bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Local control comparison of early-stage non-melanoma skin Cancer (NMSC) treated by superficial radiotherapy (SRT) and external beam radiotherapy (XRT) with and without dermal image guidance: a meta-analysis
Authors: Yu Lio , Moloney Mairead , Tran Alison , Zheng Songzhu , Rogers James 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Background
Various treatments exist for non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC), but the mainstay is surgical removal. Superficial radiotherapy (SRT) is one non-surgical technique that has been used for over a century but fell out of favor due to the advent of Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS). A new technology that combines a 22 megahertz (MHz) dermal ultrasound with SRT (US-SRT) enables tumor visualization before, during, and after treatment, and demonstrates increased cure rates and reduced recurrences.

Methods
We conducted a meta-analysis comparing the local control (LC) of four studies using traditional non-image-guided forms of radiotherapy for NMSC treatment to two seminal studies utilizing high-resolution dermal ultrasound-guided SRT (HRUS-SRT). The four traditional radiotherapy studies were obtained from a comprehensive literature search used in an article published by the American Society of Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) on curative radiation treatment of basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and squamous cell carcinoma in-situ (SCCIS) lesions. The meta-analysis employed a logit as the effect size indicator with Q-statistic to test the null hypothesis.

Results
LC rates for the 2 US-SRT studies were statistically superior to the 4 traditional therapies individually and collectively. When stratified by histology, statistically superior outcomes for US-SRT were observed in all subtypes with p-values ranging from p < 0.0001 to p = 0.0438. These results validated an earlier analysis using a logistic regression statistical method showing the same results.

Conclusion
US-SRT is statistically superior to non-image-guided radiotherapies for NMSC treatment. This modality may represent the future standard of non-surgical treatment for early-stage NMSC.
Receding-Horizon Control of Constrained Switched Systems with Neural Networks as Parametric Function Approximators
Authors: Markolf Lukas , Stursberg Olaf 
Published: November 2022

AbstractThis work studies receding-horizon control of discrete-time switched linear systems subject to polytopic constraints for the continuous states and inputs. The objective is to approximate the optimal receding-horizon control strategy for cases in which the online computation is intractable due to the necessity of solving mixed-integer quadratic programs in each discrete time instant. The proposed approach builds upon an approximated optimal finite-horizon control law in closed-loop form with guaranteed constraint satisfaction. The paper derives the properties of recursive feasibility and asymptotic stability for the proposed approach. A numerical example is provided for illustration and evaluation of the approach.
“A Reason Not to Belong”: Political Decentralization, Intercommunal Relations, and Changing Identities in Northeastern Uganda
Authors: Meyerson Samuel 
Published: November 2022

AbstractAbim district, located in Uganda’s Karamoja region, is one of the scores of new administrative units created under the country’s decentralization policy. The establishment of Abim district in 2006, following decades of conflict in northern Uganda, was accompanied by changes in ethnic identity within local communities of Ethur farmers. Based on oral history fieldwork in Abim, Meyerson documents these changes in sociopolitical identification among the Ethur. In doing so, he demonstrates how political decentralization has become a venue for the combination of international discourses of indigenous rights, national notions of ethnic citizenship, and grassroots histories of intercommunal relations.
Functional norms, condition numbers and numerical algorithms in algebraic geometry
Authors: Cucker Felipe , Ergür Alperen A. , Tonelli-Cueto Josué 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
In numerical linear algebra, a well-established practice is to choose a norm that exploits the structure of the problem at hand to optimise accuracy or computational complexity. In numerical polynomial algebra, a single norm (attributed to Weyl) dominates the literature. This article initiates the use of

$L_p$

norms for numerical algebraic geometry, with an emphasis on

$L_{\infty }$

. This classical idea yields strong improvements in the analysis of the number of steps performed by numerous iterative algorithms. In particular, we exhibit three algorithms where, despite the complexity of computing

$L_{\infty }$

-norm, the use of

$L_p$

-norms substantially reduces computational complexity: a subdivision-based algorithm in real algebraic geometry for computing the homology of semialgebraic sets, a well-known meshing algorithm in computational geometry and the computation of zeros of systems of complex quadratic polynomials (a particular case of Smale’s 17th problem).
AN OBSERVATION ON THE DIRICHLET PROBLEM AT INFINITY IN RIEMANNIAN CONES
Authors: CORTISSOZ JEAN C. 
Published: November 2022

AbstractIn this short paper, we show a sufficient condition for the solvability of the Dirichlet problem at infinity in Riemannian cones (as defined below). This condition is related to a celebrated result of Milnor that classifies parabolic surfaces. When applied to smooth Riemannian manifolds with a special type of metrics, which generalize the class of metrics with rotational symmetry, we obtain generalizations of classical criteria for the solvability of the Dirichlet problem at infinity. Our proof is short and elementary: it uses separation of variables and comparison arguments for ODEs.
Re-examining globalization and the history of science: Ottoman and Middle Eastern experiences
Authors: Murphy Jane H. , Bazzaz Sahar 
Published: November 2022

AbstractFor several decades historians of science have interrogated the relationship between empire and science, largely focusing on European imperial powers. At the same time, scholars have sought alternatives to an early diffusionist model of the spread of modern science, seeking to capture the multi-directional and dialogic development of science and its institutions in most parts of the globe. The papers in this special issue illuminate these questions with added attention to particular claims about the exceptionalism – or not – of Islamic societies’ approach to science, modernity and politics. Each contribution centres individuals and groups who engaged with science theoretically or practically, taking seriously their analytical categories and how they understood and grappled with the social, economic and intellectual transformations happening around them. Collectively, these studies make the case for Middle Eastern and Ottoman history as useful sites for furthering our field's understanding of processes of the globalization of science and how authority, politics and science have been and continue to be interconnected.
Medicine and Arabic literary production in the Ottoman Empire during the nineteenth century
Authors: Khayat Nicole , Kozma Liat 
Published: November 2022

AbstractThe selection of nineteenth-century Arabic texts on medical education, medicine and health demonstrates the significant link between the revival of the Arabic language and literary culture of the nineteenth century, known as thenahda, and the introduction of medical education to the Ottoman Empire. These include doctor Ibrahim al-Najjar's autobiographical account of his studies in Cairo (1855), an article by doctor Amin Abi Khatir advising on the health and care of infants (1877), questions and answers in the major popular Arabic journalsal-Hilalandal-Muqtataf(1877–1901) and an article about a new tuberculosis treatment by doctor Anisa Sayba‘a (1903). Taken together they contribute to our understanding of the bottom-up production, reproduction and reception of global scientific knowledge, as well as to a social and intellectual history of science. We argue that the engagement with science during thenahdawas a multi-vocal and dialogical process, in which doctors and patients, journal editors and their readers, negotiated the implications of scientific knowledge for their own lives and their own society. The texts of the original documents and their translations can be found in the supplementary material tab athttps://doi.org/10.1017/S0007087422000413.
The Sarajevo Tobacco Factory Strike of 1906: Empire and the Nature of Late Habsburg Rule in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Authors: Trode Rachel 
Published: November 2022

AbstractIn May 1906, the Habsburg protectorate of Bosnia and Herzegovina experienced an unprecedented level of labor unrest. The discussions between civil servants and workers that arose from these events, in particular those that occurred during the strike at the government-owned Sarajevo Tobacco Factory, provide a key point of departure from which to explore the character of Habsburg rule in Bosnia. This article examines how late Habsburg imperial rule functioned in Bosnia by analyzing moments of apparent bureaucratic irregularity in order to suggest a different interpretation of Habsburg administrative practice. It argues that in the case of the Sarajevo Tobacco Factory, the relationship between subjects of the Habsburg empire and its administrators was characterized by processes of debate and discussion that were in many ways grounded in concerns about fairness. This observation opens up new questions about the broader relationship between the Austro-Hungarian administration and the people it governed.
EMT2-ITA Regione Piemonte Greening Initiatives for Building Climate Resilient Field Hospital
Authors: Raviolo Mario , Ferrero Luisa , Dadone Flavio , Tommasoni Nicola , Goldschmidt Nicole Sabrina 
Published: November 2022

Background/Introduction:The World Health Organization (WHO) declared climate change a defining issue in the 21st century with more intense heatwaves, higher risks of flooding and damaging storms, and a changing pattern of emerging infectious diseases. In this scenario, the response of Emergency Medical Teams (EMTs) to disasters represents a fundamental resource.Objectives:To expand EMT2-ITA-Regione Piemonte operational independence and to minimize its environmental footprint.Method/Description:A multiphasic and prospective project is planned in order to:(1) Reduce water consumption: use of a sterilizer designed with a set of high-efficiency heat exchangers enabling a substantial saving in water consumption by the vacuum pump and a significant reduction of total water usage through a recirculation system.(2) Reduce demand for diesel: photovoltaic (PV) system to integrate the current energy production system based on diesel generators.(3) Reduce paper consumption: use of sterilization management and traceability system and computerized medical record in order to be paperless.(4) Improve staff awareness and education on greening practices: educational program for the staff focused on waste segregation/management and energy and water saving both in the hospital and in the Base of Operation (BoO).Results/Outcomes:EMT2-ITA-Regione Piemonte aims to reduce energy and water consumption by 30% and to become paperless.Conclusion:Advances in greening initiatives offer to EMT2-ITA-Regione Piemonte the potential to improve its disaster medical response capabilities and to reduce its ecological footprint.
Building COVID-19 Capacity with a Simple Tool – “POP-O-MOP” in the Pacific
Authors: Robinson Antony , Bleakley Erica 
Published: November 2022

Background/Introduction:The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in multiple requests for EMT assistance in the Pacific Region. AUSMAT responded in six countries, sometimes simultaneously. The needs of the pandemic and the pressures on available resources to respond required development of innovative methods. One example is the “POP-O-MOP” tool.Objectives:Describe the evolution and utility of “POP-O-MOP” tool in building local capacity in Pacific health care systems facing COVID-19 outbreaks.Method/Description:The initial aim of the tool was to assist in maximizing the response by providing a concise, one-page teaching tool to assist in training of local nursing staff. As the tool evolved over successive COVID-19 deployments in the Pacific Region, the scope grew to include medical and allied health staff, and the content was refined.While the “POP-O-MOP” mnemonic provides an aide-memoir for steps of COVID-19 care at the bedside; it also provided a structure for facilitating training and interdisciplinary discussion amongst clinicians.Results/Outcomes:By utilizing this structured training face-to-face, video, and online formats, the number of staff able to treat COVID-19 patients was increased, drawing on novices and staff from non-critical care backgrounds.Of significance, it was observed that while the technical skills included improved health response, the confidence gained by local staff in the brief training increased their desire to contribute to the COVID-19 response by overcoming stigma, fear, and the sense of futility.Conclusion:The POP-O-MOP tool proved to be an effective tool to leverage in-country resources by providing effective just-in-time training for local health care workers.
Establishing a New National and International Benchmark – A Unique Application of the ACHS EQuIP Quality Improvement Framework to Australia’s National and International Deployable Health Emergency Capability
Authors: McDermott Kath M. , Stephens Dianne , Read David J. , O’Connor Linda , Sekulich Hollie , Notaras Len 
Published: November 2022

Background/Introduction:The NCCTRC is the custodian of the Australian Medical Assistance Team (AUSMAT) capability. AUSMAT achieved World Health Organization (WHO) verification as a Type 2 Emergency Medical Team (EMT) in 2016.The NCCTRC explored a quality framework to support quality improvement beyond WHO minimum standards. The Australian Council on Healthcare Standards (ACHS) accreditation standards were applied to a unique field capability setting.Objectives:Establish a quality improvement framework for AUSMAT deployable capability to ensure delivery of the highest standard of care to populations affected by disasters and health emergencies.Method/Description:ACHS surveyors conducted a scoping assessment in 2017. The ACHS EQuIP Framework provided flexibility to accommodate the complexity of a deployable health facility, the fixed and virtual workforce, and the application of disaster response/humanitarian principles.Self-assessment identified gaps, which were remedied by the development of multiple tools, and an on-going program of improvement in formal documentation of process.Results/Outcomes:NCCTRC achieved ACHS EQuIP accreditation in June 2019. NCCTRC was awarded the ACHS Global Quality Improvement Award in November 2019. Survey in May 2021 demonstrated continued achievement.Conclusion:The application of a national accreditation framework to an EMT is unique. The NCCTRC applied a quality improvement framework to provide a standard of care that meets national health facility accreditation criteria, setting a new standard of clinical quality in the field.
Rapid Response Mobile Laboratories (RRML): Standardization as a Tool to Maximize Interoperability
Authors: Baumann Jan , Ronsin Kristina , Storozhenko Oleg 
Published: November 2022

Background/Introduction:Rapid Response Mobile Laboratories (RRML) are a crucial component of preparedness and response to health emergencies, both as a stand-alone asset and in conjunction with other rapid response capacities. The development of an RRML classification system in 20191 both defines laboratory structure and provides a foundation for the development of RRML minimum standards under the umbrella of the WHO Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN).Objectives:These minimum standards define the requirements for RRMLs/GOARN in the field and facilitate their interoperability with other important operational assets of WHO, including Emergency Medical Teams (EMTs), contributing to the overall response and to enhanced collaboration among national and international health partners.Method/Description:The development of minimum standards brought together over 30 technical experts in various disciplines from European GOARN partner institutions to conduct a systematic applied literature review and consolidate field experiences and lessons learned from infectious disease outbreaks globally, as well as addressing the complete RRML deployment life cycle2 and for each RRML type.The RRML minimum standards focus on four workstreams: Operational Support & Logistics; Laboratory Information Management System; Biosafety & Biosecurity; and Quality Management Systems.Results/Outcomes:This standardization will ensure predictable response in the field and is the first step in strengthening RRML interoperability with other capacities and members of the global health emergency workforce, such as EMTs and Rapid Response Teams, as well as national-level counterparts.Conclusion:The standards contribute to strengthening of National Laboratory capacities, provide the basis for a forthcoming monitoring and evaluation Framework, and WHO RRML recognition process.
A T2 Translational Science Modified Delphi Study: Spinal Motion Restriction in a Resource-Scarce Environment
Authors: Weinstein Eric S. , Cuthbertson Joseph L. 
Published: November 2022

Background/Introduction:Emerging evidence is guiding changes in prehospital management of potential spinal injuries. The majority of settings related to current recommendations are in resource-rich environments. Whereas there is a lack of guidance on the provision of spinal motion restriction (SMR) in resource-scarce environments (RSE).Objectives:What is appropriate SMR in RSE?Method/Description:The first round of this Modified Delphi (mD) study was a structured focus group. The result of the focus group discussion of open-ended questions produced ten statements that were added to ten statements derived from Fischer (2018) to create the 20 mD statements presented to the experts.Experts rated their agreement with each statement on a scale from one to seven. Consensus amongst experts was defined as SD≤1.0. Statements that were in agreement reaching consensus were included in the final report. Those not reaching consensus advanced to the next mD round.For these subsequent rounds, experts were shown the mean response and their own response for each of the remaining statements and asked to reconsider their rating. As above, those that did not reach consensus advanced to the next round until consensus was reached for each statement.Results/Outcomes:Twenty-two experts completed the first mD round, 19 completed the second mD round, and 16 completed the third mD round. Eleven statements reached consensus (Table 1). Nine statements did not reach consensus (Table 2).Conclusion:Experts reached consensus offering 11 statements to be incorporated into the creation of SMR clinical guidelines in RSE.Tables and Figures (optional)Table 1.Table 2.
Steps in the Development of a Reliable and Valid National Emergency Unit Readiness Assessment Tool for COVID-19 Outbreak in Iran
Authors: Golshani Keihan , Kheyrati Leila 
Published: November 2022

Background/Introduction:Evaluation of the Emergency Unit resilience during COVID-19 outbreak is important. In this study, we discuss steps to develop a valid and reliable national Iranian toolkit to assess the EU resilience.Objectives:To develop a toolkit to evaluate the EU resilience during COVID-19 pandemic.Method/Description:Comprehensive literature reviews, experts panel discussion, focus group discussion, semi-structured interviews, and two-round Delphi surveys were used to develop a questionnaire. Then the items reviewed for their readability, feasibility, clarity of wording, layout, and style. A web-based form was designed to evaluate their face and content validity by a separate panel of experts. The final draft was tested on 30 voluntary EU managers two times (14 days apart). The gathered data were analyzed by SPSS software.Results/Outcomes:Descriptive statistics used to examine the floor and ceiling effects. The short answer comments were analyzed using meaning condensation developed by Svend Brinkmann & Steinar Kvale. Spearman correlation coefficients was used to examine test-retest reliability for agreement with the level of significance set at P<.05.Cronbach alpha was used to evaluate the internal consistency reliability and Cohen’s kappa scores was used to measure reliability.Finally, a 47-item questionnaire was developed and sent to the MOH to be used for evaluating EUs resilience.Conclusion:A valid and reliable national toolkit is essential to evaluate EU resilience to deliver a high-quality emergency care and all the emergency managers should be familiar with the process of developing a valid and reliable toolkit.
What Happens After They All Go? Addressing the Gap between Field Hospital Departure and Restoration of Local Health Facilities Following Sudden-Onset Disasters
Authors: Wilson Matthew JB 
Published: November 2022

Background/Introduction:Field hospitals present an attractive solution for Emergency Medical Teams due to their portability and ease of assembly, yet are generally designed to be temporary, often leading to a gap until permanent facilities are restored after a sudden-onset disaster.Objectives:The objective of this paper is to understand the duration of field hospitals deployed to the 2010 Haiti Earthquake, identify the time taken to re-open permanent facilities, and propose approaches to better address this gap.Method/Description:Following a review of field hospital typologies and standards, a comparative study was conducted of five key field hospitals deployed to Haiti. Quantitative data from in-house reports, limited available studies, and mapping exercises were complemented with qualitative findings through interviews with key personnel. Additional data were collected for another 21 field hospitals, confirming the rough duration of 26 of the total 44 field hospitals deployed for Haiti. This was compared against information available on the re-opening of major permanent health care facilities.Results/Outcomes:The results indicated most field hospitals were decommissioned after two-to-six months. Some semi-permanent facilities opened in their wake, but not until 18-24 months. Permanent facilities started re-opening after approximately four years, however the main 500 bed hospital did not fully re-open until almost 10 years after the disaster.Conclusion:Provision of more durable, semi-permanent structures during early relief stages could better capture the initial funding impulse as well as reduce the gap of bed numbers as field hospitals reach the limit of their viable lifespan, lasting until more permanent facilities are re-opened often many years later.Tables and Figures (optional)