bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How Mindsets Can Mitigate or Sustain Prejudice
Authors: Hoyt Crystal L. , Burnette Jeni L.
Published: January 2025

Beliefs about the changeable or stable nature of human attributes, that is, growth or fixed mindsets, act as fundamental frameworks guiding social perception. These mindsets are closely allied with other important beliefs that can be used to sustain and justify, or to mitigate, prejudicial attitudes. In this article, we review our program of research linking growth mindsets to prejudice. First, we present the double-edged-sword model, which outlines why growth mindsets can have the paradoxical effect of both increasing prejudice through blame and decreasing it by undermining social essentialism, defined as the categorization of individuals based on presumed inherent essences. Second, we present the stigma-reduction model, which outlines when growth mindsets serve to directly decrease prejudice. Third, we highlight the implications of this work for prejudice-reduction efforts, emphasizing the need for interventions that not only challenge personal-level beliefs but also seek to transform broader environments.
Particle concentration and size effect on mechanical properties of natural-hydroxyapatite reinforced high-density polyethylene composite
Authors: Baye Tertaraw M , Mekonone Samuel T
Published: January 2025

High-density polyethylene (HDPE), which can be recycled up to ten times, is combined with natural hydroxyapatite (n-HAp) derived from waste cow bones to create polymer composite materials. This study assesses how variations in n-HAp concentration and particle size affect the mechanical properties of recycled HDPE (rHDPE). The methodology involved synthesizing n-HAp from cow bones, followed by shredding, and pelletizing rHDPE. Composites were produced via compression molding by incorporating n-HAp at concentrations of 0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40% by weight, with particle sizes classified as fine, medium, and coarse (200, 500, and 1000 µm, respectively). Mechanical testing was used to evaluate the tensile, flexural, and impact properties, while optical microscopy was used to characterize particle dispersion within the composite matrix. The results revealed that a maximum tensile strength of 110.85 MPa at 10 wt %. medium n-HAp, decreasing at higher concentrations. The modulus peaked at 20% wt., measuring 1137.4 MPa, before entering a plastic region owing to defect-induced rupture. The flexural strength reached 103.9 MPa with 10% wt. Coarse particles, while energy absorption peaked at 48.57 J at 10% wt., indicating an effective fracture resistance. This demonstrated the potential of rHDPE and n-HAp composites to produce biodegradable materials contributing to waste valorization and sustainability.
Burnout of Physiotherapists in Primary Health Care and Hospitals of Thessaloniki During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Combined Survey
Authors: Maria Klontira , Kyriaki Gkirni , Ioanna Fostiropoulou
Published: January 2025

Burnout syndrome expresses the psychosomatic stress of the employee and the exhaustion of all mental reserves in an effort to adapt to the daily difficulties related to their professional activity. Due to the nature of their work, physiotherapists are a high-risk group for symptoms of burnout. The situation tends to be aggravated by the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this study was: (a) the assessment of the levels of burnout during the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic of the active physiotherapists working in primary health care and general hospitals of the Prefecture of Thessaloniki, and (b) the identification, both quantitatively and qualitatively, of the existence of burnout among active physiotherapists. The validated questionnaire for the detection of burnout by Maslach and Jackson Burnout Inventory (MBI) and targeted open-ended questions were used to investigate the existence of work-related stress in active physiotherapists during the period March–July 2021 in the city of Thessaloniki. Participants were asked to sign informed consent. The analysis of the epidemiological questionnaire was carried out with the IBM/SPSS Statistics 25 statistical package. The analysis of the semi-structured open-ended questions was carried out with the Statistical Package ATLAS.ti 9 in the Cloud Version.

Results

Our study concluded that most of the participants had developed moderate to high level of burnout (45%–50%), both in the general hospitals and in primary health care.

Conclusions

The purpose of the research was to combine quantitative and qualitative data. Based on this correlation, an extremely strong link was found between burnout and depersonalisation.
Bank Risk-taking in the Ethiopian Banking Sector: The Influence of Bank-specific Factors
Authors: Birhan Temesgen Ayenew , Kaur Jasmindeep
Published: January 2025

The study examined bank-specific determinants of bank risk in the Ethiopian banking sector between 2010–2011 and 2021–2022. We used static and dynamic estimation techniques. The data were collected and compiled from the financial statements of each sampled commercial bank and the annual report of the National Bank of Ethiopia. The study revealed that the bank size was inversely related to bank risk. The researchers also found that bank risk was negatively and significantly affected by human capital efficiency and the loan-to-deposit ratio. Additionally, the study noted that when bank loan growth, the bank risk increased in commercial banks. Bank capital ratio and income diversification were not the major determinants of bank stability in the Ethiopian banking sector. The study provides suggestions for bank managers to have efficient risk management strategies, regulators to enhance regulatory frameworks, investors for decision-making, and policymakers to create macroprudential policies to manage risks effectively.
Consumers’ Social Commerce Intention in the Post-COVID-19 Era: An Empirical Analysis
Authors: Sharma Disha , Singh Tejinderpal
Published: January 2025

Social commerce has emerged as a prominent shopping destination, and the social and technical factors influencing it have become increasingly relevant post-COVID-19. These factors empower consumers to communicate and make informed purchasing decisions. However, as consumer preferences evolve, the impact of these factors requires continual reassessment. This study addresses the research gap by analyzing a conceptual model grounded in the causal chain framework to examine the effects of social presence, social influence and social commerce platform quality on the two dimensions of social commerce intention: social shopping intention and social sharing intention, with relationship quality as a mediating factor. An online survey was conducted with 472 users of social commerce websites across various cities in India. Partial least squares structured equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was utilized to test the model. The results demonstrate that social influence and social commerce platform quality positively impact both social shopping and sharing intentions, whereas social presence does not have a significant effect. These effects are mediated by relationship quality. The findings offer valuable insights into the factors affecting consumer behaviour in the post-COVID-19 era, providing businesses with information to better adapt their marketing strategies to meet customer needs.
Neurobehavioural Exploration of Breath-counting & Breath-awareness in Novice Indian Meditators: A Naturalised Ānāpānasati-based Paradigmatic Approach
Authors: Brahmi Mannu , Soni Dushyant , Kumar Jyoti
Published: January 2025

Background

Neural activity and subjective experiences indicate that breath-awareness practices, which focus on mindful observation of breath, promote tranquil calm and thoughtless awareness.

Purpose

This study explores the impact of tristage Ānāpānasati-based breath meditation on electroencephalography (EEG) oscillations and self-reported mindfulness states in novice meditators following a period of effortful cognition.

Methods

Eighty-nine novice meditators (82 males; Mean Age = 24.59 years) underwent a breath-based meditation intervention consisting of three stages: Resting State (RS), Breath Counting (BC), and Breath Focus (BF). EEG assessed neural oscillatory changes throughout the three stages while providing spectral indices for arousal and cognitive workload (CWL) stagewise. State mindfulness and breath awareness-related self-reported feedback were also collected using the Amsterdam Resting-State Questionnaire (ARSQ) post-BF stage and the curated Breath Count Feedback (BCF) post-BC stage, respectively. The internal reliability and construct validity of the standardised ARSQ and the designed BCF were satisfactorily computed within our sample. A within-subjects cross-sectional neurobehavioural examination of the breath self-regulatory novice experiences was thus conducted.

Results

The breath-based intervention significantly increased alpha power across all stages, indicating relaxation. Theta and delta powers increased during BC and BF in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), suggesting enhanced working memory and focused attention. Gamma power in meditation-associated brain regions and occipital beta oscillations showed significant positive correlations with breath counts, reflecting improved visual and attentional concentration. Lower pre-meditative arousal and smaller in-meditation CWL levels were associated with fewer distractions and increased confidence accuracy during BC.

Conclusion

The results suggest that BC may serve as a valuable tool for improving present-centric control and concentration, highlighting the importance of managing CWL and arousal levels to optimise meditation outcomes.
Damage and permeability of gassy coal in loading – Unloading path
Authors: Li Qiuping , Liu Jie , Wang Hao
Published: January 2025

To effectively prevent dynamic gas disasters, the adding vertical and unloading radial stress were investigated in laboratory and numerical simulation experiments. The objective about the research was to ascertain how various gas pressures and loading rates affected permeability and damage deformation. The results conclude that shear failure predominates in gassy coal, a rise in loading rate causes the permeability to mutate more slowly, and the plastic strain gradually decreases at the yield, peak, and post-peak stable points in gassy coal. As well, a rise in gas pressure causes an earlier transition from compression to expansion state of specimens, enhances permeability, and rises the plastic strain at specified points. Furthermore, the study focuses on the meso-scale failure and permeability characteristics. During failure, the seepage channel within the coal body gradually transitions from a vertical orientation to irregular deformation. In addition, a damage model is formulated centered around energy consumption, demonstrating that damage evolution curves exhibit an ‘ S’ shape with vertical strain. Meanwhile, higher axial loading rates delay the onset of unstable crack propagation, but raising gas pressure quickens the pace of damage to specimens. The conclusions of this research hold significant practical implications for mitigating coal-rock gas dynamic disasters.
Research Status of Clustered Regulary Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats Technology in the Treatment of Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection Related Diseases
Authors: Tang Minxue
Published: January 2025

Background: CRISPR/Cas9 technology has rapidly advanced as a pivotal tool in cancer research, particularly in the precision targeting required for both detecting and treating malignancies. Its high specificity and low off-target effects make it exceptionally effective in applications involving Human Papillomavirus (HPV) related diseases, most notably cervical cancer. This approach offers a refined methodology for the rapid detection of viral infections and provides a robust platform for the safe and effective treatment of diseases associated with viral infections through gene therapy.

Purpose: Gene therapy, within this context, involves the strategic delivery of genetic material into target cells via a vector. This is followed by the meticulous modulation of gene expression, whether through correction, addition, or suppression, specifically honed to target tumor cells while sparing healthy cells. This dual capacity to diagnose and treat at such a precise level underscores the transformative potential of CRISPR/Cas9 in contemporary medical science, particularly in oncology and virology.

Research Design: This article provides an overview of the advancements made in utilizing the CRISPR-Cas9 system as a research tool for HPV-related treatments while summarizing its application status in basic research, diagnosis, and treatment of HPV.

Data Collection: Furthermore, it discusses the future prospects for this technology within emerging areas of HPV research and precision medicine in clinical practice, while highlighting technical challenges and potential directions for future development.
Enhancing structural damage detection: A comprehensive study on feature engineering and hyperparameters for pattern recognition algorithms
Authors: Amanabadi Javad , Taghikhany Touraj , Alinia Mohammad Mahdi
Published: January 2025

One of the appealing alternatives, especially for detect, localize, and quantify the multiple simultaneously damages in structures, is using dataset-based damage detection (DBDD) technics. While machine learning (ML) algorithms have been applied to pattern recognition in DBDD studies, comprehensive research and sensitivity analysis on the effects of various parameters, such as ML algorithm choice, hyperparameter (HP) tuning, and feature engineering techniques, remain limited. This can hinder the selection of optimal parameter values, especially for large structures, without incurring significant computational costs. This study addresses this gap by employing extensive single-objective sensitivity analyses to evaluate the impact of these parameters on DBDD damage detection in a 3D sample structure, whose numerical model has been verified by comparing its Frequency Response Functions (FRFs) with experimental data. By comparing grid search outcomes, it was shown that leveraging insights from single-objective optimization can significantly reduce computational costs by limiting the parameter search space. Additionally, an innovative hybrid feature engineering method is proposed to enhance feature quality, reduce dataset size, and enable the feasibility of conducting extensive sensitivity analyses. Furthermore, the study investigates the impact of ensemble techniques with tuned algorithms and excitation point configuration on DBDD prediction accuracy. By using proposed feature engineering, optimal excitation configuration, optimized ML algorithms and HPs, in addition to shrinking the dataset to 5% of its original size, the accuracy of DBDD damage prediction can be improved by up to 60%. These results can be leveraged to pre-select optimal parameters for DBDD damage detection in similar structures, significantly reducing computational costs and improving accuracy.
A Multicentre Evaluation of a Ceramide-Containing Hydrating Cream-to-Foam Cleanser and Facial Moisturizing Lotion for Improving Topical Treatment Tolerability in Facial Acne
Authors: Li Monica , Lynde Charles , Sibley Christopher , Bernstein Steven C. , Mathieu Steve , Guenther Lyn , Dayeh Nour R. , Tan Jerry
Published: January 2025

Acne vulgaris (AV) is a common skin condition that can cause substantial psychosocial impact. Treatments of AV target clearing and prevention of lesions and reducing scarring and dyspigmentation. Numerous medications are used to target one or more of the pathogenetic factors contributing to AV. The irritative potential of acne products and their tolerability are important aspects that may affect patient adherence to therapies. Adjunctive skincare products offer several benefits to acne-prone skin, by reducing redness, inflammation, and discomfort and improving skin texture. In addition, complementing AV prescription interventions reduces the time to healing of lesions, the extent of scarring, and the number and severity of breakouts. This multicentre, open-label, single-cohort study evaluated the use of ceramide-containing hydrating cream-to-foam cleanser and facial moisturizing lotion for improving topical treatment tolerability and adherence in facial acne. Combining a proper skincare regimen with acne treatments may help decrease their irritating potential and support the skin barrier, which can improve treatment adherence and ultimately, treatment outcomes.
The impact of Airbnb on long-term rentals, population, and college enrollments: Empirical evidence from an Italian university town
Authors: Rossi Ilaria , d'Addona Stefano
Published: January 2025

This paper investigates the impact of platform-based accommodations in the real estate market on socio-economically relevant indicators. Using a city-specific dataset from 2017 to 2019 we studied the effect of Airbnb density on rental prices, residential population, and non-local undergraduate enrollments in the municipality of Bologna. Leveraging rental estimates from the Real Estate Market Observatory, as well as data on Airbnb listings, we employed three longitudinal estimations with zone-fixed effects and various demographic and economic controls. Our analysis reveals a significant positive association between Airbnb and rental prices. Moreover, Airbnb presence seems to have a negative impact on non-resident undergraduate enrollments in the subsequent year. These findings support existing literature on the impact of platform-based accommodations on rent and underscore its potential role in producing tourist-led gentrification within urban areas.
Associations between dementia and exposure to topical glaucoma medications
Authors: Davidson Oliver , Lee Michael L , Kam Jason P , Brush Michael , Rajesh Anand , Blazes Marian , Arterburn David E , Duerr Eric , Gibbons Laura E , Crane Paul K , Lee Cecilia S ,   on behalf of the Eye ACT study group
Published: January 2025

Background

Some studies have suggested that glaucoma may be associated with neurodegeneration and a higher risk of dementia.

Objective

To evaluate whether exposure to different categories of topical glaucoma medications is associated with differential dementia risks in people with glaucoma.

Methods

We used data from Adult Changes in Thought, a population-based, prospective cohort study that follows cognitively normal older adults from Kaiser Permanente Washington (KPWA) until Alzheimer's disease (AD) and related dementia development. We included participants with a diagnosis of glaucoma, KPWA pharmacy records of filling topical glaucoma medication (alpha-adrenergic agonists [AAA], beta-adrenergic antagonists, miotics, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors [CAI], and prostaglandins) and at least 10 years of pharmacy records. Eight-year sliding windows were derived for each medication class by computing days on each medication starting 10 years earlier and excluding the most recent 2 years. Cox regression used all 5 classes of medication simultaneously to predict AD and all-cause dementia.

Results

We included 521 participants (mean age 78 [range 65–96], 62% female) with APOE genotype data. Beta-adrenergic antagonists were the most frequently prescribed (n = 431) followed by prostaglandins (351), AAA (239), CAI (162), and miotics (142). Adjusting for time-varying exposure to other glaucoma medications, APOE, demographics, and smoking, each year of use of alpha-adrenergic agonists in an 8-year window was associated with a higher risk of developing dementia (HR = 1.33, 95% CI = 1.03–1.72).

Conclusions

Among older adults with treated glaucoma, exposure to alpha-adrenergic agonists appears to be associated with risk for developing all-cause dementia.
Structural violence of platform capitalism: A case study of online sex workers’ experiences
Authors: Palatchie Brittany , Beban Alice , Nicholls Tracey
Published: January 2025

With the rise of Web 2.0 and online sex work platforms, it's important to understand the structural violence faced by online sex workers. Utilising data from an online forum, AmberCutie, and drawing on structural violence as a theoretical framework, we argue that platform capitalism enacts violence against online sex workers structurally, through algorithmic systems and precarious financial payment options embedded within platform interfaces. Platforms exploit workers through algorithms demanding intense competition, unpaid labour, and emotional and moral labour to remain visible to earn a living. This algorithmic bias disproportionately affects low earners, leading to emotional and financial struggles. Payment issues exacerbate economic precarity, as platforms sometimes withhold or refuse payments without explanation, or rely on third-party payment platforms utilising risky offshore bank accounts. Stronger labour protections and access to secure financial resources are necessary to address systemic barriers faced by online sex workers in the digital realm.
Future/tense: A sociology of temporal dis/order
Authors: Kenny Katherine , Williams Veazey Leah , Peterie Michelle , Broom Alex , Prainsack Barbara
Published: January 2025

The last few years of pandemic living have highlighted various temporal tensions that characterise our individual and collective futures. In some ways, the scale of temporal disruption caused by the pandemic could be considered unprecedented. But in other ways, the temporal tensions that underpin social life are long-standing, even routine. In this special issue, ‘Future/Tense: A Sociology of Temporal Dis/Order’, we take the intensification of temporal tensions in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic, and well beyond it, as impetus to interrogate how the future is variously known, felt and valued by individuals, institutions and societies. The assembled articles cover a wide range of empirical foci – from life-limiting diagnoses and housing instability to climate anxiety and space colonisation. They are united, however, by their critical attention to the (frequently overlooked) temporal tensions that lie at the heart of many of the key social challenges we confront in the contemporary historical moment.
Investigation of mechanical property alterations in DP600 steel under cyclic static strain aging
Authors: Kaya Özlem , Cavusoglu Onur , Güral Ahmet
Published: January 2025

The aging of commercial DP600 dual-phase steel under different pre-strain levels was conducted up to three times at 140 °C and 190 °C to investigate the effects of cyclic static strain aging (CSSA) on the material's mechanical properties. As the number of CSSA processes increased, the yield stress values exhibited a notable increase compared to those of the raw material. However, the yield strength demonstrated a tendency to decrease when the material was subjected to three cycles of strain aging at 140 °C. The yield stress values of dual-phase steels subjected to strain aging at 190 °C were higher than those of materials aged at 140 °C. As the CSSA temperature increased, the tensile stress values demonstrated a corresponding rise. However, the maximum tensile stress values of dual-phase steel demonstrated a decline with an increase in the number of CSSA repeats. Moreover, a reduction in Brinell hardness values was noted concurrently with an increase in ultimate tensile strength values. However, an inverse relationship was identified between the data points and the yield stress values. It was observed that the continuous yield property of dual-phase steel was lost following two and three CSSA processes at 190 °C.
Combined technique versus stent-retriever alone: Interaction analysis of angioarchitectural and technical features
Authors: Tarek Mohamed A. , Monteiro Mateus Damiani , Martins Pedro N. , Mohammaden Mahmoud H , Grossberg Jonathan A. , Dolia Jay , Pabaney Aqueel , Al-Bayati Alhamza , Nogueira Raul G. , Haussen Diogo C.
Published: January 2025

Introduction

We aimed to explore if anatomical and technical features could interact and favor the chances of reperfusion according to the treatment strategy: combined technique (CoT) of mechanical thrombectomy (MT) with contact aspiration and stent-retriever (SR) versus SR alone.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of a prospective MT database for carotid terminus or MCA-M1 occlusion, first-line SR alone or CoT, and angiographic run with SR deployed on the first pass. The primary analysis involved the interaction between clinical and angiographic characteristics and first-line MT modality on first-pass effect (FPE; first pass eTICI2c-3).

Results

A total of 300 consecutive patients were included (SR alone, n = 210 vs CoT, n = 90). Baseline characteristics as well as baseline ASPECTS, CTA collateral score, clot burden score, FPE were similar amongst groups. Anatomical and technical variables (presence of reperfusion channel, frequency of SR position in dominant MCA division, angle of device-clot interaction, and clot length) were comparable between groups, with exception of SR opening (diameter across the occlusion) and length of SR purchase beyond the clot being more pronounced in the SR group. None of the clinical, anatomical, and technical factors were found to have an interaction with the MT strategy on the chances of FPE ( P-interaction ≥ 0.001). Multivariable logistic regression showed that clot burden score ≥8 (aOR 3.02, P = 0.003), angle of interaction (aOR 1.01, P = 0.015) but not the MT modality were associated with FPE.

Conclusion

No specific anatomical or technical features were observed to predispose to benefit when combining contact aspiration and SR thrombectomy. Clot burden score ≥ 8 and angle of interaction were independent factors associated with FPE. Additional studies are warranted.
Safety and outcomes of intravenous thrombolysis in acute ischemic stroke with intracranial artery dissection
Authors: Egashira Shuhei , Kunisawa Susumu , Koga Masatoshi , Ihara Masafumi , Tsuruta Wataro , Uesaka Yoshikazu , Fushimi Kiyohide , Toda Tatsushi , Imanaka Yuichi
Published: January 2025

Background:

Intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) related to underlying intracranial artery dissection (IAD) poses potential risks, including the exacerbation of intramural hematoma and the rupture of the dissected arterial wall. However, the safety of IVT in this specific population remains uncertain.

Aims:

This study aimed to assess whether IAD is associated with an increased risk of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) following IVT and to evaluate its impact on functional outcomes.

Methods:

This retrospective matched-pair cohort study used a nationwide inpatient database that includes discharge abstracts and administrative claims data in Japan. We included adult patients with AIS treated with IVT between July 2010 and July 2024. We excluded patients with carotid or vertebral artery dissections due to difficulties distinguishing between intracranial and extracranial involvement, those lacking premorbid/discharge modified Rankin Scale (mRS) data, and those who received intra-arterial thrombolysis. Patients with IAD were matched 1:4 with non-IAD controls based on age, sex, premorbid mRS, endovascular treatment (EVT), and teaching hospital status. We assessed ICH, functional independence at discharge (mRS = 0–2), and in-hospital mortality using multivariable logistic regression with generalized estimating equations to account for clustering within matched pairs, adjusting for age, sex, premorbid mRS, body mass index, smoking history, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, atrial fibrillation, coagulopathy, Japan Coma Scale, EVT, and teaching hospital status.

Results:

Of 83,139 patients with AIS treated with IVT, 242 (0.3%) had underlying IAD (median age = 54 (46–67) years; 34% women). These patients were matched with 968 non-IAD controls. IAD was associated with a higher risk of ICH (odds ratio (OR) = 3.18; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.26–8.06) and a lower likelihood of functional independence at discharge (OR = 0.51; 95% CI = 0.37–0.72), but not with increased in-hospital mortality (OR = 1.09; 95% CI = 0.50–2.38).

Conclusion:

Patients with underlying IAD may face an increased risk of ICH and a reduced chance of functional recovery following IVT compared to those without.
Emotional Integration and Spiritual Formation: Integrating Emotion Into Formation of the Spirit
Authors: Erbe Ryan G.
Published: January 2025

A recent special section of The Journal of Spiritual Formation and Soul Care initiated the conversation between psychologists and theologians about the role of emotions in the Christian life. While this special section accomplished its purpose, more remains to be said about emotions and spiritual formation. The current manuscript intends to continue the dialogue by discussing a type of emotion regulation known as Emotional Integration (EI). EI was recently introduced into psychological literature as a form of emotion regulation involving an accepting and interested stance toward one’s emotional experiences as a means of integrating emotion into central aspects of the self, including core values and goals. Initial empirical evidence demonstrating EI’s ability to enhance moral character, interpersonal relationships, and well-being will be highlighted. Evidence of EI in the nature of God, the character of Christ, and Psalm 42 will be reviewed along with implications for Christian ministers, teachers, and counselors.
Challenges and opportunities of artificial intelligence in African health space
Authors: Alaran Muslim A. , Lawal Salim Kamaludeen , Jiya Mustapha Husseini , Egya Salihu Alhassan , Ahmed Mohamed Mustaf , Abdulsalam Abdullateef , Haruna Usman Abubakar , Musa Muhammad Kabir , Lucero-Prisno Don Eliseo
Published: January 2025

The application of artificial intelligence (AI) to healthcare in Africa has the potential to transform productivity, diagnosis, disease surveillance, and resource allocation by improving accuracy and efficiency. However, to fully realize its benefits, it is necessary to consider issues concerning data privacy, equity, infrastructure integration, and ethical policy development. The use of these tools may improve the detection of diseases, the distribution of resources, and the continuity of care. The use of AI allows for the development of policies that are tailored to address health disparities based on evidence. While AI may increase accessibility and affordability through telehealth, remote monitoring, and cost reductions, significant barriers remain. Ethical guidelines are needed to ensure AI decisions align with medical standards and patient autonomy. Strict privacy and security controls are crucial to protecting sensitive health data. This article evaluates the current and potential roles of AI in the African health sector. It identifies opportunities to address challenges through tailored interventions and an AI framework to simulate policy impacts.
Teaching Social Media Content Creation Through a Client-Based Project
Authors: sharma Daneshwar
Published: January 2025

Brands create social media content strategically to engage users and promote their products and services. Students primarily use social media for fun and socializing, more as consumers than creators on social media. An innovative project was required to give students an experience and teach them social media content creation strategies. In participatory action research, students work with local street vendors and create informational, emotional, social, and entertaining content for the vendors’ business pages. Students’ efficacy and learning experiences are recorded through surveys and discussion forums. Implications, challenges, and recommendations are discussed in the paper.
Patient and public involvement in the co-design and assessment of unobtrusive sensing technologies for care at home: a user-centric design approach
Authors: Sharma Jenny , Gillani Nazia , Saied Imran , Alzaabi Aaesha , Arslan Tughrul
Published: January 2025

Background

There is growing interest in developing sensing solutions for remote health monitoring to support the safety and independence of older adults. To ensure these technologies are practical and relevant, people-centred design is essential. This study aims to explore the involvement of various stakeholders across different developmental stages to inform the design and assess the capabilities of unobtrusive sensing solutions being developed as part of the Advanced Care Research Centre (ACRC), Edinburgh, UK.

Methods

This study was conducted in two phases. In Phase I (Ideation), discussions were held with stakeholders (n = 19), including senior geriatricians (n = 2), healthcare and care home professionals (n = 4), PPI experts (n = 2), researchers (n = 4) and public members aged 65 and above from the ACRC Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) Network (n = 7). The goal was to identify clinically significant health parameters and design preferences. Based on this, prototypes of unobtrusive sensors for monitoring movement, hydration, and respiration were developed. In Phase II (Development and Co-Design), an in-person PPI workshop was conducted with PPI experts (n = 2), researchers (n = 4) and PPI members (n = 8). The developed prototypes were demonstrated, and qualitative feedback was collected through focus group discussions on themes such as acceptability, usability, privacy, data sharing, and functionality enhancement.

Results

Stakeholder input from Phase I emphasized the importance of non-contact sensing technologies that maintain privacy. Movement, hydration, and respiration were identified as critical health parameters. In Phase II, PPI members were optimistic about the prototypes, valuing their unobtrusive design and privacy-preserving features. Key themes identified included (1) the need for user-customized alarms, (2) clear data-sharing protocols, and (3) the importance of embedding sensors into familiar household objects. Suggestions for refining the prototypes included adding functionality for detecting deviations in daily routines and integrating feedback mechanisms for caregivers.

Conclusions

Involving diverse stakeholders from the early stages of technology development enhanced the relevance and acceptability of unobtrusive sensing solutions. This study highlights the importance of integrating public perspectives into the design process. For successful implementation, developers of healthcare technologies should prioritize privacy, usability, and clear communication with end-users and caregivers.
Understanding factors influencing safety and team functionality at operative vaginal birth through multidisciplinary perspectives: a mixed methods study
Authors: Skinner Sasha M. , Kippen Eleanor , Rolnik Daniel L. , Neil Peter , Hodges Ryan J. , Murry Nadine , Mol Ben W. , Kumar Arunaz
Published: January 2025

Background

Operative vaginal birth (OVB) relies on effective teamwork to optimise outcomes. This study aims to explore providers’ perspectives of factors influencing safety and team functionality at OVB.

Methods

This mixed methods study involved four maternity sites at Monash Health, Australia. Surveys sent to healthcare providers invited quantitative and qualitative appraisal of safety and team functionality at OVB. Semi-structured interviews further explored themes emerging from survey responses. Categorical survey data were compared between staff roles using Pearson’s chi-squared tests. Thematic analysis of free-text survey responses and interviews identified themes influencing safety and team functionality at OVB.

Findings

We received 100 survey responses from obstetric (n = 41), midwifery (n = 52) and paediatric (n = 7) staff, including senior (n = 49) and junior (n = 51) roles. Overall, 99% thought team communication should improve and 82% had witnessed practices outside protocol. Obstetric versus midwifery or paediatric staff were less likely to rate communication as low or very low quality (5% vs. 29%, p = 0.010). Reporting being extremely or very confident to escalate concerns was more likely in obstetric versus midwifery or paediatric staff (49% vs.12%, p = 0.003) and senior versus junior staff (44% vs. 10%, p = 0.008). Five overarching themes impacted on team functionality at OVB; (1) Quality of communication, (2) Preparation and risk assessment, (3) Leadership and interpersonal dynamics, (4) Transfer from Birth Unit to Operating Theatre, (5) Variation in clinical practice.

Discussion

Some care providers perspectives of team functionality at OVB differed, with midwifery and paediatric staff more likely to report challenges with communication and were less empowered to escalate concerns. Training in factors impacting team functionality at OVB should be considered.
Theoretical impact of a bedside decision-making tool on antibiotic use for suspected neonatal healthcare-associated infection: an observational study
Authors: Lloyd Lizel Georgi , van Weissenbruch Mirjam Maria , Bekker Adrie , Ferreyra Cecilia , Gleeson Birgitta , Dramowski Angela
Published: January 2025

Background and objectives

Healthcare-associated infections (HAI) are a leading contributor to morbidity and mortality in hospitalised neonates. Diagnosing neonatal HAI is challenging owing to non-specific symptoms and lack of definitive diagnostic markers, contributing to high rates of inappropriate antibiotic use. This study evaluated the theoretical impact of implementing a bedside tool for decision-making on antibiotic length of therapy (LOT).

Methods

This prospective observational physician-blinded study consecutively enrolled patients with suspected HAI events at a large South African neonatal unit from September 2022 to September 2023. The antibiotic decision-making tool included an infection prediction score (NeoHoP), and a point-of-care C-reactive protein test (CRP) performed at HAI diagnosis and 24 h later. The theoretical impact of the tool on antibiotic LOT was calculated.

Results

We recruited 180 neonates with 214 episodes of suspected HAI, of which 22 (10.3%) were proven HAI, 56 (26.2%) were presumed HAI and 136 (63.6%) had HAI ruled out. The median observed antibiotic LOT was three days (9 days for proven HAI, 7 days for presumed HAI, and 3 days for no HAI). The antibiotic decision-making tool would theoretically reduce overall antibiotic LOT by 2 days (p < 0.001), particularly in neonates where HAI was subsequently excluded.

Conclusion

We developed an antibiotic decision-making tool to support the clinical evaluation of suspected neonatal HAI and demonstrated a significant potential impact on reducing antibiotic LOT. Given increasing antibiotic resistance rates globally, this tool should be further evaluated to minimise unnecessary antibiotic use in hospitalised neonates.
Health professionals’ willingness to share responsibility and strengthen interprofessional collaboration: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Brandt Sophie Karoline , Essig Stefan , Balthasar Andreas
Published: January 2025

Background

Doctors’ unwillingness to share responsibility acts as a major barrier to interprofessional collaboration (IPC). Educating both doctors and allied health professionals in taking on or relinquishing responsibility could enhance IPC. Yet there is no evidence that these educational efforts increase IPC willingness. This study aims to (1) compare the willingness to take on or relinquish responsibility for decision-making in patient care and their willingness to strengthen IPC between members of five main health professions, and (2) investigate associations between the willingness to take on or relinquish responsibility and the willingness to strengthen IPC.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional survey targeting pharmacists, doctors, medical practice assistants, nurses, and physiotherapists in Switzerland. Group differences were assessed, and associations were examined using multivariable logistic regression analyses.

Results

Overall, 3670 health professionals participated. Members of all allied health professions were highly willing to take on more responsibility for decision-making for patient care (ranging from 74.3% to 86.5%). Medical practice assistants (52.3%) and nurses (46.8%) were highly willing to relinquish responsibility, less so pharmacists (34.2%) and physiotherapists (37.8%); doctors were torn between high (49.2%) and neither high nor low willingness (38%). Members of all professions were highly willing to strengthen IPC (ranging from 76.4 to 91.2%). We found a strong, statistically significant relationship between willingness to take on more responsibility and willingness to strengthen IPC (OR = 5.30, p < .001). The relationship between willingness to relinquish responsibility and willingness to strengthen IPC was smaller (OR = 3.30, p < .001).

Conclusion

Increasing the health professionals’ willingness to take on responsibility is crucial to strengthen IPC. Increasing the willingness to relinquish responsibility would likely be less effective. Actions required include educational and political efforts to transfer responsibility to allied health professionals and to enable health professionals to decide when it is appropriate to take on or relinquish responsibility. Given the willingness of many health professionals to strengthen IPC, substantial potential in practice is evident.
What are the training and support needs for homelessness hostel staff supporting older residents with memory and cognitive problems? A qualitative study
Authors: Zalc Luna , Gaber Sophie N. , Rapaport Penny
Published: January 2025

Background

An increasing number of older people are experiencing homelessness and memory problems, many of whom are supported in temporary hostel accommodation. This can be a challenge for hostel staff who may not have adequate training and support but who often support those with significant memory impairment in their day-to-day work. The study aimed to investigate the training and support that hostel staff require to meet the needs of older hostel residents experiencing memory and cognitive problems, and thus enhance hostel resident quality of life and well-being, considering what additional knowledge, skills, and support hostel staff need to achieve this.

Methods

In this qualitative study, we conducted inductive reflexive thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with health and social care practitioners (n = 17) and hostel staff and managers (n = 15). Participants were recruited from six homelessness hostels, one specialist care home, and National Health and Local Authority Services in England.

Results

We identified three main themes: (a) Emotional and psychoeducational support needs within
hostel staff
teams, including training on memory and cognitive problems, responsive behaviours, communication strategies, and reflective spaces for hostel staff to manage their emotional responses (b) Training and support needs to deliver a person-centred approach, including tools and support packages to enhance hostel residents’ independence, multidisciplinary meetings to evaluate hostel residents’ needs, and communication strategies tailored to hostel residents’ understanding and (c) Support to facilitate collaboration with external agencies, including training on professional language, capacity assessment, dementia case studies, improved communication skills to bring external services into hostels, and reflective practices to advocate for hostel residents with dual diagnoses.

Conclusions

The present study highlights how hostel staff could benefit from targeted training in emotional support, person-centred approaches for older hostel residents with memory and cognitive problems, and collaboration with external services. Overall, the current study contributes to understanding of the need for tailored training and support methods within hostels to provide higher quality support to a population that is frequently overlooked.
Prenatal maternal stress: triangulating evidence for intrauterine exposure effects on birth and early childhood outcomes across multiple approaches
Authors: Lund Ingunn Olea , Hannigan Laurie J. , Ask Helga , Askelund Adrian D. , Hegemann Laura , Corfield Elizabeth C. , Wootton Robyn E. , Ahmadzadeh Yasmin I. , Davey Smith George , McAdams Tom A. , Ystrom Eivind , Havdahl Alexandra
Published: January 2025

Background

Maternal stress during pregnancy may impact offspring development via changes in the intrauterine environment. However, genetic and environmental factors shared between mothers and children might skew our understanding of this pathway. This study assesses whether prenatal maternal stress has causal links to offspring outcomes: birthweight, gestational age, or emotional and behavioral difficulties, triangulating across methods that account for various measured and unmeasured confounders.

Methods

We used data from the Norwegian Mother, Father, and Child Cohort Study (MoBa), including maternal reports on prenatal stress at work, at home, and via stressful life events as exposures. Outcomes were children’s birthweight and gestational age, from the Medical Birth Registry of Norway, and maternal reports on early offspring emotional and behavioral difficulties. We assessed associations using four approaches: sibling control analyses, gene-environment interaction analyses, intergenerational Mendelian randomization (MR), and negative control (i.e., postnatal stress) analyses.

Results

Maternal prenatal stress was observationally associated with offspring lower birthweight (e.g., βwork = − 0.01 [95%CI: − 0.02, − 0.01]), earlier birth (e.g., βwork = − 0.04 [95%CI: − 0.04, − 0.03])), and more emotional (e.g., βevents = 0.08 [95%CI: 0.07, 0.09]) and behavioral difficulties (e.g., βrelationship = 0.08 [95%CI: 0.07, 0.09]) in the full sample (N = 112,784). However, sibling control analyses (N = 36,511) revealed substantial attenuation of all associations after accounting for familial factors. Gene-environment interaction models (N = 76,288) showed no clear evidence of moderation of associations by mothers’ polygenic scores for traits linked to stress sensitivity. Intergenerational MR analyses (N = 29,288) showed no clear evidence of causal effects of maternal plasma cortisol on any offspring outcomes. Negative control exposure analyses revealed similar effect sizes whether exposures were measured prenatally or postnatally.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that links between prenatal maternal stress and variation in early offspring outcomes are more likely to be confounded than causal. While no observational study can rule out causality, the consistency of our findings across different approaches is striking. Other sources of prenatal stress or more extreme levels may represent intrauterine causal risk factors for offspring development. Nonetheless, our research contributes to identifying boundary conditions of the fetal programming and developmental origins of health and disease hypotheses, which may not be as universal as sometimes assumed.