bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization and spatial distribution of microplastics in Surma river, Bangladesh: Assessing water and sediment dynamics
Authors: Izlal Saif , Ruhad Fahim Mahafuz , Islam Tariqul , Rahman Md. Hafizur , Tania Hafsa Akter
Published: September 2024

Microplastics (MPs), or tiny pieces of plastic, have become a major global environmental problem because of their ubiquitous availability and possible risks to aquatic ecosystems. Surma is one of the vital rivers in Bangladesh located in the northeast part, with higher chances of MP pollution due to different anthropogenic reasons. In this instance, we carried out the investigation on the abundance, distribution, and characteristics of MPs in the sediment and surface water of the river. Samples were collected from 15 major locations of the Surma river flowing through Sylhet municipality. MPs particles were isolated from sediments and water samples utilizing techniques like sieve analysis, wet peroxide oxidation, density separation, and filtration and then characterized using a stereomicroscope. The abundance of MPs recorded 8 to 18 items/L in water samples (mean ± SD: 12.33 ± 2.98 items/L) and 360 to 1120 items/kg in sediment samples (mean ± SD: 522.67 ± 197.84 items/kg). The prominent size, shape, and color of MPs isolated from sediments were 1–2 mm sizes (24.49%), fragments (47.71%), and black (30.65%). However, for water samples, 1–2 mm sizes (37.22%), fiber shapes (48.48%), and transparent colors (38.46%) were dominant features. Conspicuously, in both sediment and water samples, there was a higher prevalence of smaller sized particles, posing a significant threat to the ecosystem. This heightened risk stems from the increased likelihood of ingestion by microorganisms, as well as the larger surface area of these particles, which may serve as vectors for other pollutants like organic pollutants and heavy metals. A greater abundance of fibers suggests an increased presence of lightweight particles in the water and sediment. Furthermore, the transparent color of the MPs in water might be impacted by prolonged weathering in the river, while the presence of black‐colored MPs in sediment points to the existence of plastic pellets originating from industrial and diverse sources. Future studies should concentrate on long‐term and broad monitoring, ecological effects, and practical mitigation techniques for MPs, providing essential baseline data to guide the formulation of policies in developing nations.

Practitioner points

12.33 items/L in surface water and 522.67 items/kg in sediment were observed.

High correlation indicates a single MP source in mainstream water, differing from sediment.

Fiber shapes, black, and transparent colored MPs are dominant.

Higher prevalence of smaller sized MPs, posing a significant threat to the aquatic ecosystem.
Molecular Transformations for Direct Synthesis of Thorium Dioxide Films
Authors: Lichtenberg Andreas , Altuntas Kemal , Fischer Thomas , Karimpour Touraj , Diel Simon , Aytuna Ziyaad , Amadi Chijioke Kingsley , Mathur Sanjay
Published: September 2024

New Th(IV) complexes with high volatility were synthesized and applied as molecular single‐source precursors for chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of ThO2 thin films. The change in the steric profile of alkoxide ligands and concomitant reduction in the molecular weight of [Th(L)2(OR)2] (1‐OR, R=iso‐propyl (1‐OiPr) or tert‐butyl (1‐OtBu), L=N‐(4,4,4‐trifluorobut‐1‐ene‐3‐one)‐methoxyethylamide)) had a profound effect on the vapor pressure (at 10−5 mbar) evident in the drop in sublimation temperature to 100 °C for the iso‐propoxide derivative against 130 °C observed for the tert‐(1‐OtBu). Hirshfeld surface analysis of both complexes showed different degrees of intermolecular H⋅⋅⋅F interactions responsible for the observed differences in the volatilities of the two complexes. Both mixed‐ligand compounds (1‐OiPr, 1‐OtBu) were applied in the CVD process to deposit thorium oxide thin films without any carrier or reactive gas that verified their suitability as single‐source precursors to ThO2 coatings. Thin films of ThO2 were grown at 500 °C and 600 °C on Si/SiO2 substrates, which showed presence of C, N, and F presumably originating from the incorporation of ligand fragments in the growing CVD deposits. Subsequent calcination of CVD‐grown ThO2 films at 800 °C in air led to phase pure ThO2 coatings with uniform morphology.
Back to the Future: Education, Education, and Education
Authors: Kaspersen Lars Bo , Gabriel Norman
Published: September 2024

In this chapter we will explore an overlooked example of a successful university department in the past—the Department of Sociology at the University of Leicester—which seems to have been unusually dynamic and vital from the late 1950s to the early 1970s. Our argument is that the dialogue between Elias and Neustadt was a source of creative tension for a number of years which built the structure of a unique department that developed an innovative learning environment. We will focus on the contribution Norbert Elias made to this department which paved the way for the next generation of British sociologists, investigating the following three main areas: teaching, employing new staff, and research seminars.
Young People’s Use of School-Based Banter
Authors: Mierzwinski Mark , Velija Philippa
Published: September 2024

This chapter draws upon several concepts derived from, or inspired by, Norbert Elias to critically examine the processes in which young people use ‘banter’ in a physical education school context. Ethnographic data is presented and analysed using Elias’s concepts of the individual civilizing process, habitus, ‘I-We-They’ identities and figuration, alongside Wouter’s notion of a third-nature psyche. We discuss banter as a behavioural norm and theorise the ways in which young males utilise, interpret and respond to banter with psycho-social emotional processes. We argue that young males’ use of banter is evidence of relatively high levels of shared understanding and mutual respect, both of which required heightened levels of emotional self-restraint and the need to exercise greater degrees of foresight. The use of banter demonstrates features of young people’s individual civilising process. In doing so, the chapter demonstrates how a figurational sociological approach can be applied to analysing young people’s relationships, behaviours and identities in an educational setting.
At the Crossroads of Temporariness and Mobility
Authors: Isaakyan Irina
Published: September 2024

In 1901, the great Enrico Caruso was visiting his native town of Naples in the South of Italy. Talking to his father’s old friend about his professional achievements, Caruso proudly noted that he had become an international star employed by the Metropolitan Opera, La Scala and Mariinsky Theater. To his greatest shock, the response he heard was, ‘All this is very well – but seriously speaking, what do you do for living?’
The Cosmic Iceberg of Integration
Authors: Isaakyan Irina
Published: September 2024

For more than twenty years, the Russian opera diva Anna Netrebko was leading an iconic transnational life, working in most prestigious theaters all over the world and living between her three luxurious homes in St Petersburg, Vienna and New York. In all her social media, she was advertising this lifestyle as highly enjoyable and enriching. She was stressing how much at home she was feeling both in the West and in Russia, advocating a cultural mix of Russian and European dressing styles and life habits (Mattison, 2005; LIFE, 2022). She became an embodiment of the mass media fairytale about a transnationally (and even supra-nationally) integrated cosmopolitan with the Cinderella roots, who lives as if above the state while also in every state of her professional membership (Smirnova, 2022). And when the global world started to break apart in the milieu of the post-2022 geopolitics, Netrebko firmly declared that she would stay above the politics, still hoping to be integrated in every national culture as she always used to be (Netrebko, 2022). To her great surprise, this cosmopolitan membership was suddenly interrupted by the political loyalty requirement at both ends. And Netrebko found herself sidelined first in the global opera industry because of her political neutrality, and then in Russian culture because of her attempt to restore the disrupted European career (KP.RU, 2023). This example shows how easily super giant stars can be thrown down from the sky, and leads us to look into a rather tragic story of their integration. Netrebko’s de-idolization was perceived by my informants as ‘the end of something’—not exactly the end of their careers but the end of something that had been keeping their work and lives together: they were ‘perplexed and disoriented by the loss of something precious that was running away’ from them. They clearly saw their ‘own lives getting out of control’ until they started to see that this ‘pivotal something’ was actually their integration.
Bringing in Ethics: A Multi-stakeholder Approach to Manage the Transition to Low-Carbon Construction
Authors: Plaček Michal , Valentinov Vladislav , Fojtík Roman , Ochrana František , Peřinková Martina
Published: September 2024

Policy Highlights

To achieve the recommendation stated in the title, we propose the following:

Policymakers should organise fair and balanced stakeholder engagement processes to address the key ethical trade-offs of the transition to low-carbon construction.

The public sector should take a proactive role in leading the low-carbon transition and build strong cross-sectoral partnerships.

Public sector leadership demands transparency and accountability which are crucial for navigating ethical trade-offs with the various stakeholders in the construction sector.

Policymakers should build a culture of sustainability and cultivate a shared understanding of ethics and values among all stakeholders.

To find creative solutions to the complex challenges associated with the transitionto low-carbon construction, SSH and STEM collaboration should be supported.
Integrating Multispecies Justice Approach for Climate Risk Management in Forest Areas of Mediterranean Europe
Authors: Turhan Ethemcan , Aydın Cem İskender , Usta Baykal Nurbahar , Bekar İsmail
Published: September 2024

Policy Highlights

To achieve the recommendation stated in the title, we propose the following:

Euro-Mediterranean forests face specific climate risks topped with demographic, economic, and societal pressures which call for a different approach to climate risk management.

Interdisciplinary approaches in fire ecology, conservation biology, ecological economics, and political ecology unveil the emotional connection between humans and non-humans.

Instead of end-of-pipe fire suppression, policy attention should focus on fuel build-up in the landscape and centre on the “state of shared fragility” between humans and more-than-humans.

To prevent the firefighting trap, fire management and adaptation policies should be reviewed to incorporate scientific expertise, local ecological knowledge, and traditional practices of forest communities.

Locally grounded, value-based responses such as IPBES’s Nature’s Contribution to People (NCP) framework hold promising potential for multispecies justice in Euro-Mediterranean forests.
Fractional spins, unfolding, and holography. Part I. Parent field equations for dual higher-spin gravity reductions
Authors: Diaz Felipe , Iazeolla Carlo , Sundell Per
Published: September 2024

Abstract

In this work and in the companion paper arXiv:2403.02301, we initiate an approach to holography based on the AKSZ formalism. As the first step, we refine Vasiliev’s holography proposal in arXiv:1203.5554 by obtaining 4D higher-spin gravity (HSG) and 3D coloured conformal higher-spin gravity (CCHSG) — i.e., coloured conformal matter fields coupled to conformal higher-spin gauge fields and colour gauge fields — as two distinct and classically consistent reductions of a single parent theory. The latter consists, on-shell, of a flat superconnection valued in a fractional-spin extension of Vasiliev’s higher-spin algebra. The HSG and CCHSG reductions are characterized by dual structure groups and two-form cohomology elements, and their embedding in a common parent model provides a rationale for deriving holographic relations from multi-dimensional AKSZ partition functions on cylinders with dual boundary conditions, to appear separately. In this work we i) construct the underlying non-commutative geometry as a metaplectic operator algebra represented in a Hermitian module of a pair of conformal particles; ii) identify a discrete modular group, arising from twisted boundary conditions of the first-quantized system, and connecting different boundary conditions of the second-quantized system; and iii) identify the holonomies, structure groups and two-form cohomology elements that characterize the HSG and CCHSG reductions, and equate the dual second Chern classes.
Multi-modality artificial intelligence-based transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy detection in patients with severe aortic stenosis
Authors: Shiri Isaac , Balzer Sebastian , Baj Giovanni , Bernhard Benedikt , Hundertmark Moritz , Bakula Adam , Nakase Masaaki , Tomii Daijiro , Barbati Giulia , Dobner Stephan , Valenzuela Waldo , Rominger Axel , Caobelli Federico , Siontis George C. M. , Lanz Jonas , Pilgrim Thomas , Windecker Stephan , Stortecky Stefan , Gräni Christoph
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Transthyretin amyloid cardiomyopathy (ATTR-CM) is a frequent concomitant condition in patients with severe aortic stenosis (AS), yet it often remains undetected. This study aims to comprehensively evaluate artificial intelligence-based models developed based on preprocedural and routinely collected data to detect ATTR-CM in patients with severe AS planned for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI).

Methods

In this prospective, single-center study, consecutive patients with AS were screened with [99mTc]-3,3-diphosphono-1,2-propanodicarboxylic acid ([99mTc]-DPD) for the presence of ATTR-CM. Clinical, laboratory, electrocardiogram, echocardiography, invasive measurements, 4-dimensional cardiac CT (4D-CCT) strain data, and CT-radiomic features were used for machine learning modeling of ATTR-CM detection and for outcome prediction. Feature selection and classifier algorithms were applied in single- and multi-modality classification scenarios. We split the dataset into training (70%) and testing (30%) samples. Performance was assessed using various metrics across 100 random seeds.

Results

Out of 263 patients with severe AS (57% males, age 83 ± 4.6years) enrolled, ATTR-CM was confirmed in 27 (10.3%). The lowest performances for detection of concomitant ATTR-CM were observed in invasive measurements and ECG data with area under the curve (AUC) < 0.68. Individual clinical, laboratory, interventional imaging, and CT-radiomics-based features showed moderate performances (AUC 0.70–0.76, sensitivity 0.79–0.82, specificity 0.63–0.72), echocardiography demonstrated good performance (AUC 0.79, sensitivity 0.80, specificity 0.78), and 4D-CT-strain showed the highest performance (AUC 0.85, sensitivity 0.90, specificity 0.74). The multi-modality model (AUC 0.84, sensitivity 0.87, specificity 0.76) did not outperform the model performance based on 4D-CT-strain only data (p-value > 0.05). The multi-modality model adequately discriminated low and high-risk individuals for all-cause mortality at a mean follow-up of 13 months.

Conclusion

Artificial intelligence-based models using collected pre-TAVI evaluation data can effectively detect ATTR-CM in patients with severe AS, offering an alternative diagnostic strategy to scintigraphy and myocardial biopsy.
Sport and sexual recovery after total hip arthroplasty in young adults: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Di Martino Alberto , Di Censo Chiara , Brunello Matteo , Rossomando Valentino , D’Agostino Claudio , Geraci Giuseppe , Traina Francesco , Faldini Cesare
Published: September 2024

Introduction

: Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA) is the main treatment for end-stage degenerative hip arthrosis in the elderly, while became increasingly performed as treatment of secondary arthrosis in younger patients, a population at high functional requests in terms of resumption of physical activity and resumption of sexual activity. This study evaluates the physical, sports recovery and the sexual quality of life in young patients undergoing primary THA.

Materials and methods

Patients undergoing primary THA aged between 18 and 45, operated in a 10 year timeframe, were selected. Demographic, clinical, and radiological data were collected. The Harris Hip Score (HHS) was assessed before and after the surgery. The UCLA Activity Score was collected, sport participation in pre and post-operative period was acquired. The quality of sexual activity (SQoL) before and after surgery was analysed through a qualitative questionnaire. Collected data were also compared on the surgical approach, namely Direct Anterior (DAA), Postero-Lateral (PL) and Direct lateral (DL).

Results

The population consisted of 242 THA implanted in 232 patients, including 143 males and 89 females, with an average age of 37.4. The mean follow-up period was 51.0 months, with a minimum of 2.9 months and a maximum of 122.6 months. Postoperatively, the average HHS was 90.29 ± 0.9 points, compared to 62.43 ± 1.34 points preoperatively (p < 0.001). The UCLA Activity Score in the postoperative period was 7.17 ± 0.17 matching to intermediate impact sport activity. The 64% of patients reported an improvement in SQoL after-surgery, 73% of which being females that show a significant improvement in SQoL compared to males (p = 0.046). By surgical approach comparison, DAA patients demonstrated better UCLA Activity Score (p = 0.037) and Return to sport (p = 0.027) compared to PL and DL.

Conclusion

Primary THA surgery in young adults can improve the level of physical activity and promote the involvement of subjects in moderate impact sports. Patients showed a better quality of sexual life compared to the preoperative period, an effect more evident in female patients.
The Realities of Caring for a Person with a Mental Disorder in Rural and Remote Capricorn District of South Africa: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Nkomo Thembi , Kekana Mokoko Percy
Published: September 2024

In rural African communities, family caregivers shoulder the responsibility of caring for loved ones with mental disorders, often without professional support. This qualitative explorative study, conducted in Limpopo Province, South Africa, aimed to explore the realities of caring for a family member with a mental disorder in rural and remote Capricorn District, in order to uncover insights that can inform support systems, the academic community, interventions, and policies. Non-probability purposive sampling was used to ensure the reproducibility and validity of the results by focusing on participants who are actively involved in caregiving, living in the rural and remote of Capricorn District, in order to provide a comprehensive understanding of their experiences, and this resulted in 15 participants (13 females, 2 males). Data saturation determined the sample size, with data collected through in-depth interviews and analyzed using Tesch’s open-coding method. The findings revealed that cultural and spiritual beliefs strengthen caregivers, who exhibit resilience and resourcefulness, yet face financial strain, career setbacks, social isolation, and health declines. The study underscores the critical role of healthcare professionals in recognizing and addressing the challenges faced by family caregivers, while also advocating for the academic community to prioritize the development and dissemination of educational programs focused on safe and ethical coping strategies for caregivers and for policymakers to develop comprehensive mental health services that are accessible and culturally sensitive to rural and remote communities. This is essential because the well-being of caregivers directly influences the rehabilitation and community integration outcomes for individuals with mental disorders.
Integration and Characterization of Synthetic Biodegradable Polymer (PVA) with Graphite Oxide (GO) for Performance Assessment in Sustainable Electrochemical Devices
Authors: Asthana Nidhi , Khan Ubaid Ahmad , Srivastava Anshuman , Kumar Devesh , Mishra Ajay Kumar
Published: September 2024

In recent years, the demand for sustainable materials in electrochemical devices has driven the exploration of innovative composites. This study focuses on the integration and characterization of synthetic biodegradable polymer polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) with graphite oxide (GO) to evaluate their performance in sustainable electrochemical applications. PVA, known for its biodegradability and biocompatibility, was combined with GO to leverage its excellent electrical conductivity and large surface area. Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) represent a promising electrochemical biosynthesis technology that harnesses the enzymatic activities using microbes to produce energy from organic substrates. This renewable energy approach relies on the synergistic interaction between electrochemically active bacteria and electrode materials to facilitate electron transfer and power generation. Applications of MFCs range from wastewater treatment to sustainable power generation in remote or resource-limited settings. This study explores recent advances in MFC technology, challenges in scaling up for practical applications, and prospects for integrating MFCs into renewable energy strategies. The nano composite membrane was evaluated for structural, morphological, crystalline, and thermal properties by using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopic (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), and UV- visible spectroscopy. Additionally, the biodegradability of the composite was assessed, confirming that it maintains its environmental benefits while offering improved performance for potential applications in sustainable energy storage and conversion devices. This work provides a promising avenue for the development of eco-friendly electrochemical devices with optimized performance characteristics.
What an Instrumentalist Perspective Adds to Cultural-Modernization Theory: Support for Democracy and Gender Equality in the Middle East
Authors: Spierings Niels
Published: September 2024

The comparative MENA literature on democratic support and the role of gender equality attitudes show mixed results despite the dominant cultural-modernization perspective predicting a positive interrelationship. Building on recent work, this paper derives and formulates the instrumentalist approach to democratic support as a supplement to the culturalist-modernization approach. It argues that people’s policy preferences and expectations of democracy are crucial to understand how democratic support is gendered, and part of these expectations are shaped by the political-institutional variations across the MENA region. Empirically, survey data from 47 AB and WVS surveys covering 13 MENA countries (2001–2014), are analysed. These data include information on support for gender equality, democracy, and the degree to which respondents link women’s rights to democracy. They are complemented with institutional information on the extent to which elections can form a threat to gender equality through empowering conservative Islamic forces via these elections. The multilevel regression models show initial support for cultural-modernization theory as the support for democracy and for gender equality correlate positively. This relationship is conditional to the risk elections pose to women’s position and whether people think democracy will bring gender equality thus illustrating the importance of adding an instrumentalist perspective. The support for democracy not only depends on the how much MENA citizens value democracy as a good in itself, it also depends on whether they expect democracy to be an instrument that helps further their other policy goals.
Measuring the Realisation of Well-Being Needs of Adolescents: Validation of the Social Production Function Instrument for the Level of Well-Being–Short (SPF-ILs)
Authors: Nieboer Anna P. , Luijten Chantie C. , Cramm Jane M.
Published: September 2024

Adolescent well-being is increasingly scrutinized due to its decline. This study was conducted to validate a theory-driven instrument for the measurement of well-being needs with a sample of Dutch adolescents. The short (15-item) Social Production Function Instrument for the Level of well-being (SPF-ILs) measures whether a person’s needs for stimulation, comfort, behavioural confirmation, affection and status are met. In this study, its psychometric properties for adolescents were examined. Data collected in spring 2018 (T1) and spring 2019 (T2) from 1,304 Dutch adolescents (53.0% girls) aged 11–17 (mean, 13.7 ± 1.1) years were used. The instrument’s factor structure, internal consistency, construct validity, and gender and age factorial invariance were evaluated. The results showed that the SPF-ILs is valid and reliable for the assessment of adolescents’ well-being needs realisation. Confirmatory factor analyses supported the five-factor (stimulation, comfort, behavioural confirmation, affection and status) model, showing good internal consistency (α = 0.86 at T1, 0.88 at T2), convergent/divergent validity, as well as gender and age factorial invariance. Comparison across groups revealed the expected differences in the realisation of physical (comfort and stimulation) and social (behavioural confirmation, status and affection) well-being needs between girls and boys and over time. SPF-ILs use increases our understanding of how adolescents achieve well-being via the fulfilment of well-being needs. The maintenance of adolescents’ well-being is a global challenge, and this study revealed clear differences in adolescents’ realisation of well-being needs, increasing our understanding of what interventions are needed to support such realisation.
Distributed Nonconvex Optimization for Control of Water Networks with Time-coupling Constraints
Authors: Jenks Bradley , Ulusoy Aly-Joy , Pecci Filippo , Stoianov Ivan
Published: September 2024

In this paper, we present a new control model for optimizing pressure and water quality operations in water distribution networks. Our formulation imposes a set of time-coupling constraints to manage temporal pressure variations, which are exacerbated by the transition between pressure and water quality controls. The resulting optimization problem is a nonconvex, nonlinear program with nonseparable structure across time steps. This problem proves challenging for state-of-the-art nonlinear solvers, often precluding their direct use for near real-time control in large-scale networks. To overcome this computational burden, we investigate a distributed optimization approach based on the alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM). In particular, we implement and evaluate two algorithms: a standard ADMM scheme and a two-level variant that provides theoretical convergence guarantees for our nonconvex problem. We use a benchmarking water network and a large-scale operational network in the UK for our numerical experiments. The results demonstrate good convergence behavior across all problem instances for the two-level algorithm, whereas the standard ADMM approach struggles to converge in some instances. With an appropriately tuned penalty parameter, however, both distributed algorithms yield good quality solutions and computational times compatible with near real-time (e.g. hourly) control requirements for large-scale water networks.
Bridging the Gap in Adult Dyslexia Research: Assessing the Efficacy of a Linguistic Intervention on Literacy Skills
Authors: Vender Maria , Delfitto Denis
Published: September 2024

While developmental dyslexia has been extensively studied in children, research on adults is still rather limited. This paper aims to bridge the gap in existing research by presenting the findings of a study that examined the reading and spelling skills of adults with dyslexia and assessed the effectiveness of a linguistic intervention designed to improve their literacy abilities. To address this issue, we first compared the profiles of 44 adults with dyslexia (age range: 16–30 y.o.) and 44 age-matched typical readers across tasks assessing reading, spelling, phonological awareness, morphological awareness and lexical access in Italian. The findings underscored pervasive impairments in dyslexia across all measured dimensions, reaffirming the persistent nature of language and literacy challenges into adulthood. In pursuit of the second objective, the study explored the potential for literacy skill improvement in adults with dyslexia through the implementation of a specialized intervention proposed to 24 dyslexic adults and delivered via a web application. The intervention program yielded positive outcomes in the experimental group, demonstrating significant improvements in word and text reading, spelling, and speed of phonological elaboration. This study, hence, contributes not only to our understanding of developmental dyslexia in adulthood but also emphasizes the tangible benefits of targeted linguistic interventions, thereby offering practical implications for the amelioration of literacy skills in this population.
Essential Reads in Rhinology: A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Shaari Ariana L. , Bhalla Shreya , Ho Rebecca , Dupaguntla Anup , Zabielski Sylvia , Hsueh Wayne , Eloy Jean Anderson , Filimonov Andrey
Published: September 2024

Aims

Rhinology is a progressive subspecialty within otolaryngology. Bibliometric analysis is a powerful method to survey the landscape of literature on a specific topic and identify publication trends. We aimed to analyze the 50 most impactful English-language rhinology manuscripts of all time to create a targeted reading list for otolaryngologists.

Material and Methods

The Journal Citation Report within the Web of Science database was utilized to identify articles relating to rhinology. Web of Science Research categories were restricted to otolaryngology. The articles were then ranked by number of citations. The top 50 articles of all time ranked by number of citations were analyzed. The articles were analyzed for publication year, journal impact factor, citation density, first author (FA), and senior author (SA) name, country, and institution. Statistical analyses were performed.

Results

Most articles were published in the 2000s (N = 22, 44%) and 1990s (N = 11, 22%). Male FA (N = 37, 74%) and SA (N = 43, 86%) published most articles. Most articles were clinical studies (N = 36, 72%) followed by clinical guidelines/expert opinions. Most articles were published in the United States (N = 28, 56%) and England (N = 9, 18%). There were more female FAs of guidelines/position papers than basic lab, reviews, and clinical studies. England had more female FAs than other countries, and the United States had more female SA. There was an average of 585.2 citations per study.

Conclusion

This investigation highlights the most influential literature within rhinology. The most impactful studies are consensus statements, large multicenter studies, and technique studies. Significant gender disparities in authorship exist.
Valorization of Waste Wool to Keratin with a Green Solvent Based on a Deep Eutectic Mixture of Choline Chloride and Lactic Acid
Authors: Pääkkönen Iiris , Rissanen Tiina , Ora Ari , Anugwom Ikenna
Published: September 2024

Waste wool, a by-product of sheep husbandry, is primarily composed of keratin, which has potential use in cosmetic products, biotechnology and medical applications. Traditional chemical methods for keratin extraction face limitations due to health and environmental concerns, and thus, green alternatives such as deep eutectic solvents (DESs) have been developed. The aim of the present study was to determine whether a natural DES composed of choline chloride and lactic acid can be used to extract keratin from sheep wool. The dissolution and keratin yield were investigated under different reaction times, temperatures, and wool-to-DES ratios. Fractions of water-soluble keratin and water-insoluble keratin aggregates were obtained by dialysis, centrifugation, and drying. The results showed that both the dissolution of wool and the yield of recovered keratin increased as the reaction time and temperature increased from 1 to 8 h and from 80 to 110 $$^{\circ }$$

∘

C, respectively. With the longest reaction time of 8 hours and the highest temperature of 110 $$^{\circ }$$

∘

C, the yield of water-soluble keratin increased to 23 %. Characterizations revealed that DES detached first the cuticular scales from the surface of wool fibres and subsequently degraded wool cortex layer. The extracted water-soluble keratin retained the characteristic amide structure of wool, but the secondary structure of keratin was converted to cross-$$\beta$$
β
sheet form. Moreover, it had a narrow size distribution and a molecular weight of 10 kDa. The results of this study indicate that the proposed DES can be used as a green solvent for recovering keratin from sheep wool.

Graphical Abstract
Enhancing IoT connectivity through spectrum sharing in 5G networks
Authors: Singh Bablu Kumar , Khatri Narendra
Published: September 2024

The integration of the Internet of Things (IoT) into high-performance devices and monitoring systems, spanning domains such as smart building, e-health care, and smart agriculture, necessitates a critical emphasis on advancing mobile communications through efficient spectrum utilization. This research addresses pivotal challenges within agricultural IoT applications, specifically focusing on the substantial decline in spectrum efficiency observed with the increasing escalation of network bandwidth. Acknowledging the absence of comprehensive reviews on 5G resource allocation strategies in the existing literature, our study aims to contribute to a nuanced understanding of their implications for service quality. The identified research gaps underscore an urgent need for heightened efforts to optimize resource allocation in 5G networks. This investigation delves into the intricacies of spectrum sharing and real-time analysis techniques within the 5G and beyond network, with a targeted focus on augmenting agricultural IoT services. Three distinct models, namely (i) Non-Priority Algorithm (NPA), (ii) Reserved Channel Algorithm (RCA) - No Permanent Channels, and (iii) Reserved Channel Algorithm (RCA) - Permanent Channels, were meticulously designed and simulated for Agricultural IoT application scenarios. The methodology encompasses the comprehensive evaluation of performance metrics, including call blocking, termination, and handover, to strategically identify and allocate spectrum resources effectively. The research endeavors to address ongoing challenges pertaining to effective communication, standardization, and data management for diverse 5G IoT devices. In light of these persisting concerns, the study not only seeks to enhance the overall efficiency of 5G IoT networks but also proposes innovative perspectives on intelligent and ingenious spectrum allocation techniques. The anticipated outcomes pledge to optimize the utilization of limited spectrum through novel spectrum-sharing strategies, thereby contributing to the advancement of 5G networks and bolstering agricultural IoT devices and services.
Wireless Ultrasound Devices in Anatomy Education: Insights from Medical Undergraduates
Authors: de Lange Johanna Maria , Baatjes Karin J. , Marthinussen Chad , Correia Janine C.
Published: September 2024

Point-of-care ultrasound has become an important part of patient care, and the increased use thereof has led to a greater demand for the integration of ultrasound training in the early medical undergraduate curriculum. The use of handheld wireless ultrasound devices is not currently integrated within the undergraduate anatomy medical curriculum of Stellenbosch University and the additional value of wireless ultrasonography, in relation to the clinical practice of anatomical knowledge, therefore, warranted further investigation. This study aimed to explore undergraduate medical students’ perceptions of the use of handheld wireless ultrasound scanning to enhance knowledge and understanding of anatomy for clinical application. During the dissection sessions, students visualized anatomical structures of the musculoskeletal system, by scanning themselves, using handheld, wireless ultrasound devices. After the session, an electronic survey was distributed to the students and three ultrasonography questions were included in the routine practical test. Eighty-one survey responses were collected, with 41 of those responses being completed. The highest student agreement in the Likert scale survey was observed when assessing the convenience of practice of wireless ultrasound devices, while the lowest agreement was reported for confidence in the participant’s capability of generating ultrasound images. Two main themes were developed from the open-ended questions at the end of the survey: the instructional integration of ultrasound and ultrasound within the clinical setting. This research demonstrated that readily available access to handheld wireless ultrasound scanning has the potential to enhance students’ longitudinal learning experience and improve anatomical comprehension. As future clinicians, improved understanding could aid ultrasound application in the clinical realm.
HoLens: A visual analytics design for higher-order movement modeling and visualization
Authors: Feng Zezheng , Zhu Fang , Wang Hongjun , Hao Jianing , Yang Shuang-Hua , Zeng Wei , Qu Huamin
Published: September 2024

Higher-order patterns reveal sequential multistep state transitions, which are usually superior to origin-destination analyses that depict only firstorder geospatial movement patterns. Conventional methods for higher-order movement modeling first construct a directed acyclic graph (DAG) of movements and then extract higher-order patterns from the DAG. However, DAG-based methods rely heavily on identifying movement keypoints, which are challenging for sparse movements and fail to consider the temporal variants critical for movements in urban environments. To overcome these limitations, we propose HoLens, a novel approach for modeling and visualizing higher-order movement patterns in the context of an urban environment. HoLens mainly makes twofold contributions: First, we designed an auto-adaptive movement aggregation algorithm that self-organizes movements hierarchically by considering spatial proximity, contextual information, and temporal variability. Second, we developed an interactive visual analytics interface comprising well-established visualization techniques, including the H-Flow for visualizing the higher-order patterns on the map and the higher-order state sequence chart for representing the higher-order state transitions. Two real-world case studies demonstrate that the method can adaptively aggregate data and exhibit the process of exploring higher-order patterns using HoLens. We also demonstrate the feasibility, usability, and effectiveness of our approach through expert interviews with three domain experts.
„Im Judentum besteht die Bibel nur aus dem Alten Testament“. Konstruktionen des Verhältnisses Christentum–Judentum in Schulbüchern für die Fächer katholische und evangelische Religion sowie Werte und Normen
Authors: Chiriac Christine , Sadowski Dirk
Published: September 2024

Vor dem Hintergrund einer kritischen Auseinandersetzung mit dem Forschungsstand in der Bildungsmedienforschung untersucht dieser Beitrag Darstellungen des Judentums in Schulbüchern der Sekundarstufe I für den katholischen und evangelischen Religions- sowie den Werte-und-Normen-Unterricht in Niedersachsen. Genauer behandelt der Beitrag die Frage, wie das Verhältnis von Christentum (bzw. einer christlich geprägten, säkularen Kultur) und Judentum in den Schulbüchern konstruiert wird. Er zeigt, wie diese Relation nicht (mehr) dichotom gezeichnet wird, sondern in vielfältiger Weise ‚unscharf‘ bleibt.
Impact of tele-antimicrobial stewardship at two small community hospitals in partnership with an academic medical center: two years of experience
Authors: Ross Jennifer K. , Chandorkar Aditya A.
Published: September 2024

Objective:

To analyze the impact of a fully remote tele-antimicrobial stewardship program (TASP) at two small community hospitals in partnership with an academic medical center.

Design:

Retrospective survey from August 1, 2020, to July 31, 2022.

Setting:

A TASP, co-led by an infectious diseases (ID) physician and ID pharmacist, was implemented at M Health Fairview (MHF) Northland, a 21-bed hospital, and at MHF Lakes, a 49-bed hospital. The ID physician and ID pharmacist are located at the University of Minnesota Medical Center.

Methods:

Antimicrobial stewardship interventions were tracked monthly. Restricted antimicrobial days of therapy per 1000 patient days (DOT/1000 PD) were also tracked monthly and two years pre and postimplementation data were compared. All annual antimicrobial expenditures were followed.

Results:

For the first two TASP years, a total of 789 antimicrobial interventions were made with 85.6% being accepted. Restricted antimicrobial use trended down from 142.93 to 113.97 DOT/1000 PD at MHF Northland. A smaller decrease from 106.31 to 103.12 DOT/1000 PD was seen at MHF Lakes. Annual antimicrobial costs per total patient days decreased. MHF Northland hospital’s annual antimicrobial expenditures per total patient days fell from $18.89 in 2019 (preimplementation) to $6.64. MHF Lakes followed a similar trend, decreasing from $11.20 to $5.36.

Conclusions:

A fully remote TASP in partnership with an academic medical center for two small community hospitals resulted in high rates of accepted interventions sustained over two years. Restricted antimicrobial use and antimicrobial costs trended down.
Mortality in hospitalized SARS-CoV-2 patients with contemporaneous bacterial and fungal infections
Authors: Hanna John J. , Most Zachary M. , Cooper Lauren N. , Wakene Abdi D. , Radunsky Alexander P. , Lehmann Christoph U. , Perl Trish M. , Medford Richard J.
Published: September 2024

Background:

The interplay between SARS-CoV-2 and contemporaneous bacterial or fungal culture growth may have crucial implications for clinical outcomes of hospitalized patients. This study aimed to quantify the effect of microbiological culture positivity on mortality among hospitalized patients with SARS-CoV-2.

Methods:

In this retrospective cohort study, we included adult hospitalized patients from OPTUM COVID-19 specific data set, who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 within 14 days of hospitalization between 01/20/2020 and 01/20/2022. We examined outcomes of individuals with organisms growing on cultures from the bloodstream infections (BSIs), urinary tract, and respiratory tract, and a composite of the three sites. We used propensity score matching on covariates included demographics, comorbidities, and hospitalization clinical parameters. In a sensitivity analysis, we included same covariates but excluded critical care variables such as length of stay, intensive care unit stays, mechanical ventilation, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Results:

The cohort included 104,560 SARS-CoV-2 positive adult hospitalized patients across the United States. The unadjusted mortality odds increased significantly with BSIs (98.7%) and with growth on respiratory cultures (RC) (176.6%), but not with growth on urinary cultures (UC). Adjusted analyses showed that BSIs and positive RC independently contribute to mortality, even after accounting for critical care variables.

Conclusions:

In SARS-CoV-2-positive hospitalized patients, positive bacterial and fungal microbiological cultures, especially BSIs and RC, are associated with an increased risk of mortality even after accounting for critical care variables associated with disease severity. These findings underscore the importance of stringent infection control and the effective management of secondary infections to improve patient outcomes.
Leveraging oncology collaborative networks and biomedical informatics data resources to rapidly recruit and enroll rural residents into oncology quality of life clinical trials
Authors: Davis Heath A. , Hoberg Asher A. , Jacobus Laura S. , Nepple Kenneth , Seaman Aaron T. , Sorensen Jamie , Weiner George J. , Gilbertson-White Stephanie
Published: September 2024

Purpose:

This study assesses the feasibility of biomedical informatics resources for efficient recruitment of rural residents with cancer to a clinical trial of a quality-of-life (QOL) mobile app. These resources have the potential to reduce costly, time-consuming, in-person recruitment methods.

Methods:

A cohort was identified from the electronic health record data repository and cross-referenced with patients who consented to additional research contact. Rural–urban commuting area codes were computed to identify rurality. Potential participants were emailed study details, screening questions, and an e-consent link via REDCap. Consented individuals received baseline questionnaires automatically. A sample minimum of n = 80 [n = 40 care as usual (CAU) n = 40 mobile app intervention] was needed.

Results:

N = 1298 potential participants (n = 365 CAU; n = 833 intervention) were screened for eligibility. For CAU, 68 consented, 67 completed baseline questionnaires, and 54 completed follow-up questionnaires. For intervention, 100 consented, 97 completed baseline questionnaires, and 58 completed follow-up questionnaires. The CAU/intervention reached 82.5%/122.5% of the enrollment target within 2 days. Recruitment and retention rates were 15.3% and 57.5%, respectively. The mean age was 59.5 ± 13.5 years. The sample was 65% women, 20% racial/ethnic minority, and 35% resided in rural areas.

Conclusion:

These results demonstrate that biomedical informatics resources can be highly effective in recruiting for cancer QOL research. Precisely identifying individuals likely to meet inclusion criteria who previously indicated interest in research participation expedited recruitment. Participants completed the consent and baseline questionnaires with zero follow-up contacts from the research team. This low-touch, repeatable process may be highly effective for multisite clinical trials research seeking to include rural residents.
Developmental human resource practices, thriving at work, and employee agility: The moderating role of workplace spirituality
Authors: Yang Chengchuan , Tang Chunyong , Xu Nan , Lai Yanzhao
Published: September 2024

Grounded in self-determination theory, this study unveils the connection between developmental human resource (HR) practices and employee agility by examining employees’ workplace spirituality and thriving at work. Based on data collected from 428 employees, our empirical analysis has demonstrated that the relationship between developmental HR practices and employee agility is partially mediated by thriving at work. The results also indicate that employees’ workplace spirituality moderates the relationship among developmental HR practices, thriving at work, and employee agility. These findings have unveiled the underlying mechanism of the link between developmental HR practices and employee agility. This research offers fresh insights into the studies on employee agility and provides potential HR management recommendations for enhancing organizational agility in corporate strategic planning.