bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development and evaluation of a free e-learning program on dementia risk reduction for the general public: A pre-post study
Authors: Van Asbroeck Stephanie , Wimmers Sophie CPM , van Boxtel Martin PJ , Groot Zwaaftink Rob BM , Otten Vera , Bekkenkamp Dinant , Köhler Sebastian , Deckers Kay
Published: January 2025

Background

There is consistent evidence for the contribution of modifiable risk factors to dementia risk, offering opportunities for primary prevention. Yet, most individuals are unaware of these opportunities.

Objective

To investigate whether online education about dementia risk reduction may be a low-level means to increase knowledge and support self-management of modifiable dementia risk factors.

Methods

A pre-post study was conducted with Dutch community-dwelling individuals who registered for a free e-learning course called “Keep your brain healthy”. The e-learning covers seven themes delivered week-by-week covering cognitive and physical activity, diet, and cardiovascular health, amongst others. Participants completed an online survey before starting the e-learning, immediately afterwards, and three months later. The survey covered user experience, knowledge on dementia risk reduction, motivation for, and engagement in, health behaviors.

Results

Of the 477 participants (70.9% women, mean age = 63 years), 339 (71.1%) completed the survey immediately after the e-learning, and 241 (50.5%) completed the three-month follow-up survey. User experiences were positive with weekly themes receiving average ratings between 7.9–8.1 out of 10. Improvements over time were seen in knowledge of dementia risk reduction, Mediterranean diet adherence, social contact satisfaction, and motivation for physical activity. Cognitive activity levels and alcohol consumption improved over time in women. Moreover, improvements in knowledge and Mediterranean diet adherence remained present three months after course completion.

Conclusions

This e-learning program was positively perceived, increased knowledge of dementia risk reduction, and promoted engagement in brain-healthy lifestyles. The program can easily be implemented as a stand-alone tool or as part of larger dementia risk reduction initiatives.
Impaired cerebral microvascular reactivity and endothelial SK channel activity in a streptozotocin-treated mouse model of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Xing Hang , Kant Shawn , Kanuparthy Meghamsh , Harris Dwight , Stone Christopher , Broadwin Mark , Zhang Zhiqi , Pearson Elena , Hu Jiayu , Sauer Ava , Princiotto Amy , Harrington Elizabeth O , de la Monte Suzanne M , Sellke Frank , Feng Jun
Published: January 2025

Background

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a complex neurodegenerative disease marked by increased amyloid-β (Aβ) deposition, tau hyperphosphorylation, impaired energy metabolism, and chronic ischemia-type injury. Cerebral microvascular dysfunction likely contributes to AD pathology, but its precise pathogenic role has been poorly defined.

Objective

To examine microvascular reactivity to endothelium-dependent vasodilators and small conductance calcium-activated potassium (SK) channel activity in an intracerebral streptozotocin (STZ)-induced AD mouse model.

Methods

Control and STZ-AD mice underwent Morris Water Maze and Barnes testing, after which cerebral microvascular and brain microvascular endothelial cells (MBMECs) were dissected to assess microvascular reactivity, responses to SK channel activator NS309, and ion-channel current recordings using whole-cell patch clamp methodology. Control mouse cerebral microvascular and human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs) were treated with soluble Aβ1–42 peptide to characterize microvascular reactivity and endothelial potassium currents.

Results

STZ-AD mice exhibited impaired performance vs control mice in behavioral testing. STZ-AD mice also exhibited diminished cerebral microvascular responsiveness and MBMECs potassium current augmentation in response to NS309 compared with control mice. Incubation of control mouse cerebral micro-vessels and HBMECs with soluble Aβ (1 µM) for 2 h attenuated relaxation responses to NS309 and diminished NS309-sensitive endothelial potassium currents.

Conclusions

STZ-AD mice exhibited impaired microvascular relaxation responses to endothelium-dependent vasodilators; SK/IK channel dysfunction may be involved in the mechanism of this impairment. Acute treatment with Aβ produced dysregulated cerebrovascular endothelial SK/IK channels. Further elucidation of the role of microvascular dysfunction in AD is needed to prevent the chronic ischemia-type injury that contributes to cognitive decline.
Parametric influences of a modified fractional Van der Pol oscillator under Gaussian colored noise
Authors: Li Yajie , Wu Zhiqiang , Sun Yongtao , Hao Ying
Published: January 2025

We investigate the bistable dynamic behaviors of a fractional and modified Van der Pol system subjected to Gaussian colored noise, especially focusing on the control of bifurcation parameters. Firstly, according to the minimal mean square error concept and the generalized harmonic balance technique, the fractional derivative term can be expressed as a linear combination of the damping force and restoring force. Consequently, the initial system can be simplified as an equivalent integer-order Van der Pol system. And the Probability Density Function (PDF) of the system’s stationary amplitude can be obtained by utilizing the stochastic averaging method. Subsequently, the critical condition for stochastic P-bifurcation of system amplitude is determined by using the singularity theory. Finally, the qualitative analysis of the stationary PDF curves of amplitude is discussed in each region divided by the transition set curves. The agreement between the analytical solutions and the numerical outcomes obtained through Monte Carlo simulation confirms the theoretical analysis presented in this paper. Additionally, the results attained in this paper have a potential guidance to control the system’s response by optimizing the parametric design of the fractional-order controller.
Social digital dilemmas: Young people’s and parents’ negotiation of emerging online safety issues
Authors: Humphry Justine , Hutchinson Jonathon , Boichak Olga
Published: January 2025

This article examines emerging online safety issues for Australian teenagers (12–17 years) in their use of social media, apps and online games drawing on findings from a multi-phase, mixed-methods research project carried out from January 2022 to July 2023. Based on the research, we develop a new understanding of ‘social digital dilemmas’, situating our analysis within the rapidly changing social media environment that uses algorithmic technologies and recommendation systems to automatically feed and personalise content to users. These social digital dilemmas are negotiated within relational social networks taking into account digital skills and literacies, household rules and realms of responsibility for children’s online safety that cut across differences in gender, family structure, cultural background and children’s disability status. Based on our findings, we make conclusions about the regulatory context for children’s online safety and suggest how to develop more effective online safety policies and approaches.
Sustainable corporate entrepreneurship as a catalyst for sustainability – a systematic literature review
Authors: Gerlich Carolin , Kanbach Dominik K. , Kraus Sascha
Published: January 2025

Sustainability has emerged as a critical priority for both business strategy and academic research, driving a shift beyond traditional responsibility frameworks toward embedding sustainability within entrepreneurial paradigms. While start-ups and social entrepreneurs have effectively integrated sustainability into their business models, large corporation face significant challanges in balancing financial goals with the growing demand for sustainability. This study considers the potential of corporate entrepreneurship to foster sustainability within established companies. Sustainable corporate entrepreneurship (SCE) allows companies to leverage innovation for sustainability as a value-creating opportunity rather than a restrictive constraint. This study addresses a critical gap in the literature – the lack of a comprehensive framework for SCE – through a meticulous, systematic literature review of 95 recent publications. Our proposed SCE framework identifies three key dimensions: focus, approach and evaluation. We provide insights to deepen understanding and guide future research in this evolving field. Specifically, we introduce a model that conceptualizes how SCE can be developed as dynamic capability for generating value through sustainability-focused innovation. This model speficies capabilities on an individual and organizational level, as well as contextual enablers and hurdles.
Customer participation behavior and customer citizenship behavior in hotels: Testing co-production and value-in-use as mediators
Authors: Sadighha Jinous , Pinto Patrícia , Guerreiro Manuela , Campos Ana Cláudia
Published: January 2025

This study investigates customers’ contribution to value co-creation by exploring the associations between customer co-creation behavior, including customer participation and customer citizenship behavior, and co-creation processes, namely, co-production and value-in-use. It combines co-creation theory with equity and social exchange theories to propose a model for customer behavior towards value co-creation. Using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), data were collected from tourists staying at hotels in Portugal. Results indicate that customer participation behavior envisages co-production and value-in-use, while the two forms of value co-creation subsequently improve customer citizenship behavior. Moreover, co-production enhances value-in-us. Additionally, customer participation behavior is associated with customer citizenship behavior through co-production and value-in-use. This research contributes to the co-creation theory by proving co-production and value-in-use as transforming mechanisms that turn customer participation behavior into customer citizenship behavior. Applying the proposed model as a managerial tool in hotels improves co-creation processes and boosts customer citizenship behavior.
Towards a better understanding of enhancing task performance in resort hotels
Authors: Xiaoxin Liang , Liqun Chen , Konar Rupam , Sthapit Erose , Garrod Brian , Weimei Chen
Published: January 2025

This study investigates the influence of positive psychological capital, the big five personality traits, and employee engagement on task performance, with organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) examined as a mediator. Data were collected via an online questionnaire from 398 employees of 12 resort hotels in Hainan, China, and analyzed using structural equation modeling. The findings reveal that employee engagement, and the big five personality traits are the strongest predictors of OCB, which significantly mediates the relationship with task performance. Positive psychological capital and the big five personality traits also have direct effects on task performance. These results highlight the critical roles of psychological and personality factors, as well as employee engagement, in fostering OCB and improving task performance. This study contributes to the literature by elucidating the mechanisms through which these factors drive employee performance outcomes.
Rural public cultural service system in Heilongjiang Province based on coupled coordination analysis
Authors: Liu Liwei , Wang Ying
Published: January 2025

Developing rural public culture is crucial for enhancing rural spiritual and cultural life, promoting cultural growth, and fostering socialist core values. Constructing this service system requires considering both internal and external factors, such as cultural environment, population, economic support, and social stability. This study focuses on Heilongjiang Province as the research area and randomly selects 14 natural villages as survey targets, collecting data from 2017 to 2021. By employing a coupled coordination degree model, the rural public cultural services system and its three subsystems are analyzed. The findings reveal that the development impact of public cultural service during the period of 2017–2021 was suboptimal and volatile. The subsystems exhibit strong mutual influence, and adjustments to the overall situation can be made by intervening in individual systems or indices. Moreover, the coupling coordination between the cultural internal environment, social stability foundation, and population and economic support is subpar, indicating the limited impact of external environmental perspectives on promoting the development of public cultural services.
Use of a Novel Steerable Tip Suction Cannula in Large and Giant Pituitary Adenomas: A Cadaveric Feasibility Study
Authors: Sahin Mustafa Selim , Gulsever Cafer Ikbal , Ozturk Metehan , Dolen Duygu , Dolas Ilyas , Saglam Latif , Coskun Osman , Gayretli Ozcan , Sabanci Pulat Akin
Published: January 2025

Objective

The endoscopic transsphenoidal approach is commonly used for sellar and suprasellar pathologies. However, reaching above the diaphragma sella, especially for posterosuperior and retrocavernous orientation, still poses some challenges. We designed and developed a steerable tip suction cannula (STSC) that has distinct leverage for endoscopic resection of such pathologies.

Methods

The entire suction cannula is made of stainless steel. The instrument consists of a handle, vacuum tube, suction tip bed, suction tip, finger knuckle, wire path, countersunk headpin, and isolated steel wire. The working principle of the product is to enable the surgeon to move the aspiration tip in the desired direction by steering the finger knuckle. Five cadaveric specimens fixed with the saturated salt solution were used to evaluate the instrument and obtain measurements.

Results

In the straight position, the STSC aspirated 2.67% slower than the control aspirator tip and 13.24% faster than that at 30° angulation. Based on the CT measurements, the mean angulation of the instrument from the frontobasal axis was 38.3°. The mean distance from the frontobasal axis was 1.3 cm. The average angulation of the tip of the instrument in the cranium was 25.5°.

Conclusion

The designed STSC might effectively resect large to giant pituitary adenomas, especially those with supradiaphragmatic extension. Its suction capability is comparable to that of conventional suction tubes.
Understanding the Gendered Landscape of the Police Force in China: A Qualitative Study of Chinese Women Police Officers
Authors: Qu Jia , Cheng Hongming
Published: January 2025

This article considers how women police in China construct and negotiate a delicate balance of identities due to societal norms, workplace dynamics, and the weight of tradition. Using data from interviews with 18 women officers, we found patterns suggesting that Chinese women officers are neither willing to be bound by reductive stereotypes, nor willing to abandon the core elements of their feminine identity. As a result, the findings from this sample indicate that they find themselves at a pivotal crossroads, eager to forge a novel definition of what it means to be a “good woman” within the realm of policing.
Blind super-resolution network based on local fuzzy discriminative loss for fabric data augmentation
Authors: Dai Ning , Hu Xiaohan , Xu Kaixin , Hu Xudong , Yuan Yanhong , Cao Bo , Shi Luhong
Published: January 2025

In the field of fabric defect detection, the development of algorithms has been hindered by issues such as poor quality and limited quantity of open-source datasets. Traditional data augmentation methods offer limited improvements in model performance, while generative data augmentation methods are plagued by difficulties in training generative models, susceptibility to artifacts, and the need for re-labeling. To address these challenges, this paper proposes a blind super-resolution algorithm for fabric defect data augmentation. The model is based on Real-ESRGAN and has been optimized specifically for the resolution degradation module to better adapt to the resolution degradation process in fabric images. Subsequently, a novel loss function named Local Blur Discrimination Loss is designed to address the local blur phenomenon and suppress the generation of fabric artifacts during the super-resolution process. Finally, both subjective evaluations of super-resolution effects and objective comparisons of data augmentation performance were conducted during the experimental phase. The subjective assessments demonstrate that the proposed method outperforms the baseline model. Additionally, in terms of objective performance, augmenting the DAGM2007 dataset using the proposed model, the detection model's accuracy (P) increased by 7.4%, recall (R) increased by 1.0%, and the mean average precision (mAP) increased by 2.5%, surpassing commonly used traditional vision-based data augmentation algorithms.
Investigating the presence of surgical learning in the Timing of Primary Surgery for cleft palate randomised trial
Authors: Conroy Elizabeth J , Blazeby Jane M , Burnside Girvan , Cook Jonathan A , Gamble Carrol
Published: January 2025

Background/aims

When conducting a randomised controlled trial in surgery, it is important to consider surgical learning, where surgeons’ familiarity with one, or both, of the interventions increases during the trial. If present, learning may compromise trial validity. We demonstrate a statistical investigation into surgical learning within a trial of cleft palate repair.

Methods

The Timing of Primary Surgery compared primary surgery, using the Sommerlad technique, for cleft palate repair delivered at 6 or 12 months of age. Participating surgeons had varying levels of experience with the intervention and in repair across the age groups. Trial design aimed to reduce the surgical learning via pre-trial surgical technique training and balancing the randomisation process by surgeon. We explore residual learning effects by applying visual methods and statistical models to a surgical outcome (fistula formation) and a process indicator (operation time).

Results

Notably, 26 surgeons operated on 521 infants. As the trial progressed, operation time reduced for surgeons with no pre-trial Sommerlad experience (n = 2), before plateauing at 30 operations, whereas it remained stable for those with prior experience. Fistula rates remained stable regardless of technique experience. Pre-trial age for primary surgery experience had no impact on either measures.

Conclusion

Managing learning effects through design was not fully achieved but balanced between trial arms, and residual effects were minimal. This investigation explores the presence of learning, within a randomised controlled trial that may be valuable for future trials. We recommend such investigations are undertaken to aid trial interpretation and generalisability, and determine success of trial design measures.
Synthesis, characterisation and application of ca-doped CoFe2O4 nanoparticles in humidity sensing
Authors: Bhardwaj Bala , Tiwari Prabhat Ranjan , Bharati Keval , Singh Rahul Pratap , Yadav Avinash Chand , Singh Kuwar Ankur , Yadav Bal Chandra , Kumar Santosh
Published: January 2025

Using solution-gelation and the auto-combustion process, calcium (Ca)-doped cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4) nanoparticles were synthesised. The synthesised nanomaterials were characterised by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, field-effect scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), UV–Vis spectroscopy, and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) techniques. The PXRD analysis shows that the crystallite size reduces from 39 to 27 nm with increasing calcium content. UV–Vis spectroscopy reveals that the band gap is enhanced with calcium content. The VSM illustrates that coercivity and saturation magnetisation decrease with the concentration of calcium. The synthesised nanomaterials were first time applied to humidity sensing, and different sensing parameters were determined. The response and recovery times were 44.95 and 53.52 s, respectively. The designed sensor has a repeatability of 97% and a minute ageing effect.
Comparative analysis of collaborative impacts on teacher job satisfaction: A cross-cultural study between the United States and China
Authors: Xu Zhihong , Weng Wenting , Hu Xueyan , Luo Wen
Published: January 2025

This present research proposed a whole-school approach collaboration model to assess its effects on the job satisfaction of teacher educators in the United States and China. It aims to identify differences in how collaboration influences job satisfaction among American and Chinese teachers, drawing data from the 2018 Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS). Utilizing hierarchical linear modeling (HLM), the study constructs models that integrate variables at both stakeholder and teacher levels. The results indicated that teacher-level collaboration had positive effects on American and Chinese teachers’ job satisfaction. Interestingly, this study reveals distinct dynamics in the influence of school leadership on teachers’ job satisfaction: it plays a significant role for American teachers, while its influence on Chinese teachers is not pronounced. This finding highlights the varying cultural contexts and organizational structures within the education system of the United States and China.
Unveiling unexpected adverse events: post-marketing safety surveillance of gilteritinib and midostaurin from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting database
Authors: Jiang Tingting , Li Yanping , Zhang Ni , Gan Lanlan , Su Hui , Xiang Guiyuan , Wu Yuanlin , Liu Yao
Published: January 2025

Background:

Gilteritinib and midostaurin are FLT3 inhibitors that have made significant progress in the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia. However, their real-world safety profile in a large sample population is incomplete.

Objectives:

We aimed to provide a pharmacovigilance study of the adverse events (AEs) associated with gilteritinib and midostaurin through the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database.

Design:

A retrospective analysis of the FAERS database was conducted by disproportionality analyses.

Methods:

We conducted disproportionality analyses to identify drug-AE associations, including the reporting odds ratio and the Bayesian confidence propagation neural network. A signal was detected if both methods achieved statistical significance.

Results:

There were 1887 and 2091 case reports for gilteritinib and midostaurin, respectively. We have separately retained significant disproportionality AEs across two algorithms, with a total of 53 AEs for gilteritinib and 46 for midostaurin. The common AEs observed with gilteritinib included febrile neutropenia, pyrexia, anemia, and thrombocytopenia. Similarly, the prevalent AEs associated with midostaurin were nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, pyrexia, and febrile neutropenia. The common AEs of both drugs are consistent with previous clinical trials. Notably, we also revealed unexpected significant AEs for both drugs. For gilteritinib, 29 positive signals for AEs not mentioned in its instructions were identified, such as cerebral hemorrhage, tumor lysis syndrome, and interstitial lung disease. Midostaurin exhibited 24 positive signals for AEs not listed in its instructions, including neutropenic colitis, neutropenic sepsis, and septic shock.

Conclusion:

This study highlights the need for continued monitoring and evaluation of these drugs in clinical practice, as it first reveals their AEs in a large real-world sample population. Some AEs are generally consistent with the instructions and previous studies, but some unexpected AEs are detected for each drug. Due to the limitations of the spontaneous report database, such as including potential underreporting, overreporting, lack of causal relationship, unable to calculate incidence, and other confounding factors, more pharmacoepidemiology studies are needed to validate our findings.
The potential of digital health interventions to address health system challenges in Southeast Asia: A scoping review
Authors: Singh Vanita , Johnson K Rosemol , Jacob Anil G. , John Oommen
Published: January 2025

Objective

The World Health Organization (WHO) Southeast Asian region, comprising a quarter of the global population, faces significant healthcare challenges influenced by diverse economic and social conditions. The objective of this study is to map the Digital Health Intervention (DHI) functionalities across the nine axes of the healthcare system challenges (HSCs) model; we use WHO's DHIs classification framework and the Health System Challenges model. Our study findings help identify the gaps in the potential of the existing DHIs in addressing health system challenges in low- and middle-income countries.

Methods

Using SCOPUS, EMBASE and PUBMED databases, a scoping review was conducted to identify the existing DHIs in the Southeast Asia region and map the DHIs with the HSCs related to availability, information, utilization, quality, accountability, efficiency, equity, cost and acceptability.

Results

Out of 278 studies, 337 DHI functionalities were identified. A majority of the identified DHIs address challenges related to information (35.6%), availability (34.7%) and utilization, while less than 10% of the DHIs address challenges related to quality (8.9%), accountability (5%) and efficiency (3.9%) in the health system.

Conclusion

Most of the existing DHIs in SEA region address challenges related to availability of services and lack of information, while they fall short in addressing challenges related to quality of services, efficiency, and accountability. Acknowledging the inter-linkages across the health system challenges, this gap identification may well guide future investments and planning in DHIs.
Evaluating Differences in College Students’ Planned Happenstance Skills on the Basis of Disability Status
Authors: Munandar Vidya D. , Ghosh Arpita , Hicks Tyler A. , Wehmeyer Michael L. , Thompson James R.
Published: January 2025

College students with and without disabilities completed measures of Planned Happenstance Skills (PHS) and reported their demographic attributes (i.e., age, year of study, gender, race/ethnicity, SES, disability status). In general, the result shows that disability status, gender, race/ethnicity, and year of study were significant predictors of PHS levels. We also examined the magnitude of differences in PHS in each dimension (i.e., curiosity, flexibility, persistence, optimism, and risk-taking) between college students with and without disabilities after controlling for the key covariates. The result shows that college students with disabilities generally exhibited similar and slightly higher PHS levels compared to their counterparts without disabilities. Possible explanations of the results and limitations are discussed, along with implications for research and practice.
Acute Effects of Unplanned and Planned Hop-Landing Training on Neurocognitive Function and Knee Biomechanics
Authors: Konishi Mika , Clark Nicholas C. , McDonald Duncan J. , Takemura Masahiro , Cortes Nelson
Published: January 2025

Background:

Athletes with decreased baseline neurocognitive function may experience noncontact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in unanticipated athletic situations. Many ACL injury prevention programs (IPPs) focus on improving closed-skill movements (eg, planned landing). However, the more open-skill movements (eg, unplanned reactive movements) required in unpredictable sports scenarios are commonly absent from ACL IPPs, and the acute effects of open-skill training on neurocognitive function remain unclear.

Purpose:

To investigate the acute effects of unplanned versus planned training on neurocognitive function and knee biomechanics associated with ACL injury risk during the side-step cutting motion.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

A total of 32 adult recreational athletes (16 female, 16 male) were randomly assigned to either an unplanned training (UT) group or a control (CON) group. The UT group performed unplanned hop-landing training while the CON group performed planned hop-landing training. Both before and after the training, neurocognitive function was evaluated using the Trail Making Test–part B and Stroop Color and Word Test. Additionally, unanticipated and anticipated side-step cutting tasks were performed while 3-dimensional kinematic and kinetic data for the dominant leg were collected. Neurocognitive test scores and biomechanical variables relevant to ACL injury were analyzed using 2-way repeated-measures analysis of variance to determine the main effects of training, group, and training × group interaction.

Results:

Trail Making Test–part B and Stroop Color and Word Test scores significantly improved from pre- to posttraining in both groups ( P < .001 for both). There was a significant training × group interaction for peak knee abduction angle during the unanticipated side-step cutting task (pre- vs posttraining: –8.81°± 7.23° vs −7.40°± 7.24° [UT group]; –8.23°± 9.40° vs −9.99°± 9.83° [CON group]; P = .02) and for peak vertical ground-reaction force during the anticipated side-step cutting task (pre- vs posttraining: 3.86 ± 0.59 vs 4.08 ± 0.74 percentage body weight [%BW] [UT group]; 3.70 ± 0.62 vs 3.34 ± 0.62 %BW [CON group]; P = .04).

Conclusion:

Study findings showed a significant training × group interaction for knee abduction angle during the unanticipated side-step cutting task with unplanned training and for vertical ground-reaction force during the anticipated side-step cutting task with planned training.

Clinical Relevance:

Designing ACL IPPs based on the sport type (ie, open skill or closed skill) may contribute to better preparation.
Generational Renewal of and Support for Agricultural Businesses  to Achieve Vision  2030 in Namibia—A  Focus on Social Protection
Authors: Amadhila Elina M.
Published: January 2025

With six years left before realising Vision 2030 plans, Namibia finds itself with the current generation, that is, young people (youth) not interested/un-motivated to take up agriculture as a form of income-generating activity. Scientific literature is lacking in this area in Namibia, yet there is an argument that social protection (SP) programmes in agriculture are important to help increase agricultural output among the youth and in turn, sustainable food security and reduction in unemployment. Using the theory of market failure, this article sets out to identify challenges experienced by the youth in Namibia in participating in agriculture and discuss how coupling agriculture with SP could contribute to agricultural transformation. A qualitative methodological approach was employed as this approach helps with understanding how people think and act and, in this case, how the youth perceive the agricultural sector. It is found that a lack of infrastructure, income uncertainty, lack of farming protection and access to land deter the youth from participating in agriculture with some categorising farming as ‘not a job’. For agricultural transformation to come about, an enabling environment needs to be created to realise Vision 2030. This study contributes to the literature on proposed solutions in creating an enabling environment for those aspiring to go into agriculture as per the aspiration of the current policies and programmes.
The recent landscape of RSV vaccine research
Authors: Kelleher Karen , Subramaniam Nadisha , Drysdale Simon B.
Published: January 2025

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes a significant burden of acute respiratory illness across all ages, particularly for infants and older adults. Infants, especially those born prematurely or with underlying health conditions, face a high risk of severe RSV-related lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs). Globally, RSV contributes to millions of LRTI cases annually, with a disproportionate burden in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The RSV virion outer capsule contains glycoproteins G and F which are essential for viral entry into respiratory epithelial cells and represent key targets for therapeutics development. The F-glycoprotein has several highly conserved antigenic sites that have proven useful targets for the development of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against RSV. Historically, prevention in infants was limited to the mAb palivizumab, which, despite its efficacy, was costly and inaccessible in many regions. Recent advancements include nirsevimab, a long-acting mAb that has shown substantial efficacy in reducing medically attended RSV-related disease in infants, in phase III clinical trials, early regional and national real-world data. In addition, three new vaccines have been approved: two protein subunit vaccines and a messenger RNA vaccine. The vaccines are all licenced for use in older adults, with one also approved as a maternal vaccine. Promising candidates in development include the mAb clesrovimab, which has an extended half-life and high levels in the nasal epithelial lining and high safety and efficacy profiles in late-stage trials. There are also a wide range of vaccine candidates currently in late-stage clinical trials. These developments signify a major advancement in RSV prevention strategies, offering improved protection for high-risk populations. With the ongoing rollout of the recently licenced vaccines and mAbs internationally, the landscape of RSV care is rapidly changing. We also must ensure these advances reach those in LMICs who need these therapies most.
The wear resistance of micro spade drills  and D-shaped tool materials
Authors: Vendrame Saimon , Paranaiba Ricardo Spini , Silva Washington Martins da , Machado Álisson Rocha , Jackson Mark James , Bianchi Eduardo Carlos , Silva Rosemar Batista da
Published: January 2025

High-speed steel (HSS) is commonly used in producing micro-cutting tools due to its excellent abrasive wear resistance, especially under high rotational speeds and low thermal activation conditions. Numerous studies have focused on enhancing the microstructural properties of HSS further to improve the wear resistance of these micro tools. However, abrasive machining processes like grinding and lapping are employed during the manufacturing of micro tools such as spade drills, milling cutters, and taps. In these processes, controlling the wear rate is crucial, as it directly impacts the achievable material removal rate. Therefore, maintaining wear rate stability is more critical than only measuring the total amount of wear. In this context, this study aims to evaluate the wear of HSS with various microstructures using a variation of the pin-abrasion test (PAT). Pins of M3 class 2 (referred to as M3/2) HSS obtained from three different manufacturers were tested using SiC abrasive articles (320# mesh) under a constant load of 0.35 MPa and variable rotary speeds between 0.5 and 6.0 m/s. The materials were evaluated, and the type and quantity of primary carbides (MC and M6C) present in their microstructures were determined with the aid of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The results demonstrated a relationship between wear behavior and carbide size and distribution: materials with larger carbides with a non-uniform distribution exhibited greater wear rate instability. This implies that micro tools made from HSS should have a microstructure characterized by a uniform distribution of small carbide particles to ensure stability during fabrication. Additionally, a method for testing wear rate stability was proposed.
Epcoritamab plus GemOx in transplant-ineligible relapsed/refractory DLBCL: results from the EPCORE NHL-2 trial
Authors: Brody Joshua D. , Jørgensen Judit Meszaros , Belada David , Costello Régis , Trněný Marek , Vitolo Umberto , Lewis David John , Karimi Yasmin H. , Sureda Anna , Andre Marc , Wahlin Björn E. , Lugtenburg Pieternella J. , Jiang Tony , Karagoz Kubra , Steele Andrew J , Abbas Aqeel , Wang Liwei , Risum Malene , Cordoba Raul
Published: January 2025

Patients with relapsed or refractory (R/R) diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) have poor outcomes. Gemcitabine + oxaliplatin (GemOx) with rituximab, a standard salvage therapy, yields complete response (CR) rates of approximately 30% and median overall survival (OS) of 10-13 months. Patients with refractory disease fare worse, with a CR rate of 7% for subsequent therapies and median OS of 6 months. Epcoritamab, a CD3xCD20 bispecific antibody approved for the treatment of R/R DLBCL after ≥2 therapy lines, has shown promising safety and efficacy in various combinations. We report results from the phase 1b/2 EPCORE® NHL-2 trial evaluating epcoritamab + GemOx in patients with R/R DLBCL who were ineligible for or had failed autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT). Patients received 48-mg subcutaneous epcoritamab after 2 step-up doses until progression or unacceptable toxicity; GemOx was given Q2W for 8 doses. The primary endpoint was overall response rate (ORR). As of December 15, 2023, 103 patients were enrolled (median follow‑up, 13.2 months). Patients had a median age of 72 years and challenging-to-treat disease: ≥2 prior therapy lines, 62%; prior CAR T, 28%; primary refractory disease, 52%; refractory to last therapy, 70%. ORR/CR rates were 85%/61%. Median duration of CR and OS were 23.6 and 21.6 months. Common treatment‑emergent adverse events were cytopenias and cytokine release syndrome (CRS). CRS events had predictable timing, were primarily low grade (52% overall, 1% grade 3), and resolved without leading to discontinuation. Epcoritamab + GemOx yielded deep, durable responses and favorable long-term outcomes in ASCT‑ineligible R/R DLBCL. NCT04663347
Fedratinib combined with ropeginterferon alfa-2b in patients with myelofibrosis (FEDORA): study protocol for a multicentre, open-label, Bayesian phase II trial
Authors: McIlroy Graham , Gaskell Charlotte , Jackson Aimee , Yafai Emily , Tasker Rachel , Thomas Catherine , Fox Sonia , Boucher Rebecca , Ghebretinsea Fitsum , Harrison Claire , Mead Adam J. , McMullin Mary Frances
Published: January 2025

Background

Myelofibrosis (MF) is a clonal haematopoietic disease, with median overall survival for patients with primary MF only 6.5 years. The most frequent gene mutation found in patients is JAK2V617F, causing constitutive activation of the kinase and activation of downstream signalling. Fedratinib is an oral selective JAK2 inhibitor. It has shown activity in MF and is well-tolerated, but combination with other therapies is likely needed to achieve clonal remission. Combining a JAK2 inhibitor with an interferon may be synergistic, as haematopoietic cells are activated from quiescence (a typical kinase resistance mechanism) rendering them more sensitive to inhibition.

Ropeginterferon alfa-2b is a next generation pegylated interferon-α-2b with high tolerability and clinical activity in patients with MF, however, evidence of tolerability and activity in combination with fedratinib is lacking in this setting. The aim of the FEDORA trial is to assess tolerability, safety, and activity of fedratinib with ropeginterferon alfa-2b in patients with MF who require treatment to justify further investigation in a phase III trial.

Methods

FEDORA is a single arm, multicentre, open-label, Bayesian phase II trial to assess tolerability, safety, and activity of fedratinib with ropeginterferon alfa-2b aiming to recruit 30 patients. Patients with JAK2V617F positive primary or secondary MF, who are aged ≥ 18 years, have intermediate-1 with palpable splenomegaly of > 5cm, intermediate-2, or high-risk disease according to the Dynamic International Prognostic Scoring System (DIPSS), and who require treatment are eligible. The primary outcome is tolerability, whereby the combination is deemed intolerable in a patient if drug-related toxicities in the first four months of treatment lead to: either drug being discontinued; delays in treatment exceeding 28 consecutive days; or death. FEDORA uses a within-patient dose escalation regimen to ensure each patient reaches a personalised dose combination that is acceptable.

Discussion

FEDORA is using a Bayesian trial design and aims to provide evidence of the tolerability, safety, and activity of combining fedratinib with ropeginterferon alfa-2b upon which the decision as to whether a phase III trial is warranted will be based.

Trial registration

EudraCT number: 2021–004056-42.

ISRCTN: 88,102,629.
A study protocol for individualized prognostic counselling in the palliative phase
Authors: van den Besselaar Boyd Noël , Sewnaik A. , Dorr M. C. , Hoesseini A. , Hardillo J. A. , Baatenburg de Jong R. J. , Offerman M.P.J.
Published: January 2025

Background

Head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC) has a poor prognosis, with approximately 25–30% of patients transitioning into the palliative phase at some point. The length of this phase is relatively short, with a median duration of five months. Patients in this stage often have increased prognostic information needs. Unfortunately, predicting individual life expectancy in this phase is particularly challenging, as physicians and patients tend to overestimate survival. To address this issue, we developed the prognostic model OncologIQ Palliative based on user preferences. In this study, we now aim to assess the clinical impact of utilizing this model during counselling.

Methods

This study will employ both quantitative and qualitative approaches. The primary outcome is decisional conflict and satisfaction with the decision-making process after counselling without (cohort 1) and with (cohort 2) OncologIQ Palliative. Therefore, a prospective sequential cohort study will be conducted. Secondary outcomes include the amount of palliative treatment, overall survival rates, and quality of life. These measurements will be collected after the intervention. Additionally, patients’ perspectives on the decision-making process and proactive care planning, including end-of-life discussions, will be explored through interviews.

Discussion

By offering more personalized prognostic information for HNSCC patients in the palliative phase, we anticipate a shift towards more patient-centred counselling. This approach can facilitate enhanced end-of-life discussions and better proactive care planning. Patients may experience reduced decisional conflict, feel better prepared for what’s coming, and find assistance in their decision-making process. This could potentially lead to fewer palliative treatments. Overall, these aspects can contribute to a better quality of life and quality of care for HNSCC patients in the last phase of their lives.

Trial Registration

This study was registered November 18, 2024, on ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT06699316.
Development and validation of a novel coronary artery disease risk prediction model
Authors: Wu Zu-Fei , Tao Si-Xiao , Su Wen-Tao , Chen Shi , Xu Bai-Da , Zong Gang-Jun , Wu Gang-Yong
Published: January 2025

Objective

This study aims to develop a novel risk assessment tool for coronary artery disease (CAD) based on data of patients with chest pain in outpatient and emergency department, thereby facilitating the effective identification and management of high-risk patients.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients hospitalized for chest pain. Patients were divided into a control group and a CAD group based on angiographic results. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with CAD, and R-Studio was utilized to construct the CAD risk prediction model.

Results

Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that age, gender, diabetes, ECG (electrocardiogram) ST-T changes, neutrophils (NE), coronary artery calcification (CAC), and typical chest pain were independent factors associated with CAD. Based on the results of multifactorial logistic analysis, the CAD risk prediction model built with R-Studio had a highest C-index of 0.909, and a validation cohort C-index of 0.897, demonstrating excellent predictive ability. Decision Curve Analysis showed that the model significantly outperformed others in terms of clinical net benefit.

Conclusion

The present study successfully developed a CAD risk assessment model based on Chinese population. This novel model could be used to assess CAD risk in patients with chest pain, optimize clinical decision making, and improve patient outcomes, regardless of whether it is applied in large hospitals or resource-limited Community Healthcare Center.
Impact of an online mindfulness-based program on wellbeing and trait mindfulness for research postgraduate students: a randomized-controlled trial
Authors: Xu Jia-Qi , Tang Yee-Man Jennifer , Chen Hoi Ying Katherine
Published: January 2025

Objectives

Pursuing a research postgraduate (RPg) degree is a major life event and could be stressful. The current study aims to explore the effectiveness of an online eight-week mindfulness-based intervention on improving wellbeing and alleviating illbeing among a group of RPg students using a randomized waitlist-controlled design.

Methods

A total of 88 RPg students, either studying in Hong Kong or Macau, were recruited (43 were randomized into the immediate intervention group; 67 females; mean age = 27.7; SD = 4.60). The “Finding Peace in a Frantic World” was adopted as the mindfulness-based program. Linear mixed models were applied to test the effects of the intervention on trait mindfulness, compassion, wellbeing related measures (i.e., subjective wellbeing, resilience, wellbeing literacy) and illbeing related measures (i.e., emotional and sleeping disturbances), while controlling for the effects of age and gender. The intervention group was also assessed at two-month follow-up to evaluate the sustained effects.

Results

The results revealed that participants from the intervention group showed increased resilience (b = 0.88, p = .012), wellbeing literacy (b = 2.52, p = .04), trait mindfulness (b = 5.16, p = .006), and decreased emotional disturbances (b=-8.24, p = .015), while there were no changes in subjective wellbeing, sleeping quality, and self-compassion or compassion towards others compared to the waitlist controls. Positive effects were sustained after two months in the intervention group.

Conclusions

This study provides evidence for online mindfulness training in alleviating RPg students’ emotional disturbance and supporting their resilience and wellbeing literacy.

Registration

The study was retrospectively registered with the ISRCTN Registry on 11/11/2022 (registration number: ISRCTN18262344).