bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lateral pelvic lymph node dissection (LPLND) in the treatment of rectal cancer: current practice and evolving approaches in India
Authors: Sharma Ankit , Manohkaran Subhathira , Saklani Avanish
Published: January 2025

Background

The introduction of total mesorectal excision improved locoregional control for rectal adenocarcinoma significantly. Standardisation of the technique of LPLND is lacking in literature.

Methods

We describe the current practices of case selection and technical details of lateral lymph node dissection in rectal cancer. We also describe the approach when post neo-adjuvant fibrosis renders standard resection unsafe.

Results

Careful case selection and standardisation of the lateral lymph node dissection technique is important to ensure an oncologically sound and surgically procedure . Step-by-step procedures of LPLND are described in this article, and a video is demonstrated.

Conclusions

Standardisation of the techniques of lateral lymph node dissection is essential. The procedure has a definite learning curve, requiring considerable expertise to avoid complications and achieve optimal outcomes.
Exploring novel immunotherapy in advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: Is targeting TIGIT an answer?
Authors: Chuang Chien-Huai , Guo Jhe-Cyuan , Kato Ken , Hsu Chih-Hung
Published: January 2025

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a prevalent and highly lethal malignancy in Asia. Recent advancements in immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have markedly transformed the systemic therapy landscape for ESCC. Anti-PD-1-based combination with chemotherapy or with ipilimumab, an anti-CTLA-4 antibody, have been established as the new standard first-line treatments for patients with advanced ESCC. Moreover, anti-PD-1 monotherapy has demonstrated improved efficacy and survival compared with second-line chemotherapy in previously treated patients with ESCC. Novel ICIs targeting other immune checkpoints also show potential for enhancing anticancer therapy in advanced ESCC.The TIGIT/PVR pathway represents a new immune checkpoint. Preclinical studies have indicated that the dual blockade of TIGIT and PD-1 can enhance antitumor immune responses. Clinical trials have reported that combining anti-TIGIT with anti-PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies elicited clinical responses in patients with advanced ESCC. In the first-line systemic therapy setting, combinations of dual ICIs targeting TIGIT and PD-1/PD-L1 plus platinum-based chemotherapy have demonstrated acceptable toxicity profiles and promising antitumor activity in several phase II trials and one phase III study. However, the role of adding an anti-TIGIT antibody to the current standard of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 plus platinum-based chemotherapy in first-line therapy for advanced ESCC remains to be fully determined, necessitating further clinical trials. Ongoing studies are also investigating the role of anti-TIGIT, with or without anti-PD-1/PD-L1, in locoregional ESCC. Additional research is essential to optimize the potential of anti-TIGIT therapy in ESCC and other malignancies by identifying predictive biomarkers, determining optimal antibody types, and gaining key mechanistic insights.
Charity Principles in Philosophical Argumentation
Authors: Shields R. A. J.
Published: January 2025

This essay explores what it is to be a principle of charity in philosophical argumentation. In it, I explore some principles of charity found in classic and contemporary literature and textbooks on logic and philosophy. I distinguish between what I will maximal and sub-maximal principles of charity. With this distinction, I taxonomize current principles of charity on offer according to their dialectical function as rules for argument interpretation and reconstruction in philosophical argumentation. Principles of charity, I argue, are best construed as pragmatic rules for argument interpretation in philosophical argumentation, not merely moral or ratio-epistemic rules. I defend this claim against some objections.
A second-order sequential optimality condition for nonlinear second-order cone programming problems
Authors: Fukuda Ellen H. , Okabe Kosuke
Published: January 2025

In the last two decades, the sequential optimality conditions, which do not require constraint qualifications and allow improvement on the convergence assumptions of algorithms, had been considered in the literature. It includes the work by Andreani et al. (IMA J Numer Anal 37:1902–1929, 2017), with a sequential optimality condition for nonlinear programming, that uses the second-order information of the problem. More recently, Fukuda et al. (Set-Valued Var Anal 31:15, 2023) analyzed the conditions that use second-order information, in particular for nonlinear second-order cone programming problems (SOCP). However, such optimality conditions were not defined explicitly. In this paper, we propose an explicit definition of approximate-Karush-Kuhn-Tucker 2 (AKKT2) and complementary-AKKT2 (CAKKT2) conditions for SOCPs. We prove that the proposed AKKT2/CAKKT2 conditions are satisfied at local optimal points of the SOCP without any constraint qualification. We also present two algorithms that are based on augmented Lagrangian and sequential quadratic programming methods and show their global convergence to points satisfying the proposed conditions.
Trust as a weapon of war: fighting corruption and corporate crime in Ukraine
Authors: Markovska Anna , Serdiuk Oleksii , Soldatenko Iryna
Published: January 2025

We explore the ways in which elite crimes impact the development of society, and specifically address the harmful impact of such activities on social trust. We single out the issue of corruption in Ukraine during the Russian war to analyse the ways in which political elites exploit social trust in emergency situations. Employing a critical criminological approach to crime and justice, we analyse the effect of anti-corruption reforms in Ukraine, paying particular attention to the issue of trust to consider how and why trust has been “weaponized” by war. The war has changed Ukrainian attitudes towards state authorities and engendered in them a remarkably high degree of trust. We hypothesise that this change is based more on emotion than on rationality. The understanding of how and why the political elite might use this trust in the future is important for the development of anti-corruption policy both in Ukraine and generally in Europe. We conclude that the weaponization of trust poses a number of risks to advancing anti-corruption efforts in Ukraine. Sustaining progress in this area, therefore, will require a careful navigation of competing wartime priorities.
“Respect and Suspect” – Perceptions and Experiences of Women in Recovery from a Substance Use Disorder of their Relationships with Men
Authors: Kelner Jenia , Kaufman Romi Gemer , Gavriel-Fried Belle
Published: January 2025

Women in recovery from substance use disorder (SUD) face multiple, specific challenges. Establishing healthy and close relationships can contribute to women’s mental health and enhance their recovery. Unhealthy relationships with men are a key factor in women’s onset of drug use, relapse, and attempts to recover from a SUD. Given their frequent personal history of sexual trauma, violence, and abuse caused by men, women recovering from SUD need to cope with multiple relational issues. This study explored the perceptions and experiences of women in recovery from SUD as regards their relationships with men. Fourteen women treated in women-only residential programs for SUD were interviewed using a qualitative-naturalistic approach. Inductive content analysis identified four categories: (1) From disgust and mistrust to attraction to boys and men in the context of abuse, (2) Exploitative relationships: use and be used, (3) The absent predator: justifications for the absence of men in women-only residential treatment program, and (4) Old patterns alongside new insights into recovery. These categories were contextualized conceptually in terms of the dialectic between “Respect and Suspect”. The findings, as interpreted through the lens of Relational Agency theory, highlight changes in power dynamics within relationships over the course of recovery. Clinical social workers should be aware of the multifaceted nature of attitudes towards relationships with men in women with SUD, to better help these women establish healthier, more secure relationships as a part of their recovery.
White shark optimizer via support vector machine for video-based gender classification system
Authors: Oyediran Mayowa Oyedepo , Ajagbe Sunday Adeola , Ojo Olufemi Samuel , Alshahrani Reem , Awodoye Olufemi O. , Adigun Matthew O.
Published: January 2025

Gender identification from videos is a challenging task with significant real-world applications, such as video content analysis and social behavior research. In this study, we propose a novel approach, the White Shark Optimizer-Support Vector Machine (WSO-SVM), tailored specifically for gender identification from video data. The WSO-SVM integrates the White Shark Optimizer, a bio-inspired optimization algorithm mimicking the hunting behavior of white sharks, with the Support Vector Machine, a powerful machine learning technique for classification. By combining these two methods, we aim to exploit the advantages of both algorithms and enhance gender identification accuracy. To evaluate the performance of the WSO-SVM in gender identification, the work conducted extensive experiments using a diverse dataset of video clips containing individuals of various genders and backgrounds. The work compared the results with conventional SVM-based gender identification and state-of-the-art methods. The findings demonstrate that the WSO-SVM achieves superior accuracy in gender identification compared to traditional SVM-based approaches. The WSO-SVM's ability to efficiently explore the solution space and select optimal SVM parameters contributes to its improved performance. Moreover, the WSO-SVM exhibits robustness in handling variations in lighting conditions, poses, and facial expressions, making it well-suited for real-world video-based gender identification tasks. The outcomes derived from the SVM approach demonstrate that WSO-SVM produced an average FPR of 7.14%, Sensitivity of 93.06%, Specificity of 92.86%, Precision of 91.0%, and overall accuracy of 93.00% in 45.83 s with a recognition time of 45.83 s.
Effects of neighbouring vegetation on planted indigenous tree establishment in modified environments: a New Zealand case study
Authors: Rolando Carol A. , Richardson Brian , Elleouet Joane , Henry John , Paul Thomas , Firm Dejan
Published: January 2025

Large-scale tree planting with indigenous trees is one approach to combatting climate change and environmental degradation. However, a significant challenge with establishing planted indigenous forests at scale, particularly in New Zealand, is that our knowledge and capacity to achieve this in highly modified environments, covered by invasive species, is relatively poor. The purpose of our study was to quantify the survival and growth of five indigenous tree species (three gymnosperms, two angiosperms) planted either on their own (weed-free) or in association with an indigenous (Leptospermum scoparium J.R. Forst) or exotic (Cytisus scoparius (L.) Link) shrub species. We monitored survival and growth following planting for 2.5 years. Results showed that survival for the gymnosperms was > 90% for all treatments. In contrast, survival of the two angiosperms was poor, and, in general, not significantly related to the presence or absence of neighbouring vegetation. The response to vegetation management for tree height was similar across all species: weed-free treatment > L. scoparium treatment > C. scoparius treatment. Diameter growth was also highest for all tree species in the weed-free treatment, compared to the two other vegetation management treatments, but the extent of the increase varied by tree species. We found no direct evidence for neighbouring vegetation facilitating early survival and growth of the five indigenous tree species tested at our study site. However, the outcomes require testing at scale and across environments to underpin future forest restoration efforts.
Improving postsurgical paresis in brain tumor patients by transcranial magnetic stimulation
Authors: Rosenstock Tizian , Picht Thomas , Engelhardt Melina , Grittner Ulrike , Mönch Maximilian , Vajkoczy Peter , Lavrador José Pedro , Mirallave-Pescador Ana , Vergani Francesco , Schwendner Maximilian , Schroeder Axel , Kram Leonie , Zhang Haosu , Prabhu Sujit , Prinsloo Sarah , Meyer Bernhard , Ille Sebastian , Krieg Sandro M.
Published: January 2025

Background and objectives

Recently, reduction of transcallosal inhibition by contralateral navigated repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (nrTMS) improved neurorehabilitation of glioma patients with new postoperative paresis. This multicentric study examines the effect of postoperative nrTMS in brain tumor patients to treat surgery-related upper extremity paresis.

Methods

This is a secondary analysis of two randomized and three one-arm studies in brain tumor patients with new/progressive postoperative paresis. Patients underwent either low frequency contralesional nrTMS or sham stimulation followed by physiotherapy. Outcome was assessed on postoperative day 1, 7, and after 3 months using British Medical Research Council score (BMRC), Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA), Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS) and National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS).

Results

A total of 135 patients (mean age of 53.8 years, 60 women) were included, of whom 51 patients were treated in RCTs (30 treatment group, 21 sham group) and 84 in prospective, single-arm studies. Linear mixed models showed an advantage for the treatment group for the BMRC (7 days: OR 3.28; 95%CI: 1.08–9.99; 3 months: OR 2.03, 95%CI: 0.65–6.39) and KPS (7 days: mean difference (MD) 11, 95%CI: 2–19; 3 months: MD 11, 95%CI: 2–20), less pronounced for the FMA (7 days: MD 0.28, 95%CI: -0.34-0.9; 3 months: MD 0.14, 95%CI: -0.52-0.81). A stronger treatment effect was evident with proven ischemia on the postoperative MRI. To observe an improvement by at least one grade at 3 months, the number needed to treat (NNT) for the entire cohort is 4 (BMRC) and 3 patients (KPS), respectively.

Conclusion

Our multicenter data confirm the positive treatment effect of nrTMS to reduce transcallosal inhibition with a considerably low NNT - especially if caused by ischemia.
Continuation of periodic orbits in conservative hybrid dynamical systems and its application to mechanical systems with impulsive dynamics
Authors: Raff Maximilian , Remy C. David
Published: January 2025

In autonomous differential equations where a single first integral is present, periodic orbits are well-known to belong to one-parameter families, parameterized by the first integral’s values.This paper shows that this characteristic extends to a broader class of conservative hybrid dynamical systems (cHDSs).We study periodic orbits of a cHDS, introducing the concept of a hybrid first integral to characterize conservation in these systems. Additionally, our work presents a methodology that utilizes numerical continuation methods to generate these periodic orbits, building upon the concept of normal periodic orbits introduced by Sepulchre and MacKay (1997). We specifically compare state-based and time-based implementations of an cHDS as an important application detail in generating periodic orbits. Furthermore, we showcase the continuation process using exemplary conservative mechanical systems with impulsive dynamics.
The Perron Method Associated with Finely p-harmonic Functions on Finely Open Sets
Authors: Björn Anders , Björn Jana , Latvala Visa
Published: January 2025

Given a bounded finely open set V and a function f on the fine boundary of V, we introduce four types of upper Perron solutions to the nonlinear Dirichlet problem for p-energy minimizers,

$$1<p<\infty $$

1
<
p
<
∞

, with f as boundary data. These solutions are given as pointwise infima of suitable families of fine p-superminimizers in V. We show (under natural assumptions) that the four upper Perron solutions are equal quasieverywhere and that they are fine p-minimizers of the p-energy integral. We moreover show that the upper and the lower Perron solutions coincide quasieverywhere for Sobolev and for uniformly continuous boundary data, i.e. that such boundary data are resolutive. For the uniformly continuous boundary data, the Perron solutions are also shown to be finely continuous and thus finely p-harmonic. We prove our results in a complete metric space X equipped with a doubling measure supporting a p-Poincaré inequality, but they are new also in unweighted

$$\textbf{R}^n$$

R
n

.
Making Argumentation-Based Learning and Teaching Happen: Exploring the Development of Pre-Service Science Teachers’ Argumentation Competencies
Authors: Altun Ebru , Ozsevgec Tuncay
Published: January 2025

It is essential for pre-service science teachers to have knowledge and skills about argumentation, which has a central role in science education, to be able to create learning environments based on argumentation, to gain written and oral argumentation competencies, and to equip students with these competencies. In this regard, this study aims to improve the argumentation competencies of pre-service science teachers, and it consists of two interrelated phases. In the first phase, pre-service science teachers participated in a 10-session instructional module on argumentation. In this process, the improvement of the pre-service teachers’ argumentation competencies was examined. In the second phase, the transfer of argumentation competencies gained by the pre-service teachers in the first phase to their learning environments was assessed. The result of the study indicated that the pre-service science teachers’ written and oral argumentation competencies were improved, they preferred to use certain argumentation schemes (causal argumentation schemes, argument from consequences, argument from examples, and argument from classification) when constructing their arguments, they employed some argumentation schemes as alternatives to each other according to their standpoints, and they chose to present their standpoints by using multiple argumentation schemes. The study also determined that the participants were able to transfer the knowledge and skills they gained during the instructional module process to real learning environments, became more confident in using different pedagogical strategies as they gained experience, and were successful in creating argumentation-based learning environments.
Fecal carriage of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli in South American camelids and biosecurity practices among farms in northern Italy
Authors: Pavesi Laura Filippone , Rapi Maria Cristina , Penati Martina , Musa Laura , Santandrea Federica , Ferrulli Vincenzo , Martucci Ilaria , Boccardo Antonio , Grilli Guido , Addis Maria Filippa , Bronzo Valerio
Published: January 2025

South American camelids (SACs), particularly llamas (Lama glama) and alpacas (Vicugna pacos) are gaining popularity in Europe. Initially valued for their fiber and land management capabilities, these animals are now also kept for animal therapy, outdoor activities, and as companion animals. Despite their close interactions with humans and other animals, there is limited research on the transmission of microbes or antimicrobial resistance genes from SACs. This study aimed to survey the fecal carriage of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase ESBL-producing Escherichia coli (ESBL- E. coli) in SACs. A questionnaire was administered on-site to the farmers to survey management and biosecurity measures. Twelve farms from northern Italy (Lombardy, Piedmont, Veneto, and Emilia-Romagna) participated in the study. Fecal samples were analyzed to identify ESBL- E. coli and subjected to bacteriological culture on CHROMagar™ ESBL plates. Isolate identification was accomplished by MALDI-TOF MS, then subjected to the double-disk synergy test (DDST) and examined for 3 ESBL-encoding genes (bla
CTX−M, bla
TEM, bla
SHV) via PCR analysis. A total of 125 SACs (19 llamas and 106 alpacas) were included. Four (3.2%) of these animals were positive for ESBL- E. coli. Two isolates carried the bla
CTX−M gene; one had both bla
CTX−M and bla
TEM, and one was negative for all ESBL-encoding genes. Furthermore, none of the ESBL- E. coli isolates tested positive for the bla
SHV gene. Several data from our questionnaire revealed a lack of biosecurity protocols, which aligns with other studies. The prevalence of ESBL-producing bacteria identified in this study was lower than in different other studies. Despite the low biosecurity levels observed on the SAC farms, our findings showed a low occurrence of ESBL- E. coli and a low carriage rate of multidrug-resistant (MDR) ESBL- E. coli.
Exploring the diversity of culturable fungi on corpses for forensic applications
Authors: Piepenbring Meike , Baschien Christiane , Hoffmann Luisa , Olesiuk Martyna , Gehrels Doreen , Amendt Jens
Published: January 2025

Fungi form part of saprotrophic communities that are responsible for the decomposition of carrion and corpses. While necrophagous insects are known in detail and can be therefore used for forensic investigation, information provided by fungi is rarely used in forensic investigations. By the present study, we further our understanding of fungal diversity on corpses in order to make fungi useful for forensic investigation. We sampled macroscopically visible microfungi on 36 corpses at the place of discovery or at the Institute of Legal Medicine in Frankfurt am Main. Forty-seven strains of fungi were isolated, cultivated, and identified based on morphological characteristics and molecular barcoding. Together with records of fungi on corpses found in literature, this information is compiled in a checklist which contains 306 records and context information on 104 species of fungi. By our investigation, 17 species of fungi have been detected for corpses for the first time. Information on localities and the decomposition stages of the corpses is compared to characteristics of fungal species as known by literature. Many fungal species use a broad spectrum of substrates in diverse habitats, but some indicate special circumstances concerning the habitat, humidity, and temperature. The degree of decomposition of the corpses significantly correlates negatively with the value of water activity for optimal growth of individual fungal species. The checklist is a first step for the documentation of the diversity of culturable fungi on corpses, but it is still very incomplete. More records of microfungi on corpses are required, and more detailed information on characteristics of individual fungal species is needed in order to interpret and use the occurrence of fungi for criminal investigation.
Contested adaptation futures: the role of global imaginaries in climate adaptation governance
Authors: Kanarp G. C. S. , Böhm Steffen , Löf Annette
Published: January 2025

Despite increasing recognition of climate risks, there is a lack of adequate adaptation responses, which we argue is partly due to how governance actors imagine the future. In this article, we contend that ‘imaginaries’—collective visions of desirable futures—shape governance regimes and their approaches to climate adaptation. This framework allows us to explore the various goals and political dynamics integral to climate adaptation governance, revealing the processes through which desired futures are constructed, promulgated, and contested. Using an abductive, qualitative content analysis method, we study academic and grey literature to map and understand globally-influential climate adaptation imaginaries. We identify six distinct imaginaries: Eco-Modern State, Just Adaptation, Promethean (Green) Growth, High-Tech Society, Human Stewardship, and Knowledge Society. These adaptation imaginaries, rooted in deep-seated ethical and ontological beliefs, each present a unique vision of the future, complete with preferred adaptation strategies and key stakeholders. We contribute to the literature by showing how the globally dominant climate adaptation imaginaries reproduce existing power relations and business-as-usual approaches. Our analysis thereby provides political impetus for questioning business-as-usual approaches to climate change, enabling us to go beyond taken-for-granted assumptions of what future societies and economies might look like, and critically examining the interplay between different sociopolitical actors in adaptation governance.
Community prevalence of blood-borne viruses (hepatitis B and HIV) in Ireland
Authors: McCormick P. Aiden , O’Grady Marie , Holder Paul , De Gascun Cillian F. , Lambert John S. , Crosbie Orla , McKiernan Susan , Skelly Maeve , Courtney Garry , Hennessy Brian , Walsh Kevin , Twohig Roisin , Browne Kate , O’Gorman Tessa , Crowley Vivion , Costelloe Seán J. , O’Byrne Roz , Gildea Orla , Montgomery Noreen
Published: January 2025

Background

Chronic infection with hepatitis B virus and HIV causes significant morbidity and mortality. Effective antiviral treatment is available for both. Ireland has historically been considered a low prevalence country. However, with increasing inward migration and diversity, this may be changing.

Aims

The aim of this study was to measure the community prevalence of hepatitis B virus and HIV infections in Irish residents born between the years 1965 and 1985.

Methods

Anonymised residual serum samples from blood tests ordered by community general practitioners and tested in eight general hospital laboratories, spread across Ireland, were analysed for the presence of Hepatitis B surface antigen and antibodies to HIV.

Results

A total of 6080 samples were analysed for hepatitis B surface antigen including 2993 males, 2807 females and 280 samples for which gender was not recorded. HBsAg was detected in 28/6067 samples giving an estimated prevalence of 0.46% (95% CI 0.32–0.67%). Antibodies to HIV were identified in 18/6064 giving an estimated prevalence of 0.33% (95% CI 0.19–0.47%). The prevalence of both hepatitis B and HIV was significantly higher in Cork (Southwest Ireland) than other centres: hepatitis B (12/1050 vs 16/5017, p = 0.014) and HIV (11/1049 vs 7/5015, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The prevalence of hepatitis B virus and HIV infections in this cohort appear to be higher than previously estimated. In addition, their prevalence in the Cork area appears particularly high. Whether this represents a true prevalence or a chance finding will require confirmatory studies.
Mathematical creativity in modelling: further development of the construct, its measurement, and its empirical implementation
Authors: Lu Xiaoli , Kaiser Gabriele , Zhu Yan , Ma Huimin , Yan Yuan
Published: January 2025

Although considerable research has been conducted on mathematical modelling and mathematical creativity separately, relatively few studies have explored their intersection. This study builds on the framework established by Lu and Kaiser to conceptualise creativity in mathematical modelling. In the paper an elaborated model of creativity that is unique to mathematical modelling is presented and appropriate assessment methods are developed. Creativity is redefined in this context and a new method for measuring it is proposed. The method extends the previously identified elements of creativity for mathematical modelling and includes an empirical test to assess creativity in mathematical modelling. In the study 141 pre-service mathematics teachers from two types of teacher education institutes in China were assessed on their creativity performance in mathematical modelling using the newly developed scoring system. Statistical analysis revealed significant findings: preservice mathematics teachers showed different levels of creativity in different modelling tasks, and significant differences in creativity were observed between the groups from two different institutes. These findings enrich the understanding of how creativity manifests itself in mathematical modelling. They also highlight the importance of developing pedagogical strategies to foster and assess creative competencies in future mathematics teachers.
A Review of Leveraging Artificial Intelligence to Predict Persistent Postoperative Opioid Use and Opioid Use Disorder and its Ethical Considerations
Authors: Gabriel Rodney A. , Park Brian H. , Hsu Chun-Nan , Macias Alvaro A.
Published: January 2025

Purpose of Review

Artificial intelligence (AI) offers a new frontier for aiding in the management of both acute and chronic pain, which may potentially transform opioid prescribing practices and addiction prevention strategies. In this review paper, not only do we discuss some of the current literature around predicting various opioid-related outcomes, but we also briefly point out the next steps to improve trustworthiness of these AI models prior to real-time use in clinical workflow.

Recent Findings

Machine learning-based predictive models for identifying risk for persistent postoperative opioid use have been reported for spine surgery, knee arthroplasty, hip arthroplasty, arthroscopic joint surgery, outpatient surgery, and mixed surgical populations. Several machine learning-based models have been described to predict an individual’s propensity for opioid use disorder and opioid overdose. Natural language processing and large language model approaches have been described to detect opioid use disorder and persistent postsurgical opioid use from clinical notes.

AI holds significant promise in enhancing the management of acute and chronic opioids, which may offer tools to help optimize dosing, predict addiction risks, and personalize pain management strategies. By harnessing the power of AI, healthcare providers can potentially improve patient outcomes, reduce the burden of opioid addiction, and contribute to solving the opioid crisis.
Deep Learning Enabled Scoring of Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors Based on Cancer Infiltration Patterns
Authors: Koc Soner , Eren Ozgur Can , Esmer Rohat , Kasapoglu Fatma Ulkem , Saka Burcu , Taskin Orhun Cig , Bagci Pelin , Adsay Nazmi Volkan , Gunduz-Demir Cigdem
Published: January 2025

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PanNETs) are a heterogeneous group of neoplasms that include tumors with different histomorphologic characteristics that can be correlated to sub-categories with different prognoses. In addition to the WHO grading scheme based on tumor proliferative activity, a new parameter based on the scoring of infiltration patterns at the interface of tumor and non-neoplastic parenchyma (tumor-NNP interface) has recently been proposed for PanNET categorization. Despite the known correlations, these categorizations can still be problematic due to the need for human judgment, which may involve intra- and inter-observer variability. Although there is a great need for automated systems working on quantitative metrics to reduce observer variability, there are no such systems for PanNET categorization. Addressing this gap, this study presents a computational pipeline that uses deep learning models to automatically categorize PanNETs for the first time. This pipeline proposes to quantitatively characterize PanNETs by constructing entity-graphs on the cells, and to learn the PanNET categorization using a graph neural network (GNN) trained on these graphs. Different than the previous studies, the proposed model integrates pathology domain knowledge into the GNN construction and training for the purpose of a deeper utilization of the tumor microenvironment and its architectural changes for PanNET categorization. We tested our model on 105 HE stained whole slide images of PanNET tissues. The experiments revealed that this domain knowledge integrated pipeline led to a 76.70% test set F1-score, resulting in significant improvements over its counterparts.
Reflecting on Departure Among Irregular Transit Migrants in Europe
Authors: Jochim Vojtěch , Macková Lucie
Published: January 2025

This article discusses pre-migration resources mobilisation in the framework of aspirations and capabilities. Drawing on qualitative semi-structured interviews with 27 irregular transit migrants in the Eastern Mediterranean and Western Balkan route, it attempts to shed light on various resources that migrants need for their journeys. Among them are tangible and intangible resources and social capital. All of them are important but can, to an extent, be replaced by other resources. The resources for migrant preparation were mainly described in the context of regular migration or return migration. At the same time, the impact of border regimes and other restrictions make migrants re-consider their plans en route as they need to amass their resources multiple times and resume their journeys. Therefore, we examine the processes used to increase capabilities both before leaving and on the way.
Assessing the Intellectual Capital of Value Creation Process of Commercial Banks in the European Union
Authors: Rong Chen , Sial Muhammad Safdar , Álvarez-Otero Susana , Jo Hoje
Published: January 2025

This study examines the impact of intellectual capital on the overall value of commercial banks within the European Union (EU). The research aims to identify how these banks can evaluate and enhance their intellectual capital to improve operational performance. The study employs the value-added intellectual coefficient (VAIC) model to measure the efficiency of three types of capital: structural capital (SC), which is the value added by the company minus human capital; employed physical and financial capital (CE), representing the total financial capital available to the company; and human capital (HC), calculated based on employee costs. Data were sourced from the BankScope database, comprising published financial reports of 599 commercial banks. Control variables included loan quality, fund utilization ratio, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The research identifies a significant positive correlation between financial capital, human capital, and the value-added function of banks. These findings suggest that financial and human capital are critical determinants of value addition in commercial banks within the EU. This study uniquely focuses on the intellectual capital performance of EU-based banks. To the best of our knowledge, such a comprehensive analysis on this subject within the context of EU banks has not been previously conducted.
Relational Symmetries of Disaster Resilience Explored Through the Sendai Framework’s Guiding Principles
Authors: Davis Belinda Jane , Reid Alan
Published: January 2025

The Mid-Term Review of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030 (SFDRR) recognizes the “interconnections and interdependencies” of disaster resilience. Conceptual and empirical research suggests that the field currently lacks innovative methodologies to enhance associated policy and practice that actively harnesses these relational dimensions. To help address these gaps, we apply Paul Ricœur’s concept of being in the world (“Oneself as Another”) to explore what a relationally-focused understanding might offer for the operationalization of the SFDRR’s 13 Guiding Principles. Our article outlines discursive, concrete, and practical benefits when relational approaches are fostered, including: (1) addressing shortcomings of structuralist, instrumentalist, and rationalist approaches; and (2) achieving more cohesive, ethical, and meaningful disaster resilience outcomes. Our analysis also reveals the particular risks of continuing to focus on the structural organizing of the constituent elements of the SFDRR’s disaster resilience policy and practice instead of attending to relational dimensions and processes. These risks include limiting ourselves to an instrumentally-driven, disconnected discourse and narrative of responses to disaster that favor the Self gaining resilience “through” Another. Thus, the alternative we illustrate, and advocate for, is a relational style of building resilience through prioritizing a robust sense of Oneself “with” Another. It is through this sense of “with” that can enable a shift from asymmetrical to symmetrical forms of policy and practice for future disaster resilience.
Aspartic acid functionalized magnetic nanoparticles for enhanced internalization in tumoral cell
Authors: Motelica Ludmila , Voicu Geanina , Chircov Cristina , Surdu Adrian Vasile , Trusca Roxana Doina , Vasile Bogdan Stefan , Ficai Denisa , Oprea Ovidiu Cristian , Marta Daciana Silvia , Peteu Victor-Eduard , Anghelache Maria , Ficai Anton , Calin Manuela
Published: January 2025

The antitumoral activity, and in general, the biological activity is strongly altered by the low uptake of the active agents within the targeted cells. Therefore, lots of efforts have been made to ensure better cellular uptake by using specific carriers. In the present research we have obtained magnetic nanoparticles stabilized by polyethylene glycol (PEG) coating, and functionalized with aspartic acid, which is an important amino acid for protein synthesis and energy production in the body. Such decorated nanoparticles can be internalized by the tumoral cell due to their higher metabolic rate. The nanoparticles were used as a delivery system for antitumoral drugs as cisplatin, carboplatin or irinotecan in a Trojan Horse strategy. Based on the obtained results, it was found that aspartic acid can improve the internalization efficiency of the magnetic carriers after being loaded with antitumoral agents. The nanoparticles are quite stable, can reach and enter the mitochondria and organize around lipid vesicles in quite a high concentration, best results being obtained for the system loaded with cisplatin starting from 0.1 mg/mL.
Electrochemical polymerization of o-phenylenediamine in the presence of metal salts: influence of Cu(NO3)2 and AgNO3 on spectroelectrochemical properties and morphology
Authors: Onat Fatih Ekrem , Akıllı Aleyna , Kamış Handan
Published: January 2025

In this study, the effects of adding Cu(NO3)2 and AgNO3 metal salts to the polymerization medium on the electrochemical and spectroelectrochemical properties of poly(o-phenylenediamine) (PoPD) were investigated. It was observed that the presence of Cu(NO3)2 or AgNO3 during polymerization increased the rate of current peak growth, indicating an acceleration of the polymerization process in the presence of metal ions. The cyclic voltammetry responses of the metal/polymer composites differed significantly from those of the pure polymer, confirming the formation of metal/polymer composites. FTIR and UV–vis absorption spectra were analyzed to explore the chemical structure of PoPD, PoPD/Cu, and PoPD/Ag polymer films. SEM and AFM analyses revealed distinct morphological differences between the polymer synthesized in the presence of metal salts and the pure polymer. Spectroelectrochemical analyses demonstrated that the polymer films exhibited reversible color changes from light copper to green, with distinct optical intensities in the UV–vis spectra. The absorbance and current values changed reversibly with the applied potential, with response times of approximately 10 s. Colorimetric analysis based on the CIE system showed unique variations in brightness (L), magnitude (a), and intensity (b) for PoPD, PoPD/Ag, and PoPD/Cu, confirming distinct colorimetric shifts during redox transitions. This study highlights the impact of Cu and Ag salts on the spectroelectrochemical and electrochromic performance of PoPD, revealing potential applications for PoPD composites in advanced electrochromic devices.
Bringing to Life the Qualities of a Meaningful Transformative Education
Authors: Glackin Melissa , Greer Kate
Published: January 2025

This paper shares a heuristic to support thinking about meaningful transformative education within the context of the contemporary environmental and social crisis. We describe the context of this work and explore the epistemological foundations for this model, which has been evolving and guiding our research and teaching and which underpins the six qualities of meaningful transformative education. The qualities are being open to alternative visions of the future and alternative approaches to education, accepting and embracing complexity, incorporating multiple types of knowledge, reorienting towards justice, developing ecological worldviews and supporting students to bring about systemic change. We also present a series of illustrative vignettes, informed by real-world practices of schools in England, which bring these qualities to life. The vignettes and subsequent discussion highlight possibilities and challenges for enacting a meaningful transformative education in schools.
Global complexities and challenges in the restoration of hypersaline coastal wetlands
Authors: Armitage Anna R. , Dittmann Sabine , Jones Alice R. , Kelleway Jeffrey J. , Madikizela Bonani , O’Connor Jody , Porri Francesca , Rogers Kerrylee , Waycott Michelle , Whitcraft Christine , Adams Janine B.
Published: January 2025

Wetlands in hypersaline environments are especially vulnerable to loss and degradation, as increasing coastal urbanization and climate change rapidly exacerbate freshwater supply stressors. Hypersaline wetlands pose unique management challenges that require innovative restoration perspectives and approaches that consider complex local and regional socioecological dynamics. In part, this challenge stems from multiple co-occurring stressors and anthropogenic alterations, including estuary mouth closure and freshwater diversions at the catchment scale. In this article, we discuss challenges and opportunities in the restoration of hypersaline coastal wetland systems, including management of freshwater inflow, shoreline modification, the occurrence of concurrent or sequential stressors, and the knowledge and values of stakeholders and Indigenous peoples. Areas needing additional research and integration into practice are described, and paths forward in adaptive management are discussed. There is a broad need for actionable research on adaptively managing hypersaline wetlands, where outputs will enhance the sustainability and effectiveness of future restoration efforts. Applying a collaborative approach that integrates best practices across a diversity of socio-ecological settings will have global benefits for the effective management of hypersaline coastal wetlands.
The “Unusual” Suspect—Race, Class, and Crime: A Critical Discourse Case Study of Nova Scotia’s Mass Casualty Event
Authors: Samuels-Wortley Kanika
Published: January 2025

Through a critical discourse lens, a review of formal police documents detailing historical contact with the perpetrator of Canada’s worst mass casualty event aims to demonstrate that the perpetrator’s Whiteness and socio-economic status deemed him benign and thus invisible to law enforcement officials during the early stages of the mass casualty investigation. This exploration contributes to a broader racialized analysis of who is deemed suspicious or harmless within the context of policing. By contrasting the experiences of Black Nova Scotians with the police to those of the perpetrator, this case study will demonstrate how institutional procedures and processes, influenced by biases, not only produce and maintain racial disparities within the criminal justice system, but also negatively impact law enforcement officials’ ability to conduct fair and thorough criminal investigations, ultimately impeding public safety. The impact on police legitimacy is also discussed.
Against obstructivism
Authors: Dolin Josh
Published: January 2025

For Quassim Cassam, intellectual vices obstruct knowledge. On his view, that’s what makes them vices. But obstructing knowledge seems unnecessary. Some intellectual vices can manifest passively without obstructing knowledge. What’s more, obstructing knowledge seems insufficient. Some traits of intellectual character, not yet matured to full virtues, obstruct knowledge but earn us no blame or criticism. A motive-based theory of intellectual vice – a rival theory – can handle both of these issues.
Workplace learning and the future of work
Authors: Beier Margaret E. , Saxena Mahima , Kraiger Kurt , Costanza David P. , Rudolph Cort W. , Cadiz David M. , Petery Gretchen A. , Fisher Gwenith G.
Published: January 2025

Global disruption, technological advances, and population demographics are rapidly affecting the types of jobs that are available and the workers who will fill those jobs in the future of work. Successful workers in the dynamic and uncertain landscape of the workplace of the future will need to adapt rapidly to changing job demands, highlighting the necessity for lifelong learning and development. With few exceptions, industrial-organizational (I-O) psychologists have tended to take an organization-centered perspective on training and development; a perspective that promotes worker development as a means to organizational success. Hence, we call for a broadening of this view to include a person-centered perspective on workplace learning focused on individual skill development. A person-centered perspective addresses lifelong learning and skill development for those already in the labor force, whether they are working within or outside of organizations (e.g., gig workers), or those looking for work. It includes the most vulnerable people currently working or seeking work. We describe the factors affecting the future of work, the need to incorporate a person-centered perspective on work-related skill learning into I-O research and practice, and highlight several areas for future research and practice.
Eating disorders: clinical update
Authors: Lynch D. , Ogutlu H. , Gundogdu-Ogutlu O. , Barrett E. , McNicholas F.
Published: January 2025

Variation exists in our attitude and behaviour towards food and exercise, resulting in different degrees of health and ill health. Cultural and economic factors contribute to this, alongside personal choices, leading to a spectrum from normative eating, through disordered eating to the extremes of eating disorders (EDs). Understanding the intricate interplay between biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors to eating, exercise and body image is paramount to understand the current state regarding EDs and to deliver/develop multifaceted and individualised treatments. Significant service developments have occurred following the launch of the Irish Health Service Executive Model of Care for EDs in 2018. However, incomplete roll out and surge in EDs referrals post Covid-19 require generic child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) to be competent in assessment of EDs, and to keep abreast of clinical updates in order to offer effective treatment.

This review provides an evidenced based update on eating related difficulties, outlines a useful assessment framework, offers information on appropriate clinical management, and highlights exciting clinically relevant research developments.
A juvenile pterosaur vertebra with putative crocodilian bite from the Campanian of Alberta, Canada
Authors: Brown Caleb M. , Bell Phil R. , Owers Holly , Pickles Brian J.
Published: January 2025

Identifying feeding interactions in the fossil record remains a key challenge for paleoecologists. We report the rare occurrence of a conical, perforative bite mark in a cervical vertebra of an azhdarchid pterosaur, which we identified as a juvenile individual of Cryodrakon boreas Hone, Habib, and Therrien, 2019 from the Campanian Dinosaur Park Formation in Alberta, Canada. Based on comparative analysis of the dentition and ecomorphology of potential trace makers in the Dinosaur Park Formation, as well as the morphology of the trace, the most likely candidate is a crocodilian, although whether it was made as a result of scavenging or predatory behavior is unknown. Feeding interactions involving pterosaurs are rare globally, whereas crocodilian bite marks are not uncommon in Cretaceous terrestrial ecosystems. Given the opportunistic feeding style and known range of food items for both extant and extinct crocodilians, pterosaurs can be counted as a rare, but not surprising, component of at least some Cretaceous crocodilian diets.