F1000Research最新文献

{"title":"Association between Hematological Parameters and Severity of COVID-19 disease.","authors":"Gokul Krishnan, Shubhada Karanth, Sudha Vidyasagar, Archit Aggarwal, Anurupa Udupi, Suresh Karanth, Shivashankara Kaniyoor Nagri","doi":"10.12688/f1000research.148734.2","DOIUrl":"10.12688/f1000research.148734.2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>This study aimed to determine the relationships between hematological parameters- hemoglobin, Total Leucocyte Counts (TLC), platelet counts, Absolute Neutrophil Counts (ANC), Absolute Lymphocyte Counts (ALC), Neutrophil Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR), Systemic Immune Inflammatory Index (SII), Neutrophil Monocyte Ratio (NMR), Platelet Lymphocyte Ratio (PLR) and the severity of COVID-19 disease and their use in predicting severity of COVID-19 disease.</p><p><strong>Methods and material: </strong>This was a prospective, observational, single-center study of 573 symptomatic adult inpatients of COVID 19 admitted to our tertiary care center.</p><p><strong>Statistical analysis used: </strong>The above-mentioned hematological parameter levels were noted and compared between the two categories of COVID-19 disease, namely non-severe and severe COVID-19 using logistic regression methods. Their cut-off values were detected using the ROC curve.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The median TLC, ANC, NLR, SII, NMR, PLR were notably higher in patients with severe COVID-19 than in those with non-severe COVID-19. Logistic regression analysis showed that NMR (OR=1.029, p=0.006) and ALC (OR=0.999, p=0.002) were statistically significant independent predictors of COVID-19 severity.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The hematological parameters mentioned, can be used for predicting severe COVID-19 disease at admission. ALC and NMR levels could be used as hematological markers to predict severity of COVID-19 in adult patients with their cut off values being < 1105 cells/cubic millimeter and > 10.434 respectively.</p>","PeriodicalId":12260,"journal":{"name":"F1000Research","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-11-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11472279/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142461519","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Data on selfـــefficacy  and its sources during the COVID-19 crisis:  A Saudi auditor's perspective.","authors":"Saeed Rabea Baatwah, Ali Ali Al-Ansi, Mahfoudh Hussein Mgammal","doi":"10.12688/f1000research.146067.2","DOIUrl":"10.12688/f1000research.146067.2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Auditors during COVID-19 experienced an unprecedented situation, in which normal audit activities were difficult to conduct. Moreover, COVID-19 forced auditors to introduce a new audit approach, \"remote auditing,\" which was not common in most audit firms and required the adoption of more advanced technologies. Overall, auditors during the COVID-19 pandemic needed both cognitive and technical factors to deliver high-quality audits. Despite these challenges, research on how auditors deal with these issues is limited, presenting an intriguing area of study.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This dataset provides insights into Saudi auditors' experience and beliefs regarding audit activities during COVID-19. Through an online survey, researchers collected data from 193 of 417 registered auditors with the Saudi Organization for Chartered and Professional Accountants (SOCPA). The survey assessed auditors' self-efficacy in conducting audits during the pandemic and explored its sources and potential moderating factors. Specifically, the dataset includes responses to eight items related to self-efficacy, 19 items covering four common sources of self-efficacy (mastery experience, vicarious experience, social persuasion, and physiological/emotional states), and six items assessing virtual audit competency. Additionally, the dataset contains demographic information that is valuable for researchers analyzing the relationship between auditor self-efficacy, its sources, and other influencing factors.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Overall, the dataset included in this study may serve a broader audience and be useful in improving several stakeholders' understanding of the effects of COVID-19 on auditors and how auditors assess their ability to adapt to COVID-19 consequences. This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by highlighting the need for auditors to adapt to new circumstances and adopt innovative approaches during challenging times, thereby ensuring the delivery of high-quality audits.</p>","PeriodicalId":12260,"journal":{"name":"F1000Research","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-10-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11538592/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142589875","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Comparison of the efficacy of aescin and diclofenac sodium in the management of postoperative sequelae and their effect on salivary Prostaglandin E2 and serum C-reactive protein levels after surgical removal of impacted mandibular third molar: a randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trial.","authors":"Anuroop Singhai, Rajanikanth Kambala, Nitin Bhola","doi":"10.12688/f1000research.145643.3","DOIUrl":"10.12688/f1000research.145643.3","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Surgical removal of an impacted third molar is one of the most common oral surgical procedures performed in dental offices. The postoperative phase is often associated with severe inflammation. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are usually prescribed to manage postoperative discomfort. NSAIDs have been associated with gastrointestinal bleeding, renal function disturbances, and platelet count reductions. Thus, the present study demonstrates the utility of aescin in managing postoperative discomfort after the surgical removal of impacted mandibular third molars.This study aimed to correlate and compare the impact of aescin and diclofenac on salivary PGE2 levels and serum C-reactive protein levels after surgical extraction of the mandibular third molar. The study will also evaluate and compare the effectiveness of individual drug therapy in managing postoperative pain, swelling and mouth opening.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The planned study is a single-center, double-blind, randomized, parallel, prospective clinical trial. Each patient will be prescribed either diclofenac sodium 150 mg/day or aescin (escin) 120 mg/day to be taken orally in divided doses for five days after surgically removing the impacted mandibular third molar.Pain will be assessed using a visual analog scale. Facial swelling and mouth opening will be recorded using a metric scale with standardized reference points. ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) will be employed to measure salivary Prostaglandin E2 and serum C-reactive protein levels. All parameters will be recorded preoperatively (T0) on the second postoperative day (T1) and fifth postoperative day (T2).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The proposed study is expected to show a clinically acceptable response to the administration of aescin for the management of postoperative discomfort compared to diclofenac sodium after third molar surgery.The proposed study is expected to positively manipulate the levels of salivary Prostaglandin E2 and serum C-reactive protein, which are reliable inflammatory markers.The outcome of this study may provide an efficacious and safe alternative to conventional nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for managing postoperative discomfort following third molar surgery.</p>","PeriodicalId":12260,"journal":{"name":"F1000Research","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-10-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11538593/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142589821","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Whole body vibration and rider comfort determination of an electric two-wheeler test rig.","authors":"Keerthan Krishna, Sriharsha Hegde, Mahesha G T, Satish Shenoy B","doi":"10.12688/f1000research.131105.3","DOIUrl":"10.12688/f1000research.131105.3","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Two-wheeled vehicles are the major mode of transportation in India. Such vehicles are exposed to excessive vibration on the road when compared to four-wheeled vehicles. However, the research on the reduction of whole body vibration in the case of two-wheelers is not explored in detail. The present study predicts rider comfort in the case of an electric two-wheeler as per ISO 2631-1, by obtaining the finding the weighted acceleration at the strategic locations of vibration at the test rig.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>An electric two-wheeler test rig is used in the study. The values of acceleration from the test rig in running conditions are obtained by using NI LabVIEW 2019. The drive cycle of the electric vehicle (EV) test rig is controlled by Sync sols' EV lab software. Obtaining the weighted root mean square (RMS) acceleration from running the test setup, it is compared with the ISO 2631-1 standard to obtain the rider comfort.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Loading area, traction motor, base mount, and suspension were found to be the strategic points of vibration. Frequency weighted RMS acceleration of 0.3 to 0.4 m/s ² obtained at these points are prone to cause discomfort for the rider. Vehicle speed, road profile, and duration of exposure were found to be important parameters affecting the rider's comfort. A maximum of 4.6 m/s ² amplitude was observed. The loading area, which corresponds to a rider's seat in actual vehicle, is important and reduction of these vibrations make the ride comfortable for the rider. Suspension and base mount of the test rig are found to be uncomfortable observing the weighted RMS acceleration.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>A suitable damping technique design is very much essential in reducing these vibrations and improve the rider comfort, as many more non-deterministic vibrations are prone to cause dis-comfort in case of actual on road riding conditions.</p>","PeriodicalId":12260,"journal":{"name":"F1000Research","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-10-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11134141/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141175249","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Case Report: Smoking as the risk factor of persistent STEMI after primary percutaneous coronary intervention: how it could be happen?","authors":"Yusra Pintaningrum, Ricky Setiadi Yusuf, Baiq Hanida Aolia Ramdani, Shadiqa Rana Putri, Dwi Astuti Wulandari","doi":"10.12688/f1000research.109757.3","DOIUrl":"10.12688/f1000research.109757.3","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Smoking may also increase the risk of developing ACS. The most advantageous therapy is percutaneous coronary intervention. However, this therapy may fail because of the no-reflow phenomenon. This case report describes a young male patient admitted to the emergency department due to ST-segment elevation of myocardial infarction (STEMI), with smoking as the only risk factor.</p><p><strong>Case description: </strong>A 37-year-old male presented to our hospital with a typical chest pain. He was a heavy smoker. Electrocardiography (ECG) revealed extensive anterior STEMI. Coronary angiography revealed total occlusion of the proximal left anterior descending artery (LAD) with a high-burden thrombus. The no-reflow phenomenon occurs during Percutaneous Coronary intervention (PCI). After two days of hospitalization, the patient developed cardiogenic shock and acute decompensated heart failure. The patient was administered ticagrelor, acetylsalicylic acid, enoxaparin for three days, high-dose statins, and optimized heart failure treatment. The patient was discharged on the 7th day after admission.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Cigarette smoke chemicals may induce atherosclerosis and thickened blood in the arteries. Lipid oxidation leads to plaque formation. If plaque ruptures, it will cause thrombus occlusion. A high-burden thrombus can induce a no-reflow phenomenon, leading to heart failure and cardiogenic shock.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Smoking may induce STEMI and tends to result in a high-burden thrombus. The no-reflow phenomenon is an evidence of miscarriage during PCI, which may increase because of smoking.</p>","PeriodicalId":12260,"journal":{"name":"F1000Research","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-10-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11528186/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142566995","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluation of comparative efficacy of <i>Celastrus paniculatus (Jyotishmati)</i> capsule versus sertraline capsule in the management of <i>Chittodvega</i> (generalized anxiety disorder): protocol for a randomized controlled trial.","authors":"Reeya Gamne, Sadhana Misar, Mayank Rai","doi":"10.12688/f1000research.139473.2","DOIUrl":"10.12688/f1000research.139473.2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) <i>(Chittodvega)</i> is one among many types of mental disorders explained in Ayurveda. It can be defined as a <i>Chitta</i> (mind) + <i>Udvega</i> (anxiety)= <i>Chittodvega</i>- Anxious status of a mind. <i>Celastrus paniculatus</i> also known as <i>Jyotishmati</i> stimulates and improves the digestive fire and metabolism at a cellular level ( <i>Jatharagni and Majja dhatwagni).</i> It can be correlated to GAD. GAD is characterized by feelings of threat, restlessness, irritability, sleep disturbance, and tension, and symptoms such as palpitations, dry mouth, and sweating. It affects women more frequently than men and prevalence rates are high in midlife (prevalence in females over age 35: 10%) and older subjects. In modern medicine the first-line psychological and pharmaceutical treatments are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like sertraline (SNRIs).</p><p><strong>Aim and objectives: </strong>To evaluate the comparative efficacy of <i>Jyotishmati</i> versus sertraline in the management of <i>Chittodvega.</i></p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In this randomized active controlled double blind equivalence trial a total of 70 patients will be enrolled and divided into two equal groups. Patients between 20-50 years age of either gender having symptoms of <i>Chittodvega</i> and a Hamilton anxiety rating (HAM-A) scale score less than 24 (i.e., mild to moderate) will be selected for the study. In Group A, sertraline capsules 25 mg for first 7 days and then dose increased to 50 mg at bedtime for next 53 days and in Group B <i>Jyotishmati</i> Capsules 500 mg will be given twice a day after food with water for 60 days.</p><p><strong>Result and observation: </strong>The patients will be assessed on the HAM-A scale, serum cortisol and WHO Quality of Life on day 0, 30, 60 and 90 and data will be analyzed using paired and unpaired t-tests for continuous variables and chi-square tests for categorical variables to evaluate whether treatments are equivalent.</p><p><strong>Trial registration: </strong>CTRI No. REF/2023/07/069880 Date - 15/09/2023.</p>","PeriodicalId":12260,"journal":{"name":"F1000Research","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-10-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11305454/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141901474","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Molecular survey of certain protozoan agents that cause diarrhea in children in Sudan.","authors":"Mosab Adam, Hongwei Shen, Khalid-A Enan, Hao Wang, Azza B Musa Musa, Abdel R El Hussein, Isam M Khidir, Xuejun Ma","doi":"10.12688/f1000research.123652.3","DOIUrl":"10.12688/f1000research.123652.3","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Diarrhea is a significant health problem in the Third World. Identification of the pathogen that causes diarrhea is vital for measures to prevent and control this disease. There are also very few reports of diarrhea in Sudan. Our study aimed to determine the Prevalence of specific protozoan pathogens ( <i>Entamoeba histolytica</i>, <i>Cryptosporidium parvum.</i>, and <i>Giardia spp</i>) in children in Khartoum, Sudan.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted a cross-sectional survey among children under five years of age hospitalized with acute diarrhea between April and December 2014. Diarrheal stool samples were collected, and <i>E. histolytica</i>, <i>C. parvum</i>, and <i>Giardia spp</i> were examined using multiplex real-time PCR.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Four hundred and thirty-seven children with acute diarrhea were included in this study; the higher prevalence of diarrhea was in the age ≤ 2 years old (403, 92.2%), >2-≤4 years (32, 7.3%), and >4-<5 years (2, 0.5%). The male-to-female ratio in this study was 1:1.7. Infection with intestinal parasite was found in 155 (35.5%) cases, and co-infection was detected in 16 (3.7%) cases. <i>Giardia spp</i> (18.8%) and <i>C. parvum</i> (15.8%) were the most frequently identified parasites, followed by <i>E. histolytica</i> (0.9). The parasite infection rate was highest and lowest in the under 2-year-old group 143 (35.5%) and the 2-4-year-old group 12 (37.5%). The infection rate was higher in boys 104 (37.7%) than in girls 51 (31.7%). The number of positive cases was higher in the rainy season (August to December) 143 (37.4%), corresponding with that in the dry Season (April to June) 12 (21.8%).</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Our present study demonstrated the high prevalence of <i>Giardia spp</i> and <i>C. parvum</i> in children with diarrhea in the Khartoum region and the usefulness of the multiplex real-time method in disclosing pathogenic protozoal agents. Our result highlighted the necessity of developing intervention measurement and control strategies to deal with childhood parasitic diarrhea in this region.</p>","PeriodicalId":12260,"journal":{"name":"F1000Research","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-10-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11325136/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141987785","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Length-weight relationship and condition factor of Nile tilapia ( <i>Oreochromis niloticus</i>) fed diets supplemented with guava and star gooseberry leaf extract.","authors":"Manoj Tukaram Kamble, Krishna Rugmini Salin, Balasaheb Ramdas Chavan, Seema Vijay Medhe, Kim D Thompson, Nopadon Pirarat","doi":"10.12688/f1000research.145369.1","DOIUrl":"10.12688/f1000research.145369.1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Nile tilapia ( <i>Oreochromis niloticus</i>) is predominant cultured species in aquaculture. However, there is a scarcity of literature regarding relationship between guava and star gooseberry leaf extract and the condition factor. Thus, the present study aims to investigate the effect of guava and star gooseberry leaf extract-supplemented diets on the specific growth rate, length-weight relationship, and condition factor of Nile tilapia.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Six hundred and thirty Nile tilapia (8.7±0.4 g) were randomly distributed among twenty-one tanks (30 fish per tank) within a recirculation system. Over a 60-day period, the fish were fed diets supplemented with 5g/Kg and 10g/Kg of guava leaf extract (GLE-5, GLE-10), star gooseberry leaf extract (SGLE-5, SGLE-10), and a mixture of both (MxLE-5, MXLE-10). Subsequently, specific growth rate, length-weight relationship, and condition factor were determined.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>After 60 days, the specific growth rate was significantly higher in all the GLE, SGLE, and MxLE groups compared to the control group. The final lengths and weights differed significantly both in the control group and all the GLE, SGLE, and MxLE groups. The analysis of the regression equation indicated a positive correlation (r = 0.970, 0.977, 0.976, 0.974, 0.974, 0.974, and 0.969) between the length and weight of Nile tilapia in the control group and in all the GLE, SGLE, and MxLE groups. The regression exponent \" <i>b</i>\" values in all the GLE, SGLE, and MxLE groups were >3, indicating a positive allometric growth pattern in Nile tilapia compared to the control ( <i>b</i>=2.866), which exhibited a negative allometry. The final condition factor values did not differ significantly in either the control group or any of the plant extract groups.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Nile tilapia exhibited positive allometric growth patterns and maintained good health when fed with GLE, SGLE, and MxLE groups. Therefore, these plant extracts demonstrate suitability for commercial Nile tilapia production.</p>","PeriodicalId":12260,"journal":{"name":"F1000Research","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-10-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11380074/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142153545","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"TOP2DFVT: An Efficient Matlab Implementation for Topology Optimization based on the Finite-Volume Theory.","authors":"Marcelo Araujo, Arnaldo Santos Júnior, Romildo Escarpini Filho, Eduardo Lages, Marcio Cavalcante","doi":"10.12688/f1000research.150945.2","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.12688/f1000research.150945.2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The finite-volume theory has shown to be numerically efficient and stable for topology optimization of continuum elastic structures. The significant features of this numerical technique are the local satisfaction of equilibrium equations and the employment of compatibility conditions along edges in a surface-averaged sense. These are essential properties to adequately mitigate some numerical instabilities in the gradient version of topology optimization algorithms, such as checkerboard, mesh dependence, and local minima issues. Several computational tools have been proposed for topology optimization employing analysis domains discretized with essential features for finite-element approaches. However, this is the first contribution to offer a platform to generate optimized topologies by employing a Matlab code based on the finite-volume theory for compliance minimization problems. The Top2DFVT provides a platform to perform 2D topology optimization of structures in Matlab, from domain initialization for structured meshes to data post-processing. This contribution represents a significant advancement over earlier publications on topology optimization based on the finite-volume theory, which needed more efficient computational tools. Moreover, the Top2DFVT algorithm incorporates SIMP and RAMP material interpolation schemes alongside sensitivity and density filtering techniques, culminating in a notably enhanced optimization tool. The application of this algorithm to various illustrative cases confirms its efficacy and underscores its potential for advancing the field of structural optimization.</p>","PeriodicalId":12260,"journal":{"name":"F1000Research","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-10-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11512726/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142497714","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The development of a roadmap for Health Technology Assessment implementation in Moldova.","authors":"Gavin Surgey, Ghenadie Curocichin, Maria Garabajiu, Tanja Novakovic, Adrian Pana, Wija Oortwijn","doi":"10.12688/f1000research.146025.2","DOIUrl":"10.12688/f1000research.146025.2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Moldova strives for universal health coverage (UHC) and considers health technology assessment (HTA) an important policy instrument to inform the choice of services that should be covered to progressively realize UHC. It plays a key role in determining which technologies are coved, considering various dimensions often including cost-effectiveness, budget impact, and feasibility. This paper reports on work undertaken to develop a roadmap for HTA implementation, using evidence-informed deliberative processes (EDPs) as the guiding framework.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Between 2020 and 2022, we undertook several activities that informed the roadmap. We conducted a needs assessment and an assessment of European HTA best practices using a combination of desk research, interviews and surveys. We then conducted a document review of six selected HTA systems, complimented by expert interviews from three neighbouring countries.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The roadmap provided a suggested HTA process, which included instructions on how to execute the different steps of the EDP framework to enhance the legitimacy of HTA-informed decision-making. The roadmap encompasses several aspects such as how to organize stakeholder involvement, how to identify and operationalize decision criteria, and how to make the decision process transparent. Guidance was given to the country on establishing a legal framework for HTA; a communication strategy; strengthening capacity and leveraging HTA expertise. The country was also given tailored advice on the positioning of the HTA-agency, first as an entity within the Ministry of Health or the National Agency of Public Health but with the long-term vision for it to be independent of any state institution.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Despite several challenges, including a partial disruption because of the Covid-19 pandemic, the development of the roadmap for HTA implementation was completed and agreed upon by the Ministry of Health in Moldova. This work has helped motivate and support the country in HTA institutionalization.</p>","PeriodicalId":12260,"journal":{"name":"F1000Research","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-10-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11502998/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"142497711","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}