bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Proactive vs. reactive COVID-19 screening in schools: lessons from experimental protocols in France during the Delta and Omicron waves
Authors: Colosi Elisabetta , Lina Bruno , Elias Christelle , Vanhems Philippe , Colizza Vittoria 
Published: January 2025

AbstractThe COVID-19 pandemic prompted diverse policies to manage safety in schools, balancing infection control with educational continuity. This study assessed the impact of an experimental weekly screening protocol compared to nationally implemented reactive strategies in 25 primary schools in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France during the Delta (November–December 2021) and Omicron (January–February 2022) waves. We used an agent-based model for SARS-CoV-2 transmission in schools parameterized with empirical data characterizing school contact over time to estimate the contribution of school transmission on overall cases and evaluate the effectiveness of weekly screening in reducing within-school infections. We parametrized the model to reproduce the Delta and Omicron variants dominant in the study period, accounting for introductions from community surveillance data. We fitted the model to the observed prevalence in 18 schools selected for the analysis. School transmission was estimated to account for 67% (IQR 53-78) of student cases in Rhône and 67% (IQR 50-82) in Savoie during the Delta wave, and 52% (IQR 47-57) in Rhône during the Omicron wave. The experimental weekly screening protocol was estimated to reduce transmission in school by 40% (IQR 18 – 53%) during the Delta wave and by 37% (IQR 30-45) during the Omicron wave, compared to the reactive strategies applied in the same period in the rest of the country. Adherence rates exceeding 80% during the study were critical to the protocol’s success, contributing to an earlier and sustained decline in prevalence. Weekly screening proved a more structured and effective approach to controlling transmission, supporting its inclusion in future pandemic preparedness plans to ensure safer learning environments. This study underscores the importance of proactive interventions to address asymptomatic spread in schools, emphasizing their role in pandemic response strategies.
baal-nfidentifies motif-disrupting variants that decrease transcription factor binding affinity
Authors: Roskams-Hieter Breeshey , Almelid Øyvind , Ponting Chris P 
Published: January 2025

AbstractHuman traits vary in part due to genetically-determined change of transcription factor (TF) binding affinity within gene regulatory regions. However, few trait-causal variants or mechanisms are known. Here we propose 1,960 variants as strong candidates for causally altering human traits. They were discovered bybaal-nfwhich uses ChIP-sequencing data to identify allelic imbalance at heterozygous sites (‘allele-specific binding sites’; ASBs) within affinity-concordant positions within TF- and/or co-factor binding motifs. These variants are evolutionarily conserved, and enriched for trait associations and gene expression QTLs.baal-nfand these high-quality ASBs now allow trait variation due to altered TF binding to be investigated.
Health Management Information System Data Quality and its associated factors in Addis Ababa Public Hospitals, Ethiopia, 2022.A cross-sectional study
Authors: Abebe Hiamanot , Legesse Menelik , Godie Yohannes , Birhanu Dires , Belege Fekadeselassie , Menbere Fasil , Guadie Yitayal 
Published: January 2025

AbstractHealth management information system (HMIS) is a core health system building block designed to provide important data for continuous quality improvement at all levels of decentralized healthcare administration. Poor data quality at the lower administrative level and health facilities, which are the source of most data used for decision-making in the health sector remains a challenge. This challenge remains high in developing countries, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa.ObjectiveTo assess the level of Health management information system data quality and associated factors among of public hospitals in Addis Ababa, 2022.MethodologyInstitutional-based cross-sectional study design was conducted from June to September 2022. Study hospitals were selected using the lottery method and the participants were recruited based on their availability till the required sample was fulfilled variables that have p-value ≤ 0.25 were taken into the multivariable model to control possible confounders. The level of statistical significance was declared at p-value ≤ 0.05. The odds ratio with 95% CI was used to determine the direction and strength of association between the dependent and independent variables.ResultThe overall level of HMIS data quality was 78% with completeness at 67%, accuracy at 67%, and timeliness at 100%. Presence of training program (AOR=5.6, CI:2.01, 15.79), notify as job descriptions and report documents clearly (AOR=2.7, CI:1.334, 5.378), formats easily understandable AOR=4.1, CI:1.991,8.256), routine meetings how to improve HMIS data quality(AOR=2.7, CI:1.345,5.417), incentives for HMIS process (AOR=2.3, CI:1.128,4.675) and user-friendly register/report forms (AOR=4.1, CI:1.991,8.256) were the identified factors associated with HMIS data quality.Conclusion and recommendationThe data quality of HMIS was lower than the nationally expected level (85%). Thus, regular and comprehensive training of health care workers, clear job descriptions and HMIS report documents, user-friendly and easily understandable formats, routine meetings to discuss HMIS quality improvement, and incentives for HMIS processes shall be implemented to increase the data quality.
Unions and employees’ access to non-wage benefits in Ghana: do unions minimize gender inequality of access?
Authors: Owusu-Afriyie John 
Published: January 2025

PurposeThis study seeks to examine unions’ influence on employees’ access to paid holiday/leave, paid pension and social security payment by employers in Ghana. The study also finds out whether unions are potent at minimizing gender inequality of access to these benefits.Design/methodology/approachData for the analysis are extracted from the 5th and 6th rounds of the Ghana Living Standards Survey (GLSS), 2005/2006 and 2012/2013, respectively, as well as the 2015 Ghana Labour Force Survey (GLFS). The study employs binary probit model with a selectivity-correction term as an estimation technique.FindingsThe findings indicate that trade unions significantly increase employees’ likelihood of having access to paid holidays/leave, paid pension and social security contributions. We also find that trade unions minimize gender inequality of access to these non-wage benefits.Practical implicationsThe findings imply that trade unionism in Ghana is an effective mechanism for enforcing employers’ compliance with the provision of legal benefits to employees. It is also an effective tool for minimizing gender inequality of access to these benefits.Originality/valueThis research paper adds value to the literature by examining the role that unions play in minimizing gender discrimination with regard to access to non-wage benefits.Peer reviewThe peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-03-2024-0234
The Role of Central Sensitization in Autoimmune Connective Tissue Diseases: A Comparative Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Bazancir‐Apaydin Zilan , Apaydin Hakan , Armagan Berkan , Orhan Kevser , Erten Sukran 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo investigate the central sensitization (CS) in patients with autoimmune connective tissue diseases (ACTDs) and its relationship with disease activity, laboratory findings, medical treatments, organ involvements, and comorbidity.MethodsOne hundred and eleven patients with ACTDs and 40 healthy individuals were included. All patients were divided into three groups in terms of their diseases: Sjögren's syndrome (SS), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The CS was assessed using the central sensitization inventory (CSI‐A and CSI‐B scores). The disease activity, laboratory findings, medical treatments, organ involvements, and comorbidity of all patients were evaluated.ResultsOverall, 41.4% patients with ACTDs had CS. SS group had the highest CS positivity (n = 21, 58.3%) compared to the RA (n = 14, 36.8%) and SLE (n = 11, 29.7%) groups. The SS group had a significantly higher CSI‐A score (p < 0.016) than the RA and SLE group, which had similar scores. CSI‐A (p = 0.008, r = −0.63) and CSI‐B (p = 0.001, r = −0.76) scores were moderately to high correlated with vitamin D3 levels in SLE group. CSI‐B score was moderately correlated with folic acid levels (p = 0.03, r = 0.50) and TSH (p = 0.005, r = 0.55) in SS group. The CSI‐A score ≥ 40 subgroup had more female gender, frequency of COPD or asthma, more coexisting fibromyalgia, higher VAS score, more common exocrine gland involvement, and higher corticosteroid dose compared to the CSI score < 40 subgroup.ConclusionsCS is commonly seen in patients with ACTDs, especially in SS. CS is associated with vitamin D3, folic acid, and TSH levels in ACTD subgroups and the patients with clinical CS have a specific profile.
The Association of Persistent Hyperuricemia With Liver Function and the Management of Uric Acid Levels: Insights From a Three‐Year Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Wang Yina , Qiu Minli , Zhou Liuzhong , Zheng Xuqi , Wu Xinyu , Tu Liudan , Xie Ya , Yang Mingcan , Fang Linkai , Wen Xianghui , Jiang Boxiong , Gu Jieruo 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTObjectiveThe association of long‐term hyperuricemia with liver function remains less well understood. This prospective cohort study aimed to investigate the relationship between hyperuricemia and liver function as well as other metabolic and cardiovascular parameters.MethodsWe enrolled 375 participants with hyperuricemia and 599 normouricemic controls. Participants were followed up for 3 years, and data on liver indicators, including alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and liver ultrasonography were collected. Additionally, we assessed other parameters, such as renal function, lipid profile, blood pressure, fasting blood‐glucose (FBG), and body mass index (BMI).ResultsThe highest prevalence of hyperuricemia was observed in the 20–29 age groups for the participants. Among the comorbidities of patients with hyperuricemia, the proportion of dyslipidemia is the highest (58.13%), followed by fatty liver (50.13%) and liver function impairment (33.07%). During the three‐year follow‐up period, compared to the baseline, patients with persistent hyperuricemia showed significant increases in BMI, triglycerides, total cholesterol, AST, and ALT levels (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, patients with improved hyperuricemia for 2 years exhibited significant decreases in FBG, total cholesterol, serum creatinine (p < 0.05), along with a significant increase in eGFR (p < 0.05). Correlation analysis revealed that levels of uric acid were positively correlated with ALT, FBG, and triglycerides in persistent hyperuricemia (p < 0.05).ConclusionHyperuricemia shows a notable trend of younger age onset. Persistent hyperuricemia, correlated with elevated ALT levels, indicates an increasing risk of liver damage that should be concerned about. Effective management of hyperuricemia could improve metabolic disorders and renal dysfunction.
Differences and Similarities Between Children and Adults With Rhupus Syndrome
Authors: Sener Seher , Unal Dilara , Batu Ezgi Deniz , Kart Bayram Gozde Sevgi , Firlatan Busra , Kilic Levent , Sahin Sezgin , Gezgin Yildirim Deniz , Kisla Ekinci Miray , Kisaoglu Hakan , Karali Yasin , Demir Selcan , Kaya Akca Ummusen , Gunalp Aybuke , Turkmen Seyma , Kavrul Kayaalp Gulsah , Arslanoglu Ceyda , Torun Ruya , Ercan Emreol Hulya , Basaran Ozge , Pac Kisaarslan Aysenur , Sozeri Betul , Aktay Ayaz Nuray , Bakkaloglu Sevcan Azime , Kilic Sara Sebnem , Kalyoncu Mukaddes , Bilginer Yelda , Unsal Erbil , Kasapcopur Ozgur , Apras Bilgen Sule , Ozen Seza 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTAimIn this study, we aimed to evaluate and compare the characteristics of pediatric and adult rhupus patients.MethodsThirty pediatric patients with rhupus syndrome and 15 adult patients with rhupus syndrome were included in this study. Similarities and differences between both groups were evaluated.ResultsThe time elapsed between the diagnosis of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA)/rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and the diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) was longer in adults than in pediatric patients (p < 0.001). While the most common phenotypes at disease onset were JIA/RA in both adults and children, SLE was more prevalent in pediatric patients and RA in adult patients at the last visit (both p < 0.001). Cutaneous findings, oral ulcers, hematological and renal involvement, hypocomplementemia, and antidouble‐stranded DNA positivity were more frequent in pediatric patients, whereas constitutional findings, nonscarring alopecia, neuropsychiatric involvement, and anticyclic citrullinated peptide positivity were more common in adults (all p < 0.001). Asymmetric polyarthritis was more prevalent in pediatric patients, whereas symmetric polyarthritis was more common in adult patients (both p < 0.001). Erosive arthritis was more frequently observed in adult patients (p < 0.001). In the treatment, mycophenolate mofetil was more commonly prescribed to pediatric patients, while rituximab was more frequently used for adult patients in the treatment of SLE compared to pediatric patients (both p < 0.001). Additionally, leflunomide was more commonly used in JIA/RA treatment in adult patients compared to pediatric patients (p < 0.001).ConclusionThis is the first study comparing pediatric and adult patients with rhupus syndrome. Revealing these differences and similarities will contribute significantly to the literature.
From Perpetrators to Partners: Juvenile Offenders Perspective on Student Mass Fighting Prevention in Indonesia
Authors: Juliana Jesika , Mohamad Nor Azmawaty , Hutagalung Fonny Dameaty 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTAdolescent physical fights are a significant social problem worldwide, with a rising incidence of mass school fights in Indonesia highlighting the need for targeted interventions. Despite this, research often overlooks the perspectives of the offenders themselves. This study aims to address this gap by examining protective factors and prevention strategies from the viewpoint of Indonesian juvenile offenders. Using in‐depth interviews and thematic analysis with four juvenile offenders across three correctional institutions, the research identifies several key strategies for prevention. These include strengthening parental connections, providing positive adult role models, severing ties with delinquent peers, and offering education on adaptive coping strategies. Effective prevention also involves establishing robust parent–child relationships and implementing school programs that address honor‐related conflicts. Furthermore, the study suggests that educating adolescents about positive masculinity, incorporating anger management training, and utilizing cognitive‐behavioral therapy can significantly reduce the likelihood of involvement in mass student fighting. By adopting these approaches, communities can more effectively address and mitigate the underlying factors contributing to adolescent violence and promote more constructive conflict resolution methods.
Firms in Times of Economic Uncertainty: Digital Integration to Counter Information Asymmetry and ESG Controversies
Authors: Ayadi Imen , Hunjra Ahmed Imran 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTThis study investigates the impact of economic uncertainty on information asymmetry and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) controversies within companies, while exploring the moderating role of digital integration. By analyzing a panel of 1303 companies across 20 European countries from 2016 to 2023, and employing the two‐stage generalized method of moments (GMM) and two‐stage least squares (2SLS) for robustness tests, the research reveals that economic uncertainty, as measured by the Economic Policy Uncertainty (EPU) index, exacerbates information asymmetry and heightens ESG controversies. However, the adoption of digital technologies mitigates these adverse effects by enhancing transparency and reducing the likelihood of opportunistic behavior. Theoretically, this research contributes to the understanding of how digitalization can reinforce corporate governance and sustainability in uncertain times. Practically, the findings suggest that companies should accelerate their digitalization efforts to safeguard against the destabilizing effects of economic uncertainty, while bolstering their governance and social responsibility performance.
Unlocking the Value of Ranger‐Based Monitoring for Biodiversity Conservation and Protected Area Management
Authors: Kuiper Timothy , Dancer Anthony , Beale Colin M. , Ghoddousi Arash , Ibbett Harriet , Joanny Laure , Keane Aidan , Kavhu Blessing , Makaza Daniel , Milner‐Gulland E. J. , Moore Jennifer F. , Xu Lily 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTGlobally, hundreds of thousands of rangers patrol protected areas every day. The data they collect have immense potential for monitoring biodiversity and threats to it. Technologies like SMART (Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool), which facilitate the management of ranger‐collected data, have enhanced this potential. However, based on our experience across diverse use cases and geographies, we have found that ranger‐based monitoring is often implemented without a clear plan for how the data will inform management and without critical evaluation of whether the data are reliable enough to meet specific monitoring goals. Here we distill six key lessons and present a decision framework to guide funders, governments, protected area managers, and NGOs toward more effective use of ranger‐based monitoring for protected area management and suggest when alternative monitoring approaches may add value. Essential considerations include the welfare and motivation of rangers, biases in patrol coverage and detectability, the capacity to analyze data, and the buy‐in of those tasked with using the data to inform management decisions. When implemented well, ranger‐based monitoring can help improve conservation outcomes through evaluating management interventions, more efficient deployment of limited law enforcement budgets to optimize the deterrence of illegal activities, and basic ecological monitoring.
Application of EMI‐Measured Magnetic Susceptibility to Characterise Soil Drainage Conditions Over Various Soil Types
Authors: Shirzaditabar Farzad , Heck Richard J. , Catalano Mike 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTElectromagnetic induction (EMI), by Geonics EM38, was used to characterise the volumetric magnetic susceptibility (MS) of soils on 12 farms in southwestern Ontario, Canada. Three different points on lower, middle and upper slope positions were selected at each farm to represent poorly‐, moderate‐ and well‐drained soil. Soil core samples were collected for each measurement point, from which soil redoximorphic conditions (gleying and mottling) were characterised at 5 cm depth increments. The volume MS, mass‐specific MS and frequency dependence (FD) of MS of soil samples were carried out using Bartington MS2C and MS2B sensors, respectively. The impact of heating the samples to 400°C and 700°C on soil MS was also investigated. Results show that at each farm, the lowest volume MS values belong to soils at the lower slope position, which is poorly drained, and the highest volume MS values belong to the soils at the upper slope position, which is well drained. The inverted models from apparent MS data, measured by EM38, seem to be good representatives of volume MS readings attained from core samples. Results show that at most of the selected points, while the FD is higher in poorly drained points than in moderate and well‐drained ones, the mass‐specific MS shows an opposite behaviour, which can be used as attributes to characterise poorly and well‐drained soil conditions.
Unveiling the Differences in Early Performance Prediction Between Online Social Sciences and STEM Courses Using Educational Data Mining
Authors: Marticorena‐Sánchez Raúl , Canepa‐Oneto Antonio , López‐Nozal Carlos , Barbero‐Aparicio José A. 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTEducational Data Mining and Learning Analytics in virtual environments can be used to diagnose student performance problems at an early stage. Information that is useful for guiding the decisions of teachers managing academic training, so that students can successfully complete their course. However, student interaction patterns may vary depending on the knowledge domain. Our aim is to design a framework applicable to online Social Sciences and STEM courses, recommending methods for building accurate early performance prediction models. A large‐scale comparative study of the accuracy of multiple classifiers applied to classify the interaction logs of 32,593 students from 9 Social Sciences and 13 STEM courses is presented. Corroborating the results of other works, it was observed that high early performance prediction accuracy was obtained based on nothing other than student logs: accuracies of 0.75 in the 10th week, 0.80 in the 20th week, 0.85 in the 30th week and 0.90 in the 40th week. However, accuracy rates were observed to vary significantly, in relation to the classification algorithm and the knowledge domain (Social Sciences vs. STEM). These predictions are generally less accurate for Social Sciences compared to STEM courses, especially at the beginning of the course, with fewer differences observed in the final weeks. Additionally, this research identifies instances of low‐accuracy outliers in the prediction of Social Sciences courses over time. These findings highlight the complex challenges and variations in early performance prediction across different domains in online education.
Technology‐Based Interventions for Pain in Children Undergoing Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Düzgün Mustafa Volkan , Özdemir Cafer , İşler Ayşegül , Karazeybek Ebru 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTAimThis systematic review and meta‐analysis aimed to evaluate the effect of technology‐based interventions on the pain of paediatric surgery patients.BackgroundRecently, the number of technology‐based interventions involving multimodal nonpharmacological methods tailored to pain management in paediatric surgery patients has increased. It is crucial to determine the effectiveness of these interventions.DesignA systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials following Cochrane methods was conducted.Review MethodsWe performed a literature search in the Web of Science, PubMed, CINAHL, Science Direct, MEDLINE, ProQuest and Cochrane Library databases. Two independent researchers screened the literature using specific keywords and selected randomized controlled trials based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Each researcher extracted data and assessed the risk of bias in the randomized controlled trials using the Cochrane bias risk assessment tool.ResultWe conducted a meta‐analysis on 14 randomized controlled trials included in the study. The results showed that technology‐based interventions reduced pain scores in paediatric surgery patients. Cochran's Q test results pointed to a high level of heterogeneity among the randomized controlled trials.ConclusionA meta‐analysis result of 14 randomized controlled trials showed that technology‐based interventions are effective methods for reducing pain in paediatric surgery patients.Registration NumberCRD42021226666.