bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Against interpretive exclusivism*
Authors: Whitehouse Harvey
Published: December 2024

Interpretive exclusivism is the dogma that we can only understand cultural systems by interpreting them, thereby ruling out causal explanations of cultural phenomena using scientific methods, for example based on measurement, comparison, and experiment. In this article, I argue that the costs of interpretive exclusivism are heavy and the benefits illusory. I make the case instead for an interactionist approach in which interpretive and scientific approaches work together on an equal footing. Although such approaches are neither easy nor cheap, I argue that they are necessary to improve the intellectual ambition, comparative breadth, and practical relevance of anthropology as a discipline. In all these ways, incorporating rather than excluding scientific methods would improve the long‐term prospects of anthropology as a flourishing field of research and teaching.
Diagnostic validation of the 00325 Inadequate Self‐Compassion
Authors: Muñoz‐Devesa Aarón , Guillén‐Martínez Daniel , de Souza‐Oliveira Adriana Caterina , Muñoz‐Jimenez Daniel , Echevarría‐Pérez Paloma , Morales‐Moreno Isabel
Published: December 2024

Background

Self‐compassion is an essential component of self‐care. Recognizing it as a nursing diagnosis can promote interventions to address Inadequate Self‐Compassion.

Aim

This study aims to clinically validate the new NANDA‐I diagnosis (00325) Inadequate Self‐Compassion.

Methodology

A mixed‐methods study was conducted, combining quantitative and qualitative methods. A descriptive, cross‐sectional, and prospective study was planned. Participants: We used the Self‐Compassion Scale (SCS) to identify individuals with Inadequate Self‐Compassion among nursing students. Subsequently, we conducted a group interview with these individuals, stratified by academic year of the nursing degree.

Results

The group interview followed the structure of the new NANDA‐I diagnosis, with diagnostic items serving as variables for analyzing qualitative data. The study revealed that nursing students commonly experience Inadequate Self‐Compassion. Group interviews with participants who reported low self‐compassion validated the diagnostic items of the new Inadequate Self‐Compassion diagnosis.

Conclusion

The study validates the new NANDA‐I diagnosis of 00325 Inadequate Self‐Compassion clinically.

Implications for nursing practice

The present study raises the level of diagnostic evidence from level 2.1. Conceptual validity to level 2.3.1a. Qualitative validity, increasing the strength of the evidence for diagnostic validity.
Content validation of the nursing diagnosis “Frail Elderly Syndrome (00257)”
Authors: Rodado‐Domínguez Elena , Ardila‐Suarez Edinson Fabian , Porcel‐Gálvez Ana María
Published: December 2024

Objective

To increase the level of evidence available for the nursing diagnosis “Frail Elderly Syndrome 000257” through content validation by nurses with expertise in caring for the elderly.

Method

Diagnostic content validation study in accordance with Fehring's proposal composed of two stages: integrative review of the literature according to Whittemore and Knafl's guidelines, which allowed us to update the diagnostic components, and, subsequently, expert consensus study by means of the Delphi method. A total of 61 nurses who met the inclusion criteria were included. A Likert‐type questionnaire was used to identify levels of agreement with the respective components. Data distribution analysis was performed. Components >0.80 on the content validity index (CVI) were validated.

Results

Twelve defining characteristics, 10 related factors, 6 risk populations, and 2 associated conditions were validated by experts. Global CVI was determined for clinical indicators.

Conclusion

The components of the nursing diagnosis validated by experts in caring for the elderly provide an overview of the phenomenon of frailty in the elderly in hospital settings.

Implication for clinical practice

This study will provide nurses responsible for elderly care with the necessary tools to FES, enabling them guide and appropriate interventions to prevent complications, minimize risk, enhance the quality of life for older.

Descriptors

Syndrome; frailty; elderly; nursing, validation study; nursing diagnosis.
Positive effect of erythromycin on ineffective oesophageal motility in laryngopharyngeal reflux patients: Room for a novel treatment?
Authors: Sime Fienne , Tovmassian David , Falk Gregory L.
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) management guidelines are currently derived from the management of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD) which has been shown to be poorly effective in controlling symptoms for these patients. Erythromycin is a macrolide antibiotic that has been used extensively as a prokinetic agent for the gastrointestinal tract. The management of LPR with prokinetics is a novel therapy being investigated with regard to its effectiveness. The purpose of this pilot study was to observe the effect of erythromycin on oesophageal motility with high resolution manometry (HRM) to establish if further study is warranted regarding its utility in management.

Methods

Consecutive patients were retrospectively identified from a prospectively maintained database at a single centre of patients with findings suggestive of LPR who had also undergone HRM. These patients all received lifestyle modification and erythromycin 250 mg BD with repeat HRM after 6 weeks of therapy.

Results

16 patients met inclusion criteria. Mean age was 56.2 ± 14.9. Mean ineffective swallows were 54.38% ± 41.3% compared with 34.4% ± 35.2% pre and post‐erythromycin therapy (p = 0.018). Mean distal contractile integral at baseline was 793.61 ± 854.96 mmHg at baseline increasing to 1347 ± 1094.73 mmHg after erythromycin therapy (p = 0.013). IRP also showed improvement from 8.99 ± 7.58 increasing to 10.93 ± 7.9 mmHg (p = 0.045). Subgroup analysis of patients with ineffective oesophageal motility reinforced above findings as well as increase in the amount of ‘normal’ peristalsis.

Conclusion

This pilot study shows early evidence that erythromycin improves oesophageal motility. Further study is warranted to explore these findings in more detail.
Does nature shape risk preferences? Evidence from Chile, Norway, and Tanzania
Authors: Diekert Florian , Schaap Robbert‐Jan
Published: December 2024

Does exposure to a more risky environment affect risk preferences? Going beyond single‐case study evidence, we report results from five surveys conducted in three countries and link this with administrative data to study whether a link between exposure and preferences is detectable and widespread. We find no evidence for endogenous preferences in Norway and Tanzania, but relatively strong evidence in Chile, where differences in risk exposure are most pronounced. Moreover, we make a first pass at disentangling selection from adaptation as potential mechanisms. For Tanzania and Norway, the data speaks for selection, while it speaks for adaptation in Chile.
Nietzsche and Schiller on Aesthetic Distance
Authors: Stoll Timothy
Published: December 2024

A key contention of Nietzsche's philosophy is that art helps us affirm life. A common reading holds that it does so by paving over, concealing, or beautifying life's undesirable features. This interpretation is unsatisfactory for two main reasons: Nietzsche suggests that art should foreground what is ‘ugly’ about existence, and he sees thoroughgoing honesty about life's character as a requirement on genuine affirmation. The paper presents an alternative reading. According to this reading, artworks depicting something terrible give us a feeling of fearlessness or courage by enabling an extraordinary state of affective distance from their content. The value of art lies in the fact that the aesthetic state resembles and invites us to pursue a psychic condition Nietzsche valorises. In making this case, the paper reveals a surprising continuity between an important strand in nineteenth‐century aesthetic thought and contemporary distance theories of aesthetic engagement. It also casts new light on Nietzsche's famous criticisms of Kant's notion of disinterested aesthetic appreciation.
Impacts of Legacy and Contemporary Nitrogen Inputs on N2O and CO2 Emissions in Miscanthus and Maize Cultivated Soils
Authors: Lee Jaejin , Villanueva Paul , Glanville Kate , Vanloocke Andy , Yang Wendy H. , Kent Angela , McDaniel Marshall , Hall Steven J. , Howe Adina
Published: December 2024

Nutrient inputs influence the sustainability of bioenergy crop production through contemporary (shortly after addition) and legacy effects (persisting over years) on microbial nitrogen (N) and carbon cycling, which contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. However, the relative importance of contemporary and legacy effects and how that could vary by crop functional types is poorly understood. Considering its rhizomatous roots and perennial growth, we hypothesized that Miscanthus × giganteus (M×g) would be more sensitive to legacy N fertilization and the historical context of its environment than an annual crop like maize. To test this hypothesis, we examined the effects of legacy and contemporary N inputs on nitrous oxide (N2O) and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, as well as key N cycling genes in soils where M×g and maize were grown. A 150‐day soil incubation experiment was conducted using soils from a long‐term M×g and maize fertility experiment with three historic N fertilization rates (0, 112, and 336 kg N ha−1 year−1) and a contemporary amendment (60 mg N kg−1) with negative control (0 mg N kg−1). We observed significant increases in cumulative N2O emissions in Mxg soils relative to maize soils, particularly at higher legacy fertilization rates, while contemporary N had no significant effect. Bacterial amoA gene abundance, which plays a significant role in nitrification in nutrient‐rich soils, also increased with higher legacy fertilization rates in M×g soils but was unaffected by the contemporary N. In maize soils, legacy and contemporary N did not significantly affect N2O emissions, but cumulative CO2 emissions and amoA gene abundance significantly increased. The abundances of norB genes were not significantly influenced by either legacy fertilization or contemporary N amendments in either soil. Our findings demonstrate the greater importance of fertilization history over contemporary N in mediating soil N2O emissions, particularly for perennial bioenergy crops.
“I know I'm not going to have to heal from this”: Women university workers' collective writing on “office housework” as a space for building collective care, healing, and hope
Authors: Chatrakul Na Ayudhya Uracha , Kunter Aylin , Harley Kayleigh Woods , Edwards Isobel , Molyneaux Sarah , Nicholas Holly , Habib Isabelle , Sheath Janet
Published: December 2024

How can we, as women university workers, assert collective writing as a form of resistance to embody our collective and individual struggles and convert them into words? We are a collective of five professional service and three academic women workers who came together to answer this question through writing about our performance of office housework and the gendered invisibility we experienced. We share our collective writing practices as a methodology to create connections and healing between workers divided along neoliberal and patriarchal university structures. Our work offers feminist epistemic resistance through the intentional joining of women university workers as co‐producers of knowledge, following the tradition of feminist consciousness‐raising groups. Our analysis problematizes the individualization of office housework. It illustrates how saying “no” individualistically is often elusive, because doing so displaces the work onto colleagues with less structural power; nor enough if we are to advance the goal of collectively reimagining how this crucial, yet invisible work can be redistributed more equally amongst all workers. Our collective writing affirms the need for office housework to be recognized and revalued as important and indispensable work that sustains the functioning of our higher education institutions, especially in times of uncertainty and crisis.
Illnesses Associated With Increased Length of Stay for Individuals Experiencing Homelessness: A Retrospective Cohort Study of Emergency Department Visits and Hospitalisations
Authors: Monty Ghosh S. , Sikdar Khokan C. , Koleade Adetola , Ross Jordan , Rioux William , Lang Eddy S. , Messier Geoff , Tanguay Robert , Congly Stephen E. , Van den Berg Stephanie , Tang Karen L.
Published: December 2024

Background

Individuals experiencing homelessness (IEH) tend to have increased length of stay (LOS) in acute care settings, which negatively impacts health care costs and resource utilisation. It is unclear however, what specific factors account for this increased LOS. This study attempts to define which diagnoses most impact LOS for IEH and if there are differences based on their demographics.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted looking at ICD‐10 diagnosis codes and LOS for patients identified as IEH seen in Emergency Departments (ED) and also for those admitted to hospital. Data were stratified based on diagnosis, gender, and age. Statistical analysis was conducted to determine which ICD‐10 diagnoses were significantly associated with increased ED and inpatient LOS for IEH compared to housed individuals.

Results

Homelessness was associated with increased LOS regardless of gender or age group. The absolute mean difference of LOS between IEH and housed individuals was 1.62 h [95% CI 1.49–1.75] in the ED and 3.02 days [95% CI 2.42–3.62] for inpatients. Males age 18–24 years spent on average 7.12 more days in hospital, and females aged 25–34 spent 7.32 more days in hospital compared to their housed counterparts. Thirty‐one diagnoses were associated with increased LOS in EDs for IEH compared to their housed counterparts; maternity concerns and coronary artery disease were associated with significantly increased inpatient LOS.

Conclusion

Homelessness significantly increases the LOS of individuals within both ED and inpatient settings. We have identified several diagnoses that are associated with increased LOS in IE; these should inform the prioritisation and development of targeted interventions to improve the health of IEH.
Integrated Care Implemented in the Children's Hospital From the Interwar Period as the Source of Good Practices for the Contemporary Concept of Coordinated Care Based on the WHO Model
Authors: Różalska Anna Maria , Łęcka Izabella
Published: December 2024

Intro

The article tests the hypothesis that we can draw practical knowledge from the experience of service providers operating in the past. The research questions were formulated: can the historical example of the organization of medical care in the Polish Children's Hospital named after Karol and Maria be used as a viable example today? Is it relevant for contemporary practitioners? And do we still use the knowledge of predecessors? The authors decided to use the interwar Hospital and an operating paediatric ward of the Child‐Friendly Hospital for a comparative analysis.

Methods

The model of the European Regional Office of the World Health Organization for integrated delivery of health services was adopted as the analysis framework. We based the analysis on descriptive methods, starting with a literature review of routine activities of the Karol and Maria Hospital (historical example) and a paediatric hospital in Poland (contemporary example), then we conducted a comparative transversal study concerning the extent to which integrated care occurs in the WHO model. Finally, the elements of the process evaluation were used in the work.

Results

The research model used enabled us to provide answers to the research questions formulated. The comparative study of a historical hospital and a contemporary one has shown that some problems and ways of solving them constantly reappear in the discussion on the management of evidence‐based medical care. Sourcing good practices from the past can be a good research method for current practitioners.

Conclusion

It seems that while the technical aspects of integrated care initiated in the past are developing perfectly, the approach to the evidence‐based medicine is waiting to be developed again.
More Than a Sense: The Sense of Smell and Its Reflection in Mother and Baby: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Laleh Shahla Shafaati , Mirghafourvand Mojgan , İnal Sevil , Karaahmet Aysu Yildiz
Published: December 2024

Introduction

The sense of smell is one of the most developed and important senses that forms the bond between the newborn and the mother and allows the newborn to reach the mother's breast. The sense of smell begins to form during intrauterine life, and the sense of smell can be a marking tool for a newborn baby, so that the baby can recognize both his mother and his immediate environment and develop his behaviour accordingly. This is necessary not only for feeding babies but also for them to feel safe and peaceful in their new environment. In the early stages of life, olfactory stimulation (maternal odour, breast milk odour, amniotic fluid odour, smell of people or different environments) plays an important role in adapting to the environment. Smell stimulation, in particular, is critical for newborns' postnatal survival because it supports a wide range of early regulatory functions and motor responses. This review also aims to examine the current evidence in the field of olfactory skills in mother and infant in the development and care of the infant. Another aim is to summarize the research conducted to determine the effect of the sense of smell on the life of the mother and baby.

Methods

The article was written as a comprehensive review using certain keywords.

Results

However, the results on this issue are different. First of all, it is suggested that in the first years of life, the sense of smell can play an important role in social adaptation to the environment, recognition of the environment, mother–infant bonding, and therefore in this case, it is recommended to make olfactory stimulating interventions.

Conclusion

However, more well‐designed experimental studies are needed in this regard. We look forward to future studies that closely examine various aspects of how olfactory stimulation affects both mother and baby.
Standardised Pressure Injury Prevention Protocol (SPIPP‐ Adult) Checklist 2.0: Language and Content Validity Study
Authors: Özkan Çiğdem Gamze , Kurt Yeter , Öztürk Havva
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Implementation of clinical practice guidelines, an important strategy in the prevention of pressure injuries, enables the nurse to interpret evidence‐based guideline recommendations, reduce errors, ensure compliance and standardisation of complex processes, manage patient‐related risks and systematically regulate all preventable conditions.

Objective

This study was conducted to ensure the Turkish language and content validity of the Standardised Pressure Injury Prevention Protocol (SPIPP‐ Adult) Checklist 2.0.

Method

In this methodological research study, a five‐stage technique was used in the translation of the SPIPP‐ Adult Checklist 2.0, which was created and revised by Joyce Pitmann et al. based on the International 2019 Clinical Practice Guidelines, into Turkish. These stages included initial translation, evaluation of initial translation, back translation, evaluation of back translation and expert opinion. Davis technique was used to determine the content validity of SPIPP‐ Adult Checklist 2.0.

Results

The scale was translated into Turkish and back‐translated into the original language and the opinions of nine experts were obtained. The content validity scores of the SPIPP‐ Adult Checklist 2.0 were found to be between 0.88 and 1.0 and the total CGI score was calculated as 0.99. This value shows that content validity is at an acceptable level. After expert evaluations, it was decided that the final version of the scale was appropriate for use.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that the SPIPP‐ Adult Checklist 2.0 is a valid tool. Interventions using the evidence‐based checklist should be integrated into the workflow and provide the best opportunity for successful and sustainable pressure injury prevention.
Association Does Not Mean Causation, When Observational Data Were Misinterpreted as Causal: The Observational Interpretation Fallacy
Authors: D'Amico Filippo , Marmiere Marilena , Fonti Martina , Battaglia Mariarita , Belletti Alessandro
Published: December 2024

Background

The differentiation between association and causation is a significant challenge in medical research, often further complicated by cognitive biases that erroneously interpret coincidental observational data as indicative of causality. Such misinterpretations can lead to misguided clinical guidelines and healthcare practice, potentially endangering patient safety and leading to inefficient use of resources.

Methods

We conducted an extensive search of PubMed, Cochrane, and Embase databases up to March 2024, identifying circumstances where associations from observational studies were incorrectly deemed causal. These instances led to changes in clinical practice, embodying what we have termed the ‘observational interpretation fallacy’.

Results

Our search identified 16 notable cases where observational study‐derived associations, initially thought to influence clinical practices and guidelines positively, were later contradicted by findings from randomised controlled trials or further studies, necessitating significant revisions in clinical practice.

Conclusion

In many cases, misinterpretation of observational finding negatively affecting patient care and public health policies. Addressing and rectifying the observational interpretation fallacy is crucial for the progression of medical research and the maintenance of safe and effective clinical practice. It is imperative for health policymakers, clinicians, and the lay public to critically assess research outcomes and make health‐related decisions based on a foundation of evidence‐based medicine. This approach ensures the alignment of medical practices with the most current and robust scientific evidence, safeguarding patient welfare and optimising resource allocation.
Lack of Prescription Drug Benefit Knowledge and Problems Paying Medical Bills Among Medicare Beneficiaries
Authors: Massey McKayla , Litten Kathryn , Towne Samuel D. , Beleri Vasiliki , Park Chanhyun , Ng Boon Peng
Published: December 2024

Aims and Objectives

Approximately 50% of Americans report having low health insurance literacy, leading to uncertainty when choosing their insurance coverage to best meet their healthcare needs. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the association between lack of prescription drug benefit knowledge and problems paying medical bills among Medicare beneficiaries.

Methods

We analysed the 2021 Medicare Current Beneficiary Survey Public Use File of 5586 Medicare beneficiaries aged ≥ 65 years. The binary dependent variable was whether beneficiaries had problems paying medical bills in the past year. The categorical independent variable was how much beneficiaries knew about the Medicare prescription drug benefit. A survey‐weighted multivariable logit model, adjusted for covariates (e.g., socio‐demographics, comorbidities, private insurance coverage, and satisfaction with out‐of‐pocket costs), was conducted to examine the association between the independent variable and problems paying medical bills.

Results

Approximately 4.3% of study beneficiaries (~2.0 million beneficiaries) reported problems paying medical bills. Of those without and with problems paying medical bills, 27.7% and 39.6%, respectively, reported knowing little/almost nothing about prescription drug benefits. Beneficiaries aged 65–74 years (marginal effect [ME] = 2.1%, p < 0.01), with comorbidities (e.g., ≥ 4 conditions, ME = 3.8%, p < 0.001), dissatisfaction with out‐of‐pocket costs (ME = 10.1%, p < 0.001), without private insurance (e.g., employer‐sponsored insurance, ME = 2.5%, p < 0.01), or with little/almost no knowledge of prescription drug benefits (ME = 1.9%, p < 0.05) were more likely to report problems paying medical bills compared to their counterparts.

Conclusion

Tailored programmes aimed at improving beneficiaries' knowledge of prescription drug benefits, reducing out‐of‐pocket costs and preventing comorbidities may be considered for the at‐risk population to address the problem.
Implementation of an Early Referral Programme for Patients With Hand Arthralgia
Authors: Vega‐Morales David , Silva Alain Nigel Michele Granados , Montoya‐Montes Alondra Elizabeth
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a progressive autoimmune inflammatory disease. According to the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR), the stages of RA progression include pre‐RA, preclinical RA, inflammatory arthralgia, arthralgia with positive antibodies, arthralgia suspected of progressing to RA, undifferentiated arthritis and finally established RA. According to the Community Oriented Program for Control of Rheumatic Diseases (COPCORD), the prevalence of RA in Mexico is 1.6% [2], with approximately 10% of health problems addressed at the primary care level.

Objective

To assess the implementation of an early referral programme for patients with RA and to reduce the time from symptom onset to specialist referral within the Mexican healthcare system.

Materials and Methods

This was a prospective, observational cohort study conducted in family medicine units affiliated with the HGZ #17 of the IMSS, Delegación Nuevo León. A pilot early referral programme was implemented as follows. Phase 1: Patients presenting with hand arthralgia during the initial consultation were referred for a pre‐consultation, where they were assessed using the EULAR classification criteria for clinically suspicious arthralgia. Phase 2: Patients meeting more than four of these criteria were scheduled for a direct appointment with a rheumatologist within 3–4 weeks. During the same timeframe, these patients were compared to 200 first‐time referrals to rheumatology between April and October 2023 who followed the standard referral process. The following time intervals (measured in months) were evaluated: (A) From symptom onset to the first primary care consultation, (B) To the referral consultation, (C) To internal medicine, and (D) To rheumatology consultation.

Results

Patients diagnosed with RA in the early referral group were 14 out of 41 (34.1%) compared to 25 out of 200 (12.5%) in the standard referral group. The total duration from symptom onset to rheumatology consultation was 28.5 months (SD 35.07) in the standard referral group versus 5.4 months (SD 8.9) in the early referral group.

Conclusion

The implementation of this early referral programme significantly reduced the time in months for patients to access rheumatologic care.
Practical Application of Value‐Based Medicine in Chronic Pelvic Pain: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Wissing M. C. , van der Wal S. E. I. , van de Haterd M. , de Reuver P. R. , Dick L. , Engels Y. , Vissers K. C. P. , Kluivers K. B. , Notten K. J. B.
Published: December 2024

Rationale

Chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS) is prevalent and a complex multifactorial condition. The incidence is rising. CPPS patients may benefit from multidisciplinary care in a structured care pathway.

Aim and Objectives

The aim of this explorative study is to give an overview of patient and healthcare provider perspectives on the current patient journey to implement these perspectives in a CPPS care pathway.

Methods

A Qualitative study was performed using nominal group technique. The participants were nine female patients CPPS and fourteen healthcare providers involved in CPPS care. The perspectives of the stakeholder groups on the individual components of the CPPS patient journey were collected.

Results

Five overarching key topics were identified: structured start of the patient journey, execution of the patient journey, follow‐up after the patient journey, administration during the patient journey, and communication and education. The following recommendations were formulated based on the prioritised points: implementation of a multidisciplinary approach from the start of the journey, adding a case manager and expanding the multidisciplinary team, providing a collaborative triage, updating the questionnaires, improving communication, developing a rehabilitation programme, and reducing waiting times.

Conclusion

Stakeholder focus groups using the nominal group technique was a pivotal step in the development of our CPPS care pathway. This step led to fundamental recommendations, of which a personalised treatment plan at an earlier stage in the patient journey might be the most impactful. This is now implemented, and we monitor the effects on outcomes, quality of life and patient's satisfaction.
A systematic review on patient perceptions and clinician‐reported outcomes when comparing digital and analog workflows for complete dentures
Authors: Fouda Amira , Tonogai James , McDermott Peter , Wang Daniel , Dong Cecilia S.
Published: December 2024

Purpose

To compare digitally fabricated complete dentures to conventionally fabricated dentures using patient‐ and clinician‐reported outcome measures.

Methods

This review was structured according to PRISMA guidelines with the protocol registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42024526069). An electronic search of the databases with a defined search strategy was completed within PubMed/MEDLINE and Web of Science from January 2000 to March 2024. Grey literature and article references were searched. Articles were screened by title and abstract, and the remaining articles were screened by full‐text review. Articles accepted for inclusion were subjected to a risk‐of‐bias assessment using Cochrane Collaboration tools (RoB 2 and ROBINS‐I).

Results

From an initial pool of 704 articles, 15 studies met the selection criteria, of which the majority were published within the past 3 years. Within the included studies, there was inconsistency in the assessment methods of patient‐ and clinician‐reported outcomes, making it challenging to draw definitive conclusions. Generally, digital dentures had superior cost‐effectiveness and prosthesis fabrication time. Patient satisfaction and denture quality were not consistently improved with digital technology.

Conclusions

Studies showed indications of patient satisfaction with digital and conventional dentures. Digital technology may enhance clinical workflows. A trend emerged that milled dentures performed better than printed dentures. Clinicians adopting digital technology into removable prosthodontics may have a learning curve to overcome, and they should consider the patient‐clinician relationship in addition to clinical outcomes to achieve patient satisfaction. Additional studies with standardized tools for assessing patient satisfaction are required to enable meaningful comparisons between digital and conventional workflows.
Longitudinal assessment of erythrogram parameters in response to granulocytapheresis frequency: A sex‐based analysis
Authors: Alswied Abdullah , Chen Leonard N. , West‐Mitchell Kamille Aisha
Published: January 2025

Background and Objectives

Granulocyte transfusion supports patients with severe neutropenia. Maintaining a pool of eligible donors and optimizing donation frequency are essential for ensuring an adequate supply while safeguarding donor well‐being. This study investigates the impact of donation frequency on erythrogram parameters, focusing on sex‐specific differences.

Study Design and Methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of 343 successive granulocyte collections from 65 apheresis donors over 11 years (2012–2023). Donors were categorized by sex, and erythrogram parameters were analysed in relation to donation frequency and intervals.

Results

Frequent donations within a short inter‐donation interval (≥3 in 14 days) affected subsequent pre‐donation haemoglobin levels. Each additional donation within 14 days led to a decrease of 0.81 g/dL in haemoglobin (p = 0.017). A significant interaction between sex and donations within 14 days (β = 0.76, p = 0.018) indicated that frequent donations had a more pronounced negative effect on haemoglobin levels in female donors. The proportion of donations meeting the pre‐donation haemoglobin eligibility criteria declined with each successive donation within 14 days (100% at first, 85.8% at second, 25% at third). Female donors showed a significant haemoglobin reduction over three donations within 14 days (13.4–11.6 g/dL, p = 0.005) compared to males (14.4 –14 g/dL, p = 0.95).

Conclusion

Short inter‐donation intervals have a more pronounced negative effect on pre‐donation haemoglobin levels in female donors, underscoring the need for individualized donation guidelines to ensure donor safety.
SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION MODELS IN NIGERIA: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
Authors: Unegbu Hyginus C.O. , Yawas D. S. , Dan-asabe B. , Alabi A. A.
Published: December 2024

Sustainable construction practices are increasingly recognized worldwide for their importance in promoting environmentally responsible and socially conscious development. In Nigeria, the construction industry is gradually adopting these practices despite facing significant challenges. This systematic literature review aims to evaluate existing literature on sustainable construction in Nigeria, identify current sustainability models and frameworks, assess the adoption and effectiveness of these practices within the industry, and identify key challenges in implementing sustainable construction. Using a systematic approach, the review analyzes peer-reviewed articles, case studies, and industry reports to provide comprehensive insights into sustainable construction practices and models in Nigeria. The findings reveal a growing awareness of sustainability within the Nigerian construction industry, paralleling global trends. However, the review highlights a critical need for context-specific sustainability models tailored to address Nigeria's unique challenges, such as resource scarcity, climate change impacts, and social inequalities. Case studies of successful sustainable construction projects in Nigeria demonstrate the potential of these practices to address these challenges effectively. Despite the increasing awareness, the actual adoption of sustainability practices remains limited, underscoring the need for enhanced policy support, industry practices, and educational initiatives. This review emphasizes the pivotal role of the construction industry in advancing Nigeria's sustainable development. The study recommends the creation and implementation of tailored sustainability models, stronger policy frameworks, and increased collaboration within the industry to promote sustainable practices. These steps are crucial for addressing social disparities, enhancing environmental resilience, and improving resource efficiency, ultimately fostering a more resilient and sustainable future for Nigeria.
SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION IN NIGERIA: A SOCIOECONOMIC IMPACT ANALYSIS
Authors: Unegbu Hyginus C.O. , Yawas D.S. , Dan-asabe B. , Alabi A. A.
Published: December 2024

Sustainable construction practices represent a critical pathway towards fostering economic development and social well-being within the Nigerian construction industry. This research aims to elucidate the socioeconomic impacts of sustainable construction practices in Nigeria, employing a quantitative approach and utilizing simulated data for analyses. Through a comprehensive survey of 370 construction industry professionals, this study investigates the perceptions of sustainable practices such as energy efficiency, cost reduction, and local economic development. Findings revealed a strong consensus among respondents regarding the positive socioeconomic impacts of sustainable strategies, showcasing correlations between these practices and economic growth, job creation, and the appreciation of property values. The regression analysis highlighted the significant influence of these sustainable practices on socioeconomic aspects, emphasizing the interconnectedness between sustainable construction and economic advancement. The implications of this study underscore the importance of integrating sustainable strategies within the Nigerian construction sector, advocating for policy adjustments to leverage the benefits of these practices. This research contributes to the growing discourse on sustainable construction practices, emphasizing their potential to drive economic growth and enhance community well-being within Nigeria.
A MINI REVIEW ON THE EFFECTS OF SURFACE ROUGHNESS IN MICROFIUIDICS CHANNELS
Authors: Mohamed Rijal Muhammad Luqman , Mohamed Yusof Azmi , Mohamed Noor Rizal , Zubair Ahmad Faiz
Published: December 2024

The effects of surface roughness at low Reynolds numbers are more pronounced and critical in microchannels due to the relative size of roughness to channel dimensions. Surface roughness in microfluidic channels originates from the machining process during fabrication. This review examines how surface roughness, resulting from various manufacturing processes, influences the performance of microfluidic devices. Different patterns of surface roughness generated through techniques such as photolithography, etching, precision machining, and 3D printing are highlighted. These techniques yield distinct surface characteristics that affect critical microchannel properties, including fluid flow, pressure drop, and stress distribution. In addition to that, specific fabrication methods can minimize surface roughness, enhancing the performance of microchannels for applications in diagnostics, lab-on-a-chip systems, and small-scale heat exchangers are addressed. The review provides insights into selecting optimal fabrication techniques to achieve desired performance characteristics in microfluidic devices.
CFD ANALYSIS ON DART PAPERPLANE
Authors: Sharudin Hazim , Ismail N. I. , Basri M. Hisyam , Jamiri Nur Afizah
Published: December 2024

This research aims to analyze the aerodynamic performances surrounding paper planes. The dart paper plane model was chosen for this work based on the availability of experimental work done by previous researchers. The dart paper plane can be categorized as one of the micro air vehicles (MAV), however, the basic aerodynamic performances have been underestimated by previous researchers and are still open to be explored. In this work, a CFD simulation study on the dart paper plane was utilized by using the ANSYS-CFX module platform. A steady state, incompressible flow Navier-Stokes equation (RANS) combined with the Shear Stress Turbulence (SST) model was used to analyze the flow structure over the dart paper planes. Experimental data availability is used to compare experimental and our simulation results. Based on the validation work, the highest average percentage difference between CLmagnitude, CLmax, and AOAstall between our results and the experimental ones is 11.9%, 29.5%, and 24.2%. However, overall CL trends similarly exhibited with experimental results since the average percentage difference of CLincre magnitude is continuously reduced from 6.48% to 0.9% towards increment of AOA.  For drag performance analysis, the overall trend magnitude distribution of our simulation and experimental results consistently increases towards the increment of AOA. The massive CD distribution had overcome the consecutive CL generation, thus decreasing the overall CL/CDmax magnitude.
They‘re Different, but They‘re Not Bad.“ Stress and Job Demands of Teachers of Marginalized Roma Communities in Slovakia
Authors: Ďurkovská Mária , Kentoš Michal
Published: December 2024

This paper aims to report the results of qualitative research on the stress and job demands of teachers of marginalized Roma communities in Slovakia. Due to the specificity of the research problem and the desire to explore areas based on teachers’ personal experiences, we applied the semi-structured interview method. The subject of the semi- structured interview was mainly the factors influencing the stress of MRC teachers and their work demands. The research population consisted of teachers of segregated schools in the Košice and Prešov regions. Six interviews were conducted. Preliminary results of our research on MRC teachers indicate the behaviour of pupils and parents as teachers’ stressors. In the case of work demands, MRC teachers are particularly exposed to specific work and psychological ones that teachers of the majority population do not face. These demands are related to the lack of home preparation of pupils, the poorly stimulating family environment, as well as the emotional reactions of Roma pupils and their parents. In addition, teachers reported an enormous amount of administrative work, minimal assistance from the state, and problems with the school founder. One of the options for coping with these challenges can be lifelong learning, which can help teachers strengthen their professional readiness and resilience, especially in the field of inclusive education and conflict resolution, and at the same time support the development of positive relationships with colleagues and school management. This relational aspect is substantial for managing work stress and maintaining psychological well-being, as it provides space for interaction, exchange of experiences and building a sense of belonging. The combination of professional training, material support and strong working relationships thus proves to be the key to the motivation and effectiveness of teachers in marginalized communities.
The radial symmetry of minimizers to the p$p$ weighted Dirichlet energy in R3$\mathbb {R}^3$
Authors: Kalaj David
Published: December 2024

Let and be annuli in . Let , and assume that is the class of Sobolev homeomorphisms of onto . Then, we consider the following Dirichlet‐type energy of :
We prove that this energy integral attains its minimum for and , and the minimum is a certain radial diffeomorphism .

For general , we minimize the Dirichlet‐type integral throughout the class of radial mappings between given annuli, and this minimum always exists for . For , the image annulus cannot be too thick, which is opposite to the Nitsche‐type phenomenon known for the standard Dirichlet energy, where the image annulus cannot be too thin.
Explicit bounds on the coefficients of modular polynomials and the size of X0(N)$X_0(N)$
Authors: Breuer Florian , Gijón Gómez Desirée , Pazuki Fabien
Published: December 2024

We give explicit upper and lower bounds on the size of the coefficients of the modular polynomials for the elliptic ‐function. These bounds make explicit the best previously known asymptotic bounds. We then give an explicit version of Silverman's Hecke points estimates. Finally, we give an asymptotic comparison between the Faltings height of the modular curve and the height of the modular polynomial .
Dysregulation of neural tube vascular development as an aetiological factor in autism spectrum disorder: Insights from valproic acid exposure
Authors: Manzo Jorge , Hernández‐Aguilar María Elena , Toledo‐Cárdenas María Rebeca , Herrera‐Covarrubias Deissy , Coria‐Avila Genaro A.
Published: January 2025

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental condition affecting a substantial number of children globally, characterized by diverse aetiologies, including genetic and environmental factors. Emerging research suggests that neurovascular dysregulation during development could significantly contribute to autism. This review synthesizes the potential role of vascular abnormalities in the pathogenesis of ASD and explores insights from studies on valproic acid (VPA) exposure during neural tube development. VPA, a widely used antiepileptic drug and mood stabilizer, crosses the placental barrier and impacts the developing fetal brain. Studies indicate that VPA disrupts normal angiogenesis by reducing the expression levels of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) and its receptors, and purinergic signalling, which are crucial for both vascular and neural development. Such disruptions may lead to abnormalities in neuronal migration and pathfinding, potentially contributing to the neural and behavioural manifestations of ASD. Thus despite the relatively limited findings, improper vascularization of the neural tube appears to be a contributing factor in the pathogenesis of ASD, as also suggested by VPA studies. Integrating these insights, it is hypothesized that vascular factors should be considered in the aetiological analysis of idiopathic autism.

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Study of fluoride-ion-assisted hydroxide catalyzed bonding of MgF2 to fused silica
Authors: Hu Zhichao , Zhu Dongfang , Guo Zixuan , Wang Xudi , Bi Hailin
Published: January 2025

This paper introduces a novel bonding technology for fused silica and magnesium fluoride (MgF2) optical window sheets; it focuses on the application of F-ion-assisted hydroxide-catalyzed bonding to achieve robust adhesion between fused silica and MgF2. The study evaluates the stress resistance and airtightness of the bonded materials, demonstrating that the bonding process meets both experimental and engineering requirements. The proposed mechanism suggests that F ions integrate into the bonding layer and participate in the formation of Si–F bonds. Experimental results indicate that F-ion-assisted hydroxide-catalyzed bonding using a sodium silicate solution achieves a bond strength of approximately 15 MPa, offering a promising approach for sealing magnesium fluoride optical window sheets with quartz glass. This technology has been successfully applied to the sealing of vacuum ultraviolet lamps and krypton lamp bodies, yielding promising outcomes. The findings suggest that F-ion-assisted hydroxide-catalyzed bonding of MgF2 to glass could have broader applications in the future.
Magnesium sulfide powder analyzed by XPS
Authors: Jäggi Noah , Dukes Catherine A.
Published: January 2025

High-purity niningerite (MgS) was synthesized by BenchChem under vacuum conditions for use in laboratory simulations of solar-ion space weathering of sulfide minerals that are expected to be present on the surface of Mercury. MgS was initially characterized via x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy prior to investigations into the preferential loss of near-surface sulfur in niningerite with 2 keV H2+ irradiation. Survey and high-resolution (Mg 1s, Mg 2p, S 2p) x-ray photoelectron spectra of as-received magnesium sulfide powder (99.9%) are presented, including surface contaminants that originate from exposure to atmosphere (C 1s, O 1s). Minor impurities derived from sample synthesis (Al 2s, Al 2p) and packaging or processing (F 1s) are noted in the survey spectrum.