bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluating German PISA stratification designs: a simulation study
Authors: Mang Julia , Küchenhoff Helmut , Meinck Sabine 
Published: May 2024

AbstractStratification is an important design feature of many studies using complex sampling designs and it is often used in large-scale assessment (LSA) studies, such as the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), for two main reasons. First, stratification variables that achieve a high between and low within strata variance can improve the efficiency of a survey design. Second, stratification allows one to, explicitly or implicitly, control for sample sizes across subpopulations. It ensures that some parts of a population are in the sample in predetermined proportions. In this study, we determine through simulation which stratification scheme is best for PISA in Germany. For this, we consider the constraints imposed by the international sampling design, the available information about schools, and specific national characteristics of the German educational system. We examine seven different stratification designs selected based on scenarios used in past LSAs in Germany and theoretical considerations for future implementations. The chosen scenarios were compared with two reference scenarios: (1) an unstratified design and (2) a synthetic optimal stratification design. The simulation study reveals that the stratification design currently applied in PISA produces satisfactory results regarding sampling precision. The present stratification design is based on Germany's federal states and school types. However, this approach leads to small strata, which has been problematic for estimating sampling variance in previous cycles. Therefore, alternative stratification scenarios were considered and, in addition to overcoming the small-strata problem, also led to smaller standard errors for estimates of student mean performance in mathematics, science, and reading. As a result of this study, we recommend considering three different stratification designs for Germany in future cycles of PISA. These recommendations aim to: (1) improve the sampling efficiency while keeping the sample size constant, (2) follow a sound methodological approach, and (3) make conservative and cautious changes while maintaining a reflection of the structure of the German federal school system with different school types. These suggestions include a reinvented stratification of grouped German federal states and designs with school types as explicit stratifiers and federal states as implicit stratifiers.
Activated clotting time-guided heparinization during open AAA surgery: a pilot study
Authors: Roosendaal Liliane C. , Hoebink Max , Wiersema Arno M. , Blankensteijn Jan D. , Jongkind Vincent 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
Arterial thrombo-embolic complications (TEC) are still common during and after non-cardiac arterial procedures (NCAP). While unfractionated heparin has been used during NCAP for more than 70 years to prevent TEC, there is no consensus regarding the optimal dosing strategy. The aim of this pilot study was to test the effectiveness and feasibility of an activated clotting time (ACT)-guided heparinization protocol during open abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) surgery, in anticipation of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) investigating if ACT-guided heparinization leads to better clinical outcomes compared to a single bolus of 5000 IU of heparin.

Methods
A prospective multicentre pilot study was performed. All patients undergoing elective open repair for an AAA (distal of the superior mesenteric artery) between March 2017 and January 2020 were included. Two heparin dosage protocols were compared: ACT-guided heparinization with an initial dose of 100 IU/kg versus a bolus of 5000 IU. The primary outcome was the effectiveness and feasibility of an ACT-guided heparinization protocol with an initial heparin dose of 100 IU/kg during open AAA surgery. Bleeding complications, TEC, and mortality were investigated for safety purposes.

Results
A total of 50 patients were included in the current study. Eighteen patients received a single dose of 5000 IU of heparin and 32 patients received 100 IU/kg of heparin with additional doses based on the ACT. All patients who received the 100 IU/kg dosing protocol reached the target ACT of > 200 s. In the 5000 IU group, TEC occurred in three patients (17%), versus three patients (9.4%) in the 100 IU/kg group. Bleeding complications were found in six patients (33%) in the 5000 IU group and in 9 patients (28%) in the 100 IU/kg group. No mortality occurred in either group.

Conclusions
This pilot study demonstrated that ACT-guided heparinization with an initial dose of 100 IU/kg appears to be feasible and leads to adequate anticoagulation levels. Further randomized studies seem feasible and warranted to determine whether ACT-guided heparinization results in better outcomes after open AAA repair.
Connectedness of cryptocurrency markets to crude oil and gold: an analysis of the effect of COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Foroutan Parisa , Lahmiri Salim 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe notion that investors shift to gold during economic market crises remains unverified for many cryptocurrency markets. This paper investigates the connectedness between the 10 most traded cryptocurrencies and gold as well as crude oil markets pre-COVID-19 and during COVID-19. Through the application of various statistical techniques, including cointegration tests, vector autoregressive models, vector error correction models, autoregressive distributed lag models, and Granger causality analyses, we explore the relationship between these markets and assess the safe-haven properties of gold and crude oil for cryptocurrencies. Our findings reveal that during the COVID-19 pandemic, gold is a strong safe-haven for Bitcoin, Litecoin, and Monero while demonstrating a weaker safe-haven potential for Bitcoin Cash, EOS, Chainlink, and Cardano. In contrast, gold only exhibits a strong safe-haven characteristic before the pandemic for Litecoin and Monero. Additionally, Brent crude oil emerges as a strong safe-haven for Bitcoin during COVID-19, while West Texas Intermediate and Brent crude oils demonstrate weaker safe-haven properties for Ether, Bitcoin Cash, EOS, and Monero. Furthermore, the Granger causality analysis indicates that before the COVID-19 pandemic, the causal relationship predominantly flowed from gold and crude oil toward the cryptocurrency markets; however, during the COVID-19 period, the direction of causality shifted, with cryptocurrencies exerting influence on the gold and crude oil markets. These findings provide subtle implications for policymakers, hedge fund managers, and individual or institutional cryptocurrency investors. Our results highlight the need to adapt risk exposure strategies during financial turmoil, such as the crisis precipitated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Automated synthesis of [89Zr]ZrCl4, [89Zr]ZrDFOSquaramide-bisPh(PSMA) and [89Zr]ZrDFOSquaramide-TATE
Authors: Noor Asif , Roselt Peter D. , McGowan Emily R. , Poniger Stan , Wheatcroft Michael P. , Donnelly Paul S. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
Automated [89Zr]Zr-radiolabeling processes have the potential to streamline the production of [89Zr]Zr-labelled PET imaging agents. Most radiolabeling protocols use [89Zr][Zr(ox)4]4− as the starting material and oxalate is removed after radiolabeling. In some instances, radiolabeling with [89Zr]ZrCl4 as starting material gives better radiochemical yields at lower reaction temperatures. In this work, a fully-automated process for production of [89Zr]ZrCl4 is reported and its use for the synthesis of [89Zr]ZrDFOSq-bisPhPSMA and [89Zr]ZrDFOSq-TATE.

Results
A simple automated process for the isolation of [89Zr]ZrCl4 by trapping [89Zr][Zr(ox)4]4− on a bicarbonate-activated strong anion exchange cartridge followed by elution with 0.1 M HCl in 1 M NaCl was developed. [89Zr]ZrCl4 was routinely recovered from [89Zr][Zr(ox)4]4− in > 95% yield in mildly acidic solution of 0.1 M HCl in 1 M NaCl using a fully-automated process. The [89Zr]ZrCl4 was neutralized with sodium acetate buffer (0.25 M) removing the requirement for cumbersome manual neutralization with strong base. The mixture of [89Zr]ZrCl4 was used for direct automated radiolabeling reactions to produce [89Zr]Zr-DFOSquaramide-bisPhPSMA and [89Zr]ZrDFOSquaramide-TATE in 80–90% over all RCY in > 95% RCP.

Conclusions
This method for the production of [89Zr]ZrCl4 does not require removal of HCl by evaporation making this process relatively fast and efficient. The fully automated procedures for the production of [89Zr]ZrCl4 and its use in radiolabeling are well suited to support the centralized and standardized manufacture of multiple dose preparations of zirconium-89 based radiopharmaceuticals.
Characterization of seminal microbiome associated with semen parameters using next-generation sequencing
Authors: Vajpeyee Manisha , Tiwari Shivam , Yadav Lokendra Bahadur 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
To characterize the seminal microbiome associated with normal and abnormal semen parameters, towards the prediction of reproductive health and sperm quality. Despite the association between bacteria and infertility, few studies have looked at the beneficial effects of the seminal microbiome on infertility.
The study comprised semen samples from 69 men with normal spermiograms and 166 men with at least 1 abnormal spermiogram parameter from the Institutional IVF Center between October 2019 and October 2022.
We hypothesized that the composition of the microbiota may affect semen parameters. To determine the composition of uncultured bacteria, the 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene was amplified using Oxford Nanopore Technology.

Results
Different groups of bacteria were present in the semen samples of patients with normal semen parameters, such as female factor infertility and abnormal sperm parameters. Bacterial communities differed between samples. However, the relative distribution of Lactobacillus and Prevotella in the normal and abnormal semen groups differed (p = 0.05) and was statistically significant.
In the abnormal semen group, the incidence of Lactobacillus probiotics was lower and the frequency of Prevotella was higher. Additionally, principal component analysis (PCA) revealed differences in the microbial composition of normal and abnormal semen.

Conclusions
In our study, NGS analysis revealed the increased presence of harmful bacteria Prevotella in groups with abnormal semen raises the possibility that certain microbiota may be associated with semen quality and male infertility.
One-Point Technique in Brainstem Cavernous Malformation Surgery: Evaluation of Approaches and Outcomes From a Different Perspective
Authors: Prashant Giyarpuram N. , Dehdashti Amir R. 
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:
Brainstem cavernous malformations (BCMs) are a distinct clinical entity that carry a high risk of patient morbidity because of location and risk of hemorrhage. Surgical management of these lesions requires intimate knowledge of surgical anatomy and skull base approaches. This article is intended to highlight a modern approach for the treatment of BCMs, with an emphasis on the use of the one-point technique to guide resection.

METHODS:
We describe a case series of BCMs treated through a variety of skull base approaches, describing our decision-making strategy. We review the concept of the one-point technique focusing on the safest access to the malformation through 2 representative cases and also perform a retrospective review of 32 consecutive patients who underwent BCM resection to present outcomes and the comparison of two-point vs one-point techniques.

RESULTS:
Consecutive series of 32 patients in whom the one-point technique was used is presented. In 8 patients (25%), the traditional two-point technique would suggest a different trajectory than the one-point technique. Postoperative MRI confirmed complete resection in 30 patients (95%), and 29 patients (91%) had modified Rankin Scale (0-2) at follow-up. All patients in whom the one-point technique guided a different trajectory had gross total removal of the cavernous malformation, with one patient having long-term new neurological impairment from the surgery. There were no mortalities.

CONCLUSION:
Despite surgical advances in recent decades and more widespread understanding of surgical anatomy and safe entry zones, surgical resection of BCMs remains a formidable challenge. While not necessarily the shortest access, the one-point technique offers a safe approach considering all the different modalities in our armamentarium and can be used as part of a strategy to determine the optimal approach to resect BCMs.
International Expert Consensus on Semantics of Multimodal Esophageal Cancer Treatment: Delphi Study
Authors: van der Zijden Charlène J. ,   Study Coordinators of the Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Lagarde Sjoerd M. , Mostert Bianca , Nuyttens Joost J. M. E. , Spaander Manon C. W. , Wijnhoven Bas P. L. ,   For the International Expert Panel, van Sandick Johanna W. , van Dieren Jolanda M. , Voncken Francine E. M. , Pierie Jean-Pierre E. N. , Fiets Willem E. , Rosman Camiel , Siersema Peter D. , Rütten Heidi , Nieuwenhuijzen Grard A. P. , Creemers Geert-Jan , Schoon Erik J. , van der Sangen Maurice J. C. , Verschoor Arjan , Quispel Rutger , Sosef Meindert N. , Buijsen Jeroen , Hartgrink Hendrik H. , Slingerland Marije , Heisterkamp Joos , Beerepoot Laurens V. , Hazen Wouter L. , Rozema Tom , Muller Karin , Kouwenhoven Ewout A. , Law Simon Y. , Chan Wendy W. , Wong Ian Y. , Li Zhigang , Chao Yin-Kai , Wu I-Chen , Wu Chiao-En , Yap Wing-Keen , Park Seong Yong , Takeuchi Hiroya , Booka Eisuke , Kato Ken , Yoshinori Ito , Lin Steven H. , Piessen Guillaume , Turpin Anthony , Taillez Alexandre , Castoro Carlo , Bastoni Alessandro , Maselli Roberta , Scorsetti Marta , Walsh Thomas N. , Grogan Liam 
Published: May 2024

Abstract
Background
Recent developments in esophageal cancer treatment, including studies exploring active surveillance following chemoradiotherapy, have led to a need for clear terminology and definitions regarding different multimodal treatment options.

Objective
The aim of this study was to reach worldwide consensus on the definitions and semantics of multimodal esophageal cancer treatment.

Methods
In total, 72 experts working in the field of multimodal esophageal cancer treatment were invited to participate in this Delphi study. The study comprised three Delphi surveys sent out by email and one online meeting. Input for the Delphi survey consisted of terminology obtained from a systematic literature search. Participants were asked to respond to open questions and to indicate whether they agreed or disagreed with different statements. Consensus was reached when there was ≥75% agreement among respondents.

Results
Forty-nine of 72 invited experts (68.1%) participated in the first online Delphi survey, 45 (62.5%) in the second survey, 21 (46.7%) of 45 in the online meeting, and 39 (86.7%) of 45 in the final survey. Consensus on neoadjuvant and definitive chemoradiotherapy with or without surgery was reached for 27 of 31 items (87%). No consensus was reached on follow-up after treatment with definitive chemoradiotherapy.

Conclusion(s)
Consensus was reached on most statements regarding terminology and definitions of multimodal esophageal cancer treatment. Implementing uniform criteria facilitates comparison of studies and promotes international research collaborations.
Ultraviolet-fluorescence detection of E. Coli using threshold-comparison electronics
Authors: Suarez John , Fortunato Caroline 
Published: May 2024

We describe an optical system that detects the presence of E.
coli bacteria, making use of the bacteria’s natural
fluorescence properties. The system provides an excitation signal at
365 nm and detects the emission signal, from the bacteria, at
approximately 445 nm. The system also allows the intensity of
the emitted signal to be compared with a user-programmable threshold.
This allows rapid testing of many samples in a laboratory setting.
Complete setup and performance details are provided, enabling the
experimentalist to tailor the system parameters to other species of
microorganisms, which may have fluorescence properties at other
wavelengths.
Post-compression of powerful femtosecond pulses after second harmonic generation
Authors: Mironov S. Yu. , Ginzburg V. N. , Lozhkarev V. V. , Yakovlev I. V. , Stukachev S. E. , Kochetkov A. A. , Shaykin A. A. , Khazanov E. A. 
Published: May 2024

A proof-of-principle experiment of highly efficient (38%) second harmonic generation was implemented at a ∼1TW/cm2 intensity of a 45 fs pulse in a composite nonlinear sample–a 1 mm KDP crystal glued onto a 1 mm fused silica substrate. The attenuated replica of the second harmonic pulse (455 nm) was compressed down to 28.6 fs by means of dispersive mirrors, with a significant reduction in both the wings and the far temporal contrast. The peak power of the second harmonic was ∼74% of the power of the fundamental harmonic, which ensured a three-fold increase in the focal intensity.
Improving foot self-care in people with diabetes in Ghana: A development and feasibility randomised trial of a context appropriate, family-orientated diabetic footcare intervention
Authors: Suglo Joseph Ngmenesegre , Winkley Kirsty , Sturt Jackie 
Published: May 2024

Objective
Africa presents a higher diabetic foot ulcer prevalence estimate of 7.2% against global figures of 6.3%. Engaging family members in self-care education interventions has been shown to be effective at preventing diabetes-related foot ulcers. This study culturally adapted and tested the feasibility and acceptability of an evidence-based footcare family intervention in Ghana.

Methods
The initial phase of the study involved stakeholder engagement, comprising Patient Public Involvement activities and interviews with key informant nurses and people with diabetes (N = 15). In the second phase, adults at risk of diabetes-related foot ulcers and nominated caregivers (N = 50 dyads) participated in an individually randomised feasibility trial of the adapted intervention (N = 25) compared to usual care (N = 25). The study aimed to assess feasibility outcomes and to identify efficacy signals on clinical outcomes at 12 weeks post randomisation. Patient reported outcomes were foot care behaviour, foot self-care efficacy, diabetes knowledge and caregiver diabetes distress.

Results
Adjustments were made to the evidence-based intervention to reflect the literacy, information needs and preferences of stakeholders and to develop a context appropriate diabetic foot self-care intervention. A feasibility trial was then conducted which met all recruitment, retention, data quality and randomisation progression criteria. At 12 weeks post randomisation, efficacy signals favoured the intervention group on improved footcare behaviour, foot self-care efficacy, diabetes knowledge and reduced diabetes distress. Future implementation issues to consider include the staff resources needed to deliver the intervention, family members availability to attend in-person sessions and consideration of remote intervention delivery.

Conclusion
A contextual family-oriented foot self-care education intervention is feasible, acceptable, and may improve knowledge and self-care with the potential to decrease diabetes-related complications. The education intervention is a strategic approach to improving diabetes care and prevention of foot disease, especially in settings with limited diabetes care resources. Future research will investigate the possibility of remote delivery to better meet patient and staff needs.

Trial registration
Pan African Clinical Trials Registry (PACTR) ‐ PACTR202201708421484: https://pactr.samrc.ac.za/TrialDisplay.aspx?TrialID=19363 or pactr.samrc.ac.za/Search.aspx.
Quelle prise en compte du genre dans la communication publique ?
Authors: Roginsky Sandrine 
Published: May 2024

Par le prisme du genre, il est possible d’explorer les pratiques professionnelles en communication publique. Ainsi les modalités d’exploration, d’appréhension et de représentation des publics par les communicateurs et communicatrices pour élaborer leurs actions de communication sont déterminantes dans la prise en compte du genre. Comme les publics sont figurés au moyen de techniques gestionnaires qui isolent l’individu de son contexte social et ne mobilisent pas d’autres types d’aptitudes pour appréhender la complexité sociale dans le travail de représentation des publics, la question de la prise en compte du genre dans la communication est abordée sous un angle essentiellement technique. Ce faisant, le genre est vidé de sa dimension heuristique mais également contestataire pour être mobilisé comme critère de catégorisation qui se substitue à la catégorie « femmes » sans prise en compte des rapports de force et, par ricochet, sans capacité d’identifier les stéréotypes de genre.
professionnalisation : un aiguillon pour l’auteur de ressources pédagogiques.
Authors: Guillon Olivia 
Published: May 2024

En se concentrant sur l’exigence de professionnalisation en BUT et la place qu’y occupent les compétences communicationnelles, cet article interroge les éventuels repositionnements de modèles économiques de l’offre de ressources. Il vise plus spécifiquement à appréhender le travail des auteurs et sa valorisation comme des révélateurs des tension dans les stratégies des offreurs de ressources en IUT. Cette analyse socio-économique s’appuie du point de vue empirique sur une pluralité de données collectées entre 2019 et 2021 : entretiens auprès d’enseignants de BUT, d’auteurs de manuels, de responsables éditoriaux, newsletters et sites web des éditeurs et de certains auteurs, sites compagnons, programmes des DUT et BUT de l’ensemble des filières et aboutit à plusieurs résultats. Premièrement, les modèles économiques de l’édition de ressources reflètent un isomorphisme institutionnel : les structures organisationnelles et les jeux des acteurs sont plus influencés par le champ institutionnel et la recherche de légitimation que par la quête d’un fonctionnement efficient. Les auteurs semblent ensuite avoir un rapport ambivalent avec l’exigence de professionnalisation, que le circuit éditorial et le rôle traditionnel de l’auteur rendent difficile à satisfaire. Enfin, la place du numériques dans l’offre est un marqueur important de l’évolution (ou de la non-évolution) des modèles économiques.
Usage d’une ressource pédagogique pour valoriser ses compétences et professionnaliser ses expériences : le cas du ePortfolio
Authors: Szafrajzen Barbara 
Published: May 2024

Tous les I.U.T. de France ont accueilli en 2021 leur première promotion du Bachelor universitaire de Technologie (B.U.T.). Les étudiants intègrent désormais un parcours en trois ans avec une spécialisation en troisième année, représentant l’adaptation locale de la formation.L’accent est mis avant tout sur une pédagogie construite par approche par compé­tences, favorisant ainsi les mises en situation professionnelles. De fait, différentes ressources pédagogiques sont désormais imposées aux étudiants pour valoriser leurs compétences et professionnaliser leurs expériences. Le ePortfolio en est l’exemple même.Pourtant, il est étudié depuis plusieurs années dans certaines formations. Alors, le ePortfolio peut-il ou doit-il être considéré comme un objet innovant ou une « inno­vation pédagogique » (Lemaître, 2018) ? Car c’est bien d’une injonction constante à l’innovation dont il est question pour ces étudiants issus de la génération des « digital natives » (Prensky, 2001) et baignés dans une « culture numérique comme enjeu d’une société du savoir » (Proulx, 2002).Le présent article s’appuie sur une enquête qualitative menée auprès d’un échantillon d’étudiants de spécialité Informatique. L’étude à visée exploratoire démontre que le ePortfolio peut être utilisé comme une ressource pédagogique décloisonnant les différentes disciplines et conduisant l’étudiant à construire sa pensée en inter, trans et pluridisciplinarité.