bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and attitudes toward routine vaccinations among Venezuelan migrants in Trinidad and Tobago: implications for a National Immunization Policy
Authors: Lyons Nyla , Bhagwandeen Brendon , Gopeechan Blair , Edwards Jeffrey 
Published: November 2024

IntroductionVaccine hesitancy poses a threat to the prevention of COVID-19 and other vaccine-controlled diseases. In 2019, the Government of Trinidad and Tobago launched a policy outlining the scope of health services in the public sector available to registered Venezuelan migrants to include access to routine immunizations. Little is understood about immunization uptake among migrants, including the uptake of COVID-19 vaccinations in Trinidad and Tobago.MethodBetween July and October 2022, a survey was conducted using a sample of n = 507 Venezuelan migrants. We examined the relationship between COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, migrant’s attitudes toward past vaccinations, their beliefs and perceptions about COVID-19 disease, and health-service related factors. Descriptive statistics summarized the characteristics of these migrants. Odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals and multivariable logistic regression was used to examine factors and attitudes associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy.ResultsOur findings showed that 89% of the migrants accessed publicly available health services while in Trinidad and Tobago, 72.4% reported that they did not refuse other vaccines in the past, and 23% reported being hesitant to take the COVID-19 vaccine. Females had higher odds of being COVID-19 vaccine hesitant compared to males, and participants expressing doubts about the source of vaccine information also had greater odds of vaccine hesitancy. Long waiting times at a public health clinic and costs associated with traveling to a clinic were associated with higher odds of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy.ConclusionA National Immunization Policy inclusive of the unmet needs of vulnerable migrant populations is needed to ensure equitable access to vaccinations.
Knowledge, attitude, and preventive behaviors related to HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted infections among Myanmar migrants in Chiang Mai province, Thailand
Authors: Thant Kyaw Soe , Thongprachum Aksara , Chautrakarn Sineenart , Chantaklang Pannawich , Chariyalertsak Suwat 
Published: November 2024

IntroductionDespite progress in controlling HIV/AIDS and STIs, these health challenges persist, with 39.9 million people living with HIV in 2023 and more than 350 million affected by STIs annually. Thailand is a major migrant hub in Southeast Asia. This study investigated the factors influencing preventive behaviors related to HIV/AIDS and STIs among Myanmar migrants in Chiang Mai province, Thailand.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted in 2023 among 424 Myanmar migrants aged 18–45 years. Participants were selected through convenience sampling from a local hospital and community gathering locations in Chiang Mai province. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors influencing preventive behaviors.ResultsThe participants’ average age was 29.92 years; 56.8% were married, and 67.5% had completed primary or lower education. The average monthly income was &lt;10,000 THB (47.6%). Most participants had a good knowledge level of HIV (63.2%), while 80% had poor knowledge of STIs. Among the sexually active participants (n = 274), 91.2% had good preventive behavior. The multivariate analysis indicated that migrants working in non-construction or day labor roles were less likely to practice preventive behaviors (aOR = 0.210, 95% CI: 0.046–0.972, p = 0.046). Additionally, migrants who had lived in Chiang Mai for more than 10 years were less likely to engage in preventive behaviors (aOR = 0.067, 95% CI: 0.010–0.465, p = 0.006). There was a statistically significant association between preventive behaviors and a positive attitude, with an aOR of 4.575 (95% CI: 1.226–17.073, p = 0.024).ConclusionLow STI knowledge and negative attitudes toward condom use were found in this study. Culturally relevant and sensitive interventions and effective sexual health education are needed.
MLR-predictor: a versatile and efficient computational framework for multi-label requirements classification
Authors: Saleem Summra , Asim Muhammad Nabeel , Van Elst Ludger , Junker Markus , Dengel Andreas 
Published: November 2024

IntroductionRequirements classification is an essential task for development of a successful software by incorporating all relevant aspects of users' needs. Additionally, it aids in the identification of project failure risks and facilitates to achieve project milestones in more comprehensive way. Several machine learning predictors are developed for binary or multi-class requirements classification. However, a few predictors are designed for multi-label classification and they are not practically useful due to less predictive performance.MethodMLR-Predictor makes use of innovative OkapiBM25 model to transforms requirements text into statistical vectors by computing words informative patterns. Moreover, predictor transforms multi-label requirements classification data into multi-class classification problem and utilize logistic regression classifier for categorization of requirements. The performance of the proposed predictor is evaluated and compared with 123 machine learning and 9 deep learning-based predictive pipelines across three public benchmark requirements classification datasets using eight different evaluation measures.ResultsThe large-scale experimental results demonstrate that proposed MLR-Predictor outperforms 123 adopted machine learning and 9 deep learning predictive pipelines, as well as the state-of-the-art requirements classification predictor. Specifically, in comparison to state-of-the-art predictor, it achieves a 13% improvement in macro F1-measure on the PROMISE dataset, a 1% improvement on the EHR-binary dataset, and a 2.5% improvement on the EHR-multiclass dataset.DiscussionAs a case study, the generalizability of proposed predictor is evaluated on softwares customer reviews classification data. In this context, the proposed predictor outperformed the state-of-the-art BERT language model by F-1 score of 1.4%. These findings underscore the robustness and effectiveness of the proposed MLR-Predictor in various contexts, establishing its utility as a promising solution for requirements classification task.
Telehealth memory clinics in primary healthcare: real-world experiences from low-resource settings in Greece
Authors: Aggeletaki Eleutheria , Stamos Vasileios , Konidari Eleni , Efkarpidis Apostolos , Petrou Anna , Savvopoulou Kalliopi , Kontogianni Evangelia , Tsimpanis Konstantinos , Vorvolakos Theofanis , Politis Antonios , Alexopoulos Panagiotis 
Published: November 2024

BackgroundThe role of primary healthcare is pivotal in the management of the surge of dementia prevalence particularly in low-resource areas. In this study, two telehealth-based memory clinics in primary healthcare operating within the frames of the INTegRated InterveNtion of pSychogerIatric Care (INTRINSIC) are presented.MethodsThe first clinic, which is led by a general practitioner, operates at a primary healthcare center in a semi-mountainous area and closely collaborates with the geriatric psychiatry outpatient clinic of the Patras University General Hospital via a telehealth medicine platform. The second clinic is embedded at the General Hospital Center for Interconnected Psychiatric Support on the island of Syros, is led by registered nurses, and is interconnected with the geriatric psychiatry unit at the Eginition University Hospital in Athens.ResultsBoth memory clinics are in their infancy. At the general practitioner-led memory clinic, 13 beneficiaries were assessed and treated during the first 6 months of its operation. Cognitive decline and depressive and/or anxiety symptoms were detected in 10 and eight individuals, respectively. In 9 of the 27 beneficiaries of the registered nurse-led memory clinic, either mild cognitive impairment or dementia was diagnosed, while affective and/or anxiety symptoms were detected in almost all of them. Of note, only 14 beneficiaries of both clinics had received a diagnosis of a mental or neurocognitive disorder prior to their assessment at the memory clinics.ConclusionDeveloping memory clinics in primary healthcare may be a pragmatic strategy to improve access of older adults living in low-resource areas to cognitive healthcare services.
Risky sexual practices and associated factors among taxi drivers in the Finoteselam town, northwest Ethiopia, 2023: a community-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Laikemariam Melaku , Fetene Yetwale 
Published: November 2024

BackgroundRisky sexual practices among taxi drivers pose a significant threat to public health, contributing to the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV/AIDS. The nature of their profession often exposes taxi drivers to factors that increase their vulnerability to engaging in risky sexual practices. Although research on sexual health in general is readily available, studies specifically focused on this population are limited. Understanding the contributing factors behind risky sexual practices among taxi drivers is crucial to developing targeted interventions that address their unique needs and vulnerabilities.ObjectivesTo assess the prevalence and associated factors of risky sexual practices among taxi drivers in Finoteselam town, northwest Ethiopia, 2023.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among 359 taxi drivers in the Finoteselam town. Data were collected using pre-tested questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS. Bivariate and multivariable analyses were performed to identify factors associated with risky sexual practices. In the bivariate analysis, a p-value ≤ 0.25 at 95% CI was used to consider the variables in the multivariate analysis. Finally, statistical significance was declared with a p-value of less than 0.05 with a 95% CI.ResultsThe prevalence of risky sexual practices among taxi drivers was 32.9 (95% CI: 28.01, 38.7). Living alone (AOR = 3.47, 95% CI: 1.86, 6.48), taxi ownership (AOR = 2.08, 95% CI: 1.01, 4.25), neglecting the discussion of the SRH issue (AOR = 2.05, 95% CI: 1.08, 4.00), substance use (AOR = 1.56, 95% CI: 1.04, 2.09), attending night clubs (AOR = 6.04, 95% CI: 1.97, 18.55) and watching pornographic materials (AOR = 4.44, 95% CI: 2.14, 9.19) were significantly associated with risky sexual practices.Conclusions and recommendationThis study revealed a high prevalence of risky sexual practices among taxi drivers in Finoteselam town. Therefore, a comprehensive approach involving different stakeholders is required for reducing risky sexual practices. Information dissemination, awareness creation (about risks of attending nightclubs, substance use, and watching pornography), and encouraging knowledge sharing about sexual health are some of the interventions required to reduce risky sexual practices among taxi drivers.
Threatening and nurturing mental health: insights from Danish elite athletes on the dynamic interplay of factors associated with their mental health
Authors: Küttel Andreas , Storm Louise K. , Stambulova Natalia , Henriksen Kristoffer 
Published: November 2024

IntroductionNumerous factors have been identified that potentially influence athletes' mental health. Given the predominant focus in the literature on athletes' mental health risk factors, our study aimed to explore elite athletes' perceptions of factors associated with their mental health and thriving based on the combination of holistic developmental and ecological approaches.MethodsSeven Danish international elite athletes representing diverse sports were interviewed twice. The initial interview delved into their retrospective perspectives on career and mental health development, while the subsequent interview, conducted two months later, centered on recent events.ResultsThematic analysis yielded a map outlining four overarching themes. Elite sport was perceived as a (1) relentless performance context marked by rigorous demands, which evoked (2) personal reactions among athletes characterized by heightened expectations, self-blame, and anxiety. In response to these challenging demands, athletes have cultivated (3) coping resources and strategies over the course of their careers, such as self-reflection, emphasis on recovery, planning and prioritization skills, and passion for their sport. Nonetheless, the development of these resources and strategies was a gradual process, often informed by past experiences of mental health difficulties during adolescence. Additionally, they have found support for their mental health within a (4) nurturing environment consisting of supportive coaching, camaraderie among teammates, guidance from experts, and caring relationships.DiscussionThe findings of this study highlight the complex interplay of factors affecting mental health and emphasize the need for creating supportive environments that help athletes manage the intense demands of elite sport.
The development of an “Engagement in Physical Education” scale
Authors: Stringfellow Andy , Wang Chih-hsuan , Farias Claudio F. G. , Hastie Peter A. 
Published: November 2024

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a scale that assesses students' perceptions of their engagement in physical education. The scale assesses all four dimensions of engagement (agentic, cognitive, behavioral, and emotional) in order to be consistent with the contemporary notion of engagement used in current educational research.MethodA total of 231 eighth and ninth-grade students (108 boys, Mage = 14.55) completed a 21-item scale, with items taken from previously validated scales, but with an added string relating to physical education lessons. Following model respecification by the examination of standardized residual covariances to remove items, the factor loading for each of the items on the scale was examined.ResultsThe results from a confirmatory factor analysis showed that there was psychometric support for an 18-item survey in which each of the four a priori latent variables was kept in the validation of the four-factor hypothesized model. [χ2 = 226.01, df = 125, χ2/df = 1.808, GFI = .903, RMSEA (90% CI) = .061 (.048–.073)].ConclusionGiven the research on engagement within physical education has been beleaguered by the lack of a robust operational definition, this scale allows for the comprehensive measurement of the different components of engagement.
Electrocortical activity during resistance exercises in healthy young adults—a systematic review
Authors: Visser Anton , Piskin Daghan , Büchel Daniel , Baumeister Jochen 
Published: November 2024

IntroductionResistance training (RT) is known to induce both peripheral and central adaptations, resulting in enhanced strength, sports performance, and health benefits. These adaptations are specific to the training stimuli. The acute cortical mechanisms of single sessions resistance exercise (RE) are not yet understood. Therefore, this review investigates the electrocortical activity during acute RE regarding the specific RE stimuli.MethodsA systematic literature search was conducted across three databases, focusing on the acute electrocortical activity associated with the muscle contraction type, load, and volume of RE in healthy young adults.ResultsOut of an initial 1,332 hits, 19 studies were included for data synthesis. The findings from these studies show that the RE load, contraction type, and volume during RE significantly affect brain activity. The current literature exhibits methodological heterogeneity attributed to variations in study quality, differences in the location of cortical sources, the cortical outcome parameter and the use of diverse training interventions.DiscussionDespite inconsistencies in the current literature, this review highlights the need to investigate time and frequency-specific characteristics when examining electrocortical activity during RE. More research is necessary to further explore the acute cortical mechanisms related to resistance exercise. Future research could improve our understanding of acute neural responses to RE and provide insights into mechanism underlying more long-term neuroplastic adaptations to RT.
Clinical value of esketamine combined with ropivacaine in rebound pain after brachial plexus block in patients with upper limb fractures
Authors: Zhu Shiyao , Wang Dan , Gao Haiyan , Heng Lei , Shui Weikang , Zhu Shanshan 
Published: November 2024

ObjectiveTo analyze the clinical value of the combination of esketamine and ropivacaine in alleviating rebound pain in patients with upper limb fractures following brachial plexus block.MethodsA total of 149 patients with unilateral upper limb fractures who underwent open reduction and internal fixation surgery under brachial plexus block anesthesia from November 2021 to August 2022 were selected as the subjects for the study and randomly divided into the esketamine group (RNK group) and the ropivacaine group (R group). The incidence of rebound pain at 48 h postoperatively, intraoperative mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR), the onset time and duration of blockade, the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) scores for pain at rest and with activity during the perioperative period, the dosage, numbers of compressions, and effective compressions of postoperative patient-controlled analgesia with sufentanil, and occurrence of adverse reactions were assessed and compared between the two groups.ResultsThe incidence of rebound pain in the RNK group was lower than that in the R group (P &lt; 0.05). The RNK group exhibited higher MAP and HR at 5 min and 10 min after anesthesia compared to the R group (P &lt; 0.05). The RNK group had faster onset time and longer duration of sensory and motor blockade compared to the R group (P &lt; 0.05). The NRS scores at rest and with activity at 12 h and 24 h postoperatively in the RNK group were lower than those in the R group (P &lt; 0.05). The total numbers of compressions, effective numbers of compressions, and dosage of sufentanil postoperatively were lower in the RNK group compared to the R group (P &lt; 0.05). The incidence of adverse reactions in the RNK group did not differ significantly from that in the R group (P &gt; 0.05).ConclusionsThe combination of esketamine and ropivacaine demonstrates a favorable preventive effect on rebound pain in patients with upper limb fractures following brachial plexus block, which is conducive to reducing the incidence of rebound pain, shortening the onset time of blockade, and prolonging the duration of blockade.Clinical Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov, identifier (ChiCTR2100053035).
Zoonoses in dog and cat shelters in North-East Italy: update on emerging, neglected and known zoonotic agents
Authors: Mazzotta Elisa , Lucchese Laura , Corrò Michela , Ceglie Letizia , Danesi Patrizia , Capello Katia , Natale Alda 
Published: November 2024

IntroductionShelters for stray dogs and cats deserve careful monitoring for zoonotic risk, as they represent a crucial point for prevention and control of infection spread. Data sorting to prioritize zoonotic agents in a geographic area need constant updating, but no regular official programs are ongoing, to allow an efficient risk survey for these animal species. This study aimed to conduct a comprehensive investigation of the prevalence of certain known, potential and emerging zoonoses within the framework of the routine monitoring of dog and cat shelters in North-East Italy.MethodsA total of 389 cats and 257 dogs housed in public veterinary services shelters and feline colonies were included in the present investigation. The animals originated from the provinces of Padua, Venice, Rovigo, Vicenza, Verona, Trento and Bolzano. Serological, molecular and microbiological diagnostics were implemented to investigate the prevalence of Leptospira sp., Brucella canis, Leishmania infantum, dermatophytes, gastrointestinal parasites, antimicrobial-resistant bacteria, Capnocytophaga sp., Bartonella sp., Norovirus, Rotavirus A, Cowpox virus, Mammalian Orthoreovirus, Hepatitis E virus, SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza A virus.ResultsData about some known zoonoses (e.g., serological positivity of Leishmania infantum 25% and Leptospira sp. 44.3% in dogs, and Bartonella henselae 70% in cats) resulted aligned with previous research and recent reports, whereas there was a notable occurrence of some potential, emerging and neglected pathogens (e.g., Mammalian Orthoreovirus 0.38% in dogs and 2.83% in cats). For some other agents (e.g., dermatophytes in dogs and in cats) the prevalence resulted lower than expected.DiscussionThe prevention of the zoonotic risk requires a re-examination of the complex interaction between humans, animals, and environment. This is of particular importance in settings like companion animal shelters, which serve as key sites for disease monitoring and zoonotic risk mitigation. The study highlights the need to monitor and prioritize the zoonotic pathogens, to implement and constantly update surveillance and specific training programs for the kennels’ operators, and management of epidemiological risks.
Effects of fermented rice husk powder on growth performance, rumen fermentation, and rumen microbial communities in fattening Hu sheep
Authors: Cheng Yanming , Zhang Han , Zhang Jiawei , Duan Hongwei , Yin Yuyang , Li Yufeng , Mao Shengyong 
Published: November 2024

IntroductionThis study aimed to examine the effects of fermented rice husk powder feed on growth performance, apparent nutrient digestibility, and rumen microbial communities in fattening Hu sheep.MethodsTwenty-one male Hu sheep with similar body weights (32.68 ± 1.59 kg) were randomly assigned to three groups: a control group (CON) receiving a TMR with soybean straw, a rice husk powder group (RH), and a fermented rice husk powder group (FHR).ResultsThe results indicated that the FHR group exhibited a significant increase in ADG and FBW of Hu sheep compared to the other two groups (p &lt; 0.05). The digestibility of CP and EE was significantly higher in the CON and FHR groups than in the RH group (p &lt; 0.01). Furthermore, the digestibility of DM in the CON group was higher than in the FHR and RH groups (p &lt; 0.01). The FHR group showed lower NDF and ADF digestibility compared to the CON group, but higher than the RH group (p &lt; 0.05). Additionally, serum ALB and ALT levels in the CON group were elevated compared to those in the two groups (p &lt; 0.05). The rumen concentrations of TVFA, butyrate, and valerate in the FHR group were significantly elevated compared to the other two groups (p &lt; 0.05). At the genus level, the relative abundances of Rikenellaceae RC9 gut group, Succinimonas, UCG-010_norank, UCG-005, p-251-o5_norank, and Lachnospiraceae AC2044 group were significantly diminished in the FHR group compared to the CON group (p &lt; 0.05). In contrast, the relative abundance of Succinivibrio was significantly higher (p &lt; 0.05), while the abundances of Eubacterium coprostanoligenes group_norank and Quinella were significantly lower (p &lt; 0.05) in the RH group compared to the CON group. Spearman correlation analysis revealed negative correlations between the Rikenellaceae RC9 gut group and propionate, butyrate, and TVFA, as well as between Prevotellaceae UCG-003 and both propionate and TVFA. Conversely, Ruminococcus showed a positive correlation with propionate and TVFA.DiscussionIn conclusion, replacing 15% of soybean straw with fermented rice husk powder feed modified the rumen microbiota and improved the growth performance of fattening Hu sheep.