Administrative Intervention Research Articles

Experiencing Enumeration: Local Reactions and Resistance to Censuses in Imperial Russia, 1863–81

Abstract During the second half of the nineteenth century, statistics attracted significant attention from government officials and educated elites as a method of quantifying socioeconomic change and rendering human and natural resources visible through data. However, we still know little about how local communities responded to changing methods of gathering statistical data during the gradual shift away from forms of enumeration based on legal estates and households toward modern methods of individual enumeration by census. Rarely do we approach the history of censuses from the perspective of the census subjects to consider the experiences of those being counted. This article analyzes interactions between census organizers and local populations in the three Russian imperial Baltic provinces (Estland, Livland, and Kurland) in the second half of the nineteenth century. As a form of administrative intervention, censuses opened up a space for local populations to articulate opinions and question the overlapping layers of authority within the empire between local elites, the provincial administration, and tsarist government. Examining the history of censuses from the perspective of local communities in the Russian Empire demonstrates how attitudes and resistance to censuses were closely tied to particular local issues and concerns. The Baltic case study adds nuance to existing discussions on forms of census resistance by broadening the focus beyond identity politics and conflict over forms of confessional, linguistic, and national classification. Instead, census subjects in the Baltic voiced concerns about how the local authorities might use individual enumeration as a form of administrative surveillance and social control.

The management of heritage buildings in historical urban areas according to cost-benefit methods

The heritage buildingsare the most prominent products of the interaction of civilizational, cultural, political, social and economic values throughout history, whose presence is concentrated in the historical urban centres, especially (the city of Baghdad - the old Rusafacentre). The lack of interest in the architectural heritage and the unexamined administrative interventions and decisions, such as preserving what has no economic or social feasibility, have determined the focus of general research with the concept of managing heritage buildings. In light of the emergence of new forms and methods in this field, it provides all information, data, and decision-making capabilities. The preservation is the specific method for dealing with heritage. For the importance of knowledge of the cost-benefit method in decision-making for the management of heritage buildings, the research problem was identified in ((the lack of local studies dealing with the cost-benefits method in making decisions about building management and preservation within historical areas)). The research has adopted the descriptive and analytical approach of previous studies leading to building a theoretical framework of knowledge and extracting indicators for the main items represented by the economic impact, social return and financial impact which were employed in the practical study on selected samples within the historical area (Rasheed Street). The research concluded that the management of heritage buildings according to the cost-benefit method is an integrated and comprehensive process for each of the economic impact, costs, social return and financial effect in a balanced manner for decision-making for conservation and investment to cover the costs of conservation, maintenance and rehabilitation while providing various and innovative sources of financing.

Radiosurgery dose reduction for brain metastases on immunotherapy (RADREMI): Early results from a multicenter phase I trial.

2025 Background: The rate of symptomatic radiation necrosis in patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy and concomitant single-fraction stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is as high as 20% (Martin et al., JAMA Oncology 2018). Here, we present the first results from the Radiosurgery Dose Reduction for Brain Metastases on Immunotherapy (RADREMI) trial, aimed to identify reduced-dose SRS that is safe and efficacious for this patient population. Methods: RADREMI is a prospective multicenter, single arm phase I pilot study. Patients age > 18 receiving ICI with SRS for 1-10 brain metastases on MRI from biopsy-confirmed primary malignancy with estimated median survival of at least 6 months (by disease-specific graded prognostic assessment) and no history of whole brain radiation therapy were eligible. The primary endpoint was six-month symptomatic radiation necrosis (defined as a six-month rate of clinical symptomatology requiring steroid administration and/or operative intervention concomitant with imaging findings consistent with radiation necrosis), based on a historical six-month symptomatic radiation necrosis rate of 16% and an expected rate of 5%. Secondary endpoints included six-month local control and six-month radiographic radiation necrosis. Local control was defined according to Response Assessment in Neuro-Oncology (RANO) criteria, and was compared to historical controls of 87-91% six-month local control with RTOG 90-05 SRS dosing. The Fisher’s exact test was used for statistical analysis. This trial is registered at clinicaltrials.gov, NCT04047602. Results: Between December 18, 2019 and January 21, 2021, 39 lesions were treated in 17 patients receiving ICI delivered within 30 days before SRS from whom we recruited and obtained consent. All patients were treated with RADREMI dosing, which involved SRS doses of 18 Gy for lesions 0-2 cm, 14 Gy for lesions 2.1-3 cm, and 12 Gy for lesions 3.1-4 cm. The most common ICI used was single-agent pembrolizumab (49% of lesions, 59% of patients), followed by single-agent nivolumab (31% of lesions, 12% of patients). For the 11 lesions (six patients) meeting the primary endpoint (median follow-up = 259 days), the six-month symptomatic radiation necrosis rate was 0% per treated lesion, and 0% per treated patient, which was not significantly different from historical controls (p = 0.478). The six-month local control rate was 100% per treated lesion, and 100% per treated patient, comparable to historical controls (p = 0.476). Conclusions: In the first prospective trial to investigate dose-reduced SRS with concomitant ICI in treating metastatic brain disease, early results support the safety and efficacy of RADREMI dosing in this patient population. These findings warrant further multi-institutional collaborative trials of RADREMI dosing for this population. Clinical trial information: NCT04047602.

A mixed methods study on the manifestations of behavioural symptoms of dementia among veterans with and without posttraumatic stress disorder.

To explore how behavioural symptoms of dementia are manifested among veterans in residential long-term care settings, in the context of personal, interpersonal/social and environmental triggers and how the manifestations differ between veterans with and without posttraumatic stress disorder. Secondary analysis using a mixed methods approach. We analysed text data from a stratified random sample of 66 cases derived from the programme evaluation dataset of the Staff Training in Assisted Living Residences-Veterans Health Administration (STAR-VA) intervention from 2013 to 2016, using framework analysis. The detailed behavioural assessment descriptions in this dataset are consistent with contemporary non-pharmacologic symptom management. Qualitative categories were converted to quantitative variables for two group comparisons. Four patterns emerged linking specific types of triggers and behavioural symptoms: (1) unmet physical needs or emotional distress triggers non-aggressive behaviours; (2) unsolicited direct care approach triggers care refusal, resistance or combativeness; (3) interpersonal interactions interfering with self-direction trigger aggressive behaviours; and (4) uncontrolled stimulation from environments trigger non-aggressive behaviours. The organisational culture of care influenced how staff conceptualised behavioural symptoms. Veterans with co-existing posttraumatic stress disorder and dementia tended to exhibit rejection of care with aggression compared to those with dementia alone. Contextualised accounts of behavioural symptoms of dementia revealed symptom heterogeneity, with different clusters of multi-level triggers arising from specific personal, interpersonal and environmental circumstances. Distinct patterns of symptom manifestations between veterans with and without posttraumatic stress disorder suggest a tailored approach is required to meet each veteran's unique biopsychosocial needs. Classifying behavioural symptoms with their triggers rather than solely by behaviours provides important new information for developing person-centred, non-pharmacological interventions to improve outcomes for veterans with dementia. Multi-level interventions should be considered to meet veteran's needs that account for their earlier life history and current life circumstances.

Rejection of Care and Aggression among Older Veterans with Dementia: The Influence of Background Factors and Interpersonal Triggers

ObjectivesTo test relationships among background factors, interpersonal triggers, rejection of care, and aggression among veterans living with dementia in residential long-term care settings, based on the need-driven dementia-compromised behavior model. DesignA mixed methods secondary analysis of program evaluation data from the Staff Training in Assisted Living Residences-Veterans Health Administration intervention implemented by the US Department of Veterans Affairs healthcare system. Setting and ParticipantsIn total, 315 older veterans who participated in the 2013‒2016 Staff Training in Assisted Living Residences-Veterans Health Administration program at 76 Community Living Centers (Veterans Affairs-operated nursing homes). MethodsText data that captured the interdisciplinary team observations of distressed behaviors of concern and their circumstances were coded into categorical variables and then combined with existing quantitative data to test hypothesized relationships using structural equation modeling. ResultsRejection of care was directly affected by interpersonal triggers (β = 0.32, P < .005) and background factors such as depression (β = 0.29, P < .018), anxiety (β = −0.18, P < .023), and cognitive status (β = 0.10, P < .049). Depression also had an indirect effect on rejection of care through interpersonal triggers (α × β = 0.13 × 0.32 = 0.04, P < .012). Aggression was directly affected by both interpersonal triggers (β = 0.19, P < .009) and functional status (β = 0.17, P < .011). Both function (α × β = 0.12 × 0.19 = 0.02, P < .035) and depression (α × β = 0.13 × 0.19 = 0.03, P < .005) had indirect effects on aggression through interpersonal triggers. Conclusions and ImplicationsInterpersonal triggers influenced rejection of care and aggression in veterans with dementia. Background factors such as depression and severity of functional impairment increased the likelihood of these symptoms. Study findings emphasize the importance of developing and implementing interventions that improve interpersonal relationships and developing targeted interventions for those with depressive symptoms.

Pain Management Education Initiative: Creating S.T.A.R.S. (Specialized Treatment Approach Requires a Skill-set)

Effective pain management is a key component of patient care on a surgical unit. It was identified that there was an opportunity to improve nurse adherence and compliance with clinical practice guidelines and best practice in pain management. A pain education program was created by a pain certified nurse and nurse educator. Outcomes showed a positive trend in nurse confidence, knowledge, documentation compliance, and nurse-driven non-pharmacological interventions; pain HCAHPS (Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems) scores improved. The EBP (evidence-based practice) process was implemented to identify best pain management practices for clinical nurses. Problem identification, literature search, critical appraisal and synthesis of relevant sources were completed. A gap analysis was conducted using an online survey to assess nurses' knowledge and confidence with pain management assessments, opioid administration, and non-pharmacological interventions. Based on learning needs identified, an educational program was designed and implemented. Post implementation, audits were completed monthly to trace nurses' knowledge, confidence, documentation, and use of non-pharmacological interventions, and HCAHPS scores. Post implementation improvement consecutively for three months showed the nurse-driven non-pharmacological interventions (9% to 55%), pain assessments (33% to 52%), and use of pain management in nursing care plans (45% to 52%). HCAHPS scores (“staff discussion regarding pain”) improved from 70.5 to 72.1%, 95 to 96 percentiles. Enhanced nurses' pain management education showed marked improvement in pain management strategies and patient outcomes. This EBP initiative opened the door for a future role of a Pain Management Nurse Scholar facility wide resource to maintain outcomes and relevant ongoing education initiatives in pain management.

Complex emergencies and the control and elimination of neglected tropical diseases in Africa: developing a practical approach for implementing safe and effective mapping and intervention strategies

BackgroundComplex emergencies resulting from conflict and political instability are a major challenge for national neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) control and elimination programmes, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. Currently, there are no formal guidelines for national programmes to use and plan activities in these humanitarian situations, therefore the aim of this study was to develop a new methodological approach for making decisions about the implementation of safe and effective mapping and mass drug administration (MDA) intervention strategies.MethodsThe study focussed on the 47 World Health Organization’s African Region (AFR) countries. NTD data were based on five diseases controlled by preventive chemotherapy (PC; i.e. lymphatic filariasis, onchocerciasis, schistosomiasis, soil transmitted helminths, trachoma), obtained from the WHO data portals and The Global Trachoma Atlas for 2018. Data on complex emergencies were obtained from the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project for 2018–2019.NTD and conflict data were summarised and mapped. A decision tree was developed using NTD mapping, endemicity, MDA and implementing partners data, together with conflict status information at district level. South Sudan was used as a case study, given its current nexus of high NTD prevalence, incidences of conflict, and the presence of a national NTD programme and supporting partners.ResultsFor the five NTDs, between 26 and 41 countries required PC, 69.2–212.7 million people were treated with coverage between 54.8–71.4%. In total 15,273 conflict events were reported including high rates of violence against civilians (29.4%), protests (28.8%), and battles (18.1%). The decision tree process included four main steps including i) information gathering ii) determine a disease mapping strategy iii) determine an MDA implementation strategy and iv) create a disease and conflict database. Based on these steps, risk maps were created. The South Sudan case study on onchocerciasis found the majority of the districts requiring mapping or MDA had a conflict event, and required specialised methods adapted to context and risk, with support from implementation partners in selected areas.ConclusionsThe paper presents a new methodological approach for implementing safe and effective mapping and intervention strategies in NTD endemic countries with ongoing complex emergencies, which will help to address challenges and make progress toward the NTD Roadmap targets of 2030.

An analysis of COVID-19 clusters in India

BackgroundIn this study we cluster the districts of India in terms of the spread of COVID-19 and related variables such as population density and the number of specialty hospitals. Simulation using a compartment model is used to provide insight into differences in response to public health interventions. Two case studies of interest from Nizamuddin and Dharavi provide contrasting pictures of the success in curbing spread.MethodsA cluster analysis of the worst affected districts in India provides insight about the similarities between them. The effects of public health interventions in flattening the curve in their respective states is studied using the individual contact SEIQHRF model, a stochastic individual compartment model which simulates disease prevalence in the susceptible, infected, recovered and fatal compartments.ResultsThe clustering of hotspot districts provide homogeneous groups that can be discriminated in terms of number of cases and related covariates. The cluster analysis reveal that the distribution of number of COVID-19 hospitals in the districts does not correlate with the distribution of confirmed COVID-19 cases. From the SEIQHRF model for Nizamuddin we observe in the second phase the number of infected individuals had seen a multitudinous increase in the states where Nizamuddin attendees returned, increasing the risk of the disease spread. However, the simulations reveal that implementing administrative interventions, flatten the curve. In Dharavi, through tracing, tracking, testing and treating, massive breakout of COVID-19 was brought under control.ConclusionsThe cluster analysis performed on the districts reveal homogeneous groups of districts that can be ranked based on the burden placed on the healthcare system in terms of number of confirmed cases, population density and number of hospitals dedicated to COVID-19 treatment. The study rounds up with two important case studies on Nizamuddin basti and Dharavi to illustrate the growth curve of COVID-19 in two very densely populated regions in India. In the case of Nizamuddin, the study showed that there was a manifold increase in the risk of infection. In contrast it is seen that there was a rapid decline in the number of cases in Dharavi within a span of about one month.

Will Rural Collective-Owned Commercial Construction Land Marketization Impact Local Governments’ Interest Distribution? Evidence from Mainland China

To promote the harmonious human-land relationships and increased urban-rural interaction, rural collective-owned commercial construction land (RCOCCL) marketization reform in some pilot areas was a new attempt by the Chinese Central Government in 2015. In this areas, a novel interest distribution system was established with the land right adjustment and the corresponding local governments were likely to benefit through taxation and land appreciation adjustment fund. This study proposed the hypothesis that the RCOCCL marketization reform would improve local government revenue, and explored the actual effect based on panel census data of county-level administrative units from 2010 to 2018. We applied the difference-in-difference (DID) method to analyze the causal effect of this reform on fiscal revenue with 29 pilot areas selected as the treatment group and 1602 county-level units as the control group. The empirical results of the optimized DID robustness test models and the Heckman two-step method showed that the RCOCCL marketization reform does not have a significant impact because of lower land circulation efficiency, the transfer of land transaction costs, and the policy implementation deviations. Thus, weakening the administrative intervention of local governments in the RCOCCL marketization is essential to the land market development in China.

Measuring Public Reaction to Violence Against Doctors in China: Interrupted Time Series Analysis of Media Reports.

BackgroundViolence against doctors in China is a serious problem that has attracted attention from both domestic and international media.ObjectiveThis study investigates readers’ responses to media reports on violence against doctors to identify attitudes toward perpetrators and physicians and examine if such trends are influenced by national policies.MethodsWe searched 17 Chinese violence against doctors reports in international media sources from 2011 to 2020. We then tracked back the original reports and web crawled the 19,220 comments in China. To ascertain the possible turning point of public opinion, we searched violence against doctors–related policies from Tsinghua University ipolicy database from 2011 to 2020, and found 19 policies enacted by the Chinese central government aimed at alleviating the intense patient–physician relationship. We then conducted a series of interrupted time series analyses to examine the influence of these policies on public sentiment toward violence against doctors over time.ResultsThe interrupted time series analysis (ITSA) showed that the change in public sentiment toward violence against doctors reports was temporally associated with government interventions. The declarations of 10 of the public policies were followed by increases in the proportion of online public opinion in support of doctors (average slope changes of 0.010, P<.05). A decline in the proportion of online public opinion that blamed doctors (average level change of –0.784, P<.05) followed the declaration of 3 policies.ConclusionsThe government’s administrative interventions effectively shaped public opinion but only temporarily. Continued public policy interventions are needed to sustain the reduction of hostility toward medical doctors.

Effect of a Locally Tailored Clinical Pathway Tool on VBAC Outcomes in a Private Hospital in India.

Customized clinical and administrative interventions in the form of a care pathway tool can improve VBAC outcomes and reduce the alarming rise in caesarean sections globally. To determine the effect of a locally tailored clinical pathway tool on VBAC outcomes in a private hospital in India. A pre- and post-implementation study was conducted in a private hospital in India. All women with one previous caesarean section term pregnancy and cephalic presentation were included at baseline from January 2013 to December 2015 (Phase 1) and from January 2016 to December 2018 (Phase 2) after ongoing implementation of a clinical pathway tool by all providers. Background characteristics and clinical outcomes in both phases were reviewed retrospectively from case files. Overall 223 (13.42%) women among 1661 total births and 244 (11.62%) women among 2099 total births were included in Phase 1 and Phase 2, respectively. Total number of women who underwent trial of labour (TOLAC) increased from 36.77% to 64.34% (P < 0.001) and VBAC rate increased from 23.76% to 58.19% (P < 0.001) in Phase 2. There was no significant difference in perinatal morbidity and mortality in the two phases. A locally customized clinical care pathway tool implemented to support both mothers and care givers for TOLAC seemed to improve VBAC outcomes in a private setting in India.

Delays in lymphatic filariasis elimination programmes due to COVID-19, and possible mitigation strategies.

BackgroundIn view of the current global coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, mass drug administration interventions for neglected tropical diseases, including lymphatic filariasis (LF), have been halted. We used mathematical modelling to estimate the impact of delaying or cancelling treatment rounds and explore possible mitigation strategies.MethodsWe used three established LF transmission models to simulate infection trends in settings with annual treatment rounds and programme delays in 2020 of 6, 12, 18 or 24 months. We then evaluated the impact of various mitigation strategies upon resuming activities.ResultsThe delay in achieving the elimination goals is on average similar to the number of years the treatment rounds are missed. Enhanced interventions implemented for as little as 1 y can allow catch-up on the progress lost and, if maintained throughout the programme, can lead to acceleration of up to 3 y.ConclusionsIn general, a short delay in the programme does not cause a major delay in achieving the goals. Impact is strongest in high-endemicity areas. Mitigation strategies such as biannual treatment or increased coverage are key to minimizing the impact of the disruption once the programme resumes and lead to potential acceleration should these enhanced strategies be maintained.

Roles of Gut Microbiota in the Regulation of Hippocampal Plasticity, Inflammation, and Hippocampus-Dependent Behaviors.

The study of the gut microbiota-brain axis has become an intriguing field, attracting attention from both gastroenterologists and neurobiologists. The hippocampus is the center of learning and memory, and plays a pivotal role in neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Previous studies using diet administration, antibiotics, probiotics, prebiotics, germ-free mice, and fecal analysis of normal and specific pathogen-free animals have shown that the structure and function of the hippocampus are affected by the gut microbiota. Furthermore, hippocampal pathologies in AD are positively correlated with changes in specific microbiota. Genomic and neurochemical analyses revealed significant alterations in genes and amino acids in the hippocampus of AD subjects following a remarkable shift in the gut microbiota. In a recent study, when young animals were transplanted with fecal microbiota derived from AD patients, the recipients showed significant impairment of cognitive behaviors, AD pathologies, and changes in neuronal plasticity and cytokines. Other studies have demonstrated the side effects of antibiotic administration along with the beneficial effects of probiotics, prebiotics, and specific diets on the composition of the gut microbiota and hippocampal functions, but these have been mostly preliminary with unclear mechanisms. Since some specific gut bacteria are positively or negatively correlated to the structure and function of the hippocampus, it is expected that specific gut bacteria administration and other microbiota-based interventions could be potentially applied to prevent or treat hippocampus-based memory impairment and neuropsychiatric disorders such as AD.

Interventions for treating iron deficiency anaemia in inflammatory bowel disease.

Interventions for treating iron deficiency anaemia in inflammatory bowel disease.

Intelligent network management system for solving the problem of offline monitoring 5G technologies

Maintenance and management of fourth-generation (4G) current networks are still done manually and semi-automatically, which is expensive and time-consuming. This poses a major challenge for network management of disparate, software-defined, and virtualized fifth-generation (5G) systems. Fifth-generation (5G) cellular networks include a wide variety of technologies to address very different uses. Assessing these technologies and exploring future alternatives is complicated by relying solely on network administrators. 5G network intelligence is an important alternative to network administrators. With the advent of network intelligence for the 5G system opens the possibility of intelligent control. Without the intervention of administrators, the new approach can autonomously solve network problems, cyberattacks and inefficient use of resources, which in turn can reduce operating costs, improve user experience and reduce the time to market of new services. This work presents a test bench of a 5G mobile network with a virtualized and organized structure that focuses on integration into artificial intelligence programs. The presented test bench uses open-source technologies for deployment and orchestration of virtual network functions for flexible creation of various scenarios of mobile networks with clear topologies of frontal and feedback. The article explains how to deploy the structure of the test bench and reproduce the presented results with the provided algorithms and presents the recommended architecture, functionality, closed control, algorithms that include network intelligence. An intelligent 5G test bench has been installed, and experimental results confirm the feasibility and effectiveness.

Clinical pharmacist interventions in managing Key Monitoring Drugs in China.

Drug-related problems (DRPs) are common in hospitalized patients receiving Key Monitoring Drugs. Clinical pharmacy services have the potential to minimize drug-related harm and improve patient care. The aim of this study is to standardize the clinical application of Key Monitoring Drugs and reduce drug-related problems (DRPs) and associated costs, using clinical pharmacist interventions. Clinical pharmacists formulate management measures for Key Monitoring Drugs using evidence-based medicine and analyze the DRPs of Key Monitoring Drugs in China at the Shandong Provincial Third Hospital over a period of five years, from 2015 to 2019. In 2019, the total cost of the use of Key Monitoring Drugs decreased by 10.12 million CNY, in comparison with the cost in 2015. The proportion of revenue generated from Key Monitoring Drugs also decreased by 11.49% compared with 2015. In addition, the cost per capita of Key Monitoring Drugs has gradually decreased; this resulted in a saving of 580.07 CNY per capita in 2019 compared with 2015. Over this time, the DRPs associated with Key Monitoring Drugs decreased by 45.50%. Through administrative intervention, prescription review, information management, and pharmaco-economic evaluation, a scientific management system for Key Monitoring Drugs has been established over this time, which standardizes the use of Key Monitoring Drugs and reduces their associated costs. Clinical pharmacists' interventions can assist in the early detection of drug-related problems associated with Key Monitoring Drugs and prevent any resulting harm to patients.

Research on the Role of Financial Industry in Eliminating Overcapacity in Hebei Province

In order to solve the problem of excess capacity, Hebei Province has taken various measures to strictly implement the Guiding Opinions on Resolving Serious Overcapacity Contradictions issued by the State Council. In this process, most of the measures taken are administrative intervention, and the relationship among management measures, market rules and economic factors is not very clear. Based on this, this paper, starting from the excess capacity of Hebei iron and steel industry, analyses the relationship between investment return rate and investment ratio, and the relationship between profit and reduced capacity of iron and steel industry. On the basis of the analysis and the background of deepening the structural reform of supply side, this paper puts forward effective measures to solve the excess capacity of iron and steel industry.

Hybrid Classification for High-Speed and High-Accuracy Network Intrusion Detection System

Cybercrime is growing at a rapid pace, and its techniques are becoming more sophisticated. In order to actively cope with such threats, new approaches based on machine learning and requiring less administrator intervention have been proposed, but there are still many technical difficulties in detecting security attacks in real time. To solve this problem, we propose a new machine learning-based real-time intrusion detection algorithm. Unlike the existing approaches, the one proposed can detect the presence of an attack every time a packet is received, enabling real-time detection. In addition, our algorithm effectively reduces the system load, which may significantly increase from real-time detection, compared to non-real-time detection. In the algorithm, the increase in the number of memory accesses can be minimized (to below 30 %) compared to conventional methods. Since the proposed method is pure software-based approach, it has excellent scalability and flexibility against various attacks. Therefore, the proposed method cannot support the high classification performance of the hardware-based method but also the high flexibility of the software-based method simultaneously, it can effectively detect and prevent various cyber-attacks.

Prevalence of burnout syndrome among Italian volunteers of the Red Cross: a cross-sectional study.

Burnout syndrome (BOS) is a work-related constellation of symptoms characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and personal accomplishment. A cross-sectional survey was performed to study the prevalence of BOS among a randomly selected sample of 280 Italian Red Cross volunteers. A socio-demographic questionnaire and the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI)-HSS were used to collect data. 241 volunteers participated (response rate: 86.1%). A significant proportion of the workers had BOS subscale scores in the highest tertile: emotional exhaustion 8.0%, depersonalization 35.9% and perceived lack of accomplishment 23.5%, respectively. Volunteers in emergency care reported higher levels of emotional exhaustion (p=0.004) and depersonalization (p=0.001), and lower level of personal accomplishment (p=0.042) than volunteers engaged in non-healthcare social and administrative duties. These findings support the opportunity of a set of administrative, organizational and individual preventive interventions for emergency volunteers’ mental health.

Prevalence of Substance Use in University Students, Ethiopia.

Background:Although substance use is a known public health problem and a pressing issue in Ethiopia, its real extent and magnitude are not yet properly explored. The current study aimed to determine the extent and predictors of substance use among regular undergraduate students in the Institute of Technology, Addis Ababa University.Methods:An institution-based cross-sectional study was carried among 794 undergraduate regular students at the Institute of Technology, Addis Ababa University, using a self-administered structured questionnaire filled by study participants. Data entry, cleaning, and coding were performed by EPI-INFO version 3.5.1. Statistical Package for Social Sciences; AOR: Adjusted odds ratio (SPSS) SPSS version 21 software was used to analyze data by performing descriptive statistics, bivariate, and multivariate analysis.Results:73.7% of the study participants used substances at least once. The lifetime use of each substance includes alcohol (68.2%), khat (53.6%), cigarettes (46.1%), and illicit drugs (23.3%). Loss of family (AOR [95%CI], 34.50 [7.569, 157.263]), pocket money between 500 and 999 Ethiopian birr (AOR [95%CI], 9.978 [1.240, 80.280]), and above 1000 Ethiopian birr (AOR [95%CI], 10.831 [1.333, 87.971]) were identified predictors for khat use. The odds of lifetime alcohol use was higher among students coming from a divorced family (AOR [95%CI], 9.346 [3.162, 27.625]), lost one (AOR [95%CI], 37.406 [11.375, 123.008]), or both of their parents (AOR [95%CI], 18.750 [5.798, 60.633]). Students of urban origin (AOR [95%CI], 3.214 [1.950, 5.296]), and students with anxiety symptoms (AOR [95%CI], 2.655 [1.981, 3.557]) have a higher odds of lifetime cigarette smoking. The lifetime exposure to illicit drugs is higher among students in age groups between 20 and 24 years (AOR [95%CI], 5.963 [1.361, 26.135]), students coming from substance user family (AOR [95%CI], 2.172 [1.161, 4.063]), and students of urban origin (AOR [95%CI], 2.661 [1.202, 5.889]).Conclusion:A higher prevalence of substance use requiring administrative and educational interventions was observed. Awareness creation interventions on the potential impacts of substance abuse should be performed.