Regional Comparison Research Articles

Measurement and Evaluation of the Development Level of Health and Wellness Tourism from the Perspective of High-Quality Development

In recent years, with the dramatic surge in the demand for health and elderly care services, the emergence of the health dividend has presented good development opportunities for health and wellness tourism. However, as a sector of the economy, health and wellness tourism still faces numerous challenges in achieving high-quality development. Therefore, this paper focuses on 31 provinces in China and constructs a multidimensional evaluation index system for the high-quality development of health and wellness tourism. The global entropy-weighted TOPSIS method and cluster analysis are used to conduct in-depth measurements, regional comparisons, and classification evaluations of the high-quality development of health and wellness tourism in each province. The research results indicate that: (1) From a quality perspective, the level of health and wellness tourism development in 11 provinces in China has exceeded the national average, while the remaining 20 provinces are below the national average. (2) From a regional perspective, the current level of high-quality development in health and wellness tourism decreases sequentially from the eastern to the central to the western regions, with significant regional differences. (3) Overall, the development in the 31 provinces can be categorized into five types: the High-Quality Benchmark Type, the High-Quality Stable Type, the High-Quality Progressive Type, the General-Quality Potential Type, and the General-Quality Lagging Type. (4) From a single-dimension analysis perspective, there are significant differences in the rankings of each province across different dimensions. Finally, this paper enriches and expands the theoretical foundation on the high-quality development of health and wellness tourism; on the other hand, it puts forward targeted countermeasures and suggestions to help promote the comprehensive enhancement of health and wellness tourism.

Biomechanics and morphological comparisons of the caudal region of titanosaurs from the Cretaceous of Brazil: Paleobiology and paleoecology inferences.

Biomechanical studies in sauropod dinosaurs are mainly focused on neck posture and feeding strategy. Few works investigate other aspects such as tail movement and function, especially in the clade Titanosauria, the most diverse within Neosauropoda. This study applied biomechanical concepts of neutral pose (cartilaginous neutral pose) and range of motion to verify the shape and direction of the caudal region of the advanced titanosaurs Adamantisaurus mezzalirai and Baurutitan britoi, in addition to comparing it with other titanosaurs (e.g., Arrudatitan maximus, Lirainosaurus astibiae, and Trigonosaurus pricei). As a result, the tails analyzed have a sigmoidal-convex shape, probably close to the ground (but not touching it). The sigmoidal-convex shape could increase the moment arm for the M. caudofemoralis longus, making it possible to use the tail as a fifth stabilizing member. This work expands our knowledge about sauropod dinosaurs by exposing a diversity of shapes for the tails of titanosaur sauropods and brings new possibilities for how these dinosaurs could use their tails.

A documented checklist of the Crustacea (Stomatopoda, Decapoda) of the southern Guianas (Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana, Brazil Amapá)

A documented checklist of the Crustacea (Stomatopoda, Decapoda) is provided for the southern Guianas region (sGuianas), a homogeneous ecoregion including Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana and the Brazilian State of Amapá. The history of crustacean collections undertaken there between 1759 and 2022 is summarized. In total, 529 species are listed. Biodiversity varies between countries: 165 species in Guyana; 317 in Suriname, 343 in French Guiana, and 315 in Brazil Amapá, as a direct result of different sampling efforts. There are 22 Stomatopoda and 507 Decapoda, ranked by numerical diversity as Brachyura (206), Caridea (113), Anomura (85), Dendrobranchiata (67) and others (36). The list is analyzed with the species classified by major biotopes, distinguishing those from freshwater, mangroves and estuaries, and frankly marine environments. Regional comparisons are made in the Western Atlantic showing that the sGuianas marine fauna is depauperate compared to that of other regions. This is explained by the influence of the Amazon River plume, carrying desalinated water and fine sediments, which leads to the reduction of coral reef formations in sGuianas. Only a few species of freshwater crabs (genera Kunziana and Microthelphusa) are endemic to the region. The pace of species discovery over the years indicates that the sGuianas fauna remains still imperfectly known and that probably more than 600 species are present in the region.

Mutations in the efflux regulator gene oqxR provide a simple genetic switch for antimicrobial resistance in Klebsiella pneumoniae.

Klebsiella pneumoniae is a pathogen of major concern in the global rise of antimicrobial resistance and has been implicated as a reservoir for the transfer of resistance genes between species. The upregulation of efflux pumps is a particularly concerning mechanism of resistance acquisition as, in many instances, a single point mutation can simultaneously provide resistance to a range of antimicrobials and biocides. The current study investigated mutations in oqxR, which encodes a negative regulator of the RND-family efflux pump genes, oqxAB, natively found in the chromosome of K. pneumoniae. Resistant mutants in four K. pneumoniae strains (KP6870155, NTUH-K2044, SGH10, and ATCC43816) were selected from single exposures to 30 µg/mL chloramphenicol and 12 mutants were selected for whole genome sequencing to identify mutations associated with resistance. Resistant mutants generated by single exposures to chloramphenicol, tetracycline, or ciprofloxacin at ≥4 X MIC were replica plated onto all three antibiotics to observe simultaneous cross-resistance to all compounds, indicative of a multidrug resistance phenotype. A variety of novel mutations, including single point mutations, deletions, and insertions, were found to disrupt oqxR leading to significant and simultaneous increases in resistance to chloramphenicol, tetracycline, and ciprofloxacin. The oqxAB-oqxR locus has been mobilized and dispersed on plasmids in many Enterobacteriaceae species and the diversity of these loci was examined to evaluate the evolutionary pressures acting on these genes. Comparison of the promoter regions of oqxR in plasmid-borne copies of the oqxR-oqxAB operon indicated that some constructs may produce truncated versions of the oqxR transcript, which may impact on oqxAB regulation and expression. In some instances, co-carriage of chromosomal and plasmid encoded oqxAB-oqxR was found in K. pneumoniae, implying that there is selective pressure to maintain and expand the efflux pump. Given that OqxR is a repressor of oqxAB, any mutation affecting its expression or function can lead to multidrug resistance. This is in contrast to antibiotic target site mutations that must occur in limited sequence space to be effective and not impact the fitness of the cell. Therefore, oqxR may act as a simple genetic switch to facilitate resistance via OqxAB mediated efflux.

Demers cartogram with rivers

Cartograms serve as representations of geographical and abstract data, employing a value-by-area mapping technique. As a variant of the Dorling cartogram, the Demers cartogram utilizes squares instead of circles to represent regions. This alternative approach allows for a more intuitive comparison of regions, utilizing screen space more efficiently. However, a drawback of the Dorling cartogram and its variants lies in the potential displacement of regions from their original positions, ultimately compromising legibility, readability, and accuracy. To tackle this limitation, we propose a novel hybrid cartogram layout algorithm that incorporates topological elements, such as rivers, into Demers cartograms. The presence of rivers significantly impacts both the layout and visual appearance of the cartograms. Through a user study conducted on an Electronic Health Records (EHR) dataset, we evaluate the efficacy of the proposed hybrid layout algorithm. The obtained results illustrate that this approach successfully retains key aspects of the original cartogram while enhancing legibility, readability, and overall accuracy.

Revealing Halal Certification Oversight Gaps for MSEs through ArcGIS Dashboard Integration

The Indonesian government has developed a comprehensive halal certification program through the Halal Product Assurance Organizing Body (BPJPH). However, the halal certification recording application requires enhancements due to its lack of data elements pertaining to micro and small enterprises (MSEs) with geographical or location references. Geographic Information System (GIS) technology can serve as a solution for data management in the halal industry, encompassing the management, monitoring and analysis of spatial-temporal and real-time data. This research is aimed at developing geospatial technology for industrial halal management within the scope of MSEs. Methods for developing geospatial technology-based management of halal industry applications use analysis, design, development and evaluation through the ArcGIS online platform developed by Environmental Systems Research Institute (Esri). The findings of this research highlight the potential of geospatial technology in the halal industry. It can be effectively utilized to integrate and comprehensively manage halal industry data on a spatial basis, enabling performance monitoring of MSEs, halal product process assistance and the BPJPH. This technology allows for quick analysis of patterns, distributions, trends, associations and regional comparisons, providing valuable insights. Consequently, geospatial technology can support policy recommendations aimed at accelerating the halal certification process by mapping and analyzing relevant data based on geographic locations, facilitating a better understanding of spatial distribution and relationships within the halal industry. This research successfully develops geospatial technology for managing halal industries within MSEs, enabling comprehensive data integration and spatial analysis. The findings highlight its potential to enhance monitoring, support policy recommendations and accelerate the halal certification process.

The Impact of Environmental Governance and Quality of Life on Fertility Intentions

Objectives: Here, local environmental governance, quality of life, and fertility intention in 30 provinces, municipalities, and regions of China during 2004–2020 are also examined in terms of their co-evolution pattern. Methods: A detailed analytical method of evaluation is used by our team. It entails the determination of the environmental governance index, quality of life index and fertility intention index in order to examine their inter relacion with each other the variation and distribution within regions. Results: Our research is also demonstrated by the fact that as a whole the values of the environmental governance index and the quality of life index are increasing nationwide, which indicates that China is also experiencing certain positive changes for the better regarding environmental protection and the quality of life. Nonetheless, fertility intention index trend was characterized by increase then decrease, apparently indicating the underlying socioeconomic factors. Regional comparisons show that the East is the best place for environment governance and quality, and the fertility intention index of Northeast remains lower than other areas. Conclusions: China has become one of the advanced countries in environmental governance and improved quality of life, but the continuously decreasing level in fertility intention reflects the complex effect of changes in population policy and soci:economic factors.

Detection of new adult plant leaf rust resistance loci in a Tunisian wheat landrace Aus26670

Transfer of leaf resistance genes into elite lines can assist in developing future wheat cultivars and mitigate economic losses caused by the leaf rust pathogen, Puccinia triticina Erikss. (Pt). Some previously reported leaf rust resistance QTL have been challenged by aggressive Pt pathotypes. This experiment aims to detect genetically diverse resistance QTL using a Tunisian landrace, Aus26670, which confers a high level of adult plant leaf rust resistance against Australian Pt pathotypes. One hundred nineteen F7 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) were generated after crossing Aus26670 and a susceptible line Avocet ‘S’ (AvS). The Aus26670/AvS RIL population was evaluated against mixture of five Pt pathotypes under field conditions for two years. The same RIL population was also screened using three Pt pathotypes individually in the greenhouse under controlled conditions. Genetic analysis of the seedling leaf rust response against Pt104-2,3,6, (7) confirmed the presence of an all-stage resistance (ASR) gene, Lr13. The RIL population was genotyped using a targeted genotyping-by-sequencing (tGBS) assay, and Lr13 was mapped in the 153.9–182.1 Mb region in chromosome 2BS. QTL analysis suggested the involvement of three genomic regions/adult plant resistance genes (APR) namely QLr.sun-1BL/Lr46, QLr.sun-5DL and QLr.sun-7DS, in controlling leaf rust resistance. Data of seedling assays, known marker survey, and comparison of genomic regions detected in this study with previously reported APR indicated the uniqueness of QLr.sun-5DL (559.7 Mb) and QLr.sun-7DS (11 Mb). Both QTL represent new additions to the APR toolbox.

Paleoclimatic significance of the organic carbon isotopes of the Tajikistan loess in arid Central Asia, on orbital timescales since the last interglacial

During the past few decades, the stable carbon isotope composition of bulk organic matter (δ13Corg) in loess sediments has been increasingly used for reconstructing changes in the terrestrial vegetation and climate in several regions, including Europe, Xinjiang (the eastern part of arid central Asia, ACA), and the Chinese Loess Plateau (CLP). However, previous research indicates significant differences in the climatic significance of δ13Corg between the loess-paleosol sequences of Europe and the western and eastern ACA, compared to the loess of the central and southern CLP in monsoonal Asia. The δ13Corg values of loess-paleosol sequences in western and eastern ACA on different timescales exhibit consistent patterns of variation, suggesting that loess δ13Corg in these areas may be influenced by similar climatic factors and have similar mechanisms. However, the lack of detailed δ13Corg studies in central ACA limits our understanding of their applicability to long loess sequences within this region. This limitation not only constrains our understanding of the paleoclimatic significance of loess δ13Corg in central ACA, but it also affects the practical application of loess δ13Corg as a reliable paleoclimate proxy in this region. Consequently, it impedes a comprehensive understanding and in-depth analysis of loess δ13Corg across the mid-latitude Eurasian continent. To address this deficiency, we conducted a δ13Corg study of the Darai Kalon (DK) loess section, in southern Tajikistan, central ACA, since the last interglacial, with the aim of exploring the environmental significance of loess δ13Corg and the origin of the climatic record of this section, on orbital timescales. The results show that the ecosystem in southern Tajikistan, and throughout ACA, was dominated by C3 vegetation since the last interglacial. Loess δ13Corg records can be used as a precipitation proxy in ACA, at least since the last interglacial. However, regional comparisons revealed negative correlations between loess δ13Corg values and pedogenic intensity in Europe, ACA, and the western CLP, which is the opposite to the positive correlations observed in the central and southern CLP. Comparison of the paleoclimate record of the DK section with those of loess-paleosol sequences from monsoonal Asia indicated that warm, humid conditions occurred during past interglacials (MIS5, MIS1) and interstadials (MIS3), and cold, arid conditions occurred during the glacial/stadial periods (MIS4, MIS2) in both ACA and monsoonal Asia. We propose that changes in Northern Hemisphere insolation were responsible for this in-phase pattern of climate change between these two regions on orbital timescales since the last interglacial.

Definitions, terminology and standards for reporting of births and deaths in the perinatal period: International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11).

Despite efforts to reduce stillbirths and neonatal deaths, inconsistent definitions and reporting practices continue to hamper global progress. Existing data frequently being limited in terms of quality and comparability across countries. This paper addresses this critical issue by outlining the new International Classification of Disease (ICD-11) recommendations for standardized recording and reporting of perinatal deaths to improve data accuracy and international comparison. Key advancements in ICD-11 include using gestational age as the primary threshold to for reporting, clearer guidance on measurement and recording of gestational age, and reporting mortality rates by gestational age subgroups to enable country comparisons to include similar populations (e.g., all births from 154 days [22+0 weeks] or from 196 days [28+0 weeks]). Furthermore, the revised ICD-11 guidance provides further clarification around the exclusion of terminations of pregnancy (induced abortions) from perinatal mortality statistics. Implementing standardized recording and reporting methods laid out in ICD-11 will be crucial for accurate global data on stillbirths and perinatal deaths. Such high-quality data would both allow appropriate regional and international comparisons to be made and serve as a resource to improve clinical practice and epidemiological and health surveillance, enabling focusing of limited programmatic and research funds towards ending preventable deaths and improving outcomes for every woman and every baby, everywhere.

Using Extracted Sugars from Spoiled Date Fruits as a Sustainable Feedstock for Ethanol Production by New Yeast Isolates.

This study focuses on investigating sugar recovery from spoiled date fruits (SDF) for sustainable ethanol production using newly isolated yeasts. Upon their isolation from different food products, yeast strains were identified through PCR amplification of the D1/D2 region and subsequent comparison with the GenBank database, confirming isolates KKU30, KKU32, and KKU33 as Saccharomyces cerevisiae; KKU21 as Zygosaccharomyces rouxii; and KKU35m as Meyerozyma guilliermondii. Optimization of sugar extraction from SDF pulp employed response surface methodology (RSM), varying solid loading (20-40%), temperature (20-40 °C), and extraction time (10-30 min). Linear models for sugar concentration (R1) and extraction efficiency (R2) showed relatively high R2 values, indicating a good model fit. Statistical analysis revealed significant effects of temperature and extraction time on extraction efficiency. The results of batch ethanol production from SDF extracts using mono-cultures indicated varying consumption rates of sugars, biomass production, and ethanol yields among strains. Notably, S. cerevisiae strains exhibited rapid sugar consumption and high ethanol productivity, outperforming Z. rouxii and M. guilliermondii, and they were selected for scaling up the process at fed-batch mode in a co-culture. Co-cultivation resulted in complete sugar consumption and higher ethanol yields compared to mono-cultures, whereas the ethanol titer reached 46.8 ± 0.2 g/L.

Effect of plant roots on the radiocarbon age of loess deposits in arid central Asia

Radiocarbon and OSL dating are the two main approaches used to date aeolian deposits in arid central Asia (ACA). Previous results showed that, compared with OSL dating, the 14C ages of loess deposits in ACA are underestimated when the loess age is beyond ∼25 ka. However, the cause of this radiocarbon age underestimation has not been adequately addressed. In this study, we measured the 14C ages of different dating materials, including pyrolysis volatile (Py-V), pyrolysis residue (Py-R), humin, and total organic carbon fractions from two loess sections in ACA (the Hoalin section in the western Pamir Mountains, and the TLD16 section in the northern Tianshan Mountains). The results show that different dating material yielded different 14C ages for all the loess samples, and all the radiocarbon ages obtained are younger than their corresponding OSL ages. Based on these results, together with a regional comparison of 78 14C ages from ACA with their corresponding OSL ages, we propose that the 14C age underestimation is mainly due to the contamination by the deep penetration of the extended root systems of the plants that grow in arid areas, whereas this effect is less significant in the summer monsoon–dominated Chinese Loess Plateau.

Report on key comparison AFRIMETS.AUV.V-K5 and linking to CCAUV.V-K5

Main textFollowing the completion of the fifth CIPM key comparison (KC) in the area of vibration concerning sinusoidal acceleration, participating Regional Metrology Organizations (RMOs) have the responsibility to disseminate the Key Comparison Reference Values (KCRV) to non-participating National Metrology Institutes (NMIs), thereby establishing a traceable link between NMIs participating in regional comparisons and the KCRVs. The comparison results reported here have that objective. The comparison was piloted by AFRIMETS with participants from three NMIs, situated in two RMOs, namely SIM and APMP.The respective Degrees of Equivalence, linked to the KCRVs, are reported. The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCAUV, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database https://www.bipm.org/kcdb/.The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCAUV, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).

The Identification of Potential Anti-Depression/Anxiety Drug Targets by Stress-Induced Rat Brain Regional Proteome and Network Analyses.

Depression and anxiety disorders are prevalent stress-related neuropsychiatric disorders and involve multiple molecular changes and dysfunctions across various brain regions. However, the specific and shared pathophysiological mechanisms occurring in these regions remain unclear. Previous research used a rat model of chronic mild stress (CMS) to segregate and identify depression-susceptible, anxiety-susceptible, and insusceptible groups; then the proteomes of six distinct brain regions (the hippocampus, prefrontal cortex, hypothalamus, pituitary, olfactory bulb, and striatum) were separately and quantitatively analyzed. To gain a comprehensive and systematic understanding of the molecular abnormalities, this study aimed to investigate and compare differential proteomics data from the six regions. Differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were identified in between specific regions and across all regions and subjected to a series of bioinformatics analyses. Regional comparisons showed that stress-induced proteomic changes and corresponding gene ontology and pathway enrichments were largely distinct, attributable to differences in cell populations, protein compositions, and brain functions of these areas. Additionally, a notable degree of overlap in the significantly enriched terms was identified, potentially suggesting strong connections in the enrichment across different regions. Furthermore, intra-regional and inter-regional protein-protein interaction networks and drug-target-DEP networks were constructed. Integrated analysis of the three association networks in the six regions, along with the DisGeNET database, identified ten DEPs as potential targets for anti-depression/anxiety drugs. Collectively, these findings revealed commonalities and differences across different brain regions at the protein level induced by CMS, and identified several novel protein targets for the development of new therapeutics for depression and anxiety.

The centromere landscapes of four karyotypically diverse Papaver species provide insights into chromosome evolution and speciation

Understanding the roles played by centromeres in chromosome evolution and speciation is complicated by the fact that centromeres comprise large arrays of tandemly repeated satellite DNA, which hinders high-quality assembly. Here, we used long-read sequencing to generate nearly complete genome assemblies for four karyotypically diverse Papaver species, P.setigerum (2n= 44), P.somniferum (2n= 22), P.rhoeas (2n= 14), and P.bracteatum (2n= 14), collectively representing 45 gapless centromeres. We identified four centromere satellite (cenSat) families and experimentally validated two representatives. For the two allopolyploid genomes (P.somniferum and P.setigerum), we characterized the subgenomic distribution of each satellite and identified a "homogenizing" phase of centromere evolution in the aftermath of hybridization. An interspecies comparison of the peri-centromeric regions further revealed extensive centromere-mediated chromosome rearrangements. Taking these results together, we propose a model for studying cenSat competition after hybridization and shed further light on the complex role of the centromere in speciation.

Free-breathing 3D phase-resolved functional lung MRI vsbreath-hold hyperpolarized 129Xe ventilation MRI in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary diseaseand healthy volunteers.

3D phase-resolved functional lung (PREFUL) MRI offers evaluation of pulmonary ventilation without inhalation of contrast agent. This study seeks to compare ventilation maps obtained from 3D PREFUL MRI with a direct ventilation measurement derived from 129Xe MRI in both patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and healthy volunteers. Thirty-one patients with COPD and 12 healthy controls underwent free-breathing 3D PREFUL MRI and breath-hold 129Xe MRI at 1.5 T. For both MRI techniques, ventilation defect (VD) maps were determined and respective ventilation defect percentage (VDP) values were computed. All parameters of both techniques were compared by Spearman correlation coefficient (r) and the differences between VDP values were quantified by Bland-Altman analysis and tested for significance using Wilcoxon signed-rank test. In a regional comparison of VD maps, spatial overlap and Sørensen-Dice coefficients of healthy and defect areas were computed. On a global level, all 3D PREFUL VDP values correlated significantly to VDP measure derived by 129Xe ventilation imaging (all r > 0.65; all p < 0.0001). 129Xe VDP was significantly greater than 3D PREFUL derived VDPRVent (mean bias = 10.5%, p < 0.001) and VDPFVL-CM (mean bias = 11.3%, p < 0.0001) but not for VDPCombined (mean bias = 1.7%, p = 0.70). The total regional agreement of 129Xe and 3D PREFUL VD maps ranged between 60% and 63%. Free-breathing3D PREFUL MRI showed a strong correlation with breath-hold hyperpolarized 129Xe MRI regarding the VDP values and modest differences in the detection of VDs on a regional level. 3D PREFUL MRI correlated with 129Xe MRI, unveiling regional differences in COPD defect identification. This proposes 3D PREFUL MRI as a ventilation mapping surrogate, eliminating the need for extra hardware or inhaled gases. Current non-invasive evaluation techniques for lung diseases have drawbacks; 129Xe MRI is limited by cost and availability. 3D PREFUL MRI correlated with 129Xe MRI, with regional differences in identifying COPD defects. 3DPREFUL MRI can provide ventilation mapping without the need for additional hardware or inhaled gases.

Cardiac Arrest and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Outcome Reports: 2024 Update of the Utstein Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Registry Template.

The Utstein Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Resuscitation Registry Template, introduced in 1991 and updated in 2004 and 2015, standardizes data collection to enable research, evaluation, and comparisons of systems of care. The impetus for the current update stemmed from significant advances in the field and insights from registry development and regional comparisons. This 2024 update involved representatives of the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation and used a modified Delphi process. Every 2015 Utstein data element was reviewed for relevance, priority (core or supplemental), and improvement. New variables were proposed and refined. All changes were voted on for inclusion. The 2015 domains-system, dispatch, patient, process, and outcomes-were retained. Further clarity is provided for the definitions of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest attended resuscitation and attempted resuscitation. Changes reflect advancements in dispatch, early response systems, and resuscitation care, as well as the importance of prehospital outcomes. Time intervals such as emergency medical service response time now emphasize precise reporting of the times used. New flowcharts aid the reporting of system effectiveness for patients with an attempted resuscitation and system efficacy for the Utstein comparator group. Recognizing the varying capacities of emergency systems globally, the writing group provided a minimal dataset for settings with developing emergency medical systems. Supplementary variables are considered useful for research purposes. These revisions aim to elevate data collection and reporting transparency by registries and researchers and to advance international comparisons and collaborations. The overarching objective remains the improvement of outcomes for patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.

Cardiac arrest and cardiopulmonary resuscitation outcome reports: 2024 update of the Utstein Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Registry template

The Utstein Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Resuscitation Registry Template, introduced in 1991 and updated in 2004 and 2015, standardizes data collection to enable research, evaluation, and comparisons of systems of care. The impetus for the current update stemmed from significant advances in the field and insights from registry development and regional comparisons. This 2024 update involved representatives of the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation and used a modified Delphi process. Every 2015 Utstein data element was reviewed for relevance, priority (core or supplemental), and improvement. New variables were proposed and refined. All changes were voted on for inclusion. The 2015 domains—system, dispatch, patient, process, and outcomes—were retained. Further clarity is provided for the definitions of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest attended resuscitation and attempted resuscitation. Changes reflect advancements in dispatch, early response systems, and resuscitation care, as well as the importance of prehospital outcomes. Time intervals such as emergency medical service response time now emphasize precise reporting of the times used. New flowcharts aid the reporting of system effectiveness for patients with an attempted resuscitation and system efficacy for the Utstein comparator group. Recognizing the varying capacities of emergency systems globally, the writing group provided a minimal dataset for settings with developing emergency medical systems. Supplementary variables are considered useful for research purposes. These revisions aim to elevate data collection and reporting transparency by registries and researchers and to advance international comparisons and collaborations. The overarching objective remains the improvement of outcomes for patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.

A text-mining analysis of Latin America Universities’ mission statements from a ‘Third Mission’ perspective

ABSTRACT University Mission Statements (UMS) were born by imitating a common practice in the business world, where private organisations state their core values and main purposes. Recently, there has been growing interest in analysing UMS through the lens of the Third Mission (TM) of universities. Despite the increasing attention to UMS analysis of TM at the national level, there remains a dearth of research that conducts international comparisons of UMS across various countries utilizing a TM perspective. In this study, we adopt a text mining approach commonly employed in Natural Language Processing studies to categorize 1304 UMS from 19 Latin American countries based on generalized social and economic orientations of TM. By eschewing classifications reliant on specific TM aspects and activities, our analysis aims to facilitate meaningful regional and cross-country comparisons. On average, the orientation of UMS from Latin American countries is 82% social and 55% economic, significant variations observed across countries reflecting the particularities of each Higher Education System. Our results are comparable to previous research analysing single-country UMS, utilizing interpretive content analysis and a Third Mission lens. This evidence offers a quantitative perspective that aligns with existing regional narratives, enriching our understanding of the Third Mission across Latin America.

Influence of residential physical environments on occupant experience: considering the moderating effects of indoor plants and climate zones

PurposeHome is a place/system/product that becomes increasingly occupied with various tasks used to be performed in workplaces. However, the knowledge of the relationship between residential physical environments and occupant experience is limited, especially when considering the effect of indoor plants (IPs) and climate zones. To address the gap, this study conducted a questionnaire survey in three cities across different regions in China.Design/methodology/approachBased on User Experience and Customer Satisfaction Index theory, following the research paradigm, a total of 627 valid samples were collected and analyzed in a stepwise statistical analysis, including descriptive statistics, reliability and validity test, correlation test and region comparison, then the model of PROCESS was adopted to examine the hypotheses that are given based on the former studies.FindingsThe results showed that residential physical environments have a significant effect on occupant satisfaction (OS) in all regions, as well as OS on occupant performance. However, regional differences were found that OS is a complete mediator in the Middle region, while a partial mediator in the North and South. A slight moderating effect of IPs was also found in the region of South. Nevertheless, both the number of plants and plant types have a significant moderating effect on the mechanism.Originality/valueBesides combining two theories and confirming the mechanism in the residential physical environment, it is also the first study to consider the moderating effects of IPs and climate zones, providing potential empirical support for not only design and management stages but also facing global challenges of working at home and climate changes.