bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intricate Interplay Among Family Socioeconomic Status, Disability, and College Completion in the Transition to Adulthood
Authors: Cho Minhae , Shin Jaehyun , Lightfoot Elizabeth , Kang Ye Ji , Ihm Jungjoon
Published: December 2024

College degree completion serves as one of the critical milestones for a successful transition to adulthood. This study analyzed a weighted sample from the restricted data of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health to unravel the intricate relationships among family socioeconomic status (SES), disability type, and college degree completion in youth with disabilities transitioning into adulthood. After adjusting for confounding factors, multivariate analyses revealed significant disparities in college degree attainment among varying levels of family SES and disability type. The middle-SES group particularly demonstrated pronounced inequities. In addition, the study found differential contextual factors that significantly impact college degree completion, which contributes to the complex relationship among youth from different SES backgrounds. A successful transition to adulthood requires early interventions to foster postsecondary outcomes for youth with disabilities.
Nonsurgical Knee Osteoarthritis Treatments for Reducing Inflammation as Measured on MRI Scans: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Gottreich Julia R. , Katz Jeffrey N. , Jones Morgan H.
Published: December 2024

Background:

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a debilitating condition, and synovitis is a structural marker of disease progression that can be identified on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Nonsurgical therapies have been developed with the goal of targeting this inflammation to reduce pain and slow disease progression.

Purpose:

To review current randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that measured changes in pain outcomes and synovitis on MRI scans after nonsurgical treatment for persons with knee OA.

Study Design:

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 1.

Methods:

The PubMed database was searched using the terms “knee osteoarthritis AND (synovitis OR inflammation)” for RCTs published between 2012 and 2022. Included were studies that collected both pain outcomes and quantitative measurements of synovitis on MRI scan before and after treatment; studies that investigated surgical treatments were excluded. We calculated standardized response means (SRMs) to analyze the effect sizes of treatment on pain and synovitis outcomes; SRMs were classified as having low responsiveness to treatment if <0.5, moderate responsiveness to treatment if between 0.5 and 0.8, and large responsiveness to treatment if >0.8.

Results:

Included in the review were 9 RCTs. Vitamin D and exercise therapy were the only 2 treatments that improved both pain and synovitis outcomes in comparison with their respective control groups. Statistically significant group differences in favor of treatment were seen in changes in pain after lutikizumab (anti-interleukin-1α/β dual variable domain immunoglobulin; SRM, 0.22; P = .050), allogenic human chondrocytes transduced with retroviral vector encoding transforming growth factor-β1 ( P = .0119 at 12 weeks, P = .120 at 52 weeks, and P = .0074 at 72 weeks), and Curcuma longa (turmeric; SRM, 0.35; P = .039 on the visual analog scale for pain and SRM, 0.47; P = .006 on the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index pain subscore). One study reported a statistically significant group difference in synovitis only after treatment with intra-articular methylprednisolone ( P = .01 at 14 weeks and P = .0006 at 26 weeks).

Conclusion:

Only vitamin D and exercise therapy were found to improve pain and synovitis after treatment in this review. Further research is needed to validate these findings and investigate alternative treatments for reducing pain and synovitis in persons with knee OA.
Patient Partner Perspectives: The Experience of Participating in a Co-Designed Virtual Reality Project
Authors: Thomson Heather , Prospero Lisa Di , Xiao Sarah , Harth Tamara , Legere Laurie , Rashleigh Laura , Parzanese Maria
Published: December 2024

Patient partners (PP) are well positioned to make meaningful contributions to healthcare through their lived experiences and personal narratives. However, researchers must ensure that patients are engaged authentically and collaboratively in knowledge generation. As part of a larger project, 4 PP were engaged in the co-design of a virtual reality video aimed at promoting an understanding of patients’ lived experience with COVID-19 during the initial phase of the pandemic. This paper reports on findings from follow-up evaluation interviews with PP about their experiences participating in this project. Thematic analysis of interview transcripts resulted in 2 major themes as well as facilitators and barriers to PP engagement. Primary reasons to participate in the project were to contribute and give back to the community and make a difference for patients impacted by COVID-19. Engagement resulted in positive experiences and impacts for PP. Facilitators to engagement included feeling heard, being valued, and treated with respect. Barriers included length of time required to complete the project as well as PP health status.
Prenatal Breastfeeding Education: A Health Equity Approach
Authors: Deo Hermandeep , Brown Helen
Published: December 2024

Breastfeeding has a direct impact on the health of individuals and communities. Despite the implementation of diverse health promotion and education strategies, global breastfeeding rates remain relatively low. Predominantly, these strategies are implemented during the prenatal period and focus on individual-level education and behavior change, with less attention paid to the structural and contextual resources necessary for breastfeeding support and education. Breastfeeding experiences are contextually shaped by social, cultural, economic, and political factors. In addition, breastfeeding education, support, and rates are influenced by complex structures such as policy. Thus, a health equity approach to guide the planning and implementation of prenatal breastfeeding education can contribute to improving breastfeeding rates for diverse individuals and populations. Drawing from critical theoretical and health equity concepts, we present an equity approach with the potential for direct application to educating parents about breastfeeding. We discuss how a health equity approach could guide policymakers and perinatal healthcare providers to ensure culturally, emotionally, and psychologically safe learning spaces to reduce access barriers to breastfeeding education. Also, the approach could tailor the learning of parents to accommodate the unique contexts of their lives, thereby optimizing their breastfeeding experiences and outcomes.
Exploration of Probing Structure, Fictive Temperature, and Homogeneity of Commercial Glass and Glass Fiber Vibrational Spectroscopic Techniques
Authors: Li Hong , Demirok Gülin , Atilgan Semin , Sökmen Ilkay , Zhang Yingcheng , Jose Ann , Goel Ashutosh
Published: December 2024

Utilizing a set of spectroscopic techniques, i.e., Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) in transmission (KBr method), attenuated total reflection (ATR) FT-IR, and micro-Raman, and several characterization methods relevant to the commercial production of E-glass fibers for composite reinforcement has been explored, focusing on four major areas: (i) a possible structure alignment in the fibers formed under high tension and high shear rate, (ii) the network structure difference between the skin and core of fibers, (iii) fictive temperature determination, and (iv) glass homogeneity at a nanoscale. The IR band narrowing observed from fiber samples over bulk samples was identified using the ATR method. The use of FT-IR and micro-Raman techniques enables the identification of higher non-bridging oxygen concentration near fiber skin over the core. A relationship between E-glass fictive temperature and the Raman band shift was established to predict the fictive temperature range of commercial fiberglass products. We present here for the first time a demonstration of a new FT-IR procedure for tracking commercial glass inhomogeneity with sensitivity at the nanoscale. The newly proposed glass homogeneity index (GHI) was shown to be closely related to furnace operating temperature upset and correlated with the average fiber break level during the period.
Pathogenesis of acephalic spermatozoa syndrome caused by PMFBP1 mutation
Authors: Xia Huaqiang , Zhang Juan , Mao Wuyuan , Yi Kangle , Wang Teng , Liao Lingyan
Published: December 2024

Background

Acephalic spermatozoa syndrome is a rare but severe type of teratozoospermia. The familial trait of acephalic spermatozoa syndrome suggests that genetic factors play an important role. However, known mutations account for only some acephalic spermatozoa syndrome patients, and more studies are needed to elucidate its pathogenesis. The current study aimed to elucidate the pathogenesis of acephalic spermatozoa syndrome caused by PMFBP1 mutation.

Results

We identified a homozygous splice site mutation (NM_031293.2, c.2089-1G > T) in PMFBP1 through Sanger sequencing. Western blotting and immunofluorescence analyses revealed that this splice site mutation resulted in the absence of PMFBP1 protein expression in the patient's sperm cells. We generated an in vitro model carrying the splice site mutation in PMFBP1 and confirmed, through RT‒PCR and Sanger sequencing, that it led to a deletion of 4 base pairs from exon 15.

Conclusion

A homozygous splice site mutation results in a deletion of 4 bp from exon 15 of PMFBP1, thereby affecting the expression of the PMFBP1 protein. The absence of PMFBP1 protein expression can lead to acephalic spermatozoa syndrome. This finding elucidates the underlying cause of acephalic spermatozoa syndrome associated with this specific mutation (NM_031293.2, c.2089-1G > T) in PMFBP1.
Task content of jobs and mothers’ employment transitions in Germany
Authors: Bogusz Honorata
Published: December 2024

I study the association between task content of jobs and mothers’ employment transitions after the first birth in Germany. I construct measures of task content of jobs using data from the Employment Survey conducted by the German Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BiBB). These indicators illustrate the career cost of children and how it is impacted by the technology- and globalization-driven labour market change. The measures are then linked to high-quality individual register data from the German Pension Fund (FDZ-RV) covering the years 2012–2020. Utilizing competing risk models, I show that women engaged in occupations with analytic and interactive task content, which are in high demand and incompatible with maternity-related employment breaks, are the most likely to transition to employment after their first birth. Conversely, women with occupations intense in routine tasks, which are more susceptible to automation or trade competition, are more likely to experience unemployment.
Adaptation of potato cultivars to phosphorus variability and enhancement of phosphorus efficiency by Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Chea Leangsrun , Alhussein Mohammad , Karlovsky Petr , Pawelzik Elke , Naumann Marcel
Published: December 2024

Background

Plants utilize a variety of mechanisms to adapt to fluctuations in phosphorus (P) availability. Potatoes, in comparison to other crops, often display reduced phosphorus use efficiency (PUE) due to their underdeveloped root systems; therefore, understanding the mechanisms underlying PUE is critical for improving it. This study aimed to evaluate the morphological and physiological responses of potatoes to different P levels, with a focus on root system alterations and PUE. Two potato cultivars, a table potato (cv. Milva) and a starch potato (cv. Lady Claire), were subjected to varying P levels (0.5, 2, 5, and 30 mg P L-1 supplied as KH2PO4) in a hydroponic system. Additionally, the plants grown under 0.5 and 2 mg P L-1 were treated with plant growth-promoting Bacillus subtilis (B. subtilis), compared to untreated controls, to investigate the effectiveness of B. subtilis in addressing P deficiency. B. subtilis inoculation was performed by adding a bacterial suspension weekly to the hydroponic nutrient solution.

Results

The findings illustrated Milva’s ability to efficiently allocate P and sugars to its roots under low P levels, thereby enhancing biomass and facilitating increased P uptake and PUE. Conversely, Lady Claire exhibited lower P assimilation efficiency under low P levels but demonstrated improved efficiency under high P availability. The concentration of P in the nutrient solution affected P uptake and several factors believed to be involved in P utilization, such as root morphology, sugar and indole-3-acetic acid concentration in the roots, and acid phosphatase activity. Gene expression analyses underscored the pivotal roles of StPHT1;1 and StPHT2;1 in P translocation to shoots, particularly in Lady Claire. Inoculation with B. subtilis improved P acquisition efficiency by 10% under low phosphorus levels (P0.5 and P2), particularly in Lady Claire, where shoot and root phosphorus contents increased by 13–25% and 4–13%, respectively. Additionally, B. subtilis displayed higher efficacy in mitigating P deficiency in Lady Claire compared to Milva, particularly under low P levels (P0.5 and P2).

Conclusion

Milva showed greater phosphorus efficiency than Lady Claire under low P conditions, attributed to higher P and sugar levels in roots, enhancing root growth, P uptake, and translocation to shoots, particularly to young leaves. However, Lady Claire demonstrated a notable increase in P uptake and enhanced responsiveness to B. subtilis inoculation, particularly under low P levels (P0.5 and P2). These findings provide valuable insights for optimizing P management strategies to improve PUE in potatoes, especially under low P levels.
Evaluation of the German living guideline “Protection against the Overuse and Underuse of Health Care” – an online survey among German GPs
Authors: Warkentin Lisette , Scherer Martin , Kühlein Thomas , Pausch Felix , Lühmann Dagmar , Muche-Borowski Cathleen , Hueber Susann
Published: December 2024

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate the awareness and use of the German guideline “Protection against the overuse and underuse of health care” from the general practitioners’ (GPs’) perspective. In addition, the study assessed how GPs perceive medical overuse and what solutions they have for reducing it.

Methods

We performed a cross-sectional online survey with recruitment from 15.06. to 31.07.2023. Participants were members of the German College of General Practitioners and Family Physicians (DEGAM). The main outcomes were the awareness and use of the guideline.

Results

The analysis included data from 626 physicians. 51% were female and the median age was 50 years. The guideline is known by 81% of the participants, 32% read it in more detail. The majority considered the guideline a helpful tool in reducing overuse (67%). Almost 90% wished to have more guidelines with clear do-not-do recommendations. Physicians indicated in mean (M) that 30.2% (SD = 19.3%) of patients ask them for medical services that they do not consider to be necessary and that M = 30.2% (SD = 18.1%) of all GP services can be attributed to medical overuse. About half of the participants thought that overuse is a moderate or major problem in their practice (52%) and in general practice overall (58%). More participants rated that it is especially a problem in specialist (87%) and inpatient care (82%). Changes in the reimbursement system, raising awareness for the problem and more evidence-based guidelines were considered helpful in mitigating overuse.

Conclusions

Although the guideline is seen as a useful tool in mitigating medical overuse, there is still further potential for its implementation and utilisation. GPs see more overuse in the inpatient and outpatient specialist areas than in their area of practice. Instead of self-critically approaching the problem, the proposed strategies are aimed at the healthcare system itself.
Bioactive constituents from Carica papaya fruit: implications for drug discovery and pharmacological applications
Authors: kumarasinghe Hiruni Sandunika , Kim Ji-Hyang , Kim Su-Lim , Kim Kyeoung Cheol , Perera Rambukkana Maggonage Thiruni Dananj , Kim Seong-Cheol , Lee Dong-Sun
Published: December 2024

Carica papaya, commonly known as papaya, is a fruit recognized for its substantial medicinal potential, primarily due to its wide range of bioactive compounds. This review thoroughly examines the pharmacological implications of these constituents and highlights their potential applications in drug discovery and therapy. Papaya is abundant in vitamins (A, C, and E), minerals, enzymes, and phytochemicals such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, carotenoids, and alkaloids, all of which contribute to its antioxidant, anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects. The fruit demonstrates significant activity against diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and gastrointestinal disorders. This review also discusses how environmental factors, including temperature, light, soil quality, and rainfall, impact the phytochemical composition of papaya, thereby influencing its medicinal properties. Both in vitro and in vivo studies have highlighted the therapeutic potential of papaya-derived compounds in various health conditions, including cancer, diabetes, wound healing, and cardiovascular health. Additionally, we explore papaya's role in promoting gut health and its antimicrobial properties against bacterial and viral pathogens. In conclusion, the diverse pharmacological activities of papaya's bioactive compounds position it as a valuable candidate for further research and development in drug discovery and therapeutic applications.
Optimal load attachment of a deeply embedded ring anchor in clay
Authors: Lee Junho , Aubeny Charles P.
Published: December 2024

A Deeply Embedded Ring Anchor (DERA) system has been developed as a cost-effective solution for mooring arrays of floating offshore wind turbines (FOWTs) to the seabed. The DERA boasts several key features, including its versatility in various soil types, compact size, compatibility with diverse mooring systems, multi-line potential, and robust performance even under unintentional loading conditions. While prior preliminary studies have provided valuable insights into how the DERA can enhance cost-effectiveness by offering a high load capacity, these studies have predominantly focused on optimizing anchor performance under translational horizontal and vertical loading. However, to design the DERA optimally, we must also consider its ability to handle inclined loading conditions in addition to lateral and axial loadings. Due to its shorter length compared to a conventional caisson, the DERA has less resistance to moments, making it more sensitive to horizontal load capacity and the optimal load attachment depth concerning load angle. For this reason, our study introduces an analytical approach to evaluate the effects of inclined loading on anchor performance, utilizing the previously validated upper bound plastic limit analysis (PLA) method. In investigating the optimal load attachment of the DERA, this paper conducts a parametric study to analyze how factors such as load attachment depth, anchor aspect ratio, and load inclination affect the DERA’s load capacity. Our findings indicate that PLA can serve as a valuable analytical tool for assessing the ultimate load capacity of the DERA, particularly under inclined loading conditions.
Diagnostic accuracy of Fatty Liver Index (FLI) for detecting Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD) in adults attending a tertiary care hospital, a cross-sectional study
Authors: Vamja Roshni , M Yogesh , Vala Vijay , Ramachandran Arya , Nagda Jay
Published: December 2024

Background

Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a major public health problem worldwide. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of MAFLD and evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the Fatty Liver Index (FLI) compared to ultrasonography for detecting fatty liver in adults attending a tertiary care hospital in Gujarat, India.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 500 adults visiting the outpatient department between January 2023 and December 2023. MAFLD was diagnosed on ultrasound. FLI was calculated using body mass index, waist circumference, triglycerides, and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase levels. FLI ≥ 60 indicated fatty liver. Logistic regression analysis identified factors associated with fatty liver.

Results

MAFLD prevalence was 32.2% on ultrasound. High FLI (≥ 60) was present in 26.2%. Male sex, higher BMI, waist circumference, night shift work, diabetes, and triglycerides were independent predictors of fatty liver. FLI showed excellent diagnostic accuracy with a sensitivity of 96%, specificity of 92.5%, and AUC of 0.92 for detecting fatty liver on ultrasound.

Conclusion

MAFLD prevalence among adults was high in this hospital-based sample. FLI can serve as an accurate non-invasive tool for identifying individuals with a high probability of MAFLD. These findings emphasize the need for larger population-based studies and the implementation of regular MAFLD screening programs in high-risk groups.
The roles of cognitive dissonance and normative reasoning in attributions of minds to robots
Authors: Baker Lewis J. , Li Hongyue , Hammond Hugo , Jaeger Christopher B. , Havard Anne , Lane Jonathan D. , Harriott Caroline E. , Levin Daniel T.
Published: December 2024

As a wide variety of intelligent technologies become part of everyday life, researchers have explored how people conceptualize agents that in some ways act and think like living things but are clearly machines. Much of this work draws upon the idea that people readily default to generalizing human-like properties to such agents, and only pare back on these generalizations with added thought. However, recent findings have also documented that people are sometimes initially hesitant to attribute minds to a machine but are more willing to do so with additional thought. In the current experiments, we hypothesized that these attribution-increasing reconsiderations could be spurred by situation-induced cognitive dissonance. In two experiments, participants completed a belief activation exercise designed to induce cognitive dissonance (writing arguments for or against prominent beliefs), viewed a video of an ambiguously intentional robot, and completed measures of cognitive dissonance. In both experiments, cognitive dissonance was associated with increased attributions of mind to the robot. Our findings provide evidence that people sometimes increase their attributions of minds when experiencing cognitive conflict, but also that activation of change-inducing concepts may impact attributions of a mind without producing conscious cognitive conflict in participants.
Permanent pacemaker implantation for atrioventricular block secondary to acute pancreatitis in a patient affected by panhypopituitarism
Authors: Giovacchini Jacopo , Menale Silvia , Merilli Irene , Scheggi Valentina
Published: December 2024

Background

Hypopituitarism may trigger the development of acute pancreatitis (AP) through multiple mechanisms. AP may alter normal intracardiac conduction leading to an atrioventricular block. Due to the lack of similar cases, the correct timing and indication for pacemaker implantation in such a setting are unknown.

Case presentation

A 22-year-old woman with a history of sub-total excision of frontal astrocytoma with residual panhypopituitarism in replacement therapy was admitted to the emergency department with AP and peripancreatic necrosis, complicated by hypotension, sinus bradycardia with 2:1 atrioventricular block, and severe acute respiratory distress syndrome deserving intubation and mechanical ventilation. During the in-hospital course, the patient developed a systemic inflammatory response syndrome and acute kidney failure and was treated with intravenous dopamine, diuretics, and liquids. While she gradually recovered, advanced atrioventricular block persisted after the resolution of AP; therefore, a permanent pacemaker was implanted. During the follow-up, appropriate device interventions were detected.

Conclusions

No other cases of high-grade atrioventricular block in panhypopituitarism-induced AP have been reported in the literature. Our case suggests a pacemaker is necessary if the atrioventricular block does not recover with AP resolution. Further evidence is required to improve the management of rhythm disturbances in hypopituitarism patients who develop AP.
Depressive disorder; clinical correlates and tumor necrosis factor alpha among post COVID-19 patients
Authors: Sakr Aya Mohamed Khaled , Okasha Tarek Ahmed , Hamed Marwa Abd El-Meguid , Sayed Maha Mohamed , Mohamed Mariam Yehia
Published: December 2024

Background

COVID-19 infection is known to trigger a significant inflammatory response in the body. This response, characterized by elevated levels of cytokines including TNF-α that has proven to play a pivotal role in the severity and long-term effects of the disease. Paucity of the regional studies exploring the interplay between clinical and biochemical markers of post COVID-19 depression; creates a strong motive to shed light on this relationship in depth. Here, we estimated the rate of post-COVID depression, explored the clinical correlates of post-COVID depression, and examined the serum tumor necrosis factor alfa (TNF-α).

Methods

A group of 197 patients with post COVID-19 infection were randomly recruited and screened using general health questionnaire (GHQ). Then, SCID-I and Beck depression inventory were applied to confirm the diagnosis and assess the severity of major depressive disorder (MDD). Serum tumor necrosis factor alfa (TNF–α) was measured in depressed and non-depressed post COVID-19 patients.

Results

The rate of post-COVID depression was 27.8%; predominately, mild MDD (47.6%), followed by moderate MDD (38.1%) then, severe MDD (14.3%). There was a statistically significant difference between cases and control group regarding severity of COVID-19 (p = 0.001), number of vaccine doses received (p = 0.043), and TNF-alpha (p < 0.001). There was a statistically significant difference between severity of depression and both severity of COVID-19 infection (p = 0.003) and TNF-alpha (p < 0.001). Using regression analysis; TNF-α was the only predictive factor to post-COVID-19 depression (OR = 1.030, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Our results suggest a strong link between serum TNF-alpha level and post-COVID depression, highlighting its pivotal role in refining the management outcome.
A proof-of-concept analysis of data from the first NHS clinic for young adults with comorbid cannabis use and psychotic disorders
Authors: Di Forti Marta , Bond Benjamin W. , Spinazzola Edoardo , Trotta Giulia , Lynn Jodie , Malkin Richard , Kamran Siddiqui Naba , Demir Sultan , Opadokun Titilayomi , Leung Perry B.M. , Li Zhikun , Quattrone Andrea , Baxter Gabriella , Appiah-Kusi Elizabeth , Freeman Tom P. , Walsh Hannah , Squeri Tommaso , Semikina Daria , Amberson-Jones Felicity , Austin-Zimmerman Isabelle , Meynen Tim , Quattrone Diego , Murray Robin M.
Published: December 2024

Background

Cannabis use severely affects the outcome of people with psychotic disorders, yet there is a lack of treatments. To address this, in 2019 the National Health Service (NHS) Cannabis Clinic for Psychosis (CCP) was developed to support adults suffering from psychosis to reduce and/or stop their cannabis use.

Aims

Examine outcome data from the first 46 individuals to complete the CCP's intervention.

Method

The sample (N = 46) consisted of adults (aged ≥ 18) with psychosis under the care of the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, referred to the CCP between January 2020 and February 2023, who completed their intervention by September 2023. Clinical and functional measures were collected before (T0) and after (T1) the CCP intervention (one-to-one sessions and peer group attendance). Primary outcomes were changes in the Cannabis Use Disorders Identification Test-Revised (CUDIT-R) score and pattern of cannabis use. Secondary outcomes included T0–T1 changes in measures of delusions, paranoia, depression, anxiety and functioning.

Results

A reduction in the mean CUDIT-R score was observed between T0 (mean difference = 17.10, 95% CI = 15.54–18.67) and T1, with 73.91% of participants achieving abstinence and 26.09% reducing the frequency and potency of their use. Significant improvements in all clinical and functional outcomes were observed, with 90.70% being in work or education at T1 compared with 8.70% at T0. The variance in CUDIT-R scores explained between 34 and 64% of the variance in our secondary measures.

Conclusions

The CCP intervention is a feasible strategy to support cannabis use cessation/reduction and improve clinical and functional outcomes of people with psychotic disorders.
Validation of the rates of adverse event incidence in administrative healthcare data through patient chart review: A scoping review protocol
Authors: Connolly Anna , Kirwan Marcia , Matthews Anne
Published: December 2024

Background Patient safety is a key issue for health systems and a growing global public health challenge. Administrative healthcare data provide a coded summary of a patient and their encounter with the healthcare system. These aggregated datasets are often used to inform research and decisions relating to health service planning and therefore it is vital that they are accurate and reliable. Given the reported inaccuracy of these datasets for detecting and recording adverse events, there have been calls for validation studies to explore their reliability and investigate further their potential to inform research and health policy. Researchers have since carried out validation studies on the rates of adverse events in administrative data through chart reviews therefore, it seems appropriate to identify and chart the evidence and results of these studies within a scoping review. Methods The scoping review will be conducted in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology for scoping reviews. A search of databases such as PubMed, CINAHL, ScienceDirect and Scopus will be conducted in addition to a search of the reference lists of sourced publications and a search for grey literature. Following this, Covidence will be used to screen the sourced publications and subsequently extract data from the included sources. A numerical summary of the literature will be presented in addition to a charting based on the qualitative content analysis of the studies included. Conclusions This protocol provides the structure for the conduct of a review to identify and chart the evidence on validation studies on rates of adverse events in administrative healthcare data. This review will aim to identify research gaps, chart the evidence of and highlight any flaws within administrative datasets to improve extraction and coding practices and enable researchers and policy makers to use these data to their full potential.
Science development study for the Atacama Large Aperture Submillimeter Telescope (AtLAST): Solar and stellar observations
Authors: Wedemeyer Sven , Barta Miroslav , Brajša Roman , Chai Yi , Costa Joaquim , Gary Dale , Gimenez de Castro Guillermo , Gunar Stanislav , Fleishman Gregory , Hales Antonio , Hudson Hugh , Kirkaune Mats , Mohan Atul , Motorina Galina , Pellizzoni Alberto , Saberi Maryam , Selhorst Caius L. , Simoes Paulo J. A. , Shimojo Masumi , Skokić Ivica , Sudar Davor , Menezes Fabian , White Stephen M. , Booth Mark , Klaassen Pamela , Cicone Claudia , Mroczkowski Tony , Cordiner Martin A. , Di Mascolo Luca , Johnstone Doug , van Kampen Eelco , Lee Minju , Liu Daizhong , Maccarone Thomas , Orlowski-Scherer John , Saintonge Amelie , Smith Matthew , Thelen Alexander E.
Published: December 2024

Observations at (sub-)millimeter wavelengths offer a complementary perspective on our Sun and other stars, offering significant insights into both the thermal and magnetic composition of their chromospheres. Despite the fundamental progress in (sub-)millimeter observations of the Sun, some important aspects require diagnostic capabilities that are not offered by existing observatories. In particular, simultaneous observations of the radiation continuum across an extended frequency range would facilitate the mapping of different layers and thus ultimately the 3D structure of the solar atmosphere. Mapping large regions on the Sun or even the whole solar disk at a very high temporal cadence would be crucial for systematically detecting and following the temporal evolution of flares, while synoptic observations, i.e., daily maps, over periods of years would provide an unprecedented view of the solar activity cycle in this wavelength regime. As our Sun is a fundamental reference for studying the atmospheres of active main sequence stars, observing the Sun and other stars with the same instrument would unlock the enormous diagnostic potential for understanding stellar activity and its impact on exoplanets. The Atacama Large Aperture Submillimeter Telescope (AtLAST), a single-dish telescope with 50m aperture proposed to be built in the Atacama desert in Chile, would be able to provide these observational capabilities. Equipped with a large number of detector elements for probing the radiation continuum across a wide frequency range, AtLAST would address a wide range of scientific topics including the thermal structure and heating of the solar chromosphere, flares and prominences, and the solar activity cycle. In this white paper, the key science cases and their technical requirements for AtLAST are discussed.
The effect of childhood socioeconomic status on adult self-rated health by age and race
Authors: Dore Emily C. , Haardörfer Regine
Published: December 2024

Background:

The relationship between childhood socioeconomic status (SES) and adult health is well established. This article examines the less well-known areas of this research: whether the age of childhood exposure matters, if mediators differ based on age, and if these relationships vary by racialised group.

Methods:

We used multi-group path analysis and data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics to analyse direct and indirect relationships between a retrospective measure of childhood SES in early, middle and late childhood, and adult self-rated health for non-Hispanic Black and White individuals.

Results:

Childhood SES affected adult health indirectly through each of the three mediators: education, distress and health behaviours, but only for non-Hispanic Whites. In addition, early and middle childhood SES (0–5 and 6–12 years old, respectively) impacted late childhood SES (13–16 years old), suggesting the importance of cumulative exposure. We found no evidence that childhood SES impacted any of the mediators or adult self-rated health for the non-Hispanic Black sample.

Conclusion:

The findings support the assertion that timing of poverty and possibly increased exposure matter for non-Hispanic Whites, but we found no support for the impact of childhood SES on adult self-rated health for the non-Hispanic Black sample. This study shows the importance of stratifying life course analyses by race and particular periods during childhood, suggesting the need for more targeted interventions based on these factors.
Why I No Longer Teach Deaf Students
Authors: Singer Steven , Travers Leanna , Peng Ashley
Published: December 2024

Abstract: There is a nationwide shortage of qualified Teachers of Deaf (TOD) and teacher attrition is an important component of the shortage. This qualitative research study examines the experiences of thirty-three former TODs in the United States who left their teaching positions in the last decade and the reasons why they resigned. Data sources include open-ended survey questions and focus groups. While TODs experienced the concept of "the last straw," themes in the reasons they exited the field included: (1) Work life's adverse effects on personal well-being, (2) Lack of support from the school community, and (3) Inadequate training in teacher preparation programs. This study brings attention to some TODs' struggles, contextualizes previous quantitative findings about TOD dissatisfaction, and makes recommendations for deaf education to maintain a strong teacher force that effectively serves deaf students.
Imitatio (and aemulatio ) Callisthenis in Seneca's De Clementia
Authors: Monti Giustina
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT: This paper examines some passages in the De Clementia where Seneca seems to aim at being identified with both Callisthenes and Pindar as an act of homage towards Nero. The former was the official historian of the Persian expedition of Alexander the Great, whose keen imitator the Emperor Nero was. The latter was held in the highest esteem by Alexander to the extent that Alexander did not destroy the poet's house when he destroyed Thebes, Pindar's hometown. This paper aims to demonstrate that Seneca blends the two personae to create his own persona, a better character than the objects of his imitation.
Some perspectives on Neo-Latin in South Africa
Authors: Steinmeyer Elke
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACT: Although Neo-Latin is a global phenomenon and one can find scholarship on Neo-Latin literature in numerous countries, Neo-Latin in South Africa (and Africa in general) is still an under-researched area, which is omitted or marginalised in the standard handbooks or monographs on the topic, even in the most recent ones. There is an urgent need for a systematic and comprehensive overview of the material known to date and its related scholarship. This is the aim of this article. It includes all the texts and scholarship I am aware of. The article concludes with an outlook on further research.
The Globalization of Early Modern Kabbalah: Internal Traditions and External Knowledge in Seventeenth-Century Yemen
Authors: Baumgarten Eliezer
Published: December 2024

Abstract: This paper explores the arrival in Yemen of kabbalistic knowledge from Europe and Palestine at the beginning of the seventeenth century. My claim is that the question of the unique identity of the Jewish community of Yemen can be explored by examining the manner in which Yemenite kabbalists related to this specific knowledge, as opposed to the perception of global knowledge in the seventeenth century. I will present below three models of reception, via an examination of three works: Rekhev Elohim by R. Yiẓḥak Wanne, Segulat Yisraʾel by R. Israel b. Shlomo of Subayra, and Ḥavaẓelet ha-sharon by Yiḥye Bashiri.
MultiObjMatch: Matching with Optimal Tradeoffs between Multiple Objectives in R
Authors: Han Shichao , Pimentel Samuel D.
Published: December 2024

Abstract: In an observational study, matching aims to create many small sets of similar treated and control units from initial samples that may differ substantially in order to permit more credible causal inferences. The problem of constructing matched sets may be formulated as an optimization problem, but it can be challenging to specify a single objective function that adequately captures all the design considerations at work. One solution, proposed by Pimentel and Kelz (2019) is to explore a family of matched designs that are Pareto optimal for multiple objective functions. We present an R package, MultiObjMatch, that implements this multi-objective matching strategy using a network flow algorithm for several common design goals: marginal balance on important covariates, size of the matched sample, and average within-pair multivariate distances. We demonstrate the package's flexibility in exploring user-defined tradeoffs of interest via two case studies, a reanalysis of the canonical National Supported Work dataset and a novel analysis of a clinical dataset to estimate the impact of diabetic kidney disease on hospitalization costs.
Robust lensless computational imaging via nonlinear weighting approach
Authors: Lan Jun , Xu Cheng , Pang Hui , Yang Chao , Zhao Lixin , Hu Song , Yang Yong
Published: December 2024

In the framework of multi-image phase retrieval techniques, it is commonly assumed that all diffraction intensity images have the same accuracy and thus contribute equally during the sample reconstruction process. However, it is a fact that the noise and systematic errors inconsistently affect diffraction images in the experiment. In this paper, a nonlinear weighting strategy is introduced into the parallel mode phase retrieval algorithm. During the wavefront updating process, the similarity between the measured amplitude at the reference position and the computed amplitude obtained through diffraction calculations for each plane is used to determine the corresponding weighting factors. When a diffraction pattern is more severely damaged, the similarity decreases, and the related weight coefficient is reduced accordingly. Such a weightings strategy effectively reduces the influence of measurement planes with large errors on phase recovery, thus achieving high-quality reconstruction. Numerical simulations demonstrate that the proposed scheme exhibits excellent robustness, and effectively addresses the deterioration problem of the reconstructed image caused by noise and systematic errors. Ultimately, it successfully reconstructs three different samples in experiments with high accuracy, clarity, and resolution.
Ultrashort pulse generation using tantalum aluminum carbide as a pulse modulator
Authors: Naidu Ruven Rhaj , Ahmad Aeriyn D. , Masruroh  , Ali Hasanain N. A. , Zakaria Rozalina , Khudus Muhammad Imran M. A. , Harun Sulaiman W.
Published: December 2024

This paper investigates the use of tantalum aluminum carbide (Ta2AlC) as a passive pulse modulator for generating ultrafast mode-locked pulses in an erbium-doped fiber (EDF) laser cavity. The Ta2AlC modulator was prepared via an embedding method using polyvinyl alcohol as the host matrix, exhibiting a saturable absorption of 6.9% with a saturable intensity of 100MW/cm2. When integrated into a long EDF laser cavity, the modulator enabled the generation of a picosecond soliton pulse train. Operating within a pump range of 95.2 to 210.62 mW, the self-starting mode-locked EDF laser achieved a central wavelength of 1561.7 nm, a repetition rate of 1.866 MHz, and a pulse width of 3.80 ps. These findings demonstrate that Ta2AlC is an effective passive modulator for ultrafast laser generation through mode locking.
Aerosol Typing from Linear estimations for the Analytical Separation (ATLAS) of complex aerosol mixtures and improved identification of microphysical parameters from multiwavelength lidar data, part 2: case studies
Authors: Kolgotin Alexei , Müller Detlef , Goloub Philippe , Hu Qiaoyun , Podvin Thierry , Wang Xuan
Published: December 2024

We developed a new methodology for the improved identification of particle microphysical parameters (PMPs) from multiwavelength lidar measurements. The underlying problem is underdetermined and relates to the class of ill-posed problems. In this study, we apply our new methodology to lidar measurements. We investigate how results obtained for typical aerosol mixtures (AMs) in the atmosphere can be improved if information about aerosol types and the number of aerosol types in such an AM is available. We have developed a methodology of Aerosol Typing from Linear estimations for the Analytical Separation (ATLAS) of complex aerosol mixtures in the first part of our study. ATLAS allows us to decompose a complex AM into individual aerosol types in terms of optical data measured by lidar. Optical data derived for individual aerosol types are then separately considered and inverted into PMPs with our automated unsupervised data-inversion methodology TiARA (Tikhonov Advanced Regularization Algorithm). We apply our new two-stage (ATLAS–TiARA) synergetic methodology to three lidar-measurement cases corresponding to two-, three-, and four-component AMs. The measurements we use for this study were carried out in the frameworks of the ORACLES-2016 and SHADOW field campaigns and lidar observations at the University of Lille (France), respectively. Results of the new methodology agree with results obtained with data collected by in situ instruments during the ORACLES-2016 campaign. Deviations of number concentration and single-scattering albedo at 532 nm retrieved with the new methodology from respective in situ measurements do not exceed 25% and 0.05, respectively. We find both fine- and coarse-mode particles from all three measurement cases. Fine-mode particles are represented by urban and smoke (haze), whereas coarse-mode particles can be attributed to dust, marine, and pollen aerosols. In summary, the methodology allows us to obtain a more detailed insight into microphysical particle properties.
Optimal color sets to represent the colors of natural scenes by k-medoids clustering
Authors: Monteiro José A. R. , Marques Dora N. , Linhares João M. M. , Nascimento Sérgio M. C.
Published: December 2024

The Munsell and Natural Color Systems, as well as the World Color Survey, are standard sets of colors used in many practical and scientific applications. However, the colors of natural scenes exhibit a bias in color and do not have a uniform distribution, making it difficult for these sets to represent natural colors accurately. We derived sets of colors with a small number of samples that are better at representing natural colors than any of these standard sets. Hyperspectral images of natural scenes and a k-medoids clustering algorithm were used to derive representative colors. For the same number of samples, the set of colors obtained by k-medoids is better at representing natural colors than the standard sets. These optimized sets are important for applications that require precise representation of natural colors.
Deep-learning-enhanced nonlinear holography in 3D nonlinear photonic crystal
Authors: Zhai Bohan , Chen Pengcheng , Zhang Zhichao , Zhang Yong
Published: December 2024

Nonlinear holography in 3D nonlinear photonic crystals (NPCs) is capable of reconstructing multiple images at newly generated wavelengths, which has attracted increasing interest in optical storage and encryption. However, the storage capacity of nonlinear holography is generally limited by the crosstalk between different channels. In this work, we propose deep-learning-assisted high-capacity nonlinear holography to address this issue. By leveraging the exceptional recognition capability of the ResNet-18 convolutional neural network, the information at multiple channels can be well recognized (i.e., the accuracy reaches 88.1%) in the presence of severe crosstalk (i.e., a bandwidth overlap of 30% between neighboring channels). Importantly, the channel number is doubled in comparison to the previous reports. Our results provide a novel approach to bypass the negative effect of crosstalk for high-security and high-density optical information storage.
Quantum routing of single plasmons with three quantum dots embedded in the triangular closed-loop type plasmonic waveguide
Authors: Ryom Kwang-Myong , Ko Myong-Chol , Kim Nam-Chol , Ryom Ju-Song , Ri Su-Ryon , Kim Ryong-Won , Wang Lu-Xia
Published: December 2024

We have theoretically investigated the routing properties of single plasmons (SPs) by two-level quantum dots (QDs) embedded in triangular closed-loop type plasmonic waveguides (PWs) on the basis of the real-space approach. In our proposed hybrid system, three PWs are semi-infinite and the other PW is finite. Our results reveal that in such a hybrid system, the routing properties of SPs depend very sensitively on the manipulation of various parameters, such as the inter-QD distances, the detuning, and the coupling strength between the QDs and the PWs. In particular, we show that our hybrid system enables the transport of SPs from one channel to a purposed channel, the perfect routing, and the selective photon divisions. The proposed model for the routing of SPs can be used to develop essential quantum devices for the realization of quantum information processing, such as quantum networks, quantum routings, and quantum beam splitters.