bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Construction and empirical of ICU patient follow-up model based on symptom management theory: a quasi-randomized controlled trial study protocol
Authors: Li Qinqin , Yao Li , Wang Tingshu , Wang Tingrui , Liu Yan 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIntroductionWith the gradual improvement of medical treatment and nursing, more and more patients are successfully transferred out of the ICU. However, intensive care unit (ICU) survivors often experience long-term physical, cognitive, and psychological problems, and their family members also experience physical and psychological dysfunction, summarized as post-intensive care syndrome (PICS), affecting their health-related quality of life. Post-ICU follow-up can improve post-ICU syndrome in patients and their families, but the optimal mode of post-ICU follow-up remains uncertain. The purpose of this study was to build a follow-up model of ICU patients based on symptom management theory.Methods and analysisThis study is a quasi-randomized controlled trial that will be conducted in multiple ICUs at one hospital in China, with patients enrolled from January 2024 to December 2024 and followed for 6 months. We expect to enroll 180 ICU patients. The primary outcome measure was the incidence of post-ICU syndrome (PICS) after ICU transfer, and the secondary outcome measure was the incidence of PCS-F, health economics evaluation, and patient/family satisfaction.Ethics and disseminationThe protocol was approved by the research ethics committee of the Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University (2023 ethical review No. 061). The results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at national and international scientific conferences to publicize the research to healthcare professionals, health service authorities and the public.Strengths and limitations of this studyThe strength of this study is that this project adopts systematic and scientific research methods, and the ICU post-follow-up model built on the basis of symptom management theory aims to provide patients with the required, predictable and whole-course ICU post-follow-up service, which is helpful to meet the needs of patients under the realistic situation of limited medical resources, and is conducive to improving the utilization efficiency of medical resources. It is of great significance to optimize medical service system.In the process of clinical implementation of randomized controlled trials, there are many resistance and force majeure factors, and ICU patients are especially special, and they are still in a weak state after being transferred out of ICU, and the implementation of randomized controlled trials is very difficult. Based on this, this study adopts experimental research.This study was only conducted in one hospital in Guizhou, China, which may have some limitations and should be expanded in the future.The nature of the intervention does not allow blinding of study personnel and eligible patients at ICUs.
Traditional Healers’ Knowledge, Attitudes, and Perceptions About Tuberculosis and Collaboration with the Conventional Health System in the Kereyu Pastoralist Area of Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Sima Bezawit Temesgen , Belachew Tefera , Bjune Gunnar , Abebe Fekadu 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBackgroundTraditional Healers (THs) hold significant roles in many developing countries, often sought for ailments like tuberculosis (TB). However, their knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) regarding TB, particularly in Ethiopia’s pastoralist areas, remains unexamined. This study evaluates THs’ KAP on TB and their perceptions to collaborate with conventional health systems on TB control.MethodA cross-sectional survey was conducted among THs in Kereyu, Ethiopia from September 2014 to January 2015. Using a semi-structured questionnaire, 268 THs were interviewed. Health Extension workers helped identify the THs.ResultsOf the 268 participants, 80.6% were male. 97.4% were aware of TB (locally “dukubba soombaa”), with 80.2% associating its cause to proximity with a TB patient. Coughing for over two weeks was identified as a primary TB symptom by 87.35%. However, 66.4% displayed limited biomedical knowledge on TB. A notable 38.4% associated TB with sadness and hopelessness, while 47.8% utilized plant-based remedies for treatment. Impressively, 86.2% expressed willingness to collaborate with conventional health services for TB control.ConclusionThe THs had limited biomedical knowledge and some misconceptions about TB. Despite providing traditional medicine to treat TB, their readiness to collaborate with established health systems is promising. Thus, Ethiopian TB control initiatives should consider integrating THs via targeted training and health education interventions.
Mutational alterations in the QRDR regions associated with fluoroquinolone resistance inPseudomonas aeruginosaof clinical origin from Savar, Dhaka
Authors: Arefin Md. Shamsul , Mitu Meftahul Jannat , Mitu Shomaia Yasmin , Noorjahan Azmeri , Mobin Mir , Nahar Shamsun , Anjum Hasnain , Rahman M. Hasibur 
Published: April 2024

AbstractBacterial DNA gyrase and topoisomerase IV are the major targets of quinolone antibiotic, and mutational alterations in quinolone resistance determining regions (QRDR) serve as major mechanism of resistance in most bacterial species, includingP. aeruginosa. The present investigation was aimed to study the molecular mechanism of fluoroquinolone resistance among clinicalP. aeruginosaisolated from Dhaka, including alterations in target sites of the antimicrobial action.Laboratory collection of 53P. aeruginosawere subjected to conventional cultural and biochemical characterization, followed by molecular identification using 16S rDNA sequencing. Susceptibility to ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin was tested by disc diffusion method followed by MIC assay. Resistant isolates were analyzed for mutation in their QRDR regions ofgyrAandparC, and subjected to PCR detection of plasmid mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) genesqnrA, qnrS and qnrB.Among the isolates, 28% were found to be resistant to both fluoroquinolones tested. All of the fluoroquinolone resistant isolates carried a single mutation ingyrA(Thr-83-Ile), while 20% carried a singleparCmutation (Ser-87-Leu). Higher level of MIC was observed in isolates carrying alterations at both sites. None of the isolates harbored any PMQR genes investigated, suggesting that chromosomal mutations in QRDR regions to be the major contributing factor for quinolone resistance inP. aeruginosaunder investigation.
Estimating the impact of single-cell RNA sequencing of human tissues on drug target validation
Authors: Dann Emma , Teeple Erin , Elmentaite Rasa , Meyer Kerstin B , Gaglia Giorgio , Nestle Frank , Savova Virginia , de Rinaldis Emanuele , Teichmann Sarah A 
Published: April 2024

AbstractWhilst the use of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to understand target biology is well established, its predictive role in increasing the clinical success of therapeutic targets remains underexplored. Inspired by previous work on an association between genetic evidence and clinical success, we used retrospective analysis of known drug target genes to identify potential predictors of target clinical success from scRNA-seq data. We investigated whether successful drug targets are associated with cell type specific expression in a disease-relevant tissue (cell type specificity), and with cell type specific over-expression in disease patients compared to healthy controls (disease cell specificity). Analysing scRNA-seq data across diseases and tissues, we found that both cell type and disease cell specificity are features enriched in targets entering clinical development, and that cell type specificity in the disease-relevant tissue is robustly predictive of target progression from Phase I to II. While scRNA-seq analysis identifies a larger and complementary target space to that of direct genetic evidence, its association with specificity and drug approval appears less clear. We discuss how further expansion and harmonization of single-cell datasets, more sophisticated integration of this data in target discovery, and improved methods for tracking clinical trial outcomes could enhance our ability to leverage scRNA-seq insights in drug development in future.
Field flattening concepts for linac cavities of the cross-bar
H
type
Authors: Almomani Ali M. , Ratzinger Ulrich 
Published: April 2024

The development of cross-bar H-type cavities (CH-DTL, H21 mode) is ongoing to improve the technology of this attractive type of drift tube linac (DTL). In comparison with the conventional DTL, the H-type cavities can reach a higher effective field gradient and are competitive in shunt impedance at an energy range up to 100 A MeV. H-mode DTL’s profit in shunt impedance additionally when applying the KONUS beam dynamics. They are in use at research laboratories as well as at hospitals. This paper describes a new concept to approach the zero mode in CH-type cavities, by extending the cavity diameter at the tank ends in combination with tilted drift tube stems. RFQs of the four-vane type are operated as well in the H210 mode and the strategy for voltage flattening can be partly applied there too if conventional vane undercuts are causing problems. Up to around 35 MeV, it is attractive to integrate one or more triplet lenses into each cavity, as one KONUS section is relatively short and would not exploit the full rf power of 3 MW klystrons which are available above 300 MHz. Such a cavity is denoted as a coupled CH-cavity CCH. Three possible arrangements of those internal triplet lenses are discussed and are compared to each other. The operating modes as well as higher modes are then compared with a lens-free CH cavity, where the lens position was filled by ordinary drift tubes. As a result, it is shown that the rf behavior and resonance frequency for the higher harmonics of the frequency band are very similar for all four investigated arrays. This means, that the tuning behavior of the CCH cavity can be simply deduced from the lens-free CH cavity by replacing an even number of ordinary drift tubes (nβλ) with a lens-containing drift tube with adequate length and large outer diameter. This large drift tube itself oscillates like an Alvarez-type drift tube. rf simulations on a 30-gap CH cavity show that the reduction in shunt impedance is about 10% when installing a lens with length 2 beta lambda.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
How to help students learn: An investigation of how in- and pre-service physics teachers respond to students’ explanations
Authors: Dodlek Danijela , Planinsic Gorazd , Etkina Eugenia 
Published: April 2024

Research carried out through the last 20 years gave us undeniable evidence that to learn anything we need to be active participants, not passive observers. One of the important aspects of learning physics is constructing explanations of physical phenomena. To support and guide students toward constructing their explanations, teachers need to be attentive and responsive to students’ explanations. To learn how physics teachers interpret and respond to students’ explanations we investigated pre- and in-service physics teachers’ responses to students’ written explanations of their answers to a complex physics problem. The survey administered to the participants included the problem statement and four authentic student explanations. The participants were asked to identify each student’s strengths and weaknesses and to provide a response to that student. We found that while the participants were successful in identifying productive and problematic aspects of student reasoning, they rarely built on student reasoning when responding to the students, mostly focusing on addressing problematic aspects. The paper discusses why this finding is important for physics teacher preparation programs and professional development programs.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Empirical assessment of the impacts of Sino-African cross border relations in the construction industry: a Confirmatory Factor Analysis approach
Authors: Akinshipe Olushola , Ikuabe Matthew , Adekunle Samuel Adeniyi , Aigbavboa Clinton 
Published: April 2024

PurposeIt is no news that Chinese construction companies are highly motivated to invest in Africa in terms of infrastructure and construction. This influx from the beginning of the millennium marked a game-changer for infrastructural development in most African countries. This study, therefore, explores how the partnership between China and Africa has impacted the construction industry in Africa with a focus on Nigeria.Design/methodology/approachA quantitative approach was adapted for the study, which is descriptive in nature, and the primary participants of the study were core construction professionals within the Nigerian construction industry. Data was collected via a structured questionnaire, and multivariate statistics was used to analyse the data.FindingsThe study results revealed that the benefits accrued from Chinese participation in the African construction industry can be classified into three distinct categories: socio-economic development through construction, land transportation system development and construction industry development. The study further revealed that Chinese involvement has been most beneficial to the development of the land transportation system in Nigeria with more investment in the construction and maintenance of roads and railways.Originality/valueThe study will serve as a basis for making informed future decisions on Chinese participation in the Nigerian construction industry as it exposes the impacts of the relationship within the current system. The outcome of this study can be used to refocus the partnership to ensure the optimum development of the local construction industry. The government and other relevant agencies can use the findings from this study to ensure that there is sustainable growth in the local construction industry through Chinese participation.
Dynamic dependency between health-care sector and Islamic industry: before, during and after COVID-19 lockdown evidences
Authors: Braiek Sana , Ben Said Houda 
Published: April 2024

Purpose
This study aims to empirically explore and compare the dynamic dependency between health-care sector and Islamic industries before, during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach
Time-varying student-t copula is used for before, during and after COVID-19 periods. The data used are the daily frequency price series of the selected markets from February 2017 to October 2023.

Findings
Empirical results found strong evidence of significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the dependence structure of the studied indexes: Co-movements between various sectors are certain. The authors assist also in the birth of new dependence structure with the health-care industry in response to the COVID-19 crisis. This reflects the contagion occurrence from the health-care sector to other sectors.

Originality/value
By specifically examining the Islamic industry, this study sheds light on the resilience, challenges and opportunities within this sector, contributing novel perspectives to the broader discourse on pandemic-related impacts on economies and industries. Also, this paper conducts a comprehensive temporal analysis, examining the dynamics before, during and after the COVID-19 lockdown. Such approach enables an understanding of how the relationship between the health-care sector and the Islamic industry evolves over time, accounting for both short-term disruptions and long-term effects. By considering the pre-pandemic context, the paper adopts a longitudinal perspective, enabling a deeper understanding of how historical trends, structural factors and institutional frameworks shape the interplay between the health-care sector and the Islamic industry.
Dysfunctional behaviours in the Ghanaian public service: can spirituality and ethics offer solutions?
Authors: Kumasey Anthony Sumnaya , Hossain Farhad , Mamman Aminu , Delle Eric 
Published: April 2024

PurposeConcerns regarding the dysfunctional behaviours of public officials have sparked renewed interest in public service ethics and spirituality. While national and organizational systems have been established to eliminate dysfunctional behaviours such as corruption, sexual harassment and misuse of confidential information, the practice continues to have a demoralizing impact on developing countries. The study aims to intend to investigate the empirical relation between the application of spirituality and ethics in reducting dysfunctional behaviours within Ghana's Public Sector.Design/methodology/approachThe study conducted a qualitative case analysis that utilized 28 semi-structured interviews and four focus groups. Interviews and group discussions with public sector staff, managers and policymakers were used to collect qualitative data. This approach facilitated an in-depth investigation into their views on dysfunctional actions and the possible impact of workplace spirituality and ethics in the Ghanaian public service.FindingsThe study uncovered a persistent recurrence of dysfunctional behaviours, such as fraudulent activities, resource misuse, unofficial work and inappropriate use of official time. There was uncertainty regarding the effectiveness of integrating ethics and spirituality to curtail dysfunctional behaviours. Nevertheless, the results supported adopting spiritual and ethical rejuvenation in the public service as a universal solution to overcome these behaviours.Originality/valueThis study enhances comprehension of dysfunctional behaviours in Ghana's public service by providing insights into how spirituality and ethics can transform it. The potentials of workplace spirituality and ethics can lead to a strong public service that embodies accountability, integrity and effectiveness, thereby serving as a pivotal device for Ghana's holistic advancement.
Why do athletes consume luxury brands? A study on motivations and values from the lens of theory of prestige consumption
Authors: Akoğlu Halil Erdem , Yildiz Kadir , Kumar Sushant 
Published: April 2024

PurposeAlthough extant literature exists on luxury consumption, limited studies have focused on motivation and values to consume luxury brands among athletes. The study aims to uncover the motivations that guide athletes’ decision-making processes to consume luxury brands.Design/methodology/approachThe study utilized the theory of prestige consumption to develop a model. The model posits that bandwagon, snob and veblen motivations guide athletes to seek social and conspicuous values in their consumption of luxury brands. A survey-based questionnaire approach was used to collect data from 343 athletes from Turkey by considering brands from different product categories.FindingsFindings indicated that bandwagon and veblen motivations are associated with social and conspicuous values. The findings also suggested that bandwagon, snob and veblen motivation are positively associated with luxury consumption intentions. Also, the social and conspicuous values of athletes determine their intentions to consume luxury. The mediating effects of social and conspicuous values are also confirmed.Originality/valueThe study's findings are first to empirically examine the influence of motivations on social and conspicuous value among athletes. The results show that the luxury consumption motivations of the athletes have a strong role in their intention to purchase luxury products. The findings also offer novel managerial implications.
Evaluating the knowledge and use of property technology among property academics in Australian universities
Authors: Abidoye Rotimi Boluwatife , Adilieme Chibuikem Michael , Ahiadu Albert Agbeko , Alamoudi Abood Khaled , Adegoriola Mayowa Idakolo 
Published: April 2024

PurposeWith the increased demand for the application of technology in property activities, there is a growing need for property professionals adept in using digital technology. Hence, it is important to assess the competence of academia in equipping property professionals with digital technology skills. This study, therefore, assesses property academics in Australian universities to identify their level of knowledge and use of digital technology applicable to the property industry.Design/methodology/approachOnline questionnaire surveys were administered to 22 out of 110 property academics contacted through the Australia Property Institute (API) database to achieve this aim. The collected data were analysed using mean score ranking and ANOVA.FindingsThe study found that apart from databases and analytics platforms such as Corelogic RP data, price finder and industry-based software such as the Microsoft Office suite and ARGUS software, the academics were not knowledgeable in most identified and sampled proptech tools. Similarly, most proptech tools were not used or taught to the students. It was also found that early career academics (below five years in academia) were the most knowledgeable group about the proptech tools.Research limitations/implicationsRelying on the API database to contact property academics potentially excludes the position of property academics who may not be affiliated or have contacts with API, hence, the findings of this study should be generalised with caution.Practical implicationsThe study bears huge implications for the property education sector and industry in Australia; a low knowledge and use of nascent tools such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, blockchain, drones, fintech, which have received intense interest, reveals some level of skill gap of students who pass through that system and may need to be upskilled by employers to meet the current day demand.Originality/valueIn response to the clamour for technology-inclined property professionals, this paper presents itself as the first to assess the knowledge levels and application of digital technology by property academics.
Implementation of blockchain for sustainable solar energy trading: a systematic review
Authors: Ranasinghe Diyana Sheharee , Rodrigo Navodana 
Published: April 2024

PurposeBlockchain for energy trading is a trending research area in the current context. However, a noticeable gap exists in the review articles focussing on solar energy trading with blockchain technology. Thus, this study aims to systematically examine and synthesise the existing research on implementing blockchain technology in sustainable solar energy trading.Design/methodology/approachThe study pursued a systematic literature review to achieve its aim. The data extraction process focussed on the Scopus and Web of Science (WoS) databases, yielding an initial set of 129 articles. Subsequent screening and removal of duplicates led to 87 articles for bibliometric analysis, utilising VOSviewer software to discern evolutionary progress in the field. Following the establishment of inclusion and exclusion criteria, a manual content analysis was conducted on a subset of 19 articles.FindingsThe results indicated a rising interest in publications on solar energy trading with blockchain technology. Some studies are exploring the integration of new technologies like machine learning and artificial intelligence in this domain. However, challenges and limitations were identified, such as the absence of real-world solar energy trading projects.Originality/valueThis study offers a distinctive approach by integrating bibliometric and manual content analyses, a methodology seldom explored. It provides valuable recommendations for academia and industry, influencing future research and industry practices. Insights include integrating blockchain into solar energy trading and addressing knowledge gaps. These findings advance societal goals, such as transitioning to renewable energy sources (RES) and mitigating carbon emissions, fostering a sustainable future.