bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of resistance based post-activation performance enhancement interventions at different loads on maximal voluntary isometric contraction and muscle activation: Preliminary findings
Authors: Genç Sümeyye , Güdücü Çağdaş , Çek Mehmet Emre , Mancı Egemen , Günay Erkan
Published: February 2025

Background

The current literature lacks comprehensive information on how load and muscle activation affect performance in resistance exercise-based PAPE interventions. These effects remain unclear, and observations from studies focusing on both muscle activation and performance outcomes are needed to resolve this critical gap.

Objective

To examine the effects of PAPE interventions on maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) and muscle activation at different resistance loads via a coherence analysis approach.

Methods

The first experimental visit included anthropometric assessment, baseline MVIC and one repetition maximum (1RM) tests. In the next two visits, each subject completed a 5-m warm-up and performed the PAPE protocol (high Load or moderate Load) after a 5-m passive rest period. After 7-m of passive transition phase, subjects performed the MVIC and sEMG was recorded during each MVIC.

Results

We observed a significant load effect on peak force (p < 0.026). This difference was significant (p < 0.038) on the peak force output of the moderate load compared to the control condition, but not between the moderate and high load conditions (p < 1.000). We also observed that load had a significant effect on muscle activation (p < 0.001), and this effect was particularly significant in the high load condition (p < 0.001) compared to the control condition.

Conclusion

The preliminary findings of the study show that in resistance-based PAPE interventions applied at different loads, the moderate load condition positively affects the force output, while muscle activation increases more significantly, especially at high loads.
Rituximab intervention in management of thrombocytopenia in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: A single centre experience
Authors: Toker Dincer Zeynep , Acar Beste , Ersoy Yagmur , Karali Ogulcan , Azman Feyza N , Ammar Talal , Ugurlu Serdal
Published: February 2025

Objective

Assessment of the efficacy and safety of rituximab (RTX) in treating thrombocytopenia of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients unresponsive to conventional treatments, highlighting its potential as an alternative to the expensive intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), and investigating the optimal number of RTX cycles for complete remission (CR).

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted on RTX utilization between 2016 and 2023 at our center. Medical records of SLE patients with thrombocytopenia, resistant to conventional treatments, were reviewed.

Results

26 patients (21 females, five males) aged 52.1 ± 14.4 years were included. All patients received glucocorticoid (GC) treatment and 12 patients received IVIG before RTX administration. The median number of RTX cycles administered was 2.50 (IQR: 2-6). CR was achieved in 18 patients (69.2%), with 10 (38.5%) attaining CR during the initial treatment cycle. Four patients attained partial remission (PR), and four remained refractory. The median number of cycles needed to achieve CR during follow-up was 1.5 (IQR: 1-3.5). RTX significantly reduced the need for GCs, with only 7.7% of patients receiving prednisolone >5 mg afterward. Additionally, IVIG necessity decreased, with only 19.2% of patients requiring IVIG after completing 6 months of RTX treatment ( p < 0.046). The median platelet count significantly increased after RTX treatment ( p < 0.001) and the incidence of bleeding decreased from 76.9% to 34.6% after 6 months of RTX treatment, with none classified as life-threatening. No side effects were observed, except for hypogammaglobulinemia in one patient (3.8%).

Conclusion

RTX demonstrates efficacy and safety for SLE patients with thrombocytopenia unresponsive to conventional treatments, offering a potential alternative, and reducing reliance on GCs and IVIG.
Hierarchical Bayesian bivariate spatial modeling of small area proportions with application to health survey data
Authors: Yu Hanjun , Xu Xinyi , Yu Lichao
Published: February 2025

In this article, we propose bivariate small area estimation methods for proportions based on the logit-normal mixed models with latent spatial dependence. We incorporate multivariate conditional autoregressive structures for the random effects under the hierarchical Bayesian modeling framework, and extend the methods to accommodate non-sampled regions. Posterior inference is obtained via adaptive Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithms. Extensive simulation studies are carried out to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed bivariate spatial models. The results suggest that the proposed methods are more efficient than the univariate and non-spatial methods in estimation and prediction, particularly when bivariate spatial dependence exists. Practical guidelines for model selection based on the simulation results are provided. We further illustrate the application of our methods by estimating the province-level heart disease rates and dyslipidemia rates among the middle-aged and elderly population in China’s 31 mainland provinces in 2020.
Examining the Relationship Between Mental Workload, Learning Outcomes and Acceptance in a Process-Improvement Simulation Game
Authors: Szedlak Christoph , Leyendecker Bert
Published: February 2025

This study explores the impact of process optimizations in business simulation games on learning outcomes, mental workload, and the acceptance of process improvements. A business simulation game was executed in two rounds: an initial baseline round and a subsequent round featuring process optimizations. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and NASA TLX were employed to measure performance and perceived mental workload, respectively. Results indicate that process optimizations led to improvements in performance metrics such as lead-time and throughput, and mental workload significantly influenced both short-term learning outcomes and the readiness to implement process optimizations. The study emphasizes the importance of considering mental workload in the design of simulation games to enhance learning outcomes and practical application of improvements. These findings provide valuable insights for the development of more effective business simulation games in vocational education.
Ergonomic criteria related to perceived comfort when using by-pass-type cutting tools
Authors: Torralba Vanessa , Maradei Fernanda , Castellanos Javier
Published: February 2025

Background

The recurrent incompatibility between manual tools and human users is a drawback normally associated with the physical capacity of the worker. Hence, the conception and design of comfortable tools should consider the user experience.

Objective

This work looks forward to identifying key descriptors influencing the comfort experience, through the usage assessment of a by-pass-type manual cutting tool (pruning scissors).

Methods

This was a cross-sectional research which was carried out in three stages: (i) Identification of the relevant descriptors using a documented review, (ii) Identification of the relevant descriptors through the user experience, which is documented using semi-structured interviews (n = 20), and (iii) Evaluation and grading of the identified descriptors through interviews and the semantic-differential-methodology application (n = 50).

Results

Data were evaluated using descriptive-statistics tools, which allowed us to identify comfort descriptors not included in the literature. Similarly, data were treated using the principal component analysis technique (PCA).

Conclusions

It was found that comfort and discomfort behave like two opposites on a continuum scale and that perception changes according to the tool and the specific task in which the user is immersed. On the other hand, it was figured out that tool appearance or aesthetics are not related to comfort.
Assessment of sleepiness role in working memory and whole-body reaction time
Authors: Khandan Mohammad , Ebrahimi Ali , Zakerian Seyed Abolfazl , Zamanlu Masumeh , Koohpaei Alireza
Published: February 2025

Background:

Sleep provides physical and mental strength, and natural sleep is essential for cell growth, strengthening, stabilizing, and accelerating the improvement of memory function.

Objective:

The current investigation aimed to explore working memory influenced by sleepiness and related to whole-body reaction time, in order to identify some facets of the dynamics of this memory. To the best of our knowledge, this triple has not yet been explored in the literature.

Methods:

This study cross-sectional, descriptive-analytical was performed on a sample total of 45 volunteer undergraduate academic students were recruited by convenience sampling, including 35 females and 10 males with a mean age of 21.08 ± 1.10 years of old. Data were collected via a demographic checklist, Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) questionnaire, Digital Maze test (for working memory), and visual/auditory whole-body reaction time measurement.

Results:

The working memory of each subject was divided into three types:1) thoughtful and precise, 2) Cautious and Conservative, and 3) messy and inaccurate. The triple of working memory, reaction time, and sleep versus sleepiness were all significantly related (P = 0.017–0.05).

Conclusion:

The authors concluded that there might be some established infrastructure for adult working memory, while there might be a floating operator of working memory as well; influenced by various parameters, this study was influenced by sleep adequacy and physical readiness.
Linking empowering leadership and work environment with employee performance: The mediating role of job stress
Authors: Udin Udin , Fitriani Khoirunnisa , Dananjoyo Radyan
Published: February 2025

Background

Understanding the influence of empowering leadership and a supportive work environment on job stress and employee performance can help organizations adopt effective management strategies. This, in turn, can lead to higher productivity, better quality of work, and increased organizational success.

Objective

This study aims to investigate relationship between empowering leadership, work environment, and employee performance by emphasizing the mediating role of job stress.

Methods

The sample population comprised 100 employees working in the culinary industry in Central Java, Indonesia, who were selected using the purposive sampling method. The data obtained were analyzed using SmartPLS 3.2.9 version to understand relationship between these variables.

Results

The results showed that empowering leadership had no direct impact on employee performance and job stress. However, work environment was positively associated with employee performance and negatively related to job stress. The results also showed that job stress had a negative effect, and it partially mediated relationship between work environment and employee performance.

Conclusion

This study significantly advanced the understanding of organizational behavior by emphasizing the essential role of work environment in shaping employee performance. In addition, the results showed that a positive work environment was strongly associated with higher employee performance and reduced job stress.
Comparison of musculoskeletal pain in neck, trunk, and upper limbs among Korean and Chinese smartphone users by posture: A cross-sectional survey
Authors: Wang Yixin , Kim Ye-Jin , Moon Kyeong-Ah , Park Joo-Hee , Jeon Hye-Seon
Published: February 2025

Background

Posture during smartphone use is an important factor that affects musculoskeletal pain.

Objective

To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of musculoskeletal pain in the neck, trunk, and upper extremities during smartphone use.

Methods

A total of 326 Chinese and Korean smartphone users participated in an online survey on smartphone posture, addiction, and musculoskeletal pain.

Results

The neck, shoulder, and lower back were most frequently affected, whereas the elbow, lower back, and forearm showed the highest level of discomfort. Stiffness was the predominant type of discomfort in most body parts. Numbness surpassed stiffness in the elbow and hand, whereas throbbing surpassed stiffness in the wrist. Body posture influenced upper arm and lower back discomfort, with a right-sided lying posture resulting in the highest level of lower back pain (p < 0.05). Using a smartphone with a more flexed neck posture increased neck discomfort (p < 0.05). Holding a smartphone with one hand, while controlling the screen with the opposite finger, increased hand pain (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

The inferences obtained from this study indicate that smartphone usage posture significantly affects musculoskeletal discomfort. The suggested posture for minimizing musculoskeletal discomfort is to use the smartphone in a left-side-lying position, hold it vertically with both hands, and utilize both thumbs for texting and scrolling.
Investigation of Posttraumatic Stress Levels, Psychological Resilience, and Grief Processes in Adults who Experienced Loss
Authors: Oğul Seher , Buran Ayşe
Published: February 2025

The aim of this study is to examine posttraumatic stress levels, psychological resilience, and grief processes in adults who experienced loss. The sample of the study consisted of 395 participants aged 18 and over who had experienced a loss. The data collection tools included the Socio-Demographic Information Form, the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM-5, the Brief Resilience Scale, and the Basic Elements of Grief Inventory. In the findings, significant relationships were found between the basic grief element levels of the participants and posttraumatic stress levels, while no significant relationships were found between the basic grief element levels and resilience levels. As the posttraumatic stress levels of the participants increased, the levels of basic grief elements also increased. There was no significant relationship between the participants’ posttraumatic stress levels and psychological resilience levels. Clinicians should accurately assess the grief processes of individuals who have experienced a loss and intervene if necessary.
From Confirmation to Theory: Introduction to the Special Section on “Assessment, Measurement, and Registered Replication”
Authors: Markon Kristian E. , Olino Thomas
Published: February 2025

The goal of this special section was to encourage discussion about replication in assessment science, as well as the use and development of registered replication and open science more broadly. The contributions span a range of topics, from the replicability and generalizability of measurement models, to challenges in the replicability of results from intensively longitudinal designs, to a discussion of how preregistration should be used in assessment science. Collectively, the papers in this special section provide a view of replication as part of the process by which scientific theories are evaluated and evolve.
Measuring Science Literacy in a Digital World: Development and Validation of a Multi-Dimensional Survey Scale
Authors: Mede Niels G. , Howell Emily L. , Schäfer Mike S. , Metag Julia , Beets Becca , Brossard Dominique
Published: February 2025

We present a new multilingual 14-item scale for measuring science literacy in survey and experimental research. The scale captures three essential dimensions of science literacy in a digital world: civic science literacy, science media literacy, and cognitive science literacy. We developed, tested, and validated the scale through two preregistered national quota surveys in Switzerland and the United States in four languages (English, German, French, Italian). Iterative factor analyses, Bayesian Item Response Theory analyses, and validity tests confirm robustness and reliability of the scale.
Assessing early uptake and impacts of 5G mobile services for Australian consumers
Authors: Wilken Rowan , Meese James , Middleton Catherine , Hegarty Kieran
Published: February 2025

The introduction of the fifth generation of mobile standards (5G) has promised faster speeds, greater network capacity and lower latency. 5G has only recently rolled out in many countries, so there is little empirical data on what individual consumers are doing with the speed, capacity and lower latency that 5G promises to offer. To examine early consumer take-up of 5G, we conducted a series of small-group discussions with individual users of 5G mobile services in Melbourne and regional Victoria, Australia. We found that coverage, connectivity and reliability of network connection remain live issues for many consumers, especially (but not exclusively) those in regional areas. Despite this, there is some evidence of incremental improvements in performance, even with a weakened 5G signal. Significantly, in cases where there's strong connectivity and reliability, there is also evidence that 5G provides consumers with an additional or alternative connectivity option to home broadband. Investigating this unique moment in the rollout of fifth-generation mobile standards is crucial in grasping the continuing challenges as well as the emerging and evolving economic and cultural possibilities of 5G services and applications in Australia.
Employment motivations and values in the creative industries: Reorienting from creativity to well-being among-Generation Zs in Ireland
Authors: Arnold Sarah , O’Brien Anne
Published: February 2025

This study aims to better understand the experiences and motivations of creative industry workers who graduated degree programmes at a time of significant work and employment instability during the Covid-19 pandemic. Using a case study approach involving a qualitative questionnaire with 16 open- and closed-ended questions, we present responses from 20 graduates of media studies programmes at an Irish university. Findings show that young people who graduated at the time of the pandemic did experience career disruption and felt financially compelled to rethink their career ambitions. Pandemic-related economic uncertainties meant that many participants either did not enter creative industries or took up roles that did not utilise their creative degrees. However, many of these young people have found job satisfaction in ‘being mentally well’ at least as much as ‘being creative’, and prioritise good quality of life and achieving work-life balance. Good mental health and well-being are pronounced personal and career motivators, with new work regimes such as remote and hybrid working seen as important rewards and incentives.
Analysis of Can Loss Characteristics in Canned Induction Motors Based on the Poynting Vector
Authors: Zhou Shuhao , Li Ming , Lun Shuxian
Published: February 2025

Canned Induction Motors (CIMs) are widely used in the pharmaceutical, chemical, and nuclear industries. The existence of the can sleeve in the air gap magnetic field complicates the calculation of the CIM's air gap magnetic field. While finite element calculations offer highly accurate simulation results, they require extended computation time. Consequently, this paper presents an analytical method based on the law of power conservation for indirectly calculating the magnetic field and the can loss.This method achieves computational accuracy that is comparable to finite element analysis, and offers advantages such as reduced calculation time. The correctness and accuracy of the analytical method were validated through finite element simulation and experimental verification, further elucidating on the variation laws of can loss under load conditions, and investigated the relationship between the can loss and the electrical properties of its material. This provides a robust foundation for analyzing and designing the CIMs, with significant engineering implications.
A fresh perspective on entrepreneurship as a career for mothers to additional needs children
Authors: Casteleijn-Osorno Regina
Published: February 2025

This note offers a novel perspective on entrepreneurship as a viable career path for mothers of children with additional needs. Existing literature on maternal employment, coupled with caregiving responsibilities, has highlighted significant limitations for these mothers. However, the skills acquired through parenting children with additional needs, such as resilience, adaptability, networking, time management, and self-reliance, can potentially be transferred to entrepreneurial ventures. This note argues that entrepreneurship can address the career limitations faced by these mothers, presenting it as a suitable and flexible career choice. Furthermore, this note challenges the traditional entrepreneurial paradigms and the “one size fits all” approach to entrepreneurship illustrating that entrepreneurship is of its time and must evolve according to the limitations and skills of potential entrepreneurs.
Geospatial data analysis for determining optimal road construction routes: A comparative study
Authors: Wang Maofu
Published: February 2025

The Geographic Information System (GIS) provides robust decision assistance for consumers obtaining the best route through route planning analysis; determining the best path is a crucial advanced analysis function. The purpose of this research is to create a comparative analysis of geospatial data approaches for determining the best routes to construct roads in various types of environments. Three different methodologies: analytical hierarchy process (AHP), fuzzy overlay, and TOPSIS, using GIS and multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) techniques are assessed and contrasted. To examine possible routes in a case study region, high-resolution geospatial data, including topography, land use, slopes, and hydrology, are utilized. The effectiveness of each approach is evaluated by variables, including a snow slide, watercourse, soil wash, gradient, earth composition, visibility conditions, and road features. The findings indicate that the technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) delivers superior environmental sensitivity, while fuzzy overlay and analytical hierarchy process (AHP) give the best-balanced solutions. Road planners can use this comparison study’s insights to make intelligent choices about infrastructure development by evaluating the advantages and disadvantages of various geospatial methodologies.
A Scoping Review of Preferences of Men Who Experienced Sexual Assault: Implications for Adaptation of Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapies
Authors: Gamache Lydia , Dubé Laurence , Belleville Geneviève
Published: February 2025

About 1 in 10 men experiences sexual assault, resulting in various difficulties most frequently associated with post-traumatic stress disorder. However, trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapies (TF-CBT) seem less effective for men who experienced sexual assault compared to women. Efficacy of TF-CBT could be improved by adapting interventions according to the empirical data detailing men’s preferences regarding psychological services. This scoping review aimed to document preferences of men who experienced sexual assault regarding psychological services, and to explore barriers and motivators to help-seeking for this population. A systematic approach was used to gather literature describing preferences regarding psychological services, and barriers and motivators to help-seeking. Thirty-five peer-reviewed studies and two non-peer reviewed reports met inclusion criteria. Data from included articles were extracted using a systematic extraction grid. A thematic content analysis was conducted to synthesize and present the results from the 37 studies. The number of empirical studies on preferences regarding psychological services was limited as only five documented preferences, all related to the clinician’s characteristics (e.g., clinician’s gender) and the type of intervention (e.g., action-oriented). Most studies reviewed barriers to help-seeking. The barriers most frequently identified were adherence to masculine norms and to myths about male sexual assault. Injury or substance abuse following sexual assault often act as motivators to help-seeking for men. To adapt TF-CBT to men who experienced sexual assault, researchers and clinicians should accommodate and further study these men’s preferences, consider their motivators regarding help-seeking and alleviate barriers to help-seeking, notably by deconstructing masculine norms.
Why Men Have Abortions: Quantitative and Qualitative Perspectives From Urban Family Planning Clinics in Chicago, Illinois, USA
Authors: Heath Jenna M. , Nguyen Brian T.
Published: February 2025

Support for abortion is comparable between men and women in the United States; one in five reproductive age men reports abortion involvement. Yet, societal focus on abortion as a uniquely women’s issue minimizes men’s involvement in abortion. We conducted a secondary analysis of survey ( n = 203) and interview data ( n = 30) on male partner’s experiences accompanying abortion recipients at two family planning clinics in Chicago, Illinois. Respondents identified reasons for abortion from a prepopulated 14-item list. We correlated reasons with respondent’s abortion preference and decision satisfaction, characterizing this relationship via thematic analyses of interview transcripts. Nearly all men (97.5%) identified multiple reasons for abortion (median: 6/14), including: mistimed pregnancy (80%), impact on his/his partner’s education/career (75%–80%), and finances (71%). Neither individual reasons nor number of reasons was significantly associated with abortion decision preference or decision satisfaction. While 41% would not have chosen abortion, only 10% reported dissatisfaction. Men’s perception of decision concordance with their partner was significantly linked to their satisfaction ( p < .01). Thematic analysis highlighted complex partner involvement, including shared and deferred decision-making and tension amid demonstrated support. Many abortion-accompanying men preferred to continue the pregnancy, yet very few reported dissatisfaction with the ultimate decision, which may be related to perceived decision concordance with their female partner. Men’s decisions for abortion are complex and include varying degrees of male partner involvement and/or decision deferral to female partners.
Serum Matrix Metalloproteinases and Risk of Urologic Cancers: A Bidirectional Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Yang BoWen , Zeng XiaoYu , Wang HanYu , Feng JiuHuan , Hou ShuFang
Published: February 2025

Many observational epidemiological studies have reported an association between matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and urologic cancers. However, the causal relationship between these two phenotypes remains uncertain. This study aims to examine the bidirectional causal relationship between serum MMPs and three urologic cancers: kidney, prostate, and bladder cancer. Using data from large-scale genome-wide association studies (GWAS), we employed two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) methods to assess the causal relationship between serum MMPs and urologic cancers. We performed inverse variance-weighted MR as the primary method for calculating the overall effects of multiple instruments, while implementing additional MR methods and sensitivity analyses. Odds ratios (ORs) were employed to evaluate the causal relationship between serum MMPs and urologic cancers risk. Our findings indicated a causal relationship between serum MMP-3 levels and prostate cancer risk (OR = 1.07, 95% confidence interval [CI] = [1.02, 1.11], p = .003). There was a possible causal relationship between serum MMP-1 and prostate cancer (OR = 0.95, 95% CI = [0.92, 0.99], p = .02). Serum MMP-1 may also increase the risk of bladder cancer (OR = 1.24, 95% CI = [1.04, 1.49], p = .016). We did not find significant associations of the remaining MMPs with prostate, bladder, and kidney cancer. In reverse MR, no significant results were observed supporting the effect of urologic cancers on MMPs ( p > .05). Our study provides evidence of a potential causal relationship between serum MMPs and both prostate cancer and bladder cancer. However, large-scale studies are necessary to confirm and reveal the underlying mechanisms of this association.
Research on failure mechanism of final drive gears of a passenger car based on multi-condition varying-speed accelerated test
Authors: Yu Haibo , Hu Hongyu , Men Yuzhuo , Li Mingda , Ji Bingkui , Yao Xueping
Published: February 2025

To standardize the reliability test evaluation schedule of passenger cars powertrain, a multi-condition varying-speed accelerated test criteria correlated with the statistical data of target vehicles is developed. With this test criteria, a real-vehicle test is conducted to evaluate a trial-manufacture car equipped with a newly developed transmission. Regarding the fracture failure of the driving and driven gears of the final drive, a heat treatment quality inspection is conducted on the fractured gears. From the meshing state of the gears, it is observed that machining precision errors caused an excessively large bearing clearance of the helical gear in the differential housing, with the meshing area of the driving gear tilting to one side and generating eccentric loads under uneven stress. The fatigue damage of the gears is calculated by the rainflow cycle matrix of the gears obtained with the rotating rainflow counting method. The calculation results show that largest loads transmitted by the final drive gears in varying-speed test condition 2, which was the main condition for fractures of the driven gear. Under this condition, the driving gear also produced bending fatigue failure due to the significant-amplitude cyclic loading caused by the eccentric loads.
Including non-binary gender in the calibration strategy for the Canadian long-form sample survey weights
Authors: Imbrogno Alexander
Published: February 2025

Due to global events impacting social and economic landscapes, the spotlight on inequalities endured by marginalized and vulnerable groups has intensified, necessitating action from policymakers to create a more equitable future for all. It is essential that National Statistics Offices (NSOs) provide detailed statistical data which highlights the experiences of these marginalized groups to ensure that fairness and inclusion are key components of evidence-based policy. Aligning with these principles, in 2021 Canada became the first country to collect and disseminate data on gender diversity in a national census giving Canadians the option to select male, female, or non-binary. Due to their small size, non-binary population totals were not used in the 2021 Census long-form sample calibration due to the risk of increasing the variance of estimates. This paper presents an alternative long-form calibration strategy which allows for small populations, such as non-binary individuals, to be incorporated while mitigating methodological concerns. The strategy put forward can incorporate multiple small populations simultaneously while also being adaptable to the calibration systems of other NSOs. The results of a Monte Carlo simulation are presented showing improved data quality for the non-binary population under the alternative calibration strategy.
STATSIM: Statistics Austria's dynamic microsimulation model for official population projections
Authors: Pohl Pauline , Slepecki Philip , Spielauer Martin
Published: February 2025

The cohort-component method is the standard model for producing population projections in official statistics. It is straightforward to compute, requires minimal input data, and is widely recognised by demographers. However, cohort-component projection models are limited in their ability to capture complex demographic processes and provide detailed output for individual-level outcomes. To address these shortcomings, Statistics Austria has developed the dynamic microsimulation model STATSIM for its official national population projection, which was previously computed by the cohort-component method. We have opted for a gradual transition, starting by replicating the results of past cohort-component projections using microsimulation. As a first extension, we have implemented a model of international migration that takes into account the relationship between emigration risk and length of stay, as well as country of birth. By comparing the results of STATSIM's retrospective projections with counterfactual cohort-component projections, we show that STATSIM's projections are more consistent with observed emigration patterns. In the future, STATSIM can be further developed by adding modules for education, employment, health and other socio-economic characteristics.
Unveiling Phytochemicals and Antioxidant, Cytotoxic, Antithrombotic, Anti-Inflammatory, Analgesic, Hypoglycemic and Antidiarrheal Activities from the Leaves Extract of Zanthoxylum rhetsa (Roxb.) DC
Authors: Jamal Hossain Md. , Abdus Samadd Md. , Akter Sharmin , Shohel Hossen Md. , Kuddus Abdul , Azizur Rahman Tamim Md. , Mitu Marufa Maharin , Rashid Mohammad A.
Published: February 2025

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the chemico-pharmacological properties of the leaves methanolic extract (ME) of Zanthoxylum rhetsa (Roxb.) and its various solvent fractions, focusing on its antioxidant, cytotoxic, thrombolytic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, hypoglycaemic, and antidiarrheal effects.

Methods

Phytochemicals in the ME were identified and characterized using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Antioxidant activity was measured via DPPH (2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) scavenging assay and measuring total phenolic content (TPC). Anti-inflammatory, thrombolytic, and cytotoxic effects were evaluated using membrane stabilization, clot lysis, and brine shrimp bioassays, respectively. In vivo evaluations of hypoglycaemic, antidiarrheal, and analgesic activities of the ME (200, 400 and 600 mg/kg bw) were conducted in mice model.

Results

A total of 65 phytoconstituents were identified in the ME, where 13-docosenamide (Z) (17.78%) and phytol (10.64%) were the most abundant. The aqueous soluble fraction (AQSF) fraction exhibited the highest TPC (181.875 mg GAE/gm of extractive) and antioxidant efficacy (IC50 = 4.78 μg/mL). The AQSF also exhibited promising antithrombotic properties, showing over 88% clot lysis capacity. Furthermore, chloroform soluble fraction (CSF) displayed 93.2% haemolysis inhibition under heat-induced conditions, while the inhibition of haemolysis was 46.8% in hypotonic conditions. All the tested three doses showed dose-dependent statistically significant (p < 0.05) analgesic and antidiarrheal efficacy, where only 200 and 400 mg/kg bw doses exhibited significant hypoglycaemic effects. In acute oral toxicity test, the ME exhibited median lethal dose greater than 4000 mg/kg bw.

Conclusions

Z. rhetsa leaf extractives demonstrated promising antioxidant, cytotoxic, antithrombotic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antidiarrheal effects, supporting the traditional uses of the plant species. Further extensive investigation, particularly on the AQSF fraction, is recommended to identify the responsible lead compounds.
Modeling the Dynamic Outcomes of Infection Prevention Behaviors in an ICU Environment
Authors: Platt Lisa Sundahl , Zeinali Arezoo
Published: February 2025

Objective: The research opportunity addressed in this study is in understanding how socio-technical system interactions within healthcare settings can be optimized to promote patient safety, particularly in the context of infection risk analysis during critical clinician-patient interactions and throughout the care delivery. Background: Preventing the risk of pathogen spread in healthcare environments that cause Hospital Acquired Infections (HAIs) is an ongoing challenge both in the U.S. and globally. In complex inpatient care delivery settings, variability in clinical staff's infection control behaviors, such as hand hygiene compliance, can hinder achievement of optimal HAI risk prevention objectives. Method: The authors employed Agent-based Modeling (ABM) in conjunction with the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) as a framework for evaluating the simulated results of safety behaviors like hand hygiene compliance impact both patient and overall environmental infectivity. Results: This study demonstrates that using a computational approach to evaluate operational factors in care delivery settings can effectively forecast the impact of human behaviors like hand hygiene compliance on patient safety and environmental infectivity levels. Conclusion: This approach provides valuable insights for designing and operating healthcare environments by highlighting the importance of integrating behavioral theories and computational modeling to improve infection control practices. Application: The implications of this study healthcare designers and hospital operations professionals suggest that applying ABM to evaluate physical design interventions within the care environment that bolster clinicians’ Perceived Behavioral Control and their intentions to perform safe infection risk prevention practices offers a viable method for understanding and improving the design dynamics healthcare settings.
Cellulose acetate from fast-growing hardwood – Trema orientalis: investigating acetylation parameters and viscosity
Authors: Rahman M Mahbubur , Mondol Anupom , Hasan Md Kamrul , Hossain Md Shakhawoat , Ehsan Md Fardin , Tanvir Nazmul Islam , Naim Mustafizur Rahman , Jahan M Sarwar
Published: February 2025

In this study, dissolving pulp from hardwood, Trema orientalis L. was used as cellulose pulp for the synthesis of cellulose acetate (CA). CA was prepared by varying time of swelling with acetic acid, duration of reaction and temperature of reaction. The degree of substitution (DS) of all prepared CA was higher than 2.5, indicating the formation of cellulose triacetate (CTA). The maximum yield of CTA was 157 wt-% after 3 hours of cellulose pulp swelling followed by a 1.5-hour acetylation reaction at 35 °C. The all prepared CA samples showed good solubility in dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO), N,N-dimethyl formamide (DMF) and tetrahydrofuran (THF). The creation of strong absorption band at 1740 cm−1 for carbonyl (–C=O) group confirms successful acetylation reaction. The cellulose crystallinity diminishes as the acetylation progresses as observed by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The prepared CA samples were also characterised using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and dynamic viscosity measurements. The CA/DMSO solutions exhibited shear thinning property at lower shear rate and higher operating temperature. Increased dynamic viscosity was observed with the increase in concentration of CA in the DSMO solvent. The crystallinity and thermal stability of CA samples was highly influenced by the duration of acetylation and temperature of reaction.
A qualitative analysis of Arabic language websites about extraction of third molars
Authors: Alassaf Muath Saad , Abu Aof Mohannad Mohammed , Alharbi Osama Ayidh , Turkustani Abdulrahman , Karbouji Moataz Ibrahim , Althagafi Nebras , Almghamsi Ahmed Mohammed , Zolaly Ghayda Yousof , Elsayed Shadia
Published: February 2025

Aim

The study aimed to evaluate the quality and readability of Arabic-language web-based online information regarding surgical third molar extraction.

Methods

In this observational web-based analytical study, the top 150 Arabic search results for surgical wisdom tooth extraction were collected from Google, Yahoo, and Bing. The quality of the websites was evaluated using the DISCERN tool and the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) guidelines for online content analysis. Readability was measured using the Flesch-Reading Ease (FRE) scale, the Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level (FKGL) scale, and the Simplified- Measure of Gobbledygook (SMOG).

Results

A total of 450 websites related to the extraction of wisdom teeth were initially identified. 146 websites were included in the final analysis after exclusion according to specific exclusion criteria. Significant difference was observed in the domain of treatment alternatives and the quality of information provided, according to the DISCERN criteria. The median scores for reliability-related questions ranged from 1.5 to 4.5. The overall quality rating had a median score of 2.5 (IQR = 0.5). There were significant differences in the number of achieved JAMA items per webpage between the groups (P-value = 0.000). However, there was no significant difference in the DISCERN quality evaluations between the affiliations (P-value = 0.450).

Conclusion

the study results indicating a broad spectrum in the explicitness and relevance of information with moderate quality across the evaluated websites and the investigation revealed significant variations in the content quality and readability provided by websites belonging to various affiliations, with non-profit websites generally achieving higher scores in JAMA criteria and readability measures.
Medical Student Mentors for Young Adults with Sickle Cell Disease: Impact on Mentors
Authors: Viola Adrienne S. , Scott Mariah Jacqueline , Rashid Hanin , Drachtman Richard , Kaveney Amanda , Sridharan Ashwin , Savage Beth , Delnevo Cristine , Porter Jerlym S. , Devine Katie A.
Published: February 2025

OBJECTIVE

In the United States, physicians and residents report inadequate training in managing adolescents and young adults (AYAs) during the transition from pediatric to adult care, particularly AYAs with chronic illnesses such as sickle cell disease (SCD). We developed an intervention where medical students serve as similar-aged “peer” mentors to offer informational and developmentally appropriate support to AYA patients during the period of transition. Our initial work showed the feasibility and acceptability of this intervention for young adults with SCD. In this report, we evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effects of this non-randomized trial on medical student mentors.

METHODS

Following training, medical student mentors were paired 1:1 with an AYA with SCD who was transitioning from pediatric to adult care. They conducted monthly video calls with mentees to address specific transition and disease self-management topics. Students completed baseline and follow-up surveys regarding knowledge of SCD and empathy. Satisfaction was measured at follow-up via survey and an exit interview.

RESULTS

Nine medical students were paired with a total of 24 patients. Student retention was 100%, but only eight completed the follow-up survey. Students reported increased knowledge about managing a chronic illness and transition and improved understanding about the patient's experience navigating the healthcare system. Students expressed high satisfaction.

CONCLUSIONS

A medical student mentor intervention was feasible and acceptable to medical students and may provide an opportunity for value-added role in medical education. Further research is needed to evaluate the efficacy of this type of intervention on both student and patient outcomes.
The Danish Police’s Response to Stalking: An Exploration of Victim Perspectives
Authors: Hauch Didde , Elklit Ask
Published: February 2025

Background:

This study aimed to investigate the experiences of Danish help-seeking stalking victims who had been in contact with the police, or decided not to contact them, within the timeframe of 2015–2023.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study used two datasets collected by the Danish Stalking Center in 2015–2020 and 2020–2023, respectively. In total, 1,019 respondents were included in the analyses.

Results:

Most stalking victims were women (88.8 per cent), a mean age of 38.9 years (SD = 11.34). Most had been in contact with the police (56.3 per cent), but a large number did not report stalking, fearing escalation (35 per cent), lack of energy (30.9 per cent) or due to the belief that the police could not help (34 per cent). Overall, 45.9 per cent of participants were satisfied with law enforcement’s competence in handling their stalking case. Linear regression analysis showed that those stalked by an acquaintance or a stranger reported a more positive perception of the police’s competence ( p < .05) compared to victims of intimate partner stalking. Logistic regression uncovered regional differences in the types of stalking behaviours experienced by victims.

Conclusion:

This study highlights an important issue that has received relatively little attention in Denmark. The findings suggest there is a need for improved police responses and support services for stalking victims in Denmark.
The untimely
Authors: Simone AbdouMaliq
Published: February 2025

This brief commentary on “The state as auteur: Timing digitisation in Africa's Silicon Savannah” emphasizes the ways in which time seems to jettison its own timing, where all manifestations of time, whether endurance, rupture, and return, confront unanticipated and confounding rhythms that seem to emanate from within as much as from complicated exteriors. While introductions of innovations on the part of states require thoughtful multifaceted considerations of ramifications both known and unknown, there is yet always a matter of time for which no entity is ever prepared, as time comes either too early or too late.
Applicability of ADA Diabetes Risk Scoring System in the Indian Population
Authors: Sooragonda Basavaraj G , Sivasubramanian Thyagarajan , Verma Shivendra , Aswathiah Srinath , Fatema Zareen , K Suma , Jayalakshmi K. , Mahesh DM
Published: February 2025

Background:

Screening model-based risk stratification tools, such as American Diabetes Association (ADA) diabetes risk scoring are useful in increasing awareness toward one’s risk of developing Diabetes mellitus (DM) or prediabetes. The application of ADA risk score in the Asian population might have limitations.

Objective:

To evaluate (a) the scope of the existing ADA score in screening Indian population and (b) the incorporation of epidemiologically relevant factors in enhancing the sensitivity of the scoring system for a population-wide screen.

Methods:

A prospective observational study was conducted among adults with normoglycemia, a history of T2DM or prediabetes. Diabetes risk scores, with and without modifications of factors including age, BMI, and abdominal obesity based on Indian-specific criteria were calculated. The sensitivity was evaluated after incorporating each modification and with simultaneous incorporation of all modifications (Bharat Risk Score for Dysglycemia [BRS-D] scoring system).

Results:

Among 723 individuals screened, 101 participants had a history of DM, and 18 participants without a history of diabetes had a capillary glucose level ≥200 mg/dl. The sensitivity of the ADA scoring system with the standard ADA score (≥5) was 86.6%. With the inclusion of the modifications, the sensitivity of the scoring system increased: 91.6% (age), 90.8% (waist circumference) and 89.1% (BMI), 93.3% (all modifications).

Conclusion:

The application of population-specific criteria to the standard ADA scoring system could improve sensitivity. The proposed BRS-D scoring system can be a versatile tool that will enable large-scale screening to identify high-risk individuals for diabetes among, the Indian population.