bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Safety and efficacy of laser lithotripsy for treatment of bladder calculi: evidence from a systematic literature review
Authors: Akram Mahir , Cerrato Clara , Enikeev Dmitry , Tokas Theodoros , Somani Bhaskar K.
Published: November 2024

Purpose of review

Bladder stones account for 5% of all urinary tract calculi. Contributing factors include bladder outflow obstruction, infections, foreign bodies, or neurogenic voiding dysfunction. This necessitates an effective treatment modality, and with advances in medical technology, minimally invasive techniques using lasers are being widely adopted. This systematic review aims to assess the efficacy and safety of laser lithotripsy for treating bladder stones.

Recent findings

A thorough literature review (PROSPERO: CRD 42024551910) was conducted using appropriate search terms up to March 2024. Only original studies written in English, with at least 10 patients with bladder stones treated with laser, were considered with inclusion. A total of 8 studies (411 patients) were identified on screening with a mean age of 59.6 ± 8.5 years and a male: female ratio of 326 : 14. These reviews covered a geographical area of Asia, Europe, and the USA. The mean stone size was 3.7 ± 0.7 cm, and an overall stone-free rate (SFR) postlaser lithotripsy was 96%. Mean operation time was calculated to be 76.36 ± 47.10 min and an overall complication rate of 16.5% (n = 68), with the most common being haematuria (n = 22), followed by UTI (n = 18), incontinence (n = 8), urosepsis (n = 6), clot retention (n = 4), mucosal injury (n = 3) and urinary retention (n = 3). All complications were minor and there were no Clavien >II complications.

Laser lithotripsy for bladder stone achieves an excellent success rate in the form of SFR, combined with a low risk of major complications, and allows concomitant treatment of enlarged prostate, and should be considered in all patients.
Identification, differentiation and phylogenetic typing of diarrheagenic Escherichia coli in Iraqi infants and children
Authors: Rahem Hussein Hameed , Hussein Sana’a Noori , Auda Ibtesam Ghadban , Tothli Khiaria Jaber
Published: November 2024

Several traditional identification and typing methods were available depending on the phenotype of diarrheagenic Escherichia coli (DEC). Multiplex-PCR was rapid for the identification of specific genes that encoded to specific virulence factors and as a consequence the identification of the pathotypes of DEC. The aim of this study to the identification of DEC by the virulence factors genes and genotyping of clinical isolates of DEC isolated from the diarrheal stool of infants and children. Forty-eight DEC isolates had been collected from different hospitals in Baghdad city and identified by Vitek 2 system. An antibiotic sensitivity test was carried out by the VITEK-2 System method for all DEC isolates. The virulence genes amplification was used to identify DEC pathotypes and DEC was typed by Enterobacterial Repetitive Intergenic Consensus (ERIC-PCR) methods. The occurrence of virulence genes is varied according to the pathotypes. Statistically, the eae and cadA genes are significantly found in all pathotypes of DEC (P = 0.001), whereas ipaH, elt, estA1, and stx2 genes are absent in all DEC pathotypes. The most predominant of the pathotypes are belonged to enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) especially aEPEC followed by diffusely adherent E. coli (DAEC), enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC), and enterohaemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC), respectively. Moreover, The DEC isolates were multidrug-resistant to most of the antimicrobials. Ticarcillin was the less effective one while Gentamicin was the more effective one and the DEC pathotypes are differ in their antibiotic resistance pattern. The ERIC typing of E. coli pathotypes showed that almost all of the isolates are located on the same cluster, the same is noticed in EPEC isolates, The DEC pathotypes are dissimilar (Simson index = 1.0) except for EPEC isolates that showed some similarity among some of them (Simson index < 1.0). This study may be the first in using ERIC typing in typing of the E. coli pathotypes. In conclusion, amplification of virulence genes is a useful tool for the identification of DEC pathotypes. The highest percentage of DEC pathotypes was aEPEC followed by DAEC, tEPEC, ETEC and the less one was EHEC, while there was no exit to enteroinvasive E. coli and enteroaggregative E. coli. Most of the DEC clinical isolates are multidrug-resistant and are different in their antibiotic resistance pattern. The most common gene of local DEC isolates was cadA and eae genes followed by daaD and bfp, whereas ipaH, elt, estA1, and stx2 are not detected in all local isolates of DEC. Most of the DEC clinical isolates have a high level of dissimilarity among DEC pathotypes clinical isolates.
Recommendations for Specialty Palliative APRN Graduate Education
Authors: Dahlin Constance , Wholihan Dorothy , Wiencek Clareen , Acker Kristi A. , Breakwell Susan , Buschman Penelope , Cormack Carrie L. , DeSanto-Madaya Susan , Doherty Caroline , Edwards Rebecca , English Nancy , Fink Regina M. , Goodnough Ami K. , Lindell Kathleen , Mazanec Polly , McHugh Marlene E. , Moore Ellen P. , Obrecht Jennifer A. , Pawlow Patricia , Johnstone-Petty Marianne , Quinlin Linda , Tresgallo Mary E.
Published: November 2024

Background:

Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) are essential to care for the growing number of individuals with advanced illness given the shortage of palliative care clinicians.

Problem:

Graduate education for specialty practice palliative APRNs lacks consistency in structure, content, and standardization of specialty palliative APRN education.

Approach:

A workgroup of expert palliative APRNs and graduate faculty conducted focused discussions and a literature review to develop consensus recommendations based on national palliative APRN competencies and aligned with the 8 core concepts of the AACN Essentials.

Outcome:

Recommendations include: (a) definition of core concepts; (b) associated skills; (c) andragogical approaches; (d) evaluation methods; and (e) references for curricular development.

Conclusion:

The Recommendations for Specialty Palliative APRN Education is a first step toward the standardization of quality advanced practice specialty palliative nursing education. These recommendations provide the foundation for a comprehensive curriculum for palliative APRNs.
Leveraging Virtual Containers for High-Powered, Collaborative AI Research in Radiology
Authors: Aronson Lucas , Garrett John , Wentland Andrew L.
Published: November 2024

Numerous obstacles confront radiologists interested in the use of artificial intelligence (AI) models within the field of radiology. For example, discrepancies between the radiologist's and an AI developer's hardware and software specifications pose a substantial hindrance to using AI models. Additionally, accessing and using GPU computers can lead to compatibility issues and add to these challenges. Finally, the dissemination of AI models and the ability to download preexisting AI models are not simple tasks due to the size and complexity of most programs. Virtual containers offer a solution to such compatibility issues and provide a simplified way for radiologists to use AI models. Virtual containers are software tools that bundle code, required programs, and necessary software packages to ensure that a program runs identically for all users, regardless of their computing environment. This article outlines the features of virtual containers (compatibility, versatility, and portability) and highlights an applied use case for virtual containers in the development of an AI model.
Protocol and Statistical Analysis Plan for a Comparative Interrupted Time Series Evaluation of the Impact of Deemed Consent for Organ Donation Legislative Reform in Nova Scotia, Canada
Authors: Weiss Matthew J. , Krmpotic Kristina , Beed Stephen , Dhanani Sonny , Dirk Jade , Hartell David , Isenor Cynthia , Lahaie Nick , Leatherdale Scott T. , Matheson Kara , Tennankore Karthik , Tomblin-Murphy Gail , Vinson Amanda , Vorster Hans , King Caroline
Published: November 2024

The Canadian province of Nova Scotia recently became the first North American jurisdiction to implement deemed consent for deceased organ donation as part of a comprehensive legislative reform of their donation and transplantation system. This study will examine the performance metrics and effectiveness of this policy in comparison with other Canadian provinces via a natural experiment evaluation. We will use a cross-sectional controlled interrupted time series quasi-experimental design. Our primary outcome will be consent for deceased donation as confirmed at the time of eligibility (prior registered intent to donate will be noted but not be considered positive unless affirmed at the time of eligibility). Secondary outcomes will include identification and referral of patients who are potential donors, rates of family override of previously registered intent to donate, and donation and transplantation rates per million population. Data will be collected from potential donor audits in Nova Scotia and 3 control provinces (provinces in Canada without deemed consent policies). Study outcomes will be compared in Nova Scotia relative to control provinces in the 3 y before and 3 y after the implementation of legislative reform. These provinces were selected as having systems resembling those of Nova Scotia but without deemed consent.Using controlled interrupted time series methodology compared with other Canadian provinces with otherwise similar systems, we aim to isolate the impact of the deemed consent aspect of legislative reform in Nova Scotia using a robust natural experiment evaluation design as much as possible. Careful selection of outcome measures will allow donation and transplantation stakeholders to properly evaluate if similar reforms should be considered in their jurisdictions.
Risk Factors for Invasive Surgical Site Infections Among Adult Single Liver Transplant Recipients at Duke University Hospital in the Period 2015–2020
Authors: Carugati Manuela , Arif Sana , Yarrington Michael E. , King Lindsay Y. , Harris Matt , Evans Kyla , Barbas Andrew S. , Sudan Debra L. , Miller Rachel A. , Alexander Barbara D.
Published: November 2024

Background.

Invasive primary surgical site infections (IP-SSI) are a severe complication of liver transplant surgery. Identification of risk factors for IP-SSI is critical to IP-SSI prevention.

Methods.

All adult single liver transplants performed at Duke University Hospital in the period 2015–2020 were reviewed for IP-SSI occurring within 90 d of transplant. Risks for IP-SSI were identified using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator variable selection procedure. A 2-sided P value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results.

IP-SSI were identified in 34/470 (7.2%) adult single liver transplants. Repeat transplantation, spilt liver, Roux-en-Y biliary anastomosis, anastomotic leak, and post-transplant renal replacement therapy were positively associated with IP-SSI. IP-SSI were associated with increased length of index transplant hospitalization (24.5 versus 10.0 d, P < 0.01) and 1-y all-cause mortality (14.7% versus 4.1%, P = 0.02). Gram positive bacteria were the main pathogens (51.7%), followed by Gram negative bacteria (24.1%) and Candida (24.1%). Multidrug resistance bacteria increased over time (27.3% in 2015 versus 66.7% in 2020, P = 0.17).

Conclusions.

In the setting of routine antimicrobial prophylaxis and an overall low rate of IP-SSI, surgical factors were the main determinants of IP-SSI among adult liver transplant recipients. IP-SSI had a negative impact on the length of index transplant hospitalization and 1-y mortality. While the surgical factors associated with an increased risk of IP-SSI are not easily modifiable, their impact may be best contained by close clinical monitoring and tailored antimicrobial therapy.
Dynamics of Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury Markers During Normothermic Liver Machine Perfusion
Authors: Caballero-Marcos Aránzazu , Rodríguez-Bachiller Luis , Baroja-Mazo Alberto , Morales Álvaro , Fernández-Cáceres Paloma , Fernández-Martínez María , DíazFontenla Fernando , Velasco Enrique , Fernández-Yunquera Ainhoa , Díaz-Zorita Benjamin , Cortese Sergio , Pérez-Peña José María , Colón-Rodríguez Arturo , Romero-Cristóbal Mario , Asencio José Manuel , Bañares Rafael , López-Baena José Ángel , Salcedo-Plaza Magdalena
Published: November 2024

Background.

A comprehensive mechanistic assessment of normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) is an essential step toward identifying biomarkers to assess liver viability. Although some studies have evaluated the effect of NMP on inflammation markers, there are other key pathological mechanisms involved in ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) that have not yet been evaluated.

Methods.

Eight human donor livers preserved by NMP were included to analyze IRI during preservation. Concentrations of several biomarkers involved in different biological processes of IRI were measured in the perfusate.

Results.

Perfusate levels of intercellular adhesion molecule 1, P-selectin, vascular cell adhesion molecule 1, metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motif type 1, member 13, phospholipase A2 group VII, and syndecan-1 progressively increased during NMP. Noteworthy, perfusate lactate levels showed a strong correlation with C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 10 (P = 0.001), intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (P = 0.01), and urokinase plasminogen activator (P = 0.001).

Conclusions.

Perfusate lactate correlates with the main underlying biological mechanisms occurring in the NMP environment. Moreover, several IRI biomarkers accumulate during NMP, which may limit the extent of the benefits of this technology.
Acute Kidney Injury in Deceased Organ Donors: Risk Factors And Impacts on Transplantation Outcomes
Authors: Jakubov Katarina , Petr Vojtech , Zahradka Ivan , Girmanova Eva , Hruba Petra , Keleman Roman , Viklicky Ondrej
Published: November 2024

Background.

Acute kidney injury in deceased donors (D-AKI) is one of the common causes of donor kidney discard. The risk factors for D-AKI and its impact on kidney transplantation outcomes are not yet fully understood.

Methods.

This single-center, retrospective cohort study included 388 donors referred between June 2021 and December 2022. D-AKI was defined and staged according to kidney disease: Improving global outcomes criteria, and donor clinical variables were analyzed to identify risk factors for D-AKI. Delayed graft function and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at 6 mo were evaluated in 369 kidney grafts transplanted from donors with and without D-AKI.

Results.

AKI was present in 171 deceased donors (44.1%), with 117 (30.2%) classified as AKI stage 1 and 54 (14%) as AKI stages 2 or 3. Donor history of hypertension (odds ratio [OR] 1.93; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.21-3.10; P = 0.005), history of diabetes (OR 2.2; 95% CI, 1.21-3.98; P = 0.008), and anoxia as the cause of death (OR 2.61; 95% CI, 1.5-4.61; P < 0.001) were independently associated with an increased risk of D-AKI. Multivariable mixed models identified donor age (β –0.49; 95% CI, –0.71 to –0.28; P < 0.001) as the only independent risk factor for lower eGFR at 6 mo. D-AKI was not associated with delayed graft function or lower eGFR at 6 mo.

Conclusions.

Hypertension, diabetes, and anoxia as the cause of death were identified as risk factors for AKI in deceased donors. D-AKI should not be used as the sole criterion to assess the risk of poor graft outcomes. A broader range of donor variables should be considered when evaluating graft viability.
Patiromer Does Not Alter Tacrolimus Pharmacokinetics in Kidney Transplant Recipients When Administered Three Hours Post–Tacrolimus
Authors: Drevland Ole Martin , Grasdal Marte , Carlsen Rasmus K. , Midtvedt Karsten , Robertsen Ida , Jenssen Trond G. , Alipour Shadi , Vethe Nils T. , Åsberg Anders , Mjøen Geir
Published: November 2024

Background.

Hyperkalemia is common in kidney transplant (KTx) recipients. Patiromer, a potassium-binding polymer used to treat acute and chronic hyperkalemia, has the potential to bind charged particles in the gastrointestinal tract and thereby potentially affect the absorption of coadministered drugs. The immunosuppressive drug tacrolimus (Tac) has a narrow therapeutic window, is susceptible to drug-drug interactions (DDIs), and a potential gastrointestinal interaction with patiromer could elevate the risk of allograft rejection. We aimed to investigate the potential DDI between patiromer and Tac pharmacokinetics in KTx with hyperkalemia by sampling capillary blood using volumetric absorptive microsampling (VAMS).

Methods.

Thirteen KTx recipients on Tac twice daily (BID) with plasma potassium levels of >4.6 mmol/L were included. Two 12 h Tac pharmacokinetic investigations were performed with and without 8.4 mg patiromer/d for 1 wk. Oral Tac dose remained unchanged and patiromer was administered 3 h after Tac dose. Tac sampling was self-conducted using VAMS after mastering the technique.

Results.

Ten patients provided 2 evaluable pharmacokinetic profiles. The Tac area under the curve (AUC)0–12 ratio (AUCTac+patiromer/AUCTac) was 0.99 (90% confidence interval [CI], 0.86-1.14), and the Cmax ratio was 1.01 (90% CI, 0.86-1.19). Tac C0 and C12 fulfilled the bioequivalence criteria with a ratio of 0.98 (90% CI, 0.90-1.07) and 0.93 (90% CI, 0.83-1.04), respectively.

Conclusions.

When administered 3 h after the Tac morning dose, patiromer has no clinically relevant impact on Tac pharmacokinetics. We demonstrate that VAMS is a well-suited sampling method to simplify the execution of DDI studies.
Assessing Crude oil degradation Potential by Biosurfactant-producing Bacteria Isolated from Marine Ecosystem in Nigeria
Authors: Aina O.R. , Omotayo A.E. , Efthimiou Georgios , Olaleye O.N. , Oshoma C.E.
Published: November 2024

Optimization of petroleum hydrocarbons degradation process in contaminated environments process could be feasible through the use of biosurfactant-producing bacteria. The aim of this study was to investigate crude oil degradation potential of biosurfactant-producing bacteria isolated from marine ecosystem in Nigeria. Sediment and water samples were collected from ten marine ecosystem locations within Nigeria and physicochemical analyses were carried out on them. Isolates were identified and screened for biosurfactant production and crude oil degradation for 7 days. The screened isolates were assayed for biosurfactant production and crude oil degradation for 35 days and analysed every 7 days interval for changes in pH, OD and TPH content. The strains with the highest yield were identified using molecular method.
The results showed that twenty bacterial isolates were isolated from the ecosystem. The identified screened isolates revealed Pseudomonas sp.-ILAw, Pseudomonas sp.-OGUw, Pseudomonas aeruginosa-IDDOs, Pseudomonas aeruginosa-IDDOw, Escherichia sp.-MAKs, Pseudomonas aeruginosa-MAKw, Pseudomonas sp.-OWOs, Micrococcus sp.-OWOw, Pseudomonas aeruginosa-UNIw, Pseudomonas aeruginosa-AGBw, Pseudomonas aeruginosa-DSBs, Pseudomonas aeruginosa-DSBw, Pseudomonas aeruginosa-OKOs, Pseudomonas aeruginosa-OKOw and Pseudomonas aeruginosa-MIDw to have potentials for biosurfactant production and crude oil degradation. From the assay, isolates with the highest biosurfactant production using Emulsification index were Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain sihong_820_11, Pseudomonas aeruginosa strain P73 and Escherichia hermannii strain K167 with values 68%, 56% and 56% respectively while the isolates with the lowest yield of crude oil degradation of 50% efficacy are Pseudomonas aeruginosa-IDDOw and Pseudomonas sp.-ILAw. From these results, it is inferred that biosurfactant-producing bacteria isolated from marine ecosystem within Nigeria can efficiently degrade crude oil in contaminated sites.
Some remarks on Coulombic effects in
pp
and
p¯p
scattering and the determination of
ρ
Authors: Durand Loyal , Ha Phuoc
Published: November 2024

We point out a very simple method for calculating the mixed Coulomb-nuclear corrections to the pp and p¯p scattering amplitudes that has been missed in the extensive past work on this problem. The method expresses the correction in terms of a rapidly convergent integral involving the inverse Fourier-Bessel transform of the nuclear amplitude and a known factor containing the Coulomb phase shift with form-factor corrections. The transform can be calculated analytically for the exponential-type model nuclear amplitudes commonly used in fits to the high-energy data at small momentum transfers, and gives very accurate results for the corrections. We examine the possible effects of the Martin zero in the real part of the nuclear amplitude, and the accuracy of the Bethe-West-Yennie phase approximation for the Coulomb-nuclear corrections. We then apply the method to a redetermination of the ratio ρ of the real to the imaginary parts of the forward scattering amplitude in fits to high-energy Intersecting Storage Rings data previously analyzed using the approximate West-Yennie version of the correction. The only significant changes relative the accuracy of those fits are at 52.8 GeV. Our method is applicable more generally, and can be used also at lower energies and for proton-nucleus scattering.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Modified Abelian and SU(2) Wilson theories on a lattice from a noncompact regularization
Authors: Babusci D. , Palumbo F.
Published: November 2024

Multiflavor gauge theories of matter systems on a three-dimensional lattice have recently been widely investigated especially in connection with a possible symmetry enlargement at a continuous phase transition. Abelian models were studied both with compact gauge fields and in a mixed formulation in which the coupling with matter fields is in compact form while the gauge fields Lagrangian is written in terms of noncompact gauge fields, getting quite different results. Such a mixed formulation is not permissible for non-Abelian theories, for which however there exists an entirely noncompact formulation (in which exact gauge invariance is enforced by help of auxiliary fields), which for SU(2) was shown to yield in the scaling window a larger physical volume than Wilson’s one. The corresponding U(1) noncompact regularization is derived in the present work. In both Abelian and SU(2) cases there is only one auxiliary field that for a large mass has a linear coupling with the other fields and it can be integrated out yielding a negative definite correction. The coupling with the auxiliary field might make the inversion of the fermion matrix easier.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Fermi arcs, Landau levels, and magnetic response of the nematic Weyl liquid
Authors: Naya Carlos , Bertolini Tomaso , Carlström Johan
Published: November 2024

In classes of Weyl semimetals where the symmetry protects nodes with higher than unit charge, the nematic Weyl liquid appears as interactions destroy this underlying symmetry. In the symmetry-broken phase, the multiple-charge nodes are split into objects of unit charge, the position of which in momentum space is determined by the nematic order parameter. We examine the phenomenology of this phase, focusing on topological edge states and Landau levels. We find that the symmetry-broken phase itself, as well as the orientation of the nematic order are identifiable from the resulting edge states. We also find that the nematic order couples to an in-plane magnetic field, indicating that it can be controlled via an external field. Finally, we provide an estimate for the critical coupling where spontaneous symmetry breaking occurs for contact interaction.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Quantum metrology with linear Lie algebra parameterizations
Authors: Lecamwasam Ruvi , Iakovleva Tatiana , Twamley Jason
Published: November 2024

Lie algebraic techniques are powerful and widely used tools for studying dynamics and metrology in quantum optics. When the Hamiltonian generates a Lie algebra with finite dimension, the unitary evolution can be expressed as a finite product of exponentials using the Wei-Norman expansion. The system is then exactly described by a finite set of scalar differential equations, even if the Hilbert space is infinite. However, the differential equations provided by the Wei-Norman expansion are nonlinear and often have singularities that prevent both analytic and numerical evaluation. We derive a new Lie algebra expansion for the quantum Fisher information, which results in linear differential equations. Together with existing Lie algebra techniques this allows many metrology problems to be analysed entirely in the Heisenberg picture. This substantially reduces the calculations involved in many metrology problems, and provides analytical solutions for problems that cannot even be solved numerically using the Wei-Norman expansion. It also allows us to study general features of metrology problems, valid for all quantum states. We provide detailed examples of these methods applied to problems in quantum optics and nonlinear optomechanics.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Gapless nonhydrodynamic modes in relativistic kinetic theory
Authors: Gavassino L.
Published: November 2024

We provide rigorous criteria to determine whether the nonhydrodynamic sector of a relativistic kinetic theory is gapless. These general criteria apply to both Boltzmann's equation and approximate models thereof, provided that the latter are consistent with thermodynamic principles. As an application of these criteria, we prove that the nonhydrodynamic sector is gapless whenever the scattering cross section decays to zero at large energies. Physically, this happens because, if particles with very high energy (compared to the temperature) are free streaming, we can use them to build hot nonhydrodynamic waves, which live longer than any hydrodynamic wave. Since many standard cross sections in quantum field theory vanish at high energies, the existence of these nonthermal long-lived waves is a rather general feature of relativistic systems.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Feedback-Driven Quantum Reservoir Computing for Time-Series Analysis
Authors: Kobayashi Kaito , Fujii Keisuke , Yamamoto Naoki
Published: November 2024

Quantum reservoir computing (QRC) is a highly promising computational paradigm that leverages quantum systems as a computational resource for nonlinear information processing. While its application to time-series analysis is eagerly anticipated, prevailing approaches suffer from the collapse of the quantum state upon measurement, resulting in the erasure of temporal input memories. Neither repeated initializations nor weak measurements offer a fundamental solution, as the former escalates the time complexity while the latter restricts the information extraction from the Hilbert space. To address this issue, we propose the feedback-driven QRC framework. This methodology employs projective measurements on all qubits for unrestricted access to the quantum state, with the measurement outcomes subsequently fed back into the reservoir to restore the memory of prior inputs. We demonstrate that our QRC successfully acquires the fading-memory property through the feedback connections, a critical aspect in time-series processing. Notably, analysis of measurement trajectories reveals three distinct phases depending on the feedback strength, with the memory performance maximized at the edge of chaos. We also evaluate the predictive capabilities of our QRC, demonstrating its suitability for forecasting signals originating from quantum spin systems.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Navigating higher education in conflict zones: the role of professional capital and community engagement in northern Syria
Authors: Cinkara Emrah
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study examines the critical role of higher education in conflict zones, focusing on the northern regions of Syria affected by Operation Olive Branch and Operation Euphrates Shield. It explores how educational leaders navigate security challenges, community relations and curriculum development to sustain academic activities during ongoing conflicts.

Design/methodology/approach

Employing a qualitative research design, the study utilizes semi-structured interviews with higher education administrators in Northern Syria. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis, allowing for the identification of key themes related to security, community integration and educational quality.

Findings

The study highlights how administrators' professional capital – encompassing skills, knowledge and relationships – enables them to manage complex situations. It underscores the role of education in maintaining normalcy, promoting peace and providing psychosocial support during conflicts. Key findings include the importance of ensuring security, fostering community engagement, maintaining educational quality and innovating curricula to address local needs.

Originality/value

This paper provides insights into the unique challenges faced by higher education institutions in conflict zones and the strategies employed by leaders to overcome them. It emphasizes the transformative potential of education in promoting stability and peace in war-torn regions, offering valuable lessons for similar contexts worldwide.
Evaluating the implementations of big data analytics in academic libraries: a structural equation model-based approach
Authors: Tara Nain , Rafi Muhammad , Ahmad Khurshid
Published: November 2024

Purpose

The rapid evolution of technological infrastructure and analytical capabilities has facilitated the integration of big data analytics (BDA) across various sectors. This study aims to investigate the suitability of implementing BDA within academic libraries, addressing the demanding need for effective data utilization in contemporary educational environments.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is grounded in five critical components: data-driven culture, organizational infrastructure, employee responsibilities, management capabilities and the successful deployment of technology for BDA. An extensive literature review led to the development of a Likert scale-based questionnaire distributed on social media to collect data from university librarians in Pakistan. The authors were able to collect the data from 211 librarians. Descriptive statistics were employed to analyze the variables, while confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted using the AMOS to validate the research model.

Findings

The findings from the measurement model reveal significant positive correlations among all five components, underscoring their collective importance in facilitating the implementation of BDA. This formation is essential for addressing the evolving needs and academic requirements of users in the context of big data in a digital environment.

Research limitations/implications

The study acknowledges limitations about its focus on a single country’s perspective, which may affect the generalizability of the findings regarding the implementation process of BDA in academic libraries.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the existing body of knowledge by highlighting the practices and capabilities of librarians in the era of big data as well as the requisite organizational infrastructure for the effective implementation of analytics in academic libraries.
Cybersecurity Transparency and Firm Success: Insights From the Australian Landscape
Authors: Al Amosh Hamzeh , Khatib Saleh F. A.
Published: November 2024

Amid the increasing prevalence of cybersecurity challenges on a global scale, the significance of disseminating details pertaining to a company's ability to counteract cybersecurity threats becomes evident, reflecting the vigilance and preparedness of the organization in addressing such risks. This study aims to investigate the correlation between the disclosure of cybersecurity practices and the performance of companies within the Australian S&P/ASX 300 index spanning the period from 2010 to 2020. To analyze this connection, the generalized method of moments (GMM) technique was employed on the panel dataset of 2376 observations to address potential endogeneity issues identified in the initial findings. Our results indicate a positive impact on both accounting and market‐based performance metrics due to increased corporate cybersecurity disclosure. Consequently, broadening the range of disclosed cyber‐related information enhances companies' performance by furnishing valuable insights to stakeholders. The findings underscore the significance and reach of cybersecurity disclosure, affirming that meeting stakeholder expectations through the divulgence of cybersecurity information yields financial advantages and increases company performance. Furthermore, heightened transparency in cybersecurity matters mitigates information asymmetry, curtails agency problems, and reduces associated costs. Consequently, the disclosure of cybersecurity practices and incidents emerges as a strategic avenue for companies to bolster corporate well‐being in the future, fostering transparency, building trust with stakeholders, and potentially augmenting revenue. In light of these findings, it is increasingly imperative for companies to prioritize cybersecurity and proactively disclose their cybersecurity practices and incidents. To the best of our knowledge, this study stands out as one of the limited inquiries examining the impact of cybersecurity disclosure on company performance, specifically within the Australian context. The insights derived from this research carry significance for regulators, policymakers, investors, lenders, and a diverse array of stakeholders. By shedding light on the crucial role of cybersecurity disclosure practices, this study offers valuable guidance for these entities in understanding the pivotal connection between such disclosures and a company's ability to attain its financial objectives.
A critical examination of data for market stewardship: The case of the Australian National Disability Insurance Scheme
Authors: Malbon Eleanor , Gilchrist David , Carey Gemma , Dickinson Helen , Chamberlain Daniel , Kavanagh Anne , Chand Satish , Alexander Damon
Published: November 2024

Market mechanisms have emerged as a dominant approach in the provision of public welfare services, most notably in sectors such as disability care, aged care, and health care. While this shift promises potential benefits such as improved efficiency, enhanced service quality, and increased consumer support, it also presents significant challenges around equity, access, and the potential for market failure in the absence of effective regulation and governance. Stewardship of quasi‐markets from the national to the local level is essential for the success of such programs, and the effectiveness of that stewardship relies in part on good‐quality data for decision‐making. This research note provides a critical examination of the National Disability Insurance Scheme's (NDIS) data management in Australia and its implications for local market stewardship. This analysis highlights the considerable barriers local market stewards encounter in using NDIS market data for stewardship activities due to the pervasive issues of incomplete datasets and a lack of granular, comprehensive data. These obstacles constrain effective local decision‐making, obscure market predictability, and may hinder service improvement initiatives at the grassroots level. The study acknowledges ongoing improvements in NDIS data management while emphasising the need for rapid progress to ensure meaningful choice and control for all NDIS participants.

Points for practitioners

Public sector markets can provide efficiencies for government, but they also require management to ensure they are functioning effectively and protecting equity.

‘Stewardship’ actions, to address market issues, require good‐quality data.

At present, data on the NDIS—both collected and distributed—have serious limitations that are hindering efforts to address market issues.
Land rights and a national representative body: Institutionalisation as a criterion for Indigenous policy success and failure
Authors: Sanders Will
Published: November 2024

In a half‐century perspective on Australian Indigenous policy, land rights are compared with national Indigenous representative bodies. Adopting ‘institutionalisation’ as the criterion for assessing policy success and failure, land rights are seen as gradually progressed through the iterative actions of State and Commonwealth parliaments and their associated courts. By contrast, national Indigenous representative bodies, established solely by Commonwealth administrative or legislative processes, have proven vulnerable to later abolition by those same processes. Although land rights for Indigenous Australians have become legally embedded in Australian public policy over six decades, a national Indigenous representative body has not.

Points for practitioners

In timeframes covering multiple parties of government, assessments of policy can be less polarised between success and failure.

Policies that become institutionalised can shift understandings and address problems acknowledged by all political parties, leading to elements of both success and failure.

Land rights and native title policies have become legally entrenched in Australia in the last half‐century through the iterative actions of State and Commonwealth parliaments and associated courts. This has achieved significant restitution of land to Indigenous people but with substantial limitations.

National Indigenous representative bodies have not achieved such institutionalisation, with four having come and gone over the half‐century. However, even these discarded failures had achievements in their time, particularly the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission 1990–2005.

Part of public service stewardship is to view policies in both longer and more nuanced terms than the adversary parties of government and opposition.
Incidence, risk factors, and patient characteristics in severe contact lens‐related microbial keratitis
Authors: Sund Martin Harvey , Slettedal Jon Klokk , Sæthre Marit , Haslev Hans Petter , Kristianslund Olav , Østern Atle Einar , Drolsum Liv
Published: November 2024

Purpose

The aim of the present study was to determine the incidence, patient characteristics, and risk factors for severe, contact lens‐related keratitis in patients in need of hospitalization.

Methods

Keratitis was defined as severe when the disease required hospitalization. All patients with contact lens‐related keratitis hospitalized at our department between 1 January 2018 and 31 December 2020 were interviewed with a questionnaire, about their use of contact lenses and knowledge of complications. Clinical information was collected from the medical records.

Results

A total of 41 patients (42 eyes) were hospitalized with severe keratitis during the 3‐year period. The yearly incidence was 2.52 per 10 000 contact lens users over the age of 15 for extended‐wear lenses used overnight, and 0.52 per 10 000 for users of daily disposable contact lenses. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the most frequently isolated microbe. The median age was 50 years (range 15–66 years). Twenty‐three patients (56%) were female, 28 patients (66%) used extended‐wear contact lenses and 12 patients (29%) used daily disposable lenses. Nineteen patients (45%) admitted improper use. The median duration of contact lens use was 11.5 years. Only 15 patients (37%) had knowledge of keratitis as a potential complication.

Conclusion

Most patients were experienced contact lens users. Users of extended‐wear contact lenses worn overnight had a significantly higher risk of severe microbial keratitis. More focus on information and education of the risk of keratitis in contact lens users is needed.
Chromone Derivatives as a Novel NOX4 Inhibitor: Design, Synthesis, and Regulation of ROS in Renal Fibroblast
Authors: Wu Siming , Zhang Lei , Hao Chao , Ma Binhao , Li Zhaohui , Fan Shurong , Li Qianbin , Hu Gaoyun , Chen Zhuo
Published: November 2024

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase 4 (NOX4) has emerged as a promising target for developing drugs to tackle renal fibrosis. In this study, a series of chromone derivatives were designed and synthesized. Additionally, we established a NOX4 overexpression model using the NRK‐49F rat renal fibroblasts cell line and identified compound 14m as highly active through the assessment of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in this model. The drug affinity responsive target stability (DARTS) assay illuminated the robust binding stability of 14m with NOX4. Mechanistic studies further substantiated its efficacy in ameliorating fibrosis and inflammation. This investigation positions 14m as a noteworthy NOX4 inhibitor, shedding light on its regulatory role in renal fibroblasts. Importantly, it diversifies the structural landscape of NOX4 inhibitors, offering novel lead compounds for future development.
The unpaved road towards efficient selective breeding in insects for food and feed—A review
Authors: Hansen L. S. , Laursen S. F. , Bahrndorff S. , Sørensen J. G. , Sahana G. , Kristensen T. N. , Nielsen H. M.
Published: November 2024

Insect production for food and feed presents a promising supplement to ensure food safety and address the adverse impacts of agriculture on climate and environment in the future. However, optimisation is required for insect production to realise its full potential. This can be by targeted improvement of traits of interest through selective breeding, an approach which has so far been underexplored and underutilised in insect farming. Here, we present a comprehensive review of the selective breeding framework in the context of insect production. We systematically evaluate adjustments of selective breeding techniques to the realm of insects and highlight the essential components integral to the breeding process. The discussion covers every step of a conventional breeding scheme, such as formulation of breeding objectives, phenotyping, estimation of genetic parameters and breeding values, selection of appropriate breeding strategies, and mitigation of issues associated with genetic diversity depletion and inbreeding. This review combines knowledge from diverse disciplines, bridging the gap between animal breeding, quantitative genetics, evolutionary biology and entomology, offering an integrated view of the insect breeding research area and uniting knowledge which has previously remained scattered across diverse fields of expertise.
The Symphony of Consumer Partnering and Clinical Governance: An Organizational Review Using the RE‐AIM Framework
Authors: Nixon Jodie , Steel Emily , Stubbs Warren , Williamson Amber , Khan Javed , Carswell Phillip , Coccetti Anne
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Partnering with Consumers in healthcare systems is now widely accepted and mandated in many countries. Despite this acceptance, there is minimal information regarding the best practice of how to successfully establish systems to embed this practice into healthcare systems.

Methods

This evaluation used the RE‐AIM implementation framework to retrospectively analyse data from a 3‐year timeline to review the events relating to the transition of Consumer Partnering into a Clinical Governance Unit. Data was sourced via Phase 1 – a focus group to establish a 3‐year timeline of events, enablers and barriers, and Phase 2 – a quantitative and qualitative semi‐structured interview to review systems that had been developed to support embedding partnering with consumers into Clinical Governance.

Results

Five primary enablers and five barriers to successfully embedding a Consumer Partnering Team into a Clinical Governance Unit were identified. Enablers included Executive sponsorship and ownership of the value of partnering with consumers, Executive leadership influence on local area uptake, an organization‐wide network, valuing via remuneration, and a centralized orientation and onboarding programme for Consumer Partners. Barriers included skills and attitudes of committee chairs, the size of the Directorate (smaller local areas can be easier to influence change), patient feedback data requires interpretation to be useful, staff turnover can reduce the relationships with Consumer Partners, and financial insecurity is a barrier to implementation and maintenance.

Conclusions

This article described how an Australian Health Service embedded a Consumer Partnering Team into a Clinical Governance Unit to ensure that partnering became business as usual practice. Enablers, barriers, and unintended consequences can be used as learnings for other organizations to develop a similar approach.

Patient or Public Contribution

Two Consumer Partners with lived experience of the health service, and members of the organizations committee structures are part of the evaluation team. As team members, the consumers participated as equal contributors in evaluation design, analysis of the focus group and interview data, and contribution to the writing and review of the manuscript. Two Consumer Partners with lived experience of the health service, and members of the committee structures participated in the focus groups and the interviews.
The Relative Importance of Growth Teaching Mindset, Emotions, and Self‐Efficacy in Teachers’ Grit
Authors: Hejazi S. Yahya , Sadoughi Majid , Datu Jess Alfonso D.
Published: November 2024

Considering the demanding and challenging nature of the teaching profession in general and foreign/second language (L2) teaching contexts in particular, there is a need to examine protective psychological resources such as grit—conceptualized as the inclination to show consistent interest and perseverance in times of setbacks and failures—among L2 teachers. Given the recently emerging status of the L2 research on grit and the multitude of factors that might potentially affect teachers’ grit, this study examined the roles of growth teaching mindset, positive and negative emotions (enjoyment, anxiety, and anger), and self‐efficacy in L2 teachers’ grit. The participants were 215 Iranian teachers who were recruited via convenience sampling and responded to four questionnaires: Sudina et al.’s L2 Teacher Grit Scale, Frenzel et al.’s Teacher Emotions Scale, Nalipay et al.’s Growth Teaching Mindset Scale, and the short version of Tschannen‐Moran and Hoy's Teacher Self‐Efficacy Scale. The results indicated that all three factors significantly contributed to the teachers’ grit. Moreover, based on the results of relative weight analysis (RWA), the relative weights of enjoyment, followed by self‐efficacy and growth teaching mindset, were significantly higher in predicting teachers’ grit while anxiety and anger had the lowest relative weight. Implications for promoting teachers’ enjoyment, self‐efficacy, and growth teaching mindset as well as suggestions for future studies are presented.