bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced targeted drug delivery to hepatocellular carcinoma using Cucurbit[6]uril-modified ZIF-8 nanoparticle
Authors: Zheng Mu-Yue , Zheng Hao , Zeng Yan , Sun Tong , Zhang Fang-Zhong , Wang Yu-Lin , Wang Hai-Shuang , Lin Rong-Guang
Published: December 2024

Building on our innovative approach to combatting cancer, this study explores the development of a sophisticated hybrid nanocarrier system leveraging the unique properties of allyl oxide cucurbit[6]uril with galactose clusters (AOQ[6]@Gal) to modify ZIF-8 nanoparticles. These nanoparticles are designed to encapsulate and efficiently deliver the anticancer drugs doxorubicin (DOX) and curcumin (CUR), enhancing their water solubility and stability, while also providing active targeting towards hepatocellular carcinoma cells. The comprehensive characterization of AOQ[6]@Gal@ZIF-8@Drug nanoparticles revealed promising outcomes, including drug loading efficiencies of 9.7% for DOX and 8.3% for CUR, alongside a pH-responsive release profile that ensures effective drug delivery in the tumor microenvironment. Cytotoxicity studies underscored the hybrid system’s superior safety profile, exhibiting minimal toxicity towards normal hepatocytes HL7702 and pronounced cytotoxic effects against hepatocellular carcinoma cells HepG2. These results highlight the hybrid nanocarrier’s potential as a targeted, efficient, and safe platform for the delivery of chemotherapy agents in the treatment of liver cancer.
Cyclodextrins as nanocarriers of hydrophobic silicon phthalocyanine dichloride for the enhancement of photodynamic therapy effect
Authors: Georgiopoulou Eleni , Kavetsou Eleni , Alexandratou Eleni , Detsi Anastasia , Politopoulos Konstantinos
Published: December 2024

In this study, silicon phthalocyanine dichloride (SiCl2Pc) was successfully encapsulated in β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) and hydroxy-propyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-β-CD) using the kneading method. Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) demonstrated complexes of various hydrodynamic diameters with moderate stability in aqueous solutions. Their structural characterization by Infrared Spectroscopy (FT- IR) indicated that a part of phthalocyanine is located inside the cyclodextrin cavity. Both photophysical and photochemical studies showed that phthalocyanine’s encapsulation in cyclodextrins increased its aqueous solubility. The photodynamic studies against A431 cancer cell line indicated that the complexes are more effective than pure SiCl2Pc. Pure SiCl2Pc’s photodynamic effect is characterized as dose-dependent, whereas both complexes presented a biphasic dose-response photodynamic effect. For the highest energy dose of 3.24 J/cm2, pure SiCl2Pc induced mild cell toxicity. SiCl2Pc-β-CD complex was the most promising photosensitizer, exhibiting the highest photodynamic effect when irradiated at 2.16 J/cm2.
Technologies of Self-Care in Precarious Neoliberal Academia: Women Academics’ Craftwork as Strategies of Coping and Complicity
Authors: Rodriguez Jenny K , Ridgway Maranda , Oldridge Louise , Edwards Michaela
Published: December 2024

This article explores the use of craftwork as a technology of self-care by women academics to cope with work demands and commodified narratives in academia. It combines discussions about work pressures in academia and technologies of the self to theorise self-care strategies used to navigate academic demands and identify new research avenues. Through the memory work of the four women academic authors, the article shows craftwork as a strategy of self-care to achieve self-control, self-preservation and self-(re)positioning. The article extends the theorisation of self-care, showing its simultaneous function as a coping and complicity mechanism that responds to and engages with individualised well-being narratives in academia. It also advances and complicates understanding of how technologies of self-care sustain the power structures of the academic labour process, showing the visceral and emotional dimensions of these technologies. The article outlines the contours of a research agenda to interrogate ethical self-care in academia.
Experimental investigation of the friction stir welding process of AA5059 and AA7079 and prediction using fuzzy approach
Authors: Mohankumar K , Pugazhenthi R , Khan Naushad Hasin , Srinivas Gollapalli Veera Satya , Parthiban A , Karthick M , Alotaibi Majed A , Majumder Himadri
Published: December 2024

Aluminum alloys AA 5059 and AA7079 have high strength, excellent weldability, and corrosion resistance, widely used in train and truck bodies, armored vehicles, and defense applications. Recent materials engineering tasks call for minimizing material weight and to achieve this objective, the solid-state joining approach of Friction stir welding (FSW) is utilized for material joining. FSW has produced sound welds with high joint strength and good ductility. This research investigates the weldability of AA5059 and AA7079 dissimilar aluminum alloys. In this FSW process, a threaded tapered cylindrical tool pin profile was selected, and welding trials were conducted at three different speeds of 500, 750, and 1000 rpm, with the 75 mm/min constant feed rate. The Taguchi L9 orthogonal array was selected to design the process parameters, that is, tool traversing speed, rotational speed, axial force, feed rate, and effect on dissimilar aluminum weld joints. The Mamdani-type fuzzy logic model predicted welded specimens’ ultimate tensile strength and yield strength. Microstructural analysis revealed that the grains in the stirring zone had undergone a full transformation into homogenous, evenly distributed, refined grains, which had a positive impact on the remarkable mechanical properties.
Online tensile strength prediction considering geometric and physical characteristics during FSW 2219-T8 aluminum alloy plate
Authors: Lu Xiaohong , Yang Banghua , Chen Ying , Pan Congcong
Published: December 2024

Tensile strength of joints of friction stir welded (FSW) thick 2219-T8 aluminum alloy plates, is affected by multiple geometric and physical characteristics, such as axial force, welding temperature, gap, and mismatch of the butt face, which makes it difficult to predict the tensile strength with high precision on line. At present, simple welding process prediction based on temperature or force is difficult to achieve accurate control of complex welding process. In this paper, a multi-information fused one-dimensional Convolutional Neural Network (1DCNN), combining geometric and physical characteristics of welding process, was proposed to predict the tensile strength of joints. Firstly, the experiments of FSW thick 2219-T8 aluminum alloy plates were conducted and the axial force, welding temperature, gap and mismatch of the butt face are measured. Then, the measured multi-source data was fused through down-sampling technology. Before training, the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) and Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) were adopted to optimize the initial learning rate and layer structure of the model. The experiment results showed that the proposed model can accurately and quickly predict the tensile strength of thick 2219-T8 aluminum alloy joints with the mean absolute percentage error less than 2%. In addition, metallographic analysis revealed that the joint tensile strength is interlocked with weld defects and fine grain strengthening. The research lays a foundation for welding quality control of FSW.
A wavelet transform: Research on noise reduction of music signals
Authors: Zhu Jie , Gao Chan , Liu Heng
Published: December 2024

This paper applied the wavelet transform algorithm to denoise music signals. To improve its noise reduction effect, the threshold function was improved. Finally, simulation trials were conducted to test the performance of the improved wavelet transform noise reduction algorithm under different wavelet basis functions and decomposition scales. Then, it was compared with the Fourier transform, traditional wavelet transform, and independent component analysis algorithms. The results showed that it was most suitable when Symlets was adopted as the wavelet basis function and the decomposition scale was set to 6; the performance of the improved algorithm was better than the other three algorithms.
The Good, the Bad and the Other: Discursive constructions of nations in Voice of America’s international news
Authors: Cooper Valerie A.
Published: December 2024

This research analyses Voice of America’s discursive construction of nations in its international news reporting, based on Van Dijk’s sociocognitive discourse analysis approach and his concept of the ideological square. Through a combination of content analysis, corpus-assisted linguistic analysis and manual critical discourse analysis, this research examines how countries are constructed as part of an in-group and out-group. The findings show that US interpretations of democracy, freedom and human rights are used ideologically to emphasize positive aspects of in-group members and negative aspects of out-group members, while they are absent in justifications of military involvement by the in-group. The analyses also reveal the countries and regions of the world that are discursively overlooked or relegated to simply providing context for other nations’ activities.
Rapidly diverging public trust in science in the United States
Authors: Milkoreit Manjana , Smith E. Keith
Published: December 2024

Trust in science is crucial to resolving societal problems. Americans across political ideologies have high levels of trust in science—a stable pattern observed over the past 50 years. Yet, trust in science varies by individual and group characteristics and faces several threats, from political actors, increased political polarization, or global crises. We revisit historical trends of trust in science among Americans by political orientation. We find steadily diverging trends by political views since the 1990s, and a drastically and rapidly opening gap since 2018. Recent unprecedented changes are driven not only by decreases in trust among conservatives but also by increases among liberals. Existing theoretical accounts do not fully explain these patterns. Diverging attitudes toward the institution of science can diminish capacity for collective problem-solving, eroding the shared foundation for decision-making and political discourse.
The Reciprocity Between Duality Roles and Internationalization Seeking in Indonesian Digital Startup Business
Authors: Nofiani Delly , Azhari Defry , Annisa Intan Tri , Usmayanti Vivi , Fietroh Muhammad Nur
Published: December 2024

This study explores the ambidexterity of learning (AOL) in Indonesian digital startups. To obtain a better grasp of digital startups, we will examine the moderating effect of internationalization and the dual role of the leader. Both of these factors contribute to increased innovation capabilities. AOL’s direct influence on innovation abilities and the moderating effect of internationalization and leader duality are supported by an analysis of 109 SMEs. These results highlight the importance of AOL for fostering innovation in SMEs. Our further analysis shows that firms pursuing both national and global markets and those where the CEO assumes dual roles are significantly more likely to benefit from AOL. This research uses a knowledge-based perspective of the firm to elucidate ways SMEs can enhance their innovation capability. This research provides valuable insights to managers. It highlights the importance of having effective learning strategies for firms and how to navigate internationalization more effectively.
Assessing the Functionality of Groundwater Markets in Green Revolution States of India: A Case Study of Punjab and Haryana
Authors: Khara Deepratan Singh
Published: December 2024

The rapid development of groundwater irrigation in the changing dynamics of the Indian agricultural economy has increased the emphasis on the growing and complex role of the informal institution of groundwater markets. This study examines the form, functioning and impact of groundwater markets in the different regions of India’s Green Revolution states of Punjab and Haryana. The cross-sectional analysis of 400 farmers highlights that around 26% and 33% of farmers in Punjab and Haryana participate in groundwater market-based activities, respectively. A significant disparity in net earnings was observed among rice growers, with farmers dependent on purchased groundwater earning the least in both Punjab and Haryana. In contrast, earnings from wheat showed no notable variation among groundwater users across the two states. The key factors influencing the decision to purchase groundwater were the size of agricultural landholdings and the extent of land fragmentation in both states. On the other hand, rising tubewell maintenance costs encouraged the sale of groundwater.
China-made robot-assisted unicompartmental knee arthroplasty can enhance the precision of prosthesis placement and yield better short-term efficacy
Authors: Sun Rongxin , Yilihamujiang Wusiman , Aierxiding Abulaiti , Cheng Gang , Zhu Zhoujun , Lei Zhang , Gao Jian , Zhong Guangjun , Mieradili Maimaitiyiming , Releken Yeersheng , Jiang Kan
Published: December 2024

Background

The purpose of this study was to assess whether China-made robot-assisted medial UKA can improve prosthesis placement accuracy and yield superior short-term outcomes compared with conventional UKA.

Methods

50 patients who underwent initial medial UKA were included in this single-center, prospective, parallel, randomized, controlled trial. Preoperatively, patients were randomly categorized the robot-assisted UKA group and conventional UKA group. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative pain scores (VAS scores at 24 h, 72 h, and 3 months post-surgery), KSS scores (clinical and functional scores), and knee range of motion (ROM) were compared between the two groups. The coronal deviation values of the femoral component, tibial component, and knee joint line height change were also compared between the two groups.

Results

The deviations in tibial component coronal plane alignment, femoral component coronal plane alignment, and joint line height change were significantly smaller in the robot-assisted group compared to those in the conventional group ( p < 0.05). The operation time of the robot-assisted group was longer than that of the conventional group ( p < 0.05). At 24 h and 72 h postoperatively, patients in the robot-assisted group reported lower VAS scores compared to those in the conventional group ( p < 0.05). No significant differences were observed between the two groups regarding intraoperative bloodloss, the VAS scores at 3 months postoperatively, the KSS scores (clinical scores and functional scores) at 3 months postoperatively, and the Knee range of motion at 3 months postoperatively.

Conclusions

The China-made UKA robot can enhance the precision of prosthesis placement, yielding favorable short-term therapeutic outcomes.
Cultural Competence of Vietnamese Undergraduate Nursing Students and Influencing Factors
Authors: Nguyen Thi Minh Thanh , Kim Jieun , Jang Soong-nang
Published: December 2024

Introduction:

Cultural competence is essential for nurses to enhance the quality of care and reduce care inequity in diverse cultures. Throughout the world, populations are resettling to different regions for various reasons, necessitating the importance of teaching cultural skills to nursing students. This study determined the cultural competence of Vietnamese undergraduate nursing students and the factors influencing cultural competence.

Method:

The cross-sectional study was performed with 169 undergraduate nursing students in Vietnam. Data on cultural competence, measured by the Nurse Cultural Competence Scale (NCCS), empathy, and self-efficacy was collected. Multiple regression analysis examined the factors influencing cultural competency.

Results:

A positive relationship was found between self-efficacy and cultural competence (β = 0.47, p < .001), between empathy and self-efficacy ( p < .001), and a negative relationship between ethnicity and empathy ( p < .05).

Discussion:

Improving undergraduate nursing students’ cultural competency is essential in education programs; cultural competency training focuses on strengthening self-efficacy and empathy.
Pivmecillinam for Uncomplicated Acute Cystitis: A Contemporary Review
Authors: Burchette Jessica E. , Covert Kelly , Tu Patrick , White Bryan P. , Chastain Daniel B. , Cluck David B.
Published: December 2024

Objective:

To review the evidence and discuss use of pivmecillinam in uncomplicated acute cystitis.

Data sources:

A literature search was conducted utilizing PubMed (from 2000 through August 2024) and ClinicalTrials.gov. Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms, such as mecillinam or pivmecillinam and urinary tract infections, were utilized. Additional references were identified by reviewing literature citations.

Study selection and data extraction:

Articles were limited to English language publications evaluating the efficacy or safety of pivmecillinam for urinary tract infections (UTIs) in adult populations.

Data synthesis:

Data from 6 randomized controlled trials support pivmecillinam for acute uncomplicated cystitis at doses of 200 to 400 mg 3 times daily for 3 to 7 days, with more consistent clinical and bacteriologic cure observed with 400 mg doses and longer therapy durations. Clinical evaluation of 400 mg 2 to 3 times daily is available with use more common in non–US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved populations, such as men, pregnancy, and multidrug resistant infections. There are limited data supporting pivmecillinam for pyelonephritis; routine use is cautioned until further clinical data are available.

Relevance to patient care and clinical practice in comparison with existing drugs:

As resistance to first-line antimicrobials rises, the need for safe and effective treatment options remains high. Pivmecillinam represents a new therapeutic option available in the United States for outpatient management of uncomplicated acute cystitis.

Conclusion:

Pivmecillinam could be a key agent for uncomplicated acute cystitis. Utilization will likely be cost driven, but the promise of low resistance encourages the place in therapy when other agents are not susceptible to infecting uropathogens.
Evaluation of the Efficacy of Piperacillin/Tazobactam in Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase-Producing Enterobacteriaceae Urinary Tract Infections: A Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Sutton Samantha P. , Reinert Justin P.
Published: December 2024

Objective:

To evaluate the efficacy of piperacillin/tazobactam (PTZ) for the treatment of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing enterobacteriaceae (ESBL-PE) urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Data Sources:

A systematic review was conducted in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) standards on PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science Core Collection, and Cochrane Central through July 2024.

Study Selection and Data Extraction:

Studies providing efficacy data associated with PTZ in patients ≥18 years old experiencing an ESBL-PE UTI that documented clinical and microbiological cure data were included.

Data Synthesis:

A total of 577 articles were obtained for screening. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 7 studies comparing PTZ with carbapenems comprised of 1156 patient cases were analyzed. Piperacillin/tazobactam was found to be noninferior to carbapenems in the treatment of both uncomplicated and complicated UTI’s caused by ESBL-PE. The observed noninferiority encompassed clinical response, clinical cure, and microbiological cure outcome metrics. Although not specifically evaluated in this systematic review, adverse effects associated with PTZ were found to be minimal and lesser in incidence than with the carbapenem comparators in aggregate.

Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice:

While a definitive dosing strategy remains elusive, a PTZ total daily dose of 13.5 g infused over 3 to 4 hours may be appropriate for this indication.

Conclusion:

Piperacillin/tazobactam may be an effective carbapenem-sparing agent for the treatment of ESBL-PE UTIs that show in-vitro susceptibility to PTZ. However, additional robust randomized clinical trials are still needed to validate the findings of this review and determine the best dosage regimen of PTZ for ESBL-PE UTIs.
Ceftobiprole Medocaril: A New Fifth-Generation Cephalosporin
Authors: Zimmerman Justin , Giuliano Christopher , Kale-Pradhan Pramodini B.
Published: December 2024

Objective:

The objective was to review the pharmacology, efficacy, and safety of intravenous ceftobiprole in the treatment of bloodstream infections, acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSIs), community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), and hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP), or ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP).

Data Sources:

PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched using the following terms: ceftobiprole, ceftobiprole medocaril, ceftobiprole medocaril sodium, Zevtera, and BAL5788.

Study Selection and Data Extraction:

Articles published in English between January 1985 and August 15, 2024, related to pharmacology, safety, efficacy, and clinical trials were reviewed.

Data Synthesis:

Ceftobiprole has shown similar efficacy to comparator antibiotics in CAP, ABSSSIs, and bloodstream infections. Overall treatment success in patients with bacteremia was 69.8% and 68.7%; 91.3% and 88.1% with ABSSSIs and 86.6% and 87.4% with CAP in ceftobiprole and comparator groups, respectively. Finally, in the management of HAP and VAP, ceftobiprole was inferior in the VAP population. Ceftobiprole had a favorable safety profile with gastrointestinal adverse effects occurring more frequently than comparators.

Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice in Comparison to Existing Drugs:

Clinicians have limited options to treat multidrug-resistant infections. Ceftobiprole has demonstrated efficacy against causative pathogens in specific infections including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (SAB), ABSSSI, and CAP and may be considered a viable alternative. However, ceftobiprole’s impact on HAP, VAP, and febrile neutropenia needs to be further delineated.

Conclusion:

Ceftobiprole’s broad-spectrum activity makes it a viable option for treating patients hospitalized with CAP, ABSSSI, and SAB. Further studies are needed in severely ill HAP or VAP, febrile neutropenia, and pediatric patients.
Evaluating an Applied Behavior Analysis Telehealth Training Package for Caregivers of Children With Autism in the Czech and Slovak Regions
Authors: Kingsdorf Sheri , Pančocha Karel , Vadurova Helena
Published: December 2024

In places where in-person applied behavior analysis (ABA) services are not available to those in need, distance approaches may be needed. However, in the Czech Republic and surrounding countries, ABA and telehealth practices are just emerging. Therefore, minimal systems are guiding ABA-based telehealth for children with autism and their caregivers. To develop a model of low-cost, high-efficacy, family-centered, and fidelity-driven ABA telehealth services in Central Europe, this study piloted a systematic remote training package to teach caregivers to build foundational skills with their children with autism. Using a multiple baseline across behaviors design, practitioners followed scripts to collaboratively select targets and use behavioral skills training procedures with caregivers. Based on caregiver needs, their skill acquisition was evaluated in the skill sets of pairing, responding to challenging behaviors, and/or language building. Results demonstrated that the program was socially valid, contributed to skill gains, and increased quality of life.
Th9 and Th17 Cells in Human Ulcerative Colitis-Associated Dysplastic Lesions
Authors: Cui Guanglin , Yuan Aping , Sørbye Sveinung W , Florholmen Jon
Published: December 2024

Background:

Inflammation is the most important deriving force for the development of colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC) through the Inflammation-Pretumor dysplasia-CAC sequence. T helper (Th) subsets Th9 and Th17 cells can potentially stimulate inflammation in the ulcerative colitis (UC). Therefore, Th9 and Th17 cells may play a promoting role in the colitis-associated dysplasia (CAD).

Methods:

Using immunohistochemistry (IHC), we evaluated the presentation patterns and densities of T lymphocytes, Th9 and Th17 cells in human UC and CAD tissues.

Results:

A general increasing trend of CD3-positive T lymphocytes, P.U.1-positive Th9 and interleukin (IL)-17A-positive Th17 cells was illustrated throughout the normal-UC-CAD sequence, IHC images showed that these cells were very prominent in the lamina propria, and some cells were also observed in the epithelium in the CAD tissues. Density analysis revealed that numbers of Th9 and Th17 cells were progressively increased in the CAD tissues as compared with the UC and control tissues. In general, densities of Th9 and Th17 cells in the lamina propria were slightly higher in the non-adenoma-like dysplasia (NALD) tissues than that in the adenoma-like dysplasia (ALD) tissues. However, densities of neither Th9 nor Th17 cells in both the ALD and NALD subgroups were associated with the degree of dysplasia in CAD lesions.

Conclusion:

Accumulated Th9 and Th17 cells contribute to the immune cellular composition in the CAD tissues and may represent the early conditional change for the Dysplasia-CAC transition.
Ofatumumab-associated colitis: A case report
Authors: Patel Ashish D , Connors Alexa , Esch Megan E
Published: December 2024

Background:

Colitis has been reported with some anti-CD20 therapies in multiple sclerosis (MS), but not previously with ofatumumab.

Objectives:

To report the first case of ofatumumab-associated colitis in MS and discuss its implications.

Methods:

Case report.

Results:

A 56-year-old female with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) developed severe colitis 3 months after initiating ofatumumab, requiring hospitalization and treatment discontinuation.

Conclusion:

This case suggests a potential class effect of anti-CD20 therapies, including ofatumumab, in relation to colitis in MS. Clinicians should monitor for gastrointestinal symptoms in MS patients receiving any anti-CD20 therapy.
Longitudinal stability and Autism Diagnostic Observation Scale-2 predictors of the Childhood Joint Attention Rating Scale
Authors: Bullen Jennifer C , Birkeneder Sandy L , Zajic Matthew C , Lerro Lindsay Swain , McIntyre Nancy , Sparapani Nicole , Mundy Peter
Published: December 2024

A recent study suggests that parent report on the Social Symptom and Prosocial scales of the Childhood Joint Attention Rating Scale provides useful information about differences in the social development of school-aged autistic children. The current study provides additional psychometric data on the Childhood Joint Attention Rating Scale regarding the longitudinal stability of its scales, its construct validity, and its sensitivity to differences in the social development of clinical samples of children. The study included 64 autistic children without co-occurring intellectual disability, 27 children with symptoms of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and 36 neurotypical children between the ages of 10 and 18 years. Results indicated that scores from parent report on the Childhood Joint Attention Rating Scale were stable across a 15-month period in middle childhood for the three groups and groups received significantly different Childhood Joint Attention Rating Scale scores. Finally, construct validity was supported by the observation of correlations between tester observations of items on Autism Diagnostic Observation Scale-2 Social Affect and subsequent parent report on the Childhood Joint Attention Rating Scale. These results provide further evidence that the Childhood Joint Attention Rating Scale provides meaningful and potentially unique information about prosocial and social symptom development of school-aged autistic children.

Lay abstract

This study tested a measure designed to capture social development in childhood and adolescence called the Childhood Joint Attention Rating Scale. This is important to study as most measures of social behavior are for preschool-aged children. We asked parents of 64 autistic children, 27 children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and 36 neurotypical children to fill out a new parent questionnaire designed to assess social skills. Specifically, our measure asks about both strengths and difficulties their child has with sharing experiences, engaging in cooperative efforts with others, and more. It is important to have strengths included in measures, as many autism measures only take difficulties into account. The findings of this study show that this new measure can assess social skill strengths and difficulties in children and adolescents. This measure may be useful in future research to help us understand how strengths and challenges in social behaviors develop or change throughout childhood and adolescence in autistic people.
Factors associated with transition readiness among adolescents and young adults with spina bifida in South Korea
Authors: Choi Eun Kyoung , Ji Yoonhye , Jung Eunyoung , Bae Eunjeong
Published: December 2024

This study aimed to examine the factors associated with transition readiness based on the healthcare transition model among adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with spina bifida (SB) in the individual (self-management and self-efficacy), family or social support (family function and social support), healthcare system, and environmental (transition environment) domains. Using face-to-face and online surveys, we conducted a cross-sectional study on AYAs with SB in South Korea. The participants were aged 13–25 years. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t test, one-way analysis of variance, Pearson’s correlation coefficients, and multiple regression analysis. A total of 110 AYAs with SB participated in this study. Their mean age was 19.85 (SD = 3.65) years. The mean score of transition readiness was 3.89 (SD = 0.70) out of 5. Transition readiness was statistically significantly associated with general (age), clinical (mobility), and individual (self-management) characteristics and family or social support (social support) and the healthcare system. These results suggest that it is necessary to develop tailored transition care programs that consider factors associated with transition readiness for AYAs with SB. The findings of this study increase our understanding of the transition readiness of AYAs with SB, which can help in the development of effective transition strategies.
Social prescribing initiatives connecting general practice patients with community-based physical activity: A scoping review with expert interviews
Authors: Rasmussen Lene Gissel , Nielsen Rasmus Østergaard , Hawkins Jemma , Kallestrup Per , Midtgaard Julie , Ryom Knud
Published: December 2024

Aims:

The World Health Organization states that physical inactivity is one of the leading behavioural risk factors for disability and mortality in Europe. Social prescribing holds promise as a possible solution by connecting patients from general practice to community-based physical activity. Although research within social prescribing exists, the process of connecting general practice patients to community-based physical activity is not well investigated. This scoping review aimed to summarise and synthesise knowledge on social prescribing provided by health professionals in general practice towards community-based physical activity.

Methods:

A systematic search for literature in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, SportsDiscus and other sources was conducted to identify initiatives connecting general practice to community-based physical activity. Semi-structured interviews were then conducted with subject-specific national experts. Finally, preliminary findings from the literature and the interviews were used in a co-creation process with experts to synthesise and finalise the results of a thematic analysis across data sources.

Results:

Based on 19 records, five expert interviews and subsequent co-creation, we identified three themes: (a) barriers and facilitators, (b) organisational perspectives and (c) value-based considerations.

Conclusions:

This review illuminates the complex nature of social prescribing programmes that connect general practice patients to community-based physical activity in Denmark. It also presents practical and fundamental considerations when applying social prescribing across different settings.
Activating archaeology: Robert McCormick Adams and how the past can help solve the problems of today
Authors: Olson Kyle G
Published: December 2024

Can we use the past to improve the present and plan better futures? What is the purpose of archaeological knowledge? To whom do we feel ourselves accountable? What can we learn from past episodes of archaeologists grappling with these same questions? In light of recent claims regarding the value of archaeology for solving the most pressing problems of our day, it is worth revisiting times in our own history when archaeologists were enlisted in attempts to instrumentalize the past to address contemporary concerns. The case of Robert McCormick Adams and his trailblazing full-coverage survey research in Iraq and Iran between 1956 and 1962 clearly demonstrates the possibilities and pitfalls of such efforts. Adams’s commentaries on this fieldwork—particularly the reflections on the purpose and impact of archaeological research it provoked—have consequential ramifications for our disciplinary practice now and going forward.
Performance improvement of a full-scale oscillating water column device by employing a novel double oscillating water column
Authors: Prasad Deepak Divashkar , Ahmed Mohammed Rafiuddin , LEE Young-Ho
Published: December 2024

The energy present in the ocean surface waves can be extracted using an oscillating water column (OWC) device. In the present work, the performance characteristics of a normal OWC, an opposite OWC and a novel double OWC employing Savonius rotors are investigated at different sea states in a numerical wave tank (NWT) using the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code ANSYS-CFX. The Savonius rotor is known to be an inexpensive energy harvesting device. The waves in the NWT were generated using a piston type wave-maker. The results from the computational work were compared with experimental work. For the normal OWC, a maximum power output of 18.85 kW, which corresponds to an efficiency of 22.44% was recorded at 60 rpm for the mean wave condition. On the other hand, for the opposite OWC, the peak power and efficiency were 10.4 kW and 12.38% respectively for the mean sea state. For the novel double OWC, the flow in the front OWC has more energy compared to the flow in the rear OWC for both advancing flow and retreating flow, resulting in a combined peak power of 19.5 kW at the mean sea state. This represented an increase of 3.45% in the power production.
Routine pulmonary lung function tests: Interpretative strategies and challenges
Authors: Barkous Balsam , Briki Chaima , Boubakri Saba , Abdesslem Mariem , Ben Abbes Narjès , Ben Hmid Wième , Ben Saad Helmi
Published: December 2024

Introduction: The diagnosis and management of common chronic respiratory diseases depend on various parameters obtained from pulmonary function tests (PFTs), such as spirometry, plethysmography, and carbon monoxide diffusion capacity (DLCO). These tests are interpreted following guidelines established by reputable scientific societies like the European Respiratory Society and the American Thoracic Society (ERS/ATS). Aim and Methods: This review aimed to offer a comprehensive framework for interpreting PFTs, incorporating the latest ERS/ATS update (i.e.; 2022), and to briefly explore some complex cases to shed light on their implications for understanding PFTs. Results: The ERS/ATS update outlines a systematic approach to interpreting PFT results, which involves several steps. Initially, results are compared to those of a healthy reference population to determine normal, low, or high parameters. Then, potential ventilatory impairments (VIs), such as obstructive or restrictive VIs, are identified, which could indicate specific chronic respiratory or extra-respiratory diseases. The severity of identified VIs or reductions in DLCO is then assessed. If bronchodilator testing is performed, its response is evaluated. Lastly, any significant changes in PFT parameters over time are noted by comparing current results with previous ones, if available. Despite the clarity provided by the ERS/ATS update, certain uncertainties persist and require clarification, such as the identification of new patterns (e.g.; non-obstructive abnormal spirometry, isolated low forced expiratory volume in 1 s), and classifications of mixed VI or lung hyperinflation in terms of functional severity. Conclusion: This review is a comprehensive framework for interpreting PFTs. Since some issues pose uncertainty in clinical practice, it would be beneficial to the ERS/ATS to reconcile some inconsistencies and provide clearer guidance on different classifications and VIs.
Ultrasound-Guided vs Non–Ultrasound-Guided Angio-Seal Vascular Hemosasis After Endovascular Treatment for Peripheral Artery Disease: An Observational Study
Authors: Groenewegen Femke Anne , Charehbili Ayoub , Panfilov Ilia A. , Engels Charla , De Jong Willem-Jan , Burgmans Mark , Van der Bogt Koen E.A. , Eefting Daniel , Van der Steenhoven Tim J. , Van der Linden Edwin , Urlings Thijs
Published: December 2024

Background: Vascular access complications after endovascular treatment for peripheral artery disease (PAD) are relatively frequent, even after the use of vascular closure devices (VCDs). This study investigates the impact of a protocol change toward the use of ultrasound-assisted Angio-Seal closure on vascular complications, compared with non–ultrasound-guided vascular closure. Methods: All endovascular procedures for PAD from 2017 to 2018 (group 1: non–ultrasound-guided) and 2020 to 2022 (group 2: ultrasound-guided) were included in this retrospective study. Inclusion criteria were endovascular treatment for PAD in the lower extremities with femoral access and use of Angio-Seal at femoral access site. Exclusion criteria were acute ischemia. The primary endpoints were total number of complications, the number of minor complications, and the number of major complications at vascular access site. Results: A total of 1298 vascular access closures in 826 patients were included. The ultrasound-guided group showed a significant lower rate of overall complications (n=53, 7.5% vs n=75, 12.6%, p=0.002), minor complications (n=49, 7.0% vs n=58, 9.9%, p=0.001), and major complications (n=4, 0.6% vs n=16, 2.7%, p=0.001). Multivariate analysis showed significantly fewer overall complications (odds ratio [OR]=0.696, 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.459-1.056, p=0.088) after ultrasound-guided deployment of the VCD. Ultrasound guidance lowered the chance of major vascular access complications significantly (OR=0.210, 95% CI=0.070-0.635, p=0.006). Furthermore, severe calcification was shown to be an individual predictor of complications after femoral vascular access (OR=2.014, 95% CI=1.341-3.025, p=0.001). Conclusion: The use of ultrasound when deploying the Angio-Seal device results in a significant decrease in vascular access complications and could be of significant clinical relevance in PAD patients. Severe calcification is an individual predictor of vascular access complications.

Clinical Impact

Ultrasound visualization of vascular closure devices during endovascular access closure leads to a significant decrease in overall and major post interventional access site complications. This non-invasive and often readily available imaging technique could therefore lead to an important decrease in morbidity and subsequent overall health care costs when added to the standard intervention protocol. With the increasing use of endovascular techniques to treat peripheral artery disease, the addition of ultrasound-techniques in closure of endovascular access sites could potentially have a large clinical impact, both on patient outcomes as well as financial outcomes.
Developing and Testing a Mobile Application for Autistic Children Participating in a Therapeutic Horseback Riding Program at a Midwestern Equine Assisted Service Center: An Exploratory Sequential Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Meera Benazir , Fields Beth , Hodge Samuel R. , Roth Kristi , Columna Luis
Published: December 2024

A potential approach to translating benefits acquired from therapeutic horseback riding (THR) sessions into the daily routines of autistic children is by involving parents as co-interventionists through the utilization of digital technology. In this three-phase exploratory sequential mixed methods study, we develop and test a parent-mediated mobile application complementing a THR program for autistic children. Qualitative interviews informed the digital tool’s development, followed by a quantitative assessment of usability and social validity. Findings present proof of concept, indicating that participants perceived the parent-mediated mobile application as useful and user-friendly. This article contributes to mixed methods literature a pioneering approach in the field of THR incorporating subjective and objective assessments into the development and evaluation of the parent-mediated mobile application.

Clinical trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT05689541.
The RESILIENT Study of Post-Pandemic Maternity Care Planning: A Qualitative Research Protocol for In-Depth Interviews With Women, Partners, Healthcare Professionals, and Policy Makers
Authors: Silverio Sergio A. , Dasgupta Tisha , Easter Abigail , Horgan Gillian , Mistry Hiten D. , Boulding Harriet , Van Citters Aricca D. , Nelson Eugene C. , King Joel R. , von Dadelszen Peter , Magee Laura A. ,   on behalf of The RESILIENT Study Group
Published: December 2024

Maternity care is a core service provision of any healthcare system, delivering care for women and birthing people, and their wider family units. During the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, much of maternity care service provision was reconfigured with the aim of continuing care provision which could not otherwise be re-scheduled or delayed, but in-line with infection control measures instituted through social and physical distancing. The RESILIENT Study was designed to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and pandemic-related reconfigurations to maternity care service delivery. It is particularly concerned with the experiences of minority ethnic groups and those with social or medical complexity. One of our specific objectives was to investigate the experiences of maternity care during the pandemic from the perspective of women and birthing people; fathers, partners, and non-gestational parents; healthcare professionals; and policy makers through the use of in-depth interviews. We will analyse data on virtual care, self-monitoring, and vaccination (each using thematic framework analysis); care-seeking and care experience (using template analysis); and on building an ethical future of maternity care (using grounded theory analysis). This is the focus of this protocol. Our findings about the experiences of care receipt, provision, and planning during the pandemic will complement existing literature and our impact will be broad, on: individual patients, NHS maternity providers, NHS policies, and wider society.
Analytical and numerical solutions of squeezing nanofluid flow between parallel plates: A comparison of IRPSM and HPM
Authors: Dawar Abdullah , Khan Hamid
Published: December 2024

The nanofluid flow between two parallel plates has many applications across various fields of engineering. The addition of nanoparticles to conventional fluids can improve the rheological properties of nanofluids, enhance the heat transfer rate, and have other beneficial characteristics. Therefore, a squeezing flow problem between two parallel plates has been investigated in this article. The nanofluid flow is composed of alumina (Al2O3) nanoparticles and water, which is used as a base fluid. This study is featured according to the recommendations of a previous study to implement the improved residual power series method (IRPSM). The mathematical model is presented in the form of partial differential equations (PDEs), which are then transformed into ordinary differential equations (ODEs) by means of similarity variables. The considered problem is solved by two analytical methods called IRPSM, the homotopy perturbation method (HPM), and a numerical method (NDSolve). The residual errors of both applied techniques are compared to verify the validation of a new method. The comparison of both applied analytical techniques is conducted at the 17th order of approximations. From the obtained results, we confirmed that both techniques are in great agreement and have a very close relationship. The results of both methods are compared with the numerical method, and it was found that the absolute error between the IRPSM and numerical techniques is much more significant than the absolute error between the HPM and numerical techniques. Also, we have seen that the residuals of IRPSM are quite significant in terms of less residual errors than those of HPM. We confirmed that the IRPSM is a more powerful method than the HPM in terms of solving such types of mathematical problems.
Comparison of radiated noise classification methods for underwater targets based on different enhanced images and convolutional neural networks
Authors: Zhufeng Lei , Jialei Wang , Yanlan Guo , Xiaofang Lei , Chuanghui Zhou
Published: December 2024

With the continuous development of economy and society, factors such as the variety of underwater targets and the high level of environmental noise have a great impact on the classification accuracy of underwater target radiation noise, and the traditional classification method based on signal features can no longer meet the requirements of underwater target identification. In this paper, we propose an underwater target radiation noise classification method based on enhanced image and convolutional neural network. First, the underwater target radiation noise signal is converted into enhanced image by various methods, then the converted image data set is used as the input of convolutional neural network for model training, and finally the great advantage of convolutional neural network in image classification is used to accurately classify underwater target radiation noise. In order to propose an optimal augmented image transformation method, this paper uses several augmented image transformation methods and compares the classification results. The experimental results show that the augmented image and convolutional neural network methods based on lagomorphs and corner fields have the highest classification accuracy and the best classification efficiency.