bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trends in the Applied Profiling of Research Institutes in Vilnius in 1945–1965
Authors:   Lithuanian Culture Research Institute, Juzefovičius Romualdas
Published: December 2024

Based on archival documents and published sources, the article attempts to identify and evaluate the main features of the process of establishing applied research institutes and organising their activities in Vilnius during the first two postwar decades. This period marked the formation of the
institutes’ organisational structure and formulation of the main directions of their activities. The developments of this period in the history of the research institutes can be attributed primarily to the efforts of the academic community in Vilnius to mobilise the scientific potential that had survived the postwar years and to plan research that was more relevant to the Lithuanian context
at a time of strict Soviet ideologisation and regulation of activities. In postwar Vilnius, applied research and studies were first initiated at the institutes of the then Health Commissariat. The postwar situation also meant that the research institutes established in Vilnius under the Academy of Sciences focused on applied and natural sciences. The structure and specialisation of these
institutions was based on the organisational model of the Academy of Sciences of the Soviet Union. However, the aim in Lithuania was to align research as much as possible to the needs of the region and to upgrade the qualifications of young Lithuanian scientists. The sources and published data discussed in this article reveal that the further specialisation of the main applied and theoretical research areas, pursued at the institutes of the Academy of Sciences, took place between 1956 and 1965.
Engineering Education in Ukraine and Europe (18th–Early 20th Century)
Authors:   National Technical University, Tverytnykova Elena , Heinemann Manfred ,   Leibniz Universität Hannover, Gutnyk Maryna ,   National Technical University
Published: December 2024

The article examines the system of engineering education in European countries, analyzing the formation of polytechnical education in France on the example of l'École Polytechnique (the Polytechnic School of Paris), which became the foundation of the French educational model
and influenced the subsequent development of engineering education not only in France but also in Europe. The article also highlights the process of preparing engineering professionals in Germany, one of the features of which was the introduction of vocational training. It was a type of study
separate from the general system, with funding coming from local budgets or private sponsors. This strengthened the role of technical universities, which focused not only on the transmission of accumulated knowledge but also on fostering motivation for learning and scientific activities. The curricula of technical universities gradually expanded to include components of physics, mechanics, mathematics, and chemistry.
The Story of Jacob Bolotin (1888–1924), the First Blind Physician
Authors:   University of Sannio, Mele Michele
Published: December 2024

Born in Chicago in 1888 to a family of Polish immigrants, Jacob Bolotin is a remarkable figure in the history of science. Despite being born completely blind and the many challenges he had to face in his youth, he managed to become a sought-after medical professional, an excellent pulmonologist, and the first blind physician in history. His story and activities remain highly inspirational
today, as they convey a powerful message about the importance of an inclusive environment and the potential of people with low or no sight.
РОЛЬ ДИХАЛЬНИХ ТЕХНІК ПІЛАТЕСУ В ПОКРАЩЕННІ ФУНКЦІЇ ДИХАЛЬНОЇ СИСТЕМИ ПАЦІЄНТІВ З ГІПЕРТЕНЗІЄЮ
Authors: Рисич Ю. М. , Мисула І. Р.
Published: December 2024

Вступ. Пілатес – популярна система фізичних вправ, яку розробив на початку XX ст. Джозеф Пілатес. До кінця століття пілатес став основою нового напряму фітнесу, відомого як Body&Mind. Він поєднує роботу розуму і тіла, що дозволяє досягти більшої ефективності в рухах та загальному фізичному розвит­ку. Сучасні види пілатесу активно інтегрують досягнення спортивної науки та медицини, що робить його ефективним засобом як загальної профілактики, так і реабілітації. Особливо цікавим є питання застосування пілатесу людьми із захворюваннями серцево-судинної системи, зокрема з артеріальною гіпертензією.
Мета роботи – проаналізувати дані літератури щодо впливу специфічних дихальних технік, які використовують у методиці пілатесу, на пацієнтів з артеріальною гіпертензією.
Основна частина. Пілатес – комплексна програма, спрямована на фізичне вдосконалення всього тіла. Порівняно з багатьма іншими техніками вона є високоефективною, особливо завдяки поєднанню фізичного навантаження з контролем дихання та концентрацією. Ця система вправ не тільки зміцнює м’язи, але і допомагає налагодити роботу серцево-судинної системи. Гіпертензія, що характеризується підвищенням артеріального тиску, є серйозним захворюванням, яке може призвести до виникнення таких ускладнень, як інсульти та інфаркти. Фізичні вправи як частина комплексної терапії відіграють важливу роль у контролі цього захворювання. Пілатес, завдяки своїм унікальним принципам, може стати ефективним засобом для поліпшення стану пацієнтів з гіпертонічною хворобою.
Висновки. Дихальні техніки пілатесу є ефективними в покращенні функції дихальної системи та зниженні артеріального тиску в пацієнтів з гіпертензією. Включення цих вправ до програми реабілітації може сприяти поліпшенню якості життя таких пацієнтів та слугувати корисним доповненням до традиційного лікування.
ПОРІВНЯЛЬНА ХАРАКТЕРИСТИКА ДОСТАВКОВИХ ПРИСТРОЇВ ДЛЯ ІНГАЛЯЦІЙНОГО ВВЕДЕННЯ ЛІКІВ ПАЦІЄНТАМ ІЗ ХРОНІЧНИМ ОБСТРУКТИВНИМ ЗАХВОРЮВАННЯМ ЛЕГЕНЬ ТА БРОНХІАЛЬНОЮ АСТМОЮ
Authors: Ільчишин О. В. , Рега Н. І.
Published: December 2024

Вступ. В останні десятиліття інгаляційна терапія набула якісно іншого рівня, що пов’язано із широким використанням більш досконалих додаткових пристроїв для інгаляційного введення ліків пацієнтам із хронічним обструктивним захворюванням легень та бронхіальною астмою. Доведено, що за рахунок прямої доставки лікарських засобів у дихальні шляхи мінімізується розвиток системних побічних ефектів.
Мета роботи – розглянути переваги та недоліки різних доставкових пристроїв для інгаляційної терапії, обґрунтувати доцільність модернізації компресорних інгаляторів з переведенням їх у режим генерації аерозолю відповідно до фаз дихального циклу.
Основна частина. Успіх інгаляційної терапії залежить не лише від правильного вибору лікарського препарату, але і від адекватного способу його доставки в дихальні шляхи. Основною метою цієї терапії є досягнення максимального місцевого терапевтичного ефекту в дихальних шляхах за незначних проявів або відсутності побічних ефектів. Але приблизно третина пацієнтів із бронхообструктивними захворюваннями виконує інгаляції із серйозними технічними помилками. Через неправильну техніку проведення інгаляцій препарат потрапляє в дихальні шляхи в недостатній кількості, що призводить до поганого контролю захворювання і частих загострень. Альтернативний метод доставки лікарських засобів – небулайзерна терапія. Завдяки цьому небулайзер є пристроєм вибору в дітей раннього віку і пацієнтів з тяжкими порушеннями функції дихання. Можливості небулайзерів різко розширили сферу застосування інгаляційної терапії. Однак суттєвими недоліками цих приладів є відносно великі розміри, необхідність джерела електроенергії та, нерідко, досить висока вартість. Крім того, використання маски збільшує втрати лікарського препарату, бо апарат працює у безперервному режимі, а вдих пацієнт робить непостійно. У свою чергу, це призводить до зниження ефективності лікування, небажаного подорожчання терапії через втрату дорогих препаратів, а також забруднення навколишнього середовища, що також може чинити небажаний вплив на оточуючих, медичний персонал, наприклад викликати алергічну реакцію.
Висновки. Інгаляційна терапія є сучасним та ефективним методом лікування більшості захворювань респіраторного тракту, оскільки дозволяє проводити місцеву терапію, доставляючи лікарські препарати безпосередньо в дихальні шляхи, підтримувати високу концентрацію діючих речовин безпосередньо у вогнищі запалення та зменшувати ризик виникнення системних побічних ефектів. Небулайзери мають переваги серед інших типів інгаляторів, однак існує також низка недоліків, усунення яких суттєво полегшить і покращить лікування хворих. Перспективною можна вважати розробку інгаляторів, здатних генерувати аерозоль відповідно до фаз дихального циклу пацієнтів.
Robust Pronoun Fidelity with English LLMs: Are they Reasoning, Repeating, or Just Biased?
Authors: Gautam Vagrant , Bingert Eileen , Zhu Dawei , Lauscher Anne , Klakow Dietrich
Published: December 2024

Robust, faithful, and harm-free pronoun use for individuals is an important goal for language model development as their use increases, but prior work tends to study only one or two of these characteristics at a time. To measure progress towards the combined goal, we introduce the task of pronoun fidelity: Given a context introducing a co-referring entity and pronoun, the task is to reuse the correct pronoun later. We present RUFF, a carefully designed dataset of over 5 million instances to measure robust pronoun fidelity in English, and we evaluate 37 model variants from nine popular families, across architectures (encoder-only, decoder-only, and encoder-decoder) and scales (11M-70B parameters). When an individual is introduced with a pronoun, models can mostly faithfully reuse this pronoun in the next sentence, but they are significantly worse with she/her/her, singular they, and neopronouns. Moreover, models are easily distracted by non-adversarial sentences discussing other people; even one sentence with a distractor pronoun causes accuracy to drop on average by 34 percentage points. Our results show that pronoun fidelity is not robust, in a simple, naturalistic setting where humans achieve nearly 100% accuracy. We encourage researchers to bridge the gaps we find and to carefully evaluate reasoning in settings where superficial repetition might inflate perceptions of model performance.
Evaluation of morphological traits in Trhypochthoniidae with focus on Allonothrus, and morphology-molecule conflict in classification and phylogeny of Nothrina (Acari: Oribatida)
Authors: NORTON ROY A. , ERMILOV SERGEY G.
Published: December 2024

The oribatid mite family Trhypochthoniidae exhibit the greatest collective ecological valence among the families of the middle-derivative infraorder Nothrina. Our objectives were: to examine poorly-known aspects of their morphology, with a focus on Allonothrus and a redescription of adult A. tuxtlasensis; to compare ontogenetic development of leg setation among the genera; and to test congruence between molecular and morphological inferences about relationships within Trhypochthoniidae and among Nothrina in general. New data on leg setal ontogeny are presented for Allonothrus giganticus, Archegozetes longisetosus and Trhypochthonius sp., and aspects of leg setation in the seven genera are compared. Collectively their setation is unique among Nothrina, particularly due to losses of certain fundamental tarsal setae. In a broad analysis of oribatid mite tibiae I and II, we propose that ancestral seta cʺ is usually present on I and often present also on II, but in most instances it has been given the notation lʺ or vʺ by analogy. An unusual diversity of subcapitular structure in Trhypochthoniidae gives insight into evolutionary transitions and terminological problems.
Overall, there is little congruence between morphology-based phylogenetic trees (or classifications) and published molecular trees, with the following conclusions being most salient. Most molecular studies do not support a monophyletic Malaconothroidea but neither do they present a consistent picture of relationships of the two included families. Monophyly of Trhypochthoniidae (sensu lato) was generally supported—rendering moot the separation of monogeneric families Allonothridae, Mucronothridae and Trhypochthoniellidae—but their sister-group was inconsistent. Malaconothridae, also consistently monophyletic, usually were recovered as more basal in Nothrina. Considering their unusual shared narrow ventrosejugal articulation and a significant set of uncommon regressive characters, it seems reasonable to retain the two families in Malaconothroidea, pending more compelling molecular data. The distribution of apomorphies in a set of 23 morphological characters does not support molecular trees of trhypochthoniid genera. Trhypochthoniellus and Afronothrus are the most apomorphic genera, Trhypochthonius the least.
Twenty-four molecular phylogeny studies with relevant representation are collectively inconclusive as to whether Nothrina is a paraphyletic (as usually perceived) or monophyletic group. Surprisingly, Hermanniidae were consistently recovered as relatively basal or even outside Nothrina, not as the sister-group of Brachypylina. Nanhermanniidae were consistently associated with Crotoniidae, and their unique morphology may be paedomorphic.
Allonothrus giganticus Haq, 1978 is considered a senior subjective synonym of Allonothrus pararusseolus Subías & Sarkar, 1982 from Tripura, India (new synonymy).
The Home-Built Environment of Children With Medical Complexity
Authors: Batson Lora , Donohue Pamela K. , Jarrah Mona-Esmat , Smith Brandon M. , Nalda Caitlin , Seltzer Rebecca R.
Published: December 2024

This study aimed to describe the home-built environment of children with medical complexity (CMC) using novel photovoice methodology. Parents/guardians of CMC uploaded and discussed photographs of their home environment through semi-structured interviews. Conventional content analysis was applied to interview transcripts embedded with corresponding photographs. All participants modified their home environment to optimize the health, function, and well-being of the child and family; extent of modifications varied. Two main themes and subthemes characterized the home-built environment: (1) replicating hospital function and structure: ensuring accessibility, promoting safety, optimizing organization of supplies, and equipment and (2) maintaining a sense of home: self-expression, entertaining, family participation, and comfort. Elements of hospital structure and function and traditional home aesthetics and utility were equally important to families, the interplay between both facets informed modifications. By understanding the home-built environment, pediatric providers can more holistically support the health and well-being of CMC and their caregivers.
Loneliness in older persons with schizophrenia
Authors: Patterson Tess , Sajjadi Fatemeh , Hobbs Linda , Barak Yoram
Published: December 2024

Background:

In tandem with the rise in numbers of older adults in the general population, more people with schizophrenia (PwS) are also living longer. This vulnerable population has several trajectories of ageing driven by a number of social determinants of health, including the experience of loneliness and they may be more at risk of experiencing loneliness.

Aim:

This study aimed to examine demographic, psychosocial and clinical variables and their relative contribution to the loneliness of older PwS (OPwS) in a large New Zealand community sample.

Method:

New Zealanders 65 years and older who completed their first interRAI assessment during the study period were included. Data from 1,883 OPwS participants was analysed [mean age, 75.1 + 7.7 years; 1,132 (60.3%) females]. The majority were of European ethnicity (64.8%; Māori 15.7%, Pacifica 5.7%) and only a minority were married (20.6%). Chi-square analysis was used to examine relationships between loneliness and demographic and psychosocial variables. Logistic regression was used to measure the relative contribution of these variables to loneliness.

Results:

Being lonely was reported for 25.9% of OPwS, a significantly higher rate than that reported in the general population of people over 65 years-of-age. A relationship with loneliness was found for marital status, depression and living arrangements but not gender, ethnicity or social engagement. Co-morbid depression and not being in a marital-type partnership were identified as significant predictors of being lonely. Conversely, living with someone predicted being not lonely.

Conclusions:

Older community dwelling PwS experience higher rates of loneliness than older adults in a general population. Addressing loneliness, as well as its correlates, co-morbid depressive symptoms and living arrangements, is crucial to supporting the wellbeing of OPwS.
Dovish Hawks: How Leaders’ Combat Experience Influences the End of Civil Conflicts in Peace Agreements
Authors: Tappe Ortiz Juliana
Published: December 2024

Who are the leaders who end civil wars through peace agreements? I theorize that the prior combat experience of a state leader is an important life experience with direct relevance for how leaders evaluate conflict outcomes. Combat experience increases sensitivity to human losses and gives the state leader a hawkish reputation, increasing internal support, boosting their risk-tolerance, and convincing the rebel leader to take the leader seriously. Using a nested research design, I show that civil wars are more likely to terminate in peace agreements when the leader in charge knows the battlefield. I supplement the quantitative analysis of all state leaders in civil conflicts from 1989 to 2015 with a qualitative pathway case of Indonesia’s President Yudhoyono. These findings expand upon insights on leaders’ attributes indicating that prior combat experience has different effects on potential conflict outcomes in intrastate than in international wars.
Interventional treatment of right lower lobe bronchial schwannoma under bronchoscopy: A case report and literature review
Authors: Li Xiyue , Yu Ximiao , Luo Ruiqi , Wang Xun
Published: December 2024

Bronchial schwannoma is a rare benign tumor traditionally managed through surgical resection. This case report describes a 69-year-old Chinese woman with an asymptomatic bronchial schwannoma incidentally discovered during routine health check-up. Computed tomography (CT) and bronchoscopy revealed a broad-based mass (27 mm × 16 mm) at the right lower lobe bronchus, causing complete obstruction of the dorsal segment and severe stenosis (>80%) of the basal segment. Histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses confirmed the diagnosis of schwannoma. The patient underwent a single-session multimodal bronchoscopic treatment combining cryotherapy, high-frequency electrocoagulation, and laser therapy, with minimal bleeding (<5 ml). Post-intervention evaluation showed a fully patent right lower lobe bronchus, and at 8-month follow-up, CT confirmed complete resolution without tumor recurrence. This case demonstrates that carefully planned bronchoscopic intervention can effectively manage selected cases of bronchial schwannoma while preserving lung function and minimizing procedural risks.
Exploring Transfer: A Liberal Arts Program for Community College Students
Authors: Tesfamariam Biniam , Gullick Charlotte C. , Maragh Taylor Wendy , Bjork Christopher , Bradley Elizabeth H.
Published: December 2024

Objective: Although most community college students intend to transfer to a 4-year college, few ultimately do. We sought to assess how student experiences of the Exploring Transfer (ET) program influenced transfer rates. The ET program was offered by a private, 4-year liberal arts college. Methods: We used data from a cross-sectional survey of students who completed the ET program between 2008 and 2021 and could be reached by email (87% or N = 318 had valid email addresses). We collected data on sociodemographic characteristics, educational outcomes, and perceptions of the value of ET, as well as an open-ended item asking respondents how ET influenced their subsequent educational, employment, and life trajectory. We employed logistic regression to explore factors associated with 4-year completion rates. We used the constant comparative method to identify recurrent themes from the open-ended responses. Results: About 70% of the respondents ( N = 146, response rate of 46%) had completed their baccalaureate degree, and an additional 15% were either currently enrolled or accepted and planning to enroll in 4-year college. We found most graduates strongly valued their experience, and students of color were more likely to have completed their 4-year degree. Emergent themes pertained to instrumental and logistical support, critical thinking and writing skills, and psychosocial factors that enabled subsequent 4-year degree completion. Conclusion: Four-year degree completion rates were substantial among ET graduates. Scaling up the use of ET-like programs in additional institutions—perhaps as part of a national strategy to increase community college student transfer rates—could help students realize the benefits of a 4-year degree.
Enhancing printability and sustainability in three-dimensional-printing of challenging polymers by integrating an easy-to-print polymer raft
Authors: Bhandarkar Vivek V , Bose Sandeep , Gupta Ankit Kumar , Tandon Puneet
Published: December 2024

Extrusion-based additive manufacturing has revolutionized the production of complex polymer parts by offering a wide range of customization options. However, warping is a persistent issue, especially with materials such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, which have unique solidification properties. This work presents a new method to reduce warping by using a base material with strong adhesion properties and optimizing two key variables, that is, raft weight and model weight. The experiments were carried out using an open-chamber Cartesian three-dimensional printer and designed based on the Taguchi design of experiments. Polylactic acid was selected as the base (raft) material for its strong adhesion to the build plate. The analysis of variance revealed that raft weight significantly impacts warping, contributing 83.80%, while model weight accounts for 14.82%. The regression model showed a high correlation between these factors and warping, with an “ R2” value of 98.63%. This method enhances the printability of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene by improving the adhesion of the initial layers, leading to a significant reduction in warping. Additionally, energy consumption analysis revealed that this approach reduces energy consumption by 24.11% in comparison to traditional methods and minimizes material waste, promoting more sustainable additive manufacturing practices.
Transparency and Authority Concerns with Using AI to Make Ethical Recommendations in Clinical Settings
Authors: Byrnes Jeffrey , Robinson Michael
Published: December 2024

In response to recent proposals to utilize artificial intelligence (AI) to automate ethics consultations in healthcare, we raise two main problems for the prospect of having healthcare professionals rely on AI-driven programs to provide ethical guidance in clinical matters. The first cause for concern is that, because these programs would effectively function like black boxes, this approach seems to preclude the kind of transparency that would allow clinical staff to explain and justify treatment decisions to patients, fellow caregivers, and those tasked with providing oversight. The other main problem is that the kind of authority that would need to be given to the guidance issuing from these programs in order to do the work set out for them would mean that clinical staff would not be empowered to provide meaningful safeguards against it in those cases when its recommendations are morally problematic.
Assessing the prevalence of personality pathology in Australian psychiatric emergency care centres: A feasibility study
Authors: Nguyen Yvonne , Glozier Nick , Huber Jacqueline
Published: December 2024

Objectives

To assess feasibility and acceptability of self-report measures in estimating prevalence of measurable personality disorder (PD) pathology in a Psychiatric Emergency Care Centre (PECC) unit.

Method

Patients meeting eligibility criteria admitted to an inner-city PECC unit were invited to complete the (1) Standardised Assessment of Personality – Abbreviated Scale (SAPAS), (2) Personality Inventory of DSM-5 Brief Form (PID-5-BF), and (3) Level of Personality Functioning Scale – Brief Form 2.0 (LPFS-BF-2.0).

Results

There were 24 participants – 80% of invited patients but only 51% of eligible patients and 21% of total PECC inpatients. Barriers to recruitment included: not meeting eligibility criteria, rapid discharge, and high workload. All participants completed the self-report measures. There was a very high prevalence of likely PD (87.5%) (SAPAS), personality trait dysfunction (87.5%) (PID-5-BF) and impaired personality functioning (91.7%) (LPFS-BF 2.0) but there was a low rate of agreement between discharge summary diagnoses and self-report measures.

Conclusions

Using self-report measures to assess PD pathology in a PECC unit was acceptable and may improve discharge summary diagnosis accuracy. Logistical challenges may limit this approach unless it can be embedded in routine care measures. Having accurate prevalence estimates would enable appropriate research, treatment and resourcing in PECCs.
Effects of frames and incentives on prosociality in the lab. Comparing abstract and realistic scenarios
Authors: Barrera Davide , Romanò Sara , Bocca Giulia
Published: December 2024

This study presents two experiments investigating how frames and incentives – both monetary and non-monetary – affect prosocial behavior. In Experiment 1, the decision consisted of a one-shot dictator game and two factors were manipulated in a 2x3 factorial design: normative frame (present/absent) and incentives (none/monetary/nonmonetary). In Experiment 2, we manipulated the same two factors in a more realistic scenario, consisting of a real effort task, and measured prosocial behavior in terms of donations of both time invested in the task and material resources. Results suggest that the effects of frames and incentives depend on the context. The exposure to a normative frame increases prosocial behavior in Experiment 1, while in Experiment 2 the presence of a normative frame increases donations of time but not of material resources. By contrast, in both experiments, participants’ material donations were higher when non-monetary incentives were given, but we found no differences in donations of time between types of incentives in experiment 2.
Self-Reported Cervical Cancer Screening Uptake Among Women of Reproductive Age in Zambia: Evidence from the 2021 Zambia Population-Based HIV Impact Assessment (ZAMPHIA) Survey
Authors: Lubeya Mwansa Ketty , Sinyani Angela , Mukosha Moses , Lindsay Brianna , Mumbula Enock Mulowa , Agbakwuru Chinedu , Daka Bwalya , Nowak Rebecca G. , Ehoche Akipu , Mulundu Gina
Published: December 2024

Background

Despite Zambia implementing the World Health Organisation's (WHO) tri-pillar cervical cancer prevention goals 90-70-90 Prevent, Screen, and Treat, cervical cancer claims 2000 lives annually and reigns as the most common cancer among women, especially those living with HIV (WLHIV). Our study describes the national uptake of screening and treatment from the ZAMPHIA 2021 survey.

Methods

Utilising a two-stage cluster sampling approach, the study included participants aged 15 years and older across Zambia’s ten provinces. Data were collected on demographic traits, reproductive history, sexual behaviour, and cervical cancer prevention using a structured questionnaire, and HIV was diagnosed from biological samples. Women aged 15-49 were eligible for inclusion in the analysis. The primary outcome of interest was whether a woman self-reported being screened for cervical cancer. Sociodemographic characteristics were calculated for categorical variables using the SAS proc surveyfreq procedure, producing both raw and weighted estimates. The weighted estimates and their variance were generated using jackknife replicate weights for each record.

Results

Of the 8801 surveyed women, 22.2% reported undergoing cervical cancer screening, the majority being aged between 35-49 years. Cervical cancer screening uptake was more likely among compared to HIV negative counterparts (aOR = 3.92, 95% CI: 3.10, 4.95), those aged 25-34 years (aOR = 1.76, 95% CI: 1.42, 2.21) or 35-49 years (aOR = 2.65, 95% CI: 2.11, 3.33) than younger and those with 1-4 (aOR = 2.16, 95% CI: 1.54, 3.02) or more than 5 live births (aOR = 1.98, 95% CI: 1.37, 2.87) than none. Marital status, WLHIV, education, and parity were other factors significantly associated with screening.

Conclusion

We report low cervical cancer screening uptake compared to the 70% target of WHO. The WHO’s call for bolstered strategies and efforts to increase cervical cancer screening and treatment is timely and urgent. Therefore, ongoing messaging and health education among all women is key.
Participatory assessment in higher education: a case study of university students in education / Evaluación participativa en la educación superior: un estudio de caso de estudiantes universitarios en Educación
Authors: Sanahuja Aida , Escobedo Paula , Traver Joan A. , García Estefanía
Published: December 2024

Introducing assessment as learning content from a participatory perspective and not only as a qualification tool is a challenge and a pending subject in Spanish universities. Therefore, the aim was to: (1) describe the participatory assessment methods and the tools used by the teachers; (2) inquire about the conditions that facilitate and hinder the assessment practices analysed in higher education; and (3) analyse the proposals for improvement of the assessment practices implemented by the faculty. The methodological design is based on a qualitative approach, characteristic of the interpretive paradigm. More specifically, it is a case study. The results indicate that the students’ participation in the assessment process is an essential issue in their academic training and for their professional future in the educational field since the fact of facilitating their reflection on the educational process enables critical awareness and self-regulation.
Measuring factors associated with telehealth use by people who use mental health services: A psychometric analysis of a theoretical domains framework questionnaire
Authors: Wilson Jessica , Heinsch Milena , Buykx Penny , Ticker Campbell , Gupta Rahul , Clancy Richard , Brosnan Caragh , Wilson Rhonda , Rutherford Jennifer , Sampson Dara , Paolucci Francesco , Kay-Lambkin Frances
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Telehealth has the potential to improve access to mental health care, especially for people living in rural and remote regions. Yet, telehealth accessibility remains a challenge in Australia, and there is a scarcity of appropriate, psychometrically sound tools for evaluating telehealth use by mental health service users. The aim of this study was to adapt and validate a scale for measuring factors associated with mental healthcare telehealth use.

Methods

A 39-item scale was adapted from the Theoretical Domains Framework questionnaire (TDFQ); a 14-domain framework for measuring implementation of evidence-based practice in health research and service delivery. Since use of the TDFQ in the service user and telehealth space is novel, we adapted and piloted the TDFQ using a rigorous and iterative consultation process and analysis. The study sample included 208 people who use mental health services (52% male). Preliminary analysis identified 32-items for inclusion in the exploratory factor analysis. Internal reliability and construct validity were also analysed.

Results

The resulting 21-item telehealth adaption of the TDFQ includes four factors, each with good internal reliability: satisfaction and habit (6 items), knowledge and training (5 items), benefit and value (6 items), and emotionality (4 items). Both the total scale and individual factors were positively associated with telehealth use.

Discussion

The telehealth adaption of the TDFQ is a psychometrically sound tool for assessing factors associated with the use of telehealth by people who use mental health services.
Enforcement of international human rights law: A comparative exploration of alternative public opinion channels
Authors: Burcu Bayram A , Keels Eric , Tokdemir Efe
Published: December 2024

The existing scholarship implies different mechanisms for the enforcement of international human rights law through the domestic public opinion channel. In this research, we investigate the comparative influence of these alternative mechanisms in a cross-country setting. Using data from original survey experiments from the United States, Germany, and Turkey, we show that public concerns over human rights violations in foreign countries are highly politicised by strategic political relationships. Our results provide a fuller account of the specific micro-mechanisms through which the domestic public opinion channel most effectively constrains government action in enforcing international human rights law. Our findings suggest that naming and shaming by informing the public about the international human rights law violations in foreign states may not provide a consistent and reliable check, as the public defines punishment strategically based on political alliances and interests over legal context.
The theoretical wedding of computational propaganda and information operations: Unraveling digital manipulation in conflict zones
Authors: Haile Yirgalem A
Published: December 2024

This study explores the theoretical fusion of computational propaganda and information operations in the Tigray war, centering on algorithmic manipulation techniques. Utilizing theoretical frameworks of agenda-setting theory, framing, and information ecology, the study formulates three hypotheses. Employing a multidisciplinary approach, it integrates qualitative and quantitative methods, leveraging tools such as Twitter API (X), twerc, NVivo, Botometer, and Rstat within the Netnographic method. The analysis reveals temporal dynamics of new account infiltrations on Twitter during war, emphasizing their engagement in hashtag campaigns for information/influence operations. A surge in new account creation coinciding with the war’s onset is identified, along with the strategic deployment of political bots within these accounts for algorithmic manipulation. The findings affirm that the theoretical intertwining of computational propaganda and information operations manifests through social media’s agenda-setting and framing effects. The study significantly contributes to the discourse on information warfare in contemporary conflicts by unraveling the intricate web of digital manipulation during the Tigray war.
Cross-platform sensitivity and algorithmic adaptability: How transnational creators navigate algorithms across Chinese and US-based platforms
Authors: Meng Ziying
Published: December 2024

Social media content creators and influencers increasingly use multiple platforms to mitigate the risk of (in)visibility in the volatile algorithmic environment. This article focuses on transnational creators’ algorithmic knowledge and practices across Chinese and US-based platforms. Drawing on in-depth interviews, participant-led walkthroughs and online observation with transnational creators, this research finds that creators learn each platform’s algorithmic preferences through ‘cross-platform sensitivity’, which also informs their practices of ‘algorithmic adaptability’ in the ever-changing platform environment. Creators’ cross-platform sensitivity and algorithmic adaptability show forms of everyday resistance to survive and cope with algorithmic power in the precarious multiplatform environment.
Do public attitudes on gender equality affect candidate selection in proportional representation systems? Evidence from European Parliament elections
Authors: Däubler Thomas , Lühiste Maarja , Chiru Mihail
Published: December 2024

A shift in public attitudes towards gender equality may explain improvements we have witnessed in women’s descriptive representation. However, existing studies rely on cross-sectional comparisons, likely beset with confounding problems. To examine the causal effect of public attitudes on candidate selection, we draw on data from more than 10,000 candidacies across four European Parliament elections (1999–2014). Using a difference-in-differences approach, we compare nomination decisions in countries with major attitude changes between elections to those in the control group. We find no evidence that shifts towards more egalitarian gender attitudes lead to an increase in women candidates, neither overall nor in subgroups by electoral system or socio-cultural party positions. The heterogeneity of effects across time and space appears to be a plausible explanation for our findings.
Exploration of ultra-low carbon heavy-duty commercial vehicle technology: Liquid ammonia-diesel dual fuel high-pressure direct injection
Authors: Mi Shijie , Shi Zhongrui , Zhang Jinhe , Wu Haoqing , Qian Yong , Lu Xingcai
Published: December 2024

Ammonia (NH3) has attracted substantial interest as a potential carbon-free fuel source for engine applications. The high-pressure ammonia direct injection is believed a way for higher efficiency. However, only a limited number of experimental studies have been conducted on direct-injection ammonia-fueled engines. In this study, a novel ammonia-diesel dual direct-injection compression-ignition engine was constructed and tested under high-load conditions. The results demonstrated that ammonia fuel combustion was advantageous in high-load situations, achieving a high carbon reduction of 75%. The indicated thermal efficiency (ITE) could be increased to 51.6% at an indicated mean effective pressure (IMEP) of 14 bar by employing a diesel pilot-injection strategy and increasing the pilot-injection ratio to 98%. Moreover, the diesel pilot-injection strategy at high load conditions also decreased unburned ammonia and nitrous oxide emissions. The lowest NH3 and N2O emissions were reduced to 2.1 g/kWh and 0.67 g/kWh. Under high-load conditions of IMEP = 16 bar, employing a diesel pilot-injection strategy increased AER to 73% while maintaining high efficiency. When AER was further increased to 84%, the ITE showed a noticeable decline, and unburned ammonia emissions increased accordingly.
Re-enchanting sustainable consumption: Cultural intermediaries, charisma, and fashion
Authors: Scott Michael , Szili Gerti , de la Fuente Eduardo
Published: December 2024

Cultural intermediaries play an essential role in shaping the ‘moral textures’ of sustainable consumption. Drawing on Bourdieu and Weber’s cultural sociologies of religious personas, this article analyses how cultural intermediaries deploy different charismatic modalities in the field of fashion to advocate for sustainable consumption. Using illustrative methods and media examples, we illuminate how ‘prophetic’ taste influencers, ‘ascetic’ producers of upcycled fashion, ‘priestly’ secondhand clothing recyclers, and ‘mystic’ guides to minimalist lifestyles deploy these ideal-typical charismatic performances to frame, albeit unstable, re-enchanting affinities between the domains of sustainable production, circulation, and consumption. We suggest that via such charisma sustainable fashion consumption gestures towards the formation of neo-confessional identities, further symbolizing the possibility of individual and collective salvation of humanity through an elect group of sustainable consumers. We conclude by proposing a research agenda focused on how the different tensions present in the charisma-sustainability-consumption nexus are best addressed through a cultural sociological framework.
Folic Acid-Decorated Chitosan-PLGA Nanobiopolymers for Targeted Drug Delivery to Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Cells: In Vitro Studies
Authors: Ramezani Fatemeh , Moghadasi Maryam , Shamsasenjan Karim , Narmani Asghar
Published: December 2024

Objectives

This study developed a drug delivery system (DDS) using folic acid (FA)-functionalized chitosan (CS) and poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanocarriers for targeted sodium butyrate (NB) delivery to leukemia cells (NALM6). The goal was to enhance NB's therapeutic efficacy while reducing its cytotoxicity to non-malignant cells.

Methods

FA-CS-PLGA nanocarriers were synthesized and characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential analysis, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Encapsulation efficiency, release kinetics, cytotoxicity, and apoptosis induction were assessed using MTT assays and flow cytometry in NALM6 cells.

Results

The FA-CS-PLGA nanocarriers had a surface charge of 34.2 ± 0.12 mV and a size range of 40–60 nm. Encapsulation efficiency was 16%, with 16% of NB released within the first 4 h. MTT assays showed a reduction in leukemia cell viability to 26% after 24 h with 400 nM FA-CS-PLGA-NB, compared to over 50% viability with pure NB. The IC50 was around 300 nM. Flow cytometry revealed that FA-CS-PLGA-NB induced apoptosis in over 20% of leukemia cells, far exceeding the 5% induced by unmodified NB.

Conclusion

FA-CS-PLGA nanocarriers show significant promise as a targeted DDS for leukemia therapy, enhancing NB delivery to leukemia cells and improving therapeutic efficacy while minimizing off-target toxicity. These results support further in vivo studies and potential clinical applications.
A novel antibacterial surgical face mask with green synthesized Zinc Oxide nanoparticles and Azadirachta Indica extract
Authors: Qadir Muhammad Bilal , Muhammad Awais Rao , Ali Zulfiqar , Khaliq Zubair , Arshad Salman Noshear , Alkorbi Ali S. , Jalalah Mohammed , Alsareii Saeed A , Faisal Mohd , Harraz Farid A
Published: December 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a greater need for non-transmissible products like face masks, which are effective in preventing the spread of the virus but come with challenges such as reduced breathability and biohazard waste. This study addressed these issues by integrating green-synthesized zinc oxide particles and Azadirachta indica extract into nonwoven face masks. Eight samples were developed using the needle punching nonwoven method and then calendared. These samples were coated with varying levels of A. indica extract (0, 15, and 30 wt.%) and ZnO particles (0, 2, and 4 wt.%) using the dip and dry method. Comparative analyses were performed with market-available masks (MA) and untreated masks (US) for air permeability, thermal resistance, tensile behavior, and antimicrobial efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus. The untreated masks had the highest air permeability at 826 mm/s, which decreased with higher A. indica and ZnO concentrations. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images confirmed even distribution of ZnO particles. Thermal resistance and tensile properties were directly linked to A. indica and ZnO concentrations. The sample treated with 30 wt.% A. indica and 4% ZnO showed the highest thermal resistance (0.042 m2K/W), elongation (92% CD, 84% MD), and tenacity (0.93 g/tex CD, 0.87 g/tex MD). Increased A. indica and ZnO concentrations demonstrated significant antimicrobial activity, with a maximum zone of inhibition of 8.03 mm recorded at 30 wt.% A. indica and 4 wt.% ZnO particles. These findings suggest potential applications for developing surgical facemasks with improved efficacy.
Gourmet Burgers and Classifications of Highbrow–Lowbrow Hybrids: Middle-Class Consumers’ Perspectives on McDonald’s Burgers Designed by Michelin Chefs
Authors: Leer Jonatan , Hoff-Jørgensen Camilla
Published: December 2024

Boundaries between highbrow and lowbrow products and practices of consumption are blurring, notably in food consumption. In this article, we want to understand how consumers experience and make sense of products that are seen as uniting highbrow and lowbrow by authoritative voices in the field. We focus on gourmet burgers and more specifically the case of McDonald’s collaboration with Michelin chefs in Denmark and the attitudes of middle-class consumers towards this collaboration and its products. Empirically, we demonstrate that consumers, in theory, are very favourable towards food products that transgress the highbrow–lowbrow distinction. At the same time, understandings and evaluations vary. The majority of consumers are favourable, while a minority are strongly negative. These perceptions are strongly shaped by consumers’ initial perception of the collaboration. The favourable informants see it as a fun experiment while those who are critical see it as a fake branding strategy. Via a comparison to another gourmet burger, the NOMA cheeseburger, served at one of the world’s best restaurants, we further suggest distinguishing between highbrow and lowbrow transgression of the highbrow–lowbrow divide. We argue that while both seem legitimate for consumers, it seems that highbrow transgressions confer more status to the consumer. However, in both cases, there is a risk that consumers are disappointed and experience a mismatch between expectations and the tangible product. Finally, we posit that consuming lowbrow–highbrow hybrids differs from what has been labelled ironic consumption, for example, lowbrow products consumed by highbrow consumers in an ironic manner, because highbrow–lowbrow hybrids connect objects and actors from antithetical spheres in the object of consumption. We argue that the focus on highbrow–lowbrow hybrids offers a new lens to study fields of cultural consumption and how consumers subjectively make sense of fields and their dynamics and position themselves via sense-making narratives and taste judgements.
Circulating MiR-126 as a potential biomarker in Egyptian colorectal cancer patients: A case-control study
Authors: Ghorab Rasha Ahmed , Fouad Shaimaa H. , Sherief Ahmed F. , Taha Rana M. , Hamdy Marwa , Darwish Mohammad M. , El-Sehsah Eman M. , Taha Sara I.
Published: December 2024

Background

Globally, colorectal cancer (CRC) is among the most prevalent malignant tumors. It is characterized by unlimited proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. MicroRNA-126 (miR-126) has been shown in many studies to play a significant role in CRC, but data regarding its role in CRC Egyptian patients are limited.

Objectives

This case-control study aimed to investigate the miR-126 as a potential marker in CRC Egyptian patients and to correlate its expression levels with CRC tumor, node, metastasis (TNM) stage, distant metastasis, and tumor size.

Methods

The study included 50 adult Egyptian participants (30 patients with CRC, 10 patients with colorectal adenoma as a pathological control, and 10 healthy controls). MiR-126 expression levels were detected using Real-Time Quantitative PCR (qPCR) along with the endogenous reference gene hsa-miR-103a in all participants.

Results

MiR-126 expression was significantly decreased in CRC patients than both control groups. It was associated with advanced TNM stage ( p = 0.001) and distant metastasis ( p = 0.002). However, it was not correlated with tumor size ( p = 0.980), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) ( p = 0.397), and cancer antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) ( p = 0.236). The best cut-off point of miR-126 to discriminate CRC from both controls was 0.7 and to discriminate metastatic CRC from non-metastatic CRC was 0.3.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that miR-126 could be used as an early marker for CRC detection among Egyptian patients and a good prognostic indicator associated with metastasis.