Microsoft Excel Research Articles

Augmenting a Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) Plant With a Solar PV Plant

The search for enhanced dispatchability at decreased prices has led to a surge in research on hybrid renewable energy systems. This paper explores the integration of Photovoltaic (PV) technology with Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) plants to enhance energy generation and economic feasibility, focusing on optimising the size of PV augmentation for existing CSP facilities. The study considers CSP plants with both Time-of-Day (ToD) and single tariffs, employing modelling techniques to assess the synergies between these two technologies. The cost of PV technology has significantly reduced, making it a cost-effective choice for electricity generation compared to CSP. CSP-PV augmentation promises to reduce online and offline auxiliary consumption, resulting in enhanced energy generation and a subsequent reduction in energy production costs. This study aims to explore the advantages of combining solar PV with a CSP system and determine the ideal PV size to maximise return, building upon previous studies to assess the technological and economic potential of integrating solar PV with CSP, focusing on South Africa. It utilises a rigorous analysis, combining the System Advisory Model and PVSyst modelling tool within an MS Excel framework. This economic assessment and sizing exercise aims to maximise profits while adhering to the limitations imposed by the power purchase agreement of a 100 MW CSP facility. The optimal size is 15 MWp for the ToD tariff and 16 MWp for the flat tariff. This highlights the potential for CSP-PV augmentation to improve energy dispatchability and financial viability, making it a compelling solution for existing CSP plants.

Clinical and radiological profile of cervical spine injuries in maxillofacial trauma patients reporting to a tertiary trauma centre in central Kerala

The aim of the study was to determine the clinical and radiological profile of patients with cervical spine injuries in maxillofacial trauma patients following road traffic accidents in central Kerala. Percentage of cervical spine injuries associated with maxillofacial injuries, age and sex distribution, frequency of the type of cervical spine injury were studied. A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted on two hundred and fifty patients with maxillofacial trauma who reported to the Department Of Oral and Maxillofacial surgery, Government Dental College, Kottayam between July 2023 and June 2024 and who gave the consent for the study.Clinical evaluation of cervical spine was undertaken as the part of the initial assessment of all trauma patients. Neck pain was assessed with visual analog scale of 1-10 and altered sensations in upper limbs were evaluated. Lateral neck x-ray was taken to rule out cervical injury in all patients without C.T scan. The data was entered into MS excel spread sheet and analysed using SPSS version 20. Proportions were used to study categorical variables, mean and standard deviation were used for quantitative variables. Chi square test was used to test the difference in proportions of categorical variables. p values less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant in the data. The study has shown that there is a statistically significant occurrence of cervical spine injuries in maxillofacial trauma victims in road traffic accidents. The presence of maxillofacial trauma with cervical spine injury mandates prompt management with immediate reference to neurosurgeon to reduce morbidity.

The Prevalence of Smartphone Addiction and Its Associated Risk Factors among School Students of a Metropolitan City: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Smartphone is a term used to distinguish cell phones with advanced features from basic feature phones. Smartphone addiction is a phenomenon that pertains to uncontrollability of smartphone use. The increasing use of smartphones and easy availability of smartphones to school children after Covid-19 Pandemic were the reasons for conducting this study. Aims - To estimate the prevalence of smartphone addiction among school children and its associated risk factors Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted on English middle-school students of Mumbai, involving students from secondary section i.e.,6th to 10thgrade. Data were collected by interview using a pre-structured questionnaire, and all the students were asked to fill out smartphone addiction questionnaire i.e. Smartphone Application Based Addiction Scale (SABA). Then, data were entered into Microsoft EXCEL and analysed using SPSS. Results: The mean age of 275 participants, was 13.1, and the prevalence of smartphone addiction in the present study was 45.5%. Addiction was significantly associated with age (P value 0.000), gender (P value 0.004), self-owned phone (P value 0.03), duration of time spent on phone on weekdays(P value 0.000) and weekends (P value 0.000), having social media accounts(P value 0.000),and the time spent on social media (P value 0.042). On applying logistic regression, female gender and the time spent on social media were the major risk factors. Conclusions: The risk factors associated with addiction are age, female gender; owning a smartphone, increased time spent on phones on weekdays and weekends, having social media accounts and excessive time spent on social media applications.

The Bacterial Species Behind the Wound and Their Antibacterial Resistant Pattern: A Three-Year Retrospective Study at St. Dominic Hospital, Akwatia, Ghana.

Wound infections are often underestimated issues that can lead to chronic illnesses, and since the introduction of antibiotics, wound complications have become less common. However, due to the increased and irrational use of these antibiotics, the resistance in the bacterial isolates has become very common. This has led to reduced treatment options, delay in wound healing, and high treatment costs. This study aimed to investigate bacterial wound infections and their antibiotic resistance at St. Dominic Hospital, Ghana. A total of 517 records of wound swab culture and susceptibility testing, and patient demographics from 2020 to 2022 were collected from the microbiology unit of St. Dominic Hospital in the Eastern Region of Ghana. The data were entered into Microsoft Excel 2019, cleaned, and exported into IBM SPSS v26 for the statistical analysis. p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant for all analyses. The overall prevalence of bacteriological agents causing wound infection in individuals who visited the St. Dominic Hospital from 2020 to 2022 was 70.21% (363/517), with S. aureus 79/363 (21.76%) being the most abundant isolate. Out of the 79 S. aureus isolated, 40 (50.63%) and 39 (49.37%) were resistant to ampicillin and cephalexin, respectively. More than 50% of the predominant Gram-negative isolate, K. pneumoniae, were resistant to clindamycin 45/72 (62.50%) but susceptible to levofloxacin 70/72 (97.22%), cefotetan 69/72 (95.83%), and chloramphenicol 67/72 (93.06%). Antibacterial susceptibility patterns revealed significant resistance trends, particularly among Gram-negative isolates, emphasizing the urgent need for prudent antibiotic use and ongoing surveillance to combat resistance.

The economic burden of type 2 diabetes on the public healthcare system in Kenya: a cost of illness study

BackgroundThe burden of chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is a growing public health concern. The availability of cost-of-illness data, particularly public healthcare costs for NCDs, is limited in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), yet such data evidence is needed for policy action.ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to estimate the economic burden of type 2 diabetes (T2D) on Kenya’s public healthcare system in 2021 and project costs for 2045.MethodsThis was a cost-of-illness study using the prevalence-based bottom-up costing approach to estimate the economic burden of T2D in the year 2021. We further conducted projections on the estimated costs for the year 2045. The costs were estimated corresponding to the care, treatment, and management of diabetes and some diabetes complications based on the primary data collected from six healthcare facilities in Nairobi and secondary costing data from previous costing studies in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). The data capture and costing analysis were done in Microsoft Excel 16, and sensitivity analysis was conducted on all the parameters to estimate the cost changes.ResultsThe total cost of managing T2D for the healthcare system in Kenya was estimated to be US$ 635 million (KES 74,521 million) in 2021. This was an increase of US$ 2 million (KES 197 million) considering the screening costs of undiagnosed T2D in the country. The major cost driver representing 59% of the overall costs was attributed to T2D complications, with nephropathy having the highest estimated costs of care and management (US$ 332 million (KES 36, 457 million). The total cost for T2D was projected to rise to US$ 1.6 billion (KES 177 billion) in 2045.ConclusionThis study shows that T2D imposes a huge burden on Kenya’s healthcare system. There is a need for government and societal action to develop and implement policies that prevent T2D, and appropriately plan care for those diagnosed with T2D.

Knowledge and practices of interventional radiology staff regarding radiation protection

Interventional radiology (IR) has become a widespread medical imaging technique, offering minimally invasive treatment options. However, IR procedures can expose patients and staff to substantial radiation risks, necessitating enhanced radiation protection practices. This study aimed to survey the knowledge and practices of interventional radiology staff regarding radiation protection. A cross-sectional study with a descriptive aim, based on a questionnaire was done. The study subjects were all healthcare personnel of all specialties having practiced in interventional radiology between 2019 and 2022 at the University Hospital Center of Rabat. The statistical processing was carried out using Microsoft Excel 2013® and the IBM SPSS Statistical program version 20 (IBM Inc. NY, USA). The results indicated that 59.4% of participants had not received any specific training in radiation protection, and 45% were unaware of the radiation-induced risks associated with interventional radiology procedures. Regarding safety practices, 75% of participants maintained a distance of at least 1 meter from the x-ray source, while only 6% used the lowest possible exposure settings. Concerning the use of radiation protection devices, 87.5% of participants wore a lead apron, 75% used a thyroid shield, 6.3% wore lead glasses, and 37.5% utilized suspended mobile screens, whereas 12.5% did not use any radiation protection devices. Additionally, 84% of participants wore their personal dosimeter, though not consistently. The knowledge and practices of most interventional radiology personnel are inadequate for effective radiation protection. Regular, ongoing training in radiation safety is essential to improve adherence to protection standards and enhance overall safety in clinical practice.

PENGARUH KASUS COVID-19, KAPITALISASI PASAR, MARKET BOOK RATIO, DAN PROFITABILITAS TERHADAP STOCK RETURN

The purpose of this study is to analyze the effect of Covid-19 cases, market capitalization, market book ratio, and profitability on daily stock returns in property and real estate and telecommunications sector companies listed in Indonesia Stock Exchange during 2020. This study uses 29 samples, which were selected by purposive sampling method with a total observation of 5,800 data. The research data was collected and calculated using Microsoft Excel 2013 program and then processed with multiple regression analysis using the Eviews 9.0 program. The results of this study prove that the Covid-19 case and the market book ratio have a significant effect on stock returns, while market capitalization and profitability have no significant effect on stock returns. The implication of this research is to become a consideration for investors to see the condition of the company's shares not only from its financial statements, but also to see other factors that can affect the condition of the company's shares. For companies, it is necessary to improve their financial health in order to convince investors to consider investing.

Assessment of spatial distribution of schools in the northern area of Riyadh city

This paper aims to study the distribution of three types of schools in the northern area of Riyadh city in Saudi Arabia in order to uncover the aspects of imbalance distribution of schools over the 4 districts of the study area (Almalqa, Sahafa, Jasmine and Narges neighborhoods) in addition to assess the extent of compatibility between the number of schools in each district and the density of population residing in it. The used dataset is built up of mainly tow datasets for schools and districts covering the study area. This research has utilized MS Excel, ArcGIS and QGIS software and applied the Point-to-Polygon overlay to locate the three types of schools in their corresponding districts and three types of analysis were applied which are the average nearest neighbor, heat map, and district classification based on population ratio with the aim of exploring the clustering patterns of schools as well as classifying the districts based on the density of schools relative to population. The study concludes that there is a spatial disparity in the distribution of schools, mainly in terms of their density, in the different districts due to the variation in population. Moreover, a notable inequality of the distribution of schools with respect to the population has been found.

Development of quality indicators for hypertension management at the primary health care level in South Africa.

Despite many quality initiatives at the primary health care (PHC) level, little is known about the actual quality of care of patients diagnosed with hypertension in South Africa. This study aimed to develop quality indicators for hypertension management at the PHC level to improve the quality of care and patient outcomes. The RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method, comprising two rounds, was used to develop clear, appropriate, and feasible evidence-based quality indicators for hypertension. In Round 1, a 9-point scale was used by a panel of 11 members to rate clarity and appropriateness of 102 hypertension quality indicator statements, grouped under 9 dimensions of quality hypertension management, using an online MS Excel® spreadsheet. In Round 2, 9 of the same panellists discussed all indicators and rated their appropriateness and feasibility during a remote online, interactive face-to-face MS Teams® meeting. Statements rated ≥7-9 with agreement were defined as either appropriate or feasible. The panel rated 46 hypertension quality indicator statements ≥7-9 with agreement for the appropriate and feasible measurement of the management of hypertension: monitoring (n = 16), review (n = 5), lifestyle advice (n = 9), tests (n = 7), intermediate outcomes (n = 6), referrals (n = 2) and practice/facility structures (n = 1). No indicator statements were rated both appropriate and feasible for measuring blood pressure levels and treatment. If applied, these indicators would improve monitoring and management of patients with hypertension, patient outcomes, and data quality in South Africa and result in more efficient use of scarce resources. This study can be replicable for improving care of other non-communicable diseases across Africa.

Assessment of indoor air pollution in causing respiratory illness among women residing in rural areas of Mysuru

Introduction: The use of inefficient and harmful fuels and technology within and outside the home is the primary cause of indoor air pollution. Approximately 2.4 billion people on the planet still cook over open flames and inefficient stoves using solid fuels and kerosene. The availability of cleaner cooking options varies more in rural than in metropolitan settings. Therefore, there is a need to determine the prevalence of indoor air pollution among rural women, its association with respiratory disorders, and the frequency of respiratory illnesses among rural women residing in houses with or without indoor air pollution. Materials and methods: This analytical cross-sectional study was done for a period of six months from June to November 2020. The study conducted in 210 households living in the rural field practice areas of JSS Medical College, Mysuru. For the selection of villages, a multistage random sampling technique was used. Three villages are selected from the rural setting: Suttur, Hadinaru, and Kadakola. The households were included by probability proportionate to the size sampling technique. Pre-tested, semi-structured, phase and content validated questionnaires were used to obtain the details on socio-demographic characteristics, meter values of indoor air pollutants like Particulate Matters (PM1, PM2.5, PM10) and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs), respectively with the factors affecting respiratory illness and the episodes of the illness. Data was entered in Microsoft Excel and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics using SPSS V.26. Results: The prevalence of indoor air pollution in the present study was 13.3%. In the homes of rural women, there was a statistically significant variation in the concentration of the three particulate matter sources that cause indoor air pollution. Additionally, among the women living in rural families, there was a statistically significant difference in the concentration of PM10 that caused respiratory disease. Conclusion: The current study demonstrated the higher concentrations of pollutants such as PM10, PM2.5, and PM1.0, as well as their significant relation with indoor air pollution in rural families. To prevent indoor air pollution and its health risks, clean energy must be used for household needs.

A 3D-Planned Inward Fragmentation Technique for the Removal of Impacted Mandibular Third Molars: A Case Series.

Background/Objectives: The extraction of impacted mandibular third molars (M3Ms) carries significant risks, especially regarding the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN). This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a 3D-planned inward fragmentation technique (3Dp-IFT) to improve surgical outcomes, reduce complications, and preserve bone structure in cases involving complex M3M impactions. Methods: Twenty-three patients aged between 18 and 36 years requiring M3M removal were included. Preoperative planning involved the use of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) for precise localization of the furcation area, followed by the creation of a 3D navigation template using PlastyCAD software version 1.7. The surgical procedure was performed under local anesthesia, with meticulous endoscopic assistance to ensure accurate access and minimize trauma. Postoperative outcomes, such as bone loss, pain, swelling, and mouth opening range, were carefully measured. The data were systematically organized and analyzed descriptively using Microsoft Excel. Results: No disturbances to the IAN or lingual nerve were observed. The mean buccal bone loss was 2.2 mm, with a standard deviation of 1.2 mm. Postoperative pain and swelling were generally low, with significant reductions within the first week. The use of the 3D navigation template significantly improved surgical access, enhancing safety and minimizing complications. Conclusions: The 3Dp-IFT technique represents a significant advancement in the minimally invasive removal of M3M by allowing precise access to critical anatomical areas while minimizing bone loss and postoperative complications. This approach is particularly beneficial for complex cases involving M3M near the IAN, thereby improving surgical safety and patient outcomes.

Adequate Completion of Radiology Request Forms: A Clinical Audit at Managil Teaching Hospital in Sudan

Introduction: Clinical auditing is one method for improving the quality of patient care, including the completion of a request form. Radiology request forms are critical tools for communicating between the referring clinician and the radiologist/radiographer. Objectives: To evaluate the radiology request form and improve the request form content and design at Managil Teaching Hospital, Sudan. Methods: A two-cycle clinical audit methodology at radiology department - Managil Teaching Hospital. A total of 100 request forms were collected, with 50 forms acquired for each cycle. These forms were then compared to the standard structured form provided by the Royal College of Radiologists (RCR). In a second cycle, a pre-made request form was used. The data were inputted into Microsoft Excel 2016 and subsequently analysed. The obtained results were then compared to the RCR Standard. Results: A notable enhancement was noted in various aspects, such as the inclusion of the patient's age in the request forms. In the first cycle, the age was only recorded in 13% of the forms, however in the second cycle, it was recorded in 92% of the forms. Conclusion: A significant proportion of radiology request forms are incomplete but after the 2nd cycle of the audit there was massive improvement regarding adequate filling of the radiology request forms. which will aid in effectively diagnosing patients.

Green Hydrogen Synthesis from Human Urine as Sustainable Bioenergy Resources

With the earths cry for help as pollution rate increases, researchers are faced with a common task of tackling pollution resulting from dependence on fossil fuel as well as delivering sustainable energy. Renewable energy resources such as solar, wind, hydro to mention a few are currently finding applications within the world energy mix but some limitations which range from meteorology of locations to expected maximum energy output attainable. Hydrogen, the most abundant element in the world stand chance of abating this problem. However conventional method of its producing, poses severe treat to the atmospheric environment with the release of oxides of carbon hence, referred as blue hydrogen. Contrarily, green hydrogen from human urine stands a more sustainable and environmentally friendly energy resource. This study was aimed to empirically model the synthesis of green hydrogen from urea in human urine by an electrolytic process. The synthesized hydrogen was characterized on physiochemical properties of conductivity, turbidity, pH, specific gravity and colour, while the precursor urine characterized on gender, exposure duration and storage temperature. The synthesis process was modelled using Microsoft excel solver for the overall cell energy or polarization curve model, the Faraday’s efficiency model and gas purity model at electrolyte concentrations of 25 wt./wt., 30 wt./wt. and 35 wt./wt. of potassium oxide (buffer} to urea over a five-temperature interval range of 45 to 85 oC. Findings revealed that the gas produced was 99.88% hydrogen at the cathode. Also, hydrogen produced increased with increase in electrolyte concentration and moderate temperature with optimal conditions at 35 w/w electrolyte concentration and 65 oC. However, the minimum cell voltage was 2.06 V at 85 oC and 35 w/w electrolyte concentration. With an exception of the Faraday’s efficiency model at 30 wt./wt. electrolyte concentration across the system’s operating temperature range yielding an R2 value of 0.711, all the models yielded coefficient of determination values in the range of 0.96 and 0.99, indicating good fit for the alkaline urine electrolysis for green hydrogen synthesis from human urine.

Prevalence of high-risk human papillomavirus genotypes and viral load correlated with squamous cell inflammation among women in Gabon

BackgroundHigh-risk genotypes of Human Papillomavirus are responsible for 90% of cases of cervical cancer worldwide. Inflammation of squamous cells is mainly linked to HPV. In Gabon, HPV is endemic and circulates among the female population. The study aimed to determine the prevalence of HR-HPV genotypes and to investigate the correlation between squamous cell inflammation and HPV viral load in infected women in Gabon.MethodsThe cross-sectional study was conducted at Libreville University Hospital Center (UHC) and National Public Health Laboratory from March to May 2024 among 399 women. Two cervical smears were taken. Genotype detection was carried out by multiplex fluorescence real-time PCR in the NPHL virology unit. Cytology was carried out in UHC’s anatomic-pathology laboratory. Data were analyzed by SPSS software. Graphs were plotted using Microsoft Excel 2016.ResultsThe prevalence of Human Papillomavirus was 26.1% (95% CI: 22-30.6). The prevalence of HR-HPV genotypes was 24.8%. The most common HR-HPV genotypes were HPV-16/52/18/35/56/58/53/68. The rate of multiple HPV infections was 29.8% and 95.2% for the HR-HPV infection rate. Viral load was significantly correlated with squamous cell inflammation (r = 0.977 and P = 0.001).ConclusionHR-HPV infection remains a concern in women, however early screening is necessary for optimal monitoring and management. HR-HPV viral load is a predictive marker of squamous cell inflammation.

Stock Returns and Volatility: Comparative Investigation from SAARC Countries

This research article analyses the stock return and volatility of three selected SAARC countries (Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh), focusing on the role of natural resources in influencing market performance. This study aims to determine the robustness of the performance, considering the economic significance of these countries' natural resources. The daily data from the PSX 100 index (Pakistan Stock Exchange), BSE index (Bombay Stock Exchange), and DSE index (Dhaka Stock Exchange) for the years 2019 to 2021 has been obtained from their websites. The data is treated in MS Excel to compute the daily Geometric Returns for BSE, PSX, and DSE indices. Furthermore, the data were analyzed using the specialized package EViews for Time Series Graph, Descriptive Statistics, Unit Root Test, and GARCH Model. The findings of this research show that the BSE index has the highest return value of 6.78 percent compared with 4.56 percent and 3.75 percent for DSE and PSX, respectively. The Half-life model has been applied to calculate the volatility observed by the indices. The result shows that BSE is the most volatile and takes the highest time of 45 days to revert to its mean position, followed by PSX and DSE, which take 19 and 10 days, respectively. Therefore, investing in the BSE index is better for risk-lover investors. At the same time, DSE has the fastest mean reversion compared to the other two indices. Therefore, it is feasible for risk-averse investors.

Profiles, tissue and microbial integrity of cadavers used in medical faculties in South-western Uganda: implication in anatomical education.

Cadaveric dissection has remained an integral part of anatomical education globally; hence, the profiles of cadavers, their gross tissue and microbial integrity has great implication in anatomical education. This study determined the profiles, gross tissue and microbial integrity of cadavers used in South-western Uganda (SWU) medical schools. A cross-sectional study was carried out for three months in anatomy and microbiology laboratories of SWU medical teaching institutions. Ethical approval was obtained, cadavers were proportionately selected and examined grossly, and surface swabs taken for microbial analysis. Data collected was entered into Microsoft Excel, cleaned, and exported to Stata version 17 for analysis. Majority of cadavers were male (68%), adult (96%), blacks (100%), unknown cause of death (96%), obtained as unclaimed bodies (100%) and with no cadaver record tag (96%). Nearly a half (48%) cadavers had disrupted dentition, 68% had poor muscle integrity and 80% with abnormal fat. About 27% cadavers had poor surface microbial integrity among which 62.5% had a mixture of both bacteria and fungi, 25.0% had only fungi while 12.5% had only bacteria. A high number of cadavers had micro-organisms on their surfaces with majority having a mixture of bacteria and fungi. Majority of cadavers had poor gross tissue integrity. Better cadaver preservation methods should be adopted. To advocate for the establishment of cadaver donation policy and programs through which good quality cadavers can be obtained.

Epidemiological trends of SARS-CoV-2 infections during pregnancy in Chicago

Abstract Background The epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 has varied significantly across age groups, specifically children. Immune and physiologic changes in pregnancy can lead to increased susceptibility to infection. Pregnant people were at increased risk of severe COVID-19 infections and obstetric complications, particularly before vaccine availability. We investigated epidemiologic trends of SARS-CoV-2 cases in pregnant people over time compared to trends in the general population and various age subgroups. We hypothesized that rates of SAR-CoV-2 infection in pregnant people may show a similar pattern to children rather than nonpregnant adults. Methods Cases of pregnant persons with SARS-CoV-2 infection who delivered at Prentice Women’s Hospital (Chicago, IL) were identified through the electronic medical record (March 2020-November 2022). Prentice has ~12,000 births annually. Clinical data collection for SARS-CoV-2 cases included the date of positive test, maternal demographics, vaccination status, severity, and latency (days between SARS-CoV-2 infection and delivery). SARS-CoV-2 cases rates in Chicago (cases/100,000; total; age 0-17 years, ≥18 years) were obtained from the Chicago Department of Public Health. Monthly average SARS-CoV-2 rates were calculated to visualize trends over the study period using Microsoft Excel. Results A total of 3,474 SARS-CoV-2 cases in pregnancy were included in the final dataset; 497 cases were excluded from analyses due to incomplete data to pinpoint timing of infection. The median maternal age was 33 years (IQR 30-36) with a median latency of 72 days (IQR 22-143.75). Over half (2206) of pregnant persons received COVID-19 vaccination. In terms of timing, 514 people (15%) tested positive during their 1st trimester, 1017 (29%) in 2nd trimester, and 1943 (56%) in 3rd trimester. The trends of SARS-CoV-2 cases over time among pregnant persons coincide closely with trends among children in Chicago rather than adults [Figure 1]. A steep spike and higher SARS-CoV-2 rates were observed in pregnancy during the initial Omicron variant surge (December 2021-January 2022) and in April-July 2022, during which children also led case rates. Earlier in the pandemic, pregnant people and children were less affected than non-pregnant adults. Conclusion We observed an interesting trend of SARS-CoV-2 cases among pregnant persons aligning with rates in children in Chicago rather than adults. Possible explanations include: 1) pregnant people exercising an abundance of caution prior to vaccine availability and knowledge about COVID-19 in pregnancy and 2) epidemiologic link of maternal exposure to children. This information may inform public health strategies and effective precautions in future epidemics/pandemics to keep patients safe during pregnancy. Figure 1. Cases of SARS-CoV-2 in age and pregnancy subgroups in Chicago. Blue bars represent SARS-CoV-2 positive cases among pregnant people who later delivered at Prentice Women’s Hospital [left y-axis] March 2020-November 2022. Colored lines represent case rate (cases/100,000) in Chicago according to Chicago Department of Public Health data (yellow = total, purple = adults ≥18 years, red = children 0-17 years) [right y-axis].

Evaluation of Supplier Sustainable Development Programs Using the HFLTS-QFD Method

Objective: This study proposes a decision model for evaluating sustainable supplier development programs (SSDPs) using the HFLTS-QFD technique, which is a combination of Hesitant Fuzzy Linguistic Term Sets (HFLTS) with the Quality Function Deployment (QFD) method. Theoretical Framework: The implementation of supplier development programs is important to improve supplier performance in aspects related to economic, environmental and social aspects. The evaluation of these programs is necessary to decide on their continuation or discontinuation, as well as to direct the allocation of resources. Method: The bibliographical research supported the definition of the requirements and criteria used for the evaluation of SDPs. The implementation of the model was done using MS Excel® software. The application in an illustrative case involving the evaluation of five SDPs allowed us to demonstrate the applicability of the model. Results and Discussion: The most relevant criteria were organization strategy, social responsibility, employee training and environmental management. The programs with the best classification were SDP4 and SDP5. Research Implications: The proposed model supports the selection of criteria considering their relative weights and the degree of difficulty in collecting data from suppliers when evaluating each PDFS. It also has the capacity to assist group decision-making, enabling the assignment of weights to decision-makers. Originality/Value: Unlike previous models for evaluating PDFS, which use economic or environmental criteria, the proposed model considers criteria related to the three dimensions of the Triple Bottom Line, in addition to allowing the use of linguistic expressions to deal with decisions under hesitation and uncertainty.

The development of a tool for the assessment of oral health program in a pediatric cancer unit

Abstract Background Oral diseases and associated illnesses interfere with cancer treatment, increase morbidity, prolong hospital stay, and increase costs. Oral care of children with cancer is essential to prevent oral diseases and decrease its symptoms. Standardized oral health and hygiene (OHH) practices must be a priority and incorporated as a routine cancer care quality. To improve OHH, baseline information of practices, processes and institutional support are necessary. Here, we report the steps we followed to develop a tool for evaluating OHH practices, support, and resources available in a pediatric cancer unit. Methods We conformed a working group (WG) integrated by healthcare professionals in pediatric, infectious diseases, oncology, and dentistry acquainted with the care of children with cancer. The steps proposed by the WG included: (1) literature review of published surveys in OHH; (2) interviews with practicing healthcare providers regarding OHH in pediatrics; (3) identification, adoption and adaptation of the Hand Hygiene Self-assessment framework (HHSAF), a survey model based on the multimodal improvement strategy (MMIS); (4) building of OHH tool; (5) validation test of OHH tool; and (6) pilot testing in recruited pediatric hematology and oncology centers. Google form version 0.8. Microsoft office excel 2021 (18.0) was used to build the OHH survey and obtain the WG member responses. The final draft of the survey was approved by WG members. We will evaluate survey validity in the pilot test among members of the PRINCIPAL network, a community of pediatric infectious disease experts and preventionists of Latin America. Results We found few reports on OHH practices in children cancer surveys. The WG met virtually and monthly from March to December 2023 to build the OHH survey. Our final survey version was organized following the model of the HHSAF and integrated into five main sections. These sections had items (Q) that requested answers regarding OHH practices and resources and institutional support (6Q); training and education of patients, families, and healthcare providers (6Q); evaluation and feedback of OHH processes in pediatric oncology unit and OHH practices of patients (6Q); reminders of OHH practices in the workplace (3Q); and hospital leadership support (2Q). The survey was made up of multiple choice and Likert scale questions. Each of the answers had a weight, and if all the items were present, the total was 400 points. Based on the total points obtained, we categorized the quality of the OHH practices of the pediatric oncology unit in inadequate (0-100); basic (101-200), intermediate (201-300), advanced (&amp;gt;300). The survey tool must be answered by an assigned team of the pediatric oncology unit oral health including a family member representative, and it could take less than 15 minutes to complete. Conclusion We developed a 21-item OHH practices survey following the WHO recommendations to use a MMIS model. We found that our newly developed tool was comprehensive and potentially helpful to assess OHH practices and identify success factors in best practices in OHH in pediatric oncology units. Our next step is pilot testing to evaluate our survey tool validity and reliability.

Lifetime minimally invasive assessment of iron in the pig liver

Microelements are an integral part of the mammalian body, and their content in organs and tissues is associated with other components of a complex biological system. Based on this, it is feasible to evaluate the concentration of specific chemical elements within the structures of the body in non-invasive or minimally invasive methods. The meat and by-products of farm animals serve as a readily assimilateable source of iron, which is one of the reasons for potentially defining the quality of agricultural products in conditions of widespread iron deficiency. Landrace pigs were raised in standard conditions at an industrial complex located in the Altai Territory in order to fatten up to a live weight of 100 kg. Venous blood was collected using the acute method from the jugular vein in accordance with the principles of asepsis and pre-analytical guidelines. The hematologic and biochemical examination of the blood and serum of animals was performed by apparatus. After slaughter, liver samples were collected, and the method of atomic emission spectral analysis using inductively coupled plasma on iCAP-PRO equipment (Thermo Fisher Scientific) was used to estimate the iron level in them. To manipulate the data, Microsoft Office Excel software and RStudio data analysis environment version 2023.03.1 (RStudio, PBC) were employed. For regression analysis, the least squares approach was used. The model was fitted using a stepwise selection of predictors in both directions using the Akaike information criterion, Bayesian information criterion, and adjusted coefficient of determination. The linear regression assumptions were evaluated. The final regression model used for determining iron levels in pig liver contains mean hemoglobin content in erythrocytes, hemoglobin, and serum inorganic phosphorus as predictors. There is no evidence that there is multicollinearity between the predictors of the final model. The proposed model satisfies the requirements for a normal distribution of residuals, the absence of their correlation, and influential observations. The proposed multiple regression model has the capability to estimate iron levels in pig liver in vivo for various purposes.