Experience In Use Research Articles

Analysis of academic research data with the use of ATLAS.ti. Experiences of use in the area of Tourism and Hospitality Administration

Qualitative data analysis in academic research is a challenge. In this context, the use of tools such as ATLAS.ti has emerged as a potential solution to improve the understanding and management of data in the analysis of in-depth interviews. The main objective of the research was to analyze the perspectives of Tourism and Hospitality Management students on the use of ATLAS.ti in the analysis of interviews in qualitative research. The methodology employs a qualitative approach and a descriptive-interpretative design. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and focus groups directed to 40 students of the X cycle who conducted this approach in their research to opt for the bachelor’s degree in Tourism and Hospitality Administration during the years 2022 and 2023. The findings reveal that the use of ATLAS.ti in qualitative data analysis is highly beneficial, facilitating the coding, organization, and identification of emerging patterns in in-depth interviews. The relevance of its effective use in qualitative analysis is highlighted, improving data management, and understanding of participants' perspectives. It is concluded that it is a valuable and effective tool in this context, although the need for researchers to acquire a deep understanding of the tool and receive adequate training is emphasized. It is suggested that they focus on continuous training in its use and constant practice of its advanced functionalities, especially in areas such as coding and code creation, to achieve a deeper interpretation of qualitative data

Exploring the use, usefulness and ease of use of digital occupational health services: A descriptive correlational study of customer experiences.

This study examined the customer experiences of use, perceived usefulness and ease of use of digital occupational health (OH) services. A cross-sectional study based on an electronic survey was conducted between December 2022 and January 2023. A total of 9871 OH customers responded to the survey. The sample was restricted to respondents who used digital OH services (n = 7275). An analysis of variance was run to test the relationships between respondents' characteristics and the rate of usefulness, and ease of use variables. The most commonly used digital services were appointment booking, access to health information recorded by professionals and prescription renewal, and the digital services provided by physicians and nurses. Respondents expressed quite high satisfaction with the digital services, but not as much with their usefulness and ease of use. Females, individuals under 50 years of age, those with higher education, working in white-collar or managerial positions and possessing proficient information and communication technology (ICT) skills gave the most positive evaluations regarding usefulness and ease of use. There was a certain level of mixed experiences among respondents regarding the usefulness and ease of use of digital OH services. We can also conclude that individuals who possess the necessary ICT skills can more easily take full advantage of the available digital services. When customers are proficient in using digital services, they can confidently interact with professionals. Regardless of the user's age, gender, education or profession, it is crucial for service providers always to strive to improve the usability of digital services.

Understanding Oral PrEP Interest, Uptake, Persistence, and Experience of Use Among Heterosexual Men in Johannesburg, South Africa: An Exploratory Pilot Study.

South Africa's PrEP programming has primarily focused on men who have sex with men and other key populations through dedicated clinical and outreach services. However, data shows that the pool of men vulnerable to contracting HIV extends beyond this group, including men who have sex only with women and who do not identify as gay. The aim of this pilot study was to assess acceptability of PrEP among this subset of men who are at risk of HIV acquisition in South Africa and to describe the demographic and behavioral characteristics of male PrEP users as well as their experience of PrEP use. We employed a mixed-methods study design consisting of in-depth interviews and quantitative analysis of routine clinic data collected between September 2021 and February 2022 from 10 private health facilities. Men who enrolled in the study and initiated PrEP had low consistent condom use and nearly three quarters reported more than one sexual partner in the past three months. Despite minimal follow-up support, PrEP persistence was relatively high and similar to other populations. 57% of men returned for their 1-month visit, 40% returned for their 4-month visit, and 16% returned for their 7-month visit. The greatest barriers to ongoing use were the need to take a daily pill and low perceived HIV risk. To improve uptake and continuation, programs should increase awareness of PrEP, leverage trusted sources to build credibility, make access more convenient, and accommodate flexible use through event-driven PrEP.

Experience of successful use of intense pulsed light in the treatment of Shamberg patients

Schamberg's disease (chronic purpura pigmentosa) is the most common type of pigmentary purpuric dermatosis, most commonly seen in men and primarily affecting the areas of the tibia, thighs, buttocks, trunk, or upper extremities, with a classic presentation characterized by petechiae, purpura, and enhancement skin pigmentation. This is a benign disease that is often asymptomatic and requires treatment if there are associated symptoms or if the patient wishes to improve a cosmetic defect.
 Schamberg's disease is usually not difficult to diagnose, but its treatment can be challenging. The current standard of treatment for chronic purpura pigmentosa includes systemic and external drug therapy, correction of identified concomitant diseases that can maintain and worsen the course of cutaneous vasculitis. There are many other, including non-pharmacological, methods described in the literature, few of which have been shown to be effective. Considering the small number of studies on this topic, numerous exacerbations and the possibility of spontaneous resolution of the disease, patients’ concerns about residual pigmentation, the search for an optimal therapeutic approach remains an urgent task.
 This article describes the experience of using broadband pulsed light in the treatment of Schamberg disease in a 34-year-old man. The equipment settings, diagram and exposure protocol for broadband pulsed light are presented. As a result of a follow-up examination carried out 1 month after treatment, a positive dynamic of the therapeutic process was determined: there were no new rashes, individual foci of the rash regressed completely, the remaining elements of the rash paled significantly. At a follow-up examination, four months after the therapy, a stable treatment result was recorded.

Social and facilitating influences in fintech user intention and the fintech gender gap

Given the advances in technology, Fintech is an invaluable tool which allows unbanked people to access financial services when social, cultural, economic and technological factors affect their user intentions (UI). Despite the great importance of the role of social and facilitating influences in the adoption of Fintech services, little research has been conducted on how and what influences affect Fintech user intention (FUI) and whether there is a gender gap in FUI. Therefore, this study aims to help formulate effective Fintech policies and close the gender gap by investigating the role of social and facilitating influences and sociodemographic variables in FUI. The study sample comprised 237 participants, and the data were collected through interviews with the use of a structured questionnaire in Chattogram, Bangladesh. The collected data were analysed employing exploratory factor analysis and an ordered logistic regression model. The study also examined the Fintech gender gap by applying the Blinder Oaxaca decomposition model. The results reveal that image, compatibility and the experiences of Fintech use are the positive and significant predictors of FUI, with the perceived social norm for adopting Fintech being non-informative for users. There is a significant interaction between user compatibility and experience of use in relation to Fintech. Interestingly, perceived behavioural control negatively influenced females to adopt Fintech. Furthermore, the study found a gender gap in FUI. The findings have managerial implications.

A quality improvement project to improve the quality of medical emergency aide-mémoires.

Introduction Medical emergencies occur within the dental setting and we have a duty of care to manage them appropriately. Due to perceived anxiety in handling medical emergencies, aide-mémoires were developed to improve staff confidence in the management of these stressful situations.Methods A survey was carried out at The Royal London Dental Hospital to assess knowledge and experience in use of existing supportive materials for medical emergency management. New colour-coded flashcards were subsequently developed, providing guidance to identifying and managing medical emergencies. A questionnaire was produced assessing clinicians' awareness of existing prompts and preferences in relation to the new flashcards. Updated cards were incorporated into simulated medical emergency teaching and evaluated afterwards through a questionnaire.Results A total of 50 responses were gathered across departments to the questionnaire regarding preliminary flashcards: 95% favoured the flashcard approach and felt they would be more helpful managing medical emergencies. The new flashcards were used by 18 clinicians in medical emergency simulation and 17 (94%) felt that using the cards improved their confidence in the handling of medical emergencies.Discussion The flashcards have been perceived to be useful in the handling of medical emergencies within our dental hospital. A similar project may be beneficial to clinical teams working across dental settings.

Attitudes of smartphone‐based hearing screening test use among patients with mild cognitive impairment: A qualitative study

AbstractBackgroundWhile the importance of early diagnosis of hearing loss in older adults with cognitive impairment has been increasingly highlighted, smartphone‐based self‐hearing assessments have become widely adopted due to their low cost, easy‐to‐use, and accessibility. The validity and reliability of this method have been accepted for detecting hearing loss. However, few studies were conducted on this vulnerable population. The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore older adults with mild cognitive impairment’s experiences, perceptions, and attitudes toward digital self‐hearing screening tools.MethodSeventeen patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) were recruited from memory clinic in Bangkok, Thailand. Focus groups were conducted to understand self‐perception of hearing problems and their experience after using smartphone‐based hearing screening application. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data.ResultAll focus groups discussed self‐perception of hearing loss, experience of use, as well as feedback for smartphone‐based hearing screening application. The acceptability and attitude of smartphone‐based hearing test was explored. Individual experiences varied depending on personal factors and lifestyle.ConclusionDigital self‐hearing screening tools emerged as potential method for screening hearing impairment. The findings of this study described opinions, feedback, and factors that contributed to the usage of smartphone‐based hearing screening applications. These findings will inform further developments of this tool based on the personalized needs of individuals with cognitive impairment, with the objective of facilitating the early detection and timely intervention for hearing loss in this population.

Crafts in the Time of Coronavirus

Crafts in the Time of Coronavirus

Method and technology for drug repurposing based on changes in the physicochemical properties of dosage forms: experience of use in Russia

Controlled local hyperthermia and hypothermia are important factors in drug pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics because changing the temperature of drugs changes their physicochemical properties. In this regard, a controlled change in the temperature of the drug and/or the body part with which the drug interacts, relative to the level of human body temperature (hyperthermia or hypothermia) forms the basis of temperature pharmacology. To analyze the authors publications on the problem of methodology and technology for repurposing drugs based on changes in the physicochemical properties of dosage forms. A controlled change in the temperature of the drug and/or the part of the body with which the drug interacts; a change in acid (alkaline), osmotic activity, and the degree and quality of carbonation and/or oxygen-forming activity of medicinal solutions; and a change in the concentration of medicinal solution ingredients. On the basis of the used methods, the reprofiling of a number of drugs has been achieved. The author proposed reprofiling a 4% potassium chloride solution from the group of macroelements and microelements used to regulate acid-base balance with a resorptive effect (when administered intravenously to the whole body) into a group of vasoconstrictive drugs used to stop bleeding when applied to by a single irrigation of the bleeding surface. Cooling certain drugs and tissues at their interaction sites to 18C20C (via an ice pack or its substitute) inhibits metabolism and function, ensuring the conversion of many drugs into anti-ischemic drugs by reducing the need for tissues in oxygen. A targeted change in the physicochemical properties of known drugs combined with local hyperthermia allows them to be converted into expectorant, pyrolytic (astringent), hemolytic, thrombolytic (hemostatic), detergent, bleaching, cleaning, and other drugs, including antiseptic and cauterizing (necrotizing) drugs, very reliably, quickly, and inexpensively. Thus, 40 years ago, pharmacologists of the Russian Federation established the foundation for a novel method of drug development known today as repurposing of existing drugs. Today, it is evident that reprofiling may rapidly, inexpensively, and effectively give existing drugs a new purpose.

MRA as the Preferred Test for Pulmonary Embolism During the Iodinated Contrast Media Shortage of 2022: A Single-Center Experience.

BACKGROUND. Closure of a GE Healthcare facility in Shanghai, China, in 2022 disrupted the iodinated contrast media supply. Technologic advances have addressed limitations associated with the use of pulmonary MRA for diagnosis of pulmonary embolism (PE). OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to describe a single institution's experience in the use of pulmonary MRA as an alternative to CTA for the diagnosis of PE in the general population during the iodinated contrast media shortage in 2022. METHODS. This retrospective single-center study included all CTA and MRA examinations performed to exclude PE from April 1 through July 31 (18 weekly periods) in 2019 (before the COVID-19 pandemic and contrast media shortage), 2021 (during the pandemic but before the shortage), and 2022 (during both the pandemic and the shortage). From early May through mid-July of 2022, MRA served as the preferred test for PE diagnosis, to preserve iodinated contrast media. CTA and MRA reports were reviewed. The total savings in iodinated contrast media volume resulting from preferred use of MRA was estimated. RESULTS. The study included 4491 examinations of 4006 patients (mean age, 57 ± 18 [SD] years; 1715 men, 2291 women): 1245 examinations (1111 CTA, 134 MRA) in 2019, 1547 examinations (1403 CTA, 144 MRA) in 2021, and 1699 examinations (1282 CTA, 417 MRA) in 2022. In 2022, the number of MRA examinations was four (nine when normalized to a 7-day period) in week 1, and this number increased to a maximum of 63 in week 10 and then decreased to 10 in week 18. During weeks 8-11, more MRA examinations (range, 45-63 examinations) than CTA examinations (range, 27-46 examinations) were performed. In 2022, seven patients with negative MRA underwent subsequent CTA within 2 weeks; CTA was negative in all cases. In 2022, 13.9% of CTA examinations (vs 10.3% of MRA examinations) were reported as having limited image quality. The estimated 4-month savings resulting from preferred use of MRA in 2022, under the assumption of uniform simple linear growth in CTA utilization annually and a CTA dose of 1 mL/kg, was 27 L of iohexol (350 mg I/mL). CONCLUSION. Preferred use of pulmonary MRA for PE diagnosis in the general population helped to conserve iodinated contrast media during the 2022 shortage. CLINICAL IMPACT. This single-center experience shows pulmonary MRA to be a practical substitute for pulmonary CTA in emergency settings.

Public-private partnership as a tool to foster business innovation activities in the digital technologies field

The unprecedented sanctions imposed against Russia included restrictions on the supply of high-tech products and services have updated issues of ensuring the technological independence of Russia in the digital technologies field by increasing private sector involvement in innovation processes and relying on our own developments. Cooperation between the public and private sectors within the framework of public-private partnership (PPP) can become an effective tool for achieving this goal. The article analyses United States experience in use of PPPs in the digital technologies field as well as Russian practice of using this mechanism to foster business innovation activities. Analyzing specific PPP mechanisms (models), the author identifies their key features, which determine the possibilities of their application in the development and implementation of government-business cooperation projects in the digital technologies field. It is concluded that, unlike the United States, the leading country in digital development, PPP models are not used enough in Russia, which is explained, among other things, by the presence of administrative and legal barriers as well as problems with goal-setting.

Рациональный выбор гепатопротекторов в терапии хронических заболеваний печени

The modern pharmacological industry provides healthcare professionals and patients with the widest choice of medicines (drugs) and biologically active additives. At the same time, the choice of the drug, in addition to the instructions for use and clinical recommendations, is influenced by personal experience of use (both the doctor and the patient), the cost of the drug, advertising and other factors. The Register of Medicines of Russia contains about 30 hepatoprotectors and their combinations, represented by more than 130 original drugs and their generics. This article presents data on the epidemiology of liver diseases in the world and in Russia, the general stages of the pathogenesis of liver lesions and the key points of application of drugs, as well as the role of a new hepatoprotector (a combination of ursodeoxycholic acid with glycyrrhizic acid) in the treatment of liver diseases

UIBVFEDPlus-Light: Virtual facial expression dataset with lighting.

It is well-known that lighting conditions have an important influence on the automatic recognition of human expressions. Although the impact of lighting on the perception of emotions has been studied in different works, databases of facial expressions do not consider intentional lighting. In this work, a new database of facial expressions performed by virtual characters with four different lighting configurations is presented. This database, named UIBVFEDPlus-Light, is an extension of the previously published UIBVFED virtual facial expression dataset. It includes 100 characters, four lighting configurations and a software application that allows one to interactively visualize the expressions, and manage their intensity and lighting condition. Also, an experience of use is described to show how this work can raise new challenges to facial expression and emotion recognition techniques under usual lighting environments. Thus, opening new study perspectives in this area.

Опыт применения антицитокинового препарата адалимумаб у детей с полиартикулярным серонегативным юношеским артритом, проживающих в Самарском регионе

Введение. Ювенильный идиопатический артрит – наиболее частое ревматическое заболевание в детском возрасте. Адалимумаб – препарат выбора при полиартрите, HLA-B27-ассоциированном артрите, псориатическом артрите, а также при ассоциации артрита с энтезитами и увеитами. Представляет интерес оценка эффективности и безопасности генно-инженерного биологического препарата адалимумаб у пациентов с полиартикулярным серонегативным по ревматоидному фактору ювенильным идиопатическим артритом, проживающих в Самарском регионе. Цель работы. Цель исследования состояла в оценке эффективности и безопасности генно-инженерного биологического препарата адалимумаб у пациентов с полиартикулярным серонегативным по ревматоидному фактору ювенильным идиопатическим артритом, проживающих в Самарском регионе. Материалы и методы. Проведено ретро- и проспективное исследование 32 (8 мальчиков, 24 девочки) пациентов с полиартикулярным ювенильным идиопатическим артритом, серонегативным по ревматоидному фактору. Диагностика заболевания осуществлялась с использованием диагностических критериев Международной лиги ревматологических ассоциаций. Исследование проводилось с 2018 по 2022 г. на базе Самарского областного клинического кардиологического диспансера им. В. П. Полякова. Анализ эффективности терапии проводился в течение 6 визитов с интервалом в 70 дней и включал оценку функциональной способности с использованием опросника CHAQ. К показателям эффективности терапии относилось достижение улучшения на 50-90% при лекарственной ремиссии заболевания. Результаты. Доказаны эффективность, безопасность, хорошая переносимость антицитокинового генно-инженерного биологического препарата адалимумаб при лечении детей с полиартикулярным серонегативным по ревматоидному фактору ювенильным идиопатическим артритом. Заключение. Полученные результаты позволяют сделать вывод о целесообразности применения препарата адалимумаб у больных с рефрактерностью к иммуносупрессивной терапии, принятой для лечения юношеского артрита, и считать такой подход перспективным в детской ревматологии. Background. Juvenile idiopathic arthritis is the most common rheumatic disease in childhood. Adalimumab is the drug of choice for polyarthritis, HLA-B27-associated arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, as well as for the association of arthritis with enthesitis, uveitis. It is of interest to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the genetically engineered biological drug adalimumab in patients with polyarticular rheumatoid factor seronegative juvenile idiopathic arthritis living in the Samara region. Objective. The aim of the study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the genetically engineered biological drug adalimumab in patients with polyarticular seronegative juvenile idiopathic arthritis in the Russian Federation living in the Samara region. Materials and methods. A retro- and prospective study of 32 (8 boys, 24 girls) patients with polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis, seronegative in the Russian Federation, was carried out. The disease was diagnosed using the ILAR diagnostic criteria. The study was conducted from 2018 to 2022 on the basis of the Samara Regional Clinical Cardiological Dispensary V. P. Polyakov. Analysis of the effectiveness of the therapy was carried out during 6 visits with an interval of 70 days and included an assessment of the functional ability using the CHAQ questionnaire. The indicators of the effectiveness of therapy included: achievement of 50-90% improvement in drug remission of the disease. Results. Efficacy, safety, and good tolerability of the anticytokine genetically engineered biological drug adalimumab in the treatment of children with polyarticular seronegative juvenile idiopathic arthritis in the Russian Federation have been proven. Conclusion. The results obtained allow us to conclude that it is reasonable to use adalimumab in patients with refractoriness to immunosuppressive therapy used for the treatment of juvenile arthritis and consider this approach promising in pediatric rheumatology.

Global experience in the application of intelligent systems and technologies in the military sphere

This article analyzes technologies and modern means of military use with intelligent computer systems (platforms). Such means include "smart" bullets, rifles with augmented reality glasses, as well as ballistic computers, "smart" weapons (mortars), high-precision ammunition, robotic combat vehicles and other equipment, laser air defense systems for ground, air, as well as naval forces, unmanned aerial vehicles, etc. Examples of intellectual means of military use, their tactical and technical characteristics and fields of application are given. The advantages and disadvantages of using technologies and means with intelligent systems (platforms) are highlighted, as well as the justified expediency of their use for military purposes. The examples of tools with intelligent systems (platforms) listed above are effectively used in the leading countries of the world, namely: the USA, Great Britain, Japan, France, Germany, Israel, the Netherlands, etc. The experience of use by the military of these countries has shown that intelligent systems make it possible to simplify the performance of relevant tasks, measures to protect against accidents or excessive aggression of criminals (enemies), and also increase the safety of the civilian population. It was determined that the introduction of world achievements, as well as the development of domestic systems and means with intelligent systems, is one of the priority directions of the development of the military-industrial complex of Ukraine. This, in turn, requires close cooperation between scientists and the military, which prompts the study of the possibilities of using intelligent systems in various fields, in particular in the field of national security development of Ukraine. Further prospective studies in this direction are highlighted.

Hereditary Angioedema patient experiences of medication use and emergency care

BackgroundHereditary angioedema (HAE) is a rare inherited illness characterised by recurrent swellings. Four percent of HAE attacks are life threatening throat swellings requiring urgent medical intervention. The aim of this study was to gain an in depth understanding of patient experiences of use of treatment and emergency care. Methods65 participants completed an online survey including open ended questions about their experiences and/or completed an in-depth interview. Interview participants were asked to share and talk about up to five images that they felt best represented their life experiences with HAE. Data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. ResultsTreatment experiences highlighted the life changing nature of new treatments and benefits for quality of life, but also illustrated common barriers to treatment administration. Emergency care experiences illustrated how throat attacks and fear of their future occurrence could be traumatic. DiscussionFindings indicate that HAE patients need psychological support to process fears and negative experiences. In addition, psychological barriers to treatment administration must be addressed to ensure treatment is used effectively. Education for emergency practitioners is also needed to improve emergency treatment and reduce the psychological burden of delayed emergency care.

Опыт применения вакцинации против пневмококковой инфекции (Превенар 13) у больных с хроническими неспецифическими заболеваниями в Республике Саха (Якутия)

Опыт применения вакцинации против пневмококковой инфекции (Превенар 13) у больных с хроническими неспецифическими заболеваниями в Республике Саха (Якутия)

Опыт применения взрывчатых материалов при локализации и ликвидации лесных пожаров

Опыт применения взрывчатых материалов при локализации и ликвидации лесных пожаров

Clinical impact of Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen Positron Emission Tomography (PET) on intensification or deintensification of advanced renal cell carcinoma management

PurposeThere is an emerging role of the use of Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen (PSMA) Positron Emission Tomography (PET) in renal cell carcinoma. Herein, we report our experience in use of PSMA PET in recurrent or metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC).MethodsA retrospective analysis of all patients who underwent PSMA PET for suspected recurrent or de-novo metastatic RCC between 2015 and 2020 at three institutions was performed. The primary outcome was change in management (intensification or de-intensification) following PSMA PET scan. Secondary outcomes included histopathological correlation of PSMA avid sites, comparison of sites of disease on PSMA PET to diagnostic CT and time to systemic treatment.Results

Drug checking in the fentanyl era: Utilization and interest among people who inject drugs in San Diego, California.

In North America, overdose rates have steeply risen over the past five years, largely due to the ubiquity of illicitly manufactured fentanyls in the drug supply. Drug checking services (DCS) represent a promising harm reduction strategy and characterizing experiences of use and interest among people who inject drugs (PWID) is a priority. Between February-October 2022, PWID participating in a cohort study in San Diego, CA and Tijuana, Mexico completed structured surveys including questions about DCS, socio-demographics and substance use behaviors. We used Poisson regression to assess factors associated with lifetime DCS use and characterized experiences with DCS and interest in free access to DCS. Of 426 PWID, 72% were male, 59% Latinx, 79% were experiencing homelessness and 56% ever experienced a nonfatal overdose. One third had heard of DCS, of whom 57% had ever used them. Among the latter, most (98%) reported using fentanyl test strips (FTS) the last time they used DCS; 66% did so less than once per month. In the last six months, respondents used FTS to check methamphetamine (48%), heroin (30%) or fentanyl (29%). Relative to White/non-Latinx PWID, those who were non-White/Latinx were significantly less likely to have used DCS [adjusted risk ratio (aRR): 0.22; 95% CI: 0.10, 0.47), as were PWID experiencing homelessness (aRR:0.45; 95% CI: 0.28, 0.72). However, a significant interaction indicated that non-White/Latinx syringe service program (SSP) clients were more likely to have used DCS than non-SSP clients (aRR: 2.79; CI: 1.09, 7.2). Among all PWID, 44% expressed interest in free access to FTS, while 84% (of 196 PWID) expressed interest in advanced spectrometry DCS to identify and quantify multiple substances. Our findings highlight low rates of DCS awareness and utilization, inequities by race/ethnicity and housing situation, high interest in advanced spectrometry DCS versus FTS, and the potential role of SSPs in improving access to DCS, especially among racial/ethnic minorities.