Short-term Evaluation Research Articles

Prediction of subsequent CKD according to eGFR decline slope varies by the presence of hypertension

Abstract Background We reported that a declining slope in eGFR evaluated from 3-year observation could predict subsequent CKD among the relatively healthy population, even adjusted for baseline eGFR. However, its certainty may vary depending on the presence of comorbidities such as diabetes and hypertension, which are also recognized as the risk factors of CKD. Methods Annual health check-up data from a Japanese company spanning from 2009 to 2022 was used. The analyses included participants having 4 times continuous eGFR measurements for 3 years, undergoing health checkups at least once during a follow-up period, with negative for urinary protein (UP), and non-diabetic. Individual ‘eGFR slopes’ were calculated by the regression line with 4 times eGFR measurements. Participants with slopes of < -5 per year were categorized as the “decreased” group and -5 or more were categorized as the “stable” group. The cases of positive UP or less than 45mL/min/1.73m2 in eGFR during a follow-up period were defined as CKD. Cox regression analyses adjusted for sex, age, and eGFR at baseline were performed to calculate the hazard ratios and 95% CIs for CKD in the decreased group (reference; stable), stratified by hypertension. Results Out of 5598 study participants(men 36%, mean age 48.2±10.1years, mean follow-up period 4.3 years), 260 CKD cases (4.6%) were observed. CKD cases accounted for 4.5% (235/5218) in the stable group and 6.6% (25/380) in the decreased group. Multivariate-adjusted hazard ratios [95%CIs] of CKD by eGFR decline was 1.50[0.99-2.27]. The eGFR decline increased the risk of CKD only in participants with hypertension (2.09[1.09-4.04]), but not in those without hypertension (1.25[0.73-2.13]). After excluding individuals with eGFR slopes exceeding 10 per year to consider for hyperfiltration of eGFR, the results were consistent. Conclusions The eGFR decline over a 3-year observation may predict subsequent CKD only in individuals with hypertension. Key messages • With a relatively short-term evaluation period of three years, eGFR decline can predict subsequent CKD only in hypertensive individuals. • In middle-aged hypertensive patients, it would be important for the prevention of CKD to pay attention not only to low eGFR but also to the progression of eGFR decline.

A short-term evaluation of oral hygiene education methods in fixed orthodontics patients: a randomized clinical trial comparing assistant training, software, and social media

ObjectiveTo compare the effectiveness of different oral hygiene education strategies on periodontal health in fixed orthodontic patients in a one-month period: assistant-led instruction, social media-based education, and custom-made software.MethodsSixty orthodontic patients from Mashhad University of Medical Sciences’ Dentistry School were randomly assigned into three groups. Each group received oral health education differently: via assistant instruction, educational videos on social media, or a researcher-designed software for Android smartphones. After a month, participants’ oral health was evaluated using the plaque index (PI) and the gingival index (GI).ResultsAssistant-led education group demonstrated the highest PI (1.26 ± 0.70) and GI (0.92 ± 0.67), while the software group reported the lowest indices (PI = 0.68, GI = 0.46 ± 0.46). The social media group’s measurements fell between these extremes (PI = 0.89 ± 0.75, GI = 0.60 ± 0.52). Significant group differences were found for both PI and GI (P = 0.028 and P = 0.047, respectively). Pairwise comparison revealed significantly lower PI and GI in the software group compared to the assistant group. No significant differences were found between the social media and other groups.ConclusionOur results suggest that the use of specially designed software could be the most effective strategy for improving oral hygiene in orthodontic patients. Meanwhile, traditional assistant-led education showed the least effectiveness. The study supports the potential benefit of utilizing digital tools, such as bespoke software and social media, in oral health education for orthodontic patients.Trial registrationThe study was registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (IRCT) database with the identification code IRCT20200609047705N2 in 13.07.2021.

Post-operative short-term clinical evaluation of direct lateral (Harding) approach in primary total hip replacement.

To evaluate patients' functional outcomes after total hip arthroplasty through a direct lateral approach. The prospective, observational, descriptive study was conducted at Al-Yarmouk Teaching Hospital, Baghdad, Iraq, from May 2019 to June 2020, and comprised patients aged 28-81 years having advanced osteoarthritis and avascular necrosis who underwent cementless total hip arthroplasty. The patients were followed up for 6 months. Outcome was assessed using the Harris hip score, Trendelenburg sign, post-operative hip dislocation, post-operative infection, and heterotopic ossifications. Data was analysed using Excel version 2019. Of the 30 patients, 14(47%) were males and 16(53%) were females. The overall mean age was 49.8±15.28 years. The mean pre-operative Harris hip score was 43.166±8.27, while it was 83.566±3.83 post-operatively (p<0.001). There was 1(3.33%) case of heterotopic ossification, 3(10%) had Trendelenburg sign. There was no case of postoperative hip dislocation or infection. The lateral hip approach was found to be associated with good post-operative hip stability and good post-operative functional outcome with low post-operative risk of infection.

A Short-Term Evaluation of the Eat and Exercise to Win Program for Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.

(1) Study Aim: Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) face a multitude of chronic health risks related to obesity, including diabetes and heart disease. Day adult service programs offer unique opportunities for improving and monitoring the health of this vulnerable group. To promote exercise and healthy eating habits among adults with IDD, the Eat and Exercise to Win Program (EE-2-Win) was offered weekly at two locations over 8-9 months. (2) Methods: Using daily logs, staff assessed outcomes of 26 program participants, including changes in knowledge, eating and exercise habits, and water consumption. Participants' weights were measured, and their lunches were photographed at baseline and 3 months. (3) Results: While participants' weights did not significantly differ at 3 months, assessing photographs indicated that participants' lunches included more fruits and vegetables. Staff surveys indicated that participants had greater knowledge of MyPlate and were consuming more water at three months. Survey responses indicated that staff perceived the program to be valuable overall, and challenges in learning and assessment were reported given differences in the cognitive abilities of adults with IDD. Staff also suggested engaging home caregivers in the program, as they often make dietary decisions. (4) Conclusions: Overall, results confirmed that the EE-2-Win Program positively impacted healthy eating and exercise. Future work, however, with both staff and caregivers is needed to further optimize the program.

Evaluasi Strategi Komunikasi Pemasaran pada Program Java Ballon Attraction 2022 oleh Dinas Pariwisata dan Kebudayaan Kabupaten Wonosobo

Java Ballon Attraction is an activity created as a collaboration between the Wonosobo Regency Tourism and Culture Office and the Wonosobo Balloon Community. Java Balloon Attraction is an activity that displays sizeable hot air balloon attractions with various motifs being tethered. This is done so as not to disrupt flight traffic. The balloon attraction forms various tourist formations in Wonosobo Regency, such as the shape of Mount Sindoro, Telaga Menjer, and other tourist attractions. The Wonosobo Regency Tourism and Culture Office organized this annual activity, which started in 2019. This research evaluates the marketing strategy implemented by the Wonosobo Regency Tourism and Culture Office in the 2022 Java Balloon Attraction activity. This study used a descriptive qualitative method. Data collection uses observation, interview, and documentation techniques. The data analysis process in this research uses the short-term evaluation theory proposed by Tom Watson and Paul Noble. This research shows several findings, including that at the planning level, some misperceptions make the division of work less clear. At the implementation stage, the marketing publications were not carried out according to schedule, the implementation of promotional media needed to be carried out according to planning, and it was necessary to evaluate the measurement of response targets on social media. The marketing strategy implemented by the Wonosobo Regency Tourism and Culture Office for the 2022 Java Ballon Attraction activity did not work optimally.

Heart-type fatty acid binding protein (H-FABP) as an early biomarker in sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy: a prospective observational study

BackgroundSepsis-induced cardiomyopathy (SICM) is a common and life-threatening complication of sepsis, significantly contributing to elevated mortality. This study aimed to identify crucial indicators for the prompt and early assessment of SICM.MethodsPatients diagnosed with sepsis or SICM within 24 h of intensive care unit (ICU) admission were enrolled in this prospective observational study. Patients were assigned to the training set, validation set and external test set. The primary endpoint was 7-day ICU mortality, and the secondary endpoint was 28-day ICU mortality. Three machine learning algorithms were utilized to identify relevant indicators for diagnosing SICM, incorporating 64 indicators including serum biomarkers associated with cardiac, renal, and liver function, lipid metabolism, coagulation, and inflammation. Internal and external validations were performed on the screening results. Patients were then stratified based on the cut-off value of the most diagnostically effective biomarker identified, and their prognostic outcomes were observed and analyzed.ResultsA total of 270 patients were included in the training and validation set, and 52 patients were included in the external test set. Age, sex, and comorbidities did not significantly differ between the sepsis and SICM groups (P > 0.05). The support vector machine (SVM) algorithm identified six indicators with an accuracy of 84.5%, the random forest (RF) algorithm identified six indicators with an accuracy of 81.9%, and the logistic regression (LR) algorithm screened out seven indicators. Following rigorous selection, a diagnostic model for sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy was established based on heart-type fatty acid binding protein (H-FABP) (OR 1.308, 95% CI 1.170–1.462, P < 0.001) and retinol-binding protein (RBP) (OR 1.020, 95% CI 1.006–1.034, P < 0.05). H-FABP alone exhibited the highest diagnostic performance in both the internal (AUROC 0.689, P < 0.05) and external sets (AUROC 0.845, P < 0.05). Patients with SICM were further stratified based on an H-FABP diagnostic cut-off value of 8.335 ng/mL. Kaplan–Meier curve analysis demonstrated that elevated H-FABP levels at admission were associated with higher 7-day ICU mortality in patients with SICM (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThis study revealed that H-FABP concentrations measured within 24 h of patient admission could serve as a crucial biomarker for the early and rapid diagnosis and short-term prognostic evaluation of SICM.

Does the Uterine Ozone Therapy Alter the Transcript Profile of Anti- and Proinflammatory Genes in Mares With Endometritis?

This study aimed to evaluate the localised effects of intrauterine ozone therapy on endometrial recovery in mares with endometritis. Our investigation assessed changes in gene expression profiles of anti-inflammatory (IL-1RA and IL-10), proinflammatory (IL-R1B3i and TNFα) and pleiotropic (IL-6) cytokines, along with detailed histological measurements of epithelial and endometrial thickness and the glandular area ratio. Twenty mares were assigned to a 2 × 2 factorial design based on endometritis diagnosis and treatment (control or 42 μg/mL ozone insufflation), resulting in four groups: NC (negative for endometritis/control), NO (negative/ozone), PC (positive/control) and PO (positive/ozone). Oestrus was induced with 2 mg of oestradiol benzoate on Days -1, 1 and 3, plus 1 mg on Day 5. Day 0 marked the initial uterine treatment, followed by insufflations on Days 1 and 2 with O3 (ozone) or O2 (control). Uterine biopsies were taken before treatment on Day 0 and Day 6 for histological analysis and gene expression assessment. Data were analysed using a statistical model that included endometritis status, treatment type, biopsy times (D0 and D6) and their interactions, analysed with Proc Glimmix. Regardless of treatment or endometritis status, significant biopsy effects (p < 0.01) indicated increased epithelial height and endometrial thickness in Day 6 samples. Analysis of IL-1 and TNFα revealed a significant interaction (p < 0.05) among endometritis, treatment and biopsy, with higher IL-1B3i expression on Day 6 in the PC group. The treatment effect (p < 0.04) showed a higher frequency (p < 0.01) of animals with positive modulation in the PC group (66.7%) versus the PO group (0.0%). An interaction effect (p = 0.08) between endometritis and treatment resulted from higher IL-1RA expression on Day 6 in the PC group compared to the PO group. Biopsy effect was significant for IL-10 (p < 0.01), indicating higher values in the second sample associated with tissue repair. In the short-term evaluation, ozone therapy did not influence endometrial morphology and may modulate cytokine expression, specifically the reduction in IL-1 and TNFα levels. Therefore, this therapy appears to be a safe and potentially effective treatment for modulating the inflammatory response in mares with endometritis.

On the use of hydrodynamic modelling and random forest classifiers for the prediction of hypoxia in coastal lagoons

Hypoxia is one of the fundamental threats to water quality globally, particularly for partially enclosed basins with limited water renewal, such as coastal lagoons. This work proposes the combined use of a machine learning technique, field observations, and data derived from a hydrodynamic and heat exchange numerical model to predict, and forecast up to 10 days in advance, the occurrence of hypoxia in a eutrophic coastal lagoon. The random forest machine learning algorithm is used, training and validating a set of models to classify dissolved oxygen levels in the lagoon. The Orbetello lagoon, in the central Mediterranean Sea (Italy), has provided a test case for assessing the reliability of the proposed methodology. Results proved that the methodology is effective in providing a reliable short-term evaluation of DO levels, with a high resolution in both time and space throughout an entire lagoon. An overall classification accuracy of up to 91 % was found in the models, with a score for identifying the occurrence of severe hypoxia - i.e. hourly DO levels lower than 2 mg/l - of 86 %. The use of predictors extracted from a numerical hydrodynamic model allows us to overcome the intrinsic limitation of machine learning modelling approaches which rely on input data from relatively few, local field measurements, i.e. the inability to capture the spatial heterogeneity of DO distributions, unless several measuring points are available. The methodological approach is proposed for application to similar eutrophic environments.

Evaluation of the usefulness of non-weight-bearing tunnel view using X-ray in the short term after medial meniscus posterior root tear onset: a retrospective study

BackgroundThis study aimed to examine whether the non-weight-bearing tunnel view X-ray is effective for short-term evaluation of medial meniscus posterior root tear (MMPRT) by assessing the X-ray characteristics at the initial and follow-up visits.MethodsThis was a retrospective longitudinal study of 26 enrolled knees diagnosed with MMPRT on magnetic resonance imaging. The distance between the medial tibial eminence and medial femoral condyle (MTE–MFC distance) and medial tibiofemoral joint (MTFJ) width were measured by obtaining non-weight-bearing tunnel view and frontal view X-ray radiographs. The initial and follow-up values at a median interval of 17 days were compared. Additionally, the correlations between the MTE–MFC distance increase rate and body mass index (BMI), age, femorotibial angle (FTA), and posterior tibial slope (PTS) were evaluated using linear regression analysis.ResultsThe tunnel view images of the initial and follow-up X-rays showed a significant increase in the MTE–MFC distance and a significant decrease in the MTFJ width. Furthermore, a moderate correlation was observed between the change in the MTE–MFC distance and the time interval between X-rays. However, no substantial correlation was observed for the change in the MTFJ width over time. Moreover, no significant correlation was observed between the change in the MTE–MFC distance in the non-weight-bearing tunnel view and BMI, age, FTA, and PTS.ConclusionsThe non-weight-bearing tunnel view is highly beneficial for evaluating MMPRT progression in the short term.

Cognitive outcome after stereo-electroencephalography-guided radiofrequency thermocoagulation in temporal lobe epilepsy.

Stereo-electroencephalography (SEEG)-guided radiofrequency thermocoagulation (RFTC) is being used incrementally in the invasive diagnosis of epilepsy. There is currently a lack of information regarding the potential cognitive consequences of the extended use of this technique. This work describes, for the first time, the cognitive outcomes after RFTC in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), evaluated longitudinally and using a control group. Forty-eight adult patients with drug-resistant unilateral TLE (30 RFTC-treated patients and 18 controls) were evaluated using a comprehensive neuropsychological protocol at baseline. In the RFTC group, two follow-up assessments were performed at 3 months and 1 year. The control group was reevaluated after 1 year. Two analyses were performed: 1) group-level analyses, in which linear mixed models were applied according to TLE lateralization (intragroup and intergroup [RFTC vs control] comparisons), and 2) individual-level analyses, in which the Reliable Change Index (RCI) algorithm was developed and a 90% CI (cutoff ± 1.64) was used to describe neuropsychological outcomes at 1 year post-RFTC. A memory subanalysis was performed in hippocampal RFTC patients (25/30). A Spearman coefficient study was conducted to determine the correlation between cognitive change and thermocoagulated contacts. Left- and right-sided TLE patients treated with RFTC showed cognitive preservation at baseline. At a group level, the short-term evaluation, including verbal and visual memory, language, and executive functions, showed preservation in these domains and no significant differences compared with baseline. In the long-term follow-up assessment (1 year after RFTC), no significant intragroup changes were found, nor were significant changes found in comparison with the control group. The RCI algorithm showed that significant individual cognitive losses and gains were infrequent. Three patients presented with naming deficits, only 1 (3.3%) of whom showed a clinically significant deficit. Significant gains were more prevalent in executive function tests with a speed component (4/20 left-sided RFTC patients). Twenty-five of the 30 (83%) patients were treated with hippocampal RFTC. No patients experienced significant loss in verbal delayed memory in the left-sided RFTC sample or in visual delayed memory in the right-sided RFTC sample. The correlations between cognitive change and RFTC contacts were mostly nonsignificant. In the group-level comparisons, discernible cognitive impairment following RFTC was not evidenced. The majority of patients did not exhibit significant individual declines during the 1-year follow-up period. Notably, the procedural intervention yielded no substantial repercussions on memory functioning following hippocampal RFTC. These findings underscore the evidence supporting the cognitive preservation associated with SEEG-guided RFTC.

Optimizing short-term in-class process evaluation: analyzing the effectiveness of teaching interventions in pharmaceutical education using repeated measures analysis

BackgroundThe assessment of the effectiveness of teaching interventions in enhancing students’ understanding of the Pharmaceutical Care Network Europe (PCNE) Classification System is crucial in pharmaceutical education. This is especially true in regions like China, where the integration of the PCNE system into undergraduate teaching is limited, despite its recognized benefits in addressing drug-related problems in clinical pharmacy practice. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of teaching interventions in improving students’ understanding of the PCNE Classification System in pharmaceutical education.MethodsUndergraduate pharmacy students participated in a series of sessions focused on the PCNE system, including lectures (t1), case analyses (t2), and practical implementation (t3). The levels of understanding were evaluated using time-course questionnaires. Initially, paired samples t-Tests were used to compare understanding levels between different time points. Subsequently, Repeated Measures Analysis (RMA) was employed. Pearson correlation analysis was conducted to examine the relationship between understanding levels and the usability and likelihood of using the PCNE system, as reported in the questionnaires.ResultsThe paired samples t-Tests indicated insignificant differences between t2 and t3, suggesting limited improvement following the practical implementation of the PCNE system. However, RMA revealed significant time effects on understanding levels in effective respondents and the focused subgroup without prior experience (random intercept models: all p < 0.001; random slope models: all p < 0.001). These results confirmed the effectiveness of all three teaching interventions. Pearson correlation analysis demonstrated significant positive correlations between understanding levels and the usability and likelihood of using the PCNE system at all examined time points. This finding highlighted the reliability of the understanding levels reported in the questionnaires. The homework scores were used as external calibration standards, providing robust external validation of the questionnaire’s validity.ConclusionThe implementation of RMA provided robust evidence of the positive impact of time on understanding levels. This affirmed the effectiveness of all teaching interventions in enhancing students’ comprehension of the PCNE Classification System. By utilizing RMA, potential errors inherent in common statistical methods, such as t-Tests, were mitigated. This ensured a more comprehensive and accurate assessment of the effectiveness of the teaching interventions.

Hygrothermal effect and statistical analysis of the interfacial performance of nano and microscale polymer composites

ABSTRACT Hygrothermal exposure significantly impacts polymer composite (PMC) performance, affecting various industries. This study evaluated the short-term hygrothermal effects on PMCs by examining interfacial shear strength (IFSS), water uptake, glass transition temperature (Tg), and morphology. Data-driven techniques minimized experimental time while analyzing multiple factors. Specimens were immersed in water at 25°C and 70°C for 3, 7, and 14 days. The IFSS between carbon nanotube yarns and carbon fiber with epoxy (EPON™ 862) was measured before and after exposure. Statistical analysis indicated that fiber type significantly influenced IFSS, while time had a marginal effect and temperature had no impact. The IFSS decreased by 4.14% for CF/epoxy and 14.9% for CNT/epoxy. Water uptake analysis revealed weight gains of 0.465% and 1.566% for epoxy after 14 days at 25°C and 70°C, respectively. Morphological studies showed moisture penetration between 7 and 14 days. Thermomechanical analysis (TMA) indicated that pristine epoxy expanded by 0.318% of its original height. After 14 days, the Tg of epoxy decreased by 6.4% at 25°C and 9.7% at 70°C. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) on dried epoxy samples showed similar Tg but varied tan delta curves due to plasticization. Short-term hygrothermal evaluation revealed degradation in interface quality and viscoelastic properties.

LSOTB-TIR: A Large-Scale High-Diversity Thermal Infrared Single Object Tracking Benchmark.

Unlike visual object tracking, thermal infrared (TIR) object tracking methods can track the target of interest in poor visibility such as rain, snow, and fog, or even in total darkness. This feature brings a wide range of application prospects for TIR object-tracking methods. However, this field lacks a unified and large-scale training and evaluation benchmark, which has severely hindered its development. To this end, we present a large-scale and high-diversity unified TIR single object tracking benchmark, called LSOTB-TIR, which consists of a tracking evaluation dataset and a general training dataset with a total of 1416 TIR sequences and more than 643 K frames. We annotate the bounding box of objects in every frame of all sequences and generate over 770 K bounding boxes in total. To the best of our knowledge, LSOTB-TIR is the largest and most diverse TIR object tracking benchmark to date. We spilt the evaluation dataset into a short-term tracking subset and a long-term tracking subset to evaluate trackers using different paradigms. What's more, to evaluate a tracker on different attributes, we also define four scenario attributes and 12 challenge attributes in the short-term tracking evaluation subset. By releasing LSOTB-TIR, we encourage the community to develop deep learning-based TIR trackers and evaluate them fairly and comprehensively. We evaluate and analyze 40 trackers on LSOTB-TIR to provide a series of baselines and give some insights and future research directions in TIR object tracking. Furthermore, we retrain several representative deep trackers on LSOTB-TIR, and their results demonstrate that the proposed training dataset significantly improves the performance of deep TIR trackers. Codes and dataset are available at https://github.com/QiaoLiuHit/LSOTB-TIR.

Green Design Parameters in High Rise Building in Hot Humid Climate

Abstract: The term "green building" is used to describe buildings that are designed, constructed and operated, to have a minimum impact on the environment, both indoor and outdoor. Most discussions of green buildings refer to the importance of providing an acceptable, if Not exceptional, indoor environment for the building occupants. However, these discussions of indoor environment quality have Not included many specific recommendations or criteria for building design, construction, or operation. Building projects described as green building demonstrations often make reference to indoor air quality, but these references are often general and qualitative. In addition, rating systems that have been developed to assess the "greenness" of a building are based largely on design features and are Not particularly specific with respect to indoor air quality. This Project reviews the features of indoor air quality that are considered in green building discussions, demonstration projects, and rating systems. These green building features are discussed in terms of their completeness and specificity, and are compared to other guidance on building design, construction, and operation for good indoor air quality. A case study of indoor air quality performance in a green building is presented. This study includes adscription of the indoor air quality features of the building and the results of a short-term indoor air quality evaluation of the building involving ventilation and contaminant concentration measurements

Community engagement for stakeholder and community trust in healthcare: Short-term evaluation findings from a nationwide initiative in Lao PDR

BackgroundTrust remains a critical concept in healthcare provision, but little is known about the ability of health policy and interventions to stimulate more trusting relationships between communities and the health system. The CONNECT (Community Network Engagement for Essential Healthcare and COVID-19 Responses Through Trust) Initiative in Lao PDR provided an opportunity to assess the community-level impact of a trust-building community engagement approach. MethodsA mixed-method process evaluation was implemented from 10/2022–12/2023 among 14 diverse case study communities in four provinces across Lao PDR. Data collection involved two rounds of census surveys (3161 observations incl. panel data from 618 individuals) including an 8-item trust scale, 50 semi-structured interviews with villagers, and 50 contextualizing key informant interviews. The two data collection rounds were implemented before and three months after village-based CONNECT activities and helped discern impacts among activity participants, indirectly exposed villagers, and unexposed villagers in a difference-in-difference analysis. ResultsStakeholders attested strong support for the CONNECT Initiative although community-level retention of trust-related themes from the activities was limited. Quantitative data nevertheless showed that, at endline, the 8-item trust index (from [–8 to +8]) increased by 0.95 points from 4.44 to 5.39 and all trust indicators were universally higher. Difference-in-difference analysis showed that villagers exposed to the CONNECT activities had a 1.02-index-point higher trust index compared to unexposed villagers. Trust impacts improved gradually over time and were relatively more pronounced among men and ethnic minority groups. ConclusionsThe CONNECT Initiative had considerable direct and systemic effects on community members’ trust in their local health centers in the short term, which arose from strong stakeholder mobilization and gradual institutional learning. Relational community engagement approaches have the potential to create important synergies in health policy and broader cross-sectorial strategies, but also require contextual grounding to identify locally relevant dimensions of trust.

The short-term intermittency evaluation of distributed photovoltaic power

Uncertainty of distributed photovoltaic(PV) power brings great challenges to the safe and stable operation of power system, in which the intermittency problem is more challenging than the fluctuation. This paper focuses on the intermittency problem of distributed PV power, firstly, an intermittency evaluation method based on generalized extreme value(GEV) theory is proposed to solve the problem of the lack of "small-sample big-gap" events. Secondly, focusing on high risk events such as high-frequency and warning mutation events, probabilistic evaluation indexes were established, including T-hour-period mutation intensity and T-hour-period mutation frequency. Finally, a two-dimensional joint probability distribution of intermittency elements is established, and the concepts of return period and return level are introduced into the photovoltaic field to provide data support for the configuration of energy storage capacity and duration, and to provide auxiliary decision-making for the execution time and development cycle of interactive projects. The proposed method provides a solution for intermittency evaluation in small sample status quo with strong data compatibility and engineering replicability.

Removal efficiency of restroom ventilation revisited for short-term evaluation

Ventilation efficiency or contaminant removal efficiency is often evaluated using the ratio between the concentrations in the exhaust air and the room air. This ratio does not truly represent the expectation of ventilation in restrooms, where dynamic airflow fields and sources are more typical. This study focuses on a short-term (10 min) pollutant removal percentage in a residential restroom featuring a dynamic airflow field, particularly with the onset of window-induced stack ventilation during toilet uses. Thirteen ventilation scenarios of a residential restroom were studied using the numerical method that was validated by a mock-up experiment. The scenarios differed in the operation of the exhaust fan and window. Results show that the 10-min pollutant removal percentage of a typical exhaust ventilation system at 10 h-1 air change rate (ACH) is only 68.5%. Under exhaust ventilation, opening the window can introduce both adverse short circuit and favorable stack ventilation depending on the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures. As the temperature difference increases from 0 to 12.5 °C, the removal percentage increases from below 50%, a drop due to short circuit, to above 98% thanks to a tripled ventilation rate. The human thermal plume has notable effect on the removal percentage, but its effect can be neglected with the presence of stack ventilation. The hybrid ventilation strategy has impact on perceived air quality and thermal comfort. When the outdoor air is colder, opening the window under exhaust ventilation may increase the current sitting user’s exposure to the self-produced pollutants but can reduce the exposure of the next immediate standing user. In addition, opening the window in cold days will make the toilet user thermally uncomfortable with reduced local temperatures and increased airflow velocities. The study highlights the importance of using the short-term removal percentage to evaluate the performance of restroom ventilation.

Preparation of the pre-service teacher to deliver comprehensive sexuality education: teaching content and evaluation of provision

BackgroundDespite the extensive benefits associated with the provision of comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) within a school context, many initial teacher training programs inadequately prepare pre-service teachers to deliver this content. Programs that do provide such instruction do not routinely share details of their curriculum, syllabi, or evaluation data.MethodsThis paper outlines the structure of an Australian undergraduate course for pre-service teachers that focuses on instruction in CSE. This course spans twelve teaching weeks, aligns with evidence-based principles for sexuality education, prioritises experiential learning and requires students to complete authentic, practical assessment tasks. Formative, process, and short-term impact evaluation data, based upon five years of delivery, are described.ResultsStudents completing this course reported statistically significant improvements in attitudes associated with CSE and comfort in facilitating all domains of learning (knowledge, attitudes, skills).ConclusionsPositive process and short-term impact data provide strong evidence for the provision of CSE to pre-service teachers, regardless of future teaching speciality. Proposed amendments include the creation of a fully online tuition pattern and an expansion of content to incorporate other audiences, such as community-based educators.

Corticosteroid injections for the treatment of osteoarthritis present a wide spectrum of effects ranging from detrimental to disease-modifying: A systematic review of preclinical evidence by the ESSKA Orthobiologic Initiative.

Aim of this systematic review of preclinical evidence was to determine the effects of intra-articular corticosteroid (CS) injections in joints affected by osteoarthritis (OA). A systematic review was performed on animal studies evaluating intra-articular CS injections for OA joints. The search was performed on PubMed, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases. A synthesis of the results was performed investigating CS effects by evaluating studies comparing CS with control groups. Morphological, histological, immunohistochemistry evaluations, clinical outcomes, biomarkers and imaging results were evaluated. The risk of bias was assessed according to the Systematic Review Centre for Laboratory Animal Experimentation's tool. Thirty-two articles analysing CS effects in OA animal models were included (1079 joints), 18 studies on small and 14 on large animals. CS injections showed overall positive effects in at least one of the outcomes in 68% of the studies, while 16% reported a deleterious effect. CS improved cartilage and synovial outcomes in 68% and 60% of the studies, but detrimental effects were documented in 11% and 20% of the studies, respectively. Clinical parameters evaluated in terms of pain, lameness or joint swelling improved in 63% of the studies but deteriorated in 13%. Evidence is limited on imaging and biomarkers results, as well as on the best CS type, dose, formulation and injection protocol. The risk of bias assessment revealed a 28% low and an 18% high risk of bias. Intra-articular CS injections induced a wide range of results on OA joints in experimental animal models, from disease-modifying and positive effects on pain and joint function at short-term evaluation to the lack of benefit or even negative effects. This underlines the need to identify more specific indications and treatment modalities to avoid possible detrimental effects while maximising the anti-inflammatory properties and the benefits of intra-articular CS in OA joints. Level II.

Improved medium-to-short-term earthquake predictions in China in 2022

Every year, China should determine annual seismic hazard regions for earthquakes of magnitude 5.0 and above in Mainland China in the next year. Meanwhile, the short-term earthquake potential in each seismic hazard region is evaluated by monthly analyzing geophysical observations in the same neighborhood and identifying anomalies therein. In 2022, China improved the strategies for these medium-to-short-term earthquake predictions. The annual seismic hazard regions are produced with the optimal methods selected by rigorous tests whose predictions are integrated through the Bayesian formula. And in short-term earthquake potential evaluation, in addition to tracking crucial anomalies, China pays attention to the changes in the number of observed anomalies. The practice in 2022 shows that more than 80% of earthquakes of magnitude 5.0 and above in Mainland China occurred in annual seismic hazard regions. Besides, the largest (M s 6.9 Menyuan, Qinghai) and the most disastrous (M s 6.8 Luding, Sichuan) earthquakes were predicted in both annual and short terms. Some crucial anomalies were observed before these two earthquakes, whose evolutions correlate well with the earthquake time and location. The statistics of the near-field geophysical observations indicate that, prior to the mainshock, the number of anomalies increased significantly and migrated toward the epicenter.