bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating spatiotemporal speed metrics for traffic state estimation on complex urban roads
Authors: Schweppenhäuser Moritz , Schrab Karl , Protzmann Robert , Radusch Ilja
Published: January 2025

Conducting city-wide tests of intelligent transport systems (ITS) is a costly endeavor that requires extensive funding and planning. Combined traffic simulations can be utilized to alleviate initial costs, and allow easy parameterization to deduce real-world requirements. In this paper, we aim to contribute to two frontiers in the domain of traffic state estimation (TSE) within an urban environment. First, we introduce speed estimation and different sensor technologies, reiterating the foundations of traffic dynamics. Second, we present a simulation-based assessment utilizing the open-source co-simulation framework Eclipse MOSAIC, alongside a newly developed TSE application suite, executed on top of the BeST Berlin traffic scenario. This evaluation highlights the estimation capabilities of different sensor technologies and speed estimates in an urban scenario, addressing their effectiveness in various city areas.
Multi-Faceted Platform Politics in the Design of the Korean Digital Environmental Impact Assessment System
Authors: Kim Eun-Sung
Published: January 2025

This article examines the multi-faceted politics of digital platforms in the context of the Korean Digital Environmental Impact Assessment (DEIA) system. Based on semi-structured interviews with environmental experts, this study analyzes digital platforms in terms of three roles: as a surveillance system for ethopolitics; as a marketplace that sustains interest group politics; and, as a data display interface that shapes sensory politics. First, as a surveillance system, the DEIA monitors the moral conduct of environmental assessors to ensure data integrity and transparency. This aspect reflects ethopolitics—the regulation of research ethics through mechanisms of governmentality. Second, as a marketplace, the DEIA system demonstrates interest group politics, as the system has the potential to install domestic software for environmental impact prediction modeling (EIPM), potentially disrupting the market dominance of larger environmental impact assessment firms that currently use expensive foreign modeling software. Third, as the data display interface between the government and citizens, the DEIA system employs sensory politics by prioritizing data visualization over haptic and auditory elements in data presentation. I conclude that while data science will not save environmental impact assessment from politics, it may give rise to novel forms of environmental politics.
Estimating Pedestrian Volumes at Intersections using Artificial Intelligence: A ChatGPT Vision Approach
Authors: Sobreira Lucas Tito Pereira , Hellinga Bruce
Published: January 2025

Pedestrian volume at intersections is a key input to transportation processes and is vital for developing pedestrian-centric interventions. Though technological solutions to provide continuous monitoring of intersections and field volume counts do exist, most jurisdictions do not have this technology widely deployed and therefore still require a means of estimating volumes. Conventional estimation methods, such as expansion factor methods or the development of direct-demand (DD) models, are alternatives typically employed by practitioners, but they still require known pedestrian volume data for numerous sites, which are often not readily available for jurisdictions. This work explores the use of ChatGPT-4 Vision (GPT-4V) as a tool to assist jurisdictions in estimating pedestrian volume within intersections. The initial assessment of GPT-4V demonstrated its capability in interpreting satellite images, particularly in ranking sites according to pedestrian activity levels. Subsequently, a method was implemented to rank 48 sites based on pedestrian activity using GPT-4V and satellite images. A linear correlation of 0.73 was achieved between the GPT-4V ranking and the true ranking determined from observed field data. Following that, a method was proposed to combine the GPT-4V site rankings and field volumes collected at selected key intersections to estimate the pedestrian volume at all the sites ranked using GPT-4V. Its performance rivaled (and sometimes surpassed) that of existing conventional methods like DD models, all without the need for complex statistical models or extensive datasets. This simplicity makes the GPT-4V method promising for cost-effective pedestrian exposure estimation. This work also investigates inconsistencies and biases in GPT-4V’s responses.
Partial Avulsion Patterns in the Pediatric Humeral Medial Epicondyle
Authors: Lee Richard C. , Syed Akbar N. , Bowen Margaret A. , Lawrence J. Todd R.
Published: January 2025

Background:

The anterior oblique bundle of the medial ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) inserts on the anteroinferior aspect of the humeral medial epicondyle, while the flexor pronator mass (FPM) originates superficial and proximal to the UCL. With valgus stress, these distinct footprints may produce injury patterns that affect only focal areas of the medial epicondyle.

Hypothesis:

The proximal UCL can act on the medial epicondyle either in isolation or in conjunction with the FPM to form partial avulsion fracture patterns within the pediatric medial epicondyle, and the predominant pattern involves only the proximal UCL footprint.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

A retrospective review was performed of medial epicondyle injuries from a single tertiary care institution documented from 2012 to 2022. Inclusion criteria consisted of (1) patients <18 years of age with a diagnosis of medial epicondyle fracture, (2) availability of radiographs within 3 weeks of injury date, and (3) no history of acute medial epicondyle fracture. Data collection included demographics, imaging, mechanisms of injury, associated injuries, and procedural details if operative notes were available.

Results:

Of the 1951 patients screened, 709 were diagnosed with any form of medial epicondyle fracture. Of these patients, 15.9% (n = 113; mean ± SD age, 11.15 ± 2.56 years; 70% male; 40% throwing mechanism) had radiographic evidence of fragmentation of the inferior aspect of the medial epicondyle, suggesting a partial avulsion fracture/injury. Seventy-eight patients (69%) were noted to have a small, well-corticated fragment off the inferior pole of the medial epicondyle on radiographs, defined as a “proximal UCL avulsion fracture.” Magnetic resonance imaging in 24 patients in this group confirmed attachment of the UCL to the avulsed fragment. This configuration was also confirmed by 2 operative reports. Thirty-five patients had a well-defined cortical shell or an indistinct radio-opaque body off the inferomedial aspect of the medial epicondyle on radiographs, defined as a “cortical sleeve avulsion.” Magnetic resonance imaging in 8 patients in this group demonstrated the UCL in addition to the FPM origin still attached to the avulsed cortical sleeve. This was confirmed by 2 operative reports.

Conclusion:

The 2 injury patterns seen in this study—proximal UCL avulsion fracture and cortical sleeve avulsion—represented 15.9% of the patients with a medial epicondyle fracture. The proximal UCL avulsion fracture pattern was the more common of the 2 injury patterns. Accurate identification of these injury patterns and their underlying pathology is likely to be important in ultimately understanding the natural history of these injuries and the outcomes of different treatment strategies.
Towards cultural sociology of literature: The case of science fiction
Authors: Váňa Jan
Published: January 2025

What a refreshing read in the sociology of literature! Literary works are not just products of social forces, symbolic struggles and accumulated capitals. They have a power of their own – the power to capture and convey the essence and meaning of changing eras. Literature expresses the paradoxes of modern humanity differently than other textual accounts, moving and inspiring readers through its aesthetic form. This book is for social sciences and humanities scholars whose interest in literature goes beyond analysis to an appreciation of its artistry.
Divine comedy in the work of Gillian Rose
Authors: López Daniel Andrés
Published: January 2025

This article reconstructs Gillian Rose's idea of ‘divine comedy’, from its first articulation in Hegel Contra Sociology (2009) to the development of the idea in later works; most importantly, Love’s Work (1995). This analysis demonstrates that Rose implicitly shifted away from her earlier, pessimistic, Hegelian account of the end of art and her insistence on the ‘severe style’. Divine comedy, it is argued, may satisfy the requirements that Rose articulates for speculative thought, by traversing the constitutive dichotomies of modern life – for example, between universal and particular, or between law and love – in light of individual experience. By reading Love’s Work as an exemplary modern divine comedy, this article argues for the ongoing viability of the ‘ideal style’, which Rose had previously dismissed. This, in turn, suggests a novel reading of Rose's oeuvre and affirms the possibility of a speculative poetics.
One Step Ahead of the Canadian Immigration System: Bureaucratic Chaos and the Development of Migrant Experts Online
Authors: Geoffrion Karine , Guay Roxane
Published: January 2025

Getting access to the right information to complete their immigration file, follow-up on their application or appeal a decision is crucial for immigration applicants. However, the Canadian immigration bureaucracy is known for its inefficiency, complexity, and opacity. Applicants often turn to online discussion forums to guide them through the process. Based on interviews with twelve immigrants to Canada and ethnographic observations in four online Canada immigration forums, this article focuses on the development of immigration expertise online. Building on the concept of interpretive labor, we suggest that the violence of the immigration bureaucracy pushes migrants away from official sources of information and paves the way for the emergence of lay experts through their intensive participation in online forums. Online lay experts provide current, essential tips tested and validated through firsthand experience and the experience-based knowledge collected from thousands of users, which allow them to circumvent immigration difficulties and thus, be one step ahead of the system.
From Exceptionalism to Normalisation: How Narratives of Platform Companies Legitimise Precarious Work and Commodified Care
Authors: Lentz Janne Martha , Meyer-Habighorst Christiane , Riemann Mê-Linh , Strüver Anke , Baumgartner Sarah , Staubli Sarah , Techel Nicola , Bauriedl Sybille , Schwiter Karin
Published: January 2025

When platform companies first entered the scene, they claimed that their novel business models did not fit with existing regulations. This narrative of ‘platform exceptionalism’ has increasingly been discredited. This paper focuses on platform companies that mediate labour in the care sector and explores what legitimation strategies they use today. We build our argument on interviews with platform entrepreneurs in Hamburg, Vienna and Zurich and an analysis of the narratives used on their websites and advertisements. Our results identify a pervasive discourse of normalisation: Platform companies now primarily state that their organisational models, forms of work and services are ‘normal’ and no different from other businesses. Simultaneously, they position their services as a solution for the crisis of social reproduction and a contribution to (female) emancipation. We interpret their legitimation strategies as an attempt to counter the critique they faced over the last years. Drawing on feminist perspectives on social reproduction and care work, we argue that this serves to justify a capitalist system that normalises precarious working conditions in platform labour and devalues care work and workers. Challenging the problematic imaginary of platformised care work as the solution to the crisis of social reproduction, we call for developing alternative imaginaries that allow time for care.
Welding speed effects in underwater and conventional friction stir welding of dissimilar aluminum alloy 6061-T6 and 5083-H12 joints
Authors: Nishant  , Jha Sanjay Kumar , Anand Ravi Shankar , Prakash Prashant
Published: January 2025

This study investigates the influence of welding speed on the mechanical and microstructural properties of dissimilar aluminum alloy joints (AA6061-T6 and AA5083-H12) joined using Underwater Friction Stir Welding (UFSW) and Conventional Friction Stir Welding (CFSW). The experiments were conducted at a constant tool rotation speed of 1120 rpm and varying welding speeds (20 to 80 mm/min). Results showed that UFSW achieved peak temperatures 13% lower than CFSW. Moreover, the generated peak welding temperature was inversely proportional to welding speed in UFSW and CFSW. Optimal performance was observed at 63 mm/min, where UFSW produced an 89% reduction in intermetallic compound (IMC) thickness and a 21% finer grain size compared to CFSW. Additionally, UFSW joints exhibited a 10.20% increase in tensile strength and a 7% increase in hardness over CFSW. The enhanced cooling effect in UFSW contributed to these improvements, yielding more uniform material flow, refined microstructure, and reduced IMC formation. These findings suggest UFSW as a superior technique for achieving high-quality dissimilar aluminum alloy joints, with significant enhancements in mechanical properties and microstructural refinement.
Dimension synthesis of linkage mechanism with approximate poses and velocity constraints
Authors: Zhou Yuzhu , Sun Liang , Xu Haocong , Wang Lei , Ziqin Xing
Published: January 2025

This paper mainly addresses the problem of dimension synthesis for planar open chain two-rod (2R) mechanisms with velocity constraints and position-pose information in agricultural transplanting mechanism (TM). The method proposed in this study extends the dimension synthesis problem of planar 2R mechanisms, which takes position-pose into account, to the dimension synthesis considering both position-pose information and velocity information (PPIAVA) at certain pose points in the field of TM. The geometric constraints of the open chain 2R mechanism are extracted from the prerequisite conditions obtained by a series of given position-pose points and velocity constraints at some pose points to solve the dimension synthesis problem of the planar 2R mechanism. First, the Taylor formula is used to connect the characteristic of the derivative value at a certain point as coefficient with PPIAVA at a certain point. The mathematical model of position-pose and velocity is established by combining the relationship of rod length constraint and velocity direction characteristic. Secondly, the nonlinear equations established according to the position-pose information and velocity constraints are combined with the Lagrange equation and the extremum of the multivariate function to transform the appropriate objective function and then solved the equations. Finally, a transplanting mechanism is designed and tested by combining the solution results with the trajectory characteristics of the TM. The results show that this method is an effective synthesis method for smoothly solving the dimension synthesis problem of planar open chain 2R linkage mechanism with velocity constraints, which can extract geometric constraints from a given series of position-pose and velocity constraints at some poses.
The game of rental housing financialization: Institutional investors in the Swedish housing system
Authors: Kadıoğlu Defne , Listerborn Carina
Published: January 2025

While attention has been paid to how politico-legal reforms have enabled or inhibited the entrance of institutional investors, less is known about how these providers impact or challenge existing actors, regulations, processes, and institutional arrangements within local housing systems. This article departs from the case of Sweden: it has been discussed how institutional investors have been enabled by the country’s soft rent regulation, which is based on a collective bargaining process between all providers and the Swedish Union of Tenants (SUT) and allows for sharp rent increases after renovation. We show how in the Swedish case large institutional investors exploit existing institutional arrangements and challenge the norms that underlie the functioning of the rental housing system. To explore and illustrate this process we rely on the theory of incremental institutional change and complement it through the conceptual metaphor of “gaming.” We argue that housing systems can be understood as playing fields in which different actors employ tactics to defend or advance their interests, without, necessarily, the need to formally change the rules of the game. We suggest that more attention should be paid to institutional investors’ active engagement with local housing systems over time, beyond dichotomies of enablement or inhibition.
Mechanism of Curcuma phaeocaulis Extracts on the Proliferation and Apoptosis of Gallbladder Cancer Cells via mTOR/p70S6K Signaling Pathway
Authors: Yang Jiayuan , Tian Jiawei , Zheng Erhao , Li Qi , Chen Chen , Geng Zhimin , Bai Jigang
Published: January 2025

Background

Curcuma phaeocaulis (CP) is utilized as a Chinese herbal medicine to treat abdominal distension and other related ailments. Curcuma phaeocaulis extracts (CPE) are rich in active components and exhibit anti-tumor properties.

Purpose

Purpose: This work was to assess the impact of CPE on the proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion of gallbladder cancer cells (GCC), aiming to investigate its potential underlying mechanisms of action.

Methods

CP was utilized as the raw material to prepare CPE volatile oil via drying and heating processes. Total phenolic content analysis was conducted, assessing its scavenging capacity against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH•) and •OH free radicals, as well as its inhibitory effects on the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Human GCC line GBC-SD was selected, cultured conventionally as a control, and treated with CP volatile oil at concentrations of 25 µg/mL (Low-CPE group), 50 µg/mL (Middle-CPE group), and 100 µg/mL (High-CPE group). Cell proliferation activity was evaluated using MTT assay, apoptosis rate was assessed via flow cytometry, migration, and invasion were measured using the Transwell chamber assay, and Western blot was performed to assess proteins in the mTOR/p70S6K signaling pathway.

Results

The total phenolic content in the volatile oil prepared from warm CPE was approximately 30.9 mg/g, consisting of over 20 active constituents. The warm CP volatile oil exhibited scavenging rates of 85.3% for DPPH• radicals and 91.5% for •OH radicals, with minimum inhibitory concentrations against S. aureus, E. coli, and P. aeruginosa at 4.0 mg/mL, 8.0 mg/mL, and 1.0 mg/mL, respectively. Relative to the Ctrl group, Low-CPE, Middle-CPE, and High-CPE groups demonstrated decreased cell proliferation activity, increased apoptosis rates, reduced cell migration and invasion, decreased phosphorylation levels of mTOR and p70S6K proteins ( p < 0.05), exhibiting concentration-dependent characteristics.

Conclusion

The volatile oil derived from warm CPE exhibited robust anti-oxidant and anti-bacterial activities. The warm CP volatile oil effectively inhibited GCC proliferation, migration, and invasion by suppressing the activation of the mTOR/p70S6K signaling, while promoting apoptosis.
Internationalization of the Curriculum at Home (IoCaH): Why Academic Disciplines Matter
Authors: Eftekhari Pouneh , Yousefzadeh Sepideh , Coelen Robert J.
Published: January 2025

To reach the non-mobile majority, universities in many contexts, especially in the Global North, are investing in the internationalization of the curriculum at home (IoCaH); however, experience shows that top-down strategies are implemented differently across disciplines. It has been suggested that the role of academic disciplines, an under-investigated dimension, can explain this variation. Through a systematic literature review of nine disciplines, this study adds to the limited understanding about discipline-specific orientations towards internationalization. Findings confirm that there are indeed discipline-specific rationales for IoCaH as well as preferred internationalized strategies. These findings provide more detail about the exact ways in which disciplines vary in their orientation towards IoCaH which have historically been poorly understood due to too few studies that disaggregate findings by discipline. By understanding these nuances, university leaders, educational developers, administrators, and educators will be better equipped to assess discipline-specific needs and assist in the design, development, and implementation of an internationalized curriculum.
Multi-stage Team Projects in the Management Classroom: Using a Double-loop Peer Presentation Feedback to Cultivate Reflective Learning
Authors: Mauri Alfredo J. , Neiva de Figueiredo João
Published: January 2025

Reflection empowers practicing managers to learn from their exposure to experiences in business organizations, and reflective learning is a powerful tool to apply in the classroom to train competent managers. Through reflection, managers and students can learn how to learn from their experiences. This article proposes using a pedagogical approach based on a double-loop peer presentation feedback cycle in multi-stage team projects focusing on complex and ill-defined managerial challenges to cultivate reflective learning in the management classroom. We suggest adopting a semester-long team project with several work-in-progress presentations to incorporate reflection practices in the course design. We introduce a comprehensive process using an online application suite to deploy the double-loop peer presentation feedback approach in class. In the first loop, students in the audience provide feedback to the presenting team after each presentation. For the second loop, the presenting team rates the feedback received to stimulate individual and group reflection. We illustrate the use of this double-loop feedback process in three different undergraduate management courses and offer empirical evidence that the approach may improve reflective learning outcomes.
Understanding the Role of Intentionality Within the Five Love Languages Among College Students
Authors: Pagan Victoria Christine , Langlais Michael , Chacón Veronica
Published: January 2025

Gary Chapman (1992) proposed the concept of the five love languages: words of affirmation, quality time, gift giving, physical touch, and acts of service. Chapman argued that for the highest relationship satisfaction, partners should be aware of and support their partner's love language. However, this argument has received mixed empirical support. The present study proposes that analogous love languages do not influence relationship quality, but that the intentionality behind the actions within the partnership takes precedence over any categorization. This qualitative study involved college students completing individual, semi-structured interviews ( N = 49). Qualitative data was analyzed using reflexive thematic analyses. Results highlighted the presence of a reciprocal relationship between intentionality and the five love languages, as it is likely the presence of intentionality within the consistent practice of the love languages ideology that promotes positive interactions and growth in relationships. The love languages primarily reflect ways to categorize different approaches to love, but do not appear to contribute to experiences within relationships. The basic understanding of Chapman's typology may still lack the behaviors observed to function well consistently under perspectives of intentionality, as well as perceptions of a partner's intentionality.
Short- and Intermediate-Term Morbidity Following Total Pelvic Exenteration in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Guske Christopher , Immen Nusheen , Conant Devon , Laborde Jose , Linscott Joshua , Hayes Mitchell , Jazayeri Seyed Behzad , Fazili Adnan , Siegel Erin , Dessureault Sophie , Sanchez Julian , Stefanou Amalia , Manley Brandon , Felder Seth
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Total pelvic exenteration (TPE) for clinical T4b colorectal cancer (CRC) is associated with significant morbidity. Short (0-30 days)- and intermediate (31-90 days)-term temporal analysis of complication onset is not well described, yet needed, to better counsel patients considering TPE.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients with primary or recurrent clinical T4b pelvic CRC undergoing open TPE between 2014 and 2023 was conducted. Clinicopathologic variables were collected for each patient. Postoperative morbidity was classified according to the Clavien-Dindo (CD) grade system and stratified by time of onset within 90 days of surgery. Pearson’s Chi-square test, Fisher’s Exact test, and the Mann-Whitney U test were used to compare primary vs recurrent patient groups, and logistic regression assessed predictors of postoperative morbidity. Statistical analysis was performed using R with two-sided significance set at <0.05.

Results

Twenty-seven patients were identified of which 24 (88.9%) were male with a median age of 60.4 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 56.3-70.5). Seventeen (63.0%) patients had primary disease and 10 (37.0%) had recurrent CRC. Twenty-three (85.2%) patients experienced at least one complication within 90 days of surgery, but no mortality was observed. Ten (37.0%) patients experienced a CD ≥ 3 event, of which 40% took place beyond 30 days. The most common complication overall was anemia requiring transfusion, while the most common major complication was pelvic abscess. No clinicopathologic variables analyzed were predictive of major postoperative complication within 90 days of TPE.

Conclusion

TPE for clinical T4b CRC carries a high risk of postoperative morbidity in both the short- and intermediate-term after surgery, with a significant proportion of complications occurring after 30 days. Given the magnitude of operation, an extended recovery with high risk for complications is common. Although a single-center series, this annotated postoperative complication profile may assist patients and clinicians when reviewing informed consent for TPE.
Amino acids characterization based on frequency and interaction analysis in human antigen-antibody complexes from Thera-SAbDab
Authors: Pais Roylan , Nagraj Anil Kumar , Gavade Akshata , Patel Riya , Momin Mohasin , Scheele Juergen , Seiz Werner , Patil Jaspal
Published: January 2025

Background

Antibodies are composed of light and heavy chains, both of which have constant and variable regions. The diversity, specific binding ability and therapeutic potential of antibodies are determined by hypervariable loops called complementarity-determining regions (CDRs), with the other regions being the framework regions.

Objective

To investigate the key amino acid patterns in various antibody regions in the human therapeutic antigen-antibody (Ag-Ab) complexes collected from the Thera-SAbDab database.

Method

The study focuses on identifying the amino acid frequency, diversity index in CDRs, paratope-epitope amino acid interactions, amino acid bond formation frequency, and bond types among selected therapeutic Ag-Ab complexes.

Results

The results revealed that Ser is highly distributed in the overall light chain CDRs while Gly is highly distributed in the heavy chain CDRs. CDR profiling analysis indicated that the average amino acid diversity in heavy chain CDRs is 60% to 70%, while in the light chain, it is 50% to 60%. Aromatic residues such as Tyr, Trp and Phe are the top contributors to these paratope-epitope interactions in the light and heavy chains. Moreover, we examined the frequency of amino acids in light and heavy chains of Ag-Ab complexes. Importantly, the outcome of this study leverages the in depth analysis on single residues, dipeptides, and tripeptides for the therapeutic Ag-Ab complexes.

Conclusion

We conclude that the amino acid frequency and interaction analysis centered on therapeutic Ag-Ab complexes will benefit antibody engineering parameters such as antibody design, optimization, affinity maturation, and overall antibody development.
Eculizumab treatment during pregnancy in a patient with AQP4-IgG-seropositive NMOSD: A case report
Authors: Tommaso Guerra , Damiano Paolicelli , Pietro Iaffaldano
Published: January 2025

Eculizumab proved a strong anti-inflammatory effect in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD), rare autoimmune diseases affecting the central nervous system in which aquaporin 4-immunoglobulin G (AQP4-IgG) is the main pathogenic antibody. Pregnancy in NMOSD patients is considered at high-risk for neurological and gynecological outcomes, requiring a careful consideration about treatment maintenance. In this case report, we describe a successful pregnancy, resulting in the birth of a healthy child, in a young woman with AQP4-IgG-seropositive NMOSD who was maintained on eculizumab during all pregnancy.
Applying a realist evaluation to an intervention in children’s social care: A worked example from the Safeguarding Family Group Conference study
Authors: Bernheim Bekkah , Stabler Lorna , Hayes Jennie , Singh Alankrita , Wyatt Katrina
Published: January 2025

Children’s social care researchers are increasingly drawing on realist evaluation to understand the complexity within their field by identifying underlying contexts and mechanisms that lead to outcomes of interest. However, there are few published worked examples of realist evaluations of interventions in children’s social care. This makes it challenging to understand how to put this approach to best use in practice. To address this gap, we share how we conducted a realist evaluation of Safeguarding Family Group Conferencing, a family-led decision-making process. In doing this, we highlight several challenges and opportunities of conducting a realist evaluation in a children’s social care setting. We conclude that realist evaluation is adaptable and generative and benefits from a team-based approach to retroductive theorising and analysis. By outlining our process, we aim to provide a resource for children’s social care researchers wishing to use realist evaluation in the United Kingdom and beyond.
From online games to offline travel: Gaming flow, attachment, and esports travel
Authors: Zheng Danni , Huang Cenying
Published: January 2025

Despite the growing importance of esports tourism as a strategy to attract young tourists to destinations, limited research has been conducted on how the online gaming experience influences offline esports travel. This paper first maps a framework to indicate young players’ heterogeneity in the relationships between gaming experiences, attachment, and esports travel intentions. A survey targeting 751 young egamers in China was conducted using quota sampling. Results confirm the positive relationships between egames flow, attachment, and esports travel. Findings reveal that challenge-based, sensory, and imaginative immersion significantly affect the gaming flow experience, while players’ self-expression and social interaction contribute to their attachment to esports. Further, gender and game experience are essential factors that moderate the role of gaming experience and attachment in esports travel intentions. Practical implications are provided for esport game design and tourism promotion.
Feminization and burnout among female social workers
Authors: Romero-Martín Sandra , Elboj-Saso Carmen , Íñiguez-Berrozpe Tatiana
Published: January 2025

Feminization has been and continues to be a characteristic of social work: it has played a role in the profession's lower status. Despite the similarities between feminism and social work, the profession tends to perpetuate systemic structures of gender inequality. These structural features can increase overload and burnout among female social workers. Our study applies the gender perspective to an analysis of the social work profession. It seeks to ascertain the level of burnout of female social workers in Aragon (Spain), the possible determinants that generate it and some preventive strategies identified in the discourse of professionals. We applied a sequential mixed method, combining a quantitative analysis of burnout via the distribution of questionnaires to a sample of 305 active social workers in Aragon (Spain), with the qualitative analysis of the discourse of 42 professionals in interviews and discussion groups. For the analysis, we followed the theoretical approach of communicative methodology.

Findings

This study concludes that there is a greater degree of burnout and workload among female professionals, a general underrepresentation of women in managerial positions, and a perception that their interventions are undervalued.

Applications

This work seeks to show some of the structural gender differences that still exist in the profession. In addition, from the understanding of the levels of burnout of female social workers as well as the structural and labour elements that can condition its appearance, this article aims to contribute to the approach to professional care in organizations from a gender perspective.
Prevalence and characteristics of adults with preserved ratio impaired spirometry (PRISm): Data from the BOLD Australia study
Authors: Zhou Yijun , Ampon Maria R , Abramson Michael J , James Alan L , Maguire Graeme P , Wood-Baker Richard , Johns David P , Marks Guy B , Reddel Helen K , Toelle Brett G
Published: January 2025

Background: Individuals with Preserved Ratio Impaired Spirometry (PRISm), defined as FEV1/FVC ≥0.7 and FEV1 <80% predicted, are at higher risk of developing COPD. However, data for Australian adults are limited. We aimed to describe prevalence of PRISm and its relationship with clinical characteristics in Australia. Method: Data from the Burden of Lung Disease (BOLD) Australia study of randomly selected adults aged ≥40 years from six sites was classified into airflow limitation, PRISm, or normal spirometry groups. Demographic, clinical characteristics, and lung function were compared between groups. Results: Of the study sample ( n = 3518), 387 (11%) had PRISm, 549 (15.6%) had airflow limitation, and 2582 (73.4%) had normal spirometry. PRISm was more common in Indigenous Australian adults. Adults with PRISm had more frequent respiratory symptoms, more comorbidities, greater health burden and poorer quality of life than those with normal spirometry. Pre- and post-bronchodilator FEV1 and FVC were lower in adults with PRISm than those with airflow limitation. Adults with PRISm were less likely to use respiratory medicine than those with airflow limitation (OR = 0.56, 95% CI 0.38–0.81). Conclusions: PRISm was present in 11% of adults in this study and they had similar respiratory symptoms and health burden as adults with airflow limitation.
Sequential dependencies in recognition memory are decision based
Authors: Dollois Michelle A , Fiacconi Chris M
Published: January 2025

Decision perseveration is consistently observed in recognition tests, such that judgements tend to repeat (e.g., “old” responses tend to follow “old” responses) across trials. This effect has been found across a range of testing styles, including old/new judgements, judgements of frequency, and confidence, and has been interpreted as reflecting the transfer of mnemonic information between trials. However, an alternative explanation that response repetition is rather the product of motor action perseveration has not yet been fully evaluated. Despite the range of response styles used across studies, repeat decisions have consistently been confounded with repeat motor responses. Across three experiments, the present study divorces decision repetition from motor priming, to determine whether decision perseveration maintains. Experiments 1 and 2 found that when participants switch hands between trials, decisions are still more likely to repeat than switch. Similarly, Experiment 3 found no difference in the influence of Previous Decision when mouse paths were able to repeat between trials compared with when they could not. In addition, all experiments show a speed advantage for repeating decisions that cannot be attributed to motor priming. We conclude that decision carryover during recognition tests is ultimately a decision-based effect. The results are discussed in terms of mnemonic models of information transfer.
Sex-specific growth and morphometric sexing of chicks of the Black-headed Gull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus)
Authors: Minina Mariya , Zotov Andrey , Belousova Irina , Druzyaka Alexey , Druzyaka Olga
Published: January 2025

In birds, sexual size dimorphism often becomes evident as early as chicks’ growth stage. A larger sex usually has an advantage in food competition among siblings. In the smaller sex, the lesser ultimate size can be compensated by faster growth or earlier fledging. As a consequence, sex differences can manifest themselves not only in body size but also in the body condition or the rate of weight gain. This phenomenon provides additional opportunities for sexing of chicks by discriminant analysis of growth parameters. Our work deals with the influence of sex on the growth of Black-headed Gull chicks. Using logistic models, we examined growth patterns of 80 males and 76 females from hatching to departure from breeding colonies during three seasons. In males, the total head length, tarsus length, and body mass were greater than those in females from the first days of life and reached large asymptotic values. Tarsus length was a better predictor of sex than head length or body mass was. The sex of chicks did not have a significant effect on global growth rates; however, compared to males, females had a lower body condition (the difference between observed and expected chick body mass) at age 8 days and gained less weight between 21 and 28 days. Using these differences, we developed a discriminant function that allowed to correctly predict the sex of 88.5% of Black-headed Gull chicks before fledging.
The Anti-Alcoholism Effects of Tengcha–Gegen Plant Solid Beverage on Acute Alcohol Intoxication in Mice
Authors: Peng Jiangning , Jin Yuning , Li Shunwang , Li Gang , Zhang Yuhao , Yan Zhe , Tang Lin , Xu Yanni
Published: January 2025

Aims

Acute alcohol intoxication (AAI) caused by the intake of excessive alcohol is a harmful clinical condition and potentially life threatening. Therefore, there has been increasing attention on the development of anti-alcoholism products. In this study, we evaluated the therapeutic benefits of an anti-alcoholism product (Tengcha–Gegen Plant Solid Beverage, which contains Ampelopsis grossedentata, Pueraria Lobata, Hovenia dulcis Thunb, and turmeric) in an AAI mouse model.

Methods

The AAI mouse model was established through alcohol gavage. Male Kunming mice were first given three doses of Tengcha–Gegen Plant Solid Beverage for 30 min and then gavaged with 52% (V/V) liquor (0.15 mL liquor/10 g body weight). The impact of Tengcha–Gegen Plant Solid Beverage on AAI was evaluated by the sober-up time, the plasma alcohol content, and the plasma and liver superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents or activities.

Results

The Tengcha–Gegen Plant Solid Beverage could shorten the sober-up time and decrease plasma alcohol levels at 0.2 and 0.4 g/kg body weight. The mechanistic studies showed that Tengcha–Gegen Plant Solid Beverage increased the plasma SOD and liver GSH levels but decreased the plasma MDA levels at the indicated doses.

Conclusions

This study confirmed that Tengcha–Gegen Plant Solid Beverage might have anti-alcoholism therapeutic potential and protect the liver against high oxidative stress induced by acute alcohol exposure in AAI mice.
Investigation of Protective Effect of Hydroalcoholic Extract of Walnut Tree Leaves (Juglans regia) on Gentamicin-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Male Wistar Rats
Authors: Meraati Zahra , Ale-Ebrahim Mahsa , Mortazavi Pejman , Chitgar Ali , Aghebat_Bekheir Saeed
Published: January 2025

Objective/background

The main side effect of gentamicin, an aminoglycoside antibiotic, is kidney toxicity. This side effect leads to electrolyte disorders and retention of nitrogen waste products such as urea and creatinine. This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of the hydroalcoholic extract of the walnut tree ( Juglans regia) on gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in male Wistar rats.

Methods

The experiment involved five groups of rats: a control group, a gentamicin-treated group, and three groups treated with different doses of walnut leaf extract (100, 200, or 400 mg/kg) via intragastric gavage for 14 consecutive days (once per day). After 14 days, blood samples were collected and analyzed for various biochemical markers. Kidney tissue was also examined histopathologically.

Results

Findings showed that gentamicin significantly increased levels of uric acid ( P < .001), urea ( P < .001), creatinine ( P < .01), albumin ( P < .001), and lipid profile while decreasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes SOD ( P < .001) and CAT ( P < .001) compared to the control group. It also caused kidney tissue damage. Treatment with walnut leaf extract could significantly reduce urea in all treatment groups. However, the reduction in creatinine levels after treatment with walnut leaf extract wasn’t significant. Further, walnut leaf extract at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg could significantly reduce albumin and uric acid levels ( P < .001). Walnut leaf extract significantly improved lipid profile. Also, walnut leaf extract significantly increased SOD and CAT activity in all doses. Walnut leaf extract significantly reduced kidney tissue damage, including inflammation, necrosis, and tubular degeneration.

Conclusion

The results of this study conclude that walnut tree leaf extract positively affects kidney function and histology in gentamicin-treated rats. This extract or similar compounds could be an antioxidant treatment for people with renal impairment or chronic kidney disease.
Mulberry – Nutritional Value, Health Benefits, and its Applications in Food, Biomaterials, and Medicine: A Systematic Review with Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Hu Zeqi , Su Yiyan , Jia Jiujie , Bian Xueren , Gu Yihao , Lv Guiyuan , Chen Suhong , Jiang Ninghua
Published: January 2025

Modern dietary habits and other factors have led to a global rise in chronic diseases, posing significant threats to daily life. Among the most valuable fruits worldwide, mulberry has been extensively studied for its diverse health benefits and economic potential. Mulberries are not only rich in nutrients and active compounds but also demonstrate antioxidant, hypolipidemic, hypoglycemic, hepatoprotective, antibacterial, and anticancer pharmacological effects. Despite these promising attributes, there is a lack of systematic evaluations of mulberry's bioactive substances and their pharmacological impacts. Additionally, the increasing focus on developing mulberry derivatives is crucial for enhancing its economic value. This systematic review, complemented by bibliometric analysis, aggregates relevant information from databases such as PubMed and Web of Science to explore research trends and hotspots. Through comprehensive analysis, this review elucidates the nutritional value of mulberry, its unique mechanisms in preventing and treating chronic diseases, and its potential applications in developing functional foods and biomaterials. The latest research findings are summarized to provide a robust scientific foundation for the future research, development, and utilization of mulberry and its derivatives, thereby expanding and deepening its applications in health promotion and disease prevention.
Role of Bioactive Ingredients from Medicine Food Homology Species in the Regulation of Chronic Gastritis
Authors: Danxi Yan , Likai Zhuang , Bohui Deng , Xiaorou Qiu , Ziyun Zeng , Yuxuan Zhang , Jieshu You
Published: January 2025

Backgrouds

Chronic gastritis is a chronic inflammation of the gastric mucosa caused by various etiologies. Many studies in recent years have shown that certain Chinese medicines and their bioactive components possess potential therapeutic effects on chronic gastritis.

Methods

This review focused on promising medicine food homology species used in China for the prevention and management of chronic gastritis, and their bioactive ingredients and underlying mechanisms were summarized and discussed.

Results

Finally, flavonoids, saponins, terpenoids, alkaloids and polysaccharides were found to be effective in preventing and/ or managing chronic gastritis by combating Helicobacter pylori infection, reducing the inflammatory response and gastric mucosal irritation, and regulating the intestinal microbiota.

Conclusions

The review is valuable to future studies and the development of medicine food homology species for the management of chronic gastritis.
All The (Fake) News That’s Fit to Share? News Values in Perceived Misinformation across Twenty-Four Countries
Authors: Nenno Sami , Puschmann Cornelius
Published: January 2025

While there is a strong scholarly interest surrounding the content of political misinformation online, much of this research concerns misinformation in Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich and Democratic (WEIRD) countries. Although such research has investigated the topical and stylistic characteristics of misinformation, its findings are frequently not interpreted systematically in relation to properties that journalists rely on to capture the attention of audiences, that is, in relation to news values. We close the gap on comparative studies of news values in misinformation with a perspective that emphasizes non-WEIRD countries. Relying on a dataset of URLs that were shared on Facebook in twenty-four countries and reported by users as containing false news, we compile a large corpus of online news items and use an array of computational tools to analyze its content with respect to a set of five news values (conflict, negativity, proximity, individualization, and informativeness). We find salient differences for almost all news values and regarding the WEIRD/non-WEIRD and flagged/unflagged distinction. Moreover, the prevalence of individual news values differs strongly for individual countries. However, while almost all differences are significant, the effects we encounter are mostly small.
Entering Journalism in Times of Democratic Backsliding: Hong Kong Young Journalists’ Career Decision and Persistence
Authors: Tse Hans T. F. , Lee Francis L. F. , Yang Stephanie Z. Q.
Published: January 2025

This study examines why young people enter and stay in the field of journalism in a context where democratic backsliding has undermined the condition for meaningful and professional journalistic work. Adopting a life course perspective and through in-depth interviews with twenty six young journalists in Hong Kong, which recently experienced a process of rapid backsliding, the study attempts to understand how young people develop their interest in journalism and conceptions of what journalism should be through examining their initial imagination of journalism, experiences with major political events, journalism education, and role models. We categorized the interviewees as aspiring idealists, socialized idealists, and pragmatists. These journalists had different responses to the reality of journalistic work after joining the field—ranging from adaptive resilience to baseline maintenance. The analysis sheds light on the myriad ways young journalists react to a changing political environment and the sources of the resilience of liberal professional journalism.