bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel Framework of Financial Hardship in Childhood Cancer: Incorporating Stakeholder Perspectives
Authors: Ritter Julie , de Bragança João , Auste Carmen , Mendez Alejandra , Cohen Phillip D. , Fajardo Andrés Felipe , Loggetto Patrícia , de Sá Rodrigues Karla Emília , Essue Beverley M. , Knaul Felicia M. , Malone Sara M. , Quast Troy , Kirby Russell S. , Steliarova-Foucher Eva , Huang I-Chan , Meheus Filip , Bhakta Nickhill
Published: August 2024

PURPOSE

Although financial hardship in childhood cancer contributes to poor outcomes, no standardized tool to assess its impact exists. Existing methods are heterogeneous and designed using high-income country (HIC), adult perspectives. This project aimed to construct a stakeholder-informed conceptual framework of financial hardship in childhood cancer with global relevancy.

METHODS

Group concept mapping, a participatory mixed-methods approach, was used. Participants were parents or caregivers of a child with cancer, childhood cancer survivors, and clinical or nonclinical support personnel, fluent in English, Spanish, or Portuguese. A representative panel established a comprehensive list of relevant items. Participants individually sorted these items into concepts and then rated each item for impact using a four-point Likert scale. Multidimensional scaling and hierarchical cluster analysis identified concepts. Descriptive statistics were calculated for impact ratings.

RESULTS

One fourth (21/80) of participants were parents/caregivers or childhood cancer survivors. Participants worked in clinical (44/80), charity/volunteer (27/80), and other nonclinical (13/80) roles. Of the 41 represented countries, 78.0% (32) were low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Conceptual themes spanned six distinct clusters: medical, nonmedical, assistance and support, treatment impact, family impact, and caregiver impact. These were distinct in composition compared with an existing framework for adult oncology. Caregiver impact (mean, 3.39) and treatment impact (mean, 3.29) were the highest rated clusters, and impact ratings were higher in LMICs compared with HICs.

CONCLUSION

We developed a framework for financial hardship in childhood cancer that reflects the voices of stakeholders, including parents and caregivers, from diverse global contexts. The findings lay a foundation for the development and validation of tools to systematically assess financial hardship in families of children with cancer and inform effective policies and interventions.
Posterior Release, Reduction, and Intra-Articular Fusion for Irreducible Type III Atlantoaxial Rotary Fixation
Authors: Wu Ji , Li Yang , Chu Wenxiang , Chen Fei , Xu Zhenji , Ding Yiyang , Ni Bin , Lu Xuhua , Guo Qunfeng
Published: August 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

For irreducible atlantoaxial rotary fixation (AARF), anterior or posterior release was often needed before posterior reduction and fusion. Anterior atlantoaxial joint release has potential complications such as retropharyngeal abscess, persistent hoarseness, and infection. This study aims to assess the efficacy of posterior release, reduction, and intra-articular fusion without resecting the C2 nerve root on irreducible type III AARF.

METHODS:

The data of 9 pediatric patients diagnosed with AARF who underwent posterior atlantoaxial release, reduction, and intra-articular fusion without resecting the C2 nerve root were retrospectively reviewed. Japanese Orthopaedic Association scores and Visual Analog Scale for Neck Pain were used to assess outcomes. The preoperative and follow-up assessments of atlantodens interval (ADI) were documented to evaluate the reduction of atlantoaxial joint. The patient demographics, surgery time, blood loss, bone fusion time, follow-up period, and surgery-related complications were meticulously documented.

RESULTS:

The mean follow-up duration was 35.1 ± 11.5 months. Complete reduction was achieved in 8 patients, while one patient did not achieve complete reduction. The ADI decreased significantly from 8.7 ± 2.2 mm before surgery to 2.1 ± 1.3 mm at the final follow-up. All patients demonstrated successful bone fusion, with an average fusion period of 3.7 ± 1.3 months. The Visual Analog Scale for Neck Pain at the final follow-up exhibited a significant decrease compared with preoperative values (P < .05), while no significant difference was observed in Japanese Orthopaedic Association scores. There were no complications related to surgery.

CONCLUSION:

Posterior atlantoaxial release, reduction, and intra-articular fusion with a C2 nerve root preservation technique is effective in the treatment of irreducible type III AARF.
Dynamics of BMP signaling and stable gene expression in the early Drosophila embryo
Authors: Al Asafen Hadel , Beseli Aydin , Chen Hung-Yuan , Hiremath Sharva , Williams Cranos M. , Reeves Gregory T.
Published: August 2024

In developing tissues, morphogen gradients are thought to initialize gene expression patterns. However, the relationship between the dynamics of morphogen-encoded signals and gene expression decisions is largely unknown. Here we examine the dynamics of the Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP) pathway in Drosophila blastoderm-stage embryos. In this tissue, the BMP pathway is highly dynamic: it begins as a broad and weak signal on the dorsal half of the embryo, then 20-30 min later refines into a narrow, intense peak centered on the dorsal midline. This dynamical progression of the BMP signal raises questions of how it stably activates target genes. Therefore, we performed live imaging of the BMP signal and found that dorsal-lateral cells experience only a short transient in BMP signaling, after which the signal is lost completely. Moreover, we measured the transcriptional response of the BMP target gene pannier in live embryos and found it to remain activated in dorsal-lateral cells, even after the BMP signal is lost. Our findings may suggest that the BMP pathway activates a memory, or ‘ratchet’ mechanism that may sustain gene expression.
AP-1 contributes to endosomal targeting of the ubiquitin ligase RNF13 via a secondary and novel non-canonical binding motif
Authors: Cabana Valérie C. , Sénécal Audrey M. , Bouchard Antoine Y. , Kourrich Saïd , Cappadocia Laurent , Lussier Marc P.
Published: August 2024

Cellular trafficking between organelles is typically assured by short motifs that contact carrier proteins to transport them to their destination. The ubiquitin E3 ligase RING finger protein 13 (RNF13), a regulator of proliferation, apoptosis and protein trafficking, localizes to endolysosomal compartments through the binding of a dileucine motif to clathrin adaptor protein complex AP-3. Mutations within this motif reduce the ability of RNF13 to interact with AP-3. Here, our study shows the discovery of a glutamine-based motif that resembles a tyrosine-based motif within the C-terminal region of RNF13 that binds to the clathrin adaptor protein complex AP-1, notably without a functional interaction with AP-3. Using biochemical, molecular and cellular approaches in HeLa cells, our study demonstrates that a RNF13 dileucine variant uses an AP-1-dependent pathway to be exported from the Golgi towards the endosomal compartment. Overall, this study provides mechanistic insights into the alternate route used by this variant of the dileucine sorting motif of RNF13.
Super-resolution imaging reveals nucleolar encapsulation by single-stranded DNA
Authors: Maki Koichiro , Fukute Jumpei , Adachi Taiji
Published: August 2024

In eukaryotic cell nuclei, specific sets of proteins gather in nuclear bodies and facilitate distinct genomic processes. The nucleolus, a nuclear body, functions as a factory for ribosome biogenesis by accumulating constitutive proteins, such as RNA polymerase I and nucleophosmin 1 (NPM1). Although in vitro assays have suggested the importance of liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS) of constitutive proteins in nucleolar formation, how the nucleolus is structurally maintained with the intranuclear architecture remains unknown. This study revealed that the nucleolus is encapsulated by a single-stranded (ss)DNA-based molecular complex inside the cell nucleus. Super-resolution lattice-structured illumination microscopy (lattice-SIM) showed that there was a high abundance of ssDNA beyond the ‘outer shell’ of the nucleolus. Nucleolar disruption and the release of NPM1 were caused by in situ digestion of ssDNA, suggesting that ssDNA has a structural role in nucleolar encapsulation. Furthermore, we identified that ssDNA forms a molecular complex with histone H1 for nucleolar encapsulation. Thus, this study illustrates how an ssDNA-based molecular complex upholds the structural integrity of nuclear bodies to coordinate genomic processes such as gene transcription and replication.
Torpor energetics are related to the interaction between body mass and climate in bats of the family Vespertilionidae
Authors: Ayala-Berdon Jorge , Medina-Bello Kevin I.
Published: August 2024

Torpor is an adaptive strategy allowing heterothermic animals to cope with energy limitations. In birds and mammals, intrinsic and extrinsic factors, such as body mass and ambient temperature, are the main variables influencing torpor use. A theoretical model of the relationship between metabolic rate during torpor and ambient temperature has been proposed. Nevertheless, no empirical attempts have been made to assess the model predictions under different climates. Using open-flow respirometry, we evaluated the ambient temperature at which bats entered torpor and when torpid metabolic rate reached its minimum, the reduction in metabolic rate below basal values, and minimum torpid metabolic rate in 11 bat species of the family Vespertilionidae with different body mass from warm and cold climates. We included data on the minimum torpid metabolic rate of five species we retrieved from the literature. We tested the effects using mixed-effect phylogenetic models. All models showed a significant interaction between body mass and climate. Smaller bats went into torpor and reached minimum torpid metabolic rates at warmer temperatures, showed a higher reduction in the metabolic rate below basal values, and presented lower torpid metabolic rates than larger ones. The slopes of the models were different for bats from different climates. These results are likely explained by differences in body mass and the metabolic rate of bats, which may favor larger bats expressing torpor in colder sites and smaller bats in the warmer ones. Further studies to assess torpor use in bats from different climates are proposed.
Chronic cold exposure causes left ventricular hypertrophy that appears to be physiological
Authors: Burns McKenna P. A. , Reges Caroline R. , Barnhill Spencer W. , Koehler Kenna N. , Lewis Brandon C. , Colombo Alyssa T. , Felter Nick J. , Schaeffer Paul J.
Published: August 2024

Exposure to winter cold causes an increase in energy demands to meet the challenge of thermoregulation. In small rodents, this increase in cardiac output leads to a profound cardiac hypertrophy, 2–3 times that typically seen with exercise training. The nature of this hypertrophy and its relevance to winter mortality remains unclear. Our goal was to characterize cold-induced cardiac hypertrophy and to assess its similarity to either exercise-induced (physiological) hypertrophy or the pathological hypertrophy of hypertension. We hypothesized that cold-induced hypertrophy will most closely resemble exercise-induced hypertrophy, but be another unique pathway for physiological cardiac growth. We found that cold-induced hypertrophy was largely reversed after a return to warm temperatures. Further, metabolic rates were elevated while gene expression and mitochondrial enzyme activities indicative of pathology were absent. A gene expression panel comparing hearts of exercised and cold-exposed mice further suggests that these activities are similar, although not identical. In conclusion, we found that chronic cold led to a phenotype that most closely resembled physiological hypertrophy, with enhanced metabolic rate, without induction of fetal genes, but with decreased expression of genes associated with fatty acid oxidation, suggesting that heart failure is not a cause of winter mortality in small rodents and identifying a novel approach for the study of cardiac growth.
HIF signaling in the prothoracic gland regulates growth and development in hypoxia but not normoxia in Drosophila
Authors: Campbell Jacob B. , Shingleton Alexander W. , Greenlee Kendra J. , Gray Alyx E. , Smith Hunter C. , Callier Viviane , Lundquist Taylor , Harrison Jon F.
Published: August 2024

The developmental regulation of body size is a fundamental life-history characteristic that in most animals is tied to the transition from juvenile to adult form. In holometabolous insects, this transition is ostensibly initiated at the attainment of a critical weight in the final larval instar. It has been hypothesized that the size-sensing mechanism used to determine attainment of critical weight exploits oxygen limitation as a larvae grows beyond the oxygen-delivery capacity of its fixed tracheal system; that is, developmentally induced cellular hypoxia initiates the synthesis of the molting hormone ecdysone by the prothoracic gland. We tested this hypothesis in Drosophila by assaying cellular hypoxia throughout the third larval instar at 21 and 10 kPa O2, using the activity of the HIF (hypoxia inducible factor)-signaling pathway as a measure of hypoxia. While HIF signaling was elevated at low levels of environmental O2, it did not markedly increase during development at either oxygen level, and was only suppressed by hyperoxia after feeding had ceased. Further, changes in HIF signaling in the prothoracic gland alone did not alter body size or developmental time in a way that would be expected if cellular hypoxia in the prothoracic gland was part of the critical weight mechanism. Our data do show, however, that reduced HIF signaling in the prothoracic gland decreases survival and retards development at 10 kPa O2, suggesting that prothoracic HIF signaling is a necessary part of the beneficial plasticity mechanism that controls growth and development in response to low oxygen level.
Light sensitivity of the circadian system in the social Highveld mole-rat Cryptomys hottentotus pretoriae
Authors: Chanel Pauline N. C. , Bennett Nigel C. , Oosthuizen Maria K.
Published: August 2024

Highveld mole-rats (Cryptomys hottentotus pretoriae) are social rodents that inhabit networks of subterranean tunnels. In their natural environment, they are rarely exposed to light, and consequently their visual systems have regressed over evolutionary time. However, in the laboratory they display nocturnal activity, suggesting that they are sensitive to changes in ambient illumination. We examined the robustness of the Highveld mole-rat circadian system by assessing its locomotor activity under decreasing light intensities. Mole-rats were subjected to seven consecutive light cycles commencing with a control cycle (overhead fluorescent lighting at 150 lx), followed by decreasing LED lighting (500, 300, 100, 10 and 1 lx) on a 12 h light:12 h dark (L:D) photoperiod and finally a constant darkness (DD) cycle. Mole-rats displayed nocturnal activity under the whole range of experimental lighting conditions, with a distinct spike in activity at the end of the dark phase in all cycles. The mole-rats were least active during the control cycle under fluorescent light, locomotor activity increased steadily with decreasing LED light intensities, and the highest activity was exhibited when the light was completely removed. In constant darkness, mole-rats displayed free-running rhythms with periods (τ) ranging from 23.77 to 24.38 h, but was overall very close to 24 h at 24.07 h. Our findings confirm that the Highveld mole-rat has a higher threshold for light compared with aboveground dwelling rodents, which is congruent with previous neurological findings, and has implications for behavioural rhythms.
CONDIÇÕES ESTRUTURAIS PARA O EMPREENDEDORISMO
Authors: Magalhães Thainá Machado , Nobre Fábio Chaves , Queiroz Ívina Clara De Oliveira
Published: August 2024

O objetivo do estudo está em analisar os impactos dos fatores estruturais, determinados pelo Global Entrepreneurship Monitor – GEM, no desenvolvimento do empreendedorismo no Brasil e nos países da América Latina. Desse modo, busca-se responder sobre quais os impactos dos fatores estruturais no Brasil e países da América Latina para o desenvolvimento do empreendedorismo, dentro do contexto da Atividade Empreendedora Total em Estágio Inicial - TEA. A pesquisa classifica-se como quantitativa, descritiva explicativa e bibliográfica, e a técnica estatística utilizada foi a regressão linear múltipla, definindo-se as variáveis de estudo extraídas do modelo GEM, bem como os dados desta pesquisa, sendo elas as condições da estrutura empresarial. A análise dos dados, inicialmente, foi realizada por meio de estatística descritiva, teste de normalidade dos dados e correlação de Pearson, seguida da técnica de regressão linear múltipla. Os resultados revelaram que as condições estruturais de mais impacto no desenvolvimento do empreendedorismo no Brasil foram Apoio e Políticas Governamentais, Programas Governamentais (o único fator estrutural com impacto positivo), Educação e Treinamento Empreendedor na Escola Básica, Dinâmica do Mercado Interno e Infraestrutura Física e de Serviços. Para os países da América Latina, os resultados mostram que as condições estruturais de mais impacto no desenvolvimento do empreendedorismo foram Impostos e Burocracia e Educação e Treinamento Empreendedor na Escola Básica (fatores com impacto positivo), Transferência de P&D e Infraestrutura Comercial e Profissional (fatores com impacto negativo). O presente estudo contribui para o entendimento dos fatores que contribuem para o desenvolvimento do empreendedorismo no Brasil e América Latina.
Συσχέτιση του τρόπου σύλληψης και της ψυχολογικής κατάστασης κατά την εγκυμοσύνη με τη γέννηση παιδιού με αυτισμό
Authors: Σταύρου Κυριακή
Published: August 2024

Πολλές μελέτες (Fountain et al., 2015) έχουν διερευνήσει τα αίτια και τις συσχετίσεις του αυτισμού με προγεννητικούς και περιγεννητικούς παράγοντες, όπως ο πρόωρος τοκετός, το χαμηλό βάρος γέννησης και ο διαβήτης κύησης και τα γονεϊκά χαρακτηριστικά, όπως η υψηλότερη κοινωνικοοικονομική κατάσταση και η εκπαίδευση, οι μεγαλύτεροι ηλικιακά γονείς, η λευκή φυλή και το ιστορικό ψυχιατρικών καταστάσεων που σχετίζονται με τον αυτισμό. Επιπλέον, υπάρχει ένα μεγάλο και πολύπλοκο γενετικό υπόβαθρο με ένα υποσύνολο οικογενειακών περιπτώσεων αυτισμού, καθώς και σημαντικός ρόλος για σπάνιες και κοινές παραλλαγές στους αριθμούς αντιγράφων. Στην παρούσα εργασία, στόχος είναι να εξεταστεί η σχέση μεταξύ σύλληψης και ψυχολογικής κατάστασης κατά τη διάρκεια της εγκυμοσύνης με τη γέννηση ενός παιδιού με αυτισμό. Αναμένεται να φανεί η συσχέτιση της εξωσωματικής γονιμοποίησης, κάθε είδους, με τη γέννηση παιδιού με αυτισμό, κατά πόσο αυτή επηρεάζεται. Αναμένεται να συσχετισθούν κάποια είδη αγχωδών- συναισθηματικών διαταραχών της μητέρας κατά τη διάρκεια της εγκυμοσύνης με τη γέννηση παιδιού με αυτισμό (Haglund and Källén, 2011; Lampi et al., 2012). Αφού μελετήσουμε το θεωρητικό υπόβαθρο του θέματος, συνεχίζουμε στην έρευνα. Είναι μια μελέτη στην οποία ερευνάται ένας πληθυσμός, σε μια συγκεκριμένη χρονική στιγμή, και συνήθως προσδιορίζεται ο επιπολασμός. Για τη διερεύνηση των ερευνητικών ερωτημάτων χρησιμοποιήθηκε η ποσοτική προσέγγιση, η οποία αφορά στη συλλογή, ανάλυση και ερμηνεία ποσοτικών, αριθμητικών δεδομένων. Ο λόγος για τη χρήση αυτής της μεθόδου είναι ότι είναι η καταλληλότερη για τον έλεγχο των συγκεκριμένων ερωτήσεων για το υπό μελέτη φαινόμενο. Η μελέτη πραγματοποιήθηκε μεταξύ Οκτωβρίου 2019 και Μαρτίου 2020 και συμμετείχαν 200 γυναίκες. Σε αυτή την έρευνα χρησιμοποιήθηκαν 3 κλειστά ερωτηματολόγια και συλλογή δημογραφικών στοιχείων. Για την ανάλυση των ερωτηματολογίων χρησιμοποιήθηκαν περιγραφικές και επαγωγικές στατιστικές. Περιγραφική και επαγωγική στατιστική χρησιμοποιήθηκε για την ανάλυση των ερωτηματολογίων. Στην επαγωγική στατιστική χρησιμοποιήθηκαν οι μη παραμετρικοί έλεγχοι το x2 και το t-test.Η ανάλυση πραγματοποιήθηκε με τη χρήση του στατιστικού προγράμματος SPSS22.0.Τα αποτελέσματα δείχνουν ότι υπάρχει σημαντική συσχέτιση μεταξύ της εξωσωματικής γονιμοποίησης και της ΔΑΦ.
Factors affecting community ambulation post-stroke: a mapping review protocol
Authors: Bansal Kanika , Morgan-Daniel Jane , Chatterjee Sudeshna A. , Rose Dorian K.
Published: August 2024

Background Most stroke survivors consider community ambulation an essential but unmet goal of their recovery. Historically, interventions to enhance community ambulation have focused on improving biomechanical impairments of gait; however, recent evidence suggests that biopsychosocial and environmental factors may impact community ambulation, even beyond more obvious physical impairments. The identification of factors that pose as significant facilitators or barriers to community ambulation may serve to guide stakeholders in designing relevant and evidence-based interventions for improving community ambulation post-stroke. Objective This review aims to map the type and extent of existing evidence on the physical, biopsychosocial, and environmental factors affecting community ambulation post-stroke. Additionally, this review will describe the various methods used to examine the extent to which stroke survivors are restricted to community ambulation. Methods Nine databases will be searched including CINAHL, PubMed, and Web of Science. We will include studies published in English during or after 2001. Studies that examine physical, biopsychosocial, and/or environmental factors affecting community ambulation in ambulatory adults at least six months post-stroke will be considered for inclusion. Studies that assess general physical activity or community mobility through transportation modes other than walking will be excluded. All identified records will be collated in citation management software, followed by steps of deduplication, title/abstract screening, and full-text reviews by at least two independent reviewers. The bibliographies of the extracted studies will also be reviewed for relevant articles. The extracted studies will be analyzed, critically appraised, and presented in tabular, narrative, and evidence map formats. Discussion The evidence gained will be used to build a framework for community ambulation, informing stakeholders to develop meaningful interventions to improve community ambulation. The mapped evidence will motivate future studies to develop holistic approaches that specifically focus on the most vital factors that influence post-stroke community ambulation.
A systematic literature review of interpersonal communication strategies for optimizing government employee performance in the digital era
Authors: Umpain Siti Hatijah , Herachwati Nuri , Setiadi Yusuf , Hanorsian Anastasia Enike
Published: August 2024

This research shows that ongoing digital changes have a significant impact, particularly in the government sector. In addition to ease and benefits, such as operational efficiency and faster public services, new challenges, such as problems related to system integration, human resources (HR) limitations in the use of technology, and public access to digital technology, are also present. Therefore, this study aims to explore the role of interpersonal communication in enhancing employee performance in the context of HR development in the digital era by employing the systematic literature review (SLR) method and using data from electronic databases, specifically Google Scholar using the Harsing’s Publish or Perish (Windows GUI Edition) 8.2.3944.8118, the application can be accessed by downloading (https://publish-or-perish.en.softonic.com/), and Scopus (www.scopus.com) with a focus on journals published between 2017 and 2024. By identifying research gaps, research questions were developed to understand the influence of interpersonal communication on improving employee performance in the context of public services, necessary adaptations, and interpersonal communication strategies. This research provides comprehensive insights and practical solutions for the government sector to address the dynamics of the current and future digital era, based on data analysis from reliable database sources. The risk of bias in this study was addressed through the selection criteria and data extraction method. Thematic analysis and quantitative summarization were used for data presentation and synthesis. The results of the meta-analysis indicate that interpersonal communication has a significant positive influence on employee performance. The effect size estimates for each intervention and the corresponding confidence intervals are presented. To ensure honesty and accuracy in the interpretation of the results, potential evidence limitations and biases should be acknowledged transparently.
Exploring the Potential for Tuition-Free Higher Education in South Africa: A Scoping Review
Authors: Ramasu Tlotlo , Kanakana-Katumba Grace
Published: August 2024

The debate on tuition-free higher education has raged in South Africa since the #FeesMustFall protests at South African universities in 2015 and 2016. The government responded with a tuition-free education policy targeting students from households earning less than R350 000. However, the question remains can South Africa sustain a tuition-free education policy given its developing nation status and the levels of its GDP? This article sought to assess the feasibility of tuition-free higher education for all in South Africa. A scoping review was used, and fifteen articles about tuition-free higher education feasibility in South Africa were reviewed. The choice of the scoping review was due to the need for an understanding of the current state of play in research on the feasibility of tuition-free higher education in South Africa. The results suggest that tuition-free higher education for all is not feasible in South Africa. There seems to be a consensus that South Africa lacks the resources to finance tuition-free higher education for all. Tuition-free higher education is also viewed as a regressive tax on the poor given that the majority of students in higher education institutions come from middle and upper-income households. However, it is important to note that a distinction is drawn between tuition-free higher education for all and tuition-free higher education for the poor and academically deserving. The latter seems to receive support with some viewing it as a moral imperative in an unequal society such as South Africa’s. It is recommended that future studies approach the issue from an empirical standpoint whereby the GDP levels are assessed against higher education funding.
Evaluating the Transformation of City Facilities under AMRUT: A Conceptual Model
Authors: Biswas Joydeep , Ray Koustubh Kanti , Banerjee Biswas Mohar , Panda Anupriya
Published: August 2024

Background The objective of this research is to propose a method for evaluating the effectiveness of Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) schemes across different parameters and subsequently rank different cities based on the perception of resident citizens. The research contributes to the academic literature of urban management by suggesting a comprehensive evaluation model based on academic literature review, identifying an assessment method to assign criteria to the parameters of the selected evaluation model, and finally proposing an approach to rank select cities covered under AMRUT scheme based on the suggested quantified model. Methods Conceptual research model is suggested based on review of the past literature. The study further purposes a quantitative method Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to operationalize the identified model by assigning weights to the criteria. Finally, the research demonstrates how the weighted model can be applied to rank cities under AMRUT scheme by using Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to the Ideal Solution (TOPSIS). Results Conceptual model to assess the effectiveness of AMRUT scheme has been arrived at by reviewing past literature. The model is found to be exhaustive and applicable for the research problem being investigated. The study further identifies the method for assigning the criteria weights and then eventually how to apply it to rank cities covered under AMRUT scheme on those weights. Conclusion The study contributes to the academic literature in the context of urban management by evaluating AMRUT scheme. The research proposes that impact of AMRUT can be studied by selecting a comprehensive evaluation model based on academic literature review, identifying an assessment method to assign criteria to the parameters of the selected evaluation model, and finally proposing a method to apply the weighted model to rank the cities covered under AMRUT scheme.
Feasibility of increasing calcium content of drinking tap water following quality regulations to improve calcium intake at population level
Authors: Matamoros Natalia , Puchulu María Bernardita , Colman Lerner Jorge E , Maury-Sintjago Eduard , López Jorge L , Sosio Verónica , Belizán José M , Porta Andrés , Cormick Gabriela
Published: August 2024

Background Calcium intake is below recommendations in several parts of the world. Improving calcium intake has benefits not only for bone health but also helps to prevent pregnancy hypertension disorders. Calcium concentration of tap water is usually low The aim of the present study was to determine the maximum amount of calcium that can be added to tap water while complying with drinking water Argentine regulations. Methods Tap water samples were collected from the Province of Buenos Aires (Argentina). Physicochemical properties and saturation index were measured. Different incremental concentrations of calcium chloride were added to the experimental aliquots. Results Baseline water had a mean calcium concentration of 22.00 ± 2.54 mg/L, water hardness of 89.9 ± 6.4 mg/L CaCO3, and a saturation index of -1.50 ± 0.11. After the addition of 0.4554 ± 0.0071 g of salt, water hard-ness reached 355.0 ± 7.1 mg/L CaCO3, a calcium concentration of 140.50 ± 2.12 mg/L, and a saturation index -0.53 ± 0.02. Conclusions This study shows that at laboratory level it is feasible to increase calcium concentration of drinking water by adding calcium chloride while complying with national standards. Calcium concentration of drinking tap water could be evaluated and minimum calcium concentration of tap water regulated so as to improve calcium intake in populations with low calcium intake.
Vaccine decision-making among pregnant women: a protocol for a cross-sectional mixed-method study in Brazil, Ghana, Kenya and Pakistan
Authors: Schue Jessica L , Singh Prachi , Fesshaye Berhaun , Miller Emily S , Quinn Shanelle , Karron Ruth A , Souza Renato T , Costa Maria Laura , Cecatti Jose Guilherme , Torpey Kwasi , Badzi Caroline Dinam , Modey Emefa , Guure Chris , Okwaro Ferdinand , Temmerman Marleen , Jessani Saleem , Saleem Sarah , Asim Muhammad , Nausheen Sidrah , Yasmeen Haleema , Belayneh Grace , Brizuela Vanessa , Gottlieb Sami , Limaye Rupali J
Published: August 2024

Maternal immunization is a critical strategy to prevent both maternal and infant morbidity and mortality from several infectious diseases. When the first COVID-19 vaccines became available during the pandemic, there was mixed messaging and confusion amongst the broader public and among those associated with health care systems about the recommendations for COVID-19 vaccinations in pregnancy in many countries. A multi-country, mixed-methods study is being undertaken to describe how vaccine decision-making occurs amongst pregnant and postpartum women, with a focus on COVID-19 vaccines. The study is being conducted in Brazil, Ghana, Kenya, and Pakistan. In each country, participants are being recruited from either 2 or 3 maternity hospitals and/or clinics that represent a diverse population in terms of socio-economic and urban/rural status. Data collection includes cross-sectional surveys in pregnant women and semi-structured in-depth interviews with both pregnant and postpartum women. The instruments were designed to identify attitudinal, behavioral, and social correlates of vaccine uptake during and after pregnancy, including the decision-making process related to COVID-19 vaccines, and constructs such as risk perception, self-efficacy, vaccine intentions, and social norms. The aim is to recruit 400 participants for the survey and 50 for the interviews in each country. Qualitative data will be analyzed using a grounded theory approach. Quantitative data will be analyzed using descriptive statistics, latent variable analysis, and prediction modelling. Both the quantitative and qualitative data will be used to explore differences in attitudes and behaviors around maternal immunization across pregnancy trimesters and the postpartum period among and within countries. Each country has planned dissemination activities to share the study findings with relevant stakeholders in the communities from which the data is collected and to conduct country-specific secondary analyses.
Cytomegalovirus retinitis with panretinal occlusive vasculopathy concealed by hypertensive uveitis: a case report
Authors: Jeong Seongyong
Published: August 2024

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis is a rare disease, and overlapping manifestations involving the anterior segment are extremely uncommon. We report a patient who initially presented with persistent corneal edema and was later diagnosed with CMV retinitis. A 72-year-old man with uncontrolled intraocular pressure (IOP) in his right eye visited a tertiary hospital. At initial presentation, the IOP was 36 mmHg and the fundus was not clear due to corneal edema. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography revealed paracentral acute middle maculopathy (PAMM). Panretinal obstructive vasculopathy was observed on ultra-widefield fluorescein angiography. Three weeks later, trabeculectomy was performed to resolve the persistently high IOP. Once corneal edema improved, a white patch-like peripheral lesion and silver wire-like retinal vasculature were observed. Polymerase chain reaction of the aqueous humor was positive for CMV. Oral valganciclovir and intravitreal ganciclovir were administered as antiviral therapies. Despite treatment for 4 months, the final visual acuity was no light perception, with persistent corneal edema and neovascularization of the iris. We describe a rare case of the simultaneous occurrence of hypertensive uveitis and CMV retinitis. The presence of PAMM could be an initial identifiable sign of CMV retinitis, even in the presence of media opacity.
Code and Data Repository for Constraint Learning to Define Trust Regions in Optimization over Pre-Trained Predictive Models
Authors: Shi Chenbo , Emadikhiav Mohsen , Lozano Leonardo , Bergman David
Published: August 2024

This archive is distributed in association with the INFORMS Journal on Computing under the MIT License. The purpose of this repository is to share the codes, instances, and results used in the paper "Constraint Learning to Define Trust Regions in Optimization Over Pre-Trained Predictive Models", authored by Chenbo Shi, Mohsen Emadikhiav, Leonardo Lozano, and David Bergman.
Feature Misspecification in Sequential Learning Problems
Authors: Ahn Dohyun , Shin Dongwook , Zeevi Assaf
Published: August 2024

We consider a class of sequential learning problems where a decision maker must learn the unknown statistical characteristics of a finite set of alternatives (or systems) using sequential sampling to ultimately select a subset of “good” alternatives. A salient feature of our problem is that system performance is governed by a set of features. The decision maker postulates the dependence on these features to be linear, but this model may not precisely represent the true underlying system structure. We show that this misspecification, if not managed properly, can lead to suboptimal performance because of a phenomenon identified as sample-selection endogeneity. We propose a prospective sampling principle—a new approach that eliminates the adverse effects of misspecification as the number of samples grows large. The proposed principle applies across a very general class of widely used sampling policies, enjoys strong asymptotic performance guarantees, and exhibits effective finite-sample performance in numerical experiments.

This paper was accepted by Vivek Farias, data science.

Funding: This work was supported by the United States-Israel Binational Science Foundation [Grant 2020063] and the Hong Kong Research Grant Council [GRF Grant 16501821 and ECS Grant 24210420].

Supplemental Material: The online appendix and data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.00328 .
Palliative Images in Marion Coutts's The Iceberg and Marco Peano's L'invenzione della madre
Authors: Vaccarella Maria
Published: August 2024

Abstract: This article explores the representation of terminal brain cancer in Marion Coutts's memoir The Iceberg (2014), on her husband's illness and death, and Marco Peano's autofiction L'invenzione della madre (The invention of the mother; 2015), about a son who cares for his mother during her final days. While addressing the medicalization of dying and the efficacy of palliative care, both texts engage pervasively with visual culture. This emphasis on the visual arts and cinema provides a thought-provoking commentary on the protagonists' experience of witnessing the gradual erosion of verbal expression in their dying loved ones. This essay will thus explore both the use of visual culture as palliative praxis and the authors' implicit considerations on the role of narrativity in dying.
Disaggregation and virtualization for future access and metro networks [Invited Tutorial]
Authors: Kani Jun-ichi , Suzuki Takahiro , Kimura Yasutaka , Kaneko Shin , Kim Sang-Yuep , Yoshida Tomoaki
Published: August 2024

Future access and metro networks are expected to provide advanced broadband services and the evolution of mobile x-haul in a flexible manner. This paper first reviews the progress and challenges of disaggregation and virtualization technologies to meet this expectation with a focus on their application to optical access networks. Next, it describes future access and metro integrated networking in which disaggregation and virtualization technologies will play important roles.
Subregional Parabolic Conformal Multi-Order OAM-Generating Transmitarray with Novel C-I-Shaped Gating Cell
Authors: Bo Yong , Gao Zhenghao , xu guanghui , Wang Chao , yu hang , wang qinghua , Zhai Meng-Lin , Peng tian , Yang Lixia , Huang Zhixiang
Published: August 2024

A parabolic conformal multi-order OAM-generating transmitarray with novel C-I-shaped gating cell is presented in this paper. The novel cell is composed of three layers of the upper and lower grating structures, and the C-I-shaped metal in the middle layer. Compared with the traditional C-shaped structure, the novel cell can be adjusted to cover 360° transmission phase change with high transmission coefficient at the frequency band of 10-20 GHz. To approximate the parabolic conformal shape, the transmittarray is designed and constructed by using the eight fan-shaped sectors with the one isosceles triangle and three isosceles trapezoid planar subarrays. Finally, the 1-th and 2-th order-mode OAM-generating transmitarrays are fabricated and measured, and the measured results basically agree with the simulated ones, verifying the parabolic conformal design method. The proposed parabolic conformal scheme will rich conformal transmitarray design method for adapting to the future complex communication and detection environments.
A robust framework for modelling long range dToF SPAD Lidar performance
Authors: Scholes Stirling , Wade Ewan , McCarthy Aongus , Garcia Jorge , Tobin Rachael , Soan Philipo , Buller Gerald , Leach Jonathan
Published: August 2024

Single-Photon Avalanche Diode (SPAD) array Lidars with their picosecond timing precision and single-photon sensitivity are a crucial technology for imaging in challenging environments. Given a particular environment, optical system, a finite acquisition time, and a data processing algorithm, what quality of depth resolution can be achieved? Prior works have demonstrated Cramér-Rao Bound (CRB) analyses to answer questions of this type however, these analyses are not valid in all SPAD imaging regimes. Here, we present a robust framework for modelling the performance of direct Time-of-Flight (dToF) SPAD Lidars in all regimes, including at ranges of 1.4 km. We perform an in-depth examination of the applicability of CRB approaches for various SPAD Lidar configurations and propose the ‘Binomial Separation Criterion’ (BSC) as a means of quantifying the operational regime of a system. Our approach combines a physical model of photon arrivals with a 3D virtual environment, creating a physically significant digital twin. We experimentally verify our predictions achieving depth resolutions of <1 mm. We present strong agreements between the predictions of our framework and the experimental results across different operating wavelengths, resolutions, target types, and sensor architectures, including the generation of simulated depth images and point clouds for complex multi-surface scenes. We expect this framework to serve as a highly versatile tool with wide ranging applicability to the SPAD Lidar community.
Leveraging social media and other online data to study animal behavior
Authors: Vardi Reut , Soriano-Redondo Andrea , Gutiérrez Jorge S. , Dylewski Łukasz , Jagiello Zuzanna , Mikula Peter , Berger-Tal Oded , Blumstein Daniel T. , Jarić Ivan , Sbragaglia Valerio
Published: August 2024

The widespread sharing of information on the Internet has given rise to ecological studies that use data from digital sources including digitized museum records and social media posts. Most of these studies have focused on understanding species occurrences and distributions. In this essay, we argue that data from digital sources also offer many opportunities to study animal behavior including long-term and large-scale comparisons within and between species. Following Nikko Tinbergen’s classical roadmap for behavioral investigation, we show how using videos, photos, text, and audio posted on social media and other digital platforms can shed new light on known behaviors, particularly in a changing world, and lead to the discovery of new ones.
How to evaluate a multi-country implementation-focused network: Reflections from the Quality of Care Network (QCN) evaluation
Authors: Seruwagi Gloria , English Mike , Djellouli Nehla , Shawar Yusra , Mwaba Kasonde , Kuddus Abdul , Kyamulabi Agnes , Akter Kohenour , Nakidde Catherine , Namakula Hilda , Kinney Mary , Colbourn Tim ,   QCN Evaluation Group
Published: August 2024

Learning about how to evaluate implementation-focused networks is important as they become more commonly used. This research evaluated the emergence, legitimacy and effectiveness of a multi-country Quality of Care Network (QCN) aiming to improve maternal, newborn and child health (MNCH) outcomes. We examined the QCN global level, national and local level interfaces in four case study countries. This paper presents the evaluation team’s reflections on this 3.5 year multi-country, multi-disciplinary project. Specifically, we examine our approach, methodological innovations, lessons learned and recommendations for conducting similar research. We used a reflective methodological approach to draw lessons on our practice while evaluating the QCN. A ‘reflections’ tool was developed to guide the process, which happened within a period of 2–4 weeks across the different countries. All country research teams held focused ‘reflection’ meetings to discuss questions in the tool before sharing responses with this paper’s lead author. Similarly, the different lead authors of all eight QCN papers convened their writing teams to reflect on the process and share key highlights. These data were thematically analysed and are presented across key themes around the implementation experience including what went well, facilitators and critical methodological adaptations, what can be done better and recommendations for undertaking similar work. Success drivers included the team’s global nature, spread across seven countries with members affiliated to nine institutions. It was multi-level in expertise and seniority and highly multidisciplinary including experts in medicine, policy and health systems, implementation research, behavioural sciences and MNCH. Country Advisory Boards provided technical oversight and support. Despite complexities, the team effectively implemented the QCN evaluation. Strong leadership, partnership, communication and coordination were key; as were balancing standardization with in-country adaptation, co-production, flattening hierarchies among study team members and the iterative nature of data collection. Methodological adaptations included leveraging technology which became essential during COVID-19, clear division of roles and responsibilities, and embedding capacity building as both an evaluation process and outcome, and optimizing technology use for team cohesion and quality outputs.
Inclusion of persons living with disabilities in a district-wide sanitation programme: A cross-sectional study in rural Malawi
Authors: Davies Katherine , Panulo Mindy , MacLeod Clara , Wilbur Jane , Morse Tracy , Chidziwisano Kondwani , Dreibelbis Robert
Published: August 2024

Community-led total sanitation (CLTS) is embraced as a key strategy to achieve universal sanitation coverage (Sustainable Development Goal 6.2). Although inclusion is identified as a predictor of CLTS success, people living with disabilities are often excluded from community sanitation programmes and there is limited research exploring CLTS participation amongst people living with disabilities. This study aims to explore the extent to which people living with disabilities participated in a CLTS intervention delivered in rural Malawi using standard approaches. This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Chiradzulu district of Malawi. A household questionnaire was administered to collect information about CLTS participation. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to compare participation in different CLTS activities between households with (n = 80) and without a member with a disability (n = 167), and between household members with (n = 55) and without a disability (n = 226). No difference in CLTS participation was observed at the household-level, but there were marked differences in CLTS participation between household members with and without a disability. Household members without a disability felt they could give more input in triggering activities (OR = 3.72, 95%CI 1.18–11.73), and reported higher participation in the transect walk (OR = 4.03, 95%CI 1.45–11.18), community action planning (OR = 2.89, 95%CI 1.36–6.13), and follow-up visits (OR = 3.37, 95%CI 1.78–6.40) compared to household members with disabilities. There was no difference in the likelihood of being invited to triggering (OR = 0.98, 95%CI 0.41–2.36), attending triggering (OR = 2.09, 95%CI 0.98–4.46), or participating in community mapping (OR = 2.38, 95%CI 0.71–7.98) between household members with and without a disability. This study revealed intra-household inequalities in CLTS participation. To improve participation in CLTS interventions, facilitators should be trained on action steps to make CLTS more inclusive. Further research could include an in-depth analysis of predictors of CLTS participation amongst people living with disabilities, including disability types, severity and age.