bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors influencing service employee well-being: a test of the PERMA framework
Authors: Busser James A. , Shulga Lenna V. , Yedlin Jeffrey
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the factors influencing service employee work and personal well-being affecting their intention to leave the organization. This research explored the effects of service climate, resilience and workplace well-being (WWB) on service employee perceptions of subjective well-being and turnover intention. PERMA framework of individual flourishing and well-being (Seligman, 2011) was used to measure employee WWB and reflected their positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning and accomplishment.

Design/methodology/approach

Service employees (n = 250) completed an online self-administered survey. partial least squares structural equation (PLS-SEM) modeling and multi-group analysis (PLS-MGA) were utilized to test how gender differences influenced personal and organizational factors, and their impacts on PERMA dimensions and outcomes.

Findings

Results revealed a significant effect of service climate and resilience on PERMA. Only service employee work-meaning positively influenced SWB and negatively turnover intention. Examining each dimension of employee engagement showed similar impacts of service climate and resilience for both men and women, while absorption increased turnover intention for men.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is one of the first to test the PERMA framework as service employee WWB. The study advances the employee well-being line of research by exploring the impacts of service climate and resilience on PERMA dimensions. The PERMA framework was extended to examine three sub-dimensions of employee engagement as unique PERMA dimensions. This study advances the limited knowledge of how work and personal factors affect service employees’ work and subjective well-being from a gender perspective.
Project delivery success and sustainability: comparative strategies in the post-pandemic era
Authors: Ghanbaripour Amir Naser , Tumpa Roksana Jahan , Skitmore Martin , Hon Carol
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study aims to identify strategies and offer empirical recommendations for project managers and policymakers to enhance PDS in public construction projects in the post-pandemic era, focusing on KPIs using the 3D integration model.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a mixed-method approach to retrospectively evaluate the project management performance of 16 Australian public construction projects. Employing a project delivery success (PDS) model (the 3D integration model), it assesses delivery success across six key performance indicators (KPIs) to identify strategies for improving project outcomes in the post-pandemic era. Data collection involved interviews and document analysis, focusing on projects completed at different times and with various sizes.

Findings

The analysis highlights three critical KPIs – Value (scope/cost), Speed (scope/time) and Impact (scope/risk) – as significant determinants of project success. The study provides evidence that successful projects maximize Value and Speed and minimize Impact. Key strategies include improving remote work arrangements, investing in digital tools, adopting advanced procurement mechanisms and enhancing risk management processes.

Practical implications

For practitioners, the study offers actionable strategies to enhance the performance of public construction projects, focusing on maximizing Value, Speed and minimizing Impact. It suggests adopting advanced project management techniques, digital tools for collaboration and reevaluating procurement and risk management processes to navigate the post-pandemic challenges effectively.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the field by applying the 3D integration model to analyzing public construction projects during the COVID-19 pandemic, a novel approach in this context. It provides a unique empirical basis for recommendations bridging the gap between theoretical project management models and practical application in a post-pandemic world, thus offering significant value to academic research and practical project management in the public sector.
Assessing public involvement and service gaps in Ghana’s tricycle waste collection system
Authors: Accomford Oscar , Mensah Henry , Simpeh Eric Kwame , Osei Boateng Bright , Bedu-Addo Kenneth
Published: February 2025

Purpose

The use of tricycle waste collection services has become an essential component of solid waste management, particularly in densely populated and low-income communities. The growing demand for improved waste collection services has led to an increased focus on understanding households' willingness to pay for better service quality. This study explores the operation of tricycle waste operators, public involvement and households' willingness to pay for improved services.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employed a sequential mixed-methods approach, with a multi-stage sampling technique and randomly selected 385 respondents from five traditional communities in the Greater Kumasi Metropolitan Area (GKMA), Ghana, as a case study.

Findings

The study reveals that in the GKMA, waste management operates on a volume-based pricing system, where higher waste volumes result in increased disposal costs, encouraging waste reduction. However, regulatory gaps and inconsistent service delivery, particularly in low-income areas, impact efficiency and public health. Most households expressed a willingness to pay more for improved services, with factors such as education, employment status, household income and challenges with the current tricycle waste collection system positively influencing this willingness to pay.

Originality/value

This study provides the key factors influencing WTP for improved tricycle waste collection in Greater Kumasi, Ghana, to address the gaps in regulation, service inconsistencies and promote sustainable waste management practices.
Co-movement and information transmission between conventional and Islamic equities in Sri Lanka
Authors: Mohamed Riyath Mohamed Ismail , Hussainey Khaled
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the co-movement and information transmission between conventional and Islamic equity indices in Sri Lanka.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses daily data of All Share Price Index and Dow Jones Islamic Market Sri Lanka Index from 2013 to 2023 for conventional and Islamic proxies. Descriptive statistics, cross-correlation, dynamic conditional correlation (DCC)-GARCH and wavelet analysis were used for the investigation.

Findings

Analyses reveal synchronous correlation yet lead-lag dynamics between the indices. The Islamic index has lower volatility, clustering and persistence than the conventional index. Localized volatility patches and scale-dependent synchronicity suggest diversification opportunities to optimize risk-adjusted returns.

Research limitations/implications

The insights from this study are important for investors to optimize diversified portfolios by exploiting time-varying correlations. The identified lead-lag dynamics, bidirectional information flows and scale-dependent synchronization between the indices enable both investors to predict market movements for effective asset allocation and regulators to monitor market efficiency and stability and implement shock mitigation measures.

Originality/value

This study uniquely integrates DCC-generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity (GARCH) and wavelet analysis to examine the dynamic, time-varying relationships between Islamic and conventional equity markets in Sri Lanka’s dual financial system. This approach helps embrace both short-run changes and long-run movements to gain in-depth co-movement and spillovers, as well as potential diversification gains within an emerging financial market.
Development of dual nozzle slurry extrusion 3D printer by integrating material extrusion and photopolymerization for the fabrication of engineered ceramics
Authors: Romario Yulius Shan , Bhat Chinmai , Lin Yu-Yang , Macek Wojciech , Ramezani Maziar , Jiang Cho-Pei
Published: February 2025

Purpose

This research focuses on developing a dual-nozzle slurry-based extrusion 3D printer capable of fabricating intricate zirconia structures. The designed 3D printer combines material extrusion and photopolymerization technologies to improve material diversity, precision and cost-effectiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

The 3D printer design incorporates ultraviolet curing to instantly cure extruded zirconia slurry thereby, eliminating the need for a step-wise curing procedure. Printing parameters were optimized to achieve high-quality prints, and supports made of polyethylene terephthalate glycol were used for intricate geometries. The printability and mechanical properties were evaluated for two different zirconia slurry compositions: 70 / 30 and 80 / 20 powder-to-resin weight percentages. The printed green body was subjected to a two-phase sintering process.

Findings

The 3D printer fabricated structures with features subtending angles greater than 50 degrees and a filling density above 80% without any supports. Shrinkage analysis showed the 80 / 20 composition resulted in higher density parts, with shrinkage ratios of 25.23%, 26.23% and 27.26% along the X, Y and Z axes, respectively. The sintered objects displayed hardness (1525 HV) and flexural strength (117 MPa), with minimal porosity.

Originality/value

This study demonstrates the development of a cost-effective dual-nozzle 3D printer that can effectively fabricate functional parts with complex material compositions and geometries that can cater to the futuristic requirements of high-end industries.
The role of masks and respirators in preventing respiratory infections in healthcare and community settings
Authors: MacIntyre C Raina , Chughtai Abrar A , Kunasekaran Mohana , Tawfiq Essa , Greenhalgh Trish
Published: February 2025

The covid-19 pandemic saw frequent changes and conflicts in mask policies and politicization of masks. On reviewing the evidence, including studies published after the pandemic, the data suggest respirators are more effective than masks in healthcare, but must be continuously worn to be protective. Healthcare and aged care settings amplify outbreaks, so protection of patients and staff is paramount. Most guidelines assume risk is only present during close contact or aerosol generating procedures, but studies show intermittent use of respirators is not protective. New research in aerosol science confirms the risk of infection is widespread in health facilities. In community settings, any mask use is protective during epidemics, especially if used early, when combined with hand hygiene, and if wearers are compliant. Community use of N95 respirators is more protective than surgical masks, which are more protective than cloth masks, but even cloth masks provide some protection. Mask guidelines should be adaptable to the specific context and should account for rising epidemic activity, and whether a pathogen has asymptomatic transmission. The main rationale for universal masking during pandemics is asymptomatic transmission, which means risk of transmission cannot be self-identified. The precautionary principle should be applied during serious emerging infections or pandemics when transmission mode is not fully understood, or vaccines and drugs are not available. If respirators are not available, medical or cloth masks could be used as a last resort. Data exist to support extended use and reuse of masks and respirators during short supply. In summary, extensive evidence generated during the covid-19 pandemic confirms the superiority of respirators and supports the use of masks and respirators in the community during periods of high epidemic activity. Some gaps in research remain, including economic analyses, research in special population groups for whom masking is challenging, and research on countering disinformation.
Advancing mixed methods in mental health research
Authors: Demkowicz Ola , Chatburn Eleanor , Archer Charlotte , Thompson Rhiannon , Plackett Ruth
Published: February 2025

In the mental health research field, there is a need for effective and robust methodological approaches that are able to address complexity. In this article, we reassert the importance of mixed methods, an approach increasingly applied within mental health research, and examine the ongoing challenges in the field. We provide worked examples from our own research to demonstrate the diverse range of designs and benefits afforded by mixed methods approaches, along with personal reflections on barriers navigated. We outline pathways towards advancing mixed methods in mental health research, advocating for a shift from fragmentation to integration, improved publication routes for mixed methods studies and effective resourcing. To truly realise the potential of mixed methods, we call for a commitment from individual researchers, leaders, institutions, editors, funders and training providers to further these pathways.
Is there a difference in ischaemic heart disease deaths that occur without a preceding hospital admission in people who live in rural compared with urban areas of Aotearoa New Zealand? An observational study
Authors: Miller Rory , Turner Robin , Davie Gabrielle , Stokes Tim , Crengle Sue , Mcleod Alex , Tane Taria , Nixon Garry
Published: February 2025

Objectives

Unlike comparable countries, acute coronary syndrome (ACS) mortality is similar among patients who present to rural and urban hospitals in Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ). The aim of this study was to determine whether differences in ischaemic heart disease (IHD) deaths that occurred without a preceding hospital admission in rural and urban populations explained this finding.

Design

Retrospective observational study using the National Mortality Collection (MORT) and National Minimum Dataset (NMDS) for hospital discharges datasets.

Setting

People in NZ who died from IHD were categorised based on their rural–urban status (U1 (major urban), U2 (large urban) and rural) using the Geographic Classification for Health and prioritised ethnicity (Māori—NZ’s Indigenous population and non-Māori).

Participants

All people 20+ years who died from IHD between July 2011 and December 2018.

Primary and secondary outcomes

The outcome was the lack of a hospital admission preceding IHD death, identified by linking the NMDS with MORT. This was measured for the 30 days and 1 year prior to death and for all-cause and IHD hospitalisations separately.

Results

Of the 37 296 deaths, a similar percentage of rural and urban residents died without an all-cause (rural 63.2%, U2 60.8%, U1 62.8%) or IHD (rural 70.9%, U2 69.0%, U1 70.1%) admission in the preceding 30 days, or without an all-cause (rural 32.8%, U2 35.5%, U1 35.5%) or IHD (rural 52.7%, U2 52.6%, U1 51.9%) admission in the preceding year. Exceptions were deaths that occurred without a prior admission for rural non-Māori aged 55–64 (higher odds) and 75+ years (lower odds) compared with U1 non-Māori 55–64 and 75+ years, respectively, across all four outcome measures.

Conclusions

This study suggests that the lack of difference in ACS mortality for patients who present to NZ rural and urban hospitals is not explained by IHD death that occurred without a recent preceding hospital admission.
Facilitators and barriers to use of clinical practice guidelines among physicians in Nigeria: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Adejumo Oluseyi , Mamven Manmak , Edeki Imuetinyan Rashida , Ajekwu Samuel Chibuzor , Bamikefa Titilope Adetoun , Adedire Adejare , Eze Hyacinth Tochukwu , Oyedepo Dapo , Ngoka Stanley , Eromosele Godswill Thomas , Akinyosoye Grace Oghenetega , Adebisi Olusola , Odili Augustine
Published: February 2025

Objectives

Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) have been shown over the years to reduce morbidity and mortality and improve patients’ survival and quality of care. However, CPG adherence is still a challenge despite its benefits. The awareness of CPGs, utilisation and associated barriers and facilitators to their use were assessed among physicians in Nigeria.

Design

This was a cross-sectional study carried out among physicians in Nigeria through a self-administered questionnaire that assessed awareness, utilisation, barriers and facilitators of CPGs. Ordinal logistic regression was used to assess factors associated with CPG utilisation. A p-value of <0.05 was considered significant.

Settings

Private and government health institutions in Nigeria.

Participants

Physicians working in Nigeria.

Results

A total of 574 physicians consisting of 184 (32.1%) females with a mean age of 40.03±9.60 years participated in the study. About 91% and 78.4% of respondents were aware of international and national guidelines related to their practice. The identified barriers to the use of CPGs were non-applicability to local settings (39.0%), not being easily accessible (22%), complexity and difficulty in interpretation (11%) and not being concise (11%). The most common format for CPGs was soft copy (38%). About 71% frequently used guidelines in their clinical practice. The significant factors associated with CPG utilisation on logistic regression were working in a tertiary hospital (adjusted OR, AOR: 0.461; CI: 0.24 to 0.88; p=0.019); specialisation (AOR: 2.60; CI: 1.06 to 6.42; p=0.038); being very confident in understanding CPGs (AOR: 12.33; CI: 6.99 to 21.74; p≤0.001) and previous training on CPG use (AOR: 2.54; CI: 1.70 to 3.78; p≤0.001).

Conclusion

The majority of physicians in Nigeria are aware of CPGs. Addressing the identified barriers to CPG utilisation, organising training on the use of CPGs and making CPGs readily available in soft copy versions and in a simple, concise and easily adaptable format may improve their use.
Letter to the editor: radiomics signature for dynamic monitoring of tumor-inflamed microenvironment and immunotherapy response prediction
Authors: Dong Yuhao , Zhang Shuixing
Published: February 2025

We read with great interest the article by Bernatowiczet al. Despite the promising findings, we would like to highlight several concerns regarding the methodology and interpretation of the results that warrant further discussion, including the stability of radiomic features across pan-cancer types, the optimal threshold for CT-TIME (tumor immune microenvironment) scores, the biological interpretability of radiomic models, and the survival tail effect of immunotherapy responses.
Recovery of cardiovascular testing in Asia during the COVID-19 pandemic: findings from the INCAPS COVID 2 study
Authors: Dai Kathy Z , Bremner Luca , Cohen Yosef , Karthikeyan Ganesan , Pascual Thomas NB , Lu Bin , Albadr Amjed , Bom Hee-Seung Henry , Dautov Tairkhan , Fatima Shazia , Haidar Mohamad , Iguchi Nobuo , Kang Felix YJ , Khiewvan Benjapa , Nanayakkara Damayanthi , Nguyen Phuoc Minh Hiep , Patel Chetan , Rozikhodjaeva Gulnora , Better Nathan , Cerci Rodrigo J , Dorbala Sharmila , Shaw Leslee J , Villines Todd C , Vitola João V , Williams Michelle C , Choi Andrew D , Malkovskiy Eli , Randazzo Michael , Gianmarile Francesco , Pynda Yaroslav , Dondi Maurizio , Paez Diana , Einstein Andrew J
Published: February 2025

Background

Understanding pandemic-related reductions and subsequent recovery of cardiovascular testing in Asia is important for guiding regional public health efforts.

Objectives

This study sought to evaluate the recovery of cardiovascular testing in Asia 1 year into the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

In this subanalysis of a worldwide survey on the impact of COVID-19 on cardiovascular diagnostic care in April 2020 and April 2021, recovery of testing volume in Asia was compared among subregions, World Bank income groups and imaging modalities.

Results

Of 669 sites worldwide, 164 sites were in 33 Asian countries. Cardiovascular testing volumes in Asia decreased by 53% from March 2019 to April 2020, then recovered 96% of this decrease by April 2021, compared with 98% recovery in the rest of the world. Eastern Asia and Western and Central Asia reported recovery rates of 123% and 110%, compared with 50% and 80% recovery in Southern and South-eastern Asia. Testing volumes among high-income and upper-middle-income Asian countries recovered to 117% and 121% but remained depressed at 49% and 14% recovery in lower-middle and low-income countries, respectively. Stress ECG, stress echo and stress positron emission tomography studies experienced median reductions of 48%, 35% and 57% in testing volume between March 2019 and April 2021, while volumes of coronary artery calcium, coronary CT angiography and cardiac MR remained stable during this period.

Conclusions

The recovery of cardiovascular testing in Asia 1 year into the COVID-19 pandemic lagged in the Southern and South-eastern subregions, as well as in lower-income countries. Recovery favoured advanced cardiac imaging modalities over standard stress testing modalities.
Research on Innovative Decision-Making of IOT Landscape Engineering Based on Clustering Algorithm Network Control
Authors: Yulan Wei
Published: February 2025

With the continuous integration of Internet of Things (IoT) and clustering algorithm technology, its application in landscape engineering decision-making is gradually emerging. This study aims to explore the innovative application of IoT technology based on clustering algorithm network control in landscape engineering decision-making, with the aim of improving the intelligence, scientificity, and efficiency of the decision-making process. This paper first analyzes the characteristics and requirements of landscape engineering decision-making, and then elaborates on the basic principles of clustering algorithms and their advantages in the IoT environment. On this basis, this study constructed an IoT landscape engineering decision support system based on clustering algorithm network control. The system is capable of real-time collection and analysis of massive engineering data, and effectively integrating and classifying these data using clustering algorithms, thereby providing decision-makers with more accurate decision-making basis. In particular, we combined the [Formula: see text]-average clustering algorithm with IoT network control to conduct in-depth analysis and weight optimization of multiple decision factors in landscape engineering. Through a series of simulation experiments, we have verified the effectiveness and accuracy of the system in handling complex and multidimensional landscape engineering decision-making problems. The experimental results show that this method not only significantly improves the accuracy and efficiency of decision-making, but also opens up new avenues for intelligent management of landscape engineering.
Dimensional Broadcast Schemes for Generalized Knödel Graphs
Authors: Fakharan Mohammadhossein , Harutyunyan Hovhannes A.
Published: February 2025

Knödel graphs have numerous applications in the construction of broadcast graphs due to their interesting properties. To extend these applications, our goal is to use generalized Knödel graphs in similar constructions. This paper investigates various valid dimensional broadcast schemes for generalized Knödel graphs. Specifically, we determine all values of [Formula: see text] (the number of vertices) for which a generalized Knödel graph [Formula: see text] is a broadcast graph under the standard dimensional broadcast scheme with [Formula: see text] cyclic shifts and arbitrary repetitions of the remaining dimensions.
Dual framed surfaces of traveling trajectories of geometrical particles
Authors: Song Xue , Pei Donghe
Published: February 2025

By confining the traveling trajectories of geometrical particles to the null de Sitter space, we describe the trajectory as a spacelike framed surface in the semi-Euclidean space, whereby the Legendrian duality theory and contact manifolds theory, their geometric properties of these spacelike framed surfaces and their singular dual surfaces are investigated in detail. It is of great significance to explore the classifications of singularities of spacelike framed surfaces. We further demonstrated that these spacelike framed surfaces can be interpreted as one-parameter family of framed curves and established the relations between them.
An Unconstrained Primal Based Twin Parametric Insensitive Support Vector Regression
Authors: Gupta Deepak , Richhariya Bharat , Borah Parashjyoti
Published: February 2025

In this paper, we propose an efficient regression algorithm based on primal formulation of twin support vector machine. This is an efficient approach to solve the optimization problem leading to reduced computation time. The proposed method is termed as twin parametric insensitive support vector regression (UPTPISVR). The optimization problems of the proposed (UPTPISVR) are a pair of unconstrained convex minimization problems. Moreover, the objective functions of UPTPISVR are strongly convex, differentiable and piecewise quadratic. Therefore, an approximate solution is obtained in primal variables instead of solving the dual formulation. Further, an absolute value equation problem is solved by using a functional iterative algorithm for UPTPISVR, termed as FUPTPISVR. The objective function of the proposed formulation involves the plus function which is non-smooth and therefore, smooth approximation functions are used to replace the plus function, termed as SUPTPISVR. The Newton-Armijo algorithm is then used to iteratively obtain the solutions, thus eliminates the requirement of any optimization toolbox. Various numerical experiments on synthetic and benchmark real-world datasets are presented for justifying the applicability and effectiveness of the proposed UPTPISVR. The results clearly indicate that the proposed algorithms outperform the existing algorithms in terms of root mean square error (RMSE) on most datasets.
Entropic Semi-Supervised Dimensionality Reduction for Distance Metric Learning
Authors: Levada Alexandre L. M.
Published: February 2025

Distance metric learning and nonlinear dimensionality reduction are intrinsically related, since they are both different perspectives of the same fundamental problem: to learn compact and meaningful data representations for classification and visualization. In this paper, we propose a graph-based generalization of Semi-Supervised Dimensionality Reduction (SSDR) algorithm that uses stochastic distances (Kullback-Leibler, Bhattacharyya and Cauchy-Schwarz divergences) to compute the similarity between local multivariate Gaussian distributions along the K Nearest Neighbors (KNN) graph build from the samples in the input high-dimensional space. In summary, there are two variants of the proposed method: one which uses only a fraction of the labeled samples (10%) and another that also uses a clustering method (Gaussian Mixture Models) to estimate the labels of the minimum spanning tree of the KNN graph, incorporating more information into the process. Experimental results with several real datasets show that the proposed method is able to improve the classification accuracy of several supervised classifiers and also the quality of the obtained clusters (Silhouette Coefficients) in comparison to the regular SSDR algorithm, making it a viable alternative for pattern classification problems.
The effect of walking training intensity on regaining independent walking for sub-acute stroke patients: A retrospective study
Authors: Lau Keith Tin Sing , Chung Bryan Ping Ho , Lau Titanic Fuk On
Published: February 2025

Background: Recovery of walking ability is important for stroke patients because it increases the likelihood of discharge and is the essential basis for achieving functional independence. Walking training intensity, measured in meters (m), provides a tangible measure of progress that is obvious and directly relates to a patient’s ability to walk in real-world scenarios. Objectives: To determine the relationship between walking training distance, m and discharge walking ability of sub-acute stroke patients using modified functional ambulation classification (MFAC), and to compare the achieved walking training distance between two distinct groups; non-assisted and assisted walkers of sub-acute stroke patients and their between-group differences in discharge functional outcomes including modified Rivermead mobility index (MRMI) and Berg’s balance scale (BBS). Method: The design was a retrospective study conducted in an inpatient rehabilitation center. A total of 87 patients were assigned to the Non-Assisted Walker group and Assisted Walker group according to their discharge MFAC. The correlation between walking training distance and discharge functional outcomes, and the between-group differences in walking training distance, functional outcomes of MFAC, MRMI and BBS were analyzed. Results: The achieved walking training distance in the Non-Assisted Walker group was significantly ([Formula: see text]) higher than that of the Assisted Walker group. The achieved walking training distance in Non-Assisted Walker group and the Assisted Walker group were [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] [Formula: see text], respectively. There were significant between-group differences ([Formula: see text]) in discharge MRMI and BBS indicating that the Non-Assisted Walker group achieved better functional outcomes at discharge compared to the Assisted Walker group. The achieved walking training distance had moderate correlations with discharge MFAC ([Formula: see text]), discharge MRMI ([Formula: see text]) and discharge BBS ([Formula: see text]), respectively. Conclusion: The results suggested that higher walking training intensity, as reflected by greater achieved walking training distance, is associated with higher levels of walking ability at discharge and better functional outcomes.
The Collaborative Sensemaking Play of Jubensha Games: A Deconstruction, Taxonomy, and Analysis
Authors: Liang Shano , Chen Max , Toups Dugas Phoebe O. , Smith Gillian , Bohrer Rose
Published: February 2025

Jubensha
games, popular in China, combine storytelling, social deduction, and script-centered group play, sparking widespread interest among gamers and researchers worldwide. However, enthusiasts and researchers have struggled to accurately describe
Jubensha
, often defaulting to comparisons with genres like murder mystery and live-action role-playing games. This reliance on comparisons hinders efforts to generalize
Jubensha
or to deconstruct and adapt its unique design components, dynamics of player interaction, and playing experience into other games. This research provides a taxonomy and analysis of
Jubensha
games, based on a thematic analysis of over 80
Jubensha
games accessed through mobile applications and physical copies. The analysis combines the authors’ positionalities as native Chinese and English speakers and lenses from close reading of the games, discourse analysis, and distributed cognition. We provide summative case studies to exemplify our taxonomy, and discuss design implications for
Jubensha
games for future projects. Our work provides a descriptive tool and vocabulary for researchers and designers to facilitate communication and theorize the evolving
Jubensha
gaming phenomenon highlighting how gameplay centers collaborative sensemaking. In addition, we argue that the design of game narratives in
Jubensha
games, including structures in scripts and the evolving performance of players, can be generalized and transferred to the design of a wider range of analog and video games.
Attack Detection Using Item Vector Shift in Matrix Factorisation Recommenders
Authors: Shams Sulthana , Leith Douglas
Published: February 2025

This paper proposes a novel method for detecting shilling attacks in Matrix Factorization (MF)-based Recommender Systems (RS), in which attackers use false user-item feedback to promote a specific item. Unlike existing methods that use either use supervised learning to distinguish between attack and genuine profiles or analyse target item rating distributions to detect false ratings, our method uses an unsupervised technique to detect false ratings by examining shifts in item preference vectors that exploit rating deviations and user characteristics, making it a promising new direction. The experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach in various attack scenarios, including those involving obfuscation techniques.
Personalized tumor-specific amplified DNA junctions in peripheral blood of patients with glioblastoma
Authors: Ali Mohamed F. , Riviere-Cazaux Cecile , Johnson Sarah H. , Salvatori Rebecca , Penheiter Alan R. , Smadbeck James B. , Murphy Stephen J. , Harris Faye R. , McCune Lex F. , Carlstrom Lucas P. , Barrett Michael T. , Kosari Farhad , Jones Leila A. , Ida Cristiane , Borad Mitesh J. , Bendok Bernard R. , Quiñones-Hinojosa Alfredo , Porter Alyx B. , Mrugala Maciej M. , Jaeckle Kurt A. , Anastasiadis Panos Z. , Kizilbash Sani H. , Cheville John C. , Routman David M. , Burns Terry C. , Vasmatzis George
Published: February 2025

PURPOSE: Monitoring disease progression in patients with high-grade gliomas (HGGs) is challenging due to treatment-related changes on imaging and the requirement for neurosurgical intervention to obtain diagnostic tissue. DNA junctions in HGGs often amplify oncogenes, making these DNA fragments potentially more abundant in blood than monoallelic mutations. Herein, we piloted a cell-free DNA approach for disease detection in plasma of patients with HGGs by leveraging patient-specific DNA junctions associated with oncogene amplifications. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Whole genome sequencing of grade 3 or 4 IDH-mutant or wild-type astrocytomas was utilized to identify amplified junctions. Individualized qPCR assays were developed using patient-specific primers designed for the amplified junction. ctDNA levels containing these junctions were measured in patient plasma samples. RESULTS: Unique amplified junctions were evaluated by individualized semi-quantitative PCR assays in presurgical plasma of 18 patients, 15 with tumor-associated focal amplifications and three without. High-copy number junctions were robustly detected in plasma of 14/15 patients (93.3%) with amplified junctions and none of the controls. Changes in junction abundance correlated with disease trajectory in serial plasma samples from five patients, including increased abundance of amplified junctions preceding radiographic disease progression. CONCLUSION: In patients with grade 3 or 4 astrocytomas who had tumor-associated amplifications, patient-specific amplified junctions were successfully detected in assayed plasma from most patients. Longitudinal analysis of plasma samples correlated with disease trajectory, including cytoreduction and progression.
Integrating Botanicals into Oncology Care: Consideration of FDA Regulation of Botanical Products and Botanical Clinical Trials
Authors: Berman Tara A. , Ben-Arye Eran , Kienle Gunver S. , Master Viraj , Huston Alissa , Paller Channing J.
Published: February 2025

Modern cancer pharmacotherapy consists of contributions from natural products, their structural analogues, and chemotherapies. Interest in natural products is being revitalized in oncology. Natural products may be classified as food, dietary supplements, drugs, or cosmetics depending on their intended use. A natural product intended to prevent, diagnose, cure, mitigate, or treat disease would be regulated as a drug. Most natural products are regulated as dietary supplements, intended to affect the structure or function of the body. In 2023, Americans spent around $58 billion on dietary supplements, with a majority intended to prevent or treat cancer. Almost 50% of newly diagnosed patients with cancer report taking dietary supplements after diagnosis. Botanicals, natural products made from plants, plant parts, or plant extracts, are one of the most highly-used supplements. The natural product market is zealous to promote their supplements and often claim their products will help in combatting disease. Unlike with FDA-approved drugs, botanical dietary supplements may be marketed without proving they work as claimed and do not require clinical trials. To date, only four botanical drug products have been approved for marketing as prescription drugs in the U.S. Here, we evaluate the current paradigm for dietary supplement marketing and FDA approval and its impact on the treatment of patients with cancer. We underscore the need for rigorous clinical trials for clinicians to access sufficient evidence-based data to advise on the safety and efficacy of these products, alone or in conjunction with active treatment for cancer.
Supplementary Table 7 from Acetalax and Bisacodyl for the Treatment of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: A Combined Molecular and Preclinical Study
Authors: Reinhold William C. , Marangoni Elisabetta , Elloumi Fathi , Montagne Remi , Varma Sudhir , Wang Yanghsin , Rezai Keyvan , Morriset Ludivine , Dahmani Ahmed , El Botty Rania , Huguet Léa , Mizunuma Makito , Takebe Naoko , Huguet Samuel , Luna Augustin , Pommier Yves
Published: February 2025

Supplementary Table 7
Supplementary Table 4 from Acetalax and Bisacodyl for the Treatment of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: A Combined Molecular and Preclinical Study
Authors: Reinhold William C. , Marangoni Elisabetta , Elloumi Fathi , Montagne Remi , Varma Sudhir , Wang Yanghsin , Rezai Keyvan , Morriset Ludivine , Dahmani Ahmed , El Botty Rania , Huguet Léa , Mizunuma Makito , Takebe Naoko , Huguet Samuel , Luna Augustin , Pommier Yves
Published: February 2025

Supplementary Table 4
Supplementary Table 2 from Acetalax and Bisacodyl for the Treatment of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: A Combined Molecular and Preclinical Study
Authors: Reinhold William C. , Marangoni Elisabetta , Elloumi Fathi , Montagne Remi , Varma Sudhir , Wang Yanghsin , Rezai Keyvan , Morriset Ludivine , Dahmani Ahmed , El Botty Rania , Huguet Léa , Mizunuma Makito , Takebe Naoko , Huguet Samuel , Luna Augustin , Pommier Yves
Published: February 2025

Supplementary Table 2
Supplementary Figure 3 from Acetalax and Bisacodyl for the Treatment of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: A Combined Molecular and Preclinical Study
Authors: Reinhold William C. , Marangoni Elisabetta , Elloumi Fathi , Montagne Remi , Varma Sudhir , Wang Yanghsin , Rezai Keyvan , Morriset Ludivine , Dahmani Ahmed , El Botty Rania , Huguet Léa , Mizunuma Makito , Takebe Naoko , Huguet Samuel , Luna Augustin , Pommier Yves
Published: February 2025

In vivo response to Acetalax and/or bisacodyl in patient derived xenograph (PDX) models of TNBC.
Figure 5 from Acetalax and Bisacodyl for the Treatment of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: A Combined Molecular and Preclinical Study
Authors: Reinhold William C. , Marangoni Elisabetta , Elloumi Fathi , Montagne Remi , Varma Sudhir , Wang Yanghsin , Rezai Keyvan , Morriset Ludivine , Dahmani Ahmed , El Botty Rania , Huguet Léa , Mizunuma Makito , Takebe Naoko , Huguet Samuel , Luna Augustin , Pommier Yves
Published: February 2025

GSEA of RNA-seq data of four Acetalax-sensitive PDX tumors vs. eight resistant, as compared with no drug controls. The Acetalax-sensitive PDXs were HBCx-209, HBCx-HBCx-12A, HBCx-204, and HBCx-158. The Acetalax-resistant PDXs were HBCx-39, HBCx-11, HBCx-4, HBCx-170, HBCx-185, HBCx-210, HBCx-217, and HBCx-172.
Challenges Related to Out-of-Pocket Costs in Heart Failure Management
Authors: Rao Birju R. , Allen Larry A. , Sandhu Alexander T. , Dickert Neal W.
Published: February 2025

High out-of-pocket costs and financial toxicity related to heart failure treatment are substantial concerns. Two of 4 pillars of guideline-directed medical therapy for heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, for example, carry high costs that may attenuate their uptake. Furthermore, heart failure rarely occurs in isolation. Many patients have other comorbidities that require treatment, further driving up patients’ out-of-pocket costs. Developing treatment plans that improve mortality without subjecting patients to financial toxicity can be challenging for several reasons. First, patients with heart failure can accrue out-of-pocket costs from multiple domains and can depend on a variety of insurance and pharmacy-related factors that can make determining patient-specific out-of-pocket cost estimates complicated. Second, strategies to mitigate financial toxicity involve health policy-level interventions and patient-level interventions. These have their own unique sets of challenges. Third, integrating out-of-pocket costs into shared decision-making requires nuanced and challenging discussions about whether a therapy is worth the cost. Though shared decision-making has been advocated, there are little data on how to best conduct these discussions. Health policies like the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 may provide relief to some patients, and efforts to improve transparency have the potential to be beneficial. Over the long term, policy solutions such as value-based insurance design and patient engagement solutions that emphasize enhancing shared decision-making have important potential to yield durable results.
The Karasjok Case and its Significance for the Legal Survey in Finnmark
Authors: Ravna Øyvind
Published: February 2025

On the final day of spring 2024, the Supreme Court of Norway ruled in the Karasjok case, affirming the Finnmark Estate’s ownership rights. The Grand Chamber’s decision, passed by a narrow 6 to 5 margin, underscored divisions surrounding national property law, international Indigenous law, legal history, and Sámi customary law, which received less attention than usual in Norwegian case law.

This article explores the judgment’s impact on the ongoing legal survey in Finnmark. While the ruling emphasizes national property law, it disappoints those seeking clear guidelines for future surveys. The Court’s differing opinions and explicit refusal to address potential ownership rights for individuals, village communities, or Sámi siidas create ample space for both legal disputes and further analysis. The author presents four possible outcome scenarios.

Additionally, the significant minority opposing the application of ilo Convention No. 169 adds to the uncertainty regarding international law’s role in the survey process.
The Development of the Islamic Sigillion (sijill) and Its Integration into the Syrian-Orthodox Patriarchate (7th–8th Centuries)
Authors: Pierre Simon
Published: February 2025

The sigillion as a caliphal diploma for patriarchs, particularly in the Miaphysite/ Syrian-Orthodox Church, remains an under-researched aspect of early Islamicate Eastern Christianity. Drawing on the writings of Patriarch Dionysius of Tell-Maḥrē (r. 818–845), this article examines how this type of document was used both to formalize ecclesiastical authority, and to confirm ancient political and fiscal privileges.

First appearing in Egyptian papyri, as well as in Syriac and Muslim historiography in the early Islamic period, both sijill and sigillion likely derived from a local adaptation of the Latin sigillum, and/or reflect a pre-existing Semitic usage. Its origin can be traced to the Diocese Orientis (Bilād al-Shām) and/or Northern Arabia before its introduction to Egypt after the Arab conquest.

Its function extended beyond a simple ‘safe-conduct’ or ‘fiscal grant’: it might primarily be conceptualized as a formal ‘mission order,’ with a folded – and sealed – bottom, reserved for authorized administrators to verify the holder’s claim. The sigillion could grant exceptional rights or appointments, such as exemption from corvée labor, internal passports for movement, state revenue allocations, or the authority to request law enforcement support.

In the mid-8th century, emirs, particularly in Northern Mesopotamia, began issuing sigillia to prelates, metropolitans, and patriarchs. Over time, this practice gained acknowledgment from the Caliphate, establishing the sigillion as a legitimate and official document for patriarchal claims during the Great Schism of the Syrian-Orthodox Church (ca. 754–785). The Church eventually embraced this caliphal recognition as part of its ecclesiastical authority, marking a significant shift in its integration into the structures of the Islamic state and Christian clerical leadership.
Transnational Climate Change Governance in South Asia
Authors: Kaif Ali , Sidique Ubaid
Published: February 2025

Climate change is a complex global challenge that necessitates a unified international approach, transcending state and sector boundaries. This study delves into the efficacy of transnational climate change governance (TCCG) initiatives in the post-Paris era, with a specific focus on South Asia. The research utilizing the ‘Functional-Output-Fit’ model, evaluates the productivity of these initiatives based on observable and measurable outcomes. Despite the proliferation of initiatives following the Paris Agreement, the study finds a notable dearth of initiatives specifically targeting South Asia. Moreover, there is intra-regional disparities in country representation within climate initiatives, emphasizing the importance of equal participation and collaboration among all regional stakeholders. The findings suggest that a significant proportion of the initiatives in the region have shown positive output performance, indicating overall progress. However, variations exist across different action areas. The analysis of functional and organizational characteristics reveals that while many initiatives demonstrate moderate effectiveness in achieving their intended outcomes, there is room for improvement in certain areas such as policy planning, institutionalization, and target setting to enhance their overall impact. The study makes a significant contribution to the scientific understanding of transnational climate governance in South Asia by providing valuable insights into the representation, focus areas, and effectiveness of climate initiatives in the region. It further highlights that additional research is necessary to delve deeper into the factors contributing to the broader discrepancies in participation and implementation of transnational climate initiatives, particularly in the global south and specifically in South Asia.
Revolutionary Aspects of Formal Inter-governmental Organizations
Authors: Johnson Tana
Published: February 2025

Formal inter-governmental organizations (FIGO s) combine inter-governmentalism and bureaucracy. FIGO s (e.g., the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, the World Health Organization, the World Trade Organization)—are among the most visible bodies in global governance. FIGO s also are regularly accused of stasis, as both the popular press and the scholarly literature depict them as entities that are not seriously considering alternatives to the status quo. Associating them with stasis is simplistic, however, for it misses how revolutionary FIGO s are and also glosses over how stasis that does exist is connected to FIGO s’ revolutionary aspects. Analyzing formal inter-governmental organizations at three levels, this article makes a three-part argument: 1) at the level of the international system, FIGO s are a transformation (a substantial change in circumstances); 2) at the level of policy areas and regimes, FIGO s are transformative (something that changes circumstances); and 3) at the level of individual organizations, FIGO s are transformed (facing changed circumstances), in ways that risk stasis.