Significant Determining Factor Research Articles

Prevalence of burnout syndrome and associated factors among health care workers at public hospitals in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: Results from a cross-sectional study

Background Burnout is a state of emotional, mental, and physical exhaustion affecting a large number of health care workers. In Ethiopia, there is limited evidence about burnout syndrome and work-related determinant factors among health care workers. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of burnout syndrome and identify the associated risk factors among public hospitals health care workers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2019. Methods Institution-based cross-sectional study design was employed from March 10 to May 13, 2019. Stratified random sampling with simple random sampling techniques was used to select participants. The standardized Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human service survey questionnaire was used to collect the data. Five-hundred twenty-five workers completed and valid questionnaire were entered into Epi Info version 7 and exported to SPSS version 20 for further analysis. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with burnout syndrome. The significant level was obtained at p-value ≤ 0.05. Result The overall prevalence of burnout syndrome among health care workers in this study was found to be 31.6% (n = 166) (95%CI: 27.8, 36). Moreover, 42% (n = 218) of respondents were highly emotionally exhausted. In addition, 43% (n = 224) and 45% (n = 234) of respondents experienced depersonalization and low personal achievement, respectively. Age (AOR = 0.4, 95%CI: 0.2, 0.9), long night shift work (AOR = 3.36, 95%CI: 1.83, 6.2), job satisfaction (AOR = 2.08 95%CI: 1.3, 3.3), and educational level (AOR = 6.33, 95%CI: 2.3–17.5) were factors significantly associated with burnout syndrome. Conclusion This study shows that a high proportion of health care workers suffer from burnout syndrome. Low education level, long night- and day-shift work, and job dissatisfaction are significant determinant factors of burnout syndrome. Therefore, interventions focusing on shift work management, establishing stress management programs, and improving interpersonal relationships and working conditions to increase job satisfaction among health care workers are essential to reduce the problem.

Development of a BoHV-4 viral vector expressing tgD of BoHV-1 and evaluation of its immunogenicity in mouse model.

In recent years, Bovine herpesvirus 4 (BoHV-4) has emerged as an attractive gene delivery viral vector, mainly for vaccination purposes in the veterinary field. In the present study, a new infectious clone of the BoHV-4 genome carrying a bacterial artificial chromosome vector (BoHV-4-BAC) was developed by homologous recombination in mammalian cell culture and bacterial systems, and exploited to express a truncated form of glycoprotein D (tgD) of Bovine herpesvirus 1 (BoHV-1) (BoHV-4-tgD∆TK) as a vaccine candidate. This construct’s immunogenicity was compared to a DNA vector expressing the same antigen (pC-tgD) in a BALB/c mouse model. After the mice were immunized, total and specific antibody responses, cytokine responses, total splenocyte cells proliferation/cytotoxicity, and virus neutralization assays were conducted to analyze the immune response elicited by both constructs. Mice from both vaccine groups developed significant humoral and cellular immune responses after a booster dose regime was conducted on day 28 post-injection. In almost all immunological assays, BoHV-4-tgDΔTK induced as high an immune response as pC-tgD. In both vaccine constructs, neutralizing antibodies were a significant determining factor in protection against BoHV-1, even after the first injection. We conclude that a BoHV-4-based viral vector offers an effective immunization strategy as an alternative to DNA-based immunization platforms, at least to combat BoHV-1.

Ride on Conveniently!

This study investigates the passengers' adoption of a ride-sharing service app (UBER) in Bangladesh. This study employed the most widely used and cited IT adoption model, The Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology-2 (UTAUT2), as the theoretical framework to examine the passengers' adoption of the popular sharing economy tools ride-sharing service applications (i.e., Uber). This study adds a new construct, safety, in the UTAUT2 model. Data were obtained from 206 participants which were analyzed using partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The results indicated that performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, hedonic motivation, and facilitating conditions are the most significant determinant factors of behavioral intention to use the Uber app. In contrast, behavioral intention to use the Uber app is not significantly influenced by price value and safety. Additionally, the theoretical and practical implications of these results are discussed, which elicits the importance for business managers, marketers, and policymakers on sharing economy platforms.

A trust model for collaborative redistribution platforms:A platform design issue

The aim of this research is to gain insight into trust issues within collaborative redistribution platforms (CRPs) by testing the impact of their design on the formation of trust and its subsequent effect on behavioral intentions. A quantitative study was conducted among 216 respondents who had made second-hand purchases on two French websites. Findings show that design features do not all have the same influence on trust in the platform and trust in the seller. Seller reputation has a positive influence on both trust in the seller and trust in the platform. Ease of use and enjoyment influence trust in the seller, while third-party recognition is a determining factor of trust in the platform. Trust in the platform is a significant determining factor of trust in the seller and behavioral intentions are influenced by trust in the platform. Recommendations are suggested to managers to enhance trust within collaborative redistribution platforms (CRPs).

Perceptions of nursing educators and alumni of an effective preparation programme for the Indonesian national nursing licensure examination

<h2>ABSTRACT</h2><h3>Background</h3> Licensure examination is a tool to gauge the nursing competency level. Efforts are made to prepare nursing graduates effectively to improve their pass rate in this examination. <h3>Aim</h3> To describe the components of an effective preparation programme that would enhance the pass rate in the Indonesian national nursing licensure examination (NNCE). <h3>Methodology</h3> A content analysis method using interactive semistructured in-depth interviews to interview randomly selected course coordinators (n = 7), clinical instructors (n = 7), and nursing alumni (n = 6) of the faculty of nursing of a private university in Indonesia. <h3>Findings</h3> The study extracted eight themes perceived by the participants to be the components of an effective preparation programme: (1) preparation programme is integrated into the curriculum, (2) improvement of competency process standard and evaluation, and (3) holistic approach to preparation, (4) active involvement and participation, (5) knowledge and skills specialty, (6) sharp examination-taking skills, (7) strong motivation and confidence, and (8) time commitment. <h3>Discussion</h3> Preparation process is a significant determining factor in the success of the exam takers. The nursing faculty management and educators need to work together to provide a good preparation process. <h3>Conclusion</h3> A proposed effective preparation programme is to be carried out by the educators with the support of the faculty of nursing, as a programme integrated into the academic and internship programmes, and as an intensive programme after the completion of the internship programme. It is recommended that the programme be implemented to evaluate its rigor in real situations.

Review on Adoption of Irrigation and Its Impact on Household Livelihood in Ethiopia

Agriculture remains the mainstay of the Ethiopian economy. However, in the country, traditional rain fed smallholder farmers dominates the agricultural sector. Thus, Ethiopia has a huge potential of water resources. Nevertheless, there is a vast gap between the irrigated area (only about 10% of the total cultivated land) and irrigation potential in the country. In Ethiopia, still about 97% of food crops are produced by traditional rain-fed agriculture. Thus, the agricultural production activity is highly depends on seasonally rain-fed farming practice. Moreover, the adoption of irrigation and its impact on household livelihood which can be used as the major policy issue have not been well reviewed earlier. Therefore, the objective of this review is to identify the factors affecting the adoption of irrigation, and its impact on household livelihoods. The review indicated that age of household head, sex of household head, total livestock unit, land size, education level, family size, market distance from the farmer’s residence, access to a water source and off farm job participation are significant determinants of adoption of irrigation. Institutional factors like credit service, participation in community leadership, access to agricultural input and extension service are also significant determinant factors. Since the adoption of irrigation practice has significant impact in improving household livelihoods, actions should be taken by the farmer’s, extension agents, stakeholders and generally by the Ethiopian government to make a huge improvement on the irrigation farming in the country.

Bone quality in adults with severe motor and intellectual disabilities.

ObjectiveTo determine bone quality in adults with severe motor and intellectual disabilities.DesignA retrospective cohort study.PatientsBone quality of 60 patients with severe motor and intellectual disabilities (28 men, 32 women; mean age 57 years) at a long-term care facility for adults was examined retrospectively.MethodsQuantitative ultrasonography was used to measure the stiffness index, T-score and Z-score of the calcaneus. A multiple linear regression model, including sex, age, anti-epileptic drug use, tube-feeding status, and current and peak physical abilities, was used to identify significant predictors of T-scores.ResultsQuantitative ultrasonography revealed that all patients had lower bone quality (based on T-scores, Z-scores, and stiffness index), and all patients had T-scores with standard deviations (SD) below 1.8. Current physical ability, age, and anti-epileptic drug use were significant factors in T-score determination, while tube-feeding and peak physical ability were not. The ability to walk without assistance was the most significant predictor in quantitative ultrasonography.ConclusionSeverely low bone quality is observed in patients with severe motor and intellectual disabilities; and it is strongly associated with current physical activity. It is important that patients with severe motor and intellectual disabilities preserve their physical abilities to prevent osteoporosis- related fractures.LAY ABSTRACTFractures are common in adults with severe motor and intellectual disabilities. This study assessed the bone quality of 60 individuals from young adult to advanced age. All patients had low bone quality from a young age, and current physical ability, age, and anti-epileptic drug use were factors affecting bone quality, while tube-feeding and peak physical ability were not. Severely low bone quality in patients with severe motor and intellectual disabilities is strongly associated with current physical activity levels. It is very important for patients with severe motor and intellectual disabilities to increase and preserve their physical activities and abilities, respectively, to prevent osteoporosis-related fractures.

A test of subjective security and post adoption consumption alternation related to M-payment system among expatriates in China

China, the second-largest economy in the world, has been an eye-catching destination for several foreigners who wish to live and study there. As they are beneficiaries of the Chinese advanced digital payment system, subjective security in using the mobile payment system and the subsequent change in their consumption intention has been a behavioral concern that perplexes scholars. Using SEM, we integrated the technology acceptance model (TAM) with two Subjective security Constructs (perceived confidentiality and perceived trustworthiness) to determine their impact on the system's adoption intention. At the same time, we evaluated the change in consumption intention using one factor (post-adoption consumption intention). A self-administered questionnaire based on prior literature was developed, and a total of samples of 260 foreigners who are extensive users of mobile payment were engaged. The study revealed that once again, TAM's model constructs (perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use) are dominant factors of adoption intention. While one of the subjective security constructs (perceived trustworthiness) was found to be a significant decisive determinant factor, the other one (perceive confidentiality) was found to be a negative but insignificant factor in mobile payment adoption intention among the expatriates. Moreover, this study provides insight into the digital payment system and its impact on influencing consumption intention beyond adoption. Key words: Technology acceptance model (TAM), subjective security, consumption behavior, expatriates.

Prevalence of hypertension and its determinants in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Hypertension is a major public health problem globally and it is a leading cause of death and disability in developing countries. This review aims to estimate the pooled prevalence of hypertension and its determinants in Ethiopia. A systematic literature search was conducted at the electronic databases (PubMed, Hinari, and Google Scholar) to locate potential studies. Heterogeneity between studies checked using Cochrane Q test statistics and I2 test statistics and small study effect were checked using Egger's statistical test at 5% significance level. Sensitivity analysis was checked. A random-effects model was employed to estimate the pooled prevalence of hypertension and its determinants in Ethiopia. In this review, 38 studies that are conducted in Ethiopia and fulfilled the inclusion criteria with a total number of 51,427 study participants were reviewed. The overall pooled prevalence of hypertension in the country was 21.81% (95% CI: 19.20-24.42, I2 = 98.35%). The result of the review also showed that the point of prevalence was higher among males (23.21%) than females (19.62%). When we see the pervasiveness of hypertension from provincial perspective; the highest prevalence of hypertension was observed in Addis Ababa (25.35%) and the lowest was in Tigray region (15.36%). In meta-regression analysis as the mean age increases by one year, the likelihood of developing hypertension increases by a factor of 0.58 times (β = 0.58, 95% CI: 0.31-0.86, R2 = 36.67). Male sex (OR = 1.29, 95% CI: 1.03-1.61, I2 = 81.35%), age > 35 years (OR = 3.59, 95% CI: 2.57-5.02, I2 = 93.48%), overweight and/or obese (OR = 3.34, 95% CI: 2.12-5.26, I2 = 95.41%), khat chewing (OR = 1.42, 95% CI: I2 = 62%), alcohol consumption (OR = 1.50, 95% CI: 1.21-1.85, I2 = 64%), family history of hypertension (OR = 2.56, 95% CI: 1.64-3.99, I2 = 83.28%), and family history of diabetes mellitus (OR = 3.69, 95% CI: 1.85-7.59, I2 = 89.9%) are significantly associated with hypertension. Hypertension is becoming a major public health problem in Ethiopia. Nearly two out of ten individuals who are older than 18 years living with hypertension. Sex, age, overweight and/or obese, khat chewing, alcohol consumption, and family history of hypertension and diabetes mellitus are statistically significant determinant factors for hypertension in Ethiopia. Primary attention should be given for behavioral risk factors to tackle the alarming increase of hypertension in Ethiopia.

Obesity Determinants and the Policy Implications for the Prevention and Management of Obesity in Indonesia

The prevalence of overweight and obesity in adult groups in Indonesia experience a surge compared to the previous year. The obesity determinants are classified as complex, and they can differ between regions. Appropriate policies, in accordance with determinants, play an important role in efforts to reduce the prevalence of obesity. This study aimed to identify the determinant factors for overweight and obesity in Indonesia and policies that supported a decrease in the prevalence of overweight and obesity based on the significant determinant factors found. The data sources were from the Ministry of Health, Statistics Indonesia, and the Ministry of Agriculture for 33 provinces in Indonesia. The literature regarding policy analysis was sought on Google, the IPB University repositories, related ministry websites, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and MEDLINE. The multiple regression analysis was performed to identify the determinants of overweight and obesity while the Five-E approach was used to analyze related policies. The simple regression analysis showed that the consumption of animal source foods (p=0.001), oil and fat consumption (p=0.006), the proportion of the population with low physical activity (p=0.01), the average study duration (p=0.001), total per capita expenditure (p=0.000), food (p=0.001) and non-food expenditure (p=0.000), and share of food expenditure (p=0.005) had significant effects on the proportion of adulthood overweight and obesity. Only oil and fat consumption (p=0.02) still had a significant positive effect on the proportion of overweight and obesity after performing the multiple regression analysis. Vegetable consumption (p=0.03) also had a significant negative effect on the proportion of overweight and obesity after being included in the multiple regression model. The Healthy Community Movement (HMC or known as GERMAS in Indonesia) policy and the inclusion of fat content into food labels are policies for preventing and managing overweight, which are conducted related to consumption of vegetables, fat, and oil. The effectiveness of the policy is still not optimal even though the policy is efficient. An improvement of the policy implementation needs to be conducted by optimizing the implementation of follow-up monitoring and evaluation of the implementation of program policies.

COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION AND PARTICIPATION (THE ROLE OF VILLAGE COUNCIL AND PARTICIPATION IN PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT OF PPMK AT SOUTH CIPINANG BESAR VILLAGE, DKI JAKARTA)

Amid the debate of whether community-based organizations created by the government can increase citizen participation in public affairs, by conducting a case study on Village Council formed by the DKI Jakarta Provincial Government, this research aimed to investigate the way this organization works and whether this organization can increase citizen participation. This study used a mixed method to achieve research objectives. The result indicated the minimal role of the Village Council in encouraging citizen participation. The ability of community organization to establish a quality relationship with citizens become a significant determining factor for inviting citizens to participate. However, it is not enough because the context of the existence of community organizations also determines the ability of community organizations to play their roles such as the construction of legal formal and construction of relationships built between a community organization and the arena of policymaking.

Public Spaces as an Invaluable Resource for Delivering Healthy and More Equitable Cities and Communities

The state of our cities and towns is a significant determining factor of the health and wellbeing of most of the world’s population in the twenty-first century. Cities and towns have become the epicentre of the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has put to test the current urban development model including mobility, urban form, urban food systems and local economy. Cumulative social, economic and environmental inequalities reinforced by chronic spatial injustice have shaped exposure, vulnerability and ultimately, the risk and outcome of non-communicable, and infectious diseases. In the same context, green and public spaces have emerged as an infrastructure of opportunity to build back better, especially in low income and minority communities. This article looks at the impacts, responses and pathways for future-proofing cities and human settlements through green, and public spaces.

Comparative Evaluation of Biofilm Adhesion to Different Types of Archwire and Microbiological Colonization During Orthodontic Treatment

Objective: To evaluate the biofilm adhesion to 4 types of ‘as retrieved’ archwires during orthodontic treatment. To compare biofilm formation by viable cell counting (colony-forming units [CFU]) of microbes ( Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans). Methods: The study was conducted on 40 patients who were divided into 4 equal groups based on the type of archwire of same cross-section (0.019" × 0.025"): group 1—copper-nickel titanium (Cu-NiTi); group 2—titanium molybdenum alloy (TMA); group 3—stainless steel (SS); and group 4—aesthetic coated SS. After 1 month of fixed orthodontic therapy, the archwires were removed carefully from the oral cavity. Results: Biofilm absorbance and biofilm concentration were significant ( P ≤ .05) in all the 4 groups. Conclusion: The group 2 wire showed the maximum affinity for biofilm absorbance and biofilm concentration, whereas the group 4 wire showed the least affinity. The group 4 wire promoted less retention of oral bacteria compared with the wires of the other groups, whereas the group 1 wire showed maximum retention. In the present study, all types of wire showed maximum affinity for S mutans and the least affinity for C albicans, except for the group 1 wire, which showed maximum affinity for S aureus. Biofilm adhesion could be a significant determining factor in the selection of orthodontic archwire for patients primarily at risk of dental caries or periodontal diseases, or both.

The Functional Role of Interface Tissue Engineering in Annulus Fibrosus Repair: Bridging Mechanisms of Hydrogel Integration with Regenerative Outcomes.

Hydrogels are extraordinarily versatile by design and can enhance repair in diseased and injured musculoskeletal tissues. Biological fixation of these constructs is a significant determinant factor that is critical to the clinical success and functionality of regenerative technologies for musculoskeletal repair. In the context of an intervertebral disc (IVD) herniation, nucleus pulposus tissue protrudes through the ruptured annulus fibrosus (AF), consequentially impinging on spinal nerve roots and causing debilitating pain. Discectomy is the surgical standard of care to treat symptomatic herniation; however these procedures do not repair AF defects, and these lesions are a significant risk factor for recurrent herniation. Advances in tissue engineering utilize adhesive hydrogels as AF sealants; however these repair strategies have yet to progress beyond preclinical animal models because these biomaterials are often plagued by poor integration with AF tissue and lead to large variability in repair outcomes. These critical barriers to translation motivate this article to review the material composition of hydrogels that have been evaluated in situ for AF repair, proposed mechanisms of how these biomaterials interface with AF tissue, and their functional outcomes after treatment in order to inform the development of new hydrogels for AF repair. In this systematic review, we identify 18 hydrogel formulations evaluated for AF repair, all of which demonstrate large heterogeneity in their interfacing mechanisms and reported outcome measures to assess the effectiveness of repair. Hydrogels that covalently bond to AF tissue were found to be the most successful in improving IVD biomechanical properties from the injured state, but none were able to restore properties to the intact state suggesting that new repair strategies with innovative surface chemistries are an important future direction. We additionally review biomechanical evaluation methods and recommend standardization in the field of AF tissue engineering to establish mechanical benchmarks for translation and ensure clinical feasibility.

The High Prevalence of Negative Hepatitis B Surface Antibody (Anti-HBs) among Pregnant Women in Bandung, Indonesia: A Community-Based Study.

Background Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a disease that creates a high global burden by affecting approximately 3.5% of the total world population. The main transmission of this disease is from mother to child (MTCT). HBV vaccination program was already initiated in Indonesia in 1987. However, after three decades, the HBV infection prevalence stays stagnant. This study aimed to explore the seroprevalence of HBV markers and the attributable risk factors of pregnant women at risk of transmitting HBV to their offspring. Method A cross-sectional study was conducted on pregnant women from primary midwifery and obstetric clinics across Bandung, Indonesia, to assess the HBsAg, anti-HBc, and anti-HBs serological markers. Questionnaire-based interviews were used to obtain the sociodemographic determinants. Logistic regression was applied to assess the association of each determinant factor to positive HBsAg or negative anti-HBs as a dependent variable, which was then reported as odds ratios (OR). Results A total of 196 subjects were recruited with 12/196 (6.1%) of them were positive HBsAg. After exclusions of those with positive HBsAg and anti-HBc, 24/175 (13.7%) women were isolated as positive anti-HBs, leaving 151/175 (86.3%) women with negative anti-HBs who were susceptible to HBV infection. Low body mass index (BMI) less than 18.5 kg/m2 was a risk factor for positive HBsAg with OR = 5.850 (95% CI 1.466-23.34), p = 0.012. Nevertheless, no significant determinant factor was associated with negative anti-HBs. Conclusion Most pregnant women in Bandung, Indonesia, are susceptible to HBV infection, as marked by the negative anti-HBs status.

Sleep timing and hygiene practices of high bedtime procrastinators: a direct observational study.

Bedtime procrastination (BP) has been proven to be an important indicator of sleep insufficiency from a psychological perspective. However, the effect of BP on sleep patterns related to sleep deficiency remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of self-reported sleep timing and hygiene practices between high and low-moderate bedtime procrastinators. It also aimed to examine the relationship between these characteristics and high level of BP. A total of 391 Chinese college students were recruited for this study. Participants completed questionnaires on demographics, sleep timing variables, the Sleep Hygiene Practice Scale (SHPS) and the Bedtime Procrastination Scale (BPS). High bedtime procrastinators were more likely to have higher SHPS global and subdomain scores (Ps < 0.001). They also were more likely to exhibit later sleep onset, sleep offset and rise time on both weekdays and weekends (Ps < 0.01). The significant independent determinant factors of the prevalence of high BP were: SHPS total score [odds ratio (OR) = 1.05, P < 0.001], arousal-related behaviour (OR = 1.07, P = 0.007), sleep schedule and timing (OR = 1.12, P < 0.001) and sleep onset on weekdays (OR = 2.65, P < 0.001). High bedtime procrastinators showed maladaptive sleep-related variables, which mainly manifested as changes in arousal-related behaviour and sleep schedule and timing, as well as delays in sleep onset time on weekdays. The findings could help guide the formulation of appropriate interventions in primary health care.

Hematological detraining-related changes among elderly individuals with high blood pressure

The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of detraining on physical performance, blood pressure, biologic and anthropometric variables of hypertensive elderly individuals, grouped by two levels of previous physical activity. A total of 87 elderly individuals (70 to 93 years old) with systolic/diastolic blood pressure levels above 120/80 mmHg who participated during 18 non-consecutive months in 2 years in physical exercise programs offered in northern Portugal communities were included in the study. Tests were performed before and after three months of no exercise. Attendance to the exercise sessions, hematological markers, cardiorespiratory function, and anthropometric variables were assessed. The results were analyzed according to the fulfillment of the WHO recommendations on moderate physical activity (at least 150 minutes/week). Weight, total cholesterol, and glucose were influenced by the amount of physical activity performed previously to the detraining period. After the detraining period, the total cholesterol, glucose, insulin, and weight had significant differences influenced by the amount of physical activity previously performed (p<0.05). The number of minutes per week of aerobic and resistance exercise training over 18 non-consecutive months was not a significant determinant factor in the development of hypertension during the three months of detraining.

Application of smart electronic systems, firm characteristics and efficient energy consumption – a case of public universities in Uganda

PurposeThe purpose of the study is to examine the relationship between the application of smart electronic systems, firm characteristics and efficient energy consumption: a case of public universities in Uganda.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopted both quantitative and qualitative approach as well as descriptive cross-sectional survey design tantamounting to an experimental-observation approach. A sample of four public academic universities were explored using primary data. A semi-structured questionnaire together with an evaluation form and a tested experimental kit (from one of the leading electronics centres in Uganda) was used to examine the consumption rates of different electronic appliances of less than 30 Amps. Further, a Pearson product moment correlation (r) analysis was also used to determine the direction of a relationship among the variables together with a linear relationship (regression) to predict a linear association of one or more variables. Recommendations were also given.FindingsSmart electronic systems make a significant determining factor to both firm characteristics (age, number of students, administrative staff and support staff) as well as efficient energy consumption. Nonetheless, there is no significant difference of efficient energy consumption as far as firm characteristics are concerned.Research limitations/implicationsResults support the contributions of the theory of technology and acceptance model by affirming that a number of factors influence the usefulness and ease of use of the smart electronic systems, which in turn influence energy consumption.Practical implicationsUniversities' management should endeavour to install smart electronic systems. But still, government should try to lower taxes on smart electronic systems and genuine agents should be named for easy and affordable access of the users, universities inclusive.Originality/valueThe study contributes towards a theoretical position by affirming the usefulness of technology acceptance model for efficient energy consumption in public universities.Peer reviewThe peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-02-2019-0083

Acute pulmonary embolism in patients with obstructive sleep apnea: frequency, hospital outcomes, and recurrence.

The objectives of this study were to assess the effect of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) on the risk of acute pulmonary embolism (PE), hospital outcomes including mortality, and PE recurrence. We retrospectively enrolled adult patients, admitted to Mayo Clinic Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota, within a 5-year period (2009-2013). We compared frequency of PE, hospital mortality, and secondary outcomes in patients with OSA versus patients without OSA. We assessed risk of PE recurrence in relation to compliance with OSA therapy. Of 25,038 patients, 3,184 (13%) had OSA and 283 (1.1%) experienced PE. Frequency of PE in patients with and without OSA was 2.4% versus 0.9% (odds ratio [OR], 2.51; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.9-3.3; P < .001). OSA was independently associated with increased risk of PE after adjusting for demographics and comorbidities (OR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.07-1.9; P = .017). Adjusted hospital mortality was increased in patients with PE (OR, 2.88; 95% CI, 1.7-4.9; P < .001) but not in patients with OSA (OR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.7-1.4, P = .92). OSA was not a significant determining factor for mortality in patients who experienced a PE (OR, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.1.1-2.78; P = .47), adjusting for demographics, PE severity, and Charlson comorbidity index. Adjusted risk of PE recurrence was greater in patients with OSA compared with patients without OSA (OR, 2.21; 95% CI, 1.05-4.68; P < .04). The patients compliant with OSA therapy had a lower rate of PE recurrence (16% vs 32%; P = not significant). Although OSA significantly increases risk of acute PE occurrence and recurrences, related hospital mortality was not greater in patients with OSA compared with those without OSA. OSA therapy might have a modifying effect on PE recurrence.

The correlation of circulating miR-29b and inflammatory markers with albuminuria in hypertensive patients

ABSTRACT Aims Circulating miR-29b and inflammatory process play a vital role in hypertension and hypertensive nephropathy. The aim of the present study was to investigate the association of circulating miR-29b and inflammatory markers with albuminuria and assess the predictive value of circulating miR-29b for albuminuria in essential hypertension. Methods This cross-sectional study was continuously enrolled 150 subjects and were divided into three groups based on random urinary albumin/creatinine ratio (UACR, mg/g), the patients with ACR<30 mg/g were classified as normal albuminuria, the values of 30< ACR<300 was defined as micro-albuminuria while the group with ACR over 300 mg/g are macro-albuminuria. Circulating miR-29b was assessed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Multivariate logistic regression and area under the ROC curve (AUC) were used. Results We found miR-29b, C-reactive protein, and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) in macro-albuminuria group were significantly higher than those in the micro-albuminuria and normal albuminuria group. The level of miR-29b was positively associated with TGF-β1, C-reactive protein, and UACR, while negatively related to glomerular filtration rate. Circulating miR-29b was a significant independent determinant factor for albuminuria. Conclusion Our results provided a clinical evidence of a positive association between circulating miR-29b, inflammatory markers, and UACR, and implied miR-29b was a significant independent determinant factor for albuminuria.