bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Breaking the silence of sharing data in medical research
Authors: Chen Henian , Zhao Yayi , Cao Biwei , Petersen Donna J. , Valente Matthew J. , Cen Weiliang
Published: May 2024

Data sharing is highly advocated in the scientific community, with numerous organizations, funding agencies, and journals promoting transparency and collaboration. However, limited research exists on actual data sharing practices. We conducted a comprehensive analysis of the intent to share individual participant data (IPD) in a total of 313,990 studies encompassing clinical trials and observational studies obtained from ClinicalTrials.gov, spanning the period from 2000 to 2023. Our study found that only 10.3% of principal investigators (PIs) expressed intent to share IPD. Clinical trials were more likely to share data than observational studies (odds ratio, OR = 1.98, 95% CI: 1.92–2.04). Large sample size studies were 1.69 times more likely to share data than small ones (95% CI: 1.65–1.73). Studies registered after 2018 were 1.6 times more likely to share data (95% CI: 1.57–1.64) than before 2019. NIH and other US Federal agency-funded studies had 1.49 times higher odds of sharing data (95% CI: 1.43–1.55) than other funders. USA-based studies were 1.53 times more likely to share data (95% CI: 1.49–1.57) than out of USA. Biological trials were 1.58 times more likely to share data than drug and other trials (95% CI: 1.51–1.66). Phase III trials had the highest odds, 2.47 times, of sharing data (95% CI: 2.38–2.56) than non-Phase III trials.
Where do cross-cutting discussions happen?: Identifying cross-cutting comments on YouTube videos of political vloggers and mainstream news outlets
Authors: Chae Seung Woo , Lee Sung Hyun
Published: May 2024

Since the conception of social media, research on political communication has pointed toward the risk that the social media environment can foster political echo chambers. However, this has recently been contradicted by some studies demonstrating “cross-cutting discussions” on social media. The current study extends this literature by particularly focusing on communication on political vlogger videos and having mainstream news outlet videos as a reference point. Specifically, this study addresses five points: (1) to what extent cross-partisan comments occupy conservative and liberal vloggers’ comment threads and if there is a significant difference between the two, (2) the possibility that comments from vlogger videos can be utilized to predict the political leanings of comments on mainstream news outlet videos, (3) if the proportion of cross-cutting discussions on mainstream news outlet videos significantly varies by the news outlet’s political leaning, (4) if a neutral news outlet channel can work as a venue for cross-cutting discussions, and (5) if the proportion of cross-cutting comments in mainstream news outlet comment threads is significantly different from that in vlogger comment threads. Both manual and computational analyses were employed; the political leanings of vlogger comments were analyzed by manual content analysis, and based on the results, the political leanings of mainstream news outlet comments were analyzed by NLP classifiers using three different algorithms—logistic regression, SVM, and random forest. As a result, we found that the proportion of cross-cutting discussions significantly varies by both the channel’s political leaning and media type. In addition, our results suggest the possibility of neutral news outlets as a place for cross-cutting discussions.
Studying regional low-carbon development: A case study of Sichuan Province in China
Authors: Sun Genjin , Gao Rui , Liu Ying , Liu Yanxiu , Li Cuilan
Published: May 2024

The unavoidable option for socially sustainable development is a low-carbon economy. One of the essential steps for China to attain high-quality development is reducing carbon emissions. It is necessary to realize low-carbon development in Sichuan, as it is not only an important economic zone but also an ecological protected area. The concurrent relationship among energy consumption, carbon emissions, and economic growth was examined in this study using the Tapio decoupling indicator, and the factors affecting energy consumption and carbon emissions in Sichuan were broken down using the logarithmic mean Divisia indicator (LMDI). The findings demonstrate a fundamental relative decoupling relationship between Sichuan’s energy use and carbon emissions. Analysis of energy consumption and carbon emissions in Sichuan Province from 2005 to 2020 shows distinct patterns. From 2005 to 2012, in 2014, and from 2016 to 2020, the relationship between energy use and carbon emissions was relatively decoupled, with decoupling values ranging between 0 and 1. Absolute decoupling occurred in specific years: 2010, from 2013 to 2018, and in 2020. These periods are characterized by economic growth alongside reductions in carbon emissions. Factors affecting energy consumption and carbon emissions were consistently analyzed, showing similar impacts throughout the study periods. We find that population and economic growth are the main driving forces of these effects. The effects of energy intensity and industrial structure mainly play restraining roles, and the latter has a slightly weaker effect than the former.
Optimal configurations for stiffness and compliance in human & robot arms
Authors: Woolfrey Jon , Ajoudani Arash , Lu Wenjie , Natale Lorenzo
Published: May 2024

Research in neurophysiology has shown that humans are able to adapt the mechanical stiffness at the hand in order to resist disturbances. This has served as inspiration for optimising stiffness in robot arms during manipulation tasks. Endpoint stiffness is modelled in Cartesian space, as though the hand were in independent rigid body. But an arm is a series of rigid bodies connected by articulated joints. The contribution of the joints and arm configuration to the endpoint stiffness has not yet been quantified. In this paper we use mathematical optimisation to find conditions for maximum stiffness and compliance with respect to an externally applied force. By doing so, we can retroactively explain observations made about humans using these mathematically optimal conditions. We then show how this optimisation can be applied to robotic task planning and control. Experiments on a humanoid robot show similar arm posture to that observed in humans. This suggests there is an underlying physical principle by which humans optimise stiffness. We can use this to derive natural control methods for robots.
Protocol for a seamless phase 2A-phase 2B randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of benfotiamine in patients with early Alzheimer’s disease (BenfoTeam)
Authors: Feldman Howard H. , Luchsinger José A. , Léger Gabriel C. , Taylor Curtis , Jacobs Diane M. , Salmon David P. , Edland Steven D. , Messer Karen , Revta Carolyn , Flowers Sarah A. , Jones Kerry S. , Koulman Albert , Yarasheski Kevin E. , Verghese Philip B. , Venkatesh Venky , Zetterberg Henrik , Durant January , Lupo Jody-Lynn , Gibson Gary E. ,   for the ADCS BenfoTeam Study Group
Published: May 2024

Background

Benfotiamine provides an important novel therapeutic direction in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) with possible additive or synergistic effects to amyloid targeting therapeutic approaches.

Objective

To conduct a seamless phase 2A-2B proof of concept trial investigating tolerability, safety, and efficacy of benfotiamine, a prodrug of thiamine, as a first-in-class small molecule oral treatment for early AD.

Methods

This is the protocol for a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled 72-week clinical trial of benfotiamine in 406 participants with early AD. Phase 2A determines the highest safe and well-tolerated dose of benfotiamine to be carried forward to phase 2B. During phase 2A, real-time monitoring of pre-defined safety stopping criteria in the first approximately 150 enrollees will help determine which dose (600 mg or 1200 mg) will be carried forward into phase 2B. The phase 2A primary analysis will test whether the rate of tolerability events (TEs) is unacceptably high in the high-dose arm compared to placebo. The primary safety endpoint in phase 2A is the rate of TEs compared between active and placebo arms, at each dose. The completion of phase 2A will seamlessly transition to phase 2B without pausing or stopping the trial. Phase 2B will assess efficacy and longer-term safety of benfotiamine in a larger group of participants through 72 weeks of treatment, at the selected dose. The co-primary efficacy endpoints in phase 2B are CDR-Sum of Boxes and ADAS-Cog13. Secondary endpoints include safety and tolerability measures; pharmacokinetic measures of thiamine and its esters, erythrocyte transketolase activity as blood markers of efficacy of drug delivery; ADCS-ADL-MCI; and MoCA.

Conclusion

The BenfoTeam trial utilizes an innovative seamless phase 2A-2B design to achieve proof of concept. It includes an adaptive dose decision rule, thus optimizing exposure to the highest and best-tolerated dose.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT06223360, registered on January 25, 2024. https://classic.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT06223360.
Population infection estimation from wastewater surveillance for SARS-CoV-2 in Nagpur, India during the second pandemic wave
Authors: Acheampong Edward , Husain Aliabbas A. , Dudani Hemanshi , Nayak Amit R. , Nag Aditi , Meena Ekta , Shrivastava Sandeep K. , McClure Patrick , Tarr Alexander W. , Crooks Colin , Lade Ranjana , Gomes Rachel L. , Singer Andrew , Kumar Saravana , Bhatnagar Tarun , Arora Sudipti , Kashyap Rajpal Singh , Monaghan Tanya M.
Published: May 2024

Wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) has emerged as an effective environmental surveillance tool for predicting severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) disease outbreaks in high-income countries (HICs) with centralized sewage infrastructure. However, few studies have applied WBE alongside epidemic disease modelling to estimate the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in low-resource settings. This study aimed to explore the feasibility of collecting untreated wastewater samples from rural and urban catchment areas of Nagpur district, to detect and quantify SARS-CoV-2 using real-time qPCR, to compare geographic differences in viral loads, and to integrate the wastewater data into a modified Susceptible-Exposed-Infectious-Confirmed Positives-Recovered (SEIPR) model. Of the 983 wastewater samples analyzed for SARS-CoV-2 RNA, we detected significantly higher sample positivity rates, 43.7% (95% confidence interval (CI) 40.1, 47.4) and 30.4% (95% CI 24.66, 36.66), and higher viral loads for the urban compared with rural samples, respectively. The Basic reproductive number, R0, positively correlated with population density and negatively correlated with humidity, a proxy for rainfall and dilution of waste in the sewers. The SEIPR model estimated the rate of unreported coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases at the start of the wave as 13.97 [95% CI (10.17, 17.0)] times that of confirmed cases, representing a material difference in cases and healthcare resource burden. Wastewater surveillance might prove to be a more reliable way to prepare for surges in COVID-19 cases during future waves for authorities.
Investigation of preference for local and global processing of Capuchin-monkeys (Sapajus spp.) in shape discrimination of mosaic arrangements
Authors: Mendes Fernanda , Brino Ana Leda de Faria , Goulart Paulo Roney Kilpp , Galvão Olavo de Faria , Ventura Dora Selma Fix , Miquilini Letícia , Brito Felipe André da Costa , Souza Givago Silva
Published: May 2024

Classical experiments using hierarchical stimuli to investigate the ability of capuchin monkeys to integrate visual information based on global or local clues reported findings suggesting a behavioral preference for local information of the image. Many experiments using mosaics have been conducted with capuchin monkeys to identify some of their perceptual phenotypes. As the identification of an image in a mosaic demands the integration of elements that share some visual features, we evaluated the discrimination of shapes presented in solid and mosaic stimuli in capuchin monkeys. Shape discrimination performance was tested in 2 male adult capuchin monkeys in an experimental chamber with a touchscreen video monitor, in three experiments: (i) evaluation of global and local processing using hierarchical stimuli; (ii) evaluation of target detection using simple discrimination procedures; (iii) evaluation of shape discrimination using simple discrimination and delayed matching-to-sample procedures. We observed that both monkeys had preferences for local processing when tested by hierarchical stimuli. Additionally, detection performance for solid and mosaic targets was highly significant, but for shape discrimination tasks we found significant performance when using solid figures, non-significant performance when using circle and square shapes in mosaic stimuli, and significant performance when using Letter X and Number 8 shapes in mosaic stimuli. Our results are suggestive that the monkeys respond to local contrast and partly to global contrast in mosaic stimuli.
Effect of various supplements on productive performance of honey bees, in the south Wollo Zone, Ethiopia
Authors: Amera Wubalem Alebachew , Mersso Berhan Tamir , Sisay Tadesse Amare , Arega Amssalu Bezabeh , Alene Abiyu Tadele
Published: May 2024

The productivity and well-being of honey bee colonies are greatly influenced by the nutrients present in the hives. A study was conducted to evaluate different supplemental feeds on honey bee productive performance during dearth periods. Thirty colonies were grouped into five (four treatment groups and one control group) and each group contained three sub-groups (2 weak, 2 strong, and 2 very strong). Control groups were not given any supplementation. Treatment diets were T1 (50% sugar syrup + 14% roasted barley powder (beso) + 36% roasted spiced pea powder (Shiro)), T2 (50% powder sugar + 14% white sorghum powder + 36% bakery yeast, T3 (50% powder sugar + 14% white sorghum powder + 36% skimmed milk powder), T4 (50% sugar syrup with infusion of stinging nettle and 1% kerefa + 50% white sorghum powder). Feed was given on the entrance sides. The performance of experimental colonies was measured every 21 days in two phases during the dry season (from 3_2_2021 to 27_4_2021) and the rainy season (from 28–7_2021 to 1_10_2021). Feed intake, space (cm2) of pollen, nectar, and honey in the comb were measured using a frame-sized transparent grid meter. The study revealed significant differences (p<0.0001) in all measured parameters among the various treatments. The diet provided by T4 showed the highest levels of crude protein (18.15%) and carbohydrates (92.15%), whereas the diet presented by T3 had the lowest crude protein content (6.66%) and the diet offered by T1 had the lowest carbohydrate content (61.91%). In general, colonies that received T4 showcased superior performance compared to others. They exhibited a feed intake of 98.3%, a nectar area of 54.3 cm2, a pollen area of 68.7 cm2, a honey area of 311.2 cm2, and a honey yield of 7 kg. Consequently, their net profit amounted to 51.54 USD. On the other hand, the colonies that received T1 had the lowest performance indicators. They demonstrated a feed intake of only 54.7%, a nectar area of 37.6 cm2, a pollen area of 48.8 cm2, a honey area of 254.3 cm2, a honey yield of 2.8 kg, and a net profit of 18.81 USD. The significance of this study was to enable the beekeepers in realizing the effects of feed supplements on the productivity and profitability of honeybee colonies.
The effect of job and personal demands and resources on healthcare workers’ wellbeing: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Yousef Consuela Cheriece , Farooq Ali , Amateau Gigi , Abu Esba Laila Carolina , Burnett Keisha , Alyas Omar Anwar
Published: May 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic presented many psychological stressors which affected healthcare worker wellbeing. The aim of this study was to understand the factors that affect the wellbeing of healthcare professionals in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia using Job-Demand and Resource (JD-R) Model. The proposal model consisted of demand factors (Work load—job demand, loneliness—personal demand), support factors (organizational support—job resource, and resilience—personal resource), mediators (burnout and work engagement), and outcome (wellbeing) A cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted across 276 healthcare workers from hospitals and primary healthcare centers, including healthcare professionals, health associate professionals, personal care workers, health management and support personnel, and health service providers, and others between February-March 2022. The proposed model was tested using partial least squares structural equation modeling. Among the respondents, the majority were female (198, 71,7%), married (180, 65.2%), healthcare professionals (206, 74.6%), being more than 10 years in the profession (149, 51.6%), and non-Saudi nationality (171, 62.0%). Burnout accounted for a significant effect on wellbeing. Of the demands (workload and loneliness) and the resources (organizational support and resilience), workload had the greatest impact on burnout. Healthcare organizations should invest in reducing workloads and promoting resilience to reduce burnout and increase healthcare worker wellbeing.
Correlation between novel inflammatory markers and carotid atherosclerosis: A retrospective case-control study
Authors: Liao Man , Liu Lihua , Bai Lijuan , Wang Ruiyun , Liu Yun , Zhang Liting , Han Jing , Li Yunqiao , Qi Benling
Published: May 2024

Objective

Carotid atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease, which is a major cause of ischemic stroke. The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship between carotid atherosclerosis and novel inflammatory markers, including platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR), neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), lymphocyte to monocyte ratio (LMR), platelet to neutrophil ratio (PNR), neutrophil to lymphocyte platelet ratio (NLPR), systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), systemic inflammation response index (SIRI), and aggregate index of systemic inflammation (AISI), in order to find the best inflammatory predictor of carotid atherosclerosis.

Method

We included 10015 patients who underwent routine physical examinations at the physical examination center of our hospital from January 2016 to December 2019, among whom 1910 were diagnosed with carotid atherosclerosis. The relationship between novel inflammatory markers and carotid atherosclerosis was analyzed by logistic regression, and the effectiveness of each factor in predicting carotid atherosclerosis was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and area under the curve (AUC).

Result

The level of PLR, LMR and PNR in the carotid atherosclerosis group were lower than those in the non-carotid atherosclerosis group, while NLR, NLPR, SII, SIRI and AISI in the carotid atherosclerosis group were significantly higher than those in the non-carotid atherosclerosis group. Logistic regression analysis showed that PLR, NLR, LMR, PNR, NLPR, SII, SIRI, AISI were all correlated with carotid atherosclerosis. The AUC value of NLPR was the highest, which was 0.67, the cut-off value was 0.78, the sensitivity was 65.8%, and the specificity was 57.3%. The prevalence rate of carotid atherosclerosis was 12.4% below the cut-off, 26.6% higher than the cut-off, and the prevalence rate increased by 114.5%.

Conclusion

New inflammatory markers were significantly correlated with carotid atherosclerosis, among which NLPR was the optimum inflammatory marker to predict the risk of carotid atherosclerosis.
“I am afraid of being treated badly if I show it”: A cross-sectional study of healthcare accessibility and Autism Health Passports among UK Autistic adults
Authors: Grant Aimee , Turner Sarah , Shaw Sebastian C. K. , Williams Kathryn , Morgan Hayley , Ellis Rebecca , Brown Amy
Published: May 2024

Background

Autistic people are more likely to experience stigma, communication barriers and anxiety during healthcare. Autism Health Passports (AHPs) are a communication tool that aim to provide information about healthcare needs in a standardised way. They are recommended in research and policy to improve healthcare quality.

Aim

To explore views and experiences of AHPs among Autistic people from the UK who have been pregnant.

Methods

We developed an online survey using a combination of open and closed questions focused on healthcare impairments and views and experiences of AHPs. Data were anlaysed using descriptive statistics, Kruskal-Wallis tests, and content analysis.

Findings

Of 193 Autistic respondents (54% diagnosed, 22% undergoing diagnosis and 24% self-identifying), over 80% reported anxiety and masking during healthcare always or most of the time. Some significant differences were identified in healthcare (in)accessibility by diagnostic status. Only 4% of participants knew a lot about AHPs, with 1.5% of participants using one at least half of the time. Almost three quarters of respondents had not previously seen an AHP. Open text responses indicated that the biggest barrier to using an AHP was a belief that health professionals would discriminate against Autistic patients. Additional barriers included staff lack of familiarity with AHPs and respondents expecting a negative response to producing an AHP.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that AHPs are not reducing health inequalities for Autistic adults who have been pregnant. Alternative solutions are needed to reduce health inequalities for Autistic people.
Combined use of Panax notoginseng and leech provides new insights into renal fibrosis: Restoration of mitochondrial kinetic imbalance
Authors: Chen Xin , Deng Jingwei , Zuo Ling , Luo Hongyu , Wang Munan , Deng Peng , Yang Kang , Yang Qian , Huang Xuekuan
Published: May 2024

In this study, we aimed to investigate the protective effects of Panax notoginseng and leech (PL) on renal fibrosis and explore the mechanisms underlying their actions. For this study, we created an adenine-induced renal fibrosis model in SD rats to investigate the protective effect of PL on renal fibrosis and explore its underlying mechanism. Initially, we assessed the renal function in RF rats and found that Scr, BUN, and urine protein content decreased after PL treatment, indicating the protective effect of PL on renal function. Histological analysis using HE and Masson staining revealed that PL reduced inflammatory cell infiltration and decreased collagen fiber deposition in renal tissue. Subsequently, we analyzed the levels of α-SMA, Col-IV, and FN, which are the main components of the extracellular matrix (ECM), using IHC, RT-qPCR, and WB. The results demonstrated that PL was effective in reducing the accumulation of ECM, with PL1-2 showing the highest effectiveness. To further understand the underlying mechanisms, we conducted UPLC-MS/MS analysis on the incoming components of the PL1-2 group. The results revealed several associations between the differential components and antioxidant and mitochondrial functions. This was further confirmed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and biochemical indexes, which showed that PL1-2 ameliorated oxidative stress by reducing ROS and MDA production and increasing GSH and SOD levels. Additionally, transmission electron microscopy results indicated that PL1-2 promoted partial recovery of mitochondrial morphology and cristae. Finally, using RT-qPCR and WB, an increase in the expression of mitochondrial fusion proteins Mfn1, Mfn2, and Opa1 after PL1-2 treatment was observed, coupled with a decline in the expression and phosphorylation of mitochondrial cleavage proteins Fis and Drp1. These findings collectively demonstrate that PL1-2 ameliorates renal fibrosis by reducing oxidative stress and restoring mitochondrial balance.
Improved beekeeping practices, honey bee flora potential and flowering calendar in South Ethiopia
Authors: Delena Markos Fisaha , Asfaw Asrat Diriba
Published: May 2024

In Ethiopia, improved hive technology dissemination was started before five-decades. However, the adoption of improved beekeeping technology is still very low. This study was conducted with the main objectives to evaluating improved beekeeping adoption level and honey yields of different hives and identification of major honey bee plants and flora calendar in the Gedeo zone, South Ethiopia. Three districts were selected purposively based on beekeeping potential and the number of improved hives own by beekeepers. The data was collected from 180 respondents using cross-sectional survey. The data was analyzed by using descriptive statistics such as mean, frequency and percentage and ANOVA. The result shown that the compositions of disseminated hives in the entire sampled respondents were 286, 476, 121 and 1494 Zander hive, Kenyan top bar hive (KTBH), Mud/Ethio-Ribrab hive (ERH) and Traditional hives respectively. Traditional beekeeping was the dominant system with 63% and intermediate followed by 25%, while modern beekeeping was only 12%. Based on overall mean honey yield, there was no significant difference (P = 0.244) between Zander and KTBH. However, the average honey yield of these improved hives were significantly (P<0.05) higher than Mud/ERH and Traditional hives. Gedeo zone had rich floral resource and diverse floral calendar. Hygenia abyssinica, Bidens ghedoensis, Erythrinia abyssinica, Eucalyptus species, Cordia africana, Coffee arabica, Vernonia species, Susbania susban and Persea americana were major honey bee flora in Gedeo zone. February-March was major honey harvesting season while May-July and October-December respectively were minor honey harvesting periods. Nevertheless, the majority of beekeepers have been practicing honey harvesting once a year from all hives due to lack of awareness and practical skills. Therefore, we recommend that the local government should focus on educating beekeepers to enable them utilizing exhaustively the opportunities of multi-floral season and improved hive technology to maximize honey yield in the area.
Development and validation of a questionnaire, the REST-Q Fire, to identify teamwork-related resources and stressors in firefighting operations
Authors: Heinemann Lena , Aust Fabienne , Peifer Corinna , Holtz Maik , Miller Christian , Hagemann Vera
Published: May 2024

In the complex work environments of firefighting teams, it is often human error or difficulties in teamwork that lead to dangerous situations. To prevent these, it is essential to know the teamwork-related stressors and resources in firefighting operations. A measurement tool is needed to evaluate these stressors and resources. A successive instrument development process was conducted to identify the relevant teamwork-related stressors and resources in firefighting operations. First, interviews with experienced firefighters, and second, a document analysis were conducted and evaluated to provide an overview of the teamwork-related stressors and resources. Thereupon, a questionnaire, the REST-Q Fire, was developed asking about the experienced frequency and intensity of the identified teamwork-related stressors and resources in firefighting operations. Afterwards, an online study with firefighters was conducted (N = 491). CFAs confirmed the assumed structure of the REST-Q Fire and a positive correlation of the intensity of stressors with stress was shown (r = .19 - .27). Further, the resources were overall more frequently and intensively perceived than the stressors. The most important stressors were ‘behavior of leaders’ (M (SD)frequency = 2.80 (0.83), M (SD)intensity = 3.59 (1.12)), and ‘behavior of team members’ (M (SD)frequency = 2.77 (0.75), M (SD)intensity = 3.59 (1.05)). The most important resources, on the other hand, were ‘knowledge about skills and behavior of team members’ (M (SD)frequency = 3.96 (0.63), M (SD)intensity = 4.24 (0.78)), ‘watch out for/ check on each other’ (M (SD)frequency = 3.96 (0.70), M (SD)intensity = 4.20 (0.80)), and ‘reliability of team members’ (M (SD)frequency = 3.96 (0.51), M (SD)intensity = 4.16 (0.73)). As a result, training needs for trainees in the fire service and experienced firefighters were derived.
Unraveling substance abuse among Malawian street children: A qualitative exploration
Authors: Banda Lazarus Obed Livingstone , Banda Jane Thokozani , Banda Chigonjetso Victoria , Mwaene Eretia , Msiska Ceasar Heatherwick
Published: May 2024

This qualitative study adopts a phenomenological and symbolic interactionist approach to comprehensively explore substance abuse among street children in Lilongwe, Malawi. The research aims to uncover the complex sociocultural, economic, and environmental determinants influencing substance abuse within this marginalized cohort. Through in-depth semi-structured interviews, the study engages with street children to understand their subjective experiences, perceptions, and interpretations of substance abuse within their community context. Employing convenience, purposive, and snowball sampling strategies, the research collected data from street children, acknowledging their transient nature and societal challenges. Thematic analysis was conducted on interview transcripts to derive comprehensive insights. Results revealed five key thematic areas: familial absence and emotional void, societal normalization and peer pressure, economic hardships, coping mechanisms, environmental accessibility, and peer influence and belongingness. These themes highlighted the intricate interplay between personal experiences, socio-environmental factors, and peer dynamics, shaping the prevalence and persistence of substance abuse among street children. This study’s implications for practice underscore the need for tailored interventions and support mechanisms addressing substance abuse within this demographic. It emphasizes the urgency for context-specific strategies and policy formulations aimed at ameliorating the challenges faced by street children dealing with substance abuse in Malawi. Ultimately, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of substance abuse among marginalized street children, advocating for compassionate and contextually sensitive interventions within this overlooked drug abusers’ population subset.
Major depression disorder and heart failure: A two-sample bidirectional Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Liu Wei , Lin Quan , Fan Zongjing , Cui Jie , Wu Yang
Published: May 2024

Objective

To determine whether a bidirectional causal relationship exists between major depressive disorder (MDD) and heart failure (HF).

Methods

Our two-sample bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) study consisted of two parts. In the first part, we conducted a forward MR analysis where MDD was considered as the exposure and HF as the outcome. In the second part, a reverse MR analysis was performed, treating HF as the exposure and MDD as the outcome. Summary data on MDD and HF were obtained from the IEU Open GWAS database.

Results

Based on the results of the MR-Egger regression intercept test, there was no evidence of horizontal pleiotropy in this study. Furthermore, the IVW results consistently suggested estimates of causal effect values. The findings revealed that individuals with MDD had a 16.9% increased risk of HF compared to those without MDD (OR = 1.169, 95%CI: 1.044–1.308,P= 0.007). However, there was no evidence to support that HF would increase the risk of MDD (OR = 1.012, 95%CI: 0.932–1.099,P= 0.773). Heterogeneity in SNPs of MDD and HF was observed through the heterogeneity test and funnel plot. Additionally, the leave-one-out method did not identify any instances where a single SNP was biased toward or dependent on causation.

Conclusion

Our study provides evidence supporting a one-way causal relationship between MDD and HF. Specifically, MDD increases the risk of developing HF. However, our findings did not provide any evidence suggesting that HF increases the risk of developing MDD.
Discussion on the relationship between gut microbiota and glioma through Mendelian randomization test based on the brain gut axis
Authors: Cui Chenzhi , Yang Tianke , Wang ShengYu , Jia Zhuqiang , Zhao Lin , Han Xin , Sun Xiaohong , Zong Junwei , Wang Shouyu , Chen Dong
Published: May 2024

Background

In the realm of Gut-Brain axis research, existing evidence points to a complex bidirectional regulatory mechanism between gut microbiota and the brain. However, the question of whether a causal relationship exists between gut microbiota and specific types of brain tumors, such as gliomas, remains unresolved. To address this gap, we employed publicly available Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS) and MIOBEN databases, conducting an in-depth analysis using Two-Sample Mendelian Randomization (MR).

Method

We carried out two sets of MR analyses. The preliminary analysis included fewer instrumental variables due to a high genome-wide statistical significance threshold (5×10−8). To enable a more comprehensive and detailed analysis, we adjusted the significance threshold to 1×10−5. We performed linkage disequilibrium analysis (R2 <0.001, clumping distance = 10,000kb) and detailed screening of palindromic SNPs, followed by MR analysis and validation through sensitivity analysis.

Results

Our findings reveal a causal relationship between gut microbiota and gliomas. Further confirmation via Inverse Variance Weighting (IVW) identified eight specific microbial communities related to gliomas. Notably, the Peptostreptococcaceae and Olsenella communities appear to have a protective effect, reducing glioma risk.

Conclusion

This study not only confirms the causal link between gut microbiota and gliomas but also suggests a new avenue for future glioma treatment.
Deciphering molecular bridges: Unveiling the interplay between metabolic syndrome and Alzheimer’s disease through a systems biology approach and drug repurposing
Authors: Azizan Zahra , Zali Hakimeh , Mirmotalebisohi Seyed Amir , Bazrgar Maryam , Ahmadiani Abolhassan
Published: May 2024

The association between Alzheimer’s disease and metabolic disorders as significant risk factors is widely acknowledged. However, the intricate molecular mechanism intertwining these conditions remains elusive. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted a thorough investigation using a bioinformatics method to illuminate the molecular connections and pathways that provide novel perspectives on these disorders’ pathological and clinical features. Microarray datasets (GSE5281, GSE122063) from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database facilitated the way to identify genes with differential expression in Alzheimer’s disease (141 genes). Leveraging CoreMine, CTD, and Gene Card databases, we extracted genes associated with metabolic conditions, including hypertension, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and diabetes. Subsequent analysis uncovered overlapping genes implicated in metabolic conditions and Alzheimer’s disease, revealing shared molecular links. We utilized String and HIPPIE databases to visualize these shared genes’ protein-protein interactions (PPI) and constructed a PPI network using Cytoscape and MCODE plugin. SPP1, CD44, IGF1, and FLT1 were identified as crucial molecules in the main cluster of Alzheimer’s disease and metabolic syndrome. Enrichment analysis by the DAVID dataset was employed and highlighted the SPP1 as a novel target, with its receptor CD44 playing a significant role in the inflammatory cascade and disruption of insulin signaling, contributing to the neurodegenerative aspects of Alzheimer’s disease. ECM-receptor interactions, focal adhesion, and the PI3K/Akt pathways may all mediate these effects. Additionally, we investigated potential medications by repurposing the molecular links using the DGIdb database, revealing Tacrolimus and Calcitonin as promising candidates, particularly since they possess binding sites on the SPP1 molecule. In conclusion, our study unveils crucial molecular bridges between metabolic syndrome and AD, providing insights into their pathophysiology for therapeutic interventions.
Ethical Issues in the Use of Technologies in Education Settings
Authors: Marín Victoira I. , Tur Gemma
Published: May 2024

The increasing technology usage in educational settings has not always regarded the ethical implications that may involve its use. Despite its impact, educational practice has shown limited interest in caring about ethics, and research has only sparked slight attention to explore these issues. This scoping review aims to provide an overview of the evidence available in educational research and practice concerning ethical issues of educational technology and the knowledge gaps in the topic. A sample of 99 studies was included in the review and coded according to the basic characteristics of the study, research scope and methods, strategies, and recommendations. Data collected provides evidence of important research growth in two concrete time periods: 2006-2010, with the emergence of social media, and 2015-2020, which includes the pandemic educational emergency time. The findings also show two prominent research topics: Data privacy/confidentiality and Academic honesty and intellectual property. Many topics were present from the early years of the Educational Technology field, while others appeared recently in the 21st century. An important presence of theoretical studies shows that philosophical discussion is still predominant, and timid movements concerning educational practice are observed. Conclusions reflect the need to work on further recommendations towards practices that actively consider these ethical issues in educational technology.
Pénz vagy barátság: A kínai tőke útja Szerbiában
Authors: Matković Aleksandar
Published: May 2024

A Kína és Szerbia közötti kapcsolatról az újságokban többnyire romantikusan írnak, és „acélerős” barátságnak tartják. Belgrádban Kína-barát és „Hszi testvérnek” hálát adó óriásplakátokról a kínai elnök mosolyog a szerb népre, egyes kisebb baloldali csoportok pedig a szobrát követelik a fővárosba (Bošnjaković 2021). Ez az „acélerős barátság” 2020-ban talán sokként érte a világot, de sokkal mélyebb kapcsolatról van itt szó, mint pusztán egy távoli balkáni ország Kína iránti testvéri szeretetéről.
A Foxconn-felkelés Csengcsouban: Promise Le interjúja Yige Donggal
Authors: Li Promis , Dong Yige
Published: May 2024

Promise Li, a Tempest magazin tagjának interjúja Yige Dong kínai feminista kutatóval, aki a csengcsoui Apple iPhone Foxconn gyárban zajló munkásfelkelést és a Kína-szerte zajló felkelések kapcsolatát mutatja be. 2022. októberében olyan felvételek kerültek ki az internetre, amelyeken munkások tömegei gyalogosan menekültek a kínai Csengcsouban található Foxconn gyárból, a világ legnagyobb iPhone-gyártó telephelyéről. Az Apple termelési igényeinek kielégítése érdekében a gyár egy „zárt rendszert” alkalmaz, amely nem engedi, hogy a munkások hazatérjenek, és csak a munkások alapvető szükségleteinek kielégítését biztosítja. Ez a rezsim világjárvány óta újra a figyelem középpontjába állította a kínai munkaügyi politikát. Emellett visszhangot váltott ki a külföldi kínai közösségekben is, bár ez egyelőre kevésbé jelentős, mint a 2022 őszén a Sitong-hídi tüntetőkkel2 szolidaritást vállaló globális diaszpóra megmozdulása. A csengcsou-i Foxconn gyár esete a járványintézkedések miatt kitörő felkelések mélyebb megértéshez is támpontot nyújt.
Perdebatan Realisme-Antirealisme dalam Filsafat Agama Kontemporer
Authors: Khasri Muhammad Rodinal Khair , Fuad Abdullah Harahap
Published: May 2024

This article starts from the ontological problem in the discourse on the philosophy of religion, namely between the realist and anti-realist poles. The two are differentiated from the way of understanding the world, where realists believe that there is a world that is independent of mind and consciousness (mind-independent world) while anti-realists believe that the world, including perspectives on it, is completely dependent on the intentionality of the subject, so it is only a construction of mind and consciousness. Regarding religion, for realists, religion and its substance truly refer to objective reality, while anti-realists believe that religion is fictitious because it is only a construction of the mind and consciousness, not referring to objective reality. This debate also implies a disagreement between theism and atheism, especially in the context of the ontological status of religion and the epistemic status of religion. This article wants to explain that a believer is definitely a realist. This realist attitude is confirmed through an ontological commitment to the existence of God. However, the semantic construction of divinity is in the domain of mind and consciousness. The object of representation exists in a world independent of the mind, while the content of the representation exists within the influence and determination of the mind. This has consequences for the subject's plurality of meanings of the world. Regarding the theism-atheism dialogue pattern, this article offers a more analytical dialogue pattern, namely dialogue that is not theologically centric. This means that the debate is more directed at how to talk about God, not just about God's existence.
Applications of Automatic Writing Evaluation to Guide the Understanding of Learning and Teaching
Authors: Vitartas Peter , Heath James , Midford Sarah , Ong Kok-Leong , Alahakoon Damminda , Sullivan-Mort Gillian
Published: May 2024

This paper provides an overview of tools and approaches to Automated Writing Evaluation (AWE). It provides a summary of the two emerging disciplines in learning analytics then outlines two approaches used in text analytics. A number of tools currently available for AWE are discussed and the issues of validity and reliability of AWE tools examined. We then provide details of three areas where the future direction for AWE look promising and have been identified in the literature. These areas include opportunities for large-scale marking, their use in MOOCs and in formative feedback for students. We introduce a fourth opportunity previously not widely canvased; where learning analytics can be used to guide teachers' insights to provide assistance to students based on an analysis of the assignment corpus and to support moderation between markers. We conclude with brief details of a project exploring these insights being undertaken at an Australian institution.
Professional identity and teachers' learning technology adoption
Authors: Liu Qian , Geertshuis Susan
Published: May 2024

This paper reviews adopter-related antecedents of learning technology adoption by higher education teachers. We, drawing on findings from Management and Psychology, Computing, and Education, suggest an adopter-centered perspective on teachers' learning technology adoption and identify work-related, technology-related, and teaching-related antecedents, which reflect aspects of teachers' professional identity. We further argue that teachers' professional identity shapes their perception of innovation characteristics, which in turn affects learning technology adoption. The paper concludes by highlighting that future research and practice should explore aspects of professional identity in order to more fully explain learning technology adoption, and should facilitate the adoption process through addressing the reconstruction of professional identity.
No more lonely learning
Authors: Wicking Kristin , Knight Cecily , Bradey Scott , Lindsay David , Anderson Stephen
Published: May 2024

This study contributes to the literature on curriculum design for nursing education. Three fully online, postgraduate nursing subjects in a regional Australian university were re-designed using Salmon's Carpe Diem team-based, two-day intensive workshop process. An exploratory descriptive mixed methods design was used to evaluate both the process undertaken and the deliverables produced in this project. Workshop participants unanimously reported strongly positive experiences during the workshop itself, and both the teaching staff and the students enjoyed a positive, enthusiastic and engaged teaching and learning experience when the redesigned subjects were deployed. Student statistics regarding access to the subject website, and student performance in the subject, were both markedly improved when compared to prior offerings of the subjects. The Carpe Diem process was demonstrated to be fit for our purpose and context.
Student Behavioural Engagement in Self-Paced Online Learning
Authors: Mamun Md Abdullah , Lawrie Gwen , Wright Tony
Published: May 2024

It remains a challenge in online settings to engage students as independent learners without teacher presence. This has led to increasing attention investigating the factors influencing student engagement in this context. As part of a PhD study, this paper investigates students' behavioural engagement with online learning modules without teacher supervision or peer support. The study examines three key constructs of behavioural engagement: student engagement with the task, effort level the student applies to taskcompletion and finally, following instructions. First, the findings suggest that student engagement was high in 'video' and 'feedback' sections as compared to 'simulation' activities. Second, students invested high effort in task-completion when the learning modules were delivered with instructional guidance. Finally, non-visual learners exhibit more difficulty following instructions in unsupported online settings. The results of this study will contribute to the burgeoning research field promoting the development of online modules that encourage participation of diverse learners.
How to engage students in blended learning in a mathematics course
Authors: Loch Birgit , Borland Rosy , Sukhorukova Nadezda
Published: May 2024

Blended learning strategies are employed at many Australian universities to modernise teaching approaches. However, blended learning implementations may not take into account the views of students during the development process. In this paper, we discuss how students think we, as educators, can engage students in both face-to-face learning and online learning, as components of blended learning. We also report on student suggestions regarding how to build in opportunities to recover if a student has either missed a class, or not completed time-critical online work before coming to a class taught in flipped mode. These are two of a set of seven questions we posed two years ago at this conference, in the context of teaching mathematics in blended mode.
Harvesting the interface
Authors: Gregory Brent , Gregory Sue , Gregory Boahdan
Published: May 2024

What can we harvest from Pokémon Go? This is a conceptual paper about the use of Pokémon Go in Accounting and Education in higher education. The authors provide readers with an overview and context of Pokémon Go, then ways in which this disruptive technology can be used in educational settings. Outlined are ways in which the Pokémon Go app can be used as a tool to provide problem based learning, problem solving and a variety of other skills in the areas of accounting and education.
Moving forward with Digital Badges
Authors: Ifenthaler Dirk , Gibson David , Lewis Melinda , West Deborah , Beattie Scott , Coleman Kathryn , Flintoff Kim , Irving Leah , Lockley Alison , Lodge Jason
Published: May 2024

This symposium is based on a recently published edited volume 'Foundations of Digital Badges and Micro-Credentials' which aims to provide insight into how digital badges may enhance formal and informal education by focusing on technical design issues including organizational requirements, instructional design, and deployment. All panel members are contributors to the edited volume and will share their perspectives on (1) digital badges' impact on learning and assessment, (2) digital badges within instructional design and technological frameworks, and (3) the importance of stakeholders for the implementation of digital badges.