Consistent Usage Research Articles

Research on Generative Artificial Intelligence for Virtual Financial Robo-Advisor

This research explores the intersection of artificial intelligence and finance, focusing on the emergence of intelligent investment advisers, commonly known as Robo-advisers (RAs). These RAs utilize robust computer models and artificial intelligence algorithms to deliver personalized asset management investment plans for users. Notably, Wealthfront is highlighted as a prominent platform in this field, offering automated investment management services aimed at optimizing investment returns. The study investigates the impact of users' past investment performance on their adoption of intelligent advisers, considering factors such as previous defaults and recent investment performance. It reveals that frequent adjustments to the use of intelligent advisers may hinder long-term investment objectives, emphasizing the importance of consistent usage to fully capitalize on their benefits. Furthermore, the research emphasizes the significance of transparency, user-friendly interaction design, and tailored financial services to foster user trust and enhance the optimization of intelligent advisers' design.

Development of a Language Model for Named-Entity-Recognition in Aerospace Requirements

We address the challenges inherent in converting natural language (NL) requirements into machine-readable formats by investigating the application of named-entity recognition (NER) within the aerospace domain. Recognizing the necessity for domain-specific language models, we developed an open-source annotated aerospace corpus and fine-tuned different versions of the BERT language model on the corpus to create aeroBERT-NER: a new model for identifying named entities (NEs) in the aerospace domain. A comparison between aeroBERT-NER and BERTBASE-NER demonstrated the superior performance of aeroBERT-NER in identifying NEs within a set of aerospace requirements. The identified NEs contribute to the development of a glossary, promoting consistent terminology usage in aerospace requirements and addressing challenges associated with the standardization of NL requirements.

Practices on Aarogya Setu: Mapping Citizen Interaction with the Contact-Tracing App in the Time of COVID-19

The usage of contact-tracing applications has been synonymous with ensuring one's health security and safety during the COVID-19 pandemic. These contact-tracing apps have been scripted differently by each country, within design choices of centralized vs. decentralized architecture, closed vs. open-source protocol and collecting location vs. proximity data features. The distinct script of contact-tracing apps caters to the contextual background of each country with a presupposition about on-ground and consistent usage of the app. The article explores the ways in which citizens in India negotiate the usage of the Aarogya Setu digital contact-tracing app. It reveals citizens' on-ground practices of adopting or evading the app usage, besides reflecting on the broader institutional shortcomings that shape the scepticism towards technological solutionism in critical health exigencies. Three such practices are identified and thematically presented as resistance by early deletion, resistance by selective adoption and constrained adoption. The findings steer concerns regarding user-friendly designs and revisiting governance structures before deploying any technological solutionism by the state. Here, the paper attempts to reverse the gaze and explore how citizens'(in)effective adoption of the Aarogya Setu app not only responds but also challenges the norm of digital contact-tracing solutionism.

PrEP Discontinuation In A US National Cohort Of Sexual And Gender Minority Populations, 2017-22.

In the US, sexual and gender minority populations are disproportionately affected by HIV. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a key prevention method, but its effectiveness relies on consistent usage. Our four-year national cohort study explored PrEP discontinuation among sexual and gender minority people who initiated PrEP. We found a high annual rate of discontinuation (35-40percent) after PrEP initiation. Multivariable analysis with 6,410 person-years identified housing instability and prior history of PrEP discontinuation as predictors of discontinuation. Conversely, older age, clinical indication for PrEP, and having health insurance were associated with ongoing PrEP use. To promote sustained PrEP use, strategies should focus on supporting those at high risk for discontinuation, such as younger people, those without stable housing or health insurance, and prior PrEP discontinuers.

Color constancy in real-world settings.

Color constancy denotes the ability to assign a particular and stable color percept to an object, irrespective of its surroundings and illumination. The light reaching the eye confounds illumination and spectral reflectance of the object, making the recovery of constant object color an ill-posed problem. How good the visual system is at accomplishing this task is still a matter of heated debate, despite more than a 100 years of research. Depending on the laboratory task and the specific cues available to observers, color constancy was found to be at levels ranging between 15% and 80%, which seems incompatible with the relatively stable color appearance of objects around us and the consistent usage of color names in real life. Here, we show close-to-perfect color constancy using real objects in a natural task and natural environmental conditions, chosen to mimic the role of color constancy in everyday life. Participants had to identify the color of a (non-present) item familiar to them in an office room under five different experimental illuminations. They mostly selected the same colored Munsell chip as their match to the absent object, even though the light reaching the eye in each case differed substantially. Our results demonstrate that color constancy under ideal conditions in the real world can indeed be exceptionally good. We found it to be as good as visual memory permits and not generally compromised by sensory uncertainty.

Evaluating the Usability, Perceived Performance, and Perceived Effects of KBGAN iHealth© and KBGAN iFeed© Mobile Apps for Buffalo Management in Selected Municipalities in the Philippines

This study evaluates the KBGAN iHealth© and KBGAN iFeed© mobile apps designed for buffalo health and feeding management, particularly for agricultural extension professionals (AEPs) in selected Philippine municipalities. These apps aim to address challenges in buffalo management, such as limited access to veterinary expertise, personalized recommendations, organized data, communication channels, and difficulties in calculating ideal feed compositions and meeting the distinct needs of smallholder farmers and AEPs. Despite System Usability Scale (SUS) scores indicating marginal acceptability for both apps, weighted mean scores by AEPs for statements assessed on a 5-point Likert scale (1 as strongly disagree and 5 as strongly agree), demonstrate that AEPs reported high confidence in the accuracy of buffalo health diagnostics (Mean of 4.20) and health management recommendations (Mean of 4.17) provided by KBGAN iHealth©. Similarly, KBGAN iFeed© received favorable ratings, with AEPs expressing agreement on the accuracy of feeding recommendations (Mean of 3.89) and the facilitation of feeding ration computations (Mean of 4.00). These positive perceived performance outcomes, coupled with increased confidence (Mean of 4.03) and motivation (Mean of 4.00) among AEPs, suggest the potential for frequent and consistent app usage despite usability concerns. Chi-square tests examining the relationship between AEP characteristics and SUS scores for the apps reveal significant associations between AEPs' education and experience levels and SUS scores for KBGAN iFeed©. The choice of IT device also influences KBGAN iHealth© SUS scores. Proposed enhancements by AEPs include refining algorithms, improving the user interface for navigation, speed, and efficiency, and incorporating features such as photo uploads and geotagging.

Abstract TMP107: Persistent Beta-Blocker Use and Mortality Reduction in Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients

Background: The efficacy of beta-blockers in acute ischemic stroke remains ambiguous. Research targeting high-risk patients, especially those with elevated heart rates, is crucial. Methods: A comprehensive multicenter registry of acute ischemic stroke patients was integrated with the National Health Insurance Service database. We focused on patients exhibiting a heart rate of ≥100 bpm between days 3-7 post-symptom onset. These patients were categorized based on whether they received a beta-blocker prescription by day 8. To account for potential imbalances, we employed Cox’s proportional hazard model with inverse-probability of treatment weighting based on propensity score. The primary outcome was composite of stroke recurrence, myocardial infarction, and mortality within a year post-stroke. Recognizing the significant discontinuation rate of beta-blockers, we conducted an additional analysis on persistent users and landmark analysis at 2-month, 1-year, and 2-year intervals. Results: Out of 5,049 patients, 1,623 (32.1%) were prescribed with beta-blockers by the 8th day. Beta-blocker usage did not significantly influence the primary outcome within the first year (IPTW adjusted HR [95% CI], 0.98 [0.86-1.12]). However, patients who consistently used beta-blockers beyond 2 months exhibited a reduced mortality risk (adjusted HR, 0.88 [0.78-0.99]). Landmark analysis further revealed that consistent beta-blocker usage notably decreased mortality risk at 8-day to 2-month (IPTW adjusted HR [95% CI], 0.80 [0.69-0.93]) and 2-month to 1-year intervals (IPTW adjusted HR [95% CI], 0.80 [0.68-0.94]). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that beta-blockers can potentially reduce mortality in acute ischemic stroke patients, with consistent usage being a pivotal factor.

Assessing the hazard of death, cardiac tamponade, and pericardial constriction among HIV and tuberculosis pericarditis patients using the extended Cox-hazard model: Intervention study.

Tuberculous (TB) pericarditis (TBP), a TB of the heart, is linked to significant morbidity and mortality rates. Administering glucocorticoid therapy to individuals with TBP might enhance overall results and lower the likelihood of fatality. However, the actual clinical effectiveness of supplementary glucocorticoids remains uncertain. This study specifically evaluated the effects of prednisolone, prednisolone-antiretroviral therapy (ART) interaction, and other potential risk factors in reducing the hazard of the composite outcome, death, cardiac tamponade, and constriction, among TBP and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients. The data used in this study were obtained from the investigationof the Management of Pericarditis trial, a multicentre international randomized double-blind placebo-controlled factorial study that investigated the effects of two TB treatments, prednisolone and Mycobacterium indicus pranii immunotherapy in patients with TBPin Africa. This study used a sample size of 587 TBP and HIV-positivepatients randomized into prednisolone and its corresponding placebo arm. We used the extended Cox-proportional hazard model to evaluate the effects of the covariates on the hazard of the survival outcomes. Models fitting and parameter estimation were carried out using R version 4.3.1. Prednisolone reduces the hazard of composite outcome (hazrad ratio [HR] = 0.32, 95% confidence interval [CI] = , p < 0.001), cardiac tamponade (HR = 0.14, 95%CI = 0.05, 0.42, p < 0.001) and constriction (HR = 0.81, 95%CI = 0.41, 1.61, p = 0.55). However, prednisolone increases the hazard of death (HR = 1.58, 95%CI = 1.11, 2.24, p = 0.01). Consistent usage of ART reduces the hazard of composite outcome, death, and constriction but insignificantly increased the hazard of cardiac tamponade. The study offers valuable insights into how prednisolone impact the hazard of different outcomes in patients with TBP and HIV. The findings hold potential clinical significance, particularly in guiding treatment decisions and devising strategies to enhance outcomes in this specific patient group. However, there are concerns about prednisolone potentially increasing the risk of death due to HIV-related death.

Contraceptive use in women with mental illness in Soweto, South Africa.

The psychosocial and medical implications of unplanned pregnancy in women with mental illness (MI) are vast. International guidelines make clear recommendations about family planning for women with MI, particularly those exposed to known human teratogens; however, there is limited research related to contraceptive usage among women with MI. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of consistent contraceptive use and family planning education (FPE) among a population of women of childbearing age with MI. This quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted at Chris Hani Baragwanath psychiatric unit in Soweto, South Africa. A convenience sample comprising 190 eligible women of childbearing age with MI was employed for the study. The women were invited to participate by means of a structured questionnaire which was administered by the researcher. Clinical information was obtained from the patients' medical records. Consistent contraceptive usage occurred in 44.7% of participants. Family planning education was low (26.8%). Relationship status was associated with using contraception consistently (p = 0.0229). Teratogen exposure was not associated with either contraceptive use or FPE. Family planning education was not associated with contraceptive use. Women with MI may have increased risk for unplanned pregnancy if they are not in a relationship because of perceived lack of need for contraception. Family planning education must be prioritised in women with MI, especially among women prescribed teratogenic medication, highlighting the risks associated with unplanned pregnancy.

Enhancing Adolescent Sexual Health Education and Condom Use in Harare: Addressing Attitudes and Practices Amongst Adolescents on Antiretroviral Therapy

Background: This study is coming against the backdrop of the attitudes and practices portrayed by sexually active adolescents on antiretroviral therapy (ART) concerning preventing STIs through condoms as a practice for safe sexual relations. Aim: The study aims to explore the attitudes that adolescents on ART have towards the use of condoms as a preventive measure for the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Method: The research presents a comprehensive examination of adolescent knowledge and attitudes towards antiretroviral therapy (ART) and sexual health education in Harare, employing a mixed-method approach. Quantitative data were gathered through semi-structured questionnaires, capturing participants’ understanding of ART and their views on sexual health services. Qualitative data were obtained through structured interviews with purposely selected groups of adolescents, reflecting their lived experiences and perceptions. The sample was designed to reflect the diversity of the urban setting, with ten groups of participants representing various demographics. Data analysis encompassed univariate statistics, bivariate associations using Pearson’s Chi-square, and multivariate relationships between variables and consistent condom usage, all with a 95% confidence level. This integrated approach provides a nuanced understanding of the complex factors influencing adolescent behavior in relation to ART and sexual health services, contributing valuable insights for public health interventions in Harare. Results: This study investigated the attitudes and practices of condom use among 202 adolescents aged 10-19 years. The study found that several factors were significantly associated with a positive attitude towards condom use. Adolescents with older partners were more likely to have a positive attitude towards condom use (AOR=2.43, CI=1.16-5.10). This means that for every one year increase in the age of the sexual partner, the odds of having a positive attitude towards condom use increased. This could be attributed as adolescents perceive older partners as having more sexual experience and therefore consider condom use as a necessary precaution. Adolescents who reported a better understanding of STIs were more likely to have a positive attitude towards condom use (AOR=3.31, CI=1.07-1.79). This means that adolescents who understood STIs better were 3.31 times more likely to have a positive attitude towards condom use than those who did not understand STIs as well. Research showed that adolescents express concerns about contracting STIs and the negative impact it can have on their health and future relationships. This increased awareness of risk motivated them to adopt positive attitudes towards condom use as a preventive measure. Adolescents with more knowledge about condoms were more likely to have a positive attitude towards condom use (AOR=1.51, CI=0.10-3.45). This means that adolescents who had more knowledge about condoms were 150% more likely to have a positive attitude towards condom use than those who did not have as much knowledge about condoms. The conversations carried with the adolescents revealed that those with more knowledge about condoms have a better understanding of their efficacy, contributed to positive attitudes towards condom use. Others expressed a sense of self-assurance in their knowledge of how to properly wear and use condoms, which enhanced positive attitudes towards condom use. These findings suggest that interventions aimed at increasing condom use among adolescents should focus on educating them about the risks of STIs, the benefits of condom use, and safe sex practices. Conclusion: In light of the study’s findings, it is evident that adolescents’ attitudes towards condom use are influenced by various factors, including their own sexual maturation and the perceived experience of their sexual partners. The study underscores the importance of comprehensive sexual health education that addresses both the biological aspects of STIs and the social and psychological implications of sexual activity. As adolescents continue to navigate their sexual identities and relationships, interventions that enhance their knowledge and understanding of condom use as a tool for preventing STIs are crucial. Additionally, considering the broader context of adolescent sexual and reproductive health in developing countries, these findings contribute to a growing body of evidence that supports the need for tailored, culturally sensitive, and age-appropriate programs to support adolescents on antiretroviral therapy (ART) in making informed decisions about their sexual health.

Magnitude of consistent condom use and associated factors among people living with HIV/AIDS in Ethiopia: Implication for reducing infections and re-infection. A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The human immune virus or acquired immune deficiency syndrome, is a major threat to the health of millions of people worldwide. In Ethiopia, there were more than a million people living with HIV/AIDS. The continuous and appropriate use of condoms, particularly among those who have HIV-positive clients, is essential to a comprehensive and long-term approach to avoiding HIV and other STIs as well as unintended pregnancy. But irregular condom use is regularly reported. There is inconsistent reports of the prevalence and correlates of frequent condom use in Ethiopia. This study's goal is to provide an overview of the most recent research on magnitude condom use among people living with HIV in Ethiopia. Four databases of PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, and Google Scholar were used. Finally, 10 studies that satisfied the eligibility criteria were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. The data were collected using a methodical checklist for data extraction, and STATA 14 was utilized for the analysis. The consistent condom use was reported as use of condom in every sexual encounter preceding the study. The prevalence of consistent condom usage among HIV/AIDS patients was calculated by dividing the total number of patients who regularly used condoms by the total number of HIV/AIDS patients and multiplying that result by 100. The factors associated with a consistent use of condom were described using the pooled odds ratio (OR) and calculated based on binary outcomes from the included primary studies. The statistical significance was determined based on the correlation factor as their confidence level should not include 1. Subgroup analyses by region and publication years were carried out by using a random-effects model. The STATA commands of metan magnitude semagnitude, random xlab(.1,5,10) lcols (authors) by (variables)texts(120) xsize(18) ysize (14) were used to carried out the subgroup analysis. To assess the presence of publication bias, funnel plot, Egger test and Begg's test at 5% significant level were computed. The asymmetry of funnel plot and the Egger test and Begg's test P value of 0 >0.5 showed the absence of publication bias. The Cochrane Q test statistic and I2 tests were used to assess heterogeneity. The pooled magnitude of consistent condom use was 50.56% (95%CI: 38.09-63.02). The predictors of consistent condom use includes urban residence (AOR = 3.46; 95% CI: 2.24-5.35), marital status (AOR = 0.33; 95% CI: 0.18-0.61), and HIV disclosure status (AOR = 5.61;95%CI: 2.29-13.73). Half of the HIV/AIDS patients in our study regularly used condoms. According to this study, urban residency, disclosure status, and marital status were all associated with consistent condom use among HIV/AIDS patients. Therefore, health education about condom use should be provided to married couples and people living in rural regions. In addition, disclosing HIV status and the necessity of constant condom usage would be crucial for consistent condom use.

AGING IN THE DIGITAL ERA: ANALYSING THE MENTAL HEALTH EFFECTS OF INTERNET USE AMONG GERIATRICS – A NARRATIVE REVIEW

Introduction: The Internet has become an inseparable aspect of our daily lives, serving as a global method of communication, information acquisition, and entertainment. Given this scenario, where every segment of the demographic is engrossed in consistent and sustained internet usage, an assessment of the manner in which internet usage impacts the older populace becomes imperative. Accordingly, this narrative review aims to assess the impact of internet usage on the mental health of older individuals. Method: A computer database search of Embase, Scopus, and PubMed was carried out to identify studies revolving around internet or social media usage among elderly or older adults, with a focus on outcomes related to the effect of internet usage. A narrative synthesis was subsequently performed to summarise the findings. Results: 14 studies matched the inclusion criteria, of which four studies highlighted that internet usage, especially for social contact and entertainment, significantly increased the connection between older adults and society. Nine studies consistently indicate that a greater frequency of internet use for communication, among the elderly, can be associated with lower depression scores. However, using the internet for information access and financial management was found to be associated with a lower life satisfaction score or indicated no effect on depression scores. Many factors such as gender, age, education, geography, and purpose of internet access have a moderating effect on mental health and internet use. Conclusion: Internet usage appears to be connected with decreased social isolation and depression among the elderly. Future research should include a wider range of internet use goals, build a standardized scale for measuring internet usage, and conduct pilot studies to create more age-friendly electronic devices and smartphone applications.

Urgensi Pendaftaran Warna sebagai Potensi Merek Dagang Berdasarkan Undang-undang Nomor 20 Tahun 2016

The use of a mark serves not only as a distinguishing factor for a company but also as a strategic tool for marketing and advertising. Color, as a crucial element in brand identity, has the ability to convey messages, influence consumer perceptions, and enhance brand value. Therefore, it is not uncommon for companies to seek protection for colors as trademarks to ensure a definite level of safeguarding. In Law Number 20 of 2016 concerning Trademarks and Geographical Indications in Indonesia, the registration of color is not explicitly recognized as a trademark that can be registered, but it is also not prohibited. The findings of this research indicate the importance of Indonesian law in allowing the registration of color as a trademark, considering that color has a strong identification power for consumers, and many companies have successfully created associations between colors and their marks through consistent usage.

Exploring Perceptions and Experiences of Comprehensive Sex Education Among Adolescents

This study used a quantitative research technique to investigate teenagers' perspectives and experiences with Comprehensive Sex Education (CSE) programs. The study included replies from 450 teenagers aged 14 to 18, from various socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds. Adolescents valued the thorough covering of themes (mean = 4.56) and found the content relevant (mean = 4.72), highlighting good evaluations of CSE content and delivery. The study demonstrated the necessity of engaging teaching approaches (mean = 4.38) and provided light on the need for frank talks regarding sexual health (mean = 4.24). While participants reported feeling comfortable discussing sexual health (84.4%) and believing CSE enhanced their understanding (93.3%), the reported percentage of consistent contraceptive usage (40.0%) was lower, demonstrating the difficulty in transferring knowledge into conduct. These findings are consistent with past studies, highlighting the persistent challenge to overcome the knowledge-behavior divide. The study's conclusions call for CSE programs to include practical skill-building components as well as to foster inclusive spaces that encourage open discourse about sexual health. This study contributes to the conversation around adolescent sexual health education by stressing the need of participant-centered, holistic approaches that allow teenagers to make educated decisions about their sexual well-being.

Exploring herbal remedy utilization for wound healing: Patterns, patient preferences, and implications for nursing practice.

The utilization of herbal remedies for wound healing is a notable aspect of traditional medicine practices. Understanding herbal use among patients yields insights for nursing care enhancement. This study aimed to investigate the utilization of herbal remedies for wound healing among diabetic patients. A total of 453 participants were enrolled, with demographic data, including age, sex, occupation, education level, residence, ethnic group, distance from health service, herbal use duration, and wound duration presented. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data, including means, standard deviations, ranges, and percentages. The average participant age was 55.39 years, with most being non-civil servant workers (60.3%) and having a low education level (67.1%). Indian almond wood (9.7%) and green betel (6.8%) were the most commonly used herbs for wound healing. Family members were the primary source of information (29.1%), and 43.7% obtained herbs from personal gardens. Although 94.2% of participants did not disclose herbal use to health liaisons, 53.4% used herbs specifically for wound healing. Users reported both positive and negative effects on wounds from various herbs, indicating variability in experiences. However, the consistency of herb usage by individual patients was uncertain. The study identified diverse herbal remedies used for wound healing among patients, driven by familial recommendations. Usage pattern diversity and effects signal necessity for researching herb safety and efficacy. Clarifying the impact of consistent herb usage on wound healing is essential for understanding patients' preferences and practices. These findings emphasize the importance of open communication between patients and healthcare providers regarding herbal remedy use. Nurses should acknowledge patients' preferences for traditional healing practices while ensuring they receive evidence-based care. Patient-centered herbal strategies enhance nursing practice, fostering holistic wound care. Further research can guide nursing interventions, facilitate informed decision-making, and improve patient outcomes.

Bidirectional regulation effect of rhubarb as laxative and astringent by metabolomics studies

Ethnopharmacological relevanceRhubarb, a prominent traditional Chinese medicine, has been employed as a potent laxative for centuries and garnered particular popularity among the youth owing to its notable efficacy in weight management. Historical records indicated that rhubarb initially exhibited robust laxative properties, but extended and consistent usage may lead to an astringent response in the later stage of long-term use. In contrast, steamed pieces of rhubarb (SR), preparing through the process of steaming with wine, have demonstrated a gentle laxative effect with no reported adverse effects. Aim of the studyOur study was designed to explore the intricate mechanisms underlying laxative and astringent properties of rhubarb through metabolomics research. Materials and methodsIn this investigation, we employed a serum metabolomics approach utilizing the UPLC-Q-Extractive-Orbitrap-MS method to delve into the contrasting laxative and astringent effects of rhubarb, as well as to unravel the mechanisms of underpinning its bidirectional regulatory influence. To commence, we assessed alterations in Evacuation Index (EI) values, intestinal hormone levels, and colon histopathology in mice to gauge rhubarb's laxative and astringent effects. Subsequently, metabolomics methodology was employed for cluster analysis through Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and biomarker identification via Orthogonal Partial Least Squares-Discriminant Analysis (OPLS-DA). Then, we delved into the distinctions in characteristic biomarkers, metabolic pathways, their association with pathological changes, and correlation heatmap for biomarkers between raw pieces of rhubarb (RR) and SR to gain insights into the potential mechanisms behind rhubarb's bidirectional regulatory effects. ResultsOur findings revealed that RR exhibited a laxative effect in the early stage and transitioned to an astringent effect in the later stage, as indicated by the EI values. In contrast, SR consistently demonstrated a mild laxative effect. Biochemical indexes and histopathological assessments unveiled that RR triggered its astringent effect by inhibiting secretion of motilin (MTL), promoting secretion of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and epinephrine (EPI), and inducing onset of inflammation. Furthermore, serum metabolomics analysis identified 59 discriminative biomarkers modulated by RR and SR. Through comprehensive analysis, we elucidated the in vivo transformation relationships among multiple endogenous metabolites. Notably, our results underscored the down-regulation of certain phosphatidylcholines (PCs), amino acids, acylcarnitines, and up-regulation of lysophosphatidylcholines (LysoPCs) played pivotal roles in the onset of gut dysfunction, intestinal inflammation, gut barrier damage, and gastrointestinal motility disorder upon prolonging RR administration, ultimately contributing to its astringent effect. Additionally, our correlation analysis elucidated that anthraquinones, stilbenes, and phenylbutanones were the pharmacodynamic material basis responsible for inducing the astringent effect of RR. ConclusionThis study provides valuable insights into the bidirectional regulatory effects of rhubarb and sheds light on its underlying mechanisms through a comprehensive metabolomics approach.

Impact of self-directed exercise intervention in a minority rich, hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) inpatient population at high risk for sarcopenia and falls.

390 Background: Extended hospitalizations in the adult HSCT population increase patients’ risk for deconditioning and sarcopenia. Sarcopenia negatively impacts overall survival in adult HSCT patients (Armenian et al, 2019) and is strongly associated with falls among older adults (Yeung et al, 2019; Marques A &amp; Queirós C., 2018; Wheatley et al, 2021). Methods: In a safety net, minority rich, academic medical center in suburban NYC, stationary pedals were placed inside patient rooms in a 31-bedded inpatient HSCT unit starting Q4 2020. Intentional, inpatient room placement prevented additional risk of infectious exposures to COVID-19 in late 2020-2021, allowed for safe access to pedals from a seated position in chairs inside patient rooms, and provided insight into self-directed exercise participation. Attending MDs, PAs and RNs encourage HSCT patients to utilize stationary pedals up to 3 times daily, while usage remains self-directed. Direct observation of patient pedal usage and patient-verbalized interest in participation reflects positive acceptance and consistent usage since implementation. Results: 2019-2023 Midas Event Reporting data was reviewed by the author. Total numbers of Weak/Impaired Gait patient falls decreased in the post-implementation period: 19 falls at baseline versus 13 falls in 2021, 11 falls in 2022, and 3 falls in Q1 2023. Pre-intervention 2019 data indicates 63.3% of falls are among Weak/Impaired Gait patients. (2020 falls data is not included due to unit closures during the COVID-19 pandemic). Post-intervention 2021-2023 data reveals a mean of 51.2% of falls are in Weak/Impaired Gait patients, indicating a 12.1% decline in falls in the post-intervention period of 2.25 years. Conclusions: Sarcopenia and inpatient falls impact patient outcomes (i.e., injuries, extended hospitalizations, and survival) and are financially burdensome. Each inpatient fall, whether injurious or not, costs hospitals approximately 35,000 (Dykes et al, 2023). Reductions in numbers of inpatient falls at this institution are potentially associated with the following hospital cost savings: 210K in 2021, 280K in 2022 and a projected 245K in 2023. Reduction in sarcopenia during extended hospitalizations, when reviewed alongside the financial impact of inpatient falls, supports the ongoing implementation of self-directed exercises in this population. Next steps include self-directed use of resistance bands, chair-based and bed-based stretches, and utilizing self-tracking devices to record exercise duration. (Full references available upon request).

A bibliometrics study of phase change materials (PCMs)

Articles on phase change materials (PCMs) were subjected to a scientometric study to determine the leading organizations, nations, journals, and topic areas over the last four decades. According to the analysis, there were significantly more publications on PCM between 2011 and 2022. In terms of total publications and total citations, China, the US, and India were discovered to be the top three nations. The country with the most citations per article was Singapore. Considering the collaboration aspect, the research revealed that Saudi Arabia exhibited the most extensive level of international collaboration. Chinese Acad Sci, Xi An Jiao Tong Univ, Univ Lleida, South China Univ Technol, and Sichuan Univ ranked first through fifth in terms of total publications. The most scientific work was produced in the Energy & Fuels topic area of PCM, while China was more active in the Web of Science topic areas. The rise in PCM publications in recent years is indicative of the field's expanding significance and interest in energy storage and sustainable energy. The importance of a multidisciplinary approach to the subject of PCM is highlighted by the high level of cooperation among nations and institutions. Examining keyword trends from 1991 to 2022 shows a growth in the use of “Thermal conductivity” beginning in 1999, a steady mention of “Latent Heat Storage” after 2010, and a consistent usage of “Energy storage” since 2005.

Accurate and efficient urban wind prediction at city-scale with memory-scalable graph neural network

The interaction between buildings and wind significantly impacts the comfort and safety of pedestrians, thereby influencing the sustainability of cities. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation of wind velocity in urban environments provides valuable insights into building aerodynamics. Traditional CFD solvers are limited by high computational costs, hindering practical engineering applications. Graph neural networks (GNNs) have emerged as a promising approach to accelerate CFD simulations on unstructured meshes. However, their inability to handle large-scale urban wind prediction due to high GPU memory requirements poses a challenge, as GNNs rely on GPUs for fast training and inference. To overcome this limitation, we propose SGMS-GNN, a novel GNN model that accurately and efficiently predicts wind velocity fields in urban environments while maintaining consistent GPU memory usage as the simulation domain increases. We employed a validated CFD model to generate a dataset of wind velocity fields in various urban topologies by simulating wind flow through randomly generated building layouts. Our well-generalized SGMS-GNN demonstrates accurate urban wind field predictions at city-scale, achieving a 70 % reduction in GPU memory usage compared to other GNN models. Furthermore, the proposed model outperforms the CFD model on which it is trained by running 1–2 orders of magnitude faster.

Attitudes and Practices of Insecticide Treated Bed Nets Usage among Rural Dwellers in Oyo State, Nigeria

Aim: Malaria, a life-threatening disease transmitted to humans by the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes, continues to be a significant public health issue, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. This study was aimed at understanding the attitudes and practices regarding the use of insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs) among rural dwellers in Oyo state, Nigeria.&#x0D; Methodology: The study adopted a cross-sectional design. The questionnaire was developed based on the objectives of the study. Sample size was calculated using the Fisher’s formula. The minimum sample size was 278 and was adjusted to 306 to account for non-response rate of 10%. A multi-stage cluster sampling technique was employed to select the participants.&#x0D; Results: The primary understanding of the purpose of ITNs was prevention of mosquito bites (59.67%), and prevention of malaria (40.33%). However, only 74% believed that ITNs could effectively prevent malaria and just 66% considered ITNs safe for use. The practice of ITN usage was quite high, with 93% of respondents possessing ITNs in their households. ITNs were obtained predominantly through free distribution (49%) or purchase (29.67%). Use of ITNs varied among participants, with 28.67% always using it, 41% often using it, and 7% never using it. The reasons for not always using ITNs included discomfort sleeping under it (49%) and perceptions of heat (30%). An analysis of the factors affecting the usage of ITNs indicated a significant association with the age, marital status, level of education, knowledge of ITNs, and beliefs about ITN's effectiveness and safety. The usage of ITNs was particularly low among younger respondents, those who were single or widowed/divorced/separated, those with no formal education or primary education, and those who were unaware of ITNs or did not believe in their effectiveness or safety.&#x0D; Conclusion: This study reveals a gap between knowledge and practice in ITN use, with significant barriers being discomfort and a lack of belief in the effectiveness of ITNs. While ownership rates are high, usage rates, especially consistent usage, is low. This was due to misconceptions, especially around the efficacy and safety of ITNs. Moreover, maintenance practices are suboptimal.