bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bibliometric Analysis of ncRNA Studies in Diabetes Mellitus With Coronary Heart Disease: A Visualization Approach
Authors: Tang Yu’e , Gu Rifang , Rong Jidong , Nie Xuqiang
Published: September 2024

Objectives:

Non-coding RNA (ncRNA) plays a role in the development of diabetes and coronary heart disease. However, there is limited research on the association between ncRNA and these conditions. This study aims to conduct a bibliometric analysis and visualization of existing research to provide a comprehensive reference for future investigation in this field.

Methods:

We searched the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) databases for articles published from 2012 to 2024. We analyzed publication volume, country of origin, authors, and keywords using Microsoft Office Excel, CiteSpace, and VOSviewer.

Results:

A total of 414 papers from 56 countries/regions, involving 298 authors, were analyzed. China had the highest number of publications (177), followed by the USA (90) and Italy (28). The number of publications generally shows an increasing trend. Collaborative research efforts were prevalent, with Katare Rajesh being the most cited author on average. International Journal of Molecular Sciences emerged as the most prolific journal in this field, while the article “MicroRNA profiling unveils hyperglycaemic memory in the diabetic heart” was identified as the most frequently cited. The analysis of keywords and literature indicates that current research predominantly focuses on the expression and mechanisms of ncRNA in disease, as well as its potential as a biomarker.

Conclusion:

Research on ncRNA in the context of diabetes and coronary heart disease has made notable strides, although it warrants further exploration. Through bibliometric and visual analysis, we elucidate the collaborative relationships among researchers, which can facilitate the identification of potential collaborators. Additionally, we delineate the key areas and emergent trends in this field, providing valuable insights that can guide researchers in selecting future research directions.
Trade, FDI and Emissions in South Asia: Role of Global and Regional Linkages
Authors: Dua Pami , Verma Neha , Goel Deepika
Published: September 2024

The article investigates the long-run impact of global and regional linkages through trade, foreign investment and digitalization on reducing carbon emissions in five South Asian economies, namely Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Based on the data from 2006 to 2021, the study uses the fully-modified OLS technique for estimation after controlling for endogeneity, non-stationarity, cross-sectional dependence and cross-sectional heterogeneity in the panel data. The article finds that exports and FDI inflows reduce consumption-based emissions for South Asia, thereby strengthening the idea that trade in environment-friendly goods and services and the transfer of cleaner technologies could facilitate better adaptation to climate change in the region. The positive impact of imports on emissions indicates that the region imports products with high energy usage. Regional linkages are also found to mitigate carbon emissions, providing ground for such linkages to encourage policy frameworks for countering climate change-related risks. The output and energy consumption are found to impact consumption-based emissions positively. The policy recommendation that emerges from the article is to integrate trade, investment and climate change policies to foster sustainable growth in the South Asian region.

JEL Codes: F18, F13, Q43
Revisiting the conceptualization of social sustainability from a health promotion perspective: a scoping review
Authors: Martinsen Ånestad Ragnhild , Andersson Nordbø Emma Charlott , Ihlebæk Camilla
Published: September 2024

Aims:

Both social sustainability and health promotion emphasize the development of local communities that satisfy human needs and enhance health and well-being. This scoping review aimed to identify frameworks, components, and operationalizations of social sustainability described in peer-reviewed articles and systematize the results from a health promotion perspective.

Methods:

Six databases were searched for relevant articles following the JBI methodology and PRISMA guidelines. Articles were included if they provided a unique framework for social sustainability, that is, a conceptual model outlining the essential components of this concept. Information concerning the components of social sustainability and their operationalizations was analyzed through a six-step narrative synthesis. The final step involved categorizing the operationalizations of social sustainability into distinct levels by employing a socio-ecological model as an analytical tool.

Results:

This review identified 22 articles presenting a social sustainability framework. The frameworks covered 11 components, of which social equity, safety, and neighborhood quality were the most frequent, while only five included health and well-being. The frameworks commonly provided practical interpretations of the concept with limited theoretical considerations. Furthermore, the identified operationalizations revealed a diverse understanding of social sustainability, encompassing all levels of the socio-ecological model applied.

Conclusions:

Health promotion research can offer theoretical and empirical insights that enhance the understanding of social sustainability, especially how societal, physical, and social determinants of health and well-being interact to create socially sustainable places. Likewise, the social sustainability literature may provide valuable knowledge underscoring the importance of contextual factors of health and well-being within the field of health promotion.
Thermal fatigue mechanisms in laser cladding at varying elevation angles for metallurgical bearing seats
Authors: Sun Han , Li Chang , Han Xing , Ge Weiwei , Feng Lei , Wang Cong
Published: September 2024

Laser cladding is critical in repairing and remanufacturing high-value parts, especially for complex curved parts. However, the curved surface shape may cause the uneven distribution of laser energy, and the laser head needs to be adjusted to obtain the appropriate elevation angle to meet the requirements of different working conditions. The elevation angle will change the laser irradiation angle and the thermal influence depth, which will affect the surface thermal fatigue damage. It is significant to quantitatively reveal the multi-field coupling behavior and thermal fatigue damage mechanism during laser cladding for curved parts to improve the cladding quality and performance. In this paper, a numerical model of multi-field coupling and thermal fatigue during laser cladding under different elevation angles on the inner hole of metallurgical bearing seat was established. The instantaneous evolution of multi-field coupling and fatigue damage mechanism were revealed by solving the model, and the interactive effects of temperature, flow velocity, stress and thermal fatigue during laser cladding of curved surface substrate were quantitatively analyzed. The calculated results were compared with the flat surface substrate cladding. The results indicate that the values of the cladding temperature, the flow velocity, and the minimum fatigue life are relatively smaller under the same circumstances. Finally, the experimental and numerical simulation results are compared to verify the model effectiveness.
How COVID-19 Affected Participation in Ultramarathons: Gender, Risk Aversion, and Travel
Authors: Cary Michael , Stephens Heather M.
Published: September 2024

In this article, we study runners’ decisions to compete in an ultramarathon during the COVID-19 era. To do this, we use a novel data set containing information on ultramarathon races and their participants and a logit model to determine if a runner who competed in an event in the year before the pandemic began chose to compete in that same (or sufficiently similar) event during the first year of the pandemic. By doing this we are able to estimate the impact of local and race destination COVID-19 cases on the decision to compete. We find that local COVID-19 cases, but not destination COVID-19 cases, affect the decision to compete. We also find that events were more likely to be cancelled when COVID-19 cases rose in the state in which the race is located. It also appears that women were disproportionately affected by the pandemic regarding changes in travel behavior.
Information Retrieval in Face-To-Face and Online Focus Groups. A Systematic Review
Authors: Chai C. A. , Barrios M. , Gómez-Benito J. , Berrío A. I. , Guilera G.
Published: September 2024

As qualitative research continues to adapt to technological advancements, the evaluation of data quality and quantity in online versus face-to-face focus groups becomes increasingly important. The purpose of this systematic review was to explore how the format of a focus group (online or in-person) influences the quality and quantity of data collected. Adhering to PRISMA guidelines, the review analyzes a total of 45 cross-sectional studies published between 2000 and 2023, providing both quantitative and qualitative comparisons across various metrics, including word count, idea expression, participant interaction, and statements of agreement or disagreement. Word count was generally higher in face-to-face focus groups, suggesting a tendency for more extensive verbal expression. However, the total number of ideas expressed did not significantly differ between the two modalities. Qualitatively, 62.5% of studies reported more detailed responses in face-to-face focus groups, while asynchronous online focus groups were found to elicit more expansive responses in some instances. In terms of the characteristics of focus groups, synchronous formats were more common for online focus groups, with the duration of sessions varying widely across the two modalities. These results suggest that although online and face-to-face focus groups exhibit distinct characteristics, they are similarly effective in yielding data of comparable quality, especially in terms of idea generation. Accordingly, combining the two formats within a single study is likely to maintain data integrity. Overall, the findings from this review offer valuable insights for researchers and practitioners across diverse disciplines and should help them to strategically design their focus group studies so as to align with specific research objectives and contexts.
Malnutrition is associated with adverse 30-day outcomes after endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm
Authors: Li Renxi , Sidawy Anton , Nguyen Bao-Ngoc
Published: September 2024

Background

Malnutrition is particularly pertinent in patients undergoing vascular surgery, who frequently present with a high burden of comorbidities and advanced age that can impede nutrient absorption. While previous studies have established that vascular surgery patients with malnutrition had poorer outcomes, the impact of nutritional status in patients undergoing endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) has not yet been investigated. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the effect of malnutrition on 30-day outcomes following non-ruptured EVAR.

Methods

Patients who had infrarenal EVAR were identified in the ACS-NSQIP targeted database from 2012–2022. Exclusion criteria included age less than 18 years, ruptured aneurysm, and emergency. Malnutrition was defined as patients with preoperative weight loss of greater than 10% decrease in body weight in the 6 months immediately preceding the surgery. A 1:5 propensity-score matching was used to match demographics, baseline characteristics, aneurysm diameter, distant aneurysm extent, anesthesia, and concomitant procedures between patients with and without malnutrition. Thirty-day postoperative outcomes were examined.

Results

There were 154 (0.94%) patients with malnutrition who went under non-ruptured EVAR. Meanwhile, 16,309 patients without malnutrition went under intact EVAR, where 737 of them were matched to all malnutrition patients. Malnourished patients had more comorbidity burdens. After propensity-score matching, patients with malnutrition had elevated but non-significant 30-day mortality (5.92% vs 2.99%, p = .09). However, malnutrition patients had higher risks of renal complications (2.63% vs 0.68%, p = .04), bleeding requiring transfusion (22.37% vs 14.38%, p = .02), and unplanned reoperation (11.18% vs 4.88%, p = .01), as well as longer length of stay (6.11 ± 7.91 vs 4.44 ± 6.22 days, p < .02).

Conclusion

Patients with malnutrition experienced higher rates of morbidity after non-ruptured EVAR. Targeting malnutrition could be a strategy for preventing complications after EVAR and proper preoperative malnutritional management could be warranted.
‘Everything everywhere all at once’: Paradigm shifts, the dynamics of agency, and the January 6th assault on the US capitol
Authors: Wilson Suze , Chace Sarah
Published: September 2024

To unpack the underlying causes of the events of January 6th, 2021, by supporters of outgoing President Trump, this essay pursues two lines of inquiry. Firstly, drawing on insights from Kuhn and Bion into, respectively, paradigm shifts and group dynamics, we argue support for Trump’s promise to ‘make American great again’ is rooted in anxiety triggered by various disruptive changes facing Americans. Followers alleviate this by becoming dependent upon Trump, thereby affording him undue influence. January 6th itself, we argue, was a paradigm shifting event, constituting a shattering betrayal of a sitting President’s fundamental duty to uphold the Constitution and keep the country safe from harm. Secondly, we examine the MAGA worldview, drawing on social identity theory, its offshoot regarding leadership, and notions of agency. We highlight its deleterious effects on how Trump and his followers exercised their agency and, simultaneously, how it legitimated Trump’s reckless betrayal of his responsibilities. Through our analysis of these underlying causes, we conclude that January 6th was no mere aberration in terms of what Trump and his supporters are capable of doing. Rather we contend the same forces animating what happened that day remain a clear and present danger to democracy in America.
Loca Infecta: A Jurisprudence of Hauntings
Authors: Gearey Adam David
Published: September 2024

A jurisprudence of hauntings draws on the work of Peter Goodrich and refers to French customary law, The Digest as well as recent case law on stigmatised property. It offers a psychoanalytical approach to what contemporary law and legal science either forget or find difficult to conceptualise: property must be thought of in terms of traces or emotional imprints that early modern law articulated as loca infecta or places infested by spirits. These ideas are read into contemporary case law and the essay speculates on the relationship between a hauntology of law and psychic jurisprudence.
Seeking mental health support for feelings of perinatal depression and/or anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative descriptive study of decision-making
Authors: Shen Katrina , Kuyvenhoven Cassandra , Carruthers Andrea , Pahwa Manisha , Hadid Dima , Greyson Devon , Bayrampour Hamideh , Liauw Jessica , Mniszak Caroline , Vanstone Meredith
Published: September 2024

Background:

Rates of perinatal depression and anxiety increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. It remains unclear how the COVID-19 pandemic influenced risk perception and help-seeking behaviours among pregnant and postpartum individuals.

Objectives:

To explore pregnant and postpartum individuals’ decision-making process about when and how to seek support for feelings of depression and/or anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design:

A qualitative descriptive design was used.

Methods:

The current study is a secondary analysis of qualitative data collected for a larger mixed-methods project that recruited participants who gave birth from 1 May 2020, to 1 December 2021, in Ontario and British Columbia, Canada, using maximum variation and purposive sampling. Seventy-three semi-structured interviews were conducted over Zoom or telephone. This analysis focuses on 56 individuals who discussed their self-identified feelings of prenatal or postpartum depression and/or anxiety. Conventional (inductive) content analysis was employed with iterative stages of open coding, focused coding and cross-checking themes.

Results:

Most participants recognized their need to seek help for their feelings of depression and/or anxiety through discussions with a mental health professional or someone within their social circle. Nearly all participants accessed informal social support for these feelings, which sometimes entailed social contact in contravention of local COVID-19 public health policies. Many also attempted to access formal mental healthcare, encountering barriers both related and unrelated to the pandemic. Participants described the pandemic as having the dual effect of causing or exacerbating their feelings of depression and/or anxiety while also constraining their ability to access timely professional care.

Conclusion:

Participants struggled to address their feelings of perinatal depression and anxiety during the COVID-19 pandemic, with many describing a lack of readily available resources and limited access to professional mental healthcare. This study highlights the need for improved provision of instrumental mental health support for pregnant and postpartum populations.
Understanding and processing informed consent during data-intensive health research in sub-Saharan Africa: challenges and opportunities from a multilingual perspective
Authors: Omutoko Lillian , Chingarande George Rugare , Botes Marietjie , Moyana Farayi , Singh Shenuka , Jaoko Walter , Sevene Esperança , Mtande Tiwonge K , Edwin Ama Kyerewaa , Matandika Limbanazo , Burgess Theresa , Moodley Keymanthri
Published: September 2024

Africa has a colonial past that renders it a linguistic melting pot, where language is not only important for communication but is inextricably related to cultural identity. In Africa, there are over 2000 languages that are still being used and spoken. Language diversity coupled with cultural diversity may affect the process of obtaining informed consent in data-intensive research. We explore some of the challenges and opportunities of multilingualism in handling informed consent in the context of data-intensive research. In multilingual contexts, as in most African countries, language is exceptionally central, and translation has potential cultural, social, historical, functional and scientific importance. However, it is recognised that terminological and translation activities may not always be cost-effective or feasible. We consider alternative mechanisms of harmonisation of data-related terminology and concepts in multilingual contexts, such as iconography, graphic elicitation and other multimedia formats of information sharing. The inclusion of visual or multimedia explanations in informed consent forms can improve comprehension, enhance information transfer and learning, reduce potential vulnerabilities associated with low literacy levels or the inability to interpret technical language associated with data-intensive research, build trust with participants and their communities, and promote autonomy of potential participants. We recognise that the inclusion of visual or multimedia content to facilitate information transfer is only one component of the informed consent process for data-intensive research. Research ethics committees (RECs) should be mindful of other key considerations and challenges of informed consent for data-intensive research in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), and to explore whether these alternative forms of consent are ethical and effective in multilingual contexts.
Rethinking culture: a narrative review on the evolving role of museum and art gallery-based heritage activities and programmes on wellbeing
Authors: Fares J , Hadjicosti I , Constantinou C
Published: September 2024

Aims:

The prevalence of chronic mental and physical diseases is increasing globally. In addition, the changing demographics towards an ageing population pose a challenge to healthcare systems, as ageing is associated with a decrease in physical and mental capacity and an increased risk of developing disease. The review aims to explore primary studies that investigated the effect of museum and art gallery-based heritage activities and programmes on the wellbeing of (1) individuals recovering from drug addiction or patients with dementia and (2) younger and older adults.

Methods:

We conducted a search using specific keywords, and inclusion and exclusion criteria, in databases for the period 2013–2023. Following a detailed examination of numerous articles, 15 original studies were included in this review.

Results:

15 original studies investigated the effects of museum and art gallery-based heritage activities or programmes on (1) patients with chronic diagnoses associated with mental health and/or physical impairment, such as drug addiction and dementia and (2) the wellbeing of younger and older populations. The interactive environment of museums had positive health outcomes for patients with chronic mental (addiction recovery, dementia) and physical diseases (cancer) as well as hospitalized patients. In addition, it improved the physical and mental wellbeing of younger and older individuals.

Conclusion:

Museum art-based interventions may be integrated as part of the non-pharmacological management of patients experiencing mental disorders as well as for improving the wellbeing of younger and older populations.
Evaluating Perceptions of Head and Neck Surgeons on the Role of Single-Entry Models in Managing Surgical Waitlists in Ontario: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Shapiro Justin , Axelrod Charlotte , Levy Ben B. , Bandargal Saruchi , Steinberg Emily C. , Wener Emily , Almeida John de , Davies Joel , Rotenberg Brian , Eskander Antoine , Chung Janet , Urbach David , Chan Yvonne
Published: September 2024

Background

Long surgical wait times have long plagued health systems in Canada and abroad. This backlog and associated strain on health human resources has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, affecting surgeries of varying degrees of urgency across all surgical specialties, including head and neck surgery. Single-entry models (SEMs) are being increasingly studied as one possible strategy to help manage surgical wait times, and a growing number of health systems have implemented SEMs within departments such as otolaryngology—head and neck surgery. We sought to evaluate the views of head and neck surgeons at all 8 designated head and neck cancer centers across Ontario on the role of SEMs in managing surgical backlogs.

Results

We interviewed 10 Ontario head and neck surgeons on the role of SEMs in managing wait times within the field. The following themes were elicited from interview transcripts: (1) anticipated positive impact, (2) barriers to implementation, (3) patient experience, and (4) roadmap to implementation. Participants agreed that SEMs may have utility for certain types of surgeries if implemented to address local needs. They also believe this model would have the greatest impact if employed together with other approaches, such as increasing operating room time or nursing availability.

Conclusion

Our results highlighted the necessity for a nuanced approach to single-entry model implementation in head and neck surgery. While participants recognized the utility of SEMs for high-volume and low-variation surgeries, participants remained divided on the optimal approach to triaging patients necessitating more complex oncologic treatments. Deliberate collaboration among stakeholder organizations and senior surgeons will be critical if SEMs are to succeed in an intricate and political healthcare environment.
Forensic Investigation of Rare Complications of Endoscopic Sinus Surgery: Two Case Reports
Authors: Plis Semyon S. , Veselkina Olesya V.
Published: September 2024

This article describes two cases of rare surgical complications during functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) and the resulting forensic investigations. The first case involved damage to the skull base and intracerebral artery, leading to a fatal cerebrovascular event, while the second case involved destruction of the medial orbital wall. The clinical and pathological findings are described in detail for each case. In Russia, in cases of disputes regarding medical malpractice, a commission-based expert examination is appointed by the civil court, criminal court, or investigator. This commission includes, in addition to a forensic pathologist, a practicing physician specializing in the field related to the case under consideration. Single-expert examinations for such cases are not provided; the investigation is always conducted jointly by a forensic pathologist and a clinician. It is important to investigate whether the mistake was due to preventable causes or deviations from accepted standards. This can only be done through the joint work of clinicians and forensic pathologists. These two cases are important because they demonstrate how different forensic conclusions can be for patients who undergo the same operation and experience similar severe complications. Despite the similarities, the forensic and legal outcomes were entirely different due to different reasons for the mistakes.
Do YouTubers lead the way of healthy eating? A practice-based approach
Authors: David Maxime , Dyen Margot , Ezan Pascale
Published: September 2024

Influencers who talk about healthy eating are extremely popular. This research enriches our understanding of the staging of everyday life through vlogs by deciphering the food practices staged by female Youtubeers, and by characterizing the constitutive elements of these practices. The research reveals that these practices are based on specific material like totemic foods, on meanings that echo followers’ concerns (plant-based diet, time optimization), and on skills serving simplicity and efficiency. Relational proximity and exemplarity (especially physical) are central in the videos. The findings of the article allow for recommending how public authorities could adopt these canons of digital communication, which are characterized here as a community of practices.
A machine learning–based online web calculator to aid in the diagnosis of sarcopenia in the US community
Authors: Guo Jiale , He Qionghan , She Chunjie , Liu Hefeng , Li Yehai
Published: September 2024

Background

Sarcopenia places a heavy healthcare burden on individuals and society. Recognizing sarcopenia and intervening at an early stage is critical. However, there is no simple and easy-to-use prediction tool for diagnosing sarcopenia. The aim of this study was to construct a well-performing online web calculator based on a machine learning approach to predict the risk of low lean body mass (LBM) to assist in the diagnosis of sarcopenia.

Methods

Data from the National Health and Nutritional Examination Surveys 1999–2004 were selected for model construction, and the included data were randomly divided into training and validation sets in the ratio of 75:25. Six machine learning methods— Classification and Regression Trees, Logistic Regression, Neural Network, Random Forest, Support Vector Machine, and Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost)—were used to develop the model. They are screened for features and evaluated for performance. The best-performing models were further developed as an online web calculator for clinical applications.

Results

There were 3046 participants enrolled in the study and 815 (26.8%) participants with LBM. Through feature screening, height, waist circumference, race, and age were used as machine learning features to construct the model. After performance evaluation and sensitivity analysis, the XGBoost-based model was determined to be the best model with better discriminative performance, clinical utility, and robustness.

Conclusion

The XGBoost-based model in this study has excellent performance, and the online web calculator based on it can easily and quickly predict the risk of LBM to aid in the diagnosis of sarcopenia in adults over the age of 60.
Provision of ankle foot orthoses for children with cerebral palsy in Norway
Authors: Goihl Tobias , Rusaw David F. , Roeleveld Karin , Brændvik Siri Merete
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Practice of ankle-foot orthoses (AFO) provision for ambulatory children with cerebral palsy is underreported and the literature is not consistent on choice of AFO-design. This study describes clinical practice of AFO provision for children with cerebral palsy and evaluates how clinical practice aligns with existing recommendations.

Methods

An online, cross-sectional survey was conducted, inviting all Norwegian orthotists working with children with cerebral palsy. Orthotic practice was investigated using a self-reported survey design.

Results

From all eligible orthotists, 54% responded, revealing that AFO provision involves patients, physicians, and physiotherapists at different stages. Patient preference directly influenced the ultimate AFO-design. Shank vertical angle was evaluated by 79%. For children with crouch gait and those with short gastrocnemius, a majority preferred a combination of rigid and articulated/flexible AFO-designs. Instrumented gait analysis was conducted by 51% at AFO delivery stage.

Conclusions

The findings show that AFO provision in Norway is collaborative, involving clinical team members and consideration of patient preferences. A discrepancy between clinical practice and existing recommendations for children with crouch gait and those with short gastrocnemius is observed.
Impact of Economic Policy Uncertainty Shocks on China’s Stock Market Development: Evidence from Nonlinear Autoregressive Distributed Lag and Spectral Causality Approaches
Authors: Ullah Assad , Zhao Xinshun , Ye Chenghui , Kamal Muhammad Abdul
Published: September 2024

Stock markets augment industries by raising and circulating capital in the economic system. This article examines the relationship between economic policy uncertainty (EPU) shocks and stock market development (SMD) in China. To this end, we utilize a novel EPU index the Nonlinear Autoregressive Distributed Lag (NARDL), and the Breitung-Candelon spectral causality approaches. The empirical outcomes suggest that positive (negative) shocks of EPU significantly decrease (increase) China’s SMD. The spectral causality approach confirms the lead-lag relationships among EPU shocks, stock market liquidity, banking sector development, savings, and trade openness. To propel the size of China’s stock market, the concerned authorities should strive to appease high EPU and ensure stability in macroeconomic and financial dynamics.

JEL Classification: G11, G12, G15.
Energy Use and Economic Growth: An Empirical Study of Short-Run and Long-Run Dynamics for Colombia Between 1990 and 2021
Authors: Dinas-Morales Alejandro , Burbano-Vallejo Edy Lorena
Published: September 2024

This research aims to study the relationship between energy use and economic growth between 1990 and 2021 in Colombia. Energy is a key element for economic growth and to improve people’s living standards, especially in developing economies like Colombia. To estimate both the short-run and long-run relationship between economic growth and energy use and economic growth, we used data from 1990 to 2021 and we estimated an error correction model along with a regression using the FMOLS/DOLS estimators. We found that economic growth and energy use are related in the short run in Colombia, according to the Toda–Yamamoto causality test, GDP granger causes energy use and there’s not enough evidence to claim that energy use and GDP are related in the long run.

JEL Classification: Q43.
Differences and Relationships Between Teachers’ Pedagogical Beliefs and Teaching Strategies Used at Different School Levels in Japan
Authors: Fukuda Mari , Fukaya Tatsushi , Kusumi Takashi
Published: September 2024

Existing meta-analyses have shown that active learning strategies are effective in improving students’ learning performance. However, their implementation may vary across school levels. This study investigated differences among elementary, middle, and high school teachers in the use of teaching strategies, including those that promote active learning and pedagogical beliefs. We also explored differences in the relationships between beliefs about teaching and learning, teaching experience, and teaching strategies for active learning across school levels. An online survey was conducted with 550 in-service elementary, middle, and high school teachers. Participants completed a questionnaire that measured their teaching strategies, beliefs about teaching and learning, and teaching experience. The results revealed differences in the frequency of use of six teaching strategies, including those that promoted active learning. Elementary school teachers used teaching strategies that promoted active learning most frequently, followed by middle and high school teachers. There were no differences in teachers’ beliefs about teaching and learning across school levels. Multigroup structural equation modeling indicated no differences in the influence of beliefs about teaching and learning on active learning teaching strategies among school levels, except that the traditional conception was negatively associated with the implementation of active learning in middle school. Constructivist beliefs were positively associated with active learning strategies across all levels, whereas teaching experience was negatively associated with teaching strategies that promoted student output at the higher school level. These findings have implications for the implementation of active learning, particularly at higher school levels.
CSR Engagement Through Social Media: Implications for Indian Public Sector Banks
Authors: Sharma Rajesh
Published: September 2024

This study aims to explore the influence of corporate social responsibility (CSR) engagement on consumer-brand identification (C-B identification), electronic word of mouth (EWOM), and brand attitudes within the context of Indian banking. It delves into three key research problems: First, how does consumer engagement with CSR communication on social media contribute to favorable EWOM, C-B identification, and brand attitude? Second, how do C-B identification and EWOM directly impact EWOM and brand attitude, respectively? Third, what role does C-B identification play as a mediator between CSR engagement and EWOM? This study adds significant value to marketing and CSR literature by expanding our understanding of consumer CSR engagement on social media. It fills gaps in current knowledge by enhancing the applicability of findings, presenting an integrated framework, and examining multiple social media platforms. The findings in the current study will be of immense help to those banks who are keen to develop strong and long-term relationships with their consumers through CSR dialogues on social media.
Relative effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccine booster doses in people aged 65 and older—a retrospective cohort study in Türkiye
Authors: Sezerol Mehmet Akif , Sarisaltik Alican
Published: September 2024

Background:

Immunization in the elderly population is critical due to the high frequency of health outcomes related to COVID-19.

Objectives:

This study aimed to compare the effectiveness levels of COVID-19 vaccine schedules in preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection in the older adult group who received at least one booster dose.

Design:

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods:

This study evaluated 8969 adults aged 65 and over in the Sultanbeyli district of İstanbul. COVID-19 vaccination and SARS-CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction testing data between January 14, 2021 and December 2, 2022 were obtained from the National Public Health Management System.

Results:

The median age of participants was 71 years. The vaccines were mostly administered as CoronaVac for the first and second doses (81.4% and 82.2%, respectively) and BNT162b2 for the third and fourth doses (61.8% and 73.1%, respectively). Turkovac was administered only in booster doses (third dose 0.6%, fourth dose 4.8%). The adjusted relative vaccine effectiveness (rVE) was found to be 61.8% (95% confidence interval (CI) 51.5–69.9) in two doses of inactivated vaccine and one dose of mRNA vaccine schedule compared to the homolog booster of CoronaVac primary vaccine schedule. In two booster doses receipts, the adjusted rVE was found to be 45.4% (95% CI 13.8–65.4) in three doses of inactivated and one dose mRNA vaccine schedule and 43.0% (95% CI 20.5–59.2) in two doses of inactivated and two doses of mRNA vaccines schedule compared to the two homolog boosters with CoronaVac primary vaccine schedule.

Conclusion:

In this study, the effectiveness of the mRNA vaccine as a booster dose was higher than that of the homologous boosters in participants receiving the CoronaVac primary series for those aged 65 and over.
Labor, violence and the unfamiliar: Animals’ geographies of the more-than-human home
Authors: Fair Hannah
Published: September 2024

Bringing insights from feminist geographies of the home to the animals’ geographies literature, this review posits the more-than-human home as a site of unevenly distributed violence and labor, for both humans and nonhumans alike. It expounds a holistic ecology of the more-than-human home that transcends a focus on companion animals, thereby raising questions of interspecies co-existence, autonomy, and control. Within this, it explores the work that pests do, understanding the domestic space as a site of multiple contradictory processes of social reproduction, recognizing how one being’s homemaking is another’s unmaking.
Governance of Public Projects—Missing Out on Learning Opportunities
Authors: Volden Gro Holst , Klakegg Ole Jonny
Published: September 2024

In this article, the authors draw on longitudinal research of the Norwegian governance framework for major public projects. The framework was introduced in the year 2000 and has developed from a hierarchical control regime toward a more holistic and relationship-based governance model. We show how this development relates to the evolving field of governance of projects. Although the impact of the framework is promising overall, we observe one area with considerable room for improvement: the ability to learn from previous projects. We discuss how to move on from here and implement effective learning cycles that draw on ex-post evaluations of completed projects.
Daratumumab with lenalidomide as maintenance after transplant in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma: the AURIGA study
Authors: Badros Ashraf , Foster Laahn , Anderson Larry D. , Chaulagain Chakra P. , Pettijohn Erin , Cowan Andrew J. , Costello Caitlin , Larson Sarah , Sborov Douglas W. , Shain Kenneth H. , Silbermann Rebecca , Shah Nina , Chung Alfred , Krevvata Maria , Pei Huiling , Patel Sharmila , Khare Vipin , Cortoos Annelore , Carson Robin , Lin Thomas S. , Voorhees Peter
Published: September 2024

No randomized trial has directly compared daratumumab and lenalidomide (D-R) maintenance with standard-of-care lenalidomide (R) alone after transplant. Herein, we report the primary results of the phase 3 AURIGA study evaluating D-R vs R maintenance in patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) who had very good or better partial response, were minimal residual disease (MRD)-positive (10–5) and anti-CD38–naïve after transplant. Two hundred patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to D-R (n = 99) or R (n = 101) maintenance for up to 36 cycles. The MRD-negative (10–5) conversion rate by 12 months from start of maintenance (primary end point) was significantly higher for D-R than R (50.5% vs 18.8%; odds ratio [OR], 4.51; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.37-8.57; P < .0001). MRD-negative (10–6) conversion rate was similarly higher with D-R (23.2% vs 5.0%; OR, 5.97; 95% CI, 2.15-16.58; P = .0002). At median follow-up (32.3 months), D-R achieved a higher overall MRD-negative (10–5) conversion rate (D-R, 60.6% vs R, 27.7%; OR, 4.12; 95% CI, 2.26-7.52; P < .0001) and complete response rate or better (75.8% vs 61.4%; OR, 2.00; 95% CI, 1.08-3.69; P = .0255) vs R. Progression-free survival (PFS) favored D-R vs R (hazard ratio, 0.53; 95% CI, 0.29-0.97); estimated 30-month PFS rates were 82.7% for D-R and 66.4% for R. Incidences of grade 3/4 cytopenias (54.2% vs 46.9%) and infections (18.8% vs 13.3%) were slightly higher with D-R than R. In conclusion, D-R maintenance achieved a higher MRD-negative conversion rate and improved PFS after transplant vs R, with no new safety concerns. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT03901963.
Virtual reality for assessing emergency medical competencies in junior doctors – a pilot study
Authors: Keicher Franca , Backhaus Joy , König Sarah , Mühling Tobias
Published: September 2024

Background

The teaching and assessment of clinical-practical skills in medical education face challenges in adequately preparing students for professional practice, especially in handling emergency situations. This study aimed to evaluate the emergency medical competencies of junior doctors using Virtual Reality (VR)-based scenarios to determine their preparedness for real-world clinical situations.

Methods

Junior doctors with 0–6 months of professional experience participated in one of three VR-based emergency scenarios. These scenarios were designed to test competencies in emergency medical care. Performance was automatically assessed through a scenario-specific checklist, and participants also completed self-assessments and a clinical reasoning ability test using the Post-Encounter Form.

Results

Twenty-one junior doctors participated in the study. Results showed that while general stabilization tasks were performed well, there were notable deficiencies in disease-specific diagnostic and therapeutic actions. On average, 65.6% of the required actions were performed correctly, with no significant variance between different scenarios. Participants achieved an average score of 80.5% in the Post-Encounter-Form, indicating a robust ability to handle diagnostic decisions. Self-assessments did not correlate significantly with objective measures of competency, highlighting the subjective nature of self-evaluation.

Conclusion

VR-based simulations can provide a detailed picture of EMC, covering both diagnostic and therapeutic aspects. The findings of this pilot study suggest that while participants are generally well-prepared for routine tasks, more focus is needed on complex case management. VR assessments could be a promising tool for evaluating the readiness of new medical professionals for clinical practice.
DiscovEpi: automated whole proteome MHC-I-epitope prediction and visualization
Authors: Mahncke C. , Schmiedeke F. , Simm S. , Kaderali L. , Bröker B. M. , Seifert U. , Cammann C.
Published: September 2024

Background

Antigen presentation is a central step in initiating and shaping the adaptive immune response. To activate CD8+ T cells, pathogen-derived peptides are presented on the cell surface of antigen-presenting cells bound to major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules. CD8+ T cells that recognize these complexes with their T cell receptor are activated and ideally eliminate infected cells. Prediction of putative peptides binding to MHC class I (MHC-I) is crucial for understanding pathogen recognition in specific immune responses and for supporting drug and vaccine design. There are reliable databases for epitope prediction algorithms available however they primarily focus on the prediction of epitopes in single immunogenic proteins.

Results

We have developed the tool DiscovEpi to establish an interface between whole proteomes and epitope prediction. The tool allows the automated identification of all potential MHC-I-binding peptides within a proteome and calculates the epitope density and average binding score for every protein, a protein-centric approach. DiscovEpi provides a convenient interface between automated multiple sequence extraction by organism and cell compartment from the database UniProt for subsequent epitope prediction via NetMHCpan. Furthermore, it allows ranking of proteins by their predicted immunogenicity on the one hand and comparison of different proteomes on the other. By applying the tool, we predict a higher immunogenic potential of membrane-associated proteins of SARS-CoV-2 compared to those of influenza A based on the presented metrics epitope density and binding score. This could be confirmed visually by comparing the epitope maps of the influenza A strain and SARS-CoV-2.

Conclusion

Automated prediction of whole proteomes and the subsequent visualization of the location of putative epitopes on sequence-level facilitate the search for putative immunogenic proteins or protein regions and support the study of adaptive immune responses and vaccine design.
Optimal time-dependent SUC model for COVID-19 pandemic in India
Authors: Hwang Youngjin , Kwak Soobin , Jyoti  , Kim Junseok
Published: September 2024

In this paper, we propose a numerical algorithm to obtain the optimal epidemic parameters for a time-dependent Susceptible-Unidentified infected-Confirmed (tSUC) model. The tSUC model was developed to investigate the epidemiology of unconfirmed infection cases over an extended period. Among the epidemic parameters, the transmission rate can fluctuate significantly or remain stable due to various factors. For instance, if early intervention in an epidemic fails, the transmission rate may increase, whereas appropriate policies, including strict public health measures, can reduce the transmission rate. Therefore, we adaptively estimate the transmission rate to the given data using the linear change points of the number of new confirmed cases by the given cumulative confirmed data set, and the time-dependent transmission rate is interpolated based on the estimated transmission rates at linear change points. The proposed numerical algorithm preprocesses actual cumulative confirmed cases in India to smooth it and uses the preprocessed data to identify linear change points. Using these linear change points and the tSUC model, it finds the optimal time-dependent parameters that minimize the difference between the actual cumulative confirmed cases and the computed numerical solution in the least-squares sense. Numerical experiments demonstrate the numerical solution of the tSUC model using the optimal time-dependent parameters found by the proposed algorithm, validating the performance of the algorithm. Consequently, the proposed numerical algorithm calculates the time-dependent transmission rate for the actual cumulative confirmed cases in India, which can serve as a basis for analyzing the COVID-19 pandemic in India.