bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors contributing to persistent shoulder pain after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair: Protocol for a scoping review
Authors: Prabhu B Anupama , Maiya G Arun , Pandey Vivek , Acharya Kiran K V , Raja G Prabu , Elliott M James , Meeus Mira
Published: December 2024

Introduction Rotator cuff (RC) tears are the most common and disabling musculoskeletal ailments among patients with shoulder pain. Although most individuals show improvement in function and pain following arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR), a subgroup of patients continue to suffer from persistent shoulder pain following the surgical procedure. Identifying these factors is important in planning preoperative management to improve patient outcomes. Objective This scoping review aims to identify biological factors, psychological factors, and social determinants of health contributing to the development of persistent pain in individuals after the ARCR procedure. Inclusion criteria All prospective and retrospective longitudinal studies reporting the risk factors contributing to persistent pain three months or longer after the ARCR surgery will be considered for this scoping review. Methods Our review will adhere to the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) scoping review methodology. Four electronic databases PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, and Scopus will be searched for studies in the English language. Additional studies can be found by conducting a citation analysis of the included studies. Title and abstract screening will be performed by two independent reviewers following the inclusion criteria, a third reviewer will be consulted about any differences. Next, full-text screening will be conducted, and the remaining search results will be reviewed to extract data, as well as to synthesize findings from all research. An overview of findings will be depicted in tabular format accompanied by a narrative summary of various factors contributing to persistent pain.
A new genome sequence resource for five invasive fruit flies of agricultural concern: Ceratitis capitata, C. quilicii, C. rosa, Zeugodacus cucurbitae and Bactrocera zonata (Diptera, Tephritidae)
Authors: Deschepper Pablo , Vanbergen Sam , Esselens Lore , Terblanche John S. , Karsten Minette , Snyman Maxi , Cugala Domingos , Canhanga Laura , Bota Luis , Mwatawala Maulid , Ramadhani Majubwa , Kudra Abdul , Tairo Jenipher , Bakengesa Jacqueline , Addison Pia , Manrakhan Aruna , Gledel Corentin , Delatte Hélène , De Meyer Marc , Virgilio Massimiliano
Published: December 2024

Here, we present novel high quality genome assemblies for five invasive tephritid species of agricultural concern: Ceratitis capitata, C. quilicii, C. rosa, Zeugodacus cucurbitae and Bactrocera zonata (read depths between 65 and 78x). Three assemblies (C. capitata, C. quilicii and Z. cucurbitae) were scaffolded with chromosome conformation data and annotated using RNAseq reads. For some species this is the first reference genome available (B. zonata, C. quilicii and C. rosa), for others we have published improved annotated genomes (C. capitata and Z. cucurbitae). Together, the new references provide an important resource to advance research on genetic techniques for population control, develop rapid species identification methods, and explore eco-evolutionary studies.
Safety and efficacy of Dexmedetomidine in preoperative and postoperative settings during transsphenoidal resection of pituitary Adenoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Aleid Abdulsalam M , Alghamdi Ali A , Alessa Mohammed Yousef , Albinsaad Loai Saleh , Almoslem Abdulrahman , Alahmed Ibrahim , Alzahrani Abdulwahab Ahmed , Alhussain Abdulmonem Ali , Alessa Awn Abdulmohsen , Aldanyowi Saud Nayef Salem
Published: December 2024

Background Pituitary adenoma, a benign tumor of the pituitary gland, represents 10-15% of intracranial tumors. Although non-cancerous, its size and location can cause significant health issues, including hormonal imbalances and compression of nearby structures like the optic chiasm, leading to conditions such as Cushing’s disease, acromegaly, and visual disturbances. The prevalence ranges from 46 to 95 per 100,000 individuals. This study evaluates the effectiveness and safety of dexmedetomidine versus placebo in patients undergoing transsphenoidal resection of pituitary adenomas. Methods A systematic review and meta-analysis following PRISMA guidelines included 10 RCTs with 633 patients. English-language RCTs were sourced from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Cochrane Library. Risk of bias was assessed using the ROB2 tool, and statistical analyses were performed using RevMan 5.3. Results Dexmedetomidine significantly reduced heart rate after intubation (MD: -6.61 bpm, 95% CI: -8.98 to -4.24, p < 0.00001) and post-extubation (MD: -6.77 bpm, 95% CI: -8.59 to -4.96, p < 0.00001). Mean arterial pressure decreased after intubation (MD: -10.49 mmHg, 95% CI: -12.73 to -8.26, p < 0.00001) and post-extubation (MD: -12.97 mmHg, 95% CI: -14.37 to -11.57, p < 0.00001). Dexmedetomidine also reduced surgical duration (SMD: -0.23, 95% CI: -0.41 to -0.05, p = 0.01), blood loss (MD: -109.49 mL, 95% CI: -152.60 to -66.38, p < 0.00001), propofol dose (SMD: -1.04, 95% CI: -1.72 to -0.37, p = 0.002), extubation time (SMD: -0.70, 95% CI: -0.93 to -0.47, p < 0.00001), and postoperative nausea and vomiting (OR: 0.45, 95% CI: 0.25 to 0.80, p = 0.007). Conclusions Dexmedetomidine enhances perioperative outcomes in transsphenoidal resection of pituitary adenomas, supporting its use as an effective anesthetic adjunct.
The use of small group based educational interventions in General Practice to improve antibiotic prescribing behaviours: a mixed methods systematic review protocol
Authors: Roche Kevin F , Maher Anthony , Morrissey Eimear C , Dunne Rosie , Murphy Andrew W , Molloy Gerard J
Published: December 2024

Background Inappropriate use of antimicrobial agents in healthcare settings is one area that has received attention as a possible route to mitigate the threat of antimicrobial resistance. Globally, the highest consumption of antimicrobials in human healthcare originates from antibiotic prescriptions in Primary Care. Strategies to increase appropriate antibiotic prescribing, which can mean not prescribing an antibiotic e.g. cases of viral infection, have been developed and evaluated. This systematic review aims to synthesise the literature of studies of small group based in person educational interventions designed to increase appropriate antibiotic prescribing behaviours in General Practice settings. Methods EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE and PsycINFO will be systematically searched from inception until May 2024 for primary studies of small group based educational interventions designed to improve the antimicrobial prescribing behaviours in General Practice. Qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods studies reporting on the phenomenon of interest will be included. All identified articles will be double screened at title and abstract level. One reviewer will then screen all included studies at full text level, extract the data, code the intervention and perform risk of bias assessment with other reviewers performing verification of a randomly selected 20% of the articles. We will use an integrated approach to mixed method systematic reviews and will perform a narrative, or if possible quantitative, synthesis. Discussion The review will identify and assess the efficacy and / or effectiveness of small group based educational interventions designed to improve the antibiotic prescribing behaviours of General Practitioners. By using a mixed methods approach we aim to identify the salient content of the included interventions and the perspectives of participants on the content and delivery of the included interventions. We will use the findings to inform the design and content of a small group educational intervention for GP registrars.
Co-Creating a Podcast with Students: Working Together to Promote Wellbeing Literacy Through Digital Pedagogies in Higher Education
Authors: Serini Lorenzo , Riva Elena , Meilstrup Charlotte Bjerre , Nelausen Malene Kubstrup , Nielsen Line
Published: December 2024

In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the potential of podcasts in higher education. In this paper, we draw attention to a type of podcast that is understudied in the literature: what we call “co-creation podcast”, which refers to podcasts co-created by teachers and students. This paper presents and discusses a case of co-creation podcast in the context of Understanding Wellbeing, a distance learning interdisciplinary course on wellbeing at the University of Warwick, which then inspired a similar course at the University of Copenhagen. By evaluating the experiences of the co-creators, both students and teachers, as well as of the listeners, and by discussing our case in the context of the relevant literature, we have to main aims. First, we aim to explore how co-creation podcasts can have educational benefits for all the parties involved. Second, we aim to explore whether co-creating a podcast with students in the context of a distance learning interdisciplinary course on wellbeing can be an effective medium for delivering wellbeing literacy in higher education.
Konwencja genewska z 1922 r. a niemieckie prześladowania antyżydowskie na Górnym Śląsku w 1933 r. Mało znany aspekt ochrony mniejszości w ramach systemu wersalskiego
Authors: Czechowska Kinga
Published: December 2024

Polski traktat mniejszościowy podpisany w 1919 r. dał początek międzynarodowemu systemowi ochrony mniejszości. W 1922 r. elementem tego systemu stała się polsko-niemiecka konwencja genewska dotycząca Górnego Śląska, która zawierała przepisy zapewniające ochronę prawną mniejszościom narodowym. Pierwotnie intencją twórców była ochrona mniejszości polskiej i niemieckiej po odpowiednich stronach granicy. Jednak w 1933 r. po dojściu do władzy Adolfa Hitlera i wprowadzeniu pierwszego antyżydowskiego ustawodawstwa konwencję genewską postanowiono wykorzystać do ochrony mniejszości żydowskiej w niemieckiej części Górnego Śląska.
Z działalności sądów specjalnych w Chełmie i Zamościu (1940–1944)
Authors: Graczyk Konrad
Published: December 2024

Artykuł dotyczy działalności niemieckich sądów specjalnych w Chełmie i Zamościu. Omówiono w nim ich ustrój i organizację, a także obsadę kadrową. Przeanalizowano zachowane w niewielkiej liczbie orzecznictwo sądowe, posiłkując się poza archiwaliami także prasą okupacyjną w GG. Przedstawiono podstawową statystykę oraz podano liczbę osób skazanych na karę śmierci. Opisano ewakuację niemieckiego sądownictwa z Chełma.
Perspectiva correlacional sobre instituciones generadoras de conocimiento y dinámica de transferencia tecnológica en empresas del clúster NorTic
Authors: Cáceres Cáceres Harnol Alexander
Published: December 2024

Objetivo: analizar la relación entre la transferencia de tecnología (TT) y la generación de conocimiento en el ámbito de las empresas del clúster NorTic, teniendo en cuenta la influencia de la colaboración entre la academia y las empresas, entendida como el proceso de transferencia tecnológica que vincula la capacidad de absorción, asimilación y transmisión de conocimientos y tecnologías de las organizaciones, frente a fuentes externas o internas del entorno, con la finalidad de desarrollar ventajas competitivas e innovadoras. Metodología: para lo anterior, se planteó un estudio correlacional con organizaciones de base tecnológica y vinculadas a un clúster regional, para comprender los procesos de TT e identificar su relacionamiento con los conocimientos y recursos tecnológicos generados y a disposición de su entorno. Resultados principales: se evidencia una correlación positiva significativa entre las variables de generación de conocimiento y TT. Esto indica el aprovechamiento de recursos tecnológicos disponibles, apoyado en la capacidad de absorción que tienen las organizaciones derivadas del cúmulo de conocimientos a través de la formación académica y la generación de conocimientos propios. Conclusiones: la investigación sugiere que la dimensión “transferencia informal” no presenta una correlación significativa con las demás variables, lo que indica que los mecanismos de transferencia informal no están necesariamente asociados con la presencia de las demás dimensiones.
Clinical Findings and Outcome of Moyamoya Disease/Syndrome
Authors: Diler Durgut Betül , Dilber Beril , Kamasak Tulay , Sarı Ahmet , Cansu Ali
Published: December 2024

Objective: Moyamoya disease is a rare progressive cerebrovascular disorder. It is characterized by progressive stenosis in the terminal branches of the internal carotid arteries, leading to the formation of an abnormal vascular network. The aim of this study was to present the clinical findings and outcomes of pediatric patients diagnosed with Moyamoya disease by analyzing our cohort to identify the common clinical presentations, diagnostic challenges, and treatment outcomes associated with this rare cerebrovascular disorder.

Material and Methods: Nine pediatric cases of Moyamoya disease admitted over a 10-year period were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical presentations, associated diseases, radiological findings, treatments, and outcomes were analyzed.

Results: The median age at diagnosis was 48 months (3-87). Presenting symptoms included hemiparesis in five patients, seizures in six patients, headache in one patient, and choreathetosis with headache in one patient. Three patients experienced symptoms triggered by fever, and one patient by exposure to hot water. Seven patients presented with ischemic symptoms, while two presented with non-ischemic symptoms. Neurofibromatosis type-1 (NF-1) was associated with the disease in four patients. Recurrent attacks occurred in two patients. Interictal electroencephalograms (EEGs) showed hemispheric/focal slowing in five cases. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed infarctions in seven patients, and MR angiography showed bilateral findings in six patients. Two patients experienced no long-term sequelae.

Conclusion: Moyamoya disease manifests with both ischemic and non-ischemic symptoms. Recognition of non-ischemic presentations requires a high index of suspicion for accurate diagnosis.
Policy and funding
Authors: Parkes Jo
Published: December 2024

Jo Parkes looks at what the Government's policy has been for the early years sector post-pandemic, and if a Labour government would change things
Nursery World visits…: The Gower School Nursery
Authors: Weinstein Nicole
Published: December 2024

Nicole Weinstein looks at how an inner London Montessori nursery's activities and resources are equipping children for the modern world
Well aware
Authors: Grocott Lauren
Published: December 2024

Lauren Grocott outlines how the EEF's evidence-supported toolkit can assist practitioners in supporting children's early self-regulation and executive function
HR guru: CHECKING IN
Authors: Edmunds Imogen
Published: December 2024

Imogen Edmunds, managing director of Redwing Solutions, which specialises in HR for early years settings, on performance management
How the pandemic changed community optometry
Authors: Soomal Satvinder
Published: December 2024

Satvinder Soomal reflects on the changes businesses has gone through over the various lockdowns that have improved care
BNPL: Acronym for success?
Authors: Bernstein Adam
Published: December 2024

Adam Bernstein explores the benefits of offering buy now pay later
Hoya tool kit to encourage engagement with schools
Authors: McClean Andrew
Published: December 2024

Andrew McClean finds out how the lens supplier is aiming to make learning about eye care fun for children
Stellest trial results show continued efficacy
Authors: McClean Andrew
Published: December 2024

Andrew McClean reports on the findings from a two year clinical study on Essilor's myopia control solution
Informed by experience
Authors: Hale Mike
Published: December 2024

Mike Hale speaks to Jacqueline Henderson, vice president EMEA at Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, about her new role, trends in contact lens prescribing and the pandemic's effect on contact lens fitting
Post-event reflections
Authors: McClean Andrew
Published: December 2024

Practitioners and optical companies speak to Andrew McClean about how they found a busy period for trade shows
CPD: Communication and accessibility in optical practice
Authors: Hura Maryna
Published: December 2024

Maryna Hura discusses the potential communication barriers for patients with learning disabilities and patients on the autism spectrum
Net zero carbon: a problem or an opportunity?
Authors: Macdonald Craig
Published: December 2024

Craig Macdonald consider how optical businesses can achieve net zero
Top tips for cataract referrals
Authors: Purslow Chris
Published: December 2024

Professor Christine Purslow offers useful tips for ECPs to help optimise referrals for patients requiring cataract surgery
Feel good factor
Authors: Hale Mike
Published: December 2024

Martin Batho talks to Mike Hale about Hoya's committment to sustainability through investment in its Wrexham-based facility, delivering services to independent practices and refining myopia management
Patellofemoral Arthritis after Conservative Management for Post-operative Arthrofibrosis: A Case Report
Authors:   Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, United Stat, Benes Gregory , Lee Rushyuan Jay ,   Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, United Stat
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Arthrofibrosis of the knee is an adverse outcome after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Definitions and classifications vary widely based on extension and flexion losses, patellar mobility, and location. In general, it is understood as a restricted range of motion (ROM) due to scar tissue, and it is often defined as symptomatic limitation in knee ROM compared to the opposite knee. The frequency of ACL injuries, and subsequently arthrofibrosis, is rising among children and adolescents, with an incidence rate ranging from 2 to 14% in the pediatric population. Treatment options for arthrofibrosis include oral corticosteroids, physical therapy, casting, manipulation under anesthesia, and arthroscopic lysis of adhesions, with early recognition being a crucial intervention. To our knowledge, this is the first report in the literature to describe the development of chondromalacia after the resolution of arthrofibrosis with conservative measures in a pediatric patient.

Case Report: A 17-year-old male developed arthrofibrosis after combined ACL reconstruction and autologous osteochondral graft transfer. Knee flexion was restored with a high-frequency, intensive physical therapy and home exercise program but at a cost of developing anterior knee and patellofemoral chondromalacia.

Conclusion: Because complications can arise from the greater patellofemoral contact forces observed in arthrofibrosis, orthopedic surgeons should consider early lysis of adhesions for the management of post-operative arthrofibrosis, particularly involving the parapatellar retinaculum, in adolescents who are non-responsive to conservative measures. In addition, restrictions on high levels of loading should be considered during the initial post-operative period in scenarios in which ROM has not been achieved.

Keywords: Arthrofibrosis, chondromalacia, patellofemoral arthritis, anterior cruciate ligament, arthroscopy, pediatrics.
Effects of Bisphosphonates on Osteotomy Healing in Osteogenesis Imperfecta: A Case Series
Authors:   Department of Orthopaedics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India,, Mittal Ravi , Chauhan Nitin ,   Department of Orthopaedics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India,, Krishna M L V Sai ,   Department of Orthopaedics, KIMS-Sikhara Hospital, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh India.
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Bisphosphonates have become the standard drugs for the medical management of patients with moderate-to-severe forms of osteogenesis imperfecta (OI). This study was undertaken to study the effect of parenteral pamidronate or oral alendronate therapy, on bone healing after osteotomies in patients with moderately severe forms (Sillence type 4) of OI. .

Materials and Methods: We retrospectively evaluated the effects of bisphosphonate therapy on the healing of seven osteotomies in five patients of OI (Sillence type 4) who underwent Sofield Millar procedure for deformity correction and non-union of long bone fractures.

Results: The patients were evaluated clinically and radiologically for the time taken for osteotomy healing and the radiological pattern of osteotomy healing. The minimum clinico-radiological follow-up period was 2 years and the mean follow-up period was 3.9 years (range 2–7 years). The mean time taken for the osteotomy to heal in the patients receiving bisphosphonates was 10.4 months (range 8–12 months) and the union was achieved without the typical exuberant callus formation. Periosteal new bone formation was uniquely absent.

Conclusion: We infer from our findings that bisphosphonate therapy in OI patients is associated with a different pattern of osteotomy healing and delay in healing of osteotomy.

Keywords: Osteogenesis imperfecta, osteotomy, bisphosphonates, callus
Innovative techniques for joining and processing of some aluminum alloys used in the aircraft industry
Authors: CONSTANTIN Vlad-Stefan , BOTILA Lia-Nicoleta , HERCI Raul-Radu
Published: December 2024

The continuous development of various cutting-edge fields of science and technology, including the aerospace industry, is advancing at an accelerated pace. To meet current technical, economic, and environmental demands, new ecological and efficient material joining and processing techniques have been developed, aiming to replace some of the commonly used industrial procedures. For aluminum alloys, friction-based joining and processing methods with a rotating tool element are presented in this paper, with potential applications in the aerospace industry. Data is provided on Friction Stir Welding (FSW), known for its ability to produce high-quality joints without compromising the structural integrity of materials, highlighting its advantages over traditional welding methods. The diversity of metallic materials, their characteristics and properties, as well as the technical requirements of different applications, have led to the development of variants of the friction stir welding process, one of which is Submerged (underwater) Friction Stir Welding (SFSW). Data on FSW and SFSW welding as well as several aluminum alloys that can be used in the aerospace industry are included in the paper. The paper also discusses ISIM's approaches in the FSW/SFSW domain for aluminum alloys EN AW 6082 and EN AW 7075 that are applicable to the aerospace industry because of their relevance and interest. The positive outcomes show that FSW and SFSW welding can be developed for a variety of metallic materials. The goal of ISIM’s current and future research is to apply the principles of the FSW/SFSW process to the FSP/SFSP processing of non-ferrous alloys, which can be used in a variety of industries.
All-mirror wavefront division interferometer for Fourier transform spectrometry across multiple spectral ranges
Authors: Zorin Ivan , Gattinger Paul , Ricchiuti Giovanna , Lendl Bernhard , Heise Bettina , Brandstetter Markus
Published: December 2024

We report on the design of an all-mirror wavefront-division interferometer capable of spectroscopic studies across multiple spectral ranges—from the plasma frequencies of metals to terahertz wavelengths and beyond. The proposed method leverages the properties of laser sources with high spatial coherence. A theoretical framework for the interferometer scheme is presented, along with an analytical solution for determining the far-field interference pattern, which is validated through both optical propagation simulations and experimental results. The practical implementation of the spectrometer, using cost-effective off-the-shelf components (knife-edge prisms for separation and recombination), is demonstrated. The system features ultra-broad optical bandwidth, high throughput, simple architecture, dispersion-free operation, and variable arm split ratio. These unique attributes make our approach a prospective alternative to standard Fourier transform spectrometer schemes, specifically tailored to laser-based scenarios. Further, the employed design inherently enables the measurement of the sample’s dispersion. In the experimental section, we demonstrate the feasibility of spectroscopic measurements by coupling the system with a supercontinuum source with more than an octave-spanning range (1.5 µm - 4.4 µm). As a proof-of-concept, an experimental demonstration is provided for various applied spectroscopic studies: transmission measurements of polymers (polypropylene) and gas (methane), as well as reflectance measurements of dried pharmaceuticals (insulin products on a metal surface).
A temporally adaptive schlieren approach by fusing frame- and event-based cameras
Authors: Lyu Zhen , Cai Weiwei , Wang Benlong , Liu Yingzheng
Published: December 2024

This Letter reports what we believe to be a novel schlieren approach with adaptive temporal resolution. The fundamental concept of this approach is to fuse an event-based camera and a low-speed frame-based camera to generate high-frame-rate videos by leveraging the strengths of both. Using a novel experimental setup, events and frames are accurately aligned in both space and time. The aligned data are then fed into a neural network to generate intermediate frames. To examine the proposed approach, tests are conducted on a plate heater, burning candle, and pulsed jet. It has been tested that this approach enables continuous visualization and recording of flows with an adaptive frame rate of up to 3.3 kFPS, breaking through the short operating times of the existing schlieren technique. The developed intermediate frame generation method also outperforms similar methods by minimizing the impact of the event camera readout latency. It achieves a maximum improvement of 3.99 dB in the peak signal-to-noise ratio.
ALAAMEE: Open-source software for fitting autologistic actor attribute models
Authors: Stivala Alex , Wang Peng , Lomi Alessandro
Published: December 2024

The autologistic actor attribute model (ALAAM) is a model for social influence, derived from the more widely known exponential-family random graph model (ERGM). ALAAMs can be used to estimate parameters corresponding to multiple forms of social contagion associated with network structure and actor covariates. This work introduces ALAAMEE, open-source Python software for estimation, simulation, and goodness-of-fit testing for ALAAM models. ALAAMEE implements both the stochastic approximation and equilibrium expectation (EE) algorithms for ALAAM parameter estimation, including estimation from snowball sampled network data. It implements data structures and statistics for undirected, directed, and bipartite networks. We use a simulation study to assess the accuracy of the EE algorithm for ALAAM parameter estimation and statistical inference, and demonstrate the use of ALAAMEE with empirical examples using both small (fewer than 100 nodes) and large (more than 10 000 nodes) networks.
Classification of images using Gaussian copula model in empirical cumulative distribution function space
Authors: Indratno Sapto Wahyu , Winarni Sri , Sari Kurnia Novita
Published: December 2024

This study introduces an innovative approach to image classification that uses Gaussian copulas with an Empirical Cumulative Distribution Function (ECDF) approach. The strategic use of distribution functions as feature descriptors simplifies the approach and enables a better understanding of the correlation structure between features in the image. This approach helps the model understand the contextual relationships between different parts of the image, resulting in a more abstract representation than a direct representation of individual pixel values. The proposed model utilizes the Distribution Function of the Distribution Value (DFDV) as the margin distribution. The Modified National Institute of Standards and Technology (MNIST) dataset is comprehensively used to assess the effectiveness of this model. The results show that the model achieves a noteworthy level of accuracy, with an average accuracy of 62.22% and a peak accuracy of 96.92%. This success was obtained by applying the Inference Function for Marginals (IFM) principles during the training stage.
The impact of neglecting feature scaling in k-means clustering
Authors: Wongoutong Chantha
Published: December 2024

Despite the popularity of k-means clustering, feature scaling before applying it can be an essential yet often neglected step. In this study, feature scaling via five methods: Z-score, Min-Max normalization, Percentile transformation, Maximum absolute scaling, or RobustScaler beforehand was compared with using the raw (i.e., non-scaled) data to analyze datasets having features with different or the same units via k-means clustering. The results of an experimental study show that, for features with different units, scaling them before k-means clustering provided better accuracy, precision, recall, and F-score values than when using the raw data. Meanwhile, when features in the dataset had the same unit, scaling them beforehand provided similar results to using the raw data. Thus, scaling the features beforehand is a very important step for datasets with different units, which improves the clustering results and accuracy. Of the five feature-scaling methods used in the dataset with different units, Z-score standardization and Percentile transformation provided similar performances that were superior to the other or using the raw data. While Maximum absolute scaling, slightly more performances than the other scaling methods and raw data when the dataset contains features with the same unit, the improvement was not significant.
Effects of competition and ownership on the simultaneous relationship between bank risk and capital: Evidence from an emerging economy of Bangladesh
Authors: Zheng Changjun , Chowdhury Md Mohiuddin , Gupta Anupam Das , Islam Md Nazmul
Published: December 2024

This study aims to investigate the simultaneous relationship between bank risk and capital, specifically examining how competition and ownership jointly influence this relationship. We employed the two-step system generalized method of moments to address concerns regarding endogeneity and unobserved heteroscedasticity. Based on data from 44 commercial banks in Bangladesh from 2010 to 2021, our findings reveal several key insights: (I) There is a significant non-linear bidirectional relationship between bank risk and capital: capital exhibits a U-shaped effect on risk, while risk has a non-linear negative impact on capital; (II) in highly contested markets, banks hold higher levels of capital, and heightened competition reduces the risk appetite of commercial banks; while less competition has the opposite effect; (III) private and Islamic commercial banks are more risk-averse than state-owned and conventional ones, and (IV) Private and Islamic banks with strong capital positions in a competitive market can better manage risks than state-owned and conventional banks. However, maintaining higher capital ratios in competitive environments is more challenging for state-owned and Islamic banks than private-owned and conventional commercial banks. These results align with the moral hazard hypothesis, competition fragility hypothesis, and the political view of state ownership. Significant insights from the study will fuel the regulators in shaping policies and regulations surrounding emerging countries like Bangladesh, particularly regarding risk, capital, competition, and ownership policies.
Dual scale light weight cross attention transformer for skin lesion classification
Authors: Yadav Dhirendra Prasad , Sharma Bhisham , Chauhan Shivank , Webber Julian L. , Mehbodniya Abolfazl
Published: December 2024

Skin cancer is rapidly growing globally. In the past decade, an automated diagnosis system has been developed using image processing and machine learning. The machine learning methods require hand-crafted features, which may affect performance. Recently, a convolution neural network (CNN) was applied to dermoscopic images to diagnose skin cancer. The CNN improved its performance through its high-dimension feature extraction capability. However, these methods lack global co-relation of the spatial features. In this study, we design a dual-scale lightweight cross-attention vision transformer network (DSCATNet) that provides global attention to high-dimensional spatial features. In the DSCATNet, we extracted features from different patch sizes and performed cross-attention. The attention from different scales improved the spatial features by focusing on the different parts of the skin lesion. Furthermore, we applied a fusion strategy for the different scale spatial features. After that, enhanced features are fed to the lightweight transformer encoder for global attention. We validated the model superiority on the HAM 10000 and PAD datasets. Furthermore, the model’s performance is compared with CNN and ViT-based methods. Our DSCATNet achieved an average kappa and accuracy of 95.84% and 97.80% on the HAM 10000 dataset, respectively. Moreover,the model obtained 94.56% and 95.81% kappa and precision values on the PAD dataset.
Bruxism associated with short sleep duration in children with autism spectrum disorder: The Japan Environment and Children’s Study
Authors: Tsuchiya Masahiro , Tsuchiya Shinobu , Momma Haruki , Nagatomi Ryoichi , Yaegashi Nobuo , Arima Takahiro , Ota Chiharu , Igarashi Kaoru ,   the Japan Environment and Children’s Study Group
Published: December 2024

Bruxism, the involuntary activity of masticatory muscles, is common among individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Although bruxism is bidirectionally associated with sleep issues, whether an infant’s sleep duration contributes to the development of bruxism remains unknown. In this study, a dataset (n = 83,720) obtained from the Japan Environment and Children’s Study, a nationwide birth cohort study, was subjected to multiple imputations using logistic regression analysis with adjustments for several maternal and child-related variables. The aim of this study was to assess whether shorter sleep duration in the neonatal period additively affected the high prevalence of parent-reported bruxism (PRB) among children with ASD. The prevalences of ASD and PRB in the participants were 1.2% and 7.2%, respectively, and the odds ratio of the increased risk of PRB prevalence in individuals with ASD (95% confidence interval) was 1.59 (1.31–1.94) after covariate adjustments. Importantly, shorter sleep duration in the neonatal period (at one month of age) was significantly associated with an increased risk of PRB prevalence in individuals with ASD. The increased occurrence of bruxism, known to be highly prevalent among children with ASD, is associated with shorter sleep duration, particularly in the neonatal stage. Based on our results, a better understanding of the development of bruxism in individuals with ASD would provide valuable information for the prevention of oral diseases.
Non-fixation versus fixation of mesh in laparoscopic transabdominal preperitoneal repair of inguinal hernia: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Zhang ChenXin , Li Jia , Suo HaiJin , Bai JianPing
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The impact of non-fixation of mesh in transabdominal preperitoneal (TAPP) inguinal hernia repair has not been fully assessed. The aim of this meta-analysis was to comprehensively compare the clinical outcomes of non-fixation and fixation of mesh in TAPP to determine whether non-fixation could affect the outcomes.

Methods

PubMed, Embase and CENTRAL were searched for studies on TAPP repair of inguinal hernia and mesh fixation published up to June 2023. The literature search was completed on June 22, 2023. Randomized controlled trials that compared perioperative outcomes between mesh fixation and non-fixation without using self-gripping mesh were included. The primary outcome measures were recurrence and evaluation of postoperative pain, while secondary outcome measures included time to normal activity, infection rate and formation of seroma. Subgroup analyses and sensitivity analysis were also conducted.

Results

Six randomized controlled trials were included, involving 679 patients who underwent TAPP with non-fixation and 964 patients with fixation of mesh. There was no significant difference in recurrence between the two groups (RR: 0.83; 95% CI, 0.29–2.39, P = 0.73). The non-fixation group had less pain than the fixation group at 6 months postoperatively (MD: -0.16; 95% CI, -0.23–-0.10, P < 0.0001). Additionally, there was no significant difference in the time to return to normal activity or rates of infection or seroma formation between the two groups (MD: -4.95; 95% CI, -11.36–1.45, P = 0.13; RR: 1.18; 95% CI, 0.39–3.62, P = 0.77; RR: 0.94; 95% CI, 0.63–1.40, P = 0.75).

Conclusion

Based on the current evidence, non-fixation without using self-gripping mesh may not affect the efficacy of TAPP. It does not increase recurrence rate and may result in less postoperative pain in inguinal hernia with small hernia defect (less than 3cm).
Population evacuation path optimization based on potential field ant colony and extended cellular automata
Authors: Liu Tiechao , Sun Chao , Sui Ning , Shen Mingxin
Published: December 2024

An effective safety evacuation program is an important basis for safeguarding the lives of people, and reasonable planning of evacuation routes is of great significance for formulating personnel evacuation plans. This article considers the global search ability of the ant colony algorithm and the local search ability of the artificial potential field. The artificial potential field is integrated into the ant colony algorithm, and combined with the extended Moore type cellular automata, an extended cellular automata model based on the potential field ant colony algorithm is proposed to optimize the calculation of personnel evacuation and path planning in the evacuation area. Analyze the performance of different algorithms in planning path smoothness, total path length, and calculation time from the same location in single exit and multi exit evacuation areas. And to verify the effectiveness of the algorithm, we use part of a teaching building as an evacuation scenario. The results show that combining the potential field ant colony algorithm with the extended Moore type cellular automata for path planning can reduce the number of invalid nodes and redundant turning points in the shortest path, improve the smoothness of the path, improve planning efficiency, and provide a design basis for emergency evacuation of buildings.
Multiple factors on driving load in mountain area at night based on factor analysis
Authors: Li Hao , Jiang Heng , Yang Jiabao
Published: December 2024

Different driving environments may lead to increased mental workload and fatigue among drivers, consequently diminishing driving safety. To investigate the impact of various factors on drivers’ driving load, this study approaches the issue from three perspectives: external weather environment, road driving environment, and in-vehicle driving environment. Through the experimental modeling of the mountainous road section of Provincial Highway S208 in Chongyang County, Xianning City, and employing simulated driving experiments, various factor combinations were designed to investigate the visual characteristics of drivers. Through factor analysis, a comprehensive examination is conducted on four visual indicators: the rate of change in pupil area, fixation duration, saccade velocity, and saccade angle, to explore the patterns of influence exerted by these factors on the driving load of drivers. The evaluation results of driving workload indicate that the degree of driver distraction decreases when the plant spacing is set at 6 meters and the type of road traffic auxiliary facilities is configured to two. When the traffic flow on the road is zero and no driving sub-mission are present, the driver experiences the minimum level of workload. The findings of this study provide robust theoretical support for nighttime mountain driving safety, contributing to the in-depth exploration of traffic safety theories.
Responses of fisheries ecosystems to marine heatwaves and other extreme events
Authors: Marshak Anthony R. , Link Jason S.
Published: December 2024

Marine ecosystems and their living marine resources (LMRs) continue to respond to the effects of global change, with environmental factors impacting marine fisheries biomass, distribution, harvest, and associated economic performance. Extreme events such as high-category hurricanes, harmful algal blooms, marine heatwaves, and large-scale hypoxia affect major regions and subregions of United States waters, with their frequency expected to increase over the next decades. The impacts of extreme events on fisheries biomass, harvest, and economic performance have not been examined as closely as a system (i.e., cumulatively), or in terms of their differential effects on particular functional groups of a given system. Among several U.S. subregions, we examined responses of fisheries biomass, landings, and revenue for particular functional groups to large-scale environmental perturbations (i.e., marine heatwaves, Hurricane Katrina, Deepwater Horizon oil spill). Distinct negative short-term consequences to annual fisheries biomass, landings, and revenue were observed in all regions, including at the system-level scale for several ecosystems which have higher proportions of pelagic species composition and variable shellfish-based revenue. In addition, shifts in species composition often were associated with environmental perturbations. Recovery to pre-perturbation levels (both in the immediate years following the event and over the post-event period of study) and resilience at the system level was observed in several cases, although post-event declines in biomass and landings occurred in the California ecosystem. Certain extreme events are expected to become more common in marine environments, with resulting perturbations throughout multiple components of U.S. socioecological systems. The recognition and understanding of the consequences of extreme events throughout marine ecosystems is necessary for effective, holistic, and sustainable management practices.
Prediction of undernutrition and identification of its influencing predictors among under-five children in Bangladesh using explainable machine learning algorithms
Authors: Islam Md. Merajul , Kibria Nobab Md. Shoukot Jahan , Kumar Sujit , Roy Dulal Chandra , Karim Md. Rezaul
Published: December 2024

Background and objectives

Child undernutrition is a leading global health concern, especially in low and middle-income developing countries, including Bangladesh. Thus, the objectives of this study are to develop an appropriate model for predicting the risk of undernutrition and identify its influencing predictors among under-five children in Bangladesh using explainable machine learning algorithms.

Materials and methods

This study used the latest nationally representative cross-sectional Bangladesh demographic health survey (BDHS), 2017–18 data. The Boruta technique was implemented to identify the important predictors of undernutrition, and logistic regression, artificial neural network, random forest, and extreme gradient boosting (XGB) were adopted to predict undernutrition (stunting, wasting, and underweight) risk. The models’ performance was evaluated through accuracy and area under the curve (AUC). Additionally, SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) were employed to illustrate the influencing predictors of undernutrition.

Results

The XGB-based model outperformed the other models, with the accuracy and AUC respectively 81.73% and 0.802 for stunting, 76.15% and 0.622 for wasting, and 79.13% and 0.712 for underweight. Moreover, the SHAP method demonstrated that the father’s education, wealth, mother’s education, BMI, birth interval, vitamin A, watching television, toilet facility, residence, and water source are the influential predictors of stunting. While, BMI, mother education, and BCG of wasting; and father education, wealth, mother education, BMI, birth interval, toilet facility, breastfeeding, birth order, and residence of underweight.

Conclusion

The proposed integrating framework will be supportive as a method for selecting important predictors and predicting children who are at high risk of stunting, wasting, and underweight in Bangladesh.
Looking back to move forward: A critical reflection on hierarchy, power dynamics and exclusion in somatics
Authors: Cavalcanti Raquel Pires
Published: December 2024

This article, based on a Ph.D. research I conducted in Brazil, brings into discussion issues of power, hierarchy and exclusion in the Alexander Technique and in the broader somatic field. It takes a closer look at the influence of lineages and personalisms in the context of modern dance, their subsequent rejection in contemporary dance, and their resurgence as somatics became an integral part of the contemporary dance scene. Through this exploration, I intend to shed light on the potential adverse implications of such practices in the field. Following these discussions, I present a series of initiatives taken by different somatic practitioners, which aim to minimize these outcomes. The article claims that to envision a future for our field, it is essential that we first engage in a thoughtful reflection on the gaps and shortcomings we have left behind, before endeavouring to move forward.
Risky dancing and consent practices: Addressing identity, privilege and power in contact improvisation
Authors: Horrigan Kristin
Published: December 2024

Like many western dance and somatic practices, contact improvisation (CI) has long centred a concept of ‘the body’ that ignores culture, identity, privilege and power. However, for many dancers, identity-based power dynamics do affect how they interact, what risks CI poses to them and how accessible the practice is. This article examines consent practices as one response to identity-based risks in CI. It determines that, to most effectively limit the effects of identity-based power dynamics, the responsibility for consent practices must be shared amongst dancers of all levels of privilege in a CI space. Such distributed consent practices have the potential to address power differences without reifying them, as they allow dancers to modulate risk without naming specific identities. Although increasing consent practices in CI poses a number of challenges, this investigation indicates future potential for consent practice as a strategy to acknowledge and address identity in CI.
Dance and Ethics: Moving Towards a More Humane Dance Culture, Naomi M. Jackson (2022)
Authors: Muller Ebony
Published: December 2024

Review of: Dance and Ethics: Moving Towards a More Humane Dance Culture, Naomi M. Jackson (2022)

Bristol: Intellect, 257 pp.,

ISBN 978-1-78938-613-4, p/bk, £24.95
The Elemental Body: A Movement Guide to Kinship with Ourselves and the Natural World, Elaine Colandrea and Rori Smith (2022)
Authors: Petts Louisa
Published: December 2024

Review of: The Elemental Body: A Movement Guide to Kinship with Ourselves and the Natural World, Elaine Colandrea and Rori Smith (2022)

Rhinebeck, NY: Epigraph Publishing, 106 pp.,

ISBN 978-1-95474-474-5, p/bk, £28.00