bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Novel adulterants in unregulated opioids and their associations with adverse events
Authors: Tobias Samuel , Angelucci Jennifer , Wood Evan , Buxton Jane A. , Ti Lianping 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Objective
In recent years, Canada’s unregulated drug supply has become permeated by novel adulterants (e.g., fentanyl analogues, benzodiazepines, xylazine). While fentanyl has been shown to be associated with overdose mortality and other non-fatal health outcomes, adverse events (AE) associated with these adulterants remain poorly described. This study seeks to identify whether common adulterants identified through drug checking services are associated with increased prevalence of specific adverse events reportedly experienced by people who use drugs.

Methods
Drug checking samples were analyzed using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and immunoassay strips at harm reduction sites in British Columbia. Self-reported AE (e.g., non-fatal overdose, prolonged sedation, seizures) were recorded from individuals who checked opioids post-consumption. Adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) of AE among common adulterants were calculated using generalized linear models with a Poisson distribution, controlled for presence of other adulterants, expected drug, geographic location, and month.

Results
Between February 2022 and May 2024, 80,415 samples were analyzed at community sites. Among eligible samples, 36.1% were expected opioids, 42.2% of which were checked post-consumption. AE were noted among 10.7% of post-consumption opioid drug checks. After adjustment, the presence of benzodiazepines in opioid samples was associated with increased prevalence of any AE (aPR 1.97; 95% CI 1.70–2.27), as was the presence of xylazine (aPR 1.50; 95% CI 1.09–2.07). Considering specific AE, benzodiazepines were associated with increased prevalence of overdose (aPR 2.05; 95% CI 1.68–2.51) and prolonged sedation (aPR 3.35; 95% CI 2.54–4.43).

Conclusion
Non-fatal AE associated with unregulated opioids have been largely undescribed. Our findings report specific AE associated with different adulterants in the unregulated opioid supply. With this information, tailored public health interventions and services focused on these adulterants can be developed.
Effective role in out-of-school learning: physical education teachers' organizational skills
Authors: Akkoyun Cemre Nilay , Özdilek Çetin , Akın Sinan 
Published: February 2025

In this study, which aims to determine the levels of physical education and sports teachers' organizing out-of-school learning, the survey model was used. The participant group of the study consists of 399 physical education and sports teachers working in Eskişehir and Kütahya. Demographic information form and "Out of School Learning Regulation Scale" (Bolat & Köroğlu, 2020) were used as data collection tools. The data were evaluated by independent samples T-test and one-way analysis of variance after normality analysis. The results of the data analysis showed that there was no significant difference in the sample group according to gender, years of professional service, extracurricular activity level of teachers and in-service training seminar variables. On the other hand, it turned into decided that physical education and sports teachers had high tiers of out-of-school learning to know and organize out-of-school learning getting to know (114,08±30,7). According to the results of the research, it can be said that the reason why physical education and sports teachers' levels of organizing out-of-school learning environments are high is that the nature of physical education and sports course includes activities that emphasize learning by doing and experiencing, which contributes positively to teachers' competencies in organizing out-of-school learning.
The Impact of a College EAP Writing Program: Former Students' Perspectives
Authors: Windle Sheila , Johnny Leanne , Smith Valerie 
Published: February 2025

This paper reports the findings of a small-scale qualitative study aimed at exploring the academic experiences of college students (n=11) who had previously engaged in the EAP program at a mid-sized college in Ontario. The primary objective was to unveil student perspectives on the effectiveness of the EAP writing program, and to determine which skills acquired from the EAP were most helpful in their subsequent academic pursuits. Thematic analysis of focus group data reveals three major skills: conducting online research (citing sources and paraphrasing), paragraph writing and grammar, and one genre (reports) as most efficacious in preparing students for their Programs of Study (POS). Three areas of perceived need are stronger connections to POS via vocabulary and referencing systems, more summarizing, and more collaborative writing. A final emergent theme, “Value of EAP,” comprises students’ descriptions of being empowered and successful in their POS as a result of EAP participation. The implications of these findings for future research on EAP and college-level writing are discussed.
Lung metastasis in soft tissue sarcomas: survival and risk factors using the SEER database
Authors: Rizk Paul A. , Gonzalez Marcos R. , Hodo Thomas W. , Lozano-Calderon Santiago A. 
Published: February 2025

Aim: To investigate patients with soft tissue sarcoma (STS) and evaluate (1) factors associated with lung metastases at the time of diagnosis; (2) the impact these factors had on overall survival; and (3) the impact of the metastatic site on survival.
Methods: We utilized the SEER database to analyze data from 14,520 patients diagnosed with STS between 2010 and 2018. Inclusion criteria included histologically confirmed STS of the lower limb, upper limb, or pelvis. Demographic, oncologic, and survival data were extracted, including tumor size, histopathology, AJCC staging, and metastatic status. Univariable and multivariable analyses identified risk factors for lung metastasis and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to assess disease-specific survival (DSS).
Results: Of the 13,372 patients with STS, 7.9% had lung metastases at diagnosis. Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma, leiomyosarcoma, and rhabdomyosarcoma were the most common STS presenting with lung metastasis. Patients who present with STS of the lower extremity, higher grade, and either leiomyosarcoma, spindle cell, or synovial cell sarcoma were more likely to present with lung metastases. Patients with lung metastases had worse survival than patients without metastases. However, survival was better in patients with isolated lung metastases than in those with any combination of lung, bone, brain, and/or liver metastases.
Conclusion: Tumor location, grade, T score, and lymph node involvement were significant risk factors for lung metastasis. A deeper understanding of risk factors for lung metastases presents a new opportunity for investigation in management. As expected, patients who present with lung metastases have worse overall survival.
A Universal Protocol for Faba Bean (Vicia faba L.) Tissue Culture and Transformation
Authors: Rashid Md Mamunur , Paridhi Paridhi , Mandava Sai Aravind , Grölz Marina , Knoblauch Babette , Tzigos Stavros , Snowdon Rod J. , Augustine Sruthy Maria 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
Faba bean (Vicia faba L.) is an important legume that enhances agricultural sustainability through nitrogen fixation and possesses high nutritional value. Breeding of faba bean is laborious and time consuming, and trait improvement could potentially be accelerated by new breeding technologies including gene editing, however tissue culture and genetic transformation are also challenging in V. faba.
Results
We established a universal protocol for efficient tissue culture and transformation of faba bean cultivars. Various hormone treatments to enhance shoot and root regeneration and development in tissue culture media were tested and optimized in a total of thirty-three faba bean cultivars. Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) at a concentration of 1.5 mg/L induced effective regeneration among all tested cultivars. Genetic transformation was achieved using particle bombardment, with transformation efficiencies of 75.5% in cultivar Tiffany and 66.66% in cultivar Hedin/2. Successful transformation was validated by expression of green fluorescent protein (GFP) and PCR analysis.
Conclusions
A universal protocol generally applicable to a broad range of tested cultivars overcomes prior limitations in faba bean tissue culture and transformation, specifically addressing challenges related to phenolic compound production and inconsistencies in root formation. The practical application of this protocol, demonstrated by successful greenhouse acclimatization of regenerated plants, offers promising prospects for faba bean breeding programs. Our findings establish a solid foundation for future breeding and genetic research by improving tissue culture regeneration and transformation efficiency in faba beans. This is the first report of a reliable tissue culture and transformation protocol for V. faba cultivar Tiffany, for which a high-quality reference has been available since 2023.
Self-Assessed Competency among Clinical Research Professionals in the Philippines
Authors: Cabaluna Ian Theodore , Tampus Frangelo Conrad , Imbag Mark Dale , Ruam Edwin Jr 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background
The Philippines has significant potential as a clinical trial hub but faces a shortage of skilled clinical research professionals (CRPs). In 2022, a cross-sectional study assessed the self-assessed competencies of CRPs in 4 countries (Thailand, Vietnam, Congo, Philippines) using the Joint Task Force for Clinical Trial Competency (JTF) framework. This paper presents findings on the self-assessed competency and training needs of Filipino CRPs.
Methodology
We conducted a cross-sectional online survey among Filipino clinical research professionals from March to April 2022. We asked for their self-assessed competency, relevance to their roles, and training needs in the competency domains according to the JTF framework. We also asked for the skills in community engagement and research grant application of investigators. Results were summarized and analyzed according to their primary roles.
Results and Discussion
175 Filipino CRPs participated in the survey. They described themselves as “skilled” across all competency domains in conducting clinical research but did not rate themselves at an advanced level. They reported the lowest confidence in their skills related to study management, investigational product development and regulation, and data management. They exhibited greater confidence in competencies such as ethical considerations, professionalism, and communication. Notably, investigators had the lowest ratings in research design.
Conclusion
This study provides a comprehensive assessment of the self-perceived competencies of Filipino CRPs using the JTF Clinical Research Competency Framework. It identifies both strengths and areas for improvement. Addressing these through targeted competency-based training programs is essential to improving research quality and professional capacity in the Philippines.
Sexual Assault in a ‘Just World’: An Immersive VR Study of Bystanders
Authors: Warbis Sarah , Fraser Danaë Stanton , Callan Mitchell 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

This paper explores how the need to believe in a just world (NBJW) affects bystanders’ intentions to intervene when witnessing a sexual assault. More specifically, we explored how non-rational strategies used to resolve a threat to the belief in a just world (BJW) are related to Latané and Darley’s (1970) bystander decision-making process, and whether empathic variables mediate this. In Study 1, the threat to the BJW was indirectly manipulated by varying the sexual assault severity described in a text vignette. Measures assessing victim derogation, blame, psychological distancing from the victim, empathy, empathic concern and the bystander process were completed by 294 participants. The assault severity had no significant effect on BJW strategies, but increased intervention intentions. There was a lack of evidence for the role of victim derogation and blaming, but greater psychological distancing indirectly predicted lower general intervention intentions via reduced empathic concern, and a reduced ability to succeed in several of the bystander stages, especially accepting responsibility to intervene. We replicated this design in Study 2 (N = 117), but using filmed virtual reality (VR) stimuli. We again found a lack of effect of the severity manipulation beyond increasing the likelihood of intending to intervene. In Study 2, we also found that victim blaming predicted general intentions, but with no clear mediators. Implications are discussed, including how factors like the emotional impact of stimuli and the empathic nature of VR could help to explain some of the differing results found across our studies.
Transforming Nursing Practice to Optimize Care of Patients with Tuberculosis and Associated Comorbidities in the Kilimanjaro Region, Tanzania
Authors: Shayo Pendo Martha Joseph , Zewdie Elyana A. , Byashalira Kenneth C. , Chamba Nyasatu G. , Mbelele Peter M. , Bygbjerg Ib C , Lillebaek Troels , Christensen Dirk L , Heysell Scott K. , Mpagama Stellah G. 
Published: February 2025

Background
Managing tuberculosis (TB) patients with comorbidities requires a holistic and patient-centered approach. This study evaluated patient-centered care (PCC) experiences among TB patients with multimorbidity under the Adaptive Diseases Control Expert Program in Tanzania (ADEPT), with a focus on the TB/diabetes mellitus (DM) co-epidemic targeted by the program.

Methods
A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted involving TB patients with associated comorbidities receiving care from nurses trained in PCC through the ADEPT program. Patients were assessed for their interpretation of how they received PCC across eight dimensions of care.

Results
All 39 participants with TB had at least one comorbidity (100%). The most common multi-morbidities were TB/HIV (59.0%) and TB/DM (12.8%). Evaluation of needs, values, and preferences revealed that participants strongly felt healthcare workers considered these aspects (mean score = 4.53; scale 1 minimum- strongly disagree to 5 maximum- strongly agree). Subsequent analysis showed varying evaluations across dimensions. Patients reported robust endorsement for receiving care that involved family and friends, with mean scores of 4.04, and for access to care, with a mean score of 4.40. However, physical comfort, coordination, continuity of care, education and emotional support received comparatively lower rankings.

Conclusion
TB patients with multimorbidity under the ADEPT program experienced PCC. However, certain systemic issues such as physical spaces, coordination, transition of care, and information education did not meet patient’s needs in their own assessment, indicating opportunities for further quality improvement. Scaling up the ADEPT program within healthcare systems is likely to enhance care provision for TB patients with multimorbidity through a patient-centered approach.
Assessment of the possibility of using the direction finder of radio beacons on an unmanned aerial vehicle in search and rescue operations
Authors: Alempiev M. Y. , Semenova A. E. , Koptev D. S. , Dovbnya V. G. , Lazarev A. S. 
Published: February 2025

The purpose of research is to coordinate the operation of the direction finding channel of radio beacons with the data transmission systems and control of an unmanned aerial vehicle using a remote control.Methods. Research methods are based on the application of principles of radio electronics, diagnostics and analysis of the technical condition of aircraft. Methods of multicriterial analysis, parametric and structural synthesis were used. The features of direction finding of radio beacons from unmanned aerial vehicles designed to track emergency situations were studied. An analysis of the critical assessment of the maximum range of direction finding of radio beacons from an unmanned aerial vehicle was performed.Results. Analytical formulas are given for calculating the maximum range of radio beacon direction finding from an unmanned aerial vehicle. The maximum range of radio beacon direction finding is calculated when using 2.4 and 5.8 GHz external antennas on unmanned aerial vehicles used in the Russian Emergencies Ministry and equipped with a digital direction finding system.Conclusion. The use of direction finding systems on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) provides wide opportunities for application in various fields. This combination makes it possible to effectively detect and track radio sources, which is especially useful in search and rescue operations, environmental monitoring and safety. UAVs equipped with direction finders can quickly cover large areas, providing accurate location of signals that are difficult or impossible to capture from the ground. This makes them indispensable in situations requiring rapid response and high accuracy. In addition, the use of UAVs with direction finding systems reduces the risks to human life, providing the opportunity to perform tasks in hard-to-reach or dangerous areas.
Building data centers: information and cognitive aspects
Authors: Sizov A. S. , Titenko E. A. , Khalin Yu. A. , Titenko M. A. , Kalinin R. V. 
Published: February 2025

The purpose of the research is to systematize the properties of data centers and to find ways to increase the productivity of a network of centers based on collective access, combining the steps of storing and processing information and its replication.Methods. The research methods are based on the theory of organization of complex information and analytical systems and artificial intelligence systems. The application of the principles of distributed-territorial organization of centers, deferred data collection, data processing based on computational and analytical models and knowledge representation models allows you to create data center architectures reconfigurable for basic computing processes. To describe the architecture of the upper level, standard and modified information and control cycles of information processing were created and analyzed. Based on graph theory methods, the complexity of the considered cycles is estimated. At the same time, both standard quantitative and structural indicators were used, which made it possible to obtain recommendations on the organization of data centers.Results. The modified information and control cycle of network information processing is characterized by increased connectivity of vertices and internal processing cycles. A comparison of the calculated average output indicators for standard and modified cycles showed the expediency of combining steps in cycles that simulate certain human cognitive capabilities when processing a large amount of unstructured data (decomposition, aggregation, analysis, generalization). The constructed modified cycle has higher average and relative complexity indicators.Conclusion. The combination of information storage and processing steps in the information management cycle and the identification of new patterns makes it possible to interpret modern data centers as intelligent network storagesearch engines. The created modified information and control cycle allows iteratively performing the steps of systematization, generalization, and data analysis to obtain new pieces of information. This feature provides an increase in the overall productivity of the Data Center and a reduction in the cost of ownership of information resources.
Fuzzy models of early diagnosis of neuroses provoked by risk factors of engineering labor
Authors: Lukash O. Y. , Safronov R. I. , Rodionova S. N. , Razumova K. V. , Knysh O. A. , Trusevich A. A. 
Published: February 2025

The purpose of the research to synthesize fuzzy models of early diagnosis of neuroses provoked by risk factors in engineering work that ensure the quality of decisions made is acceptable for practical medicine.Methods. Analysis of the data structure and the studied classes of neurotic disorders showed that early diagnostic tasks, including early diagnosis of neuroses, belong to the class of poorly formulated tasks. This allows using the methodology of synthesis of hybrid fuzzy decision rules, developed at the South-West State University, as a basic mathematical apparatus. The effectiveness of using this methodology has been repeatedly tested on various problems of forecasting and medical diagnostics with a data structure similar to our problem.Results. In the course of the research, three levels of checking the quality of the work of the resulting decision-making models were implemented. At the first level, the assessment was carried out by experts by determining confidence levels in the resulting decision rules. At the second level, the experts compiled model control samples, according to which the number of correct and erroneous decisions of the diagnostic model was determined. At the third level of control, control samples were formed in which the presence of early stages was checked using independent generally accepted research methods. The calculations showed that the quality of classification exceeds 0.95.Conclusion. Fuzzy decisive rules for diagnosing the early stages of neuroses in engineering and technical workers were obtained. provoked by risk factors of engineering work. The assessment of the quality of early diagnosis was carried out using methods of expert assessment, mathematical modeling and statistical analysis and showed that the resulting hybrid fuzzy models provide acceptable quality of early diagnosis of neurotic disorders in engineering and technical workers of various specialties working in conditions of varying work intensity.
Synthesis of virtual reality and computer vision technologies in industrial radiography simulator
Authors: Korchagin V. D. , Kuvshinnikov V. S. , Kovshov E. E. 
Published: February 2025

Purpose of research. Nowadays, the digitalization of production is considered as the most important aspect of technological growth to improve the competitiveness of enterprises. An innovative approach combining virtual reality and computer vision technologies into a single tool designed to improve the quality of practice-oriented training in the field of industrial radiography is proposed. Within the framework of the article the research of the most effective models of artificial neural networks in application to the task of detection of defective areas of welded metal joints on radiographic images is carried out. A detailed analysis of the YOLOv8 architecture with respect to the detection of small-sized defects is carried out. A method for synthesizing virtual reality and computer vision technologies in a single educational tool for industrial radiography is described.Methods. Methods of empirical research, system analysis and synthesis of related information technologies were used in this work.Results. The empirical study revealed the limited effectiveness of the YOLOv10 model as applied to the generalization of features of objects of small dimensionality and low contrast. YOLOv8 showed more practical results and greater stability when generalizing the contour component of defects. In the process of system analysis of YOLOv8 architecture the loss of spatial information when using sequential convolutional operations preceding upsampling was revealed. Modification of the basic YOLOv8 architecture was performed in order to improve the generalization ability of lowdimensional and low-contrast defects. The methodology of synthesis of virtual reality and computer vision technologies in the form of an intelligent assistant for intellectualization of nondestructive testing process is presented.Conclusion. The integration of the above synthesis method into a single software product will improve the quality of specialist training and open access to innovative methods of improving professional skills at every stage of a professional career.