26419 research outputs found
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Web Redirection Patterns Unraveled: From Lost Links to Unexpected Detours
No full textURI redirections are essential for managing website structure, improving search engine rankings, and enhancing security. However, they also introduce challenges that affect user experience, web performance, and long-term content accessibility. This study analyzes 11 million unique redirecting URIs, following each redirection path for up to 10 steps to uncover common patterns and their implications. We found that while half of all redirections successfully led to their intended destination, the other half resulted in errors, including a small fraction (0.06%) that exceeded the 10-hop limit, causing inefficiencies. Standard redirections, such as HTTP-to-HTTPS upgrades, generally followed best practices, but many involved domain or path changes, reflecting website migrations, rebranding efforts, and security risks. A surprising discovery was the presence of sink URIs—endpoints where multiple redirects converge—used for traffic consolidation by major websites or even playful misdirections like Rickrolling. Additionally, we identified 62,000 custom 404 error pages, many of which were soft 404s, where missing content was incorrectly treated as valid, leading to wasted resources. These findings highlight the significant role of URI redirections in shaping the web and reveal critical challenges such as outdated links, server instability, and improper error handling. By examining large-scale redirection data, this research provides valuable insights to web developers, digital archivists, and researchers, helping them improve website efficiency, optimize resources, and ensure the long-term accessibility of online content
Electrochemical Detection of Prostate Cancer—Associated miRNA-141 Using a Low-Cost Disposable Biosensor
No full textProstate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men in the United States. The early detection of aggressive forms is critical. Current diagnostic methods, including PSA testing and biopsies, are invasive and often yield false results. MicroRNA-141 (miRNA-141) has emerged as a promising non-invasive biomarker due to its elevated levels in the urine of patients with metastatic prostate cancer. Here, a low-cost, paper-based electrochemical biosensor for the sensitive detection of miRNA-141 in synthetic urine is reported. The device employs inkjet-printed gold electrodes on photopaper, functionalized with thiolated single-stranded DNA-141 capture probes for specific target recognition. The biosensor achieves a sensitivity of 78.66 fM µA−¹ cm−² and a linear detection range of 1 fM to 100 nM, encompassing clinically relevant concentrations of miRNA-141 found in patients with metastatic prostate cancer. A low limit of detection of 2.15 fM, strong selectivity against non-target sequences, and a rapid response time of 15 min further highlight the diagnostic potential of the device. This platform represents a significant advancement in the development of point-of-care diagnostic tools for prostate cancer and is readily adaptable for detecting other disease-specific miRNAs through simple probe modification. As such, it holds broad promise for accessible, early-stage cancer detection and longitudinal disease monitoring in diverse clinical settings
Diagnosis of Hypertensive Disorders in Pregnancy
No full textHypertensive disorders of pregnancy, including chronic hypertension, superimposed preeclampsia, gestational hypertension, and preeclampsia, affect 10-20% of pregnancies and are a significant cause of maternal and perinatal mortality. The incidence of these disorders is rising due to factors such as advanced maternal age, obesity, assisted reproductive technology, and increased rates of preexisting comorbidities. Differentiating pregnancy-associated hypertension from pre-existing chronic hypertension is challenging, as the overlap between the two may be broadening due to the changing demographics of the pregnant population. This review critically evaluated the evidence regarding the current time periods recommended to make a diagnosis of a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy. We noted no evidence to support the arbitrary 4-hour time period or any particular time period for diagnosis of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy. In addition, there is no clear definition of what is considered persistent or sustained blood pressure elevations in blood pressure. Every effort should be made to ensure accurate diagnosis of new onset elevated blood pressures during pregnancy prior to labeling the patient with the diagnosis and thus recommending serial maternal and fetal testing and delivery at or before 37 weeks\u27 gestation
Family Stress Processes Underlying COVID-19-Related Economic Insecurity for Mothers and Fathers and Children\u27s Internalizing Behavior Problems
No full textCOVID‐19 and its economic fallout have resulted in unprecedented financial insecurity and material hardship for many American families, with a disproportionately negative impact on children and families from socioeconomically disadvantaged contexts. The current study applied the family stress model to examine the family processes underlying pandemic‐related economic insecurity and children\u27s internalizing behaviours. Online survey data from an economically diverse sample of mothers and fathers, who experienced at least one type of pandemic‐related economic insecurity in the United States (N = 259), were collected across two longitudinal time points in the early weeks of COVID‐19: (1) 14 April and (2) 30 April of 2020. Parental depressive symptoms, negative partner relationship quality and harsh parenting were tested as mediators. Results from the path model showed that pandemic‐related economic insecurity was associated with higher levels of parental depressive symptoms, which were then associated with higher levels of negative partner relationship quality. Negative partner relationship quality was subsequently associated with more harsh parenting, which was then associated with increased child internalizing behaviours. Indirect effects were found for all hypothesized mediators. The family stress model can be applied and extended to the early COVID‐19 period. Child and family social work implications include targeting parents\u27 mental health, relationship quality and parenting behaviours, as well as directly addressing financial and material hardship, to mitigate the adverse effects of pandemic‐related economic insecurity on children\u27s mental health
Has the IASB Successfully Achieved Its Stated Goals? A Literature Synthesis and Theoretical Model
No full textThe purpose of this paper is to examine whether the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) has been successful in achieving its stated objective of enhancing the comparability of financial reports produced across the globe. According to IFRS.org, IFRS Accounting Standards bring transparency by enhancing the international comparability and quality of financial information, enabling investors and other market participants to make informed economic decisions. To meet our research objective, we summarize the research on international financial reporting standards (IFRS) found in seven relevant ABDC A and A* journals for 2016-2021. Based on the examination of published research, we create a model of how IFRS influences and is influenced by numerous factors. We find that IFRS has not been adopted or applied consistently across the world. As such, we note that IASB has been only partially successful in achieving its stated objective of ensuring comparability of financial reports produced in different parts of the world. The manuscript concludes with ten areas of research improvement, including new topics, new geographies, and, most importantly, more recent data
Having the Finger on the Pulse? Questioning Qualitative Methodologies in APA
No full textThis panel discussion, featuring interdisciplinary and international researchers, will critically discuss current and impactful concepts related to qualitative research on APA. In doing so, the presenters will expose attendees to original, theoretically informed, methodologically rigorous, and empirically driven concepts related to qualitative research that can help to inform research practices in the field. Within the Panel Discussion, presenters will discuss concepts related the (a) quality qualitative research, (b) knowledge, assumptions, and sampling in qualitative research, (c) participatory approaches to researching disability, and (d) connections between theory and qualitative research, with ableism-critical perspective and inclusion as (inter)subjective experiences as exemplars. The main question to be discussed is whether the methodological approaches contribute to conducting meaningful research.
In detail there will be inputs to (High?) quality qualitative research from Anthony Maher, to (Prior) knowledge, assumptions, and sampling from Sebastian Ruin, to Participatory approaches to researching disability from Janine Coates, to connecting theory and qualitative research: An ableism-critical perspective from Martin Giese and to Researching ‘inclusion’ qualitatively from Justin Haegele & Maria Luíza Tanure Alves.
Guiding questions for audience engagement will be: What is qualitative research, and how do knowledge, assumptions and sampling influence qualitative research? What do we need to consider in participatory approaches to disability research? How can an ableism-critical perspective and inclusion as (inter)subjective experiences enable a differentiated view of inclusion and how can these be researched qualitatively?
The relevance for the conference lies in further developing methodological approaches to improve rigorous research in our field
Otolaryngology Applicants\u27 Preferences for Virtual Vs. In-Person Interviews During the 2023-2024 Application Cycle
No full textBackground Since the shift to virtual residency interviews, applicants and programs have reported difficulty distinguishing themselves in a virtual format, reduced exposure to medical campuses, and limited opportunity to establish personal connections. The 2023-2024 application cycle was the first time virtual and in-person interview formats were available in otolaryngology–head and neck surgery (OHNS). Programs offered one or both formats, and in some cases, applicants were given the choice between the 2.
Objective To assess the perceptions of OHNS applicants regarding virtual versus in-person interviews during the 2023-2024 application cycle.
Methods A 20-question survey was distributed via email through the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) to OHNS applicants after Match Day during the 2023-2024 application cycle. The survey consisted of multiple-choice, Likert-scale, and open-ended questions to explore applicant preferences surrounding interview format. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and statistical significance tests (Pearson’s chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests) to compare responses across different demographic groups.
Results The survey achieved a 42% response rate (216 of 511). Of 199 respondents, 144 (72%) preferred in-person interviews. Subgroup comparisons showed no significant differences between gender. While applicants who identify as underrepresented in medicine (URiM) reported a strong preference for in-person interviews 24 of 35 (69%), their rate of preferring virtual interviews was higher than that of applicants who did not identify as URiM (χ²=15.5, df=2, P=.001). Of 199 respondents, 152 (76%) preferred allowing individual programs to choose their interview format.
Conclusions Overall, OHNS applicants show greater satisfaction with, and preference for, in-person interviews
Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events are Less Frequent in Psoriasis Patients Starting GLP-1RA Compared to Controls: An Observable Retrospective Cohort Study
No full textBackground: Psoriasis is an independent risk factor for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). We have previously shown that psoriasis patients with dyslipidemia have an increased incidence of MACE despite treatment with a biologic and a statin. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA) have shown to reduce MACE in patients with type 2 diabetes and obesity, comorbidities that commonly co-occur with psoriasis. However, the association between GLP-1RA and the incidence of MACE among patients with psoriasis remains unknown.
Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study from 2014-2024 using a large, multi-center, electronic health record network (TriNetX). Patients aged 18-90 who started GLP-1RA following their first psoriasis diagnosis and without a prior history of MACE were propensity score matched (PSM) 1:1 to GLP-1RA non-users. Covariates included demographics, social risk factors, comorbidities (e.g., obesity, type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia), medications (e.g., biologics) and laboratory tests (e.g., cholesterol [total, LDL, HDL], triglycerides, blood pressure, C-reactive protein). The primary outcome was the incidence of composite MACE over a 10-year-period, evaluated using ORs and 95% confidence intervals.
Results: We identified 4791 psoriasis patients receiving GLP-1RA and 123,262 non-users, meeting criteria. Before matching, GLP-1RA users were older (53[40-66] vs 49[32-66]), more likely to be female (55% vs. 47%), and to have obesity (64% vs. 12%) diabetes (55% vs 7%), dyslipidemia (61% vs 20%) and social challenges 10% vs. 3% compared to control patients. PSM resulted in 4,378 patients in each cohort. MACE occured in 355 (8.11%) GLP-1RA users and 588 (13.43%) non-users (ORs 0.57; [0.50-0.65]) over a 10-year period.
Conclusion: GLP-1RA were associated with a lower incideence of MACE in patients with psoriasis compared to controls. These findings provide preliminary evidence of the potential benefit of GLP-1RA for MACE prevention among patients with psoriasis
An Electrochemical Sensor for Tenofovir Monitoring
No full textEffective monitoring of tenofovir (TFV) adherence is critical for ensuring the success of antiretroviral therapies in preventing and managing HIV, as nonadherence can lead to treatment failure and the development of drug-resistant strains. In this study, a highly sensitive and selective novel biomimetic sensor for TFV determination is developed utilizing laser-scribed graphene (LSG) modified with gold spiky nanostructures (AuNSp) and molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP). The MIP layer is engineered with precise control to maximize molecular specificity for TFV. Electrochemical characterization demonstrates excellent performance, including the broadest linear detection range (10 nM to 200 μM) reported to date with a sensitivity of 30.02 μA/log(μM), and an ultralow limit of detection of 3 nM. The sensor demonstrates flexibility, stability, and selectivity under stressed conditions, highlighting its robustness. Analytical validation in urine matrices demonstrates high recovery rates (92.5%–113%) and repeatability (RSD ≤ 7.0%) in biological samples, highlighted its clinical relevance. By integrating advanced nanomaterials and molecular imprinting, the LSG/AuNSp/MIP sensor extends the dynamic range of MIP-based biosensors. It emerges as a transformative point-of-care technology for TFV adherence monitoring in human immunodeficiency virus management, effectively bridging a critical gap in drug compliance assessment and contributing to advancing global health initiatives
Detecting SARS-CoV-2 in CT Scans Using Vision Transformer and Graph Neural Network
No full textThe COVID-19 pandemic has presented significant challenges to global healthcare, bringing out the urgent need for reliable diagnostic tools. Computed Tomography (CT) scans have proven instrumental in detecting COVID-19-induced lung abnormalities. This study introduces Convolutional Neural Network, Graph Neural Network, and Vision Transformer (ViTGNN), an advanced hybrid model designed to enhance SARS-CoV-2 detection by combining Graph Neural Networks (GNNs) for feature extraction with Vision Transformers (ViTs) for classification. Using the strength of CNN and GNN to capture complex relational structures and the ViT capacity to classify global contexts, ViTGNN achieves a comprehensive representation of CT scan data. The model was evaluated on a SARS-CoV-2 CT scan dataset, demonstrating superior performance across all metrics compared to baseline models. The model achieved an accuracy of 95.98%, precision of 96.07%, recall of 96.01%, F1-score of 95.98%, and AUC of 98.69%, outperforming existing approaches. These results indicate that ViTGNN is an effective diagnostic tool that can be applied beyond COVID-19 detection to other medical imaging tasks