bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Denial and misinformation in defense of the tar sands: The case of a Canadian think tank
Authors: Haney Timothy J. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractLiteratures within the sociology of science and environmental sociology often focus on climate change denial, misinformation, and the role of think tanks in fueling public skepticism. This work draws our attention to the arguments these organizations make and how they communicate doubt to the public. Less often have they focused on the ways that particular, locally emplaced organizations defend the material interests of the fossil fuel industry. This paper draws upon existing literature to perform a discourse analysis of the public communication (newsletters, press releases, website, blog, YouTube videos, and social media posts) of a Canadian think tank called Friends of Science based in Calgary, Alberta—the economic hub of Canada's tar sands. Through the analysis, I show how this organization works to cast doubt on anthropogenic climate change, communicates this doubt to the public, and slips from communicating about scientific matters—their stated goal—into matters of social, economic, and political advocacy. I show how this is done instrumentally in ways that protect the economic and social interests of Alberta's oil industry.
Ethnicity and Elections: Electoral Context Affects Parties' Use of Ethnic References
Authors: Gremler Frederik , Haiges Lea 
Published: January 2025

AbstractLinks to specific ethnic groups constitute a defining feature of ethnic parties. Yet, whether and how references to ethnic identities appear in ethnic parties' political communication often remains unstudied despite the promise it carries. This paper investigates to what extent the electoral cycle and ethnic competition influence ethnic parties' usage of ethnic references on social media. Analyzing 1.3 million social media posts by 112 ethnic parties in 38 countries, we find that the number of ethnic references by a party increases as election day approaches. Moreover, a higher number of competing ethnic parties in elections is also associated with higher usage of ethnic references. This research contributes to our understanding of when and why parties address ethnicity on social media.
Attraction and Alienation
Authors: Spiegel Thomas J. 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTNormative questions about discrimination and preferences in dating have recently received mounting attention. I first argue that the current discourse can be reconstructed as between two theoretical camps: proponents of mere preference accounts and proponents of obligation accounts. Second, I argue that both positions presuppose a framework assumption to the effect that attraction is to be conceived of in terms of (positive or negative) obligations. This is because the mere preference account denies obligations in dating, whereas obligation accounts embrace (at least weak) duties. This framework assumption is ill‐begotten once we apprehend that the reality of other people always already outruns our sideways‐on theorising about what property in others we ought to be attracted to. The aim is not to solve the stand‐off between proponents of mere preferences and obligations, but to dissolve the need to conceive of attraction and dating in terms of obligations at all.
There Goes the Neighbourhood—A Multi‐City Study Reveals Ticks and Tick‐Borne Pathogens Commonly Occupy Urban Green Spaces
Authors: Sormunen Jani J. , Kylänpää Satu , Sippola Ella , Elo Riikka , Kiran Nosheen , Pakanen Veli‐Matti , Kallio Eva R. , Vesterinen Eero J. , Klemola Tero 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACTIntroductionHumans acquire tick‐borne pathogens (TBPs) from infected ticks contacted during outdoor activities. Outdoor activity is at its highest in urban green spaces, where the presence of tick populations has increasingly been observed. Consequently, more insight into factors influencing the presence of ticks therein is needed. Here, we assess the occurrence of ticks and several TBPs in urban green spaces in Finland, estimate related human hazard and assess how landscape features influence tick and TBP occurrence therein.MethodsTicks collected from five cities during 2019–2020 were utilised. Borrelia, Rickettsia, Neoehrlichia mikurensis, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Babesia and TBEV were screened from ticks using qPCR. Various landscape features were calculated and utilised in generalised linear mixed models to assess their contribution towards tick and TBP occurrence in green spaces. Finally, human population density proximate to each study site was calculated and used to create population‐weighted risk indices.ResultsBorrelia were the most common pathogens detected, with 22% of nymphs and 43% of adults infected. Increasing forest cover had a positive effect on the densities of nymphs and adults, whereas forest size had a negative effect. Middling percentages of artificial surfaces predicted higher nymph densities than low or high values. Human population‐weighted risk estimates were highly varied, even within cities. A positive correlation was observed between total city population and risk indices.ConclusionsTicks and TBPs are commonplace in urban green spaces in Finland. Enzootic cycles for Borrelia and Rickettsia appear to be well maintained within cities, leading to widespread risk of infection therein. Our results suggest that nymph densities are highest in urban forests of medium size, whereas small or large forests show reduced densities. Green spaces of roughly similar risk can be found in cities of different sizes, emphasising that the identification of areas of particularly high hazard is important for effective mitigation actions.
Effect of Blockages on Film Effectiveness on the Pressure Surface of a Turbine Blade
Authors: von Mueller Tassilo , Bacci David , Wambersie Augustin , Wong Tsun Holt , Ireland Peter , Jackson Dougal 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
An experimental and numerical study was conducted on fan-shaped holes on the pressure surface of a high-pressure turbine blade. Blockages in these film holes can arise through dirt accumulation as well as erosion of the thermal barrier coatings. The objective was to study the effects of partial blockages on film cooling effectiveness. Similar studies have been conducted on flat surfaces. This study includes the effect of curvature, which has been shown to be influential on film cooling performance. A blade with a single row of nominal fan-shaped holes at a lateral inclination of 30 deg was tested and used as the baseline performance. Blockage cases were then tested at various blowing ratios, with partial blockages in the throat as well as partial lidding in the fan exit of the film hole. The experiments were carried out using pressure-sensitive paint (PSP) in the high-velocity 2D linear cascade experimental facility at the Oxford Thermofluids Institute, using engine-representative Mach and Reynolds numbers. The results show that lidding with up to 0.5 blocking ratio (defined as the ratio of lidded length to the length of the film hole exit, in the film hole plane) only has a minor impact on film effectiveness, while lidding with 0.75 blocking ratio as well as throat blockage both result in significant deterioration of film cooling effectiveness. The effect of blockages on the discharge coefficient was also studied, and only blockages in the throat were found to reduce the discharge coefficient.
Complete genome sequence of
Bifidobacterium animalis
subsp.
lactis
BI040, a probiotic strain with multiple health benefits from the NORDBIOTIC collection
Authors: Szczepankowska Agnieszka K. , Cukrowska Bożena , Aleksandrzak-Piekarczyk Tamara 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACT

The complete genome of
Bifidobacterium animalis
subsp.
lactis
BI040—a human stool isolate, was sequenced using Illumina and Oxford Nanopore technologies. The BI040 genome is composed of a circular 1,944,141-bp chromosome which carries genes potentially involved in vitamin synthesis and gut health.
Finding a constrained number of predictor phenotypes for multiple outcome prediction
Authors: Reps Jenna M , Wong Jenna , Fridgeirsson Egill A , Kim Chungsoo , John Luis H , Williams Ross D , Fisher Renae R , Ryan Patrick B 
Published: January 2025

BackgroundPrognostic models help aid medical decision-making. Various prognostic models are available via websites such as MDCalc, but these models typically predict one outcome, for example, stroke risk. Each model requires individual predictors, for example, age, lab results and comorbidities. There is no clinical tool available to predict multiple outcomes from a list of common medical predictors.ObjectiveIdentify a constrained set of outcome-agnostic predictors.MethodsWe proposed a novel technique aggregating the standardised mean difference across hundreds of outcomes to learn a constrained set of predictors that appear to be predictive of many outcomes. Model performance was evaluated using the constrained set of predictors across eight prediction tasks. We compared against existing models, models using only age/sex predictors and models without any predictor constraints.ResultsWe identified 67 predictors in our constrained set, plus age/sex. Our predictors included illnesses in the following categories: cardiovascular, kidney/liver, mental health, gastrointestinal, infectious and oncologic. Models developed using the constrained set of predictors achieved comparable discrimination compared with models using hundreds or thousands of predictors for five of the eight prediction tasks and slightly lower discrimination for three of the eight tasks. The constrained predictor models performed as good or better than all existing clinical models.ConclusionsIt is possible to develop models for hundreds or thousands of outcomes that use the same small set of predictors. This makes it feasible to implement many prediction models via a single website form. Our set of predictors can also be used for future models and prognostic model research.
Molecular and immune landscape of tumours in geriatric patients with non-small cell lung cancer, melanoma and renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Choucair Khalil , Elliott Andrew , Oberley Matthew James , Walker Phillip , Salama April K , Saeed Azhar , Mamdani Hirva , Uprety Dipesh , El-Deiry Wafik S , Beltran Himisha , Liu Stephen V , Kim Chul , Naqash Abdul Rafeh , Lou Emil , Chen Lujia , Saeed Anwaar 
Published: January 2025

ObjectiveCancer patients aged ≥80 years present unique characteristics affecting response to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), with unidentified molecular differences. This study aimed to explore potential biomarkers of response to ICI in patients ≥80 years.Methods and analysisWe analysed tumour samples (n=24 123) from patients ≥80 (versus<80) with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), melanoma (MEL), and renal cell cancer (RCC). Using gene expression deconvolution, we investigated differences in tumour microenvironment (TIME) composition. Then, using next-generation sequencing and programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) assessment, we evaluated gene expression differences between age groups and across tumour types, with a focus on ageing-related processes such as DNA damage response (DDR), immune checkpoint (IC) and metabolism-related genes. In a subset of patients ≥80 (n=1013), gene clustering and differential gene expression analyses were carried out to identify potential tumour-type specific expression patterns in responders to ICI.ResultsSignificant differences in TIME composition were seen in patients with NSCLC and MEL. In patients ≥80, tumour mutational burden was lower in patients with NSCLC, higher in MEL and RCC had fewer PD-L1+tumours. DDR, IC and metabolism-related gene enrichments were distinct in patients ≥80. In patients ≥80 treated with ICIs (n=1013), there were no significant differences in survival between gene clusters, but differential gene expression analysis identified potential tumour-type specific expression patterns in responders.ConclusionOur findings reveal tumour type-specific expression profiles, TIMEs and response signatures to ICIs in patients ≥80, supporting further biomarker investigations in this population.
Risk factors for low resilience among Grade 10 adolescents in the Gampaha district, Sri Lanka: a case-control study
Authors: Manori Shamila , Jayawardana Pushpa Lalani , Godamunne Pavithra 
Published: January 2025

ObjectiveResilience means the ability to deal successfully with difficult situations, and hence low resilience will lead to many negative outcomes. The aim of this study was to explore risk factors for low resilience among Grade 10 adolescents in Gampaha district, Sri Lanka.MethodsResilience levels and data related to putative risk factors were obtained by using a validated 14-Item Sinhala Resilience Scale and a questionnaire on putative risk factors (both of which were self-administered) from Grade 10 adolescents by conducting a descriptive cross-sectional study. There were 464 (33.6%) cases with low resilience (score=14–73) and 916 (66.4%) controls with high resilience (score=74–98). For the case-control study, the computed sample size for each case and control group was 128, who were selected by applying simple random sampling. Risk factors for low resilience were determined using bivariate and multivariable analyses by applying χ2test and multivariable logistic regression. Results were expressed as ORs with respective 95% CIs.ResultsAmong the 33 putative risk factors analysed, 13 were found to be significant in bivariate analysis. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, out of 24 independent variables entered initially into the model, only 9 were retained in the final model. These comprised (1) one or both parents dead (AOR=2.5, 95% CI [1.2, 14.5]; p=0.032), (2) mother’s low educational level (AOR=1.9, 95% CI [1.6, 3.8]; p=0.021), (3) sleep <8 hours (AOR=1.6, 95% CI [1.1, 3.8]; p=0.002), (4) having less than six close classmates (AOR=1.5, 95% CI [1.1, 4.3]; p=0.021), (5) not attending Sunday school (AOR=1.8, 95% CI [1.1, 10.6]; p=0.001), (6) being short-tempered (AOR=2.2, 95% CI [1.5, 3.6]; p=0.003), (7) having conflicts with friends (AOR=1.4, 95% CI [1.2, 7.5]; p=0.043), (8) not seeking help when confronted/facing with difficulties (AOR=1.6, 95% CI [1.2, 6.9]; p=0.032) and (9) lack of support from home when in need (AOR=1.6, 95% CI [1.2, 5.8]; p=0.001).Conclusion and recommendationAltogether nine risk factors were identified. Interventions focusing on risk factors ascertained should be developed and conducted regularly by the schools, targeting all adolescents of Grade 10 to boost their status of resiliency.
Not all quad bikers are the same: unsupervised cluster analysis identifying injury risk groups among quad bike riders in Dubai, UAE
Authors: Menon Preetha , El Sadig Mohamed , Alfaki Ibrahim Abdalla , Mohammed Ahmed , Alsakaf Omar Ahmed Zain , Gamar Rashad , Saeed Saeeda Buti , Grivna Michal 
Published: January 2025

ObjectiveQuad bike riders in Dubai (UAE) constitute a highly diverse group with varying driving skills and familiarity with the desert environment. In the absence of evidence on the quad bike riders in the region, we attempted to describe the most vulnerable risk groups using routinely collected injury data. This may hopefully inform the most effective injury prevention strategies for the region.MethodsFour-year injury incident reports of 226 patients rescued by Dubai ambulance were grouped into three clusters using two-step cluster analysis in SPSS.ResultThe three clusters that emerged were ‘Older Tourist-Expatriates’ (n=86), ‘Prompt Young Emiratis’ (n=76) and ‘Tightlipped Young Colliders’ (n=60). Older tourists were more likely to ride during the daytime and sustained milder injuries due to rollover. Prompt Young Emirati riders who experienced severe head, neck and spine injuries from nighttime rollovers were more likely to call for an ambulance without delay. Tightlipped Young Colliders were very young riders who experienced quad bike collisions or did not report their crash history. One in five riders in Clusters 1 and 3 delayed calling the ambulance by more than 6 hours.ConclusionYoung nationals with severe injuries due to night collisions and rollovers during winter would benefit from increased guardianship, vehicle modification and crowd control interventions. In addition, emergency first aid services for tourists and nationals should be allocated to the major quad biking desert locations in Dubai to relieve the burden on emergency ambulatory care services.
Catastrophic expenditure associated with childhood hospitalisation for acute illness in Kenya and Uganda: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Jemutai Julie , Njuguna Rebecca Gathoni , Laurence Yoko V , Murunga Sheila , Ogwang Caroline , Mwaringa Shalton , Mwalekwa Laura , Timbwa Molline , Paasi George , Olupot-Olupot Peter , Juma Mwanajuma , Thitiri Johnstone , Ngao Narshion , Singa Benson , Mukisa John , Mupere Ezekiel , Lancioni Christina , Sukhtankar Priya , Tickell Kirkby D , Fakhar Uddin Md , Molyneux Sassy , Walson Judd L , Vassall Anna , Berkley James 
Published: January 2025

IntroductionChildhood illness and hospitalisation result in both direct and indirect costs to families before, during and after admission. We aimed to estimate the catastrophic expenditure during hospitalisation for children with acute illness.MethodsThis was a prespecified cross-sectional substudy nested within two prospective studies. Participants were recruited and interviewed from three rural and three urban hospitals in Kenya and Uganda. A costing questionnaire was administered to the caregivers of 731 children hospitalised for acute illness to evaluate direct and indirect costs incurred by caregivers and families. Costs incurred were compared for families with children both with and without complicated severe malnutrition (CSM). Catastrophic out-of-pocket expenditure exceeding 10% and 25% of monthly income was assessed.ResultsThe median (IQR) total cost during hospitalisation per child was US$47 (US$24–US$84), with higher costs for children with CSM, especially during hospitalisation (US$56 (US$26–US$99) vs US$36 (US$20–US$65); p<0.001). During hospitalisation, bed charges followed by food were the main cost drivers. Caregivers reported losing a median of 7 (4–11) days of productive time during a child’s hospitalisation with a mean loss of income of US$10 (SD US$25.6, median US$0 (US$0–US$10)). 92% and 74% of households experienced catastrophic expenditure at thresholds of 10% and 25% of monthly income, respectively. Caregivers reported borrowing, selling property and withdrawing other children from school to cope with costs.ConclusionsDespite intentions of free healthcare services for under 5, families of acutely ill children very commonly faced catastrophic expenditure, especially for children with CSM. Interventions aimed at supporting financial protection, reducing additional healthcare costs, and lowering health service charges may help prevent catastrophic expenditures.
Implementation fidelity of a multisite maternity waiting homes programme in rural Zambia: application of the conceptual framework for implementation fidelity to a complex, hybrid-design study
Authors: Ngoma Thandiwe , Kaiser Jeanette L , Morgan Allison J , Vian Taryn , Hamer Davidson H , Rockers Peter C , Sakanga Viviane , Biemba Godfrey , Bwalya Misheck , Scott Nancy A 
Published: January 2025

BackgroundImplementation fidelity measures are critical for understanding complex interventions. Though maternity waiting homes (MWHs) are recommended by the WHO and have been used to help pregnant women access health facilities for decades, a gap exists regarding fidelity studies on MWHs. To better understand intervention outcomes results, we assessed the fidelity of implementation of an improved Core MWH Model in 10 facilities in rural Zambia.MethodsWe analysed indicators for fidelity employing a widely used conceptual framework. We compared performance from October 2016 to July 2018 to goals set out during intervention design. The Core MWH Model consists of three pillars—infrastructure, policies and linkages to care—each designed to be culturally appropriate and responsive to community standards for safety and comfort.Results70% of sites exhibited high adherence to the Core MWH Model components. User experience corroborated poorer performing elements: insufficient lighting, small cooking spaces, non-locking cabinets and few educational classes. Mission statements and governing documents were not always visible or available. The proportion of 3206 users who came from>10 km away was higher than the proportion of the surrounding population living at that distance except in two sites with low populations of remote-living women. Women stayed for just below the target of 14 nights. MWH occupancy rate overall was lower (52%) than the target (80%). MWH users reported high quality and satisfaction. Only three MWHs reached 50% female membership on their governance committees but met other key indicators for community ownership and engagement.ConclusionsThis fidelity evaluation of an MWH model in rural Zambia helps bridge the evidence–practice gap for the WHO’s recommendation on implementing MWHs and adds to the expanding body of literature on implementation fidelity studies in global health.Trial registration numberNCT02620436.
Elevated blood glucose and unfavourable tuberculosis treatment outcomes in a low-income setting: findings from a prospective cohort study in Eswatini
Authors: Williams Victor , Vos-Seda Alinda G , Calnan Marianne , Ngwenya Colani S , Haumba Samson , Mdluli-Dlamini Lindiwe , Grobbee Diederick E , Otwombe Kennedy , Klipstein-Grobusch Kerstin 
Published: January 2025

IntroductionThe increasing burden of diabetes mellitus in low- and middle-income countries negatively impacts tuberculosis control. To understand this dual burden in Eswatini, we describe the prevalence and predictors of elevated baseline blood glucose and unfavourable tuberculosis treatment outcomes.MethodsWe conducted a prospective cohort study at 11 health facilities in Eswatini and included adults ≥18 years commencing tuberculosis treatment. Blood glucose measurements were taken at baseline, months 2 and 5, and patients’ sociodemographic and clinical data were extracted. We computed the prevalence of elevated blood glucose and used logistic regression to determine the predictors of elevated baseline blood glucose and unfavourable treatment outcomes.ResultsOf 369 consecutively enrolled patients, the mean age was 38.4 (SD 12.9) years, and 202 (54.7%) were males. The prevalence of elevated baseline blood glucose was 8.0% (95% CI: 5.5, 11.3); 8.9% in males (95% CI: 5.6, 13.9); highest at ≥55 years (13.6%; 95% CI: 6.2, 27.3) and in patients with reactive HIV at 9.5% (95% CI: 6.5, 13.7). A family history of diabetes mellitus (adjusted OR (AOR) 2.80; 95% CI: 1.08, 7.32) and a reactive HIV status (AOR 4.62; 95% CI: 1.06, 20.11) significantly predicted elevated baseline blood glucose. Three-quarters (n=276, 75.4%) had a favourable tuberculosis treatment outcome; more males (n=59, 66%) had an unfavourable treatment outcome (p=0.020), the most common unfavourable outcome being death (n=34, 9.2%). Hypertension (AOR 4.84; 95% CI: 1.48, 15.7), unemployment (AOR 2.01; 95% CI: 1.08, 3.71) and high school education (AOR 0.32; 95% CI: 0.16, 0.64) were associated with unfavourable treatment outcome.ConclusionOur study shows the need to optimise care for patients receiving treatment for tuberculosis by integrating screening for and treatment of diabetes and hypertension, prioritising males, those aged ≥55 years and those with a reactive HIV status to limit unfavourable outcomes and death.