bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Significance of substrate selection in efficiency of wastewater treatment in constructed wetlands (CW)
Authors: Didanovic Snezana , Vrhovsek Danijel
Published: April 2023

Ecoremediation achieves a high level of wastewater treatment and the quality that meets the prescribed standard defined by legislation on wastewater discharge in Montenegro, as well as the standard defined by EU Directive 91/271/EEC. Limitation in the application of constructed wetlands (CW) is large area requirement, which limits the application. The subject matter of this research is to check the possibility of reducing the required area for the constructed wetlands (CW) by using an adequate substrate under the conditions in Montenegro and by verification of adequate primary treatment. The constructed wetland (CW) has the vertical flow system and the role of secondary wastewater treatment in this experiment, receiving water from the existing WWTP in Podgorica, after the primary treatment. The primary treatment at the existing WWTP is done for the purpose of removal of coarse material on coarse and fine screens, removal of inert material in aerated sand traps, and removal of sediment and suspended matter in primary sedimentation tanks. In this experiment: vertical flow systems CW 1, represents the experience of Slovenija, CW 2, represents the experience of Austria and CW 3, represents the experience of Italy. Measurements to date show that the substrate plays an important role and that wastewater treatment efficacy (COD, BOD5, TSS) and varies significantly with respect to the type of substrate in the cionditions of Montenegro.
Feasibility study of pharyngeal constrictor muscle sparing in proton radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma based on MRI/CT fusion image
Authors: Zou Jingmin , Kong Chao , Wang Huadong , Wu Qiang , Yin Yong , Ma Changsheng
Published: April 2023

Background/Purpose: Radiotherapy (RT) for head and neck tumors did not limit the dose of pharyngeal constrictor muscle (PCM) as organs at risk (OARs). This study is to segment the PCM using magnetic resonance (MR) and CT fusion images and investigate the feasibility and dosimetric characteristics of PCM sparing in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) proton radiotherapy.
Methods: We collected CT and MR simulation images of 20 patients with NPC retrospectively. The PCM was contoured on the MR and CT fusion images. And it was divided into superior pharyngeal constrictor muscle (PCM-s), middle pharyngeal constrictor muscle (PCM-m) and inferior pharyngeal constrictor muscle (PCM-i) according to anatomical structure. Four RT plans were created for each patient, which included intensity-modulated photon therapy (IMRT), PCM sparing IMRT (IMRT-S), intensity-modulated proton therapy (IMPT), and PCM sparing IMPT (IMPT-S). Various dosimetric parameters among the four plans were compared.
Result: The four plans can meet the target coverage rate. CI, HI of IMPT and IMPT-S were significantly lower than IMRT and IMRT-S (p<0.05). There was no statistical difference in dosimertic parameters of the PCM-s, PCM-m and PCM-i between IMRT and IMPT (p>0.05). However, compared with IMRT, for PCM-s, IMRT-S and IMPT-S reduced the Dmean, Dmax, V50, V60, V65 by 3.9 Gy, 2.1Gy, 0.3%, 0.8%, 17.5%, 24.3% and 10.7 Gy, 4.6 Gy, 9.4%, 33.8%, 34.3%, 37.4% respectively; For PCM-m, they respectively reduced 4.4 Gy, 4 Gy, 22.5%, 3.4%, 7.1%, 0.4% and 10.1 Gy, 10.3Gy, 66.5%, 22.7%, 7.8%, 4.0%; For PCM-i, they respectively reduced 5 Gy, 6.1 Gy, 67.3%, 4.4%, 0.3%, 0% and 17.2 Gy, 17.5 Gy, 95.6%, 6.6%, 0.3%, 0% (p<0.05). IMPT-S had the best sparing for PCM.
Conclusions: IMRT for NPC has demonstrated reduction in PCM dose while using PCM as
an OAR in the optimization. However, IMPT for NPC can achieve optimal PCM sparing. We
recommend that PCM should be contoured as an OAR for NPC to reduce the probability of complications associated with dysphagia and improve overall survival (OS) rate of patients while there is no compromise on target dose coverage and other OARs dose.
Evaluation of the effects of halloysite nanotubes on physical, mechanical, and biological properties of polyhydroxy butyrate electrospun scaffold for cartilage tissue engineering applications
Authors: Ghadirian Sepideh , Karbasi Saeed
Published: April 2023

Nano clay, such as halloysite nanotubes (HTN), has recently become a popular additive for improving the physicochemical properties of polymeric scaffolds used in tissue engineering. The present study applied 1-7 wt.% HNT to fabricate polyhydroxy butyrate (PHB)/HNT fibrous scaffolds via electrospinning for cartilage regeneration. Our results indicate that the scaffold containing 5 wt.% HNT (P-5H) represents superior properties compared to PHB. Morphological studies showed that HNT incorporation decreased fiber diameter from 1017 ± 295.95 nm to 878.66 ± 128 nm. Also, HNT improved the scaffold's mechanical properties in terms of ultimate strength and strain by 92% and 46% respectively. Moreover, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) evaluations confirmed that HNT had increased crystallinity from 42.9% to 48.2%. Furthermore, the analysis of atomic force microscopy (AFM) revealed that HNT has significantly increased surface roughness. According to our findings, HNT enhanced the structure's resistance to degradation, which would benefit cartilage regeneration as a slow-healing tissue. Additionally, MTT analysis revealed that chondrocytes proliferated and grew with an increasing trend on the P-5H scaffold over seven days, which indicates HNT biocompatibility. All of these results suggest P-5H scaffolds' promising application for cartilage tissue engineering.
Research on the dynamic pressure effect of clearance oil film of stepped hydrostatic thrust bearing
Authors: Yu Xiaodong , Feng Yanan , Jiang Hui , Gao Weicheng , Shi Guangqiang , Dai Ruichun , Jia Wentao , Wang Junfeng , Jiao Jianhua
Published: April 2023

The dynamic pressure effect of the clearance oil film of stepped hydrostatic thrust bearing is studied by taking the double rectangular cavity oil cushion as an example. According to the hydrodynamics theory, the average dynamic pressure of lubricating oil film in different clearance height regions is theoretically deduced and calculated, and the dynamic pressure effect of the clearance oil film in the stepped hydrostatic thrust bearing is studied through the combination of theoretical calculation, simulation, and experimental verification. It is found that the theoretical value of the average dynamic pressure of the clearance oil film and the rotational speed show a linear growth relationship with a slope of 275.2. The simulated value of the average dynamic pressure and the rotational speed follow the growth law of the Fourier 1 model. The experimental value of the average dynamic pressure is between the theoretical value and the simulated value, which is basically not affected by the load. In the speed range of 0r/min-200r/min, compared with the viscosity of lubricating oil, the speed is the main factor affecting the dynamic pressure of the oil film of the stepped hydrostatic thrust bearing. The dynamic pressure value of the clearance oil film increases in a stepped fashion along the radial direction of the double rectangular cavity oil cushion. The dynamic pressure value has an obvious upward trend at the junction of the circumferential right oil cavity and the sealing edge and then decreases to 0 after reaching the peak value.
Novel homozygous variants in PRORP expand the genotypic spectrum of combined oxidative phosphorylation deficiency 54
Authors: Newman William , Smith Thomas , Rea Alessandro , Thomas Huw , Thompson Kyle , Oláhová Monika , Maroofian Reza , Zamani Mina , He Langping , Sadeghian Saeid , Galehdari Hamid , Shaul-Lotan Nava , Gilboa Tal , Herman Kristin , McCorvie Thomas , Yue Wyatt , Houlden Henry , Taylor Robert , RT O'Keefe
Published: April 2023

Biallelic hypomorphic variants in PRORP have been recently described as causing the autosomal recessive disorder combined oxidative phosphorylation deficiency type 54 (COXPD54). COXPD54 encompasses a phenotypic spectrum of sensorineural hearing loss and ovarian insufficiency (Perrault syndrome) to leukodystrophy. Here, we report three additional families with homozygous, missense PRORP variants with pleiotropic phenotypes. Each missense variant altered a highly conserved residue within the metallonuclease domain. In vitro tRNA processing assays with recombinant TRMT10C, SDR5C1 and PRORP indicated two COXPD54-associated PRORP variants, c.1159A>G (p.Thr387Ala) and c.1241C>T (p.Ala414Val), decreased pre-tRNAIle cleavage, consistent with both variants impacting tRNA processing. No significant decrease in tRNA processing was observed with PRORP c.1093T>C (p.Tyr365His), which was identified in an individual with leukodystrophy. These data provide independent evidence that PRORP variants are associated with COXPD54 and that the assessment of 5′ leader mitochondrial tRNA processing is a valuable assay for the functional analysis and clinical interpretation of novel PRORP variants.
Local African responses to the early slave trade trade in Upper Guinea, sixteenth to seventeenth centuries
Authors: Mark Peter
Published: April 2023

When Portuguese mariners reached the Senegambian coast shortly before 1450, they quickly engaged in taking small numbers of captives back to Lis-bon. In Senegambian societies, varied forms of limited or temporary servile status existed before this first contact, and the interior was connected to the older trans-Saharan slave trade. By the 1580s several thousand Africans a year were being pur-chased and taken either to the Cape Verde Islands, to Europe or, increasingly, to the Americas. Africans responded rapidly but variously to the development of this slave trade. They protected themselves by moving into remote or geographically protect-ed areas; and they learned to defend themselves and to turn the tables by capturing their aggressors. Some, such as the Bijogo, actively entered the slave trade, even cap-turing Portuguese. Finally, several communities of escaped slaves were established, with at least the tacit support of local Africans. These Maroon communities were composed at least partly of captives who had escaped from the Portuguese.
Frobenius unbound
Authors: Apter Andrew
Published: April 2023

Whatever one thinks of his controversial reputation as a provocative gadfly among pioneering African ethnologists, Leo Frobenius contributed signifi-cantly to African studies, not only during his prodigious documentary expeditions throughout the continent but also via his productive imagination in perceiving pat-terns, regional affinities, and even hidden historicities within African cosmologies and their material forms. In this article, I return to Frobenius’s theory of Atlantis as the absent ‘origin’ of Yoruba culture and civilization. At worst, his theory can be read as a contrived variation of the Hamitic hypothesis applied to a Yoruba civili-zation predicated on Phoenician origins. On a deeper structural level, however, it mirrors the fundamental poetics of displacement at the core of Yoruba kingship and ritual renewal. I argue that this sanctified ground of originary surrogation in Yoruba cosmology – a figural ‘Atlantis’ that lies beyond recovery – not only shaped the changing political topology of Yorubaland in West Africa, but also informed the Yoruba diaspora and its historical trajectories in the Americas. Critically refor-mulated, Frobenius’s problematic ‘road to Atlantis’ charts a course for rethinking the Yoruba-Atlantic.
"Multiple Vertrautheit" - Plädoyer für die Einführung eines neuen Begriffs
Authors: Aivazishvili-Gehne Nino
Published: April 2023

In this essay, I introduce the concept of ‘multiple intimacy’ (multiple Vertrautheit) to migration research to achieve a deeper understanding and better analysis of migrant life-worlds. The concept sheds light on aspects of migrant exi-stence that have received little attention in migration research so far. This new term is derived from my field material on research with ‘Russian Germans’ in Germany. I describe the methodological and theoretical path that led me to this concept and present it as an effective analytical tool capable of doing justice to the description and analysis of the fluid transnational and translocal way of life of the ‘affected’.
Von einem Schloss zum anderen (II.)
Authors: Schüttpelz Erhard
Published: April 2023

Forum
Daniel J. Schreiber (Hrsg.): Chinesische Bauernmalerei. Bernried 2022
Authors: Riese Berthold
Published: April 2023

Buchbesprechung
Jean-Philippe Beaulieu: Uli. Bornival 2021
Authors: Rodemeier Susanne
Published: April 2023

Buchbesprechung
Information for Authors
Authors: Jebens Holger
Published: April 2023

Information for Authors
Giftedness and infancy/toddlerhood: A Foucauldian analysis of discursive constructions
Authors:   University of Canterbury, Delaune Andrea
Published: April 2023

This conceptual research study examines the discursive constructions of giftedness, infancy/toddlerhood, and economics/neoliberalism to consider their implications in gifted education. This analysis is undertaken from a Foucauldian perspective and draws from concepts such as power/knowledge, discourses, disciplines, and power relationships to illustrate how these shape individuals within the gifted education milieu. Through an analysis of the layering of discourses, and the multiple subject positions which gifted infants/toddlers experience their formation of identity(ies), the reader is presented with opportunities to examine normative and alternate understandings of power/knowledge arrangements and reconsider the subjectivity of giftedness/infancy/toddlerhood anew. A further layering of economic discourses follows to expand the discussion and consider the gifted infant/toddler within wider social and political networks of power. This subsequent layering invites the reader to reconsider the discursive positioning of the gifted infant/toddler within wider discussions of equity and social justice. A final summation is offered to consider the possibilities of further post-structural analyses to extend rethinking giftedness through other theoretical concepts.
Should we continue to use the term “giftedness”?
Authors:   Tel Aviv University, David Hanna
Published: April 2023

For many years there has been ongoing, lively debate about the use of the term "gifted" when referring to able, talented, and creative students, or students who have the potential to achieve at a high level. Pro-giftedness supporters who use the term appear to lean on the fact that the term "gifted" has been successfully used for many decades, and no other better-accepted term exists or has been suggested as a replacement. The anti-giftedness researchers, psychologists and educators point to the implicit inequity of "giftedness", and their belief that when some children and adolescents are labelled as "gifted", others might feel unable, potentially unsuccessful, and even compartmentalized. This article intends to summarize the main perspectives and determine for the pro-giftedness view.
An interview with Professor Roger Moltzen
Authors:   New Zealand Ministry of Education, Ballam Nadine
Published: April 2023

Roger Moltzen is an Emeritus Professor at the University of Waikato, New Zealand and an Adjunct Professor of Psychology at Universitas Airlangga, Indonesia. Prior to becoming an academic, he was a school teacher and principal. His previous roles at the University of Waikato include foundation chair of the Department of Human Development and Counselling, and Faculty Dean. He is a former Chair of the New Zealand Council of Deans of Education. His research and publications are in the areas of inclusive education, talent development, and tertiary teaching and learning. In 2005 he received the New Zealand Prime Minister's Supreme Tertiary Teaching Excellence Award. In 2018 he was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for services to education.
Analysis of the development level of higher educational institutions in the regions of Kazakhstan
Authors: Saparova Nazym , Kireyeva Anel , Orynbet Perizat , Alimbekova Gulzhan , Amirova Ainur
Published: April 2023

Higher education institutions are the core of the nation’s vocational education. This study aims to analyze the features of higher education institutions and their functioning in all Kazakhstan regions, allowing equal access to high-quality and necessary education. The data were collected from official statistical data by the Statistical Bureau of Kazakhstan and other official statistics for 2002–2021. The collected data were processed, and multivariate regression equations for each Kazakhstan region were constructed using the EViwes10 Atlas.ti software to illustrate the algorithm and hierarchy of the educational system of Kazakhstan. The regression results showed that in some regions, the relationships are differentiated, and the correlation values indicate a significant relationship between the indicators. In particular, Akmola, Karaganda, Kostanay, North Kazakhstan, Astana city, and Almaty city demonstrated strong relationships between the indicators. 11 out of 17 created models were excluded from the evaluation process due to the absence or low connection with the dependent factor, the lack of statistical significance of the coefficients, and the low level of reliability of the models obtained. In turn, within particular regions, the degree of such a relationship was weak. Moreover, there are grounds to assert the need to stimulate public policy and implement systemic measures to create favorable conditions to strengthen educational potential.
Acknowledgment This study is funded by the Science Committee of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan (Grant “Strategy for the development of regional potential of Kazakhstan: Assessment of socio-cultural and economic potentials, development of a roadmap, models and scenarios of development” No. BR18574240).
Magyarországi transznacionális családok: Transznacionális családok elterjedtsége és a külföldön dolgozó szülők jellemzői
Authors: Horváth Veronika
Published: April 2023

Jelen tanulmány a családtól való elszakadással járó külföldi munkavállalás magyarországi elterjedtségét, a transznacionális családok típusait és területi sajátosságait vizsgálja, valamint a külföldi munka miatt kiskorú gyermekeiktől hosszabb-rövidebb ideig távollévő (átmenetileg/tartósan külföldön élő vagy távolsági ingázó) szülők demográfiai profilját és transznacionális gyakorlatait tárja fel a 2011. évi népszámlálás és a 2016. évi mikrocenzus adatai alapján. A vizsgált adatsorok azt mutatják, hogy Magyarországon – elsősorban a külföldre történő munkavállalási célú távolsági ingázás térnyeréséből kifolyólag – a kiskorú gyermeket nevelő transznacionális családok száma egyre inkább növekszik. 2011-ben 25 ezer, 2016-ban pedig 37 ezer kiskorú gyereket érintett a szülők külföldi munka miatti távolléte. A Magyarországon élő transznacionális családok többségét 2016-ban olyan kétszülős családok alkották, ahonnan az apa volt távol, viszont azoknak a 18 éven aluli gyermeket nevelő családoknak a száma is megközelítette a háromezret, ahonnan mindkét szülő vagy egyedülálló szülő hiányzott. Többségében szakmunkás végzettséggel vagy érettségivel rendelkező szülők döntöttek a családtól való elszakadással járó külföldi munka mellett, ugyanakkor a külföldön dolgozó anyák körében a felsőfokú végzettséggel rendelkezők aránya is magas, 2016-ban 22% volt. A külföldi munkát vállaló anyák 85%-a képzettségi szintjénél alacsonyabb szintű munkát végzett 2016-ban, több mint negyedük szakképzettséget nem igénylő munkakörben dolgozott.
Kulcsszavak: transznacionális családok, hátrahagyott gyerekek, nemzetközi mobilitás, külföldi munkavállalás, migráció, ingázás
Analysis of parameter uncertainty in SWAT model using a Bayesian Box–Cox transformation three-level factorial analysis method: a case of Naryn River Basin
Authors: Chen C. , Li Y. P. , Gao P. P. , Huang G. H. , Liu J. , Wu J. S.
Published: April 2023

Hydrological models are often plagued by substantial uncertainties in model parameters when analyzing water balance, predicting long-time streamflow, and investigating climate-change impact in watershed management. In this study, a Bayesian Box–Cox transformation three-level factorial analysis (BBC-TFA) method is developed for revealing the influence of parameter uncertainty on the runoff in the Naryn River Basin. BBC-TFA cannot only quantify the uncertainty through Bayesian inference but also investigate the individual and interactive effects of multiple parameters on model output. Main findings disclose that: (i) the contribution rate of runoff potential parameter during the non-melting period reaches 88.22%, indicating a flood risk in the rainy season; (ii) the contribution rate of snow temperature lag factor is the highest during the snow-melting period and the entire year (respectively occupying 76.69 and 53.70%), indicating that the glacier melting exists in the Naryn River Basin throughout the year; (iii) the Box–Cox transformation can successfully remove residual variance and enhance the correlation between input and output variables. These findings serve to revealing the presence of glacial resources in the study basin and the significant runoff during the rainy season. Policymakers can consider water storage during the rainy season while developing glacier resources to alleviate water scarcity.
Research of the utilization efficiency of non-flood season flood resources by artificial bee colony algorithm based on multi-strategy hybrid search
Authors: Li Jie , Yang Zhou , Liu Zhao , Liu Hong-zhi , Tian Yang-jun
Published: April 2023

This study aims to investigate the integrated optimization of long-term non-flood season flood dispatching and power generation dispatching and improve the utilization efficiency of non-flood season flood resources. In this study, an artificial bee colony (ABC) algorithm based on a multi-strategy mixed search is supplemented with variable time period characteristics to construct an optimal reservoir operation model with a maximum generating capacity under multiple constraints in a variable time period. The multi-year non-flood season flood operation of the Wanan Reservoir is considered as an example. After optimization, the average annual power generation in the non-flood season was increased by 14.23 million kW·h. The average utilization rate of water resources was increased by 3% over the studied period, and the utilization of flood resources was improved. The ABC optimization algorithm based on a multi-strategy hybrid search could alleviate the contradiction between the selection of the time interval step and the calculation accuracy and convergence speed, and it effectively improved the optimization efficiency and development ability of the standard ABC optimization algorithm. These results can provide suggestions for the improvement of the comprehensive benefits of reservoirs with non-flood floods as an important water resource.
Adsorption characteristics of Zn(II) and Pb(II) by river sediments under hydrodynamic conditions
Authors: Zhang Wei , Shi Xianluo , Lu Jiangang
Published: April 2023

This study aims to investigate the process and mechanism of adsorption of Zn(II) and Pb(II) by river sediments under hydrodynamic conditions. Surface sediments were collected from the Ganjiang River in Nanchang, China, and the adsorption characteristics of heavy metals Zn(II) and Pb(II) under different hydrodynamic conditions were simulated using the particle entrainment simulator. The results showed that under different hydrodynamic conditions, the adsorption equilibrium of Zn(II) and Pb(II) can be reached within 6h, and the adsorption amount of Pb(II) by the sediment was significantly higher than that of Zn(II). Pseudo-second-order dynamics and the Elovich model can better describe the kinetics of adsorption in both metals (R2 > 0.90). The Langmuir model and Freundlich model could better simulate the adsorption isotherms of Zn(II) and Pb(II) on sediments, which revealed that the adsorption spots are heterogeneous. According to the △G and −F results the adsorption of Zn(II) and Pb(II) is mainly physical adsorption. Furthermore, there are certain differences in the adsorption of heavy metals Zn(II) and Pb(II) by sediments at different pH, where the adsorption amount of Zn(II) increases with the increase of pH, but Pb(II) is not sensitive to the change of pH.
Pattern-based assessment of the influence of rainfall characteristics on urban stormwater quality
Authors: Chowdhury Anupam , Egodawatta Prasanna , McGree James
Published: April 2023

Urbanisation increases pollutant generation within catchments and their transport to receiving waters. Changes to rainfall patterns, particularly in the age of climate change, make pollution mitigation a challenging task. Understanding how rainfall characteristics could influence the changes to stormwater pollutant runoff is important for designing effective mitigation strategies. This study employed a pattern-based assessment of relationships between rainfall characteristics and stormwater quality in urban catchments to develop this understanding. The research outcomes showed that rainfall events could be distinctly clustered based on intensity and duration, and each cluster of events would produce different stormwater quality responses. The high-intensity bursts occurring in the latter part of long-duration events were found to produce uniform and low concentrations of suspended solids. One the contrary, high intensity bursts occurring in the initial part of short-duration events triggered the first-flush effect, thus producing high concentrations of suspended solids. Furthermore, the first-flush effect was likely to present when the high intensity bursts occurred in the mid portion of rainfall events and produced variable concentrations of suspended solids. It was also found that the average rainfall intensity plays a key role in mobilising and transporting pollutants accumulated on urban surfaces.
Two-dimensional (2D) flood analysis and calibration of stormwater drainage systems using geographic information systems
Authors: Çirağ Burak , Firat Mahmut
Published: April 2023

In recent years, there has been severe flooding in urban areas as well as coastal and river flooding. Urban flooding is exacerbated by climate change, urbanization, growing population, and the increase of impervious surfaces in urban areas. Stormwater drainage systems that discharge stormwater to a safe location in urban areas are becoming increasingly important. The objective of this study is to analyze and calibrate the flood performance of stormwater drainage systems currently used in the central region of Malatya in a potential flood situation using geographic information systems and the InfoWorks ICM. The model was created using the land use type, buildings, and digital elevation model (DEM), and the analysis was performed by exposing stormwater drainage systems to rainfall events of 5, 10, and 15 min of duration for return periods of 2, 5, and 10 years. The model was then validated using field-observed rainfall and flood data and its performance was evaluated using R2, NSE, RMSE, and MAE metrics. The results showed that the eight stormwater drainage systems currently in operation cannot fully convey stormwater and may pose a risk of loss of life and property in residential areas. In addition, the severity of the flooding was found to increase with an increasing return period.
Users’ Reactions to Announced Vaccines Against COVID-19 Before Marketing in France: Analysis of Twitter Posts (Preprint)
Authors: Dupuy-Zini Alexandre , Audeh Bissan , Gérardin Christel , Duclos Catherine , Gagneux-Brunon Amandine , Bousquet Cedric
Published: April 2023

BACKGROUND

Within a few months, the COVID-19 pandemic had spread to many countries and had been a real challenge for health systems all around the world. This unprecedented crisis has led to a surge of online discussions about potential cures for the disease. Among them, vaccines have been at the heart of the debates and have faced lack of confidence before marketing in France.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to identify and investigate the opinions of French Twitter users on the announced vaccines against COVID-19 through sentiment analysis.

METHODS

This study was conducted in 2 phases. First, we filtered a collection of tweets related to COVID-19 available on Twitter from February 2020 to August 2020 with a set of keywords associated with vaccine mistrust using word embeddings. Second, we performed sentiment analysis using deep learning to identify the characteristics of vaccine mistrust. The model was trained on a hand-labeled subset of 4548 tweets.

RESULTS

A set of 69 relevant keywords were identified as the semantic concept of the word “vaccin” (vaccine in French) and focused mainly on conspiracies, pharmaceutical companies, and alternative treatments. Those keywords enabled us to extract nearly 350,000 tweets in French. The sentiment analysis model achieved 0.75 accuracy. The model then predicted 16% of positive tweets, 41% of negative tweets, and 43% of neutral tweets. This allowed us to explore the semantic concepts of positive and negative tweets and to plot the trends of each sentiment. The main negative rhetoric identified from users’ tweets was that vaccines are perceived as having a political purpose and that COVID-19 is a commercial argument for the pharmaceutical companies.

CONCLUSIONS

Twitter might be a useful tool to investigate the arguments for vaccine mistrust because it unveils political criticism contrasting with the usual concerns on adverse drug reactions. As the opposition rhetoric is more consistent and more widely spread than the positive rhetoric, we believe that this research provides effective tools to help health authorities better characterize the risk of vaccine mistrust.
Effectiveness of a Personalized, Chess-Based Training Serious Video Game in the Treatment of Adolescents and Young Adults With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)
Authors: Rodrigo-Yanguas María , Martín-Moratinos Marina , González-Tardón Carlos , Sanchez-Sanchez Fernando , Royuela Ana , Bella-Fernández Marcos , Blasco-Fontecilla Hilario
Published: April 2023

BACKGROUND

Compared with traditional approaches, gaming strategies are promising interventions for the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). We developed a serious game, The Secret Trail of Moon (TSTM), for ADHD treatment.

OBJECTIVE

The main objective of this clinical trial was to demonstrate the effectiveness of an add-on, either TSTM or Therapeutic Chess (TC), in previously optimally drug-titrated, clinically stable patients with ADHD.

METHODS

This study is a prospective, unicentric, randomized clinical trial in clinically stable patients with ADHD, aged 12 to 22 years. The TSTM (n=35) and TC groups (n=34) performed 12 weekly sessions of their respective treatments. The control group (CG) patients (n=35) were called by phone every week, but they received no cognitive intervention. The primary end point was the change from baseline to end point in the parent “Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function-2” (BRIEF-2; patients’ parents) in the per-protocol population (31 serious videogame: 24 TC and 34 CG).

RESULTS

Our study failed to probe clear-cut improvements in the global score of the BRIEF-2. However, the TC group showed improvements in measures of emotional control, emotional regulation, and inattention. The TSTM group showed improvements in measures of emotional regulation, inattention, and school context.

CONCLUSIONS

TSTM and TC did not improve executive function symptoms, but they improved ADHD symptomatology related to emotional regulation. Further studies with bigger samples are required to confirm these preliminary findings.

CLINICALTRIAL

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04355065; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04355065
Rosacea and Its Association With Malignancy: Systematic Review (Preprint)
Authors: Thapa Luna , Xia Joyce , Guo William , Usmani Hunya , Miller Devin , Lozeau Daniel
Published: April 2023

BACKGROUND

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that predominantly manifests as facial flushing, irritation, and acne. Rosacea and cancer are thought to be linked by the commonality of inflammatory and immune response dysfunction. Studies that have looked into this possible association have reported mixed results.

OBJECTIVE

Given the conflicting literature on this topic, our study sought to evaluate the overall association between rosacea and several cancers commonly investigated in the literature.

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted using the Cochrane, PubMed, Embase, and Ovid databases. Studies were screened independently for inclusion of rosacea and glioma and breast, thyroid, hepatic, or skin cancers. Using information from the articles, rosacea and each cancer were categorized as having a positive, negative, or unclear association.

RESULTS

Our systematic review included 39 full-text studies that investigated the association between rosacea and various malignancies. Among the malignancies of concern, 41% (16/39) of the studies reported an association with basal cell carcinoma, with 2 cohorts revealing an adjusted risk ratio (RR) of 1.50 (95% CI 1.35-1.67) and 0.72 (95% CI 0.56-0.93). In total, 33% (13/39) of the studies reported an association with squamous cell carcinoma, with 2 cohorts revealing an adjusted RR of 1.4 (95% CI 1.02-1.93) and 1.30 (95% CI 0.90-1.88). A total of 8% (3/39) of the studies reported an association between breast cancer and melanoma, with breast cancer cohorts revealing an adjusted RR of 8.453 (95% CI 1.638-43.606), 1.03 (95% CI 0.89-1.20), and 1.36 (95% CI 1.18-1.58) and melanoma cohorts revealing an adjusted RR of 1.10 (95% CI 0.95-1.27), 0.63 (95% CI 0.47-0.85), and 0.96 (95% CI 0.57-1.62). A total of 5% (2/39) of the studies reported an association among nonmelanoma skin cancers, hepatic cancer, and thyroid carcinomas, with nonmelanoma skin cancer cohorts revealing an adjusted RR of 1.36 (95% CI 1.26-1.47) and 2.66 (95% CI 1.53-4.61), hepatic cancer cohorts revealing an adjusted RR of 1.42 (95% CI 1.06-1.90) and 1.32 (95% CI 0.89-1.95), and thyroid carcinoma cohorts revealing an adjusted RR of 1.06 (95% CI 0.68-1.65) and 1.59 (95% CI 1.07-2.36). Only 1 cohort reported an association with glioma, revealing an adjusted RR of 1.36 (95% CI 1.18-1.58). According to our review, patients with rosacea were statistically more likely to have nonmelanoma skin cancers, breast cancer, and glioma. Rosacea was not found to be substantially associated with melanoma. The associations between rosacea and hepatic and thyroid cancers were unclear because of conflicting results.

CONCLUSIONS

The current literature shows that rosacea is significantly associated with increased odds of nonmelanoma skin cancers, glioma, and breast cancer. Rosacea does not appear to be associated with melanoma. Further studies should be conducted to clarify the association between thyroid and hepatic cancers and rosacea.
Digital Health Interventions for Chronic Wound Management: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (Preprint)
Authors: Bai Xinrui , Zhang Hongyan , Jiao Yanxia , Yuan Chenlu , Ma Yuxia , Han Lin
Published: April 2023

BACKGROUND

Digital health interventions (DHIs) have shown promising results for the management of chronic wounds. However, its effectiveness compared to usual care and whether variability in the type of intervention affects wound outcomes are unclear.

OBJECTIVE

The main objective was to determine the effectiveness of DHIs on wound healing outcomes in adult patients with chronic wounds. The secondary objectives were to assess if there was any variation in wound healing outcomes across the various types of DHIs.

METHODS

In total, 9 databases were searched for the literature up to August 1, 2023. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs), cohort studies, and quasi-experimental studies comparing the efficacy of DHIs with controls in improving wound outcomes in adult patients with chronic wounds were included. Study selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment were conducted independently by 2 reviewers. We assessed the quality of each RCT, cohort study, and quasi-experimental study separately using the Cochrane risk of bias tool, ROBINS-I, and the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal tools checklists. Relative risks (RRs) and 95% CIs were pooled using the random effects model, and heterogeneity was assessed by the I2 statistic. Subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis were also performed.

RESULTS

A total of 25 studies with 8125 patients were included in this systematic review, while only 20 studies with 6535 patients were included in the meta-analysis. Efficacy outcomes in RCTs showed no significant differences between the DHIs and control groups in terms of wound healing (RR 1.02, 95% CI 0.93-1.12; P=.67) and all-cause mortality around 1 year (RR 1.08, 95% CI 0.55-2.12; P=.83). Compared with the control group, the use of DHIs was associated with significant changes in adverse events (RR 0.44, 95% CI 0.22-0.89; P=.02). Subgroup analysis suggested a positive effect of the digital platforms in improving wound healing (RR 2.19, 95% CI 1.35-3.56; P=.002). Although meta-analysis was not possible in terms of wound size, cost analysis, patient satisfaction, and wound reporting rates, most studies still demonstrated that DHIs were not inferior to usual care in managing chronic wounds.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of our study demonstrate the viability of adopting DHIs to manage chronic wounds. However, more prominent, high-quality RCTs are needed to strengthen the evidence, and more detailed clinical efficacy research is required.

CLINICALTRIAL

PROSPERO CRD42023392415; https://tinyurl.com/4ybz6bs9
Interpretable Deep Learning for Drug-Induced Liver Injury among Patients with Tuberculosis: Model Development and Validation Study (Preprint)
Authors: Yue Xiao , Feng Jiang , Yanfei Chen , Ruijian Huang , Jifang Zhou , Tianchi Yang
Published: April 2023

BACKGROUND

Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is associated with treatment discontinuation and treatment failure in patients with tuberculosis (TB). Due to the unpredictable nature of DILI, it is increasingly becoming a threat to global TB eradication initiatives.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to develop and validate an interpretable prediction model for DILI during TB treatment.

METHODS

Eligible adult TB patients in Ningbo City from 2015 to 2020 were included. We used the XGBoost algorithm to predict the probability of DILI occurrence, compared with the LASSO-Logistic algorithm. HDPS method was applied for feature extraction. We assessed the performance by the stratified 10-fold cross validation and the AUROC. The SHAP value was used to interpret the XGBoost model of mild and more severe DILI patients.

RESULTS

We included 7,071 subjects (median age 47 years; 68.0% male). 16.3% developed DILI. The XGBoost algorithm yielded the final DILI prediction model with five main risk factors: previous history of DILI, ALP, TBL, ALT and age at TB onset. It outperformed the LASSO-Logistic model in AUROC (0.90 vs. 0.76). The SHAP value showed that older patients and higher ALP, ALT and TBL were more likely to develop more severe DILI, However, previous DILI experience is inversely related to the severity of DILI.

CONCLUSIONS

XGBoost model demonstrated high accuracy and interpretability in predicting DILI among TB patients. Clinicians could leverage algorithmic technique and EHR data to diagnose and manage DILI during TB treatment promptly.
Freely Available Training Videos for Suicide Prevention: Scoping Review (Preprint)
Authors: Wislocki Katherine , Jager-Hyman Shari , Brady Megan , Weiss Michal , Schaechter Temma , Khazanov Gabriela , Young Sophia , Becker-Haimes Emily
Published: April 2023

BACKGROUND

Freely available and asynchronous implementation supports can reduce the resource burden of evidence-based practice training to facilitate uptake. Freely available web-based training videos have proliferated, yet there have been no efforts to quantify their breadth, depth, and content for suicide prevention.

OBJECTIVE

This study presents results from a scoping review of freely available training videos for suicide prevention and describes a methodological framework for reviewing such videos.

METHODS

A scoping review of freely available training videos (≥2 minutes) for suicide prevention practices was conducted using 4 large video-sharing platforms: YouTube, Vimeo, Bing Video, and Google Video. Identified suicide prevention training videos (N=506) were reviewed and coded.

RESULTS

Most content was targeted toward gatekeepers or other lay providers (n=370) versus clinical providers (n=136). Videos most commonly provided content related to suicidal thoughts or behaviors (n=420). Many videos (n=274, 54.2%) included content designed for certain communities or organizations. Less than half (n=232, 45.8%) of training videos included formal clinical content pertaining to assessment or intervention for suicide prevention.

CONCLUSIONS

Results suggested an abundance of videos providing broad informational content (eg, “signs and symptoms of someone at risk for suicide”) and a limited portion of videos with instructional content aimed at clinical providers delivering formal evidence-based assessments or interventions for suicide prevention. Development of resources to address identified gaps may be needed. Future work may leverage machine learning techniques to expedite the review process.
The urgent need for an evidence-based Digital Mental Health Practice Model of Care for Youth (Preprint)
Authors: Campbell Andrew , Forsyth Rowena , Amon Krestina , Navarro Pablo , Ridout Brad
Published: April 2023

UNSTRUCTURED

Australian providers of mental health services for youth include private and public allied health providers, government initiatives (e.g., headspace), non-government organisations (NGOs), GPs and the hospital system. Over 20 years of research has established that youth prefer to seek mental health support online and tend to only access offline services when their needs are not being met online, or their mental health symptoms increase in severity. We propose a Digital Mental Health Practice model of care for youth to assist with digital mental health service mapping. This proposed model offers clear and accessible pathways for a client to enter the online mental health system, provides accurate navigation to access support for individual needs, and facilitates a seamless connection with offline mental health services using a transferrable patient records system. We conclude with why this is an urgent matter to address, given the impact of COVID-19 on Australia’s health system and the fast-paced changes in technology, such as AI and the metaverse, that must be accounted for as potential tools to be leveraged for digital therapies and support systems. N/A N/A N/A N/A
Epidemiology, Outcomes, and Complement Gene Variants in Secondary Thrombotic Microangiopathies
Authors: Werion Alexis , Storms Pauline , Zizi Ysaline , Beguin Claire , Bernards Jelle , Cambier Jean-François , Dahan Karin , Dierickx Daan , Godefroid Nathalie , Hilbert Pascale , Lambert Catherine , Levtchenko Elena , Meyskens Thomas , Poiré Xavier , van den Heuvel Lambert , Claes Kathleen J. , Morelle Johann ,   UCLouvain TMA/HUS Network and KU Leuven TMA/HUS Network
Published: April 2023

Background

The identification of complement defects as major drivers of primary atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) has transformed the landscape of thrombotic microangiopathies (TMAs), leading to the development of targeted therapies and better patient outcomes. By contrast, little is known about the presentation, genetics, and outcomes of TMA associated with specific diseases or conditions, also referred to as secondary TMA.

Methods

In this study, we assessed the relative incidence, clinical and genetic spectra, and long-term outcomes of secondary TMA versus other TMAs in consecutive patients hospitalized with a first episode of TMA from 2009 to 2019 at two European reference centers.

Results

During the study period, 336 patients were hospitalized with a first episode of TMA. Etiologies included atypical HUS in 49 patients (15%), thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) in 29 (9%), shigatoxin-associated HUS in 70 (21%), and secondary TMA in 188 (56%). The main causes of secondary TMA were hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (n=56, 30%), solid-organ transplantation (n=44, 23%), and malignant hypertension (n=25, 13%). Rare variants in complement genes were identified in 32 of 49 patients (65%) with atypical HUS and eight of 64 patients (13%) with secondary TMA; pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants were found in 24 of 49 (49%) and two of 64 (3%) of them, respectively (P < 0.001). After a median follow-up of 1157 days, death or kidney failure occurred in 14 (29%), eight (28%), five (7%), and 121 (64%) patients with atypical HUS, TTP, shigatoxin-associated HUS, and secondary TMA, respectively. Unadjusted and adjusted Cox regressions showed that patients with secondary TMA had the highest risk of death or kidney failure (unadjusted hazard ratio [HR], 3.35; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.85 to 6.07; P < 0.001; adjusted HR, 4.11; 95% CI, 2.00 to 8.46; P < 0.001; considering atypical HUS as reference).

Conclusions

Secondary TMAs represent the main cause of TMA and are independently associated with a high risk of death and progression to kidney failure.
Minería de datos: identificando causas de deserción en las instituciones públicas de Educación Superior de México
Authors: López Pedraza Fredy J. , Macias González Ma. Del Consuelo , Sandoval García Edgar R.
Published: April 2023

La deserción escolar es un grave problema al que tienen que hacer frente las Instituciones Públicas de Educación Superior, lograr que todos los alumnos concluyan sus estudios es una tarea compleja; cuando se aplica de manera adecuada el proceso de minería de datos a la información de las Instituciones Educativas, permite determinar patrones e identificar las causas de deserción del alumnado, para evitarlas y conseguir que un mayor número de estudiantes termine su formación; por lo anterior es necesario entender las diferentes metodologías que existen, qué técnicas son las que mejor se adaptan al problema, así como utilizar herramientas informáticas que brinden resultados acordes al objetivo de los proyectos. Conocer las investigaciones realizadas en Instituciones públicas de México, la forma en que fueron implementadas y los logros alcanzados, proporciona un panorama de la situación del problema; no obstante, el sector educativo es un campo muy extenso por explorar, encontrar nuevas variables que incidan en la deserción escolar permitirá implementar acciones concretas para evitarla.
Prácticas artísticas al servicio de los y las familiares de víctimas de desaparición forzada
Authors: Stengel Peña Natalia
Published: April 2023

Este artículo analiza algunas propuestas de protesta artística en contra de la desaparición forzada en México. El objetivo general de este estudio fue identificar algunas estrategias y herramientas que, desde el arte, pueden facilitar la labor activista de los familiares de las y los des-aparecidos. El estudio resultó de la participación en el Diplomado de Desaparición Forzada en México y América Latina, organizado por la uam Cuajimalpa. De esta manera, se incluyó un análisis cualitativo de lo ahí expresado por las madres y padres. Al mismo tiempo, se analizan, desde una mirada crítica y feminista, algunas propuestas estéticas que utilizan conceptos como artivismo o nuevo género de arte público con el fin de comprender manifestaciones culturales contemporáneas que se insertan en prácticas de protesta social. Al tomar como caso de estudio obras de Mónica Mayer y el proyecto Bordando por la paz, se identificaron algunas cualidades de estas nuevas formas de arte político y el aporte que tienen para la lucha social.