bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effects of thermalization on the performance of passively Q-switched IC-OPOs
Authors: Kneller Josh , Salimian Rizi Saeed , Flannigan Liam , Xu Chang-qing 
Published: July 2024

In this paper, we report a new model for passively Q-switched intracavity optical parametric oscillators (IC-OPOs), using Cr:YAG as a Q-switch crystal. The model considers the effects of thermalization in the Nd:YAG laser crystal, excited state absorption in the Cr:YAG saturable absorber, nonlinear loss due to pump depletion in the nonlinear crystal, the thermal lens effect and the mode overlap of the fields within the nonlinear crystal. The calculated pulse width for the 1,064 nm pump light was 6.2 ns compared to the experimental result of 6 ns, while the signal wave was calculated to have a pulse width of 1.75 ns compared to the experimental result of 2 ns. The model is shown to accurately calculate both the temporal and output power characteristics of the IC-OPO, which has not been previously reported to the best of our knowledge.
Validation of the Maslach Burnout Inventory-General Survey 9-item short version: psychometric properties and measurement invariance across age, gender, and continent
Authors: Wang Anni , Duan Yinfei , Norton Peter G. , Leiter Michael P. , Estabrooks Carole A. 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundThe Maslach Burnout Inventory-General Survey (MBI-GS) stands as the preeminent tool for assessing burnout across various professions. Although the MBI-GS9 emerged as a derivative of the MBI-GS and has seen extensive use over several years, a comprehensive examination of its psychometric properties has yet to be undertaken.MethodsThis study followed the Standards for Educational and Psychological Testing guidelines to validate the MBI-GS9. Employing a combined approach of classical test theory and item response theory, particularly Rasch analysis, within an integrated framework, the study analyzed data from 16,132 participants gathered between 2005 and 2015 by the Centre for Organizational Research at Acadia University.ResultsThe findings revealed that the MBI-GS9 exhibited satisfactory reliability and validity akin to its predecessor, the MBI-GS. Across its three dimensions, Cronbach’s α and omega coefficients ranged from 0.84 to 0.91. Notably, the MBI-GS9 displayed no floor/ceiling effects and demonstrated good item fit, ordered threshold, acceptable person and item separation and reliability, clear item difficulty hierarchy, and a well-distributed item threshold. However, the results suggested a recommended minimum sample size of 350 to mitigate potential information loss when employing the MBI-GS9. Beyond this threshold, the observed mean difference between the MBI-GS and MBI-GS9 held minimal practical significance. Furthermore, measurement equivalence tests indicated that the MBI-GS9 maintained an equivalent three-factor structure and factor loadings across various gender, age, and continent groups, albeit with inequivalent latent values across continents.ConclusionIn sum, the MBI-GS9 emerges as a reliable and valid alternative to the MBI-GS, particularly when utilized within large, diverse samples across different age and gender demographics. However, to address potential information loss, a substantial sample size is recommended when employing the MBI-GS9. In addition, for cross-cultural comparisons, it is imperative to initially assess equivalence across different language versions at both the item and scale levels.
Associations between meteorological factors and COVID-19: a global scoping review
Authors: Limaheluw Jesse , Dollmann Sophia , Folpmers Sofia , Beltrán Beut Lola , Lazarakou Afroditi , Vermeulen Lucie C. , de Roda Husman Ana Maria 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundMany respiratory viruses and their associated diseases are sensitive to meteorological factors. For SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19, evidence on this sensitivity is inconsistent. Understanding the influence of meteorological factors on SARS-CoV-2 transmission and COVID-19 epidemiology can help to improve pandemic preparedness.ObjectivesThis review aimed to examine the recent evidence about the relation between meteorological factors and SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19.MethodsWe conducted a global scoping review of peer-reviewed studies published from January 2020 up to January 2023 about the associations between temperature, solar radiation, precipitation, humidity, wind speed, and atmospheric pressure and SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19.ResultsFrom 9,156 initial records, we included 474 relevant studies. Experimental studies on SARS-CoV-2 provided consistent evidence that higher temperatures and solar radiation negatively affect virus viability. Studies on COVID-19 (epidemiology) were mostly observational and provided less consistent evidence. Several studies considered interactions between meteorological factors or other variables such as demographics or air pollution. None of the publications included all determinants holistically.DiscussionThe association between short-term meteorological factors and SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 dynamics is complex. Interactions between environmental and social components need further consideration. A more integrated research approach can provide valuable insights to predict the dynamics of respiratory viruses with pandemic potential.
Maternal smoking cessation in the first trimester still poses an increased risk of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and learning disability in offspring
Authors: Li Qiu , Cai Xiaotang , Zhou Hui , Ma Dan , Li Na 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundStudies have found maternal smoking during pregnancy was linked to attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) risk. It is unclear if maternal smoking cessation during pregnancy lowers ADHD and learning disability (LD) risk in offspring. This study aimed to explore the associations between maternal smoking cessation during pregnancy and ADHD and LD risk in offspring.MethodsData from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1999–2004 (8,068 participants) were used. Logistic regression was used to analyze the associations between maternal smoking and smoking cessation during pregnancy and ADHD and LD risk in offspring.ResultsCompared to non-smokers’ offspring, maternal smoking during pregnancy increased the risk of ADHD (odds ratios [OR] = 2.07, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.67–2.56) and LD (OR = 1.93, 95% CI: 1.61–2.31) in offspring, even if mothers quit smoking later (ORADHD = 1.91, 95%CIADHD: 1.38–2.65, ORLD = 1.65, 95%CILD: 1.24–2.19). Further analysis of the timing of initiation of smoking cessation during pregnancy revealed that, compared to non-smokers’ offspring, maternal quitting smoking in the first trimester still posed an increased risk of ADHD (OR = 1.72, 95% CI: 1.41–2.61) and LD (OR = 1.52, 95% CI: 1.06–2.17) in offspring. Maternal quitting smoking in the second or third trimester also had a significantly increased risk of ADHD (OR = 2.13, 95% CI: 1.26–3.61) and LD (OR = 1.82, 95% CI: 1.16–2.87) in offspring. Furthermore, maternal smoking but never quitting during pregnancy had the highest risk of ADHD (OR = 2.17, 95% CI: 1.69–2.79) and LD (OR = 2.10, 95% CI: 1.70–2.58) in offspring. Interestingly, a trend toward a gradual increase in the risk-adjusted OR for ADHD and LD risk was observed among the three groups: maternal quitting smoking in the first trimester, maternal quitting smoking in the second or third trimester, and maternal smoking but never quitting.ConclusionMaternal smoking cessation in the first trimester still poses an increased risk of ADHD and LD in offspring. Furthermore, it seems that the later the mothers quit smoking during pregnancy, the higher the risk of ADHD and LD in their offspring. Therefore, early intervention of maternal smoking in preconception and prenatal care is vital for offspring neurodevelopment.
HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis use during periods of unprotected sex among female sex workers in Tanga city, Tanzania: a control arm analysis of the pragmatic quasi-experimental trial
Authors: Mikomangwa Wigilya P. , Moen Kåre , Mmbaga Elia J. , Metta Emmy , Kibusi Stephen M. , Leshabari Melkizedeck T. , Kamuhabwa Appolinary A. R. , Kwesigabo Gideon 
Published: July 2024

BackgroundPre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) prevention-effective adherence is of critical importance but challenging particularly among key populations where periods of high HIV risk are frequent. We assessed the use of PrEP with reference to periods of unprotected sex among female sex workers in the city of Tanga.MethodsThis was part of the pragmatic quasi-experimental trial for HIV PrEP rollout in Tanzania involving a control cohort of 313 female sex workers aged ≥18 years recruited by respondent-driven sampling and followed for 12 months. PrEP use and periods of condomless or unprotected sex were assessed at the 6th and 12th month of follow-up. Prevention-effective adherence was defined as PrEP use of ≥2 pills/week and ≥6 pills/week for anal and vaginal condomless sex. Multivariable modified Poisson regression was conducted to determine factors influencing PrEP use (≥2 pills/week).ResultsOverall, 59.2 and 45.9% of participants had unprotected anal and vaginal sex with a client, respectively. The prevention-effective adherence for anal sex ranged from 8.0% (months 6) to 10.0% (months 12) while that of vaginal sex was from 10.1% (month 6) to 3.8% (month 12). Participants who lived with friends were 25.5 times more likely to use ≥2 PrEP doses per week than those who lived alone (aPR = 25.5; 95%CI: 2.55–255.42, p = 0.006). Compared to self-reporting poor health status, self-reporting good health status significantly increased the use of ≥2 PrEP doses per week (aPR = 17.4; 95%CI: 3.01–101.02, p = 0.001). Refusing condomless sex with a steady partner increased the likelihood of using ≥2 PrEP doses per week than accepting condomless sex with a steady partner (aPR = 11.2; 95%CI: 1.55–80.48, p = 0.017). The prevalence of using ≥2 PrEP doses per week was less among participants accepting condomless sex at high pay than those who refused (aPR = 0.1; 95%CI: 0.03–0.26, p = 0.000).ConclusionUse of PrEP during periods of unprotected sex was rare among female sex workers. Living with friends, self-reporting good health status, and refusing condomless sex with steady partners were associated with increased use of ≥2 PrEP doses per week. However, accepting condomless sex for increased payment was associated with reduced use of ≥2 PrEP doses per week. This calls for an in-depth study to understand the perspectives and circumstances shaping poor adherence during periods of unprotected sex among female sex workers.
Intergenerational engagement with Asian residents in long-term care facilities: a mixed method systematic review
Authors: Liu Hao , Topping Anne , Guo Ping 
Published: July 2024

IntroductionAsian countries are experiencing a rapid rise in their aging populations. Cognitive and physical decline associated with aging can limit social interaction. This particularly impacts on those residing in long-term care facilities and engagement with children and young people. Intergenerational engagement has known benefits on the health and wellbeing of older people, it is unclear what the impact of intergeneration engagement interventions might have on older people in Asian long-term care settings. This review aims to evaluate the effectiveness and experiences of intergenerational engagement with older people in long-term care facilities in Asia.MethodsTen databases were searched to locate empirical studies of any design published in English or Chinese from January 2000 to June 2023. The search was limited to papers reporting effectiveness and/or experiences of intergenerational engagement on older people residing in Asian long-term care settings. The protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42023413935) and followed PRISMA guidelines for reporting. A convergent design employing narrative synthesis was used to synthesize and integrate findings.ResultsFrom initial searches, 1,092 records were identified, of which 13 studies were retained for the review: 7 quantitative (including 1 randomized controlled trial, 1 cross-sectional observational design, and 5 quasi-experimental designs), 3 qualitative, and 3 mixed methods. Included studies were of variable quality. Quantitative evidence revealed that intergenerational engagement reduced depression (4.47 vs. 8.67, p = 0.005), negative emotions (14.11 vs. 16.56, p = 0.030), and feelings of loneliness (p &lt; 0.01) among older people; and increased quality of life (mean change = −1.91; 95% CI = −3.18, −0.64) and strengthens interpersonal interactions (p = 0.025). Qualitative insights suggested that intergenerational engagement could foster emotional bonds, enhance intergenerational relationships, promote lifelong learning, satisfy social needs and improve older peoples’ overall quality of life. However, some challenges such as language differences and noise levels can hinder successful implementation of intergenerational engagement.ConclusionThis review indicates that intergenerational engagement can reduce depression and loneliness, improve quality of life, and strengthen social bonds for older individuals in Asian long-term care facilities. Despite some challenges, the evidence underlines its potential to meet the emotional and social needs of older people. Recognizing and addressing delivery challenges is essential for effective implementation.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42023413935, identifier: CRD42023413935.
Short-term pain for long-term gain? A longitudinal meta-analysis of downsizing-financial performance relationships
Authors: Steel Piers , House Alyson 
Published: July 2024

IntroductionDownsizing, and the mass layoff upheavals that ensue, has been euphemistically referred to as a short-term pain, long-term gain strategy. But is that so? Do its financial outcomes over time justify the short-run harm? And, to what extent has its adoption been driven by economic or social rationales over time?MethodsTo examine these questions, we conducted the most comprehensive meta-analysis on downsizing-financial performance relationships to date, summarizing a total of 905 effect sizes. Using a new meta-analytic method multi-level longitudinal meta-analysis (MLLMA) we analyze temporal dimensions of these relationships.ResultsResults for downsizing adoption suggest shifting rationales over time, from a defensive response to decline in the 1980s, to a socially legitimate management convention in the 1990s, and back to a defensive response in the 2000s. Short-run market outcomes mirror these shifting rationales, with more negative reactions to defensive downsizing. Across a diverse range of lead/lag times and moderators, we find many negative and heterogeneous performance outcomes. Most importantly, little long-term gain is found.DiscussionOur MLLMA helps to address prior criticisms on the lack of temporality in extant downsizing research, while many equivocal relationships, despite almost 40 years of downsizing research, illustrate that considerable avenues for future research remain.
Microbiome variations induced by delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol predict weight reduction in obese mice
Authors: Kaye Avi , Rusling Matthew , Dhopeshwarkar Amey , Kumar Parhesh , Wagment-Points Lauren , Mackie Kenneth , Yuan Li-Lian 
Published: July 2024

IntroductionObesity and high-fat diets induce consistent alterations in gut microbiota composition. Observations from epidemiological reviews and experiments also illustrate weight regulation effects of delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) with microbiome shifts. Therefore, we investigated the weight-loss potential of THC in obese mice models and to elucidate the contribution of specific gut microbiome changes in THC-induced weight loss.MethodsHigh-fat diet induced obese mice were treated with oral THC supplementation for two weeks and compared with controls. In addition to measuring weight, fecal samples were obtained at various timepoints, sequenced for bacterial 16s rRNA content and analyzed using QIIME2. Alpha and beta diversity were computed followed by linear mixed effects (LME) modeling of bacterial relative abundance relationship to THC treatment and weight change.ResultsIn both male and female mice, the THC group had significantly greater average weight loss than controls (−17.8% vs. −0.22%, p&lt;0.001 and −13.8% vs. +2.9%, p&lt;0.001 respectively). Male mice had 8 bacterial taxonomic features that were both significantly different in relative abundance change over time with THC and correlated with weight change. An LME model using three bacterial features explained 76% of the variance in weight change with 24% of variation explained by fixed effects of feature relative abundance alone. The model also accurately predicted weight change in a second male mouse cohort (R=0.64, R2=0.41, p=&lt;0.001). Female mice had fewer significant predictive features and were difficult to model, but the male-produced 3-feature model still accurately predicted weight change in the females (R=0.66, R2=0.44, p&lt;0.001).ConclusionUsing a stepwise feature selection approach, our results indicate that sex-specific gut microbiome composition changes play some role in THC-induced weight loss. Additionally, we illustrated the concept of microbiome feature-based modeling to predict weight changes.
Costly, confusing, polarizing, and suspect: public perceptions of plant- based eating from a thematic analysis of social media comments
Authors: Eckert Katherine F. , Douglas Sabrina , Zhang Flora , Brauer Paula , Duncan Alison M. , Haines Jess 
Published: July 2024

IntroductionA key approach to fostering more sustainable food systems involves shifting dietary patterns towards increased plant-based eating. However, plant-based eating remains low among Canadians. The objective of this research was therefore to explore public perceptions of plant-based eating in a Canadian context.MethodsA qualitative design was used to analyze social media comments posted on Canadian news source Facebook articles between January 16th, 2019 – July 16th, 2020. Investigating perceptions of plant-based eating on social media may capture a broader sample of the population than can be captured using other qualitative methods. Template analysis, a type of codebook thematic analysis, was used to generate themes and subthemes using NVivo software.ResultsNine articles were selected for inclusion and a total of n = 4,918 comments were collected. Five themes and 19 subthemes related to plant-based eating were generated and presented with quotations. Themes included: (1) The ethics of food; (2) The affordability and accessibility of food; (3) Distrust of food system stakeholders; (4) Beliefs related to dietary behavior, health, and the environment; and (5) Sensory aspects of plant-based proteins.DiscussionFindings suggest that addressing food affordability and accessibility, increasing public food literacy, using non-judgmental approaches, and increasing food system transparency and communication may be strategies to foster plant-based eating. Results of this study provide insight for the development of more effective public health messaging about plant-based eating and help inform future research and interventions to address barriers related to plant-based eating and promote consumption.
Initial experience of ureteric visualization using methylene blue during laparoscopy for gynecological surgery
Authors: Shao Ruyu , Shen Faquan , Soleymani majd Hooman , Qin Xiaoqing , Yao Desheng , Long Ying , Wang He , Wei Yousheng , Chang Xin 
Published: July 2024

ObjectivesIatrogenic ureteral injury is a severe surgical complication, with a highest incidence of 1.5% in gynecological surgeries. The purpose of this report is to document our initial experience with using methylene blue (MB) to label the ureter in gynecological laparoscopic surgeries and to explore its effectiveness and safety. This is also a novel description of simultaneously visualizing ureteral MB fluorescence and sentinel lymph nodes (SLN's) Indocyanine Green (ICG) fluorescence using the same camera.MethodsThis study included patients undergoing gynecological laparoscopic surgeries, with the same surgeon performing all cases. During the early stages of each surgery, rapid intravenous infusion of MB was administered. For cases requiring SLN imaging, we also injected ICG solution into the cervix. Assessment of the included cases was conducted both intraoperatively and postoperatively. The group that had MB fluorescence (Group A) was compared to a control group that did not have it (Group B).ResultsA total of 25 patients (Group A) received MB during surgery, demonstrating 45 ureters clearly, with an imaging success rate of 90%. Continuous and clearer fluorescence imaging was achieved in cases with ureteral hydronephrosis. In most patients, ureteral fluorescence was visible 15–20 min after intravenous infusion of MB, and 64% still exhibited fluorescence at the end of the surgery. In patients who had both ICG and MB, dual fluorescence imaging was achieved clearly. Among the included cases, there were no iatrogenic ureteral injuries (0%), which we observed to be lower than in patients who did not receive MB (1.3%). The rate of adverse events was similar in both groups.ConclusionUsing MB fluorescence is an effective and safe method of visualizing the ureters during gynecological surgeries, and can diminish iatrogenic ureteral injury without increased associated adverse events. It therefore may offer promising prospects for clinical application.
Importância da análise físico-química e microbiológica da água para o consumo humano
Authors: Henrique Thainá Gonçalves , Tavares Victória Hellen Nicácio Dias , Diniz Cícera Lais Ferreira , Andreza Marli Nascimento dos Santos , Ferreira Maria Thayná Nascimento , Dantas José Valdemir da Silva , Santana Willma José de 
Published: July 2024

A água ao longo da história humana, teve as suas necessidades de uso alteradas, a tecnologia possibilitou a criação de padrões de qualidade mais exigentes e determinou os volumes necessários para as diversas atividades. O objetivo deste estudo é demonstrar a importância das análises de Água para a saúde e bem estar da população, verificando os procedimentos para realização das análises, bem como dados que comprovem a qualidade e segurança de águas destinadas ao abastecimento. Trata-se de uma revisão integrativa da Literatura. O levantamento dos dados se deu a partir de artigos publicados entre 2019 à 2023 e indexados no banco de dados Scientific Eletronic Library Online (SCIELO); Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS), utilizando os seguintes descritores: Água para consumo humano, análises físico-químicas, análise microbiológica e padrões de potabilidade. Com o uso do operador Booleano AND e foi utilizado o instrumento Preferred Reporting Iterns (PRISMA), para demonstrar de maneira mais explicita a busca e seleção dos estudos. Com base nos artigos escolhidos, foi elaborado um quadro contendo dados sobre os autores, incluindo o ano de publicação, o título do artigo, a publicação na revista em questão e um resumo sucinto dos tópicos abordados. Pode-se afirmar que os conceitos de tratamento análise e potabilidade estão interligados, sendo necessário tomar medidas para garantir o abastecimento público a fim de evitar a classificação de risco potencial de vetores de doenças, sendo indispensável a revisão de procedimentos para a proteção da água durante todo o processo de distribuição e armazenamento.