bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Compact Binary Merger Rate with Modified Gravity in Dark Matter Spikes
Authors: Fakhry Saeed , Gholamhoseinian Sara , Farhang Marzieh 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
In this study, we investigate the impact of modified gravity (MG) on the merger rate of compact binaries within dark matter spikes surrounding supermassive black holes (SMBHs). Specifically, we calculate the binary merger rates involving primordial black holes (PBHs) and/or neutron stars (NSs) in Hu–Sawicki f(R) gravity and the normal branch of Dvali–Gabadadze–Porrati (nDGP) gravity, with three SMBH mass functions: Benson, Vika, and Shankar. The results show consistently higher merger rates predicted for PBH–PBH and PBH–NS binaries in these gravity models compared to general relativity (GR), in particular at lower SMBH masses and for steeper dark matter spike density profiles. The predicted merger rates are compared to the LIGO–Virgo–KAGRA observations in constraining the parameters of the theory. In particular, we find steeper dark matter spike density profiles in the MG scenarios compared to GR. When compared to current observational constraints on PBH abundance, the mass ranges allowed by Hu–Sawicki f(R) models are found to be wider than those allowed by nDGP models, for given merger rates. The results are highly dependent on the choice of SMBH mass function, with the Vika and Shankar mass functions predicting lower abundances. The considerable sensitivity of the results to the assumed gravity scenario and SMBH mass function demonstrates the necessity of incorporating the corresponding theoretical uncertainties when making relatively robust predictions on compact binary merger rates and, as a result, on PBH properties.
Biocollections Managers: Perspectives and Processes for Curating Physical Collections and their Digital Objects
Authors: Bishop Bradley , Fox Jaxx , Gavel Sidney , Chapin Emily , Kansa Sarah 
Published: November 2024

Natural history collections retain a plethora of samples and objects for research purposes across domains. The data derived from these physical collections informs scientific discovery, but often aggregating data within even a single domain relies on navigating institutional and discipline-specific catalogs and repositories. Differing curation practices, shifts in methods for measurement, and changing theoretical and funding priorities, make the United States biocollections infrastructure a patchwork quilt of objects and their associated metadata. While the efforts of many have greatly improved the system, it still needs additional investment in these invaluable collections. In today’s context of possible data reuse in AI-ready test beds and public access, building a cyberinfrastructure atop this foundation should include revisiting the existing practices in preserving, conserving, and managing the physical collections and the subsequent research data curation processes of the digital objects (Bishop and Hank 2016). Scientific domains that rely on physical collections to create knowledge and work within today’s machine-actionable context need more FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Resuable)-aligned data that also accounts for ethical reuse (i.e., CARE (Collective Benefit, Authority to Control, Responsibility, and Ethics) Principles for Indigenous Data Governance (Carroll et al. 2020)), as well as funding agency expectations for data that are as open as possible.
The purpose of the Institute of Museum and Library Services study is to understand the curation perceptions and behaviors of managers of physical collections across biocollections to inform cross-disciplinary research, data management services, and resources. Six focus groups were conducted with eighteen participants across six physical biocollections: entomology, two herbaria, herpetology, ichthyology, and palaeontology. Participants responded to open-ended questions about their collection overview, storage, data collection, metadata, organization, findability, and reuse. Results indicate that these natural history collection managers use global metadata and storage standards to increase discoverability but reuse of these physical collections and associated digital objects require more investment in personnel and cyberinfrastructure to enhance reusability of these invaluable natural history collections.
Mobilités éducatives et interculturalité à l’épreuve de la formation professionnalisante : enjeux et défis au sein de l’écosystème éducatif de la Haute École pédagogique de Fribourg (Suisse)
Authors: Cuko Kostanca , Étienne-Tomasini Delphine 
Published: November 2024

La mobilité internationale fait partie de la formation initiale proposée à la Haute École pédagogique de Fribourg (Suisse) visant le développement des compétences professionnelles attendues des enseignant·e·s du degré primaire. Cette recherche a comme objectif de décrire et d’analyser l’expérience des étudiant·e·s à travers les savoirs, les savoir-faire et savoir-être mobilisés et développés dans le cadre de leur mobilité. Des entretiens semi-directifs ont été effectués avec des étudiant·e·s qui ont effectué un semestre à l’étranger et un stage dans leur langue 2. L’analyse des entretiens nous a permis de mettre en exergue les réflexions initiées par les étudiant·e·s sur la mobilité comme expérience, la « pédago-mobilité » et l’appréhension du processus de la pédagogie interculturelle comme culture d’enseignement commune pour des élèves plurilingues et pluriculturel·le·s.
Experiences of students with disabilities in technical vocational education and training colleges
Authors: Muzite Precious , Gasa Velisiwe 
Published: November 2024

Background: Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in South Africa is often viewed as the ‘Cinderella’ of higher education, with many matriculating students choosing mainstream universities instead. This preference stems from stigma and misconceptions that label TVET students – often from poorer working-class backgrounds – as less intelligent than their university peers. The lived experiences of students with physical and learning disabilities in these institutions are particularly underexplored.Objectives: This study aimed to illuminate the experiences of students with disabilities at five TVET colleges in Gauteng, South Africa.Method: Using a phenomenological approach, the study conducted story exercises and individual interviews with a convenience sample of 40 students with disabilities.Results: The findings reveal that TVET education predominantly serves black students from marginalised backgrounds, with students with disabilities facing significant barriers in accessing both the curriculum and the physical environments of the colleges. Despite numerous challenges, a resilient narrative emerged among these students, rooted in African traditional values.Conclusion: This article contributes to knowledge on disability inclusion in higher education by showcasing the challenges and resilience of students with disabilities in South Africa’s TVET system.Contribution: The study employed innovative methodologies, such as picture stories, to co-create knowledge with students living with disabilities.
Sexually transmitted pathogens in asymptomatic women at Rethabile clinic, Limpopo, South Africa
Authors: Mukavhanyedzi Dembe , Rukasha Ivy 
Published: November 2024

Background: Health care for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is often inadequate, especially for women, because of the asymptomatic nature of many STIs, which can lead to a false sense of health. Thus, there is limited data on the prevalence of STIs in pregnant women in low and middle-income countries.Objectives: The study aimed to determine the prevalence of STIs in asymptomatic pregnant women attending antenatal Rethabile Community Health Centre, Limpopo, South Africa.Method: A cross-sectional analysis of asymptomatic pregnant women at Rethabile Community Health Centre between March 2023 and November 2023 was conducted to determine the prevalence of seven STIs, detected from self-collected vaginal swab specimens using HAIN fluoroType STI-multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test for nine targets covering seven major STIs.Results: The study found that Ureaplasma urealyticum was the most prevalent pathogen (43%) followed by Chlamydia trachomatis (41%), and Trichomonas vaginalis (10%). The less common pathogens detected were Mycoplasma Genitalium (5%) and Neisseria gonorrhoeae (2%).Conclusion: High STI prevalence among asymptomatic pregnant women at Rethabile Community Health Centre necessitates diagnostic screening over syndromic management because of a lack of reporting for symptoms.Contribution: The paper examines the epidemiology of STIs in Limpopo, South Africa, focusing on healthy, asymptomatic populations. It emphasises the need for laboratory screening, particularly in pregnant women, over empiric treatment because of high chances of missing infections.
Evaluation of the effect of adding probiotic supplementation in patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria
Authors: Can Pelin Kuteyla , Kızıltaç Utkan , Cüre Kübra , Singer Ralfi , Degirmentepe Ece Nur , Kocaturk Emek 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background:
Altered microbiota has been implicated in the pathogenesis of chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU). However, studies showing the effects of probiotic supplementation in CSU are scarce.

Objectives:
The objective of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of oral probiotic supplementation (Lactobacillus reuteri) in patients with CSU.

Methods:
This was a prospective, nonrandomized, parallel group, and controlled study. Oral probiotic supplementation (L. reuteri ATCC 55730 1 × 108 CFU) and a single dose of ebastine were introduced to 30 CSU patients, whereas a control group of 30 CSU patients received only a single dose of ebastine. Treatment responses, symptom control, and quality of life (QoL) were evaluated with Urticaria Activity Score 7 (UAS7), Physicians’ Global Assessment Visual Analog Score (PhyGA-VAS), and Chronic Urticaria Quality of Life Questionnaire (CU-Q2oL) at weeks 0, 2, and 4.

Results:
There were significant decreases in the UAS7 and CU-Q2oL and increases in PhyGA-VAS both in the probiotic group and control group at weeks 2 and 4 (P < 0.05; for all). The changes in the UAS7, CU-Q2oL, and PhyGA-VAS were significantly higher in the probiotic group than in the control group (P = 0.026; P = 0.001; and P = 0.004). The number of responders was significantly higher in the probiotic group than in the control group (83.3% vs. 50%, P = 0.006). Complete response and significant clinical improvement were observed in 9 (30%) and 20 (66.7%) patients in the probiotic group and 6 (20%) and 12 (40%) patients in the control group, respectively. High levels of total immunoglobulin E (≥100 IU/mL) were more frequent in probiotic nonresponders than in probiotic responders.

Conclusion:
Probiotics, when added to the standard therapy may improve the symptoms as well as the QoL scores in the treatment of CSU.
Flipping the classroom: A comparative analysis of in-person versus online learning in scabies education for medical students
Authors: Wu Shou-En , Chen Yi-Hsien , Soong Chen-Yeu , Chiang Chien-Ping , Wang Wei-Ming , Hung Chih-Tsung 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background:
The flipped classroom (FC) has emerged as a prominent instructional model, placing active-learning pedagogy at the forefront of education.

Objectives:
This study investigated the application of FC in scabies education, aiming to compare the effectiveness of two types of class practices: in-person versus online classes.

Methods:
Undergraduate and postgraduate doctors during their dermatology department rotations at Tri-Service General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, between July 1, 2020, and June 30, 2022, were recruited. The FC approach involved three stages: pre-class viewing of a flipped video, in-class learning, and after-class knowledge distillation. We compared two forms in-class practices: in-person versus online classes. Assessments included pre- and post-FC tests for academic understanding and a questionnaire with nine quantitative questions and two open-ended feedback questions to evaluate students’ perceptions and satisfaction with FC. Comparisons were made between the two forms of in-class practices.

Results:
In learning performance, post-FC scores significantly exceeded pre-FC scores (P < 0.001) in both in-person and online classes. Quantitative feedback indicated higher scores for teacher–student interaction (P = 0.0117) and class engagement (P = 0.024) in in-person classes. Qualitative comments revealed that students who assigned lower scores to online classes cited perceived deficiencies in self-regulation and learning motivation compared to their experiences in in-person classes.

Conclusion:
The study demonstrates that the FC approach significantly enhances learning performance in both in-person and online settings. However, comparing with online class practices, in-person classes offer additional benefits in terms of interaction and engagement, which are crucial for maintaining student motivation and self-regulation.
Evaluation and Comparison of Postoperative Healing with and without Periodontal Dressing in Patients Undergoing Periodontal Therapy: A Systematic Review
Authors: Mitra Dipika , Kashid Rhea Vivek , Shetty Gaurav , Bhanushali Nikhil 
Published: November 2024

Background:
Wound healing is a multifactorial process, and the wound environment is in a constant state of flux. Periodontal wound healing can be hampered by a number of local factors and to minimize this, the practice of application of periodontal dressings was undertaken.

Materials and Methods:
This systematic review aims to gather and evaluate all available data about postoperative healing with and without periodontal dressings in patients undergoing periodontal therapy. An extensive search was conducted using databases such as PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane, EBSCO, CTRI, and hand search of a list of archived articles published from January 1974 to June 2022. Randomized controlled trials were searched, using plaque index, sulcular bleeding index, postoperative bleeding, swelling, volume of gingival crevicular fluid, gingival inflammation, pocket depth, pain and the outcomes were evaluated with a minimum follow-up of 24 h. The risk of bias was estimated after data extraction.

Results:
The results from our systematic review showed that periodontal dressings do not help in healing after routine flap surgeries, and hence, its use is restricted. Periodontal dressings lead to plaque accumulation, which in turn causes inflammation and irritates the healing tissues. Periodontal dressings may be placed after certain procedures such as apically displaced flaps, free gingival graft surgeries, and also procedures where protection of denuded bone is needed.

Conclusion:
Periodontal dressings are not indicated after flap surgeries. However, their usage after certain procedures such as apically displaced flaps, free gingival graft surgeries, and procedures where protection of denuded bone is required is recommended.
Evaluation of Apical Extrusion of Debris with Tactile Controlled Activation Technique Using Controlled Memory Files in Curved Root Canals: An in vitro Study
Authors: Nambiar Drisya D. , Nayak Gurudutt , Pai A. R. Vivekananda , Pawar Ojaswini , Bohra Sonam , Sanyal Gopal C. , Khan Mudassir 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

Background and Objectives:
The purpose of the study was to quantify the amount of debris that was extruded apically when single-length and tactile controlled activation (TCA) techniques were used to instrument curved canals.

Materials and Methods:
A total of forty mandibular first molars having curved mesial roots of standardized length were subjected to instrumentation, utilizing both single-length and TCA techniques. Pre-weighed Eppendorf tubes were used to collect the extruded debris. The tubes underwent weighing to acquire the final weight of the dry debris. The initial weight was subtracted from the final weight to determine the weight of the extruded debris. The Shapiro–Wilk test was utilized to evaluate the data distribution. The Mann–Whitney U test was utilized to analyze continuous variables with a significance level of P ≤ 0.05.

Results:
Either of the techniques tested was associated with apical debris extrusion, but the TCA technique in a crown-down approach resulted in considerably less debris extrusion compared to the single-length technique.

Conclusion:
The TCA technique in the crown-down approach demonstrated the least debris extrusion, suggesting the importance of selecting the appropriate technique in curved canal management.
Comparison of prehospital stroke assessment scales for acute ischemic stroke with large vessel occlusion within six hours of onset: A single-center study in Eastern Taiwan
Authors: Thu Phyo-Wai , Yu Yu-Ping , Wang Jen-Hung , Liew Chooi-Lan 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT

Objectives:
In Taiwan, acute ischemic stroke (AIS) with large vessel occlusion (LVO) remains a significant health concern. Reperfusion therapy is more effective if the patient arrives at the medical center within the early time window, emphasizing the importance of prehospital stroke assessment to identify LVO and rapid transfer. This study focused on Eastern Taiwan, where the Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital is the sole comprehensive stroke center. We compared different prehospital stroke assessment scales in identifying LVO.

Materials and Methods:
We reviewed 598 patients with acute stroke admitted to our hospital’s emergency department between April 1, 2021, and March 31, 2022. Of these, 110 AIS cases presenting within 6 h of symptom onset were retrospectively analyzed using the medical records and National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores to evaluate the efficacies of prehospital stroke scales, including our institution’s Tzu Chi Stroke Severity Scale and its modified version. LVO was defined as occlusion of the anterior cerebral artery, middle cerebral artery, and its main branches, intracranial carotid arteries, and vertebrobasilar arteries.

Results:
Among 110 patients, 39.1% had LVO, which showed a higher mortality rate and prevalence of atrial fibrillation. LVO had higher NIHSS scores and longer hospital stays. The Vision Aphasia Neglect (VAN) Scale and Modified Tzu Chi Stroke Severity Scale showed the highest sensitivity, with the latter also exhibiting the highest sensitivity for posterior circulation LVO.

Conclusion:
The VAN and the modified Tzu Chi Stroke Severity Scale offer comparable sensitivity for detecting LVO in the prehospital setting. Our study supports the adoption of the modified Tzu Chi scale in the regional emergency medical service transfer algorithm for LVO detection for timely intervention.
Sistematización del programa de inserción a la vida universitaria de la universidad católica de temuco.
Authors: Riquelme Bravo Paula , Serrano Solís Gonzalo , Fuentes Cid Hilda , Riquelme Bravo Loreto 
Published: November 2024

La Universidad Católica de Temuco, en el marco de la implementación de un nuevo Modelo Educativo por Competencias, ha llevado a cabo una serie de acciones específicas que confluyen y tienen como resultado la creación y consolidación de tutorías curriculares con estudiantes de primer año. Dichas tutorías se enmarcan dentro de las actividades del Programa de Inserción a la Vida Universitaria (PIVU) y de la Dirección de Desarrollo Estudiantil con su Unidad de Orientación y Apoyo al Estudiante. El objeto de atención del presente artículo es presentar la sistematización de dichas actividades, entregando un insumo de gestión en la intervención que se realiza con estudiantes de las cohortes de ingreso nuevo, en este caso, fortaleciendo sus competencias básicas de entrada a la Educación Superior.
Protective effect of appendectomy against the onset of ulcerative colitis: A case-control study
Authors: Cui Min , Shi Chen , Yao Ping 
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND
Previous studies suggest that appendectomy has a protective effect against ulcerative colitis (UC); however, relatively few studies focusing on this topic have been reported in China.
AIM
To explore the correlation between appendectomy and the onset of UC.
METHODS
A total of 313 patients with newly diagnosed UC and 313 healthy individuals were selected for this study. According to whether their appendix was removed before the diagnosis of UC, patients were divided into appendectomized and non-appendectomized groups. Their general clinical data, appendectomy history, disease severity, extent of involvement, and blood routine test results were collected to evaluate the relationship between appendectomy and the onset of UC.
RESULTS
The study revealed that the average time interval for the diagnosis of UC after appendectomy was 14.72 ± 13.87 years. 55.81% patients were diagnosed with UC five years after appendectomy. Among them, eight patients underwent appendectomy before the age of 20 years and were diagnosed with UC five years later. In the appendectomized group, the onset age of UC was higher, and the degree of disease activity was significantly lower. This group had a higher proportion of patients in clinical remission or with mild disease and a lower proportion of patients with severe disease. The extent of lesions in the appendectomized group was limited, with a higher proportion of E1 and E2, whereas a lower proportion of E3 lesions.
CONCLUSION
Appendectomy may delay the onset of UC, reduce disease severity, and lessen the scope of involvement.
Risk factors for lymph node metastasis and invasion depth in early gastric cancer: Analysis of 210 cases
Authors: Xiang Yu , Yao Li-Di 
Published: November 2024

BACKGROUND
Gastric cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Early gastric cancer (EGC) is often associated with the risk of lymph node metastasis, which influences treatment decisions. Despite the use of enhanced computed tomography, the prediction of lymph node involvement remains challenging.
AIM
To investigate the risk factors for lymph node metastasis and invasion depth in patients with EGC.
METHODS
In total, 210 patients with pathologically diagnosed EGC were included in this study. Univariate and multivariate statistical analyses were used to predict risk factors for lymph node metastasis and invasion depth in patients with EGC.
RESULTS
Among the 210 patients, 27 (12.9%) had lymph node metastases. Of the 117 patients with submucosal gastric cancer, 24 (20.5%) had lymph node metastases. Both univariate and multivariate analyses indicated that the depth of invasion in EGC was a risk factor for lymph node metastasis in these patients. Additionally, pathological type was identified as a risk factor for cancer cell invasion in patients with EGC.
CONCLUSION
EGC invasion depth, not tumor type, size, age, sex, or location, predicts lymph node spread. Tumor type, not size, age, sex, or location, predicts cancer cell invasion.