bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Engagement with a diverse Stakeholder Advisory Council for research in dementia care
Authors: Masoud Sara S. , Glassner Ashlie A. , Patel Neela , Mendoza Mayra , James Deborah , Rivette Sheran , White Carole L. 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background
The inclusion of stakeholders throughout the research process has been gaining recognition as an approach that can improve the quality and impact of research. Stakeholder engagement for dementia care research has been identified as a national priority, though evaluation of engagement strategies and their impact has been limited. In dementia care research, stakeholders can include individuals living with dementia, family care partners, and health and social care professionals in dementia care. A Stakeholder Advisory Council (SAC) was established to identify priorities for dementia care research that are most important to stakeholders. Strategies to build capacity for research and facilitate engagement among the SAC were used to identify the research priorities. This study describes the experiences of SAC members engaged in the research process.

Methods
To evaluate stakeholder engagement, semi-structured interviews were conducted with members of the SAC to understand their experiences and perspectives on the strategies used to facilitate engagement and build capacity for research. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and thematically analyzed using a mixed inductive and deductive approach. Findings were presented to members of the SAC to determine whether they felt their perspectives and experiences were accurately represented. Final domains and themes presented here were approved by the SAC.

Results
Interviews (N = 11) were conducted with members of the SAC representing each stakeholder group; persons living with dementia (n = 2); family care partners (n = 4), and health and social care professionals in dementia care (n = 5). Ten themes were categorized into four overarching domains: accessibility, council infrastructure, values and environment, and benefits of involvement.

Conclusions
Findings from this qualitative study are a resource for researchers seeking to collaborate with diverse stakeholder groups to represent their perspectives in research, including individuals living with dementia. The domains and themes identified here support the inclusion of diverse stakeholders in the research process, centering engagement and capacity building strategies around individuals living with dementia.
Inter-cluster voltage balancing control of a delta connected modular multilevel cascaded converter under unbalanced grid voltage
Authors: Oghorada Oghenewvogaga J. K. , Zhang Li , Han Huang , Esan Ayodele B. , Mao Mingxuan 
Published: July 2021

AbstractA new inter-cluster DC capacitor voltage balancing scheme for a delta connected modular multilevel cascaded converter (MMCC)-based static synchronous compensator (STATCOM) is presented. A detailed power flow analysis of applying negative sequence current (NSC) and zero-sequence current (ZSC) injection methods in addressing the issue of inter-cluster DC voltage imbalance under unbalance grid voltage is carried out. A control scheme is proposed which integrates both inter-cluster methods using a quantification factor QF. This is used to achieve the sharing of the inter-cluster active power between the NSC and ZSC injection methods. An accurate method of determining the quantification factor is also presented. The proposed method offers better sub-module DC capacitor voltage balancing and prevents converter overcurrent. The influence of unbalanced grid voltage on the delta connected MMCC-based STATCOM rating using this integrated cluster balancing technique is investigated. The control scheme is verified with a 5 kV 1.2MVA MMCC-STATCOM using 3-level bridge sub-modules, and the results show the advantages of the proposed method over other inter-cluster methods.
A comparative study of dexmedetomidine and propofol infusion during monitored anesthesia care (MAC) in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP): a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Srivastava Nidhi , Harjai Mamta , Kumar Suraj , Rai Sujeet , Malviya Deepak , Tripathi Manoj 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackgroundEndoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography (ERCP) is an invasive procedure and hence is distressing for awake patients, requiring adequate level of sedation and analgesia. Recent advancements have encouraged use of monitored anesthesia care (MAC), that allows the patient to tolerate unpleasant procedures while maintaining cardio-respiratory function. The main aim is to compare the effect of dexmedetomidine and propofol on the hemodynamics during ERCP, quality of sedation, recovery profile, and any side effects. A total of 100 patients were randomized by a computer-generated random number table into two groups of 30 patients each. The group P received continuous propofol infusion at a rate of 25-75 mcg/kg/min to achieve a Ramsay sedation scale (RSS) of 3-4 before starting the procedure. Group D received dexmedetomidine at loading dose of 1 μg/kg i.v. over 10 min followed by 0.5 μg/kg/h infusion until RSS reached 3-4.ResultsThe present study shows significant decrease in heart rate in group D (65.27 ± 4. 3 vs.77.27 ± 9.3) with more stable blood pressure values throughout than group P. There were episodes of transient desaturation in few patients in group P while no patient showed any signs of respiratory depression or desaturation in group D. The time to achieve Ramsay sedation score (RSS) 3-4 is significantly more in group D (11.4 ± 1.37 vs. 7.93 ± 1.32) with increased tendency to use rescue drug but shows better and early recovery.ConclusionDexmedetomidine is a better substitute to propofol for patients undergoing ERCP; however, use of adjunct may be necessary to decrease the need for rescue drug.
Recent updates on the possible reasons for the low incidence and morbidity of COVID-19 cases in Africa
Authors: Tsinda Emmanuel Kagning , Mmbando Gideon Sadikiel 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe COVID-19 respiratory illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 has been a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide since the first reported case in Wuhan, China. A year has passed since pandemic began, and the reasons for different COVID-19 burden variation across continents keep puzzling the general public.Main body of the abstractSince the COVID-19 pandemic started, published research articles have addressed the epidemiological risk factors, host factors, susceptibility and immunity. To ascertain possible reasons for the different rates of COVID-19 infections between Africa and other continents, we summarized the up-to-date scientific literature to identify possible arguments in this regard. Available literature suggests that demographic, epidemiological, sociological, genetic and immunological factors contribute in the COVID-19 severity and the susceptibly to SARS-CoV-2.Short conclusionThis review summarizes existing data and discusses reasons for differential COVID-19 burden across continents. The arguments mentioned herein will be helpful to guide future experimental studies to test different hypotheses.
Three-step one-way model in terahertz biomedical detection
Authors: Peng Yan , Huang Jieli , Luo Jie , Yang Zhangfan , Wang Liping , Wu Xu , Zang Xiaofei , Yu Chen , Gu Min , Hu Qing , Zhang Xicheng , Zhu Yiming , Zhuang Songlin 
Published: July 2021

AbstractTerahertz technology has broad application prospects in biomedical detection. However, the mixed characteristics of actual samples make the terahertz spectrum complex and difficult to distinguish, and there is no practical terahertz detection method for clinical medicine. Here, we propose a three-step one-way terahertz model, presenting a detailed flow analysis of terahertz technology in the biomedical detection of renal fibrosis as an example: 1) biomarker determination: screening disease biomarkers and establishing the terahertz spectrum and concentration gradient; 2) mixture interference removal: clearing the interfering signals in the mixture for the biomarker in the animal model and evaluating and retaining the effective characteristic peaks; and 3) individual difference removal: excluding individual interference differences and confirming the final effective terahertz parameters in the human sample. The root mean square error of our model is three orders of magnitude lower than that of the gold standard, with profound implications for the rapid, accurate and early detection of diseases.
Characterizing electromagnetic interference signals for unmanned aerial vehicle geophysical surveys
Authors: Walter Callum , Braun Alexander , Fotopoulos Georgia 
Published: July 2021

The development of a functional unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) mounted aeromagnetic system requires integrating a magnetometer payload onboard a UAV platform in a manner that preserves the integrity of the total magnetic field measurements. One challenge when developing these systems is accounting for the sources of in-flight magnetic and electromagnetic interference signals that are greater than the resolvability threshold of the magnetometer. Electromagnetic interference generated by the platform has the potential to be mitigated using several techniques such as magnetic shielding, filtering, or compensation and can be attenuated by strategically positioning the magnetometer at a distance from the UAV. The integration procedure and selection of a mitigation strategy can be informed by characterizing the electromagnetic interference generated by the platform. Scalogram analysis is used to characterize the high-frequency electromagnetic signals generated by multirotor UAV electromagnetic motors. A low-sensitivity (7 nT) vector, fluxgate magnetometer is used to measure the electromagnetic interference generated by two unique multirotor UAVs in a controlled laboratory setting. Results demonstrate three spectrally distinct electromagnetic signals, each with unique frequency and amplitude, generated by each UAV platform. The frequency of these electromagnetic interference signals is found to be directly proportional to the applied rotation frequency of the electromagnetic motor. The aforementioned knowledge is applied to UAV field surveys to assess the high-frequency electromagnetic interference signals experienced. This is achieved using a high sensitivity (0.01 nT), scalar optically pumped magnetometer with a 1000 Hz sampling frequency. Our results indicate that adequate sensor placement and preflight evaluation of the platform-sensor interactions provide useful mitigation strategies, which can compensate for electromagnetic interference signals generated by the UAV platform during aeromagnetic surveys.
Cyclophosphamide, Thalidomide, and Dexamethasone as Initial Therapy for Patients With Newly Diagnosed Multiple Myeloma in a Middle-Income Country: 7-Year Follow-Up
Authors: Vasquez Jule , Ruiz Rossana , Aliaga Karina , Valencia Fernando , Villena Marco , Quintana Shirley , Vidaurre Tatiana , Casanova Luis 
Published: July 2021

PURPOSE Major progress has occurred in multiple myeloma (MM) treatment in recent years, but this is not seen in low- and middle-income countries. MATERIALS AND METHODS We retrospectively assessed the efficacy and safety of cyclophosphamide, thalidomide, and dexamethasone (cyclophosphamide 400 mg/m2 for 5 days, thalidomide 100 mg once daily, if tolerated, and dexamethasone 40 mg once weekly; in 28-day cycles) in patients with newly diagnosed MM treated at our institution between April 2008 and December 2012. Survival outcomes were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS Fifty-nine patients were found to meet the selection criteria. Median age was 56 years (27-78). Fifty-nine percent (n = 35) were male. International Staging System three was found in 24%. The median number of treatment cycles was 11 (range 4-12). After a median of 81-month follow-up (range 5-138 months), the overall response rate was 69.5%. The complete response and very good partial response were 5% and 32%, respectively. Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 35 months (95% CI, 18 to 41). The 3-year PFS was 47.4% (95% CI, 34.5 to 59.6) and 5-year PFS was 24.9% (95% CI, 14.4 to 36.9). The median of overall survival (OS) was 81 months (95% CI, 33 to not reached). The 3-year OS was 63.4% (95% CI, 49.2 to 74.6), and 5-year OS was 57.5% (95% CI, 43.2 to 69.4). The most common adverse event was neutropenia (grade 3 and 4, 30.5%). Out of 23 patients eligible for stem-cell transplantation, 10 (43.5%) proceeded with autologous transplantation. Treatment-related deaths occurred in four patients (6.7%). CONCLUSION Cyclophosphamide, thalidomide, and dexamethasone achieves good response rates with tolerable toxicity, especially in patients age 65 years or younger representing a feasible approach for patients with MM in low-income health care settings.
The discovery of human Plasmodium among domestic animals in West Sumba and Fakfak, Indonesia
Authors: Munirah Munirah , Wahyuni Sitti , Wahid Isra , Hamid Firdaus 
Published: July 2021

Background: In Indonesia, malaria incidence is at a high rate despite maximum preventive efforts. Therefore, this study aims to determine the possibility of a Plasmodium reservoir among domestic animals in malaria-endemic areas. Methods: Animal blood was collected using EDTA tubes, then smeared and stained with Giemsa for Plasmodium microscopic identification. About 10 µl of blood was dropped on to a filter paper to capture Plasmodium DNA. Nested PCR was used for parasite molecular detection, while Plasmodium species were identified using the sequenced DNA. Results: A total of 208 and 62 animal blood samples were collected from Gaura village, West Sumba and Fakfak village, West Papua, Indonesia respectively. In total, 32 samples from Gaura contained P. falciparum or P. vivax, while the Plasmodium percentage in buffalo, horse, goat, and dogs were 20.7%, 14.3%, 5.8%, 16.7%, respectively. P. knowlesi was not found in any of the samples, and no other species were detected in 18 pig blood samples. Conclusion: Human Plasmodium existence among domestic animals in Indonesia partly explains the high prevalence and persistence of malaria in some endemic areas due to a reservoir host presence. Therefore, future studies need to ascertain the cause.
End-of-life experience and its toll on quality of life and spirituality: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Sousa Serlandia da Silva , Reis Andréa Dias , Neto José Osvaldo Barbosa , Garcia João Batista Santos 
Published: July 2021

Background: Breast and cervical/uterine cancer affect body parts that have symbolic meaning for women. Women with this diagnosis at the end-of-life often experience anxiety and depression that severely impacts their quality of life (QoL). Aims: This study aims to determine how the end-of-life experience impacts on the QoL and spirituality of women with advanced cancer. Methods: End-of-life patients and their caregivers were evaluated regarding religious and spiritual coping, depression and self-efficacy. Caregivers were interviewed regarding patients' QoL at the end-of-life. A spearman correlation test was used to evaluate correlation between variables. Findings: Several dimensions of positive religious and spiritual coping stood out for patients at the end of life. However, patients often experienced a negative revaluation of God. Patients reported experiencing low self-efficacy, depression and high levels of stress. The length of hospital stay, time spent in intensive care units and depression also correlated to the amount of worry and stress a patient experienced. Conclusions: The end-of-life patients had a poor quality of life, and experienced depression, but also used spiritual beliefs and religion as a means of coping with their end-of-life experience.
Converting hip and knee arthroplasty cases to same-day surgery due to COVID-19
Authors: Cherry Ahmed , Montgomery Spencer , Brillantes Jacqueline , Osborne Tasha , Khoshbin Amir , Daniels Timothy , Ward Sarah E. , Atrey Amit 
Published: July 2021

Aims In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic meant that proceeding with elective surgery was restricted to minimize exposure on wards. In order to maintain throughput of elective cases, our hospital (St Michaels Hospital, Toronto, Canada) was forced to convert as many cases as possible to same-day procedures rather than overnight admission. In this retrospective analysis, we review the cases performed as same-day arthroplasty surgeries compared to the same period in the previous 12 months. Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients undergoing total hip and knee arthroplasties over a three-month period between October and December in 2019, and again in 2020, in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic. Patient demographics, number of outpatient primary arthroplasty cases, length of stay for admissions, 30-day readmission, and complications were collated. Results In total, 428 patient charts were reviewed for October to December of 2019 (n = 195) and 2020 (n = 233). Of those, total hip arthroplasties (THAs) comprised 60% and 58.8% for 2019 and 2020, respectively. Demographic data was comparable with no statistical difference for age, sex, contralateral joint arthroplasty, or BMI. American Society of Anesthesiologists grade I was more highly prevalent in the 2020 cohort (5.1-times increase; n = 13 vs n = 1). Degenerative disc disease and fibromyalgia were less significantly prevalent in the 2020 cohort. There was a significant increase in same day discharges for non-direct anterior approach THAs (two-times increase) and total knee arthroplasty (ten-times increase), with a reciprocal decrease in next day discharges. There were significantly fewer reported superficial wound infections in 2020 (5.6% vs 1.7%) and no significant differences in readmissions or emergency department visits (3.1% vs 3.0%). Conclusion The COVID-19 pandemic meant that hospitals and patients were hopeful to minimize the exposure to the wards, and minimize strain on the already taxed inpatient beds. With few positives during the COVID-19 crisis, the pandemic was the catalyst to speed up the outpatient arthroplasty programme that has resulted in our institution being more efficient, and with no increase in readmissions or early complications. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2021;2(7):545–551.
Ultra-broadband 3  dB power splitter from 1.55 to 2  µm wave band
Authors: Wang Zelu , Liu Yingjie , Wang Zi , Liu Yilin , Du Jiangbing , Song Qinghai , Xu Ke 
Published: July 2021

Extending the optical communication wavelengths to 2 µm can significantly increase data capacity. Silicon photonics, which is a proven device integration technology, has made rapid progress at 2 µm recently. As a fundamental functional element in the photonic design kit, the 3 dB power splitter has been extensively studied in both the 1.55 µm and 2 µm regime. While the device is highly desirable to operate over both wave bands, the large waveguide dispersion in silicon makes it challenging. In this work, we demonstrate an ultra-broadband power splitter on silicon, which has a 0.2 dB bandwidth exceeding 520 nm from 1500 to 2020 nm according to simulations. The beam splitter is realized by a triple tapered Y-junction, and its operational bandwidth is greatly increased by subwavelength grating structure. The device has an ultra-compact footprint of only

3

µ

m

×

2

µ

m

. Due to the limitations on the setup and coupling technique, we measure the device bandwidth in 1.55 µm and 2 µm wave bands. The device insertion loss is measured to be below 0.4 dB from 1500 to 1620 nm and from 1960 to 2020 nm, respectively. According to these results, the proposed device is believed to be capable of operating over a broadband from 1.55 µm and 2 µm wavelengths.
Design Thinking als Werkzeug für Co-Kreation und Co-Design – Ein Erfahrungsbericht in 5 Thesen
Authors: Klein Hans Christian , Oschinsky Frederike Marie , Stelter Aida , Niehaves Bjoern 
Published: July 2021

ZusammenfassungDie digitale Transformation stellt deutsche Städte und Gemeinden vor große Herausforderungen. Dabei ist es wichtig, dass der Mensch mit seinen Bedürfnissen im Mittelpunkt der Gestaltung der zukünftigen Lebens- und Arbeitsräume steht. Im vorliegenden praxisorientierten Artikel wird aufgezeigt, wie der innovative Design Thinking-Ansatz zur digitalen Transformation öffentlicher Verwaltungen beitragen kann. Anhand des Fallbeispiels eines kommunalen Open Government Labors in Nordrhein-Westfalen, welches den „Kurort der Zukunft“ gestalten möchte, können allgemeine Anregungen zur aktiven Teilhabe der Bürgerschaft und Stadtgesellschaft abgeleitet werden. Ferner werden spezielle Prinzipien für die Durchführung eines Ideen-Workshops diskutiert und mögliche Herausforderungen virtueller Formate beleuchtet. Der Beitrag schlussfolgert, dass der Design Thinking-Ansatz eine große Chance ist, den Wandel unserer Kommunen inklusiv, kollaborativ, agil zu gestalten und einen wertvollen Beitrag zu Stadtentwicklung zu liefern. Aufbauend auf unserem Anwendungsbeispiel wird insgesamt deutlich, wie und warum durch innovative Formate der Zusammenarbeit ein zusätzliches Potenzial der co-kreativen und co-produktiven Gestaltung der Städte und Gemeinden von morgen geschaffen werden kann. Das Gelernte kann schnell auf andere Fälle adaptiert und übertragen werden.
Factors associated with COVID-19 preventive health behaviors among the general public in Mexico City and the State of Mexico
Authors: Sánchez-Arenas Rosalinda , Doubova Svetlana V. , González-Pérez Marco Antonio , Pérez-Cuevas Ricardo 
Published: July 2021

Objective
To evaluate factors associated with COVID-19 preventive health behaviors among adults in Mexico City and the State of Mexico.

Methods and findings
We conducted a cross-sectional survey from June to October 2020 through a structured, internet-based questionnaire in a non-probabilistic sample of adults >18 years living in Mexico City and the State of Mexico. The independent variables included sociodemographic and clinical factors; health literacy; access to COVID-19 information; and perception of COVID-19 risk and of preventive measures’ effectiveness. The dependent variable was COVID-19 preventive health behaviors, defined as the number of preventive actions adopted by participants. The data were analyzed through multivariate negative binomial regression analysis. The survey was completed by 1,030 participants. Most participants were women (70.7%), had a high school or above level of education (98.8%), and had adequate health literacy and access to COVID-19 information. Only 18% perceived having a high susceptibility to COVID-19, though 83.8% recognized the disease’s severity and 87.1% the effectiveness of preventive measures. The median number of COVID-19 preventive actions was 13.5 (range 0–19). The factors associated with preventive health behavior were being female, of older age, a professional worker, a homemaker, or a retiree; engaging in regular physical exercise; having high health literacy and access to COVID-19 information sources; and perceiving COVID-19 as severe and preventive measures as effective.

Conclusion
People with high education and internet access in Mexico City and the State of Mexico reported significant engagement in COVID-19 preventive actions during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.