bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Safety and effectiveness of anticoagulation therapy in older people with atrial fibrillation during exposed and unexposed treatment periods
Authors: Mitchell Anneka , Watson Margaret C , Welsh Tomas J , McGrogan Anita
Published: February 2025

Background

Anticoagulation therapy reduces stroke risk in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF), but it is often underused in older populations due to concerns about bleeding. This study aimed to compare the safety and effectiveness of anticoagulation during periods of exposure and non-exposure and across different anticoagulants in people with AF aged ≥75 years.

Methods

Using UK primary care data from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (2013–2017), a retrospective cohort study was conducted on patients newly prescribed oral anticoagulants (warfarin or direct oral anticoagulants). Exposure to anticoagulation was mapped using prescription data. Cox regression models were used to estimate adjusted HRs for stroke, bleeding, myocardial infarction, and death during periods of exposure and non-exposure and for different anticoagulants.

Results

Among 20 167 patients (median age 81 years), non-exposure to anticoagulation was associated with higher risks of stroke (HR 3.07, 95% CI 2.39 to 3.93), myocardial infarction (HR 1.85, 95% CI 1.34 to 2.56) and death (HR 2.87, 95% CI 2.63 to 3.12) compared with exposure. Compared with warfarin, apixaban was associated with lower risks of non-major bleeding (HR 0.73, 95% CI 0.64 to 0.85), whereas rivaroxaban was associated with higher risks of major (HR 1.33, 95% CI 1.15 to 1.55) and non-major (HR 1.29, 95% CI 1.16 to 1.44) bleeding.

Conclusions

Non-exposure to anticoagulation increases the risks of stroke, myocardial infarction and death in older patients with AF. Clinicians should carefully weigh the risks of discontinuing anticoagulation and provide shared decision-making support to patients, especially when considering deprescription.
An exploration of physical literacy in Masters Athletes
Authors: McCracken Garry , Haynes Elijah M.K. , Jakobi Jennifer M.
Published: February 2025

Sport participation among older adults, is increasing, but many still fall short of meeting physical activity (PA) guidelines. Master athletes, who engage in PA through systematic training, and competition, offer unique insights into PA practices in later life. This study explored whether master athletes embody the principles of physical literacy and how their experiences could inform strategies to promote PA among older adults. An electronic survey completed by 35 master athletes (55–75 years, 20 female) and follow-up interviews with eight participants revealed that most were unfamiliar with the term "physical literacy," yet they intuitively practiced its principles. Master athletes identified parallels between their behaviors and physical literacy but viewed existing models as primarily youth-focused and less applicable to older adults. Additionally, lifelong sport participation was not universal; nine participants, predominantly women, began competitive sports later in life. A key finding was the importance of social connectedness, which emerged as a critical motivator and enabler for sustained PA among master athletes. This element, largely absent from current physical literacy frameworks, may be vital for engaging older adults in PA. Integrating social connection into physical literacy models could address barriers unique to this demographic, enhancing participation and promoting healthier aging.
A Multi-Dimensional Evaluation Method of Collaborative Learning Quality in Higher Education Based on Random Forest
Authors: Wang Haozeng , Li Jiahuan
Published: February 2025

The accuracy and completeness of data preprocessing are crucial to the performance of models. If the pretreatment is not done properly, it may lead to degradation of model performance and even produce misleading results. Therefore, a multi-dimensional evaluation method of collaborative learning quality in higher education based on random forest is proposed. By introducing the student achievement data spanning 2020–2023, the stack denoising autoencoder is applied to the feature extraction of higher education collaborative learning images, and the external information sensitivity matrix and influence weight matrix are introduced. A random forest algorithm based on MapReduce distributed computing framework is proposed, and the convolutional neural network model in deep learning is adopted. Construct the index system of higher education collaborative learning quality evaluation, and introduce GoldenSA algorithm to carry out global search and fast optimization of SVM model parameters, so as to achieve multi-dimensional evaluation of learning quality. The experimental outcomes indicate that the designed method achieves an accuracy of 0.75, a precision of 0.74, a recall rate of 0.73, and an F1-score of 0.77. When the number of iterations only reaches 5 times, the proposed method begins to converge. In D1 data, the proposed method takes 5.87[Formula: see text]s, and the mean square error is lower than 5%.
An Operational Risk Prediction Method for Corporate Financial Management Based on Big Data Analysis
Authors: Ying Li , Geng Song
Published: February 2025

The information source of financial management operation data comes from financial statements, accounting records and other aspects. The amount of data is large, which increases the calculation amount of risk prediction algorithm. In order to reflect the business operation status and risk changes in a timely manner, provide comprehensive and multi-dimensional risk information, use the advantage of big data analysis to quickly process massive data, and propose a prediction method for business financial management operation risk based on big data analysis. Preprocess enterprise financial management and operation data through steps such as data cleaning, standardization, discretization, and fuzzy rough set mining to remove noise, redundancy, incomplete, and uncertain information from the data, and obtain reduced and dimensionality enterprise financial management and operation data; on this basis, select a variety of risk indicators, and use the gray system model to extract key enterprise financial management operational risk indicators. The enterprise financial management operational risk indicators are input into the SVM model as training samples. According to the constraints of the SVM classification model, the classification hyperplane is established, and the results of enterprise financial management operational risk prediction are obtained. Particle swarm optimization algorithm is used to optimize the predefined parameters and cost parameters of the kernel function in the SVM model to improve the accuracy of risk prediction. The experimental results show that this method has excellent feasibility and accuracy. It can not only accurately predict the risk level of the enterprise, but also the prediction results are highly stable and reliable. The method also has strong robustness and is suitable for long-term risk prediction. While the prediction time is short, it can also ensure a better balance between the generalization ability and performance of the model, and provide an efficient and practical risk management tool for enterprises.
Algorithm-Driven Architecture: Harnessing Parametric Design for Architectural Innovation
Authors: Cheng Cheng , Li Fumin , Guo Zhen , Li Xingzhen
Published: February 2025

Design projects are inherently complicated and interdependent, which presents architects with ongoing problems. One such issue is the ever-increasing volume of information that must be integrated from the outset of a project. The use of computational methods in the design process has grown in popularity among professionals in the field in recent decades. The field of architecture, engineering, and construction has gained fresh insight from the recent advancements in computational design and the expanding philosophical foundation of parametric design. In order to discuss these methods, experts in the field of design and academics used separate terminology. There are a lot of ambiguities and inconsistent uses of terminology, and people often use various words to describe the same thing. The purpose of this study is to showcase an advanced framework that automatically designs and analyzes various parametric structural models using the architectural model and pertinent parametric data. A lot of construction companies have started using building information modeling (BIM) software lately. To create and improve the layout design, this research suggests combining optimization structural design (OSD) with an evolutionary algorithm (EA). Built to seamlessly integrate with BIM platforms, the OSD-EA framework may automatically produce alternate structural models by linking and interacting with architectural models. In order to prove that the framework could be implemented, a proof of concept prototype was created. The suggested OSD-EA model and framework have many potential applications in structural design, including but not limited to residential, commercial, and even bridge projects.
Are Positive and Long-Term Thinking Millennial Employees More Likely to Engage in Bootleg Innovation Behavior? Findings From SEM and fsQCA
Authors: Zou Bing , Sun Xuemei , Zou Yumeng , Su Jiafu
Published: February 2025

Based on the regulatory focus theory and conservation of resources theory, this paper integrates structural equation modeling (SEM) and fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to investigate the mechanisms that influence the relationship between millennial employees’ promotion focus traits and bootleg innovation behavior. A valid sample of 387 employees engaged in R&D within technology-based SMEs was obtained from China. The results of the SEM showed that: the promotion focus significantly influenced their bootleg innovation behavior; future work self-salience significantly influenced the bootleg innovation behavior; future work self-salience had a significant mediating effect between the relationship between the promotion focus trait and bootleg innovation; social media competency had a significant moderating mediating effect. The results of the fsQCA showed that: multiple equivalent paths were found to trigger the bootleg innovation behavior. Three configurations lead to the high bootleg innovation behavior, and two configurations lead to the low bootleg innovation behavior. High (or low) promotion focus and high (or low) social media competency are the main influencing factors of high (or low) bootleg innovation behavior in the antecedents studied.
The Effect of Government Regulation in China on the Relationship between Carbon Risk Awareness and Corporate Performance
Authors: ALSAKEB Khalid , AHMADI Ali , AMARA Tijani , ABDULLAHQ Ahamed
Published: February 2025

In a sustainable economy, each company’s level of carbon risk can change from period to period, but few studies have examined the association among a company’s carbon risk awareness and its level of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance. This article studies the effect of corporate-level carbon risk awareness on the ESG performance of China’s A-share listed companies during the period of 2013–2022. The results show a positive effect of carbon risk awareness on the level of companies’ ESG performance. The results also show that media coverage has a significant moderating effect on the relationship between carbon risk awareness and ESG performance. The authors present three factors through which carbon risk awareness affects ESG performance: (i) recognizing high carbon risks allows companies to decrease pollutants and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and increase environmental (E) scores; (ii) high carbon risk awareness encourages companies to take responsibility for social employment and improve social (S) outcomes; (iii) higher carbon risk awareness leads to better established sustainable management and higher governance (G) scores. This study plays a significant guiding role in improving corporate ESG practices.
Machine Learning for Infectious Disease Risk Prediction: A Survey
Authors: Liu Mutong , Liu Yang , Liu Jiming
Published: February 2025

Infectious diseases place a heavy burden on public health worldwide. In this paper, we systematically investigate how machine learning (ML) can play an essential role in quantitatively characterizing disease transmission patterns and accurately predicting infectious disease risks. First, we introduce the background and motivation for using ML for infectious disease risk prediction. Next, we describe the development and application of various ML models for infectious disease risk prediction, categorizing them according to the models’ alignment with vital public health concerns specific to two distinct phases of infectious disease propagation: (1) the pandemic and epidemic phases (the P-E phaseS) and (2) the endemic and elimination phases (the E-E phaseS), with each presenting its own set of critical questions. Subsequently, we discuss challenges encountered when dealing with model inputs, designing task-oriented objectives, and conducting performance evaluations. We conclude with a discussion of open questions and future directions.
A Systematic Review with a Demonstrative Case of KIT and DOG-1 Expressing Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors Harboring ETV6-NTRK3 Fusions
Authors: Ranjbarian Tannaz , Antkowiak Mark , Mallory Robert J. , Doherty Terence M. , Hosseini Mojgan , Mesirov Jill P. , Fanta Paul T. , Sicklick Jason K.
Published: February 2025

Introduction: Previous reports have described ETV6-NTRK3 fusion-positive gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) in cases lacking KIT, PDGFRA, RAS-pathway, or SDHx alterations. However, some investigators have questioned the rigor of these reports and the true existence of NTRK rearrangements in GIST. This study aims to: 1) resolve whether NTRK gene rearrangements exist in GIST; 2) review the relevant literature; and 3) demonstrate a case of NTRK fusion GIST. Methods: A comprehensive literature review using PubMed identified additional NTRK fusion-reported cases. Under an IRB-approved protocol, we describe a patient with biopsy-proven GIST who underwent genomic and transcriptomic CLIA-certified testing, precision-matched therapy, surgical resection, and pathological analysis. Results: We identified 17 reported cases of GIST with NTRK fusions. Five studies reported GIST with KIT/DOG-1 expression by IHC, wild-type KIT/PDGFRA, and an ETV6-NTRK3 fusion, consistent with GIST. We demonstrate a case of a 72-year-old female status post resection of a high-risk gastric GIST followed by 45 months of adjuvant imatinib. She developed recurrent disease and biopsy revealed mixed epithelioid and spindleoid GIST with IHC expression of KIT (CD117) and DOG-1. Imatinib was re-initiated, but her disease progressed, prompting molecular testing for the first time. RNA sequencing identified an in-frame fusion of ETV6 with NTRK3. Larotrectinib, a pan-NTRK inhibitor, was initiated for 7 months, resulting in shrinkage in five tumors (range: 4.2–77%). Surgical cytoreduction demonstrated a pathological near complete response (1% viable tumor cells). Conclusion: Our findings confirm the existence of ETV6-NTRK3 fusion GIST and demonstrate that these imatinib-resistant GISTs may be exquisitely sensitive to TRK
Table S3 from Phase Ib Study of Immunocytokine Simlukafusp Alfa (FAP-IL2v) Combined with Pembrolizumab for Treatment of Advanced and/or Metastatic Melanoma
Authors: Munoz-Couselo Eva , Soria Rivas Ainara , Sandhu Shahneen , Long Georgina V. , Sanmamed Miguel F. , Spreafico Anna , Buchbinder Elizabeth , Sznol Mario , Prenen Hans , Fedenko Alexander , Milhem Mohammed , Arance Fernandez Ana Maria , Grob Jean-Jacques , Demidov Lev , Robert Caroline , Habigt Christin , Evers Stefan , Sleiman Nassim , Dejardin David , Ardeshir Caroline , Martin Nicole , Boetsch Christophe , Charo Jehad , Teichgräber Volker , Kraxner Anton , Keshelava Nino , Bechter Oliver
Published: February 2025

Antitumor activity per RECIST version 1.1
Table S2 from Phase Ib Study of Immunocytokine Simlukafusp Alfa (FAP-IL2v) Combined with Pembrolizumab for Treatment of Advanced and/or Metastatic Melanoma
Authors: Munoz-Couselo Eva , Soria Rivas Ainara , Sandhu Shahneen , Long Georgina V. , Sanmamed Miguel F. , Spreafico Anna , Buchbinder Elizabeth , Sznol Mario , Prenen Hans , Fedenko Alexander , Milhem Mohammed , Arance Fernandez Ana Maria , Grob Jean-Jacques , Demidov Lev , Robert Caroline , Habigt Christin , Evers Stefan , Sleiman Nassim , Dejardin David , Ardeshir Caroline , Martin Nicole , Boetsch Christophe , Charo Jehad , Teichgräber Volker , Kraxner Anton , Keshelava Nino , Bechter Oliver
Published: February 2025

Summary of prior therapy
Figure 1 from Phase Ib Study of Immunocytokine Simlukafusp Alfa (FAP-IL2v) Combined with Pembrolizumab for Treatment of Advanced and/or Metastatic Melanoma
Authors: Munoz-Couselo Eva , Soria Rivas Ainara , Sandhu Shahneen , Long Georgina V. , Sanmamed Miguel F. , Spreafico Anna , Buchbinder Elizabeth , Sznol Mario , Prenen Hans , Fedenko Alexander , Milhem Mohammed , Arance Fernandez Ana Maria , Grob Jean-Jacques , Demidov Lev , Robert Caroline , Habigt Christin , Evers Stefan , Sleiman Nassim , Dejardin David , Ardeshir Caroline , Martin Nicole , Boetsch Christophe , Charo Jehad , Teichgräber Volker , Kraxner Anton , Keshelava Nino , Bechter Oliver
Published: February 2025

Antitumor activity following treatment with FAP-IL2v of CPI-experienced patients in the extension part with at least one postbaseline tumor assessment (n = 62). Best percentage change in the sum of diameters of target lesion from baseline (column color indicates confirmed best overall response) in CPI-experienced patients in the Q3W extension part (n = 41; A) and in the QW/Q3W extension part (n = 21; B). C, Kaplan–Meier estimate of progression-free survival in patients in the Q3W (blue) and QW/Q3W (red) extension part. Tick marks on the Kaplan–Meier plot show censoring of the data at the last time the patient was known to be alive. NE, not evaluable; PD, progressive disease; SD, stable disease; SLD, sum of longest diameters.
Data from Phase Ib Study of Immunocytokine Simlukafusp Alfa (FAP-IL2v) Combined with Pembrolizumab for Treatment of Advanced and/or Metastatic Melanoma
Authors: Munoz-Couselo Eva , Soria Rivas Ainara , Sandhu Shahneen , Long Georgina V. , Sanmamed Miguel F. , Spreafico Anna , Buchbinder Elizabeth , Sznol Mario , Prenen Hans , Fedenko Alexander , Milhem Mohammed , Arance Fernandez Ana Maria , Grob Jean-Jacques , Demidov Lev , Robert Caroline , Habigt Christin , Evers Stefan , Sleiman Nassim , Dejardin David , Ardeshir Caroline , Martin Nicole , Boetsch Christophe , Charo Jehad , Teichgräber Volker , Kraxner Anton , Keshelava Nino , Bechter Oliver
Published: February 2025

AbstractPurpose:
This study explored the combination of fibroblast activation protein (FAP) IL2 variant (FAP-IL2v), a novel immune-cytokine, with pembrolizumab in patients with advanced and/or metastatic melanoma.
Patients and Methods:
This open-label, multicenter, phase Ib clinical study (NCT03875079) evaluated the safety, tolerability, pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, and antitumor activity of FAP-IL2v (simlukafusp alfa, RO6874281) in combination with pembrolizumab. Patients with advanced and/or metastatic melanoma were either checkpoint inhibitor (CPI)-naïve or CPI-experienced. Patients received 10 mg FAP-IL2v either continuously once every 3 weeks (Q3W) or in an induction/maintenance setting consisting of a 3-week induction phase with weekly (QW) dosing followed by continuous Q3W dosing. Pembrolizumab was dosed Q3W at 200 mg.
Results:
Eighty-three patients were treated: 16 patients in two safety run-in cohorts and 67 patients in two extension cohorts; 75 (90.4%) patients were CPI-experienced. The pharmacokinetics of FAP-IL2v in combination with pembrolizumab was similar to that after administration as monotherapy. Consistent with the proposed mode of action, FAP-IL2v preferentially expanded NK and CD8 T cells. The most common FAP-IL2v–related grade 3/4 adverse events were lymphopenia (23%), elevated γ-glutamyltransferase (8%), elevated alanine aminotransferase (6%), and infusion-related reaction (6%). A response was observed in 5 of 75 (6.7%) CPI-experienced patients (all partial responses) and 2 of 8 CPI-naïve patients (one complete response and one partial response). The median progression-free survival was 3.1 months.
Conclusions:
The safety profile of FAP-IL2v in combination with pembrolizumab was manageable and consistent with the known safety profile. However, further exploration of FAP-IL2v and pembrolizumab was precluded in patients with melanoma with prior CPI due to the lack of clinical activity.
Significance:
In this phase Ib study, the combination of FAP-IL2v, an immune-cytokine developed to overcome the limitations of wild-type IL2, with the CPI pembrolizumab did not show meaningful antitumor activity in patients who had progressed on prior CPI therapy, suggesting that FAP-IL2v alone cannot overcome CPI resistance or unresponsiveness.
Oxidative Stress Causes Mitochondrial and Electrophysiologic Dysfunction to Promote Atrial Fibrillation in
Pitx2

+/−

Mice
Authors: Subati Tuerdi , Kim Kyungsoo , Yang Zhenjiang , Murphy Matthew B. , Van Amburg Joseph C. , Christopher Isis L. , Dougherty Owen P. , Woodall Kaylen K. , Smart Charles D. , Johnson Joyce E. , Fogo Agnes B. , Amarnath Venkataraman , Agrawal Vineet , Barnett Joey V. , Saffitz Jeffrey E. , Murray Katherine T.
Published: February 2025

BACKGROUND:

The strongest genetic risk factors for atrial fibrillation (AF) are DNA variants on chromosome 4q25 near the transcription factor gene
PITX2
. Mice deficient in
Pitx2
(
Pitx2

+/−

) have increased AF susceptibility, although the molecular mechanism(s) remains controversial.
Pitx2
encodes a transcription factor that activates an antioxidant response to promote cardiac repair. Increased reactive oxygen species causing oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids generates reactive lipid dicarbonyl moieties that adduct to proteins and other macromolecules to promote cellular injury. We tested the hypothesis that oxidative stress, and specifically isolevuglandins, the most reactive lipid dicarbonyls identified, are increased in the setting of
Pitx2
deficiency to promote proarrhythmic remodeling and AF.

METHODS:

Pitx2

+/−

and
Pitx2

+/+

wild-type littermate control mice were treated orally with vehicle, the lipid dicarbonyl scavenger 2-hydroxybenzylamine, or an inactive control compound at weaning, until study at age 16 to 18 weeks.

RESULTS:

Pitx2

+/−

mice demonstrated increased P wave duration indicative of slowed atrial conduction, as well as increased inducible AF burden and sustained AF, compared with wild type, and these abnormalities were prevented by 2-hydroxybenzylamine. Both reactive oxygen species and isolevuglandin protein adducts were elevated in
Pitx2

+/−

atria with reduced expression of reactive oxygen species–protective genes. High-resolution respirometry demonstrated impaired mitochondrial function in
Pitx2

+/−

atria, with disruption of mitochondrial integrity and cell-cell junctions with connexin lateralization, as well as decreased mitochondrial biogenesis gene expression. Proarrhythmic ionic current remodeling in
Pitx2

+/−

atrial myocytes included elevated resting membrane potential, abbreviated action potential duration, and reduced maximum phase 0 upstroke velocity compared with wild type. Most of these abnormalities were ameliorated or prevented by 2-hydroxybenzylamine.

CONCLUSIONS:

These results demonstrate a critical role for lipid dicarbonyl mediators of oxidative stress in the proarrhythmic remodeling and AF susceptibility that occurs with
Pitx2
deficiency, implying the possibility of genotype-specific therapy to prevent AF.
Impact of Conventional Stroke Risk Factors on Early- and Late-Onset Ischemic Stroke: A Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Nguyen Kevin T.K. , Xu Huichun , Gaynor Brady J. , McArdle Patrick F. , O’Connor Timothy D. , Perry James A. , Worrall Bradford B. , Malik Rainer , Boncoraglio Giorgio B. , Adebamowo Sally N. , Zand Ramin , Cole John W. , Kittner Steven J. , Mitchell Braxton D. ,   on behalf of the Stroke Genetic Network and Early-Onset Stroke Consortia
Published: February 2025

BACKGROUND:

Stroke incidence is decreasing in older ages but increasing in young adults. These divergent trends are at least partially attributable not only to diverging trends in stroke risk factors but may also be due to differences in the impact of stroke risk factors at different ages. To address this latter possibility, we used Mendelian randomization to assess differences in the association of stroke risk factors between early-onset ischemic stroke ([EOS]; onset 18–59 years) and late-onset ischemic stroke ([LOS]; onset ≥60 years).

METHODS:

We identified genetic variants from the GWAS Catalog for use as instrumental variables to proxy conventional stroke risk factors and then estimated the effects of these variants on risk factors in younger and older individuals in the UK Biobank. We then used these estimates to estimate the causal effects of stroke risk factors on EOS (n=6728 cases) and LOS (n=9272) cases from SiGN (Stroke Genetic Network) and the EOSC (Early-Onset Stroke Consortium). Lastly, we compared odds ratios between EOS and LOS, stratified by TOAST (Trial of ORG 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment) subtypes, to determine if differences between estimates could be attributed to differences in stroke subtype distributions.

RESULTS:

EOS was associated with higher levels of body mass index, blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and lower levels of HDL (high-density lipoprotein) cholesterol (all
P
≤0.002), whereas LOS was associated with higher levels of systolic blood pressure (
P
=0.0001). The causal effect of body mass index on stroke was significantly stronger for EOS than for LOS (odds ratio, 1.26 versus 1.03;
P
=0.008). After the subtype-stratified analysis, the difference in causal effect sizes between EOS and LOS for body mass index diminished and was no longer significant.

CONCLUSIONS:

These results support a causal relationship between body mass index, blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and HDL cholesterol levels with EOS and blood pressure levels in LOS. Interventions that target these traits may reduce stroke risk.
Putin's Preventive War: The 2022 Invasion of Ukraine
Authors: Posen Barry R.
Published: February 2025

The 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine is consistent with the logic of preventive war. States often initiate wars because they fear the consequences of a shifting balance of military power and thus strike to forestall it. They fear that, once the balance changes, the rising power may either attempt to coerce them, or initiate war later under much more favorable circumstances. The tendency to consider preventive war is exacerbated if the declining state also sees itself as having a special, and fleeting, window of opportunity to prevent the shift. This essay reviews a range of evidence to argue that Vladimir Putin likely viewed Russia's strategic situation through a preventive war frame. NATO membership for Ukraine would shift the balance of power against Russia, and U.S. and NATO military cooperation with Ukraine intensified during the Joe Biden administration. These developments likely convinced Putin that he did not have much time to forestall Ukraine's NATO membership.
Advancing the quality and safety of behavioural interventions in mental health research: A how-to guide from the MAGNET Clinical Trial Network
Authors: O’Neil Adrienne , John Tayla , Turner Alyna , Batterham Philip J , Barutchu Ayla , Fiddes Rachel , Chambers Josephine , Rossell Susan L , Davey Christopher , Carruthers Sean , Connolly Madeleine L , Mills Katherine L , Gulliver Amelia , Schwartz Orli , Neill Erica , Davis Jessica A , Roydhouse Jessica , Berk Michael
Published: February 2025

This is the first in a series of Position Papers from the Mental Health Australia General Clinical Trials Network (MAGNET) intended to promote the standard of mental health research in Australia. This paper focuses on improving the quality and safety of non-pharmacological trials with a mental health focus, which for the purpose of this paper, are those testing ‘complex’ behavioural interventions (including lifestyle or psychotherapy interventions) with clinical populations. This is timely after last year’s update of the National Statement for Ethical Conduct in Human Research which is intended to provide extended guidance on assessing, mitigating and managing risk and the introduction of the Australian Commission on Safety & Quality in Healthcare’s National Clinical Trials Governance Framework. However, what the implementation of these research policies means for behavioural trials in mental health, given their many nuances, is only being realised. This paper outlines historical issues in the conduct of behavioural trials in mental health (lack of consensus on the concept of harm; lack of governance and inconsistent data collection and/or trial procedures around harms). Next, we detail the methods for developing recommendations to aid triallists’ monitoring and assessing safety during the conduct of behavioural mental health trials that evaluate lifestyle or psychotherapy interventions in clinical populations. Finally, we present a decision-making algorithm to support implementation. Ultimately, we intend to promote quality and safety of behavioural interventions in mental health, to better understand the risk/benefit profile of these treatments and to minimise unnecessary risk to participants and triallists.
Offshore balancing strategy assessment: Profound disagreements and determining factors for performance
Authors: Yao Quan
Published: February 2025

At present, there is vigorous debate around the effectiveness of offshore balancing strategy. The main points of contention revolve around whether the strategy increases or decreases costs for the offshore balancer; whether it leads to a rise or decline in power; and whether it enhances or worsens security. In this paper I argue that academics should not rely on a static perspective of the strategy's inherent attributes, but should dynamically examine and evaluate how the strategy is implemented. Three decisive factors in the strategy's success are the balancer's ability to assess strategic threats, seize strategic opportunities, and make adjustments to strategic deviations.
Social Housing and Right to the City: Experiences of Inhabitants and Social Workers in Mumbai and Geneva
Authors: Jha Manish K. , Delahaye Sylvia Garcia , Srishti Shubha , Dubath Caroline
Published: February 2025

The question of housing in various economies and contexts reveals itself through complex policies and practices. The inability to access dignified housing means compromising the ‘right to the city’. The article explores the complex urban challenges of housing and social inclusion in Mumbai and Geneva. It examines how urbanization, driven by neoliberal policies, often exacerbates socio-economic inequalities, depriving marginalized communities’ right to the city. The article highlights social housing as a critical element for inclusive urban spaces, where access to adequate housing represents participation in public life. In Mumbai, resettlement colonies reveal how the urban poor face displacement and disrupted social networks due to resettlement to a peripheral place. In contrast, despite being well-intentioned, Geneva’s social housing policies struggle to meet demand, with rising exclusions due to aporophobia and housing shortages. However, social workers and NGOs are pivotal in advocating for inhabitants’ rights and facilitating community cohesion in both cities. To understand the current urban development issues, the article focuses on the points of view and practices of social workers, inhabitants, and communities in the construction of ‘living together’ within the new neighbourhoods. The analysis underscores that the vision of an inclusive, just city remains elusive without equitable housing policies.
The autonomy paradox, working from home and psychosocial hazards
Authors: Vassiley Alexis , Shafaei Azadeh , Nejati Mehran , Onnis Leigh-ann , Bentley Tim
Published: February 2025

This article investigates the experience of knowledge workers in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, who worked from home during the COVID-19 pandemic to understand their exposure to psychosocial hazards, specifically: workload and work pace; the work-home interface and social isolation. We explored how the increased autonomy afforded by working from home fitted with workers’ actual experience during the pandemic. Drawing on interviews with 33 NSW remote workers and 19 line-managers conducted in early 2021, this article argues that the increased autonomy afforded to employees by remote work is paradoxical. Many interviewees worked longer hours and experienced work intensification, as well as an unwelcome blurring of the work and home spheres. The phenomenon of greater work output was bound up in the trust between workers and line management. Further, interviewees experienced a sense of social isolation. The potential for work intensification, blurring, and social isolation all featured in the working from home literature before COVID-19. This article provides a novel application of the ‘autonomy paradox’ concept, by integrating it within the framework of psychosocial workplace hazards.
Community Health Worker Requirements to Accelerate Progress Towards Universal Health Coverage in Africa: An Overview of Contemporary Estimates and Implications of Full-Time Versus Part-Time Working Arrangements
Authors: Asamani James Avoka , Okoroafor Sunny C. , Mwinga Kasonde
Published: February 2025

Primary health care is the most effective approach to achieving universal health coverage (UHC) and ensuring health security. In this approach, community health workers play a crucial role by delivering a comprehensive array of preventive, promotive, and curative services. Their contributions are vital in addressing health inequities, ensuring that all individuals have access to essential health services. By empowering these workers, we can foster a more equitable health system that meets the diverse needs of communities. African leaders are pursuing a 2 million community health worker agenda, but there are lingering questions about how to set targets of the density of community health workers needed in countries to achieve the sustainable development goals. By examining the implications of empirical estimates and incorporating nuances of working hours of community health workers, we find a wide range of density from 11.2 to 59.5 community health workers per 10 000 population depending on country context and the community health worker’s working arrangements. If community health workers are not full-time workers and work between 30% and 65% of their time, the current shortage of community health workers is between 580 000 and 954 500. However, if all the existing community health workers were to be employed full-time, the needs-based shortage of community health workers would shrink significantly to just 210 000. These should be considered ordered guesses and not planning targets for countries. Countries are encouraged to use the available health workforce planning tools to estimate its context-appropriate requirements for community health workers as part of the broader health workforce planning.
Turning Task-Adjusted Temporary Newcomers into Permanent Employees: An Identity Perspective
Authors: Montani Francesco , Bullini Orlandi Ludovico , Dufour Lucas , Manca Claudia
Published: February 2025

While most of the socialization literature has focused on factors that allow newcomers to adjust to their new job tasks successfully, less attention has been given to examining whether temporary newcomers’ task adjustment influences the likelihood of receiving a permanent position. Drawing on the identity perspective and the socialization literature, this study proposes and tests a new framework that examines the probability of task-adjusted newcomers receiving a permanent job offer contingent on two conditions: a) there is a low level of peer divestiture socialization, which enables the task-adjusted newcomer to achieve higher levels of task performance, and b) the newcomer displays low rule-following behavior, which allows the high-performing newcomer to be cognitively trusted by the supervisor. Consistent with our predictions, the results of a four-wave, multisource study featuring 194 newcomer-supervisor dyads revealed that newcomer task adjustment was positively related to the newcomer receiving a permanent job offer by way of newcomer task performance and supervisor trust in newcomers but only when peer divestiture socialization and newcomer rule-following behavior were low. We discuss the theoretical and managerial implications of these findings.
Early childhood teachers’ portfolio practices and predictors / Prácticas y predictores del uso de portafolios por parte del profesorado de Educación Infantil
Authors: Alaçam Nur , Olgan Refika , Çapa Aydın Yeşim
Published: February 2025

Portfolio is one of the common forms of pedagogical documentation around the world. The current study explores early childhood teachers’ portfolio practices and related predictors using quantitative methodologies. Data were collected from 605 early childhood teachers through developed scales, while descriptive statistics, MANOVA and hierarchical multiple regression were utilized for data analysis. As a result, it was revealed that intention and self-efficacy beliefs were significant predictors of teachers’ portfolio practices, whereas teachers’ portfolio practices did not change significantly with respect to their teaching experience. Furthermore, teachers using portfolio assessment had high scores in internal constructs (i.e., attitudes, beliefs) compared to those who did not use portfolios. Therefore, it was concluded that internal factors play a significant role in teachers’ effectiveness with the use of portfolio assessment.
Awareness and usage pattern of library resources and services by the users of the Maulana Azad Library, AMU Aligarh: An analytical study
Authors: Salauddin Nazia
Published: February 2025

This study explores the awareness and usage patterns of library resources and services among users of the Maulana Azad Library at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU). A survey methodology was employed, with 220 questionnaires distributed to library users, including undergraduate, postgraduate, research scholars, and faculty members. A total of 180 responses were received, resulting in an 81.81% response rate. The study found that a significant number of users visit the library primarily to borrow or return books, with books and journals being the most frequently utilized information sources. Most users are aware of copyright laws and regulations. However, many users lack familiarity with information literacy skills and techniques, leading to varied levels of awareness regarding library resources and services. While users expressed general satisfaction with the library's offerings, they suggested improvements, such as increasing access to electronic resources and extending library operating hours. The study further identifies factors influencing user awareness and usage, including academic discipline, research interests, and study habits. Based on these findings, the study recommends strategies to enhance library services, including improving user awareness, offering more user-friendly services, and providing continuous training and support to better meet the needs of library users.
Redefining objectivity: Exploring types of evidence by fact-checkers in four European countries
Authors: Cazzamatta Regina
Published: February 2025

Fact-checking journalism challenges procedural norms of objectivity by providing truth verdicts. By actively evaluating statements and online rumors based on evidence weight, fact-checkers aim for robust, scientific objectivity. Despite this trend, there is a lack of studies analyzing evidence types used in verification articles, a gap which this article seeks to address. This comparative research examines types of valid evidence—documentation, digital forensic tools, and statements—employed by fact-checkers across 12 organizations in the UK, Germany, Portugal, and Spain ( n = 1976). Results are interpreted using media systems and digital indicators. Notably, Spain, with high political polarization and social media use for news, heavily utilizes digital forensic elements. Germany and the UK, known for high journalistic professionalism and low epistemic vulnerability, predominantly feature ‘all-inclusive’ evidence combining documents, statements, and forensics. Public service broadcasters exhibit the highest levels of verification complexity (hard fact-checking), contrasting with global news agencies, which generally favor softer fact-checking approaches, except for DPA.
Hydrology at the helm: Investigating land use responses to hydropatterns in Nagaon district of Assam, India, using rural hydrological approach
Authors: Bhuyan Manash Jyoti , Deka Nityananda
Published: February 2025

The rural landscapes of Nagaon district in Assam, situated in the floodplains of the Brahmaputra valley in India, are characterized by intricate relationships between hydrological conditions, land use practices, and water resource management. The present study delves into understanding these relationships and their implications for agricultural sustainability utilizing the rural hydrological approach. To achieve its objective, the study employed a range of methods such as stakeholder surveys, oral interviews, dag surveys, hydropattern analysis, and participatory rural appraisal (PRA). The findings reveal significant variations in hydropatterns across villages and seasons, influencing crop growth and land use decisions. Traditional land classification based on hydrological conditions guides agricultural practices, with farmers strategically selecting rice varieties to suit specific environments. Moreover, the transition from surface water to groundwater-based irrigation systems has enhanced agricultural productivity while raising concerns about groundwater sustainability. The applicability of findings extends beyond Nagaon district, offering insights into managing water resources in agricultural landscapes in rural areas worldwide and fostering resilience in rural communities facing similar challenges.
A Longitudinal Analysis of Risk and Protective Factors of Bias-Based Bullying Victimization Among Adolescents
Authors: Parodi Katharine B. , Holt Melissa K. , Aradhya Pooja , Green Jennifer Greif , Merrin Gabriel J.
Published: February 2025

Bias-based bullying (i.e., bullying targeting actual or perceived aspects of one’s identity) is a form of interpersonal victimization that has adverse consequences for youth functioning. While research has documented foundational knowledge on bias-based bullying, few studies have incorporated a multilevel longitudinal approach to examining theorized risk and protective factors of this complex phenomenon. The current study addresses this gap by investigating predictors (e.g., school climate and state laws) at multiple social-ecological levels and comparing the magnitude of coefficients. Three data sources were used: (a) data from a sample of adolescents ( N = 639) participating in a four-wave longitudinal study regarding their experiences with bias-based bullying, (b) external data on enumerated anti-bullying laws, and (c) external data on protected categories in state hate crime statutes. We estimated a series of latent growth curve models to examine trajectories of bias-based bullying victimization over the 18-month study period and added social-ecological predictors (sociodemographic characteristics, peer support, family support, school climate, enumerated anti-bullying laws, and an index of protected categories in state hate crime laws) of bias-based bullying victimization. Key findings documented that sexual minority youth and youth identifying as another racial identity, non-Hispanic had higher initial bias-based bullying victimization scores, with sexual minority youth decreasing at a significantly more rapid rate than heterosexual youth. Peer support, family support, school climate, and enumerated anti-bullying laws were significantly associated with the intercept factor (i.e., initial status) of bias-based bullying victimization. Notably, school climate emerged as an important protective factor in the fully adjusted model, predicting initial bias-based bullying victimization scores. This study provides new information on risk and protective factors and is critical for tailoring prevention and intervention efforts to mitigate this form of victimization. Bolstering support for vulnerable youth and promoting a positive school climate are recommended.
Adverse Childhood Experiences and Bullying: Findings from the Growing Up in Scotland Cohort
Authors: Sapouna Maria
Published: February 2025

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are defined as stressful or traumatic events occurring within a child’s family environment during their first 18 years of life. Research examining the associations between exposure to ACEs in childhood and bullying experiences in adolescence is sparse. To address this gap, data from the first 10 sweeps of the Growing Up in Scotland prospective cohort study was used to evaluate the relationship between 6 different ACEs and the risk of being bullied or engaging in bullying others at age 14 among a sample of 2,669 adolescents. Multiple univariable logistic regression models were fitted to explore independent associations between each of the six ACEs measured, 1+ ACE and 3+ ACEs and bullying perpetration and victimization, respectively. Results showed that a high proportion of young people in Scotland experience bullying victimization (31%) and a very high percentage reported exposure to at least one type of adversity (73.6%). Young people whose parents reported drug or alcohol misuse and females whose parents had divorced or separated had higher odds of engaging in bullying others. Having a parent who had mental health problems was the only ACE that predicted higher odds of experiencing bullying. Substance misuse in the family predicted a higher risk of bullying victimization for females. Logistic regression analyses further showed that females with greater exposure to ACEs were more likely to engage in bullying in mid-adolescence. Our findings underscore the importance of understanding bullying perpetration as a maladaptive way to manage life stressors.