bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Geospatial mapping to assess the distribution and determinants of zero dose vaccination status hot spots among children in Ethiopia using EDHS 2019: Spatial and geographical weighted regression
Authors: Agimas Muluken Chanie , Asmamaw Meron , Hailu Melese Kebede , Kidie Tigabu , Abuhay Habtamu Wagnew , Yismaw Getaneh Awoke , Derseh Nebiyu Mekonnen
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Zero-dose vaccine status refers to a child who has not yet received any childhood vaccines. Globally, zero-dose vaccination status is the major public health problem. In sub-Saharan African countries, among five children, one child did not access the vaccines. The efforts to identify the factors contributing to the zero-dose vaccine have not yet been addressed in Ethiopia.

Objectives

To assess the distribution and determinants of zero dose vaccination status hot spots among children in Ethiopia using Ethiopian demographic health survey 2019.

Methods

A secondary analysis of a cross-sectional study was used among a total of 3208 participants. Stata-14, Arc geographic information system-10.3, and Sat Scan software were used to analyze the data. Moran’s I statistic was used to assess the non-random distribution of zero-dose vaccination status. Spatial and geographically weighted regression was used to map the distribution and determinants of zero-dose vaccination status in Ethiopia. The Getis-Ord-statistics and Sat Scan analysis were also used to identify the hot spot area and significant clusters respectively. To identify significant factors, a p-value <0.05 was used.

Results

The prevalence of zero-dose vaccination status among children aged 12–35 months old was 16.3% (95%CI, 15%–17.6%). The distribution of zero-dose vaccination status in Ethiopia was not randomly distributed across the area (Moran’s I value = 0.4, p<0.001). The hotspot area of zero-dose vaccination status in Ethiopia was located in Afar, Somalia, and the south nations region. The primary cluster was located at 5.479641 N and 42.196835 E within a 405.96 km radius in the Somali region. The highest effect (β, 0.23–0.24) of give birth at home on zero-dose vaccination status was observed in Afar, Somalia, and Tigray, whereas the lowest effect of home delivery (β, 0.21–0.22) was observed in south nations, Gambela, and the western part of Benishangul Gumuz. Additionally, the poor wealth index had the highest effect on zero-dose vaccination status (β, 0.06–0.07) in south nations, Benishangul Gumuz, and the Gambela region, and the lowest effect of the poor wealth index (β, 0.03–0.04) was observed in Somalia and the Afar region.

Conclusion

The zero dose child in Ethiopia was low. Geographically, the highest proportion of zero-dose vaccination status among children was in the Somali and Afar regions. Home delivery had the highest and most positive effect on zero-dose vaccination status in Afar, Somalia, and the Tigray region. Additionally, the poor wealth index had the highest and most positive effect in Somalia and the Afar region. Expanding delivery at the health facility and economic empowerment of women are recommended to improve vaccination in Ethiopia.
An insight into the stochastic solitonic features of the Maccari model using the solver technique
Authors: Abdelwahed Hesham G. , Alotaibi Reem , El-Shewy Emad K. , Abdelrahman Mahmoud A. E.
Published: December 2024

In this paper, the unified approach is used in acquiring some new results to the coupled Maccari system (MS) in Itô sense with multiplicative noise. The MS is a nonlinear model used in hydrodynamics, plasma physics, and nonlinear optics to represent isolated waves in a restricted region. We provide new results with complicated structures to this model, including hyperbolic, trigonometric and rational function solutions. We draw the two dimensional (2D) and three dimensional (3D) graphs to some of the study’s solutions under appropriately chosen physical parameter values. Random factors can alter the collapse caused by turbulence in the model medium. We noticed that our results may be useful for solving some real-world physical issues by identifying the motion of an isolated wave in a small area.
Socioeconomic inequalities in high-risk fertility behaviors over time in Ethiopia
Authors: Asresie Melash Belachew , Ekholuenetale Michael , Ahmed Kedir Y. , Mistry Sabuj Kanti , Chandio Navira , Agho Kingsley , Fekadu Gedefaw Abeje , Arora Amit
Published: December 2024

Introduction

High-risk fertility behaviors (HRFB), including short birth intervals, early or late childbearing age, and high parity, are associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Understanding the importance of socioeconomic disparity in HRFB and the factors influencing this disparity is essential to improve maternal and child survival, Accordingly, this study investigated socioeconomic inequalities in HRFB over time and its contributing factors.

Methods

We included a total weighted sample of 11,163 and 5,527 women aged 15 to 49 years from the 2005 and 2019 Ethiopia Demographic and Health Surveys, respectively. Erreygers Concentration index (ECI) and curve, along with Erreygers normalized decomposition analysis, were used to examine socioeconomic-related inequalities in HFRB and identify contributing factors to these inequalities.

Results

The study showed that the concentration curve for HFRB remained above the equality line over time, indicating a disproportionate concentration among socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals. In 2005, the pro-poor ECI was -0.0682; in 2019, it was -0.2634, indicating that pro-poor inequality has widened. Educational status (10% in 2005 and 28% in 2019), place of birth (7% in 2005 and 28% in 2019), religion (16% in 2005 and 4% in 2019), and region (9% in 2005 and 3% in 2019) contributed to the observed pro-poor inequality. In 2019, contraceptive use (12%) and wealth index (15%) emerged as additional factors explaining HRFB inequality.

Conclusion

Our findings revealed the disproportional concentration of HRFB among socioeconomically disadvantaged women in Ethiopia, with a widening disparity between 2005 and 2019. Future interventions to address the effect of socioeconomic disadvantage on HRFB should prioritize women with low or no formal education, those who give birth at home, and those who do not use contraceptives.
Variabilities and contentions in anesthesiologists’ perspectives on Japanese perianesthesia nurses: A qualitative study
Authors: Tamai Mikiko , Kojima Shogo , Baba Yasuko , Kurahashi Kiyoyasu
Published: December 2024

Background

In Japan, the escalating demand for anesthesia services has resulted in a shortage of anesthesiologists, presenting a societal challenge. Urgent measures involve the imperative task shifting to nurses. The perspectives of anesthesiologists on perianesthesia nurses (PANs) and the PAN system significantly influence the collaboration between anesthesiologists and PANs.

Methods

Twenty-four anesthesiologists initially approached in writing among a pool of 304, ultimately agreed to participate in interviews. Verbatim transcripts from these interviews were analyzed using the framework method. In this procedure, data analysis was facilitated by MAXQDA software (version 22.7.0) to construct a case-code matrix, enhancing the reliability of our findings.

Results

Five themes and fifteen categories related to PAN and its system emerged. Participants provided insights into the diverse social conditions accompanying the implementation of the PAN system. They highly regarded PANs as colleagues, expecting a spectrum of capabilities. Nevertheless, the analysis revealed considerable variation in role expectations across institutions and individuals, with some perspectives being mutually critical. Conflicting opinions emerged on two crucial aspects: assigning anesthesia management conducted by PANs and substituting PANs for anesthesiologists. Multiple suggestions were put forth for enhancing and evolving the PAN system.

Conclusion

This qualitative study is the first to reveal that Japanese anesthesiologists hold diverse perspectives on PANs and the system. The approach was well-suited for exploring diverse perspectives, showing significant differences among institutions and individuals. Our data provided crucial insights, including findings suggesting potential barriers to task shifting of anesthesia duties to PANs.
Interrater reliability and agreement of the NEUMOBACT checklist about infection-prevention performance of intensive care nurses in simulation-based scenarios
Authors: Raurell-Torredà Marta , Zaragoza-García Ignacio , Arrogante Oscar , Aliberch-Raurell Anna María , Sánchez-Chillón Francisco Javier , Torralba-Melero Martín , Rojo-Rojo Andrés , Muriel-García Alfonso , Amaya Arias Ana Carolina , Roldán-Merino Juan , Farrés-Tarafa Mariona
Published: December 2024

Objective

To analyse the interrater reliability of the NEUMOBACT checklist and verify whether consistent results are reproducible.

Methods

A validation study with a cross-sectional design, compliant with the GRRAS checklist, among ICU nurses attending a SIMULAZERO course with an Objective Structured Clinical Evaluation simulation format, to verify transfer from theory to clinical practice of knowledge and skills in ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) and catheter-related bacteraemia (CRB) prevention. A minimum sample size of 111 pairs of nurse raters was calculated. Interrater agreement was analysed using Gwet’s AC1 for each item and as a total for each of the three checklists in the NEUMOBACT instrument.

Results

A total of 95 pairs of valid NEUMOBACT checklists were completed by 190 raters with a median age of 29 [25–35] years, 93.7% were female. At the Central Venous Catheter insertion station, Gwet’s AC1 was 0.934 (95% CI [0.919–0.949]). Only 2 of the 17 items scored below 0.9. At the Endotracheal Suctioning station, Gwet’s AC1 was 0.869 (95% CI [0.851–0.886]). Of the 26 items that made up this station, 16 had an agreement percentage above 0.9, a further 9 were between 0.821 and 0.884, and item 13 had a value of 0.789. At the Patient Care station, Gwet’s AC1 was 0.911 (95% CI [0.896–0.927]). Of the 21 items, 17 showed an agreement percentage above 0.9 and 4 were between 0.810 and 0.894.

Conclusions

The interrater reliability of the NEUMOBACT checklist shows substantial agreement between pairs of raters and is therefore validated in this large sample of ICU nurses.

Relevance to clinical practice

The NEUMOBACT checklist can be useful for assessing skills before and after training in VAP and CRB prevention measures and during debriefing (post-simulation feedback), to reinforce the scientific evidence behind actions and decisions for items that have been performed incorrectly, thus consolidating training already received.
Siamese comparative transformer-based network for unsupervised landmark detection
Authors: Zhao Can , Wu Tao , Zhang Jianlin , Xu Zhiyong , Li Meihui , Liu Dongxu
Published: December 2024

Landmark detection is a common task that benefits downstream computer vision tasks. Current landmark detection algorithms often train a sophisticated image pose encoder by reconstructing the source image to identify landmarks. Although a well-trained encoder can effectively capture landmark information through image reconstruction, it overlooks the semantic relationships between landmarks. This contradicts the goal of achieving semantic representations in landmark detection tasks. To address these challenges, we introduce a novel Siamese comparative transformer-based network that strengthens the semantic connections among detected landmarks. Specifically, the connection between landmarks with the same semantics has been enhanced by employing a Siamese contrastive regularizer. In addition, we integrate a lightweight direction-guided Transformer into the image pose encoder to perceive global feature relationships, thereby improving the representation and encoding of landmarks. Experiments on the CelebA, AFLW, and Cat Heads benchmarks demonstrate that our proposed method achieves competitive performance compared to existing unsupervised methods and even supervised methods.
Rolling bearing fault diagnosis method based on gramian angular difference field and dynamic self-calibrated convolution module
Authors: Liu Chunli , Bai Jiarui , Xue Linlin , Xue Zhengkun
Published: December 2024

To address the problem of insufficient feature extraction abilities of traditional fault diagnosis methods under conditions of sample scarcity and strong noise interference, a rolling bearing fault diagnosis method based on the Gramian Angular Difference Field (GADF) and Dynamic Self-Calibrated Convolution (DSC) is proposed. First, the GADF method converts one-dimensional signals into GADF images to capture nonlinear relationships and periodic information in time-series data. Second, a dynamic self-calibrated convolution module is introduced to enhance the feature extraction ability of the model. The DSC module dynamically adjusts the weights of parallel convolution kernels based on real-time data characteristics, effectively improving the feature extraction ability and generalization performance of the model. Finally, the proposed method is validated using bearing datasets from Huazhong University of Science and Technology and Harbin Institute of Technology, and is compared with other advanced models. The results show that the classification accuracy of the proposed method is basically above 90% when adding Gaussian white noise with a signal-to-noise ratio of -8 dB, which is a significant improvement of 6%-15% compared with other models. Therefore, the proposed method has excellent diagnostic performance in the rolling bearing fault diagnosis task under strong noise and small training samples.
Predictive performance of count regression models versus machine learning techniques: A comparative analysis using an automobile insurance claims frequency dataset
Authors: Alomair Gadir
Published: December 2024

Accurate forecasting of claim frequency in automobile insurance is essential for insurers to assess risks effectively and establish appropriate pricing policies. Traditional methods typically rely on a Poisson distribution for modeling claim counts; however, this approach can be inadequate due to frequent zero-claim periods, leading to zero inflation in the data. Zero inflation occurs when more zeros are observed than expected under standard Poisson or negative binomial (NB) models. While machine learning (ML) techniques have been explored for predictive analytics in other contexts, their application to zero-inflated insurance data remains limited. This study investigates the utility of ML in improving forecast accuracy under conditions of zero-inflation, a data characteristic common in automobile insurance. The research involved a comparative evaluation of several models, including Poisson, NB, zero-inflated Poisson (ZIP), hurdle Poisson, zero-inflated negative binomial (ZINB), hurdle negative binomial, random forest (RF), support vector machine (SVM), and artificial neural network (ANN) on an insurance dataset. The performance of these models was assessed using mean absolute error. The results reveal that the SVM model outperforms others in predictive accuracy, particularly in handling zero-inflation, followed by the ZIP and ZINB models. In contrast, the traditional Poisson and NB models showed lower predictive capabilities. By addressing the challenge of zero-inflation in automobile claim data, this study offers insights into improving the accuracy of claim frequency predictions. Although this study is based on a single dataset, the findings provide valuable perspectives on enhancing prediction accuracy and improving risk management practices in the insurance industry.
WeARTolerance: Evaluating the impact of an arts-based program to reduce mental health-related stigma in young people
Authors: Beato Ana , da Costa Leonor Pereira , Carvalho Ana , Albuquerque Sara , Santos Isabel
Published: December 2024

The stigma surrounding mental health remains a significant barrier to help-seeking and well-being in youth populations. The invisibility of mental health issues highlights the critical need for improved knowledge and stigma reduction, underscoring the urgency of tackling this issue. Arts-based interventions have shown promise in addressing stigma, yet comprehensive longitudinal studies in community settings are limited. This research evaluates the "WeARTolerance’’ arts-based program in reducing mental health stigma among diverse youths. The program integrated psychoeducational and creative activities (e.g., visual arts, cinema, music, and theatre) to explore mental health themes, with 125 teenagers and young adult participants (M = 13.70; SD = 2.06). The present mixed-method study was split into two phases with complementary objectives: 1) evaluate quantitatively the program’s impact in reducing social stigma and related outcomes; 2) explore in-depth qualitative feedback about the program. For the first phase, reliable self-report questionnaires were used to measure mental health knowledge, social stigma, intergroup anxiety, and social distance in pre-, post-, and 6-month follow-up periods. Participants’ age and past psychiatric issues were fixed factors with random intercepts, and mixed effects models were used to analyze the attitudinal outcomes across time. In the second phase of this validation, nine teenagers aged between 12 and 16 participated in two focus groups conducted three months after the program. Its contents underwent thorough analysis using content analysis techniques. The quantitative results from Phase 1 demonstrated a decreasing trend in all primary outcomes. In phase 2, participants acknowledged the activities’ relevance, reported overall satisfaction with the program, and showed great enthusiasm and willingness to learn more. Arts-based interventions like "WeARTolerance" are valuable for challenging stigma and fostering understanding in youth populations and provide an alternative and creative way to increase mental health literacy. The study proposes a program to reduce youth mental health stigma through arts-based elements, early intervention, and psychoeducation, involving collaborations between professionals and artists to promote youth engagement. Future studies should include indirect social contact and randomized controlled interventions.
BOAS in the Boston Terrier: A healthier screw-tailed breed?
Authors: Tomlinson Francesca , O’Neill Ella , Liu Nai-Chieh , Sargan David R. , Ladlow Jane F.
Published: December 2024

Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) is well documented in the three most popular brachycephalic dog breeds of the UK and several other countries: French Bulldogs, Pugs and Bulldogs. More extreme conformation has been found to be associated with increased risk of BOAS and other brachycephalic disease in these breeds, such as ocular, neurological, and dental disease. Less is known about how BOAS and other brachycephalic conformation-related disease affects other breeds such as the Boston Terrier. In this study, one-hundred and seven Boston Terriers were prospectively recruited from the UK dog population and underwent clinical assessment, respiratory function grading and conformational measurements. Whole-body barometric plethysmography was used in a smaller cohort of dogs to compare the quantitative differences in respiratory parameters between both affected and unaffected Boston Terriers, and control mesocephalic dogs. When compared to an equivalent study population of French Bulldogs and Bulldogs, it was found that Boston Terriers have a significantly higher proportion of BOAS Grade 0 dogs at 37.5% compared to 10% and 15.2% respectively (p<0.01). Within the breed, more extreme brachycephalic conformation was found to be associated with an increased risk of BOAS: specifically, nostril stenosis, facial foreshortening, abnormal scleral show, and higher neck to chest girth ratio. However, there is considerable overlap between measurements of affected and unaffected dogs in these variables. Therefore, the use of respiratory function grading is likely to be more advantageous for owners, breeders, and veterinary surgeons in accurately selecting unaffected dogs.
Perioperative immunonutrition intervention on postoperative outcomes among gynecological cancer patients under enhanced recovery after surgery setting: A study protocol of explanatory mixed method study
Authors: Ho ChiouYi , Daud Zulfitri Azuan Mat , Mohd Yusof Barakatun Nisak , Abdul Majid Hazreen
Published: December 2024

Background & aims

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) has shown significant improvements in postoperative outcomes and a reduction in complications, while immunonutrition (IMN) has been shown to modulate the immune system and inflammatory response. However, many studies have overlooked the crucial aspects of nutrition status and patient perception within the intervention approach. This study aims to investigate the efficacy and explore patients’ acceptance of the IMN intervention in postoperative outcomes among gynecological cancer (GC) patients under the ERAS framework.

Methods

This two-phase explanatory sequential mixed-method study design comprises an open-labeled randomized control trial and a qualitative study. The GC participants will be randomly allocated into intervention and control groups. Malaysian adults scheduled for elective surgery will be recruited, with the intervention group receiving IMN for five days before and seven days after elective surgery, while the control group undergoes routine nutritional care before the operation. Both groups will adhere to the ERAS protocol. An explanatory qualitative study will be conducted among GC patients to elucidate their expectations following the trial. Study outcomes include hospitalization duration, change in nutrition status, biochemical profile, functional status, and quality of life. Additionally, the secondary outcome focuses on evaluating the perception of the intervention approach. Quantitative and qualitative data will be analyzed on an intention-to-treat basis and through inductive thematic analysis, respectively.

Conclusion

Implementing perioperative IMN intervention within the ERAS framework may contribute to the preservation of better nutrition status and the provision of sufficient dietary intake to support postoperative recovery, and promote better surgical outcomes. Patients’ perceptions play a pivotal role in enhancing understanding of disease management and adherence to the intervention approach.

Trial registration

NCT06039306.
Implemental delay as a mediator of the relationship between depression, anxiety, stress and school burnout
Authors: Markiewicz Katarzyna , Kaczmarek Bożydar L. J.
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Research following the COVID-19 pandemic points to many problems related to adolescents’ mental condition, their coping with the organization of daily life and the implementation of school duties, which can lead to school burnout. It includes absenteeism, decreased motivation and academic performance, and a cynical attitude toward peers and teachers. A significant way to protect adolescents’ mental health may be by teaching them to complete their daily duties. Still, an obstacle is the observable post-pandemic, increasing tendency to procrastinate, which can exacerbate the effects of school burnout. The study aimed to establish the impact of depression, anxiety and stress on school burnout mediated by procrastination, understood as implemental procrastination.

Method

Three questionnaires were used: Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale, Implemental Delay Scale, and School burnout scale. The study comprised 344 students (57,6% females) from Polish secondary schools (high schools and technical schools), aged 14–20 years (M = 16.69; SD = 1.74). The analysis of relationships between variables studied was performed with the mediation model.

Results

Analyses confirmed the mediating effect of implemental delay on the relationship between depression, stress and school burnout. Unexpectedly, it turned out that the burnout resulting from parental pressure significantly weakened the value of the mediator (implemental delay). In contrast, the value of the predictors (depression and stress) increased. Anxiety was found to be a nonsignificant predictor of school burnout.

Conclusion

The data show that stress, depression and procrastination influence school burnout, which depends mainly on the dimension of burnout. Awareness of these relationships can support the creation of specialized prevention programs, allowing students to overcome their problems. At the same time, parents and teachers may help them understand the nature of observed disorders, which has little to do with laziness often attributed to young people.
Continuation of education after marriage and its relationship with professional maternal healthcare utilization among young adult women in Bangladesh
Authors: Howlader Sihab , Rahman Md. Aminur , Rahman Md. Mosfequr
Published: December 2024

The relationship between women’s education and the utilization of adequate maternal healthcare services has been well documented. However, the literature on how the continuation of women’s post-marital education affects the utilization of maternal healthcare services is limited. Therefore, this study investigates such relationships. This study aims to examine the association between the continuation of education after marriage and the utilization of antenatal care (ANC) (≥ 4 ANC, a four-contact model; and ≥ 8 ANC, an eight-contact model) and delivery assistance received from skilled professionals among currently married young adult women in Bangladesh. This was a cross-sectional study of 1,731 young adult women aged 15–29 years from the Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey, 2017–18. We adopted a multivariable logistic regression analysis to examine the relationships of interest. Results show that 60.9% of women received four or more professional ANCs, 15.5% received eight or more professional ANCs, and 69.9% received professional delivery care. Compared to young adult women who did not continue their education after marriage, women who continued were more likely to utilize ≥4 professional ANC (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.47; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.11–1.94), ≥8 professional ANC (AOR = 1.22; 95% CI = 1.01–1.74), and professional delivery care services (AOR = 1.78; 95% CI = 1.29–2.44). In addition, age at marriage, exposure to television, and the wealth index were also found to be associated with the utilization of professional maternal healthcare services. This finding implies that implementing policies and programs that encourage girls to continue their education after marriage could potentially increase the utilization of professional ANC and delivery care services in Bangladesh.
Validation of visual analog scales of mood and anxiety at the workplace
Authors: Dutheil Frédéric , Palgen Clara , Brousse Georges , Cornet Thomas , Mermillod Martial , Lakbar Ines , Vallet Guillaume , Baker Julien S. , Schmidt Jeannot , Charbotel Barbara , Pereira Bruno , Delamarre Louis
Published: December 2024

The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) is commonly used to detect depressive or anxious states, but its 14-item questionnaire is time-consuming. Visual analog scales (VAS) are easy to use and quick to implement. Although the VAS has been validated to assess pain and occupational stress, VAS scores for anxiety and mood have never been evaluated in the workplace. We aimed to validate the use of visual analog scales (VAS) for anxiety and mood compared to HADS in workers. A HADS self-reported questionnaire associated with VAS assessing perceived anxiety and mood on a horizontal line of 100 mm was administered to 182 workers, with a second test (retest) proposed one week later. Sociodemographic, characteristics of work, sleep, well-being, and stress were also assessed. VAS anxiety and mood correlated with the HADS sub-scores (0.70 and 0.65, respectively). The test-retest reliability was good. Optimal VAS cut-offs were ≥ 60/100 for anxiety and ≤ 60/100 for mood, to define at-risk patients. The VAS is quick to perform, easy to use, and reliable for screening depression and anxiety in occupational medicine. We recommend validated questionnaires for at-risk patients.

Trial registration. Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT02596737. Available at: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02596737.
Generation of a genetically double-attenuated Plasmodium berghei parasite that fully arrests growth during late liver stage development
Authors: Schmid Melanie , Beyeler Raphael , Caldelari Reto , Rehmann Ruth , Heussler Volker , Roques Magali
Published: December 2024

Malaria caused by Plasmodium parasites remains a large health burden. One approach to combat this disease involves vaccinating individuals with whole sporozoites that have been genetically modified to arrest their development at a specific stage in the liver by targeted gene deletion, resulting in a genetically attenuated parasite (GAP). Through a comprehensive phenotyping screen, we identified the hscb gene, encoding a putative iron-sulfur protein assembly chaperone, as crucial for liver stage development, making it a suitable candidate gene for GAP generation. Parasites lacking Plasmodium berghei HscB (PbHscB) exhibited normal sporozoite production in mosquitoes, but their liver stage development was severely impaired, characterized by slow growth and delayed expression of merozoite surface protein 1 (MSP1). In vivo experiments demonstrated that PbHscB-deficient parasites exhibited a delay in prepatency of 2–4 days, emphasizing the significance of PbHscB for exo-erythrocytic development. Although knockout of PbHscB alone allowed breakthrough infections, it is a potent candidate for a dual gene deletion strategy. PlasMei2, an RNA-binding protein, was previously found to be crucial for the completion of liver stage development. We generated a PbHscB-PbMei2-double attenuated parasite line, serving as a late liver stage-arresting replication-competent (LARC) GAP, providing a solid block of liver-to-blood stage transition.
Predictors associated with Clavien–Dindo complications in lung cancer surgery: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Saetang Mantana , Kunapaisal Thitikan , Wasinwong Wirat , Boonthum Parin , Sriyanaluk Bussarin , Nuanjun Kanjana
Published: December 2024

Background

To highlight the risk assessment tool associated with postoperative cardiopulmonary complications of Clavien–Dindo (CD) ≥ II in elderly patients who underwent lung cancer surgery.

Methods

In patients ≥ 60 years admitted during 2020–2023 and having undergone lung cancer surgery, postoperative cardiopulmonary complications were examined using the CD classification as groups (CD grade I versus ≥ II), and the risk factors were analyzed using logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.

Results

Of the 239 elderly patients, 29.3% had postoperative complications (CD ≥ II). Subgroup analysis revealed that patients aged ≥70 years had a higher rate of postoperative complications compared to those aged 60–69 years, however, this relationship was not statistically significant in the multivariable model (OR: 2.03, 95% CI: 0.95–4.36, p = 0.068). The CD grade ≥ II group had longer surgical time (p = 0.002), greater postoperative pulmonary complications (p < 0.001), and longer length of hospital stay (p < 0.001); CD grade ≥ II was more likely in patients with older age (odds ratio [OR]: 1.08, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02–1.15, p = 0.011), COPD (OR: 4.41, 95% CI: 1.55–13.44, p = 0.005) and smoking history (OR: 2.85, 95% CI: 1.12–7.24, p = 0.028), having undergone pneumonectomy (OR: 14.89, 95% CI: 1.71–334.9, p = 0.045), and who converted to open thoracotomy (OR: 16.33, 95% CI: 2.13–169.71, p = 0.007). The area under the ROC curve was 0.81.

Conclusions

Older age (≥70 years) is associated with higher rates of postoperative complications (CD classification ≥ II) but is not an independent predictor when adjusting for other factors. Comorbidities such as COPD and surgical factors, including pneumonectomy and conversion to thoracotomy, are significant contributors. These findings emphasize the need for comprehensive, multifactorial risk assessments to guide perioperative management and improve outcomes in elderly lung cancer patients.
The dynamic characteristics of the shearer cable drag system
Authors: Xie Bo , Wang Feida , Liu Jing , Xu Zhanjun , Gao Shuaishuai , Zhao Lijuan
Published: December 2024

Based on the 5615 working face of Beisu Coal Mine, a virtual prototype of the shearer cable drag system was developed using the MG2×70/325-BWD electric traction shearer as the carrier, in combination with CERO and ADAMS software. The shearer cable was equivalently modeled using the discrete rigid body method to study the dynamic characteristics of the drag system. This research provides a foundation for the design and optimization of both the cable and cable clamps. The results indicate that during the bending process of ordinary and reinforced cables in the cable drag system, the tensile force between the cable clamps increases from approximately 28 N and 37 N to a maximum value of 133 N and 146 N, respectively, before decreasing to around 57 N and 66 N. At the connection point between the drag system and the shearer, the tensile force between the cable clamps fluctuates and increases, reaching a maximum value of 925.2 N and 1134.7 N when the shearer reaches the end of the working face. These values are significantly lower than the cable clamp’s breaking tensile strength of 70 kN, with peak values of 57.4 N and 94.1 N, respectively. During the cable bending process, The contact force with the cable clamp continuously changes with the bending angle, During 0 ~90°, the contact force between ordinary and reinforced cable and cable clamp gradually increases to the maximum values 61.3N and 86.2N, After 90 have plummeted to near 23 N and 25 N, In the process of dragging the cable to the top of the roller, it fluctuates between 45.2~51.7 N and 66.3~73.6 N respectively, Cable exit bends are slowly reduced to fluctuations around 16 N and 17 N, The tensile force between ordinary and reinforced discrete cables increased to around 58.4 N and 80.5 N and then decreased to around 12.6 N and 32.8 N, respectively. During the bending process of reinforced cables, the average contact force with the cable clamps increased by 22.3 N compared to the ordinary cables, while the average discrete tensile force between the cables increased by 18.7 N. Although the tensile and contact forces of the reinforced cable are slightly higher than those of the ordinary cable, the reinforced cable has a higher safety factor and greater adaptability. The drag motion of the cable is correlated with the characteristics of the ring-chain drive, and the drag speed and tensile force exhibit periodic variations due to the polygonal effect of the chain drive. The findings provide valuable insights for intelligent cable drag research and lay the foundation for the optimization of mining cables and cable clamps.
A multidimensional momentum chain model for tennis matches based on difference equations
Authors: Wang Jingya , Guo Sihang , Zhou Yuanyun
Published: December 2024

In the process of pushing the limits of human performance, competitive sports are dedicated to the pursuit of excellence. In this context, the concept of "momentum" has gained significant attention, as it is widely acknowledged to influence the outcomes of competitions. The question of whether momentum affects sports psychology and the mechanisms underlying its generation and influence merits thorough investigation. In this paper, taking the 7,284 scoring points in the men’s singles tennis match at Wimbledon 2023 as an example, we expand upon traditional momentum research by integrating diverse algorithms, including statistical analysis and linear weighting, to construct a multidimensional momentum chain model predicated on difference equations, which aims to quantify the momentum dynamics for athletes in a match. To enhance the authenticity of our model, we incorporate a forgetting curve to modulate the momentum fluctuations. The results show that dominant players have significantly shorter running distances and higher success rates in net strokes than disadvantaged players, indicating that positive events markedly enhance players’ psychological and behavioral performance. Furthermore, the likelihood of scoring is substantially greater for players possessing higher momentum, with data suggesting that the serving side has an 84% chance of securing a match victory. When applied to 6,870 tennis matches, our model achieves a prediction accuracy exceeding 80%. Accordingly, we have proposed tennis training suggestions based on the mechanisms of momentum and developed strategies to effectively harness the "hot hand" phenomenon in matches.
Monkey’s Birthday (1975): Digression and self-othering on the hippie trail
Authors: Satchell-Baeza Sophia
Published: December 2024

This article places David Larcher’s avant-garde travelogue Monkey’s Birthday (1975) in the wider context of alternative budget travel on an epic overland route commonly known as ‘the hippie trail’. I argue that the film’s digressionary tactics reflect some of the perspectives implicit in this kind of travel, which valorized ecstatic experience, financial precarity, spiritual questing and nomadism. While the film’s pluralist point of view attests to Larcher’s profound engagement with diverse spiritual practices and belief systems – this thread runs through much of his cinema and was embedded in his peripatetic, bohemian lifestyle – it also reveals a countercultural orientalism through its alignment with and romanticization of the Other. The film’s colonial gaze is implicit (and at times explicit) in how it engages in psychedelic self-othering, portraying the Other as magical, timeless and ‘authentic’, while also transforming sites of religious significance into shimmering special effects.
The Vanishing Point: Moving Images after Video, Rashmi Devi Sawhney (ed.) (2022)
Authors: Niazi Sarah R.
Published: December 2024

Review of: The Vanishing Point: Moving Images after Video, Rashmi Devi Sawhney (ed.) (2022)

New Delhi: Tulika Books, 378 pp.,

ISBN 978-8-19471-758-4, h/bk, £45
Glasgow International 2024
Authors: Holdsworth Claire M.
Published: December 2024

Review of: Glasgow International 2024
Paravel and Castaing-Taylor: Cosmic Realism, Véréna Paravel and Lucien Castaing-Taylor, curated by Jaap Gueldmond, Eye Filmmuseum, Amsterdam, 20 January–20 May 2024
Authors: Holly Michael
Published: December 2024

Review of: Paravel and Castaing-Taylor: Cosmic Realism, Véréna Paravel and Lucien Castaing-Taylor, curated by Jaap Gueldmond, Eye Filmmuseum, Amsterdam, 20 January–20 May 2024
We hardly need to use our ears: Video, audio and the shaping of the podcast medium in the 2020s
Authors: Berry Richard
Published: December 2024

In 1979, the British pop band The Buggles released ‘Video Killed the Radio Star’, generating a provocation used to explain change (where x killed y). Two years later, the song’s video was used to launch MTV, marking a change in how audiences consumed music. It is not the title that is of interest here, but a line in the track that suggests in the age of video, that we no longer need to use our ears.

Although the open standard of podcasting has meant that video and audio could coexist, podcasting has been primarily an auditory medium. However, in 2024, several leading podcasts on Spotify now play as easily as video as audio. This article discusses this evolution, arguing that this shift not only reflects the actors that shape podcasting but also poses questions for how we might define podcasting in its third decade. Is podcasting still an aural medium?
Podcasting, VR, AI, the metaverse and the evolution of intimacy: From ‘phantasmic radio’ to phantasmic podcasting
Authors: Karathanasopoulou Evi
Published: December 2024

This article proposes a hauntology of the podcast. Using radio and podcast studies, it looks to understand the technological potential of podcasting in a future where the metaverse, virtual reality (VR) and artificial intelligence (AI) may become common in its creative and listening practices. Eventually, it proposes a type of place-based intimacy which such a future may include for audiences and podcast creators.
Applying ethnography to a documentary podcast: A case study of rural women in Andalusia, Spain
Authors: Villafranca Paloma López , Lozano Emilia Smolak
Published: December 2024

This article reflects on the use of a mixed qualitative and quantitative methodology, based on ethnography, to carry out the thematic and narrative approach to creating a documentary podcast series about rural women in Andalusia. It shows the ethnographic method applied to a case study, demonstrating its usefulness in the creation of a sound documentary. The methodology includes participant observation in focus groups and a semantic analysis (latent Dirichlet allocation [LDA] model) of transcripts from sixteen interviews with the women who are the protagonists of the documentary. The conclusions generated by the analysis indicate the concepts, values and sentiments of rural Andalusian women together with the concern for various issues of the rural world and rural life. The analysis has served to prioritize the themes, tone and values of the documentary project and has helped to create the different episodes of the documentary podcast related to the prominent themes and sentiments. An experimental technique is applied, and the results could be used in the future as a support tool for creators and researchers in the sound and anthropological fields.
Synthesis, Characterization, Biological and in silico ADMET Studies of Mixed Ligand Transition Metal Complexes Based on Novel Schiff Base and 1,10-Phenanthroline
Authors: Fathima S. Syed Ali , Meeran M. Mohamed Sahul
Published: December 2024

The main objective of this work is to mitigate the challenges associated with the use of platinum-based chemotherapy drugs through investigating chemotherapeutic compounds based on mixed ligand transition metal complexes. Thus, Cu(II), Co(II), Ni(II) and Zn(II) complexes were synthesized from novel Schiff base compound derived from 2-amino-3-hydroxypyridine and 5-chloro-2-nitrobenzaldehyde and the co-ligand 1,10-phenanthroline. The spectral investigations were conducted to characterize the synthesized compounds and revealed that they possess an octahedral structure. The interactions of synthesized compounds with calf thymus DNA (ct-DNA) demonstrated that the binding takes place through an intercalation. Comparatively to Schiff base ligand, the synthesized transition metal complexes proved to be better anti-pathogenic agent when tested against bacteria. The prepared compounds possess more the biological capability, according to in silico ADMET study, which may attributed to the presence of two N-heterocyclic ligands. The computational screening of biological activities related to cancer activity using PASS software propose the drug-like nature of the compounds.
Cellular Antioxidant Potential and Inhibition of the Enzymatic Activities Mediated through Achyranthes aspera Phytocomponents
Authors: Sharma Ekta , Kaur Damandeep , Shahwan Moyad , Chauhan Ritu , Tuli Hardeep Singh , Chauhan Abhishek , Saini Reena V.
Published: December 2024

Various medicines of plant origin have been widely used, by many individuals, showing effective and safe results in combating diseases. Similarly, Achyranthes aspera is among these plants which have many potentials. Different concentrations of solvents (water and ethanol) were used to prepare the extracts A. aspera seeds. The phytochemical analysis of these extracted was conducted to evaluate the phenolic, flavonoid and condensed tannin contents. However, 25% hydroalcoholic extract of A. aspera (25% HA-Aca) exhibited the highest antioxidant potential by DPPH (IC50 4.17 ± 1.73 mg/mL), ABTS (IC50 117.33 ± 3.02 mg/mL), lipase (IC50 114.4 mg/mL) and α-amylase (IC50 105.4 mg/mL) inhibition activity using in vitro assays. Moreover, a cellular antioxidant assay was also conducted in 3T3-L1 cells revealed that the cells pre-treated with various A. aspera extracts were effective against the oxidative stress. Also, 25% HA-Aca displayed highest free radicals scavenging capability in the cellular antioxidant assay as compared to the other extracts. Stigmasterol, dolichol phosphate and 9'-hydroxy-9'-apo-epsilon-caroten-3-one are the major compounds present in the 25% HA-Aca extract as identified by LC-MS method. These findings suggest that A. aspera phytocomponents can modulate the redox status and regulate the lipid and carbohydrate metabolism, which might help in obesity.
Synthesis, Characterization and Antioxidant Activities of Bioactive Polymer from Internal Bone of Sepia aculeata
Authors: Prasad Aswin Gowri , Manogaran Yagniyasree , Ramasamy Pasiyappazham
Published: December 2024

To study the antioxidant potential of chitosan by different in vitro methods, including chelating ability on metal ions, DPPH and superoxide radical assays. Chitin was extracted from internal bone of Sepia aculeata (cuttlebone) and through deacetylation, chitosan was prepared. The extracted chitosan was characterized with FT-IR, FESEM, XRD and exhibits a crystalline, non-porous and smooth membranous structure. The antioxidant activity was performed to determine if the isolated bioactive compounds exhibit a potency against the free radicals. Furthermore, chitosan demonstrated antioxidant activity against DPPH at 14.08–51.17% at 0.1–10 mg/mL and superoxide radicals at 24.38–67.19% at 0.1–1.6 mg/mL. At the same time, compared to EDTA, ferrous ions showed a poor chelating activity of 28.20-74.60% at concentrations of 0.1–10 mg/mL. These results indicated that cuttlebone, due to its superior antioxidant activity and ferrous ion chelating ability, can serve as an effective organic antioxidant and food additive in the pharmaceutical industry.
Sustainable Porous Activated Carbon from the Bark of Wood Apple Tree as Electrode Material for Supercapacitor Application
Authors: Sugirtha M. , Ramesh K. , Kiruthiga M. , Saravanan M. , Pratheep C. , Suridha K.
Published: December 2024

The remarkable microstructural characteristics of porous carbons make them attractive as electrode materials for supercapacitors. The production of porous carbon from biowaste materials has gained considerable attention because of their affordability and natural abundance. This work approaches the preparation of porous carbon using the bark of wood apple tree precursor. The X-ray diffraction analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy techniques were performed to evaluate the physico-chemical parameters of prepared activated carbon material. In three-electrode electrochemical tests, the activated carbon WABAC3 provides the specific capacitance of 345 F g–1 at a current density of 1 A g–1 in 1 M Na2SO4 electrolyte with remarkable rate capability. It provides the cyclic stability of 91% of initial capacitance after 5000 continuous GCD cycles at a current density of 5 A g–1.
DFT, Wave Function and SAR Analyses of Fexinidazole: A Drug for Sleeping Sickness
Authors: Pushpam E. Jimla , Jebaraj J. Winfred
Published: December 2024

Fexinidazole is a newly authorized drug employed for the treatment of sleeping sickness in South Africa. The characteristics of drug molecule in the gaseous form were calculated using Gaussian 16W software, employing the DFT/B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) level of theory. The absence of imaginary frequency indicates the full convergence and optimization. Mulliken charge analysis was carried out. The ESP elucidates the suitability of the nitro group for electrophilic assault and FMO demonstrates that it is an electron donor. The NLO investigation reveals that it is a good NLO candidate and the NBO studies reveals that it is highly stable. The NCI interaction demonstrates that it exhibits van der Waals and steric repulsion forces. IFCT, STM and aromaticity determinations were performed. The S0 → S3 and S4 are having charge transfer (CT) type of excitation as per the HEI investigation. The SAR activity was examined using 5UFG protein, leading to the identification of two promising molecules.