bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Professional skills on the spiritual dimension. A mixed methods evaluation of a multicomponent intervention for nursing home teams
Authors: Fruneaux Niecky , Persoon Anke , Bronkhorst Ewald , Engels Yvonne 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background: Moving to a nursing home has a major existential impact on the lives of residents and their relatives. In particular, healthcare professionals who have daily contact with residents have many opportunities to pay attention to existential and spiritual issues. We aimed to increase awareness of the spiritual dimension to understand how healthcare professionals evaluate their spiritual competencies, which coaching questions they have and which spiritual skills can be observed in daily practice after a multicomponent intervention, comprising training, team intervision and individual coaching on the job.
Methods: To implement the intervention in two nursing home teams, we performed action research. The participants were mainly certified nurse assistants and client support workers. The training was evaluated with the Spiritual Care Competency Scale (SCCS). Paired-samples t-tests were used to compare the sum scores of the scales of the pre- and posttests of the SCCS (n=24 participants). Thematic analysis was used to analyse the different coaching questions. Observations during individual coaching-on-the-job were analysed via deductive content analysis.
Results: The sum scores of the scales and subscales significantly increased between the pre- and posttests. The awareness of participants’ own role in contact with residents was mentioned frequently in the coaching questions. Increased awareness of one’s role in contacts was also reported. Additionally, participants without specific coaching questions appreciated the feedback. [NF1] These observations provide valuable insight into the application of different spiritual skills: aligning, connecting and deepening. Many different actions in response to residents’ needs are observed when healthcare professionals pay attention to what is particularly important.
Conclusions: Increasing SCCS scores indicate that the intervention improved spiritual competencies. Trainingand individual coaching were helpful for increasingawareness and translating theories and tools during the daily work of healthcare professionals in a nursing home.
[NF1]Even iets over toevoegen in discussie en conclusie
Global prevalence and risk factors of multidrug resistance Escherichia coli in human and animal samples (2015-2023): A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Tirusew Sema , Destaw Damtie , Abas Mohammad 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance has emerged as a critical global concern. Escherichia coli, a prominent Gram-negative bacterium, present significant challenges in infection management due to its adaptive resistance mechanisms. Found naturally in the gastrointestinal tracts of humans and animals, E. coli strains are increasingly resistant to antibiotics worldwide, necessitating urgent intervention strategies. This study aimed to assess the global prevalence and risk variables linked to multidrug-resistant E. coli in human and animal samples via systematic review and meta-analysis. We searched databases like Google Scholar, Scopus and Medline (PubMed) for relevant publications from January 2015 to April 2023. These studies reported on multidrug-resistant E. coli prevalence and associated risk factors. Articles were selected based on predefined criteria. Results were presented with 95% confidence intervals in forest plots, tables, and figures. Heterogeneity was assessed using the inconsistency index (I2). Random-effects model Comprehensive meta-analysis software calculated pooled prevalence and risk factor estimates. The combined prevalence of multidrug-resistant E. coli was estimated at 36.5% (95% CI: 24.6–50.3), showing significant heterogeneity (I2 = 99.13%). Risk variables like length of hospital stay and past history of antibiotic usage have been linked to increased multidrug resistance in E. coli, according to a pooled study of 23 researches that satisfied the meta-analysis eligibility criteria. The pooled odds ratio for risk factors was 1.266 (95% CI: 0.804–1.992), with notable heterogeneity (I2 = 85.92%). Additionally, the odds ratio for prior antibiotic usage was 1.326 (95% CI: 0.837–2.102), and for length of hospital stay, it was 1.162 (95% CI: 0.340–3.973). This study and meta-analysis highlight global concerns regarding antibiotic resistance, particularly the increasing prevalence of multidrug-resistant E. coli. Key-independent risk factors identified include the duration of hospital stays and prior antibiotic use. Effective management and prevention strategies for drug resistance in E. coli and other bacteria should depend on identifying and addressing these risk factors.
Acetylation of STX17 promotes its cytosol-to-autophagosome sorting by myosin Ⅵ
Authors: Zheng Pengli , Zhou Chenqian , Li Peiyang , Wang Jingzi , Tian Xiaoyu , Liu Bei , Teng Junlin , Chen Jianguo 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Autophagy is a fundamental process for maintaining cell homeostasis, and STX17-mediated autophagosome-lysosome fusion is essential for cargo degradation and recycling. The translocation of STX17 to the autophagosomal membrane is necessary for the fusion, yet the mechanism governing this process remains largely unknown. Here, we show that the cytosolic, but not membrane-inserted, STX17 translocates onto autophagosomes during autophagy. Following starvation, STX17 is acetylated at lysine 254 (K254) which is accessible only in cytosolic STX17, and this promotes the autophagosomal translocation of STX17 and subsequent autophagosome-lysosome fusion. The cytosolic acetyltransferase GCN5 mediates STX17 K254 acetylation, which is counteracted by the deacetylase SIRT1. Moreover, autophagosomal translocation of K254-acetylated STX17 is mediated by myosin Ⅵ. Therefore, our research proposes the cytosolic source of autophagosomal STX17 and highlights the importance of acetylation and F-actin-based motor proteins in autophagosome-lysosome fusion.
Brain metabolic-functional (de)coupling: from health to glioma dysfunction
Authors: Vallini Giulia , Baron Giorgia , Silvestri Erica , Volpi Tommaso , Vlassenko Andrei , Goyal Manu , Chiuso Alessandro , Cecchin Diego , Corbetta Maurizio , Bertoldo Alessandra 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

The intricate interplay between metabolism and neuronal function plays a pivotal role in facilitating the human brain's adaptive engagement in cognitively demanding processes1. Although many studies have examined the large-scale coupling between glucose metabolism, using [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose PET, and resting-state fMRI activity, they often overlook the BOLD signal's sensitivity to hemodynamic confounders and the brain's dynamic nature2–6. To address these limitations, we propose using effective connectivity, decomposing it into a symmetric partial covariance, capturing the “true” statistical dependencies between two regions after controlling for all other regions, and an antisymmetric differential covariance, revealing the directional flow of brain dynamics. Here we investigate the neuro-metabolic associations governing brain function, demonstrating that partial covariance is related to metabolic connectivity2, i.e., the relationship between metabolic signals of different brain areas, while node directionality relates to standardized uptake value ratio, a proxy for local glucose consumption. Moreover, we show how the nature of the effective-metabolic (de)coupling is tied to the anatomical location of brain tumors, reinforcing the notion that glioma progression induces multimodal dysfunctions.
This study pioneers the characterization of the mechanisms underlying brain metabolism and the associated functional behaviour during resting-state, in both physiological and pathophysiological conditions.
Underwater localization system for marine seismic air gun arrays validated through robotics
Authors: Jurado Ulises Tronco , Wilson Peter , Blondel Philippe , Bartin Andrew , Walker-Doyle Greg 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Marine ocean mapping of the seafloor and subsurface has been applied globally for commercial and scientific purposes. In ocean exploration, air guns are the most commonly adopted marine seismic source due to several advantageous characteristics and operability considerations. However, factors such as harsh ocean environment conditions and high compressed air pressure (~ 13 MPa) released by air guns during operation cause downtime and low-quality data acquisition during marine surveys. Therefore, developing a system that can track the position of an air gun in real-time operation is critical. For this reason, this research work focuses on an alternative underwater system for tracking the trajectory position of an air gun in operation, developed and tested; this system comprises an integrated low-cost inertial/acoustic sensor system employing sensor fusion aiming to acquire high-quality seismic data. The system comprises an inertial motion unit (IMU), a low-cost high-performance acoustic modem and a depth sensor. An extended Kalman filter using a robot operating system (ROS) was utilized for the development of the localization algorithm. The precision of the proposed air gun localization system is within the precision range of 0.2-3 m of the most common localization system based on 2 GPS antennas used to detect air guns. Within the maximum allowable positioning error of 2 m for air gun strings, the tolerances for seismic data acquisition are acceptable. These findings are promising for the future integration of the system into air gun arrays to facilitate real-time trajectory position estimation during marine seismic surveys. As a result, the integration of the trajectory position estimates of air guns into marine seismic data acquired during surveys is expected to enhance the quality of the data. This will have a direct impact on reducing marine seismic exploration times and reducing the effects that could be potentially caused, due to long marine surveys in marine life.
Recycling textile waste through pulp and paper technologies
Authors: Desnoes Eric , Lagloire Merveille , Arnaud Benjamin , Deshaies Pascale , Castellanos Wendy Rodriguez , Venne Camille , Bideau Benoit 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Recovered textile scraps have been successfully converted into a pulp slurry for moulded pulp and papermaking applications. Thus, textile fibres morphology has been investigated at different refining time, from 30 to 120 minutes. Fiber length was reduced from 1.2mm to 0.5mm. In addition, textile refining increased fines fibers proportion from 9.2–24.5% and fibre fibrillation from 3.0–3.7%. Later, sets of handsheets were produced with various refining time. Textile pulp refining increased the resulting sheet mechanical properties. Consequently, burst index was increased from 1.2 to 7.6 kPa.m2/g and the tear index was increased from 6.5 to 21.8mNm2/g. However, after 90min of refining, textile handsheets demonstrated lower mechanical strength due to over refining. Over refining resulted in fibre length reduction and a high fines fibers content. Through refining, it was observed that the dyes on the recovered textiles was leaking. The b* value (blueness) was reduced with refining from − 22.2 to -18.6. Subsequently fixing dyes on fibres with pulp and paper fixatives products were investigated. Thus, white water absorbance at λ = 273 nm was reduced from 0.64 to 0.10 using these agents. The refined pulp was later used to manufacture moulded pulp products to demonstrate a possible industrial application for textile residues recovery.
The Status of Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response in the War-Ridden Tigrai, Ethiopia: A descriptive study benchmarking the Competency Framework
Authors: Weldu Meresa Gebremedhin , Adhana Mache Tsadik , Asgedom Akeza Awalom , Woldearegay Haftom Gebrehiwot , Tequare Mengistu Hagazi , Gebrekidan Gebregziabher Berihu , Bereket Tedros , Ebrahim Mohamedawel Mohamednigus , Meles Gebrekiros Gebremichael , Berhe Abadi Kidanemariam , Tesfau Yemane Berhane , Gebretsadik Gebremedhin Gebreegzabiher , Berhe Muzey Gebremichael , Gebretnsae Hailay , Debesay Micheale Hagos , Esayas Rieye , Ameha Mebrahtom Hafte , Hidru Hagos Degefa 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background: Public health emergency preparedness and readiness stand for quickly obtaining and effectively using relevant information and resources to improve the efficiency of emergency response to minimize harm and negative impacts. Ethiopia has been used to pursue health emergency procedures for decades; however, there is a paucity of scientific evidence. This study aimed to assess public health emergency preparedness and response benchmarking in the competency framework within the local context during the postwar period in Tigrai, Ethiopia.
Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional study was carried out using semi-structured piloted interviewer-administered tools extracted from the core domains of the competency framework to collect the necessary data. The study included 110 randomly selected health institutions (primary hospitals, N=9; health centers, N=23; health posts, N=54; and district health offices, N=24. An Open Data Kit was used to collect the data, which were then exported to SPSS version 27 for data analysis. Finally, the overall status of preparedness and readiness was classified as low if the percentage score was 33%-66.6% and high if it was 66.7%-100%. The data are presented in text narratives, graphs and tables.
Results: More than half (53.1%) of the district health offices, 54.6% of the primary hospitals, and 52.2% of the health centers in the study area have no specific health emergency plans. Similarly, more than half (53.1%) of the districts, 52.2% of the health centers and 66.6% of the primary hospitals did not report outbreak-prone diseases. More than fifty-six percent of the health centers, 59.4% of the districts and almost two-thirds (66.6%) of the primary hospitals reported that they failed to investigate and treat the outbreaks observed in the study area.
Conclusions: The current findings revealed that primary health care units, along with district health offices, were challenged in maintaining basic health emergency preparedness and readiness. Disease surveillance, readiness and response with a collaborative and coordinated action of the region and stakeholders was unacceptably low. Thus, strengthening supervision, proper health emergency planning, digitalizing swift reporting activities and establishing functional regional links through intensified training of health professionals at all levels of health services are recommended.
Analysis of the Dynamic Behavior of Onboard Rotors in Non-Linear Regimes Under the Influence of Parametric Uncertainties
Authors: Trevilato Thales RB , Cavallini Aldemir , Steffen Valder 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

In recent decades, a significant advance in the understanding of the dynamic behavior of rotors has been observed, including the capacity to model and forecast the physical behavior of these systems. The emergence of novel applications seeks to optimize performance and cost-effectiveness maintaining safe operating conditions and pushing rotating systems to their limits. Therefore, this contribution presents a combined numerical and experimental investigation of the nonlinear behavior exhibited by rotating systems subjected to base excitations. A comprehensive model incorporates nonlinear behavior resulting from large displacements as derived from the Lagrange's equations and the finite element (FE) method. The deterministic model is extended to encompass bearings with stochastic stiffness. A rotating machine with a flexible shaft, a rigid disk, and supported by two bearings is evaluated. A dedicated test bench was used to compare the vibration responses obtained by using the implemented mathematical model with the experimental measurements. The obtained results demonstrate the representativeness of the considered FE model.
Morphoanatomy and leaf biomass production in Espeletia standleyana A.C.Sm. and Espeletia santanderensis A.C.Sm. in a Northeastern Colombian paramo
Authors: Reyes Jimmy , Murcia Miguel , Rada Fermín , Mantilla Emoelio , Ochoa Patricia 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

To characterize the spatial segregation of two Espeletia standleyana and E. santanderensis populations, in a paramo in Northeastern Colombia (3350 m), the adaptive responses in each of their corresponding microclimates were studied. Their anatomical, morphofunctional and leaf biomass characteristics were determined and compared. The depth of the stomatal crypts, number of vascular bundles, leaf and peduncle xylem vessel diameters, thickness of the mesophyll, leaf area, rosette height and diameter, leaf water content, leaf area index and leaf biomass were significantly higher in E. standleyana (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, diameter of the vascular bundles, width of stomatal crypts, number of leaves, specific leaf area and percentage of sclerophylly were higher in E. santanderensis (P < 0.05). Leaf biomass was estimated from the leaf area index for the two species, suggesting the latter as an efficient measure of productivity. Multifactorial segregation indicated highly differential expressions in their morphofunctional and leaf biomass characteristics, evidencing adaptations to their microhabitats. E. standleyana showed xeromorphic characters in response to the greater ambient fluctuations typical of the paramo. While E. santanderensis responded with scleromorphic traits related to lower soil organic matter and water content, characteristic of the high Andean forest-paramo ecotone. The high spatial heterogeneity of the paramos allows the development of microclimatic and edaphic mosaics that determine population segregation of these growth forms.
IntroductionQuality of Life and its associated factors among Patient with Dementia Caregivers: A Cross-Sectional Study in Geriatric Clinic, Hospital Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Authors: Manaf Mohd Rizal Abdul , Firdaus Misra Helma , Ter Nur Fairuz Md 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Dementia is major cause of disability and dependency in patients around the world. The studies report a high level of burden in caring for patient with dementia (PWD), especially in the Malaysian culture-norm. This study aimed to assess the four domains of Quality of Life (QoL) of caregivers for PWDs in Kuala Lumpur.
Methods
A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 202 dementia caregivers recruited from the Geriatric Memory Clinic at Hospital Kuala Lumpur. The WHO QoL -BREF Malay version was used to assess the participants' QoL. Multivariate regression models were conducted to establish predictors of caregivers QoL, including caregivers’ sociodemographic characteristics.
Results
Male caregivers, working, and had stable monthly income had better median QoL scores in all three domains physical 69.00 (25.00), psychological 69.00 (32.00), social 72.00 (44.00), and environment 69.00 (44.00) with p-value (< 0.005). Caregivers in the public and private sectors are a major predictor of QoL score, with an adjusted coefficient of ‘high score’ ranging from 0.24 to 0.25 for environmental QoL and ‘lower score’ for the Chinese race, with an adjusted coefficient of -0.22 for environmental QoL. Caregivers such as female, spouses, lower education, provided care for a longer period and unemployed experienced a higher level of physical, emotional, social, and environmental distress leads to a lower QoL.
Conclusions
The current study provides important insights into the QoL of caregivers for PWDs in Malaysia. Factors positively influencing the four domains of QoL include being male, having a relative relationship with the patient, working in the private sector, and collaborating with a spouse in caregiving responsibilities. Conversely, being female, serving as a spouse caregiver, identifying as Chinese or Hindu, and providing care for a longer duration are associated with a decrease in QoL. In the context of Malaysia's unique cultural and social landscape, it is essential to recognize and address the challenges faced by caregivers. Supporting caregivers through educational programs and resources that enhance their physical, psychological, social, and environmental well-being is critical for improving QOL outcomes associated with caregiving for individuals with dementia.
Whole genome-sequence analysis of Bacillus subtilis strain KC14-1 with broad-spectrum antibacterial activity
Authors: Li Xiaowei , Chen Yanhan , Yang Shunyi , Zhou Yi , Yang Chengde 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Bacillus is utilized as a biological control agent in agricultural production. The main mechanisms accountable for the biocontrol activity encompass the generation of various antifungal active substances during life activities, competition, antagonism with pathogens, promotion of growth and induction of plant resistance, thereby enhancing the inhibition of pathogenic fungi. It is regarded as having high biological control potential and has turned into a research hotspot.
Results
We found that strain KC14-1 had significant inhibitory effects on Fusarium Fujikuroi, Rhizoclonia Solani, Alternaria Solani, Fusarium oxysporum and Valsa mali. Based on morphological observations, physiological and biochemical determinations, and 16S rRNA, gyrA, and gyrB gene sequencing, strain KC14-1 was identified as Bacillus subtilis. Whole gene sequencing results showed that the genome of strain KC14-1 was composed of a ring chromosome 3908079 bp in size, with a GC content of 43.82%, and 3895 coding genes. Anti-SMASH predicted that the genome of strain KC14-1 contained nine gene clusters that synthesised antibacterial substances. The homology between fengycin, bacillibactin, pulcherriminic acid, subtilosin A, and bacilysin was 100%.
Conclusion
The biocontrol potential of Bacillus subtilis KC14-1 was determined through whole-genome analysis. Our study provides a solid foundation for the development and utilisation of this strain.
Optimizing Ambulance Location Based on Road Accident Data in Rwanda Using Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Bahati Gatembo , Masabo Emmanuel 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
The optimal placement of ambulances is critical for ensuring timely emergency medical responses, especially in regions with high accident frequencies. In Rwanda, where road accidents are a leading cause of injury and death, the strategic positioning of ambulances can significantly reduce response times and improve survival rates. The national records of Rwanda reveal a rising trend in the number of road accidents and deaths. In 2020, there were 4203 road traffic crashes throughout Rwanda with 687 deaths, data from 2021 demonstrated 8639 road traffic crashes with 655 deaths. Then in 2022 national statistics indicated 10,334 crushes with 729 deaths. The study used emergency response and road accident data collected by Rwanda Biomedical Centre in two fiscal years 2021–2022 and 2022–2023 consolidated with the administrative boundary of Rwandan sectors (shapefiles).
Methods
The main objective was to optimize ambulance locations based on road accident data using machine learning algorithms. The methodology of this study used the random forest model to predict emergency response time and k-means clustering combined with linear programming to identify optimal hotspots for ambulance locations in Rwanda.
Results
Random forest yields an accuracy of 94.3%, and positively classified emergency response time as 926 fast and 908 slow. K-means clustering combined with optimization technique has grouped accident locations into two clusters and identified 58 optimal hotspots (stations) for ambulance locations in different regions of Rwanda with an average distance of 10840.59 meters of ambulance station to the nearest accident location.
Conclusion
Machine learning may identify hidden information that standard statistical approaches cannot, the developed model for random forest and k-means clustering combined with linear programming reveals a strong performance for optimizing ambulance location using road accident data.