bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors contributing to online child sexual abuse in Bangladesh: A qualitative inquiry
Authors: Islam Md Redwanul , Towhid Muhammad Ibrahim Ibne , Salwa Merium , Tasnim Anika , Mroy Wai Wai , Khan Md Maruf Haque , Haque Md Atiqul
Published: August 2024

Background Children globally, including in Bangladesh, are facing various forms of online sexual abuse including sextortion, exploitation, body shaming, and blackmail. They are also coerced into engaging in intimate activities, harassed through the sending of sexual content, among other forms of abuse. We aimed to explore the root cause of online child sexual abuse (OCSA) in Bangladesh. Methods This qualitative research design utilized in-depth interviews (IDIs) and key informant interviews (KIIs) between February and April 2022. The study sample comprised 21 school-going children aged 13−17 years, selected from two different geographical settings (10 from rural areas and 11 from urban areas) in Bangladesh using purposive sampling techniques. They participated in in-depth interviews (IDIs) while additional data was obtained through key informant interviews (KIIs) with 11 multidisciplinary stakeholders. Results Children from both rural and urban areas reported facing abuse in various ways, such as being asked to send naked photos, being invited to be naked in video calls, and being invited to have virtual sex, among others, over the internet. Conclusions The government should consider integrating OCSA education into secondary levels. Additionally, there should be efforts to ensure a safe online environment through content scrutiny, promotion of outdoor activities, and community campaigns. An anonymous reporting system must be implemented, and strict measures under the Children's Act must be enforced against perpetrators. Further intervention studies are needed to ensure effective child protection measures in Bangladesh.
Osseointegrative and antimicrobial properties of graphene oxide nano coated dental implants: A systematic review
Authors: Rayannavar Sounyala , MV Sunil Kumar , Kamath Vignesh , Bembalgi Mahantesh , Nayak Namratha , Jodalli Praveen
Published: August 2024

Introduction Osseointegration stands as a pivotal concept within the realm of dental implants, signifying the intricate process through which a dental implant integrates with the adjoining bone tissue. Graphene oxide (GO) has been shown to promote osseointegration, the process by which the implant fuses with the surrounding bone. The objective of this study was to assess the osseointegrative and antimicrobial properties of GO nano coated dental implants. Methods A systematic search was conducted using electronic databases (e.g., PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science) to identify relevant studies published. Inclusion criteria encompassed studies that evaluated the effects of GO nano coating on osseointegrative and antimicrobial characteristics of dental implants. Studies not written in English and published before 2012 were excluded. Results The initial search yielded a total of 127 potential studies, of which six met the inclusion criteria and five were included in the review. These studies provided data on GO nano coated dental implants and their osseointegrative and antimicrobial properties. All the included studies showed moderate risk of bias. None of the studies provided information related to sample size calculation or sampling technique. Discussion The findings from the included studies demonstrated that GO nano coating had a positive impact on osseointegrative properties of dental implants. Enhanced bone-implant contact and increased bone density were observed in animals and humans receiving GO nano coated implants. Furthermore, the antimicrobial properties of GO nano coating were found to inhibit bacterial colonization and biofilm formation on the implant surface, reducing the risk of implant-associated infections. Conclusion The findings indicate that GO nano coating holds promise in enhancing the success rate and longevity of dental implants. However, more studies with larger sample sizes, are needed to further strengthen the evidence and determine the long-term effects of GO nano coated dental implants.
Tourette syndrome research highlights from 2023
Authors: Hartmann Andreas , Andrén Per , Atkinson-Clement Cyril , Czernecki Virginie , Delorme Cécile , Mol Debes Nanette , Morand-Beaulieu Simon , Müller-Vahl Kirsten , Paschou Peristera , Szejko Natalia , Topaloudi Apostolia , Black Kevin J.
Published: August 2024

In this, the tenth annual update for the F1000Research Tics collection, we summarize research reports from 2023 on Gilles de la Tourette syndrome and other tic disorders. The authors welcome article suggestions and thoughtful feedback from readers.
StackbarExtended: a user-friendly stacked bar-plot representation incorporating phylogenetic information and microbiota differential abundance analysis
Authors: Cuisiniere Thibault , M Santos Manuela
Published: August 2024

Background Microbial communities are mainly composed of bacteria, archaea, viruses and fungi, and are present in the gut, mouth, nose, skin, lungs, vagina, and bladder, among other places. In recent years, research has highlighted the critical role that these highly complex communities play in health and disease. Advances in sequencing technology have resulted in the development of high-dimensional data, which are challenging to effectively analyze and visualize. In this context, traditional stacked bar-plot visualizations, while widely used, fall short of conveying the fundamental phylogenic relationships between community members and are thus difficult to interpret. Methods StackbarExtended is implemented in native R, required version (≥ 4.0), and is platform independent, with its source code available on GitHub and archived on Zenodo. Results StackbarExtended allows for the plotting of relative abundance at user-defined taxonomic levels while displaying phylogenetic information using color gradients. Additionally, StackbarExtended integrates differential abundance statistics directly into the visualization process and performs clustering of low-abundance taxa. Conclusions StackbarExtended offers researchers a user-friendly tool for rapid visualization, presentation, and analysis of the microbiota composition.
Publisher preferences for a journal transparency tool: A modified three-round Delphi study
Authors: Ng Jeremy Y. , Liu Henry , Masood Mehvish , Farin Rubaina , Messih Mireille , Perez Amaya , Aalbersberg IJsbrand Jan , Alperin Juan , Bryson Gregory L. , Chen Qiuxia , Ehrlich Alan , Iorio Alfonso , Meester Wim J. N. , Willinsky John , Grudniewicz Agnes , Cobo Erik , Cranston Imogen , Cress Phaedra Eve , Gunn Julia , Haynes R. Brian , Keenoo Bibi Sumera , Marušić Ana , Papas Eleanor-Rose , Purvis Alan , Segundo João de Deus Barreto , Shankar Pathiyil Ravi , Stoev Pavel , Weisflog Josephine , Winker Margaret , Cobey Kelly D. , Moher David
Published: August 2024

Background We propose the creation of a journal transparency tool (JTT), which will allow users to obtain information about a given scholarly journal’s operations and policies. We are obtaining preferences from different stakeholders to inform the development of this tool. This study aimed to identify the publishing community’s preferences for the JTT. Methods We conducted a modified three-round Delphi survey. Representatives from publishing houses and journal publishers were recruited through purposeful and snowball sampling. The first two Delphi rounds involved an online survey with items about JTT metrics and user features. During the third round, participants discussed and voted on JTT metric items that did not reach consensus after round 2 within a virtual consensus meeting. We defined consensus as 80% agreement to include or exclude an item in the JTT. Results Eighty-six participants completed the round 1 survey, and 43 participants (50% of round 1) completed the round 2 survey. In both rounds, respondents voted on JTT user feature and JTT metric item preferences and answered open-ended survey questions regarding the JTT. In round 3, a total of 21 participants discussed and voted on JTT metric items that did not reach consensus after round 2 during an online consensus group meeting. Fifteen out of 30 JTT metric items and none of the four JTT user feature items reached the 80% consensus threshold after all rounds of voting. Analysis of the round 3 online consensus group transcript resulted in two themes: ‘factors impacting support for JTT metrics’ and ‘suggestions for user clarity.’ Conclusions Participants suggested that the publishing community’s primary concerns for a JTT are to ensure that the tool is relevant, user-friendly, accessible, and equitable. The outcomes of this research will contribute to developing and refining the tool in accordance with publishing preferences.
Computing Optimal Strategies for a Search Game in Discrete Locations
Authors: Clarkson Jake , Lin Kyle Y.
Published: August 2024

Consider a two-person zero-sum search game between a hider and a searcher. The hider hides among n discrete locations, and the searcher successively visits individual locations until finding the hider. Known to both players, a search at location i takes ti time units and detects the hider—if hidden there—independently with probability αi, for [Formula: see text]. The hider aims to maximize the expected time until detection, whereas the searcher aims to minimize it. We present an algorithm to compute an optimal strategy for each player. We demonstrate the algorithm’s efficiency in a numerical study, in which we also study the characteristics of the optimal hiding strategy.

History: Accepted by Andrea Lodi, Area Editor for Design & Analysis of Algorithms—Discrete.

Funding: J. Clarkson is grateful for the support of the Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council STOR-i Centre for Doctoral Training at Lancaster University [Grant EP/L015692/1].

Supplemental Material: The software that supports the findings of this study is available within the paper as well as from the IJOC GitHub software repository ( https://github.com/INFORMSJoC/2023.0155 ). The complete IJOC Software and Data Repository is available at https://informsjoc.github.io/ .
How Are Web APIs Versioned in Practice? A Large-Scale Empirical Study
Authors: Serbout Souhaila , Pautasso Cesare
Published: August 2024

Web APIs form the cornerstone of modern software ecosystems, facilitating seamless data exchange and service integration. Ensuring the compatibility and longevity of these APIs is paramount. This study delves into the intricate realm of API versioning practices, a crucial mechanism for managing API evolution. Exploring an expanded and diverse dataset of 603 293 APIs specifications created during the 2015–2023 timeframe and gathered from four different sources, we examined the adoption of the following versioning practices: Metadata-based, URL-based, Header-based and Dynamic versioning, with one or more versions in production. API developers use more than 50 different version identifier formats to encode information about the changes introduced with respect to the previous version (i.e., semantic versioning), about when the version was released (i.e., age versioning) and about which phase of the API development lifecycle the version belongs (i.e., stable vs. preview releases).
Risk Score Computation for Android Mobile Applications Using the Twin k-NN Approach
Authors: Deypir Mahmood , Zoughi Toktam
Published: August 2024

The Android operating system has a dominant market for use within a wide range of devices. Along with the widespread growth of the use of the Android system and the development of a huge number of apps for this operating system, new malicious apps are released daily by adversaries, which are difficult to identify and deal with. This is due to them using sophisticated techniques and strikes. Although there are a diverse range of classification models and risk estimation metrics for identifying malware in this operating system, there is still a requirement for more effective approaches in this context. In this paper, we present a new algorithm to calculate the security risk score of Android apps, which can be used to identify malicious apps from benign ones. This algorithm uses a novel technique named twin k-nearest neighbor. In this technique, to estimate the security risk of an unknown app, its nearest neighbors to malicious apps and its nearest neighbors to normal apps are computed separately using an appropriate distance formula. Then, the security risk of the input app can be computed using a simple formulation. In this formulation, the average distances of both k-nearest malicious apps and k-nearest non-malicious apps to the input app are used. In this way, the proposed method can calculate a high security risk for malware and a lower security risk for goodware. Experimental evaluations on real datasets show that the proposed algorithm has better performance over the previously proposed ones in terms of detection rate, precision, recall, and f1-score.
Analysing policy actors’ preferences for different modes of governing in local government
Authors: Verschuere Bram , Roets Arne , Steyvers Kristof , Wauters Bram , Berkvens Liese , De Smedt Nina , Goutry Willem , Pittoors Gilles , Van Severen Ruben , Haesevoets Tessa
Published: August 2024

Effective citizen participation in policy decision making depends on the support of all democratic actors involved: citizens, but also politicians and civil servants. Drawing on data from over 4,000 respondents, we explore the existence of so-called ‘multi-actor clusters’, that is, groups of people who are characterised by a positive (or negative) stance towards different modes of local policy decision making, irrespective of their formal-institutional role (politician, civil servant or citizen). Cluster analysis shows two large clusters of respondents that clearly prefer participatory over representative policy decision making. The analysis also highlights a substantial cluster of respondents who clearly prefer representative policy decision making modes over participatory ones. Further analysis shows that a democratic actor’s cluster membership is better predicted by individual (ideological) variables (such as left-wing authoritarianism and social dominance orientation), compared to contextual variables (like governing capacity, democratic quality, and social capital of the municipality in which the actors work and/or live). This research is important because it challenges the assumption that citizen participation is to be considered primarily as (part of) the solution for local governance problems like a lack of governing capacity, low social capital or decreased democratic quality in/of specific local communities. In this way, it contributes to our understanding of participatory forms of governance.
‘I’m terrified of becoming a headline’: an exhibition responding to GBV in Ireland
Authors: Scriven Richard , Murray Maria , Coughlan Claire , O’Keeffe Helen , Sterling Molly
Published: August 2024

Creative responses to societal issues can be used to highlight topics, provoke discussion, and encourage solutions. Art can take on a multiplicity of roles in response to gender-based violence from enabling individuals with personal experience sharing their stories to critiquing media/political representations. The ‘I’m terrified of becoming a headline’ exhibition (Munster Technological University Gallery Cork, Ireland, April/May 2022) deployed poetry and song, in written and recorded performance formats, newspaper headlines, and interactive spaces to further renew discussion of gender-based violence in Ireland. This article considers the installation’s role by connecting our reflections and feedback from participants with larger discussions of creativity as a process to foster progress in addressing gender-based violence.
Multiple alliances and client participation during joint client meetings: an observational study
Authors: Nouwen Carla , Van Hattum Marion , Driesen Isolde , Van Regenmortel Tine
Published: August 2024

This article reports on a Dutch observational study to examine which interactions promoted multiple alliances and client participation during joint client meetings in social work and financial and employment services. It seeks to give professionals and organisations insight into how these meetings can be improved so that they deliver more for clients with multiple life issues. The central question was: ‘Which interactions (verbal and non-verbal) contribute to multiple alliances, and what place does client participation have in multiple alliances?’ An observational study with video recordings of joint client meetings (N = 20) was conducted. Analysis revealed insights into interactions, with a focus on five sensitising concepts: (a) team vision/goals; (b) shared decision making; (c) conflicts; (d) team support; and (e) open communication. Results indicate the central importance of the sequence of introducing the client, open communication, team support, team vision/goals and shared decision making in either facilitating or challenging the development of client-centred multiple alliances. Centralising the client’s voice proves difficult, and divisions between clients and the several professionals arose many times because the emotional attachment fell short. This article provides deeper insight into behaviours and interactions that are of the utmost importance and contribute to empowering multiple alliances during joint client meetings.
Multi-witness glass monitoring strategy for two-cavity thin-film Fabry-Perot filters
Authors: Zideluns Janis , Lemarchand Fabien , Lemarquis Frederic , Arhilger Detlef , Hagedorn Harro , Lumeau Julien
Published: August 2024

Narrow bandpass thin-film filters are frequently used for many applications that require frequency filtering. Although various designs and approaches have been studied in past decades, they still present serious challenges regarding deposition. Especially, as the required passband of the designs becomes narrower, the accuracy needed on layer thicknesses increases involving more difficulty to control the layers during deposition. This paper presents a multi-witness glass monitoring strategy for narrow thin film Fabry-Perot filter deposition.
High-power 120 fs pulses at 1.23 GHz from a single-mode Er-Yb-doped Fiber laser
Authors: Elahi Parviz , Kadioglu Melih , Aslan Burak
Published: August 2024

We present a compact single-mode Erbium-doped master oscillator power amplifier (MOPA) fiber laser that can directly produce 100 fs pulses at 2.2 W and 120 fs pulses at 4.5 W average power. The laser operates at a 1.2 GHz pulse repetition rate, with a central wavelength around 1550 nm. The laser system consists of a passively mode-locked oscillator with a repetition rate of 77.6 MHz and an average power of 16.3 mW. Using a repetition rate multiplier consisting of six 50/50 couplers, we achieved pulses with a repetition rate of 1.23 GHz. The output was subsequently increased to approximately 4.5 W average and 30 kW peak power using a cladding pump 10/125 Erbium-Ytterbium (Er-Yb) doped gain fiber. Through numerical modeling of pulse generation within the laser, we achieved a very good agreement with experimental results, inferring the pulse dynamics and its power scaling limitations.
Quantum ghost imaging microscopy depth-of-field study
Authors: Davenport Dominique , Eshun Audrey , Demory Brandon , kiannejad shervin , Mos Paul , Lin Yang , Alan Michael , Jeppson Sam , Wilson Ashleigh K. , Bond Tiziana , Rushford Michael , Boley Charles , Bruschini Claudio , Charbon Edoardo , Laurence Ted
Published: August 2024

Quantum ghost imaging approaches have been proposed to enhance biological microscopy, for example using 2D visible detectors to provide IR images or providing additional dimensions of spatial or spectral information. Toward the goal of making such imaging schemes practical, we compare image quality and depth-of-field between traditional images and ghost images at the same excitation levels. We measure how image quality and depth-of-field depend on the parameters of the entangled light produced using type-1 spontaneous parametric down-conversion (SPDC). We use a pair of time-synchronized, photon-timing single-photon avalanche diode (SPAD) array detectors to capture two distinct microscope imaging paths simultaneously on a photon-pair-by-photon-pair basis: one in a traditional imaging pathway and the other a quantum ghost imaging pathway. We calculate the depth of field, resolution, contrast and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) through the parameter space of a BBO type-1 bulk non-linear crystal length and angle. Our results provide a basis for choosing parameters for quantum ghost imaging with type-1 SPDC sources.
Shaping entangled photons through arbitrary scattering media using an advanced wave beacon
Authors: Shekel Ronen , Lib Ohad , Bromberg Yaron
Published: August 2024

Entangled photons provide transformative new paths in the fields of communication, sensing, and computing. However, when entangled photons propagate through a complex medium, their correlations are scrambled. Using wavefront shaping to compensate for the scattering and retrieve the two-photon correlations is challenging due to the low signal-to-noise ratio of the two-photon signal. While previous works partly addressed this challenge by using feedback from a strong classical laser beam that co-propagates with the entangled photons, such methods frequently depend on assumptions about the complex medium, limiting the applicability of quantum wavefront shaping. In this work, we propose and demonstrate a new feedback mechanism that is inspired by Klyshko’s advanced wave picture: the classical laser beam is emitted in one of the detection modes, counter-propagates with one of the entangled photons, reflects at the crystal plane, and co-propagates with the other. The new Klyshko feedback allows compensation of scattering in arbitrary samples and even in situations where each photon propagates through a different scattering medium. Since the advanced wave picture applies whenever optical reciprocity is valid, such Klyshko optimization can be used across a wide range of configurations, offering a robust and alignment-free setup. We therefore believe this protocol will open the door for real-world applications of quantum wavefront shaping.
Screening accuracy and cut-offs of the Polish version of Communication and Symbolic Behavior Scales-Developmental Profile Infant-Toddler Checklist
Authors: Sobieski Mateusz , Kopszak Anna , Wrona Sylwia , Bujnowska-Fedak Maria Magdalena
Published: August 2024

Background

The first stage of diagnosing autism spectrum disorders usually involves population screening to detect children at risk. This study aims to assess the predictive convergent validity of the Polish version of the Communication and Symbolic Behavior Scales-Developmental Profile Infant-Toddler Checklist (CSBS-DP ITC) with the Autism Spectrum Rating Scales (ASRS), evaluate its sensitivity and specificity and assess the cut-off points for the possibility of using this questionnaire in population screening among children aged 6 to 24 months.

Method

The study was conducted among 602 children from the general population who had previously participated in the earlier phase of validation of the questionnaire for Polish conditions. The collected data were statistically processed to calculate the accuracy (i.e. sensitivity, specificity) of the questionnaire.

Results

In individual age groups, the sensitivity of the questionnaire varies from 0.667 to 0.750, specificity from 0.854 to 0.939, positive predictive value from 0.261 to 0.4 and negative predictive value—from 0.979 to 0.981. Screening accuracy ranges from 0.847 to 0.923 depending on the age group. The adopted cut-off points are 21 points for children aged 9–12 months, 36 for children aged 13–18 months, 39 for children aged 19–24 months. Cut-off points could not be established for children aged 6–8 months. The convergent validity values with the ASRS ranged from -0.28 to -0.431 and were highest in the group of the oldest children.

Conclusions

These results indicate that the Polish version of the CSBS-DP ITC can be used as an effective tool for ASD universal screening.
Personality and emotional intelligence of researchers: The importance of affects
Authors: Hernando-Jorge Laura , Fernández-Mesa Anabel , Azagra-Caro Joaquín M. , Tur-Porcar Ana M.
Published: August 2024

Researchers, who play a crucial role in knowledge production, deal with various emotions in their challenging work environment. Their personality might affect how well they manage their emotions, but their moods could help counteract these effects. This study aims to investigate whether researchers’ moods influence the connection between their personality and emotional intelligence. 7,463 Spanish researchers replied to an online survey. Responses analysed through partial least squares structural equation modelling show significant positive relationships between the big five personality traits (openness to experience, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness and emotional stability) and emotional intelligence. In addition, positive affect positively mediates the relationships between each of the personality traits and emotional intelligence, and negative affect mediates the same relationships but negatively. The importance of managing emotional states to regulate emotional experiences in the work of researchers is discussed.
Sexual and reproductive health outcomes of women who experienced violence in Germany: Analysis of the German health interview and examination survey for adults (DEGS1)
Authors: Wellmann Antonia Marie , Costa Diogo
Published: August 2024

Objectives

Violence against women is a widespread public health concern with severe effects to women’s sexual and reproductive health, including higher risks for miscarriage or stillbirth, unintended pregnancy and induced abortion. This study examined the association between women exposure to physical violence, psychological violence and sexual and reproductive health outcomes (contraceptive use, miscarriage or stillbirth and abortion) in Germany.

Methods

This study used a cross-sectional research design to analyze data on violence against women and sexual and reproductive health (SRH) outcomes collected through the German Health Interview and Examination Survey for Adults, Wave 1, between 2008 and 2011 (n = 3149 women, aged 18–64 years). Multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess the association between experiences of violence among women and the presence of sexual and reproductive health outcomes, considering the influence of socio-demographic and health-related factors (age, marital status, socioeconomic status, social support, number of children, alcohol consumption, health status, chronic conditions).

Results

Three associations remained significant (p<0.05) in fully-adjusted models: (i) exposure to physical violence by a parent or caregiver and birth control pill utilization (aOR, adjusted Odds Ratio, 95% CI: 1.36, 1.02–1.81) (ii) exposure to physical violence since the age of 16 and miscarriage or stillbirth (aOR, 95%CI: 1.89, 1.17–3.04); and (iii) exposure to psychological violence by a parent or caregiver and abortion (aOR, 95%CI: 1.87, 1.30–2.70).

Conclusions

The results suggest that adult German women who experienced physical or psychological violence since the age of 16, including violence perpetrated by a parent or caregiver, were more likely to report miscarriage or stillbirth and abortion. Direct assessment of violence experiences against women should be conducted by healthcare professionals in clinical encounters, particularly by obstetrics and gynaecological specialists, for the prevention of women´s adverse sexual and reproductive health outcomes. Furthermore, violence should be treated as a major public health concern and addressed through a multisectoral approach, involving the healthcare and educational sectors, researchers and relevant policymakers.
Evaluating empiric antibiotic prescribing for hospitalized children in Mozambique through the introduction of a quarterly syndromic antibiogram: An implementation science protocol
Authors: Kenga Darlenne B. , Sacarlal Jahit , Sidat Mohsin , Amorim Gustavo , Myers Harriett H. , Chicamba Valéria , Kampa Kathryn T. , Moon Troy D.
Published: August 2024

Antimicrobials are the most frequently prescribed drug in pediatrics, with an estimated 37% of infants and 61% of hospitalized children having received them. Approximately 20–50% of prescriptions have been shown to be potentially unnecessary or inappropriate. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that the continued increase in antimicrobial resistance by the year 2050 will lead to the death of 10 million people per year. This paper describes a protocol to be used in a future study to evaluate the implementation of a quarterly syndromic antibiogram, aimed to improve the use of antibiotics for the treatment of pediatric bacterial infections at the Maputo Central Hospital, Mozambique. This study uses implementation science methods framed by the Dynamic Adaption Process (DAP) and RE-AIM conceptual frameworks to develop a multi-phase, mixed-methods evaluation utilizing qualitative and quantitative approaches. The pediatric inpatient services at HCM consist of approximately 18 physicians and 60 nurses. Additionally, the microbiology laboratory consists of eight laboratory technicians. We anticipate analyzing approximately 9,000 medical records. Qualitative methods include in-depth interviews with clinicians, laboratory technicians, and administrators to explore current knowledge and practices around antibiotic decision making, facilitators and barriers to intervention implementation, as well as acceptability and satisfaction with the intervention roll-out. Qualitative analysis will be performed with NVivo 12 software. Quantitative methods include extracting data from existing records from the pediatric ward of Hospital Central de Maputo (HCM) guided by the RE-AIM framework to explore intervention utilization and other factors influencing its implementation. Quantitative descriptive and inferential statistical analysis will be performed using R Studio statistical software. The findings from this evaluation will be shared with hospital administrators and relevant national policymakers and may be used by the Ministry of Health in deciding to expand this approach to other hospitals. The expected results of this research include the development of standard operating guidelines for the creation, distribution, and use of a quarterly syndromic antibiogram for antibiotic decision making that is informed by local epidemiology. Findings from this study will be used to develop a larger multi-site trial in Mozambique.
Effect of simultaneous multislice imaging, slice properties, and repetition time on the measured magnetic resonance biexponential intravoxel incoherent motion in the liver
Authors: Loh Martin , Führes Tobit , Stuprich Christoph , Benkert Thomas , Bickelhaupt Sebastian , Uder Michael , Laun Frederik Bernd
Published: August 2024

Objectives

This study aims to investigate the previously reported dependency of intravoxel incoherent motion (IVIM) parameters on simultaneous multislice (SMS) acquisition and repetition time (TR). This includes the influence of slice thickness, slice gaps, and slice order on measured IVIM parameters.

Materials and methods

Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) of the liver was performed on 10 healthy volunteers (aged 20–30 years) at 3T with a slice thickness of 5 mm, a slice gap of 5 mm, and a linear slice order. Diffusion-weighted images were acquired with 19 b-values (0–800 s/mm2) using both conventional slice excitation with an acceleration factor of one (AF1) and SMS excitation with an acceleration factor of three (AF3). Each of these measurements were carried out with two repetition times (TRs)– 1,300 ms (prefix s) and 4,500 ms (prefix l)–resulting in four different combinations: sAF1, sAF3, lAF1, and lAF3. Five volunteers underwent additional measurements using a 10 mm slice thickness and with AF1. Median signal values in the liver were used to determine the biexponential IVIM parameters. Statistical significances were assessed using the Kruskal-Wallis test, Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and Student’s t-test. In-silico investigations were also used to interpret the data.

Results

There were no significant differences between the biexponential IVIM parameters acquired from sAF1, sAF3, lAF1, and lAF3. Median values of the perfusion fraction f were as follows: 29.9% (sAF1), 26.9% (sAF3), 28.1% (lAF1), and 27.5% (lAF3). In the 10 mm-thick slices, f decreased from 31.3% (lAF1) to 27.4% (sAF1) (p = 0.141).

Conclusion

The slice excitation mode did not appear to have any significant influence on the biexponential IVIM parameters. However, our simulations, as well as values reported from previous publications, show that slice thickness, slice gaps, and slice order are relevant and should thus be reported in IVIM studies.
Insights into the dosimetric and geometric characteristics of stereotactic radiosurgery for multiple brain metastases: A systematic review
Authors: Mukwada Godfrey , Chamunyonga Crispen , Rowshanfarzad Pejman , Gill Suki , Ebert Martin A.
Published: August 2024

Background

GammaKnife (GK) and CyberKnife (CK) have been the mainstay stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) solution for multiple brain metastases (MBM) for several years. Recent technological advancement has seen an increase in single-isocentre C-arm linac-based SRS. This systematic review focuses on dosimetric and geometric insights into contemporary MBM SRS and thereby establish if linac-based SRS has matured to match the mainstay SRS delivery systems.

Methods

The PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus databases were interrogated which yielded 891 relevant articles that narrowed to 20 articles after removing duplicates and applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Primary studies which reported the use of SRS for treatment of MBM SRS and reported the technical aspects including dosimetry were included. The review was limited to English language publications from January 2015 to August 2023. Only full-length papers were included in the final analysis. Opinion papers, commentary pieces, letters to the editor, abstracts, conference proceedings and editorials were excluded. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were followed. The reporting of conformity indices (CI) and gradient indices, V12Gy, monitor units and the impact of translational and rotational shifts were extracted and analysed.

Results

The single-isocentre technique for MBM dominated recent SRS studies and the most studied delivery platforms were Varian. The C-arm linac-based SRS plan quality and normal brain tissue sparing was comparable to GK and CK and in some cases better. The most used nominal beam energy was 6FFF, and optimised couch and collimator angles could reduce mean normal brain dose by 11.3%. Reduction in volume of the healthy brain receiving a certain dose was dependent on the number and size of the metastases and the relative geometric location. GK and CK required 4.5–8.4 times treatment time compared with linac-based SRS. Rotational shifts caused larger changes in CI in C-arm linac-based single-isocentre SRS.

Conclusion

C-arm linac-based SRS produced comparable MBM plan quality and the delivery is notably shorter compared to GK and CK SRS.
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Depersonalisation Derealisation Disorder (CBT-f-DDD): Study protocol for a randomised controlled feasibility trial
Authors: McRedmond Georgia , Gafoor Rafael , Ring Lucy , Morant Nicola , Perkins Joe , Dalrymple Nicola , Dumitru Ana , David Anthony S. , Lewis Glyn , Hunter Elaine C. M.
Published: August 2024

Background

Depersonalisation-Derealisation Disorder (DDD) is a distressing mental health condition which causes individuals to have a sense of ‘unreality’ or detachment about themselves and/or the world around them. DDD is chronically under-researched, and as a result, under-diagnosed, with a population prevalence of about 1%. In systematic reviews, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) has been found to be the only intervention with significant clinical impact on alleviating the symptoms of DDD. However, previous studies have suffered from small sample sizes, reliance on expert clinicians to provide therapy and narrow population demographics. This feasibility randomised controlled trial aims to provide more robust evidence for the treatment efficacy of CBT in DDD.

Methods

The study aims to recruit 40 participants from two NHS trusts, 20 per arm from two community Mental Health NHS services in London. The intervention group will receive 12–24 individual CBT sessions over a 6-month period from CBT therapists following specialist training for DDD. The control group will receive Treatment as Usual. We will assess the feasibility of a future RCT through measuring the acceptability of the intervention, and assessing our ability to recruit, retain and randomise participants. We will calculate the correlation of scores on the Cambridge Depersonalisation Scale, its baseline standard deviation, assess the magnitude/direction of change and characterise the uncertainty in the outcome scores and the probability that the results have been obtained by chance.

Discussion

The outputs of this trial will guide whether a definite RCT is feasible and acceptable, for both the clinician and participant.

Trial registration

The ISRCTN registration number is ISRCTN97686121(https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN97686121).
The impact of chewing khat during pregnancy on selected pregnancy outcomes in eastern Ethiopia: A cohort study with a generalized structural equation modeling analysis approach
Authors: Wondemagegn Amsalu Taye , Bekana Miressa , Bekuretsion Yonas , Afework Mekbeb
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Little is known about the fetal and pregnancy effects of khat chewing during pregnancy. The aim of the current study was to determine the impact of chewing khat during pregnancy on selected pregnancy outcomes in Ethiopia, 2022: A Cohort Study with a Generalized Structural Equation Modeling Analysis Approach.

Methods

An institution-based prospective cohort study was employed in selected hospitals in eastern Ethiopia. Pregnant women who visited the selected hospitals in the study area during the study period that fulfilled the eligibility criteria were included until a sample size (344) was fulfilled. The main outcomes studied in the present study were preterm birth and low birth weight. Data were collected through anthropometric and clinical measurements, and interviewers administered questionnaires. The survival analysis and generalized linear model analysis were performed to estimate the crude and adjusted relative risk and attributable risk. The Generalized Structural Equation Modeling (GSEM) analysis was performed using the Statistical software for data science (Stata) ‘GSEM’ command to examine the mediation effect.

Results

The risk of occurrence of preterm birth was significantly higher among khat chewers [adjusted relative risk (aRR) = 2.19; 95%CI 1.21–3.96]. In further analysis after adjusting for gestational hypertension and cesarean delivery, the regression coefficient of khat chewing during pregnancy on preterm birth has been decreased in size from path n, β = 0.37, p<0.001 to path n’, β = 0.15, p<0.005. The risk of occurrence of low birth weight among khat chewers was significantly higher (aRR = 4.17; 95%CI 2.11–8.25). In further analysis after adjusting for gestational hypertension, cesarean delivery, preterm birth and maternal anemia, the regression coefficient of khat chewing during pregnancy on low birth weight has been decreased in size from path q, β = 0.4, p<0.001 to path q’, β = 0.2, p<0.001.

Conclusion

Overall, the present study revealed that khat chewing is not only a worry of the current population but also a public health concern of the generation affecting unborn fetuses.
Political factors and arrangements influencing primary health care financing and resource allocation: A scoping review protocol
Authors: Dias Henrique Sant’Anna , Pereira Adelyne Maria Mendes , Nunes Elisabete de Fátima Polo de Almeida , Martins Caroline Pagani , Castilho Marcela , Mendonça Fernanda de Freitas , de Lima Luciana Dias
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Primary health care is a key element in the structuring and coordination of health systems, contributing to overall coverage and performance. PHC financing is therefore central in this context, with variations in sufficiency and regularity depending on the “political dimension” of health systems. Research that systematically examines the political factors and arrangements influencing PHC financing is justified from a global and multidisciplinary perspective. The scoping review proposed here aims to systematically map the evidence on this topic in the current literature, identifying groups, institutions, priorities and gaps in the research.

Methods and analysis

A scoping review will be conducted following the method proposed by Arksey and O’Malley to answer the following question: What is known from the literature about political factors and arrangements and their influence on and repercussions for primary health care financing and resource allocation models? The review will include peer-reviewed papers in Portuguese, English or Spanish published between 1978 and 2023. Searches will be performed of the following databases: Medline (PubMed), Embase, BVS Salud, Web of Science, Scopus and Science Direct. The review will follow the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews checklist. Inclusion and exclusion criteria will be used for literature screening and mapping. Screening and data charting will be conducted by a team of four reviewers.

Registration

This protocol is registered on the Open Science Framework (OSF) platform, available at https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/Q9W3P
ANÁLISE DO PLANO AMBIENTAL DE CONSERVAÇÃO E USO DO ENTORNO DE RESERVATÓRIOS ARTIFICIAIS (PACUERA) DA BACIA HIDROGRÁFICA DE TERRA NOVA, SEMIÁRIDO PERNAMBUCANO
Authors: Silveira Nara Tôrres , Soares Gabriel Antonio Silva , Galvíncio Josiclêda Domiciano , Melo Maiara Gabrielle de Souza , Sobral Maria do Carmo Martins
Published: August 2024

A gestão integrada dos recursos hídricos visa promover a garantia dos padrões de qualidade e quantidade de águas em bacias hidrográficas, associando a gestão da água aos seus múltiplos usos e a diversas áreas do conhecimento. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o Plano Ambiental de Conservação e Uso do Entorno dos Reservatórios Artificiais (PACUERA) da bacia hidrográfica de Terra Nova, Pernambuco, visto que com a execução do Projeto de Integração do rio São Francisco com as bacias do Nordeste Setentrional (PISF) foram construídos cinco reservatórios artificiais nesta bacia. Para isto, foram realizadas pesquisas bibliográfica e documental, considerando o Diagnóstico Socioambiental e o Zoneamento Ambiental, que compõem o PACUERA da bacia. O plano considera primordial a conservação da vida útil e a qualidade dos reservatórios. Diversos programas ambientais integram o plano da bacia e reforçam a importância do monitoramento para que as atividades desenvolvidas ocorram de forma sustentável, além do incentivo à participação da população como protagonista para a gestão dos recursos hídricos. Fica evidente a importância do PACUERA como instrumento de gestão ambiental e de recursos hídricos, por realizar diagnósticos e propor diretrizes para a manutenção da qualidade da água e o fornecimento em quantidade adequada para a população.
LINHAS DE APRENDIZAGEM: MAPAS MENTAIS COMO FERRAMENTA NO ENSINO DE GEOGRAFIA
Authors: Abreu Aldineia Nunes de , Silva Gutemberg de Vilhena
Published: August 2024

Este texto explora o papel do mapa mental como uma ferramenta metodológica no ensino de geografia, no contexto da educação básica. O uso de mapas mentais no aprendizado de geografia é abordado mediante uma revisão abrangente da literatura, enfocando particularmente as metodologias ativas. Os autores sublinham a importância crucial das aulas de campo, que proporcionam uma experiência imersiva e direta para os alunos, ao mesmo tempo que reforçam os conceitos aprendidos em sala de aula. Para ilustrar a aplicação prática do mapa mental na geografia, este trabalho fornece um estudo de caso detalhado das cidades de Oiapoque, no Amapá, Brasil, e Saint-George de l’Oiapock, na Guiana Francesa. Este artigo expande ainda mais a utilização do mapa mental, abordando a incorporação de elementos mais criativos como a fotografia, a música e a poesia. Esses recursos pedagógicos adicionais podem enriquecer significativamente o processo de ensino-aprendizagem, ajudando a envolver os alunos, para despertar o seu interesse. Conclui-se que o uso de mapas mentais, juntamente com essas outras ferramentas pedagógicas, proporciona uma abordagem participativa no ambiente de aprendizagem, permitindo que o aluno se envolva, de forma mais completa e significativa, com temas geográficos relevantes.
USO E OCUPAÇÃO DO SOLO URBANO E A DISPOSIÇÃO DOS ESGOTOS SANITÁRIOS NA BACIA DO RIO ITACORUBI, FLORIANÓPOLIS/SC
Authors: Teixeira Douglas , Luiz Edna Lindaura
Published: August 2024

Este trabalho discute a relação do uso e ocupação do solo na bacia do rio Itacorubi, Florianópolis/SC, com as formas de disposição de esgotos. Esta relação permite inferir a qualidade das águas superficiais na bacia. Para isso, foram elaborados mapas na escala 1.50.000 dos usos e ocupações do solo e das formas de disposição de esgotos na bacia. O uso e a ocupação foram mapeados a partir de interpretação visual de ortofotos digitais. As formas de disposição de esgotos foram levantadas a partir de pesquisas em órgãos públicos e de levantamentos de campo. O cruzamento destes mapas mostrou que a área de ocupação urbana mais densa e antiga da bacia possui as melhores formas de disposição de esgotos sanitários, enquanto a ocupação mais recente presente nas cabeceiras da bacia é irregular e possui muitos casos de disposição de esgotos in natura nos cursos d’água. Infelizmente, pela posição da ocupação irregular nas cabeceiras, ela compromete a qualidade da água para jusante. Destaca-se que o uso da metodologia de cruzamento de classes de uso e ocupação do solo e de formas de disposição de esgoto com utilização da generalização cartográfica na escala 1:25.000 foi adequado para o objetivo proposto.
GAMIFICAÇÃO E EDUCAÇÃO AMBIENTAL: DESAFIOS E PERSPECTIVAS PARA A SENSIBILIZAÇÃO E MUDANÇA DE ATITUDES RUMO A UM FUTURO SUSTENTÁVEL
Authors: Ferreira Willian José , Targa Marcelo dos Santos , Richetto Kátia Celina da Silva , Spedo Gabriella Reis Carrer
Published: August 2024

A integração de jogos voltados para questões ambientais surge como uma estratégia promissora na educação para a sustentabilidade ambiental, destacando a necessidade de práticas pedagógicas inovadoras para abordar os desafios ambientais nas instituições de ensino, incluindo a gestão de resíduos, eficiência energética e infraestrutura sustentável, entre outros. Este estudo, fundamentado em uma revisão sistemática da literatura, seguida por análises lexicométricas por meio do software IRaMuTeQ e análise discursiva, objetivou investigar de que maneira esses jogos podem aprofundar a sensibilização ambiental dos estudantes e promover uma compreensão mais abrangente dos problemas relacionados ao meio ambiente. Os resultados obtidos indicam que a integração de entretenimento e aprendizado possui o potencial de catalisar mudanças comportamentais sustentáveis a longo prazo, incentivando a busca por soluções frente aos desafios contemporâneos. Entretanto, torna-se imperativo o investimento em recursos tecnológicos nas escolas, bem como em políticas públicas que promovam a formação contínua dos educadores e incentivem a participação ativa dos alunos. Nesse contexto, a formação continuada dos professores desempenha um papel crucial na implementação efetiva da gamificação nas salas de aula, estabelecendo bases concretas para a sensibilização ambiental e a adoção de comportamentos sustentáveis por meio de práticas pedagógicas.