bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Likelihood Systems Can Improve Hit Rates in Low-Prevalence Visual Search Over Binary Systems
Authors: Rieger Tobias , Marx Benita , Manzey Dietrich
Published: February 2025

Objective

To study the performance consequences of binary versus likelihood decision support systems in low-prevalence visual search.

Background

Hit rates in visual search are often low if target prevalence is low, an issue that is relevant for numerous real-world visual search tasks (e.g., luggage screening and medical imaging). Given that binary decision support systems produce many false alarms at low prevalence, they have often been discounted as a solution to this low-prevalence problem. By offering additional information about the certainty of target-present indications through splitting these into warnings and alarms, likelihood-based systems could potentially boost hit rates without raising the number of false alarms.

Method

We used a simulated medical search task with low target prevalence in a paradigm where participants sequentially uncovered parts of the stimulus with their mouse. In two sessions, participants completed the task either while being supported by a binary or a likelihood system.

Results

Hit rates were higher when interacting with the likelihood systems than with the binary system, at no cost of higher false alarms.

Conclusion

Likelihood systems are a promising way to tackle the low-prevalence problem, and might further be an effective means to make systems more transparent.

Application

Simple-to-process information about system certainty for each case might be a solution to low hit rates in domains with low target prevalence, such as radiology.
Educators’ Perceptions of Their Own Mental Health and Young Children’s Skills in the Second Year of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Spadafora Natalie , Reid-Westoby Caroline , Janus Magdalena
Published: February 2025

The current study aimed to understand the perceptions of kindergarten and primary (Grades 1 and 2) educators in Ontario, Canada, regarding their students’ developmental and academic skills and their own mental health during the 2021 to 2022 school year. Participants comprised 402 Ontario educators who completed an online survey. Educators perceived their students to be struggling in many areas. Results revealed that educators perceived their young students to be struggling in areas of their development, including overall and academic skills (both literacy and mathematics). Compared to their kindergarten educator counterparts, primary teachers were more likely to report that their current students were behind, both academically and developmentally. A third reported moderate levels of anxiety, while two-thirds reported moderate levels of depression. Anxiety was also found to be associated with educators’ perception of their students’ physical and socioemotional skills. Our findings suggest increased support is needed for young children’s developmental and academic progress who experienced many disruptions to their learning, as well as increased mental health support for educators.
The Practical Implications of Economic Research to Address Racial Inequities: NEA Presidential Address
Authors: Broussard Nzinga H.
Published: February 2025

National Economic Association 2025 Presidential Address.
Against the Odds: On the Arduous Production of Linking Social Capital in Local Refugee Reception
Authors: van den Berg Clara , Steinhilper Elias , Sommer Moritz
Published: February 2025

This article scrutinizes linking social capital formation between informal civil society and local administrations during and after the 2015 European refugee reception crisis. Drawing from 61 semi-structured interviews with members of civil society organizations and local administrations in two German cities, this study documents that the production of linking social capital is by no means guaranteed. Structural power asymmetries and different logics of action between volunteers and local administrative officials regularly create tensions that can serve as relational breaking points. Accepting these inherent tensions and creating platforms to work things out against the odds are essential to produce trustful and responsive relationships.
Fighting to Survive: Collective Action, Trusted Messengers, and UNITE HERE's Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Breen Jenny , Purser Gretchen
Published: February 2025

Unions played differing roles in terms of addressing the public health challenges wrought by the COVID-19 pandemic. This article presents a case study of UNITE HERE's fight for survival in the wake of 98% of its members experiencing job loss in the initial months of the pandemic. Two features of UNITE HERE's pandemic response—the articulation of public health messages driven by a commitment to solidarity and its embrace of its role as a trusted messenger grounded in its ongoing organizing work—highlight the unique ability of unions to mobilize its power resources to serve as important public health actors, particularly in an era in which misinformation is likely to play a role in public health campaigns moving forward.
Mohamed Iffat's Arabic translation of Macbeth (1911)
Authors: Temmar Sarah
Published: February 2025

This paper offers an overview of Mohamed Iffat's Arabic translation of Macbeth, which was done in literary Arabic in verse and was published in Egypt in 1912. It seems that this is one of the very first Arabic translations of Macbeth, as it appeared during the years in which the translation movement was still in its early days in the Arab world. In this article, the analysis will focus on two aspects: the main translations of Macbeth in the early twentieth century in Egypt; and the main characteristics of Iffat's translation, and how it was received.
Multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging-derived radiomics for the prediction of Ki67 expression in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Wang Qing , Wang Chen , Qian Xianling , Qian Baoxin , Ma Xijuan , Yang Chun , Shi Yibing
Published: February 2025

Background

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is an aggressive liver malignancy, and Ki67 is associated with prognosis in patients with ICC and is an attractive therapeutic target.

Purpose

To predict Ki67 expression based on multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) radiomics multiscale tumor region in patients with ICC.

Material and Methods

A total of 191 patients (training cohort, n = 133; validation cohort, n = 58) with pathologically confirmed ICC were enrolled in this retrospective study. All patients underwent baseline abdominal MR scans in our institution. Univariate logistic analysis was conducted of the correlation between clinical and MRI characteristics and Ki67 expression. Radiomics features were extracted from the image of six MRI sequences (T1-weighted imaging, fat-suppression T2-weighted imaging, diffusion-weighted imaging, and 3-phases contrast-enhanced T1-weighted imaging sequences). Using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) to select Ki67-related radiomics features in four different tumor volumes (VOItumor, VOI+8mm, VOI+10mm, VOI+12mm). The Rad-score was calculated with logistic regression, and models for prediction of Ki67 expression were constructed. The receiver operating curve was used to analyze the predictive performance of each model.

Results

Clinical and regular MRI characteristics were independent of Ki67 expression. Four Rad-scores all showed favorable prediction efficiency in both the training and validation cohorts (AUC = 0.849–0.912 vs. 0.789–0.838). DeLong’s test showed that there was no significant difference between the AUC of the radiomics scores, while the Rad-score (VOI+10mm) performed the most stable predictive efficiency with △AUC 0.033.

Conclusion

Multiparametric MRI radiomics based on multiscale tumor regions can help predict the expression status of Ki67 in ICC patients.
Women’s Protection or Patriarchal Control by the State? Institutional Ethnographic Exploration of Domestic Violence Services in Taiwan
Authors: Liao Pei-Ru
Published: February 2025

After implementing the Domestic Violence Prevention Act (DVPA) in 1998 in Taiwan, standardized protocols were implemented to provide social services to survivors of domestic violence (DV). This article examines how DV services have become institutionalized in Taiwan through a feminist method of inquiry, Institutional Ethnography(IE). Firstly, through interviews with social workers in the outsourcing organization, the IE journey leads to the way institutional texts coordinate social workers’ everyday work. Practices have shifted from empowerment (“women's work”) to risk management (“protection work”), which deprives survivors of their autonomy. Secondly, tools like the Taiwan Intimate Partner Violence Danger Assessment (TIPVDA) and digitized case monitoring systems now structure the case management process. Outcomes are oriented toward a bureaucratic risk-management agenda instead of clients’ needs. Thirdly, the expert-NGO-bureaucrat complex dominates policymaking, excluding survivors’ experiences and workers’ voices. The DV prevention network's ruling relations have strayed from feminist origins toward state control in a patriarchal way that excludes the participation of both survivors and frontline workers. Through the IE lens, this article demonstrates how depoliticised “protection work” embedded in the expert-NGO-bureaucrat complex can paradoxically disempower the survivors it aims to serve. The limitation of this research is its data collection from one outsourcing organization and cannot fully reflect the experiences of DV survivors.
Ultrasound and advanced imaging techniques in prostate cancer diagnosis: A comparative study of mpMRI, TRUS, and PET/CT
Authors: Dong Ying , Wang Peng , Geng Hua , Liu Yankun , Wang Enguo
Published: February 2025

Objective

This study aims to assess and compare the diagnostic performance of three advanced imaging modalities—multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI), transrectal ultrasound (TRUS), and positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT)—in detecting prostate cancer in patients with elevated PSA levels and abnormal DRE findings.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 150 male patients aged 50–75 years with elevated PSA and abnormal DRE. The diagnostic accuracy of each modality was assessed through sensitivity, specificity, and the area under the curve (AUC) to compare performance in detecting clinically significant prostate cancer (Gleason score ≥ 7).

Results

MpMRI demonstrated the highest diagnostic performance, with a sensitivity of 90%, specificity of 85%, and AUC of 0.92, outperforming both TRUS (sensitivity 76%, specificity 78%, AUC 0.77) and PET/CT (sensitivity 82%, specificity 80%, AUC 0.81). MpMRI detected clinically significant tumors in 80% of cases. Although TRUS and PET/CT had similar detection rates for significant tumors, their overall accuracy was lower. Minor adverse events occurred in 5% of patients undergoing TRUS, while no significant complications were associated with mpMRI or PET/CT.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that mpMRI is the most reliable imaging modality for early detection of clinically significant prostate cancer. It reduces the need for unnecessary biopsies and optimizes patient management.
DR-ConvNeXt: DR classification method for reconstructing ConvNeXt model structure
Authors: Song Pengfei , Wu Yun
Published: February 2025

Background

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a major complication of diabetes and a leading cause of blindness among the working-age population. However, the complex distribution and variability of lesion characteristics within the dataset present significant challenges for achieving high-precision classification of DR images.

Objective

We propose an automatic classification method for DR images, named DR-ConvNeXt, which aims to achieve accurate diagnosis of lesion types.

Methods

The method involves designing a dual-branch addition convolution structure and appropriately increasing the number of stacked ConvNeXt Block convolution layers. Additionally, a unique primary-auxiliary loss function is introduced, contributing to a significant enhancement in DR classification accuracy within the DR-ConvNeXt model.

Results

The model achieved an accuracy of 91.8%,sensitivity of 81.6%, and specificity of 97.9% on the APTOS dataset. On the Messidor-2 dataset, the model achieved an accuracy of 83.6%, sensitivity of 74.0%, and specificity of 94.6%.

Conclusions

The DR-ConvNeXt model's classification results on the two publicly available datasets illustrate the significant advantages in all evaluation indexes for DR classification.
Multiple Solutions for Sublinear Double Phase Problems
Authors: Afonso Danilo Gregorin , Bisci Giovanni Molica
Published: February 2025

Motivated by a wide interest in the current literature, in this paper, we study the existence of weak solutions for a wide class of double-phase Dirichlet problems depending on a positive real parameter. More precisely, under natural assumptions on the nonlinear term, we are able to show that the main problem admits only the trivial solution provided that the parameter is small, and at least two [Formula: see text]-bounded nonnegative weak solutions whenever the parameter is sufficiently large. The main approach, of a pure variational nature, is based on a fine analysis of the geometrical structure of the associated energy functional.
Bayesian mixture models for phylogenetic source attribution from consensus sequences and time since infection estimates
Authors: Blenkinsop Alexandra , Sofocleous Lysandros , Di Lauro Francesco , Kostaki Evangelia Georgia , van Sighem Ard , Bezemer Daniela , van de Laar Thijs , Reiss Peter , de Bree Godelieve , Pantazis Nikos , Ratmann Oliver ,   on behalf of the HIV Transmission Elimination Amsterdam (H-TEAM) Consortium
Published: February 2025

In stopping the spread of infectious diseases, pathogen genomic data can be used to reconstruct transmission events and characterize population-level sources of infection. Most approaches for identifying transmission pairs do not account for the time passing since the divergence of pathogen variants in individuals, which is problematic in viruses with high within-host evolutionary rates. This prompted us to consider possible transmission pairs in terms of phylogenetic data and additional estimates of time since infection derived from clinical biomarkers. We develop Bayesian mixture models with an evolutionary clock as a signal component and additional mixed effects or covariate random functions describing the mixing weights to classify potential pairs into likely and unlikely transmission pairs. We demonstrate that although sources cannot be identified at the individual level with certainty, even with the additional data on time elapsed, inferences into the population-level sources of transmission are possible, and more accurate than using only phylogenetic data without time since infection estimates. We apply the proposed approach to estimate age-specific sources of HIV infection in Amsterdam tranamission networks among men who have sex with men between 2010 and 2021. This study demonstrates that infection time estimates provide informative data to characterize transmission sources, and shows how phylogenetic source attribution can then be done with multi-dimensional mixture models.
Using Bayesian evidence synthesis to quantify uncertainty in population trends in smoking behaviour
Authors: Wade Stephen , Sarich Peter , Vaneckova Pavla , Behar-Harpaz Silvia , Ngo Preston J , Grogan Paul B , Cressman Sonya , Gartner Coral E , Murray John M , Blakely Tony , Banks Emily , Tammemagi Martin C , Canfell Karen , Weber Marianne F , Caruana Michael
Published: February 2025

Simulation models of smoking behaviour provide vital forecasts of exposure to inform policy targets, estimates of the burden of disease, and impacts of tobacco control interventions. A key element of useful model-based forecasts is a clear picture of uncertainty due to the data used to inform the model, however, assessment of this parameter uncertainty is incomplete in almost all tobacco control models. As a remedy, we demonstrate a Bayesian approach to model calibration that quantifies parameter uncertainty. With a model calibrated to Australian data, we observed that the smoking cessation rate in Australia has increased with calendar year since the late 20th century, and in 2016 people who smoked would quit at a rate of 4.7 quit-events per 100 person-years (90% equal-tailed interval (ETI): 4.5–4.9). We found that those who quit smoking before age 30 years switched to reporting that they never smoked at a rate of approximately 2% annually (90% ETI: 1.9–2.2%). The Bayesian approach demonstrated here can be used as a blueprint to model other population behaviours that are challenging to measure directly, and to provide a clearer picture of uncertainty to decision-makers.
Correlates of Smartphone Addiction and Dysfunctional Effects Among School-going Children in Bangladesh
Authors: Zaman Farhana , Mahmud Ashek
Published: February 2025

The principal objective of this article was to explore the correlates of smartphone addiction and its dysfunctional effects among school-going children in Bangladesh. In this study, smartphone addiction was measured by applying the Smartphone Addiction Proneness Scale through a structured questionnaire administered via a social survey method. Data were collected from a sample size of 490 school-going children, aged 12–18 and in some cases 18+ covering a total of eight secondary schools in Bangladesh, using purposive sampling. We found that the social aspects of ‘adaptive dysfunctions’ and psychological aspects of ‘withdrawal’ were closely linked in inducing smartphone addiction, which adversely affected primordial social bonds and virtuous personalities of children. Statistical findings revealed significant associations between smartphone addiction and excessive use of popular apps, virtual connectivity and online dating. Consequently, smartphone addiction accelerated ephemeral intimacy, apathy towards responsibilities, virtual harassment, loss of privacy and the breakdown of moral principles in social relationships. These findings are suggestive for policymakers, researchers, parents and school authorities, as they could contribute to the holistic development of children.
Scapular asymmetry in patients with cervical disc herniation
Authors: Dursun Ömer , Dincer Erhan , Reyhanlı Gökmen
Published: February 2025

Background

The fact that scapular asymmetry and cervical disc herniation share similar findings (e.g. forward head posture, neck pain) necessitates the assessment of scapular asymmetry in cervical disc herniation.

Objective

This comparative cross-sectional study sought to evaluate scapular asymmetry in cervical disc herniation.

Methods

The study involved 114 participants, split evenly between those diagnosed with cervical disc herniation and healthy individuals. Neck and interscapular pain were assessed using a numerical rating scale. Mechanosensitivity in the upper trapezius and suboccipital muscle insertion was measured bilaterally with an analog algometer. Forward head posture was assessed by determining the craniocervical angle. Cervical range of motion was evaluated using a goniometer, while scapular asymmetry was tested using the lateral scapular slide test. Upper trapezius tightness was visually evaluated, and pectoralis minor length was measured using a plastic angle ruler.

Results

Scapular asymmetry ratio was significantly higher in patients with cervical disc herniation (p < .05). The study group demonstrated significantly greater mechanosensitivity and limited cervical range of motion (p < .05). Neck and interscapular pain were more prominent in the study group. Pectoralis minor length, upper trapezius tightness, and craniocervical angle were similar in both groups (p > .05).

Conclusions

Scapular asymmetry is more prevalent in cervical disc herniation.
Career Distress Among First-Generation College Students: A Psychology of Working Lens
Authors: Carkit Ersoy
Published: February 2025

The present study examined predictors of career distress among a sample of first-generation college students from Türkiye ( N = 417). The structural equation model tested cross-sectionally fit the data well and explained significant variance in career distress. Grounded in the Psychology of Working Theory (Duffy et al., 2016), economic constraints, marginalization experiences, work volition, and future decent work perceptions were found to directly predict career distress. Additionally, work volition was found to significantly mediate the relation of economic constraints and marginalization experiences to future decent work perceptions, and work volition and future decent work perceptions were found to significantly mediate the relation of economic constraints and marginalization experiences to career distress. Invariance testing uncovered that the model fit equally well for freshmen/sophomores compared to juniors/seniors. Implications for practice and directions for future research are discussed.
Assessment of Cognition and Language Using Alternative Response Modalities
Authors: Stadskleiv Kristine , Latham Katy , Spanne Kristina Tufteskog , Sætre Karen , Fraas Anna , Ruscito Ilaria , Taha Yasmine , Murray Janice
Published: February 2025

Assessing cognition and language using standardized tests is challenging when the individual has severe speech and motor impairments. Tests with a multiple-choice format may be adapted without compromising standardization using alternative response modes like partner assisted scanning (PAS) and eye-pointing (EP). Standardization of such assessment is little researched. The study investigates the (a) reliability of, (b) transparency of, and (c) adherence to assessment protocols using PAS and EP. The participants were students from special needs education and speech and language therapy, who worked in dyads ( n = 39). Two observers recorded a number of errors made in protocol delivery, independently of each other. The dyads made between 0 and 81.5 errors. Number of errors was not related to response mode, t(38) = –0.21, p = .839. The observers were in high agreement, with an intraclass correlation coefficient of .97, p < .001. The study suggests that assessing language involving alternative modes of responding can be successfully taught to novice practitioners.
Moderate Hypofractionated Post-Prostatectomy Radiotherapy (MYSTERY) Versus Conventionally Fractionated Post-Prostatectomy Radiotherapy (COPORT) for the Patients With Localized Prostate Cancer: The Protocol of a Prospective, Randomized Trial
Authors: Liang Yiyin , Zhang Weiwei , Zhao Xianzhi , Zhang Huojun
Published: February 2025

Introduction

A few studies have examined whether the safety and efficacy of moderate hypofractionated post-prostatectomy radiotherapy (moderate HYPORT, also called MYSTERY) are equal to those of conventionally fractionated post-prostatectomy radiotherapy (COPORT) in patients with localized prostate cancer. Therefore, this study aims to compare the safety and efficacy of MYSTERY and COPORT in patients with postoperative prostate cancer.

Methods and analysis

This study is a prospective, single-center, open-label, randomized controlled clinical trial. Patients with localized prostate cancer will be randomly allocated to receive COPORT (66-74 Gy at 2 Gy per fraction) or MYSTERY (57.5-65 Gy at 2.5 Gy per fraction). The primary outcomes are radiotherapy-related gastrointestinal and genitourinary adverse events. Secondary outcomes include progression-free survival, quality of life, medical expenses, and overall survival.
Quality of Life and Associated Factors Among Family/Caregivers of Pediatric Patients Treated for Cancer at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital: Institution-Based Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Negash Zenebe , Kinfe Eden M. , Zerihun Urji , Fentie Atalay M.
Published: February 2025

Background

Pediatric cancer significantly affects the quality of life (QOL) of patients and their families/caregivers particularly in low-income countries where there is scarcity of resources. Thus, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the QOL and associated factors among family/caregivers of pediatric patients treated for cancer at Tikur Anbassa Specialized Hospital (TASH), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Method

An institution-based cross-sectional study design was used to collect information from family/caregivers who were present in the pediatric oncology unit at TASH from January 2, 2023 to May 30, 2023. The validated Amharic version of the caregiver oncology quality of life questionnaire (CarGOQOL) was used to collect the data. A random sampling technique was applied to select the study participants. The descriptive and regression analysis were conducted using statistical software SPSS version 27.0.

Results

A total of 350 family/caregivers answered the questionnaire. The overall response rate was 82.7%, and about 55% of the respondents were women. Among the participants, under-35 age made up the majority (60.9%). About 81% of family/caregivers were parents, and 77.7% of family/caregivers were married. More than half of the participants have at least a secondary level education. In addition, about two-thirds of the participants (63%) live in rural areas. Furthermore, more than half of the participants generate less than $17.86 per month. Nearly fifty percent of family/caregivers of pediatric cancer patients had poor QOL. The finding showed that widowed family/caregivers (AOR:5.59, 95%CI: 1.12, 27.79, P-value: 0.03) had poor QOL as compared to married, and those with a monthly income of between $17.87- $89.29 were less likely to have poor QOL compared to those with an income below <$17.87 ( P-value: 0.01).

Conclusion

In the current study, poor QOL was high among family/caregivers of pediatric cancer patients. Being widowed and lowest income were significantly associated with the QOL of the caregivers of pediatric patients with cancer.
Role of anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL10) in patients with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Abdulsatar Duaa Mohammed , Fahad Hayfaa Mahmood , Hatif Sahar Taha , Awad Al-Nuaimi Zaid Jaafar
Published: February 2025

Background

Anti-inflammatory cytokines is thought to influence the onset and course of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Particular cytokines include Interleukin-10 (IL-10), which is usually considered anti-inflammatory.

Objectives

The current study designed to determine the activity of the IL10 and their roles in chronic kidney disease.

Methods

This research is done, forty- five blood samples were collected from patients with chronic kidney disease and 42 volunteers. A sandwich ELISA was used to estimate the serum levels of human Interleukin-10.

Results

The mean age among patient groups (males, females) it was 47.40 ± 2.96 and 62.64 ± 14.46 years, respectively. While the control groups (males, females) were 40.97 ± 1.67 and 45.25 ± 7.13 years (p > 0.05). Of the 45 patients, 20 (44.4%) were males, 25 (55.6%) females. The resulted data showed that there are no significant (p > 0.05) for the total of the mean of human IL-10 between patients and control, respectively, where the mean level of IL10 in males was 190.10 ± 15.07& 154.18 ± 8.77 (p < 0.05) respectively and 142.22 ± 12.43 & 117.04 ± 14.66 in females, but not significantly (p > 0.05), and revealed an highly increased significant in this marker during the course of the chronic kidney disease in males more than females in patients (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Can conclude from this study that decreased anti-inflammatory cytokine IL10 likely affects CKD progression and prognosis in females specifically.
Research progress on the relationship between neutrophil extra-cellular traps and autogenous arteriovenous fistula thrombosis
Authors: Zhou Qi , Zhou Xuhua , Li Junlin , Wang Runxiu , Xie Fuhua
Published: February 2025

Autogenous arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is the preferred vascular access for long-term hemodialysis, and thrombosis is one of the most common complications. In recent years, it has been found that neutrophil extra-cellular traps (NETs) play an important role in thrombosis. NETs are a kind of network structure with DNA as a skeleton and intercalated with a variety of granule proteins, proteolytic enzymes, antimicrobial peptides and histone proteins, which are released into the extracellular space by neutrophils after stimulation. In this paper, the NETs in the role of AVF thrombus formation and NETs in the value of prevention and cure of AVF thrombus complications were reviewed.
Evaluation of ultrasound-guided distal catheter placement in pediatric ventriculoatrial shunts for patients with hydrocephalus: Effectiveness and consequences
Authors: Rollo Giovanni , Silvestri Francesca Maria , Persano Giorgio , Mastronuzzi Angela , Carai Andrea , Marras Carlo Efisio , Cacchione Antonella , Madafferi Silvia , Martucci Cristina , Reali Simone , Grimaldi Chiara , Natali Gian Luigi , Kelly Daniella Araiza , Crocoli Alessandro
Published: February 2025

Background and aims:

Ventriculoatrial (VA) shunts are frequently used for hydrocephalus (HS) management when peritoneal catheter placement is inappropriate. Historically, open surgical cut-down (OSC) on the internal jugular vein has been the standard method for distal catheter insertion. In contrast, percutaneous Seldinger-type ultrasound-guided (USG) venipuncture offers advantages such as reduced operating times and lower postoperative pain. However, its use in pediatric patients is limited.

Methods:

This study reviewed patients diagnosed with HS who underwent VA shunt procedures (OSC vs USG) at Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital from January 1, 2014, to February 29, 2024. The analysis focused on surgical times for VA shunt placements and associated neurosurgical operations, as well as catheter replacement rates.

Results:

Thirteen patients (6 males, 7 females; median age 12 years, range 0.5–14.2) were enrolled, with a total of 23 procedures performed. The mean surgical time for distal VA placement using the USG technique was significantly shorter than for the OSC method (13.36 min vs 30.22 min, p = 0.00001). Conversely, neurosurgical operations performed using OSC had a 15-min reduction in average operative time compared to USG, though this difference was not statistically significant. Catheter replacement was required in 35.7% of the USG group compared to 55.5% in the OSC group ( p = ns).

Conclusions:

USG VA shunt placement demonstrates reduced operating times and lower perioperative complication rates compared to OSC. Our findings indicate that percutaneous VA shunts are technically simpler and do not necessitate specialized pediatric vascular surgery skills, enhancing their applicability in pediatric hydrocephalus management.
Characteristics and longitudinal clinical outcomes of people with type 2 diabetes in regional areas accessing a tertiary telehealth service: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Tornvall Ida , Bennetts Denise , Balasooriya Namal N , Comans Tracy , Russell Anthony W , Menon Anish
Published: February 2025

Background

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes is rising in Australia, particularly in regional areas where access to specialist care is limited. To address this, Queensland Health (Queensland, Australia) established a telehealth network, including the Diabetes Telehealth Service (DTS) at the Princess Alexandra Hospital (PAH). The service facilitates video consultations between city-based endocrinologists and regional health centres, with local clinicians providing in-person support. While telehealth interventions have been evaluated in short-term studies, there is a need for longitudinal data to assess their long-term effectiveness in routine diabetes care. This study aims to describe the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with type 2 diabetes accessing care from the PAH DTS.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study used data from the PAH DTS to follow adults with type 2 diabetes over 24 months. Data was collected as part of routine care and analysed to assess changes in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels and cardiovascular risk factors. Statistical analyses included descriptive analysis, t-tests, Chi-squared tests, and fixed effects regression models.

Results

The study included 374 patients with type 2 diabetes, with a mean age of 57.9 years and a mean duration of diabetes at enrolment of 11.6 years. Baseline HbA1c levels were available for 86% of the patients, with a median HbA1c of 8.4%. The median number of appointments in the 24-month period was 2, and the average time between a person's first and last visit was 72 weeks. The average change in HbA1c between these visits was −0.8%. Statistically significant changes were also seen in cholesterol levels, weight, body mass index, and diastolic blood pressure. A linear regression analysis revealed that the greatest decrease in HbA1c levels occurred within the first 3 months since the initial clinic visit. HbA1c levels continued to decrease over the 24-month follow-up period, but the rate of decrease slowed after the first 3 months.

Conclusion

This study provides valuable insights into the telehealth model of care for tertiary diabetes in regional, rural, and remote settings. It demonstrates the effectiveness of this model in improving glycaemic control, particularly in the initial months, while also highlighting areas for improvement.
A Fast Method for Calculating the High Altitude Electromagnetic Pulse Environmental Parameters Based on Neural Network
Authors: Wang JinJin , Cheng Yinhui , Nie Xin , Liu Zheng , Cui Zhitong , Wu Wei
Published: February 2025

High altitude electromagnetic pulse is a type of electromagnetic pulse with high field strength and wide coverage range. It can enter electronic devices or systems and cause serious damage to them. It's necessary to know how high-altitude electromagnetic pulses distribute on the ground. This helps in quickly evaluating their damage to electronic systems under different conditions. Due to the traditional calculation method requiring a calculation time of 2 h, real-time calculation and evaluation cannot be achieved. To solve the problem of real-time evaluation calculation, through research and analysis, only artificial intelligence methods can achieve rapid calculation by approximating physical processes. Neural network methods exhibit superior performance in nonlinear approximation of physical processes and functions. To make the established neural network model more accurate, a semi-supervised multilayer feedforward method is proposed, using a semi supervised strategy to find the optimal modeling parameters. The experimental results show that this method has a high approximation accuracy for this traditional calculation process. The field distribution calculation of high-altitude electromagnetic pulses based on the semi-supervised method only takes 0.09 s. Compared to the traditional calculation time of 2 h, 0.09 s can be used for real-time calculation and evaluation. This fast calculation method based on a semi-supervised neural network solves problems that traditional numerical calculation methods cannot solve. It can be truly applied to real-time evaluation and decision-making in the damage assessment of electromagnetic pulses.
A New Type of SH-Guided Wave EMAT based on Barker Code Pulse Compression Technology with Tone-Burst Excitation
Authors: Kaixing Liao , Jianjian Wu , Xianglong Kong , Yajing Guan , Yunlin Qiu
Published: February 2025

When Barker code pulse compression technology is applied in a traditional SH-guided wave Electromagnetic Acoustic Transducer (EMAT), the duration of the Barker code excitation signal is so long that the pulse power generator parameters, such as the maximum duty cycle and maximum pulse width may restrict detection blind distance increases and the duration. Thus, we propose a new multi-array SH-guided wave EMAT based on Barker code pulse compression technology with tone-burst excitation. We establish a finite element model of a multi-array SH-guided wave EMAT detection process based on Baker code pulse compression technology with tone-burst excitation. The effects of Barker sequence length, permanent magnet pair, cycle number of sinusoidal subpulse, array element spacing, and other factors on the peak side-lobe level (PSL) and main lobe width after pulse compression are analyzed and verified by experiments. The results show that when the tone-burst signal is used to excite the new multi-array EMAT, the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the 5-array EMAT and 7-array EMAT are 11.95 dB and 13.05 dB than the traditional 5-bit Baker code EMAT and 7-bit Barker code EMAT, respectively. Compared with the traditional 5-bit and 7-bit conventional Barker code EMATs, the main bang durations of the 5-array EMAT and 7-array EMATs are reduced by 67% and 72%. The optimum EMAT parameters obtained after optimization are a 7-bit barker code sequence, a single array element composed of 4 pairs of permanent magnets and 8 excitation cycles. The optimized EMAT can detect cracks with a length of 10 mm, a width of 1 mm, and a depth of 1 mm, and the defect wave SNR is 18.59 dB.
Permanent Magnet Radial Ring on Dynamic Characteristics and Energy Loss of High-speed On-off Ball Valve in Clutch Shift System
Authors: Yang Qingjun , Liu Yudong , Yang Shangru , Zhang Zhenyang
Published: February 2025

A high-speed on-off ball valve with fast transient response is a crucial hydraulic element of the clutch shift system, which is provides exact and reliable control of the shift. In the present investigation, an analysis of the transient response and thermal loss characteristics of the novel high-speed on-off ball valves (HSBVs) with a permanent magnet radial ring was conducted using the finite-element method (FEM). The impacts of permanent magnet radial ring on the transient characteristics of HSBV have been inspected. The simulation results indicated that the radiation ring changes the magnetic induction intensity inside the ball. Compared with the conventional HSBV, the transient response time of a novel HSBV with permanent magnetic ring is shortened from 3.75 ms to 1.35 ms, which is 64% shorter. Moreover, the novel HSBV improves the utilization ratio of mechanical energy from 14.6% to 27.8% and effectively reduces the iron loss from 37.3% to 28.6%. The analysis also confirmed that the increase of thickness and length of the radiation ring are positively related to the improvement of dynamic response of HSBV, which could enlarge the transformation ratio of mechanical energy and weaken the eddy current loss. The influence of coercivity of permanent magnet ring with five different materials was also analyzed. It was noticed that the HSBV with permanent magnet ring made by N45H has the fast dynamic response because of its high coercivity.
The spatial spillovers of terrorist attacks on tourism receipts: The case of Southeast Asia
Authors: Xu Xingpeng , Zeng Qingfeng , Xia Yangyang , Mu Nianguo , Fan Weiguo
Published: February 2025

Tourism industry is often severely affected following terrorist attacks. This research seeks to evaluate the spatial spillover effects on tourism receipts and long-run resilience within Southeast Asia, considering both aggregate and partial regional impacts. We develop the spatial durbin model (SDM) and the dynamic spatial durbin model (DSDM) using panel data from 11 Southeast Asian countries. The findings indicate that terrorist attacks immediately and negatively influence tourism receipts in Southeast Asia through spatial spillovers. We also observe distinct spatial heterogeneities between peninsula and archipelago countries, especially regarding tourism resilience and directness of spatial spillovers. Indochina Peninsula shows no noticeable spillover effects, but Malay Archipelago exhibits a different pattern of spillovers. The long-run resilience of aggregate tourism sector is not significant, with countries on the peninsula primarily accountable for this trend. Our research provides new insights for regional stability and tourism resilience.
Social network analysis enhances job recommender system - PageRank algorithm in the field of employment
Authors: Wang Shujie
Published: February 2025

This study proposes an improved job recommender system (JRS) that integrates the PageRank (PR) algorithm with social network analysis (SNA) to enhance the accuracy and personalization of job recommendations. Traditional JRSs, which often rely on simple rules or collaborative filtering, fail to fully incorporate job seekers’ social network (SN) data, resulting in less personalized and comprehensive recommendations. In this approach, social network data from job seekers and public datasets are collected, cleaned, and standardized. A social network is constructed to represent the relationships between job seekers and jobs, and the PR algorithm is applied to rank nodes, assessing job seekers’ influence and connectivity within the network. Personalized job recommendation lists are then generated based on job seekers’ career background, skills, and PR ranking results. Evaluation metrics show that the precision of career recommendations is 0.85, recall is 0.75, and F-measure values outperform traditional algorithms. By incorporating the PR algorithm and SNA, this study addresses the limitations of conventional JRSs, providing a more accurate and personalized job recommendation method that better meets the needs of both job seekers and recruiters.
Teaching as a gesture of non-indifference and the presence of the school in dark times
Authors: Oliverio Stefano
Published: February 2025

In this paper, I address Biesta’s notion of world-centred education via a special focus on the school as a site of teacherly gestures. To begin with, I interpret ‘world-centredness’ – qua that which goes ‘beyond learning’ – through a deployment of tenets from Arendt and her appropriation of Marx’s and Heidegger’s motifs. Within this horizon, I proceed by means of two (ultimately interwoven) argumentative trajectories. On the one hand, I introduce the question of the school by discussing Eckart Liebau’s ideas (and Biesta’s appropriation of them) on how to frame the relation between the school and society, in order to vindicate a truly educational understanding of the school, as something distinct from a mere learning environment. On the other, I engage with Biesta’s critique of the impulse society as fundamentally inimical to the task of education and I complement it with some insights about consumerism and its dissolving effects on the democratic ethos. In this context, I suggest – by idiosyncratically entwining the intuitions of two Italian writers, Pier Paolo Pasolini and Alberto Moravia – that we can see the consumerist society as a ‘regime of indifference’ and a new form of ‘fascism’. These two trajectories converge on a discussion of Biesta’s dialogue with Klaus Prange’s operational pedagogy and a re-description of teacherly gestures as gestures of non-indifference and, thereby, as animated by an ‘antifascist’ tension. Accordingly, the school as a site of teacherly gestures that point to the world is granted a democratic mission, inscribed in the very operations which take place in that domain.
Effect of core hybridization on the mechanical performance of sandwich composites
Authors: Dalfi Hussein Kommur , Al-Obaidi Anwer
Published: February 2025

Sandwich structures have gained significant industry interest due to their excellent specific strength, stiffness, and energy absorption. Recent studies paid a lot of attention to sandwich composite structures and to how the addition of thermoplastic particles to cores of these sandwiches can enhance their performances. In this study, glass fabrics laminates manufactured via vacuum bagging process as skins for the sandwiches, while the cores made from epoxy without and with different concentrations of high density polyethylene. Flexural strength tests were conducted for all samples to investigate their capability for carrying-load and investigate their damage failures. Further, the finite element analysis (FEA) with commercial software, adopted to predict the damage failure modes for samples under flexural strength tests. Results illustrated that flexural strength decreased 11%, 12% and 13% after having 8%, 12%, and 16% HDPE in the cores of samples compare the sample without HDPE particles, meanwhile the flexural strain increased 80%, 87%, and 82% after adding 8%, 12%, and 16% HDPE in the cores of sandwich samples compare to the sample without HDPE particles. Results also reveal that the specific absorbed energy in the sandwich samples that have 8%, 12%, and 16% HDPE in their cores increased with 413%, 701%, and 363% in comparison with un-filled cores due to cores with thermoplastic particles have higher load-carrying and more plastic deformation with lower cracks propagation. Numerical simulation results for damage failure modes are in accordance with experimental results both qualitatively and quantitatively for all sandwich samples under flexural loading.
Preservation of Blood Flow to the Internal Iliac Artery Using a Custom-Made Single Fenestrated Endograft: A Case Report
Authors: Shakery Sara , Nio Denise , Truijers Maarten
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This report describes the use of a custom-made single-fenestrated endograft to preserve blood flow to the internal iliac artery (IIA) in a patient with an aorto-iliac aneurysm with unsuitable anatomy for a standard iliac branch device (IBD).

Case Report

A 56-year-old man presented with an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) of 56 mm involving the right common iliac artery (CIA). Use of a standard IBD for preservation of the IIA was deemed impossible due to narrow arrow anatomy of the right CIA. To preserve IIA flow, a custom-made Terumo endograft with an additional single-fenestration for the IIA was designed. The repair was successful and flow to the right IIA was preserved.

Conclusion

Using a custom-made single-fenestrated endograft for the IIA in case of unsuitable anatomy for off-the-shelf IBDs prevents exclusion of the IIA and might prevent complications like buttock claudication and erectile dysfunction in patients with an aorto-iliac aneurysm. This report describes the use of a custom-made single fenestrated endograft to preserve blood flow to the IIA as a valuable alternative to standard iliac branched repair in patients with anatomical challenges.
Qatari Peace Mediation and Humanitarian Aid in Sudan: Lessons From the War in Darfur 2003–2022
Authors: Mohamed Abdulfatah
Published: February 2025

The State of Qatar played a substantial role in mediation efforts for the conflict in Darfur through the Doha Document for Peace in Darfur (DDPD). This article provides a comprehensive analysis of Qatar's role as a mediator and a donor in Darfur, over the context of its occurrence as a key regional political and humanitarian actor at the time of the conflict. This article also contrasts Qatar's approaches to the war in Sudan with mediation efforts by the African Union and the United Nations, which reveals how Qatar was able to overcome resource constraints to incentivise opposing factions to negotiate. Finally, this article explores differing arguments on Qatari impartiality and effectiveness during the Darfur mediation process. Qatar never attempted to hide its economic incentive in Darfur, and many Sudanese factions and large sections of the Sudanese public favoured Qatar's potential investment post-war Darfur.