bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysing the local governance of internal displacement: an emerging (local) social contract in eastern Ukraine since 2014
Authors: Weihmayer Melissa
Published: October 2024

There is growing recognition of the challenges faced by internally displaced people as well as the potential for subnational actors to contribute to durable solutions. Despite this, we know little about local government responses, both in theory and practice. This paper draws on governance theories, practitioner experience and secondary literature to analyse the governance context, processes and interactions that shape the experience of internal displacement in eastern Ukraine between 2014 and 2022. It argues that nascent relationships built between internally displaced people and local governments in eastern Ukraine reveal the possibility of bottom-up state-led responses. The paper intervenes in debates around rebuilding a “social contract” as a mechanism for resolving displacement, demonstrating why attention must be paid to how this occurs at local levels in places of refuge.
Temporal awakenings and the subversive effects of study abroad
Authors: Acevedo Rosa Maria
Published: October 2024

This study describes how experiences abroad impact U.S. low-income, first-generation ethnoracially minoritized participants’ sense of time (i.e., rhythms or changes involved in social processes) and space (i.e., how movement is practiced, experienced, apprehended, and embodied). Participants in this study reexamine, reallocate, and reappropriate time and space as a result of their experience studying abroad. Notably, I explore the temporal aspects of study abroad to reflect the circumstances of participants’ lives. I also expand on spatiality as participants’ confrontation with social time shifts their conceptualizations of temporality. Through this, participants enact practices at odds with hegemonic constructs of ageism, nationalism, heteronormative experiences, and the neoliberal logic of time.
“Asian” Is a Problematic Category in Research and Practice: Insights From the Bamboo Ceiling
Authors: Lu Jackson G.
Published: October 2024

This article spotlights a widespread problem in research and practice: Asians are commonly categorized as a monolithic group in the United States. Regarding research, my 24-year archival analysis of Psychological Science shows that most U.S. studies did not specify which Asian subgroup(s) were examined. Regarding practice, my analysis of the diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) webpages and latest diversity reports of S&P 100 companies finds that none of them differentiated between Asian subgroups. Such use of the generic category “Asian” is problematic because it masks important differences among Asian subgroups: (a) Of all ethnic groups in the United States, socioeconomic inequality among Asian subgroups is the highest and fastest growing; (b) U.S. studies show that East Asians (e.g., ethnic Chinese)—but not South Asians (e.g., ethnic Indians)—experience a “bamboo ceiling” in consequential contexts, including leadership attainment, academic performance in law and business schools, and starting salaries. Thus, lumping Asians together can obscure the challenges faced by certain Asian subgroups and jeopardize the attention and resources they need. More broadly, this article demonstrates the importance of differentiating between ethnic subgroups in research (e.g., theorization, surveys, and data analysis) and practice (e.g., diversity reports) to foster DEI.
Accessibility of Digital Payments Methods and Challenges Faced by Users in Rural Areas of NCR:  A Thematic Map Analysis
Authors: Rana Ritu , Goel Shweta
Published: October 2024

Modern-day trade demands the settlement of massive payments. In the present scenario, no economy can be expected to sustain without the adoption of digital payment systems. The government is taking many initiatives to prepare India for a digital future. This article explains the digital payment techniques available to users and identifies the determinants responsible for the adoption of digital payment methods in rural areas. Further, we study the accessibility of various methods of digital payments by rural users and the challenges faced by them. By conducting a qualitative survey involving in-depth interviews with residents, we aimed to understand their experiences, preferences and barriers to adopting digital payments. This article is descriptive and uses a primary data collection method. Our findings shed light on the prevailing digital divide, including infrastructural, financial and educational constraints that hinder the full potential of digital payment systems in rural National Capital Region. This research underscores the need for targeted interventions and policy initiatives to enhance financial inclusion and bridge the digital gap in these communities.
Systematic Review of Literature on Agile Approach
Authors: Anifa Mansurali , Ramakrishnan Swamynathan , Kabiraj Sajal , Joghee Shanmugan
Published: October 2024

The agile approach is a timeboxing approach wherein the entire project is broken down into smaller tasks of user stories that iterate continuously to improve from feedback obtained frequently. Agile methodology in the right blend of its values and principles can be used in a dynamic environment to manage cross-functional teams for faster and effective decision-making. Flexibility is of prime importance in the agile approach which helps organizations to thrive in rapidly emerging market conditions. The timeliness and cost-effectiveness provided by the agile methodology give a competitive edge to the organizations employing it. Fast-evolving consumer trends and market needs were contrasted by lengthier project timelines of other traditional methodologies. This created the need for methods that provide faster outputs at their fullest potential for the organizations to retain their customers and position in the market which motivated this research. Yet, a huge research gap exists in the area concerning the development of agile methods. This article aimed to provide a deeper understanding of how agile can be used to solve the complexities of the current day market conditions along with its widespread applications in various industries through a systematic literature review of past research work. Further, this review also aims at explaining the impediments of adopting agile methodology in any sort of organization under any given circumstances. During the study, it was found that there were several definitions and frameworks of agile that have been proposed in different forms. This review has tried to provide a consolidated concept of the agile approach presented to date.
Societal and Structural Risks of Biometric ID: Towards People’s Right to Privacy
Authors: Wodajo Kebene
Published: October 2024

This article examines the societal and structural risks linked to digital ID programmes in Africa and the adequacy of regulatory and legislative responses that are in progress in this area. It unpacks the disjointedness between the societal and structural nature of the risks and the individualistic orientation of the right to privacy and data protection often presented as a response to such risks. To address these incongruities, the article argues for people’s right to privacy as a complementary layer of protection to mitigate the societal and structural risks associated with digital ID programmes. The account of people’s privacy proposed in this article draws on the people-centric African perspective on human rights as reflected in the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights (the Banjul Charter), African philosophy that is rooted in communality, scholarships in the area of group privacy, people-centric due diligence assessment, and the AU Data Policy Framework.
The Impact of Contextual Variables on Life Insurer Performance
Authors: Sinha Ram Pratap
Published: October 2024

The deregulation of Indian life insurance industry completed two decades, from 2000 to 2020. During the post-deregulation phase, competition in the insurance industry increased manifold. The regulatory environment also witnessed radical changes in this phase. Against this backdrop, the present study seeks to assess the impact of various idiosyncratic variables, economic growth, and competition on the efficiency performance of life insurance companies operating in India. Our study is based on observations relating to 22 life insurance companies doing business in Indian market and the period of observation is 2013–2014 to 2020–2021. For efficiency evaluation, we have applied the directional distance function approach. The observed life insurers have been ranked on the basis of their efficiency performance. Finally, the impact of several contextual variables (solvency ratio, asset size, insurer age, Hirschman-Herfindahl index, and gross domestic product [GDP] growth rate) on technical efficiency has been evaluated using panel data and Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression models. The results indicate that the role of asset size and GDP growth rate is crucial in determining life insurer performance.
Anti-inflammatory Effects and Toxicity Study of Chemically Characterized Extracts from Juniperus thurifera (L.) and Juniperus  phoenicea (L.)
Authors: Lafraxo Soufyane , Metouekel Amira , Amrati Fatima Ez-Zahra , Zouirech Otmane , Chelouati Tarik , Drioiche Aziz , Gaafar Abdel-Rhman Z. , Ibenmoussa Samir , Alsahli Abdulaziz Abdullah , Bourhia Mohammed , Moussaoui Abdelfattah El , Bari Amina
Published: October 2024

Background:

Moroccan traditional medicine utilizes Juniperus thurifera and Juniperus phoenicea to treat numerous ailments.

Purpose:

This research investigates the chemical composition, acute toxicity, and anti-inflammatory properties of J. thurifera (L.) and J. phoenicea (L.) hydroethanolic extracts.

Methods:

High-performance liquid chromatography with a diode array detector (HPLC-DAD) identified the chemical makeup of J. phoenicea and J. thurifera hydroethanolic extracts. We tested the acute toxicity of hydroethanolic extracts of J. thurifera (T) and J. phoenicea (P) leaves in Wistar rats by gastric gavage at doses of 300, 1,000, and 2,000 mg/kg. Wistar rats were injected with 1% carrageenan in the plantar fascia to assess anti-inflammatory activity.

Results:

Chemical investigation of the extracts revealed gallic acid, urocanic acid, linalool, ferulic acid, and mefenamic acid. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels did not significantly vary based on biochemical markers, including urea, creatinine (CR), AST, and ALT. Both extracts increased CR and urea, especially J. phoenicea, at 1,000 mg/kg. The hydroethanolic extracts of J. phoenicea (P) and J. thurifera (T) demonstrated 100% and 40% edema-inhibiting action at 6 h, respectively.

Conclusion:

The investigated extracts exhibited a strong anti-inflammatory effect. However, they may harm the kidneys, particularly J. phoenicea, which may explain why J. thurifera is overused.
Relationship Between the Provincial Competitiveness Index and Corporate R&D Investment in Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Thu Ha , Nguyen Truong Giang , Nguyen Cao Chuong
Published: October 2024

This study investigates how the quality of economic governance impacts corporate research and development (R&D) investment in Vietnam. We use the Provincial Competitiveness Index (PCI) to gauge economic governance quality. Our findings indicate that improved economic governance encourages firms to invest more in R&D. This conclusion remains consistent when using two different measures of R&D investment and employing propensity score matching to address the endogeneity issue. Moreover, the effect of the business environment on innovation is moderated by the size of the firm and the stock exchange on which it is listed. Our findings hold significance as governments in developing countries strive to boost firm innovation, a crucial driver of economic advancement.

JEL Classification H00, O10, O30
Bottled-Water Consumption and Disposal in Herat, Afghanistan
Authors: Tabar Seyed Ahmad Mir Mohamad , Ragusa Angela T. , Ramyar Sayed Jawad , Sohrabi Maryam
Published: October 2024

Poor water quality drives bottled-water consumption (BWC) in developing countries if affordable, while plastic-bottle disposal exacerbates global environmental problems. This article presents data on drinking-water attitudes, norms and behaviours of 380 residents randomly surveyed in Herat, Afghanistan. Structural equation modelling found attitudes and norms affected drinking-water and plastic-disposal behaviours. Regression models explained 60 % of future BWC-intention variance. Education, perceived behavioural control and household size positively affected BWC. Most believed BWC supports healthy lifestyles. Residents believed they could act pro-environmentally, yet threw away bottles, rather than recycling or reusing them, and thus endorsed BWC. Findings reveal that pro-environmental government policy, regulation and education are necessary to counter BWC advertising and overcome structural factors inhibiting safe and secure municipal drinking-water supply. Improved water governance and municipal infrastructure are urgently required to meet UN sustainability development goals to reduce infant mortality rates, improve waste and water supply management, and provide water security in Afghanistan.
Co-authorship Networks in Left-Behind Children Research in China: A Social Network Analysis
Authors: Luan Hui , Perron Brian E. , Zhang Yu
Published: October 2024

Purpose

This study investigates collaboration dynamics within Chinese left-behind children (LBC) research through co-authorship network analysis.

Method

Using Web of Science data from 2017 to 2023, the study maps a research network involving 886 authors and 1,944 links.

Results

The analysis reveals sparse collaboration and fragmented structure, predominantly featuring single-paper contributors. Notable institutions such as Zhejiang Normal University, Zhejiang University, and Anhui Medical University have emerged as pivotal hubs facilitating interdisciplinary LBC research. Their prominence is attributed to geographic proximity and institutional emphasis on LBC-related studies. This study identifies key authors and influential contributors, shedding light on knowledge dissemination.

Conclusions

The findings underscore the need for targeted support mechanisms for pivotal institutions and advocate for cross-cluster collaborations to enhance research cohesion and impact. Emphasizing the significance of fostering a dedicated LBC research community, the utility of social network analysis in revealing collaboration patterns, and informing strategic interventions in social work.
Participatory Surveillance and Candidacy: A Discourse Analysis of Views on Self-Testing for Proteinuria in Pregnancy
Authors: Jakubowski Bethany E. , Tucker Katherine L. , Lavallee Layla , Wilson Hannah , Mackillop Lucy , Chappell Lucy C. , McManus Richard J. , Hinton Lisa
Published: October 2024

Actively involving people in self-monitoring and management during their pregnancy is an emerging clinical and social practice. Self-monitoring of blood pressure and self-testing for proteinuria, key diagnostic tests for pre-eclampsia, are becoming commonplace in hypertensive pregnancies. While evidence exists on the acceptability and feasibility of self-monitoring blood pressure, evidence for self-testing for proteinuria in pregnancy is thin, with little knowledge of how it might affect the traditional structures of maternity care. As part of a diagnostic accuracy study on self-testing for proteinuria, pregnant people and healthcare professionals were recruited to a qualitative study to understand their experiences of, and attitudes to, self-testing. Multiple qualitative methods were used, including interviews, focus groups, and free text postcards. A discourse analysis was conducted to understand how self-testing might inform and reshape routine antenatal care. Analysis revealed a tension between the empowering concept of participatory surveillance, which pregnant people and healthcare professionals were broadly positive about, and the adjudications made by healthcare professionals about the candidacy, or suitability, of certain pregnant people to self-test. Candidacy is a framework for understanding what influences access to healthcare for socially disadvantaged groups, including professional judgments that impact access to interventions. While participatory surveillance was felt to have the potential to empower pregnant people in antenatal care, the loss of the traditional clinical gaze was disquieting for some, and pregnant people and healthcare professionals were reluctant to cede professional responsibility.
Indigenous Spirituality, Health, and Well-Being in the Young: Yarns With the Victorian Aboriginal Community
Authors: Vance Alasdair , McGaw Janet , Winther Jo , Eades Sandra
Published: October 2024

The extant literature has scant detail about everyday spiritual practices that aid Indigenous young people. This paper systematically explores Indigenous Spirituality, health, and well-being through Elder-governed yarns conducted via Zoom with 44 Aboriginal Elders, Healers, and Senior and Junior people involved in health and well-being of the Victorian Aboriginal community. These yarns were analyzed through an innovative, constructivist, multi-perspectival discursive grounded theory method. Key findings are that Spirituality is crucial for health and well-being, leading to a clear mind and at-peace “center” in a person. Aboriginal spiritual practices reflect the unique characteristics and essential rhythms of Country. Spiritual development is incremental and increases the obligations and responsibilities a person has to community and Country and leads to increased caring for Country. This paper provides rich detail about practical spiritual techniques to aid Indigenous young people and their kinship networks. It has the potential to shape future policy.
A Lesson in Effective Communication: An Interview With Dr. Gary Latham
Authors: Risavy Stephen D. , Latham Gary P.
Published: October 2024

This interview-based article addresses the question of how management educators can increase their effectiveness in communicating with their students. A challenge for management educators who are looking to bring their teaching and impact to the next level is that there is a voluminous literature regarding effective communication best practices. The current article focuses on what management educators should prioritize to better engage their students, communicate with their students, and disseminate their work beyond academia. To help management educators determine which of the many effective communication practices should be focused on, the current article presents an interview with someone who is among the most influential scientist–practitioners in the field of management, Gary Latham. We advocate for management educators to set a specific, challenging goal for improving their teaching performance, and to also implement one or more of the following recommendations to communicate memorably when teaching management education students: (1) using everyday, layperson rather than scientific language; (2) emphasizing the value of behavioral science theory for practice; (3) explaining the danger of ignoring conditional variables; and (4) capturing and keeping students’ attention by presenting surprising findings.
Surgical Correction of Secondary Bilateral Cleft lip and Nasal Deformities Using the Delaire-Precious Technique
Authors: Watanabe Akira , Suga Kenichiro , Doucet Jean-Charles , Yoshida Shuji , Narita Masato , Kanno Katsuya , Uchiyama Takeshi
Published: October 2024

Objective

This study aimed to determine the efficacy of the surgical correction of secondary bilateral cleft lip and nasal deformities using the Delaire-Precious technique for Asian patients with bilateral cleft lip +/- palate (BCL+/-P).

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Subjects

Thirty-six patients with BCL+/-P in Japan, the Philippines, and Vietnam underwent secondary lip correction using the Delaire-Precious technique by a single surgeon.

Methods

The critical concepts of this surgical technique are discussed and clarified. A patient/parent satisfaction survey was carried out to evaluate the usefulness of this technique.

Results

The Delaire-Precious technique improves Cupid's bow's symmetry and the central tubercule's volume. The scar tissue between lateral and medial philtrum incisions is excised. The orbicularis oris muscle is then reconstructed with a midline suture placed above the periosteum of the premaxilla. Most patients (90.9%) and all parents were at satisfied with the surgical result. The technique was highly satisfactory to patients and parents except at the level of scar correction.

Conclusion

The secondary bilateral cleft lip and nasal repair using the Delaire-Precious technique is an adaptable technique that can be applied to various ethnic groups. It was found to be a satisfactory technique for Asian patients with BCL+/-P.
Effectiveness of Adjuvant Chemo- and Radiotherapy in Thymic Carcinoma Stage II: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Nazzal Ahmad , Yayan Josef , Biancosino Christian , Tabatabaei Seyed Vahid , Hekmat Khosro
Published: October 2024

Background

Thymic carcinoma is a rare tumor arising from the epithelial thymic tissue, yet among mediastinal tumors, it is the most common malignant entity. Thymic carcinoma often causes no symptoms and is incidentally discovered. Adjuvant radiotherapy is recommended, particularly in cases of incomplete resection and for stages III and IV, based on current guidelines and existing literature. In stage II (Masaoka-Koga system), the role of chemotherapy remains controversial, particularly in cases of incomplete resection. Therefore, this study aims to assess the effectiveness of adjuvant chemotherapy compared to adjuvant radiotherapy in the treatment of stage II (Masaoka-Koga system) thymic carcinoma after surgery.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search was conducted in the Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and MEDLINE/PubMed databases for relevant studies published through April 30th, 2023.

Results

The review identified a total of 101 studies in the Embase, Cochrane Library, and MEDLINE/PubMed databases. Of these, only eight retrospective studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. These eight studies encompassed a total of 323 patients with stage II (Masaoka-Koga system) thymic carcinoma, with an average patient age of 53.8 ± 5.0 years. There was no significant difference in the number of R0 resections between patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy and those receiving adjuvant radiotherapy ( P = 0.82). Patients who received adjuvant radiotherapy had a higher rate of recurrence, but this difference was not statistically significant ( P = 0.93). The meta-analysis synthesized five-year overall survival data, with a combined hazard ratio (HR) of 0.881 (95% CI: 0.463 to 1.299), indicating no statistically significant difference between the treatment groups.

Conclusions

Although the results were not statistically significant, the findings suggest that adjuvant chemotherapy might be associated with a more favorable outcome for patients with stage II (Masaoka-Koga system) thymic carcinoma compared to adjuvant radiotherapy.
Short-time adaptive compact kernel distribution for fault diagnosis under variable working condition bearing
Authors: Huo Jiyuan , Yang Jianwei , Yao Dechen , Sun Runtao , Gao Cheng
Published: October 2024

Time-frequency distribution (TFD) methods are extensively employed in the diagnosis of bearings operating under variable working conditions. However, these methods often face high computational complexity, limited time-frequency resolution, and cross-terms. To address these issues, this paper presents a new approach called Short-Time Adaptive Compact Kernel Distribution (STACKD). Based on the characteristics of the vibration signals, we designed Chirp-modulated Gaussian Window and used them to segment the overall signal into small segments. Then, we used a two-step Bayesian optimization method to obtain adaptive compact kernel distributions (ACKD) for these small segments of the signal. Finally, we recombined the ACKD of these small segments into a global STACKD. Results from simulations and experiments demonstrate that STACKD offers improved robustness against interference signals, lower computational complexity, and higher time-frequency resolution without cross-term effects. This method is tailored for diagnosing rolling bearings under variable working conditions, providing enhanced visualization of diagnostic processes with superior time-frequency resolution.
Characterizing the Prevalence and Perpetrators of Documented Fatal Violence Against Black Transgender Women in the United States (2013–2021)
Authors: Halliwell Pamuela , Blumenthal Jill , Kennedy Rebecca , Lahn Lauren , Smith Laramie R.
Published: October 2024

The epidemic of fatal violence against Black transgender women in the United States requires immediate response. We conducted secondary analyses of public databases with 229 documented acts of fatal violence against transgender women; Black transgender women accounted for 78.6%. Significantly more Black transgender women were fatally shot by a gun ( p < .001) and killed younger ( p = .002) than non-Black transgender women. Perpetrators were identified in 54% of cases, among whom 75% were Black cisgender men. Most Black transgender women (64.6%) had romantic/sexual relationships with the perpetrator. Findings call for violence prevention responses that reduce Black transgender women's vulnerability to violence and engage Black cisgender men seeking intimate relationships with Black transgender women.
HDF5 in the exascale era: Delivering efficient and scalable parallel I/O for exascale applications
Authors: Scot Breitenfeld M , Tang Houjun , Zheng Huihuo , Henderson Jordan , Byna Suren
Published: October 2024

Accurately modeling real-world systems requires scientific applications at exascale to generate massive amounts of data and manage data storage efficiently. However, parallel input and output (I/O) faces challenges due to new application workflows and the state-of-the-art memory, interconnect, and storage architectures considered in exascale designs. The storage hierarchy has expanded with node-local persistent memory, solid-state storage, and traditional disk and tape-based storage, thus requiring efficiency at each layer and much more efficient data movement among these layers. This paper discusses how the ExaHDF5 project improved the I/O performance and data management for exascale architectures by enhancing HDF5, a widely used parallel I/O library. The team developed an Asynchronous I/O Virtual Object Layer (VOL) connector that allowed overlapping I/O with computation. They also created a Cache VOL to complement asynchronous I/O by incorporating fast storage layers, such as burst buffer and node-local storage, into the parallel I/O workflow through caching and staging data. Additionally, the team enabled data aggregation and I/O at the node level by using a Subfiling Virtual File Driver (VFD). To demonstrate superior I/O performance with HDF5 at exascale, the ExaHDF5 team collaborated with several exascale applications. In this paper, we show I/O performance improvements for three applications: Cabana (a particle-based simulation library), EQSIM (a regional earthquake simulation software), and E3SM (a climate system modeling library).
Efficacy of oral AB070597 for the management of chronic kidney disease in cats: a prospective, randomised, controlled parallel-group study
Authors: Tsunekawa Naoki , Sato Masahiko
Published: October 2024

Objectives

It has been reported that AB070597, which contains amino acids and peptides, may prevent the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in cats. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of AB070597 on CKD in International Renal Interest Society (IRIS) stage 2 or 3 cats compared with a placebo.

Methods

A prospective, randomised, controlled parallel-group study was conducted on 35 cats with CKD. The cats were randomly allocated to receive 300 mg of AB070597 or placebo for 180 days, and cats were re-examined every 30 days. Changes in the results were compared from baseline to endpoint in each group, and the efficacy of AB070597 in cats with CKD was assessed.

Results

A total of 35 cats met the inclusion criteria, of which 20 received AB070597 and 15 received a placebo. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (Cre) and phosphorus levels increased significantly in the placebo group at 180 days compared with those at baseline, 30 days and 60 days, whereas these values were not significantly changed in the AB070597 group during the study period. The IRIS stage was also stable in cats with AB070597 from the baseline to the end of the study, whereas the IRIS stage progressed from stage 2 to stage 3 in 26% of cats with placebo. Body weight did not change significantly in either group.

Conclusions and relevance

The administration of AB070597 in cats with CKD may be effective in preventing CKD progression.
Fundus autofluorescence after vitrectomy with ILM peeling and subfoveal injection in diabetic macular edema
Authors: Nawrocka Zofia , Nawrocki Jerzy
Published: October 2024

Purpose

To determine whether subretinal injections cause defects in the RPE that are visible on fundus autofluorescence (FAF).

Methods

This retrospective study analyzed twenty-six eyes after vitrectomy with ILM peeling and subretinal injection of balanced salt solution for diabetic macular edema (DME). FAF was performed before and 36 months after surgery. Four FAF patterns were distinguished: grade 1 -normal autofluorescence, grade 2 -one or more hyperautofluorescent spots, grade 3 -central increased autofluorescence, grade 4 -central decreased autofluorescence.

Results

Visual acuity improved from 0.18 to 0.26 Snellen ( p = 0.03). Retinal thickness decreased ( p = 0.01). The injection site would not be possible to spot on postoperative FAF without reviewing surgical videos. Grade 1 pattern was visible in 31% operated and 36% fellow eyes, Grade 2 pattern was observed in 11% operated and in 43% fellow eyes, Grade 3 pattern in 31% operated and in 14% fellow eyes and grade 4 pattern in 31% operated and in 14% fellow eyes.

Conclusion

No abnormal FAF patterns were observed at the subretinal injection sites. ILM peeling likely decreases the pressure required to perform the injection and protects the RPE from iatrogenic damage. Anomalous autofluorescence patterns are most likely associated with long-standing disease.
Combined Positive Score and Cisplatin Sensitivity Are Prognostic Factors for Response to Nivolumab Therapy for Recurrent Metastatic Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck
Authors: Iijima Hiroaki , Sakai Akihiro , Ebisumoto Koji , Ogura Go , Yamauchi Mayu , Teramura Takanobu , Yamazaki Aritomo , Watanabe Takane , Inagi Toshihide , Yanagiya Ryoko , Yamamoto Ai , Ashida Hiroshi , Ota Yoshiyuki , Sato Yurina , Kobayashi Naoya , Maki Daisuke , Nakamura Naoya , Okami Kenji
Published: October 2024

Background:

Recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (R/MHNSCC) is a challenging malignancy with a poor prognosis and limited treatment options. Nivolumab, an immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) targeting the programmed cell death/programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) pathway, has emerged as a promising therapy for these patients. However, identifying biomarkers predictive of response to nivolumab remains critical for optimizing treatment strategies. Previous studies have suggested that PD-L1 expression, as determined by the Combined Positive Score (CPS) and other clinical factors, may influence treatment outcome. This study aims to retrospectively examine whether CPS can be a biomarker by staining PD-L1 with 22 C3 antibody in R/MHNSCC patients treated with nivolumab.

Methods:

This retrospective study reviewed the medical records of R/MHNSCC patients treated with ICIs at Tokai University Hospital from April 2017 to December 2022. We examined the relationship between response rate to ICI therapy, PD-L1 staining, biomarkers, and survival. Statistical analyses included t-test, chi-square test, and Cox regression.

Results:

This study included 92 nivolumab-treated patients. Combined Positive Score was evaluable in 53 of these patients. Patients with a CPS of 15 or higher had better progression-free survival (PFS) ( P = .0171), with a median PFS) of 13 months. In the Various Definitions analysis, cisplatin-sensitive patients also had good PFS ( P = .0295). The cisplatin-sensitive patient population with a CPS of 15 or higher had the best PFS, with a median of 14 months ( P = .006). There was no significant difference in overall survival (OS) by CPS value. Immune-related adverse events did not affect OS or PFS.

Conclusions:

CPS ⩾ 15 and cisplatin sensitivity are promising prognostic markers for nivolumab therapy in R/MHNSCC. Considering these biomarkers in patient selection could maximize the therapeutic benefits of nivolumab. This finding may help to optimize ICI therapy strategies.
The composition, working parameters and measures for the brake wear reduction: A review
Authors: Stojanovic Nadica , Igrutinovic Smiljana , Belhocine Ali , Boskovic Bojana , Grujic Ivan
Published: October 2024

Brakes are one of the basic safety systems on a vehicle. During the operation of the vehicle, the brakes allow the vehicle to slow down, i.e., to adapt to traffic conditions or to stop, if necessary. However, in all conditions mentioned, emissions of brake wear products occur, which are very harmful to the environment because they can contain heavy metals. Working parameters of braking process are responsible for the intensity of brake wear, which can be tested in laboratory or road conditions, as well as by using modern software packages. This paper covers the basic theoretical assumptions about brake wear, as well as the materials applied in their production. The methodologies that other authors have come up with in their research are shown in this paper. Those methodologies are related to testing the brake wear, the parameters which are the most influential on wear, as well as the measures for the reduction of brake wear. The available scientific literature in the subject area lead us to the conclusion what should be taken into the consideration in future research and what factors are not thoroughly investigated, all with the aim of reducing the emission of brake wear.
Sustainability of health outcomes of patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus after completing 6 months of remote tele-monitoring: Two-year results from a randomised controlled trial (OPTIMUM)
Authors: Tan Ngiap Chuan , Tyagi Shilpa , Koh Yi Ling Eileen , Gong Pei Pei , Koh Gerald Choon Huat , Lee Cia Sin
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Meta-analysis shows that home tele-monitoring (HTM) improves glycaemic control in patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) up to 12 months, but their health outcomes after HTM cessation remains unclear. This study aimed to determine the health outcomes of these patients 18 months after completing 6 months of HTM, compared to standard care.

Methods

Patients with T2DM were enrolled in an open-labelled randomised controlled trial, aged 26 to 65 years, and suboptimal glycaemic control (HbA1c = 7.5%–10%). Patients in the intervention group ( n = 165) undertook HTM using the OPTIMUM (Optimising care of Patients via Telemedicine In Monitoring and aUgmenting their control of diabetes Mellitus) HTM system for 6 months followed by usual care for another 18 months, while control group ( n = 165) had usual care for 24 months. The OPTIMUM HTM system includes in-app video-based tele-education, tele-monitoring of the blood pressure (BP), capillary glucose and weight via Bluetooth devices and mobile applications, followed by algorithm-based telecare by the investigators. They were assessed using the Self-Care Inventory Scale (SCIR) and medication adherence (Medication Adherence Report Scale 5) at baseline, 6-month and 24-month time-points.

Results

The data from 146 (intervention) and 152 (control) patients, with comparable baseline demographic profiles were eventually analysed. The decrease in HbA1c over 24 months was comparable between intervention and control group. Those in the intervention group were more likely to maintain their glycemic control (HbA1c ≤ 8%) (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.9, 95%confidence interval (CI) = 1.1–3.2; p = 0.028), had higher SCIR score ( p = 0.004), and less likely to “never forget” ( p = 0.022), or “stop medications” ( p = 0.048), at 24-month time-point as compared to subjects in the control group.

Conclusion

The glycaemic control of patients with T2DM continued to be maintained for another 18 months after 6 months of HTM, which were attributed to sustained self-care behaviour and medication adherence.
Enhancing endometriosis care with telehealth: Opportunities and challenges
Authors: Perelmuter Sara , Shin Ja Hyun
Published: October 2024

Endometriosis affects a significant portion of women during their reproductive years, causing substantial pain and impacting their quality of life. Telehealth services have emerged as a promising avenue for enhancing endometriosis care, especially in the post-COVID-19 era. For endometriosis patients, who often require frequent appointments and specialized care, telehealth offers a convenient and accessible solution, particularly for addressing pain management and interdisciplinary concerns. Despite the challenges posed by the lack of physical examinations in telehealth, studies show that it can be a viable option for endometriosis care. Integrating telehealth with in-person visits for initial assessments can build trust and ensure comprehensive care delivery. Moreover, telehealth facilitates collaboration among multidisciplinary teams, including gynecologists, psychologists, and physiotherapists, to provide holistic treatment plans addressing physical, psychological, and interpersonal aspects of endometriosis. Here, we explore the potential benefits of telehealth in managing endometriosis, highlighting its role in providing comprehensive, multidisciplinary care while overcoming barriers like diagnostic delays and limited access to specialists. Further research and integration of telehealth into routine practice are warranted to maximize its benefits and address the complex challenges associated with endometriosis management.
18F-NaF uptake on vascular PET imaging in symptomatic versus asymptomatic atherosclerotic disease: A meta-analysis
Authors: Bhakta Shiv , Chowdhury Mohammed M , Tarkin Jason M , Rudd James HF , Warburton Elizabeth A , Evans Nicholas R
Published: October 2024

Introduction:

18F-sodium fluoride (NaF) positron-emission tomography (PET) is increasingly being used to measure microcalcification in atherosclerotic disease in vivo. Correlations have been drawn between sodium fluoride uptake and the presence of high-risk plaque features, as well as its association with clinical atherosclerotic sequelae. The aim of this study was to perform a meta-analysis of NaF uptake on PET imaging and its relation to symptomatic and asymptomatic disease.

Methods:

A systematic review was performed according to PRISMA guidelines, via searching the Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid Embase, Cochrane Library, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science Core Collection databases up to May 2024. The search strategy included the terms ‘NaF’, ‘PET’, and ‘plaque’, and all studies with data regarding the degree of microcalcification, as measured by 18F-NaF uptake in symptomatic and asymptomatic atherosclerotic plaques, were included. Analysis involved calculating mean differences between uptake values and comparison using a random-effects model.

Results:

A total of 16 articles, involving 423 participants, were included in the meta-analysis (10 carotid artery studies, five coronary artery studies, and one in peripheral vascular disease). Comparing 18F-NaF uptake in symptomatic versus asymptomatic atherosclerotic plaques, a mean difference of 0.43 (95% CI 0.29 to 0.57; p < 0.0001, I2 = 65%) was noted in studies comparing symptomatic and asymptomatic plaques in the same participant, with a significant difference in effect based on arterial territory studied (χ2 = 12.68, p = 0.0018). In studies of participants with and without symptomatic disease, there was no significant difference between symptomatic and asymptomatic plaques (mean difference 0.27, 95% CI −0.26 to 0.80, p = 0.28, I2 = 85%).

Conclusions:

PET imaging using 18F-NaF can detect differences in microcalcification between symptomatic and asymptomatic atherosclerotic plaques within, but not between, individuals, and thus, is a marker of symptomatic disease. The standardization of 18F-NaF PET imaging protocols, and its future use as a risk stratification tool or outcome measure, requires further study. (PROSPERO Registration ID: CRD42023451363)
A trust region algorithm for finite-strain plasticity with strongly coupled hardening
Authors: Areias P. , Silvestre N. , Zhuang X.
Published: October 2024

As extensions to our Lagrangian finite-strain plasticity framework based on the approximate exponential integrator, we introduce two new algorithms: (i) a fixed-radius trust region root finder for the nonlinear system involving the elastic right Cauchy Green tensor and plastic multiplier (ii) a partitioned approach for the hardening variables, which are determined in a staggered form using the strongly-coupled concept typically adopted for multiphysics problems. This allows the use of intricate hyperelastic laws combined with recent yield functions, which otherwise would involve a laborious treatment, and the use of corresponding work-hardening. Work-hardening would introduce significant nonlinearities in the constitutive system if used in a fully-coupled form. For the partitioned approach, a dynamic relaxation algorithm is adopted. This allows the efficient solution of the two nonlinear equations without significant drifting. Results show that robustness and efficiency are significantly improved. Herein, algorithms are described in detail. Significant testing is performed with imposed strains up to 100 for a carbon steel. This contributes to the robustness of equilibrium iterations. Drifting is also assessed as a function of number of steps in the dynamic relaxation algorithm. Numerical experimentation is performed in the 3D tension test for an anisotropic yield function.
Research With Young People Released From Youth Justice Detention in Australia: Ethical Tensions and Practical Limitations During a Pandemic
Authors: Ewenson Lisa
Published: October 2024

This article explores and reflects upon some of the ethical tensions and practical issues relevant to the author’s research which involved undertaking narrative inquiry with young people from Anglo-Saxon and Pacific Islander cultural backgrounds, and First Nations young people, all recently released from youth justice detention in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. Ethical tensions which arose while undertaking this research related to the impact of gatekeeper reliance, through minimising the likelihood of reprisals for young people engaging in the research, as well through practical and relational limitations exacerbated by the advent of Covid-19.
Temperature dependence of polymer-composites used as coatings on megayacht structures
Authors: Prodromou Maria , Dow Robert S
Published: October 2024

Failures associated with thick polymer-composite coatings used on large megayacht vessels is not examined properly and missing studies lead to legal cases with not much technical background to support them. There is a lack of understanding of the thermal effect on the mechanical properties of new thick polymer-composite coatings the megayacht structures are exposed to. This work’s objective is to present the effect of elevated and low temperatures on the quasi-static response of epoxy-based polymer-composites. The results show significant thermal dependence and differing mechanical response at low and high temperatures. The effect of thermal variation that the vessels are exposed to during operation are believed to add to the ageing of the coating, nevertheless the association to failure of the materials has not been fully established in previous studies. It has been shown that probability of failure is increased at low temperatures, where brittle cracking is more likely to occur. Failure strains of materials B and C decreased by a substantial amount of about 29% and 28% respectively at low temperatures, which is likely to be the most influencing factor to the coating failure. Some materials are affected in a greater or lesser effect by elevated temperatures but the low temperatures have shown to compromise their mechanical properties, likely, hence, to subsequently affect their fatigue performance and lifetime. A common observation for all materials was the increase in tensile strength at low temperatures. Material B presented the greater increase in strength of about 80% at low temperatures. With respect to failure strain values at high temperatures, material C presented the most significant increase at 50°C, with an increase of a factor of 7 compared to the ambient temperature result. The conclusions of the study are that reduction in failure strains and increase in stiffness are possible at low temperatures, which are likely to cause early failure or compromise the overall mechanical response of the materials.
Enhancing automated health monitoring of road infrastructure through a hierarchical robust deep learning approach
Authors: Deng Fuwen , Jin Jiandong , Chen Xiaobo , An Zhiyong , Du Yuchuan
Published: October 2024

The life-cycle monitoring of road health conditions is crucial for precise and automated maintenance of road infrastructure. Despite this importance, existing machine vision-based methods for identifying pavement distresses are constrained in their susceptibleness to interference from factors such as shadows. To bridge this gap, the article introduces a novel hierarchical pavement structure monitoring model, which significantly enhances the task’s performance. This proposed model integrates a de-shadowing module based on generative adversarial networks and an anchor-free instance segmentation model to provide pixel-level detection results, encompassing distress categories and morphological masks. A large-scale pavement image dataset was constructed, and a generative model was developed to expand pavement shadow samples. Experimental results show that the model achieved an average precision metric of 78.2%, surpassing existing baseline models. The effectiveness of the de-shadowing module was also validated through the significant improvements observed in various evaluation indicators. The proposed method demonstrates superior accuracy and robustness, holding promise for real-world road infrastructure monitoring systems.