Open Days Research Articles

Co-administration of COVID-19 and flu vaccines in healthcare workers: results from three campaigns

Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic, along with seasonal influenza, highlights the need for innovative public health strategies. Co-administering COVID-19 and influenza vaccines offers advantages for healthcare workers (HCWs), streamlining vaccination efforts and enhancing public health resilience. Recent evidence supports the safety and efficacy of this approach, endorsed by health authorities worldwide. However, its acceptance remains a concern. This study explores HCWs’ acceptance of vaccine co-administration in three campaigns post the introduction of the anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. During three consecutive flu seasons from October 2021 to January 2024, a cross-sectional study was conducted in a large Italian teaching hospital. Data for 2021/2022, 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 were compared, focusing on healthcare workers present in all datasets. McNemar’s test examined changes in acceptance of co-administration. In addition, a conditional logistic regression model was designed to assess the determinants of co-administration through the vaccination campaigns in the three years. During these vaccination campaigns 7457 HCWs were observed (62.78% women, median age 43). Co-administration surged, particularly in 2022/2023, showing a 280.71% increase, consistent across all professional categories (p < 0.001). Controlling for gender and professional category, acceptance of coadministration showed a significant association respectively with “open days” twice a month (OR 2.9 CI [2.7; 3.6]) and a hospital vaccination clinic two days a week on weekdays (OR 4.5 CI [4.1; 5.4]) compared to conducting vaccinations at a clinic open everyday during the campaign period; no association was highlighted with age. This study investigates a facet of an increasingly significant topic, demonstrating that co-administering vaccines for SARS-CoV-2 and influenza is emerging as an effective strategy in annual vaccination campaigns, thanks to its safety and the streamlining of logistical and organizational processes. Key messages • The co-administration of vaccines offers a promising strategy to enhance vaccination rates among healthcare workers. • By identifying factors influencing acceptance, it aims to inform targeted interventions for maximizing vaccine uptake and public health resilience.

What if we could eradicate cervical cancer?

Abstract Introduction WHO wants to achieve the elimination of Cervical Cancer: all countries must achieve and maintain an incidence rate of less than 4 per 100,000 women. Three key pillars: 90% of girls fully vaccinated against HPV by 15 years of age; 70% of women aged 35-45 years screened; 90% of women with pre-tumour lesion and invasive tumour treated. Our study assessed the position of the Tuscany South East Local Health Authority(LHA TSE) with respect to these three pillars and how to improve it. Methods A retrospective observational study was conducted. The following were used: ISTAT data of incidence of cervical cancer standardised by age from 2013 to 2017;data from ISPRO on screening(PAP and HPV test)from 2013 to 2022;data of vaccination coverage taken from the Health Information System of Collective Prevention(SISPC) from 2012 to 2023 for children<12 years, Results The incidence rate of cervical cancer in LHA TSE is 9.4 per 100 thousand. About HPV vaccine coverage by age 12, for girls it has been rising from 80.5% in 2012 to a peak of 84.8% in 2019 and then progressively decreasing to 76.3% in 2023.Coverage for boys has also been progressively increasing from 0.8% in 2012 to a peak in 2019 of 74.9% and then decreasing to 69.8% in 2023. A total of 52 thousand children are vaccinated. As for the adjusted adherence to screening, we started from an average adherence of 51.8% in 2013 (75 thousand women invited with 102% coverage) to 53.2% in 2022 (54 thousand women invited with 107% coverage). In 2013, ASC-US+ lesions were found in 6.4 % of women by PAP Test and in 2022 in 6.3 % of women. In the examined period, more than 90% of women with pre-tumour lesion and more than 90% with invasive tumour were treated. Conclusions LHA TSE will have to implement actions to increase vaccination coverage and screening adherence rates through awareness campaigns and open days, also considering whether a change in the age range for starting screening is necessary as vaccination coverage increases. Key messages • Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable cancers, but too few young women are vaccinated against HPV infection, the main causative factor. • Prevention through adherence to screening enables early identification of lesions caused by HPV virus.

Weekend warriors: contrasting temporal patterns in the harvest of three species of boreal ungulates

Understanding the drivers that shape hunter behaviour and success can help guide management decisions regarding hunting. Although there has been work on the socioeconomic and environmental drivers of hunter effort, less quantitative analysis of the temporal patterns of wildlife harvest has been available. Yet, knowing when hunters are most active may be useful for distributing the spatiotemporal allotment of hunting opportunities where real or perceived issues of hunt quality (e.g. hunter congestion) or negative impacts to local people or target and non‐target wildlife species are of concern. As a case study, we used generalized linear models to examine the effect of season, day of week (i.e. weekday versus weekends), and holidays on 26–28 years of harvest data for bison Bison bison, thinhorn sheep Ovis dalli, and moose Alces americanus in Yukon, Canada. These species are important in regional socioecological systems and highly prized by local hunters. For all three species, harvest was significantly greater on weekends than weekdays. Most of the harvest for thinhorn sheep occurred early in the season, consistent with an ‘opening day' phenomenon, whereas that for moose and bison started slowly and increased throughout the season. For all three species harvest was not significantly influenced by holidays. Bison harvest, however, was influenced in relation to public school holidays, with harvest decreasing over the winter (Christmas) break and increasing over spring break in March. Differences between these three species are likely due to species‐specific hunting strategies, the behaviour of each species, hunter competition, and seasonal climate. Identifying patterns in hunter effort and harvest can inform wildlife management decisions on permit allocation. However, our data indicate that species‐specific patterns vary substantially, even in the same region, and need to be understood for proposed changes to the timing of hunting opportunities to be effective.

Creation and the Revelation of God: Interwoven and Interactive Themes across John 1:1–2:12

Abstract John 1:19–51 provides a bridge from the prologue (1:1–18) into the body of the narrative and the inauguration of Jesus’s public ministry at a wedding feast (2:1–12). The primary theme underlying these opening days has long been debated. Further, do the days articulated by the regular temporal markers tally to six or seven? The evangelist presents the prologue in a chiasm that turns on the pivot of v. 12b. The opening and closing elements correspond to one another (creation imagery in vv. 1–5; revelation imagery in vv. 16–18), but the latter has been fundamentally affected by the pivot: the incarnation of the Word of God and the human response to it. Moreover, as a prologue, its structure and content profoundly affect what follows. Based upon these foundations, this essay argues that themes of both creation and revelation are interwoven and interactive across these early passages.

Experimental study and statistical analysis of system performance parameters of a household freezer

The present research comprehensively examines the influences of different input variables, such as cabinet load level, ambient temperature, relative humidity, door opening time and day, on the output parameters of frosting amount, recovery time, and total energy consumption of the upright domestic freezer following the door opening operation. Moreover, a holistic statistical methodology, which is known as the GLM-ANOVA, was implemented for determining the parametric experimental results. Meanwhile, the effects of binary interactions between the input factors on the output parameters were extensively evaluated using statistical methods. As a consequence, the amount of frost increases with an upward gradient as the load level within the cabinet escalates from 25 °C to 32 °C. Both the duration of door openings and the relative humidity level have a double impact on the frosting. Moreover, the duration required for the system to recover from half load to full load more than doubles with an increase in ambient temperature from 25 °C to 32 °C. On the other hand, at an outdoor temperature of 25 °C, the recovery time demonstrates a close to linear relationship with the load level of the cabinet. Furthermore, the duration of door openings and the load capacity within the cabinet are considered two important factors that simultaneously influence the daily energy consumption. The infiltration of ambient air into the freezer compartment and the presence of moisture in the air substantially increase the energy consumption, especially when the relative humidity fluctuates between 30 % and 65 % and the door opening duration stretches from 10 to 20 s, respectively.

P157 THE USE OF PARTICIPATORY ACTION RESEARCH TO PROMOTE INCREASED CONSUMPTION OF VEGETABLES AMONG AFRICAN WOMEN WITH/AT RISK OF HYPERTENSION IN GQEBERHA, SOUTH AFRICA

Background and objectives: Poor vegetable and fruit intake are reported in multiple studies of the South African population, especially among people with less income and lower educational status and it is a known risk factor for non-communicable diseases such as hypertension. “South Africa has one of the highest levels of hypertension globally, coupled with poor rates of diagnosis, treatment and control” Ware et al., (2019). It has been suggested that indigenous vegetables may aid in increasing vegetable intake, a recommendation of the South African Food Based Dietary Guidelines. As urbanisation and the nutrition transition increases in South Africa, the loss of indigenous knowledge and utilisation of indigenous vegetables is significant and is worse compared to countries such as Kenya and Tanzania. The aim of this study was to collaboratively promote the use of indigenous vegetables by African women in a peri-urban area with/at risk of hypertension with the goal of improving agency to increase vegetable intake. Methods: A qualitative participatory action research (PAR) methodology was utilised. African adult women with hypertension or at risk of hypertension were recruited from a local healthcare facility for a one year long project, with a total enrolment of 12-24 participants. Data collection included observations, focus groups, key informant interviews and the research journal of the researcher. Results: Participants worked collaboratively to co-construct relevant nutrition education materials, recipe development using local indigenous vegetables, clinic open day and a seminar for other community members. There was greater uptake of vegetable gardening at home and at the local community centre. Conclusions: using PAR methodologies to address inadequate vegetable intake and promote the use of indigenous vegetable crops may benefit personal agency which includes an individual's perceptions about how much control they have over themselves and their environment, in order to carry out a certain behaviour; self-confidence or efficacy; the ability to self-regulate and monitor behaviour and the ability to identify and use good coping skills.

299: Implementation of collaborative Radiotherapy open days to improve student recruitment and retention

299: Implementation of collaborative Radiotherapy open days to improve student recruitment and retention

Trial to assess the tolerability of using felodipine to upregulate autophagy as a treatment of Huntington’s disease (FELL-HD): a phase II, single-centre, open-label, dose-finding trial protocol

IntroductionHuntington’s disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disorder that presents with a progressive movement disorder along with cognitive and psychiatric problems. It is caused by a Cytosine-adenin-guanine (CAG) expansion...

Improvement of Jet Lag and Travel Fatigue Symptoms and Their Association with Prior International Travel Experience in Junior Athletes.

Jet lag and travel fatigue can occur after crossing multiple time zones in a short period of time, possibly affecting various aspects of an athlete's behavior. However, there are few studies regarding this issue, particularly considering junior athletes. This study aimed to investigate and quantify the symptoms of jet lag and travel fatigue and the factors impacting these conditions. A survey was completed by 41 Japanese junior athletes (21 men and 20 women), competing at an international game in Finland, to assess their performance, sleeping habits, digestion, fatigue, and jet lag on the first day of arrival and on the opening day of the competition. Although athletes awoke less often during sleep on the opening day of the competition compared with the first day, sleep time, ease of falling asleep, and sleep quality decreased significantly. Prior experience traveling abroad for international competitions was positively associated with improvements regarding ease of falling asleep (coefficient = 2.22, p = 0.01), quality of sleep (coefficient = 2.16, p = 0.02), and alertness after waking up (coefficient = 1.85, p = 0.05) by the opening day of the competition when compared with the results for athletes who had no such prior experiences. Junior athletes experience symptoms of jet lag and travel fatigue that may persist until the day of competition, and prior experience traveling abroad may help in alleviating their symptoms.

Применение метода ВИРТУОЗ (Вариативное Игровое Решение Трудных Учебно-Образовательных Задач) при выборе университета для обучения

In the context of the permanent transformation of the higher education system, it is not only game practices that are in demand, but also the widest possible gamification of the educational process itself in higher education. The article discusses the option of organizing the game VIRTUOZ (Variable Game Solution of Difficult Educational Problems) at an open day with applicants and their parents. The VIRTUOZ game is held in order to form an objective opinion among its participants about where to go to study on the basis of a comprehensive comparison of information from open sources on competing departments that are currently training students in a particular field in the corresponding region (regions). Variants of tasks/competitions for team members are given, allowing to compare departments by the share of employed graduates and their average salary; on the structure of academic titles of teachers; indicators of scientific activity; tuition fees. Variants of creative contests for viewers are given. In the future, it is possible to hold other competitions and introduce weights for certain aspects of the department's activities, based on their importance for applicants and their parents, either setting them in advance, or offering to do this directly to team members. Competent gamification of the educational process in Russian higher education, starting with the admission of applicants and ending with the employment of graduates, is designed to help in the development of domestic higher education today and in the long term.

The Factors Influencing the Concentration of Histamine in Jarred Baby Foods Containing Fish, Considering Evaluation of Daily Histamine Intake

Histamine is one of the biogenic amines produced naturally in the human body, but also in foods, especially those rich in protein. Exogenous and endogenous histamine is subject to degradation in vivo, but in the case of sensitive groups, including children, these degradation processes may be less intense, resulting in adverse health effects from histamine excess. The aim of the study was to determine the histamine content in jarred baby foods containing fish, taking into account the selected product characteristics and storage conditions. The study included 140 meals with added fish, intended for infants and young children, from 5 leading manufacturers available in Poland. The infant meals were analyzed on the day of opening, after 24 h and 48 h of storage in the refrigerator and at room temperature. Histamine concentration was determined by ELISA. The THQ was calculated from the EDI values for histamine. Histamine was present in all analyzed baby foods. On the day of opening, the products had a lower content of this monoamine (Me = 2.59 mg/kg), which increased systematically during storage. Samples taken at 2 °C after 48 h showed an average histamine content of 4.4 mg/kg, while products stored at 22 °C at the same time showed a 1.8-fold higher concentration of this monoamine (Me = 7.9 mg/kg). Dishes containing tuna and sea fish had higher histamine levels on average than those containing pollock. The storage conditions of the children’s food had a significant effect on histamine concentration. The level of histamine in baby foods was related to the amount and type of fish in certain products. The results indicate the need for increased awareness of the risks associated with histamine, especially in a group of people with increased sensitivity to this amine, which may include infants and young children.

Sure as the sunrise: insights into the material culture of Albion Motors from Glasgow Life’s museums and archives collection

ABSTRACT Albion Motors Ltd was a large company based in Scotstoun, Glasgow, employing thousands over its nine-decades existence. Much is known about its manufacturing output of cars, lorries, and buses, so the purpose of this research was to investigate Albion-related archive material held by Glasgow Life and consider this within a social historic context. The paper is replete with evidence of the human experience of the company, obtained through various research methods including scrutiny of primary source material, site visits, and unstructured in-person and telephone interviews. Whilst containing some inconclusive elements, the personal testimony of one former employee, which so effectively brought the past to life, was a poignant reminder to continue this research. Thankfully, the local community centre in Scotstoun had a similar idea, to host an open day for former staff to share memories of working for Albion – proving there are many anecdotes yet to document.

Community cohesion and the role of mosques in Cardiff: the views of imams

The context of this research paper is Cardiff in the UK. Imams from five different mosques were interviewed about integration and whether mosque open days and community activities support community cohesion. The research shows that the imams and their respective mosques are open to others in the local community, and are making efforts to engage with the local population, government agencies, and public services. Clear efforts are being made to encourage community cohesion, with the imams keen to pass on the message of a shared humanity to the wider community. The research provides some unique insights that help to fill the gap in the academic literature on Muslim communities, and may be used to inform policymakers on ways of supporting mosques and local communities in developing intercultural relations and creating an environment that is conducive to community cohesion

The Effects of Saturated and Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on Reproductive Performance and Reproductive Hormonal Changes in Dairy Cows at the Transition Period

Reproductive success is crucial in dairy farming as it heavily relies on the consumption of a complete mixed ration for the diet. The current study investigated the effects of adding saturated (SFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) to dairy cows' diets on reproductive performance and reproductive hormones during the transition period. A total of 30 Holstein dairy cows were randomly divided into three groups (10 animals in each group), based on parity and body condition score. The cows had an initial body weight of 567.5 ± 40.3 kg (mean ± SD), a body condition score of 3.5 ± 0.26 out of 5 (mean ± SD), and a parity of 1.7 ± 0.02 (mean ± SD). The control group received a balanced ration meeting all the nutrient requirements according to the National Research Council (NRC) guidelines. The SFA group received 1.4% of dry matter (DM) as palm oil (RumiFat®), while the omega group had 5% of DM as safflower (a source of n-6 fatty acids) added from 21 days before parturition to 21 days after, and 4% of DM as flaxseed (a source of n-3 fatty acids) added from 21 to 42 days after parturition. In the Omega group, estradiol concentration significantly increased on artificial insemination (AI) day (12.54 pg/mL). Additionally, serum prostaglandin F2-alpha concentration was significantly higher in the omega group (0.732 pg/mL on day 7 and 1.68 pg/mL on day 14) compared to other groups. The control group exhibited the highest progesterone concentrations at 14 and 21 days post-calving compared to the other groups, other groups. whereas the omega group highest concentration five days after AI. The omega group also showed a significantly higher mean number of follicles >10mm and larger ovulatory follicle diameter. Moreover, a higher percentage of pregnant cows at 120 days in milk, fewer open days, and lower service per conception were observed in the omega group compared to the other groups. In conclusion, supplementing dairy cows' diets with PUFAs during the transition period positively influenced ovarian function, hormone levels, and reproductive performance.

Arabic Language Teaching in Arabic Preparatory Schools

This study aims to highlight, describe and analyse the experiment conducted at the Arabic Preparatory School for Girls in Bandar Seri Begawan (SPABSB) and explore how it can be utilised to improve the teaching of Arabic to non-Arabic speakers. The Arabic school in Brunei seeks to leverage modern theories and methods of language teaching. The school established a committee to oversee all aspects related to the Arabic language. This committee aims to enhance Arabic language instruction by mandating that all teachers of Arabic language and religious studies, as well as students, communicate in Arabic. They additionally translated posters and publications into Arabic, while arranging professional development events to educate teachers on language teaching theories and methods. They develop class activity books and materials for extensive Arabic practice both inside and outside the classroom. Furthermore, they organise various intensive learning activities to promote Arabic language usage, such as competitions encompassing plays, speeches, group presentations, calligraphy, and singing in Arabic. They also initiated numerous activities aimed at teaching Arabic culture, including Arabic festivals, expeditions, Arabic Week, and open days. The school encourages the use of Arabic language in all activities and events. This study found that the approach adopted by the (SPABSB) serves as a valid model for other newly established schools. It emphasises a balance between extracurricular activities organised by the administration and academic pursuits within the classroom. It suggests the integration of Arabic language use both inside and outside the classroom, highlighting that traditional classroom teaching alone may not suffice to enhance Arabic language proficiency and develop students' skills

Risk factors of clinical endometritis in an Iranian dairy farm

Clinical endometritis is one of the most common causes of declining reproductive performance in dairy cows. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of some factors including cow’s parity, milk yield, dystocia, retained placenta, calf sex, calving season, abortion, and stillbirth on the incidence of clinical endometritis and the effect of clinical endometritis on open days in an Iranian dairy farm. Uterine health of 557 dairy cows was evaluated by rectal palpation and ultrasonography during 30-35 days after calving. The presence of mucopurulent secretions in the vagina and vulva as well as the ultrasonographic observation of echogenic secretions in the uterine lumen were considered endometritis. The effect of the mentioned factors on the incidence of clinical endometritis was then analyzed in univariate and multivariate logistic regression models. The chance of developing clinical endometritis in the low-producing cows was 27.2% higher than that of the high-producing cows (p=0.06). Other parameters had no significant effect on the incidence of endometritis. The incidence of clinical endometritis in the studied herd was 49.5%. Based on the results of this study, the low milk yield may be a risk factor for developing clinical endometritis in the studied herd's condition, while parameters of the parity, dystocia, retained placenta, calf sex, calving season, abortion, and stillbirth was not effective in the occurrence rate of endometritis. There was no association between clinical endometritis and days open in the studied herd.

Parental Involvement Influence on Education Participation for Learners with Hearing Impairments in Special Public Primary Schools in Meru and Isiolo Counties- Kenya

Globally need for education, as a measure of one's ability to function fully in today's society, is an important motivator for efforts to achieve the highest level of education in the world. The persistent under achievement of deaf students in Kenyan schools is of great concern as evidenced by final average scores in their formative and summative scores in their assessments. This study aimed to find out how parental involvement influences education participation for learners with hearing impairment. The study was guided by Maslows theory of motivation in learning. A phenomenological research design was utilized. The study targeted three primary schools handling learners with hearing impairments in Meru and Isiolo counties that is Kaaga, Njia, and Isiolo school for learners with hearing impairment. A thematic approach was used to analyze the qualitative data. The study revealed that parental involvement was minimal. Based on the study findings, collective effort should be made to sensitize the parents on their roles in the education of their children. Employers of parents of students with hearing impairments should be given days off with pay when going to attend to their children's issues in school like closing days, opening days, and clinic days for their children. The school should provide some incentives to parents like meals during the school meetings to help reduce parents’ expenses. The government should ensure tax waivers for parents of students with hearing impairments. The stakeholders should help change parental attitudes that their children will not make it.

Tabletop Escape Room Activities for Engaging Outreach in Engineering—A Preliminary Approach

Student outreach activities are conducted by many engineering faculties to provide a positive experience of engineering for as many potential future students as possible. In this paper, we present the activities we designed for our University Open Days, leveraging a tabletop version of an immensely popular game concept called escape rooms. We describe our design of three puzzles to be completed in under half an hour, based on gears, circuits and ciphers, and programmed their solutions into our physical hardware decoder box. A relatively small sample of Open Day attendees, mostly prospective university students, played our escape room puzzles. Participants were then invited to fill in a short questionnaire, results revealing encouraging levels of engagement with these activities.

Vaccination Open Day: A Cross-Sectional Study on the 2023 Experience in Lombardy Region, Italy.

Vaccination is a highly effective tool for controlling infectious diseases, particularly in populations at high risk of contagion due to clinical conditions or occupational exposure, such as healthcare workers. The purpose of this study is to present the open day event that marked the beginning of the influenza and anti-COVID-19 vaccination campaign in the Lombardy region and to describe the experience of an Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico in Milan. During the vaccination open day, eligible individuals received free vaccinations for influenza, COVID-19, pneumococcal disease, and shingles, as provided by the Lombardy Agenzia per la Tutela della Salute. In celebration of the centenary of the Università degli Studi di Milano, the Fondazione Ca'Granda Ospedale Policlinico, a contracted hospital of the university, created a special electronic diary for a total of 150 individuals, equally divided between children aged 2-6, pregnant women, and university staff. At the regional level, a total of 6634 influenza vaccines, 2055 anti-COVID-19 vaccines, 108 anti-pneumococcal vaccines, and 37 anti-zoster vaccines were administered. A total of 3134 (47.3%) influenza vaccines, 1151 (56%) anti-COVID-19 vaccines, and 77 (62%) anti-pneumococcal vaccines, were given to individuals aged 60-79. No differences were observed between the total number of male and female vaccinees (1017 and 1038, respectively), who received the anti-COVID-19 vaccine. At the Policlinico Foundation, out of 150 available booking slots, 154 vaccines were administered, including 117 influenza vaccines. The establishment of vaccine open days is a beneficial way to increase vaccine compliance. Co-administration of little-known vaccinations outside of healthcare settings could also be a useful tool.

Memory Flags

For close to 30 years, my father worked for the Australian Navy. He was an electrician who installed and repaired the armament, radars and communication systems on battleships and submarines. It was a job he loved and was proud to do, something I as a surly teenager could not quite understand when dragged along to open days at the naval base at Garden Island on Sydney Harbour. He likes to share many stories about his time at Garden Island and jokes that by the time he retired, even the stones in the landscape knew who he was. One of these stories, a memory I ashamedly force him to recall, took place on the morning of 12 February 2009. I asked my father to tell me as much as he could remember about the event. This was the second time I heard the story from him: The first was the day it happened in 2009, and the second was now, 12 years later.