Vives University College

In health care, work-related musculoskeletal disorders are largely attributed to patient-handling tasks. Reliable assessments of patient mobility are imperative to mitigate the musculoskeletal burden on healthcare providers. This study explores the reliability of MK5 Mobility Classes, a patient mobility classification system. Authentic video material was collected, which enabled many healthcare providers to evaluate patient mobility within a highly realistic practical environment. Inter-rater and intra-rater reliability were determined using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). A total of 147 raters completed the MK5 assessment for 40 distinct practical cases. Additionally, 75 raters repeated the assessments. The high level of inter-rater reliability, ICC value of 0.82, demonstrates the consistent performance of MK5 in assessing patient mobility across diverse scenarios. Intra-rater reliability results showed moderate agreement, with an average ICC of 0.59. This study confirms the reliability of the MK5 Mobility Classes in assessing patient mobility in healthcare settings.

Industrial kitchens contribute to enhanced efficiency and convenience in food provision. While existing guidelines primarily focus on food safety, it is essential to extend the focus to include nutritional and sensory quality as well. This study examines common processing approaches applied in industrial kitchens to understand their impact on the overall quality of leek (Allium ampeloprasum var. porrum). Currently, food in industrial kitchens is processed using one of the following approaches: (i) steam preparation followed by a holding time of maximally 3 h until serving (“single-heat-preparation”) or (ii) steam preparation, cold overnight storage, and reheating via microwaves or convection followed by a holding time of maximally 1 h until serving (“double-heat-preparation”). In this study, both processing approaches were applied to diced leeks and leek puree. Multiple health- and sensory-related quality attributes (e.g., vitamin C, S-alk(en)yl-l-cysteine sulfoxides, color and volatile compounds) were evaluated at different moments during processing. It could be concluded that vitamin C concentrations were strongly impacted by each heating step resulting in a strong reduction or complete loss of vitamin C at the final holding time. On the contrary, S-alk(en)yl-l-cysteine sulfoxides concentrations were stable during all processing steps. Moreover, the loss of green color was most noticeable in the leek puree and became more pronounced with longer holding times. Finally, the differences in volatile profiles between different processing steps were less outspoken than the differences between the fresh diced leeks/leek puree and the processed material immediately after preparation. Graphical Abstract

In order to achieve optimal growth and health of farm animals, a different amount/ratio of essential amino acids in the feed is necessary in each phase of life. Knowledge about which amino acids are essential and in which quantities/proportions they are best administered has already greatly advanced the pig and poultry sector and is still being generated today. For the still young, rapidly developing insect sector, this knowledge could mean a major step forward towards breeding optimization. Therefore, in this research the needs of the 2 most commercially reared insect species, namely mealworms ( Tenebrio molitor ) (MW) and black soldier fly larvae ( Hermetia illucens ) (BSF), were investigated. The focus was on requirements for lysine, methionine, threonine, phenylalanine and tryptophan based on evidence from the literature and those of pigs. Semi-artificial diets based on at least 25% wheat bran (MW) and chicken feed/water (30/70) (BSF) (basic feed important for structure and certain micronutrients) supplemented with sugar and synthetic amino acids were tested. The diets were isoenergetic and isoproteinous. Of the amino acids studied, one was administered in different doses per experiment. The non-essential glutamic acid was used as a substitute at lower doses. Growth, as measured by weight gain, and survival were observed. The following results were for MW and BSF respectively. For lysine from a content of 0.35 g/100 g diet and 0.53 g/100 g diet no extra growth was noticeable. For methionine this was from 0.13 g/100 g and 0.16 g/100 g. Each time more threonine was given, a significant difference could be noticed and the minimum doses were around 0.42 g/100 g and 0.49 g/100 g. With tryptophan, for MW, there were no differences between the different concentrations. At the lowest dose of 0.06 g/100 g the maximum growth was already reached, whereas for BSF this was at 0.13 g/100 g.

Interest in the nutrition of the yellow mealworm ( Tenebrio molitor L.) larvae is on the rise, leading to an increase in publications on this topic. The absence of a standard protocol and resulting differences in experimental designs reduces comparability among studies and impedes research on mealworm nutrition. To address this, a consensus standardised protocol was developed specifically for the evaluation of mealworm larval growth and performance in feeding trials. The efficacy of this protocol was evaluated through an international ring test involving seven partners using two wheat brans as dry feed (a standard bran and a local bran) at 27 °C and 60% relative humidity. As experimental units, plastic crates filled with 2.1 kg of bran and 10,000 4-week-old larvae were used with six replicates. Agar gel was provided as wet feed ad libitum . The mean individual larval weight and the number of larvae per crate were determined weekly until either three or more replicates ran out of feed or pupation exceeded 10%. At harvest, the total larval fresh biomass and amount of frass was determined. Larval samples were taken for chemical analysis. To assess the protocol, the within (repeatability) and between (reproducibility) laboratory variability was calculated for each parameter. The repeatability was good (limit at 12% (standard) and 14% (local)). The reproducibility was poorer with a limit 2.7 times higher for the standard feed (36%) and 3.8 times higher for the local feed (55%). For both feeds, the total larval fresh harvest, amount of frass and the larval protein concentration were the most consistent both within and among laboratories. The highest variability was observed at the early life stages and for the larvae ash content. The detailed consensus standard protocol and repeatability/reproducibility estimates can be used as basis for future mealworm feeding trials, comparing results and future improvements.

Introduction The lack of evidence of mental health patients' perception on patient participation in multidisciplinary team meetings (MTMs) is a potential threat to the person‐centeredness of care. Aim To explore the perceptions of mental health patients regarding patient participation in MTMs and to identify factors associated with these perceptions. Method In a cross‐sectional study, 127 former and 109 currently admitted mental health patients completed the Patient Participation during Team Meetings Questionnaire (PaPaT‐Q). The STROBE‐checklist was used for reporting the study. Results Overall, patients' perceptions were positive. Former patients expressed greater willingness to participate in MTMs, considered participation as more important, and felt more competent. These patients also exhibited a stronger preference for an autonomous role in medical decision making when participating in MTMs. The perception varied across factors such as gender, educational level, nature of psychological complaints and prior experience(s) with participation in MTMs. Discussion These findings may help mental healthcare professionals to become more aware to factors associated with mental health patients' perception of patient participation in MTMs. Implications The results can be used by mental healthcare professionals to motivate mental health patients in an even more tailor‐made basis to participate in MTMs when admitted in a hospital.

Aim To investigate the perceptions of family members (FMs) of patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and nurses on empowering support and its implementation during the acute phase within Finnish neurosurgical and neurological care in hospital settings, focusing on identifying similarities and differences in their viewpoints. Design Participatory qualitative descriptive study. Methods Data were collected from seven FMs and 11 nurses using the World Café method in November 2019. An abductive approach was employed for data analysis, combining deductive interpretation within the conceptual framework of empowering support and inductive content analysis. Results Four main themes were identified: (1) FMs' diverse information and guidance needs of TBI, treatment and its impact on family life, (2) support based on empowering FMs in participation, competence and decision‐making, (3) empowering FMs through collaborative nursing practices and interprofessional support, and (4) internal and external hospital support enhancing and promoting the empowerment of FMs. Conclusion The perceptions of FMs and nurses regarding empowering support were largely consistent, yet diverged in its implementation in nursing practice. Nurses play a crucial role in fostering the empowerment of FMs; however, further research is needed to explore the impact of organisational and community factors on the implementation of empowering support. Impact Our study contributes to advancing nursing practices by underscoring the necessity for a paradigm shift towards a family‐centred approach. Furthermore, it emphasises the urgency for standardising nursing practices to ensure equitable access to empowering support for FMs, applicable across various care settings for patients with TBI. Public Contribution This review is part of a larger research project in which FMs of patients with TBI and nurses were involved in designing the project. Reporting Method This study was reported using the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Checklist for qualitative studies.

In mental health care settings, inpatients are increasingly engaged in their care process, allowing them to participate in multidisciplinary team meetings. Research into how mental health patients experience participating in such meetings is, however, limited. This study aimed to explore inpatients’ experiences when participating in multidisciplinary team meetings in a Belgian inpatient mental health unit. This study used a phenomenological design with data collection including semistructured interviews. Twelve individuals participated in the study. Participants were mental health patients admitted to a mental health unit that works according to the model of recovery-oriented mental health practice. Findings were analysed utilizing thematic analysis. Results showed that the mental health patients’ experiences were mainly positive but intense. Themes included: ‘Feeling honored to be invited’, ‘Sense of obligation’, ‘Feeling nervous’, ‘Transparency in team members’ insights’, ‘Feeling supported by the (primary) nurse’, and ‘Duality about the presence of relatives’. By taking these findings into account, (mental) healthcare workers gain insight into the patient’s lived experiences, allowing them to provide more person-centered care when inpatients participate in multidisciplinary team meetings. Moreover, these findings can support mental health units in implementing or optimizing patient participation in multidisciplinary team meetings. Finally, other (mental health) patients can also benefit from these findings as it can help them to put feelings and thoughts into perspective when participating in a multidisciplinary team meeting during a hospital admittance.

Behavioral traits in dogs are assessed for a wide range of purposes such as determining selection for breeding, chance of being adopted or prediction of working aptitude. Most methods for assessing behavioral traits are questionnaire or observation-based, requiring significant amounts of time, effort and expertise. In addition, these methods might be also susceptible to subjectivity and bias, negatively impacting their reliability. In this study, we proposed an automated computational approach that may provide a more objective, robust and resource-efficient alternative to current solutions. Using part of a ‘Stranger Test’ protocol, we tested n = 53 dogs for their response to the presence and neutral actions of a stranger. Dog coping styles were scored by three dog behavior experts. Moreover, data were collected from their owners/trainers using the Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ). An unsupervised clustering of the dogs’ trajectories revealed two main clusters showing a significant difference in the stranger-directed fear C-BARQ category, as well as a good separation between (sufficiently) relaxed dogs and dogs with excessive behaviors towards strangers based on expert scoring. Based on the clustering, we obtained a machine learning classifier for expert scoring of coping styles towards strangers, which reached an accuracy of 78%. We also obtained a regression model predicting C-BARQ scores with varying performance, the best being Owner-Directed Aggression (with a mean average error of 0.108) and Excitability (with a mean square error of 0.032). This case study demonstrates a novel paradigm of ‘machine-based’ dog behavioral assessment, highlighting the value and great promise of AI in this context.

A barn’s climate is vital for animal welfare and emissions control, including greenhouse gases like methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2) and environmental gases like ammonia (NH3). The goal of this study was to investigate a developed low-cost online tool for monitoring barn climate and air pollutant emissions (OTICE) in naturally ventilated barns. OTICE employed a wireless sensor network with low-cost sensors for gases and climate variables, allowing scalable use across multiple barns. We evaluated the sensors for CO2, NH3, and CH4 for accuracy, both in controlled lab conditions and in a dairy barn in Germany, where measurements were carried out continuously for a duration of 12 days. For the averaged concentration levels over the measurement period, the low-cost sensors agreed well with the reference system, with relative deviations lower than 7% for all three gases, with maximum peak deviations up to 32% for CO2, 67% for NH3, and 65% for CH4, with strong Spearman correlations for CO2 and NH3 (ρCO2 = 0.8, ρNH3 = 0.68) and a rather weak correlation for CH4 with ρCH4 = 0.24. Further calibration and stability investigations are required, especially for CH4 sensing. However, the overall good results for NH3 and especially CO2 measurements indicate a huge potential of the low-cost system as a valuable tool for monitoring relative NH3 emission levels and the measurement of air exchange rates in naturally ventilated barns.

Introduction An optimized collection method and freezing protocol for preservation of epididymal spermatozoa remains a topic of interest to many scientists. The current study focused on the collection and preservation of canine epididymal spermatozoa. During the process of collection of canine epididymal spermatozoa, blood content can occur, which may affect sperm cryopreservation in a negative way. Here, we compared first two epididymal sperm collection techniques [epididymal mincing (EM) and single incision epididymal sperm aspiration (SESA)]; and next we tried to solve the issue of blood content using an erythrocyte lysis buffer (ELB). Methods Hence spermatozoa were collected after weighing the epididymides, either by EM or SESA, and sperm quality assessed prior to and post freezing (concentration, total sperm output (TSO), motility, viability and morphology). Next, new sperm samples were collected from eight epididymides by EM and subjected either to a standard freezing protocol or to an ELB treatment freezing protocol. Post-thaw sperm parameters (concentration, TSO, motility, viability and morphology), including intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation were assessed. The correlation between the weight of the epididymis and the TSO was evaluated based on the collection technique, and differences in sperm parameters were detected both within different collection techniques and between different pre-freezing treatment protocols. Results There was a very strong correlation between the weight of the epididymis and the TSO for the EM technique (p = 0.002, R² = 0.6), along with an increased sperm motility with EM compared to SESA (median 80%, inter-quartile range (IQR) 88–65 and median 67.5%, IQR 72.5–52.5, respectively; (p = 0.002). Post-thaw samples subjected to ELB treatment freezing protocol had lower motility and higher intracellular ROS compared to the standard freezing protocol (motility: median 56.25%, IQR 60–48.75 and median 70%, IQR 72.5–63, respectively; p = 0.01; ROS: median 78.5%, IQR 81.25–75.5 and median 70%, IQR 70.5–68.75, respectively; (p = 0.04). Discussion The results indicated that EM is a better technique to harvest epididymal spermatozoa despite the presence of some blood content. Furthermore, the ELB treatment should not be implemented to remove those red blood cells prior to cryopreservation of epididymal spermatozoa in dogs.

There is a growing interest in the ability of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae (BSFL) to convert low-value organic residues into high-value products. This leads to more publications with conversion data for various organic resources. However, these results are rarely comparable between laboratories due to differences in study protocols. This hinders comparisons among studies, the use of results in practice, and overall advancement in BSFL conversion research. Therefore, a standardised research protocol was developed for nursing, rearing and harvesting of BSFL for feed assessment. The utility of this protocol, was assessed via an international ring test with 9 partners. One batch of Gainesville diet (wheat bran (50%), alfa-alfa (30%) and maize (20%)) was produced and distributed among the partners to avoid dietary variations. Five-day-old BSFL larvae were used for the growth trial with six replicates per partner. Average larval weight was assessed after 3 days, 7 days, and harvest (>10% prepupae). Total yield and frass were recorded, and samples were chemically analysed to allow the quantification of the conversion efficiency. The results were used to calculate the within and between partner variability of the protocol. The results indicate that for the biological parameters (average weight, yield and density) the within partner variability was 24% and the between partner variability was 60%. The results of this study give a first indication of the variability that can be expected within and between BSFL feeding experiments for different parameters and can therefore serve as guideline when developing a new experimental designs, assess standard operating procedures and other applications. The protocol can be used as first basis for future feed experiments, improving the comparability of results.

The assessment of behavioral traits in dogs is a well-studied challenge due to its many practical applications such as selection for breeding, prediction of working aptitude, chances of being adopted, etc. Most methods for assessing behavioral traits are questionnaire or observation-based, which require a significant amount of time, effort and expertise. In addition, these methods are also susceptible to subjectivity and bias, making them less reliable. In this study, we proposed an automated computational approach that may provide a more objective, robust and resource-efficient alternative to current solutions. Using part of a Stranger Test protocol, we tested (n=53) dogs for their response to the presence and benign actions of a stranger. Dog coping styles were scored by three experts. Moreover, data were collected from their handlers using the Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ) . An unsupervised clustering of the dogs' trajectories revealed two main clusters showing a significant difference in the stranger-directed fear C-BARQ factor, as well as a good separation between (sufficiently) relaxed dogs and dogs with excessive behaviors towards strangers based on expert scoring. Based on the clustering, we obtained a machine learning classifier for expert scoring of coping styles towards strangers, which reached an accuracy of 78%. We also obtained a regression model predicting C-BARQ factor scores with varying performance, the best being Owner-Directed Aggression (with a mean average error of 0.108) and Excitability (with a mean square error of 0.032). This case study demonstrates a novel paradigm of digitally enhanced canine behavioral testing.

Accessible Summary What is already known? The nurse–patient relationship in mental health care is an important focus of mental health nursing theories and research. There is limited evidence about which factors influence nurse‐sensitive patient outcomes of the nurse–patient relationship. This hinders the development, planning, delivering, and quality assurance of the nurse–patient relationship in nursing practice and nursing education. What this paper adds to existing knowledge? To our best knowledge, this is the first study to examine associations between nurse‐sensitive patient outcomes of the nurse–patient relationship and a range of patient characteristics and relationship‐contextual factors. In this study, we found that gender, age, hospital characteristics, nurse availability when needed, nurse contact, and nurse stimulation were associated with the scores on the nurse‐sensitive patient outcome scale. What are the implications for practice? Having insight into the factors associated with nurse‐sensitive patient outcomes of the nurse–patient relationship can help nurses, nursing students, nursing management and also patients to enhance the nurse–patient relationship, trying to influence outcomes of nursing care. Abstract Introduction The lack of evidence on patient characteristics and relational‐contextual factors influencing nurse‐sensitive patient outcomes of a nurse–patient relationship is a possible threat to the quality and education of the nurse–patient relationship. Aim To measure nurse‐sensitive patient outcomes of the nurse–patient relationship and to explore the associations between nurse‐sensitive patient outcomes and a range of patient characteristics and relational‐contextual factors. Method In a multicenter cross‐sectional study, 340 inpatients from 30 units in five psychiatric hospitals completed the Mental Health Nurse‐Sensitive Patient Outcome Scale. Descriptive, univariate and Linear Mixed Model analyses were conducted. Results Overall, patient‐reported outcomes were moderate to good. Female participants, nurse availability when needed, more nurse contact and nurse stimulation were associated with higher outcomes. Age differences were observed for some of the outcomes. Outcomes also varied across hospitals but were not related to the number of times patients were hospitalized or to their current length of stay in the hospital. Discussion The results may help nurses to become more sensitive and responsive to factors associated with nurse‐sensitive patient outcomes of the nurse–patient relationship. Implications The nurse‐sensitive results can support nurses in designing future nurse–patient relationships.

The search for new, alternative and sustainable feeding sources, including insects, has become an important challenge on the feed market. In 2017, the European Union (EU) started to allow the use of insect meals as feeds for fish. In addition, in 2021, the EU also authorised the use of insect meal for pig and poultry farming. However, the adoption of insect meal by the European aquaculture sector is still limited, and this is mostly due to the lack of availability of insects and their higher costs than conventional feed ingredients. Thus, the insect-based feed industry is still in its infancy, and its successful development and integration in the food value chain depend on several factors. Among these, the technical feasibility and production of quality products, and acceptance by European consumers and farmers are relevant factors. To address these points, this narrative review describes the state of the art of the potential role of insect-based feeds. The stakeholders' and consumers' perspectives are investigated, along with the effects of insect-based feeds on the production and nutritional values of fish, poultry (meat and eggs), and pork. Indeed, matching the nutritional values of insect products with conventional feeds is one of the future challenges of the insect sector, as their nutritional composition is highly dependent on the rearing substrates, and thus, their use in animal feeding needs to be investigated carefully. Feeding animals with insect-based diets affects their growth performances and the chemical composition of the derived products (fish fillets, meat, and eggs). Whether these effects can be considered positive or negative seems to depend to a great extent on the percentage of insects included in their diets and the chemical composition of the ingredients. The use of insect-based feeds has also shown a potential to improve the nutritional features and values of animal products and even to add new ones. Finally, many of the acceptance studies on the use of insects in feeds have focused mostly on the consumers' perception rather than on industry stakeholders (e.g., farmers). Future research should focus more on the farmers' perceptions on and market analyses of these innovative feeds. Even though it is likely that the upscaling of the insect sector will lead to a decrease in prices and an increase in market availability, it is still critical to understand the potential barriers and drivers for the implementation of insects as feeds from a production point of view.

Environmental pollution caused by mercury has received increasing attention in recent years. Several studies have warned of the high rates of biomagnification in superior levels of marine food networks affecting seabirds. Although seabird feathers are reported as bioindicators of mercury, the possibility of using the microbiota associated with them for the bioremediation of this metal has not been considered. Despite the potential of the seabird feather microbiota, the cultivable microorganisms from this sample matrix have not been identified. In this study, we isolated and identified the organisms in the feathers from three types of seabirds, two species of penguins (Pygoscelis antartica and Pygoscelis papua) and the brown skua bird (Catharacta lonnbergi) through poisoned media a final concentration of 10 mg / L Hg2+ in the culture medium for the microbial consortia. Yeast isolates belonged to the genus Debaryomyces, Meyerozyma, Papiliotrema, and Rhodotorula, and fungi genera Leiotrametes, Penicillium, Pseudogymnoascus, and Cladosporium were identified. Adult bird feathers with high mercury concentrations can serve as a matrix to isolate microorganisms capable of removing mercury. Keywords: Antarctica, bioremediation, feathers, mercury, microorganisms

Polyclonal antisera from patients have been at the basis of the description of autoimmune diseases and today monoclonal antibodies are widely used in the therapy of cancer and many inflammatory diseases. How antisera and antibodies in combination with traditional in vitro and in vivo biological test systems have been instrumental reagents for the discovery of new cytokines is illustrated here for interleukin-1, -6 and -8. Furthermore, widely used immunological detection/quantification systems, such as ELISAs and multiplex assays, based on the use of either polyclonal or monoclonal antibodies, are often fraught with misinterpretations, because the results are affected by the possible occurrence of posttranslational modifications (PTMs) of the analytes. Cytokines and chemokines are present in vivo as mixtures of proteoforms with different amino- or carboxytermini or carrying heterogeneous glycan chains and possibly also being subject to citrullination, pyroglutamination and other PTMs. Increased knowledge about the specificities of antibody (cross)reactivities with cytokine ligands have improved diagnosis and treatment of many diseases, with inflammatory processes, including cancer-associated inflammation, at the frontline.

This paper analyzes the impact of automatic wage indexation on employment. To boost competitiveness and increase employment, Belgium suspended its automatic wage indexation system in 2015. This resulted in a 2% fall in real wages for all workers. In the absence of a suitable control group, we use machine learning for the counterfactual analysis. We artificially construct the control group for a difference-in-difference analysis based on the pre-treatment evolution of treated firms. We find a positive impact on employment of 1.2%, which corresponds to a labor demand elasticity of − 0.6. This effect is more pronounced for manufacturing firms, where the elasticity reaches − 1. These results show that a suspension of the automatic wage indexation mechanism can be effective in preserving employment.