Search

This paper analyses the conference papers published by double first‐class universities from mainland China between 2006 and 2019. The main findings are as follows: first, the number of conference papers from different double first‐class universities varied greatly, with the annual numbers of papers in the China Proceedings of Conferences Full‐text Database (CPCD) and in the Conference Proceedings Citation Index (CPCI) fluctuating during this period. Second, most of the top 10 disciplines of the papers in the CPCD and CPCI were in the natural sciences, with only two in the social sciences. The CPCD papers and CPCI papers had some overlap in their disciplinary distributions. Third, the CPCD and CPCI papers differed little in total number, with the number of CPCI papers being slightly higher than the number of CPCD papers. With the introduction of new regulations from the Ministry of Science and Technology (MST), there will likely be an increase in the number of Chinese‐language conference papers in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study has two primary objectives. Firstly, it aims to measure the time savings achieved through the digitization of paper forms filled out by nurses in the inpatient care process. Secondly, it seeks to reveal the financial savings resulting from reduced paper consumption due to the digitalization. The Health Information Management System Society (HIMSS)--Electronic Medical Record Adaption Model (EMRAM), which makes stage-based (0--7) evaluations, serves as a tool to measure the rate of technology utilization in public hospitals in Turkey. The study is based on the HIMSS EMRAM criteria for 2018. Bahçelievler State Hospital, a public hospital in Turkey, was chosen as the research facility. In 2017, it was accredited as Stage 6 with HIMSS EMRAM. However, not all its wards have been digitalized. Initially, pilot selected wards were digitized. Therefore, digital and non-digital wards serve together. In this context, 4 wards were randomly selected and time, paper and toner savings before and after digitalization were measured. Method: A table was created in Microsoft Excel,listing the forms used by nurses in inpatient care and the time required to fill them out.The time spent for filling paper-based forms and digital-based forms was measured in randomly selected wards. Result: The analysis showed that digital forms saved more time, paper and toner. For example, filling out the patient history form took 45 min when using paper, compared to 12 min in digital environment. Approximately 27% time savings are achieved only for the patient history form. The total time savings delivered by digitalization for 1,153 inpatients during the year were found as 117 care days, and the savings on total paper consumption was 41.289 pages. For 1,153 inpatients throughout the year, the total time savings from digitalization was 117 care days and the total paper consumption savings was 41,289 pages. In addition, in 4 wards with a total bed capacity of 25, annual paper savings of $1,705.86 and toner savings of $283,736 were achieved. Discussion: This study reveals the benefits of digitalisation in hospitals for nurses. It saves the time that nurses allocate for filling out paper forms with digitalised forms. Thus, it is a good practice example in terms of using the time allocated for form filling for patient care.When we extend this study to Turkey in general, it can be considered that the time savings achieved by nurses by digitizing inpatient forms varies between 10.8% and 13%. The number of nurses working in public hospitals in Turkey is approximately 160,000. Assuming that 60% of the nurses work in the inpatient ward, it is understood that the annual savings achieved by digitizing the forms corresponds to a range of 398--559 nursing hours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The apps for drawing are present in our children's life. Nevertheless, little is known about the impact of mobile technology on the freehand drawing educational activity. There are few works which are contextualised within short periods of time, with teachers who are not theirs and, in some cases, outside the children's classroom. In this paper, we are focussed on the use of technology on freehand drawing activity. Thus, we have compared the graphics produced by 4- and 5-year-old children with paper&crayon in comparison with those with tablet-finger. Children made the drawings during a planned free-drawing activity, in their ordinary classrooms, with their teachers and during five sessions. Assessment of drawings has evidenced tablet feasibility for making graphics. Nevertheless, with the passing of time, quality of graphics (tablet-finger vs paper&crayons), are nearly matched, demonstrating the low impact level technology has on this activity. In addition, if drawings are analysed specifically according to ages, results have shown that both groups have to develop adaptation strategies of visual perceptual skills and fine motor skills for the touch screen in order to obtain the same quality in the drawings made on both support types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The properties of handmade paper used for mounting and conservation of paintings and calligraphy on paper is crucial to the quality and lifespan of such objects. Mounting papers from China, Korea, and Japan vary greatly in performance due to different papermaking methods and fibre materials. In this study, eight types of handmade paper widely used in China, Korea, and Japan were selected for comprehensive comparative analysis investigating their pH as well as optical, mechanical, and ageing properties. The study showed that traditional hanji, improved hanji, and thin Mino paper made of pure kozo fibres performed best in terms of mechanical properties. Among the additives mixed with kozo fibres, clam shell powder was identified as a substance that improves pH and stability of optical properties. Xuan paper Mianliao was found to be a suitable material for mounting hand scrolls and hanging scrolls due to its softness and ageing properties. Traditional hanji, improved hanji, and thin Mino paper are less flexible than xuan paper Mianliao and are considered more suitable for uses other than for mounting scrolls. This study will provide a reference for improving the quality of handmade paper and a theoretical basis for the selection of such papers for the conservation of paintings and calligraphy on paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural and synthetic esters are increasingly being chosen instead of mineral oil for environmental and fire safety reasons. However, their use in power transformers is limited due to insufficiently well-understood ageing processes affecting their properties and the properties of cellulosic materials impregnated with them. The research results presented in many scientific papers prove that the use of esters slows the ageing process of cellulosic materials. This article presents the results of research aimed at answering the question of whether the effect of slowing the ageing process will also occur in the case of insulation with very low initial moisture. The answer to this question will allow us to better understand the role of water in the ageing process of the transformer's insulation system. The thermal ageing process was carried out at a temperature of 150 °C in closed systems. The degree of cellulose polymerisation was taken as a measure of the degree of paper ageing. Great attention was paid to measuring the water content in both paper and electro-insulating liquids at various stages of their ageing. Furthermore, measurements of the properties of electro-insulating liquids were made, which are considered markers of ageing. The test results obtained indicate that in the case of a dry insulation system, corresponding to the initial moisture of the new units, the type of liquid used to impregnate the cellulosic material does not significantly affect its depolymerisation process. However, in the case of paper impregnated with natural esters, a lower dynamic of moisture increase in insulation was observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate associations between digital urine color and paper urine color with other urine indices to assess hydration status. Methods: Twelve male subjects (mean ± standard deviation; age, 26 ± 8 years; body mass, 57.8 ± 5.3 kg; height, 177.5 ± 8.9 cm; VO2max, 57.8 ± 5.8 ml·kg−1·min−1) performed four exercise trials in the heat. Before and following exercise trials, subjects provide urine samples. Urine samples were measured using a digital urine color chart on a portable device screen. Urine samples were also assessed with urine specific gravity (USG), urine osmolality (UOsmo), and a validated paper urine color chart. Results: There were extremely large associations found between digital urine color and paper urine color (r = 0.926, p < 0.001). Correlation coefficients showing associations with USG and UOsmo were similar between digital urine color (USG, r = 0.695, p < 0.001; UOsmo, r = 0.555, p < 0.001) and paper urine color (USG, r = 0.713, p < 0.001; UOsmo, r = 0.570, p < 0.001). Bland–Altman analysis indicated that no proportional bias was observed between digital and paper urine colors (bias, − 0.148; SD of bias, 0.492; 95% LOA, − 1.11, 0.817; p = 0.094). Conclusions: Strong associations were found between digital and paper urine colors with no proportional bias. Furthermore, the degree of associations with USG and UOsmo was similar between digital and paper urine color. These results indicate that digital urine color is a useful tool to assess hydration status and this method could be used as an alternative method to using paper urine color. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Most researchers who study the effects of hormonal contraception on menstrual bleeding rely on self-reported data via paper diaries, for which completeness and timeliness have been shown to be poor. The purpose of this exploratory study was to compare the completeness and timeliness of bleeding data collected via paper diaries, text messages or smartphone application (a.k.a "app"). Methods: This was a sub-study of a double-blinded, placebo-controlled randomized trial comparing the effects of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, naproxen, with placebo when using a copper IUD. Participants tracked bleeding and symptoms over 112 days. Participants tracked bleeding daily using a paper diary as well as with either text messages or a smartphone app. Participants who used paper and the app were also able to record non-bleeding symptoms. Results: Twenty-five participants submitted diaries. Of these participants, 10 completed both paper and app diaries, 7 completed both paper and text messages, 4 completed the paper diary only, 4 completed the app only. Text messages had the most complete data (108 days), followed by the app (96 days) and paper diaries (84 days). The lag time between a bleeding event and the date recording that event was 0.10 days for text, 1.0 days for app, and 4.73 days for paper diaries. Participants using the app reported a median of 33 other symptoms over the study period compared to 7 for the paper diaries. Discussion: Our findings suggest texts demonstrated more complete and timely bleeding data than either paper diaries, or the app. Compared to paper diaries, the app delivered more complete, timely data, and also collected a large set of symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Integrated Palliative Care Outcome Scale (IPOS) validly and reliably measures symptoms and concerns of those receiving palliative care. Aim: To determine the equivalence of the paper version with an electronic version of the IPOS (eIPOS). Design: Multicentre randomised crossover trial (NCT03879668) with a within-subject comparison of the two modes (washout period 30 min). Setting/Participants: Convenience sample of specialist inpatient and palliative home care patients aged over 18 years with cancer and non-cancer conditions was recruited. Scores were compared using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), Bland-Altman plots and via a mixed-effects analysis of variance. Results: Fifty patients were randomised to complete paper-electronic (n = 24) and electronic-paper (n = 26) IPOS with median age 69 years (range 24–95), 56% male, 16% non-cancer. The ICCs showed very high concordance for the total score (ICC 0.99, 95% CI 0.98–1.00), lowest ICCs being observed for symptoms 'Appetite loss' and 'Drowsiness' (ICC 0.95, 95% CI 0.92–0.97). Nine of seventeen items had ICCs above 0.98, as did all subscales. No statistically significant mode, order, age, and interaction effects were observed for IPOS total score and subscales, except for 'Communication' (Fmode = 5.9, p = 0.019). Fifty-eight percent preferred the electronic version. In the group 75+ years, 53% preferred the paper version. Only three entries in the free-text main problems differed between the versions. Conclusion: The very high equivalence in scores and free text between the IPOS and the eIPOS demonstrates that eIPOS is feasible and reliable in an older palliative population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Blood clots are formed when blood vessels are injured. They help stop bleeding and heal wounds, but can also cause serious problems if they block blood flow or break off and travel to other organs. This study investigates how blood clots differ in people with cancer compared to healthy or non-cancerous individuals. This study found that cancer patients have higher levels of histones in their blood, which make their clots stiffer and resistant to lysis. Further, clots formed in cancer patients have higher viscoelastic properties, and hence are harder to break down. These findings suggest that cancer patients have abnormal clotting properties that may increase their risk of developing thrombosis, and evaluating these properties can be helpful in detecting cancer. Background: Blood viscoelasticity and plasma protein levels can play an important role in the diagnosis and prognosis of cancer. However, the role of histones and DNA in modulating blood clot properties remains to be investigated. This study investigates the differences in blood viscoelasticity and plasma protein levels among cancer patients, individuals with other diseases, and healthy individuals. Methods: Blood samples were collected from 101 participants, including 45 cancer patients, 22 healthy individuals, and 34 individuals with other diseases. Rheological properties of clots formed in vitro by reconstituted elements of fibrinogen or plasma were analyzed with an Anton Paar Rheometer, USA. Plasma protein levels of D-dimer, TPA, EPCR, fibrinogen, and histone H3 were measured through ELISA. Blood clots were formed with or without DNA and histones (H3) by adding thrombin and calcium to plasma samples, and were evaluated for viscoelasticity, permeability, and degradation. Results: Cancer patients show higher blood viscoelasticity and plasma D-dimer levels compared to healthy individuals and individuals with other diseases. Our in vitro analysis showed that the addition of histone to the plasma results in a significant decrease in viscoelasticity and mean fiber thickness of the clot formed thereafter. In parallel studies, using plasma from patients, DNA and histones were detected in fibrin clots and were associated with less degradation by t-PA. Moreover, our results show that the presence of DNA and histones not only increases clots' permeability, but also makes them more prone to degradation. Conclusions: Plasma histones and DNA affect the structure of the clot formed and induce defective fibrinolysis. Moreover, the increased viscoelastic properties of plasma from cancer patients can be used as potential biomarkers in cancer prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The introduction of mobile devices such as smartphones provides new opportunities to enhance the teaching–learning process of a foreign language. However, its use can affect not only the students' type and form of writing but also their ability to achieve the academic competencies targeted. Thus, aspects such as the development of linguistic and communicative competencies could be affected. In this paper, a comparative analysis of two different versions (a paper and a digital version) of the same learning task is carried out in order to analyze the impact of each on the development of students' linguistic and communicative competencies. The study is conducted with undergraduate students enrolled in a course called German II. Modern Language I (level A1.2, Common European Framework of Reference for Languages). The results obtained illustrate, on the one hand, the advantages of the paper version for developing students' linguistic competence and, on the other hand, that the digital version, despite facilitating students' interaction amongst each other, does not seem to be more suitable for developing students' communicative competence. Future studies will, therefore, focus on identifying those features that might increase the potential of the digital version for fostering the targeted competencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the end of the Cold War, the EU aims to advance to a relevant and autonomous actor in international politics—especially concerning security and defense politics. Scholars interested in whether the EU member states actually converge in their security and defense preferences often analyze strategy papers qualitatively, focusing on selected countries at specific points in time. In this article, we propose a dictionary approach for analyzing the development of security and defense preferences within the EU over the last three decades using quantitative text analysis. We make use of 163 strategy papers, published by all EU member states and the EU itself since 1994. The findings show that EU member states react similarly to international events, but do not converge substantially in their preferences. Furthermore, there is no substantial convergence to the position of the EU itself. We finally discuss usefulness and validity of quantitative text analysis in comparative research more broadly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The European Commission Horizon 2020 project—PreventIT—evaluated two approaches to delivering Lifestyle-Integrated Functional Exercise (LiFE) programs for maintaining older adults' physical function: the paper-based adapted LiFE and mobile health device delivered enhanced LiFE. A self-reported method was used to measure users' monthly adherence over 12 months. This analysis aimed to explore young seniors' adherence patterns between enhanced LiFE and adapted LiFE groups. Results showed that adherence level decreased with time in both groups. The enhanced LiFE group had slightly higher adherence than the adapted LiFE group during most of the 12 months. However, the overall adherence levels were not significantly different during either intervention or follow-up periods. Monthly self-reported adherence measurement can help to understand users' adherence comprehensively. The comparable adherence levels between both groups indicate mobile health could be an alternative to delivering home-based physical activity for young seniors. However, this feasibility study was not powered to detect differences between groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Near Architecture is the property of Journal of Near East Architecture and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The Dimensional Anhedonia Rating Scale (DARS) is a novel questionnaire to assess anhedonia of recent validation. In this work, we aim to study the equivalence between the traditional paper-and-pencil and the digital format of DARS. Sixty-nine patients filled the DARS in a paper-based and digital versions. We assessed differences between formats (Wilcoxon test), validity of the scales [Kappa and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs)], and reliability (Cronbach's alpha and Guttman's coefficient). We calculated the comparative fit index and the root mean squared error (RMSE) associated with the proposed one-factor structure. Total scores were higher for paper-based format. Significant differences between both formats were found for three items. The weighted Kappa coefficient was approximately 0.40 for most of the items. Internal consistency was greater than 0.94, and the ICC for the digital version was 0.95 and 0.94 for the paper-and-pencil version (F = 16.7, p < 0.001). Comparative Adjustment Index was 0.97 for the digital DARS and 0.97 for the paper-and-pencil DARS, and RMSE was 0.11 for the digital DARS and 0.10 for the paper-and-pencil DARS. We concluded that the digital DARS is consistent in many respects with the paper-and-pencil questionnaire, but equivalence with this format cannot be assumed without caution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Is it really better to print everything, including software models, or is it better to view them on screen? With the ever increasing complexity of software systems, software modeling is integral to software development. Software models facilitate and automate many activities during development, such as code and test case generation. However, a core goal of software modeling is to communicate and collaborate. Software models are presented to team members on many mediums and two of the most common mediums are paper and computer screens. Reading from paper or screen is ostensibly considered to have the same effect on model comprehension. However, the literature on text reading has indicated that the reading experiences can be very different which in turn effects various metrics related to reader performance. This paper reports on an experiment that was conducted to investigate the effect of reading software models on paper in comparison with reading them on a computer screen with respect to cognitive effectiveness. Cognitive effectiveness here refers to the ease by which a model reader can read a model. The experiment used a total of 74 software engineering students as subjects. The experiment results provide strong evidence that displaying diagrams on a screen allows subjects to read them quicker. There is also evidence that indicates that on screen viewing induces fewer reading errors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study attempts to examine the differences in consumers' perceptions between paper and mobile coupons. It discovers new potentials of mobile coupons by investigating whether coupon type (mobile vs. paper) has any impact on a consumer's coupon usage intention. It explores the drivers and barriers of consumers' coupon usage intention and also examines to which extent coupon type translates into higher usage intention rates. The data of this study were analyzed with exploratory factor analysis, ttest, and multiple regression analysis. This study revealed that when the coupon type changes from paper to mobile, people's coupon intention to use decreases, with the lack of trust as the primary barrier. The current study is the first attempt to apply this transactional utility theory to compare consumers' perceptions between mobile and paper coupons. This study has empowered the transactional utility theory by applying it in a new domain of couponing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scientific papers are essential manifestations of evolving scientific knowledge, and arguments are an important avenue to communicate research results. This study aims to understand how the argumentation process is represented in scientific papers, which is important for knowledge representation, discovery, and retrieval. First, based on fundamental argument theory and scientific discourse ontologies, a coding schema, including 17 categories was constructed. Thereafter, annotation experiments were conducted with 40 scientific articles randomly selected from two different research areas (library and information science and biomedical sciences). Statistical analysis and the sequential pattern mining method were then employed; the ratio of different argumentation units and evidence types were calculated, the argumentation semantics of figures and tables analyzed, and the argumentation structures extracted. A correlation analysis between argumentation and rhetorical structures was also performed to further reveal how argumentation was represented within scientific discourses. The results indicated a difference in the proportion of the argumentation units in the two types of scientific papers, as well as a similar linear construction with differences in the specific argument structures of each knowledge domain and a clear correlation between argumentation and rhetorical structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bamboo has being used as alternative raw material for construction, reinforcing fibers, paper production, among other applications. Although its recognized potentials as raw material, there are doubts about its environmental performance compared to traditional wood-based products, including paper production, which hinders bamboo-based paper plants in large scales. This study aims to assess the environmental performance of producing office paper from bamboo. Emergy synthesis (with 'm') and global warming potential indicators are calculated and compared with the traditional eucalyptus paper-based production. Results highlights the importance in including the renewability fractions of each input resources into emergy calculations for production systems with high human-labor intensity such as the bamboo agricultural production. Office paper produced from bamboo has similar renewability (28%), moderate environmental load (3.23 vs. 2.49), and emergy unsustainability (0.34 vs. 0.60) compared to paper produced from eucalyptus, but bamboo showed lower performance for global efficiency (568 vs. 442 sej/ton paper), emergy yield (1.09 vs. 1.49), and emergy investment (10.79 vs. 2.05). Focusing on global warming potential, office paper produced from bamboo releases 98 kgCO 2 eq. /ton paper compared to 56–267 kgCO 2 eq. /ton paper for eucalyptus. Notwithstanding, bamboo-based office paper demands four times more land area of agricultural production than eucalyptus, but it has a positive social aspect by requiring higher amount of direct human labor. This work shows the advantages of using eucalyptus rather than bamboo in producing office paper from an emergy and land demand perspectives, while global warming can still be considered inconclusive. Future efforts should consider a quantitative and qualitative analysis of human labor availability in both systems, as well an economic analysis to support discussions towards more sustainable office paper production from different raw materials. • Environmental load of bamboo and eucalyptus for office paper production are compared. • Bamboo has lower emergy performance than eucalyptus. • Including the renewability fraction of labor and services better reflects emergy results. • Bamboo paper emits 98kgCO2eq/ton, eucalyptus paper emits 56–267kgCO2eq/ton. • Bamboo paper needs 4x land compared to eucalyptus and requires more human labor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. To evaluate the usefulness of a novel acoustic uroflowmetry- (UFM-) based mobile application (app) voiding diary (VD) focusing on the (1) compliance and (2) correlation with a conventional paper-based VD. Materials and Methods. A total of 78 patients were included between December 2019 and June 2020, and a subsequent review of all data was performed. The analyzed data were as follows: (1) survey of convenience/satisfaction/preference comparing the two methods, (2) compliance regarding the completeness of both methods, and (3) correlation of each metric (24-hour urine volume, nocturnal urine volume, nocturnal polyuria index, total number of voids, number of daytime voids, number of nocturnal voids, and maximal bladder capacity) between the two methods. Results. The survey results of convenience, satisfaction, and preference were as follows. With regard to convenience and satisfaction area, higher scores are reported in the mobile app VD (mean ± standard deviation (SD); convenience: 7.47 ± 2.19 [app] vs. 4.20 ± 2.49 [paper]; satisfaction: 7.36 ± 2.17 [app] vs. 5.07 ± 2.65 [paper]). The median score of the overall preference for using the mobile app instead of the paper-based VD was 9 out of 10 (mean ± SD 7.82 ± 2.68). We also found a good correlation between the two methods for nocturnal urine volume (r = 0.55 , p = 0.04), nocturnal polyuria index (r = 0.66 , p = 0.23), total number of voids (r = 0.9 , p = 0.02), number of nocturnal voids (r = 0.83 , p = 0.02), and maximal bladder capacity (r = 0.89 , p = 0.04). Conclusion. The acoustic UFM-based mobile app VD demonstrated favorable findings compared to the conventional paper-based VD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The gold standard for measuring anhedonia is the Snaith-Hamilton Pleasure Scale (SHAPS). To date, there are no validated electronic versions of this questionnaire. We aim to study the equivalence between the traditional paper-and-pencil format and a digital version of the SHAPS. A group of 67 patients completed both SHAPS formats, and differences between formats were assessed. McNemar's test showed no significant differences between the two systems. The Kappa coefficient was over 40% for most items, and reliability was above 0.8, showing good to excellent levels of internal consistency. Thus, we have demonstrated a close equivalence between paper-and-pencil and electronic SHAPS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental and economic concerns are driving tissue paper manufacturers to improve understanding of the relationships between fibres, the networks they form, the forming process, and the final tissue paper properties. This work investigated how pulp fractionation, refining, or addition of microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) affect the compromise between absorbency and strength of 33 ± 2 g/m² model papers made of bleached eucalyptus kraft pulp. The results showed that the compromise of properties was better when fibres were refined than when MFC was added. The absorbency capacity of 2%wt MFC-paper was almost 20% lower than the capacity of the refined paper at the same dry strength. The calculated additional storage capacity due to water-induced deformations of the fibre network was 40% lower in the same range of bulk. By forming a high viscosity gel at inter-fibre contacts, MFC could limit the occurrence of major fibre and network deformation mechanisms when water was imbibing the paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the positive pain reduction outcomes of a personalized care pathway for chronic knee pain post-total knee replacement.

Due to an increasing demand, companies have started producing recycled products. However, little is known about the specific purchase behavior. Hence, this study analyses the factors influencing purchase intention for recycled products including differences related to different types of products and between Germany and South Africa. A quantitative study in Germany (n = 603) and South Africa (n = 692). shows that purchase intention is significantly higher in South Africa. The influencing factors (individual, product, and context related constructs) are the same in both countries, but they differ regarding their strength. Thus, the factor "attitude/environmental concern" has the strongest influence in South Africa, while it is "value/accessibility" in Germany. Furthermore, purchase intention for mobile phones is generally smaller than for t‐shirts and toilet paper. Purchase intention for recycled t‐shirts is significantly higher in South Africa than in Germany. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Workplace inspections are applied to facilitate the adherence to the occupational health and safety regulations. The Iranian Ministry of Health introduced a new software system for tablets to inspect workplaces. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to take measurements of the usability, mental workload, and mood of inspectors. METHODS: Inspectors used both pen-and-paper and tablet methods to inspect the automotive industry in a mixed-method procedure. The NASA-TLX score, QUIS score, I-PANAS (SF) situation, inspection time, and number of errors were collected throughout the procedure. The differences were investigated using a paired sample and the Wilcoxon signed ranks test. RESULTS: In terms of efficacy, using the tablet resulted in lower error rates, but it took longer to complete the inspection task (P < 0.001). Participants perceived a lower workload when inspecting with a tablet rather than the traditional method. (Mental Demand: p < 0.002, Performance: p < 0.009, Effort: p < 0.012, TLX: p < 0.002 based on various subcomponents of NASA-TLX). The newly introduced system's usability was insufficient. CONCLUSION: Although the use of tablets has improved safety inspections, ergonomic redesign of the system and consideration of a user-centered approach, as well as inspector training, can make the system more likely to succeed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rapid automatized naming (RAN) is a powerful predictor of reading fluency, and many digitized dyslexia screeners include RAN as an essential component. However, the validity of digitized RAN has not been established. Using a sample of 174 second-graders, this study tested (1) the comparability between paper and digitized versions of RAN and (2) the validity of the digitized version. We found that paper and digital versions were highly correlated, and such correlation was consistent across students' reading levels. Further, the digital RAN predicted children's word reading proficiency as well as the paper version. Moreover, the constructs measured by paper and digital versions of RAN were comparable. We conclude that the digitized RAN is a valid alternative to the traditional paper version for this age group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Knowledge about the carbohydrate composition of pulp and paper samples is essential for their characterization, further processing, and understanding the properties. In this study, we compare sulfuric acid hydrolysis and acidic methanolysis, followed by GC–MS analysis of the corresponding products, by means of 42 cellulose and polysaccharide samples. Results are discussed and compared to solid-state NMR (crystallinity) and gel permeation chromatography (weight-averaged molecular mass) data. The use of the hydrolysis methods in the context of cellulose conservation science is evaluated, using e-beam treated and artificially aged cellulose samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Donor human milk (DHM) from a milk bank is the recommended feeding method for preterm infants when the mother's own milk (MOM) is not available. Despite this recommendation, information on the possible contamination of donor human milk and its impact on infant health outcomes is poorly characterised. The aim of this systematic review is to assess contaminants present in DHM samples that preterm and critically ill infants consume. The data sources used include PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL and Web of Science. A search of the data sources targeting DHM and its potential contaminants yielded 426 publications. Two reviewers (S. T. and D. L.) conducted title/abstract screening through Covidence software, and predetermined inclusion/exclusion criteria yielded 26 manuscripts. Contaminant types (bacterial, chemical, fungal, viral) and study details (e.g., type of bacteria identified, study setting) were extracted from each included study during full‐text review. Primary contaminants in donor human milk included bacterial species and environmental pollutants. We found that bacterial contaminants were identified in 100% of the papers in which bacterial contamination was sought (16 papers) and 61.5% of the full data set (26 papers), with the most frequently identified genera being Staphylococcus (e.g., Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase‐negative Staphylococcus) and Bacillus (e.g., Bacillus cereus). Chemical pollutants were discovered in 100% of the papers in which chemical contamination was sought (eight papers) and 30.8% of the full data set (26 papers). The most frequently identified chemical pollutants included perfluoroalkyl substances (six papers), toxic metal (one paper) and caffeine (one paper). Viral and fungal contamination were identified in one paper each. Our results highlight the importance of establishing standardisation in assessing DHM contamination and future studies are needed to clarify the impact of DHM contaminants on health outcomes. Key messages: Research regarding chemical contamination in donor human milk (DHM) is limited and needs to be studied further to draw appropriate conclusions on reducing potential risks for infants.Parents/guardians should be educated on the availability of DHM as a supplemental feeding option and made aware of the current research in the field.DHM use requires further standardisation both within the United States and abroad. This standardisation should ensure that risks are not overemphasised and DHM is a cost‐effective, accessible resource as a short‐term intervention when used appropriately as part of optimal lactation and breastfeeding support. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), including South Africa, are currently experiencing multiple epidemics: HIV and the rising burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), leading to different patterns of multimorbidity (the occurrence of two or more chronic conditions) than experienced in high income settings. These adversely affect health outcomes, increase patients' perceived burden of treatment, and impact the workload of self-management. This paper outlines the methods used in a qualitative study exploring burden of treatment among people living with HIV/NCD multimorbidity in South Africa. Methods: We undertook a comparative qualitative study to examine the interaction between individuals' treatment burden (self-management workload) and their capacity to take on this workload, using the dual lenses of Burden of Treatment Theory (BoTT) and Cumulative Complexity Model (CuCoM) to aid conceptualisation of the data. We interviewed 30 people with multimorbidity and 16 carers in rural Eastern Cape and urban Cape Town between February-April 2021. Data was analysed through framework analysis. Findings: This paper discusses the methodological procedures considered when conducting qualitative research among people with multimorbidity in low-income settings in South Africa. We highlight the decisions made when developing the research design, recruiting participants, and selecting field-sites. We also explore data analysis processes and reflect on the positionality of the research project and researchers. Conclusion: This paper illustrates the decision-making processes conducting this qualitative research and may be helpful in informing future research aiming to qualitatively investigate treatment burden among patients in LMICs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Some states in the U.S. have traditionally received less federal research funding than other states. The National Science Foundation (NSF) created a program in 1979, called the Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) to enhance the research competitiveness in such states. While the geographic disparity in federal research funding is well known, the overall impact of federal funding on the research performance of EPSCoR and non-EPSCoR has not been previously studied. In the current study, we compared the combined research productivity of Ph.D. granting institutions in EPSCoR versus the non-EPSCoR states to better understand the scientific impact of federal investments in sponsored research across all states. The research outputs we measured included journal articles, books, conference papers, patents, and citation count in academic literature. Unsurprisingly, results indicated that the non-EPSCoR states received significantly more federal research funding than their EPSCoR counterparts, which correlated with a higher number of faculty members in the non-EPSCoR versus EPSCoR states. Also, in the overall research productivity expressed on a per capita, the non-EPSCoR states fared better than EPSCoR states. However, when the research output was measured based on per $1M investment of federal research funding, EPSCoR states performed significantly better than the non-EPSCoR states in many research productivity indicators, with the notable exception of patents. Together, this study found preliminary evidence that EPSCoR states achieved a high degree of research productivity despite receiving significantly fewer federal research dollars. The limitations and next steps of this study are also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This empirical research paper conducts a comparative analysis of the recovery strategies implemented and their significance on countries with different economic affluence such as the US and Brazil, during the Great Depression. The most significant measures included the New Deal for the US and coffee valorization for Brazil. This study focuses on examining the recovery strategies adopted by these countries and comparing them which is scarce. The hypothesis for this research is: "The more affluent country (US) has more effective recovery strategies than the less affluent country (Brazil)." By shedding light on the differing experiences of 'rich' and 'poor' nations during the Great Depression, this research provides valuable insights into the challenges faced by countries with varying economic statuses. Prior research papers and Figures were used to calculate the rise in GDP of both countries during the 1929-1939 period, which resulted in Brazil having a 44% increase in GDP and the US 40%, proving the hypothesis incorrect. However, this can be attributed to the importance of tailored recovery approaches based on a nation's development level and specific circumstances exhibiting Brazil's massive economic success. However, The US's more general strategies might have broader applicability than Brazil's specific measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PURPOSE Consent processes are critical for clinical care and research and may benefit from incorporating digital strategies. We compared an electronic informed consent (eIC) option to paper consent across four outcomes: (1) technology burden, (2) protocol comprehension, (3) participant agency (ability to self-advocate), and (4) completion of required document fields. METHODS We assessed participant experience with eIC processes compared with traditional paper-based consenting using surveys and compared completeness of required fields, over 3 years (2019-2021). Participants who consented to a clinical trial at a large academic cancer center via paper or eIC were invited to either pre-COVID-19 pandemic survey 1 (technology burden) or intrapandemic survey 2 (comprehension and agency). Consent document completeness was assessed via electronic health records. RESULTS On survey 1, 83% of participants (n = 777) indicated eIC was easy or very easy to use; discomfort with technology overall was not correlated with discomfort using eIC. For survey 2, eIC (n = 262) and paper consenters (n = 193) had similar comprehension scores. All participants responded favorably to at least five of six agency statements; however, eIC generated a higher proportion of positive free-text comments (P < .05), with themes such as thoroughness of the discussion and consenter professionalism. eIC use yielded no completeness errors across 235 consents versus 6.4% for paper (P < .001). CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that eIC when compared with paper (1) did not increase technology burden, (2) supported comparable comprehension, (3) upheld key elements of participant agency, and (4) increased completion of mandatory consent fields. The results support a broader call for organizations to offer eIC for clinical research discussions to enhance the overall participant experience and increase the completeness of the consent process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The conservation of historic libraries can be referred towards both the ancient book collections and the buildings themselves. Heritage collections made of paper are threaten by climate-induced deterioration risks such as cellulose hydrolysis. Several studies have investigated the microclimate inside historic libraries but comparisons are difficult due to the lack of long-term microclimate observations and uniformity in the use of standards and risk assessment methods. For the first time, the long-term microclimate observations collected in three historic libraries in Italy were comparatively studied to outline differences and similarities of their microclimates in terms of paper preservation. A multidisciplinary approach was applied to assess the building performance (a) and the deterioration risks for the collections (b). As for a), a common feature of the libraries was the high thermal inertia and low indoor-outdoor air exchanges. As for b), the Time Weighted Expected Lifetime (TWEL) was defined to account for an average chemical risk on a seasonal and yearly basis. TWEL allowed to highlight the impact of the most adverse conditions on the overall chemical risk for acidic paper preservation (e.g., temperatures above 20 °C reached naturally in summer/artificially in winter). It resulted that the measured microclimate conditions in the libraries would lead to the loss of their acidic collections in less than 300 years. Demographic plots were finally used to inform about the risk resulting from the synergy between handling and microclimate as well as to explore the effectiveness of possible preservation measures such as the deacidification of 10% of the collections. [Display omitted] • The long-term microclimate data in three historic libraries in Italy are comparatively studied. • The investigation includes microclimate characterisation and conservation risk assessment. • A multidisciplinary approach is used to evaluate building performance and paper deterioration. • The current microclimate in the libraries reduces the expected lifetime of acidic collections. • Restoration interventions might not be effective if the current microclimate is maintained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effective nutrition policies require timely, accurate individual dietary consumption data; collection of such information has been hampered by cost and complexity of dietary surveys and lag in producing results. The objective of this work was to assess accuracy and cost-effectiveness of a streamlined, tablet-based dietary data collection platform for 24-hour individual dietary recalls (24HR) administered using INDDEX24 platform v. a pen-and-paper interview(PAPI) questionnaire, with weighed food record (WFR) as a benchmark. This cross-sectional comparative study included women 18–49 years old from rural Burkina Faso (n 116 INDDEX24; n 115 PAPI). A WFR was conducted; the following day, a 24HR was administered by different interviewers. Food consumption data were converted into nutrient intakes. Validity of 24HR estimates of nutrient and food group consumption was based on comparison with WFR using equivalence tests (group level) and percentages of participants within ranges of percentage error (individual level). Both modalities performed comparably estimating consumption of macro- and micronutrients, food groups and quantities (modalities' divergence from WFR not significantly different). Accuracy of both modalities was acceptable (equivalence to WFR significant at P < 0·05) at group level for macronutrients, less so for micronutrients and individual-level consumption (percentage within ±20 % for WFR, 17–45 % for macronutrients, 5–17 % for micronutrients). INDDEX24 was more cost-effective than PAPI based on superior accuracy of a composite nutrient intake measure (but not gram amount or item count) due to lower time and personnel costs. INDDEX24 for 24HR dietary surveys linked to dietary reference data shows comparable accuracy to PAPI at lower cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Patients taking antiresorptive medications in dental clinics are at risk of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ), which poses daily challenges for their clinicians. This paper aimed to summarize and revisit the three most recognized practice guidelines for the management and prevention of MRONJ, which were proposed by the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS), and presented by the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research (JBMR) and the Journal of Clinical Oncology (JCO). Results and case studies: The AAOMS position paper focused on risk stratification by different medications, management decision trees, risk factors, pathophysiology, and disease staging. The JBMR international consensus presented eight focused questions, which were addressed by systematic reviews. The JCO clinical practice guideline presented six clinical questions, and each concluded with practical recommendations. Practical information was summarized and converted into an adoptable patient care workflow for clinicians to follow and apply in daily practice. Three case studies presented were treated following these guidelines. Each patient underwent advanced surgeries including alveoloplasty, tooth extraction, implant placement, and particulate bone grafting. Some of the considerations not fully informed were discussed and illustrated in each step of the patient care workflow, which included specifics for risk communication, updates on the use of antibiotics, biomarkers, and drug holidays. Conclusion and practical implications: Structured risk communication with official informed consent documentation should be considered before initiating invasive treatments. Disease control phase with home care therapy should be provided prior to staged reconstructive therapy. Drug holidays and antibiotics coverage can be customized based on individual conditions and related procedures with interprofessional coordination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on the task-oriented exercise which improved disability, pain and quality of life compared with general physiotherapy for surgically treated proximal humeral fractures.

Background: The study tests the effects of data collection modes on patient responses associated with the multi-item measures such as Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement System (PROMIS®), and single-item measures such as Patient-Reported Outcomes version of the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (PRO-CTCAE), and Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) measures. Methods: Adult cancer patients were recruited from five cancer centers and administered measures of anxiety, depression, fatigue, sleep disturbance, pain intensity, pain interference, ability to participate in social roles and activities, global mental and physical health, and physical function. Patients were randomized to complete the measures on paper (595), interactive voice response (IVR, 596) system, or tablet computer (589). We evaluated differential item functioning (DIF) by method of data collection using the R software package, lordif. For constructs that showed no DIF, we concluded equivalence across modes if the equivalence margin, defined as ± 0.20 × pooled SD, completely surrounds 95% confidence intervals (CI's) for difference in mean score. If the 95% CI fell totally outside the equivalence margin, we concluded systematic score difference by modes. If the 95% CI partly overlaps the equivalence margin, we concluded neither equivalence nor difference. Results: For all constructs, no DIF of any kind was found for the three modes. The scores on paper and tablet were more comparable than between IVR and other modes but none of the 95% CI's were completely outside the equivalence margins, in which we established neither equivalence nor difference. Percentages of missing values were comparable for paper and tablet modes. Percentages of missing values were higher for IVR (2.3% to 6.5% depending on measures) compared to paper and tablet modes (0.7% to 3.3% depending on measures and modes), which was attributed to random technical difficulties experienced in some centers. Conclusion: Across all mode comparisons, there were some measures with CI's not completely contained within the margin of small effect. Two visual modes agreed more than visual-auditory pairs. IVR may induce differences in scores unrelated to constructs being measured in comparison with paper and tablet. The users of the surveys should consider using IVR only when paper and computer administration is not feasible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primary aromatic amines (PAAs) are a class of hazardous substances where many compounds are classified as carcinogen, mutagen, and reproduction toxin (CMR). PAAs can be taken up by dermal exposure. In the polyurethane industry, a valid and trustworthy method for the quantification of PAAs in the presence of isocyanates that could interfere is of great interest, especially on workplaces where a regular contact to PAAs cannot be excluded. The aim of this work is the development, validation, and verification of a novel sampling device to quantify selectively the PAA load on work surfaces. We describe the synthesis of Cell-ßALA-PEMSA analytical papers and their characterization by infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. The recovery of TDA and MDA spiked on these filters is satisfactory. An excellent selectivity of Cell-ßALA-PEMSA papers towards PAAs in the presence of isocyanates of almost 100% was found by wipe tests of amine/isocyanate contaminated surfaces. First positive field tests were achieved at certain areas in a Polyurethane Technical Application Department where surface contamination with PAAs was expected, and the Cell-ßALA-PEMSA analytical papers were superior to an established method of surface sampling. However, recovery of these amines from surfaces shows a large variability, and more work is required to address influencing surface properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Telemedicine use surged during COVID-19, and a significant amount of recent research has relied solely on online surveys to assess patient perceptions. However, these surveys may be biased since they require an internet connection and digital literacy skills. We compare local perceptions of telemedicine visits in rural areas across two methods of data collection: online-only vs. paper surveys. We collected 100 paper and 108 online surveys in two rural counties with a total population of 10,000. The results show that significant differences exist in the demographics of people completing each type of survey and in the perceptions of telemedicine, with paper-based respondents generally demonstrating a higher degree of confidence in telemedicine. Ordered logistic regressions controlling for potentially influential underlying demographic characteristics (income, hours worked, and presence of children) show that paper-based respondents tend to have higher opinions of telemedicine, but that overall levels of comfort are similar across survey types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study presents the research productivity of Hisar-based three technical universities viz. GJUS&T, CCSHAU and LUVAS during 2010-19. The study shows that the universities collaboratively produced a total of 4416 papers during 2010-2019 and received 27413 citations with an ACPP of 6.21, with maximum publications appearing in articles (85.19%) and the highly productive year was 2019 with (11.48%) publications. Maximum citations received in the year 2011 (16.99%) while highly cited three papers were published by CCSHAU and GJU. Among the three, CCSHAU produced the highest number of publications (2001) which is 45.31 percent share of total publications while GJU has the highest number of citations (18185) which is 66.33 percent of total citations of three universities. ACPP of GJU was found highest (9.49). Aggarwal, A. most prolific author of GJU produced the highest number of publications (140 papers) among all prolific authors of three universities whereas the highest citations were received by Kumar, S. (3586 citations). GJU published more than one-fourth (26.53%) with the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Maharshi Dayanand University, and College of Veterinary Science, India. CCSHAU made the highest collaboration with the USA, GJU with South Korea, and LUVAS with the UK. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper provides a concise overview of Agile and DevOps methodologies in software engineering. It aims to introduce readers to the fundamental principles of Agile and DevOps, accompanied by brief descriptions and practical examples. The advantages and disadvantages of each methodology are discussed, followed by a comparative analysis highlighting key differences. Understanding these methodologies is crucial in today’s IT landscape, as they are commonly employed in various organizations, impacting project management, team collaboration, and product delivery. This paper serves as a valuable resource for individuals seeking a basic understanding of Agile and DevOps methodologies in software engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early intensive behavioral intervention (EIBI) is a treatment designed to increase adaptive behavior and decrease maladaptive behaviors for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). EIBI service providers typically collect data using pen‐and‐paper. Participants were four service providers employed at a large community‐based EIBI program. Differences in accuracy between collecting discrete‐trial‐teaching (DTT) data and challenging behavior data using pen‐and‐paper and an eHealth electronic data collection (EDC) application were assessed. The social validity of both methods of data collection was also examined. Pen‐and‐paper and EDC were equally accurate, but participants preferred using pen‐and‐paper. Our accuracy findings agreed with previous comparisons of EDC and pen‐and‐paper. Both methods of data collection are viable for an EIBI program; however, social validity considerations will determine the ease of EIBI programs transitioning to using an eHealth tool for data collection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a comparative analysis of textile schools around the world based on research journal publications is made using the most popular bibliometric evaluation methodology. The study benchmarks bibliometric evaluation of professional research institutions related to textile, apparel, fashion and clothing in recent years from 2014 to 2019. Based on Web of ScienceTM, a total of 124,362 research publications (not counting conference papers) from 2014 to 2019 were found to be textile or fiber related. Out of more 1000 textile schools worldwide, 31 schools from 18 countries or territories were identified to be among the top 100 institutions contributing the textile or fiber related publications listed in Web of ScienceTM. These 31 textile schools are ranked in terms of productivity and citation impact, including total number of publications, publication per staff, h-index, total citations, average citations, and citation per staff. While these bibliometric measures provide some insights of the trends of the research activities and influences of textile schools in the world, they should be interpreted with caution as the quality of research contributions in terms of originality, scientific rigor and societal impact may not be reflected by the publication counts and the cites they receive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]