bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of metered dose inhalers for bronchodilator responsiveness testing: laboratory practices in Australia and opportunities for carbon footprint reduction
Authors: Loftus Michael J , Roberts Jayne , Romeo Nicholas , Matsas Pam , Leder Karin , Borg Brigitte , Miller Belinda R
Published: December 2024

Background

Metered dose inhalers (MDIs) are important devices for delivering inhaled medications; however, they have an outsized carbon footprint due to their propellant gas. Many short-acting beta-agonist inhalers contain HFA-134a which has a global warming potential >1000 fold higher than carbon dioxide. We aimed to determine the practices around MDI use and disposal within Australia’s major lung function testing laboratories and identify the actions that most influence the carbon footprint of bronchodilator responsiveness (BDR) testing.

Methods

Australia’s 45 accredited lung function laboratories were invited to participate in an online survey asking about their volume of BDR testing, as well as practices around MDI use such as the number of actuations per BDR test, reuse of MDIs between patients and disposal method. We calculated MDI-associated carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emissions by combining previously published estimates.

Results

39 laboratories completed the survey. Most laboratories used 4 actuations of salbutamol per BDR test for both adults (27/34, 79.4%) and children (17/20, 85%), but this ranged from 2 to 12. Only three (7.7%) laboratories did not routinely reuse MDIs between patients; however, they all sent their used MDIs for high-temperature incineration. Based on different combinations of observed MDI practices in Australia, we identified a potential sixfold difference in CO2e per 100 BDR tests, from as low as 23.3 kg CO2e up to 166 kg CO2e.

Conclusions

We identified three key practices to reduce the carbon footprint of BDR testing: disposing of MDIs via high-temperature incineration, reducing the number of actuations per BDR test and reusing MDIs between patients.
Lung function may recover after coal mine fire smoke exposure: a longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Holt Nicolette R , Smith Catherine L , Gao Caroline X , Borg Brigitte , Lane Tyler , Brown David , Ikin Jillian , Makar Annie , McCrabb Thomas , Thomas Mikayla , Nilsen Kris , Thompson Bruce R , Abramson Michael J
Published: December 2024

Background and objective

The 2014 Hazelwood coal mine fire exposed residents in nearby Morwell to high concentrations of particulate matter <2.5 µm (PM2.5) for approximately 6 weeks. This analysis aimed to evaluate the long-term impact on respiratory health.

Methods

Adults from Morwell and the unexposed town of Sale completed validated respiratory questionnaires and performed spirometry, gas transfer and oscillometry 3.5–4 years (round 1) and 7.3–7.8 years (round 2) after the fire. Individual PM2.5exposure levels were estimated using chemical transport models mapped onto participant-reported time-location data. Mixed-effects regression models were fitted to analyse associations between PM2.5exposure and outcomes, controlling for key confounders.

Results

From 519 (346 exposed) round 1 participants, 329 (217 exposed) participated in round 2. Spirometry and gas transfer in round 2 were mostly lower compared with round 1, excepting forced vital capacity (FVC) (increased) and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (minimal change). The effect of mine fire-related PM2.5exposure changed from a negative effect in round 1 to no effect in round 2 for both pre-bronchodilator (p=0.005) and post-bronchodilator FVC (p=0.032). PM2.5was not associated with gas transfer in either round. For post-bronchodilator reactance and area under the curve, a negative impact of PM2.5in round 1 showed signs of recovery in round 2 (both p<0.001).

Conclusion

In this novel study evaluating long-term respiratory outcomes after medium-duration high concentration PM2.5exposure, the attenuated associations between exposure and respiratory function may indicate some recovery in lung function. With increased frequency and severity of landscape fires observed globally, these results inform public health policies and planning.
What is the true target population for biologics in real-life COPD or asthma-COPD overlap patients?
Authors: Zysman Maéva , Herman Fanchon , Grassion Léo , Taillé Camille , Gonzalez-Bermejo Jesus , Guecamburu Marina , Roche Nicolas , Pavot Arthur , Girodet Pierre-Olivier , Bourdin Arnaud , Molinari Nicolas , Berger Patrick
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Biologics provide significant benefits in asthma, reducing exacerbations and symptoms. Some biologics have shown promising results in small subgroups of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and frequent exacerbations. Nevertheless, real-life data on the size of the COPD target population remain scarce.

Methods

We analysed the characteristics of COPD and coexisting asthma and COPD patients included in the prospective multicentre, French COhort of BRonchial obstruction and Asthma, between 2008 and 2023 and evaluated the number of patients who could correspond to the inclusion criteria of randomised controlled trials evaluating various biologics targeting interleukin 33 (IL-33) (-receptor), IL-5 (-receptor), IL-4Rα or TSLP, in routine clinical practice.

Results

Among 434 COPD patients, only 21.7% met inclusion criteria for at least one biologic. Among patients with asthma, 54 (3.5%) had coexisting features of COPD in terms of age, smoking status and airflow obstruction and met inclusion criteria for at least one biologic. Notably, these patients were predominantly female, with worse lung function. Globally, the target chronic airway diseases population of the eagerly awaited biologics remains limited to a small part (ie, 1.3%–8%, depending on the biologic).

Conclusion

In a real-life COPD and asthma population (including asthmatic patients with features of COPD), the proportion of patients satisfying selection criteria applied in randomised controlled trials assessing the efficacy of biologics remains limited to less than 10% of the whole population.
Expectations and experiences of pain during medical abortion at home: a secondary, mixed-methods analysis of a patient survey in England and Wales
Authors: McCulloch Hannah , Perro Danielle , Taghinejadi Neda , Whitehouse Katherine C , Lohr Patricia A
Published: December 2024

Objective

To explore experiences of pain during medical abortion and provide patient-centred recommendations for improving abortion experience and pain counselling.

Methods

We invited patients of British Pregnancy Advisory Service who underwent medical abortion up to 10 weeks’ gestation to participate in an online, English language questionnaire from November 2021 to March 2022. Participants answered questions about pain, method preference, abortion experience, advice, and how they would describe pain experienced to a friend. In this secondary analysis, we analysed free-text responses using reflexive thematic analysis techniques. We used descriptive statistics and parametric tests to analyse quantitative responses.

Results

Of 11 906 patients invited to participate, 1596 (13.4%) completed the questionnaire, including at least one free-text comment. Participants used a range of descriptors for medical abortion pain across three broad themes: pain severity, pain quality and comparisons to other reproductive pain. Some found the commonly used analogy to period pain misleading. Many felt unprepared for the level of pain they experienced, which they attributed to provider comparisons to period pain, as well as a lack of detailed, realistic anticipatory pain counselling. Qualitative and quantitative results suggest pain experiences impact method preference. Participants recommended better counselling for pain and abortion preparation, including first-hand accounts of medical abortion at home and a wide and accessible range of descriptions of pain.

Conclusions

Abortion providers should use patient-centred recommendations to better prepare patients for pain during medical abortion. Setting realistic expectations can improve abortion experience and support informed method choice. Further research is needed to develop and test patient-centred counselling materials.
Nebulised high-dose corticosteroids as add-on therapy for adults with asthma exacerbation: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Kornthatchapong Kumpol , Chatchairatanavej Nat , Chormai Nattaya , Srivilaithon Winchana , Limjindaporn Chitlada , Saiphoklang Narongkorn , Sri-on Jiraporn
Published: December 2024

Background

Evidence regarding high-dose inhaled corticosteroids (HDICS) in asthma exacerbations in adults is insufficient. This study compares the treatment outcomes of HDICS as add-on therapy to the outcomes of standard treatment in adult patients with acute asthma exacerbation in the ED.

Methods

This was a single-centre, triple-blind, randomised controlled trial conducted in the ED in Thailand between March 2022 and April 2023. Adult patients with asthma exacerbation were randomly assigned to receive either a placebo (normal saline) or HDICS (budesonide 9000 µg) nebulisation combined with beta agonist and ipratropium within the first hour. The primary endpoints were length of ED stay, hospital admission and ED revisit. The secondary endpoints were dyspnoea scale, pulmonary functions, length of hospital stay and home exacerbation after ED discharge.

Results

A total of 88 patients were randomly assigned to one of two groups: 44 patients received a HDICS and 44 patients were placed in the control group. The HDICS group had a significantly shorter ED length of stay (adjusted mean difference −133.6 min; 95% CI −242.4 to −24.8 min; p=0.016), and a higher proportion of ED discharged home within 8 and 16 hours compared with the control group. However, there were no significant differences between the two groups in hospital admission rates, ED revisit, dyspnoea scale, pulmonary functions, length of hospital stay or home exacerbation after ED discharge.

Conclusions

HDICS may be useful as an add-on therapy to standard treatment for asthma exacerbation in adults to reduce ED stay.

Trial registration number

TCTR20201214001.
Age of menopause, healthy lifestyle and cardiovascular disease in women: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Pant Anushriya , Gibson Alice A , Marschner Simone , Liao Lee P , Laranjo Liliana , Chow Clara K , Zaman Sarah
Published: December 2024

Background

Menopause is a timely opportunity to screen for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and intervene with healthier lifestyles. We investigated the association between premature/early menopause and the likelihood of CVD and whether a healthy lifestyle is associated with a lower likelihood of CVD in menopausal woman.

Methods

The Sax Institute’s 45 and Up Study prospectively recruited participants aged ≥45 years (n=267 357) between 2005 and 2009 (New South Wales, Australia). Our study included women without prior CVD and reporting menopausal age at baseline. Primary outcome was new-onset CVD (self-reported heart disease/stroke) based on survey data at Wave 2 (2012–2015) and/or Wave 3 (2018–2020). Logistic regression models assessed the associations of premature (age <40 years) and early (age 40–44 years) menopause with CVD, compared with menopause between 50 and 52 years, adjusting for sociodemographic and clinical variables. Healthy lifestyle adherence was assessed using a score of five factors: smoking, physical activity, sitting, sleep and diet.

Results

We included 46 238 women (mean age 62.1±8.2 years), with 5416 (11.7%) cases of CVD over 15-year follow-up. After adjustment, the odds of CVD was higher in women with premature menopause (OR 1.36, 95% CIs 1.17 to 1.59; p<0.0001) and early menopause (OR 1.15, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.28; p=0.013) compared with menopause between 50 and 52 years. Among all women, high (score 9–10) versus low (score 0–5) healthy lifestyle adherence led to 23% lower odds of CVD (OR 0.77, 95% CI 0.68 to 0.86; p<0.0001), and in women with premature menopause, led to 52% lower odds of CVD (OR 0.48, 95% CI 0.30 to 0.77, p=0.0022). Lifestyle effect did not significantly differ between menopause categories (interaction, p=0.71).

Conclusion

Women with premature/early menopause are at higher likelihood for CVD. Lifestyle modification is associated with consistent reduction of the likelihood of CVD in women and should be encouraged across the life course.
Preclinical development of three novel CARs targeting CD79b for the treatment of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and characterization of the loss of the target antigen
Authors: Esquinas Esperanza , Moreno-Sanz Alvaro , Sandá Victor , Stodulski-Ciesla Damian , Borregón Jennifer , Peña-Blanque Virginia , Fernández-Calles Javier , Fernandez-Fuentes Narcis , Serrano-Lopez Juana , Juan Manel , Engel Pablo , Llamas-Sillero Pilar , Solán-Blanco Laura , Martin-Antonio Beatriz
Published: December 2024

Background

Infusion of T cells modified with a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) targeting CD19 has achieved exceptional responses in patients with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL), which led to the approval of CAR targeting CD19 (CART19) (Axi-cel and Liso-cel) as second line of treatment for adult patients with relapsed/refractory NHL. Unfortunately, 60% of patients still relapse after CART19 due to either a loss of expression of the target antigen (CD19) in the tumor cell, observed in 27% of relapsed patients, a limited CAR-T persistence, and additional mechanisms, including the suppression of the tumor microenvironment. Clinic strategies to prevent target antigen loss include sequential treatment with CARs directed at CD20 or CD22, which have caused loss of the second antigen, suggesting targeting other antigens less prone to disappear. CD79b, expressed in NHL, is a target in patients treated with antibody-drug conjugates (ADC). However, the limited efficacy of ADC suggests that a CAR therapy targeting CD79b might improve results.

Methods

We designed three new CARs against CD79b termed CAR for Lymphoma (CARLY)1, 2 and 3. We compared their efficacy, phenotype, and inflammatory profiles with CART19 (ARI0001) and CARTBCMA (ARI0002h), which can treat NHL. We also analyzed the target antigen’s expression loss (CD79b, CD19, and B-cell maturation antigen(BCMA)).

Results

We found that CARLY2 and CARLY3 had high affinity and specificity towards CD79b on B cells. In vitro, all CAR-T cells had similar anti-NHL efficacy, which was retained in an NHL model of CD19−relapse. In vivo, CARLY3 showed the highest efficacy. Analysis of the loss of the target antigen demonstrated that CARLY cells induced CD79b and CD19 downregulation on NHL cells with concomitant trogocytosis of these antigens to T cells, being most notorious in CARLY2, which had the highest affinity towards CD79b and CD19, and supporting the selection of CARLY3 to design a new treatment for patients with NHL. Finally, we created a CAR treatment based on dual targeting of CD79b and BCMA to avoid losing the target antigen. This treatment showed the highest efficacy and did not cause loss of the target antigen.

Conclusions

Based on specificity, efficacy, and loss of the target antigen, CARLY3 represents a potential novel CAR treatment for NHL.
Polygenic risk scores and embryonic screening: considerations for regulation
Authors: Haining Casey M , Savulescu Julian , Keogh Louise , Schaefer G Owen
Published: December 2024

Polygenic risk scores (PRSs) have recently been used to inform reproductive decision-making in the context of embryonic screening. While this is yet to be widespread, it is contested and raises several challenges. This article provides an overview of some of the ethical considerations that arise with using PRSs for embryo screening and offers a series of regulatory considerations for jurisdictions that may wish to permit this in the future. These regulatory considerations cover possible regulators and regulatory tools, eligibility criteria, information and education requirements and the need for ongoing refinement of the relevant technology, research and consultation.
Navigating the consent river: questions to consider before waiving consent requirements in pragmatic cluster randomised trials
Authors: Goldstein Cory E , Taljaard Monica , Dixon Stephanie N , Weijer Charles
Published: December 2024

The robust design and conduct of pragmatic cluster randomised trials may be in tension with the ethical requirement to obtain written informed consent from prospective research participants. In our experience, researchers tend to focus on whether a waiver of consent is appropriate for their studies. However, pragmatic cluster randomised trials raise other important questions that have direct implications for determining when an alteration or waiver of consent is permissible. To assist those involved in the design, conduct and review of pragmatic cluster randomised trials, we outline four critical questions to consider: (1) What is the nature of the intervention being evaluated? (2) Is the choice to use cluster randomisation justified? (3) Can the risk of recruitment bias be addressed? and (4) Is an alteration or waiver of consent appropriately justified? We recommend that researchers and research ethics committees conduct a stepwise analysis of a planned cluster randomised trial using these questions. To illustrate the application of this stepwise analysis, we use three pragmatic cluster randomised trials in the haemodialysis setting as case studies.
Edges of perception: balancing sensory loss and potential in assistive technology
Authors: Krijger Femke
Published: December 2024

Being deafblind means my perception differs profoundly from those who are conventionally sighted and have non-impaired hearing. A lot of hidden knowledge is to be found in the disparity between these differing experiences that could be of great value in developing assistive technologies that have a broad scope to engage with both disabled and non-disabled users. This article explores the balancing act between sensory loss and the potential inherent in all of us and how this should be part of the design process of haptic assistive technology.

Facing the true impact of my sensory loss, I realised it held the unexpected gift of a—literally—different perspective. I am losing sights and sounds, but the world still reveals itself to me in many ways. Exploring my sensory potential, I combine daily life experiences and theoretical knowledge to better understand how to get the most out of my sensory processing systems. The goal is not to compensate what is lost, but stay connected in a way that enables me to live my life to the fullest.

I undertake sensory life hacks based on the brain’s unmatched capacity to adjust to circumstances and work withanykind of input. Both predicting processing and neuroplasticity offer an operating system of highly evolved flexibility that allows and even encourages creative solutions. I adjust my coping strategies to align them with these processes shaping my perceptual experience, balancing sensory loss and sensory gain.

I believe there is great potential to enrich daily life experiences with haptic assistive technology, building on the natural sensory abilities we have as human beings, co-creating life. However, this comes with challenges: researchers who are not sensorily impaired should consider through experience that we all have limited perception in a way. At the edges of the familiar, you have to face your perceptual limits, pushing you out of your comfort zone and in doing so space is being created for growth; researchers used to the dominance of sight and hearing are less used to consciously experiencing the power of sensory proximity, such as touch and proprioception. These bodily tactile senses, however, are grounding senses in all of us and display a broad scope of sensations to be experienced.

The hereditary disease that causes deafblindness forced me to explore the edges of my perception, and instead of devastating loss I discovered a richness of sensory abilities. This article is a plea to dive into this, using my lived experience and critical knowledge. Realising this potential can mean that inclusive research on assistive technologies might really do what it promises, co-creating technologies to enhance life experiences.
Drillers and bulldozer operators have experienced exceptionally high exposures to respirable crystalline silica in US surface coal mines
Authors: Shao Yuan , Almberg Kirsten S , Friedman Lee S , Cohen Robert A , Go Leonard H T
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Previous studies suggest respirable crystalline silica (RCS) is an important driver of resurgent pneumoconiosis among US coal miners. Although greater attention has been focused on dust exposures in underground coal miners, surface miners are also at risk of severe disease. This study explores RCS exposure in this population.

Methods

We analysed 91 950 respirable quartz samples from 4127 US surface coal mines from 1982 to 2023. We calculated the geometric mean of respirable quartz concentration for each mine-year combination. Then, for each calendar year, we averaged the geometric means across all mines. We used generalised estimating equation models with a natural logarithm link function and Poisson distribution to evaluate the marginal effects of mine characteristic variables on the mass concentration of respirable quartz based on individual dust sample results.

Results

Drillers and bulldozer operators had annual mean respirable quartz exposures as high as 0.58 and 0.32 mg/m3, respectively, while other occupations combined had exposure of 0.08 mg/m
3
. The mean mine-level respirable quartz mass concentrations decreased substantially over time for all three occupation groups. Drillers or bulldozer operators, mine location in Central Appalachia and lack of a mine safety committee were predictive of higher respirable quartz mass concentrations.

Conclusions

These data demonstrate exceptionally high RCS overexposures among certain groups of surface coal miners, particularly drillers and bulldozer operators in the 1980s and 1990s. Despite recent improvement in RCS levels, these data underscore the importance of continued medical surveillance of current and former surface coal miners.
Short-term effects of home-based pulmonary rehabilitation during outpatient-managed exacerbations of COPD: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Machado Ana , Dias Cíntia , Paixão Cátia , Gonçalves António Pedro , Burtin Chris , Marques Alda
Published: December 2024

Background

Uncertainty exists about the beneficial effects of delivering pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) during exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (ECOPD). This study explored the short-term effects and self-reported impact of a home-based PR programme for people with outpatient-managed ECOPD.

Methods

We conducted a mixed-methods randomised controlled trial in people with outpatient-managed ECOPD. Participants were randomly assigned to the control (CG, ie, usual care) or experimental (EG, ie, usual care and 3-week home-based PR) group within 48 hours of the diagnosis (baseline). Assessments were performed at baseline and after 3 weeks (post). The COPD assessment test (CAT) was the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included measures of symptoms and functional capacity. After PR, interviews were conducted. Analyses were performed using (non-)parametric mixed analysis of variance, deductive thematic analysis and narrative integration through joint displays.

Results

Fifty participants with outpatient-managed ECOPD (78% men, 70±11 years, forced expiratory volume in one second 47.4±16.4% pred) were included. Significant greater improvements in the EG compared with the CG were found for the CAT (EG Δ−12.5±7.2 vs CG Δ−5.9±7.2, p=0.002) and 12 of 13 other secondary outcome measures. A positive self-perceived impact of PR was found on symptoms, control of daily life, health, mental status and empowerment. No adverse events were reported.

Conclusions

A 3-week home-based PR programme is safe, meaningful and more effective than just standard medication in improving symptoms, functional capacity and health status, outcomes often associated with poor prognosis. This highlights the role of PR in improving the recovery process during outpatient-managed ECOPD and might contribute to a better prognosis in these individuals.

Trial registration

NCT03751670.
Limited immediate effects of wildfire on Alaska moose harvest
Authors: Brinkman Todd J. , Schmidt Jennifer I. , Paragi Thomas F.
Published: December 2024

Qualitative studies have suggested that forest changes following a wildfire can challenge a hunter’s ability to harvest big game, such as moose ( Alces alces). Quantitative effects have not been estimated. Given the increasing prevalence of wildfires, the strong linkages between wildfire and moose habitat, and the importance of moose to the people of the boreal region of North America, our goal was to assess if and how moose harvest patterns changed immediately following a wildfire. To address that goal, we used 36 years (1984–2019) of spatially explicit wildfire and moose harvest data in Alaska to compare moose harvest variables the year before and year after a wildfire occurred. With a few exceptions, the number of hunters, kills, and success rates were similar ( p > 0.05, effect size < 0.3) between pre- and post-wildfire years. We estimated a weak to moderate effect on change in moose hunter numbers, kills, and success rate in only a small percentage (1.5%) of wildfires that burned a very large proportion (>38%) of a moose harvest reporting unit. Our findings suggest that wildfire has not caused a clear and functional quantitative effect on hunters’ ability to harvest moose in Alaska.
The role of relatedness, age, and origin in shaping social networks for two bison (Bison bison) herds in north-central Montana
Authors: Bresnan Claire , Creel Scott , Edwards Cody W. , Gooley Rebecca , Heidebrink Scott , Koepfli Klaus-Peter , McShea William , Pukazhenthi Budhan S. , Stutzman Johnathon , Shamon Hila
Published: December 2024

Species with fission–fusion social organization, where groups break apart and merge over time, show variable subgroup stability. Plains bison ( Bison bison bison (Linnaeus, 1758)), a keystone species in North American grasslands, exhibit fission–fusion dynamics. However, it is unclear whether subgroups are stable over time nor whether they are composed of related individuals. We used fine-scale behavioral observations and movement data from GPS ear tags to construct social networks for two plains bison herds over multiple years at American Prairie in north-central Montana. These herds are semi-free roaming and graze year-round in 32.4 and 111.6 km2 fenced pastures. While the bison in our study did exhibit fission–fusion behavior, we did not observe stable subgroups in time-aggregated social networks constructed over single growing seasons (eigenvector modularity ranged from −0.008 to 0.027). We used Mantel tests to assess the relationships between association strength and relatedness, age, and place of origin. We found that only first-order relatives were more likely to associate, and shared age and place of origin had no significant impact. The observed lack of stable subgroups challenges prevailing assumptions and highlights the need for future research into the mechanisms of fission–fusion dynamics in plains bison and other managed social species.
Empowering sustainable development through circular economy practices in rare-earth sector
Authors: Ahmad Nur Suraya , Wan Yaacob Wan Zuhairi bin , Ali Mohd Helmi , Abdul-Hamid Asma-Qamaliah
Published: December 2024

Rare-earth elements are essential mineral raw materials, but it is predicted that in a few years global mining output will not be able to meet the demand for them. The current study examines the connection between circular-economy practices in the rare-earth sector and sustainable development within the framework of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (the 17 SDGs). A structural review of the literature identified 69 relevant articles in peer-reviewed journals. There are five key findings. (1) The different circular strategies are not equally employed within the rare-earth sector; (2) the recovery strategy is the main one employed; (3) the chief challenges to the implementation of circular-economy practices are operational and financial; (4) there is a direct relationship between circular-economy practices and sustainable development, especially for SDGs 6, 7, 11, 12, and 13; and (5) robust policy will help the implementation of circular-economy practices and the achievement of sustainable development. This study is novel because it sets out the present situation of the rare-earth sector in relation to the implementation of circular-economy practices in the production and operation phases to accomplish sustainable development. It enhances theory and practice by deepening our understanding of circular-economy practices in the rare-earth sector, particularly with respect to their impact on sustainable development.
UNEMPLOYMENT AND MENTAL HEALTH IN CHINA
Authors: WANG JIAMEI , LEI HONGZHEN , HONG YU
Published: December 2024

Mental health, which is an integral and essential part of health, has long been of little concern in China and has attracted the attention of the public. Previous studies have found that unemployment is a contributing factor affecting mental health. However, there is hardly any rigorous evidence in China thus far, and the underlying mechanism of how unemployment affects mental health is poorly understood. Using data collected from the China Family Panel Studies survey (2010–2018), we applied fixed-effects models to examine how unemployment affects residents’ mental health and the possible influencing channels. These findings support the idea that unemployment negatively affects the mental health of Chinese interviewees. Frequency of physical exercise mediates the relationship between unemployment and mental health. Further analysis revealed that medical insurance had a moderating effect on the mental health of the unemployed. The study summarizes the main findings and provides possible policy implications.
The 3-Monochromatic Total-Index of a Graph
Authors: Ma Yingbin , Zhao Wei , Wang Mingli
Published: December 2024

A tree [Formula: see text] in a total colored graph [Formula: see text] is called a total-monochromatic tree if all the internal vertices and edges of [Formula: see text] have the same color. For [Formula: see text], a total-monochromatic [Formula: see text]-tree in [Formula: see text] is a total-monochromatic tree of [Formula: see text] containing the vertices of [Formula: see text]. For a connected graph [Formula: see text] and a given integer [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text], the [Formula: see text]-monochromatic total-index [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] is the maximum number of colors needed such that for each subset [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] vertices, there exists a total-monochromatic [Formula: see text]-tree. In this paper, we first show some basic results about [Formula: see text]. Next, we determine all connected graphs [Formula: see text] for which [Formula: see text] is [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. Moreover, we investigate the [Formula: see text]-monochromatic total-index of a graph [Formula: see text] according to some constraints of [Formula: see text]. Finally, we determine the [Formula: see text]-monochromatic total-index of a graph [Formula: see text] with order [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] for [Formula: see text].
Self-Designing Software
Authors: Porter Barry , Faulkner Rainford Penn , Rodrigues-Filho Roberto
Published: December 2024

Exploring ways to include a software system as an active member of its own design team, able to reason about its own design and to synthesize better variants of its own building blocks as it encounters different deployment conditions.
A Survey on Securing Image-Centric Edge Intelligence
Authors: Tang Li , Hu Haibo , Gabbouj Moncef , Ye Qingqing , Xiang Yang , Li Jin , Li Lang
Published: December 2024

Facing enormous data generated at the network edge, Edge Intelligence (EI) emerges as the fusion of Edge Computing and Artificial Intelligence, revolutionizing edge data processing and intelligent decision-making. Nonetheless, this emergent mode presents a complex array of security challenges, particularly prominent in image-centric applications due to the sheer volume of visual data and its direct connection to user privacy. These challenges include safeguarding model/image privacy and ensuring model integrity against various security threats, such as model poisoning. Essentially, those threats originate from data attacks, suggesting data protection as a promising solution. Although data protection measures are well-established in other domains, image-centric EI necessitates focused research. This survey examines the security issues inherent to image-centric EI and outlines the protection efforts, providing a comprehensive overview of the landscape. We begin by introducing EI, detailing its operational mechanics and associated security issues. We then explore the technologies facilitating security enhancement (e.g., differential privacy) and edge intelligence (e.g., compact networks and distributed learning frameworks). Next, we categorize security strategies by their application in data preparation, training, and inference, with a focus on image-based contexts. Despite these efforts on security, our investigation identifies research gaps. We also outline promising research directions to bridge these gaps, bolstering security frameworks in image-centric EI applications.
A Framework for the Unsupervised Modeling and Extraction of Polarization Knowledge from News Media
Authors: Paschalides Demetris , Pallis George , Dikaiakos Marios
Published: December 2024

Polarization poses global concerns for social cohesion and stability, making its understanding crucial for effective mitigation measures. In this paper, we introduce an unsupervised, domain-agnostic framework for computationally modeling, extracting, and measuring polarization in digital media. By leveraging Natural Language Processing and Graph Analysis techniques, the proposed framework creates a Polarization Data Model (PDM) that encompasses key elements of Polarization Knowledge (PK), such as entities, fellowships, dipoles, and discussion topics. To evaluate the effectiveness of the framework, we propose a multi-level PK evaluation methodology that assesses its ability to: (i) capture entities’ attitudes toward various topics, (ii) align politically cohesive fellowships with their respective party manifestos, and (iii) identify domain-specific topics along with their degree of polarization. We applied this evaluation methodology to the use cases of Abortion, Immigration, and Gun Control. The results demonstrate our framework’s robust performance across these case studies, yielding promising outcomes compared to state-of-the-art and baseline methods.
Explaining Explanations: An Empirical Study of Explanations in Code Reviews
Authors: Widyasari Ratnadira , Zhang Ting , Bouraffa Abir , Maalej Walid , Lo David
Published: December 2024

Code reviews are central for software quality assurance. Ideally, reviewers should explain their feedback to enable authors of code changes to understand the feedback and act accordingly. Different developers might need different explanations in different contexts. Therefore, assisting this process first requires understanding the types of explanations reviewers usually provide. The goal of this paper is to study the types of explanations used in code reviews and explore the potential of Large Language Models (LLMs), specifically ChatGPT, in generating these specific types. We extracted 793 code review comments from Gerrit and manually labeled them based on whether they contained a suggestion, an explanation, or both. Our analysis shows that 42% of comments only include suggestions without explanations. We categorized the explanations into seven distinct types including rule or principle, similar examples, and future implications. When measuring their prevalence, we observed that some explanations are used differently by novice and experienced reviewers. Our manual evaluation shows that, when the explanation type is specified, ChatGPT can correctly generate the explanation in 88 out of 90 cases. This foundational work highlights the potential for future automation in code reviews, which can assist developers in sharing and obtaining different types of explanations as needed, thereby reducing back-and-forth communication.
A Roadmap for Integrating Sustainability into Software Engineering Education
Authors: Moreira Ana , Lago Patricia , Heldal Rogardt , Betz Stefanie , Brooks Ian , Capilla Rafael , Coroamă Vlad Constantin , Duboc Leticia , Fernandes João Paulo , Leifler Ola , Nguyen Ngoc-Thanh , Oyedeji Shola , Penzenstadler Birgit , Peters Anne-Kathrin , Porras Jari , Venters Colin C.
Published: December 2024

The world faces escalating crises: record-breaking temperatures, widespread fires, severe flooding, increased oceanic microplastics, and unequal resource distribution. Academia introduces courses around sustainability to meet the new demand, but software engineering education lags behind. While software systems contribute to environmental issues through high energy consumption, they also hold the potential for solutions, such as more efficient and equitable resource management. Yet, sustainability remains a low priority for many businesses, including those in the digital sector. Business as usual is no longer viable. A transformational change in software engineering education is urgently needed. We must move beyond traditional curriculum models and fully integrate sustainability into every aspect of software development. By embedding sustainability as a core competency, we can equip future engineers not only to minimise harm but also to innovate solutions that drive positive, sustainable change. Only with such a shift can software engineering education meet the demands of a world in crisis and prepare students to lead the next generation of sustainable technology. This paper discusses a set of challenges and proposes a customisable education roadmap for integrating sustainability into the software engineering curricula. These challenges reflect our perspective on key considerations, stemming from regular, intensive discussions in regular workshops among the authors and the community, as well as our extensive research and teaching experience in the field.
A Systematic Literature Review of Multi-Label Learning in Software Engineering
Authors: Hämäläinen Joonas , Das Teerath , Mikkonen Tommi
Published: December 2024

In this paper, we provide the first systematic literature review of the intersection of two research areas, Multi-Label Learning (MLL) and Software Engineering (SE). We refer to this intersection as MLL4SE. In recent years, MLL problems have increased in many applications and research areas because real-world datasets often have a multi-label nature. For multi-label data, simplifying the assumption of traditional classification approaches that an instance can only be associated with one class only leads to worse accuracy. Thus, a better match of methods and assumptions about the data is required. We identified 50 primary studies in our systematic literature review in the MLL4SE domain. Based on this review, we identified six main SE application domains where MLL has been applied. These domains include
Software Requirement Engineering, Issue Tracking and Management, Community and Knowledge Management, API Usage and Management, Code Quality and Maintenance, and Mobile Application Development
. We summarized the methods used and the data nature of the MLL4SE applications. Moreover, we separately provide taxonomies of future work directions from machine learning and software engineering perspectives. In general, we highlight current trends, research gaps, and shortcomings.
Assessment of Trap Sensitivity in Dual Material Gate Nano-Ribbon FET for Different Gate Dielectric Materials
Authors: Saha Rajesh , Rai Shashank , Bhowmick Brinda
Published: December 2024

In this work, TCAD Sentaurus Device simulator is used to report the trap sensitivity of dual material gate (DMG) Nano Ribbon FET (NRFET) with different gate dielectrics. The trap sensitivity is extracted for various dielectrics: SiO2 (k = 3.9), HfO2 (k = 22), Si3N4 (k = 7.5) for Gaussian trap distribution of acceptor type traps. For the DMG-NRFET, we have reported the trap sensitivity for changes in temperature, work function of the metal gate, energy peak position, and trap concentration variation. For acceptor type trap in DMG-NRFET, it has been observed that trap sensitivity is equivalent to or less than 100% while taking into account different gate dielectrics such as SiO2, HfO2, or Si3N4. Temperature reveals a notable variation in trap sensitivity for DMG-NRFET. It is observed that trap sensitivity increases as the dielectric constant of gate oxides increases, and the device under consideration reports an increase in trap sensitivity when temperature rises. Additionally, as the gate metal’s work function increases, the trap sensitivity decreases. The maximum trap sensitivity is100% for DMG-NRFET at high gate bias for variation in different parameters.
Enhanced Energy Storage Properties for Bi(Ni0.5Hf0.5)O3 Doped KNN Ceramics
Authors: Wang Yuanyu , Li Ronglian
Published: December 2024

In this work, (1-x)K0.5Na0.5NbO3-xBi(Ni0.5Hf0.5)O3 (x = 0.15, 0.17, 0.2, 0.25) [abbreviated by (1-x) KNN-xBNH] lead-free energy storage ceramics were prepared by the conventional solid-phase reaction method. The results indicate that BNH has been successfully incorporated into the KNN lattice, forming a homogeneous and stable solid solution. At the A site, hybridization between Bi 6p and O 2p orbitals can ameliorate the polarity, inducing an increase in P
max. At the B site, Nb5+ is substituted by (Ni0.5Hf0.5)3+, leveraging differences in oxidation states and ionic radii to enhance the relaxation behavior. Moreover, the addition of BNH effectively refines grain size and optimizes breakdown field strength. At x = 0.17, the ceramics achieve optimal energy storage performance, with W
tot = 1.375 J cm−3, W
rec = 1.071 J cm−3, and η = 77.89%(∼184 kV cm−1).
Electrochemical Sensing for Bisphenol A Based on Spinel-Type CuGa2O4 Nanoparticles Modified Electrode
Authors: Wu Baoxiang , Dong Yongping
Published: December 2024

Spinel-type CuGa2O4 nanoparticles were synthesized via hydrothermal-calcination technique. The morphologies of nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The electrochemical behavior of bisphenol A (BPA) was investigated at CuGa2O4 nanoparticles modified glassy carbon electrode (CuGa2O4/GCE) under alkaline conditions. The results showed that CuGa2O4 nanoparticles had apparent electrocatalytical effect on the oxidation of BPA. Different electrochemical methods including cyclic voltammetric, square wave voltammetric and chronoamperometric techniques could be used for the sensitive detection of BPA, and chronoamperometric methods exhibited the best performance. At the optimal condition, the concentration of BPA varied linearly with the electrochemical signal in the range of 5–60 nM with a correlation coefficient of 0.999, and the detection limit was determined as 2 nM (S/N = 3). Furthermore, the fabricated sensor exhibited acceptable repeatability and had been successfully used to detect BPA in real water samples.
Critical Review—Cage-Like Proteins: Self-Assembling Scaffolds for Enhanced Biosensor Performance
Authors: Mayry Jonathan , Mitra Sushanta K. , Honek John F.
Published: December 2024

Cage-like proteins (CLPs) are fascinating structures found in all domains of life, formed by the assembly of tens to hundreds of protein subunits into hollow, geometric cages. Their predictable organization and capacity to carry molecular cargo make them highly versatile tools in biosensing technology. This review explores the various types of CLPs utilized in biosensing, examining their structures and biological roles and the innovative strategies used to modify them for enhanced biosensor performance. Through numerous literature examples, we provide a comprehensive look at the current advancements in CLP-based biosensors, highlighting their potential to revolutionize the field with their ability to generate enhanced signals and capture analytes efficiently. In summary, we provide a detailed evaluation of CLPs and their transformative impact on biosensor technology, paving the way for future innovations.
Mucormycosis Causing Splenic Infarction, Gastric Fistula, and Brain Abscess in a Patient With Acute Myeloid Leukemia: A Case Report
Authors: S. da Silveira Fernando , Foureaux Ribeiro Rafael Brito , Branco Mendes Coutinho Sandra Lucia , Soares de Brito Evelin , Meis Jacques F. , Corrêa da Costa Marcela Santos , Ribeiro Julival Fagundes , Vanni Tazio
Published: December 2024

Invasive mucormycosis is an aggressive fungal infection characterized by rapid progression, primarily impacting immunocompromised individuals. Herein, we report a case of splenic infarction in association with gastrointestinal fistula and brain abscess as a rare presentation of mucormycosis biopsy, proven in a 56‐year‐old patient diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia. The patient initially sought medical attention with a 3‐week history of fever, night sweats, and malaise. Considering the chest computed tomography findings compatible with fungal disease and neutropenia, he underwent broad‐spectrum antifungal therapy. Following the occurrence of splenic infarctions and a gastric fistula, the patient underwent a partial gastrectomy and splenectomy. Despite the interventions, the patient did not have a successful outcome and died on the second postoperative day. This case highlights the importance of timely suspicion, immediate antifungal therapy, and surgical intervention to improve the survival prospects of patients with multifaceted manifestations of mucormycosis.
Primary Retroperitoneal Seminoma—An Uncommon Presentation With Significant Implications
Authors: Sain S. , Tripathi S. , Bakshi N. , Das S. A. P. , Nundy S.
Published: December 2024

Background: Primary retroperitoneal seminoma is an exceedingly rare type of germ cell tumor, accounting for less than 5% of all such tumors. These tumors are typically large at presentation due to their slow growth and the nonspecific nature of symptoms, which often leads to delayed diagnosis.

Case Presentation: A 40‐year‐old male presented with intermittent abdominal pain and a palpable lump in the right paraumbilical region. Ultrasonography revealed a large retroperitoneal mass. Fine needle aspiration cytology confirmed the diagnosis of poorly differentiated malignant tumor, for which he was evaluated with CT‐angiogram of the abdomen and FDG PET‐CT scans, which showed a large retroperitoneal mass. The patient, then, had a surgical resection of the mass, with postoperative histopathological and immunohistochemical diagnosis of primary retroperitoneal seminoma, and then underwent three cycles of BEP chemotherapy. Scrotal ultrasonography showed no testicular abnormalities, obviating the need for orchiectomy. FDG PET showed a complete response following treatment completion. Postoperative management included routine monitoring of tumor markers and follow‐up imaging, which showed a complete response.

Conclusion: This case highlights the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges of primary retroperitoneal seminoma. A multidisciplinary approach, including accurate histopathological diagnosis and a combination of chemotherapy and surgery, is essential for optimal management. Early diagnosis and tailored treatment strategies significantly improve patient outcomes.