bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Strikes of physicians and other health care workers in sub-Saharan African countries: a systematic review
Authors: Manguele Alexandre Lourenço Jaime , Sidat Mohsin , Ferrinho Paulo , Cabral António Jorge Rodrigues , Craveiro Isabel 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionStrikes in the health sector have been of growing concern, given their disruptive nature, negatively impacting the provision of health care and jeopardizing the well-being of patients. This study aims to identify the main actors, the reasons behind industrial actions protests, strikes and lockouts (IAPSL) in sub-Saharan African countries and their impact on health care workers (specifically doctors) and health services, as well as to identify the main strategies adopted to reduce their impact on healthcare services.MethodsStudies published between January 2000 and December 2021 and archived in MEDLINE, Google Scholar, Scopus, ProQuest, and Science Direct were included. Quantitative, observational (i.e., cohort, case-control, cross-sectional, and ecological) and experimental studies, as well as mixed methods, quasi-experimental, and qualitative studies were eligibleResultsA total of 5521 studies were identified and after eliminating duplicates, applying the inclusion criteria, and assessing the risk of bias, a total of 11 studies were included in the review. Nurses and doctors are the actors most commonly involved in strikes. The main causes of strikes were salary claims and poor working conditions. The main strategies adopted to mitigate the strike consequences were to restrict services and prioritize emergency and chronic care, greater cooperation with the private sector and rearrange tasks of the available staff. The strikes led to a reduction in hospitalizations and in the number of women giving birth in health units, an increase in maternal and child morbidities and delays in the immunization process. Increased mortality was only reported in faith-based hospitals.DiscussionThis evidence can assist decision-makers in developing strategies and interventions to address IAPSL by health care workers, contributing to strengthen the health system. Strikes in the health sector disrupt healthcare services provision and compromise the well-being of patients, especially the most disadvantaged, with consequences that may be difficult to overcome ever. The potential health impacts of strikes highlights the importance of their prevention or timely resolution through regulation and negotiations to balance the rights of health care workers and the rights of patients.Systematic review registrationhttps://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=334173, identifier CRD42022334173.
“The ban is there, but it is not there”: perceptions of cigarette users and tobacco vendors regarding ban on the sale of loose cigarettes in India
Authors: Sakhuja Mayank , Macauda Mark M. , Thrasher James F. , Hebert James R. , Pednekar Mangesh S. , Gupta Prakash C. , Friedman Daniela B. 
Published: May 2024

IntroductionBanning the sales of loose cigarettes is recommended by Article 16 of the World Health Organization – Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. This study aims to understand the perceptions of cigarette users and tobacco vendors regarding such a ban.MethodsUsing a systematic recruitment and interview protocol, we interviewed cigarette users (n = 28) and tobacco vendors (n = 28) from two Indian cities where sales of loose cigarettes were banned (Mumbai) or not banned (Delhi). Separate semi-structured interview guides were used for users and vendors. Interview questions focused on reasons for purchasing loose cigarettes, preference for buying and selling loose vs. packs, thoughts on the necessity of banning loose cigarettes, and the perceived impact of the policy ban for vendors and cigarette users. We performed thematic analysis and used NVivo for organizing transcript coding.ResultsThe main reasons users cited for purchasing loose cigarettes were financial constraints, social restrictions (fear of getting caught), and limiting cigarette consumption. In Mumbai, awareness of the existing ban was poor among both users and vendors. Those who were aware did not think the policy had been implemented. Users thought that loose cigarettes promoted smoking initiation and prevented them from quitting. Both users and vendors reported that a ban on loose cigarettes would reduce cigarette consumption and promote quit attempts as it would not be possible for everyone to purchase packs because of financial and social reasons.ConclusionUsers in both cities reported easy access to and widespread availability of loose cigarettes. Low awareness of the ban in Mumbai suggested inadequate enforcement. A country-wide ban on the sale of loose cigarettes could be highly effective in preventing smoking initiation and promoting quitting.
Social mass gathering events influence emergency medical services call volume
Authors: Kienbacher Calvin Lukas , Herkner Harald , Alemu Feven , Rhodes Jason M. , Al Rasheed Norah , Aldeghaither Ibrahem , Barnawi Esam , Williams Kenneth Alan 
Published: May 2024

BackgroundPrior literature suggests that mass gathering events pose challenges to an emergency medical services (EMS) system. We aimed to investigate whether events influence EMS call rates.Materials and methodsThis study is a retrospective review of all primary response ambulance calls in Rhode Island (US) between January 1st, 2018 and August 31st, 2022. The number of EMS calls per day was taken from the state’s EMS registry. Event data was collected using a Google (Google LLC, Mountain View, CA) search. We used separate Poisson regression models with the number of ambulance calls as the dependent and the social event categories sports, agricultural, music events, and public exhibitions as independent variables. All models controlled for the population at risk and the period of the COVID−19 pandemic. Results are presented as increases or decreases in calls per 100,000 inhabitants from the mean over the study period.ResultsThe mean number of daily EMS calls was 38 ± 4 per 100,000 inhabitants. EMS encountered significantly more missions on days with music events (+3, 95% CI [2; 3]) and public exhibitions (+2, 95% CI [1; 2]). In contrast, days with agricultural events were associated with fewer calls (−1, 95% CI [−1; 0]). We did not find any effect of sports events on call rates.ConclusionIncreased ambulance call volumes are observed on days with music events and public exhibitions. Days with agricultural events are associated with fewer EMS calls.
Enhancing bladder cancer diagnosis through transitional cell carcinoma polyp detection and segmentation: an artificial intelligence powered deep learning solution
Authors: Borna Mahdi-Reza , Sepehri Mohammad Mehdi , Shadpour Pejman , Khaleghi Mehr Farhood 
Published: May 2024

BackgroundBladder cancer, specifically transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) polyps, presents a significant healthcare challenge worldwide. Accurate segmentation of TCC polyps in cystoscopy images is crucial for early diagnosis and urgent treatment. Deep learning models have shown promise in addressing this challenge.MethodsWe evaluated deep learning architectures, including Unetplusplus_vgg19, Unet_vgg11, and FPN_resnet34, trained on a dataset of annotated cystoscopy images of low quality.ResultsThe models showed promise, with Unetplusplus_vgg19 and FPN_resnet34 exhibiting precision of 55.40 and 57.41%, respectively, suitable for clinical application without modifying existing treatment workflows.ConclusionDeep learning models demonstrate potential in TCC polyp segmentation, even when trained on lower-quality images, suggesting their viability in improving timely bladder cancer diagnosis without impacting the current clinical processes.
Flow in human-robot collaboration—multimodal analysis and perceived challenge detection in industrial scenarios
Authors: Prajod Pooja , Lavit Nicora Matteo , Mondellini Marta , Falerni Matteo Meregalli , Vertechy Rocco , Malosio Matteo , André Elisabeth 
Published: May 2024

Introduction: Flow state, the optimal experience resulting from the equilibrium between perceived challenge and skill level, has been extensively studied in various domains. However, its occurrence in industrial settings has remained relatively unexplored. Notably, the literature predominantly focuses on Flow within mentally demanding tasks, which differ significantly from industrial tasks. Consequently, our understanding of emotional and physiological responses to varying challenge levels, specifically in the context of industry-like tasks, remains limited.Methods: To bridge this gap, we investigate how facial emotion estimation (valence, arousal) and Heart Rate Variability (HRV) features vary with the perceived challenge levels during industrial assembly tasks. Our study involves an assembly scenario that simulates an industrial human-robot collaboration task with three distinct challenge levels. As part of our study, we collected video, electrocardiogram (ECG), and NASA-TLX questionnaire data from 37 participants.Results: Our results demonstrate a significant difference in mean arousal and heart rate between the low-challenge (Boredom) condition and the other conditions. We also found a noticeable trend-level difference in mean heart rate between the adaptive (Flow) and high-challenge (Anxiety) conditions. Similar differences were also observed in a few other temporal HRV features like Mean NN and Triangular index. Considering the characteristics of typical industrial assembly tasks, we aim to facilitate Flow by detecting and balancing the perceived challenge levels. Leveraging our analysis results, we developed an HRV-based machine learning model for discerning perceived challenge levels, distinguishing between low and higher-challenge conditions.Discussion: This work deepens our understanding of emotional and physiological responses to perceived challenge levels in industrial contexts and provides valuable insights for the design of adaptive work environments.
The validity and reliability of the My Jump 2 app for measuring vertical stiffness in male college players
Authors: Wang Yizhang , Wang Xintang , Luan Chenglin , Shan Wei , Gong Lijing 
Published: May 2024

BackgroundVertical stiffness (Kvert) can be used to evaluate sports performance and injury risk in players. The My Jump 2 smartphone application (App), is increasingly being used by researchers, coaches, and players in the competitive sports field. We aimed to analyze the reliability and concurrent validity of the My Jump 2 app for measuring Kvert in male college players.MethodsTwenty male college players (10 soccer players, 10 basketball players; age, 20.2 ± 1.3 years old; weight, 76.4 ± 6.0 kg; height, 178.3 ± 4.7 cm) volunteered to take part in this study. Three drop jumps were performed by participants from 30 cm to 40 cm on a force platform and retested after three days. All the jumps were recorded by both the Force platform and the My Jump 2 app. Data obtained from the above two devices were compared using the paired t tests, intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), coefficient of variation (CV), Pearson product moment correlation coefficient (r), Bland-Altman plots, and one-way regression.ResultsThere was almost perfect agreement between measurement instruments for the Kvert value (ICC &gt; 0.972, 95% CI = 0.954–0.992, P &lt; 0.01). Almost perfect agreement was observed between evaluators (ICC &gt; 0.989, 95% CI = 0.981–0.997, P &lt; 0.05). Also, the My Jump 2 app showed excellent intra-rater reliability in all participants (ICC = 1.000, 95% CI = 1.000–1.000, P &lt; 0.001). The My Jump 2 showed good variability when measuring Kvert at T1 30 cm (CV = 5.4%), T1 40 cm (CV = 6.7%), T2 30 cm (CV = 5.0%), and T2 40 cm (CV = 10.3%). The test-retest reliability of My Jump 2 was moderate to good at 30 cm (ICC = 0.708, 95% CI = 0.509–0.827); however, it was lower to moderate at 40 cm (ICC = 0.445, 95% CI = 0.222–0.625). Very large correlations were observed between the force platform and the My Jump 2 for Kvert (r &gt; 0.9655, P &lt; 0.001).ConclusionThe My Jump 2 smartphone application showed excellent reliability and intra-rater consistency in measuring Kvert in male college players. While demonstrating excellent intra-rater consistency and strong agreement with force platform measurements, it showed slightly lower reliability at higher jump heights. Overall, the My Jump 2 app is a valid tool for evaluating Kvert in college players with careful consideration of its limitations, particularly at higher jump heights.
Initial experience with robotic technology for thoracic surgery using the da Vinci Xi system in Tibet, China
Authors: Ping Ni , Baoguo Zhou , Renqing Zhaxi , Shaodong Wang 
Published: May 2024

ObjectiveAlthough the robotic surgical system has accumulated rich experience in the development of thoracic surgery, its application in Tibet area is relatively late. We report our experience concerning da Vinci Xi system in thoracic surgery and observe its practicability and surgical effect.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed 26 patients who underwent robotic thoracic surgery including: twelve lung resection, two esophagectomies, ten mediastinal surgeries and two rib mass resection. The data of patient characteristics, operative time, perioperative complications were collected.ResultsOf the 26 patients, 22 cases were completed with da Vinci system successfully, including 7 segmentectomies, 4 lobectomies, 1 subsegmentectomy, 2 esophagectomies, 10 mediastinal surgeries (6 thymic resections, 3 posterior mediastinal tumor resection, 1 mediastinal cyst resection) and 2 rib mass resection. In which, 3 cases of lung resection begun with robotic technique were converted to thoracoscopic surgery (due to calcification of hilar lymph node), 1 case of bilobectomy was converted to thoracotomy due to thoracic adhesion. All the operations went well and no patients need blood transfusion. All patients had satisfactory postoperative recovery.ConclusionIt is safe, reliable and effective to carry out robotic thoracic surgery on the plateau. On the premise of carefully and seriously discussing the indications of surgery, we should actively carry out the application of da Vinci robotic surgery system in Tibet Plateau.
Racial and Socioeconomic Disparities in Complex Abdominal Wall Reconstruction Referrals
Authors: Holland Alexis M. , Mead Brittany S. , Lorenz William R. , Scarola Gregory T. , Augenstein Vedra A. 
Published: May 2024

Background: Health disparities are pervasive in surgical care. Particularly racial and socioeconomic inequalities have been demonstrated in emergency general surgery outcomes, but less so in elective abdominal wall reconstruction (AWR). The goal of this study was to evaluate the disparities in referrals to a tertiary hernia center.Methods: A prospectively maintained hernia database was queried for patients who underwent open ventral hernia (OVHR) or minimally invasive surgical (MISR) repair from 2011 to 2022 with complete insurance and address information. Patients were divided by home address into in-state (IS) and out-of-state (OOS) referrals as well as by operative technique. Demographic data and outcomes were compared. Standard and inferential statistical analyses were performed.Results: Of 554 patients, most were IS (59.0%); 334 underwent OVHR, and 220 underwent MISR. IS patients were more likely to undergo MISR (OVHR: 45.6% vs. 81.5%, laparoscopic: 38.2% vs. 14.1%, robotic: 16.2% vs. 4.4%; p &lt; 0.001) when compared to OOS referrals. Of OVHR patients, 44.6% were IS and 55.4% were OOS. Patients’ average age and BMI, sex, ASA score, and insurance payer were similar between IS and OOS groups. IS patients were more often Black (White: 77.9% vs. 93.5%, Black: 16.8% vs. 4.3%; p &lt; 0.001). IS patients had more smokers (12.1% vs. 3.2%; p = 0.001), fewer recurrent hernias (45.0% vs. 69.7%; p &lt; 0.001), and smaller defects (155.7 ± 142.2 vs. 256.4 ± 202.9 cm2; p &lt; 0.001). Wound class, mesh type, and rate of fascial closure were similar, but IS patients underwent fewer panniculectomies (13.4% vs. 34.1%; p &lt; 0.001), component separations (26.2% vs. 51.4%; p &lt; 0.001), received smaller mesh (744.2 ± 495.6 vs. 975.7 ± 442.3 cm2; p &lt; 0.001), and had shorter length-of-stay (4.8 ± 2.0 vs. 7.0 ± 5.5 days; p &lt; 0.001). There was no difference in wound breakdown, seroma requiring intervention, hematoma, mesh infection, or recurrence; however, IS patients had decreased wound infections (2.0% vs. 8.6%; p = 0.009), overall wound complications (11.4% vs. 21.1%; p = 0.016), readmissions (2.7% vs. 13.0%; p = 0.001), and reoperations (3.4% vs. 11.4%; p = 0.007). Of MISR patients, 80.9% were IS and 19.1% were OOS. In contrast to OVHR, MISR IS and OOS patients had similar demographics, preoperative characteristics, intraoperative details, and postoperative outcomes.Conclusion: Although there were no differences in referred patients for MISR, this study demonstrates the racial disparities that exist among our IS and OOS complex, open AWR patients. Awareness of these disparities can help clinicians work towards equitable access to care and equal referrals to tertiary hernia centers.
إعادة الهيكلة(الماهية والنطاق الشخصي) دراسة تحليلية مقارنة في التشريعين الإماراتي والمصري
Authors: كميل طارق عبد الرحمن 
Published: May 2024

الأهداف: يهدف هذا البحث إلى بيان ماهية إجراء إعادة هيكلة المدين المتعثر كاَلية لإنقاذه من الصعوبات التي قد تؤدي به إلى الإنهيار، حيث تم بيان المقصود من إعادة الهيكلة في التشريعين الإماراتي والمصري وكذلك التعريفات التي وضعها الفقه لإعادة الهيكلة، كما تم بيان أوجه الشبه والاختلاف بينها وبين الإجراءات المشابهة لها (إعادة التنظيم المالي والصلح القضائي والصلح الواقي من الإفلاس)،كما تم بيان نطاق تطبيق أحكام إعادة الهيكلة من حيث الأشخاص الذين تسري عليهم تلك الإجراءات، وكذلك الذين يحق لهم تقديم طلب إجراء إعادة الهيكلة.المنهج: تم الإعتماد على المنهج الوصفي التحليلي المقارن، وذلك من خلال استقراء النصوص المنظمة لإعادة الهيكلة في كل من القانون الإماراتي والقانون المصري وتحليلها ودراستها دراسة مستفيضة محمكة بهدف الوصول إلى أفضل النتائج فيما يخص بيان ماهية إعادة الهيكلة والنطاق الشخصي لتلك الوسيلة.النتائج:يمكن تلخيص أهم النتائج التي تم توصل إليها بما يلي:1- أن الهدف من تنظيم إعادة الهيكلة، تحقيق التوازن بين مصلحة المدين المتعثر والاعتبارات الاقتصادية والاجتماعية للدولة. 2- تعامل المشرع الإماراتي بمرونة عند تحديد نطاق تطبيق أحكام إعادة الهيكلة من حيث الأشخاص، حيث حدد خمس فئات أربعة منها أشخاص معنوية خاصة وعامة تتخذ شكل شركة، وفئة خاصة بالتجار الأفراد، ومن بين تلك الشركات الشركات المدنية ذات الطابع المهني المرخصة (دون الأفراد)، وذلك على خلاف المشرع المصري الذي أبقى على النظرة التقليدية التي كانت سائدة في قواعد نظام الإفلاس الملغي. الخاتمة: تبين ان إعادة الهيكلة إجراء قانوني يتم مباشرته تحت إشراف المحكمة المختصة لإنقاذ المدين المتعثر، كما أنه إجراء يتمتع بخصوصية تميزه عن الإجراءات الأخرى المشابهة له من حيث الهدف، وتم التوصل إلى العديد من النتائج والتوصيات التي تهم موضوع البحث.
إشكالية الاعتراف القانوني بنظام الذكاء الاصطناعي المُخترِع ـ دراسة مقارنة
Authors: عبده محمد مرسي 
Published: May 2024

الأهداف: تهدف هذه الدراسة التأصيلية إلى الكشف بوضوحٍ عن عجز قوانين الملكية الصناعية أمام معالجة الاختراعات التي تتوصل إليها أنظمة الذكاء الاصطناعي المستقلة، وذلك بالتركيز على الجدل القانوني المثار بشأن مدى أهلية أنظمة الذكاء الاصطناعي لاكتساب صفة المخترع. وقد اعتمدت الدراسة على المنهج التحليلي المقارن، حيث تعرضنا بالشرح والتحليل للنصوص القانونية المقارنة والقرارات الصادرة من مكاتب البراءات المختلفة والأحكام القضائية ذات الصلة؛ كمحاولة فقهية للوصول إلى اليقين القانوني بشأن اختراعات أنظمة الذكاء الاصطناعي. وتوصلنا بالدراسة إلى عدة نتائج، لعل أهمها: 1) أن الاختراعات المستنبطة بوساطة أنظمة الذكاء الاصطناعي حقيقة واقعية لابد من مواجهتها تشريعياً. 2) أن الأنشطة الابتكارية المستقلة لأنظمة الذكاء الاصطناعي لم تعالجها تشريعات الملكية الصناعية الحالية نظراً لحداثتها. 3) أن مكاتب براءات الاختراع لدى الدول المختلفة لا تعترف سوى بالمخترع البشري فقط. 4) أن أحكام القضاء الصادرة في هذا الشأن استبعدت الاعتراف بالذكاء الاصطناعي كمخترع في براءة الاختراع. وهو ما جعلنا نوصي بضرورة تعديل بعض نصوص قوانين الملكية الصناعية المرتبطة بصفة المخترِع، بحيث تمنح تلك الصفة – بضوابط أوضحناها في الدراسة - إما لمبتكر نظام الذكاء الاصطناعي أو لمشغله إذا أثبت أنه صاحب النشاط الابتكاري الذي أوصل النظام الذكي إلى ابتكارٍ مؤهلٍ للحماية القانونية ببراءة الاختراع.
الاستقطاع الجبري لرواتب موظفي إقليم كوردستان العراق - الأسباب والحلول
Authors: مراد خيري إبراهيم 
Published: May 2024

الأهداف: تهدف هذه الدراسة إلى بيان ما الأزمة الاقتصادية والمالية التي يمر بها إقليم كوردستان العراق والتي بدأت في صيف عام 2014، وما هي الأسباب التي أدت إليها، ثم نحاول أن نضع الحلول والمعاجات المالية والقانونية من أجل إنهاء هذه الأزمة. هذه الدراسة تضع أمام الحكومة بعض الحلول والمعالجات إذا اتبعتها، فإني أرى وبتواضع أنها تستطيع أن تخرج من عنق الزجاجة. المنهج: اعتمدت هذه الدراسة المنهج الوصفي وكذلك المنهج التحليلي من خلال طرح هذه المشكلة البحثية وتوصيفها وإيجاد الحلول لها. النتائج: لم تكن حكومة الإقليم بفرض الادخار موفقة كونها استندت في ذلك إلى قرار إداري حكومي وليس على أساس قانون مشرع من قبل برلمان إقليم كردستان. ونعتقد أن المشكلات المالية والاقتصادية التي واجهها الإقليم بسبب العجز الكبير الذي حصل لديه من قلة الإيرادات وزيادة الإنفاق اضطر إلى معالجة ذلك من خلال فرض الادخار الإجباري. الخاتمة: خلصت الدراسة إلى أن حكومة إقليم كوردستان الموقرة إذا أخذت بهذه الدراسة، فأستطيع القول وبلا غرور أنه يمكن بمرور فترة زمنية تتراوح من خمس سنوات إلى عشر سنوات أن تخرج من هذه الأزمة وتصل إلى بر الأمان.
EFISIENSI INDUSTRI PENGOLAHAN DAGING SAPI DI KOTA TARAKAN
Authors: Devi Charitin 
Published: May 2024

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk : (1) Mengetahui nilai efisiensi dari 4 UMKM industri pengolahan daging sapi di Kota Tarakan; (2) Menentukan DMU mana yang menjadi patok ukur efisen terhadap UMKM yang inefisien; Â (3) Mengetahui selisih nilai input dan nilai output dari UMKM efisien terhadap UMKM yang inefisien Penelitian ini menggunakan data primer yang didapatkan dari interview 4 UMKM industri pengolahan daging sapi di Kota Tarakan dan menggunakan software EMS (Efficiency Measurement System) untuk mendapatkan nilai efisiensi. Berdasarkan pengolahan data yang telah dilakukan mendapatkan hasil bahwa UMKM 1 menghasilkan nilai efisiensi 100% dalam arti kegiatan produksi yang dilakukan telah efisien. Sedangkan UMKM 2, 3 dan 4 inefisien dengan nilai masing-masing di bawah dari 100% yaitu 91,44%; 61,67%; 65,84%. Dari keempat DMU dalam penelitian yang dijadikan patok ukur (benchmarks) adalah DMU 1. Untuk DMU 2 nilai input dan output adalah sebesar nilai input dan output DMU 1 masing-masing dikalikan 0,50 yaitu Rp. 43.258.000 dan Rp. 70.000.000; DMU 3 dapat mencapai nilai efisien jika jika input dan output adalah sebesar nilai input dan output DMU 1 masing-masing dikalikan 0,03 yaitu Rp. 2.595.480 dan Rp. 4.200.000; DMU 4 dapat mencapai nilai efisien jika jika input dan output adalah sebesar nilai input dan output DMU 1 masing-masing dikalikan 0,02 yaitu Rp. 1.730.320 dan Rp. 2.800.000.