bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Thoracic Impedance Pneumography–Derived Respiratory Alarms and Associated Patient Characteristics
Authors: Bawua Linda K. , Miaskowski Christine , Suba Sukardi , Badilini Fabio , Rodway George W. , Hu Xiao , Pelter Michele M. 
Published: September 2022

Background
Respiratory rate (RR) alarms alert clinicians to a change in a patient’s condition. However, RR alarms are common occurrences. To date, no study has examined RR alarm types and associated patient characteristics, which could guide alarm management strategies.

Objectives
To characterize RR alarms by type, frequency, duration, and associated patient demographic and clinical characteristics.

Methods
A secondary data analysis of alarms generated with impedance pneumography in 461 adult patients admitted to either a cardiac, a medical/surgical, or a neurological intensive care unit (ICU). The RR alarms included high parameter limit (≥30 breaths/min), low parameter limit (≤5 breaths/min), and apnea (no breathing ≥20 s). The ICU type; total time monitored; and alarm type, frequency, and duration were evaluated.

Results
Of 159 771 RR alarms, parameter limit alarms (n = 140 975; 88.2%) were more frequent than apnea alarms (n = 18 796; 11.8%). High parameter limit alarms were most frequent (n = 131 827; 82.5%). After ICU monitoring time was controlled for, multivariate analysis showed that alarm rates were higher in patients in the cardiac and neurological ICUs (P = .001), patients undergoing mechanical ventilation (P = .005), and patients without a ventricular assist device or pacemaker (P = .02). Male sex was associated with low parameter limit (P = .01) and apnea (P = .005) alarms.

Conclusion
High parameter limit RR alarms were most frequent. Factors associated with RR alarms included monitoring time, ICU type, male sex, and mechanical ventilation. Although these factors are not modifiable, these data could be used to guide management strategies.
Hauwezi kuvuka ziwa hadi uwe na ujasiri wa kutouona urefu wa pwani: Made in Africa Evaluation as courageous conversation
Authors: Maikuri Antony B. , Shanker Vidhya , Hopson Rodney K. 
Published: September 2022

Background: The Kiswahili proverb that serves as the title of this article translates into English as, ‘You can never cross the ocean until you have the courage to lose sight of the shore’.Objectives: To elaborate on the implications for Made in Africa Evaluation (MAE) of the results of previous research that the authors conducted on harm and the monitoring and evaluation (ME) cycle, specifically the connection that the previous study’s participants drew between care and courage.Method: The article uses personal vignettes and insights from African revolutionary praxis in addition to abductive qualitative data analysis of interview data as well as literature on evaluation and Africa to understand and apply findings from an earlier study on harm and the ME cycle. These findings connect care, trust and courage; discuss solidarity across artificially constructed difference; and name systems of oppression. It then reviews the literature on evaluation and Africa that refers to care, trust or courage. This literature tends to focus on three interrelated themes that parallel the interview results: relations between knowledge systems, the quest for a distinctive Africanness and a systems-oriented understanding of evaluation.Results: The article proffers three interrelated paradigmatic shifts in the mental model or narrative for MAE - ‘crossings’ from the familiar shore into uncertain waters - that correspond with each theme above. Focusing on the first, it draws from the personal experience of one of the authors and Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o’s work on decolonisation through language to propose that MAE cross from translation to courageous conversation as a mental model for relations among knowledge systems.Conclusion: The article suggests three ways that MAE can shift from translation to conversation between knowledge systems: challenging the equation of writing with knowledge and linearity with rationality; keeping indigenous ways of knowing and languages alive to resist atrophy; and recognising these indigenous modalities as forms of protection and resistance against the ongoing subjugation of nonhierachical, systems-oriented knowledge as part of the subordination of African and other indigenous peoples and their lands.
Tuberculosis-loop-mediated isothermal amplification implementation in Cameroon: Challenges, lessons learned and recommendations
Authors: Donkeng-Donfack Valerie F. , Ongoulal Suzanne M. , Djieugoue Yvonne J. , Simo Yannick K. , Manga Henri , Tollo Danielle A.D. , Belinga Edwige M.A. , Mbassa Vincent , Abena Jean L. , Eyangoh Sara 
Published: September 2022

Background: Until 2016, microscopy was the main tool for the early detection of pulmonary tuberculosis in Cameroon, especially in remote settings. Due to the poor sensitivity of microscopy, there was a need to implement a molecular assay in order to improve tuberculosis case detection.Intervention: In 2017, tuberculosis loop-mediated isothermal amplification (TB-LAMP), a molecular rapid diagnostic test recommended by the World Health Organization, was implemented in Cameroon as a replacement test of microscopy for initial diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis and also as a follow-on test to microscopy for smear-negative sputum specimens. A roll out plan for TB-LAMP implementation in Cameroon had been developed from January 2017 to April 2017, followed by initial implementation at four sites in May 2017. Additional sites were added progressively.Lessons learnt: The use of TB-LAMP as a follow-on test to microscopy for smear-negative sputum specimens helped in the detection of tuberculosis in 14.77% of those who were sputum-smear negative in 2019. Tuberculosis-loop-mediated isothermal amplification usage as an initial test, followed by testing with Xpert MTB/RIF for rapid tuberculosis and rifampicin resistance detection during tuberculosis mass screening campaigns, reduced the turn-around time by 73.23% as compared to when the Gene Xpert instrument was used alone.Recommendations: The implementation and scaling up of TB-LAMP in Cameroon contributed to increase access to tuberculosis molecular diagnosis in remote settings and as such improved tuberculosis case notification. However, to better enhance this notification and optimise the use of a TB-LAMP instrument, a suitable sample transport system is recommended.
The Sensory Classroom Teacher Questionnaire: A tool for assessing conducive classroom conditions for children with ADHD
Authors: Du Preez Hannelie , Combrinck Celeste-Marié 
Published: September 2022

Physical classrooms provide immense sensory stimulation to children and inform behaviour, cognitive processes and psychological state of mind. Children diagnosed with any subtype of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are more likely to exhibit sensory integration/processing impairments that contribute to inappropriate behavioural and learning responses. Teachers need good information and user-friendly psycho-educational instruments to meet the needs of children diagnosed with any ADHD subtype. The Sensory Classroom Teacher Questionnaire (SCTQ) utilises ADHD symptomatology to evaluate learning spaces that support children in regulating their response to sensory input. We report on the piloted design and refinement of the SCTQ based on best practices. A convenience sample of South African early childhood teachers administered the first (n = 313) and second (n = 72) versions of the SCTQ at various primary schools. Cross-disciplinary specialists appraised the SCTQ for content validity, while the Rasch rating scale model was applied to assess internal construct reliability and validity. The structure of the latent constructs was assessed using Bayesian confirmatory factor analysis. Following the first pilot, we refined the SCTQ by combining or deleting unnecessary items and reducing the five-point Likert scale to a three-point scale. Revising the Likert scale in version one was necessary to improve category functioning. Adjusting the three-point scale in the revised SCTQ indicated good item and scale functioning. We show the conceptual framework, refinement process, all results and the most recent version of the SCTQ for teachers to use and educational researchers to adapt further.
Canon, sex and gender in Theodoret of Cyrus’s exposition of LXX Ruth
Authors: De Wet Chris L. 
Published: September 2022

The purpose of this article is to examine Theodoret of Cyrus’s (ca. 393–ca. 457 CE) exposition of LXX Ruth, as found in his Questions on the Octateuch. At the centre of this analysis lies the question of what an early Christian author like Theodoret, who lives in a context where asceticism and sexual renunciation were quite popular (i.e. Christian Syria), does with a complicated text like Ruth, which contains so many explicit nuances about sex, procreation and marriage, as well as various gendered complexities. The article starts by examining briefly the canonisation history of Ruth in early Christianity and some of the main interpretative trends in readings of Ruth by other Christian authors. Then, Theodoret’s interpretation of Ruth is examined, focusing specifically on his Questions on Ruth. The purpose of Ruth as scripture, according to Theodoret, is first delineated, after which Theodoret’s approach to sex and gender in LXX Ruth is examined.Contribution: This article argues that Theodoret transforms the story of Ruth into one that aligns with the moral-philosophical discourse related to sex, marriage and gender of his own time. Theodoret restructures Ruth androcentrically by placing Boaz, the masculine and virtuous male father-figure, at the centre of the story, while at the same time stripping Ruth of any possible agency she might have as a would-be temptress.
Patients’ perception of service quality in a healthcare not-for-profit organisation
Authors: Strauss Melene , Schoeman Renata 
Published: September 2022

Background: Service organisations should be aware of those elements that are perceived as excellent quality and incorporate these as part of their service offering. However, a not-for-profit (NPO) healthcare organisation consists of a diverse group of stakeholders who have different perspectives and interests. Service quality therefore requires a multidimensional definition that comprehends all their needs and expectations.Methods: Perceived service quality experienced by patients was measured by completion of the Service Performance (SERVPERF) questionnaire. A total of 111 patients completed the questionnaire across three mobile clinics supported by an NPO.Results: The research results suggested that service quality at the mobile clinics was of a very high standard, with no meaningful differences between clinics, age groups or gender. However, the responses had very little variance and could have been subjected to response bias or extreme bias. The absence of a comparator organisation could also have had an influence on responses given by respondents.Conclusion: Healthcare service organisations should strive towards maintaining high standards and engage in continuous measurement and improvement of their service quality as part of their quality management process. By measuring the current level of service experienced by patients, insights have been identified where adjustments might have a positive effect on perceived value. Future research recommendations include suggestions to increase the sample population, taking the service setting into account and further studies to confirm the validity and reliability of solicited service quality questionnaires in a NPO setting.
Evaluation of the Effects of Noninvasive Ventilation on Blood Gas and Depression Levels of Patients with Obesity Hypoventilation Syndrome
Authors: Nayebi Atena , Naderi Zohre , Sami Ramin , Hashemi Minou , Aalipoor Zahra , Amra Babak 
Published: September 2022

Background:
Obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS) is associated with increased mechanical load on respiratory system. Here, we aimed to investigate and evaluate the effects of noninvasive ventilation (NIV) on physical and mental status of patients with OHS.

Materials and Methods:
The current study is an observational study that was performed in 2020 on 50 patients with OHS in Isfahan, Iran. Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI-II) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) questionnaires were also filled for all patients assessing their depression levels that were confirmed by psychiatrists. PO2 and PCO2 of patients were evaluated using venous blood gas (VBG) before interventions. Patients with a definite diagnosis of OHS and depression entered the study and underwent treatments with NIV. One month after the interventions with NIV, the blood gases of patients were evaluated using VBG and BDI-II, and HADS questionnaires were also filled for all patients, evaluating their depression.

Results:
The mean age of the subjects was 63.5 ± 13.5. The mean blood oxygen after the use of NIV in patients with OHS increased significantly (P = 0.001). The mean of carbon dioxide after using NIV in patients with OHS decreased significantly (P = 0.001). Based on the BDI-II and HADS scales, the mean score of depression after using NIV decreased significantly (P = 0.001 for both).

Conclusion:
NIV therapies are associated with improvements in blood oxygen and CO2 of patients with OHS. The levels of depression also decreased after treatments that were confirmed by psychiatrists.
Total Contact Casting
Authors: Chemboli Manikumar Jogarao , Rao R Balaji , Pathri Sivananda , Pathri Chandana , Paka Varun Kumar 
Published: September 2022

Background:
Neuropathic ulcers affect a patient's ambulation and are the leading cause of nontraumatic amputations. Offloading (reduction of pressure) is the key to success in managing these ulcers. Total contact casting (TCC) is considered as the gold standard of treatment for managing neuropathic foot ulcers (NFU). However, this method is less frequently used in the present-day ulcer management due to the lack of skill and laborious nature of work involved.

Aim:
This study aims to explore the merits and demerits of this technique and understand its relevance in modern times in managing NFUs.

Patients and Methods:
A total of 24 patients with NFU of different etiologies presented to outpatient unit between August 2018 and August 2020 were included in this prospective case series. All the patients were treated with TCCs applied at weekly intervals, until the ulcer healed completely.

Results:
Primary outcomes measured were number of casts required which reflected the time of healing in weeks. The mean number of castings required for each centimeter of ulcer healing was 2.310 cast time duration with a 91.66% percentage of success rate. Ulcers in all the patients healed on or before 16 weeks with a mean duration of healing of 58 days after commencement of treatment.

Conclusion:
It offers attractive healing rates in the management of NFUs and is associated with fewer manageable low-risk complications. Surgeons should incorporate this casting method as part of standard care of NFU to produce early healing and avoid major complications secondary to poor wound healing.
The effect of surface plasmonic resonances on magneto-plasmonic spherical core-shell nanocomposites
Authors: Yeneayehu Kinde , Senbeta Teshome , Mesfin Belayneh 
Published: September 2022

In this study, the effect of plasmon resonance on magneto-plasmonic spherical core-shell nanocomposite enclosed in a dielectric host medium is theoretically investigated by applying electrostatic approximation (esa) and Maxwell-Garnet effective medium theories to obtain magneto-optical parameters such as; effective electric permittivity and magnetic permeability as well as the corresponding extinction cross-sections. Likewise, for a fixed size of QDs (of radius nm) numerical analysis was performed to determine the plasmonic resonance effect by varying the parameters such as the metal fraction (β) and the dielectrics (εh) of the host medium on the magneto-plasmonic nanostructures (nss). The results depict that graphs of absorption, scattering, and extinction cross-sections as a function of wavelength have two positions of resonance peaks. The first set of peaks are in the ultraviolet (uv) and the second located in visible regions. These peaks originated from the strong coupling between a regular periodic vibrations of surface plasmons of silver (Ag) with the excitonic state of the dielectric/semiconductor at the internal ( ) and external (Ag/host) interfaces. As β increases, the absorption and scattering cross-sections are blue-shifted in the first peak and red shifted the second set of peaks. Similarly, as εh increases or as β decreases, the sets of resonance peaks for extinction cross-section gets enhanced; while keeping one of these parametric quantities fixed at once. The resulting surface plasmon resonance effect might be utilized in a variety of applications that combines both the plasmonic and magnetic core-shell nanostructures ranging from UV to Visible spectral regions.
Sex-based de novo transcriptome assemblies of the parasitoid wasp Encarsia suzannae, a host of the manipulative heritable symbiont Cardinium hertigii
Authors: Schultz Dylan L. , Selberherr Evelyne , Stouthamer Corinne M. , Doremus Matthew R. , Kelly Suzanne E. , Hunter Martha S. , Schmitz-Esser Stephan 
Published: September 2022

Parasitoid wasps in the genus Encarsia are commonly used as biological pest control agents of whiteflies and armored scale insects in greenhouses or the field. They are also hosts of the bacterial endosymbiont Cardinium hertigii, which can cause reproductive manipulation phenotypes, including parthenogenesis, feminization, and cytoplasmic incompatibility (the last is mainly studied in Encarsia suzannae). Despite their biological and economic importance, there are no published Encarsia genomes and only one public transcriptome. Here, we applied a mapping-and-removal approach to eliminate known contaminants from previously-obtained Illumina sequencing data. We generated de novo transcriptome assemblies for both female and male E. suzannae which contain 45,986 and 54,762 final coding sequences, respectively. Benchmarking Single-Copy Orthologs results indicate both assemblies are highly complete. Preliminary analyses revealed the presence of homologs of sex-determination genes characterized in other insects and putative venom proteins. Our male and female transcriptomes will be valuable tools to better understand the biology of Encarsia and their evolutionary relatives, particularly in studies involving insects of only one sex.
VULNERABILITY OF BANANA TREES VIA CLOSENESS AND RESIDUAL CLOSENESS PARAMETERS
Authors: TUNÇEL GÖLPEK Hande 
Published: September 2022

One of the most important research topics about complex networks
is examination of their vulnerability. Therefore, there are many studies
in the literature about analyzing the robustness and reliability of networks
using graph theoretical parameters. Among these parameters, the centrality
parameters play an important role.The closeness parameters and its derivatives
are widely discussed. In this study, the closeness parameter and the more sensitive
parameter residual closeness which is based on closeness parameter have
been considered.Furthermore, the closeness and residual closeness of banana
tree structure have been calculated.
Antidiabetic Properties of Aqueous Leaf and Stem Extracts of Andrographis paniculata on Alloxan Induced Diabetes in Wistar Rats
Authors: Yusuf, Z. H.  , Dan, V.M.Y.  , Magaji, Y.  , Onwumere, G.B.  , Emmanuel, E.  
Published: September 2022

Diabetes mellitus is a disorder in which the body does not produce enough or respond normally to insulin, causing blood sugar (glucose) levels to be abnormally high. The aim of the study was to assess the effectiveness of Andrographis paniculata leaf and stem bark extracts in management of Alloxan induced diabetes Wistar rats. Fifty (50) Wistar rats were divided into eight groups, namely; group A (normal control), B, C, D, E, F, G and H (treatment groups). The study was conducted for four (4) weeks by measuring blood glucose levels in first four weeks. The result showed that the diabetic rats administered with 500mg/kg of aqueous leaf extract and 250mg/kg of stem bark extract were significantly lower than those of untreated control groups. However, the combined dose of 250mg/kg aqueous leaf and 250mg/kg stem extracts were not significantly different from untreated control group. Findings of the study have demonstrated that leaves and stem extract of A. paniculata exhibited significant blood sugar lowering property in Alloxan induced diabetic Wistar rats.
Increasing the Compliance of Severe Asthma Patients with Respiratory Therapy
Authors: Almutairi Majed Nawar , Alotaibi Khalid Adbulkareem , Al Anazi Wael Ramadan , Alrshaid Abdulaziz Saleh , Alshammari Mohammed Obaid , Alanazi Abdulaziz Ahmed , Abrahim Abrahim , Alfahad Mohammed , Alghamdi Khalid Fuad , Alonazi Turki Khalaf , Alsomali  Mohammed Hassan 
Published: September 2022

Purpose: The objective of the current study was to investigate the role of respiratory therapy in increasing compliance to medication among asthma patients in Saudi Arabia. Compliance to medication has positive impacts on the health outcomes of patients with respiratory diseases.
Methodology: The population of the current study included 1,500 respiratory therapists in the country of which 38 were selected using simple random sampling to participate in an online survey. The study adopted descriptive research design to investigate the methods preferred as intervention to increase compliance to medication.
Findings: According to the findings, most of the respiratory therapists preferred to tailor their care to the needs of the patients. A significant difference was observed between the methods used by respiratory therapists at rural and urban settings.
Recommendation: Healthcare professionals should apply respiratory therapy to increase the compliance to severe asthma patients to medication based on the needs of the patients.