bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of artificial intelligence and logistic regression models for mortality prediction in acute respiratory distress syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: He Yang , Liu Ning , Yang Jie , Hong Yucai , Ni Hongying , Zhang Zhongheng
Published: February 2025

Background

The application of artificial intelligence (AI) in predicting the mortality of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) has garnered significant attention. However, there is still a lack of evidence-based support for its specific diagnostic performance. Thus, this systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of AI algorithms in predicting ARDS mortality.

Method

We conducted a comprehensive electronic search across Web of Science, Embase, PubMed, Scopus, and EBSCO databases up to April 28, 2024. The QUADAS-2 tool was used to assess the risk of bias in the included articles. A bivariate mixed-effects model was applied for the meta-analysis. Sensitivity analysis, meta-regression analysis, and tests for heterogeneity were also performed.

Results

Eight studies were included in the analysis. The sensitivity, specificity, and summarized receiver operating characteristic (SROC) of the AI-based model in the validation set were 0.89 (95% CI 0.79–0.95), 0.72 (95% CI 0.65–0.78), and 0.84 (95% CI 0.80–0.87), respectively. For the logistic regression (LR) model, the sensitivity, specificity, and SROC were 0.78 (95% CI 0.74–0.82), 0.68 (95% CI 0.60–0.76), and 0.81 (95% CI 0.77–0.84). The AI model demonstrated superior predictive accuracy compared to the LR model. Notably, the predictive model performed better in patients with moderate to severe ARDS (SAUC: 0.84 [95% CI 0.80–0.87] vs. 0.81 [95% CI 0.77–0.84]).

Conclusion

The AI algorithms showed superior performance in predicting the mortality of ARDS patients and demonstrated strong potential for clinical application. Additionally, we found that for ARDS, a highly heterogeneous condition, the accuracy of the model is influenced by the severity of the disease.
Enhancing thermostability of Moloney murine leukemia virus reverse transcriptase through greedy combination of multiple mutant residues
Authors: Yang Youhui , Zhang Jie , Li Zhong , Qi Hao
Published: February 2025

Reverse transcription is crucial in bioengineering and biomedical fields, particularly for genome sequencing and virus diagnosis. Enhancing the thermostability of reverse transcriptase can significantly improve its efficiency and accuracy by enabling it to function at higher temperatures, thereby reducing RNA secondary structures and minimizing interference from contaminating enzymes, particularly in clinical samples. Here, using a combinatorial strategy, a variant of Moloney Murine Leukemia Virus reverse transcriptase (MMLV RT) with improved activity across a wide temperature range (30–50 °C) was identified and maintained 100% activity after incubation at 50 °C for 10 min. Eleven hot-spot residues were mutated in various combinations, and the mutant proteins were rapidly expressed in a cell-free system for reverse transcription activity testing. Variant M5, which carries five mutated residues (E47K/E280R/T284R/L413G/D631V), exhibited enhanced thermostability and activity compared to any variant with a single residue mutation. Using purified recombinant protein for precise characterization, the melting temperature (Tm) of M5 increased by 4.7 °C when assembled with a nucleotide template-primer (T/P). Consequently, the half-life of M5 at 50 °C extended to approximately 60 min, in contrast to less than 4 min for the wild type. These findings demonstrate that the epistasis of combining multiple mutant residues holds excellent potential for significantly enhancing enzyme activity, even with existing knowledge. This heat-stable MMLV RT variant M5 may potentially improve efficiency and accuracy in molecular biology research and clinical diagnostics.
Mapping of prostate cancer microvascular patterns using super-resolution ultrasound imaging
Authors: Butler Mairead B. , Papageorgiou Georgios , Kanoulas Evangelos D. , Voulgaridou Vasiliki , Wijkstra Hessel , Mischi Massimo , Mannaerts Christophe K. , McDougall Steven , Duncan William Colin , Lu Weiping , Sboros Vassilis
Published: February 2025

Background

Super-resolution ultrasound imaging (SRUI) is a rapidly expanding field with the potential to impact cancer management. Image processing algorithms applied to contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) video data can track the path of the contrast agent and produce high-resolution maps of vascular networks. Our aim was to develop SRUI for mapping prostate vascular dynamics and to assess the feasibility of identifying vascular patterns associated with prostate cancer.

Methods

Tracking algorithms for SRUI were developed using in silico data and validated in pre-clinical CEUS video collected from the sheep ovary. Algorithm performance was then assessed in a retrospective study of 54 image planes within 14 human prostates. CEUS data was collected for each plane, and regions of suspected cancer in each were identified from biopsy data.

Results

Of three algorithms assessed, utilising vascular knowledge was found to be the most robust method. Regions of suspected cancer were associated with increased blood flow volume and speed while avascular regions were also identified. Ten scan planes had confirmed Gleason 7 cancer; of these 10 planes, 7 had distinct regions of fast and high-volume flow, while 6 had both avascular and high flow regions. The cancer-free planes had more consistent, low blood flow values across the plane.

Conclusion

SRUI can be used to identify imaging biomarkers associated with vascular architecture and dynamics. These multiparameter biomarkers may be useful in pinpointing regions of significant prostate cancer.

Relevance statement

Super-resolution ultrasound imaging can generate microvascular maps of the prostate, revealing tissue patterns and presenting significant potential for the identification of multiple biomarkers associated with the localisation of prostate cancer.

Trial registration

Retrospectively registered NCT02831920, date 5/7/2016 https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT02831920.

Key Points

An algorithm was developed and tested in synthetic pre-clinical and clinical data.

Maps of blood vessels were created using contrast-enhanced ultrasound imaging.

Specific presentations of vasculature at regions of prostate cancer have been identified.

Graphical Abstract
Orthogonal GHz harmonic dual-comb generation in monolithic fiber cavity for acquisition speed multiplication
Authors: Wang Guorui , Ding Zixuan , Xu Fei
Published: February 2025

Asynchronous dual-comb generated in single laser cavity offer potent tools for simplified coherent measurements, owing to the common mode rejection which spares the sophisticated locking systems. However, the limited dimensional inhomogeneity in monolithic cavity induces relatively small repetition-rate-difference, hindering high-speed measurements. Here, a monolithic linear fiber laser with integrated multifunctional device employing polarization multiplexing is proposed and demonstrated for dual-comb acquisition speed enhancement. By tuning the inherent polarization-dependent degrees of freedom within the device, optical intensity distribution between orthogonal polarizations can be finely manipulated, thus boosting controllable asynchronous harmonic mode-locking. The two sets of harmonic mode-locked pulses enable the multiplication of the equivalent repetition-rate-difference and produce more temporal interferograms via least common multiple principles. With a fundamental-repetition-rate of 383 MHz, harmonic-repetition-rate up to 2.3 GHz and acquisition speed over 244 kHz are obtained in experiments, faster by 2 orders of magnitudes than previous single-fiber-cavity dual-combs. Equivalent repetition-rate-difference up to 400 kHz is also achieved with shorter laser cavity. This orthogonally polarized GHz harmonic dual-comb laser offers insights for a novel dual-comb generation paradigm and provides a single-fiber-integrated solution for acquisition boosting in wide measurement applications.
Prediction of the sound absorption performance for micro-perforated panel based on machine learning
Authors: Yuan Binxia , You Tianqi , Jiang Huanhuan , Qian Hong , Cao Lan , Zhu Rui
Published: February 2025

The sound absorption coefficient is a crucial indicator of the sound absorption performance of micro-perforated panels. Achieving data-driven predictions for micro-perforated panels is of significant importance for selecting panels with ideal sound absorption properties. In the paper, the dataset is established for the structure and sound absorption coefficient of perforated panels. The structural parameters of perforated panels include plate thickness, cavity depth, and perforation ratio. Each sound absorption coefficient curve needs to be discretized during dataset construction. Six feature frequencies, including 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, and 600 Hz, are taken. The importance index across the six frequencies is analyzed by the RF model. Subsequently, GA-SVR, PSO-SVR, CNN, and RF four models are employed to conduct comparative predictive analysis on the 2000 dataset. The prediction performance, stability, and generalization ability of the four predictive models are evaluated using R
2, MAE, and RMSE. The results indicate the GA-SVR model demonstrates the best predictive capability across all frequencies on both the training and test sets.
Socioeconomic Burden of Ovarian Cancer in 11 Countries
Authors: Hutchinson Brian , Euripides Mikis , Reid Frances , Allman Gavin , Morrell Lily , Spencer Garrison , Ilbawi Andre , Meheus Filip , Gaafar Hesham , Casolino Raffaella
Published: February 2025

PURPOSE

Ovarian cancer remains among the most aggressive tumors with the lowest survival probability. Projections are that ovarian cancer will claim more than 8 million lives between 2022 and 2050 without better prevention or control measures.

METHODS

We built an Excel-based instrument that uses a prevalence-based cost-of-illness approach and a societal perspective to estimate the burden of ovarian cancer. The instrument leverages data from editions of the World Ovarian Cancer Coalition's Every Woman Study, contains a micro-costing framework to assess the resources and costs of providing care, and uses data from novel systematic reviews and meta-analyses conducted to estimate the effect of ovarian cancer on patient labor productivity outcomes and the time caregivers devote to caring for people living with the disease.

RESULTS

Across 11 countries, we estimated US dollars 70 billion in socioeconomic losses attributable to ovarian cancer. Health expenditures to cover treatment in the first 2 years after diagnosis were 7, 41, and 118 times total health spending per capita in high-, upper-middle-, and low- and lower-middle countries, respectively. Patients spent 3,663 years traveling to or receiving treatment. Women lost labor productivity equivalent to 2.5 million workdays due to ill-health from ovarian cancer, and 9,403 women living with ovarian cancer or survivors were estimated to be missing from the workforce. Caregivers spent 17,112 person-years providing practical support to patients—an average of 33 days per woman living with ovarian cancer.

CONCLUSION

This study is the first to quantify the social and economic burden of ovarian cancer in 11 countries and highlights its significant cost and defines actions needed to improve ovarian cancer outcomes.
Scoping Review of the Impact of Culture on the Effectiveness of Quality Improvement Programs
Authors: Pinto Carlos Frederico , Jones Robin , Gutierrez-Delgado Francisco , Tomkins Julia , Santos Neto Martins Fideles
Published: February 2025

PURPOSE

Cultural differences and their effect on international collaboration have been studied in several industries but only recently in health care. Understanding these differences can significantly influence the outcomes of ASCO's international co-operation initiatives focused on quality improvement.

METHODS

This manuscript is a scoping literature review examining how cultural differences influence the quality and safety of oncology care, and what strategies can be implemented to improve quality and outcomes in multicultural settings using cultural traits outlined by Hofstede's dimensions of culture. Power distance index (PDI; the ability to speak up without embarrassment) emerged in other industries as the most relevant trait affecting quality and team performance.

RESULTS

Few publications are available addressing such perspective, and the literature to date revealed that cultures with small PDI tend to perform better in health care safety and quality, and leadership behavior is a dominant feature in this condition. New techniques adopting psychological safety practices can mitigate cultural traits like PDI that hinder quality practices in oncology.

CONCLUSION

The authors consider that psychological safety practices are a culturally sensitive strategy to ASCO's Quality Programs that can mitigate local cultural barriers and develop leadership behaviors that enable safety and quality strategies, and foster more effective international collaboration in ASCO Quality Programs in the future.
Perspectives of Lymphoma Survivors and Oncology Care Providers on Survivorship Care: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Ferrante Jeanne M. , Macenat Myneka , Howard Jenna , Patel Nimi , Mahesh Jaanvi , Bissett Meghan , Peram Jacintha J. , Solleder Justin D. , Grosso Marissa , Hudson Shawna V. , O'Malley Dena , Devine Katie A. , Matasar Matthew , Evens Andrew M. , Manne Sharon L.
Published: February 2025

PURPOSE

To explore lymphoma survivors' care experiences and needs post-treatment and to determine optimal information and services for a lymphoma survivorship program from the perspectives of both survivors and oncologists.

METHODS

We conducted in-depth semi-structured interviews with 32 lymphoma survivors and 13 lymphoma oncology providers. Interviews were analyzed using a template organizing style and iterative immersion/crystallization analysis of retrieved coded segments. Our thematic analysis focused on identifying commonalities and variations of themes related to lymphoma survivors' post-treatment needs, transition from oncology to primary care, and survivors' and providers' recommendations for improving survivorship care for patients with lymphoma.

RESULTS

Three main themes emerged. (1) A predominant unmet need was how to manage the profound fear of recurrence and anxiety post-treatment. Survivors desired more information about signs and symptoms of recurrence and reassurance from their cancer team. (2) There were diverse views regarding the importance of transition from oncologist to primary care providers. Some survivors and oncologists did not value the importance of transitioning to primary care, whereas others recognized the need for primary care but found difficulty with accessing primary care. (3) Psychosocial support, wellness services, and assistance with financial and employment programs are needed for an ideal survivorship program.

CONCLUSION

This study provides critical insights into optimal survivorship care for patients with lymphoma. Further research is needed to better understand cost-effective models of care for this unique and complex population of lymphoma survivors.
How Should We Manage the Impact of Antimicrobial Resistance in Patients With Cancer? An Oncological and Infectious Disease Specialist Point of View
Authors: Lasagna Angioletta , Cambieri Patrizia , Baldanti Fausto , Andreoni Massimo , Perrone Francesco , Pedrazzoli Paolo , Silvestris Nicola
Published: February 2025

Patients with solid tumors present a higher risk of infectious diseases with worse outcomes compared with immunocompetent patients. Prolonged treatment of prophylactic and empirically chosen antibiotics and health care–acquired infections can predispose patients with cancer to infections with antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) organisms. AMR is a global health priority and can affect patients with cancer. The outcome of patients with cancer worsens dramatically if multidrug-resistant (MDR) microorganisms cause infections. Moreover, the emergence of MDR organisms increases health care costs. Antimicrobial stewardship programs can be useful to monitor and improve the use of antibiotics in all oncological settings, including the palliative setting. Awareness of the magnitude of these issues is still low, so it is important to inform and educate oncologists. This narrative review aims to illustrate the main evidence on infections caused by AMR organisms in patients with cancer and the tools that oncologists should have to enhance their multidisciplinary management.
Geckos running with dynamic adhesion: towards integration of ecology, energetics and biomechanics
Authors: Higham Timothy E. , Russell Anthony P.
Published: February 2025

Morphological specializations often enable animals to deal with challenges in nature, a prime example being the adhesive system of geckos. With this, geckos can access smooth and vertical (and even inverted) areas of the habitat that most other animals cannot. However, what is known about how geckos cling stems primarily from laboratory studies of static adhesion, with an emphasis on the integumentary component of the adhesive apparatus. In reality, the system is hierarchical, with complex musculotendinous, vascular and sensory systems that are crucial for achieving attachment, modulation of attachment strength and ultimately, detachment. Experiments examining these additional components are virtually non-existent. Additionally, there is a paucity of information about the surfaces on which geckos move, how geckos move in their natural habitat and how the adhesive system is controlled during running over complex surfaces. It is unclear whether having an adhesive system reduces the energetic costs of running compared with lizards that lack the system. We propose a complimentary set of laboratory and field studies to fill major gaps in our understanding of gecko adhesion and locomotion. Key outstanding questions are: (1) How does surface structure influence locomotion? (2) How might geckos modulate adhesion through physiological mechanisms? (3) How do geckos locomote in complex natural habitats that vary in structural properties? (4) What are the underlying energetic costs of moving dynamically in nature with an adhesive system? We address these questions and generate a roadmap for future work, including the framing of testable hypotheses. The results of such studies will help us to understand the evolution of fast locomotion in small ectothermic vertebrates and the energetic costs of moving in complex habitats. In addition, they may inform the development of small adhesive robots.
Integrating biomechanics, energetics and ecology perspectives in locomotion
Authors: Biewener Andrew A. , Wilson Alan M.
Published: February 2025

Scientific fields evolve a culture and vocabulary that create a group identity but may result in reduced understanding by people in apparently adjacent but different fields. Here, a series of articles written by scientists active in biomechanics, energetics and ecology relevant to locomotion forms the basis of researchers striving to bridge those divides and providing a common language and perspective.
The Impact of Preoperative Invasive Nodal Staging on Unexpected Mediastinal Upstaging in Early-Stage Non-small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Banks Kian C. , Sarovar Varada , Sun Angela , Wile Rachel K. , Barnes Katherine E. , Velotta Jeffrey B.
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Preoperative invasive nodal staging is standard of care for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Complications and delays in care are not negligible and diagnostic accuracy varies. In our system, invasive nodal staging is performed for clear radiographic indications (node > 1.0 cm short axis or standardized uptake value > 3.0, tumor > 4.0 cm). This study assessed whether unexpected mediastinal upstaging was less common in patients receiving preoperative invasive nodal staging.

Methods

This retrospective study evaluated nodal upstaging, defined as pathological N2 or IIIA+ disease, based on receipt or non-receipt of invasive nodal staging. Clinical stage I–II NSCLC patients who underwent resection (2009–2019) were identified from our cancer registry. Stage and preoperative nodal staging information were confirmed through chart review. Associations between patient characteristics, invasive nodal staging receipt, and clinical to pathological stage changes were analyzed.

Results

Among 2576 patients, 18.7% (n = 481) underwent invasive nodal staging. After resection, 6.2% of all patients had nodal upstaging and 24.9% had TNM upstaging. Only 0.3% (n = 9) were upstaged to N2 and 0.5% (n = 13) were upstaged to IIIA+. Lack of preoperative nodal sampling was not associated with N2 or IIIA+ upstaging. Findings were consistent in subanalyses of patients with surgical specimens meeting Commission on Cancer nodal sampling criteria and with clinical IB+ disease.

Conclusions

Although most patients did not undergo invasive nodal staging, <1% had unexpected N2 on surgical pathology. There was no association between lack of preoperative invasive nodal sampling and N2 nodal upstaging. Preoperative invasive nodal staging did not increase pathologic N2 nodal upstaging in early-stage NSCLC patients in our integrated health system.
Case Report: Hymenolepis diminuta in an asymptomatic Ecuadorian child.
Authors: Rivero de Rodriguez Zulbey , Ponce Ader , Vera Anthony , Bracho Angela , Murillo Anita
Published: February 2025

Background The cestode Hymenolepis diminuta is a cosmopolitan parasite, which in the adult stage is usually found in the small intestine of rats and accidentally in humans. Case report We describe the finding of eggs of this parasite in an asymptomatic 3-year-old child. The child had extremely high IgE values of 1,376 IU/ml. After receiving treatment with Albendazole suspension 400mg/20mL, on the 10th day post-treatment, he showed no H. diminuta eggs in his fecal matter Conclusions Detailed morphological review of Hymenolepis nana-like eggs is recommended to distinguish them from H. diminuta eggs.
Through restful waters and deep commotion: A study on burnout and health impairment of Italian seafarers from the JD-R model perspective.
Authors: Buscema Francesco , Cena Lorenzo , Cricenti Clarissa , Zito Margherita , Bertola Lara , Colombo Lara
Published: February 2025

Background The work experience of seafarers differs significantly from other land-based occupations due to several factors, particularly remoteness and the restricted work environment. This study seeks to examine the impact of burnout and health impairment in the maritime industry, using the Job Demand-Resources theory as a framework. Methods To investigate these phenomena, an online questionnaire was sent to 629 Italian seafarers and we conducted analysis on a valid sample of 239 respondents (94.6% men, Mage = 39.44, SD = 12.8). We tested a mediated Structural Equation Model (SEM) aimed at predicting negative health outcomes. Results The results show that burnout plays a mediating role between job demands (such as workload and cognitive strain) and health impairment (such as sleep quality and physical well-being) (Total Indirect Effect = 0.443, p < .0001) as well as between job resources (such as social support and transformational leadership) and health impairment (Total Indirect Effect = -0.249, p < .0001). Furthermore, the findings highlight the direct influence of occupational resources on seafarers’ health. Conclusions The discussion highlights the urgent need for more research in the field of organisational psychology in the maritime industry and the discrepancies between these findings, which are consistent with the existing maritime literature, and other studies that do not include seafarers in their sample groups.
Influence of Iron Deficiency Anaemia on Glycated Haemoglobin in Non-diabetics
Authors: Taggarshe Surkunda Shashikala , Sarvepalli Aravind , Prabhu M. Mukhyaprana , Singh Ajit , Stanley Weena ,   Gly Hb and Iron deficiency study group
Published: February 2025

Background Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) is a valuable marker in the management of Diabetes Mellitus, aiding in screening and diagnosis, and as a predictor of complications. Iron deficiency anaemia in developing countries has been found to affect the blood levels of HbA1C, decreasing its sensitivity. This study was undertaken to analyse the influence of iron deficiency anaemia on HbA1c levels, and thereby assess the reliability of A1C as a diagnostic marker for diabetes mellitus in iron deficient patients Methods This cross-sectional observational case-control study was conducted in a single tertiary care center. A total of 164 patients were recruited, 82 each from the case and control groups. The groups were matched for age and sex. Cases were nondiabetics with iron deficiency, and controls were nondiabetics without iron deficiency Results Age and sex were matched between cases and controls. The median ferritin levels were 5.9 ng/dl (n= 82) and 144 ng/dl (n= 82) among cases and controls. Transferrin saturation was distributed among cases, with a median of 3.4% for males (n= 36) and 3.2% for females (n= 46). Median hemoglobin levels were compared among each age group, with more severe anemia being seen as age increased. HbA1C was also compared age -wise, with results being statistically significant across each category. There was a statistically significant difference between HbA1C levels in cases and controls (p<0.0001), with some cases having A1C in the diabetic range, without any signs and symptoms of diabetes, and normal fasting and post prandial glucose Conclusion The results of our study suggest that although HbA1C is a diagnostic marker for type 2 diabetes mellitus, it loses its reliability when there is a co-existing iron deficiency anaemia. Hence certain amount of vigilance is mandated to confirm diabetes mellitus based on HbA1C, when the patient also has iron deficiency.
Literary Reading Lessons Based on the Tale by P.P. Bazhov “Silver Hoof” (Part 2)
Authors: Novikova N. , Struchaeva T.
Published: February 2025

The article presents possible options for conducting literature lessons with third-graders. Younger schoolchildren are introduced to a new literary genre for them – a tale, represented by the work of P.P. Bazhov “Silver Hoof”. The teacher uses such technological teaching methods as creating a literary model, structural analysis of the text, working with an explanatory dictionary, compiling characteristics of literary heroes, role-playing reading, paired work of third-graders with proverbs.
Mastering the Skills of Working with Information by Primary School Children in the Course of Joint Activities
Authors: Merzlikina I.
Published: February 2025

The article discusses the problem of organizing joint activities of primary school students to form information culture as a set of skills to work with information. The main criteria for the formation of information culture are characterized. The conditions for organizing successful joint activities aimed at developing information culture in primary school students are considered: familiarization with information resources; solving information retrieval problems and creative tasks.
Socially significant sectors of the Russian economy: functioning, optimization, modernization and development prospects
Authors: Sigal Anatoliy , Apatova Natal'ya , Bakumenko Mariya , Remesnik Elena , Ladygin Aleksandr , Pankin Pavel
Published: February 2025

The monograph presents the main provisions of the developed concept of functioning, optimization and modernization of socially significant sectors of the Russian economy, primarily healthcare and higher education, from a unified perspective of a systematic approach.
It is intended for practitioners, managers, scientists, teachers, graduate students, students, as well as anyone who is interested in theoretical and practical issues related to the functioning of healthcare, education and other socially significant sectors of the economy.
El poder de los negocios como vehículo para cambiar el mundo
Authors: Ramírez Camilo Andrés , Correa Giraldo Johana , Riascos Catalina
Published: February 2025

En medio de una crisis sistémica que combina desconfianza social, desigualdad rampante y apremiantes desafíos ambientales, surge el movimiento B como respuesta a la disfunción del modelo empresarial tradicional. La obsesión por optimizar el rendimiento financiero para accionistas se señala como la causa de colapsos ambientales y desigualdades sin precedentes, a pesar del aumento de la riqueza. La baja confianza en instituciones y Gobiernos, alimentada por la corrupción, obstaculiza los esfuerzos para generar cambios sociales, restringiendo la innovación y la inversión. La desigualdad económica global, exacerbada durante la pandemia, se presenta como una fuente y consecuencia de problemas sociales, como el hambre, la pobreza y la discriminación. En este contexto, el movimiento B propone un nuevo paradigma empresarial, en el que las empresas se convierten en agentes de transformación positiva. Más allá de la responsabilidad social, busca integrar un propósito superior en el modelo de negocio, utilizando la fuerza del mercado para abordar desafíos sociales y ambientales. La certificación como empresa B implica un riguroso proceso de evaluación de impacto, fomentando la transparencia y la credibilidad, y permitiendo a las empresas formar parte de una comunidad global comprometida con un desarrollo económico más inclusivo, equitativo y regenerativo.
Venture capital: financiamiento inteligente para empresas con más futuro que historia
Authors: Franco Santofimio John Jairo
Published: February 2025

Este capítulo tiene como fin aproximarse a la industria del capital de riesgo. Para ello, primero, se realizará una definición y conceptualización de este vehículo de financiamiento. Posteriormente, se hablará de la evolución que ha tenido, en especial en Colombia. Y finalizará con la documentación de algunas experiencias surgidas como resultado de la construcción y ejecución de la red de inversionistas de la Cámara de Comercio de Cali (CCC), programa enfocado en dinamizar este instrumento financiero. Para evitar confusiones, es importante aclarar que el capital de riesgo abarca distintas formas de inversión, contenidas en actividades de private equity. A lo largo de este capítulo se utilizará el término capital de riesgo junto con el anglosajón venture capital para hacer referencia a los recursos de capital privado invertidos en empresas emergentes, puntualmente, a las transacciones en las que el recurso es otorgado a cambio de una participación accionaria.
La microfranquicia como modelo de innovación social para la superación de la pobreza: estudio de emprendimientos de éxito desde la región caribe
Authors: Pérez-Morón James , Thoene Ulf , García Alonso Roberto , Marrugo-Salas Lina
Published: February 2025

La microfranquicia es un modelo de negocio innovador para la población de bajos ingresos; sin embargo, ha sido poco estudiado hasta el día de hoy, en particular en contextos base de la pirámide (BdP). En este capítulo, se analiza cómo las microfranquicias pueden promover la expansión de las mipymes. En particular, se describen programas exitosos de fomento a las microfranquicias en la región caribe impulsadas por el Programa, de las Naciones Unidas para el Desarrollo y el gobierno de Corea. El objetivo es examinar a través de este estudio de caso hasta qué punto las microfranquicias representan una opción real e innovadora para la población de bajos ingresos, reduciendo la desigualdad y la exclusión social. El estudio de caso reseña la importancia de una aproximación contextualizada de la microfranquicia, prestando atención a las características sociales, económicas y legales del entorno en el que se ubica y la importancia de la colaboración entre actores públicos y privados como elementos clave para la supervivencia de este tipo de iniciativas y lograr un mayor desarrollo inclusivo y competitividad de los territorios.
Aprender a emprender: tejiendo saberes para el fomento de la educación para el emprendimiento en la educación básica, media y superior: experiencia de Caldas y Risaralda
Authors: Alzate Gómez Beatriz , Jiménez Guzmán Claudia Patricia , Guarnizo Vargas Claudia Marcela , Velásquez Moreno Jairo Rodrigo
Published: February 2025

La educación para el emprendimiento en Colombia representa una apuesta institucional que es necesario abordar desde los diferentes niveles educativos; en este sentido, cobra relevancia visibilizar la experiencia realizada en Caldas y Risaralda en alianza entre la Universidad de Manizales, la Fundación Universitaria Cafam y la Central Hidroeléctrica de Caldas (CHEC Grupo EPM), que se centró en un programa de formación, asesoría, acompañamiento e investigación con establecimientos educativos de básica y media en lo dispuesto en la Guía 39 del Ministerio de Educación Nacional, donde se lograron importantes avances en lo que tiene que ver con la articulación al currículo de actitudes para el emprendimiento y la empresarialidad. En la misma línea, pero desde la educación superior, la Universidad de Manizales ha venido desarrollando unos tránsitos armónicos media-superior, capacitando y acompañando a los docentes y estudiantes de las facultades en la formación de actitudes emprendedoras, implementándolas en las prácticas de aula para fortalecer la educación integral de los profesionales en formación, además de acompañar a los emprendedores en su proceso con diferentes programas que se han implementado.
Rueda de negocios en el aula: cultura emprendedora e inversora
Authors: Cajigas Margot , Ramírez Elbar , Ramírez David
Published: February 2025

Los ecosistemas de emprendimiento, con el objetivo de impulsar la generación y consolidación de empresas, han enfocado sus esfuerzos en difundir la cultura emprendedora entre proponentes de modelos de negocio, es decir, el esfuerzo se ha centrado en fortalecer el equipo emprendedor y su producto, el modelo de negocio, ocupándose menos de socializar el emprendimiento entre trabajadores y pensionados, agentes que deben ser invitados al escenario en calidad de potenciales aportantes de capital y conocimiento para conseguir la tríada emprendedor-modelo de negocio-inversor que posibilite crear nuevas empresas, potenciar las que estén operando y reabrir las cerradas. La estrategia para ello es hacer ruedas de negocio en el aula, en las que los emprendedores presenten sus proyectos ante potenciales inversores, quienes los califican valorando su capacidad de generar riqueza, en un ejercicio participativo e integrador en busca de sembrar cultura emprendedora, traducible en el futuro en empresas generadoras de progreso económico y social.
Regularized Online Allocation Problems: Fairness and Beyond
Authors: Balseiro Santiago R. , Lu Haihao , Mirrokni Vahab
Published: February 2025

Problem definition: Online allocation problems with resource constraints have a rich history in operations management. In this paper, we introduce the regularized online allocation problem, a variant that includes a nonlinear regularizer acting on the total resource consumption. In this problem, requests repeatedly arrive over time, and for each request, a decision-maker needs to take an action that generates a reward and consumes resources. The objective is to simultaneously maximize additively separable rewards and the value of a non-separable regularizer subject to the resource constraints. Methodology/results: We design an algorithm that is simple and fast and attains good performance with stochastic and adversarial inputs. In particular, our algorithm is asymptotically optimal under stochastic i.i.d. input models, attains a fixed competitive ratio that depends on the regularizer when the input is adversarial, and can handle a sublinear amount of non-stationarity. Furthermore, the algorithm and analysis do not require convexity or concavity of the reward function and the consumption function, which allows more model flexibility. Numerical experiments confirm the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm and of regularization in an Internet advertising application. Managerial implications: Introducing a regularizer allows decision-makers to trade off separable objectives such as the economic efficiency of an allocation with ancillary, non-separable objectives such as fairness or equity of an allocation. Our results have implications for online allocation problems across many sectors, such as Internet advertising, cloud computing, and humanitarian logistics, in which fairness and equity are key considerations for managers.

Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/msom.2022.0212 .
Study reveals the protective role of youth clubs and trusted adults
Authors: Bidwell Bronwyn
Published: February 2025

Latest research shows attending a youth club helps protect vulnerable young people from being involved in violence, with hopes the findings can reverse the long-term decline in local authority youth facilities
Tackling the shortage of youth housing
Authors: Parkes Joanne
Published: February 2025

Charity research highlights how poor practice by local authorities is resulting in some young people being made homeless
Jacqui Belfield-Smith
Authors: Hayes Derren
Published: February 2025

Derren Hayes speaks to the chair of the Association of Youth Offending Team Managers
Practice Examples: HEARTS tackles trauma in young refugees
Authors: Weinstein Nicole
Published: February 2025

IN SUMMARY

Advocacy service helps young refugees and asylum seekers in Leeds tackle the impact of trauma they've experienced, boosts confidence and helps them build friendships.
Regional working
Authors: Owers Mark
Published: February 2025

Local authorities can reap the benefits of regional working by pooling resources and expertise but leaders must be aware of the challenges in managing complex systems and competing priorities
Breaking down the door
Authors: Mumcular Louise
Published: February 2025

Latest Coram report reveals homeless children are still missing out on their legal entitlements
Views of Pupils and Their Teachers on the Challenges of Using Information and Communication Technologies to Create Animations in Fine Arts Classes
Authors: Đuka Ida Bugarić , Pivac Dunja , Potočnik Robert
Published: February 2025

With the introduction of the new curriculum, primary school Croatian fine arts teachers faced many challenges. The fundamental problem, the lack of school lessons, is highlighted by the challenges of implementing problem and project work and integrating technology into the teaching process. Therefore, it is important to organise activities where pupils use modern tools and media for high-quality educational purposes. The animation was chosen as a fine arts technique that can fulfil these requirements. Qualitative action research was conducted in city Split in the school year 2023/2024. The 5th and 8th grade pupils (125) and their fine arts teachers (3) participated in the research. A total of 75.23% of respondents were positive about the occasional introduction of technology into fine arts classes. After completing the fine arts project, 77.98% of pupils stated that they now have the knowledge and skills to create an animation themselves, while 77% of pupils consider their digital stories to be interesting and original. All three fine arts teachers cite a lack of continuity due to the small number of lessons as a shortcoming. The results point to poor material conditions: overheating of old projectors, low-quality tablets, poor internet connection and lack of power sockets. The research has shown that there are discrepancies between the prescribed theoretical requirements for learning outcomes and the possibilities for their practical realisation. As a result, teachers need to take a keen interest and receive additional training to ensure that the projects designed are in line with the requirements of the curriculum.
American Poetry in Yugoslav and Post-Yugoslav Poetic Cultures
Authors: Đurić Dubravka , Gorobinski Ana
Published: February 2025

Abstract: In this article, I talk about various complex and multiple cultural-political conditions of the reception of American poetry in the socialist Yugoslav and post-socialist post-Yugoslav poetic cultures after the Second World War. The article is divided into five parts. In the center of the First part, the attention is focused on the reception of New American Poetry during the Cold War, which included the countercultural poetics of Beat poetry, the San Francisco Renaissance, New York School, and Black Mountain College. Since Beat poetry was the most popular, I map translations, translators, and poets who covered it. The reception of Beat poetry culminates in the mid-1980s, which I call the "Beat verbal universe" in Yugoslav culture, which was part of the global Beat universe. In the second part, I focus on the politics of translation and using several examples show that translation is always an interpretation but also an intervention, because it is performed with regard to internalized aesthetic values, which can include the question of greater or less stylization of the language of the translation, whether the poem is a coherent whole, etc. The third part considers the reception of American poetry in the era of globalization, the fall of communism, and the emergence of new media. In the fourth, I focus on transnational feminism and the reception of feminist poetry. Finally, I analyze anthologies of American poetry and the poetic principles on which they were composed. The model of reception that I have established takes place from the center (American poetic culture) to the periphery (Yugoslav and post-Yugoslav poetic culture). And yet I also point to several examples of the reverse direction when American poets turn to peripheral Yugoslav and post-Yugoslav cultures.
Ultra-low-energy and high-speed micro-laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy using GHz repetition rate pulses
Authors: Noor Ayesha , Hasar Emre , Elahi Parviz
Published: February 2025

Using GHz repetition rate pulses in burst mode has demonstrated numerous advantages for highly efficient material removal. In
this work, we present high-speed (over 100 kHz) micro-laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (micro-LIBS) with ultra-low pulse
energies in the range of 10-200 nJ using our recently developed 2.8 GHz burst-mode Yb-doped fiber laser. We delivered ∼40 ps
long pulses to the sample with a beam diameter of about 18 µm. A systematic LIBS study was conducted on stainless steel (SS) at
different burst durations and burst energies to study their effects on the optical emission spectrum. Finally, the electron temperature
and electron density were determined using the Boltzmann plot method and Stark-broadened line profile analysis, respectively.
Effects of high-intensity interval training versus moderate-intensity continuous training on cardiorespiratory and exercise capacity in patients with coronary artery disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Gao Chao , Yue Yuchuan , Wu Dongmei , Zhang Junming , Zhu Shuyao
Published: February 2025

Background

With the increasing utilization of cardiac rehabilitation in clinical treatment and prognosis for patients with cardiovascular diseases, exercise training has become a crucial component. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) are commonly employed in rehabilitating patients with cardiovascular diseases. However, further investigation is required to determine whether HIIT and MICT can effectively enhance the prognosis of patients with coronary artery disease. Therefore, this study aims to assess the effectiveness of HIIT and MICT interventions, optimal intervention duration for different intensity levels of training, as well as effective training modalities that improve cardiorespiratory function and exercise capacity among patients.

Methods

We conducted a comprehensive search of the Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMbase, Web of Science, and CINAHL databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) pertaining to high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) interventions in patients with coronary artery disease from inception until publication on September 26, 2024. Two independent researchers assessed articles that met the inclusion criteria and analyzed the results using Sata 17.0 software. Forest plots were employed to evaluate the impact of HIIT and MICT on outcome indicators. Sensitivity analysis and funnel plot assessment were performed to examine publication bias. Subgroup analysis was conducted to determine optimal intervention duration and training methods.

Results

A total of 22 studies with 1364 patients were included in the study, including the HIIT group (n = 685) and the MICT group (n = 679). The results showed that compared to MICT, HIIT significantly increased PeakVO2(Peak oxygen uptake)[WMD = 1.42mL /kg/min 95%CI (0.87, 1.98), P = 0.870, I2 = 0%], 6MWT(6-minute walk test)[WMD = 18.60m 95%CI (2.29, 34.92), P = 0.789, I2 = 0%], PHR(Peak heart rate)[WMD = 4.21bpm 95%CI (1.07, 7.36), P = 0.865, I2 = 0%], DBP(diastolic blood pressure)[WMD = 3.43mmHg 95%CI (1.09, 5.76), P = 0.004, I2 = 60.2%]. However, in LVEF(left- ventricular ejection fraction)[WMD = 0.32mL 95%CI (-1.83, 2.46), P = 0.699, I2 = 0%], LVEDV(left ventricular end-diastolic volume)[WMD = 0.91 ml 95%CI (-1.83, 2.46), P = 0.995, I2 = 0%] and SBP(systolic blood pressure)[WMD = 1.85mmHg 95%CI (-0.23, 3.93),P = 0.266, I2 = 18.2%], there was no significant difference between HIIT and MICT.

Conclusion

Based on the findings of this systematic review, HIIT demonstrates superior efficacy compared to MICT in enhancing PeakVO2, PHR, 6MWT and DBP. However, no significant differences were observed in LVEF, LVEDV, and SBP. In summary, HIIT exhibits potential for improving cardiopulmonary function and exercise capacity among patients with coronary artery disease.
A personalized reinforcement learning recommendation algorithm using bi-clustering techniques
Authors: Waqar Muhammad , Ayub Mubbashir
Published: February 2025

Recommender systems have become a core component of various online platforms, helping users get relevant information from the abundant digital data. Traditional RSs often generate static recommendations, which may not adapt well to changing user preferences. To address this problem, we propose a novel reinforcement learning (RL) recommendation algorithm that can give personalized recommendations by adapting to changing user preferences. However, a significant drawback of RL-based recommendation systems is that they are computationally expensive. Moreover, these systems often fail to extract local patterns residing within dataset which may result in generation of low quality recommendations. The proposed work utilizes biclustering technique to create an efficient environment for RL agents, thus, reducing computation cost and enabling the generation of dynamic recommendations. Additionally, biclustering is used to find locally associated patterns in the dataset, which further improves the efficiency of the RL agent’s learning process. The proposed work experiments eight state-of-the-art biclustering algorithms to identify the appropriate biclustering algorithm for the given recommendation task. This innovative integration of biclustering and reinforcement learning addresses key gaps in existing literature. Moreover, we introduced a novel strategy to predict item ratings within the RL framework. The validity of the proposed algorithm is evaluated on three datasets of movies domain, namely, ML100K, ML-latest-small and FilmTrust. These diverse datasets were chosen to ensure reliable examination across various scenarios. As per the dynamic nature of RL, some specific evaluation metrics like personalization, diversity, intra-list similarity and novelty are used to measure the diversity of recommendations. This investigation is motivated by the need for recommender systems that can dynamically adjust to changes in customer preferences. Results show that our proposed algorithm showed promising results when compared with existing state-of-the-art recommendation techniques.