bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Imagined communities, third space and heritage preservation in the digital age: Exploring the discursive construction of Jewish identity on the terrain of Facebook
Authors: Boukala Salomi
Published: January 2025

This study takes a discourse-oriented ethnographic approach to three Facebook (FB) groups of Jewish interest to examine how the members of these specific groups create their own ‘third space’ and maintain their cultural and religious identities by emphasising the Facebook polymedium as an ‘imagined community’. By introducing an interdisciplinary approach, based on a combination of digital ethnographic approaches, drawing on multi-sited ethnography and Critical Discourse Studies’ (CDS) analytical framework, especially the Discourse Historical Approach (DHA) and its argumentative strategies, this study examines how members of the FB groups under investigation shape a Greek Jewish heritage by sharing cultural dynamics and collective memories, especially at a time of a worrying surge in antisemitism. The article also explores how these FB groups’ members negotiate the digital juxtaposition of space via the dichotomy of ‘here’ and ‘there’, as well as the division between ‘then’ and ‘now’, or past and present.
Drug-induced dementia: a real-world pharmacovigilance study using the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System database
Authors: Xu Lisi , Zhang Ruonan , Zhang Xiaolin , Shang Xiuli , Huang Daifa
Published: January 2025

Background:

Dementia is a serious adverse event (AE) that requires attention in clinical practice. However, information on drug-induced dementia is limited. The U.S. FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) serves as an important resource for identifying real-world adverse drug reactions and safety signals.

Objective:

This study aimed to use FAERS data to identify drugs associated with increased dementia risk.

Design:

A secondary analysis of the FAERS database was conducted using disproportionality analysis methods.

Methods:

We reviewed dementia-related reports in the FAERS database from the first quarter of 2004 to the fourth quarter of 2023, used the Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activity to identify dementia cases and summarized the corresponding list of potential medications, counted the dementia-causing medication classes with the highest frequency of reports, and disaggregated all medications.

Results:

The study identified 31,881 dementia-related AEs in the FAERS database, with an increasing trend over time, particularly among females and individuals over 65. Apixaban had the most reports (1631). Disproportionality analyses revealed that rivastigmine, nicergoline, aducanumab, amlodipine/atorvastatin, and dihydroergometrine had the highest risk, based on reporting odds ratio, proportional reporting ratio, and information component. Only valproate and tramadol among the top 50 drugs included a potential dementia risk in their package inserts.

Conclusion:

This study identified a list of medications associated with dementia risk, many of which lack dementia warnings on their labels. Increased monitoring is necessary for high-risk individuals, and further research is required to clarify these associations and improve patient safety.
Senior lecturers’ feelings about their college leaders’ treatment of their wellbeing: Implications for leadership readiness
Authors: Wilmot Ann-Marie
Published: January 2025

College lecturers’ wellbeing is critical to the effective management and functioning of colleges, and this criticality is amplified when lecturers assume senior lecturer (SL) positions in leadership. In Jamaica, some senior lecturers perceive their college leaders are insufficiently attentive to their wellbeing. This qualitative research utilized semi-structured interviews to investigate how six senior lecturers felt about this inattentiveness to their wellbeing. The findings indicated several feelings they experienced resulting from their response to the insufficiency of their college leaders’ treatment of their wellbeing, in two categories – emotional and occupational. Among them are exclusion from decision-making, primarily related to their consideration for promotion, perceptions of nepotistic leadership behaviours, guilt when they attempted to impose boundaries to stymy being overwhelmed and a sense that it was risky to articulate this to their college leaders. The study concluded that a strong sign of leadership readiness is when leaders enact wellbeing care in their stewardship of those they lead and being able to navigate the travails of their leadership journey. Further, it recommended a work culture that is psychologically safe in which senior lecturers feel heard and respected, some policies to address nepotism and areas needing further research.
The Economic Burden of Management of Pituitary Adenomas: A Propensity-Score-Matched Cost Analysis
Authors: Caulley Lisa , Lasso Andrea , Zagorski Brandon , Wilton Andrew S. , Saskin Refik , Sahlollbey Nick , Séguin Jeanne M. , Thavorn Kednapa , Doyle Mary-Anne , Malcolm Janine , Alkherayf Fahad , Johnson-Obaseki Stephanie , Schramm David , Kilty Shaun
Published: January 2025

Importance

Pituitary adenomas (PAs) present a notable economic burden on healthcare systems due to their management’s reliance on multimodal, often costly interventions.

Objective

To determine total and relative healthcare costs for PAs at Ontario-based institutions.

Design

A retrospective, propensity-score-matched cohort analysis.

Setting

Ontario, Canada, encompassing public healthcare facilities and covering costs over a 6-year study period.

Participants

Adults diagnosed with PA (n = 1675) between April 1, 2013, and March 31, 2019, compared to a general population cohort and a hospitalized control cohort matched on demographics and health factors.

Intervention/Exposures

Analysis of healthcare cost components (inpatient, outpatient, and diagnostic services) and cost trajectories postsurgery for PAs.

Main Outcome Measures

Primary outcome was total annualized healthcare costs for patients with PA relative to the general and hospitalized cohorts. Relative costs were estimated using a negative binomial regression model.

Results

Of 1675 patients with PA, total annualized costs were $49,992. Highest total costs were associated with inpatient hospitalization ($24,796) and physician services/diagnostic evaluations ($20,075). After propensity score matching, patients with PA had 12.7 times higher costs [95% confidence interval (CI) (10.9, 14.8), P < .0001] during the preadmission/admission period, which remained elevated postoperatively ( P < .05). Total costs did not differ between patients with PA and the hospitalized cohort [RR 0.97, 95% CI (0.92, 1.03); P = .3271] in the preadmission/admission period; however, follow-up costs were 37% lower for patients with PA in the 1st follow-up year [RR 0.63, 95% CI (0.51, 0.77); P < .0001], and up to 50% lower by the 5th year [RR 0.50, 95% CI (0.36, 0.68); P < .0001].

Conclusions

This study provided a comprehensive assessment of the economic burden of PAs on the publicly-funded healthcare system. Patients with PA had higher annualized total costs across all observed time periods compared to the general population and lower annualized total costs compared to patients admitted to a surgical ward.

Relevance

This study highlights the financial impact of PA management on healthcare resources and provides a basis for future research aimed at cost-efficiency improvements in long-term PA care.
“If we rebuild the kitchen, we rebuild the heart”: Post-relief transformational politics in the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, Mexico
Authors: Torres Contreras Gerardo A , Flores Cruz Rosa Marina
Published: January 2025

In September 2017, the strongest earthquake in the last century shook the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, Mexico, the region hosting the largest concentration of wind turbines in Mexico. In the municipalities with over 1600 wind turbines, the seismic shock affected 70% of the dwellings. After the disaster, community organisations undertook efforts to foster collective processes of territorial autonomy in towns hosting wind projects or expected to host projects in the future. Drawing on participant ethnographic methods and long-term collaboration with social movements, this article provides insights into the processes whereby disaster recovery holds the potential for territorial practices that imply a shift away from capitalist norms to alternative practices of territorial autonomy, sufficiency and rebellion. To this end, the article analyses a women-led kitchen reconstruction project implemented by the Assembly of Indigenous People of the Isthmus in Defence of Land and Territory (APIIDTT) to re-activate local economies through endemic crops and traditional crafts in six towns of the region. While emphasising broader tensions, pressures and contradictions resulting from disaster capitalism, the article argues that the project fostered collective autonomy processes against present and future extractive projects through endemic crops, traditional crafts and the identification of female leadership within and across the communities. Therefore, the article spotlights the different forms of bottom-up emancipatory politics that emerge in post-disaster contexts while interlinking them with wind power expansion.
Coke zero for the zero: A randomized controlled trial examining coke zero consumption on night call inpatient course and mortality
Authors: Kwan Yu Heng , Tang Haoming , Qi Lihua , Yap Angela Frances Hui Wen , Yan Linxuan , Li Yi Xin , Lee Andrea Zhe Ern , Fong Antoinette Shui Wen , Chan Yarn Kit , Low Feng Yi , Sum Charmaine Wai Yan , Seng Benjamin Jun Jie , Yoon Sungwon , Østbye Truls , Gan Sheryl Shien Wen , Lee Haur Yueh , Fong Warren
Published: January 2025

Background

Coca-Cola and Cola-Cola Zero Sugar are commonly consumed beverages by healthcare professionals. Medical superstitions abound about whether Cola-Cola Zero sugar consumption affects night call outcomes.

Objectives

The current study aimed to determine whether Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, compared to regular Coca-Cola, is associated with any differences in inpatient admissions and mortality of patients on night calls.

Methods

A double-blinded randomized controlled trial was conducted in the Division of Medicine, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore involving junior doctors from January 2024 to February 2024.The primary outcome was the number of ward admissions under the night call doctor’s care. Secondary outcomes involved the number of inpatient deaths, high-dependency or intensive care admissions, the number of hours slept by the doctor, the number of steps walked by the doctor, and the level of sleepiness of the doctor on call.

Results

203 participants consented and were randomized (44.9%). The data of 198 participants were included for analysis (97.5%). No significant differences were detected in the number of ward admissions between the Coca-Cola Zero Sugar group and the regular Coca-Cola group. For secondary outcomes, a significant difference was present between the two groups in the Karolinska Sleepiness Scale score ( p-value = .0413). Other secondary outcomes did not demonstrate significant differences between the two groups.

Conclusions

No convincing evidence was present to support the consumption of Coca-Cola Zero Sugar versus the regular Coca-Cola had significant differences in the number of inpatient admissions and mortality in night call duties.
Effective online methods and pedagogical insights in digital creativity for literature education
Authors: Temirbolat Alua , Dautova Gulnaz , Imangaliyev Bauyrzhan , Sarbasov Bolatkhan , Tleubayev Sovetkhan
Published: January 2025

The transition to distance learning during the pandemic has highlighted the imperative to adapt all academic disciplines, including literature, to an online format. The aim of this study is to ascertain the most efficacious pedagogical approaches for the remote teaching of literature courses, with a particular focus on the distinctive requirements of artistic interpretation, which has traditionally benefited from real-time interaction. The methodology comprised surveys and experimental analysis conducted with 300 students at the Kazakh National University. The research compared traditional online teaching methods with innovative techniques, including game-based learning, problem-based learning, case studies, brainstorming, multimedia technologies, information literacy skills, and programmed learning. The results demonstrate that these contemporary strategies markedly enhance students’ comprehension and engagement, as evidenced by elevated academic performance and a more profound grasp of the course material. The integration of advanced technologies in distance education provides students with the opportunity to experiment with new ways of expressing their literary understanding. The findings of this study indicate that distance learning in literature can be highly effective when tailored pedagogical strategies and technological tools are employed. However, the management of these systems requires economic decision-making and further social and technological adaptations, particularly for disciplines like literature where a nuanced approach to artistic content is essential. This study provides recommendations for refining online literature courses to optimise student engagement and comprehension in virtual learning environments.
Can the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases be predicted more accurately by including lifestyle data? An exploratory study for data-driven prediction of COVID-19 cases in metropolitan cities using deep learning models
Authors: Jung Sungwook
Published: January 2025

Objective

The COVID-19 outbreak has significantly impacted human lifestyles and life patterns. Therefore, data related to human social life may tell us the increase or decrease in the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases. However, although the number of confirmed cases is affected by social life, it is difficult to find studies that attempt to predict the number of confirmed cases using various lifestyle data. This paper attempted an exploratory data analysis to see if the number of confirmed cases could be predicted more accurately by including various lifestyle data.

Methods

We included taking public transportation, watching a movie at the cinema, and accommodation at a motel in the lifestyle data. Finally, a ‘lifestyle addition’ set was constructed that added lifestyle data to the number of past confirmed cases and search term frequency data. The deep learning algorithms used in the analysis are deep neural networks (DNNs) and recurrent neural networks (RNNs). Performance differences across data sets and between deep learning models were tested to be statistically significant.

Results

Among metropolitan cities in South Korea, Seoul (9.6 million) with the largest population and Busan (3.4 million) with the second largest population had the lowest error rate in ‘lifestyle addition’ set. When predicting with the ‘lifestyle addition’ set, in Seoul, the error rate was reduced to 20.1%, and in Busan, the graph of the actual number of confirmed cases and the predicted graph were almost identical.

Conclusions

Through this study, we were able to identify three notable results that could contribute to predicting the number of patients infected with epidemic in the future.
From attention to action: Advancing inclusivity in the landscape of anatomy education
Authors: Evans Lily , Snow Katie , Jayanth Aiden , Moyes Siobhan M.
Published: January 2025

Conversations about inclusivity in anatomy education are at a critical juncture. While the need for a more equitable discipline is widely recognised, significant challenges remain. As this project aimed to reimagine what a truly inclusive learning experience could like and how it might be best achieved, an inclusive approach to research methodology was essential to ensure robust and representative results. Due to the paucity in anatomical literature on this topic, the authors applied concepts from sociological research methodology and innovative methods of demographic data collection to their own discipline. The study utilised questionnaires and focus groups to collect diverse data on lived experiences of inclusivity and exclusion in anatomy education. A convenience sample gathered quantitative and qualitative data through questionnaires and semi-structured focus groups. Guided by inclusive research practices including participatory research, this study makes use of inductive reflexive thematic analysis with critical orientation to situate inclusivity in its social, historical and political contexts. This paper discusses how the authors incorporated these inclusive methods, explores the challenges this type of research generates, and acts as a framework for those wishing to conduct more inclusive research in their discipline. Application of these methods yielded richer and more nuanced data, thus increasing the validity of the study. Although anatomy education may not currently represent diverse populations, positive action towards change is underway, with many in the discipline eager to actively confront exclusion. The existing dataset is predominantly Eurocentric. As such, the next phase of this research will translate recruitment literature and questionnaires into other languages to collect more global perspectives. To encourage further anti-exclusion research, the data will be made widely accessible for analysis.
Short- and Long-Term Outcomes of Patients Who Underwent the Arterial Switch Operation at Siriraj Hospital—Thailand’s Largest National Tertiary Referral Center
Authors: Hannarong Juthamas , Tocharoenchok Teerapong , Sriyoschati Somchai , Thongcharoen Punnarerk , Tantiwongkosri Kriangkrai , Nitiyarom Ekarat , Subtaweesin Thaworn
Published: January 2025

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess the short- and long-term outcomes of patients who underwent the arterial switch operation (ASO) at Siriraj Hospital in Thailand, and to identify postoperative complications and factors that significantly affect patient survival.

Materials and Methods

We retrospectively studied all patients with dextro-transposition of the great arteries and anatomic variants who underwent the ASO from January 1995 to December 2020. Twenty-year overall survival and 15-year freedom from reoperation/reintervention were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were used to identify factors independently associated with 30-day mortality.

Results

Of the 171 patients included, there were 116 males (67.84%). The median (minimum, maximum) age at operation was 33.5 (3-4,499) days, and the median (minimum, maximum) bodyweight was 3.4 (2.2-44.9) kg. Most patients (115/171, 67.25%) had an intact ventricular septum, whereas 48/171 (28.07%), had ventricular septal defects. The typical coronary anatomic pattern (1LCx-2R) was found in 120 patients (70.1%). Early mortality was 8.7% ± 4.4%, and there was no late death up to 20 years postoperatively with a median follow-up of five years. Fifteen-year freedom from reoperation or reintervention was 85.7%. Atypical coronary pattern was an independent factor for survival with an adjusted hazard ratio of 5.1 (95% confidence interval: 1.22-21.4; P = .026).

Conclusions

The results of this study revealed excellent short- and long-term outcomes of the ASO at our center. Atypical coronary anatomy was found to be the only factor that independently predicted 30-day mortality.
Bridging Diversity and Innovation: The Moderating Role of Cohesive and Hierarchical Organizational Culture
Authors: Ju Hyunji , Kim Yeonbae
Published: January 2025

This study explores the intricate relationship between workforce diversity and innovation in high-tech industries. We introduce a cohesive and hierarchical organizational culture (CHOC) as a key factor influencing this relationship. We propose that fostering a CHOC can enhance innovation through workforce diversity. Cohesiveness promotes collaboration and alignment of goals, while a hierarchical culture improves efficiency through structured processes. Together, they create an environment where diverse individuals can effectively collaborate, foster collective workforce capabilities, and ultimately drive innovation. Our findings suggest the importance of promote a CHOC to fully leverage the potential of their diverse workforce. It also provides insights for theoretical development and practical remedies for organizations looking to enhance innovation through diversity. However, limitations exist. Our data is from 216 high-tech firms and 2,906 employees in a specific context, limiting generalizability. Unexplored variables may influence the diversity-innovation relationship, offering future research opportunities.
Selfie Scores: A Scoping Review of Research on Athlete Social Media Self-Presentation
Authors: Xu Qingru
Published: January 2025

This study conducts a scoping review of the literature on athlete social media self-presentation (ASMSP), aiming to map the current state of research, identify gaps, and propose directions for future studies. The review of 99 journal articles reveals a significant expansion over the past two decades, with studies exploring diverse aspects such as difference comparing across athlete groups, identity negotiations, brand building, and interactions between ASMSP and professional outcomes. Based on the syntheses, we recommend future scholars advance theoretical perspectives, examine identity negotiation among male athletes, explore diverse sport and geographical contexts, refine the measurement of athlete popularity, and move beyond descriptive patterns to explore causal relationships. By consolidating the existing body of literature, this review serves as a roadmap for future research and offers insights for practitioners to refine strategies for athlete branding.
Cranioplasty infection in porous hydroxyapatite: Potential antibacterial properties
Authors: Zaed Ismail , Iaccarino Corrado , Faedo Francesca , Grillini Laura , Galassi Elisabetta , Dotti Alessandro , Nataloni Angelo , Mannella Francesca Carolina , Cardia Andrea
Published: January 2025

Introduction:

Intensive research is dedicated to the development of novel biomaterials and medical devices to be used as grafts in reconstructive surgery, with the purpose of enhancing their therapeutic effectiveness, safety, and durability. A variety of biomaterials, from autologous bone to polymethylmetacrylate, polyether ether ketone, titanium, and calcium-based ceramics are used in cranioplasty. Porous hydroxyapatite (PHA) is reported as a possible material for bone reconstruction, with good signs of biocompatibility, osteoconductive and osteointegrative properties. In the present paper we studied the possible antibacterial properties of PHA in a laboratory test in order to provide a possible overview of the occurrence of post-operative infections in PHA cranioplasty.

Method:

The test method has been designed to evaluate the potential antimicrobial activity of specimens under dynamic contact conditions to overcome difficulties in ensuring contact of inoculum to the specimen surface. The test was conducted using Staphylococcus aureus ATCC6538 as a bacterial strain.

Results:

Two experimental sets were performed to evaluate the antimicrobial properties of the specimens against two different Staphylococcus aureus concentrations. The first preliminary test (a) verified the antibacterial property at 0, 1, 2, and 4 h of contact time; the second confirmatory test (b) was repeated to verify the antibacterial property at 0, 4, 8 h. In the first experiment, after the first hour of contact, the bacterial inoculum was reduced by 7.96% compared to “inoculum only,” which increased to 26.11% at the second hour, and up to 52.33% after 4 h. In the second experiment, the confirmation test showed that bacterial growth reaches maximum inhibition after 4 h of contact. At 4 h, there was a higher bacterial reduction of 72.93%, which decreased at 8 h (36.45%).

Conclusion:

Analyzing the growth trend of viable microorganisms under Dynamic Contact Conditions it can be seen that PHA cranioplasty appears to inhibit exponential growth by inducing bacterial stasis in the early hours of contact, reaching a maximum reduction within 4 h, in this adopted experimental condition.
Couple-Based Intervention to Improve HIV Care Engagement for Women and their Partners in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: Outcomes of a Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Belus Jennifer M. , van Heerden Alastair , Hines Abigail C. , Pita Thembelihle P. , Mdakane Yvonne , Magidson Jessica F. , van Rooyen Heidi , Barnabas Ruanne V.
Published: January 2025

We evaluated a couple-based intervention targeting human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) care needs of women, with the option to support HIV-related needs of male partners. Adult women with HIV adherence difficulties in a monogamous relationship with a male partner for ≥6 months were recruited in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Twenty couples were randomized (1:1) to either START Together, a five-session manualized behavioral intervention, or treatment as usual, adherence counseling referral. Assessments were completed at baseline, post-treatment, and follow-up. Of the ten couples randomized to START Together, 70% attended at least one intervention session (feasibility); of those, 71% attended all five sessions (acceptability). Independently rated interventionist fidelity was very high ( M ≥ 2.94 out of 3). Women's self-reported antiretroviral therapy adherence increased similarly in both interventions. For men, self-reported antiretroviral therapy adherence increased up to 25 percentage points in START Together, but not treatment as usual. Findings suggest that START Together may be potentially beneficial for improving HIV outcomes for men.
Evaluating the Mechanical Axis for Detection of Posterior Tibial Slope Malalignment in ACL-Deficient Knees on Lateral Radiographs
Authors: Mayer Philipp , Hielscher Lotta , Schuster Philipp , Schlumberger Michael , Rolvien Tim , Geßlein Markus , Beel Wouter , Richter Jörg
Published: January 2025

Background:

Distal tibial deformities are not assessed using the proximal anatomical axis (PAA) to determine the posterior tibial slope (PTS). Therefore, it seems advantageous to measure PTS on full-length lateral tibial radiographs using the mechanical axis (MA).

Purposes:

To (1) compare the PTS measurements using the MA and the PAA and (2) determine whether using the PAA fails to detect a certain number of significantly elevated PTS values compared with using the MA.

Study Design:

Cohort study (Diagnosis); Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Full-length lateral tibial radiographs of 218 consecutive cases were reviewed. Radiographs were checked for malrotation. Therefore, the distance between the posterior tibial condyles was measured in millimeters. Patients with a difference of ≥7 mm between the posterior tibial condyles were excluded, leaving 196 cases for the final statistical analysis. The PTS was measured using the MA and the PAA. Differences between these 2 techniques were analyzed. The sensitivity and specificity of the PAA as a screening method for pathological PTS were calculated, with the MA as the standard for comparison. Four subgroups were formed, all with PAA <12° and different lower limits for the MA: group 1, MA ≥10°; group 2, MA ≥10.5°; group 3, MA ≥11°; and group 4, MA ≥11.5°.

Results:

Radiographs with ≥7 mm between the posterior tibial condyles showed an increased inconsistency between the PTS measurement with the MA and the PAA. In the group with a distance of <7 mm between the posterior tibial condyles (n = 196), the mean PTS measured with the MA was 9.4°± 3.8° (range, 0.4° to 21.9°), and the mean PTS was 10.5°± 3.5° (range, 1.7° to 20.9°) according to the PAA. The mean difference in PTS between the PAA and the MA was 1.1°± 1.2° (range, –2.4° to 4.1°; P < .001). Group 1 had a sensitivity of 73% and specificity of 98%; group 2, sensitivity of 84% and specificity of 97%; group 3, sensitivity of 87% and specificity of 93%; and group 4, sensitivity of 95% and specificity of 89%.

Conclusion:

Measuring the PTS using the MA was advantageous, as the measurement with the PAA did not correctly identify all cases with sagittal alignment changes. The proportion of patients with pathologically increased PTS not identified with the proximal anatomical measurement, reflected by the sensitivity, depended on the threshold value defined for the MA. Lateral radiographs, showing an increased distance between the posterior tibial condyles, indicated malrotation of the tibia leading to measurement inaccuracy.
A neuro-intelligent heuristic approach for performance prediction of triangular fuzzy flow system
Authors: Ali Shoaib , Hussain Azad
Published: January 2025

Due to uncertainties found in real-world problems, fuzzy set theory (FST) suggests a more realistic framework for analyzing and modeling scenarios with imprecise information. This study’s primary focus is to develop a model for analyzing the significance of the fuzzy volume fraction of nanomaterials on the hybrid nanofluid flow using triangular fuzzy numbers. The two nanomaterials Al2O3 and Cu are entrenched in engine oil (EO) host fluid. To account for the vagueness involved in the phenomenon, fuzzy set theory (FST) is employed. To build a comparison of thermal profiles for hybrid nanofluids (Al2O3 + Cu/EO) and nanofluids (Cu/EO), (Al2O3/EO), the concentration of nanoparticles influencing the thermophysical properties will be taken as an uncertain parameter using triangular fuzzy number (TFN) [0, 0.1, 0.4]. The fuzzy logic analysis points out that hybrid nanofluids Al2O3 are more operational than nanofluids (Cu/EO) (Al2O3/EO) for heat transfer. To address the limitations of simple neural networks, such as overfitting, underfitting, and slow convergence, a hybrid approach combining Bayesian Regularization (BR) and the Levenberg–Marquardt (LM) algorithm implemented to examine initial data and extract main physical properties. This innovative approach has significantly improved the model generalization, accelerated training, and provided robust and reliable predictions, even with limited data as confirmed by an exceptional match between projected and targeted values. A comparison analysis indicates that the magnetic parameter effect lessens the Cu/EO nanofluid’s velocity more actively than hybrid nanofluid Al2O3+Cu/EO and raises the temperature of hybrid nanofluid more readily then nanofluid.
The spatial politics of an urban carbon accounting standard
Authors: Davey Taylor
Published: January 2025

Recent efforts to disseminate a coordinated, international standard for urban carbon accounting reflect new interests to reframe urban environments as central to global climate goals. Advocates emphasize how local policy based on standardized accounting methods will be more effective and that global knowledge over climate progress will be enhanced. As part of a decentralized international regime, more standardized measurement tools to quantify the effects of local action are seen as central to building the legitimacy of local climate action. However, others express concerns that accountability to global metrics undermines the democratic nature of local action and that the resources required to compile more complex and comprehensive carbon inventories exceed the benefits. This article examines these debates through a spatial analysis of a new urban carbon accounting standard, the Global Protocol for Community-Scale Greenhouse Gas Initiatives (GPC). Two key spatial dimensions are interrogated: the work of the GPC in locating carbon in territorially defined space, and the effects of a common standard in making carbon mobile across geographies and deterritorializing the urban environment as part of an evolving global climate regime. I argue that examining the GPC through a spatial lens makes legible how new dynamics of power and authority are being expressed over urban environments. Following an analysis on the GPC's territorial accounting method, I turn to explore the importance of new scalar relations in elevating the role of urban environments in global politics. Particular attention is given to the popular urban measurement and reporting discourses shared by international urban policy networks that have helped coordinate new global compliance expectations for local governments. The article concludes by discussing important implications to understanding the effects of a standardized measurement framework and considerations for future research.
Knowledge, attitude, practices, and associated factors toward cervical cancer among female health sciences students of Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Endale Sisay , Delelegn Kalkidan , Negash Zenebe
Published: January 2025

Background:

Cervical cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide. Early screening and vaccination can prevent cervical cancer; however, the low levels of knowledge, attitude, and practice among the young can contribute to the high prevalence of cervical cancer.

Objective:

This study aimed to assess the level of knowledge, attitude, and practice of cervical cancer and associated factors among female Health Sciences students of the College of Health Sciences at Addis Ababa University.

Design:

A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted from February 2022 to June 2022 among regular undergraduate female Health Sciences students of Addis Ababa University.

Methods:

Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS. Results were presented using descriptive statistics and bivariate analysis was conducted to look at the existence of significant associations and determine adjusted odds ratio. Statistical significance was declared at p-value ⩽0.05.

Results:

The majority of the study participants were within the age range of 18–24 years. From the 305 female Health Sciences students, almost all had heard about cervical cancer and 93.4% of them reported that human papillomavirus is the causative agent. About 75% of the respondents recognized at least one possible symptom of cervical cancer. Furthermore, nearly 70% and 78.3% of the participants showed positive attitudes toward taking and recommending human papillomavirus vaccines respectively. Only 16.1% and 48.9% of the respondents have good knowledge, and a positive attitude respectively. Surprisingly only 1.6% and 0.3% of the respondents have taken the human papillomavirus vaccine and undergone cervical screening respectively. Radiography technology students are about 86% less likely to have good knowledge compared to students in other fields of study ( p = 0.04). Furthermore, year 4 and above students have significantly higher knowledge (89.2%) compared to those in years 1–3 (58%; AOR: 0.14, 95% CI: 0.05, 0.35).

Conclusion:

The knowledge of female Health Sciences students on cervical cancer was moderate, and about half had a positive attitude. However, their practice of human papillomavirus screening and vaccination was very low. Level of education and field of study were significantly associated with the knowledge of cervical cancer. Addressing gaps through awareness programs, and enhancing accessible health services can help empower these future health professionals.
The usefulness of Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) scoring in predicting all-cause mortality in Outpatients with Clinical Diagnoses of COPD
Authors: Ly Kevin , Wakefield Dorothy , ZuWallack Richard
Published: January 2025

Background

Since comorbid conditions are frequently present in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and affect outcome, a composite scoring system to quantify comorbidity might be helpful in assessing mortality risk.

Methods

We tested the hypothesis that the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) score at the time of an outpatient medical clinic encounter for COPD predicts all-cause mortality. Cox Proportional Hazards analyses were used in 200 randomly selected patients to relate CCI scores to all-cause mortality out to 5 years.

Results

Mean age was 62 ± 10 years, 56% were female, FEV1 was 62%, CCI was 3.08 ± 2.30, and 30% had a CCI ≥ 4, indicating 3 or more comorbid conditions. All-cause mortality was 8.5% and 20% at 3 and 5 years, respectively. In univariate testing, the CCI score and hospitalizations predicted mortality, but FEV1 did not. In multivariable testing, which included covariates of age, sex, socioeconomic status, race, FEV1 percent-predicted, and all-cause hospitalizations in the preceding year, CCI expressed as a continuous variable strongly predicted mortality: hazard ratio (HR) 1.38 for each unit increase in the score (p < 0.0001). While 1 or 2 comorbid conditions were not significantly related to mortality, 3 or more comorbid conditions (compared to none) strongly predicted mortality: HR 9.80, 95% CI 3.80 to 25.00.

Conclusion

Comorbidity, assessed with the CCI, is strongly predictive of mortality in outpatients with a clinical diagnosis of COPD, and this relationship appears to be non-linear. This instrument may be useful in determining prognosis in this population.
Modeling Initial Recruitment of Mediterranean Pine Forests Using an Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Fotia Lidia , Lucas-Borja Manuel Esteban , Rosaci Domenico , Sarné Giuseppe ML , Zema Demetrio A
Published: January 2025

Artificial neural networks (ANNs) have been recognized as powerful tools able to automatically learn complex relationships in data. To the best of our knowledge, ANNs have not yet been applied to forest regeneration modeling. Such models are essential to evaluate the effects of reforestation techniques. To fill this gap, the capacity of ANNs to simulate the initial recruitment of pine species in Mediterranean forests has been evaluated in this study. A feed-forward multilayer neural network has been applied to a case study of pine forests of Castilla La Mancha (Central–Eastern Spain), where seed germination and seedling survival, with or without seed protection, of four pine species ( Pinus nigra, Pinus pinaster, Pinus halepensis, and Pinus sylvestris) were observed throughout 10 years under three soil conditions (scalped, wildfire-affected, and unaltered soils). The results we obtained have witnessed the good capacity of ANNs to predict both stages of pine initial recruitment. This may be of help in predicting the success of natural regeneration in Mediterranean pine forests under different tree species, soil characteristics, and management strategies.
Unsupervised detection of novel SARS-CoV-2 mutations and lineages in wastewater samples using long-read sequencing
Authors: Garcia Ignacio , Riis Rasmus K. , Moen Line V. , Rohringer Andreas , Madslien Elisabeth H. , Bragstad Karoline
Published: January 2025

The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of virus surveillance in public health and wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) has emerged as a non-invasive, cost-effective method for monitoring SARS-CoV-2 and its variants at the community level. Unfortunately, current variant surveillance methods depend heavily on updated genomic databases with data derived from clinical samples, which can become less sensitive and representative as clinical testing and sequencing efforts decline.

In this paper, we introduce HERCULES (High-throughput Epidemiological Reconstruction and Clustering for Uncovering Lineages from Environmental SARS-CoV-2), an unsupervised method that uses long-read sequencing of a single 1 Kb fragment of the Spike gene. HERCULES identifies and quantifies mutations and lineages without requiring database-guided deconvolution, enhancing the detection of novel variants.

We evaluated HERCULES on Norwegian wastewater samples collected from July 2022 to October 2023 as part of a national pilot on WBE of SARS-CoV-2. Strong correlations were observed between wastewater and clinical sample data in terms of prevalence of mutations and lineages. Furthermore, we found that SARS-CoV-2 trends in wastewater samples were identified one week earlier than in clinical data.

Our results demonstrate HERCULES’ capability to identify new lineages before their detection in clinical samples, providing early warnings of potential outbreaks. The methodology described in this paper is easily adaptable to other pathogens, offering a versatile tool for environmental surveillance of new emerging pathogens.
Clinical integration of germline findings from a tumor testing precision medicine program
Authors: Sanabria-Salas Maria Carolina , Anggala Nina C. , Gillies Brittany , Farncombe Kirsten M. , Hofstedter Renee , Peck Larissa , Purnaghshband Helia , Redondo Laura , Thain Emily , Xu Wei , Sabatini Peter , Bedard Philippe L. , Kim Raymond H.
Published: January 2025

Background

Integrating germline genetic testing (GGT) recommendations from tumor testing into hereditary cancer clinics and precision oncology trials presents challenges that require multidisciplinary expertise and infrastructure. While there have been advancements in standardizing molecular tumor boards, the implementation of tumor profiling for germline-focused assessments has only recently gained momentum. However, this progress remains inconsistent across institutions, largely owing to a lack of systematic approaches for managing these findings. This study outlines the development of a clinical pathway for identifying potential germline variants from an institutional tumor-sequencing research program at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre.

Methods

Between August 2022 and August 2023, a clinical pathway led by a germline Molecular Tumor Board (gMTB) was established to review tumor genetic variants (TGVs) flagged as potential germline findings in patients with advanced cancer via a multigene panel. Eligibility for hereditary cancer syndrome investigation (‘germline criteria’) followed Cancer Care Ontario’s Hereditary Cancer Testing Criteria and clinical judgment. Germline-focused analysis of TGVs followed the European Society of Medical Oncology guidelines and similar published criteria (‘tumor-only criteria’).

Results

Of 243 tumor profiles, 83 (34.2%) had at least one TGV flagged by the genetic laboratory as potentially germline and were therefore referred to the gMTB for further review. Among these 83 cases, 47 (56.6%) met ‘germline criteria’ for GGT, regardless of the TGV assessment. A total of 127 TGVs were assessed in these 83 cases, of which 44 (34.6%) were considered germline relevant. Tier I TGVs, interpreted as pathogenic/likely pathogenic (P/LP) and found in most- or standard-actionable genes with high germline conversion rates (GCRs) in any context, were more likely to be considered germline relevant (p-value < 0.05). One confirmed germline variant was identified in nine patients meeting solely ‘tumor-only criteria’. Overall, 27/44 germline relevant TGVs underwent germline testing. We found a germline P/LP variant in 9 cases of the entire cohort, with a GCR of 33% (9/27).

Conclusions

Incorporating genetic counselors into gMTBs enhanced the integration of research findings into clinical care and improved the detection of disease-causing variants in patients outside traditional testing criteria.
Post-therapeutic support and rehabilitation for breast cancer women in complete remission in a thermal resort: study protocol for the PACThe Real-Life conditions observational trial
Authors: Godiveau Mélanie , Passildas Judith , Thivat Emilie , Casile Mélanie , Pinard Céleste , Giro Alexia , Mouret-Reynier Marie-Ange , Molnar Ioana , Abrial Catherine , Bouvier Claude-Eugène , Bignon Yves-Jean , Durando Xavier
Published: January 2025

Background

Over the past twenty years, the post-cancer rehabilitation has been developed, usually in a hospital setting. Although this allows better care organization and improved security, it is perceived as stressful and restrictive by the “cancer survivor”. Therefore, the transfer of benefits to everyday life is more difficult, or even uncertain. Staying in a thermal resort seemed to offer a good compromise: the security and structure of centralized reception in a thermal resort for treatment and medical supervision, and accommodation in a hotel with full dietary board. It combines institutional quality and security with the freedom of real life and the dynamics of a group formed under innovative conditions. This rehabilitation procedure was tested with the program PACThe (Program of Accompanying women after breast Cancer treatment completion in Thermal resorts) which was evaluated at one year in a randomized controlled trial involving 251 patients [1] and at five years in another study [2]. The results shown a significative improvement in many areas such as quality of life, functional abilities and sleep. The aim of this study is therefore to confirm the benefits of the PACThe program at six months for breast cancer women in complete remission in real-life conditions.

Methods

The project PACThe Real-Life conditions is an observational trial in which 400 breast cancer women in complete remission will be sent to a 3 week thermal “post-cancer rehabilitation” program. Primary objective is to assess the quality of life until 12 months. The outcome will be measured with the self-questionnaire SF-36 [3] at five timepoints (inclusion visit, end of thermal resort, 6 months post-cure, 12 months post-cure and 18 months post-cure). The duration of patient participation in the study will therefore be 18 months. The main analysis will consist of comparing the SF-36 global score at 6 months with the baseline.

Discussion

This study aims to investigate the improvements in quality of life of 3 weeks stay at thermal resort for breast cancer women in complete remission. The comprehensive overview of the program PACThe will likely contribute to enhancing thermal therapy post-cancer rehabilitation in this population in real life conditions.

Trial registration

The PACThe Real-Life conditions trial is a prospective observational study registered at the ANSM registry (2022-A00171-42) on March 1, 2022. This study has been registered on ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05433077. Protocol: version 4, 22 December 2022.
Discriminatory power of trabeculectomy bleb internal reflectivity and morphology in surgical success using anterior segment optical coherence tomography
Authors: Tan Jeremy C.K. , Roney Matthew , Posarelli Matteo , Ansari Abdus Samad , Batterbury Mark , Vallabh Neeru A.
Published: January 2025

Background

The post-operative evaluation of trabeculectomy blebs has traditionally relied on subjective clinical grading systems performed at the slit-lamp. This study explores the use of swept source anterior-segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) to objectively measure bleb internal reflectivity and morphology, and to distinguish blebs with surgical success vs. failure.

Methods

Cross-sectional study of patients with glaucoma who had undergone trabeculectomy at least one year prior. Swept source AS-OCT was used to capture filtering blebs in the sagittal plane. Standardised regions of interests on the sagittal plane were segmented, and pixel intensity values and bleb height were measured. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to examine the discriminatory ability of pixel intensity values and bleb morphology to classify blebs with surgical success or failure.

Results

100 eyes of 65 patients were included, with a median post-operative follow up of 7.0 years (IQR 3.2–16 years). The proportion of complete success, qualified success and failure was 45%, 33%, and 22% respectively. The maximum bleb height was significantly greater in the blebs with complete success (1.74 vs. 1.25 vs. 1.23 mm in CS vs. QS vs. F, one-way ANOVA, p < 0.0001). Mean pixel intensity was significantly lower in blebs with complete success (150.8 vs. 157.4 vs. 167.4 in CS vs. QS vs. F, p = 0.0001). Bleb intensity standard deviation (AUC 0.81), maximal bleb height (AUC 0.76), mean pixel intensity (AUC 0.75) and minimum pixel intensity (AUC 0.75) offered the best discrimination between surgical success and failure.

Conclusions

Swept-source AS-OCT can be used to quantify bleb internal reflectivity and morphology, which can be used to distinguish between well vs. poorly functioning blebs. These parameters may assist surgeons in the objective evaluation of post-operative bleb outcomes.