bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Environmental Hypertensionology and the Mosaic Theory of Hypertension
Authors: Rajagopalan Sanjay , Brook Robert D. , Münzel Thomas
Published: February 2025

Hypertension is a multifactorial condition influenced by the intricate interplay of biological and genetic determinants. The growing field of Environmental Hypertensionology endorses the outsized role of environmental factors in the pathogenesis and exacerbation of hypertension. It provides a clinical approach to address these factors at the individual and societal levels. Environmental stressors contributing to blood pressure levels can be viewed within the mosaic model of hypertension, which offers a comprehensive framework for understanding blood pressure regulation through its connection with multiple other nodes causally related to the pathogenesis of hypertension. This review synthesizes growing evidence supporting the impact of several factors in the physical environment and adverse stressors embedded in key provisioning systems, including air, noise, and chemical pollution, along with aspects of the built environment, green spaces, food systems, on the global burden of hypertension. Although many factors may not be directly in the causal cascade of hypertension, the web of connections between many behooves an understanding of the important nodes for intervention. Public health strategies emphasizing the redesign of environments present an unprecedented opportunity to enhance global hypertension control rates. Future research should thus focus on integrating environmental risk assessment and interventions into clinical practice, optimizing urban planning, and public policy to achieve meaningful reductions in the global burden of hypertension. By understanding hypertension as a mosaic of interconnected causes, healthcare professionals are better equipped to individualize treatment, combining lifestyle interventions and multiple drug classes to target environmental and genetic factors driving high blood pressure.
Valsartan to Prevent Acquired Pulmonary Vein Stenosis in Pediatric Patients After Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Connection Surgery
Authors: Shentu Jin , Zhang Mingjie , Xu Zhuoming , Wen Chen , Zhang Hao , Zhu Zhongqun , Chen Huiwen , Shi Guocheng
Published: February 2025

Background

Recurrent pulmonary vein stenosis (PVS) following surgical repair of total anomalous pulmonary venous connection is associated with poor prognosis. Preclinical studies have shown that use of an angiotensin receptor blocker can attenuate intimal hyperplasia; notwithstanding, its clinical utility is of uncertain benefit.

Methods

This single‐center study included patients undergoing total anomalous pulmonary venous connection repair in 2020 to 2021. Since August 2020, patients have been considered for valsartan therapy early after operation. Contemporaneous participants were subcategorized into study versus control groups based on valsartan exposure. Patients in the control group were treated with the same protocolized algorithm except valsartan administration. The primary end point was postoperative PVS (PPVS) progression.

Results

Overall, 104 patients operated on at a median age of 1.3 months were included (valsartan group: 25 versus control group: 79). The baseline characteristics were similar between the 2 groups. Within a median follow‐up of 28.6 months, 27 patients developed PPVS noted by echocardiography and computed tomography angiography, among which 22 with clinical PPVS underwent reoperations. No between‐group difference was observed in the incidence of initial PPVS (
P
=0.80, Cohen's h=0.06 [95% CI, −0.38 to 0.50]) and reoperation (
P
=0.46, Cohen's h=−0.18[ 95% CI, −0.65 to 0.29]); however, patients in the valsartan group had a significantly lower risk of PPVS progression (
P
=0.019, Cohen's h=−1.12 [95% CI, −1.66 to −0.57]) and subsequent PPVS progression after reoperation (
P
=0.011, Cohen's h=−1.71 [95% CI, −2.61 to −0.82]) compared with the control group. PPVS‐related death was observed in 9 cases (11.4%) in the control group versus none (0%) in the valsartan group. No adverse event related to valsartan occurred in this series.

Conclusions

Early use of valsartan after total anomalous pulmonary venous connection surgery appears to potentially be a feasible and effective adjunct to reoperation in treating pediatric acquired PVS.
Artificial Intelligence ECG Diastolic Dysfunction and Survival in Cardiac Intensive Care Unit Patients
Authors: Jentzer Jacob C. , Lee Eunjung , Attia Zachi , Hillerson Dustin , Kane Garvan C. , Lopez‐Jimenez Francisco , Noseworthy Peter A. , Friedman Paul A. , Oh Jae K.
Published: February 2025

Background

Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) predicts mortality in patients in cardiac intensive care units. An artificial intelligence enhanced ECG (AIECG) algorithm can predict LVDD and mortality in general populations but has not been examined in cardiac intensive care units.

Methods

This historical cohort study included consecutive adults admitted to Mayo Clinic cardiac intensive care unit from 2007 to 2018 with an admission AIECG. The AIECG assigned the LVDD grade (0–3). Medial mitral E/e' ratio >15 on transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) defined elevated filling pressures. In‐hospital and 1‐year mortality was evaluated, before and after multivariable adjustment.

Results

We included 11 868 patients (median age 69.5 years, 37.7% female); 48% had heart failure and 44% had acute coronary syndromes. AIECG LVDD grade was 0 (normal), 33%; 1, 7%; 2, 39%; and 3, 21%. In‐hospital and 1‐year mortality increased in each higher AIECG LVDD grade. After adjustment, each higher AIECG LVDD grade was associated with higher in‐hospital (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 1.22 [95% CI, 1.13–1.32]) and 1‐year mortality (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.23 [95% CI, 1.19–1.29]); this persisted after adjustment for TTE measurements. Patients with grade 2 or 3 LVDD by AIECG and medial mitral E/e' ratio >15 by TTE had the highest in‐hospital (adjusted OR, 2.54 [95% CI, 1.69–3.88]) and 1‐year (adjusted HR, 2.03 [95% CI, 1.65–2.48]) mortality, whereas patients meeting either of these criteria had similar, elevated mortality.

Conclusions

The AIECG LVDD grade was strongly associated with in‐hospital and 1‐year mortality in patients in cardiac intensive care units, even after adjusting for clinical variables and TTE measurements. Patients with concordant AIECG and TTE for elevated filling pressures were at highest risk.
In‐Hospital or Out‐of‐Hospital Initiation of Sacubitril/Valsartan Versus Valsartan in Patients With Mildly Reduced or Preserved Ejection Fraction After A Worsening Heart Failure Event: The PARAGLIDE‐HF Trial
Authors: Nouhravesh Nina , Cyr Derek , Hernandez Adrian F. , Morrow David A. , Velazquez Eric J. , Ward Jonathan , Sarwat Samiha , Sharma Kavita , Williamson Kristin , Starling Randall C. , Lepage Serge , Zieroth Shelley , Solomon Scott D. , Mentz Robert J.
Published: February 2025

Background

Efficacy and tolerability of sacubitril/valsartan (Sac/Val) is not well characterized in heart failure (HF) with ejection fraction >40% initiated in‐hospital. Thus, this prespecified PARAGLIDE‐HF (Prospective Comparison of ARNI With ARB Given Following Stabilization In Decompensated HFpEF) analysis assessed the effects of Sac/Val versus valsartan (Val) by location of initiation in HF with ejection fraction >40% and recent worsening HF.

Methods and Results

This analysis of the double‐blind, randomized controlled trial assessed patients by in‐hospital and out‐of‐hospital (≤30 days of worsening HF) initiation. The primary end point was time‐averaged proportional change in NT‐proBNP (N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide) from baseline through weeks 4 and 8. A secondary hierarchical outcome consisted of cardiovascular death, HF hospitalizations, urgent HF visits, and NT‐proBNP change. Safety end points were symptomatic hypotension, hyperkalemia, and worsening renal function. Overall, 324 (70%, 162 Sac/Val, 162 Val) were initiated in‐hospital and 142 (71 Sac/Val, 71 Val) out‐of‐hospital. There was no evidence of a statistically significant differential treatment benefit of Sac/Val versus Val on NT‐proBNP change by location of initiation (in‐hospital, 0.86 [95% CI, 0.70–1.05] and out‐of‐hospital, 0.87 [95% CI, 0.70–1.09];
P
interaction
=0.99). The win ratio for the hierarchical outcome was 1.09 (95% CI, 0.82–1.45;
P
=0.57) for in‐hospital and 1.43 (95% CI, 0.91–2.26;
P
=0.12) for out‐of‐hospital. For the safety end points of symptomatic hypotension, hyperkalemia, and worsening renal function, no statistically significant differences in tolerability were seen between in‐hospital and out‐hospital initiation (
P
interaction
>0.1).

Conclusions

Sac/Val provided consistent benefit compared with Val, whether initiated in‐hospital or out‐of‐hospital in HF with ejection fraction >40% with a recent worsening HF event, demonstrating an opportunity to improve postdischarge outcomes by initiating Sac/Val during hospitalization.
Is the stability of ACTH in whole blood a genuine concern during the preanalytical phase? A systematic review
Authors: Lemaire Stéphanie , Duvillard Laurence , Ménégaut Louise , Denimal Damien , Dib Ahmad , Leleu Damien
Published: February 2025

Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) has historically been considered an unstable hormone after venous sampling, necessitating stringent conditions for the transport of blood samples to the laboratory to ensure accurate measurement. However, recent investigations suggest that ACTH may be more stable than previously assumed, raising the possibility of more flexible handling conditions. This prompted us to conduct a systematic review using the MEDLINE database to ascertain the stability of ACTH in blood samples. We included 9 studies in our final analysis from 405 reports. Our findings reveal that all studies reported a mean percentage difference (PD%) in ACTH concentrations relative to baseline below the 10% threshold when uncentrifuged tubes were stored under refrigerated conditions for 2, 4, 6, and 8 hours. In contrast, the mean PD% exceed the 10% threshold in 5 out of 7 studies investigating a storage duration of 24 hours under refrigerated conditions. Nearly all studies reported a mean PD% in ACTH concentrations relative to baseline below 10% when uncentrifuged tubes were stored at room temperature for 2, 4, and 6 hours. However, for storage durations of 8, 12, and 24 hours at room temperature, most studies observed a mean PD% exceeding 10%. In summary, our findings suggest that ACTH remains stable in uncentrifuged tubes containing EDTA for 6 h at room temperature and at least 8 h under refrigerated conditions. Our findings can assist clinical laboratories in reviewing their acceptance criteria for sample transport regarding time and temperature.
Investigating Sensitivity to Shared Information and Personal Experience in Children’s Use of Majority Information
Authors: Gelpí Rebekah A. , Otsubo Kay , Whalen Amy , Buchsbaum Daphna
Published: February 2025

Children and adults alike rely on others to learn about the world, but also need to be able to determine the strength of both their own evidence as well as the evidence that other people provide, particularly when different sources of information disagree. For example, if two informants agree on a belief but share the same evidence, their testimony is statistically dependent on each other, and may be weaker evidence for that belief than two informants who draw on different pieces of evidence to support that belief. Across three experiments (total N = 492), we examine how 4- and 5-year-old children evaluate statistical dependency on a task where they must determine which of two jars that toys were drawn from. A majority of informants, whose testimony could draw from the same evidence or different evidence, always endorsed one jar. Then, children were presented with a dissenting informant or their own personal data that was consistent with the other jar. Children showed no sensitivity to statistical dependency, choosing the majority with equal probability regardless of the independence of their testimony, but also systematically overweighted their own personal data, endorsing the jar consistent with their own evidence more often than would be predicted by an optimal Bayesian model. In contrast, children made choices consistent with this model on a similar task in which the data was presented to children without testimony. Our findings suggest that young children treat majorities as broadly informative, but that the challenges of inferring others’ experiences may lead them to rely on concrete, visible evidence when it is available.
The genus Xerocomellus (Boletales, Boletaceae) in Mexico: a new species, a new record, and notes on its biocultural importance
Authors: PÉREZ-MORENO JESÚS , FUENTES-GARCÍA ORALIA , MARTÍNEZ-REYES MAGDALENA , MARTÍNEZ-GONZÁLEZ CÉSAR RAMIRO , REYES MAYRA LAGUNES , DÍAZ-AGUILAR IRMA , AYALA-VÁSQUEZ OLIVIA
Published: February 2025

Mexico has a great diversity of Boletaceae species. However, some genera, including those of the Xerocomellus, have been overlooked. This work presents a new species and a new record of Xerocomellus, together with a key to the Xerocomellus in Mexico. The new species of Xerocomellus is proposed based on morphological and phylogenetic analyses of DNA sequences from four genes (ITS, LSU, rpb1, and tef1). Xerocomellus piedracanteadensis sp. nov. forms an independent lineage from other species of the genus and is characterized by medium-sized basidiomata, dry, tomentose to rivulose or areolate pileus surface with whitish flesh staining pale yellow to pale red, with basidiospores ranging from (8)10–14(15) × (3)–5 µm, pileipellis formed by a trichoderm 300 µm thick, with terminals cells 13–55 × (8)10–23 µm, cylindrical, ovoid, subglobose to mammillate with rounded or acute apex, coarsely encrusting in lower elements ringed look wall, dark brown. Additionally, the geographical range of Xerocomellus bolinii, previously known only from Florida, the USA, is broadened to Central Mexico, and its edibility is reported for the first time. Photographs and a detailed description of the new species, the new record, and their phylogenetic analysis results are presented. An updated key for the Xerocomellus in Mexico is also presented.
Checklist of Xylaria Hill ex Schrank (Xylariaceae, Xylariales) in Brazilian Atlantic Forest
Authors: GONDIM NICOLE HELENA DE BRITO , MAIA LEONOR COSTA , MELO ROGER FAGNER RIBEIRO
Published: February 2025

Xylaria Hill ex Schrank (Xylariaceae, Xylariales) is characterized by the formation of thick walled perithecia in erect, carbonaceous, usually macroscopic stromata, on dead, lignified plant organs. Most species are saprotrophic, but endophytic, parasitic and insect symbionts are also found. Xylaria is mostly a tropical genus, and here the results of a survey on its occurrence in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest are presented. The genus is well represented in this biome. In addition to the 601 compiled herbaria records, 157 records are added here, totaling 758, which correspond to 71 valid taxa. This study contributed with new records of X. escharoidea and X. ruginosa for Brazil, X. digitata, X. euphorbiicola and X. nigripes, for the Brazilian Northeast; X. allantoidea, X. anisopleura, X. arbuscula, X. comosa, X. curta, X. feejeensis, X. grammica, X. hypoxylon, X. longipes, X. myosurus, X. obovata, X. poitei, X. polymorpha, X. telfairii and X. scruposa constitute for Alagoas. Xylaria cubensis and X. apiculata stood out with the highest number of records in Brazil.
A new species of the enchytraeid genus Mesenchytraeus Eisen, 1878 (Clitellata, Enchytraeidae) from the eastern Chukot Peninsula, Russian Far East, as further evidence of former trans-Beringian faunal connections
Authors: DÓZSA-FARKAS KLÁRA , MAKAROVA OLGA
Published: February 2025

A new potworm species, Mesenchytraeus tschukotensis Dózsa-Farkas sp. nov., is described from the Lavretiya Bay coast, eastern Chukot Peninsula, Russian Far East, based on morphological details. Its numerous records appear to be confined to a single Arctic ground squirrel (Urocitellus parryii (Richardson, 1825)) colony with dense grassy vegetation. Such an association is suggested to be caused by the specific winter microclimatic conditions in gopher burrows due to the rodent’s thermogeny. The new enchytraeid species, together with M. harrimani Eisen, 1904; M. maculatus Eisen, 1904; and M. melanocephalus Christensen & Dózsa-Farkas, 1999, form an amphi-Beringian group of closely related species, similar in the structure of the spermathecal ampullae, that seems to be confined to the Pacific coast of North America and the Arctic coast of Siberia.
Influences of Non-Linear Thermal Radiation and Cattaneo-Christov Heat and Mass Fluxes on Electrical Conductivity of Jeffrey Ternary Hybrid Nanofluid Flow
Authors: Moltot Asfaw Tsegaye , Haile Eshetu , Awgichew Gurju , Dessie Hunegnaw
Published: February 2025

This study investigates the three-dimensional flow of a Jeffrey ternary hybrid nanofluid over a stretching sheet, incorporating nonlinear thermal radiation, magnetic field, permeable porous medium, chemical reaction, suction parameter, nanoparticle volume fraction, joule heating, and
time relaxation effects using the Cattaneo-Christov model for heat and mass flux. The energy and concentration equations are analyzed to evaluate the impact of thermophoresis and Brownian motion. Ternary hybrid nanofluids, consisting of Cu, Ag, and Al2O3 nanoparticles
suspended in C2H6O2 are explored for their potential to enhance thermal transport in critical industrial applications such as automotive engines, solar energy systems, aerospace technologies, and electronic cooling systems. By applying a similarity variable,
the complex partial differential equations are reduced to ordinary differential equations, whose solutions are derived using MATLAB’s bvp4c function. The study provides a detailed comparison of the flow characteristics of mono, hybrid, and ternary nanofluids, focusing on the effects
of Joule heating, non-linear thermal radiation, and thermal and mass relaxation times on flow behavior under the influence of a magnetic field. The findings reveal that ternary hybrid nanofluids significantly enhance heat transfer rates compared to both hybrid and conventional nanofluids,
with nanoparticle concentrations directly improving thermal conductivity, leading to a higher local Nusselt number. Additionally, the temperature profile and thermal boundary layer thickness increase due to Joule heating, Brownian motion, non-linear radiation, and thermophoresis effects. Notably,
the study finds that increasing the stretching ratio, Deborah number, and thermal relaxation time results in a reduction in temperature distribution. This work offers novel quantitative insights into the effects of ternary hybrid nanofluids, highlighting their superior heat transfer capabilities
in comparison to mono, hybrid nanofluids, and ternary hybrid nanofluids, providing valuable data for optimizing industrial thermal management systems. The results are validated against existing literature, showing excellent agreement, and comprehensive graphical and tabular data are presented
to illustrate the influence of various physical parameters on heat and mass transfer dynamics.
Effect of Activation Energy with Chemical Reaction on Heat and Mass Transfer in MHD Casson Nanofluid Over an Inclined Stretching Cylinder
Authors: Mondal Hiranmoy , Das Subrata , Kundu Prabir Kumar
Published: February 2025

The Main aim of this work is to analyse the effect of activation energy on chemical reaction as well as its effect on heat and mass transfer in Casson nanofluid flow with an inclined stretching cylinder over magnetive field and also gives the impact of activation energy with frictional
heating among all various factors. The effect of various parameter, such as curvature parameter, temperature distribution parameter, boundary surface force, external magnetic parameter, thermal radiation parameter, chemical reaction with heat source, viscous dissipation are taken in to account.
The basic flow equations gives the partial differential equations (PDE) are reduced in the form of ODE (ordinary differential equations) and then calculate through SQML (Spectral quasi-linearization method). Here the activation energy with chemical reaction rate over concentration field have
been observe in the boundary layer, the influences of physical and fluid constants on the temperature, velocity and concentration field are analysed, and analysed through graphs.
Predictive Modelling and Optimization of Entropy Generation in Power-Law Hybrid Nanofluid Flow Over Rotating Disk Using Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System-Particle Swarm Optimization
Authors: Divya A. , Jithendra Thandra , Hemalatha E.
Published: February 2025

Modelling hypothetical phenomena with a power-law hybrid fluid over a spinning disk is the main objective of the present effort. In this phase of progress, optimization of a numerical approach that integrates the Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) and Particle Swarm Optimization
(PSO) to fabricate a heat source/sink, non-linear thermal radiation and entropy generation has been facilitated. To make sure that the appropriate self-similarity variables have been used to convert a non-linear PDE set of s into an ODE. The model’s study findings, with a few notable
exceptions, generally align with those from earlier studies included in the dataset that trained the ANFIS-PSO model. The visually appealing outcomes for various profiles reflect the effects of the active elements. This illustrates how the velocity and temperature profiles grow abruptly with
increasing magnetic field and radiation, creating a paradox with decreasing electric field inputs. Also, the temperature profile’s tilting of the heat source or sink indicates inclination. Additionally, ANFIS-PSO training was used to examine the approximations for certain circumstances,
and the effectiveness of the created ANFIS-PSO was assessed by comparing it to a testing dataset. The nanoparticles used here, with their longer render, might be suitable for use in biological and industrial applications, including heat exchanger simulation, the glass and polymer industries,
and metal plate cooling.
Heat Generation/Absorption and Thermal Radiation Effects on MHD Peristaltic Blood Flow via a Porous Medium in the Presence of Heat and Mass Transfers of a Jeffrey Fluid Supported by Gold Nanoparticles: Cancer Treatment Application
Authors: Abo-Dahab Sayed Mohamed , Abdallah Abdel-Moaty Mohamed , Mohamed Ramadan Abdallah , Soliman Mahmoud Sayed
Published: February 2025

Blood plays a fundamental role in transporting oxygen and nutrients to all cells of the body of the living organism by moving it through the blood vessels that consist of veins, arteries, and capillaries by the heart. Blood is used to deliver medicine to treat certain diseases like
cancer using contemporary techniques called thermal nanotechnology. The main objective of this study aims to examine the impacts of heat generation/absorption, and heat radiation MHD the peristaltic movement of a Jeffrey fluid (a blood model) in the existence of gold nanoparticles (Au) through
an asymmetric channel in a porous media. By using the approximation of long waves and ignoring The Reynolds number for magnetic, the flow process is controlled by a system of partial differential equations was changed into a new ordinary differential equation system which were then solved
analytically by the differential operator’s method. With MATHEMATICA 10 software, a graphical analysis was carried out to show the behaviors of the main distributions under investigation under the influence of every physical parameter that the study produced, along with an explanation
of the underlying principles, physical meanings, and potential medical applications. According to some study findings, the delivery of the medication and the treatment of incurable diseases when thermal radiation and heat generation/absorption were present, greatly aided by the favorable impacts
of the Darcy number and magnetic field on the distribution of axial velocity as well as by raising the volume fraction of gold nanoparticles and the temperature.
Mixed Convection Ferro Fe3O4/Cu-Hybrid-Nanofluid Flow in Vertical Flat Microchannel
Authors: Renu Km. , Negi Anup Singh
Published: February 2025

Mixed convection of Ferro hybrid nanofluid (Fe3O4 + Cu/H2O) in a vertical-oriented microchannel with slip boundary conditions has been taken into account in this article. The sides of channels are assumed to be heating linearly; under these assumptions,
a system of partial differential equations of momentum and energy has been considered. Using the non-dimensional variable technique, the partial differential equation was converted into an ordinary differential equation and solved analytically. Varying the relevant parameters significantly
affects the velocity and temperature profile, as well as the Nusselt number. The results revealed that hybrid fluid, Knudsen, and Rayleigh numbers all affect the velocity and temperature behavior. Referring to the obtained results, shear stress is reduced by 10% as the nanoparticles increase
from 5 to 10%. Also, shear stress reduced by increasing hybrid nano-particle.
The Future of Theological Journals: An Augustinian Reflection
Authors: Sonderegger Katherine
Published: February 2025

This essay reflects on the profound changes to academic publishing over the last generation, drawing upon Augustine’s own encounter with radical change at the end of his life.
Exploring Completion Rates of the SNOT-22 Questionnaire
Authors: Amin Luv , Davis John , Thapa Mishek , Khalil Syeda L. , Wu Arthur W. , Higgins Thomas S. , Tang Dennis M.
Published: February 2025

Background:

The 22-item Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) is a widely used patient-reported outcome measure (PROM) for assessing chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). However, incomplete surveys may impact its predictive utility.

Aims:

This study explores SNOT-22 completion rates, response trends, and potential factors influencing survey omissions aiming to optimize its predictive utility and practical application.

Methods:

SNOT-22 surveys were retrospectively collected from patients at various time points throughout their CRS treatment. Surveys with at least one question unanswered were included in the study. Completely unanswered surveys were excluded. Survey response dynamics and trends were analyzed and reported.

Results:

1,034 SNOT-22 surveys were collected, 18% of the surveys were incomplete. Questions on “Ear fullness” and “Embarrassed” were most unanswered, while “Need to blow nose” and “Nasal blockage” were least unanswered. Questions later in the survey showed a moderate positive correlation with missing responses. Mean scores per question were higher in incomplete than in complete surveys, though differences in SNOT-22 scores between partially and fully completed surveys weren’t significant.

Conclusion:

Our study found that a large number of SNOT-22 surveys were incomplete, higher than rates reported in similar PROMs. Mean scores did not differ significantly between partial and complete surveys, suggesting interpretation should prioritize individual responses over total scores. Potential barriers to survey completion include question wording, symptom relevance, and survey length. Future research should further investigate survey completion through qualitative methods and randomized question ordering to refine survey design.
Effects of Auditory Anticipatory Cues and Lead Time on Visually Induced Motion Sickness
Authors: Xin Xin , Chen Xinyuan , Liu Wei
Published: February 2025

Objective

This study aims to investigate the ability of auditory cues for predicting motion and lead times to mitigate visually induced motion sickness (VIMS).

Background

The vehicle information systems predominantly utilize visual displays, which can introduce conflicts between visual and vestibular motion cues, potentially resulting in VIMS. In these scenarios, auditory cues may provide a viable solution, especially when visual cues are diminished by fatigue or distractions.

Methods

In two distinct studies, a total of 180 participants were involved in investigating the impact of auditory cues on VIMS. In Study 1, participants were categorized based on the type of auditory cue they received (speech, nonspeech, or no-cue). Study 2 examined the effects of three different lead times (1 s, 2 s, and 3 s) between the activation of the auditory cue and the occurrence of car braking or turning in nonspeech conditions. VIMS severity was assessed with the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ) before and after the simulation phase.

Results

Nonspeech cues significantly reduced VIMS compared to speech or no-cue. VIMS was notably lower with a 2 s lead time than with 1 s or 3 s lead times, and females reported higher levels of VIMS than males.

Conclusion

Results across two studies suggest using nonspeech cues with a 2-second lead time to reduce VIMS. It also recommends investigating the effects of duration, tone, and voice frequency. Furthermore, the study proposes extensive research into lead time settings for various scenarios such as driving fatigue, hillside roads, and traffic congestion.

Application

These findings offer potential value in designing auditory cues to reduce VIMS in autonomous driving, simulators, VR games, and films.
Production of polystyrene nanofibers for adsorption of mineral oils derived from petroleum
Authors: da Silveira Kelen Pagliarini , da Silva Crespo Janaina , Catafesta Jadna , Giovanela Marcelo , Takimi Antonio Shigueaki , Tubino Rejane Maria Candiota
Published: February 2025

Technological innovations can offer a multitude of benefits to modern society; however, they often fail to fully address the desired requirements for the specific applications, particularly when considering environmental impacts of solid waste. Expanded polystyrene (EPS) waste exemplifies this challenge, highlighting the urgent need for innovative and effective solutions to address the existing gaps in conventional technologies. In this regard, chemical dissolution methods using organic solvents emerge as a viable approach for polymer recovery and impurity removal. This study focused on the preparation of EPS nanofibers from polymeric solutions with concentrations of 10% (EPS_10) and 15% (w/w) (EPS_15) in chloroform, employing the solution blow spinning technique. The resulting nanofibers were then characterized morphologically through scanning electron microscopy and evaluated for their oil adsorption efficiency. Overall, the EPS_10 and EPS_15 nanofibers displayed average diameters of 149.7 and 330.5 nm, respectively, and achieved maximum adsorption capacities of 37.0 and 70.1 g/g for petroleum jelly, and 33.3 and 48.9 g/g for lubricating oil. These results emphasize the transformative potential of EPS nanofibers as high-performance sorbent materials, offering promising opportunities for their application in oil spill remediation and wastewater treatment. By addressing a critical environmental issue, this work contributes to developing a solution for managing solid waste and mitigating its ecological impact.
Investigation of preparation and properties of Al–Zn–Mg–Cu alloy by metal injection moulding
Authors: Chang Lingling , Wu Mao , Zhang Lin , Meng Yizhe , Qu Xuanhui
Published: February 2025

The sintering densification behaviour, heat treatment and mechanical properties of the Al–Zn–Mg–Cu alloys fabricated by metal injection moulding (MIM) were investigated in this study. It is found that the Al–Mg(–Sn), Al–Zn–Mg and Al–Cu liquid phases were formed successively, and then transformed into a homogeneous Al–Zn–Mg–Cu liquid phase during the sintering process, thereby promoting the sintering densification. The results showed that the precipitation sequence of MIM Al–Zn–Mg–Cu alloy was as follows: GP zone →η′ phase →η phase, which was similar to the wrought 7xxx series alloys. After peak aging treatment, the fine GP zone and η′ phase were the dominant strengthening phases, and the MIM Al–Zn–Mg–Cu alloy exhibited the highest tensile strength of 510 MPa. While the precipitates at grain boundaries of MIM aluminium alloys were composed of η phase and semi-continuous Al–Mg–O layer, which was distinctly different from the wrought 7xxx series aluminium alloys. The hard and brittle Al–Mg–O layer facilitated the initiation and propagation of cracks, and thus deteriorated the grain boundary strength. It might be the reason that the tensile strength and elongation of MIM aluminium alloys are normally inferior to their wrought counterpart.
Investigating the Role of Avoidance Expectancies and Metacognitions About Social Compensation Through SNSs in the Pathway From Psychological Distress to Problematic Social Networking Sites Use
Authors: Casale Silvia , Fioravanti Giulia , Gori Alessio , Nigro Francesco , Bocci Benucci Sara
Published: February 2025

Problematic Social Networking Sites Use (PSNSU) develops along differential trajectories depending on different predisposing factors and motivations, one of which involves psychological distress. The present studies aimed at investigating (1) which distress dimension (i.e., depression, anxiety, and stress) is more linked to PSNSU, and (2) whether metacognitions about social compensation through social networking sites (SNSs) use and avoidance expectancies mediate these links. Two independent cross-sectional studies were conducted. Study 1 involved 1.637 social networking site users (Mage = 25.07 + 11.70; %Females = 59.9%). Results showed that users who report PSNSU symptoms were more likely to present symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress, which accurately classified 83.05% of individuals with PSNSU symptoms. Depression and stress – but not anxiety – significantly predict PSNSU. A small subgroup of individuals with PSNSU symptoms who obtained normal scores on depression, anxiety, and stress scales was also identifiable. Study 2 was conducted to address the second aim. We recruited a new sample of 510 social networking site users (Mage = 32.62 ± 11.83; %Females = 57.5%) and focused on depression and social anxiety as psychological distress dimensions. Through Structural Equation Modeling, we found that depressive symptoms predicted PSNSU directly and indirectly via both metacognitions about social compensation through SNSs use and avoidance expectancies. Social anxiety predicted PSNSU only indirectly. The model explained 68% of the variance in PSNSU levels. These studies show that assessment of psychological distress may require priority when treating clients presenting with PSNSU. Avoidance and metacognitions related to the usefulness of SNSs use for social compensation should be the focus of interventions, especially when it comes to individuals with social anxiety symptoms. Yet, our first study also encourages considering pathways that may be independent of depression and anxiety, as a form of PSNSU unrelated to psychological distress was identified.
Motion and morphological changes of straight and hooked fibers in high-speed airflow field
Authors: Yang Rui-Hua , Gong Xin-Xia , Hua Yu-Zhu
Published: February 2025

In this study, we conducted a simulation to analyze the movement of 28 mm cotton fibers with straight, front-hooked, and rear-hooked morphologies in a rotor spinning unit that included fiber transport channels, rotor slip surfaces, and collection grooves. The results demonstrate that the speed of the straight fibers in the spinning unit follows a pattern of first increasing and then stabilizing. Specifically, within the fiber transport channel, the fiber speed ranged from 22 to 27.4 m·s−1, with no significant change observed in fiber morphology. Within the rotor itself, the fiber speed range was approximately 27.4 to 115.5 m·s−1. Furthermore, while both types of hooked fiber exhibited similar morphological changes within the fiber transport channel, at the exit into the slip surface area they exhibited different shapes, specifically when entering the collection groove: for front-hooked fibers, their bent parts would be straightened out completely, whereas it was difficult for rear-hooked fibers’ bent parts to be completely straightened out after entering the collection groove. It was also observed that, within the collection grooves, the straightness of front-hooked fibers was 40%–51% higher than that of rear-hooked fibers. The spinning experiments have revealed that yarn quality is significantly improved when the yarn is spun from raw materials containing a higher proportion of front-hooked fibers. This improvement is evident in terms of breaking strength, elongation at break, evenness, and hair index. The study delves into understanding changes in fiber shape through numerical simulation analysis, providing theoretical guidance for production optimization and design solutions.
Enhancing Language Learning Through Generative Artificial Intelligence in Blended Learning: An Empirical Study on Productive and Receptive of Informal Digital Learning English
Authors: Lee Tony , Cho Vincent
Published: February 2025

This study investigated the role of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools in facilitating informal digital English learning activities among second language (L2) learners in a Chinese context. It explored how factors like learners’ ideal L2 self-imagination, international posture, and perceptions of information quality influence their engagement with productive (e.g., writing, speaking) and receptive (e.g., reading, listening) informal digital learning activities mediated by generative AI. Drawing from theories of consumption values and self-determination, the research model examined relationships between these variables. The findings suggest that while generative AI holds promise for informal digital language learning by facilitating imagination of an ideal multilingual self, there are opportunities to enhance functionality for L2 contexts. Nurturing an international mindset through interventions may also promote informal learning across genders. Adapting informal digital learning resources based on factors like information quality perceptions could increase engagement. This study provides insights into harnessing generative AI effectively for blended language learning solutions.
Does Working Out-of-the-Office Work for Employees? Alternative Work Arrangements, Ambiguity, and Job Satisfaction in the Federal Workforce
Authors: Fowler Luke , Birdsall Chris
Published: February 2025

Public employees working away from the office has become more common in recent years, but the impact of these changes is not fully understood. This study considers whether out-of-office work culture impacts how employees come to make sense of their organizations, jobs, and work life, and, in turn, how this may affect job satisfaction. Using Stata 15’s random sampling tool, the authors employ Structural Equation Modeling of three random samples of 2,000 respondents from the 2022 Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey. Findings indicate that employees are likely to perceive more goal clarity and support for work–life balance where out-of-office work proliferates, leading to higher job satisfaction. By altering how employees interact with their colleagues, working away from the office often leaves employees with clearer perceptions of organizational goals and boundaries around their work lives. In turn, this supports higher job satisfaction as public servants have a stronger understanding of their work identities. This adds further dimension to understanding how the push toward telework or similar arrangements impacts organizations and employees in the public sector.
Offspring Education and Parents’ COVID-19 Vaccination
Authors: Applegate Jaycob , Yahirun Jenjira
Published: February 2025

Studies on COVID-19 vaccine uptake often focus on individual characteristics; however, fewer studies have assessed how the characteristics of family members might matter for vaccine decisions. This study employs a “social foreground” perspective to ask how the resources of adult children are associated with COVID-19 vaccine uptake among older adult parents. Using data from the U.S. Health and Retirement Study ( N = 8086), we find that having a most-educated child who completes college is positively associated with parents’ vaccine uptake when compared to having a most-educated child who did not complete college. This association is driven by respondents who themselves have a high school education or less, supporting resource substitution theory. Findings from this study extend the social foreground perspective to offer new insight into the health behaviors of older adults during pandemics.
Stereological estimation of mean nuclear volume as a prognostic factor in canine subcutaneous mast cell tumors
Authors: Catarino José , Macara Ana , Barros André , Ramilo David , Coelho Filipa , Santos Joana , Faísca Pedro
Published: February 2025

Classification schemes regarding canine subcutaneous mast cell tumors (csMCTs) remain elusive, lack consensus, and are prone to interobserver variability and bias. This observational study aimed to assess the reproducibility and the prognostic significance of volume-weighted mean nuclear volume ([Formula: see text]), a stereological estimation offering insights into nuclear size and its variability, in csMCTs. Thirty csMCTs were selected with information regarding outcome, and [Formula: see text] was estimated using the “point-sampled intercept” method. Interobserver and intraobserver [Formula: see text] reproducibility yielded concordance coefficients near or above 0.90. Regarding previously reported risk factors (pattern, mitotic count, and multinucleated cells), no statistically significant differences were identified between patterns and clinical outcome, nor between patterns and [Formula: see text]; however, the infiltrative pattern was represented more in the poorer outcome group and had higher [Formula: see text] values. When comparing [Formula: see text] and clinical outcome, a statistically significant difference emerged. Cases with poorer outcomes had higher [Formula: see text] values ([Formula: see text] = 192.9) than cases with more favorable outcomes ([Formula: see text] = 120.5), and this association was statistically significant on both univariable and multivariable analyses. This study suggests that [Formula: see text] is highly reproducible and is associated with clinical outcome in csMCTs.
Reconsidering the ‘post-truth critique’: Scientific controversies and pandemic responses in Brazil
Authors: Edler Duarte Daniel , Benetti Pedro Rolo , Alvarez Marcos Cesar
Published: February 2025

Science and Technology Studies (STS) has long been criticized for eroding science’s authority and blurring the line between opinions and facts, and more recently for contributing to the emergence of ‘far-right populists’ and ‘anti-science movements’. This article argues that ‘post-truth politics’ does not necessarily entail epistemic democratization. This claim is based on an investigation of the controversies surrounding public health policies during the Covid-19 pandemic in Brazil. In 2021, the Brazilian parliament established an inquiry into allegations that President Jair Bolsonaro neglected expert advice and actively promoted contagion, causing a surge in hospitalizations and deaths. The analysis of testimonies and ensuing debates suggests that so-called ‘science deniers’ did not contest scientific authority but instead positioned themselves as critical thinkers who sought to expose political interests masquerading as facts. Bolsonaro’s allies claimed to be supported by unbiased experts who had more prestige and credibility than those cited by the opposition. In short, they were not against modern scientific knowledge and methods but claimed to speak in the name of the best available scientific evidence. Thus, instead of blaming STS for the ‘post-truth era’, we should further engage with its conceptual tools to understand the complex relations of ‘far-right politics’ and scientific institutions. More specifically, we need to investigate how expertise gets distributed, how different statements accumulate authority, and how scientific knowledge is enacted across multiple fields of practice.
Impact of Sepsis Onset Timing on All-Cause Mortality in Acute Pancreatitis: A Multicenter Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Huang Xiaodong , Liu Siyao , Xu Zhihong , Liu Xiong , Hu Jun , Pan Mandong , Yang Chengbin , Lin Jiyan , Huang Xianwei
Published: February 2025

Background

Sepsis complicates acute pancreatitis (AP), increasing mortality risk. Few studies have examined how sepsis and its onset timing affect mortality in AP. This study evaluates the association between sepsis occurrence and all-cause mortality in AP, focusing specifically on the impact of sepsis onset timing.

Methods

This multicenter retrospective cohort study included 494 ICU-admitted AP patients from the MIMIC-IV database and 91 from our center. Patients were grouped by sepsis occurrence and onset timing. Clinical outcomes were in-hospital and 90-day all-cause mortality. Machine learning identified key variables associated with mortality. Multivariable regression analyzed the impact of sepsis and its onset timing on mortality. To reduce baseline differences, propensity score matching (PSM) based on time to sepsis was conducted. After PSM, Kaplan-Meier survival analyses incorporated data from our center for validation. Restricted cubic spline analysis examined any nonlinear relationship between sepsis onset timing and mortality.

Results

Patients with sepsis had significantly higher in-hospital and 90-day mortality rates than those without sepsis ( p < 0.05). Sepsis was identified as a significant risk factor for in-hospital mortality and remained significantly associated after adjusting for key variables ( p < 0.05). However, sepsis onset timing did not significantly impact in-hospital or 90-day mortality. These findings were validated after PSM and with our center's data. No nonlinear relationship between sepsis onset timing and mortality was found.

Conclusion

Sepsis significantly increases all-cause mortality in AP patients, but the timing of its onset has limited impact. Continuous monitoring and intervention for sepsis during hospitalization are recommended to improve prognosis.
A deep learning detection method for pancreatic cystic neoplasm based on Mamba architecture
Authors: Dai Junlong , He Cong , Jin Liang , Chen Chengwei , Wu Jie , Bian Yun
Published: February 2025

Objective:

Early diagnosis of pancreatic cystic neoplasm (PCN) is crucial for patient survival. This study proposes M-YOLO, a novel model combining Mamba architecture and YOLO, to enhance the detection of pancreatic cystic tumors. The model addresses the technical challenge posed by the tumors’ complex morphological features in medical images.

Methods:

This study develops an innovative deep learning network architecture, M-YOLO (Mamba YOLOv10), which combines the advantages of Mamba and YOLOv10 and aims to improve the accuracy and efficiency of pancreatic cystic neoplasm(PCN) detection. The Mamba architecture, with its superior sequence modeling capabilities, is ideally suited for processing the rich contextual information contained in medical images. At the same time, YOLOv10's fast object detection feature ensures the system's viability for application in clinical practice.

Results:

M-YOLO has a high sensitivity of 0.98, a specificity of 0.92, a precision of 0.96, an F1 value of 0.97, an accuracy of 0.93, as well as a mean average precision (mAP) of 0.96 at 50% intersection-to-union (IoU) threshold on the dataset provided by Changhai Hospital.

Conclusions:

M-YOLO(Mamba YOLOv10) enhances the identification performance of PCN by integrating the deep feature extraction capability of Mamba and the fast localization technique of YOLOv10.