melanoma. The GEPIA web server and the representative immunohistochemical images of HLA-DRB1 in the normal skin tissue and melanoma tissue from the Human Protein Atlas (HPA) database were applied to validate the expression level of HLA-DRB1. CIBERSORT analysis for the ratio of TICs indicated that 9 types of TICs were positively correlated with the expression level of HLA-DRB1 and only 4 types of TICs were negatively correlated with the expression level of HLA-DRB1. These results suggested that the expression level of HLA-DRB1 may be related to the immune activity of the TME and may affect the prognosis of CM patients by changing the status of the TME.
Cost-effectiveness of LiveLighter® - a mass media public education campaign for obesity prevention
Authors: Ananthapavan Jaithri , Tran Huong Ngoc Quynh , Morley Belinda , Hart Ellen , Kennington Kelly , Stevens-Cutler James , Bowe Steven J. , Crosland Paul , Moodie Marj
Published: September 2022

Background

The Western Australian LiveLighter® program has implemented a series of mass media advertising campaigns that aim to encourage adults to achieve and maintain a healthy weight through healthy behaviours. This study aimed to assess the cost-effectiveness of the LiveLighter® campaign in preventing obesity-related ill health in the Western Australian population from the health sector perspective.

Methods

Campaign effectiveness (delivered over 12 months) was estimated from a meta-analysis of two cohort studies that surveyed a representative sample of the Western Australian population aged 25–49 years on discretionary food consumption one month pre- and one month post-campaign. Campaign costs were derived from campaign invoices and interviews with campaign staff. Long-term health (measured in health-adjusted life years (HALYs)) and healthcare cost-savings resulting from reduced obesity-related diseases were modelled over the lifetime of the population using a validated multi-state lifetable Markov model (ACE-Obesity Policy model). All cost and health outcomes were discounted at 7% and presented in 2017 values. Uncertainty analyses were undertaken using Monte-Carlo simulations.

Results

The 12-month intervention was estimated to cost approximately A$2.46 million (M) (95% uncertainty interval (UI): 2.26M; 2.67M). The meta-analysis indicated post-campaign weekly reduction in sugary drinks consumption of 0.78 serves (95% UI: 0.57; 1.0) and sweet food of 0.28 serves (95% UI: 0.07; 0.48), which was modelled to result in average weight reduction of 0.58 kilograms (95%UI: 0.31; 0.92), 204 HALYs gained (95%UI: 103; 334), and healthcare cost-savings of A$3.17M (95%UI: A$1.66M; A$5.03M). The mean incremental cost-effectiveness ratio showed that LiveLighter® was dominant (cost-saving and health promoting; 95%UI: dominant; A$7 703 per HALY gained). The intervention remained cost-effective in all sensitivity analyses conducted.

Conclusion

The LiveLighter® campaign is likely to represent very good value-for-money as an obesity prevention intervention in Western Australia and should be included as part of an evidence-based obesity prevention strategy.
Perceptions and knowledge of breast cancer and breast self-examination among young adult women in southwest Ethiopia: Application of the health belief model
Authors: Assfa Mossa Kenzudin
Published: September 2022

Background

Breast cancer is still a recognized public health issue in Ethiopia. Despite this, the viewpoints and comprehensions of young women about the situation are unknown. Therefore, this study was carried out to assess the knowledge and perceptions of young adult women in Southwest Ethiopia about breast cancer and breast self-examination (BSE).

Methods

A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out in the Gurage zone, southwest Ethiopia, in 2021. A total of 392 young adult women were randomly selected from both urban and rural strata using a three-stage stratified sampling process. A pretested questionnaire was used to collect the data. For data entry, Epi-data 4.6 with a double-entry approach was used, and for analysis, SPSS 26 was used. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify variables associated with BSE behavior. A p-value of 0.05 or below was considered statistically significant with a 95% CI.

Results

The respondents’ ages ranged from 20 to 24, with a mean of 21.25 (±1.32) years. Breast cancer and BSE were unknown to more than 80% of the study participants. A large proportion of young adult women had low perceived susceptibility (97.6%), low threat of breast cancer (96%), and low self-efficacy to perform BSE (91.4%). BSE was conducted by 23.1% of the participants occasionally. Being married (AOR = 5.31, 95% CI = 2.19–12.90), having good outcome expectations of BSE (AOR = 2.05, 95% CI = 1.16–3.61), having good BSE knowledge (AOR = 1.22, 95% CI = 1.04–1.45), having high perceived susceptibility (AOR = 1.12, 95% CI = 1.05–1.20), high perceived severity (AOR = 1.78, 95% CI = 1.02–3.09), and having high self-efficacy to do BSE (AOR = 1.05, 95% CI = 1.01–1.09) were all significant predictors of BSE practice.

Conclusions

Young adult women were less concerned about breast cancer and had insufficient knowledge of breast cancer and breast self-examination. They have little knowledge of, confidence in, or experience with BSE. The practice of BSE was associated with increased perceived susceptibility, self-efficacy, severity, outcome expectations, and BSE knowledge. Therefore, these variables should be considered when developing educational interventions for young women.
Patterns of metastases progression- The linear parallel ratio
Authors: Gofrit Ofer N. , Gofrit Ben , Roditi Yuval , Popovtzer Aron , Frank Steve , Sosna Jacob , Goldberg S. Nahum
Published: September 2022

Background

Linear and parallel are the two leading models of metastatic progression. In this study we propose a simple way to differentiate between them. While the linear model predicts accumulation of genetic and epigenetic alterations within the primary tumor by founder cells before spreading as waves of metastases, the parallel model suggests preclinical distribution of less advanced disseminated tumor cells with independent selection and expansion at the ectopic sites. Due to identical clonal origin and time of dispatching, linear metastases are expected to have comparable diameters in any specific organ while parallel metastases are expected to appear in variable sizes.

Methods and findings

Retrospective revision of chest CT of oncological patients with lung metastases was performed. Metastasis number and largest diameters were recorded. The sum number of metastases with a similar diameter (c) and those without (i) was counted and the linear/parallel ratio (LPR) was calculated for each patient using the formula (∑c-∑i)/(∑c+∑i). A LPR ratio of 1 implies pure linear progression pattern and -1 pure parallel. 12,887 metastases were measured in 503 patients with nine malignancy types. The median LPR of the entire group was 0.71 (IQR 0.14–0.93). In carcinomas of the pancreas, prostate, and thyroid the median LPR was 1. Median LPRs were 0.91, 0.65, 0.60, 0.58, 0.50 and 0.43 in renal cell carcinomas, melanomas, colorectal, breast, bladder, and sarcomas, respectively.

Conclusions

Metastatic spread of thyroid, pancreas, and prostate tumors is almost exclusively by a linear route. The spread of kidney, melanoma, colorectal, breast, bladder and sarcoma is both linear and parallel with increasing dominance of the parallel route in this order. These findings can explain and predict the clinical and genomic features of these tumors and can potentially be used for evaluation of metastatic origin in the individual patient.
Assistance dogs for military veterans with PTSD: A systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-synthesis
Authors: Leighton Sarah C. , Nieforth Leanne O. , O’Haire Marguerite E.
Published: September 2022

Psychiatric assistance dogs for military veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) currently make up over 19% of assistance dog partnerships globally. We conducted a systematic review of the literature relating to these partnerships, with specific aims to (1) summarize their characteristics, (2) evaluate the quality of existing evidence, and (3) summarize outcomes. A total of 432 records were independently screened (Cohen’s kappa = 0.90). Of these, 41 articles (29 peer-reviewed publications and 12 unpublished dissertations) met inclusion criteria. Data extraction was conducted to address the research aims, including a meta-analysis (quantitative outcomes) and meta-synthesis (qualitative outcomes). All peer-reviewed publications on the topic of psychiatric assistance dogs for veterans with PTSD were published within the last five years. The majority of included articles were quantitative (53%), 41% were qualitative, and 6% employed mixed methods. Mean methodological rigor scores were 80% for peer reviewed articles and 71% for dissertations, where higher scores represent more rigorous methodology. Quantitative articles reported significant improvements in the domains of PTSD severity, mental health, and social health. Impacts on physical health and global quality of life appear inconclusive. Meta-analysis (9 articles) revealed that partnership with an assistance dog had a clinically meaningful, significant, and large effect on PTSD severity scores (g = −1.129; p<0.0001). Qualitative meta-synthesis identified two third order constructs: (1) Impact on the individual: mental & physical health and (2) Impact beyond the individual: building relationships & connection. This synthesis of increasingly prevalent research on assistance dogs for veterans with PTSD provides support for the impact of this complementary and integrative health intervention on PTSD symptom severity, and signs of meaningful improvements in adjacent domains including mental and social health. Gaps between quantitative and qualitative findings, along with the need to report greater demographic detail, highlight key opportunities for future research.
Using machine learning to determine the shared and unique risk factors for marijuana use among child-welfare versus community adolescents
Authors: Negriff Sonya , Dilkina Bistra , Matai Laksh , Rice Eric
Published: September 2022

Objective

This study used machine learning (ML) to test an empirically derived set of risk factors for marijuana use. Models were built separately for child welfare (CW) and non-CW adolescents in order to compare the variables selected as important features/risk factors.

Method

Data were from a Time 4 (Mage= 18.22) of longitudinal study of the effects of maltreatment on adolescent development (n = 350; CW = 222; non-CW = 128; 56%male). Marijuana use in the past 12 months (none versus any) was obtained from a single item self-report. Risk factors entered into the model included mental health, parent/family social support, peer risk behavior, self-reported risk behavior, self-esteem, and self-reported adversities (e.g., abuse, neglect, witnessing family violence or community violence).

Results

The ML approaches indicated 80% accuracy in predicting marijuana use in the CW group and 85% accuracy in the non-CW group. In addition, the top features differed for the CW and non-CW groups with peer marijuana use emerging as the most important risk factor for CW youth, whereas externalizing behavior was the most important for the non-CW group. The most important common risk factor between group was gender, with males having higher risk.

Conclusions

This is the first study to examine the shared and unique risk factors for marijuana use for CW and non-CW youth using a machine learning approach. The results support our assertion that there may be similar risk factors for both groups, but there are also risks unique to each population. Therefore, risk factors derived from normative populations may not have the same importance when used for CW youth. These differences should be considered in clinical practice when assessing risk for substance use among adolescents.
Knowledge in our hands: Analytical tools for craft knowledge communication
Authors: Westerlund Tina
Published: September 2022

Craft knowledge is built from examples of experiential knowledge, and when individual or group experiences are gathered and compared, new knowledge is created. This requires socialization between practitioners or a systematic collection of practice descriptions, such as in a manual. However, there is always a risk that knowledge that is difficult to put into words will never be captured or communicated. The aim of this article is to show how theoretical frameworks can be used as analytical tools to help us develop methods that support the communication of craft knowledge. Using a research-through-practice approach in the field of horticulture combined with frameworks based on Bengt Molander’s concept of three knowledge orientations and Nonaka and Takeuchi’s knowledge conversation criteria (SECI-model), I will discuss how it is possible to make practitioners’ subjective knowledge more readily available to others.
Emergent behaviour as a forming strategy in craft: The workmanship of risk applied to industrial-loom weaving
Authors: Walters Kathryn
Published: September 2022

Digital tools such as computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) have expanded the nature of craft practice, offering new means of design and making. However, in weaving, handmaking continues to be privileged, despite the acceptance of digital design and computer-controlled lifting mechanisms. Through experimental design research methods, self-forming three-dimensional textiles were designed in CAD software and woven on a computer-controlled jacquard power loom (a CAM tool). The textiles’ three dimensionality arises from the combination of materials (contrasting shrinking and stiff yarns), structure and finishing. They are contextualized as craft objects through Pye’s concept of ‘the workmanship of risk’. As outcomes of a craft process, they illustrate the potential of industrial looms as tools for producing complex textile systems and expressions. The results include a method for crafting at the intersection of the workmanship of risk and CAD/CAM, providing a framework for this hybrid practice. The concept of emergent behaviour is discussed as a craft strategy when the workmanship of risk is focused on material forming rather than the tool or technique. This concept is contextualized beyond weaving, suggesting its applicability to other craft fields and practices, whether produced by hand or with the use of digital tools.
Study and analysis of the relationship between smart cities and Industry 4.0: A systematic literature review
Authors: Correia Diogo , Teixeira Leonor , Marques João Lourenço
Published: September 2022

Smart cities evolved to include citizens as co-creators, while Industry 4.0 envisioned personalized supply chain models arranged according to consumers’ wishes. Both concepts strove to focus on citizens, impacting transport and manufacturing processes, enhancing social development and promoting sustainability. However, it lacks a clear understanding of their influence on each other and related connection points in the literature. This article conducts a rigorous systematic literature review to make an in-depth analysis of the relationship between smart cities and Industry 4.0. Quantitative and qualitative analyses are performed. The connection points found are technology, process, people and planning. Their relationship is almost unanimous. Smart cities are influenced by Industry 4.0. The evidence of smart city influence on Industry 4.0 does not exist separately from that of Industry 4.0 on smart cities. Although several authors smoothly refer to the influence that smart cities may have in the Industry, it lacks a greater understanding. Furthermore, this study develops two lines of discussion based on the findings and advocates the future need to reflect on how the evolution of smart city concept will impact the development of the industry.
El asistente sexual como figura de apoyo para las personas que se encuentran en situación de discapacidad: percepción sobre su reconocimiento jurídico y soporte económico
Authors: Molina Saorín Jesús , Illán Romeu Nuria , García Haro María del Rocío
Published: September 2022

La asistencia sexual, entendida desde un enfoque de derechos humanos, se constituye como la herramienta para que aquellas personas que se encuentran en situación de discapacidad puedan acceder a su propio cuerpo y desarrollar así su sexualidad. Dicha figura está envuelta en una gran polémica, por lo que en este artículo se aborda una de sus cuestiones más controvertidas: su reconocimiento jurídico y soporte económico. En las siguientes páginas se incluye un estudio de tipo cualitativo a través de documentos escritos y entrevistas a aquellas personas vinculadas directamente con la temática (asistentes sexuales y personas que reciben este apoyo), junto con los testimonios de dos expertos en esta materia. En tanto que se trata de una figura emergente y poco conocida hasta el momento, se expone la diversidad de paradigmas que giran en torno a la misma y la necesidad de visibilizar el ejercicio libre del derecho a vivir una sexualidad libre y plena.
Forest bats in Southern Salamanca (Spain): rare or understudied? Insights from a highly diverse community
Authors: Alonso-Alonso Pedro , Sereno-Cadierno Jorge , Pardavila Xosé , Lizana Miguel
Published: September 2022

Forest-dwelling bats are a poorly studied group in Iberia. Little information is available about their abundance, conservation status, and, for some regions, even their distribution. This is the case in the western sector of the Sistema Central mountain range, an interesting area from a biogeographical point of view that potentially could host rich bat communities. However, there is almost no published information about forest bats in the region. From 2017 to 2019 we carried out acoustic and mistnetting surveys in the province of Salamanca (Western Spain), intending to fill this gap in the faunistic knowledge of the area. Our work has revealed a very diverse bat community, reaching 19 species out of the 31 known in Iberia. We obtained new data for forest-specialist species, including many records of the rare Myotis bechsteinii, Barbastella barbastellus and Nyctalus lasiopterus. Most interestingly, we also found a high abundance of Myotis mystacinus which is rarely captured. This study provides novel information about the distribution, status, and ecology of bats in the forests of one western sector of Sistema Central and highlights the importance of the area for conserving these species in the Iberian context. The large number of new records emphasizes the lack of sampling in the region and the need to get better knowledge to develop informed management and conservation decisions.
Identified Factors of the Effects of Excessive Usages of Smartphone on Health of the University Students: A Study on Islamic University, Kushtia, Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman Taushif , Rahman Md. Mizanoor , Sabur Md. Abdus , Huda Md. Nazmul
Published: September 2022

The objective of the study is to find out the effects of excessive use of smartphone on the health of the university students in Bangladesh. A closed ended questionnaire with five point Likert scale is used to collect data as the scores of agreed level for different selected issues. A total number of 289 respondents out of 350 students provide information willingly that covers 83% of total respondents. The data collection period was June, 2022. The non-parametric statistical techniques like Mann-Whitney U test and Kruskal Wallis test are mainly used to analyze the data. Excessive uses of smartphone are impacted badly on the sound health of the university students. These students having complications with different types of uncomfortable health conditions are not performing well not only in the academic activities but also in accomplishments of their everyday life. It is necessity to find out the ways of effective uses of smartphone for the university students to overcome the antagonistic situations.
Interrelation Dynamics between Exchange Rate and Stock Market Returns in Egypt
Authors: Kamal Abdelmonem Lotfy Mohamed
Published: September 2022

This paper investigates the dynamics between exchange rate and stock market returns in Egypt that have been found to be interlinked with additional two variables, economic growth and inflation. To conduct such a research, the paper employed Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model and Granger Causality tests using monthly data from Q1 2012 to Q3 2022. Econometric estimations prove that there exist a long run relationship among these four variables through the equation LNEGX30 = 1.1129 LNEXR + 2.3671 LNGDP – 2.5829 LNM2. The paper investigates that it is the stock market returns that lead to exchange rate fluctuations in the Egyptian economy. Similarly, the exchange rate volatilities lead to fluctuations in both economic growth rates and inflation rates. Indeed, stock market performance granger causes economic growth through a unidirectional causality that goes from stock market to economic growth. Therefore, the paper recommends several adjustments for the Egyptian financial policy through giving more incentives to over-performed and strong companies to be listed in the stock market. In addition, the Egyptian stock market is in need to develop newly established financial products, such as Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs), that would promote value and volume of trade in the market that would lead to boost economic growth. Finally, the central bank of Egypt, through reducing money supply growth rate, would target inflation rate to become one-digit to save the value of the Egyptian Pound from continuous devaluation and structural breaks.