Recommendation and implementation of good practice in researcher evaluation in Finland

Finland is among the first countries to have developed national recommendation on responsible research assessment in 2020. Recommendation for the Responsible Evaluation of a Researcher in Finland provides a set of general principles (transparency, integrity, fairness, competence, and diversity), which apply throughout 13 recommended good practices to improve four aspects of researcher evaluation: A) Building the evaluation process; B) Evaluation of research; C) Diversity of activities; and D) Researcher’s role in the evaluation process. The national recommendation was produced by a broad-based working-group constituted by the Federation of Finnish Learned Societies, however the implementation needs to take place at institutions, which all have their diverse circumstances, challenges, needs and goals. The national recommendation has an implementation plan, which includes development of national level infrastructures and services to support more qualitative and diverse assessments policies and practices locally. The institutional uptake of the recommendation will be promoted by forthcoming National policy and executive plan for open scholarship, and tracked across all research performing organisations as a part of biannual Open Science monitoring exercise starting in 2022.

Knowledge, attitude/perception, and practice related to seasonal influenza vaccination among caregivers of young Thai children: A cross-sectional study

Background Seasonal influenza vaccination uptake among young children in Thailand is low despite national recommendation for vaccination. We implemented a knowledge, attitude/perception, and practice survey to understand determinants of influenza vaccination in children aged six months to two years. Methods Using a cross-sectional design, we interviewed caregivers of 700 children in seven hospitals using a structured questionnaire to collect information on caregivers’ and children’s demographic characteristics, and caregivers’ knowledge of influenza illness and national vaccine recommendation, attitude/perception toward influenza vaccine, and information sources. We verified children’s influenza vaccination status against medical records (vaccinated vs. unvaccinated). Logistic regression was used to examine factors independently associated with children receiving influenza vaccination in the 2018 season using the dataset restricted to only children’s parents. Variables associated with vaccination at p-value ≤0.20 were included in subsequent multivariable logistic models. Significant independent determinants of children’s influenza vaccination and collinearity of covariates were assessed. The final model was constructed using a stepwise backward elimination approach with variables significant at p-value <0.05 retained in the model. Results During August 2018-February 2019, 700 children’s caregivers completed the questionnaire; 61 (9%) were caregivers of vaccinated children. Caregivers of the vaccinated children were statistically more likely to have higher education (61% vs. 38%; p-value<0.01) and to know of influenza illness (93% vs. 76%; p-value = 0.03) than those of the unvaccinated group. Factors associated with children receiving influenza vaccination were identifying healthcare providers as a primary source of information about influenza illness for parents (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.3–6.0), parents’ strongly agreeing with the national recommendation for influenza vaccination in young children (aOR, 2.9; 95% CI, 1.5–5.9), using health insurance provided by the government or parent’s employer for children’s doctor visits (aOR, 2.6; 95% CI, 1.1–6.6), and the children’s history of receiving influenza vaccination in the 2017 season or earlier (aOR, 3.2; 95% CI, 1.4–7.8). Conclusion The majority of caregivers of children in this study had knowledge of influenza illness and influenza vaccine. Caregivers reported various sources of information regarding influenza illness and the vaccine, but healthcare providers remained the most trusted source. Children’s history of influenza vaccination in prior season(s) was the strongest determinant of children being vaccinated for influenza in the current season.

Contribution of Plant-Based Foods to Protein Intake in the Portuguese Population

Objectives Plant-based foods (PBFs) are in cutting edge of nutrition due to well-established physical and environmental health benefits. The knowledge of amino acid (AA) composition of PBFs is crucial to evaluate the protein intake. This work aims to assess how PBFs can contribute to the protein intake, according to the Mediterranean diet's reference portions. Methods Protein quality was determined in 58 PBFs belonging to cereals and tubers, vegetables, fruits, legumes, animal protein substitutes and algae available in Portuguese markets. The AA score and specific intake estimated in agreement with WHO, National recommendation and Portuguese food consumption patterns, after UPLC/PDA analysis. Results The highest protein content found in algae, with 35.1 ± 1.2 g/100g DW, and animal protein substitutes with 26.1 ± 0.8 g/100g. Regarding the essential AA scores, by food group, histidine, threonine and aromatic amino acids (AAA) present scores above 1 (1 to 3.5) and lysine, valine and isoleucine current results below 1 for all food groups, despite that lysine in legumes have a 0.9 score. Only legumes for leucine, and cereals and meat substitutes for sulfur AA have scores greater than 1. They are considering the maximum recommended portions, for Portuguese consumption, each of the food groups supplies between 400% of AAA and 100% of lysine regarding essential AA. According to data of consumption on specific plant food groups, an average of 80% of the recommended intake is represented by AAA, and the Portuguese population consumes 15% lysine. The primary sources, of essential AA that contribute to the Portuguese intake, are cereals and tubers with 67.9% of AAA in men and 56.3% in women and 10% of lysine in men and 8.3% in women. The groups of vegetables, legumes and fruits contribute less than 10% of all essential AA. Conclusions Complementarity and diversity of PBFs can reduce some essential AA to achieve the established protein recommendations. A combination of different food groups, such as cereals and legumes, should be taken into account. Increasing seaweed consumption, legumes, and vegetables should be encouraged to the general population. Funding Sources INSA2020DAN1844 - Characterization of commercially available processed plant-based products.

Post Abortion Contraceptive Use And Determinant Factors In Ethiopia: A Systematic Review And Meta Analysis

Background: World health organization recommendations are aimed to provide comprehensive post abortion care for all women coming for abortion services. Different investigations have been conducted in Ethiopia reporting the prevalence and the determinant factors of post abortion contraception, but they lacks consistency and are characterized by discrepancy. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence and associated factors of family planning utilization among women receiving abortion service in Ethiopia. Methods: A systematic review and Meta-analysis of published and grey literature were assessed. The protocol was registered on PROSPERO at CRD42020162969. PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, HINARI and Cochrane Library and Google were used to review studies starting from January 14, 2020 to March 11, 2020. STATA 14 software was used for analysis. JBI approach was used for critical appraisal, study selection, data extraction. The possible risk of publication bias was examined using the Funnel plot, Begg’s and Egger’s test. Statistical heterogeneity was quantified using Cochran’s Q and the I2 test statistic. Random effect model was used as a method of analysis. Result: A total of 8236 women were involved using sixteen studies having 7 to 9 quality scores. The pooled prevalence of family planning utilization among women receiving abortion service in Ethiopia was 69.73% (95% CI: 63.67,75.79) .In addition, subgroup analysis showed the highest prevalence of post abortion contraception on Addis Ababa city Administration ,79.38(95%CI;66.87,91.89).Counseling for contraceptive: (OR=3.48,95% CI: 1.94,6.25), history of contraceptive use: (OR=7.62, 95% CI: 3.28:17.69) have shown a positive association with post abortion family planning use in Ethiopia. Conclusion: Family planning utilization among women receiving abortion service is shown to be less than the WHO and national recommendation. Counseling and history of contraceptive use were found to be significantly associated with post abortion family planning utilization in Ethiopia. Conclusion: Family planning utilization among women receiving abortion service is shown to be less than the WHO and national recommendation. Counseling and history of contraceptive use were found to be significantly associated with post abortion family planning utilization in Ethiopia.

Del Nido Cardioplegia in Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Surgery: A safe, efficacious and economic alternative to St. Thomas solution; an experience from a developing nation

Introduction: del Nido cardioplegia is a newer solution getting popular worldwide, whereas in Nepal, St. Thomas cardioplegia solution is conventionally used. There is no national recommendation on cardioplegia solutions supported by evidences from Nepalese studies. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the efficacy of these solutions in Nepalese patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. Methods: Patients undergoing coronary revascularization, from May 2018 to December 2019, were randomized into St. Thomas and del Nido groups based on the cardioplegia administered, with 45 patients in each group. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative parameters and cost of cardioplegia preparation in the two groups were compared. Results: The cardiopulmonary bypass time (106.13 ± 24.65 minutes vs 107.62 ± 18.69 minutes, p = 0.02), aortic cross clamp time (66.22 ± 15.40 minutes vs 72.07 ± 12.23 minutes, p = 0.04), volume (1059.22 ± 100.30 ml vs 1526.67 ± 271.81 ml, p < 0.001) and number of cardioplegia doses (1.00 ± 0.00 vs 2.51 ± 0.66, p < 0.001) were significantly lower with del Nido cardioplegia. A lower CPK-MB at second post-operative (59.91 ± 31.62 vs 73.82 ± 37.25, p = 0.03) and a higher left ventricle ejection fraction at discharge (56.33 ± 8.94% vs 50.45 ± 8.55%, p < 0.001) was observed in del Nido group. There was one death in St. Thomas group. ICU and hospital stay were similar in both groups. St. Thomas solution was found to be costlier than del Nido solution (USD 5.40 ± 0.96 vs USD 3.50 ± 0.34, p < 0.001). Conclusion: The del Nido cardioplegia was found to be efficacious, safe and more economical alternative to St. Thomas solution.

Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on medical students: a multicenter quantitative study

Background The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the United States (US) medical education system with the necessary, yet unprecedented Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) national recommendation to pause all student clinical rotations with in-person patient care. This study is a quantitative analysis investigating the educational and psychological effects of the pandemic on US medical students and their reactions to the AAMC recommendation in order to inform medical education policy. Methods The authors sent a cross-sectional survey via email to medical students in their clinical training years at six medical schools during the initial peak phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. Survey questions aimed to evaluate students’ perceptions of COVID-19’s impact on medical education; ethical obligations during a pandemic; infection risk; anxiety and burnout; willingness and needed preparations to return to clinical rotations. Results Seven hundred forty-one (29.5%) students responded. Nearly all students (93.7%) were not involved in clinical rotations with in-person patient contact at the time the study was conducted. Reactions to being removed were mixed, with 75.8% feeling this was appropriate, 34.7% guilty, 33.5% disappointed, and 27.0% relieved. Most students (74.7%) agreed the pandemic had significantly disrupted their medical education, and believed they should continue with normal clinical rotations during this pandemic (61.3%). When asked if they would accept the risk of infection with COVID-19 if they returned to the clinical setting, 83.4% agreed. Students reported the pandemic had moderate effects on their stress and anxiety levels with 84.1% of respondents feeling at least somewhat anxious. Adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) (53.5%) was the most important factor to feel safe returning to clinical rotations, followed by adequate testing for infection (19.3%) and antibody testing (16.2%). Conclusions The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the education of US medical students in their clinical training years. The majority of students wanted to return to clinical rotations and were willing to accept the risk of COVID-19 infection. Students were most concerned with having enough PPE if allowed to return to clinical activities.

Field assessment of blackgram (Vigna mungo L. Hepper) genotypes against major insect pests in subtropical region of Nepal

Direct damage due to insect pests is one of the major causes limiting the yield potential of blackgram (Vigna mungo L. Hepper) in Nepal. A total of 17 blackgram genotypes were screened for resistance to major insect pests, including aphid (Aphis craccivora Koch.), whitefly (Bemisia tabaci Genn.), hairy caterpillar (Spilosoma obliqua Walker) and pod borer (Helicoverpa armigera Hubner) in National Maize Research Program, Rampur, Chitwan during summer season of 2018 and 2019. The design of the experiment was randomized complete block having three replications. Genotypes were sown on first week of August in a unit plot size of 4 rows of 2 m long with 40 cm row to row spacing and continue plant to plant spacing was maintained and net harvested plot was 3.2 square meters. The recommended dose of fertilizer was 20:40:20 N:P2O5:K2O kg/ha and seed rate 25 kg/ha. The package of agronomic practices was followed as per national recommendation. Data on insects were collected by counting the number of insects per plant. The yield and yield components were recorded at harvest. All screened genotypes differed significantly (p<0.05) for insect population, yield and yield components. From two years field data, three genotypes BLG0069-1, BLG0036-1 and BLG0079-1 had lower number of above mentioned insect populations, exhibited more resistant in both years and produced higher grain yield (~1.5 t/ha) than other genotypes. These genotypes might be useful for the development of major insect pest tolerant high yielding blackgram variety in subtropical region of Nepal.

Application of technology packages to improve seed production and profitability of garlic (Allium sativum L.)

The quality seed production is a main strategy to improve national garlic development. The study aim was to evaluate productivity and profitability of garlic seed production technology packages in Sembalun, East Lombok, Indonesia. There were three technology packages tested namely, the national recommendation package (A); site-specific recommendation package (B); and farmer practices (C) which was laid out in a randomized completely block design with 6 replications. The results showed that the fresh bulbs of the Sangga Sembalun garlic variety was significantly higher at packages A and B with 42.19 t ha-1 and 38.99 t ha-1 respectively, than that of package C (yield of 31.24 t ha-1). The pattern was consistent after seed stored for 12 weeks. Garlic seed production was profitable with R/C ratio values of 3.39; 3.34; and 2.99 on fresh bulbs for treatments A, B and C, respectively and 4.34, 4.85 and 4.31 on dry bulbs for treatments A, B and C, respectively. Technology package B was more profitable than A as indicated by MBCR value of 9.36 and 3.56 for treatment B and A, respectively. The breakeven point of both production and price of technology package B was 3.4 t ha-1 and Rp. 8,553 kg-1, respectively.

Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Medical Students: A Multicenter Quantitative Study

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the United States (US) medical education system with the necessary, yet unprecedented Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) national recommendation to pause all student clinical rotations with in-person patient care. This study is a quantitative analysis investigating the educational and psychological effects of the pandemic on US medical students and their reactions to the AAMC recommendation in order to inform medical education policy.Methods: The authors sent a cross-sectional survey via email to medical students in their clinical training years at six medical schools during the initial peak phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. Survey questions aimed to evaluate students' perceptions of COVID-19's impact on medical education; ethical obligations during a pandemic; infection risk; anxiety and burnout; willingness and needed preparations to return to clinical rotations. Results: 741 (29.5%) students responded. Nearly all students (93.7%) were not involved in clinical rotations with in-person patient contact at the time the study was conducted. Reactions to being removed were mixed, with 75.8% feeling this was appropriate, 34.7% guilty, 33.5% disappointed, and 27.0% relieved.Most students (74.7%) agreed the pandemic had significantly disrupted their medical education, and believed they should continue with normal clinical rotations during this pandemic (61.3%). When asked if they would accept the risk of infection with COVID-19 if they returned to the clinical setting, 83.4% agreed. Students reported the pandemic had moderate effects on their stress and anxiety levels with 84.1% of respondents feeling at least somewhat anxious. Adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) (53.5%) was the most important factor to feel safe returning to clinical rotations, followed by adequate testing for infection (19.3%) and antibody testing (16.2%). Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the education of US medical students in their clinical training years. The majority of students wanted to return to clinical rotations and were willing to accept the risk of COVID-19 infection. Students were most concerned with having enough PPE if allowed to return to clinical activities.

Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Medical Students: A Multicenter Quantitative Study

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the United States (US) medical education system with the necessary, yet unprecedented Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) national recommendation to pause all student clinical rotations with in-person patient care. This study is a quantitative analysis investigating the educational and psychological effects of the pandemic on US medical students and their reactions to the AAMC recommendation in order to inform medical education policy.Methods: The authors sent a cross-sectional survey via email to medical students in their clinical training years at six medical schools during the initial peak phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. Survey questions aimed to evaluate students' perceptions of COVID-19's impact on medical education; ethical obligations during a pandemic; infection risk; anxiety and burnout; willingness and needed preparations to return to clinical rotations.Results: 741 (29.5%) students responded. Nearly all students (93.7%) were not involved in clinical rotations with in-person patient contact at the time the study was conducted, as per national recommendations. Reactions to being removed were mixed, with 75.8% feeling this was appropriate, 34.7% guilty, 33.5% disappointed, and 27.0% relieved. Most students (74.7%) agreed the pandemic had significantly disrupted their medical education, and believed they should continue with normal clinical rotations during this pandemic (61.3%). When asked if they would accept the risk of infection with COVID-19 if they returned to the clinical setting, 83.4% agreed. Students reported the pandemic had moderate effects on their stress and anxiety levels with 84.1% of respondents feeling at least somewhat anxious. Adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) (53.5%) was the most important factor to feel safe returning to clinical rotations, followed by adequate testing for infection (19.3%) and antibody testing (16.2%).Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the education of US medical students in their clinical training years. The majority of students wanted to return to clinical rotations and were willing to accept the risk of COVID-19 infection. Students were most concerned with having enough PPE if allowed to return to clinical activities.