Search

Simple Summary: This study examines the impact of employee-related factors on udder health in dairy cows. Specifically, it investigates how variables such as educational level, the nature and scope of training provided, the methodologies utilized in that training, and the adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) within a dairy herd influence Bulk Tank Somatic Cell Count (BTSCC) and new infection risk. We anticipated that employees with formal education and comprehensive training in SOP implementation would be associated with lower BTSCC and new infection risk than their counterparts lacking formal agricultural education. Our findings indicate that the presence of an SOP correlated with an increase in BTSCC by 21,600 cells/mL compared to herds lacking a milking SOP. Furthermore, we observed a reduction of 0.02% in new infection risk when employing educated staff, which decreased to 0.16% when an SOP was incorporated into the training regimen. In contrast, unskilled employees were linked to a 0.02% increase in new infection risk. Notably, the availability of an SOP in the herd that was not incorporated within the training was associated with a 0.15% increase in infection risk. These results underscore the importance of combining foundational knowledge with implementing SOPs in training programs to optimize milking protocols. For decades, bovine mastitis and milk quality have been a focus area for research, agricultural extension, and dairy processors worldwide, yet employee management as a factor in udder health management has received limited attention. This is mainly because the focus has previously been on more classical areas covered by the National Mastitis Council Mastitis Control Program (NMC 10-point plan) in English-speaking countries. Therefore, we wanted more background information on employee management on dairy farms, to identify the human factor of udder health management. The method of investigating employee management and the impact of employee management on udder health was conducting a study of 88 Danish dairy farms with hired employees and parlor or rotary milking systems. An interview-based questionnaire on individual dairy farmers' human resource management was developed based on the current literature and multiple discussions among the authors. The results we found through analyzing associations between the dependent variable BTSCC and employee management, using a regression model, was that providing a generic SOP was associated with a 21,600 cells/mL increase in BTSCC, with estimates in the range (507; 42,674 cells/mL). We also analyzed, applying a Poisson model, that there was a 0.16% reduction in new infection risk if the training was based on a herd-specific SOP and educated employees. In contrast, we identified a 0.15% increase in new infection risk in herds where SOPs were available but not incorporated, both modest but significant results. In conclusion, farms with educated employees and trained by an SOP achieve the lowest new infection risk, but education has no impact on BTSCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is a need for improved methodologies on how to longitudinally analyze, interpret and learn from the Surveys on Patient Safety Culture™ (SOPS), developed by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). Typically, SOPS quantify results by the percentage of positive responses, but this approach may miss insights from neutral or negative feedback. Study design: The SOPS were distributed every two years from 2011 to 2022 to all hospital staff at one academic institution from perioperative services. Differences between rates of "positive" and "negative" scores ("Delta"), and "neutral" responses over time were calculated. The coefficient of determination (R 2) was used to assess the correlation strength of the positive scores as the primary outcomes provided by the SOPS and Delta values over time. Finally, we evaluated patterns (crossing and converging [indicating "worrisome" patterns] vs. diverging [suggesting "desirable" pattern] vs. stable [suggesting "neutral" pattern]) of the longitudinal scores. Results: A total of 1,035 responses were analyzed [51 and 40 survey items for SOPS v1 and v2 (2022 only), respectively]. Comparing the R 2 values of the positive only scores to the Delta scores demonstrated a change in effect size for "Nonpunitive Response to Error" (R 2 = 0.290 vs. 0.420). Of the 13 specific categories measured through SOPS, plotting negative vs. positive values elucidated 2 crossing, 2 converging and 2 diverging patterns indicating both a decrease in positive responses and an increase in negative responses rather than neutral. Conclusion: Longitudinal analysis of the SOPS using the directional measures, Delta and pattern trends can provide organizations with additional key insights regarding culture of patient safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to compare the effectiveness, in terms of viability and quality post‐warming, when vitrifying in vitro‐produced (IVP) pig blastocysts with either a modified Cryotop (n = 161; 20 blastocysts/device) or the conventional Superfine Open Pulled Straw (SOPS; n=160; 5‐6 blastocysts/device systems. Blastocyst viability, morphology, and apoptosis parameters were evaluated after 24 h of in vitro culture. The Cryotop system yields better results in terms of higher embryo viability and total cell numbers (p <.05) and lower apoptosis (p <.05) parameters than the SOPS procedure, defining a high effectiveness to simultaneously vitrify 20 pig IVP blastocysts at one time, thus increasing the yield of IVP blastocysts readily available for embryo transfer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

FDA has implemented 21 CFR 111 guidelines to regulate the production of dietary supplements that are sold in dosage forms. Creating an effective quality system demands both time and financial resources. However, the robust quality systems model of cGMP can offer the necessary controls to ensure acceptable quality. The current review focuses on the general quality system requirements of dietary supplements as per 21 CFR 111 regulations. The requirements mentioned in each subpart are discussed in the study. According to this study, a manufacturing firm can guarantee the consistency and quality of dietary supplements distributed to the USA by adhering to 21 CFR 111 regulations. A dietary supplement manufacturing company, therefore, has to comply with 21 CFR 111 and thus can be an FDA-approved plant. According to the findings of the study, a dietary supplement manufacturing firm can fulfill its commitment to quality by setting up a suitable quality system that can obtain the approval of the regulatory authorities to which it plans to export its products and thus can achieve customer satisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inadequate energy management leads to more emission exposure, which causes climate change, severe environmental contamination, and human health risks. Therefore, the World Health Organisation (WHO) monitors universal efforts to prevent emissions and encourages governments to develop industries to transform the green economy. During the current study, the energy and cost variation was observed through three years (2020, 2021, and 2022) at a surface water plant in southern Egypt. Consistent with applying operation strategies that met convenient standard operating procedures (SOPs) during 2021 and 2022. Energy consumption was reduced by 13% to 17%, and the cost decreased by 5% to 12% for 2021 and 2022, respectively. These energy and financial savings should be considered as an influence of the water safety plans (WSPs). Detrended correspondence analysis (DCA) was utilised to identify the mechanism of energy consumption and its impact on the cost during the study period. The finding proves that the energy and cost rise is related to increased water demand during the summer months, periodic/emergency maintenance, and comprehensive cleaning activities. WSPs were applied to control biological oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), and oil and grease (O & G) that show increasing values than Egyptian law. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BackgroundThere is a need for improved methodologies on how to longitudinally analyze, interpret and learn from the Surveys on Patient Safety Culture™ (SOPS), developed by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). Typically, SOPS quantify results by the percentage of positive responses, but this approach may miss insights from neutral or negative feedback.Study designThe SOPS were distributed every two years from 2011 to 2022 to all hospital staff at one academic institution from perioperative services. Differences between rates of “positive” and “negative” scores (“Delta”), and “neutral” responses over time were calculated. The coefficient of determination (R2) was used to assess the correlation strength of the positive scores as the primary outcomes provided by the SOPS and Delta values over time. Finally, we evaluated patterns (crossing and converging [indicating “worrisome” patterns] vs. diverging [suggesting “desirable” pattern] vs. stable [suggesting “neutral” pattern]) of the longitudinal scores.ResultsA total of 1,035 responses were analyzed [51 and 40 survey items for SOPS v1 and v2 (2022 only), respectively]. Comparing the R2 values of the positive only scores to the Delta scores demonstrated a change in effect size for “Nonpunitive Response to Error” (R2 = 0.290 vs. 0.420). Of the 13 specific categories measured through SOPS, plotting negative vs. positive values elucidated 2 crossing, 2 converging and 2 diverging patterns indicating both a decrease in positive responses and an increase in negative responses rather than neutral.ConclusionLongitudinal analysis of the SOPS using the directional measures, Delta and pattern trends can provide organizations with additional key insights regarding culture of patient safety.

For decades, bovine mastitis and milk quality have been a focus area for research, agricultural extension, and dairy processors worldwide, yet employee management as a factor in udder health management has received limited attention. This is mainly because the focus has previously been on more classical areas covered by the National Mastitis Council Mastitis Control Program (NMC 10-point plan) in English-speaking countries. Therefore, we wanted more background information on employee management on dairy farms, to identify the human factor of udder health management. The method of investigating employee management and the impact of employee management on udder health was conducting a study of 88 Danish dairy farms with hired employees and parlor or rotary milking systems. An interview-based questionnaire on individual dairy farmers’ human resource management was developed based on the current literature and multiple discussions among the authors. The results we found through analyzing associations between the dependent variable BTSCC and employee management, using a regression model, was that providing a generic SOP was associated with a 21,600 cells/mL increase in BTSCC, with estimates in the range (507; 42,674 cells/mL). We also analyzed, applying a Poisson model, that there was a 0.16% reduction in new infection risk if the training was based on a herd-specific SOP and educated employees. In contrast, we identified a 0.15% increase in new infection risk in herds where SOPs were available but not incorporated, both modest but significant results. In conclusion, farms with educated employees and trained by an SOP achieve the lowest new infection risk, but education has no impact on BTSCC.

The use of laboratory animals in research has been extensively criticized. While most of the critique has been centered around the ethical aspect, also the economic and scientific aspects have been frequently mentioned as points of concern. As a result, the use of alternative methods has gradually become more enticing. The most used alternatives to laboratory animals are the 2D monolayer cell cultures. However, the limited translatability of these monolayer cell cultures to in vivo has led to the development of 3D cell cultures that are believed to better capture the in vivo physiology and pathology. Here we report on the development of a physiologically more relevant 3D cell model (spheroids) comprised of human bronchial epithelial (16HBE14o-) cells, for use in respiratory toxicity research. Culturing 16HBE14o-cells as hanging-drops led to the formation of stable spheroids which showed an increased expression of CLDN1 when compared to 2D monolayer cultured cells. In addition, cell-cycle analysis revealed an increased sub-G0 population and signs of G0/G1 arrest in spheroids. Afterwards, standard operating procedures (SOPs) were established, and existing protocols optimized, for compatibility with spheroids. Spheroids were successfully used to assess cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, apoptosis/necrosis, and oxidative stress after exposure to known cytotoxic or genotoxic compounds. The development of the bronchial epithelial spheroids and the establishment of SOPs can contribute to a more reliable toxicity assessment of chemicals and may aid in bridging the gap between in vivo and in vitro experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To understand how firefighters' use of rules (i.e., standard operating procedures [SOPs]) and deliberative decision making (i.e., operational discretion [OD]) interacts with acute stress. Background: Current operational guidance for UK firefighters combines the provision of SOPs, for routine incidents, with the use of OD, under prescribed conditions (e.g., when there is a risk to human life). However, our understanding of the use of SOPs and OD is limited. Methods: Incident commanders (ICs; n = 43) responded to simulated emergency incidents, which either licensed the use of OD or required use of a SOP. Video footage of IC behavior was used to code their response as involving a SOP or OD, while levels of acute stress were assessed using a blood-based measure and self-report. Results: ICs were less likely to use OD selectively in the simulated emergency incident that licensed its use than in the one for which use of an SOP was appropriate; IC command level did not affect this pattern of results; and the incident that licensed OD resulted in more acute stress than the incident that required use of a SOP. Conclusion: SOPs and OD were not used in the manner prescribed by current operational guidance in simulated emergency incidents. Application: These results suggest that firefighter training in SOPs and OD should be augmented alongside personal resilience training, given the impact of stress on health and wellbeing, but also to improve the deployment of SOPs and OD under stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Initiated through Presidential direction and now codified, the National Ocean Mapping, Exploration, and Characterization (NOMEC) Council comprises leaders from U.S. federal agencies with a shared goal of mapping all waters of the United States and exploring and characterizing priority areas. The NOMEC Council’s two Interagency Working Groups, Ocean and Coastal Mapping (IWG-OCM) and Ocean Exploration and Characterization (IWG-OEC), both achieved major milestones recently with the 2023 release of the Draft Standard Ocean Mapping Protocols (SOMP) and the 2022 publication of the National Priorities for Ocean Exploration and Characterization. Building on this groundwork, the IWG-OEC is now looking to define and share best practices, guidelines, and resources for ocean exploration and characterization with the long-term goal of increasing community wide standardization to help achieve consistent common practices. First, the IWG-OEC plans to compile federal agency resources and share them in a newly developed online resource repository. The next phase is for the IWG-OEC to create opportunities for non-federal sectors to provide input on developing and populating this repository with additional content (existing standards and protocols, best practice and guidelines documents, etc.). After experts representing multiple sectors are identified, a series of results-oriented workshops are planned to provide input on all aspects of the data, products, and services from exploration and characterization. Finally, the IWG-OEC plans to widely share the online repository of best practices and standard operating procedures. A systematic, transparent, and collaborative process to share standards and protocols can help to enhance the interoperability of data and inform new lines of inquiry, discovery, research, and innovation.

Accurately counting and localising cellular events from movies is an important bottleneck of high-content tissue/embryo live imaging. Here, we propose a new methodology based on deep learning that allows automatic detection of cellular events and their precise xyt localisation on live fluorescent imaging movies without segmentation. We focused on the detection of cell extrusion, the expulsion of dying cells from the epithelial layer, and devised DeXtrusion: a pipeline based on recurrent neural networks for automatic detection of cell extrusion/cell death events in largemovies of epithelia marked with cell contour. The pipeline, initially trained on movies of the Drosophila pupal notum marked with fluorescent E-cadherin, is easily trainable, provides fast and accurate extrusion predictions in a large range of imaging conditions, and can also detect other cellular events, such as cell division or cell differentiation. It also performs well on other epithelial tissues with reasonable re-training. Our methodology could easily be applied for other cellular events detected by live fluorescent microscopy and could help to democratise the use of deep learning for automatic event detections in developing tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first case of COVID-19 originated in China which then started spreading rapidly all over the world as a deadly pandemic. A huge number of people started to suffer due to the rapid attacks and virulent nature of the COVID-19 virus. This virus swiftly spreads from person to person. Initially considered as pneumonia due to similar signs and symptoms, with the passage of time its gravity was realized as compared to that of pneumonia. This virus attacks human respiratory system, damaging it to death. A survey was conducted during the pandemic to determine the prevalence and distribution of COVID-19 spread and its patient rate. Swabbed sticks were collected from different government and private hospitals following COVID-19 SOPs. A systematic data analysis was conducted by using different epidemiological tools to evaluate the prevalence and distribution rate of COVID across the country. Data was collected from all types of COVID-19 patients, including those on ventilator, admitted patients, patients with minor signs and symptoms, and patients having no symptoms but tested positive for COVID-19 by qRT-PCR. People who were already vaccinated were also included in this survey. A number of people showed positive vaccination effects, while most of them were not willing to receive vaccination. The study also illustrated that most of the patients who were admitted in hospitals showed severe symptoms, whereas some exhibited minor symptoms. It could be due to the fact that hospitals lack the facilities to accommodate every patient. Therefore, they only admit individuals with major symptoms and those having minor symptoms but with other complications. Whereas, patients with minor symptoms were referred to home isolation.

The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of using two different concentrations of cryoprotectant following vitrification of immature oocytes. We used 1351 Mangalitsa oocytes for SOPS vitrification at an ethylene glycol (EG) concentration of 40% and 45% with an exposure time of 40 and 50 seconds. After warming, oocytes were subjected to morphological and viability assessment. The results show that increasing of EG concentration and exposure time of immature oocyte increases the number of detached cumulus cells and abnormal ooplasm. However, fluorescent assay indicated that a higher concentration of EG and shorter exposure time of oocytes lead to a significantly better post-vitrification viability (p > 0.001).

Background: Despite increasing acceptability and effectiveness, Unani Medicine has been widely criticized for lack of quality assurance and poor presentation. Therefore, in order to ensure the production of high-quality drugs, good manufacturing practices and the development of scientifically Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are necessary. The purpose of this study was to create SOPs for a polyherbal formulation Qurṣ-i Muṣaffī (QM) regarding its binder, temperature and duration of drying, as well as an assessment of its Mizāj (temperament). Materials and Methods: 18 batches of QM were prepared under different conditions (binder, temperature and duration of drying). Powder of particle sizes 150 μm, gum acacia mucilage (10%, 15% and 20% w/w) were used as a binder, at 60°C temperature for 20 and 30 min during the process of granulation and after compression 20 min only. Results: Data of the study revealed that the final batch of QM with particle size 150 μm, gum acacia (20 %) as the binder, temperature 60°C for 30 min for granules and 20 min after compression were found appropriate. The temperament (Mizāj) of the QM was assessed through method described by renowned Unani scholar Al-Kindῑ and found to be moderate degree in hot property and second degree in dry property. Conclusion: The obtained results of final batches of QM can be adopted as the SOPs for future references in terms of process standardization and reproducibility of the drug. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, five kinds of soybean oil-based polyols (polyol-E, polyol-P, polyol-I, polyol-B, and polyol-M) were prepared by ring-opening the epoxy groups in epoxidized soybean oil (ESO) with ethyl alcohol, 1-pentanol, isoamyl alcohol, p-tert-butylphenol, and 4-methoxyphenol in the presence of tetrafluoroboric acid as the catalyst. The SOPs were characterized by FTIR, 1H NMR, GPC, viscosity, and hydroxyl numbers. Compared with ESO, the retention time of SOPs is shortened, indicating that the molecular weight of SOPs is increased. The structure of different monomers can significantly affect the hydroxyl numbers of SOPs. Due to the large steric hindrance of isoamyl alcohol, p-hydroxyanisole, and p-tert-butylphenol, SOPs prepared by these three monomers often undergo further dehydration to ether reactions, which consumes the hydroxyl of polyols, thus forming dimers and multimers; therefore, the hydroxyl numbers are much lower than polyol-E and polyol-P. The viscosity of polyol-E and polyol-P is much lower than that of polyol-I, polyol-B, and polyol-M. A longer distance between the molecules and the smaller intermolecular force makes the SOPs dehydrate to ether again. This generates dimer or polymers and makes the viscosity of these SOPs larger, and the molecular weight greatly increases.

The Superfine Open Pulled Straw (SOPS) system is the most commonly used method for vitrification of pig embryos. However, this system only allows the vitrification of four to seven embryos per straw. In this study, we investigated the effectiveness of the open (OC) and closed (CC) Cryotop® systems to simultaneously vitrify a larger number of porcine embryos. Morulae, early blastocysts and full blastocysts were vitrified with the open Cryotop® (n = 250; 20 embryos per device) system, the closed Cryotop® (n = 158; 20 embryos per device) system and the traditional superfine open pulled straw (SOPS; n = 241; 4–7 embryos per straw) method. Fresh embryos from each developmental stage constituted the control group (n = 132). Data expressed as percentages were compared with the Fisher's exact test. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to analyze the effect of the different vitrification systems on the embryo quality parameters and two-by-two comparisons were accomplished with the Mann-Whitney U test. Differences were considered statistically significant when p < 0.05. Vitrified and control embryos were incubated for 24 h and examined for viability and quality. At the warming step, the embryo recovery rate for the CC system was 51%, while all embryos were recovered when using OC and SOPS. There were no differences between the vitrification and control groups in the postwarming viability of full blastocysts. In contrast, morulae and early blastocysts that were vitrified-warmed with the SOPS system had lower viability (p < 0.01) compared to those from the OC, CC and control groups. The embryonic viability was similar between the OC and control groups, regardless of the developmental stage considered. Moreover, the embryos from the OC group had comparable total cell number and cells from the inner cell mass and apoptotic index than the controls. In conclusion, the OC system is suitable for the simultaneous vitrification of 20 porcine embryos at different developmental stages and provides comparable viability and quality results to fresh embryos subjected to 24 h of in vitro culture.

The Sīrah of the Holy Prophetﷺ is the base of guidance for a man of every age. Through study of the Sīrah in perspective of the problems of the present time proves to be a practicable solution today as it was practicable centuries ago. Corona virus has become disastrous for the whole world and has adverse on every field of the life. The experts of medical sciences have suggested a few safety measures to avoid it. But the study of the Sīrah of the Holy Prophet ﷺ tells that these all safety measures are available in the practical life of the Holy Prophetﷺ and He also encouraged His followers to follow these measures. In this situation it can be said that the experts of medical science of present time have received their results of SOPs about corona virus and other infectious diseases from the Sīrah of the Holy Prophet ﷺ and his sayings.

The Sīrah of the Holy Prophet is the base of guidance for a man of every age. Through study of the Sīrah in perspective of the problems of the present time proves to be a practicable solution today as it was practicable centuries ago. Corona virus has become disastrous for the whole world and has adverse on every field of the life. The experts of medical sciences have suggested a few safety measures to avoid it. But the study of the Sīrah of the Holy Prophet tells that these all safety measures are available in the practical life of the Holy Prophetالله and He also encouraged His followers to follow these measures. In this situation it can be said that the experts of medical science of present time have received their results of SOPs about corona virus and other infectious diseases from the Sīrah of the Holy Prophet الله and his sayings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human history has faced numberless pandemics; however, the contemporary pandemic Covid-19 proved the most fatal and dangerous amongst all. Although vaccines have been prepared, launched, and injected in almost all around the world but according to the medical experts, human life seems to be vulnerable to its new expected waves and novel variants. The only suggested solution is advised to follow its SOPs. Public must change their lifestyle and behaviors forever according to these SOPs for survival of humanity. The basic question of this research is whether we found any role model, instructions, or example from The Prophet (S.A.W). The paper elaborates the aspects of Sīrat-un-Nabi (S.A.W) in this regard. He (S.A.W) indicated the reasons of pandemics, their remedies, and their spiritual and practical solutions. He (S.A.W.) not only stated the status of the victims and expired individuals due to the pandemics but also taught the humanity more than the SOPs recommended by medical experts for saving lives from corona infection. Humanity can be saved from the pandemics and losses can be reduced by acting upon and following the precautionary measures and SOPs recommended by the Prophet (S.A.W), like the social distancing, lockdown, covering the mouth (mask), quarantine, avoiding the hand shaking and hugging with the patients and the strict instructions of regular cleanliness.

The study is aimed to analyze the determinants of the effectiveness of SOPs in mass gatherings for containing COVID-19. The overall design of the study involves a literature review, data collection by field survey, structural modeling, and analysis. The study is built on the experts' opinion of a focus group (representing people who recently participated in and are responsible for mass gatherings). The study uses the discussion of the literature review to identify the determinants, interpretive structural modeling (ISM) for developing and analyzing a structural model, and Matrice d'Impacts Croises Multiplication Appliquée a un Classement (MICMAC) for corroboration of results of the ISM/classification of determinants. From the literature review, a list of determinants is generated and verified by a panel of experts. The results of the ISM revealed that the determinants “legal environment of the country,” “practicability of SOPs,” “perceived benefit of adapting SOPs,” and “possibilities of avoiding gathering” occupied the top of the model, therefore, they are less critical determinants, whereas “nature of gathering” occupied the bottom of the model, and is thus the most critical determinant. The remaining determinants form the middle of the model, and are therefore moderately severe. The results of MICMAC show that the determinant “perceived benefit of adapting SOPs” is dependent, “nature of gathering” is independent, and all others are linked. The results of MICMAC implicitly substantiate the findings of the ISM. The overall results of the study show that “nature of gathering” is the key determinant. This research does not require a priori theory since it is a theory-building study that uses an inductive approach. It is based on real data and it is useful for local authorities, organizers, participants (attendees/visitors) of mass gatherings, health officials/regulators, researchers, and the community at large. This study has fundamental importance for planning and preparing for such events while ensuring the minimum risk of COVID-19 transmission.

The study is aimed to analyze the determinants of the effectiveness of SOPs in mass gatherings for containing COVID-19. The overall design of the study involves a literature review, data collection by field survey, structural modeling, and analysis. The study is built on the experts' opinion of a focus group (representing people who recently participated in and are responsible for mass gatherings). The study uses the discussion of the literature review to identify the determinants, interpretive structural modeling (ISM) for developing and analyzing a structural model, and Matrice d'Impacts Croises Multiplication Appliquée a un Classement (MICMAC) for corroboration of results of the ISM/classification of determinants. From the literature review, a list of determinants is generated and verified by a panel of experts. The results of the ISM revealed that the determinants "legal environment of the country," "practicability of SOPs," "perceived benefit of adapting SOPs," and "possibilities of avoiding gathering" occupied the top of the model, therefore, they are less critical determinants, whereas "nature of gathering" occupied the bottom of the model, and is thus the most critical determinant. The remaining determinants form the middle of the model, and are therefore moderately severe. The results of MICMAC show that the determinant "perceived benefit of adapting SOPs" is dependent, "nature of gathering" is independent, and all others are linked. The results of MICMAC implicitly substantiate the findings of the ISM. The overall results of the study show that "nature of gathering" is the key determinant. This research does not require a priori theory since it is a theory-building study that uses an inductive approach. It is based on real data and it is useful for local authorities, organizers, participants (attendees/visitors) of mass gatherings, health officials/regulators, researchers, and the community at large. This study has fundamental importance for planning and preparing for such events while ensuring the minimum risk of COVID-19 transmission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human history has faced numberless pandemics; however, the contemporary pandemic Covid-19 proved the most fatal and dangerous amongst all. Although vaccines have been prepared, launched, and injected in almost all around the world but according to the medical experts, human life seems to be vulnerable to its new expected waves and novel variants. The only suggested solution is advised to follow its SOPs. Public must change their lifestyle and behaviors forever according to these SOPs for survival of humanity. The basic question of this research is whether we found any role model, instructions, or example from The Prophet (S.A.W). The paper elaborates the aspects of Sīrat-un-Nabi (S.A.W) in this regard. He (S.A.W) indicated the reasons of pandemics, their remedies, and their spiritual and practical solutions. He (S.A.W.) not only stated the status of the victims and expired individuals due to the pandemics but also taught the humanity more than the SOPs recommended by medical experts for saving lives from corona infection. Humanity can be saved from the pandemics and losses can be reduced by acting upon and following the precautionary measures and SOPs recommended by the Prophet (S.A.W), like the social distancing, lockdown, covering the mouth (mask), quarantine, avoiding the hand shaking and hugging with the patients and the strict instructions of regular cleanliness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The detrimental consequences of Coronavirus infection are distinctly evident following its declaration as to the 6th Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) by the World Health Organization on 30th January 2020 and its distressing and negative implications experienced across the globe. Apart from drastically impacting the healthcare of the population, a worrisome reduction in the universal economy is also attributed to this menace. The government of Pakistan is cognizant of its responsibilities took stringent measures to curb the coronavirus infection by the endowment of services for early case detection, contact tracing, isolation, and quarantine. Still, the first wave of COVID-19 resulted in a distressing scenario with the fast growth of this havoc in addition to those experienced in the United States, United Kingdom, Italy, and Spain. However, World Health Organization acknowledged the diligent efforts of the Pakistani government, healthcare professionals, and administrators in combating the first wave of COVID with an earlier reduction in effective Reproduction number (Rt) to 0.746 that was primarily attributed to Intermittent lockdown imposition, closure of educational institutes, avoidance of huge ceremonial gatherings and strict compliance to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Although fewer chances of the second wave of COVID were anticipated in Pakistan due to early flattening of the curve during the first wave of COVID-19 in comparison with those of industrialized countries8 non-compliance to SOPs contributed to the rapid surge of the second wave. The government of Pakistan declared the occurrence of the second wave of COVID on 28th October 2020 when around 750 cases per day were reported. Active cases rapidly escalated to 11,000 and approximately 93 hospitalized patients were put on ventilators. Commencement of anti-government rallies and non-compliance to health guidelines are key contributors to this havoc. Currently, about 3499 active cases on daily basis are registered across the country with 39 deaths. About 410,000 active cases are detected nationally till now with 8260 fatalities. National Command and Operation Centre has accounted for a threefold ascend of infection since 12th October 2020. The steep ascend of cases during the second wave compelled the authorities to proceed with the shutting of learning institutes, the commencement of online education, and the postponement of all types of scheduled assessments except entrance exams. Even the employees of public and private sector medical institutes were vigilantly instructed to come to their offices on alternate days and keep working at home during the rest of the days from 25th November 2020 to 31st January 2021. Although these recommendations and initiatives by the concerned authorities can be of great assistance to curb the COVID pandemic but remaining extra cautious and strict observance of SOPs is of paramount significance to halt the rapid transmissibility of COVID. Stringent efforts of Rawalpindi Medical University-affiliated hospitals in battling the second wave of COVID are worth mentioning. Apart from Holy Family Hospital and Benazir Bhutto Hospital working to treat their respective catchment population, Rawalpindi Institute of Urology / Corona Hospital was reopened to cope up with the patient load amid the COVID pandemic. An adequate number of beds and necessary equipment were made available to manage the emerging infected cases.

Abstract An analytical study of the painted folding doors at Herlev Hospital in Denmark has been performed in connection with the creation of new doors. The hospital which construction was completed in 1976 is one of the first polychrome hospitals in the world. The building has achieved international awareness not only as a piece of architecture but also as an artwork being the largest artistic decoration of a public space in Denmark. Besides the decoration of the walls and interior which colour scheme was designed by the Danish artist Poul Gernes, the hospital foyer includes 65 individual paintings and two painted folding doors, which were executed by Poul Gernes. The folding doors are the original doors from 1976 and have never been restored. The paint used for the decoration of the folding doors were analysed by micro-Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy–energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, micro-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and pyrolysis–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The results showed, that the variant colours were created by the use of a limited number of pigments and consist of a mixture of inorganic pigments and synthetic organic pigments. The detected pigments were chrome yellow, chrome orange/chrome red, PY3, PR3, PR122, PB15, and PV23. Titanium white (rutile) was found in all paint and preparatory layers, and it was used as both a whitening agent in mixtures with other pigment and a filler material in the paint. The study also shows how the decorations were created and it hence relates to other studies of wall paintings from that period giving useful information for future restoration issues about the possible pigments and binder used.

Three‐phase unbalanced conditions in distribution networks are conventionally caused by load imbalance, asymmetrical fault conditions of transformers and impedances of three phases. The uneven integration of single‐phase distributed generation (DG) worsens the imbalance situation. These unbalanced conditions result in financial losses, inefficient utilisation of assets and security risks to the network infrastructure. In this study, a phase‐changing soft open point (PC‐SOP) is proposed as a new way of connecting soft open points (SOPs) to balance the power flows among three phases by controlling active power and reactive power. Then an operational strategy based on PC‐SOPs is presented for three‐phase four‐wire unbalanced systems. By optimising the regulation of SOPs, optimal energy storage systems dispatch and DG curtailment, the proposed strategy can reduce power losses and three‐phase imbalance. Second‐order cone programming (SOCP) relaxation is utilised to convert the original non‐convex and non‐linear model into an SOCP model which can be solved efficiently by commercial solvers. Case studies are conducted on a modified IEEE 34‐node three‐phase four‐wire system and the IEEE 123‐node test feeder to verify the effectiveness, efficiency and scalability of the proposed PC‐SOP concept and its operational strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Voltage profiles may exceed the upper limit in a distribution network with a high penetration of distributed generation (DG). Voltage can be effectively regulated by curtailing the active power of DG and adjusting the reactive power. Soft open points (SOPs) have flexible active power transfer and reactive power regulation capabilities that can help reduce the active power curtailment of DG. Asymmetric network parameters, single‐phase loads, and DGs cause voltage unbalance in distribution networks. This study proposes an optimal power control model of SOPs and DG converters in unbalanced distribution networks (UDNs). First, the individual phase power control characteristics of SOPs and DG converters in UDNs are modelled. Second, an optimisation model is constructed with the minimum active power curtailment of DG and the total power loss and voltage unbalance of UDNs as the objective function and with consideration of the networks and SOP operation constraints. The original optimisation model with non‐convex and non‐linear characteristics is transformed using power flow linearisation and linear relaxation into a linear programming model that can be efficiently solved. Finally, the feasibility and efficiency of the proposed model are verified using an IEEE 33‐node system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Non-compliance with biosafety rules carries risks for humans and the environment. • A multi-method approach to identify rule compliance was used. • Compliance level and safety climate were described as good in facilities visited. • Potential to improve participative rule design and communication was identified. Non-compliance with safety rules is a significant cause of accidents. Knowledge of potential reasons for non-compliance is important for those designing safety rules. Non-compliance with rules in biosafety animal facilities potentially carries a high risk of harm for the personnel involved, as well as for uninvolved humans and animals, and the environment. While studies on factors affecting non-compliance exist in other high-risk sectors, studies on this topic in biosafety animal facilities are rare. Here, we used a multi-method approach to identify rule compliance and non-compliance in Swiss academic and state-run experimental laboratory animal facilities of biosafety levels 2–3. The aim of this study was to gather information about factors that hinder and facilitate biosafety rule compliance in such facilities. Compliance level and safety climate were described as good in the facilities analysed, and only a few problems with rules or system design that might have the potential to decrease safety were identified. Factors perceived to increase compliance were management commitment, adequate equipment, risk awareness, and practical training. Nevertheless, a potential to improve the, predominantly participative, rule design process and communication procedures was identified. Many facilities appeared to have conflicting goals or insufficient communication between facility staff and facility users (scientists) that were related to several rule violations with potentially severe consequences. Improved inter-group communication and inclusive training could help increase mutual understanding of the safety and work needs of both groups and might improve transparency of the work system for technicians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to investigate the adsorption properties of locally available lignocelluloses biomaterials as biosorbents for the removal of copper ions from aqueous solution. Materials are generated from juice production (apricot stones) and from the corn milling process (corn cob). Such solid wastes have little or no economic value and very often present a disposal problem. Using batch adsorption techniques the effects of initial Cu(II) ions concentration (Ci), amount of biomass (m) and volume of metal solution (V), on biosorption efficiency and capacity were studied for both materials, without any pre-treatments. The optimal parameters for both biosorbents were selected depending on a highest sorption capability of biosorbent, in removal of Cu(II). Experimental data were compared with second order polynomial regression models (SOPs) and artificial neural networks (ANNs). SOPs showed acceptable coefficients of determination (0.842 - 0.997), while ANNs performed high prediction accuracy (0.980-0.986) in comparison to experimental results. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. TR 31003, TR 31055]

Liquid biopsy has the potential to drastically change clinical practice, paving the way to a novel non-invasive approach for cancer diagnosis and treatment. One of the limitations for the implementation of liquid biopsy in clinical practice is the lack of shared and reproducible standard operating procedures (SOPs) for sample collection, processing and storage. Here, we present a critical review of the literature focusing on the available SOPs to guide liquid biopsy management in research settings and describe SOPs that our laboratory developed and employed in the context of a prospective clinical-translational trial (RENOVATE, NCT04781062). The main aim of this manuscript is to address common issues, towards the implementation of interlaboratory shared protocols for optimized preanalytical handling of blood and urine samples. To our knowledge, this work is one of the few up-to-date, freely available comprehensive reports on trial-level procedures for the handling of liquid biopsy. [Display omitted] • Liquid biopsy may represent a feasible non-invasive alternative to tissue biopsy. • The development of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for liquid biopsy management is essential for clinical purposes. • During the RENOVATE trial (NCT04781062) we developed a set of SOPs for efficient blood and urine collection and processing. • Detailed sharing of SOPs may be useful to simplify the adoption of common protocols for the handling of liquid biopsy. • Here we present a review of the literature, compared with our experience, as a reference tool for the scientific audience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper is based on fieldwork conducted over the course of a period from 2003 until 2006 at refugee centers in Serbia proper and Southeastern Kosovo more specifically in a part of the area known today as Kosovsko Pomoravlje. The paper is intended to present preliminary results of the probe into the issue of relations between the native Serbs and Serb in comers (colonized in the area after 1918 as part of the agrarian reform drive). Incomers from Southeastern Serbia to whom the native population ascribed the 'Sop' identity are the focal point of the research.

Urolithiasis is frequent and raises significant health care burden in a working-age population. Its prevalence, in the Azores archipelago, is currently unknown but it is thought to be higher than the overall estimated prevalence. The Azores Biobank (AZORBIO) Urolithiasis samples have been collected in accordance with standard operation procedures (SOPs) to ensure high quality. Each donor provided 30 ml whole blood and 9 ml of urine. If possible, we preferred blood collected from fasting individuals and first morning urine samples. Aliquots of plasma, serum, DNA, RNA and urine, are stored at -80°C freezers. This collection of samples, and data, will be used to investigate the genetic and/or environmental risk factors associated with the disease in this geographical area.

Background. A huge progress has been recently made in the field of biomedical research and personalized medicine. Despite the advances of biobanking, significant limitations remain that are restricting the impact of researches. The major issues include the need to increase the quality and standardization of biospecimens and to maintain public trust. In general, it is named as harmonization of biobanking activities. The purpose of this article is to overview the current situation in biobanking issues and discuss about the possible solutions of these problems in Lithuania. The first steps in biobanking activities were made in the Institute of Oncology, Vilnius University (IOVU); several methods of DNA extraction from peripheral blood were tested and compared. Materials and methods. During the experiment, four manual DNA extractions and one automated DNA purification method to determine the efficiency of each method in terms of the purity and yields of DNA extracted from blood samples were tested. DNA from patient’s blood remaining after a routine blood test was purified. Results. Two of the four manual extraction methods produced good yields of DNA (from 57 to 126 µg/ml), the other two were of poor quality (from 8 to 47 µg/ml). In the same samples automatically isolated DNA concentrations ranged from 15 to 95 µg/ml. Conclusions. The first steps for biobanking activities, SOPs creation and process harmonization were made in IOVU. Finally, after appreciation of the general situation the main threats in Lithuania could be proposed. The general working plan and strategy for biobanking in Lithuania, according to international rules and national needs, must be applied.

Symptom assessment in early psychosis research typically relies on scales validated in chronic schizophrenia samples. Our goal was to inform investigators who are selecting symptom scales for early psychosis research. We described measure characteristics, baseline scores, and scale inter-relationships in clinical-high-risk (CHR) and recent-onset psychotic disorder (RO) samples using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale, Scale for the Assessment of Positive Symptoms, and Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms; for the CHR group only, we included the Scale of Prodromal Symptoms. For investigators selecting symptom measures in intervention or longitudinal studies, we also examined the relationship of symptom scales with psychosocial functioning. In both samples, symptom subscales in the same domain, across measures, were moderately to highly intercorrelated. Within all measures, positive symptoms were not correlated with negative symptoms, but disorganized symptoms overlapped with both positive and negative symptoms. Functioning was significantly related to negative and disorganized, but not positive, symptoms in both samples on most measures. Findings suggest strong overlap in symptom severity ratings among the most common scales. In recent-onset samples, each has strengths and weaknesses. In CHR samples, they appear to add little information above and beyond the SOPS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine relationships among 2 Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality measures of hospital patient safety and quality, which reflect different perspectives on hospital performance: the Hospital Survey on Patient Safety Culture (Hospital SOPS)—a hospital employee patient safety culture survey—and the Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems Hospital Survey (CAHPS Hospital Survey)—a survey of the experiences of adult inpatients with hospital care and services. Our hypothesis was that these 2 measures would be positively related. Methods: We performed multiple regressions to examine the relationships between the Hospital SOPS measures and CAHPS Hospital Survey measures, controlling for hospital bed size and ownership. Analyses were conducted at the hospital level with each survey’s measures using data from 73 hospitals that administered both surveys during similar periods. Results: Higher overall Hospital SOPS composite average scores were associated with higher overall CAHPS Hospital Survey composite average scores (r = 0.41, P < 0.01). Twelve of 15 Hospital SOPS measures were positively related to the CAHPS Hospital Survey composite average score after controlling for bed size and ownership, with significant standardized regression coefficients ranging from 0.25 to 0.38. None of the Hospital SOPS measures were significantly correlated with either of the two single-item CAHPS Hospital Survey measures (hospital rating and willingness to recommend). Conclusions: This study found that hospitals where staff have more positive perceptions of patient safety culture tend to have more positive assessments of care from patients. This finding helps validate both surveys and suggests that improvements in patient safety culture may lead to improved patient experience with care. Further research is needed to determine the generalizability of these results to larger sets of hospitals, to hospital units, and to other settings of care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was designed to evaluate the efficiency of two oocyte vitrification–warming procedures using two different devices: Superfine Open Pulled Straws (SOPS) and Cryolock, as well as the effect of the co-culture of vitrified immature oocytes with fresh granulosa cells to improve in vitro maturation (IVM). Immature oocytes were vitrified with two procedures: A) Oocytes were exposed to an increasing concentration of ethylene glycol (EG) from 4% to 35% with 0.5 M trehalose. They then, were loaded in SOPS or Cryolock. For warming, oocytes were exposed to decreasing concentrations of trehalose 0.3, 0.2 and 0.1 M for IVM. B) Oocytes were exposed to two mixtures of EG and dimethylsulfoxide (Me 2 SO), at 7.5% and 16%, both with 0.4 M of sucrose and then loaded in SOPS or Cryolock and stored in liquid nitrogen. For warming, oocytes were exposed to a single concentration of sucrose 0.5 M. After warming, viability was determined; and after 44 h of IVM both viability and meiotic stages were evaluated. The results indicate no significant differences between procedures A and B with SOPS in all maturation stages, reaching a maximum maturation rate of 21%. As to Cryolock, significant differences were observed between both procedures, being procedure B, more efficient with a yield of 38% in MII stage and increased to 49% due to the co-culture with fresh granulosa cells. In conclusion, viability and maturation rates were improved with Cryolock and procedure B with the co-culture system in vitrified immature oocytes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper discusses the impact of the international border established in 1991 on cross-border cooperation. It focuses on the impact of the Agreement between the Republic of Slovenia and the Republic of Croatia on Border Traffic and Cooperation (SOPS) and introduction of the Schengen Agreement as a result of Slovene accession to the EU. The paper highlights the effect of the border on local population. It uses a number of interviews to present the people's attitude to the new realities of the border while at the same time determining the impact of the border on local development and the organisation of Italian national minority in Istria. In conclusion, the paper outlines the three areas formed along the border with regard to the changes in the intensity of cross-border cooperation and the related local development. Finally, the paper attempts to indicate the future development of the area in the context of cross-border cooperation along the EU's external border.

This paper will examine the existing trends in Cross LoC Trade, hurdles in its sustainability and future opportunities by the direct involvement of civil society. The LoC was officially opened in 2005 for the movement of people followed by Cross LoC Trade since its closure in 1947. Its main objective was to reduce the tension between India and Pakistan over Kashmir conflict by making the borders irrelevant through people to people contact. The role of civil society in continuation of Cross LoC Trade has been promising since its inception; however, it has been a challenge for authorities on both sides of LoC as far as its sustainability is concerned because the trade stability is directly linked with the political relationship between India and Pakistan. Besides many hurdles, its economic aspect is very important as the involvement of civil society in trade activities will certainly create intoxicating power against the dominant antagonistic attitude prevailing in the region which can drive both the unfriendly states toward peaceful resolution of the conflict. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. A huge progress has been recently made in the field of biomedical research and personalized medicine. Despite the advances of biobanking, significant limitations remain that are restricting the impact of researches. The major issues include the need to increase the quality and standardization of biospecimens and to maintain public trust. In general, it is named as harmonization of biobanking activities. The purpose of this article is to overview the current situation in biobanking issues and discuss about the possible solutions of these problems in Lithuania. The first steps in biobanking activities were made in the Institute of Oncology, Vilnius University (IOVU); several methods of DNA extraction from peripheral blood were tested and compared. Materials and methods. During the experiment, four manual DNA extractions and one automated DNA purification method to determine the efficiency of each method in terms of the purity and yields of DNA extracted from blood samples were tested. DNA from patient's blood remaining after a routine blood test was purified. Results. Two of the four manual extraction methods produced good yields of DNA (from 57 to 126 µg/ml), the other two were of poor quality (from 8 to 47 µg/ml). In the same samples automatically isolated DNA concentrations ranged from 15 to 95 µg/ml. Conclusions. The first steps for biobanking activities, SOPs creation and process harmonization were made in IOVU. Finally, after appreciation of the general situation the main threats in Lithuania could be proposed. The general working plan and strategy for biobanking in Lithuania, according to international rules and national needs, must be applied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research has perennially substantiated the belief that experience is a crucial determinant of an officer's ability to effectively use discretion in making decisions. Officers cite experience as 'the best teacher', and police managers are likely to agree, usually with an anecdote or two about their personal maturation experiences. This study is an attempt to investigate this question with a bit more subtlety. In the following sections, we will: (1) explain the theory behind the discretion-experience relationship we propose, as well as theoretical opposition to this notion, (2) hone in on the perceived importance of agency standard operating procedures as an influence on discretion, (3) demonstrate that the relationship between officer experience and the priority attributed to SOPs is parabolic, and (4) discuss our findings in the context of structural functional organizational theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cholesterol and phytosterols are generally present in foods at ppm levels and they can generate many oxidation products, i.e. oxysterols. The oxysterols comprise only a small percentage of unoxidized sterols. Reliable quantitative data on these compounds requires reasonably good separation by capillary column GC. The present study attempts to overcome the difficulties involved in separating many common oxysterols generated from cholesterol, brassicasterol, campesterol, stigmasterol, and sitosterol by coupling two high-resolution GC capillary columns. The columns, DB-17MS and DB-35MS, were coupled separately to a DB-5MS column. Total separation time of the authentic samples of oxysterols was 41 min for the DB-35MS/DB-5MS and 44 min for the DB-17MS/DB-5MS coupled columns. Two oil samples EBE1 and EBE2 extracted from exhausted bleaching earth collected from Europe were analyzed for oxysterol content by using these column combination systems. Both systems showed similar quantitative results; the total levels of oxysterols in these samples ranged from 2 to 3 mg/100 g. The prominent oxysterols were as follows: 7α-hydroxysterols (0.29-0.49 mg/100 g), 7β-hydroxysterols (0.13-0.68 mg/100 g) and 7-ketosterols (0.63-0.69 mg/100 g). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]