bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Addition of PEG‐interferon to long‐term nucleos(t)ide analogue therapy enhances HBsAg decline and clearance in HBeAg‐negative chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Farag Mina S. , van Campenhout Margo J. H. , Sonneveld M. J. , Fung Scott , van Erpecum Karel J. , Wong David K. , Verhey Elke , de Man Robert , De Knegt Robert J. , Brouwer Johannes T. , Baak Hubertus C. , Feld Jordan J. , Liem Kin Seng , Boonstra André , Hansen Bettina E. , Janssen Harry L. A.
Published: January 2024

We studied whether 48 weeks of PEG‐IFN alfa‐2a add‐on increases HBsAg‐decline and clearance in HBeAg‐negative patients on long‐term nucleo(s)tide analogue (NA) therapy. In this investigator‐initiated, randomized, controlled trial conducted in Europe and Canada, HBeAg‐negative patients treated with NA > 12 months, with HBVDNA < 200 IU/mL, were enrolled. Patients were randomized 2:1 to 48 weeks of PEG‐IFN alfa‐2a add‐on (180 μg per week) or continued NA‐monotherapy with subsequent follow‐up to Week 72. Endpoints were HBsAg decline (≥1 log10 IU/mL) and HBsAg clearance at Week 48. Of the 86 patients in the modified‐intention‐to‐treat analysis, 58 patients received PEG‐IFN add‐on, and 28 continued NA monotherapy. At Week 48, 16(28%) patients achieved HBsAg decline ≥1 log10 in the add‐on arm versus none on NA‐monotherapy (p < .001), and HBsAg clearance was observed in 6 (10%) PEG‐IFN add‐on patients versus 0% NA‐monotherapy (p = .01). HBVRNA was only detected in 2% after PEG‐IFN treatment versus 19% in NA‐monotherapy (p = .002) at Week 48. PEG‐IFN add‐on therapy was well tolerated in majority of patients. Low baseline HBsAg levels (<10 IU/mL) identified patients most likely to achieve HBsAg loss with PEG‐IFN add‐on, whereas an HBsAg level > 200 IU/mL at on‐treatment Week 12 was highly predictive of non‐response (NPV = 100%). Addition of PEG‐IFN to long‐term NA enhanced HBsAg decline and increased the chance of HBsAg clearance in HBeAg‐negative patients on long‐term NA. On‐treatment HBsAg levels >200 IU/mL identify patients unlikely to benefit from PEG‐IFN add‐on and could be used as a potential stopping‐rule for PEG‐IFN therapy. Our findings support further exploration of immune modulation add‐on to antiviral therapy, preferably using response‐guided strategies, to increase functional cure rates in patients with CHB.
Ant protection effectiveness in myrmecophytes and extrafloral nectary plants
Authors: Souza L. S. , Calixto E. S. , Domingos S. S. , Bächtold A. , Alves‐Silva E.
Published: January 2024

Extrafloral nectaried plants and myrmecophytes offer resources to ants that engage in protective mutualisms. The role of different ant species in herbivore deterrence has long been analyzed by using insect baits, and ants are regarded as effective plant guards if they attack the insects. Here, by performing a literature review, we conducted a comparative investigation on which ants display aggression toward experimental prey, which ants are better plant guards, and which plants (extrafloral nectaried plants or myrmecophytes) are better defended by ants. Data revealed that studies evaluating ant aggression toward insect baits have been performed on 37 extrafloral nectaried plant species and 19 myrmecophytes, and have involved over 30 genera of ants. Extrafloral nectaried plants and myrmecophytes rely on specific ant fauna to defend them from herbivores. In extrafloral nectaried plants, Camponotus and Crematogaster were regarded as the best plant protectors, as they attacked insects in nearly all plants. In myrmecophytes, Azteca, Pheidole, and Pseudomyrmex were the most important insect attackers. Myrmecophytes were better protected by ants, as all insects were attacked; in extrafloral nectaried plants, some ants failed to attack the insects. Plants are patrolled by several different ants, but there is a core of ants that excel in protection, and this varies according to plant type (extrafloral nectaried plants and myrmecophytes). With this knowledge, it may be possible to label different ants as effective plant guards, to anticipate their effects on plant performance, and even to understand their potential role as biological control agents.
Impersonal morphosyntax in generative grammar
Authors: Little Carol Rose
Published: January 2024

Impersonal constructions describe generic statements, usually about people. In this article, I discuss implications of impersonal constructions for Generative theories of morphological features, grammatical case, verbal projections, and how referentiality is derived in the syntax.
Non‐invasive methods for monitoring weasels: emerging technologies and priorities for future research
Authors: Jachowski David S. , Bergeson Scott M. , Cotey Stacy R. , Croose Elizabeth , Hofmeester Tim R. , MacPherson Jenny , Wright Patrick , Calderón‐Acevedo Camilo A. , Carter Stephen P. , Dürst Andrin C. , Egloff Gregory B. , Hamed M. Kevin , Hapeman Paul , Harris Stephen N. , Hassler Kendyl , Humbert Jean‐Yves , Karp Denise , Kays Roland , Mausbach Jelena , Morin Dana J. , Mos Jeroen , Allué Salvador Salvador , Smith Lisa , Twining Joshua P. , Williamson Chad R. , Zub Karol
Published: January 2024

Weasels (genus Mustela and Neogale) are of management concern as declining native species in some regions and invasive species in others. Regardless of the need to conserve or remove weasels, there is increasingly a need to use non‐invasive monitoring methods to assess population trends.

We conducted a literature review and held the first ever International Weasel Monitoring Symposium to synthesise information on historical and current non‐invasive monitoring techniques for weasels. We also explored current limitations, opportunities, and areas of development to guide future research and long‐term monitoring.

Our literature search revealed that in the past 20 years, camera traps were the most commonly used non‐invasive monitoring method (62% of studies), followed by track plates or scent stations designed to collect footprints (23%) and walking transects for tracks in snow or soil (8.7%).

Experts agreed that the most promising non‐invasive monitoring techniques available include use of citizen scientist reporting, detection dogs, detecting tracks, non‐invasive genetic surveys, and enclosed or unenclosed camera trap systems. Because each technique has benefits and limitations, using a multi‐method approach is likely required.

There is a need for strong commitment to dedicated monitoring that is replicated over space and time such that trend data can be ascertained to better inform future management action. The diversity of non‐invasive monitoring methods now available makes such monitoring possible with relatively minor commitments of funding and effort.
Temporal stability of fecal metabolomic profiles in irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Iribarren Cristina , Savolainen Otto , Sapnara Maria , Törnblom Hans , Simrén Magnus , Magnusson Maria K. , Öhman Lena
Published: January 2024

Background

The potential of the fecal metabolome to serve as a biomarker for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) depends on its stability over time. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the temporal dynamics of the fecal metabolome, and the potential relationship with stool consistency, in patients with IBS and healthy subjects.

Methods

Fecal samples were collected in two cohorts comprising patients with IBS and healthy subjects. For Cohort A, fecal samples collected during 5 consecutive days were analyzed by gas chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (GC–MS/MS). For Cohort B, liquid chromatography‐MS (LC–MS) was used to analyze fecal samples collected at week 0 (healthy and IBS) and at week 4 (patients only). Stool consistency was determined by the Bristol Stool Form scale.

Key Results

Fecal samples were collected from Cohort A (seven healthy subjects and eight IBS patients), and Cohort B (seven healthy subjects and 11 IBS patients). The fecal metabolome of IBS patients was stable short‐term (Cohort A, 5 days and within the same day) and long‐term (Cohort B, 4 weeks). A similar trend was observed over 5 days in the healthy subjects of Cohort A. The metabolome dissimilarity was larger between than within participants over time in both healthy subjects and IBS patients. Further analyses showed that patients had greater range of stool forms (types) than healthy subjects, with no apparent influence on metabolomic dynamics.

Conclusion & Inferences

The fecal metabolome is stable over time within IBS patients as well as healthy subjects. This supports the concept of a stable fecal metabolome in IBS despite fluctuations in stool consistency, and the use of single timepoint sampling to further explore how the fecal metabolome is related to IBS pathogenesis.
An updated review on the safety of N, N‐diethyl‐meta‐toluamide insect repellent use in children and the efficacy of natural alternatives
Authors: Ghali Helana , Albers Sharon E.
Published: January 2024

N, N‐diethyl‐meta‐toluamide (DEET) has been considered the ‘gold standard’ for insect repellent use since the 1950s and constitutes most insect repellents on the market. However, conflicting data in the scientific literature and confusing information in the media are at the core of debates about the safety of DEET insect repellents for the protection of children against arthropod bites. The few fatal occurrences involving DEET insect repellents and complications of their use in the pediatric population are typically the result of accidental overdoses or misuse of insect repellents that disregard warnings on product labels. With appropriate application, the safety record of DEET insect repellents continues to be excellent with few side effects. The purpose of this review is to provide a summary of the literature on safety outcomes of DEET insect repellent use in children; outline the pediatric recommendations relating to DEET insect repellents; and provide an overview of EPA‐approved and naturally derived alternatives to DEET that possess low toxicity while providing a similar level of protection to synthetic insect repellents.
Properties of supranational governance structures and policy diffusion: The case of mifepristone approvals
Authors: Fernández Juan J. , Sánchez Pilar
Published: January 2024

Many studies show that supranational governance structures (SGS)—understood as international organizations or international treaties—contribute to the global diffusion of public policies. However, we still have a limited understanding of which properties of SGS hasten the number of policy adoptions. To advance this literature, we argue that SGS making legally binding and univocal claims are more likely to act as diffusion accelerators. We demonstrate the suitability of this argument through a case study of the global diffusion of mifepristone approvals, a single‐purpose medicine to terminate pregnancies that has revolutionized abortion services. The analysis supports our expectation. Links to the EU and the Maputo Protocol—the only two considered SGS that make binding claims with clear implications for this policy field—hasten mifepristone approvals. By contrast, ratification of four other treaties—that do not make binding and univocal claims—and exposure to World Health Organization guidelines on medical abortion does not hasten these approvals.
Electronic medication administration record (eMAR) in Swedish home healthcare—Implications for Nurses' and nurse Assistants' Work environment: A qualitative study
Authors: Karnehed Sara , Pejner Margaretha Norell , Erlandsson Lena‐Karin , Petersson Lena
Published: January 2024

Background

The electronic medication administration record (eMAR) is an eHealth system that has replaced the traditional paper‐based medication administration used in many healthcare settings. Research has highlighted that eHealth technologies can change working methods and professional roles in both expected and unexpected ways. To date, there is sparse research that has explored how nurses and nurse assistants (NA) in home healthcare experience eMAR in relation to their work environment.

Aim

The aim was to explore how nurses and nurse assistants experienced their work environment, in terms of job‐demand, control, and support in a Swedish home healthcare setting where an electronic medication administration record had been implemented to facilitate delegation of medical administration.

Method

We took a qualitative approach, where focus groups were used as data collection method. The focus groups included 16 nurses and nine NAs employed in a Swedish municipality where an eMAR had been implemented 6 months before the first focus groups were performed. The analysis adapted the job‐demand‐control‐support model, by condensing the professionals' experiences into the three categories of demand, control, and support, in alignment with the model.

Results

NAs experienced high levels of job demand and low levels of job control. The use of the eMAR limited NAs' ability to control their work, in terms of priorities, content, and timing. In contrast, the nurses described demands as high but manageable, and described having a high level of control. Both professions found the eMar supportive.

Conclusion

Nurses and NAs in home healthcare experienced changes in their work environment regarding demand, control, and support when an eMAR was implemented to facilitate delegation of medical administration. In general, nurses were satisfied with the eMAR. However, NAs felt that the eMAR did not cover all aspects of their daily work. Healthcare organisations should be aware of the changes that digitalisation processes entail in the work environment of nurses and NAs in home healthcare.
Once again: Are welfare states in crisis?
Authors: Greve Bent
Published: January 2024

Welfare state crises have long fascinated researchers. This introduction distills the special issue's insights on this enduring topic. Overall, the articles indicate that future debates surrounding crisis types and responsive policies will remain important. Simple or singular crisis explanations prove elusive. Uncertainty persists regarding whether crises are episodic or constant and occur on macro or micro levels. Diverse welfare regimes further complicate crisis interpretations. Perhaps academic discourse should shift from “crisis” frameworks towards framing pressures as ongoing variations. These encompass struggles over legitimacy, demographic changes, financing dilemmas, and societal battles over resources and options. Specifically, the articles reveal the limitations of sweeping crisis narratives, emphasizing the complex, gradual pressures shaping social policies. Welfare systems balance simultaneous stresses rather than experiencing overarching crises. Even pivotal events rarely trigger seismic shifts, as continuity typically prevails over radical departures. In summary, this special issue provides nuance to welfare state debates by delving into multifaceted, incremental change rather than superficial crisis rhetoric. The articles underscore the diversity of pressures and responses across varied regimes, challenging simplistic crisis notions. This highlights the need for constant welfare state adaptation despite the absence of outright crises.
Mobile Keynesianism: Linking policy mobility and state transformation in New Zealand, 1930–70
Authors: Prince Russell
Published: January 2024

The study of policy mobility has revealed the rich geographical life of policy, demonstrating the very real ways in which policy enacted in one place often references policy enacted elsewhere, and how in doing so, it changes and evolves as it is constantly adopted and adapted. One of its contributions has been the elaboration of neoliberalism as an interconnected process of neoliberalisation producing its variegated geography. But the policy settlement that neoliberalism replaced in the capitalist world, Keynesianism, is still approached in comparative or institutional terms rather than as a process. Applying a policy mobility lens to the study of Keynesianism is an opportunity to correct this. But this historical case is also an opportunity to consider policy mobility anew. Drawing on the relational urbanism that also contributed to policy mobility studies, this paper builds on topological approaches to argue for analysing mobile policy as a consequence and cause of the reworking of relations between and within policy territories. Using the Keynesian policy shift that occurred in New Zealand between 1930 and 1970 as a case study, it shows how relations were transformed but ongoing, and these transformations are both driven by and a consequence of mobile policies; that Keynesianism as an international phenomenon was a reworking of relations necessarily both between and within territories; and that Keynesianism produced a space of technical expertise and authority that continues to shape policy today.
Listening to Europe's migration ‘crisis’: The discursive, affective and imaginative responses of audiences to BBC Radio 4 broadcasts
Authors: Watson Alice
Published: January 2024

Whilst geography has a long tradition of examining geopolitical discourses and imaginaries in media and popular culture, audiences remain understudied. A preoccupation with the site of representation is coupled with a disciplinary bias towards analysing visual media and culture, which obscures alternative ways of knowing, representing and engaging in the world. This paper redresses these imbalances by exploring radio and its capacity to shape audiences' geographical imaginations. An innovative ‘playlist‐diary’ method is used to reveal how listeners hear, interpret and imagine BBC Radio 4 broadcasts on Europe's migration ‘crisis’ between 2014 and 2019; a novel approach which answers calls for geographers to engage with sounds and methodologies of listening, and better understand audience responses to journalistic storytelling on migration. The paper makes a significant conceptual contribution to the field by illustrating how listeners hear broadcasts in discursive, affective and imaginative registers, and by identifying the pivotal role of refugee voices and stories in forging a politics of recognition; that is to say, how and under what conditions radio journalism collapses discourses of ‘us’ and ‘them’, expands imaginative communities of belonging, and leads to instances of identification and connection between listeners and refugees. It therefore pushes beyond research that focuses on discursive and affective invitations in media by uncovering how radio shapes audiences' geographical imaginations around migration and regulates fields of perceptibility, recognition and relatability with people on the move.
Mastocytosis in the skin in dogs: A multicentric case series
Authors: Wyatt Eleanor K. , Affolter Verena , Borio Stefano , Guillen Alexandra , Verganti Sara , Murphy Sue , Ballarini Damiano , Banovic Frane , Schmidt Vanessa , Tanis Jean‐Benoit
Published: January 2024

Canine cutaneous mastocytosis (CM) is rare in contrast to canine mast cell tumours. In humans, CM commonly affects children and is usually indolent with possible spontaneous resolution. Systemic mastocytosis (SM) with bone marrow involvement typically affects adults, can have a poor outcome, and often includes skin lesions. ‘Mastocytosis in the skin’ (MIS) is the preferred term of skin lesions, if bone marrow evaluations are not available, which is often the cases in dogs. In human SM and CM, KIT mutations are often detected. The veterinary literature suggests clinical resemblances between human and canine MIS, but data is limited, and KIT mutations are rarely assessed. This retrospective study describes clinicopathological findings, treatment and outcome of 11 dogs with suspected MIS. Dogs with multiple mast cell tumours were excluded. Histopathology reports (n = 5) or slides (n = 6) were reviewed. KIT mutation analysis including exons 8, 9, 11, 14 and 17 were analysed in eight dogs. Median age at diagnosis was 4 years (range, 1–12). Typical clinical signs included multifocal to generalised nodules and papules. Histologically, skin lesions were characterised by dermal infiltration of well‐differentiated mast cells. KIT mutations were detected in 3/8 dogs (exon 9: n = 2; exon 11: n = 1). One dog had mastocytaemia suggesting possible SM. Glucocorticoids were mostly successful with lesion improvement in all treated dogs (n = 8). This cohort highlights resemblances between human and canine MIS. Further studies are required to confirm these findings and establish diagnostic criteria for CM and MIS associated with SM in dogs.
Weathering and River Erosion: Insights from the Variation of Intact Rock Strength in Rhyodacites
Authors: Lima Adalto Gonçalves , Galvão Ana Carolina Carvalho , Flores Diego Moraes
Published: January 2024

The relationship between weathering and fluvial erosion is important in shaping the incisions of bedrock channels. In rhyodacites from Paraná Volcanic Province, plucking and macro-abrasion processes are predominant in the fluvial incision process, according to field observations. Using the intact rock strength as a proxy for the weathering, this paper analyzes how the strength of rhyodacites behave along a cross section of a bedrock channel and seeks to understand how this affects erosion. Topography and intact rock strength were surveyed continuously along a 30 m cross section using a Schmidt hammer, model N. Mean, median, and standard deviation were calculated for each meter of the section. The topographic amplitude of the bed in the section is 30 cm, featuring an almost flat geometry. The average strength values range from 30 to 59 R (7.65 to 58.15 MPa). Despite the small topographical amplitude, the general behavior of the rock strength follows the macrotopography of the bed, increasing in the high zones and decreasing in the low zones. The standard deviation, interpreted as directly proportional to the degree of weathering, follows the microtopography of the bed (amplitude ≈ 10 cm), being greater in low areas and smaller in high areas. This association between standard deviation of strength and microtopography reveals the seasonal variation of the water level in the channel, whereby higher moisture in low-lying areas intensifies the weathering of the rock. Weathering affects the density of rhyodacites in the area with a minimum reduction of 11.2% being calculated. This enhances the erosion processes by plucking and macroabrasion by reducing the intact rock strength. The susceptibility of the rhyodacites to weathering, despite the differences within the section, favors the maintenance of the rectangular geometry of the channel and shows how erosive processes are affected by the condition of the rock. The study revealed that the notion of decreasing the intact rock strength towards the banks associated with greater weathering in higher areas, cannot be generalized, as it depends on the geometry of the channel section, the lithological nature of the bed, and the frequency of flows.
How does air pollution threaten mental health? Protocol for a machine-learning enhanced systematic map
Authors: Sun Zhuanlan , Han Zhe , Zhu Demi
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Air pollution exposure has influenced a broad range of mental health conditions. It has attracted research from multiple disciplines such as biomedical sciences, epidemiology, neurological science, and social science due to its importance for public health, with implications for environmental policies. Establishing and identifying the causal and moderator effects is challenging and is particularly concerning considering the different mental health measurements, study designs and data collection strategies (eg, surveys, interviews) in different disciplines. This has created a fragmented research landscape which hinders efforts to integrate key insights from different niches, and makes it difficult to identify current research trends and gaps.

Method and analysis

This systematic map will follow the Collaboration for Environmental Evidence’s guidelines and standards and Reporting Standards for Systematic Evidence Syntheses guidelines. Different databases and relevant web-based search engines will be used to collect the relevant literature. The time period of search strategies is conducted from the inception of the database until November 2022. Citation tracing and backward references snowballing will be used to identify additional studies. Data will be extracted by combining of literature mining and manual correction. Data coding for each article will be completed by two independent reviewers and conflicts will be reconciled between them. Machine learning technology will be applied throughout the systematic mapping process. Literature mining will rapidly screen and code the numerous available articles, enabling the breadth and diversity of the expanding literature base to be considered. The systematic map output will be provided as a publicly available database.

Ethics and dissemination

Primary data will not be collected and ethical approval is not required in this study. The findings of this study will be disseminated through a peer-reviewed scientific journal and academic conference presentations.
Association between maternal experiences of intimate partner violence and child stunting: a secondary analysis of the Demographic Health Surveys of four South Asian countries
Authors: Lakhdir Maryam Pyar Ali , Ambreen Sobia , Sameen Sonia , Asim Muhammad , Batool Saila , Azam Iqbal , Usmani Bilal Ahmed , Iqbal Romaina
Published: January 2024

Objectives

To determine the association between maternal exposure to intimate partner violence (IPV) and child stunting using the Demographic Health Survey (DHS) data comparing four South Asian countries.

Design

A secondary analysis.

Setting

Data from the seventh round of the DHS data of four South Asian countries; Pakistan, Nepal, India and Maldives.

Participants

Married women of reproductive age (15–49 years) from each household were randomly selected, having at least one child less than 5 years of age for whom all anthropometric measures were available.

Outcome measure

The exposure variable was maternal IPV including, sexual violence, physical violence or both. The outcome variable was moderate or severe stunting, measured based on the height-for-age Z-score of children aged 6–59 months old . Multiple Cox proportional regression analyses were used separately on each country’s data to determine the association between maternal IPV and child stunting.

Results

The prevalence of IPV among women ranged from 10.17% in the Maldives to 31% in India. The burden of child stunting was the lowest in the Maldives at 14.04% and the highest in Pakistan at 35.86%. The number of severely stunted children was the highest in Pakistan (16.60%), followed by India (14.79%). In India, children whose mothers were exposed to IPV showed a 7% increase in the prevalence of moderate to severe child stunting (OR 1.07; 95% CI 1.01 to 1.14). Additionally, in Nepal, severe stunting was strongly associated with the prevalence of physical IPV (OR 1.66; 95% CI 1.01 to 2.87).

Conclusion

Our study findings suggest that maternal exposure to IPV is associated with child stunting. Further research investigating the relationship between IPV and child outcomes using improved and advanced statistical analyses can provide substantial evidence to enhance public awareness and potentially reduce the burden of child stunting in South Asian countries.
Multicountry research on comprehensive abortion policy implementation in Latin America: a mixed-methods study protocol
Authors: Gialdini Celina , Ramón Michel Agustina , Romero Mariana , Ramos Silvina , Carroli Guillermo , Carroli Berenise , Gomez Ponce de León Rodolfo , Vila Ortiz Mercedes , Lavelanet Antonella
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Access to comprehensive abortion care could prevent the death of between 13 865 and 38 940 women and the associated morbidity of 5 million women worldwide. There have been some important improvements in Latin America in terms of laws and policies on abortion. However, the predominant environment is still restrictive, and many women, adolescents and girls still face multiple barriers to exercise their reproductive rights. This research will systematically assess comprehensive abortion policies in five Latin American countries (Argentina, Colombia, Honduras, Mexico and Uruguay). The aim is to identify barriers, facilitators and strategies to the implementation of abortion policies, looking at four key dimensions—regulatory framework, abortion policy dynamics, abortion service delivery and health system and health outcomes indicators—to draw cross-cutting lessons learnt to improve current implementation and inform future safe abortion policy development.

Methods and analysis

A mixed-method design will be used in the five countries to address the four dimensions through the Availability, Accessibility, Acceptability and Quality of Care model. The data collection tools include desk reviews and semi-structured interviews with key actors. Analysis will be performed using thematic analysis and stakeholder analysis. A regional synthesis exercise will be conducted to draw lessons on barriers, facilitators and the strategies.

Ethics and dissemination

The project has been approved by the WHO Research Ethics Review Committee (ID: A66023) and by the local research ethics committees. Informed consent will be obtained from participants. Data will be treated with careful attention to protecting privacy and confidentiality. Findings from the study will be disseminated through a multipurpose strategy to target diverse audiences to foster the use of the study findings to inform the public debate agenda and policy implementation at national level. The strategy will include academic, advocacy and policy arenas and actors, including peer-reviewed publication and national and regional dissemination workshops.
Rehabilitation via HOMe-Based gaming exercise for the Upper limb post Stroke (RHOMBUS): a qualitative analysis of participants’ experience
Authors: Kilbride Cherry , Butcher Tom , Warland Alyson , Ryan Jennifer , Scott Daniel J M , Cassidy Elizabeth , Athanasiou Dimitrios A , Singla-Buxarrais Guillem , Baker Karen , Norris Meriel
Published: January 2024

Objective

To report participants’ experiences of trial processes and use of the Neurofenix platform for home-based rehabilitation following stroke. The platform, consisting of the NeuroBall device and Neurofenix app, is a non-immersive virtual reality tool to facilitate upper limb rehabilitation following stroke. The platform has recently been evaluated and demonstrated to be safe and effective through a non-randomised feasibility trial (RHOMBUS).

Design

Qualitative approach using semistructured interviews. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using the framework method.

Setting

Participants’ homes, South-East England.

Participants

Purposeful sample of 18 adults (≥18 years), minimum 12 weeks following stroke, not receiving upper limb rehabilitation prior to the RHOMBUS trial, scoring 9–25 on the Motricity Index (elbow and shoulder), with sufficient cognitive and communicative abilities to participate.

Results

Five themes were developed which explored both trial processes and experiences of using the platform. Factors that influenced participant’s decision to take part in the trial, their perceptions of support provided during the trial and communication with the research team were found to be important contextual factors effecting participants’ overall experience. Specific themes around usability and comfort of the NeuroBall device, factors motivating persistence and perceived effectiveness of the intervention were highlighted as being central to the usability and acceptability of the platform.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated the overall acceptability of the platform and identified areas for enhancement which have since been implemented by Neurofenix. The findings add to the developing literature on the interface between virtual reality systems and user experience.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN60291412.
Taxonomy of teaching methods and their use in health professions education: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Mitchell Sharon , Sehlbach Carolin , Franssen Gregor H L , Janczukowicz Janusz , Guttormsen Sissel
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Applying the lens of social constructivist theory, teaching methods facilitate the process of learning and may be used differently across settings to align learning goals. Teaching methods are used across disciplines, occupations and learning settings, yet terminology, descriptions and application for use vary widely. This scoping review will identify eligible literature of reported teaching methods with documented descriptions across disciplines with a focus of how teaching methods are applied to health professions education. A literary description of a teaching method was used as a basis from which to select eligible articles based on two criteria, a specified method and delivery of that teaching by a teacher figure.

Methods and analysis

Using the extension of the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology aligned to Arksey and O’Malley’s six-stage framework and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines, this scoping review will systematically search ERIC, Embase, Web of Science and PubMed databases. The search strategy was supported by an information specialist. Eligible studies will be identified in a two-stage screening process with four researchers. To complement eligible peer-reviewed literature, we will also search out relevant grey literature including University Websites, Conference Programmes and handsearched reference lists. Data extraction will be performed using a developed data extraction tool. A narrative summary will accompany charted results and describe the results aligned to the study objectives.

Ethics and dissemination

As no intervention or patient recruitment is required for this research, ethics board approval is not required. Results will be disseminated via publication in a peer-reviewed journal, conference presentations and where feasible reaching out to those organisations and universities with published glossaries of terms for teaching.
Coastal mortality burden on school holidays 2004–2021: an Australian perspective
Authors: Strasiotto Luke , Ellis Annabel , Daw Shane , Lawes Jasmin C
Published: January 2024

Introduction

School holidays are a known period of increased risk of paediatric drowning. However, the risk of coastal death for all age groups is unknown.

Methods

This case–control study aimed to identify high-risk demographics and behaviours relating to coastal deaths during the school holidays. We address this knowledge gap by comparing unintentional coastal deaths (drowning deaths and other coastal fatalities) in Australia between 1 July 2004–30 June 2021 to a survey sample representative of the Australian population.

Results

School holidays increased the risk of coastal death increased overall by 1.39 times (95% CI 1.32 to 146, p=0.00019). This increased risk differed across activities, behaviours and demographics. Few between-group differences were detected, indicating that school holidays pose an increased risk to the wider Australian population on the coast, regardless of demographics and practices. Increased school holiday mortality risk was identified broadly across groups, but notably for young adults (risk ratio, RR 1.41, 95% CI 1.31 to 1.53, p<0.001), when attempting a rescue (RR 1.85, 95% CI 1.42 to 2.39, p=0.0002), scuba diving (RR 1.82, 95% CI 1.48 to 2.23, p<0.0001) and swimming/wading (RR 1.72, 95% CI 1.56 to 1.89, p<0.0001). Children did not have a significantly increased risk of death (RR 1.38, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.87, p=0.054).

Conclusion

These results highlight that while school holiday risk research regarding drowning has focused on the safety of children, these time periods also pose significant safety concerns to the rest of the population for both drowning deaths and other fatalities. Overall, the research highlights ongoing need for public education for all carers of children, as well as continuing to extend risk education to the broader community. Mitigation strategies, that is, advocacy for extending life-saving service and engaging with accommodation providers during school holidays are proposed.
Constant roll inflation and Finsler geometry: exploring anisotropic universe with scalar factor parametrization
Authors: Narasimhamurthy S. K. , Praveen J.
Published: January 2024

In this paper, we investigate the concept of cosmological constant-roll inflation within the framework of Finslerian space-time. We approach the theory of cosmic evolution using Finsler geometry, incorporating the parametrization of the anisotropic parameter by the scalar factor a(t) by $$\eta \left( t \right) =a\left( t \right) ^{-n}$$

η

t

=
a

t

-
n

, where n is any real number. Our exploration mainly focuses on constant roll inflation, The analytical expression for Hubble parameter is found by using constant roll condition, and we derive crucial cosmological parameters such as scalar factor a(t), scalar spectral index $$(n_{s})$$

(

n
s

)

, and tensor-to-scalar ratio (r) for the inflationary universe. By using the analytical expressions for slow-roll parameters and the number of e-folds number we have found the values of $$n_{s}$$

n
s

and r. Further, we identify the range of $$\alpha $$
α
values for which the theoretical values of spectral indices align with the observed Planck’s data. This work significantly contributes to our understanding of inflationary dynamics within the context of Finsler geometry.
Analysis of the geometry of the zero-velocity curves in the N-body ring problem depending on the mass ratio parameter
Authors: Boureghda Zahra , Martínez-Belda M. C. , Navarro Juan F.
Published: January 2024

The purpose of the present study is the investigation of the effect of the mass ratio parameter, $$\beta$$
β
, on the geometry of the zero-velocity curves, when there are $$N=3,4,\ldots ,100$$

N
=
3
,
4
,
…
,
100

peripheral bodies. It is well known that there is a bifurcation value of the $$\beta$$
β
parameter in the N-body ring problem that produces a change in the number of stationary solutions in the system from 5N to 3N. By examining the behavior of the critical values of the Jacobi constant that define each of the zones of stationary solutions, we have unveiled the existence of other bifurcations or critical values of $$\beta$$
β
in the scenario with 5N stationary solutions, which cause different changes in the geometry of the zero-velocity curves, which in turn affect the threshold for the total opening of the curves of zero velocity.
Enhanced Multitask Learning for Hash Code Generation of Palmprint Biometrics
Authors: Chen Lin , Leng Lu , Yang Ziyuan , Teoh Andrew Beng Jin
Published: January 2024

This paper presents a novel multitask learning framework for palmprint biometrics, which optimizes classification and hashing branches jointly. The classification branch within our framework facilitates the concurrent execution of three distinct tasks: identity recognition and classification of soft biometrics, encompassing gender and chirality. On the other hand, the hashing branch enables the generation of palmprint hash codes, optimizing for minimal storage as templates and efficient matching. The hashing branch derives the complementary information from these tasks by amalgamating knowledge acquired from the classification branch. This approach leads to superior overall performance compared to individual tasks in isolation. To enhance the effectiveness of multitask learning, two additional modules, an attention mechanism module and a customized gate control module, are introduced. These modules are vital in allocating higher weights to crucial channels and facilitating task-specific expert knowledge integration. Furthermore, an automatic weight adjustment module is incorporated to optimize the learning process further. This module fine-tunes the weights assigned to different tasks, improving performance. Integrating the three modules above has shown promising accuracies across various classification tasks and has notably improved authentication accuracy. The extensive experimental results validate the efficacy of our proposed framework.
DYNAMIC LINKAGES BETWEEN ECONOMIC POLICY UNCERTAINTY AND STOCK MARKET INTEGRATION: EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE FROM SAARC REGION
Authors: RAMZAN KALHORO MUHAMMAD , KUMAR SURESH , AHMED KHALID , KUMAR AMEET
Published: January 2024

This study attempts to empirically test whether the economic policy uncertainty (EPU) in developed economies affects stock market integration across developed and developing countries. We find that the correlations appear to be time-varying and are being influenced by financial crises. The EPU of the developed economies has a negative impact on their stock market interdependence with Pakistan, but a positive impact on stock market correlations between India and the US, India and the UK, Bangladesh and the EU, Sri Lanka and the EU, and no impact on correlations between India and the EU, Bangladesh, and the US. Additional robustness tests reveal that the global financial crisis (GFC) has a substantial influence on all stock market correlation pairs, apart from any pairs with India, whereas the Asian financial crisis (AFC) only has a significant impact on the Sri Lanka–EU relationship. Finally, the study suggests that the EPU in the US, UK and EU has a great influence on the interdependence of the stock markets between South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and developed nations.
AN ASSESSMENT OF THE FELDSTEIN–HORIOKA PUZZLE FOR INDIA: A MARKOV REGIME SWITCHING APPROACH
Authors: KULKARNI ARCHANA , PARAMANIK RAJENDRA N.
Published: January 2024

The study aims to examine the Feldstein–Horioka puzzle in the Indian context during 2002Q2 to 2019Q4 to unearth nonlinear patterns in the data. Findings from an augmented Markov regime-switching model reveal two distinct, yet random regimes for correlations between savings and investment-GDP ratios, with higher correlation between the variables persisting for a longer duration. In the low correlation regime, trade-related factors, policy uncertainty and global shocks have a significant impact on the correlation. Fiscal shocks and trade costs explain high correlations in regime 2, while global shocks act to decrease the correlation in this regime. The high correlation regime dominates the study period and indicates that the Feldstein–Horioka puzzle of limited capital mobility persists in India. Economic agents appear to respond rapidly to changing domestic and global policy conditions, besides being affected by incomplete integration of goods markets, explaining the pattern of correlations.
Machine Learning Based Open Switch Fault Detection and Localization of Inverters
Authors: Rinsha V. , Sharma Vivek Kumar , Raj Nithin , Jagadanand G.
Published: January 2024

The location and detection of switch faults is a crucial step in improving the dependability of inverters, which is a requirement for critical applications. This paper focuses on a machine learning-based approach for the open-switch fault detection system for cascaded H-bridge (CHB) multilevel inverters (MLI) used in high- and medium-power applications. Each switch failure is taken into account in this analysis, and the problem is used to model logically different machine learning algorithms, namely Gaussian Naive Bayes (GNB), support vector machines (SVM) and multinomial logistic regression (MLR) models for fault identification and localization based on multi-class classification (MCC) methods. This work includes the simulation and hardware-based data collection from five-level CHB-MLI and correlation-based selection of prominent features in the final dataset. The results of three MCC models for all possible combinations of predictors (features) prove that the mean voltage of bridges is the dominant feature for fault detection in the CHB inverter. Other major findings are machine learning-assisted fault identification and diagnosis is undoubtedly accurate and significantly more promising in condition monitoring and fault diagnosis in CHB-MLIs. The results reveal 100% accuracy in fault diagnosis. Therefore, the presented work confirms switch fault detection in CHB-MLI with mean value as dominant fault feature along with machine learning techniques simple, robust and accurate fault detection.
Optimal error bounds on time-splitting methods for the nonlinear Schrödinger equation with low regularity potential and nonlinearity
Authors: Bao Weizhu , Ma Ying , Wang Chushan
Published: January 2024

We establish optimal error bounds on time-splitting methods for the nonlinear Schrödinger equation with low regularity potential and typical power-type nonlinearity [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is the density with [Formula: see text] the wave function and [Formula: see text] the exponent of the nonlinearity. For the first-order Lie–Trotter time-splitting method, optimal [Formula: see text]-norm error bound is proved for [Formula: see text]-potential and [Formula: see text], and optimal [Formula: see text]-norm error bound is obtained for [Formula: see text]-potential and [Formula: see text]. For the second-order Strang time-splitting method, optimal [Formula: see text]-norm error bound is established for [Formula: see text]-potential and [Formula: see text], and optimal [Formula: see text]-norm error bound is proved for [Formula: see text]-potential and [Formula: see text] (or [Formula: see text]). Compared to those error estimates of time-splitting methods in the literature, our optimal error bounds either improve the convergence rates under the same regularity assumptions or significantly relax the regularity requirements on potential and nonlinearity for optimal convergence orders. A key ingredient in our proof is to adopt a new technique called regularity compensation oscillation (RCO), where low frequency modes are analyzed by phase cancellation, and high frequency modes are estimated by regularity of the solution. Extensive numerical results are reported to confirm our error estimates and to demonstrate that they are sharp.
The Gevrey class implicit mapping theorem with application to UQ of semilinear elliptic PDEs
Authors: Harbrecht Helmut , Schmidlin Marc , Schwab Christoph
Published: January 2024

This paper is concerned with a regularity analysis of parametric operator equations with a perspective on uncertainty quantification. We study the regularity of mappings between Banach spaces near branches of isolated solutions that are implicitly defined by a residual equation. Under [Formula: see text]-Gevrey assumptions on the residual equation, we establish [Formula: see text]-Gevrey bounds on the Fréchet derivatives of the locally defined data-to-solution mapping. This abstract framework is illustrated in a proof of regularity bounds for a semilinear elliptic partial differential equation with parametric and random field input.
Impact of a unilateral horizontal gene transfer on the evolutionary equilibria of a population
Authors: Gárriz Alejandro , Léculier Alexis , Mirrahimi Sepideh
Published: January 2024

How does the interplay between selection, mutation and horizontal gene transfer modify the phenotypic distribution of a bacterial or cell population? While horizontal gene transfer, which corresponds to the exchange of genetic material between individuals, has a major role in the adaptation of many organisms, its impact on the phenotypic density of populations is not yet fully understood.

We study an elliptic integro-differential equation describing the evolutionary equilibrium of the phenotypic density of an asexual population. In a regime of small mutational variance, we characterize the solution which results from the balance between competition for a resource, mutation and horizontal gene transfer. We show that in a certain range of parameters polymorphic equilibria exist, which means that the phenotypic density may concentrate around several dominant traits. Such polymorphic equilibria result from an antagonist interplay between horizontal gene transfer and selection, while similar models which neglect the transfer lead only to monomorphic equilibria.