bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Urbanization, Legacies of Elite Capture, and Multi-Dimensional Exclusions in Ghana: Towards Just Housing and Neighborhood Policies in African Cities
Authors: Boateng Festival Godwin , Klopp Jacqueline M. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractPersisting housing challenges in Africa’s cities are often theorized as driven by rapid demographic expansion outstripping housing supply or by the urbanization of poverty which puts the cost of adequate and serviced housing beyond the reach of many urban dwellers. This theorization links the problem of inadequate supply and low quality of housing to ahistorical, apolitical factors such as the size and income/poverty characteristics of Africa’s urban population and ignores legacies of elite capture and multi-dimensional exclusions reflected in policies and practices. Yet these policies and practices shape urban governance and who gains access to land, housing finance and ultimately serviced housing and neighborhoods. Drawing on a review of policies, media sources and literature on housing in Ghana and taking a critical postcolonial institutional theoretic approach, we argue that a more complete conceptualization of Africa’s urban housing crises should involve a close look at the regressive historical patterns of urban investments and persisting elite biases in institutions managing land, finance and housing. This re-framing of housing problems creates a more holistic framework and better articulates the unjust foundations of regressive and exclusionary policies and practices. Further, it highlights elite capture and multi-dimensional exclusions that perpetuate current housing and service failure in African cities. An explicit focus on power, exclusion and injustice is necessary to formulate and advocate alternative policies that are more likely to produce inclusive livable housing and neighborhoods. These include moratoriums on evictions, expanded slum upgrading, progressive property and land taxation, more inclusive planning systems, better regulation of rental housing and improved delivery of land and finance for transit oriented affordable public and rental housing.
Trajectories and predictors of emotional exhaustion in clinical nurses in the context of healthcare crisis: a case study in Xi’an, China
Authors: Wu Chao , He Chunyan , Zhang Hongli , Lin Yawei , Li Lu , He Jing , Cheng Feixia , Ji Zhaohua , Lang Hongjuan 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThis study investigated the growth trajectory of emotional exhaustion and its predictors in clinical nurses in the context of healthcare crisis in the post pandemic era. A total of 422 Chinese clinical nurses were followed up three times over two months from December 2022 to January 2023, and data from the final 358 clinical nurses were analyzed. The growth mixed model was used to identify the trajectory categories, and the predictive factors of the trajectory types were analyzed by logistic regression. The relationship of the trajectory types of emotional exhaustion with psychological capital were analyzed by variance analysis. The best-fit growth mixture modeling revealed three class models: Class 1 characterized by high and increasing levels of emotional exhaustion, Class 2 characterized by moderate and decreasing levels of emotional exhaustion, and Class 3 characterized by low and decreasing levels of emotional exhaustion. These classes accounted for 9.78%, 83.52%, and 6.70% of clinical nurses, respectively. The results of the univariate analysis indicated that age, years of working experience, gender, past participation in emergency public health event rescue, and sleep quality were associated with the trajectory of emotional exhaustion. Logistic regression analysis revealed that gender, past participation in emergency public health event rescue, and sleep quality were independent predictors of the emotional exhaustion trajectory. The variance analysis of the four dimensions of psychological capital showed that there were statistically significant differences in scores of self-efficacy and hope dimensions among the three groups of emotionally exhausted individuals. Our study demonstrated the heterogeneity of emotional exhaustion among clinical nursing personnel in coping with healthcare system overload. The psychological capital of nursing staff with different categories of emotional exhaustion varies. Managers should actively pay attention to the predictive role of gender, past participation in emergency public health event rescue, and sleep quality on the development of emotional exhaustion in clinical nurses.
An Earthen Sill as a Measure to Mitigate Salt Intrusion in Estuaries
Authors: Hendrickx Gijs G. , Manuel Laura A. , Pearson Stuart G. , Aarninkhof Stefan G. J. , Meselhe Ehab A. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractAt a global scale, deltas are vital economic hubs, in part due to the combination of their access to inland regions via river systems with their proximity to sea. However, with the sea in close vicinity also comes the threat of freshwater contamination by saline seawater, especially during droughts. This study explores the potential of a mitigation measure to estuarine salt intrusion, namely the construction of a (temporary) earthen sill—a measure implemented in the Lower Mississippi River near New Orleans (LA, USA). This study suggests design guidelines on how a sill can be used to mitigate estuarine salt intrusion: the design should focus on the longitudinal placement and the height of the sill, and the mitigating efficiency of the sill reduces with increasing tidal range. Overall, a (temporary) sill has great potential to reduce salt intrusion in salt wedge estuaries if there is sufficient water depth available.
Extracellular Vesicles to Predict Outcomes After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation – a Prospective, Multicenter Cohort Study
Authors: Wilimski Radosław , Budzianowski Jan , Łomiak Michał , Olasińska-Wiśniewska Anna , Pieniak Katarzyna , Jędrzejczyk Szymon , Domaszk Olaf , Chudzik Magdalena , Filipiak Krzysztof J. , Hiczkiewicz Jarosław , Faron Wojciech , Urbanowicz Tomasz , Jemielity Marek , Grygier Marek , Grabowski Marcin , Kuśmierczyk Mariusz , Rymuza Bartosz , Huczek Zenon , Kochman Janusz , van der Pol Edwin , Nieuwland Rienk , Gąsecka Aleksandra 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Introduction
Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is an established treatment for aortic stenosis (AS) in patients at intermediate and high surgical risk. Circulating extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nanoparticles involved in cardiovascular diseases. We aimed to (i) determine the effect of TAVI on plasma concentrations of five EV subtypes and (ii) evaluate the predictive value of EVs for post-TAVI outcomes.

Methods
Blood samples were collected 1 day before TAVI and at hospital discharge. Concentrations of EVs were evaluated using flow cytometry.

Results
Concentration of leukocytes EVs decreased after TAVI, compared to the measurement before (p = 0.008). Among 123 patients discharged from the hospital, 19.5% experienced MACCE during the median of 10.3 months. Increased pre-TAVI concentration of phosphatidylserine-exposing EVs was an independent predictor of MACCE in multivariable analysis (OR 5.313, 95% CI 1.164–24.258, p = 0.031).

Conclusions
Patients with increased pre-TAVI concentration of procoagulant, PS-exposing EVs have over fivefold higher odds of adverse outcomes.

Graphical Abstract
Urban flood prediction using ensemble artificial neural network: an investigation on improving model uncertainty
Authors: Dai Weijun , Tang Yanni , Liao Ning , Zou Shujie , Cai Zhiming 
Published: May 2024

AbstractReducing the impact of artificial neural networks (ANN) affected by sources of uncertainty is crucial to improving the reliability of the flood prediction model. This study proposes an ensemble artificial neural network (EANN) model to predict the degree of flooding in coastal cities. Combined methods are used to reduce the model’s uncertainty, heuristic neural pathway strength feature selection is used to select inputs, the coupling method is used to optimize network architecture and parameters, and the integration method which paralleling three ANN models with different predicted lead periods ensemble together is used to capture output uncertainty. The EANN model has successfully predicted flooding in the Chinese coastal city of Macao during a typhoon, with convincing accuracy. The study also analyzed the impacts of both long and short training datasets with appropriate time intervals on ANN modeling performance. It was found that the performance of short training datasets, with appropriate time intervals, was similar to or better than models with long training datasets.
Postoperative outcomes of surgical delay in inflammatory bowel disease patients: a multicenter cohort study
Authors: de Bock Ellen , Herman Eline S. , Meij Vincent , Burghgraef Thijs A. , Oldenburg Bas , Verheijen Paul M. , Pronk Apollo , Filipe Mando D. , Vriens Menno R. , Richir Milan C. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractPostponement of surgical inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) care may lead to disease progression. This study aims to determine the influence of delayed surgical IBD procedures on clinical outcomes. This multicenter retrospective cohort study included IBD patients who underwent a surgical procedure during the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic from March 16, 2020, to December 31, 2020, and were compared to a pre-COVID-19 cohort. The primary endpoint was determining the number of (major) postoperative complications. Secondary endpoints were the time interval between surgical indication and performance of the surgical procedure and the risk factors of postoperative complications using multivariate analysis. Eighty-one IBD patients who underwent a surgical procedure were included. The median time interval between surgical indication and performance of the surgical procedure did not differ between the COVID-19 and pre-COVID-19 cohorts (34 vs. 33.5 days, p = 0.867). Multivariate analysis revealed a longer time interval between surgical indication and surgical procedure significantly correlated with the risk of developing postoperative complications [odds ratio (OR) 1.03, p = 0.034]. Moreover, previous surgery was identified as an independent predictor (OR 4.25, p = 0.018) for an increased risk of developing major postoperative complications. There was no significant surgical delay for patients with IBD in the COVID-19 pandemic cohort compared to the pre-pandemic cohort. However, a longer time interval between surgical indication and surgical procedure significantly correlated with the risk of developing postoperative complications. In the event of future scarcity in healthcare, efforts should be made to continue surgical procedures in IBD patients.
Fiber-Optic Biosensors for Cancer Theranostics: From in Vitro to in Vivo
Authors: Jin Fangzhou , Xu Zhiyuan , Cao Donglin , Ran Yang , Guan Bai-Ou 
Published: May 2024

AbstractCancer has been one of the most serious diseases, resulting in more than 10 million deaths every year. Fiber-optic sensors have great potential for diagnosing and treating cancer due to their flexibility, precise positioning, real-time monitoring, and minimally invasive characteristics. Compared to traditional central laboratory examination, fiber-optic biosensors can provide high sensitivity, miniaturization, and versatility, which feature the point-of-care diagnostic capability. Herein, we focus on recent advances in fiber-optic biosensors for cancer theranostics. It is primarily concerned with advancements in the design of various fiber sensing approaches, fiber cancer sensing, and therapy sensors. With fiber-optic biosensors, cancer marker detection, cancerous cell differentiation, ex vivo tumor model validation, and in vivo tumor detection can be achieved. And the medical fiber also can be used to provide photothermal therapy, photodynamic therapy, and combination therapy for solid tumors. Additionally, cancer sensing and therapy can be integrated into the fiber, which demonstrates the multiplexing capabilities of fiber-optic biosensors. Lastly, we systematically summarize the fiber biosensor applications from in vitro to in vivo, and conclude with the challenges in development and prospects.
Racial Differences in Biopsychosocial Pathways to Tobacco and Marijuana Use Among Youth
Authors: Assari Shervin 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
The influence of socioeconomic disparities and multidimensional stressors on youth tobacco and marijuana use is recognized; however, the extent of these effects varies among different racial groups. Understanding the racial differences in the factors influencing substance use is crucial for developing tailored interventions aimed at reducing disparities in tobacco and marijuana use among adolescents.

Aims
This study aims to explore the differential effects of socioeconomic disparities and multidimensional stressors on tobacco and marijuana use between Black and White adolescents.

Methods
Utilizing longitudinal data from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study, this research includes a cohort of pre-youth, monitored from the age of 9–10 years for a period of up to 36 months. We examined the impact of various socioeconomic status (SES) indicators and multidimensional stressors, including trauma, financial stress, racial discrimination, and family stress, alongside baseline average cortical thickness and the subsequent initiation of tobacco and marijuana use over the 36-month follow-up.

Results
Overall, 10,777 participants entered our analysis. This included 8263 White and 2514 Black youth. Our findings indicate significant differences in the pathways from SES indicators through stress types to cortical thickness between Black and White youths. Notably, cortical thickness’s impact on the future initiation of tobacco and marijuana use was present in both groups.

Conclusion
The study suggests that compared to White adolescents, Black adolescents’ substance use and associated cortical thickness are less influenced by stress and SES indicators. This discrepancy may be attributed to the compounded effects of racism, where psychosocial mechanisms might be more diminished for Black youth than White youth. These findings support the theory of Minorities’ Diminished Returns rather than the cumulative disadvantage or double jeopardy hypothesis, highlighting the need for interventions that address the unique challenges faced by Black adolescents.
The Resettlement Journey: Understanding The Role of Social Connectedness on Well-being and Life Satisfaction among (Im)migrants and Refugees: A Systematic Review
Authors: Song Jingyeong , Corcoran Jonathan , Zahnow Renee 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIn the context of rising global migration and/or forced displacement, there is a pressing need to consider the well-being and life satisfaction of (im)migrants and refugees during resettlement. Research highlights the importance of social connectedness for (im)migrants and refugees during the resettlement phase. Yet, a critical gap remains in our understanding of the key characteristics through which social connections exert their influence on well-being and life satisfaction. This systematic review provides a comprehensive overview of the existing international literature on social connectedness and its impact on the well-being and life satisfaction of (im)migrants and refugees in post-migration contexts. Our analysis of 43 studies finds that social connectedness, in the form of social support and social networks, is beneficial for well-being and life satisfaction during resettlement. In addition to social support from individual network ties, community engagement can also enhance well-being by facilitating a sense of belonging. All 43 studies focused on psychological well-being and 69.8% relied on cross-sectional data. The findings of this review emphasise the need for longitudinal studies and standardised measurement tools to capture the dynamic interplay between social connectedness and well-being across various domains (psychological, physical, general/subjective) in migrant populations. We draw on the findings to propose a new conceptual model of the dynamic association between social connectedness and well-being/life satisfaction that seeks to explore these relationships in future empirical studies.
Toward a Procedure to Study Rule-Governed Choice: Preliminary Data
Authors: Méndez David Ruiz 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe aim of this study was to model a situation that induced choice between following two incompatible rules, each associated with a different rate of reinforcement. In Experiment 1, eight undergraduate students were exposed to a two-component multiple schedule (training). In each component, there was a concurrent variable interval (VI)–extinction (EXT) schedule. Participants were given two rules that instructed them to respond to the VI alternative in the presence of different discriminative stimuli. The side of the VI schedule changed in each component and offered a different reinforcer rate according to the discriminative stimuli in the operation. When both discriminative stimuli were concurrently presented (test), participants favored the alternative previously instructed by the rule, which was associated with the greatest reinforcer rate, whereas indifference was observed in the absence of discriminative stimuli. Experiment 2 tested the effects of reinforcement rate using the same procedure without providing rules. During training, participants gradually developed a preference for the VI alternatives. In the choice test phase, participants favored the alternative associated with the stimuli with the highest reinforcer rate when both discriminative stimuli were present. Unsystematic preference was observed in the absence of discriminative stimuli. Two alternative explanations were provided for the findings.
Seeing the Trees Without the Forest: What and How can Agroforestry and Urban Forestry Learn from Each Other?
Authors: Sousa-Silva Rita , Feurer Mélanie , Morhart Christopher , Sheppard Jonathan P. , Albrecht Stefanie , Anys Markus , Beyer Friderike , Blumenstein Kathrin , Reinecke Sabine , Seifert Thomas , Whitehead Ian , Pauleit Stephan , Bauhus Jürgen 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Purpose of Review
Agroforestry and urban forestry have evolved mainly as separate disciplines, although they share a long history of tree cultivation in man-made environments. Here, we review their common threads, exploring how trees in both systems interact with and shape their environments. We examine common themes and methodologies – ranging from tree growth dynamics to environmental stressors, ecosystem services provision, and questions of governance – and identify opportunities for synergies between these fields.

Recent Findings
We emphasize the potential of agroforestry and urban forestry for enhancing multifunctional landscapes. Geographical divides in research are evident, with agroforestry predominantly studied in the Global South and urban forestry receiving more attention in the Global North. However, significant research gaps provide avenues for collaboration, for instance, addressing challenges in capturing the monetary and socio-cultural value of ecosystem services and environmental justice considerations.

Summary
In light of the growing need for integrated approaches in addressing contemporary challenges, from climate change mitigation and adaptation to community well-being, our review explores what these research fields can learn from each other and provides recommendations for fostering greater interdisciplinary dialogue and new avenues for collaborations in a meaningful and synergistic manner, aiming to advance policy, research, and practice in agroforestry and urban forestry.
Reinforcing Institutional Power: The Discourse of Normalcy in European Union Governance
Authors: Agha Petr 
Published: May 2024

Abstract This paper examines the notion of normalcy within the discourse of the European Union (EU), with a focus on its response to transformative dynamics and challenges, especially post-2008. I analyse how the EU, facing diminishing ideological supremacy, has reinforced its institutional power through the framework of normalcy. By emphasizing constitutionalisation and integration through legal means, bodies such as the European Court of Justice (ECJ) have expanded their roles, promoting "integration through law" to counter alternative political projects invariably labelled as populist, thereby giving rise to anti-populism as a discursive tool. Drawing on crisis discourse and diagnostic practice, this paper explores how normalcy legitimises and perpetuates existing power structures within EU governance, subtly coercing member states and citizens into accepting its norms and values, thus shaping perceptions of normalcy and also inevitability. At the core of this framework lies the rule of law (RoL), which establishes legal boundaries in the first place, but in the same move shapes political contexts.My paper argues that the exclusive focus on legalistic interpretations obscures the underlying structural factors perpetuating power dynamics and economic disparities among member states, constraining adaptive responses. I examine the narrative of "growing up to democracy" and its impact on the European project discourse, particularly in Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries. I then scrutinise the roles of experts and the “juristocracy” in reinforcing this narrative while simultaneously masking underlying inequalities and power differentials. Furthermore, the paper explores the strategic deployment of language and discourse by EU institutions during crises, highlighting their implications for public understanding, political action, and outcomes. Finally, it investigates the EU's strategic use of crisis discourse and diagnostic practices, focusing particularly on the ascendancy of the judiciary, but also highlighting how this trajectory may also have negative influence of legislative and executive bodies as their role diminishes in the process.
A multilevel graph approach for IoT-based complex scenario management through situation awareness and semantic approaches
Authors: Casillo Mario , Colace Francesco , Lorusso Angelo , Santaniello Domenico , Valentino Carmine 
Published: May 2024

AbstractModern reality and the environments in which we live are characterized by technology components geared toward automatic management through pervasive services. Thanks to the advent of the Internet of Things, such environments can provide information such as pollution levels, public transport conditions, efficiency of energy distribution networks, and identification of suspicious activities by generating complex scenarios. The profitable management of such scenarios can be performed through context modeling and methodologies that can extract and understand environmental information by preventing certain events through artificial intelligence techniques by increasing Situation Awareness. This paper focuses on developing a methodology with predictive capabilities and context adaptability for managing complex scenarios. The use of semantic and graph-based approaches, unlike many approaches used, leads to better integration of knowledge, resulting in improved system performance. In addition, such approaches allow understanding of what is happening in the system at a given time, enabling manipulation and integration of semantic information. Graph-based approaches chosen for this purpose are Ontologies, Context Dimension Trees, and Bayesian Networks, which are able to support the end-user or expert user in handling complex scenarios. The proposed methodology has been validated and applied to real complex scenarios based on the IoT paradigm. The proposed approach validation was conducted using open data from the city of London; a practical scenario case study was conducted in the field of automated management of a Smart Home. In both cases, the system achieved promising results.