Test Center Research Articles

Cyberchondria, Health Literacy, and Perception of Risk in Croatian Patients with Risk of Sexually Transmitted Infections and HIV-A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background: The perception of the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is a well-researched phenomenon, but not in relation to cyberchondria and health literacy. Therefore, our aim was to examine the association between the assessment of the risk of sexually transmitted diseases and HIV, cyberchondria, and health literacy. Materials and methods: This study was conducted in 2020-2021 in Croatia. The experimental group consisted of patients from the Centre for Voluntary Counselling and Testing for HIV (N = 134). The control group consisted of other patients recruited from daily epidemiological practices (N = 171). The instruments that were used were questionnaires that measure the perception of risk of sexually transmitted infections and HIV, health literacy, and cyberchondria. Results: Out of 305 respondents, 134 (43.9%) were in the STI counselling group, and 171 (56.1%) were in the control group. Generally, the participants in the former perceived the risk of sexually transmitted infections and HIV to be higher (but still low) than those in the latter. There was no difference in health literacy between the STI and control group; the health literacy score was average in both groups. There were differences in almost all the cyberchondria factors, except for Mistrust. Health literacy, belonging to the STI counselling group, and risk behaviours were positively associated with CH in the logistic regression analysis. Conclusions: People with a risk for STIs tend to minimize this risk, have higher cyberchondria levels, and have average health literacy. Cyberchondria is positively associated with health literacy, and more education about excessive health-related internet research is needed.

Malignant Hyperthermia.

A narrative expert review aiming to summarize the clinical epidemiology and management of critically ill patients with malignant hyperthermia (MH). Medline searches were conducted to identify relevant articles describing the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and management of MH. Guidelines from key MH organizations were also incorporated into this review. Relevant studies regarding MH in both ICU and perioperative settings were reviewed. Data from relevant studies were summarized and qualitatively assessed. MH is a severe reaction triggered by inhalational volatile anesthetics and succinylcholine in genetically susceptible patients. The condition is characterized by an early onset (min to hr) rise in temperature, hypercarbia, and muscular rigidity following exposure to triggering medications with potential complications of coagulopathy, rhabdomyolysis, and acute kidney injury. Acute management necessitates a coordinated multidisciplinary team approach with specific management using dantrolene, active cooling, and hyperventilation. A suspected MH reaction has important implications for future anesthetic exposure for both the patient and their family. All suspected reactions should be followed up at a specialized MH testing center using muscle contracture and genetic testing. Increasing use of inhalational anesthetics in the ICU underscores the need for enhanced education on the diagnosis and management of MH to ensure optimal patient sedation care and safety.

Effectiveness of virtual reality training compared to balance-specific training and conventional training on balance and gross motor functions of children with cerebral palsy: A double blinded randomized controlled trial.

The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical efficacy of a virtual reality rehabilitation-based training (VRT) with balance-specific training (BST) and conventional training (CT) on the balance and gross motor functions (GMF) of children with cerebral palsy (CwCP). This study was a double blinded, randomized controlled trial. Participants were recruited from different CP rehabilitation centers and clinics and were then randomly allocated using the block randomization method into three groups: (1) group 1 (VRT using a set of Xbox 360 games that triggered balance), (2) group 2 (BST applying a protocol of 13 exercises to enhance balance in different conditions), and (3) control group 3 (CT using traditional physiotherapy techniques). All groups received 18 sessions over six weeks, three sessions per week, each lasting 60 minutes. Participants were assessed at three timepoints (baseline, post-treatment, and follow-up) using the Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS), the Gross Motor Function Measure (GMFM D & E), the Five Times Sit-To-Stand Test, and upper and lower segments' center of mass (COM) displacement (UCOM and LCOM). A total of 46 CwCP participated in this study. The repeated measures ANOVA revealed a statistically significant difference between groups in the dependent variables, except for the GMFM (D & E) and the PBS (p < 0.05 and partial η2 = 0.473). The post-hoc test showed a statistically significant difference in favor of the VRT group compared to other groups in terms of right UCOM (p < 0.05) with a large effect size of the time*group interaction (partial η2 = 0.87). Moreover, there was a statistically significant effect of time (i.e., baseline to post-treatment and baseline to follow-up) with F (18, 23) = 59.954, p < 0.05, Wilks' lambda = 0.021, partial η2 = 0.979. The findings revealed that VRT was not superior to BST in the rehabilitation of balance and GMF in CwCP aged four to 12 years. However, when compared to CT, better results were reported. Furthermore, it appears that customized programs lead to greater improvements in balance than commercial programs. Future studies are needed to assess the physiological effects of the three types of rehabilitation interventions using more advanced measurement tools, such as functional magnetic resonance imaging, following VRT protocols.

Prevalence of Paid Sex and Associated Factors Among Women and Men Attending HIV Voluntary Counseling and Testing in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo: A Prospective Cohort

Paid sex is associated with HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, which are highly prevalent in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). However, few data exist on this sexual practice among the general population in SSA, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where data on paid sex mainly comes from sex workers. In the DRC, most HIV Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) centers do not discuss paid sex as a risk factor. Thus, we aimed to analyze the prevalence of paid sex, its associated factors and association with HIV among women and men attending HIV VCT at a reference hospital in Kinshasa. From 2016 to 2018, the Observational Kinshasa AIDS Initiative cohort analyzed the impact of HIV VCT on changes in HIV knowledge, attitudes, and sexual behaviors at follow-up. Participants aged 15–69 years were HIV tested and interviewed at baseline and at 6- and 12-month follow-ups. At baseline, participants were asked about their history of “ever” having had exchanged sex for money. At both follow-ups, the frequency of this practice was referred to as “the previous 6 months.” Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate logistic regression analyses were carried out to evaluate the prevalence of paid sex, its associated factors, and the association between paid sex and HIV. Statistical analyses were performed with Stata 15.1. Among 797 participants at baseline, 10% of those sexually experienced reported having ever had paid sex (18% men and 4% women, p < 0.001). At 6 and 12-month follow-ups, 5% and 2%, respectively. Paid sex was significantly and independently associated with being male (aOR = 2.7; 95% CI = 1.4–5.2), working or studying (aOR = 2.8; 95% CI = 1.5–5.0), daily newspaper reading (aOR = 4.4; 95% CI = 1.7–11.2); daily/weekly alcohol consumption (aOR = 3.3; 95% CI = 1.8–6.1), first sexual intercourse before age 15 years (aOR = 2.3; 95% CI = 1.1–5.0), multiple sexual partners (aOR = 4.1; 95% CI = 2.2–7.7), and extragenital sexual practices (aOR = 2.4; 95% CI = 1.3–4.4). A high religiosity (daily/weekly church attendance and praying) was inversely associated with paid sex (aOR = 0.1; 95% CI = 0.0–0.4). The high prevalence of paid sex among people attending HIV VCT in Kinshasa, associated with other sexual and consumption risk behaviors, highlights the need to include paid sex among the risk factors mentioned in HIV prevention counseling.

Burden of rare genetic disorders in India: twenty-two years’ experience of a tertiary centre

BackgroundRare disorders comprise of ~ 7500 different conditions affecting multiple systems. Diagnosis of rare diseases is complex due to dearth of specialized medical professionals, testing labs and limited therapeutic options. There is scarcity of data on the prevalence of rare diseases in different populations. India being home to a large population comprising of 4600 population groups, of which several thousand are endogamous, is likely to have a high burden of rare diseases. The present study provides a retrospective overview of a cohort of patients with rare genetic diseases identified at a tertiary genetic test centre in India.ResultsOverall, 3294 patients with 305 rare diseases were identified in the present study cohort. These were categorized into 14 disease groups based on the major organ/ organ system affected. Highest number of rare diseases (D = 149/305, 48.9%) were identified in the neuromuscular and neurodevelopmental (NMND) group followed by inborn errors of metabolism (IEM) (D = 47/305; 15.4%). Majority patients in the present cohort (N = 1992, 61%) were diagnosed under IEM group, of which Gaucher disease constituted maximum cases (N = 224, 11.2%). Under the NMND group, Duchenne muscular dystrophy (N = 291/885, 32.9%), trinucleotide repeat expansion disorders (N = 242/885; 27.3%) and spinal muscular atrophy (N = 141/885, 15.9%) were the most common. Majority cases of β-thalassemia (N = 120/149, 80.5%) and cystic fibrosis (N = 74/75, 98.7%) under the haematological and pulmonary groups were observed, respectively. Founder variants were identified for Tay-Sachs disease and mucopolysaccharidosis IVA diseases. Recurrent variants for Gaucher disease (GBA:c.1448T > C), β-thalassemia (HBB:c.92.+5G > C), non-syndromic hearing loss (GJB2:c.71G > A), albinism (TYR:c.832 C > T), congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CYP21A2:c.29–13 C > G) and progressive pseudo rheumatoid dysplasia (CCN6:c.298T > A) were observed in the present study.ConclusionThe present retrospective study of rare disease patients diagnosed at a tertiary genetic test centre provides first insight into the distribution of rare genetic diseases across the country. This information will likely aid in drafting future health policies, including newborn screening programs, development of target specific panel for affordable diagnosis of rare diseases and eventually build a platform for devising novel treatment strategies for rare diseases.

ANALISIS KELAYAKAN INVESTASI PROYEK PENGADAAN ALAT PENGEMBANGAN CHAMBER BALAI UJI DENGAN MENGGUNAKAN NET PRESENT VALUE, INTERNAL RATE RETURN DAN PAYBACK PERIOD DI PT DEF

PT DEF is one of the electronic equipment calibration checking companies in Depok, West Java. PT DEF carries out various checks in the activity chamber to support the successful entry of electronic equipment into Indonesia. The Anechoic Chamber is a chamber designed to absorb electromagnetic waves or sound so that environmental conditions outside the room will not affect the conditions inside the chamber. The Anechoic Chamber. An anechoic chamber is a chamber designed to minimize the reflection of sound waves. This space is lined with thick sound-absorbing material to prevent sound waves from bouncing off the walls, ceiling and floor. This allows accurate measurement of the acoustic characteristics of an object or sound. Anechoic chambers are used in various applications Acoustic research Anechoic chambers are used to research acoustic phenomena, such as sound wave propagation and diffraction. Investment. The anechoic chamber calculation uses Net Present Value (NVP), Internal rate of return (IRR), and Payback Period (PBP). The feasibility of investing in a project to procure test center chamber development equipment can be determined based on the calculation of Net Present Value, Internal Rate of Return and Payback Period. . Based on the results of the NPV calculation, the results obtained were IDR 1,030,241,369,221. So, this investment project can be accepted. Based on the IRR calculation results, the result was 14.803%, meaning that the company's rate of return was greater than the interest rate that the company had to bear. This shows that in the 10th period the company will be able to provide profit results at the level of 14.803%, which is the cutting level. Therefore, the results of this analysis provide investment decisions that are worth implementing. Based on the calculation of the payback period, the Payback Period is less than the maximum amount (10) that can be accepted by the Payback Period, the project can be accepted and continued. In other words, more or less the return on capital from this investment is 8 months

Determinants of High HIV Infection Prevalence in Vijayapura, Bagalkot, and Belagavi Districts in Karnataka, India.

Introduction India has the second-highest number ofpeople living withhuman immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV). Despite the national decline in the prevalence of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) from 2000 to 2021, regional variations persist, particularly in the northeastern and southern states. High-risk populations, including female sex workers (FSW), men who have sex with men (MSM), and injecting drug users (IDU), significantly contribute to these dynamics. This study focuses on high-prevalence districts in Karnataka. Objectives This study aims to identify socioeconomic and behavioral factors associated with high HIV prevalence in high-burden districts of South Indian states. Methodology A cross-sectional study was conducted using data from Integrated Counseling and Testing Centers (ICTCs) and Designated STI/RTI (sexually transmitted infections/reproductive tract infections) Clinics (DSRCs) across 24 centers in the three districts. The centers were determined using a simple random sampling method. Data from 2501 HIV-positive individuals were analyzed, focusing on demographics, risk behaviors, and treatment history. Results Males constituted the majority of HIV cases, accounting for 448 (56.0%) in Vijayapura, 334 (51.4%) in Bagalkot, and 644 (61.1%) in Belagavi districts, with a significant portion referred by government hospitals. High HIV prevalence was linked to adults aged 25-49 years of age; the number of people with HIV was high among daily wage workersand individuals with multiple sexual partners compared to married and educated people. Newly diagnosed discordant couples ranged from 129 (12.2%) in Belagavito 133 (18.4%) in Vijayapuradistricts. Most patients were on first-line antiretroviral therapy (ART), with loss to follow-up attributed to system negligence and poor compliance. Conclusion Key determinants of high HIV prevalence include gender, age, marital status, socioeconomic status, and sexual behavior. Effective interventions require targeted education, improved healthcare services, robust surveillance, and strengthened collaboration among stakeholders.

Prevalence of congenital color vision deficiency (CCVD) among drivers in United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Purpose: This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of color vision deficiency (CVD) and create awareness about the burden of CVD among drivers. Methodology: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study of 3486 participants (men, n = 2789) who applied for/renewed their drivers’ licenses in Al Ain City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE). All drivers had their visual acuity (VA) and color vision measured using standard procedures and the data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: The overall prevalence of CVD was 3.13% (95% CI: 2.59–3.75). No participants had visual impairment (best-corrected distance VA worse than 6/18) and no female driver had CVD. The prevalence of CVD among the male drivers was 3.91% (95% CI: 3.25–4.69), and more among the younger drivers (18–29 years). Conclusion: Although the prevalence of CVD was low, to ensure inclusivity and the safety of all road users in the UAE, it is recommended that traffic lights and road signs that mainly use connotative color coding be adapted to include denotative clues which can be interpreted by drivers with CVD. A prospective study in all approved eye testing centers for drivers should be conducted to obtain representative CVD data of drivers in the UAE.

Cycle threshold (Ct)values of SARS-CoV2 vary with the type of symptoms and comorbidities of the patients.

Literature depicts no association of cycle threshold values for SARS-CoV-2 with the patient's demographics or clinical history. However, the severity of the COVID-19 symptoms showed some associations with Ct values in previous studies. We aimed to study the relationship of Ct values with type of the symptoms and comorbidities of the patients. We examined the individuals (n = 8660) that consulted a private diagnostic center for COVID-19 testing. Nasopharyngeal samples were collected from the patients and SARS-CoV-2 was detected by RT-PCR assays using Sansure Biotech kit. Clinical and demographic information was collected by the attending healthcare professional. The differences between groups were analyzed by t-test (unpaired). P-values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. We found that the mean age of asymptomatic patients (41.47 ± 17.01 years) and symptomatic patients (47.75 ± 17.51) varies significantly (p value < 0.0001). Among the most prevalent symptoms were fever (77.74%) and cough (66.46%). The Ct values of COVID-19 patients with symptoms (25.70 for Orf1ab, 24.25 for N gene) were significantly lower than the Ct values of the patients without symptoms (28.99 for Orf1ab, 28.17 for N gene) (p value < 0.0001). Patients having co-occurrence of cough with fever (24.67 for Orf1ab, 22.86 for N gene) and solely fever (25.12 for Orf1ab, 24.01 for N gene) showed significantly lower Ct values than the patients without symptoms (28.99 for Orf1ab, 28.17 for N gene, p value < 0.0001). However, this difference was independent of patients sex and dependent upon patient's age and SARS-CoV-2 detected gene. The most prevalent comorbidities among COVID-19 patients were blood pressure (64.7%) and diabetes (50.5%). The patients having blood pressure and diabetes together showed significantly lower Ct values (23.37 for Orf1ab, 23.33 for N gene) than patients without comorbidities (27.65 for Orf1ab, 26.75 for N gene, p value < 0.001). We conclude that the Ct values of the SARS-CoV-2 detected gene (either Orf1ab or N) is associated with the types of symptoms and comorbidities of the COVID-19 patients. Furthermore, the relationship between Ct values and symptomology or comorbidity of the patients is independent of patient's sex but dependent upon patient's age and SARS-CoV-2 detected gene.

Why COVID-19 Symptomatic Patients Did Not Seek Healthcare Service at the Early Phase of the Pandemic in Bangladesh: Evidence From a Cross-Sectional Study.

Objective The health-seeking behavior (HSB) of patients during an outbreak is crucial in mitigating the spread of disease. Poor HSB can increase mortality and make contact tracing more difficult. In this study, we aimed to examine the status of HSB among Bangladeshi educated individuals during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic when infection was spreading quickly, and social distancing measures were tightened across the country. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey online among Bangladeshi individuals using a virtual snowball sampling method to capture suspected COVID-19 patients who did not undergo COVID-19 diagnostic testing.Descriptive and inferential analyses were performed with statistical significance defined as p<0.05. Results The study consisted of 390 participants with 44.9% having a bachelor's degree, followed by 25.9% with a master's or PhD degree. Commonly reported symptoms among the participants included fever (77.7%), cough (50.5%), headache (46.2%), body pain (36.4%), sore throat (35.6%), anosmia (31.3%), anorexia (13.8%), diarrhea (11.4%), and dyspnea (11.3%). The most common reasons for not taking the COVID-19 test were limited testing facilities (48%), the risk of infection from the test center (46%), fear of social stigma (19%), considering COVID-19 infection as innocuous (18%), and fear of forced quarantine (5%). In regression analysis, participants who lived in rural areas were found to be 2.5 times more likely to buy medications from nearby pharmacies. Males were more likely to self-medicate, with male participants being 3.2 times more likely than female participants to consider COVID-19 infection as harmless (AOR: 3.2, CI: 1.28-7.98). Smokers were more likely to seek help from government hotlines and to use drugs at home. Respondents with higher monthly income were less likely to fear forced quarantine (AOR: 0.27, CI: 0.4-2.02) but more likely to consider the risk of infection at the test center (AOR: 1.75, CI: 0.88-3.49). Conclusion Our study highlights that non-compliance with public health guidelines by educated people during an epidemic indicates a general lack of health literacy and distrust in the healthcare system. Along with improved infrastructure, efforts to enhance public health risk communication and health literacy are necessary to rebuild public trust in the healthcare service.

Combined effects of functional task training with electrical stimulation on motor abilities and balance in children with diplegia

BackgroundChildren with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy (CP) often demonstrate gluteus medius weakness that causes balance deficits and frequent falling during walking.PurposeThe aim of the study was to evaluate the combined effects of functional task training with electrical stimulation of bilateral hip abductor muscles on motor abilities (standing and walking) and balance in children with spastic diplegic CP.MethodsThirty children with diplegic CP of both sexes whose ages ranged from 7 to 10 years were assigned randomly into two equal groups. For both groups, motor abilities were assessed by gross motor function measure (GMFM), and balance (static and dynamic) was assessed by the humac balance system before and after the study. The control group received a functional training program focusing on standing walking and balance exercises. While children in the study group received the same functional training program with bilateral electrical stimulation of gluteus medius muscles for 50 min. The treatment program for both groups was conducted for 3 sessions/week for 8 weeks.ResultsThere were statistically significant differences between the control and study group post-treatment in GMFM as well as the center of pressure test and weight shift test in favor of the study group (p < 0.05).ConclusionUsing functional task training with electrical stimulation for treatment of children with spastic diplegic CP have significant effects on improving their motor abilities and balance that suggests using it in rehabilitation for these children.

TUBERCULOSIS AND ITS ASSOCIATION WITH CD4+T CELL COUNT AND VIRAL LOAD AMONG HIV POSITIVE PATIENTS IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Methods: The present study was a prospective study conducted from April 2022 to March 2023 in 4551 patients. Samples of 238 patients newly diagnosed with HIV attending Integrated Counselling and Testing Centre (ICTC), Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India and registered for Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) were taken. 5 ml of blood sample was collected aseptically and tested for HIV. The 238 HIV-positive samples were tested for CD4 counts at presentation and after 6 mo using flow cytometry (Sysmex Partec CyFlow Flow cytometer). They were further subjected to real-time RT-PCR to detect viral load at 6 mo follow-up. Results: Out of 238 HIV-positive cases, predominant gender being males with 140 (58.82%) and the predominant age group was 31-40 y. At 6 mo follow-up, 19 patients (8%) were diagnosed as having TB. The mean CD4 counts at baseline and after 6 mo of antiretroviral therapy (ART)) was 296±229 and 436±271 cells/mm3 (p value of&lt;0.001) for entire study group. The mean baseline CD4 count in patients who were not diagnosed with TB at the time of follow-up and those who were diagnosed as having developed TB was 307±232 cells/mm3 and 167±135 cells/mm3 respectively. At six mo follow-up, 32(14.6%) HIV patients who did not develop TB and 8(42.1%) patients who developed TB still had their CD4 counts&lt;200 cells/mm3. This was statistically significant with a p value=0.019. Significant difference was not found between the two subgroups as the HIV-only group had 192(87.7%) patients and 16(84.2%) patients from newly diagnosed TB patients had their viral loads below detection levels. Conclusion: low CD4 counts at the baseline was a high-risk factor for the development of tuberculosis in HIV patients. The viral load values at 6-month follow-up did not prove to be significantly linked to the development of tuberculosis.

The impact of the COVID-19 vaccination programme on symptomatic and severe SARS-CoV-2 infection during a period of Omicron variant dominance in Ireland, December 2021 to March 2023.

BackgroundAs Ireland prepared for an autumn 2023 COVID-19 vaccination booster campaign, there was concern that vaccine fatigue would affect uptake, which has been abating.AimThis study aimed to quantify the direct impact of the COVID-19 vaccination programme in Ireland on averted COVID-19-related outcomes including symptomatic presentations to primary care/community testing centres, emergency department (ED) presentations, hospitalisations, intensive care unit (ICU) admissions and deaths, in individuals aged ≥ 50 years, during Omicron dominance.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective observational COVID-19 vaccine impact study in December 2021-March 2023 in Ireland. We used national data on notified outcomes and vaccine coverage, as well as vaccine effectiveness (VE) estimates, sourced from the World Health Organization's live systematic review of VE, to estimate the count and prevented fraction of outcomes in ≥ 50-year-olds averted by the COVID-19 vaccination programme in this age group.ResultsThe COVID-19 vaccination programme averted 48,551 symptomatic COVID-19 presentations to primary care/community testing centres (36% of cases expected in the absence of vaccination), 9,517 ED presentations (53% of expected), 102,160 hospitalisations (81% of expected), 3,303 ICU admissions (89% of expected) and 15,985 deaths (87% of expected).ConclusionsWhen Omicron predominated, the COVID-19 vaccination programme averted symptomatic and severe COVID-19 cases, including deaths due to COVID-19. In line with other international vaccine impact studies, these findings emphasise the benefits of COVID-19 vaccination for population health and the healthcare system and are relevant for informing COVID-19 booster vaccination programmes, pandemic preparedness and communicating the reason for and importance of COVID-19 vaccination in Ireland and internationally.

Recovery of low carbon FeCr alloy using sensor-based separation

The recovery of low-carbon FeCr alloy at Ferbasa's metallurgical unit in Pojuca is a crucial process involving the separation of the metallic alloy from the slag generated during smelting. This study investigates the application of sensor-based sorting (SBS) technology to optimize this recovery. Tests conducted at the STEINERT Latin America Testing Center utilized X-ray transmission (XRT) sensors combined with 3D laser sensors, demonstrating efficacy in distinguishing between alloy and slag particles based on density differences. The results indicated that with only 4% of the mass, it is possible to recover more than 11% of the metal, focusing on particles with an average grade above 23% Cr2O3. The implementation of this technology could increase the mass recovery of the alloy by 3.5% compared to the current process, optimizing resources and improving the efficiency of the existing magnetic separation process. It is concluded that SBS technology, particularly the combination of XRT and 3D laser, is a promising solution to enhance the recovery of FeCrBC alloy.

Программный комплекс для дифференциальной оценки риска здоровью населения от воздействия шума железнодорожного и автомобильного транспорта

Objective: in the modern world, the number of vehicles on the roads is growing exponentially, and the infrastructure either remains unchanged or is changing, but it is not happening as fast as we would like [1]. Long-term effects of noise exposure, such as disorders of the cardiovascular system (high blood pressure, myocardial infarction, coronary heart disease, etc.), the nervous system (sleep disorder, cognitive impairment, vegetative vascular dystonia), diseases of the ear and mastoid process (conductive and sensorineural hearing loss), depression and other mental disorders [2, 3, 4], are more related to indicators that sum up the noise exposure over a long time. Both when conducting tests by accredited specialists and when choosing housing for buyers, you have to rely on an analytical or practical way to assess the noise pollution of a room. In order to provide a person with a simple and objective way to assess noise pollution, a software package has been developed that allows assessing the impact of noise pollution from transport on public health. Methods: quantitative risk assessment was carried out in accordance with the methodological recommendations of MP 2.1.10.0059-12 “Assessment of public health risk from exposure to traffic noise”. Results: in order to automate calculations, unify the evaluation of results and reduce time costs, the authors propose a software package for differential assessment of public health risks from exposure to rail and road transport. The end product is a user-friendly, cross-platform application for operational risk assessment in the field for employees of test centers who measure noise from known sources of automobile, railway or combined traf fic flows. Practical importance: convenience and optimization of risk processing by noise measurements by employees of noise measurement laboratories using the application.

Effects of temporary access to environmental enrichment on measures of laboratory mouse welfare

Laboratory mice are typically housed in “shoebox” cages with limited opportunities to engage in natural behaviour. Temporary access to environments with increased space and complexity (playpens) may improve mouse welfare. Previous work by our group has shown that mice are motivated to access and use these environments, but it is unknown how other aspects of welfare are impacted. Female C57BL/6J, BALB/cJ, and DBA/2J mice (n = 21; 7 mice per strain) were housed in mixed-strain trios and given temporary access to a large playpen with their cage mates three times per week. Control mice (n = 21; 7 mice per strain) remained in their home cages. Home cage behaviour (development of stereotypic behaviour over time, aggression following cage-changing) and anxiety tests were used to assess how playpen access impacted welfare. Contrary to our predictions, we found increased time spent performing stereotypies in playpen mice; this difference may be related to negative emotional states, increased motivation to escape the home cage, or active coping strategies. Playpen access resulted in strain-dependent improvements in aggression and some measures of anxiety. Aggression was lower for C57BL/6J mice in the playpen treatment following cage changing than it was for C57BL/6J control mice, while playpen mice, and particularly the C57BL/6J strain, spent more time in the center of the open field test and produced fewer fecal boli during anxiety testing, supporting other research showing that strain differences play an important role in behaviour and stress resiliency.

Analyze QRF model for soil organic carbon map building with digital soil mapping (case study: Sumatra island and Java island)

Abstract In the current era of global warming, soil organic content is one of the most important soil properties. The goal of the entire globe is for carbon neutrality to be achieved and regularly assessed. It is hoped that a dynamic, quick and effective soil organic carbon mapping method will be able to distribute the presence of soil organic carbon to support calculations for changes in carbon stocks and carbon sequestration so that carbon neutrality can be achieved. Digital Soil Mapping (DSM) recently has become the ultimate framework for accurately representing spatial distribution based on its quantitative result and uncertainty analysis. These advantages allow DSM to be replicated uniquely in each mapped area. Digital soil mapping requires input in the form of laboratory and field observation results that are spatially modeled using machine learning techniques. Field observations and laboratory data for Sumatra and Java Island from the Indonesian Center for Agricultural Land Resources Standard Testing (1970-2022) were used in this study, and the results were modeled using Quantile Regression Forests (QRF) in the R Software. Evaluation results from this model with 5738 observation points covering a 47.3 million-hectare-sized island of Sumatra and 3398 observation points covering a 12.8 million-hectare-sized island of Java show an RMSE value of 0.78 with a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.31 for Sumatra Island and RMSE value of 0.68 with a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.71 for Java Island. These findings indicate that the neighborhoods for the organic carbon content on the islands of Sumatra and Java differ quite noticeably. This may be due to the relatively wide range in some soils in the Sumatra region, which are peat soils with relatively high carbon content values compared to regions in Java where mineral soils predominate. In conclusion, the evaluation results for digital mapping with the QRF model for soil organic carbon content in Indonesia referring to these 2 large islands show good results with sufficient coefficients of determination in mineral soil areas and there is a need a different modeling approach in areas where peat soil predominates.

Целесообразность создания пилотной площадки по отработке безопасной эксплуатации технико- технологических средств для освоения длительнозамерзающих акваторий арктических морей

The Russian sector of the Arctic shelf to the east of the Kara Sea has been very poorly studied by seismic exploration and drilling. It is conditioned by several causes, one of which is the short ice-free period in combination with the remoteness from the shore bases, which significantly hampers operations making them extremely expensive and resource-consuming. The development of natural resources in conditions specific to the Kara Sea and to the east of it is restricted by the depths of the use of ice-resistant platforms and remoteness from the shore bases for subsea production systems. Various experts consider the perspective solutions of the implementation of subsea manned and unmanned drilling and production systems as concepts. At the same time, the existing technologies and the deep drilling technique are creatively reconsidered; the conclusion regarding the inapplicability of the currently used solutions for subsea wellhead drilling has been made. A specific focus has been made on the safety of the future oil and gas production facilities in the Arctic, considering both the operation of highly hazardous and complex manned underwater engineering facilities and the current strained geopolitical situation and the threats of terrorism. It is supposed that testing of perspective engineering solutions and technologies will be more efficient not only in conditions of plant testing laboratories and centers but also at the test site with maximally realistic conditions of the future operation. The analysis of potential test sites in accordance with selected criteria has chosen the Murmansk gas field in the southeast part of the Barents Sea as a prospective facility. Due to the large scale and complexity of the long-term challenge (20–30 years), a conclusion is made about the role of the state as an initiator and coordinator of the project involving the oil and gas companies concerned (Rosneft, Gazprom), scientific centers, and equipment manufacturers.

Assessment of geographical accessibility to COVID-19 testing facilities in Nepal (2021)

Ensuring equitable physical access to SARS-CoV-2 testing has proven to be crucial for controlling the COVID-19 epidemic, especially in countries like Nepal with its challenging terrain. During the second wave of the pandemic in May 2021, there was immense pressure to expand the laboratory network in Nepal to ensure calibration of epidemic response. The expansion led to an increase in the number of testing facilities from 69 laboratories in May 2021 to 89 laboratories by November 2021. We assessed the equity of physical access to COVID-19 testing facilities in Nepal during 2021. Furthermore, we investigated the potential of mathematical optimisation in improving accessibility to COVID-19 testing facilities. Based on up-to-date publicly available data sets and on the COVID-19-related daily reports published by Nepal's Ministry of Health and Population from May 1 to November 15, 2021, we measured the disparities in geographical accessibility to COVID-19 testing across Nepal at a resolution of 1km2. In addition, we proposed an optimisation model to prescribe the best possible locations to set up testing laboratories maximizing access, and tested its potential impact in Nepal. The analysis identified vulnerable districts where, despite ramping up efforts, physical accessibility to testing facilities remains low under two modes of travel-walking and motorized driving. Both geographical accessibility and its equality were better under the motorised mode compared with the walking mode. If motorised transportation were available to everyone, the population coverage within 60min of any testing facility (public and private) would be close to threefold the coverage for pedestrians within the same hour: 61.4% motorised against 22.2% pedestrian access within the hour, considering the whole population of Nepal. Very low accessibility was found in most areas except those with private test centres concentrated in the capital city of Kathmandu. The hypothetical use of mathematical optimisation to select 20 laboratories to add to the original 69 could have improved access from the observed 61.4% offered by the laboratories operating in November to 71.4%, if those 20 could be chosen optimally from all existing healthcare facilities in Nepal. In mountainous terrain, accessibility is very low and could not be improved, even considering all existing healthcare facilities as potential testing locations. The findings related to geographical accessibility to COVID-19 testing facilities should provide valuable information for health-related planning in Nepal, especially in emergencies where data might be limited and decisions time-sensitive. The potential use of publicly available data and mathematical optimisation could be considered in the future. WHO Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR).

Presenteeism Among Healthcare Professionals (HCP) During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Survey of Perceived Barriers

Background: Presenteeism when ill in healthcare personnel (HCP) can contribute to the spread of respiratory illness among HCP and patients. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic and now, there are substantial challenges preventing HCP from staying home when ill. We examined these challenges using the Systems Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety (SEIPS) framework. Method: As part of a larger anonymous electronic survey between 3/11/2022 and 4/12/2022 at an academic tertiary referral center, in inpatient and ambulatory settings where respondents were asked to describe factors impacting presenteeism when ill, we analyzed free-text responses using the SEIPS categories of tasks, tools/technology, person, organization, and physical environment. Result: 522 comments were received in response to the open-ended survey question asking individuals to describe any factors that would assist them in remaining home and/or help them get tested for COVID-19 when they have symptoms of a respiratory illness; 21 were excluded due to absent or incomplete response. Of the remaining responses (N = 501, Figure 1), 82% were associated with a single SEIPS component such as organization (N = 409), while other responses discussed factors that involved two SEIPS components, in no particular order (N = 92). A majority of the responses (N = 324, 55%) reported organizational barriers, frequently citing a strict sick call-in policy as well as a lack of protected time-off for COVID-19 testing or related absences. The next two most commonly identified components were physical environment (N= 88, 15%) and tasks (N = 72, 12%), mentioning barriers such as far distances to testing centers and prolonged waiting periods for testing Results: The person and tools/technology components were less commonly identified, with a frequency of 9% each. Conclusion: A number of systems level factors were identified that may impact the ability of HCP to stay home when ill. Interventions to help overcome HCP perceived barriers to staying home when experiencing respiratory symptoms should focus on the policies and practices within an organization. Communication from leadership should support staying home with respiratory symptoms by creating plans for coverage and back up consistently across all employee types in direct care.