bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of Route-Level Decisions in the Efficiency and Resilience of Airline Operations: Evidence from the Wright Amendment Repeal
Authors: Ahuja Vishal , Alan Yasin , Arıkan Mazhar
Published: January 2025

Problem definition: We study the impact of an airline’s route-level decisions on the efficiency and resilience of its operations. Methodology/results: Our study uses a proprietary passenger-level data set provided by Southwest Airlines and takes advantage of a regulatory change, the Wright Amendment repeal. The Wright Amendment restricted nonstop service between Dallas Love Field Airport (DAL) and most major destinations. Its repeal led to significant changes in Southwest’s service offerings at DAL. We use a difference-in-differences framework to quantify the impact of the repeal on the scheduled travel times and long travel delays at the passenger level, which serve as proxies for efficiency and resilience, respectively. We show that the repeal’s impact varies widely across destinations. Although Southwest introduced nonstop service to some destinations but not others after the repeal, this decision alone does not sufficiently explain the observed heterogeneity. As such, we develop two route-level metrics—route inefficiency and route resilience—to explain the heterogeneous impact of the repeal on different destinations. Moreover, our counterfactual analysis shows that reallocating connecting passengers with small itinerary buffers to alternative itineraries can result in major resilience improvements without significantly deteriorating efficiency. Managerial implications: Our findings are robust to alternative empirical specifications and have important implications for practitioners and regulators. Specifically, our study not only sheds light on the operational consequences of airlines’ route-level decisions but also demonstrates how managers can effectively manage the efficiency-resilience tradeoff for connecting passengers. Our study also implies that regulators can add more transparency to airline operations by providing public access to passenger-level data.

Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/msom.2023.0070 .
Synthesis of Some 5-nitro Heteroaryl-phenylpropenones with Antituberculosis
Authors: Coulibaly Songuigama , N'Guessan Jean-Paul D.U. , K. Koffi Jean-Fabrice , Grâce Soro T. , Ouattara Mahama
Published: January 2025

The treatment of tuberculosis (TB) faces several challenges, such as the emergence of drug-resistant TB, long treatment duration, management of latent TB, and toxic adverse effects leading to non-compliance with treatment. To address this, WHO encourages the search for new molecules that are more effective and better tolerated. In this context, hybrid molecules of the 5-nitro heteroaryl-phenylpropenone type have been designed as new anti-tuberculosis drugs. These compounds were developed by molecular hybridization, combining a pentagonal 5-nitro heteroaryl with a phenylpropenone functional chain. Four derivatives were synthesized by condensation of a 5-nitro heteroaryl carbaldehyde derivative and a selected ketone, with yields ranging from 20 to 74%. Their structure was confirmed by spectroscopic methods. These new compounds must now be evaluated on different strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis to confirm their anti-tuberculosis potential.
In Silico Analysis of 9H-(Fluorenyl) Methyl Lysine Carbamate Derivatives as Butyrylcholinesterase Inhibitors
Authors: Parepalli Mahalakshmi C. S. , Galla Rajitha
Published: January 2025

The successful treatment strategy for Alzheimer's disease focuses on inhibiting acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) to enhance cholinergic activity. This study aimed to design fifteen 9H-(fluorenyl)methyl lysine carbamate derivatives (4a-o) as potential BChE inhibitors and perform molecular docking studies to identify their binding sites and evaluate their binding mechanisms on the BChE protein by Glide software. The results revealed that the most potent compounds were 4a, 4c, and 4j, with docking scores of -10.53, -10.57, and -10.85 kcal/mol, respectively indicating strong binding affinities with the BChE enzyme, suggesting as potential inhibitors. Notably, compound 4j exhibited complete oral absorption, high permeability in MDCK cells, and good skin permeability. Its surface area components were within acceptable ranges. Thus, compound 4j is proposed as a promising candidate for experimental evaluation as a BChE inhibitor.
Synthesis and Comparison of Reactivity of Amine-Borane Complexes
Authors: Jayakumar S. Venkatesan , Tomar Divya Rana
Published: January 2025

The present study emphasizes on synthesis and characterization of three ABs: Aniline-Borane (AAB), Triethylamine-Borane (TAB), and N,N-Dimethylaniline-Borane (DMAB). The AB reagents were characterized by 11B-NMR spectra and new green procedure was developed to determine the active borane concentration by gasometer. Furthermore, the reactivity of AB complexes has been compared against 1-decene under microwave and ultrasound radiation for the first time. The outcome of gasometer and microwave, ultrasound reactions revealed that TAB is extremely stable and inert. Whereas AAB release borane species rapidly and complete the hydroboration of 1-decene.
Structure-Stability and Energy Storage Capacity of Para Acetyl-Dichloro Chalcone and Chromen Isomers: A Density Functional Theory Investigation
Authors: Hantosh Lawand Alyas , Sami Sarkwat Ahmed , Fadhil Ghazwan Faisal
Published: January 2025

The present study investigates stability and energy storage capacity of E and Z isomers of chalcone 3-(x,y-dichlorophenyl)-1-(4-COCH3-phenyl)prop-2-en-1-one, with x and y denoting positions of chlorine atoms. The considered values of (x,y) are (2,3), (2,4), (2,5), (2,6), (3,4), and (3,5). The investigation also includes 4-(i,j-dichloro-8aH-chromen-2-yl)acetyl—where (i,j) take values of (5,6), (5,7), (5,8), (5,8a), (6,7), and (6,8). Computations are performed using density functional theory in conjunction with the functional B3LYP and the basis set 6-311G (d,p) with and without dispersion correction. Results showed that the stability sequence of the studied isomers is E isomers Z isomers chromen isomers. Concerning the E and Z isomers, the most stable isomer is E (3,5). Results revealed that E (3,5) favors s-cis conformation over s-trans. Among chromen isomers, (5,8a) chromen is the most stable. The compounds investigated here have the highest energy storage capacity (0.41 MJ/kg) when the (6,7) chromen isomer converts to the E (3,4) chalcone isomer, which indicates they may be applied in solar thermal batteries.
Robotic total knee arthroplasty safely reduces length of stay in an Asian public healthcare system
Authors: Chan Kai C. A. , Cheung Amy , Chan Ping-Keung , Luk Michelle H. , Chiu Kwong Y. , Fu Henry
Published: January 2025

Aims

Around the world, the emergence of robotic technology has improved surgical precision and accuracy in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This territory-wide study compares the results of various robotic TKA (R-TKA) systems with those of conventional TKA (C-TKA) and computer-navigated TKA (N-TKA).

Methods

This is a retrospective study utilizing territory-wide data from the Clinical Data Analysis and Reporting System (CDARS). All patients who underwent primary TKA in all 47 public hospitals in Hong Kong between January 2021 and December 2023 were analyzed. Primary outcomes were the percentage use of various robotic and navigation platforms. Secondary outcomes were: 1) mean length of stay (LOS); 2) 30-day emergency department (ED) attendance rate; 3) 90-day ED attendance rate; 4) 90-day reoperation rate; 5) 90-day mortality rate; and 6) surgical time.

Results

A total of 8,492 knees from 7,746 patients were included in the study. Overall robotic use had risen to 20.4% (2023 Q3 to Q4: 355/1,738) by the end of 2023, with Mako being the most popular at 10.3% (179/1,738). R-TKA had the shortest mean LOS compared with N-TKA and C-TKA (5.5 vs 6.3 and 7.1 days, respectively; p < 0.001). Only Mako (9.7%) demonstrated reduced 90-day ED attendance compared to C-TKA (13.1%; p = 0.009), Cori/Navio (15.0%; p = 0.005), and Rosa (16.4%; p < 0.001). No differences in 90-day reoperation rate and mortality were observed between all groups. Mean surgical times were longer in R-TKA groups by 20.6 minutes (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

R-TKA use has increased in recent years, and has been shown to reduce hospital stay despite having a slightly longer surgical time, proving a promising candidate to alleviate the burden on healthcare systems. Individual differences between R-TKA systems contributed to variable clinical outcomes.

Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2024;6(1):12–20.
Galdós, viajero en el laberinto de las identidades
Authors: Torre Javier , Walter Susan
Published: January 2025

Resumen: Este ensayo recopila y analiza la representación de diversas identidades regionales y nacionales en los relatos de viajes de Benito Pérez Galdós. Galdós escribió numerosos relatos de viajes por España y por Europa que publicó en revistas de la época y también en forma de libros. El ensayo defiende que el retrato y el contraste sistemático que ofrece Galdós de varias identidades étnicas (vascos, montañeses, castellanos, catalanes, andaluces, portugueses, italianos, ingleses) está supeditado a su proyecto social y político de despertar una nueva conciencia de identidad nacional española. El análisis se hace teniendo en cuenta las corrientes de pensamiento de la época que influyeron en la cosmovisión del autor: el darwinismo social, los discursos nacionalistas en competencia y el regeneracionismo. El análisis emplea herramientas teóricas provenientes de la imagología, que es una escuela dentro de los estudios culturales que investiga el registro literario de los estereotipos nacionales. Abstract: This essay examines how Benito Pérez Galdós represents regional and national identities in his travel literature, published across magazines, newspapers, and books. Drawing on Imagology's theoretical framework for analyzing literary representations of national stereotypes, the study argues that Galdós's portrayal of various ethnic identities (Basque, Cantabrian, Castilian, Catalonian, Andalusian, Portuguese, Italian, and English) serves his broader social and political project of forging a new Spanish national consciousness. The analysis situates Galdós's representations within contemporary intellectual currents—social Darwinism, competing nationalist discourses, and regeneracionismo—that shaped his worldview.
Beyond Church Walls: Secularizing the Nation in Rosario de Acuña's El Padre Juan (1891), Una dama cristiana (1910), and Selected Articles
Authors: Alfante Azariah
Published: January 2025

Abstract: This article examines various perspectives on secularization in the literary production of the Spanish writer and freethinker Rosario de Acuña. It analyzes selected articles related to the theme of atheism in freethinking periodicals and two plays, El Padre Juan (1891) and Una dama cristiana (1910). This essay illuminates feminine perspectives on religion and the modern nation by exploring issues related to heterodoxy, ecclesiastical patrimony, and women's roles in education in the fin de siècle Resumen: Este artículo examina varios enfoques sobre la secularización en la producción literaria de la escritora y librepensadora española, Rosario de Acuña. Se analizan artículos seleccionados relacionados con el tema de ateísmo en los periódicos librepensadores y dos obras de teatro El Padre Juan (1891) y Una dama cristiana (1910). Este ensayo profundiza en las perspectivas femeninas sobre la heterodoxia, el patrimonio eclesiástico, y el papel que desempeñaban las mujeres finiseculares en la educación.
Desarrollo dinámico de la motivación en una clase de español de alumnos universitarios chinos
Authors: Li Jing
Published: January 2025

Resumen: En base a la teoría de los sistemas dinámicos complejos (TSDC), este trabajo busca revelar las características del desarrollo motivacional en clase y determinar sus factores influyentes. Se ha realizado un seguimiento de los microcambios motivacionales durante seis clases en trece alumnos de la carrera Filología Hispánica de una universidad pública china, a través del método de Motometer, entrevistas y encuestas en línea. Para el análisis de datos, aplicamos el método de puntos de cambio, el Bootstrap basado en la simulación Montecarlo, los gráficos de valores extremos y el coeficiente de variación. Los resultados muestran que, por un lado, el nivel motivacional individual en clase es relativamente alto y presenta un desarrollo no lineal, con saltos significativos y estados atractores, como consecuencia de la interacción espontánea entre factores internos del estudiante y factores externos relacionados con la asignatura y el profesor. Por otro lado, los alumnos con mayor nivel presentan un desarrollo más estable que aquellos con menor nivel, debido a que los cambios contextuales ejercen menos influencia sobre los primeros. Este trabajo profundiza la aplicación de la TSDC en los estudios de motivación en clase.
Impact of internal defects on laser-induced damage in Nd3+, Gd3+ co-doped SrF2 crystals
Authors: Lu Zhuowei , Zhang Zhonghan , Chen Jian , Du Junlin , Jiang Dapeng , Luo Shirui , Zhang Bo , Kou Huamin , Wu Anhua , Su Liangbi
Published: January 2025

The comprehensive investigation into the distribution characteristics of internal defects across various growth areas of Nd, Gd: SrF2 (NGSF) crystals is presented in this paper by photothermal weak absorption, stress-induced birefringence, and laser confocal microscopy. The stress-gathering and absorption bands resulting from the accumulation of internal defects predominantly consist of fractures, empty tubes, and inclusions with impurities, as observed through SEM. Furthermore, laser-induced damage characteristics were examined to explore the mechanisms of internal defect-induced damage by a 1064 nm pulsed laser, revealing the exponential-Chapman relationship between weak absorption and laser damage threshold fluence. Based on the distribution profile of weak absorption, stress birefringence, and damage points, the damage mechanism is analyzed and attributed to the absorption of laser energy by the internal defects, further emphasizing that these internal defects are precursors to laser-induced damage.
Cyclic image generation using chaotic dynamics
Authors: Tanaka Takaya , Yamaguti Yutaka
Published: January 2025

Successive image generation using cyclic transformations is demonstrated by extending the CycleGAN model to transform images among three different categories. Repeated application of the trained generators produces sequences of images that transition among the different categories. The generated image sequences occupy a more limited region of the image space compared with the original training dataset. Quantitative evaluation using precision and recall metrics indicates that the generated images have high quality but reduced diversity relative to the training dataset. Such successive generation processes are characterized as chaotic dynamics in terms of dynamical system theory. Positive Lyapunov exponents estimated from the generated trajectories confirm the presence of chaotic dynamics, with the Lyapunov dimension of the attractor found to be comparable to the intrinsic dimension of the training data manifold. The results suggest that chaotic dynamics in the image space defined by the deep generative model contribute to the diversity of the generated images, constituting a novel approach for multi-class image generation. This model can be interpreted as an extension of classical associative memory to perform hetero-association among image categories.
Urban scaling with censored data
Authors: Figueira Inês , Succar Rayan , Barak Ventura Roni , Porfiri Maurizio
Published: January 2025

In the realm of urban science, scaling laws are essential for understanding the relationship between city population and urban features, such as socioeconomic outputs. Ideally, these laws would be based on complete datasets; however, researchers often face challenges related to data availability and reporting practices, resulting in datasets that include only the highest observations of the urban features (top-k). A key question that emerges is: Under what conditions can an analysis based solely on top-k observations accurately determine whether a scaling relationship is truly superlinear or sublinear? To address this question, we conduct a numerical study that explores how relying exclusively on reported values can lead to erroneous conclusions, revealing a selection bias that favors sublinear over superlinear scaling. In response, we develop a method that provides robust estimates of the minimum and maximum potential scaling exponents when only top-k observations are available. We apply this method to two case studies involving firearm violence, a domain notorious for its suppressed datasets, and we demonstrate how this approach offers a reliable framework for analyzing scaling relationships with censored data.
Developing a competency model for telerehabilitation therapists and patients: Results of a cross-sectional online survey
Authors: Stark-Blomeier Anna Lea , Krayter Stephan , Dockweiler Christoph
Published: January 2025

Telerehabilitation is a new form of care that provides digital access to rehabilitative services. However, it places many demands on the users–both patients and therapists. The aim of this study was to determine the requirements and competencies needed for successful usage, identify person- and context-specific differences and develop a competency model. We conducted two cross-sectional online surveys with telerehabilitation patients and therapists from Germany during June-August 2023. The adjusted dataset of 262 patients and 73 therapists was quantitatively analyzed including descriptive and bivariate statistics. Group differences were assessed using t-tests or U-tests. The development of two telerehabilitation competency models was guided by a competency modeling process. The surveys show that patients need to gather program information before program start, follow therapist’s instructions, adapt therapy, deal with health problems, as well as motivate and remind oneself during the program. Therapists need to inform and instruct patients, adapt therapy, carry out technical set-up and support, give medical support, guide and monitor patients, give feedback, motivation and reminder, as well as documentation. The competency model for patients includes 23 and the model for therapists 24 core competencies, including various required areas of knowledge, skills, attitudes and experiences. The three most relevant competencies for patients are self-interest in the program, self-awareness and self-management. Also, disease severity, age, and language abilities can enable successful execution. Program type, technology affinity, and age significantly influence the rated relevance of competencies. The three most relevant competencies for therapists are therapeutic-professional skills, medical and telerehabilitation knowledge. The type of therapy practiced and language abilities can enable successful execution. Therapist’s age, technology affinity, and job type significantly impact the rated relevance. The models should be applied to develop tailored training formats and support decisions on the selection of suitable therapists and patients for telerehabilitation.
Tobacco consumption behavior and its associated factors among in-school adolescent students of Saptari, Nepal
Authors: Mandal Anil Kumar
Published: January 2025

Tobacco consumption among adolescent students in Nepal has grown to an alarming proportion, raising serious concerns about associated factors. The study aimed to describe the tobacco consumption behavior of in-school adolescent students and its associated factors. A cross-sectional survey design was followed to conduct the study. Students of community schools in Class 10 of a municipality in Saptari, Nepal, were the population of the study. All students who were present on the day of data collection participated in the study. Two hundred and twenty-five students participated in the study with a response rate of 95.74%. A validated, self-administered anonymous questionnaire was used to collect data. Frequency, percentage, and binary logistic regression were used to analyze the data. The proportion of students who consumed tobacco was 24% (boy: 18.7%, girl: 5.3%). Sex of students (OR = 5.529, 95% CI 2.375–12.872, P = .000) and tobacco consumption behavior of students’ fathers (OR = 3.358, 95% CI 1.308–8.617, P = .012) were significantly associated with tobacco consumption behavior of adolescent students. I concluded that the sex of students and the tobacco consumption behavior of students’ fathers are the main associated factors of the tobacco consumption behavior of adolescent students. Anti-tobacco policies should be developed and implemented with the coordination of school administration, the school management committee, and the local bodies targeting students, especially boys and students’ fathers.
Needle phobia in emergency department in a rural district hospital of Nepal: A cross-sectional analysis
Authors: Yadav Niraz , Yadav Aakriti , Yadav Neeru
Published: January 2025

Needle phobia is a major concern for general practitioners in emergency department. Treatment of patients arriving for emergency care must be provided without delay. General practitioners face the challenge of managing patients with needle phobia, as it can exacerbate their condition, potentially leading to refusal of initial treatments. This emphasizes the importance of developing effective strategies to address needle phobia in emergency care. A cross-sectional study was conducted at Terhathum district hospital among 501 patients seeking treatment in the emergency department. Data were collected by face-to-face interview. This study reveals that 281 participants (56.2%) experienced needle phobia, with an average fear intensity score of 5.17 ± 1.45 on a 0–10 scale (0 indicating no fear and 10 indicating the highest intensity). The correlation of needle phobia with associated factors (p-value < 0.01) was analyzed by multivariate logistic regression. It was found that family history (AOR = 1.96, 95% CI = 1.33, 2.9), non-needle-related phobia (AOR = 1.88, 95% CI = 1.3, 2.72), and frequent need blood draw (AOR = 2, 95% CI = 1.36, 3.0) were significantly associated with needle phobia. The study indicates that 66% of individuals with needle phobia have a family history of phobia, compared to 49.5% of those without needle phobia, suggesting that both hereditary and environmental factors contribute to its development. Among various reason, general anxiety and pain were the two most common reasons for needle fear. Approximately 181 (64.4%) participants avoided medical treatment and out of those, 59 (32.6%) refused blood donation. Multiple response analysis revealed that relaxation techniques (26.7%), distraction during the procedure (22.1%), and education on how instruments work (16.7%) were the most effective methods for alleviating needle phobia. In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into the prevalence, causes, and impact of needle phobia, emphasizing the importance of addressing it to improve patient experiences and compliance with medical treatments, leading to better health outcomes.
Barriers experienced by undergraduate students to access to mental health services: Results from a Canadian study
Authors: Saposnik Florencia , Norman Dr. Mark
Published: January 2025

This study examined the experiences of Canadian undergraduate students accessing mental healthcare between November 2022 to February 2023. We specifically assessed the impact of social determinants of health (i.e., gender, socioeconomic status, immigration status, English as a second language). Participants were recruited through social media platforms and by undergraduate program administrators at Canadian universities. Participants were asked to provide demographic information, answer questions about their experiences accessing mental healthcare, and to complete the mental health continuum short form (MHC-SF). Descriptive statistics and linear regression models were used to assess the association between MHC-SF and social determinants of health (e.g.: demographics, language, immigration status). Of 1098 students invited to participate, 365 participants completed the study (completion rate: 33.2%). Their mean age (SD) was 21.4 (4.6) years; 73.6% were female and 45.7% identified as non-White. Overall, the mean (SD) MHC-SF score of participants was 2.36 (0.99) out of 5. Students with low SES had lower MHC-SF scores (mean 2.08 vs 2.45; p = 0.003). The multivariable analysis showed that low SES (β -0.36; 95%CI: -0.60 to -0.12) and female gender (β -0.29; 95%CI: -0.58 to -0.012) were associated with lower MHC-SF scores. Additionally, being White was associated with higher MHC-SF scores (β -0.29; 95%CI: -0.44 to 0.54). Age, English as a second language, and immigration status were not significant predictors of mental health. High levels of stress, negative perceptions of the mental healthcare system, and limited access were the more common reported themes in the qualitative analysis. In our cohort, university students from across Canada had low MHC scores. Social determinants of health (e.g., low SES, being non-White, and identifying as a woman) were independent predictors of low MCH scores. Further studies are needed to identify specific groups at higher risk as well as strategies to overcome the suboptimal mental health among Canadian students.
Behavioral and social predictors of suicidal ideation and attempts among adolescents and young adults
Authors: Shahsavar Yeganeh , Choudhury Avishek
Published: January 2025

Suicide is now the 2nd leading cause of death. Despite existing prevention initiatives, the incidence of suicide deaths among younger population has risen in recent years. The study aimed to determine the social and behavioral predictors of suicidal ideation (SI) and suicide attempts (SA) among adolescents and young adults. We analyzed data from the 2021 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS) involving 17,232 U.S. students in grades 9–12. Among respondents, 20.85% (3,593) reported suicidal ideation, and 10.17% (1,753) attempted suicide. Of the 3,526 participants with depression, 46.23% (1,630) experienced suicidal ideation, and 19.46% (686) attempted suicide. Among the 8,152 female participants, 27.42% (2,335) reported suicidal ideation, and 13.37% (1,090) reported suicide attempts. Also, 29.06% of 3,981 participants who were overweight experienced SI and 14.02% of them attempted suicide. We developed independent SI and SA prediction models using extreme gradient boosting (XGB), logistic regression (LR), and K-Nearest Neighbors (KNN) algorithms. The LR model demonstrated the best performance in predicting both SI and SA, with an accuracy of 0.74 (for both), specificity of 0.71 for SI; 0.69 for SA, and sensitivity (0.77 for SI; 0.81 for SA). It also achieved high positive predictive values (PPV) of 0.90 for SI; 0.95 for SA, and an area under the Receiver Operating Characteristic (AUROC) curve of 0.82 for both outcomes. The model identified cyberbullying (electronically bullied), drug use, forced sexual intercourse, sexual violence, difficulty in concentrating, and early use of alcohol or marijuana, as some of the most important and common predictors of SI and SA. In conclusion, our research advocates for the urgent development of support systems that address the early signs of suicidal behaviors. It also surfaces the fact that predicting with certainty who is likely to attempt suicide remains a challenge.
An exploratory review of resiliency assessments after brain injury
Authors: Griffioen Janna , Gingrich Nicole , Pollock Courtney L. , Schmidt Julia
Published: January 2025

Background

People with brain injury can have lower resiliency compared to the general public. Yet, resiliency facilitates positive processes to negotiate adversity after brain injury. Therefore, measuring resiliency after a brain injury is important.

Objective

The review aimed to (1) identify self-report resiliency outcome measures for use with people after acquired brain injury, using the process-based Traumatic Brain Injury Resiliency Model as the guiding conceptual framework, and (2) summarize the psychometric properties of the identified outcome measures and the utility of these measures in clinical rehabilitation.

Method

The COSMIN guidelines for systematic reviews were followed to ensure appropriate reporting for each measure. Databases CINAHL, EMBASE, Medline, and PsychINFO were searched and independently reviewed by two people. Articles providing data on psychometric properties for measures of resilience for people with brain injury were retrieved. Psychometric properties and clinical utility (number of items, scoring details) were summarized.

Results

Thirty-two articles were retrieved, including nine measures of resiliency: Acceptance and Action Questionnaire–Acquired Brain Injury, Confidence after Stroke Measure, Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale, Daily Living Self-Efficacy Scale, General Self-Efficacy Scale, Participation Strategies Self-Efficacy Scale, Resilience Scale, Robson Self-Esteem Scale, and the Stroke Self-Efficacy Questionnaire. All measures have acceptable to excellent psychometric properties in accordance with the COSMIN guidelines.

Conclusion

There are established measures of resiliency in brain injury rehabilitation. Future work may explore use of these measures in a clinical context and implementation of rehabilitation goals for improving resiliency after brain injury.
Association between age-related hearing loss and depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Li Fuyao , Jin Meiling , Ma Tianyi , Cui Chunlian
Published: January 2025

Introduction

This meta-analysis examined the relationship between age-related hearing loss (ARHL) and depression in older adults, and further explored whether this relationship is moderated by age and gender.

Methods

We searched in 4 English databases: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library. Ultimately, we identified 9 studies, involving 3 cohort studies and 6 cross-sectional studies. We used Hedges’ g as the effect size, and all pooled analyses were performed using random-effects models.

Results

ARHL patients had higher depressive symptom scores than non-ARHL older adults (g = 0.52). When divided into subgroups based on study type, a large effect size was demonstrated in the cross-sectional study group (g = 0.68) and was not statistically different in the cohort study group (g = 0.06). Meta-regression results showed that the effect size of depression in older adults with ARHL was significantly associated with the percentage of females (t = 5.97, p = 0.000) and not significantly associated with age (t = 0.94, p = 0.364).

Conclusions

Patients with ARHL are more likely to be depressed than older adults with normal hearing, and this relationship is influenced by the gender of the patients.
Optimal tactics in community pension model for defined benefit pension plans
Authors: Wang Jun , Cui Chunli , Tian Tian
Published: January 2025

Against the backdrop of an aging population, community pension initiatives are gaining traction, permeating societal landscapes. This study delves into the equilibrium strategy within the context of a defined benefit pension plan, employing a differential game framework with a community pension model. Hence, the model entails the company’s controls over investment rates in funds, juxtaposed with employees’ inclination towards a greater proportion of community pension allocation in said funds. To tackle this issue, a stochastic differential game model for pensions under a community pension scheme is formulated. Leveraging the Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman equation, we derive the Markov Perfect Nash Equilibrium solution and optimal portfolio. Through numerical simulations, we analyze the impact of varying risk aversion levels across different parameter values on equilibrium ratios, thereby offering insights into managerial risk tolerance.
Early neutrophil activation and NETs release in the pristane-induced lupus mice model
Authors: Carrasco Solange , Liphaus Bernadete L. , Peixoto Tatiana Vasconcelos , Lima Thais Martins , Ariga Sueli Kunimi Kubo , Jesus Queiroz Zelita Aparecida , de Matos Lobo Thays , Catanozi Sergio , Rodrigues Letícia Gomes , Filho Antônio Santos , Teodoro Walcy Rosolia , Velosa Ana Paula Pereira , Levy Débora , Soriano Francisco Garcia , Goldenstein-Schainberg Cláudia
Published: January 2025

Background

NETosis is recognized as an important source of autoantigens. Therefore, we hypothesized whether the pristane-induced lupus mice model shows early activation of neutrophils, the presence of low-density granulocytes (LDGs), and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) release, which could contribute to the development of a lupus phenotype.

Methods

Twelve female wild-type Balb/c mice were intraperitoneally injected with pristane (n = 6; pristane group) or saline (n = 6; control group). Five days after the injection, blood, peritoneal lavage, bone marrow, and spleen samples were collected for flow cytometry analyses of activated neutrophils (Ly6G+CD11b+), LDGs (CD15+CD14low), and NETs release (Sytox Green+).

Results

The pristane-induced mice group had a significantly increased number of blood activated neutrophils and LDGs as well as NETs released by these cells compared to the saline-injected control group and the basal values determined 12 days before the injection. The pristane group also had a significantly increased number of activated neutrophils, LDGs, and NETs released compared to the control group for the peritoneal lavage and bone marrow, except total cell count in spleen.

Conclusions

We demonstrated early changes in the innate immune response such as an increased number of activated neutrophils and LDGs and mainly increased NETosis in the pristane-induced mice model which may be considered as the primary event triggering lupus development.
Automated CAD system for early detection and classification of pancreatic cancer using deep learning model
Authors: Nadeem Abubakar , Ashraf Rahan , Mahmood Toqeer , Parveen Sajida
Published: January 2025

Accurate diagnosis of pancreatic cancer using CT scan images is critical for early detection and treatment, potentially saving numerous lives globally. Manual identification of pancreatic tumors by radiologists is challenging and time-consuming due to the complex nature of CT scan images and variations in tumor shape, size, and location of the pancreatic tumor also make it challenging to detect and classify different types of tumors. Thus, to address this challenge we proposed a four-stage framework of computer-aided diagnosis systems. In the preprocessing stage, the input image resizes into 227 × 227 dimensions then converts the RGB image into a grayscale image, and enhances the image by removing noise without blurring edges by applying anisotropic diffusion filtering. In the segmentation stage, the preprocessed grayscale image a binary image is created based on a threshold, highlighting the edges by Sobel filtering, and watershed segmentation to segment the tumor region and we also implement the U-Net method for segmentation. Then refine the geometric structure of the image using morphological operation and extracting the texture features from the image using a gray-level co-occurrence matrix computed by analyzing the spatial relationship of pixel intensities in the refined image, counting the occurrences of pixel pairs with specific intensity values and spatial relationships. The detection stage analyzes the tumor region’s extracted features characteristics by labeling the connected components and selecting the region with the highest density to locate the tumor area, achieving a good accuracy of 99.64%. In the classification stage, the system classifies the detected tumor into the normal, pancreatic tumor, then into benign, pre-malignant, or malignant using a proposed reduced 11-layer AlexNet model. The classification stage attained an accuracy level of 98.72%, an AUC of 0.9979, and an overall system average processing time of 1.51 seconds, demonstrating the capability of the system to effectively and efficiently identify and classify pancreatic cancers.
Factors associated with contracting border malaria: A systematic and meta-analysis
Authors: Fambirai Tichaona , Chimbari Moses , Mhindu Tafadzwa
Published: January 2025

Vector resistance, human population movement, and cross-border malaria continue to pose a threat to the attainment of malaria elimination goals. Border malaria is prominent in border regions characterised by poor access to health services, remoteness, and vector abundance. Human socio-economic behaviour, vectoral behaviour, access and use of protective methods, age, sex, and occupation have been identified in non-border regions as key predictors for malaria. We conducted a systematic and meta-analysis review to characterise and establish pooled effect sizes of the factors associated with the occurrence of border malaria. An exhaustive search was done in EBSCOHost (Medline Full Text), Health Source, Google Scholar, Regional Office for Africa Library, African Index Medicus, and PubMed databases. A total of 847 articles were identified from the search and after screening for quality and eligibility, twelve (12) articles were included in the review. Pooled odds ratios, inverse variance statistic (I2), Luis Furuya-Kanamori (LFK) index, and forest plot were computed. Findings from this study suggest night outdoor activities (POR 2.87 95% CI, 1.17 7,01), engaging in forestry activities (POR 2.76 95% CI, 2.08 3.67), working in mines (POR 197 95% CI, 175 22171), access to poor housing structure (POR 3.42 95% CI, 2.14 5.46), and cross-border movement (POR 50.86 95% CI, 12.88 200.85) none use of insecticide-treated nets (POR 5.09 95% CI, 2.44 10.63) were all significantly associated with contracting malaria within border regions. The use of insecticide-treated nets (ITN) (POR 0.61 95% CI, 0.50 0.76) and indoor residual spraying (IRS) (POR 0.61 95% CI, 0.47 0.79) were protective. Risk factors for border malaria are comparable to non-border malaria. Effective border malaria control requires an integrated and targeted approach that addresses socio-economic, environmental, and behavioural drivers. Established vector control interventions remain protective and should be sustained to mitigate the border malaria burden effectively. Novel strategies should be developed to address the unique challenge of cross-border human population movement underpinned by robust regional, bilateral, and multi-sectoral collaborative initiatives.
Quantitative expression of estrogen, progesterone and human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 and their correlation with immunohistochemistry in breast cancer at Uganda Cancer Institute
Authors: Wannume Henry , Niyonzima Nixon , Kalungi Sam , Okuni Julius Boniface , Okecha Tonny , Kakungulu Edward , Kiwuwa Steven Mpungu , Waiswa Geoffrey , Kadhumbula Sylvester , Namayanja Monica , Nabwana Martin , Orem Jackson
Published: January 2025

The detection of Estrogen Receptor (ER), Progesterone Receptor (PR), and Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2) is important for the stratification of breast cancer and the selection of therapeutic modalities. This study aimed to determine the quantitative expression of ER, PR and HER-2 using Immunohistochemistry and their correlation with quantitative baseline Ct values measured using Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). This study also assessed the use of fresh breast tissue biopsies preserved in RNAlater solution in the quantitative detection of these receptors using PCR technique. The study evaluated 20 matched formalin fixed paraffin embedded and RNAlater preserved samples for ER, PR, and HER-2 using IHC and quantitative PCR technique. One portion of the breast tissue biopsy was fixed immediately in 10% neutral buffered formalin and another was preserved in RNAlater. After the histological confirmation of breast cancer by the H&E technique, formalin fixed paraffin embedded tissues (FFPE)—positive cases were matched with their corresponding RNAlater samples for IHC and qPCR. The extracted RNA was quantified using Nanodrop technology, resulting into complementary DNA. ER and PR using IHC were expressed in 60% (n = 12) of the study samples and were negative in 40% (n = 8) of samples. HER-2 was negative in 70% (n = 14) of study samples, 25% (n = 5) positive, and 5% (n = 1) equivocal. With the quantitative expression of ER, PR, and HER-2 being reported in the IHC triple—negative breast cancer cases. The mean Ct values for the hormonal receptors correlated with what has been previously studied with ER at 19.631, PR at 25.410 and HER-2 at 25.695. There was no statistically significant difference between the mean Ct values of RNAlater and FFPE with their P-values being 0.9919, 0.0896 and < 0.0001 for ER, PR, and HER-2 respectively. P-values; 0.9919 and 0.0896 for ER and PR respectively being greater than 0.05 it’s a borderline significance although HER-2 had a statistical significance. With a concordance in the detection of these breast cancer hormonal receptors, qPCR can be used in our setting considering the delays that may be associated in following the samples through IHC processing.
Disability and depression among stroke survivors attending rehabilitation facilities at three designated tertiary care hospitals in Bangladesh: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Islam Mohammad Jahirul , Ahmed Sohel , Kamrul Islam Khandaker Md , Tina Progya Laboni , Nath Ayon Deb , Biswas Nipa , Islam Md Shafiqul , Dey Shikder Bikash Juty , Al Mamun Muhammed Abdullah , Yasmin Nasima , Chakraborty Shishir Ranjan
Published: January 2025

Background

Poststroke depression (PSD) is a highly prevalent and serious mental health condition affecting a significant proportion of stroke survivors worldwide. While its exact causes remain under investigation, managing PSD presents a significant challenge.

Aim

This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and predictors of depression among Bangladeshi stroke victims.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was carried out with 725 stroke victims who were receiving medical care at three designated tertiary care hospitals in Sylhet from January to December 2023. Depression and disability were measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and the Modified Rankin Scale. Logistic regression analysis was employed to examine the predictors linked to depression.

Results

According to the study, 80.8% of individuals had moderate to severe disability, and 58.1% of them experienced a moderate to severe level of depression. Individuals who had hemorrhagic stroke (AOR 1.31, 95% CI: 0.77–2.25), repeated episodes (AOR 3.41, 95% CI: 1.89–6.14), tobacco use (AOR 1.76, 95% CI: 1.16–2.67), or coexisting health conditions (AOR 1.68, 95% CI: 1.00–2.82) exhibited elevated levels of depression. Participants whose medical expenses covered by relatives or others were six times more likely to experience depressive symptoms (AOR 6.32, 95% CI: 1.61–24.76). Individuals who did not receive rehabilitation services had two times greater odds of being depressed (OR 1.85, 95% CI: 1.23–2.77, p = 0.003). Consequently, individuals with low functional status had eleven times greater levels of depression (AOR 11.03, 95% CI: 7.14–17.04).

Conclusion

More than half of the participants in this present study reported moderate to extreme levels of depression which is a serious health issue among Bangladeshi stroke survivors. Understanding the predictors of depression linked to stroke could enhance the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions for this condition. In addition, multidisciplinary teams should work collaboratively to address this serious issue.
Investigating the point prevalence, types, severity, causes and predictors of vaccines administration errors during COVID-19 pandemic in Jordan
Authors: Abdel-Qader Derar H. , Abdel-Qader Hasan , Silverthorne Jennifer , Kongkaew Chuenjid , Al Nimrawi Moh’d , Al Meslamani Ahmad Z. , Obeidat Nathir M. , Hayajneh Wail , Hawari Feras , Arabi Souraya Z. , AbuRuz Salahdein
Published: January 2025

Background

There is a paucity of research regarding COVID-19 vaccines administration errors (VAEs) during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, types, severity, causes and predictors of VAEs in Jordan during the recent pandemic.

Method

This was a 3-day (Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday of the third week of November 2021) prospective, covert observational point prevalence study. It involved direct observation of vaccination administration practices by covert observers who recorded data on a standardized form, documenting the administration process, observed errors, and contextual factors, such as workload, distractions, and interruptions directly after each observation. Univariate and multivariable logistic models were constructed in order to identify predictors of VAEs.

Results

The point prevalence of VAEs was 2.4% (209 errors / 8743 vaccine doses). These VAEs were categorized into six types: timing (interval) error (69, 33.0%) dosing error (60, 28.7%), incorrect vaccine product (42, 20.1%), site/route error (17, 8.1%), documentation error (15, 7.2%), and other (6, 2.9%). Most errors were minor (133, 63.6%) and moderate (63, 30.1%). There were 174 (54.9%) healthcare provider-related contributing factors and 102 (32.2%) patient-related factors. Receiving the vaccine in the Southern region compared to Capital region (aOR: 1.92; 95% confidence intervals, 95%CI: 1.41–2.49; p = 0.001) and receiving the vaccine during peak hours compared to regular hours (aOR: 2.18; 95%CI: 1.58–3.86; p = 0.002) were significant predictors of VAEs.

Conclusion

Though infrequent, VAEs had prevalence higher than previously reported in the literature, posing serious public health challenges, which might have compromised immunization efficacy and patient safety. Identifying these errors’ causes and formulating strategies to reduce them is crucial for enhancing vaccination results.
Exploring data literacy self-perception among Indonesian high school students
Authors: Kaur Charanjit , Tan Pei P. , Nurjannah Nurjannah , Yuniasih Ririn
Published: January 2025

Data is becoming increasingly ubiquitous today, and data literacy has emerged an essential skill in the workplace. Therefore, it is necessary to equip high school students with data literacy skills in order to prepare them for further learning and future employment. In Indonesia, there is a growing shift towards integrating data literacy in the high school curriculum. As part of a pilot intervention project, academics from two leading Universities organised data literacy boot camps for high school students across various cities in Indonesia. The boot camps aimed at increasing participants’ awareness of the power of analytical and exploration skills, which in turn, would contribute to creating independent and data-literate students. This paper explores student participants’ self-perception of their data literacy as a result of the skills acquired from the boot camps. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected through student surveys and a focus group discussion, and were used to analyse student perception post-intervention. The findings indicate that students became more aware of the usefulness of data literacy and its application in future studies and work after participating in the boot camp. Of the materials delivered at the boot camps, students found the greatest benefit in learning basic statistical concepts and applying them through the use of Microsoft Excel as a tool for basic data analysis. These findings provide valuable policy recommendations that educators and policymakers can use as guidelines for effective data literacy teaching in high schools.