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Applicability of need for orientation scales in network agenda-setting: a methodological exploration
No full textThis study explores the applicability of both traditional and contemporary Need for Orientation (NFO) scales within the framework of Third-level (Network) Agenda-Setting (NAS), focusing on Syrian refugees in Türkiye. It delves into the concept of NFO, which revolves around individuals’ propensity to engage with news content, particularly in the context of NAS. Although the underlying concept remains consistent, there exists a technical challenge in analyzing the NFO scales within the NAS model. This challenge arises from the need to amalgamate the public’s mind maps into matrices, as required by the NAS model, while their NFO scale responses remain distinct entities. Thus, this study offers a distinctive perspective by proposing a strategy for integrating individual NFO scale responses into the matrix-based NAS model. This involves establishing a cohesive analytical framework that ensures the seamless alignment of NFO and NAS, representing an innovative approach not previously explored in the literature. The analysis includes a wide array of media outlets and nationally representative public opinion data. While the strategy employed in this research yielded some significant outcomes, further testing in diverse contexts is essential to validate its efficacy. Implications and the challenges inherent in integrating NFO into the NAS context are discussed.<br/
What lies behind mycotoxin presence in animal feed? A case study
No full textThis study investigates seasonal trends and correlations among different mycotoxins in animal feed, employing time series analysis and Seasonal-Trend Decomposition using LOESS (STL) to uncover patterns and relationships. Data collected from Food Fortress, covering 2014–2024, include feed for ruminants, pigs, and poultry. The analysis reveals that seasonality accounts for less than 15% of the variability in mycotoxin levels, suggesting a limited seasonal influence. High deoxynivalenol (DON) concentrations in ram feed were attributed to specific management practices, while persistent DON levels in pig and poultry feed highlight the need for enhanced interventions. A strong correlation between DON and zearalenone (ZEN) was identified in pig and poultry feed. Over the study period, aflatoxin levels exhibited a slight increase, potentially linked to evolving climatic conditions, whereas DON and ZEN levels showed a slight decline. Furthermore, an inverse correlation between aflatoxin and ochratoxin levels suggests competitive interactions among fungal species, such as Aspergillus and Penicillium. These findings provide valuable insights into the intricate interactions of seasonal factors, management practices, and fungal ecology shaping mycotoxin contamination in animal feed. The study emphasizes the need for advanced mitigation strategies, including predictive modeling and artificial intelligence, to monitor and manage mycotoxin risks effectively at the regional level, ensuring feed safety and quality in the face of evolving environmental and management challenges.</p
Cost utility analysis of antibiotics compared with operative treatment in uncomplicated acute appendicitis
No full textAppendicitis is the most common acute abdominal condition affecting general surgical practice. Recently, conservative treatment with antibiotics has been considered as an alternative. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate if antibiotics could be cost-effective compared to laparoscopic appendectomy or open appendectomy. A prospective study was undertaken to estimate health-related quality of life for antibiotic and operative treatment, and to ascertain costs in a cohort. A societal perspective incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) at 1 year after surgery was estimated. A probabilistic sensitivity analyses was performed. ICERs were estimated comparisons between individual antibiotics, laparoscopic appendectomy, and open appendectomy in uncomplicated acute appendicitis. Antibiotics showed improved cost savings compared to operative treatments with an ICER of -113,973.09 USD per quality adjusted life year at 1 year. Based on one year findings, antibiotics represent a lower cost treatment option with better cost-utility compared to operative treatment options in uncomplicated acute appendicitis patients. As such, antibiotic treatment can be initially considered as an alternative option where resources are limited to minimize complication rates associated with operative treatments.<br/
Improving the oral health of older people in care homes: results from a randomised feasibility study
No full textObjectivesPoor oral health is a considerable burden for older adults in care homes. The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) issued guideline NG48 on “Improving oral health in care homes”. However, empirical evidence for oral health interventions among care home residents is weak, and the feasibility of the NG48 recommended interventions is not established. This study aimed to determine the feasibility of delivering a co-designed oral health intervention, based on NG48 recommendations, in care homes in two sites in the UK.MethodsThis was a pragmatic cluster randomised controlled feasibility study with a 12-month follow-up, undertaken in 22 care homes across two sites (11 each in London and Northern Ireland). Care homes were randomised to an intervention arm (n = 11), and a control arm (n = 11) that continued with usual routine practice. The complex intervention contained materials were co-designed with care home staff and consisted of: care home staff training package; Oral Health Assessment Tool (OHAT) administered by trained care home staff; and a support worker assisted twice daily tooth-brushing regimen with 1500 ppm fluoride toothpaste. Rates of recruitment and retention, data completion, and intervention fidelity were recorded to determine feasibility.ResultsOne-hundred-and-nineteen residents from 22 care homes were recruited and 82 residents from 19 care homes completed the study (retention: 86% for care homes and 69% for residents). Twenty residents were lost to follow-up and another 17 withdrew throughout the study. Data completion rates ranged between 88% and 97% at baseline and between 91% and 96% at the 12-month follow-up. Intervention fidelity records showed high completion rates for oral care plans (90%), and lower rates for weekly oral hygiene records (73%) and the OHAT (61%).ConclusionsThis study documented the feasibility of an oral health intervention in care homes, while also highlighting issues to consider for a definitive trial to assess the effectiveness of the co-designed intervention
Exploring risk factors causing delays in mega project in Gulf region: an industrial qualitative approach
No full textPurpose: The aim of this study is to investigate and offer varied insights into the risk factors contributing to delays in mega construction projects in the Gulf region by understanding the region’s unique nature and addressing the gaps in the existing regional risk landscape. Design/methodology/approach: Firstly, conducting a comprehensive review of previous literature from 2018 to 2023 to examine the unique risk landscape in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Secondly, applying a Qualitative approach, data were collected by conducting semi-structured interviews with 25 experts who were carefully selected based on their extensive experience and engagement in construction projects in the Gulf, focusing on questions related to the risk factors causing delays in mega construction projects in the region. Lastly, data analysis by employing thematic analysis to extract patterns and themes from the collected data. Findings: The analysis unveiled 6 main themes and 12 sub-themes, encompassing 140 risk factors. Of these, 54 risk factors, accounting for almost 38% of the identified risk factors, were newly identified, filling the gap in the GCC risk landscape. These risk factors include the absence of 3D modelling/Building Information Modelling (BIM), issues associated with the testing and commissioning process, and deficiencies in developing a Project Management Information System. Originality/value: The study differs from previous research in three keyways. Firstly, the previous papers just list the risk factors without providing any clarifications or causes of these risk factors, while this study, with the utilisation of the thematic analysis, offers deep insights into the risk factors and provides a comprehensive understanding of the causes and impacts of each risk factor as shown in the findings section and Appendix I. Secondly, the previous studies didn’t consider the project phases in categorising the risk factors, while this study categorising the risk factors into six groups that represent the elaboration of the project from the commencement to the testing and commissioning, which allows the stakeholders to focus on ensuring the success of each phase. Thirdly, the study introduces 40 new risk factors, thereby making a novel contribution to the existing body of literature on construction project delays in the Gulf region, addressing the gaps in the regional risk landscape and the evolution of the construction industry.</p
Automated dynamic image analysis for particle size and shape classification in three dimensions
No full textWe introduce OCULAR, an innovative hardware and software solution for three-dimensional dynamic image analysis of fine particles. Current state-of-the art instruments for dynamic image analysis are largely limited to two-dimensional imaging. However, extensive literature has demonstrated that relying on a single two-dimensional projection for particle characterisation can lead to inaccuracies in many applications. Existing three-dimensional imaging technologies, such as computed tomography, laser scanning, and orthophotography, are limited to static objects. These methods are often not statistically representative and come with significant post-processing requirements, as well as the need for specialised imaging and computing resources. OCULAR addresses these challenges by providing a cost-effective solution for imaging continuous particle streams using a synchronised array of optical cameras. Particle shape characterisation is achieved through the reconstruction of their three-dimensional surfaces. This paper details the OCULAR methodology, evaluates its reproducibility, and compares its results against X-ray micro computed tomography, highlighting its potential for efficient and reliable particle analysis
The unexpected harms of artificial intelligence in healthcare: reflections on four real-world cases
No full textINTRODUCTION: Rapid advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI), especially with large language models, present both opportunities and challenges in healthcare. This article analyzes real-world AI-related harms in healthcare.METHODS: We selected four recent AI-related incidents from the AIAAIC Repository.RESULTS: The incidents discussed include: Whisper's harmful hallucinations; UNOS's algorithm delaying transplants for black patients; the WHO's S.A.R.A.H. chatbot providing inaccurate health information; and Character AI's chatbot promoting disordered eating among teens.DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: These incidents highlight diverse risks, from misinformation to safety concerns, involving both industry and institutional providers. The article emphasizes the need for systematic reporting of AI-related harms, concerns about security, privacy, and ethics, and calls for a centralized health-specific database to enhance patient safety and understanding.</p
Controlled quantum anonymous publication
No full textIn the shift toward the quantum computing era, the foundational principles of classical cybersecurity, particularly in the realm of cryptographic algorithms, are facing unprecedented challenges. This demands comprehensive reevaluation and redesign of cryptographic infrastructures to withstand quantum adversarial attacks. With the emergence of the quantum Internet, a new approach to secure communication is possible, utilizing quantum properties that have no counterpart in classical systems. As the quantum Internet facilitates the exchange of quantum information, data publication protocols become essential in anonymizing and protecting privacy-sensitive data in quantum communication networks. This paper proposes two controlled quantum anonymous communication (QAC) protocols for publishing classical and quantum information on an Internet server (IS) with the assistance of a communication service provider. The first protocol allows for the controlled publication of classical information without revealing the publisher’s identity such that an adversary, even with access to all network resources, cannot trace the publication source—i.e., achieving perfect untraceability. The second protocol enables anonymous publication of quantum information on an IS in a controlled and untraceable manner. These protocols serve as essential building blocks for advancing the quantum Internet, which has the potential to transform communication and information exchange methods. We provide a detailed anonymity analysis of these QAC protocols for data publication, ensuring that the published symbol or qudit information remains untraceable to its publisher. Moreover, the performance analysis in terms of publication error probability, fidelity, and degree of anonymity in noisy environments demonstrates the robustness of the protocols against noise and adversarial attacks