Instrumental Measurements Research Articles

Effect of meat type and fat level on burger meat characteristics: A combined approach using imaging and sensory techniques.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of fat level and meat cut type on burger meat through color, texture, image, and sensory analyses, and to explore the ability of the imaging technique as a complementary tool for consumer quality perception. For this purpose, burger meat samples were prepared by combining pork and beef meat (50/50%) with other nonmeat ingredients. The differences between samples were fat level: around 15 g fat/100 g (code HF) or 10.5 g fat/100 g (code LF); cut types: from cow carcasses (code C) or yearling (code Y). Instrumental color and texture measures analysis, an image analysis, and a sensory evaluation were carried out on samples (raw and cooked) at two times: day 0 and day 1 before expiry dates. The results showed that the samples made with meat from cows presented lower L* and higher a* and b* values than the samples made from yearling. However, the fat level did not affect this parameter. This same pattern was observed for the image measurements. Regarding texture, the samples with higher fat content (and lower moisture content) had higher hardness values. Generally, meat type had no effect on textural parameters. The samples that consumers gave the highest overall acceptance scores were those made of cow meat at both fat content levels. These samples also had the highest raw and cooked color scores. The fat level slightly affected hardness, with the same pattern observed for the instrumental measures of texture. The analyses showed a good correlation between instrumental techniques and sensory evaluation.

A Streamlined Workflow for Microscopy-Driven MALDI Imaging Mass Spectrometry Data Collection.

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization imaging mass spectrometry (MALDI IMS) is a rapidly advancing technology for biomedical research. As spatial resolution increases, however, so do acquisition time, file size, and experimental cost, which increases the need to perform precise sampling of targeted tissue regions to optimize the biological information gleaned from an experiment and minimize wasted resources. The ability to define instrument measurement regions based on key tissue features and automatically sample these specific regions of interest (ROIs) addresses this challenge. Herein, we demonstrate a workflow using standard software that allows for direct sampling of microscopy-defined regions by MALDI IMS. Three case studies are included, highlighting different methods for defining features from common sample types─manual annotation of vasculature in human brain tissue, automated segmentation of renal functional tissue units across whole slide images using custom segmentation algorithms, and automated segmentation of dispersed HeLa cells using open-source software. Each case minimizes data acquisition from unnecessary sample regions and dramatically increases throughput while uncovering molecular heterogeneity within targeted ROIs. This workflow provides an approachable method for spatially targeted MALDI IMS driven by microscopy as part of multimodal molecular imaging studies.

Coping difficulties after inpatient hospital treatment: validity and reliability of the German version of the post-discharge coping difficulty scale.

Patients transitioning between different care contexts are at increased risk of experiencing adverse events. In particular, being discharged to home after inpatient treatment involves significant risks. However, there is a lack of valid and internationally comparable assessment tools on patients' experiences of difficulties following hospital discharge. Therefore, this study aimed to adapt and validate the German version of the post-discharge coping difficulty scale (PDCDS-G). Patients were recruited at a German university hospital. 815 adult patients participated in a self-report survey following an inpatient stay of at least three days. Factorial validity of the PDCDS-G was evaluated via factor analyses. Further, examination of measurement invariance was performed. To establish criterion validity, associations with patients' self-reported health status and occurrence of patient safety were determined. Further, group differences regarding patient characteristics, hospitalization factors, and survey-related variables were examined. Factorial validity of the PDCDS-G was confirmed by a two-factorial model with good model fit. Both factors showed good to excellent reliability. The two-factor model achieved measurement invariance across all patient characteristics, hospitalization factors, and survey-related variables. Significant relationships with patients' health status and the occurrence of patient safety incidents corroborate criterion validity of the PDCDS-G. Differential associations of the two PDCDS-G factors regarding patient characteristics, hospitalization, and survey-related variables were found. Construct and criterion validity, as well as the reliability of the PDCDS-G, were verified. Further, instrument's measurement invariance was confirmed allowing use of the scale for the interpretation of group differences and comparisons between studies. The PDCDS-G provides a validated and comparable patient-reported outcomes measure for patient experiences after hospital discharge to home. The PDCDS-G can be used for patient surveys in quality or patient safety improvement in care transition processes.

Predicting straw drinking ability of liquid foods by pipe-flow rheometry

Designing the straw drinking experience is increasingly important in consumer-oriented liquid food innovation. The perceived ’straw drinking ease’ of liquid foods could be assessed by sensory analysis. However, challenges arise in linking instrumental measurements to the subjective quantification of sensory attributes due to the complexity of perceptual behaviors in drinking. Here, we developed a pipe-flow rheometry approach to predict straw drinking ability with minimized reliance on panel tests. We measured the instantaneous flow of liquid samples within straws and compared their flow profiles based on different yielding behaviors. The dynamic flow processes were simplified into steady-state pipe flow, and perceived straw drinking ability was modeled as the shear viscosity of liquid foods at specific flow rates. A power-law relationship was found between viscosity at sample-specific shear rates and straw drinking ability, regardless of whether the liquid foods exhibit yield stress. This approach provides opportunities for directly addressing the straw drinking experience through simple laboratory measurements when developing texture modulation systems for liquid foods.

Correlation dependences between hardening in terms of yield strength and microhardness for austenitic and ferritic-martensitic steels

Instrumental measurements of microhardness were carried out using a Vickers indenter at a constant strain rate. The yield strength values were determined for austenitic chromium-nickel steels 08Kh18N10Т, 10Kh18N9 and 08Kh16N20M2Т in the initial (non-irradiated) state, after neutron irradiation at various regimes, as well as after plastic prestrain. Similar measurements were carried out for chromium stainless steels of the ferritic-martensitic class 07Kh12NMFB and 16Kh12MVSFBR (EP-823) in the initial (non-irradiated) state and after heat treatment, leading to hardening of the material and also after neutron irradiation. The relationships between microhardness and yield strength were determined for all studied states of all steels studied. A unified correlation has been established between hardening in terms of the yield strength and hardening in terms of Vickers micro-hardness, independently of the nature of the strengthening factor and the class of steel.

Analysis of perinatal outcomes in pregnant women with the resolution of placenta previa in the second trimester

Objective: To investigate perinatal outcomes of pregnant women with the resolution of placenta previa in the second trimester. Methods: This study was a retrospective cohort study, which included singleton pregnant women who received prenatal care and delivered at Peking University Third Hospital from January 1st 2019 to December 31st 2020. A total of 403 pregnant women diagnosed with placenta previa by ultrasound at 20-24 weeks of gestation and the placental position returned to normal before delivery were included in the study group, and 403 pregnant women with normal placental position matched 1∶1 were the control group. The primary outcome was postpartum hemorrhage rate, and secondary outcomes included postpartum bleeding volume, severe hemorrhage complications, blood transfusion, drug application, the application of instrument or surgical hemostasis measures, gestational week of delivery, and neonatal outcomes. The perinatal outcomes were analyzed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression methods. Results: (1) Compared with the control group, the incidence of postpartum hemorrhage [10.4% (42/403) vs 17.6% (71/403)], postpartum hemorrhage volume (median: 375 vs 400 ml), the proportion of postpartum hemorrhage≥500 ml [18.6% (75/403) vs 30.5% (123/403)], and the proportion of application of instrument or surgical hemostasis measures [1.7% (7/403) vs 4.5% (18/403)] in the study group were increased, and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). Neonatal outcomes, including birth weight, small for gestational age, hospitalization in neonatal intensive care unit and incidence of neonatal asphyxia, were compared between the two groups, and there were no statistically significant differences (all P>0.05). (2) In pregnant women with vaginal delivery, the postpartum hemorrhage rate [31.7% (66/208) vs 17.5% (39/223)], postpartum hemorrhage volume (median: 390 vs 380 ml), the proportion of instrument or surgical hemostasis measures [3.8% (8/208) vs 0.4% (1/223)] of the study group were higher than those of the control group, and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the rate of postpartum hemorrhage between the study group and the control group who gave birth by cesarean setion (P=0.545), but the proportion of postpartum hemorrhage≥500 ml in the study group and the control group were 29.2% (57/195) and 20.0% (36/180), and the difference was statistically significant (P=0.039). (3) The results of multivariate analysis showed that compared with the control group, the risk of postpartum hemorrhage (aOR=2.042, 95%CI: 1.313-3.175), the application of drugs (aOR=1.684, 95%CI: 1.142-2.484) and the application of instruments or surgical hemostasis measures (aOR=2.696, 95%CI: 1.089-6.675) were significantly increased in the study group (all P<0.05). Among women who delivered vaginally, the risk of postpartum hemorrhage in the study group was 2.021 times greater than that in the control group (95%CI: 1.269-3.220; P=0.003). Conclusion: In women with placental previa in the second trimester of pregnancy, even if the placental position returns to normal before delivery, it is still a high risk factor for postpartum hemorrhage, especially in vaginal delivery.

Incorporation of Chokeberry Pomace into Baked Products: Influence on the Quality of the Dough and the Muffins

The use of pomace in bakery products opens up new possibilities for the management of waste products from the fruit industry. Such activities are integral to the concept of sustainable development and the circular economy. In this research, the quality of dough and final products was analyzed by replacing 10–50% of the typical flour (wheat, rice, and corn) with chokeberry pomace flour. The instrumental color measurements and the sensory analysis showed that the dough and the muffins made with the fruit flour were significantly different from the control samples. Flour substitutions of over 10%, while enriching muffins with chokeberry flour, led to a decrease in product quality (texture, dough rise, sensory quality), especially for muffins with gluten. The sensory study showed that a substitution of 10% of typical flour resulted in products acceptable to potential consumers, but a higher substitution reduced the overall quality. It was found that the use of chokeberry pomace in making muffins was limited and more feasible for gluten-free products.

Three-dimensional distribution of aerosols of multiple types at daily scale using TROPOMI spaceborne observations

We present new satellite-based daily observations of the 3D distribution of aerosols from most common types and origins, both over land and ocean, derived from TROpospheric Ozone Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI) measurements. This is done using the so-called AEROS5P (AEROsol Sentinel 5 Precursor) approach which retrieves vertical profiles of aerosol extinction from passive measurements of high-resolution spectral reflectance in the visible and near infrared for cloud-free conditions. Previous work demonstrated the potential of this approach, but it was initially applicable only to biomass burning aerosols with limited spatial coverage over ocean. The new methodology presented here generalizes the method for the most common aerosol types and improves spatial coverage. We take advantage of an operational aerosol type product derived from Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (VIIRS) observations, combined with those from TROPOMI, to choose a priori aerosol set of intensive properties (particle size and refractive index). AEROS5P shows good agreement in aerosol optical depth, when compared to observations from AErosol RObotic NETwork and other widely used satellite measurements. Additionally, the vertical distribution of aerosol plumes of different types derived from AEROS5P agrees well with lidar coincident observations from the Advanced Topographic Laser Altimeter System spaceborne sensor and ground-based measurements. We utilize AEROS5P to analyze the three-dimensional distribution of aerosols for four different scenarios. It traces the three-dimensional pathways of smoke from Canadian wildfires reaching the Eastern USA in July 2023, desert dust from the Namibian deserts over the southeast Atlantic Ocean confined near the surface during the same month, fine aerosol pollution over Western Europe during June 2019, and an extreme dust event mixed with fine aerosol pollution over Northern China in March 2021. These observations provide valuable insights into aerosol transport patterns, surface-level air quality impacts, and can potentially be used to assess the radiative effects at various atmospheric layers.

Measuring evidence-based practice knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behavior in students of manual therapy education programs: A scoping review of instruments and their measurement properties.

The purpose of this review was to identify assessment instruments and their measurement properties for assessing evidence-based practice (EBP) knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behavior among students of manual therapy education programs. 7 electronic databases were systematically searched from inception to May 19, 2023. (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, ERIC, EBSCO Discovery, LISA, Google Scholar.) Search terms were subject headings specific to each database (MeSH in MEDLINE) and relevant to evidence-based practice, assessment tools/instruments, and manual therapy healthcare professions. Eligible studies included students of manual therapy education programs (chiropractic, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, osteopathy) and provided evidence supporting instrument measurement properties (reliability, validity). Titles and abstracts were screened by 2 reviewers. Data on each instrument and its properties were extracted and tabulated by 2 reviewers. Instruments were compared using the Classification Rubric for EBP Assessment Tools in Education (CREATE) framework including the 5 steps in the EBP model. Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews checklist were followed. 5 studies were identified, (3 physiotherapy, 2 chiropractic) Two studies used a physiotherapy-focused modification of the Fresno test. One study presented the Knowledge of Research Evidence Competencies instrument. Two studies presented original instruments. Instruments focused on the knowledge domain and did not assess all 5 EBP model steps. The current literature does not address all 5 steps of the EBP model. The identified instruments have the potential to ensure chiropractic institutions are graduating chiropractors who are highly skilled in evidence-based practice.

Chinese Accounting Standards Convergence with International Financial Reporting Standards

As the global economy becomes more integrated, Chinese Accounting Standards (CAS) are gradually moving towards convergence with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). So far, CAS and IFRS do still have a number of variations including content, format and setup mechanisms. This paper analyzes three main differences in the content between CAS and IFRS regarding the financial instrument, biological asset, and lease measurement. These differences may cause problems for international practitioners and investors. In addition, the paper discusses the influences of the global convergence of CAS and the challenges faced by the technology industry, listed companies, and government. It is recommended that China need to consider the domestic economic situation and policies when adopting IFRS, and properly adjust the content of the standard accordingly, so as to better meet the domestic needs and development prospects. And industries should balance convergence and market challenges and work together to shape a practical and comprehensive China accounting system to enable China to develop globally further.

Long-Term Efficacy and Tolerability of an Emollient Containing Glycerol and Paraffin for Moderate-to-Severe Uremic Xerosis: A Randomized Phase3 Study.

There is an unmet need for effective topical therapies for patients with uremic xerosis and chronic kidney disease-associated pruritus (CKD-aP). The long-term efficacy and tolerability of an emollient containing glycerol 15% and paraffin 10% (V0034CR) was evaluated in a phase3 study. In this randomized, double-blind, two-parallel group, vehicle-controlled study, patients with moderate-to-severe uremic xerosis were randomized to once-daily application of V0034CR or vehicle control for 28days (periodI). This was followed by a treatment-free period of ≤ 21days (periodII), then all patients received open-label treatment with V0034CR for ≥ 84days (periodIII). Outcomes included treatment response at the end of periodI (El Gammal's xerosis severity score), instrumental measures of scaling (D-Squame technique), time to relapse during periodII, rate of recurrence during periodIII, pruritus severity over time, patient acceptability, and adverse events (AEs). The intent-to-treat population comprised 235 patients randomized to V0034CR (n = 118) or vehicle control (n = 117) during periodI. Treatment response at the end of periodI was achieved by 71 patients (60.2%) in the V0034CR group versus 48 (41.0%) with vehicle control (p = 0.0041). This coincided with greater reductions in the total surface area of squames (p = 0.001 vs vehicle control). Xerosis relapsed progressively without treatment in periodII; however, remission was durable under maintenance therapy in periodIII. Improvements in pruritus severity were comparable between V0034CR and vehicle control, suggesting that the antipruritic effect of V0034CR was mainly exerted by its oil-in-water emulsion base. V0034CR had high patient acceptability and was well tolerated; the most common treatment-related AEs were irritation or erythema (2.1%), exacerbated pruritus (1.3%), and vesicles at the application site (0.9%). These data support the use of V0034CR, with its hydrating and occlusive properties, for the long-term management of patients with moderate-to-severe uremic xerosis and CKD-aP. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT01084148; EudraCT number 2006-002201-31.

Exploration of the triceps surae muscle in ambulatory children with cerebral palsy using instrumented measurements of stiffness and diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging for muscle architecture

BackgroundMusculoskeletal alterations causing reduced range of motion of the ankle joint are common in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Objective measurements of passive joint resistance and three-dimensional skeletal muscle volume and muscle architecture can lead to a comprehensive understanding of which factors influence joint range of motion.Research questionTo investigate the relation between the passive dorsiflexion of the ankle joint, biomechanical contributing factors to the passive joint resistance, and muscular architectural properties of the triceps surae muscle in children with CP.MethodsIn this cross-sectional observational study, 14 children with spastic CP (bilateral: 5, unilateral: 9, Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) level I:11, II:3) naïve to intramuscular tone reducing treatment, and 14 TD children were included. The passive dorsiflexion of the ankle was measured with a goniometer. Passive joint resistance and related parameters were estimated based on a biomechanical model and measurements using a motorized device, the Neuroflexor. Three-dimensional muscle architecture was quantified with diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging (DT-MRI).ResultsIn the CP group, the median [min, max] passive dorsiflexion was decreased in the most affected leg (MAL) compared to the less affected leg (LAL) (2.5° [-25°, 20°] vs. 12.5° [5°, 30°], p = 0.001). The stiffness coefficient (Nm/rad) in the MAL was significantly higher in children with CP compared to TD children (7.10 [3.39, 62.00] vs. 2.82 [1.24, 10.46], p = 0.015). Muscle architecture properties did not differ between CP and TD, except for pennation angle in the medial gastrocnemius (MG) of the MAL (CP 17.64° (2.29) vs. TD 21.46° (3.20), p = 0.017). The stiffness coefficient, in the MAL, correlated negatively to passive dorsiflexion (rs=-0.638) and pennation angle in medial gastrocnemius (rs=-0.964), and the non-linear coefficient (Non-linear 1) correlated negatively to the fascicle length of the medial gastrocnemius (rs=-0.857).ConclusionThis study shows that stiffness of the plantarflexors is related to decreased passive dorsiflexion of the ankle and muscle structure of the MG in high-functioning children with spastic CP. Assessments of how dynamic components as well as microscopic muscle alterations contribute to joint stiffness in the plantarflexors in individuals with CP are warranted.Trial registrationRetrospectively registered in ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05447299. Observational study. Study start: 2019-01-15, register date: 2022-07-01.

Forecasting changes in the earth’s climate system by instrumental measurements and paleodata in the phase-time region, consistent with changes in the barycentric motions of the sun. Part 1

The relevance of the research is due to the need to establish the root cause of climate change on Earth and predict changes in heliocosmic, climatic variables, natural disasters by intramental measurements and paleodata, as time series, for long intervals of the time horizon in the phase domain, taking into account their cyclicity and interdependence of changes. Purpose of research: application of the time series analysis method of the time series to establish the strength of the influence of the barycentric movements of the Sun on the variability of heliocosmic, climatic variables, natural disasters and fires, high-precision prediction of variables in the phase-time domain for long horizons of hundreds and thousands of years by instrumental measurements and paleodata. Objects of research: time series of changes in heliocosmic and climatic variables, natural disasters and fires, curves of changes in climatic changes obtained by analysis of ice cores in Antarctica and bottom sediments in Antarctica. Methods of research: wavelet phase-frequency and phase-time analysis of images of heliocosmic and climatic variables, natural disasters and fires; calculation of the consistency of changes in selected groups on a set of phase-time characteristics of variables in a sliding mode. Main results of research: In the images of wavelet phase-time functions of many variables constructed from observations in 1600–2010, Jose periods of ~178 years were found, which are contained in changes in the characteristics of barycentric movements of the Sun, solar activity, solar constant, CO2,N2OEl Nino, solar wind, the level of the Caspian Sea, temperature in Greenland, the speed of rotation of the Earth, snow accumulation rates in the Indian Ocean sector of Antarctica, global temperature; cyclicity of changes in heliocosmic and climatic variables are consistent with changes in Baricentre; there is a significant difference in the consistency of changes in the phase-time characteristics of variables obtained at the southern hot and northern cold latitudes of the planet by about 2.1 times; in the northern part of the planet, changes in variables are more chaotic, due to the different influence of changes in the Baricentre variable, the magnetic fields of the Sun and the Earth on the variability of variables at different latitudes of the planet; significant variability and resonances of the phase characteristics of heliocosmic and climatic variables are observed by changes in Baricentre on the graphs of coordinated changes in groups of variables in the observed and predicted time intervals. The studies reveal multiple oscillatory responses of the Earth’s climate system to the impact of the Baricentre variable due to the heterogeneity of its components and the Earth’s magnetosphere in space. Changes in the set of phase-time characteristics of variables on the same graph in the observed and predicted time intervals in the interval ± π are displayed as changes in autowaves characteristic of self-organizing systems, characterizing climatic changes in environments in combination with the influence of the variable Baricentre.

A Growth Mindset Scale for Young Children (GM-C): Development and validation among children from the United States and South Africa.

Beliefs about the malleability of intellectual ability-mindsets-shape achievement. Recent evidence suggests that even young children hold such mindsets; yet, no reliable and valid instruments exist for measuring individual differences in young children's mindsets. Given the potential relevance of mindsets to children's achievement-related behavior and learning, we developed and tested the psychometric properties of the Growth Mindset Scale for Children (GM-C). Among other psychometric properties, we assessed this instrument's (a) factor structure, (b) measurement invariance, (c) internal consistency, (d) temporal stability (test-retest reliability), (e) concurrent validity, and (f) cross-cultural robustness in samples of US children (Study 1; N = 220; ages 4 through 6; 50% girls; 39% White) and South African children (Study 2; predominantly grades 4 and 5; N = 331; 54% girls; 100% non-White). The GM-C scale exhibited four factors, representing beliefs about the instability of low ability, the malleability of low ability, the instability of high ability, and the malleability of high ability. The GM-C scale also demonstrated invariance across age, acceptable internal consistency (αs between .70 to .90), and moderate temporal stability over approximately one month (rs between .38 to .72). Concurrent validity was supported by significant relations between children's scores on the subscales about low ability and their goal orientations (Studies 1 and 2), challenge-seeking behavior, and achievement in math and English (Study 2). These findings suggest that the GM-C scale is a promising tool for measuring mindsets in young children. We offer practical recommendations for using this new scale and discuss theoretical implications.

The weather of 1740, the coldest year in central Europe in 600 years

Abstract. The winter of 1739/40 is known as one of the coldest winters in Europe since early instrumental measurements began. Many contemporary sources discuss the cold waves and compare the winter to that of 1708/09. It is less well known that the year 1740 remained cold until August and was again cold in October and that negative temperature anomalies were also found over Eurasia and North America. The 1739/40 cold season over northern mid-latitude land areas was perhaps the coldest in 300 years, and 1740 was the coldest year in central Europe in 600 years. New monthly global climate reconstructions allow us to address this momentous event in greater detail, while daily observations and weather reconstructions give insight into the synoptic situations. Over Europe, we find that the event was initiated by a strong Scandinavian blocking in early January, allowing the advection of continental cold air. From February until June, high pressure dominated over Ireland, arguably associated with frequent eastern Atlantic blocking. This led to cold-air advection from the cold northern North Atlantic. During the summer, cyclonic weather dominated over central Europe, associated with cold and wet air from the Atlantic. The possible role of oceanic influences (El Niño) and external forcings (eruption of Mount Tarumae in 1739) are discussed. While a possible El Niño event might have contributed to the winter cold spells, the eastern Atlantic blocking is arguably unrelated to either El Niño or the volcanic eruption. All in all, the cold year of 1740 marks one of the strongest, arguably unforced excursions in European temperature.

Multiplatform Path-ComDim study of Capixaba, indigenous and non-indigenous Amazonian Canephora coffees

Integrating diverse measurement platforms can yield profound insights. This study examined Brazilian Canephora coffees from Rondônia (Western Amazon) and Espírito Santo (southeast), hypothesizing that geographical and climatic differences along botanical varieties significantly impact coffee characteristics. To test this, capixaba, indigenous, and non-indigenous Amazonian canephora coffees were analyzed using nine distinct platforms, including both spectroscopic techniques and sensory evaluations, to obtain results that are more informative and complementary than conventional single-method analyses. By applying multi-block Path-ComDim analysis to the multiple data sets, we uncovered crucial correlations between instrumental and sensory measurements. This integrated approach not only confirmed the hypothesis but also demonstrated that combining multiple data sets provides a more nuanced understanding of coffee profiles than traditional single-method analyses. The results underscore the value of multiplatform approaches in enhancing coffee quality evaluation, offering a more detailed and comprehensive view of coffee characteristics that can drive future research and improve industry standards.

Impact of a Comprehensive Financial Navigation Intervention to Reduce Cancer-Related Financial Toxicity.

Although the need to reduce the impact of financial toxicity among patients with cancer is widely acknowledged, few interventions have been developed to address this issue. We tested a novel, multiphase, patient-centered financial navigation (FN) intervention at a large academic medical center. We developed a financial toxicity screening tool consisting of the Comprehensive Score for Financial Toxicity (COST) measure plus several additional items based on patient feedback. After systematizing the screening process, 50 patients from the North Carolina Basnight Cancer Hospital were enrolled in the FN intervention following a positive screen for financial distress (COST score <23). The FN intervention involved one-on-one consultations with a trained financial navigator and included an initial comprehensive intake appointment to determine patient eligibility for financial assistance and follow-up appointments to discuss paperwork and application(s) status. We assessed preliminary intervention effectiveness (preintervention and postintervention COST scores) and implementation (ie, fidelity, uptake, acceptability). All 50 patients assessed for study eligibility screened positive for financial distress. A total of 46 patients completed both the preintervention and postintervention COST instrument and other measures. Postintervention mean COST scores improved from 6.4 at baseline to 13.3 post-FN (P<.0001), indicating a significant decrease in perceived financial toxicity. Fidelity to the intervention was high and 96% of participants received financial assistance. A patient-centered FN intervention fully integrated into an existing care coordination model can help to decrease the burden of cancer-related financial toxicity among patients with cancer experiencing financial distress. Further studies are needed to test FN interventions in various oncology settings and among targeted populations.

Physicochemical and sensory characterization of raw tuna muscle for plant-based fish analogs development purposes

Plant-based fish analogs are in trend for their potential to reduce overfishing and for providing enriched dietary options. Tuna is popular for raw food applications, especially the bluefin species group (Thunnus thynnus, T. orientalis and T. maccoyii) and yellowfin (T. albacares). The objective was to characterize the raw muscle of these species, identifying the most important traits and providing reference values for the development of plant-based analogs. Key factors to mimic in raw fish analogs include achieving a protein content of 25 %, emphasizing omega-3 DHA, and incorporating essential micronutrients. Visual attributes, such as color, translucency, and macrostructural aspects must be meticulously replicated. Additionally, capturing the subtle, delicate taste and aroma and replicating instrumental texture measurements are crucial yet challenging. This study highlights the importance of balancing nutrition, taste, texture, and visual appeal together to achieve consumer satisfaction, provides reference values, and establishes a pathway for developing plant-based raw tuna analogs.

경찰 효과성 측정 및 타당성 연구

The purpose of this study is to identify and validate how police effectiveness, one of the key variables in procedural justice theory, is measured. Police effectiveness is an instrumental measure of whether the police are successful in deterring and solving crime, and some research suggests that the more positively citizens perceive police effectiveness, the more willing they are to cooperate with the police. However, unlike procedural fairness and police legitimacy, the effect of police effectiveness on the dependent variable, police cooperation, is not consistent. For this purpose, we reviewed domestic and foreign studies centered on the police effectiveness variable, and revised and modified the items used in Sunshine &amp; Tyler(2003)'s study to verify their validity. The results of a survey of 539 adult men and women living in Seoul with Korean nationality from October to November 2022 were used in the study, and validity was verified through reliability analysis, exploratory factor analysis, and confirmatory factor analysis. The results of the analysis showed that the eight items used in the study are appropriate tools for measuring police effectiveness. This study is significant in that it validated the validity of a police effectiveness measurement tool, presented a unified standardized questionnaire in Korea, and explored the possibility of its utilization. On the other hand, since the performance of police activities as perceived by citizens is likely to differ by the field of police activities, this study suggests that it is necessary to prepare detailed criteria to appropriately measure it, as well as to conduct future studies such as repeated validation and further development of items with high validity and reliability.

The subjective wellbeing of people living with Multiple Sclerosis in Australia: insights from the Personal Wellbeing Index

ObjectivesSubjective wellbeing has been defined as an individual’s personal appraisal of their quality of life. Subjective wellbeing is associated with positive health behaviours and improved coping abilities. This study aimed to investigate the subjective wellbeing of people living with multiple sclerosis (MS), using the novel Personal Wellbeing Index, and make comparisons with the general population.MethodsCross-sectional data was obtained from the Australian Multiple Sclerosis Longitudinal Study and the How Is Your Life Australian general population study in August-October 2020. Subjective wellbeing was measured as life satisfaction using the Personal Wellbeing Index. This instrument measures life satisfaction globally and in seven life domains, allowing the importance of domain-specific life satisfaction to be explored. Descriptive and multivariable regression analyses were conducted.ResultsOne thousand six hundred eighty-three MS and 1,021 general population participants entered the study (mean age 52.4 and 58.6; female 79.9% and 52.4%, respectively). For people living with MS the most important life domains were standard of living and achieving in life. The domain of personal health was more influential for people living with MS (p < 0.01) than the general population. The life domains most susceptible to MS-related disability were personal health, achieving in life, and community connectedness (p < 0.01 for these domains).ConclusionPersonal health and achieving in life are key domains through which the subjective wellbeing of people living with MS is modified. This study recommends the development of interventions to support healthy perceptions of illness and continued employment as paramount in improving the subjective wellbeing of people living with MS.