bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
‘Where soft skills are (not) developing…’: A study of graduates’ skills and the role of university in preparing students for the labour market in Hungary
Authors: Kocsis Zsófia , Pusztai Gabriella 
Published: December 2024

In the 21st century, the need to develop skills has gained significance. Most education systems equip graduates with the cognitive skills needed to enter the labour market. However, it is soft skills that enable young graduates to become potential employees. Hungarian higher education is characterised by a teacher-centred approach, which is less conducive to the development of soft skills. Our research investigates graduates’ skills and the extent to which their skills are in alignment with the requirements of the workplace. The Fresh Graduate Survey 2020 database was used, while our interview survey provides nuances to the results of the secondary analysis. We also analyse how one Hungarian higher education institution has supported students’ transition to the labour market. Data show that the competences considered important in the labour market are not always the same as the skills that graduates most often possess. There is a considerable gap between expected and existing skills in the following areas: problem-solving, time management, practical expertise and conflict management. These skills are particularly important in the labour market, but graduates are less likely to have them. The results of the quantitative research are also nuanced by the interviews, which show that higher education provides a good foundation but does not sufficiently focus on the development of soft skills. The results of the qualitative research highlight a number of shortcomings in key areas, the development of which is important not only at the level of individuals but also in the long term in view of the prestige of university education.
The global carbon balance of forests based on flux towers and forest age data
Authors: Ciais Philippe , Yao Yitong , Besnard Simon , Yue Chao , Poulter Benjamin , Jung Martin , Chave Jerome , Stoy Paul C. , Reichstein Markus , Herold Martin , Piao Shilong , Carvalhais Nuno 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Flux towers worldwide record significant carbon sinks in forests. Still, most sites are situated over young or middle-aged stands at, or close to, the peak of carbon uptake along their successional cycle. As a result, upscaling forest Net Ecosystem Productivity (NEP) — the difference between gross primary production (GPP) and ecosystem respiration (ER) — from existing sites to the global scale has been challenging, in contrast to the successful upscaling of GPP and the associated surface energy fluxes. In this study, we combine a recently released forest age map 1, empirical NEP-age relationships and environmental predictors, and machine-learning algorithms to generate gridded estimates of forest NEP for the period circa 2010. The quantified global forest NEP is 6.4 ± 2.0 PgC year-1. After subtracting carbon losses not measured by flux towers, including fire emissions, harvested biomass, fluvial leaching, and non-CO2 gases released to the atmosphere, we obtain a global net carbon balance of forests remaining forests (NBP) close to 3.0 ± 2.0 PgC year-1. This value is consistent with those based on forest inventories 2 and atmospheric inversions 3. We report a carbon sink of 1.5 ± 0.5 PgC year-1 for temperate forests, a value twice as large as that inferred from inventories, largely because inventories may underestimate soil carbon accumulation. Boreal forests show a small source of -0.1 ± 0.3 PgC year-1. In contrast, tropical forests not subject to degradation and deforestation have an NBP sink of +1.6 ± 1.1 PgC year-1, larger than what is inferred from biomass inventories. Half of the tropical forest sinks are located in dry forests and woodlands, which have smaller productivity than humid forests but accumulate carbon from a younger age due to frequent fire disturbances. Our results bring a new constraint on the global carbon budget, highlighting the importance of accounting for forest age in upscaling local flux tower data.
Biomimic opto-nanobiointerface enables multiscale biomodulation
Authors: Chen Menglin , Müller Christoph , Zhang Yuge , Meng Lingyuan , Kalatanova Anna , Madsen Jesper Guldsmed , Klompmaker Kjeld Kaj , Jakobsen Thomas Stax , Joergensen Asbjoern Cortnum , Askou Anne Louise , Huang Ge , Li Wen , Davidsen Rasmus Schmidt , Bek Toke , Hatzakis Nikos , Corydon Thomas , Leinonen Henri O , Tian Bozhi , Dong Mingdong 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Virtually all organic material on Earth has been produced converting solar energy through photosynthesis in chloroplasts, a sack-like, double membrane organelle in plants and algae, where transmembrane electron transfer occurs from lumen to stroma. Although animals hardly harness the power of photosynthesis, their bioelectrical signals extensively regulate complex electrophysiological behaviors, rendering it a superior target for biomedical innovation. Here a crude structural mimicry of chloroplast has led us to discover that hollow sphere graphitic carbon nitride nanoparticles (hg-C3N4 NPs) endowed non-genetic, subcellular and intercellular photo-modulation of various excitable and non-excitable cells, accumulatively achieving modulation at tissue/organ function level. The homogeneous hg-C3N4 NPs showed photo-responsiveness via photoelectrochemical and photothermal mechanisms under photocurrent measurement. The hg-C3N4 NPs can be spontaneously internalized with excellent cytocompatibility. Using a focusing laser, the hg-C3N4 NPs enable intracellular optical stimulation with subcellular resolution, inducing calcium transient release in multiple cells and propagation in primary cardiomyocytes and cardiac fibroblasts. At multicellular scale, optical pacing and synchronization of cardiomyocyte beating is achieved facilely by LED. Further, we demonstrate that hg-C3N4 NPs can be safely injected into mouse eyes, restoring light sensitivity in blind mice. Finally, application of hg-C3N4 NPs to porcine retinal tissue ex vivo confirmed their modulation capability to reactivate RGCs activity under LED photostimulation. Taken together, these nanostructured biomimic semiconductor NPs offer high resolution, leadless optical probing, non-invasive delivery and great biocompatibility, serving as a versatile tool for addressing a range of complex biomedical challenges through subcellular, intercellular and tissue-level photo-modulation across a broad spectrum of scales.
Evaluation of Drug Lag and Drug Loss in Japan: Participation in Global Phase III Oncology Trials
Authors: Shiga Kaname , Shibata Taro , Miyata Toshio 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background: Despite efforts to mitigate drug lag, discrepancies in drug approval timelines persist between Japan and the US, and increase in unapproved drugs has become a significant challenge. This study aimed to evaluate potential drug lag and drug loss by assessing Japan's participation in global phase III multinational/multiregional clinical trials (MRCTs) targeted cancers.
Methods: Phase III MRCTs of anticancer drugs initiated between 2008 and 2022 were collected. Information of participant countries, study sponsor, study design, and cancer type were collected and analyzed by. logistic regression analysis to identify factors affected Japan’s participation.
Results: Of 999 phase III MRCTs, Japan's participation every 5 year increased over 15 years (2008-2012: 34.3%, 2013-2017: 51.6%, 2018-2022: 60.2%), while Japan’s non-participation numbers didn’t change (2008-2012: 157, 2013-2017: 167, 2018-2022: 165). In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, the absence of an operational base in Japan and minor cancers were negatively associated with Japan’s participation in phase III MRCTs. Japan’s participation was also associated with some cancer organs and drug modalities.
Conclusion: Potential future drug lag and increases of unapproved drug were expected to increase. Since inclusion of Japan in MRCTs results in shorter or no approval lag, Japan should promote to make the circumstances where small overseas companies can include Japan in MRCTs.
Hearing outcomes in canal wall up versus canal wall down mastoidectomy
Authors: Bhardwaj Yavan , Bhardwaj Heemani , Amin Saddaf , Mahmood Tariq 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Introduction:
Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) is a common problem seen in numerous patients with high rate of morbidity and psychosocial impact. The mainstay of management remains surgical. The two surgical techniques used globally for management of patients with middle ear cleft pathology are canal wall up and canal wall down mastoid surgeries. Deciding factors for type of procedure done depend on; the interest of operating surgeon, patient’s general health and age, extent and type of pathology in the middle ear and also considering functional hearing outcomes of both the surgical procedures.
Objective
The aim of the present study was to compare the hearing outcomes and graft take up rate between canal wall up and canal wall down mastoidectomy procedures.
Methods
The present prospective study was conducted in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head Neck Surgery, a tertiary care multi-speciality teaching hospital from October 2018- August 2020. The study group included 100 patients. In this study, all the patients underwent mastoidectomy with tympanoplasty using temporalis fascia graft. Intact canal wall mastoidectomy was done in patients with localized cholesteatoma while canal wall down mastoidectomy was done in patients having extensive disease. Regular follow up was done every week for first 3 weeks, later at 6th week, 3rd month, 6th month and 1 year. Study Design: Comparative study.
Results
A total of 100 patients were included in the study. The age of the patients 10 to 50 years with a mean age of 18.7 ± 15 years with male to female ratio 7:10. In the present study, graft take up in canal wall up mastoidectomy was 66.6% as compared to 33.4% in canal wall down procedure which was significantly higher (ꭓ2=10.72, p = 0.0011). Hearing gain in canal wall up procedure (17.02 ± 8.51db) was higher as compared to canal wall down mastoidectomy (10.3 ± 6.98), (t = 4.22, p < 0.001). It was statistically significant. Recurrence was seen in 1 patient who had undergone canal wall up surgery.
Conclusions
Canal wall down surgery is a safer option in the matter of residual disease and recurrence. Canal wall up surgery though may need a second look procedure, but there are better results of graft take up rate and the post-operative hearing as compared to canal wall down surgery
Remote group intervention for adults with cancer-related cognitive impairment: A feasibility study.
Authors: Hamami Chenanit , Peretz Tamar , Nahum Mor , Maeir Talia , Maimon Ofra , Gilboa Yafit 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Purpose This study aimed to examine the feasibility of a remote group intervention, Computerized Retraining and Functional Treatment Group (CRAFT-G), among adults with cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI). CRAFT-G is designed to improve occupational performance, objective and subjective cognitive functions, quality of life (QoL), and sense of loneliness.Method A single-arm quasi-experimental design using mixed quantitative and qualitative methods was applied. Five cancer survivors with CRCI, aged 30 to 57 years, received the CRAFT-G intervention, which includes 6 weekly group sessions along with 18 sessions of individualized computerized cognitive training (CCT; 3 per week). Feasibility was measured in terms of recruitment, retention, adherence, acceptability, and potential effectiveness. Outcome measures were administered at baseline and post intervention.Results The recruitment rate was 35% (6/17), and the retention rate was 83.2%. Partial adherence was found to the group sessions (80%) and to the CCT (40%). Participants expressed moderate to very high satisfaction with the intervention. Three main themes emerged from the feedback interviews: (a) group dynamic and therapeutic context, (b) intervention components, and (c) client factors. Significant improvements in occupational performance and clinically significant improvements in self-perceived cognitive function were also found, demonstrating potential effectiveness.Conclusion The results support the feasibility and potential effectiveness of the CRAFT-G among adults with CRCI. A controlled, larger trial should be conducted to validate these results.Implications for Cancer Survivors: A combined intervention approach of an occupation-based intervention along with cognitive training and psychoeducation about CRCI applied in remote group format should be considered when treating adults with CRCI.
A Diagnostic model based on MRI for Meniere's disease: a multicenter study
Authors: Chen Xinyi , Zhao Yanfeng , Han Yunchong , Wei Kai , Cheng Shufang , Ye Yongjun , Feng Jie , Huang Xinchen , Xu Jingjing 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Purpose
To explore the diagnostic performance of delayed post gadolinium enhancement MRI (DEMRI) in the diagnosis of Meniere's disease (MD), and to establish an effective MRI diagnostic model.
Materials and methods
This retrospective multicenter study evaluated DEMRI descriptors of patients with Ménièriform symptoms examined consecutively from May 2022 to May 2024. A total of 162 ears (95 MD ears, 67 control ears) were enrolled in this study. Each ear was randomly allocated to a training set (n = 98) and a validation set (n = 64). Logistic regression determined three models for the diagnosis of MD in the training cohort. AUC was applied to evaluate the diagnostic performance of different models. Delong test was used to compare the AUC estimates between the different diagnostic models.
Results
The proposed DEMRI diagnostic model demonstrated good diagnostic performance in both the training (AUC, 0.907) and the validation cohort (AUC, 0.887), outperforming the clinical diagnostic model (Z = 2.503, p = 0.01231; 95%CI:0.033–0.269) in the validation cohort. The AUC value of DEMRI model was higher than combined DEMRI-clinical model in the validation cohort (AUC, 0.796) as well, but there was no statistically significant difference (Z = -1.9291, p = 0.05372). In the training set, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the DEMRI model were 78.9%, 88.5% and 82.8%, respectively.
Conclusion
A diagnosis model based on DEMRI features for MD diagnosis efficiency was higher than that of clinical variables alone. Therefore, DEMRI should be recommended when MD is suspected because of its significant potential in the diagnosis of MD.
Statistical estimation of carbon dioxide emissions from merchant ships on Sub-Saharan African routes
Authors: Kwame Eyram , Viban Berinyuy Litika , Akyere Grace Nuako 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Sub-Saharan Africa is the region of Africa located below the Sahara. The region contains forty-nine countries, sixteen are landlocked, while the rest have coastal boundaries, and seaports. Sub-Saharan African countries are classified as either developing or least developed by United Nation Trade and Development (UNCTAD). The global trade participation of these countries is facilitated by merchant shipping. With increasing awareness of the exponential growth of the concentration of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the atmosphere, there is a pressing need to mitigate the effects of climate change by proactively quantifying and minimizing emissions from ships to achieve the 2050 net-zero GHGs emission target of IMO. This paper uses parameter estimation technique, to statistically estimate carbon dioxide emissions from merchant ships on sub-Saharan African routes to be at least 185.87 million tonnes, which is equivalent to 17.27% of the world's annual shipping CO2 emissions. The paper concludes that these routes contribute significantly to CO2 emissions leading to global warming. Therefore, port authorities should extensively regulate vessels visiting their ports by enforcing stringent emission standards and imposing penalties for non-compliance.
Forest canopy structure response to climate change from a global perspective
Authors: Mao Xuegang , Liu Hongpeng , Wang Chengyuan Wang , Zhang Zhiyang , Liu YuanLiu , Liu Chengyin , Cao Rong , Wang Enheng Wang 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

The structure of the forest canopy plays a pivotal role in determining the response of forest ecosystems to climate change. However, the large-scale impact of climate change on canopy structure remains inadequately understood, particularly at the global level. This knowledge gap can be attributed mainly to the lack of reliable methods for consistently monitoring changes in canopy structure over extended periods. To address this challenge, we developed a global Forest Canopy Structure Index (FCSI) by synthesizing four remotely sensed vegetation indices, thus enabling the mapping of spatial and temporal dynamics of canopy structures across the globe. Furthermore, we investigated how the canopy structures of six distinct forest types respond to ten key climate variables. Our results reveal substantial latitudinal variation in FCSI: in the Northern Hemisphere, FCSI decreases by approximately 0.002 for every 1° increase in latitude, while in the Southern Hemisphere, the decline is more pronounced, approaching 0.004. The only forest types exhibiting an overall increase in FCSI from 2005 to 2021 are Deciduous Broadleaf Forests, Deciduous Needleleaf Forests, and Woody Savannas, yet only 27.91% of global forests show a significant rise in FCSI. Precipitation emerged as the most influential factor driving changes in FCSI, while diurnal temperature range exerted a robust positive effect on canopy structure across all six forest types. This study introduces novel methodologies for large-scale quantification of forest canopy structure and provides valuable insights into how forest ecosystems respond to and adapt to climate change.
Shared Genetic Architecture Between COVID-19 Severity and Alzheimer's Disease Across European and African Ancestries
Authors: Chen Jingchun , Cammann Davis , Liu Tingwei , Liu Yimei , Cummings Melika , Chen Xiangning , Oh Edwin , Rotter Jerome 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

The global outbreak of COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has been linked to long-term neurological complications, including an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD) among older adults. However, the precise genetic impact of COVID-19 on long-term AD development remains unclear. This study leveraged genome-wide association study (GWAS) data and genotype data to explore the genetic association between AD and various COVID-19 phenotypes across European ancestry (EA) and African ancestry (AA) cohorts, and the possibility of a causal effect of COVID-19 on AD. We first calculated polygenic risk scores (PRSs) of three COVID-19 phenotypes in AD cases and controls from both EA and AA populations, then determined the genetic associations between COVID-19 PRSs and AD by logistic regression analyses with or without adjusting for age, sex, and APOE genotypes. Significant positive associations were found between AD diagnosis and COVID-19 PRSs in both populations, with the strongest associations identified in the AA population. However, Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses revealed no evidence of a causal effect of COVID-19 phenotypes on AD liability. We explored this finding further through the analysis of shared genomic regions between the COVID-19 phenotypes and AD and found a region of overlap on chromosome 17 that was highly pleiotropic for traits implicating immune function, psychiatric disorders, and lung function phenotypes. These findings suggest that while COVID-19 and AD share overlapping polygenic contributions involving peripheral genes across multiple traits, they lack a direct connection involving core genes that drive the development of their respective pathologies.
Electrical and mechanical dyssynchrony in pre-capillary pulmonary hypertension without complete bundle branch block: a comparison between electrocardiogram and two-dimensional echocardiography
Authors: Liu Bing-yang , Hu En-ci , Xue Lin , Wu Wei-chun , Yang Yi-cheng , Yang Bei-lan , Liang Yan-ru , Zeng Qi-xian , Yang Tao , Zhao Qing , Luo Qin , Zhao Zhi-hui , Liu Zhi-hong , Xiong Chang-ming 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background:To explore the correlation between electrical and mechanical dyssynchrony of right ventricle (RV)in pre-capillary pulmonary hypertension (PcPH) patients, and further compare their capability in predicting risk stratification.
Methods: We consecutively enrolled PcPH patients at Fuwai Hospital from April 2017 to March 2018, then classified them into low and non-low risk groups based on recommendations of 2015 European Society of Cardiology Guidelines. RV mechanical dyssynchrony were measured using off-line softwares (GE EchoPAC version 201), referred to as RV-SD6. Electrical dyssynchrony, represented as QRS duration, was measured manually from the chest lead V2 with electronic calipers.
Results: Sixty-six PcPH patients (average 35 years, 19 males and 47 females) were finally enrolled, 37 in low-risk group, while 29 in non-low-risk group. QRS duration was significantly correlated with RV-SD6 (r = 0.25, P = 0.047). Both RV-SD6 and QRS duration significantly correlated with N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (r = 0.44, P＜0.001 vs r = 0.26, P = 0.039). Furthermore, RV-SD6 (area under curve, AUC 0.75, 95% CI 0.64–0.87, P ＜0.001) and QRS duration (AUC 0.65, 95% CI 0.52–0.78, P = 0.036) both had the potential to predict non-low risk stratification. Multivariate Logistic regression analyses identified RV-SD6 (OR: 1.02, 95% CI: 1.01–1.03, P = 0.009) and QRS duration (OR: 1.07, 95% CI: 1.00–1.15, P = 0.045) as independent predictors of non-low risk of PcPH patients.
Conclusion: RV mechanical dyssynchrony presented by RV-SD6 correlates with QRS duration and has a better capability in predicting risk stratification in PcPH patients without complete bundle branch block.
The study and predictive analysis of the burden of blood stream infection diseases in China
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyu , Zhang Xifan , Tian Sufei , Guo Feng , Zhang Jingping , Chen Baiyi , Zhang Deng , Zhang Xin 
Published: December 2024

Abstract

Background: BSI are one of the leading causes of infection-related mortality worldwide. However, epidemiological data related to BSI in China remain very limited.
Methods: Based on the GBD database, a systematic analysis was conducted on the epidemic trends, pathogen spectrum, and the current status of AMR related to BSI in China for the year 2021. Additionally, an ARIMA time series model was constructed to predict the trend of the disease burden associated with BSI in China from 2022 to 2035.
Results: In terms of pathogens, the top five pathogens causing deaths due to BSI in China are as follows: Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli , Streptococcus pneumoniae , Pseudomonas aeruginosa , and Acinetobacter baumannii . There are significant differences in the pathogens causing BSI across different age groups. The disease burden is heaviest in the elderly population aged 70 and above. Among children under five years old, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Candida species are predominant. From 1990 to 2021, there was a gradual decline in the mortality rate among BSI patients across different age groups. However, as age increases, the burden of BSI gradually increases, particularly in individuals aged 70 and above, where the disease burden is significantly higher compared to other populations.
Conclusion: From 1990 to 2035, the overall mortality rate of BSI is gradually declining. However, the future changes in BSI mortality rates will primarily be influenced by population size and changes in age structure. BSI and its associated health issues remain significant challenges that require ongoing attention.