bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mental Health Literacy Among Female Community Health Workers: A Multi-setting Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Marthoenis Marthoenis , Fitryasari Rizki , Warsini Sri
Published: December 2024

Background:

Mental health literacy among lay community health workers (CHWs) is crucial to ensuring that mental health services are accessible to all. This research explores the mental health literacy of community health workers in Indonesia.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was carried out among 454 female community health workers from various villages. Their understanding of mental illness was assessed through questionnaires, exploring their overall belief about the cause and consequence of mental illness, the symptom and the treatment of mental illness, and their perception of relapse.

Results:

Most participants have false beliefs about the causes and consequences of mental illness. For instance, the majority of respondents agreed that severe stress leads to mental illness (80%), while 60.4% believed personal weakness to be a cause. Cognitive impairments and brain disease were associated with mental illness by 67.2% and 57.3%, respectively, although only 32.6% attributed it to hereditary factors. Regarding treatment, 83.9% of respondents believed that consistent medication could fully cure mental disorders, while 81.1% associated mental illness with strange behavior. Additionally, 90.7% of respondents emphasized the importance of regular medication to prevent relapse, with 81.5% stating that lack of medication leads to relapse.

Conclusion:

A significant level of misinformation and misconception among participants regarding mental illness was unveiled. This misunderstanding can contribute to the stigmatization of individuals experiencing stress, as it may lead to unwarranted assumptions about their mental health. These findings underscore the importance of targeted mental health education campaigns to address misconceptions.
Predicting apheresis yield and factors affecting peripheral blood stem cell harvesting using a machine learning model
Authors: Qi Jing , Chen Yinchu , Jin Xiaoke , Wang Ran , Wang Nana , Yan Jiawei , Huang Chen , Huang Jun , Wei Yuanfeng , Xie Faqin , Yu Zhengzhi , Huang Dongping
Published: December 2024

Objective

Mobilization and collection of peripheral blood stem cells (PBSCs) are time-intensive and costly. Excessive apheresis sessions can cause physical discomfort for donors and increase the costs associated with collection. Therefore, it is essential to identify key predictive factors for successful harvests to minimize the need for multiple apheresis procedures.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 88 PBSC donations at our hospital. Mobilization involved disease-specific chemotherapy plus human recombinant granulocyte-colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF; lenograstim) or G-CSF alone for 5 days, followed by apheresis on day 5. The baseline characteristics of donors, pre-apheresis complete blood counts, and CD34+ cells were evaluated. Univariate logistic regression, the eXtreme Gradient Boosting algorithm, and multivariate logistic regression were applied to select significant predictive variables. The multivariate logistic regression results were integrated into various machine learning models to assess predictive accuracy.

Results

The percentage of pre-collection monocytes (Mono%), age, and CD34+ cell percentage (CD34+ cell%) were identified as significant independent factors that could accurately predict the success of an initial PBSC harvest.

Conclusions

We used machine learning methods to identify and validate Mono%, age, and CD34+ cell% as significant factors predictive of successful PBSC harvest on the first attempt, offering important insight to guide the clinical harvesting of PBSCs.
Intelligent Back-calculation Approach to Obtain Viscoelastic Properties of Asphalt Pavements on Bedrock using Falling Weight Deflectometer Tests
Authors: Wang Yujing , Zhao Yanqing , Wu Fan , Sun Qi
Published: December 2024

The dynamic modulus, an important viscoelastic parameter of asphalt pavements, plays an essential role in the performance evaluation of pavement structure throughout the whole life cycle from design to in-service. The bedrock beneath the pavement structure will significantly influence the results of the deflection response in falling weight deflectometer testing and dynamic modulus back-calculation. This effect has often been neglected in traditional analysis or back-analysis. Here, an intelligent back-calculation method for the dynamic modulus of asphalt pavement on bedrock is proposed. The dynamic modulus intelligent back-calculation model is established by a convolutional neural network rather than general numerical methods. The datasets containing the deflection time history curves were from the spectral element method with fixed-end boundary conditions of viscoelastic surface asphalt pavements on bedrock. The accuracy of the intelligent back-calculation model, the sensitivity of the parameters in the modified Havriliak–Negami (MHN) model to the dynamic modulus master curve, and the deviation degree from the back-calculated master curves of the dynamic modulus and phase angle with larger and smaller errors to the theoretical curves are evaluated. The results demonstrated the model’s good back-calculation effect without any overfitting. Parameter changes in the MHN model caused the dynamic modulus master curves to shift up and down, rotate, or shift left and right in each frequency band with a positive or negative correlation. Moreover, the back-calculated master curves of the dynamic modulus and phase angle exhibited good agreement with the theoretical curves. The intelligent back-calculation approach exhibited validity, reliability, and broad applicability.
Airport Cooperative Research Program Graduate Research Award 11-04: Geographic Information System Application to Unmanned Traffic Management within the National Airspace System
Authors: Case Ryan P. , Hupy Joseph P.
Published: December 2024

To adapt to the exponential growth of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and advanced air mobility, it is critical to understand the spatial patterns and interactions of National Airspace System (NAS) participants and the needs of the aviation community to improve on data-driven risk management decisions. Overall, NAS unmanned traffic management lacks a centralized system for collating, analyzing, and visualizing UAS and crewed aircraft data. This research provides perspectives into how geographic information systems (GIS) can be utilized to improve on risk management strategies through quantitative and qualitative analysis. The objectives and scope of this paper include information on the literature review conducted, data preparation, and a geospatial analysis of two 24 h periods of automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) data in the vicinities of Purdue University Airport and Indianapolis International Airport, as well as a multilayered analysis of both ADS-B and DJI small UAS (sUAS) radio frequency (RF) data within a 2 h time period based on an AerialArmor.com watchlist UAS “high flyer” for Savanna/Hilton Head International Airport and surrounding area. This research demonstrates how GIS can be utilized for the Federal Aviation Administration Airman Database data, ADS-B data, DJI sUAS RF data, and confirmation of UAS airspace incursions; however, there are current limitations and constraints based on data coverage and quality. A GIS, coupled with advancements in computer processing, has the potential to address many of the issues related to congested airspace and integration of UAS through participation/collaboration amongst government, industry partners, and educational institutions.
Field Measurements and Predictions of Snow Distribution around Horizontal-Slat Snow Fences
Authors: Zhang Zhibo , Ma Wenyong , Li Qiang , Si Chundi , Li Sai
Published: December 2024

The present study investigates snow growth and equilibrium drift for horizontal slatted snow fences with varying porosities in the field measurements in Xinjiang, China. A mathematical model is proposed to describe the profile of the equilibrium drift. Equations are derived to model the drift length and snow storage capacity for snow fences with different porosities. The results reveal that the snow accumulation around horizontal-slat snow fences can be categorized into five stages. The final snow shapes strongly depended on X/H (distance versus the height of the fence). The snow drift length and amount of snow accumulation on the leeward side can be described by functions of porosity, P. It is noteworthy that the snow storage capacity of the high-porosity fence significantly surpasses that of the low-porosity snow fences. For regions with moderate snowfall, the horizontal-slat snow fence with a porosity of 50% is recommended, whereas regions with heavy snowfall would benefit from a 60%-porosity fence.
Intelligent Assessment and Training of Hazard Perception for Human Drivers and Autonomous Vehicles Using Deep Reinforcement Learning and Hierarchical Clustering
Authors: Bizhe Navid , Nahvi Ali
Published: December 2024

Hazard perception (HP) is one of the few driving skills proven to reduce traffic accidents through training and testing. The driver licensing process in some countries includes assessing individuals through videos demonstrating hazards and measuring their reactions. Testing HP using a driving simulator has been shown to better approximate real-world driving and, therefore, be more effective. However, current methods need improvement for large-scale assessment and evaluation of autonomous vehicle HP abilities. This paper proposes a novel four-step procedure for training and assessing HP using deep reinforcement learning (DRL) and hierarchical clustering (HC). In the first step, an DRL agent is trained in an environment with a high collision probability and achieves superhuman performance compared with the subjects. The trained agent achieved 8.7% higher quickness and 3.5% longer traversal compared with the best human violation-free trial. Then, we segmented the scores into four levels using the HC method. The relationship between reward and three scenario-independent HP features—disparity, comfort, and haste—are identified through regression with a coefficient of determination of 0.94. Reviewing the subjects’ learning data averages, we determined that a learning period of 20 min is sufficient for the basic skills of HP in a driving simulator. The outcome is an intelligent, fair, accurate, and comprehensive system for jointly assessing and training HP for humans and autonomous vehicles without the drawbacks of conventional methods. It can be deployed at scale as a replacement for current approaches.
Who Is in Charge? Partner-Sexual Objectification, Personal Power, and Relationship Satisfaction in Heterosexual Women
Authors: Pecini Chiara , Di Bernardo Gian Antonio , Tallone Bianca , Ruzzante Daniela , Crapolicchio Eleonora , Andrighetto Luca
Published: December 2024

Exploring the impact of sexual objectification within romantic relationships is an emerging field of study. Previous work has typically associated sexual objectification by a romantic partner with adverse outcomes for both the individual and the relationship. Our research sought to build upon and advance this emerging body of literature by investigating the link between partner-sexual objectification and women's personal power. Personal power, defined as the perceived influence over a partner, is crucial for the quality of romantic relationships. Study 1 ( N = 284) was an experimental study aimed at determining whether partner-sexual objectification affected women's sense of personal power. In Study 2 ( N = 187), we tested theoretical assertions regarding the links among partner-sexual objectification, personal power, and relationship satisfaction using a cross-sectional design. Both studies were conducted in Italy. In Study 1, we found that participants who recounted experiences of partner-sexual objectification reported reduced personal power. This main finding was replicated in Study 2. Additionally, in the latter study, we found that partner-sexual objectification was directly associated with participants’ decreased satisfaction in the relationship, and this link was mediated by their diminished personal power. The theoretical implications of our results are further discussed.
A Model of Bystander Helping to Prevent Suicide: Examining and Extending the Theory of Planned Behavior
Authors: Banyard Victoria , Mitchell Kimberly J. , Jones Lisa M. , Dunsiger Shira , Ybarra Michele L.
Published: December 2024

Research documents alarmingly high suicidal behavior risk among adolescents and young adults in the United States. A related concern is similarly high rates of exposure to the self-directed violence (SDV) of others. The current study examined how components of the Theory of Planned Behavior explain factors related to helping social network members engaging in SDV. Baseline data ( N = 4,982) from the longitudinal study, Project Lift Up, were analyzed cross-sectionally. Young people, ages 13 to 22, were recruited through social media platforms; sexual and gender minority youth were oversampled. Participants answered questions about exposure to other people’s SDV and measures of key constructs related to the Theory of Planned Behavior for helping reduce SDV including perceptions of what others think about helping and behavioral control. Three outcomes were assessed: Intent to help someone, proactive behavior to promote the other person’s mattering, and proactive behavior to prevent SDV. Measures showed adequate reliability and validity (Cronbach’s alphas above .70). Overall, regression analyses across the three outcomes partially supported the Theory of Planned Behavior. Attitudes and confidence explained variance in intent to help and proactive behavior outcomes, whereas intent and social norms showed more mixed associations with the three outcomes. While the Theory of Planned Behavior is useful to explain gatekeeper outcomes for suicide prevention, specific significant factors within the model vary by the specific outcome being examined. Further research to unpack nuances in gatekeeper behaviors is needed and may help design prevention strategies.
Interpersonal Violence, Emotion Regulation, and Trauma-Coping Self-Efficacy as Predictors of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Substance Use, and Risk Engagement Among Women in Jail
Authors: Weber Shelby , Lynch Shannon
Published: December 2024

Women in jail report significantly higher rates of interpersonal violence, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, and substance use disorders compared to the general population. Exposure to interpersonal violence is associated with PTSD and maladaptive behaviors such as substance use and engagement in risky behaviors. However, less is known about mechanisms, such as emotion regulation and trauma-coping self-efficacy, that might increase or decrease the likelihood of these maladaptive behavioral health outcomes in this population. The present study investigated the extent to which emotion regulation and trauma-coping self-efficacy exert indirect effects on the relations between cumulative interpersonal violence exposure and distress outcomes (i.e., PTSD, substance use, and risky behavior) among women in jail. Interviews were completed by 180 randomly selected women recruited from two county detention centers in the Mountain Northwest. Hypotheses were tested using structural equation modeling. Interpersonal violence significantly predicted PTSD, risky behaviors, difficulties in emotion regulation, and trauma-coping self-efficacy. Difficulties with emotion regulation predicted PTSD and trauma-coping self-efficacy predicted PTSD and substance use symptoms. In addition, there were significant indirect effects for both emotion regulation and trauma-coping self-efficacy on interpersonal violence and PTSD and interpersonal violence and substance use. These findings suggest potential targets for intervention in the underserved and highly trauma-exposed population of system-involved women.
Diasporic Capital: Canadian Sex Workers of Color Hacking Sexual Racism
Authors: Raguparan Menaka
Published: December 2024

The cultural economy of the contemporary Canadian sex industry, particularly the upscale sectors, requires workers to conform to white aesthetics and gestures in conscious attempts to generate desire among white consumers. This article, drawing on a qualitative study, posits Canadian sex workers of color as a critical point of inquiry to understand how they negotiate market expectations against the backdrop of popular representation of, for example, the “Jezebel,” “Sapphire,” the Dragon lady, and the Bollywood Queen. Sex workers of color in my sample are mostly immigrant women and Canadian women with full or partial ancestry in a foreign country. Drawing attention to research participants’ immaterial and intimate labor practices, which include emotional and aesthetic labor processes, I examine how these sex workers of color utilize diasporic capital to juxtapose dominant gender-, class-, and citizenship-based negative controlling images against sexual racism. Such labor practices involve negotiating their multiple, fluid, and overlapping identities as the workers unapologetically celebrate and revalorize their diasporic identities and cultures. Strategically mobilizing economic, social, cultural, and symbolic capital facilitates the transformation of their body capital to establish a minority niche within the contemporary sex markets.
PCB CT image element segmentation model based on boundary-attention-guided finetuning
Authors: Chen Chen , Qiao Kai , Yang Jie , Chen Jian , Yan Bin
Published: December 2024

Background

Computed Tomography (CT) technology is commonly used to realize non-destructive testing of Printed Circuit Board (PCB), and element segmentation is the key link in the process. Although the pretraining and finetuning paradigm alleviates the problem of labeling, PCB CT images are easily affected by uneven grayscale and layer penetration. This leads to difficult segmentation of boundaries and affect semantic understanding, resulting in jagged boundaries and even missing elements.

Objective

This paper aims to solve the problem of poor boundary segmentation in PCB CT image element segmentation.

Methods

To this end, we propose PCB CT image element segmentation model based on boundary-attention-guided finetuning. An improved boundary detection algorithm is proposed to enhance boundary sensing ability. In order to achieve non-fixed weight feature fusion, the Attention Feature Fusion module is designed to help boundary features better assist segmentation through attention mechanism.

Results

Experiments show that BAG-FTseg can achieve 89.5% mIoU on our PCB CT dataset, exceeding the baseline model by 0.9%, and the boundary-mIoU reaches 69.5%, 5.3% higher than the baseline model.

Conclusion

This method improves the accuracy of boundary segmentation of PCB elements and the efficiency of feature fusion through attention mechanism, which has practical significance.
Story of a Levantine family in late Ottoman Constantinople: Dr Julius van Millingen and Dr Edwin van Millingen
Authors: Isil Ulman Yesim , İlikan Rasimoğlu Ceren Gülser
Published: December 2024

This paper examines Drs Julius and Edwin van Millingen, father and son physicians from a Constantinople-based Levantine family. They thrived in late 19th-century Ottoman Constantinople, a period of modernization aimed at survival amid decline. The profiles of Millingen family members set an exemplary case of the Levantine families who preferred to settle and pursue their careers in the Ottoman capital, particularly for generations in the Pera (Beyoglu) bourgeoisie, associated with the prominent industrial and literate centers in Europe. Dr Julius Michael van Millingen (1800–1878) was physician and companion to Lord Byron (1788–1824), and served as the private physician of the Sultan Abdulmecid (1839–1861), and the Queen Mother, Bezm-i Alem Valide Sultan (1807–1853) at the Imperial Ottoman Palace. He published considerable writings on balneology, then. His son, Dr Edwin van Millingen (1850–1900), an Istanbul-born ophthalmologist, worked at top hospitals, taught at the Imperial School of Medicine, and collaborated with the Société Impériale de Médecine. He reported on common ophthalmological diseases, with detailed statistics and meticulously organized tabular data. The multicultural lives of this Levantine family offer a unique glimpse into 19th-century Turkish medical history, reflecting close ties with Western medical centers.
Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojna: A Roadmap to Achieve Financial Inclusion and Sustainable Development among Scheduled Tribes—Evidence from Kerala
Authors: Kurussiveettil Reshma , Kanniammal K.
Published: December 2024

The financial system has changed due to recent advancements in banking and insurance, but it is only available to some groups of society while excluding others, which is known as ‘financial exclusion’. Every nation strives relentlessly for comprehensive financial inclusion in order to achieve both inclusive growth and overall development. This study aims to analyse the role of the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojna (PMJDY) on financial inclusion among tribes of Kerala. A structured schedule was used to collect primary data from 395 tribal respondents of the Attappady tribal area. The data were analysed through the statistical program for the social sciences by using the chi-square test, and the study found evidence that there is a strong association between the perception of tribes about the impact of the PMJDY scheme on financial inclusion. The results support further promoting Scheduled Tribes’ access to and use of the specific scheme in order to ensure the inclusive development of the society
Prevalence and Factors Associated With Intra-Individual Double Burden of Malnutrition Among Filipino Women of Reproductive Age
Authors: Parani Maria Stephanie N. , Patalen Chona F. , Sumangue Cheder D. , Duante Charmaine A. , Angeles-Agdeppa Imelda
Published: December 2024

In the Philippines, the co-occurrence of two or more types of malnutrition in an individual, also known as intra-individual double burden of malnutrition (DBM), has rarely been investigated. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of and the factors associated with DBM at the individual level among Filipino women of reproductive age (WRA) using the data collected from the 2018 Philippine Expanded National Nutrition Survey. For this study, intra-individual DBM was defined as the co-existence of overweight or obesity and anemia in an individual. Analysis showed that a significantly high prevalence of intra-individual DBM was found among WRA aged 40 to 49 years old, widowed, and those with a waist circumference of ≥80 cm. Furthermore, a waist circumference of ≥80 cm was highly associated with the likelihood of having intra-individual DBM among this age group. On the contrary, being single had a significantly lower risk of having this condition.
Experiential Learning Through Public Archaeology: Exploring Student Experiences and Perceived Outcomes
Authors: Jones Jeffrey N.
Published: December 2024

Background: Crow Canyon Archaeological Center (CCAC) has a tradition of enjoining participants in the study of cultures and environmental adaptation in the desert Southwest, and serves as an innovative model for experiential learning through public archaeology. Purpose: This research centers on student engagement in educational programming at CCAC and the perceived benefits of participation. It provides examples of curricular activities and reports findings from an empirical study of students’ lived experiences and meaning-making processes. Methodology/Approach: This mixed methods research involves a sample of middle and high school students from multi-day school programs. Data sources include semi-structured interviews, surveys, and field notes. Findings/Conclusions: Students reported high levels of emotional, cognitive, and behavioral engagement. They learned about cultures as well as human-environment interaction. Participants learned about changes in the field of archaeology and talked about how new understandings contributed to prior knowledge, cultural literacies, and sense of self. Implications: This exploration of how participants experience transformational learning in context of programs, strategic mission, and sense of place may interest diverse scholars and practitioners working to promote positive outcomes in out-of-school programs, and cultural literacy through public archaeology and heritage education.
Developing Performance in Sports Teams Through a Collective Homeostasis Model Supports Regulation, Adaptation, and Evolution in Competition
Authors: Santos Ricardo , Ribeiro João , Davids Keith , Garganta Júlio
Published: December 2024

The collective homeostasis model, grounded in ecological dynamics, has recently been proposed to explain the self-regulating individual-environment interactions that are necessary to conceptualizing sports teams as collective homeostatic systems. Based on these insights and given the capacity of humans to construct and adapt their ecological niches, this article explores the creation of enriching sporting contexts for the development of adaptive player-environment interactions in competitive team sports. This model of adaptation emphasizes the importance of creating a sports niche rich in shared affordances to enable team coordination through the development of individual and collective homeostasis in different sub-phases of competitive performance. In a homeostatic sports system, principles of play advocated by coaches allow players to intentionally coordinate and adapt their actions to shape the collective identity of the team. The team’s identity is shaped by the synergetic development of collective attractors (stable system states) emerging at specific scales of complexity. This is facilitated through the manipulation of constraints by the coaching and support staff. These ideas have important implications for implementing team sports training and performance preparation, helping to transform the self-regulating tendencies of players through adapting their behaviors to dynamic performance contexts.
A drive minimization technique for component-level response replication in multi-input multi-output random control tests
Authors: Proner Enrico , Mucchi Emiliano , Natali Caterina
Published: December 2024

Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) vibration control tests are used to replicate operational vibration environments via shakers excitation. In MIMO random tests, the control target is a reference Spectral Density Matrix (SDM) comprising of Power Spectral Densities (PSDs) and Cross Spectral Densities (CSDs). In particular, the CSDs profiles play a key role in the outcome of the test, as they can affect both the test article response and the voltage required by the shakers (the so called drives). The original contribution of this paper is a MIMO random target definition method that allows to replicate the response of the component tested while minimizing the energy required to conduct the test. The proposed methodology provides the minimum excitation PSDs that allow to replicate the response at a specific location of the device under test. The aim of the proposed methodology is to define a new reference SDM that allows to deal the same damage to the component as a target vibration environment, but with minimal energy. In fact, the minimization of the excitation PSDs also minimizes the drives required to conduct the test, thus preserving the delicate excitation system. The paper outlines the mathematical implementation of the proposed method and validates it through experimental tests. The experiments are conducted on a specially designed specimen by utilizing a three-axial electro-dynamic shaker.
The Conditional Relationship Between Active (Topical) News Avoidance and News Consumption Under Democratic Backsliding
Authors: Lee Francis L. F.
Published: December 2024

Recent research has shown that, under certain circumstances, active news avoidance can be a situational strategy and topical in scope. It does not entail substantial reduction in news consumption. Against this background, this article extends the literature by examining how several factors may moderate the avoidance–consumption relationship under democratic backsliding. Survey data analysis shows that active topical news avoidance relates negatively to mainstream news use mainly among people who see the media as inefficacious, do not adapt well to difficult circumstances, and seldom engage in political communication via social media. Similar conditional relationships do not apply to alternative media exposure.
Mapping Journalistic Role Performance Across Five Arab Countries
Authors: Kozman Claudia , Mellado Claudia
Published: December 2024

This study applies a media systems approach to examine the performance of journalistic roles in the news of five Arab countries: Egypt, Kuwait, Lebanon, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. The content analysis of 13,299 news stories in newspapers, radio, television, and online sites revealed the practice of loyal-facilitator, watchdog, interventionist, service, civic, and infotainment roles is a result of the intersection of several factors. Overall, findings point to the overarching power of the political system that is manifested in media ownership, media political alignment, and countries’ specific conditions.
Clinical and prognostic relevance of Mycoplasma felis PCR detection in feline lower respiratory tract disease
Authors: Robin Thibaud , Bigay Marie , Touzet Chloé , Le Boedec Kevin
Published: December 2024

Objectives

The aim of this retrospective cohort study was to compare two groups of cats with lower respiratory tract disease, one with Mycoplasma felis detected by PCR in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) (M+) and the other without (M–), with regard to signalment, clinical signs, diagnostic results, treatment response and survival.

Methods

All cats for which M felis was investigated by PCR in BALF between 2016 and 2023 were included. Cats with evidence of oropharyngeal contamination, or for which PCR results were under the quantification level, or without follow-up information were excluded. Cats that had received antibiotics effective against M felis before BALF collection were excluded if PCR results were negative. Follow-up information was retrieved from the medical records and by contacting referring veterinarians and owners.

Results

A total of 55 cats were included (19 in the M+ group and 36 in the M– group). Significant differences were detected between the two groups in the prevalence of systemic signs (M+: 0%, M–: 28%; P = 0.01), bronchial collapse on bronchoscopy (M+: 28%, M–: 6%; P = 0.03), radiographic alveolar lesions (M+: 57%, M–: 24%; P = 0.04), and percentage of neutrophils (M+: 65%, M–: 35%; P = 0.002) and eosinophils (M+: 9%, M–: 25%; P = 0.03) in the BALF. Antibiotics were used more frequently in M+ cats (M+: 90%, M–: 42%; P = 0.001) than in M– cats. No significant difference was found in treatment response (short term: P = 0.94, long term: P = 0.28) and risk of death ( P = 0.42) between the two groups.

Conclusions and relevance

The presence of radiographic alveolar lesions and neutrophilia in BALF was significantly associated with the detection of M felis in BALF. This association might be causal, consequential or contextual (ie, sharing the same cause). The detection of M felis in BALF did not negatively impact prognosis but the necessity to treat M felis using targeted antibiotics remains to be determined.
A Systematic Review on Heavy Metals Contamination in Bangladeshi Fruits and Their Associated Health Risks
Authors: Islam Md. Hafizul , Nowar Abira , Islam Saiful , Nayan Md. Moniruzzaman , Jubayer Ahmed
Published: December 2024

In Bangladesh, ensuring food safety from various hazardous contaminants, including heavy metals in different food items, has become a significant policy concern. This systematic review aimed to summarize the heavy metal contamination of locally produced fruits in Bangladesh and estimate the subsequent health risks of heavy metals upon consumption of reported fruits. A total of 1458 articles were retrieved from PubMed, Google Scholar, and manual Google searching, of which 10 were included in the current review. Health risks associated with the intake of these metals were evaluated in terms of estimated daily intake and carcinogenic and noncarcinogenic risks by target cancer risk, target hazard quotient, and hazard index. The heavy metal concentrations (mg/kg of fresh edible weight) in the fruits were As (ND-1.3), Cd (ND-0.64), Pb (ND-2.4), Cr (ND-2.5), Mn (ND-570), Ni (ND-9.0), Cu (0.5-32), Zn (0.24-134), and Hg (ND-0.006). The concentration of different heavy metals in various fruits particularly in the banana, mango, jackfruit, guava, litchi, blackberry, lemon, and tamarind fruit, were higher than the maximum acceptable concentration. All of the metals were consumed daily in amounts below the maximum tolerated daily intake for all fruits. The results showed that, except for As, all metals’ target hazard quotients were below the safety level. The target hazard quotient for strawberry, guava, mango, pineapple, banana, and papaya surpassed the safety level. On the other hand, the target cancer risk levels of As, Cd, Cr, and Ni were higher than the acceptable levels for most fruit items, suggesting that long-term exposure to these toxic metals may raise the risk of developing various malignancies, including stomach and lung cancer. A more integrated strategy to reduce the contamination burden of heavy metals in fruits is important to conserve the health of the population.
Immune-Complex Mediated Mesangial Proliferative Glomerulonephritis with Full-House Pattern Observed During Treatment of Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura
Authors: Ueki Ai , Fukunaga Tsugumi , Goto Hiroyasu , Minakuchi Hitoshi , Oshima Naoki
Published: December 2024

This study reports a rare case of immune-complex mediated mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis (ICGN) with a full-house pattern in a 56-year-old Japanese man, observed during the treatment of immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). Because of persistent complement deficiency and worsening of kidney function, he was treated with prednisolone, and his urinary findings improved markedly. However, as the complement titers were still low, mycophenolate mofetil was also prescribed, which normalized complement levels. Production of anti-platelet antibodies is considered to be involved in the etiology of ITP. Although little is known about the mechanism by which ITP causes glomerulonephritis, including ICGN, glomerular deposition of circulating immune complexes synthesized by antiplatelet antibodies may be involved. This case shows full-house nephropathy, suggesting the involvement of immune complexes, which in turn, suggested an association between ITP and glomerulonephritis.
Efficacy and Safety of Paclitaxel-Based PD-1/PD-L1 Immunotherapies for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis
Authors: Dai Youran , Ruan Tianyin , Yang Wenhui , Liu Shan , Chen Jiahao , Fang Yingying , Li Qiushuang
Published: December 2024

Background:

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a deadly subtype of breast cancer with limited treatment options. Currently, programmed death 1 (PD-1)/programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitors have become the first choice for breast cancer immunotherapies. Despite paclitaxel being considered a cornerstone drug in breast cancer treatment, the effectiveness, safety, and optimal drug selection for its combination with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors remain uncertain.

Methods:

We conducted a systematic review and network meta-analysis, performing a comprehensive literature search across PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library from the inception of each database through May 18, 2024. Selected trials were those that assessed the efficacy and safety of paclitaxel-based PD-1/PD-L1 therapies for the treatment of TNBC. The primary endpoint assessed was overall survival (OS), while secondary outcomes included progression-free survival (PFS), adverse events (AEs), overall response rate (ORR), and Pathological complete response (pCR). This study is registered in PROSPERO under registration number CRD42023429651.

Results:

A total of 8 RCTs meeting our eligibility criteria were included, involving 4626 patients who received either Paclitaxel (Paclitaxel-placebo/chemotherapy) or a combination of durvalumab, pembrolizumab, atezolizumab, toripalimab with paclitaxel. The pooled results demonstrated that Durvalumab combined with Paclitaxel significantly reduced the hazard ratio for OS (surface under the cumulative ranking [SUCRA]: 91.05%) and PFS compared with Paclitaxel alone (SUCRA: 83.52%). Additionally, Durvalumab plus Paclitaxel significantly improved the ORR compared with Paclitaxel (odds ratio [OR]: 2.30; 95% credible interval [CrI]: 1.10–5.20). For safety outcomes, Atezolizumab plus Paclitaxel showed a favorable profile in AEs, with no significant differences observed between groups. In the pCR study, Pembrolizumab plus Paclitaxel was the most effective treatment option (SUCRA: 81.85%).

Conclusions:

When combined with paclitaxel, PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors exhibit a favorable survival benefit. The combination of Durvalumab and paclitaxel represents the optimal treatment option. In the future, attention should be paid to the TNBC subtypes and drug dosage, as these factors may help to design personalized TNBC treatment programs.
Effects of physical therapy via telerehabilitation on cardiopulmonary, physical and psychological function in patients with coronavirus disease 2019: A randomised controlled trial
Authors: Suthanawarakul Benyada , Promma Noppawan , Iampinyo Pacharaporn , Saraboon Chanatsupang , Wattanaprateep Jatupat , Waongenngarm Pooriput
Published: December 2024

Objectives

To compare the effects of physical therapy via telerehabilitation on the improvement in cardiopulmonary function, physical factors and psychological factors in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Methods

Thirty-two patients with COVID-19 were randomly assigned to intervention and control groups. Both groups received online guidance and a leaflet on cardiopulmonary rehabilitation. Additionally, participants in the intervention group received physical therapy training via video call, which included pulmonary training and various exercises. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing, quality of life, functional capacity, cognitive function, lower body strength and endurance and psychological aspects (anxiety, depression and insomnia) were assessed.

Results

The physical therapy programme delivered via telerehabilitation significantly improved cardiopulmonary function in patients with COVID-19 at the 3-month follow-up compared with the control group. Additionally, the physical therapy programme had beneficial effects on functional capacity, depression symptoms and quality of life.

Conclusion

A physical therapy programme via telerehabilitation can be delivered to patients with COVID-19 in their own homes to improve cardiopulmonary function after 3 months of follow-up.
Improvement of mechanical properties of DP780 steel/6061 aluminum alloy lap welded joint by introducing laser-modified Zn interlayer
Authors: Wang Dan , Zhang Shuai , Yu Zhiming , Li Hongliang , Zhao Xinyi , Zhuang Dongdong , Xu Nan , Shen Jun , Wen Yijiang , Xu Hanhua , Yao Nan
Published: December 2024

The modified Zn interlayer was introduced to realise the tungsten inert gas (TIG) arc lap welding of DP780 steel (upper plate) and 6061 aluminum alloy (lower plate). The tensile shear force of the joint could be increased to more than 150 N/mm by introducing a modified Zn interlayer with a large hole diameter and hole spacing. The large hole diameter and spacing can regulate the heat conduction effect of the steel–aluminum interface, increase the welding penetration and width of the aluminum side and facilitate adequate metallurgical reactions. Moreover, allowing a certain amount of Zn vapour to escape promptly is beneficial, ensuring the stability of the interfacial melting pool and achieving high-quality welded joints.
Local bond-slip model between steel bars and concrete after exposure to high temperatures
Authors: Li Ming-Run , Wang Tian-Ci , Liang Jian , Teng Nian-Guan , Gao Wan-Yang
Published: December 2024

The impact of high-temperature exposure on the residual bond behavior between deformed steel bars and concrete is a critical aspect that affects their composite interaction and the load-bearing capacity of reinforced concrete (RC) members after fire events. This paper presents an analytical method to predict the residual bond behavior and failure modes of steel bars embedded in concrete after exposure to high temperatures. The concrete cover is modeled as a thick-walled cylinder with the inner surface under uniform pressure. During the loading process, the concrete cover is divided into two portions: an intact outer portion and a cracked inner portion. The material properties of both steel and concrete, along with the tension-softening characteristics of the cracked inner portion, are well-defined in the analytical method. Simplified equations are developed to estimate the maximum radial stresses, residual bond strength and interfacial slip parameters, which together define the bond-slip relationship at the steel bar-to-concrete interface after high-temperature exposure. The accuracy and validity of these simplified equations are extensively verified by comparing the predictions obtained from these simplified equations with corresponding analytical results, experimental data from the literature and the load-displacement curves predicted by the proposed finite element model.
Scoping Review of Cultural Responsivity in Interventions to Prevent Gender-Based Violence in Latin America
Authors: Poland-McClain Willa , Rai Abha , Archdeacon Natalie , Shallal Grace , Mulanovich Gabriela Salmon , Tallman Paula
Published: December 2024

In this article, we review existing interventions to prevent gender-based violence (GBV) in Latin American contexts to evaluate the extent to which this work incorporates cultural responsivity—meaning whether the interventions consider the unique norms, identities, and attributes of specific cultures. We follow Arksey and O’Malley’s steps for conducting systematic scoping reviews. We reviewed articles from 2003 to 2023 across 12 databases. Fifteen peer-reviewed articles met the criteria for inclusion, which included being published in English or Spanish, focused on proposed or implemented interventions to prevent GBV based in Latin America, and published in the last 20 years. The selected studies contained information about separate GBV interventions (proposed or implemented) in 10 different countries in Latin America, in both rural and urban contexts. We categorized five interventions as most culturally responsive, six studies as moderately culturally responsive, and four studies as showing minimal attention to cultural responsivity. We found that culturally responsive interventions tended to involve working closely with men and women in local communities as “peer facilitators” or “community-based researchers.” These interventions challenged socio-cultural norms related to gender, family, and parenting, including attention to machismo and other forms of hegemonic masculinity. The present study is the first one to examine cultural responsiveness within GBV interventions in Latin America, and it is relevant for researchers, service providers, and communities in Latin America who are concerned with preventing GBV.
Distinguishing differences in construct from differences in response style: gsem for item response theory models with anchoring vignettes
Authors: Pickles Andrew , Bluett-Duncan Matt , Sharp Helen , Vitoratou Silia
Published: December 2024

Item response theory models allow estimation of participant and group-mean trait scores from responses to a set of items, but estimates can be biased when participants vary in their response style. We illustrate models fit in gsem that can account for such response style differences by comparing self-report with their ratings of anchoring vignettes—descriptions of other individuals displaying different levels of the trait. Simulation results from standard item response theory, mean bias, random bias, and free-threshold models are illustrated. We show that unbiased estimates can be recovered when the vignettes rated depend on the participants’ own self-rating or are even rated by a different sample, substantially broadening their scope of application.
Calculating the Women’s Empowerment in Agriculture Index (WEAI) using Stata
Authors: Dione Malick , Seymour Greg , Ferguson Nathaniel , Malapit Hazel
Published: December 2024

The Women’s Empowerment in Agriculture Index (WEAI) is a standardized, survey-based tool that has been widely used to track gender equality and measure empowerment, agency, and women’s inclusion in the agricultural sector (Alkire et al., 2013, World Development 52: 71–91). Since the WEAI’s release in 2012, an abbreviated version of the WEAI (A-WEAI) and a project-level version of the WEAI (pro-WEAI) have been developed (Malapit et al., 2017, The abbreviated Women’s Empowerment in Agriculture Index [A-WEAI]; Malapit et al., 2019, Development of the project-level Women’s Empowerment in Agriculture Index [pro-WEAI]). In this article, we review the shared methodology that underlies all members of the WEAI family of indices and introduce a command, weai, that can be used for index calculation. We describe the command and its options and provide empirical examples using publicly available data from the Gender, Agriculture, and Assets Project, Phase 2.
Emotional and Motor Improvements in Children With ADHD Following Equine-Assisted Occupational Therapy
Authors: Helmer Anne , Delore Elaina , Bart Orit
Published: December 2024

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, as children may present developmental and chronic impairments in cognitive–emotional and sensory-motor aspects. This study examined the changes in self-efficacy, muscle tone, and mood following a single session of Equine-Assisted Occupational Therapy (EAOT) within Attention Skills Therapy (ASTride) intervention, designed to improve emotional and cognitive functions. Notably, 31 children diagnosed with ADHD aged 6–12 (mean age 10.06) years. A preliminary study of pre- and post-single 45-min session was performed, using the New General Self-efficacy Scale (NGSE), the Moos Scale Questionnaire (MSQ), and the prone extension test. A significant improvement in self-efficacy and in positive mood, and a decrease in negative mood were found, along with a significant improvement in core muscles. This study provides preliminary evidence supporting the effectiveness of EAOT for children with ADHD regarding emotional and sensory-motor (vestibular) functions.