bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Long and Fruitful Cooperation in Atmospheric Aerosol Research between Cuba and Spain
Authors: Antuña-Marrero Juan Carlos , de Frutos Ángel , Estevan Rene , Cachorro Victoria , Barja Boris , Mogo Sandra , Rodríguez-Vega Albeht , Toledano Carlos , García Frank , Mateos David , Antuña-Sánchez Juan Carlos , González Ramiro , Rosas Jorge , Román Roberto , Ramos-Guadalupe Luis Enrique , Calle Abel , Platero Iralmy Y. , Hernández Carlos , Díaz Nelson , Díaz Joel
Published: January 2025

Cuban and Spanish scientists have been studying the properties of atmospheric aerosols in Camagüey, Cuba, for more than 15 years, achieving notable scientific results at the local, regional, and global levels. Using instruments and expertise supplied by Spain, Cuban scientists have characterized local aerosol optical and microphysical properties and their chemical composition and optical absorbing properties. Aerosol optical depth (AOD) and Ångström exponent observations were used to validate MODIS satellite observations and broadband AOD from local pyrheliometers. Sun photometer cloud optical depth allowed us to characterize local cloudiness and its radiative forcing. Scientific work included climatologies of the solar radiation for the last four decades at Camagüey and of aerosols in the Caribbean basin in the last two decades. Another result was designing, building, and processing of a low-cost all-sky camera. Besides scientific results, the cooperation allowed the Cuban sun photometer observations to contribute to the Red Ibérica de Medida Fotométrica de Aerosoles and AERONET. A workshop celebrating 10 years of cooperation was held at Camagüey in 2016. The workshop participants evaluated the progress, difficulties, and challenges and inaugurated a Spanish angular calibration bench for solar radiation sensors at Camagüey. The workshop also included the first visit of a NASA scientist to Cuba, the only one visit. Cuban scientists became members of the International Science Team of the NASA Tropospheric Emissions: Monitoring of Pollution (TEMPO) satellite mission, just launched, participating in its prelaunch activities. Considering the joint capabilities we developed, Cuban–Spanish contribution is expected for the TEMPO postlaunch validation campaign.
“Let's Take the B*tch Down!”: A Multimodal Critical Discourse Analysis of Race and Gender in HBO's Vice Principals
Authors: Grooms Ain A.
Published: January 2025

Purpose: In the HBO comedy series, Vice Principals, two white men vice principals respond to the hiring of a Black woman high school principal with physical, emotional, and workplace violence. The purpose of this study was to explore (1) white men educational leaders’ perceptions of a Black woman educational leader, and (2) their responses to being passed over for promotion by a Black woman. Methods: Using whiteness as property as the theoretical framework, this study uses a Multimodal Critical Discourse Analysis applied to the first season of the television series (nine 30-min episodes) to uncover the relationships and power dynamics between the three main characters. Findings: White men are the most likely to hold the high school principalship. The findings highlight how the series’ white male characters worked together to force the Black woman out of her role as principal, based on the assumption that either of them was more deserving of the position than her. Although fictitious, these examples parallel the real-world experiences of Black women educational leaders in today's public schools. Implications: This study contributes to scholarship about why Black educators may leave the profession, particularly highlighting the influence of unsupportive school contexts, and more specifically, the gendered racism experienced by Black women. Superintendent preparation programs can consider coursework that encourages aspiring district leaders to identify specific mentoring and support for Black women principals and principals from other marginalized backgrounds. Finally, this scholarship highlights how popular media can be a useful data source for educational leadership research.
Comprehensive review of animal models in diabetes research using chemical agents
Authors: Algul Sermin , Ozcelik Oguz
Published: January 2025

Diabetes mellitus, characterized by insufficient insulin secretion and impaired insulin efficacy, disrupts carbohydrate, protein, and lipid metabolism. The global diabetic population is expected to double by 2025, from 380 million, posing a significant health challenge. Most diabetic individuals fall into the type 1 or type 2 categories, and diabetes adversely affects various organs, such as the kidneys, liver, nervous system, reproductive system, and eyes.

This review focuses on animal models of diabetes induced by chemical agents, which are essential tools for understanding disease mechanisms, investigating complications, and testing antidiabetic drugs. Models include those caused by streptozotocin (STZ), alloxan, ferric nitrilotriacetate (Fe-NTA), dithizone, and anti-insulin serum.

Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes models create type 1 and 2 diabetes by destroying pancreatic beta cells. The combination of STZ with nicotinamide mimics type 2 diabetes phenotypes. Alloxan induces a hyperglycemic state by causing free radical formation that selectively destroys pancreatic beta cells. Fe-NTA and dithizone also create diabetes models by damaging pancreatic beta cells. Anti-insulin serum models induce insulin resistance and hyperglycemia by generating antibodies against insulin receptors, leading to a condition similar to type 1 diabetes.

Each model has unique characteristics that make it suitable for different aspects of diabetes research. These models are used to understand the pathogenesis of diabetes, develop new treatment strategies, and evaluate the efficacy of potential drugs.
Deep learning methods for improving the accuracy and efficiency of pathological image analysis
Authors: Huang Tangsen , Huang Xingru , Yin Haibing
Published: January 2025

This study presents a novel integration of two advanced deep learning models, U-Net and EfficientNetV2, to achieve high-precision segmentation and rapid classification of pathological images. A key innovation is the development of a new heatmap generation algorithm, which leverages meticulous image preprocessing, data enhancement strategies, ensemble learning, attention mechanisms, and deep feature fusion techniques. This algorithm not only produces highly accurate and interpretatively rich heatmaps but also significantly improves the accuracy and efficiency of pathological image analysis. Unlike existing methods, our approach integrates these advanced techniques into a cohesive framework, enhancing its ability to reveal critical features in pathological images. Rigorous experimental validation demonstrated that our algorithm excels in key performance indicators such as accuracy, recall rate, and processing speed, underscoring its potential for broader applications in pathological image analysis and beyond.
Artificial Intelligence, Data Centers, Energy Capabilities, and International Security: An Exploratory Analysis
Authors: Hunter Lance Y.
Published: January 2025

Previous valuable scholarship has examined how data centers affect the development and use of artificial intelligence (AI) technology. Additional research has analyzed how energy consumption and energy efficiency impact data centers. However, less scholarship has considered how data centers, energy capabilities (energy production and energy efficiency), and AI development interact to affect international security. Thus, this exploratory study considers the relationship between data centers, energy capabilities, and AI development and analyzes their potential impact on power distribution in the international system. In doing so, the study develops four indices to capture influential factors related to AI development and security. The study highlights the important role data centers, energy capabilities, and AI development may play in shaping the international balance of power and global security.
Using Self-Instruction via Video Activity Schedules to Decrease Reliance on Adult Prompts for Students With an Intellectual Disability
Authors: O’Neill Kai , Spriggs Amy D. , Shepley Sally B.
Published: January 2025

The purpose of this study was to compare the differential effects of mobile assistive technology (AT) loaded with visual activity schedules (VAS; pictures alone) compared to video activity schedules (VidAS; pictures linked to video models) to promote vocational independence and decreased reliance on adult supports for adolescents and adults with intellectual disability, with and without autism. Seven single-case multitreatment designs were used to assess differential effects between the two interventions when participants completed various vocational tasks. All participants were able to perform some of the task steps independently with both VAS and VidAS but demonstrated a greater increase in independence with self-instruction using VidAS than when only given VAS. Results suggest that incorporating VidAS into mobile AT can increase independence while decreasing reliance on additional adult support, suggesting that this could be a reasonable accommodation in school, work, and community settings.
Granite city sunset: Uncommoning the energy transition
Authors: Otchere-Darko William , Weszkalnys Gisa
Published: January 2025

This article develops the concept of “uncommoning” as a critique of prevailing modes of energy transition in the Global North. It integrates insight from critical geography, anthropology, and decolonial studies that challenge assumptions of linear progress, inevitability, and commonality underpinning energy transition experiments and highlight the fraught temporalities involved. Informed by ethnographic data on the contentious implementation of an Energy Transition Zone (ETZ) in Aberdeen (Scotland), we demonstrate how residents, campaigners, and their allies interrogate the shared ground on which dominant narratives of energy transition are staked, revealing underlying relationalities of power, epistemic inequity, and socioeconomic disparities. The perspective of uncommoning does not propose simplistic alternatives but rather illuminates an emergent propositional politics that orients to modes of care, equity and justice.
“Cuddle buddies”: Couples sleep position closeness at onset is indirectly related to lower insecure attachment through lower couple perceived stress
Authors: Novak Josh R. , Miller Kaleigh C.
Published: January 2025

Prior research on couples’ physical closeness during sleep (“cuddling”) suggests a benefit to relationship satisfaction and that affectionate touch during sleep onset may also improve mood and stress. Importantly, however, this initial research has yet to connect couples’ physical sleep positions at onset with attachment insecurity, stress, or sleep quality. Utilizing dyadic data from 143 mixed-gender, heterosexual bed-sharing couples, the present study examined the associations between couples’ average physical closeness at sleep onset, perceived stress, attachment insecurity, and sleep disturbance. We utilized a series of chi square tests of independence as well as the Common Fate Mediation Model (CFMeM) in Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with accompanying procedures to test alternative ordered models against our hypothesized model. We also included daytime sleepiness, income, age, relationship length, if children or pets sleep in the bed, and sleep diagnoses as important covariates. Results revealed no significant associations between individual preferred sleep position and couple physical sleep position. In addition, more physically close couple sleep positions at onset were indirectly linked with lower couple insecure attachment through lower couple stress. No significant associations were found between physical closeness at sleep onset and sleep disturbance. Although the present data were cross-sectional and future research is needed, physical closeness at sleep onset may be a promising and amenable avenue for improving relational and physiological well-being.
The effect of brief, repetitive balance training on balance and fall risk in older people with stroke: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Medina-Rincón Almudena , Pérez Laura M. , Bagur-Calafat Caritat , Barrios-Franquesa Ana M. , Barbosa Marta Amor , Doménech-García Víctor , Bellosta-López Pablo , Buesa-Estéllez Almudena , Girabent-Farrés Montserrat
Published: January 2025

Objective

To evaluate the effect of integrating a specific balance-training program focused on static balance to the conventional rehabilitation program on dynamic balance, risk of falls, and activities of daily living (ADLs) in older adults post-stroke.

Design

A single-blinded randomized controlled trial.

Setting

Institutional Intermediate Care Hospital.

Subjects

Post-stroke older adults in a subacute phase without cognitive impairment, aged 65 years and older, exhibiting trunk control in a seated position for 30 seconds without supporting the arms.

Intervention

The control group underwent the usual treatment, consisting of 60-minute physiotherapy sessions, 5 days per week, for 30 days. The experimental group integrated into the usual treatment 15 minutes of the balance-training program (45 min + 15 min).

Main measures

Balance impairment (Mini-BESTest and Berg Balance Scale (BBS), risk of falls (BBS), and independence for ADLs (Barthel Index)) were assessed at baseline, 15 and 30 days after the start of interventions.

Results

Seventy-one post-stroke patients (77.7 ± 9.0 years, 49.2% women) were randomized into the experimental ( n = 35) or control ( n = 36) groups. The experimental group showed improved dynamic balance at day 15 (Mini-BESTest: 2.90 [1.05–4.77], p = 0.003; BBS: 4.31 [1.41–7.23], p = 0.004) and day 30 (Mini-BESTest: 6.06 [2.85–9.27], p < 0.001; BBS: 8.24 [2.96–13.53], p = 0.003), as well as greater independence levels (11 [2.75–19.23], p = 0.010) compared to the control group. The control group showed higher risk of falls on day 15 ( p = 0.035) and day 30 ( p = 0.003) than the experimental group.

Conclusions

A simple, easily reproducible approach designed by and for the older adult to rehabilitate post-stroke impairments effectively improved balance, functional gait, risk of falls, and ADLs.
Evolution of second phase particles during thermal cycling in high heat input welding
Authors: Cao Shengli , Zhang Caijun , Zhang Qingjun
Published: January 2025

This study examines the evolution of Nb, Ti, and V-containing second-phase particles at varying stages of a 100 kJ/cm welding line energy. It utilizes extraction replication techniques to observe the impact of quenching at temperature of 1000°C, 1200°C and 1350°C during heating, while the cooling temperature at 1300°C, 1100°C, and 900°C, respectively. A high-temperature confocal microscope is used to monitor the dynamic changes and effects on the austenite grain boundaries in particles during the entire welding thermal cycle. It is found that in the below 1000°C during the heating process, the predominant phenomenon is the dissolution and vanishing of smaller particles. As the temperature rises to the between 1000°C and 1350°C of the heating process, larger particles undergo partial dissolution, resulting in a reduction in their size, while the smaller ones completely dissolve and vanish. During the heating stage of the thermal cycle, the number of particles per unit decrease from 17.17 to 4.37 N/um². During the above 1100°C of the thermal cycle cooling process, the particles undergo precipitation and growth. Upon the cooling temperature to 900°C, this stage is mainly characterized by particle precipitation. During the below 900°C of the thermal cycle cooling process, the particle precipitation and growth occur simultaneously. During the cooling stage of the thermal cycle, the number of particles per unit increase from 4.37 to 16.56 N/um².The influence of second phase particles on pinning austenite grain boundaries and hindering grain growth tends to diminish initially and then rise again, reaching its minimum impact near the temperature peak.
Now and Then: Examining Students’ Concerns About the Primary-Secondary School Transition
Authors: Bouchard Jessica , Wong Jennifer S.
Published: January 2025

Using a mixed methods approach, this study aimed to examine adolescents’ concerns about high school and the challenges they encounter after their transition to high school. Participants were recruited from 31 primary schools in metro Vancouver, British Columbia; most participants identified as female and were from a non-white ethnic background. Data was collected via self-report questionnaires from students in their last year of primary school and again 6 months after their transition to high school. The surveys used a combination of structured and unstructured questions, and thematic content analysis was used to identify the areas in which students’ express concerns about high school. Pearson chi-square tests were conducted to examine between-group gender differences in concerns about high school. Before high school, girls’ concerns were mostly centered around their social life and relationships with peers, while boys’ concerns were more varied. These findings underscore the importance of considering the unique experiences of students, by gender. In high school, boys and girls face similar challenges, with many students finding it challenging to adapt to the academic demands of high school. These findings suggest that certain key developmental assets for positive youth development, among other factors, may be lacking in schools and/or communities.
The Effect of Life Activity Levels of Palliative Care Patients on the Caregivers’ Perception of Caregivers Burden
Authors: Uygun Elif Tuğba , Özakgül Aylin
Published: January 2025

Objective(s): Studies show the effects of dependent patients’ caregivers on the caregiving burden. Knowing the effects of maintenance of movement, especially in life activities, on the factors affecting the caregiving burden is important for the quality of care, ensuring that the caregiver's capacity is preserved. Methods: This descriptive and cross-sectional study research was carried out to determine the effect of life activity levels of palliative care patients on the care burden of caregivers. The number of individuals to be sampled was calculated according to the sample formula with a known population. The sample of the consisted of 108 patients and their caregivers in a district state hospital between June and December 2022. Data were collected using the Barthel Index of Patient Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and Caregiver Burden Scale. Descriptive statistical methods, quantitative data analyses, and correlation analyses were used in the analysis of the data. Results: The average age for patient was 78.13 ± 10.25 and for caregivers was 54.64 ± 13.22 years. Barthel ADL Index score of the patients was 35.05, and 38% of the patients were completely dependent. Caregiver Burden Scale scores was 50.80, and 76.8% of the caregivers had moderate caregiver burden. Patients with increasing age, with diabetes mellitus and dementia diagnosis, not using glasses, or having urinary catheters and gastrostomy tubes had lower activity levels. The caregiver burden of caregivers was higher in those who spent 3 to 4 h for daily patient care, who had sleep problems, who thought that their health deteriorated compared to those who did not. It was determined that as the patients’ ability to perform their daily activities decreased, the caregiver burden increased ( r = −0.417; P < .01). Conclusions: It might be recommended that nurses can implement the nursing interventions completely and severely dependent patients’ caregivers psychological and social support.
Optimizing process parameters for enhanced formability and fracture behavior in single point incremental forming of SS310 sheets
Authors: Balaji N S , Sathiya Narayanan C , Pandivelan C , Sivakumar M , C Pradeep Raja
Published: January 2025

This research investigates the forming and fracture behavior of stainless steel 310 Grade sheets using the single point incremental forming (SPIF) process under various parameters: ball diameter, spindle speed, feed rate, and vertical step down. Employing an L9 orthogonal array suggested by Taguchi, the study evaluates formability through stress and strain-based forming limit diagrams (FLD). Structural changes were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy fractography and optical microscopy. The highest level of formability was identified at the spindle speed of 100 rpm, feed rate of 600 mm/min, ball diameter of 12 mm, and a vertical step-down of 0.3 mm. Formability analysis is given variations with a maximum of 0.931 at a wall angle of 72.71°, and minimum and medium values of 0.423 and 0.63 at all angles of 60° and 66.24°, respectively. The least and most moderate formability levels showed an 11% variation, and the least and highest formability limits had a 21% higher formability limit. The stress-based limits also increased by 10% for moderate to better formability. The findings indicate that formability increases with lower vertical step down and feed rate, as well as higher spindle speed and ball diameter. This study provides valuable insights into optimizing SPIF process parameters to enhance the quality and structural integrity of formed SS310 components.
Lube oil life prediction for heavy earth moving machinery (HEMM): A machine learning approach
Authors: Kumar Ashwani , Pandey Anish , Gupta TCSM , Ghosh Subrata Kumar
Published: January 2025

Evaluating lubricant life is crucial for maintaining equipment reliability and preventing failures. Conventional methods often depend on original equipment manufacturer recommendations for lubricant changes, which may result in the premature disposal of operationally effective lubricants, leading to economic costs and degrading overall efficiency. The chemical properties of these samples are evaluated by calculating multiple parameters such as total acid number, total base number, oxidation index, soot level, and water contamination. In addition, rheological properties through viscosity index analysis and the tribological properties via friction-wear analysis are determined. In this study, an artificial neural network (ANN) (a four-layer perceptron) and an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) are applied to predict oil conditions based on multiple calculated parameters. Performance and comparison of these advanced mathematical models are evaluated using statistical indices. Overall, the artificial intelligence (AI)-powered approach proved effective in predicting lubricant life for HEMM. Among the AI models, the ANN model demonstrated particularly strong performance, with a correlation coefficient of 0.99 compared to 0.98 for the ANFIS model. Implementing the ANN model could lead to a potential 19% reduction in current engine oil expenses, which would lower operating costs and decrease environmental impact by reducing the frequency of oil disposal.
Discursive representations of tongqi in selected Chinese newspapers
Authors: Zhang Ke , Zhuang Huibin , Fang Qiang
Published: January 2025

In recent years, tongqi (homo-wives) have become a social sight in mainland China, while also attracting increasingly scholarly attention. In this article we examined the news reports in China Daily and Global Times, with an aim of investigating China’s news media representations of tongqi. To this end, 25 news reports on tongqi were collected over a 10-year period (2012–2022). These materials were then specifically analyzed by adopting van Leeuwen’s social actor model. Through our analysis of the news discourse, we identified several recurring themes surrounding Chinese tongqi. Prominently, tongqi have been represented in these selected newspapers as (a) women troubled by health problems, (b) women suffering from domestic violence, (c) women faced with a doomed future, and (d) women marching as brave fighters. This article finally sheds light on public knowledge of this marginalized group of women by further exploring socio-cultural factors in the Chinese context that contribute to the representations and portrayals of tongqi.
A matter of right or wrong: Divisive attributes of moralized science and technology attitudes
Authors: Bayes Robin
Published: January 2025

In recent years, scholars have theorized that one factor enflaming public divides over science and technology is moralization: an individual’s perception that their position on an issue is rooted in fundamental moral right and wrong. In this article, I provide evidence for this proposition across five pre-registered hypotheses about the divisive attributes of moralized attitudes in the context of science and technology. Using public opinion data in the United States on three issues—combating climate change, developing gene editing therapies for humans, and labeling genetically modified food—this study demonstrates that moralized attitudes have the potential to exacerbate resistance to scientific evidence and hostility between those with opposing positions. These findings provide strong proof of concept that studying variation in the degree to which individuals moralize issues is an important future direction for understanding persistent public divides over science and technology.
The UW Experience: Feasibility of De Novo Letermovir for Primary Prophylaxis After Abdominal Solid Organ Transplant
Authors: Descourouez Jillian L. , Kleiboeker Hanna , Saddler Christopher M. , Smith Jeannina A. , Rice John P. , Mandelbrot Didier A. , Odorico Jon S. , Jorgenson Margaret R.
Published: January 2025

Background:

Letermovir is approved for primary prophylaxis of cytomegalovirus (CMV) in high-risk kidney transplant recipients. However, many experts suggest the drug be reserved as a second-line agent when valganciclovir is not tolerated or fails.

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to describe the feasibility of a de novo letermovir prophylactic approach for CMV high-risk and seropositive abdominal solid organ transplant patients.

Methods:

Retrospective review of abdominal transplant recipients who required CMV prophylaxis between June 6, 2023, and June 6, 2024. The purpose was to evaluate feasibility of universal letermovir prophylaxis and prophylaxis success.

Results:

278 patients required CMV prophylaxis and 207 obtained letermovir (74% success). Mean time from transplant to drug approval was 10.5 ± 27 days. Mean out of pocket patient cost was $10.19 ± $36.06 per 28-day supply of letermovir and $55.69 ± $311.48 per 30-day supply of valganciclovir ( P = 0.0419). For patients who obtained letermovir, 107 (52%) required prior authorization; 32 (16%) required insurance appeal after denial of prior authorization. Forty-two patients (20%) used Merck copay assistance program while 23 (11%) used the Merck Access patient assistance program to obtain drug. There were no episodes of prophylaxis failure due to breakthrough replication necessitating termination.

Conclusion and Relevance:

De novo use of letermovir for CMV primary prophylaxis after abdominal transplant was found to be feasible with a high rate of success in obtaining the drug in a timely manner posttransplant and without significant out-of-pocket cost to the patient.
Attitudes Toward Marriage and Subjective Well-Being Among Indian Young Adults
Authors: Bhattacharyya Shabari , Range Lillian M.
Published: January 2025

The institution of marriage is central to Indian society, and yet society is changing rapidly as the Indian economy grows and modernizes, especially in urban India. Marriage rates are falling in western countries and other eastern countries, but they do not seem to be in India as a whole. Attitudes to marriage and subjective well-being seem to be linked in other countries with intention to marry and we wanted to see if a similar link existed among emerging adults in urban India. A total of 113 participants (mostly women) responded to our online survey of which 46 were college students and the rest were unmarried adults who found the survey on social media. The questions inquired about their attitudes to marriage, subjective well-being, and intention to marry. As was true in other countries, our participants’ attitudes toward marriage were related to subjective well-being, but unlike in other countries, intention to marry was not correlated with their subjective well-being. Further, they were ambivalent about their marriage intentions. Marriage rates in India do not seem to be reducing, so this result may reflect an urban trend among emerging adults.
State of type 2 diabetic Iraqi patients after hospitalization for COVID-19
Authors: Ahmed Hiba S , Abud Haylim N , Ahmed Hind S
Published: January 2025

Background

The coronavirus-19 (COVID-19) pandemic, triggered by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, has affected over 100 million people and killed around 2 million individuals. One of the most common chronic illnesses in the world is diabetes, which greatly raises the risk of hospitalization and death for COVID-19 patients.

Objective

This study aims to analyze the novel coronavirus's general characteristics and shed light on COVID-19 and its management in diabetic individuals by measuring some metabolic and inflammatory factors in type 2 diabetic patients with and without COVID-19.

Methods

One hundred Iraqi patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) were enrolled in the current study; 50 had COVID-19 with the Omicron variant, and 50 weren't. The diagnosis was designed by the consultant medical staff at the clinic. Eligible individuals had a positive nasal swab for reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection. They were compared with 50 healthy individuals as a control group. Every participant's anthropometric and clinical features were measured. The study includes the study groups’ glycemic, lipid profile, serum urea, and C-reactive protein (CRP) measurements.

Results

There were remarkable rises ( p < 0.05) in fasting and random blood glucose, serum lipid, and urea levels in diabetic patients with COVID-19 compared to those without COVID-19 and the control group. Also, a significant elevation ( p = 0.01) was found in fasting serum insulin among diabetic patients with COVID-19 as compared to those without COVID-19 and the control group (32.75 ± 8.63 vs. 25.82 ± 3.50 and 10.65 ± 1.12) µU/L, respectively. Serum CRP levels significantly increased ( p = 0.0001) in diabetic patients with COVID-19 compared to other groups.

Conclusion

Hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, and dyslipidemia resulting from cytokine storm significantly increased the risk of hospitalization and death among coronavirus disease-19 patients. It has been concluded that T2DM reliably predicts morbidity among COVID-19 patients presenting with symptoms suggestive of severe hyperglycemia. The results also show the temporary and reversible deficiency in insulin secretion associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 infection. Consequently, it is recommended to examine variables of insulin sensitivity and pancreatic islet activity among patients with COVID-19 who have a history of diabetes.
Effect of age, sex, breed and venipuncture site on platelet count and clumping in feline blood samples
Authors: Larkin Sarah M , Kornya Matthew R
Published: January 2025

Objectives

To evaluate the associations between sex, age, breed and collection site on platelet count and platelet clumping in feline blood samples.

Methods

Cats presenting to a primary care feline hospital from January 2016 to January 2017 were recruited. Any cat undergoing blood collection for a complete blood count was eligible. Cats were excluded if they were receiving clopidogrel or aspirin, had a disease known to affect platelet function, or if they required sedation for phlebotomy. All cats had their sex, age, site of venipuncture, platelet count, degree of platelet clumping and platelet morphology recorded.

Results

In total, 649 cats were prospectively recruited. Of these, 579 (89%) cats had no clumping observed on blood smears. A significant association ( P = 0.025) was found between sex and platelet count, with females having lower platelet counts. No significant association was found between sex and degree of platelet clumping ( P = 0.323). Age did not have a statistically significant association with platelet clumping (P = 0.959); however, it did have a small significant ( P = 0.003) positive correlation with platelet count. There was no significant effect of purebred status on platelet count ( P = 0.457); however, the domestic group had a higher rate of platelet clumping ( P = 0.009). No association was found between platelet count ( P = 0.322) or degree of platelet clumping ( P = 0.793) and collection site. When considering platelet clumping as a binary outcome, no association was found with sex ( P = 0.292), age ( P = 0.681), site of collection ( P = 0.809) or breed ( P = 0.264).

Conclusions and relevance

The lack of effect of collection site/technique suggests that multiple sites of collection are valid when accurate platelet counts are important. The finding of lower platelet counts in younger and female cats may highlight the need to recognize age and sex when considering the management and monitoring of platelet counts and platelet disorders. Additional studies are needed to understand breed variation.
A case of surgical treatment combined with interventional therapy for refractory hemodialysis access with catheter-related right atrial thrombosis
Authors: Wang Shao-fen , Xu Zheng-Jin , Cui Tian-lei
Published: January 2025

This case report describes a surgical treatment combined with interventional therapy for a patient with refractory hemodialysis access combined with catheter-related right atrial thrombosis (CRAT). During surgery, an artificial graft was established from the left brachiocephalic vein to the right atrium and the right atrial thrombus was removed. After the operation, the tunneled cuffed catheter (TCC) was replaced with digital subtraction angiography (DSA). The hemodialysis access issue was addressed for this patient, and the access remained functional for normal hemodialysis during the subsequent 10-month follow-up.
There and back again: Sex crime law reform and counter-reform in Spain
Authors: Faraldo-Cabana Patricia
Published: January 2025

In this article, I demonstrate how changes to Spanish criminal law produced a highly contradictory outcome, which constitutes the most astonishing volte-face in the recent history of the Spanish criminal justice system. I explain how a 2023 law reform, which changes the consent standard in rape cases, was a counter-reform, a backlash due to the political confluence between a disgruntled part of the feminist movement and the anti-gender conservative agenda. I argue that even a feminism that seeks more lenient penalties is susceptible to strong criticism that undermines its achievements. I offer a critical analysis of how, and under what circumstances, a gender-informed, feminist-inspired legal policy can be successfully challenged, questioning what ‘counts’ as rape and how it should be legally defined.
Does ownership matter? Comparing the contents of corporate and independently owned local newspapers
Authors: Manninen Ville JE , Haapanen Lauri
Published: January 2025

The consolidation of media ownership has been argued to be either the downfall or the salvation of the newspaper industry, depending on the perspective. Yet the impact of consolidation on newspaper content remains ambiguous. In this paper, we compare the output of 69 local newspapers (one issue per newspaper; 2133 items) published in Finland, some of them owned by major newspaper corporations, others by smaller companies. We code for item length, localness, authorship and, most importantly, we use a detailed content analysis to evaluate whether each article meets the readers’ Critical Information Needs, originally identified by Lewis Friedland and colleagues. The results reveal remarkable consistency between corporate and independent local newspapers across almost all variables: No statistically significant differences emerged in our comparison of the fulfillment of citizens’ different Critical Information Needs (CIN), nor in the items’ length, localness, or authorship. The only observed, statistically significant difference was in the shares of CIN-relevant items: corporate newspapers publish slightly more such content than independent papers. We conclude by discussing potential explanations to this isomorphism in local journalism.
Making consent meaningful: The ‘dance’ of seeking consent for an ethnography in the family court
Authors: Dennis Sarah
Published: January 2025

Inspired by the themes emerging from a contemporary dance video, this paper proposes a theoretical framework for seeking consent from prospective participants in an ethnographic study of child protection court cases (care proceedings) in the family court in England. Research evidence to date suggests that this is a formal environment that is often alienating and confusing for families. As a qualified social worker and researcher, I draw on my ongoing doctoral research to explore some of the challenges of negotiating participant consent in the highly emotive space of the courtroom, where life-changing decisions are made about families’ future lives and relationships. Here, I focus on how the process of seeking consent can remain ethical, meaningful and responsive under such unpredictable and pressurised conditions by creating a research space that resists coercion through the power of ‘no’. A core problematic is how participants can be encouraged to say ‘no’ to research when they may be feeling vulnerable and disempowered by family court processes and structures. The complexities and ethics of the dance video capture some of the tensions and synergies that co-exist in these researcher-researched relationships.
Discrimination in immigration policy
Authors: Al Hashmi Rufaida
Published: January 2025

There is growing interest among political theorists in the ways in which states select which would-be immigrants to admit and which to exclude. Sahar Akhtar's book Immigration and Discrimination and Désirée Lim's book Immigration and Social Equality are both important contributions to this topic. This review contextualises and summarises both books and critically assesses the arguments in each book. In response to Akhtar's book, I raise some questions about the possibility of global status and whether the arguments for this hold. In response to Lim's book, I ask whether her account of the importance of social equality applies to the immigration context and, if so, how demanding it is. I end by considering how Akhtar's focus on the global context and Lim's focus on the domestic context raises the interesting question of which context matters more in our evaluation of immigrant selection policy.
Missing data estimation method for durability survey of reinforced concrete structures
Authors: Rincon Luis F , Habeeb Bassel , Eustaquio Elsa , Hamami Ameur El Amine , Campos e Matos José , Moscoso Yina M , Bastidas-Arteaga Emilio
Published: January 2025

Reinforced concrete (RC) structures are well-known for their high durability; however, they remain vulnerable to natural hazards and extreme events that can impact their performance over time. In aggressive environments, there is a high likelihood of increased maintenance, rehabilitation, and repair actions that constitute a significant portion of the total lifecycle spending. Monitoring systems have been implemented during the last decades to collect periodically or continuously essential data about the durability performance of the structures in real operation. However, the effectiveness of these systems is impacted by sensor efficacy, influenced in turn by environmental factors, sensor durability, and power outages, leading to intermittent or permanent data gaps. This study proposes a methodology to address the problem of missing data of a Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) system, specifically aiming to provide more accurate and continuous information from concrete resistivity and temperature sensors to support the early detection of corrosion. The proposed methodology was applied to a repaired RC structure with over fourteen years of data, where significant gaps in the measurements were present. The approach combines several techniques to fill these gaps: deep machine learning for air temperature, generalized linear models for concrete temperature, and pattern recognition for concrete resistivity. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first time a methodology has been proposed for imputing missing data from resistivity sensors in SHM systems, which are increasingly being implemented. This approach is innovative and offers potential benefits for SHM system managers, providing more information on long-term sensor data that could aid in early corrosion detection and maintenance planning. The application of the proposed methodology to a real case study indicated a successful imputation of 43.4% of missing data although some challenges persist for sensors located in areas characterized by high measurements variability.
Using Digital Storytelling to Address Mental Health Issues Among Latinx Undergraduate Students
Authors: Montero Hernandez Virginia , Montero Hernandez Oscar , García Ponce de León Omar
Published: January 2025

This study examines Latinx students’ use of digital storytelling to address mental health issues. Through participant observation and focus groups, we explore participants’ engagement in art-based work within a group mediated context where issues of depression, anxiety, and stress were discussed. Participants achieved relational development and self-actualization through the enactment of three practices: (a) acknowledgment and naming of their emotions, (b) group validation and support, and (c) reinterpretation of themselves as empowered creators.
Review: Natural fiber-based biocomposites for potential advanced automotive applications
Authors: Ullah Sultan , Akhter Zeenat , Palevicius Arvydas , Janusas Giedrius
Published: January 2025

The search for novel materials for a variety of end-use applications has been encouraged by increased concern for the environment. This review offers a comprehensive analysis of biocomposites derived from natural resources, which have attracted considerable research interest. It focuses on key categories of biodegradable polymers and natural fibers, detailing their manufacturing processes, bonding mechanisms, and inherent properties. The paper emphasizes both physical and thermal features of different bio-based materials, particularly in automotive applications, and evaluates their compatibility with different matrix materials. Drawbacks and possibilities related to processing of biodegradable fiber-reinforced materials are explored, alongside a performance comparison with traditional materials commonly used in the automotive sector. The review concludes by addressing the economic implications and prospects of biocomposites, highlighting their potential as a rapidly emerging field in polymer science with significant applications within the vehicle sector.
Global path planning on uneven terrain at construction sites for robots based on an improved A* Algorithm
Authors: Guo Jvgang , Yu Junqi , Feng Chunyong , Wang Kai , Chen Yisheng , Dong Zhenping , Li Jingdan
Published: January 2025

With the increasing application of construction robots on construction sites, autonomous path planning in unstructured and uneven construction sites has become an urgent challenge. Current path planning approaches face several issues, including prolonged computation times, low efficiency, and redundant nodes, often resulting in impractical paths for robots. Addressing these concerns, this study introduces a global path planning method based on an enhanced A* algorithm to ensure safe and robust navigation of construction robots in such challenging environments. The Improved A* algorithm initially incorporates a bidirectional alternating search strategy to expedite computational speed. Subsequently, it employs path node filtering to mitigate issues associated with bidirectional search and reduce the number of critical nodes, thereby enhancing search efficiency. Furthermore, the introduction of slope constraints decreases the robot's climbing and tilting angles, augmenting the safety of the planned paths. Finally, the paths are smoothed using Bézier curve fitting, facilitating better motion control for the robots. The efficacy of the improved algorithm was validated through experiments on elevation maps with varying terrain and obstacle densities. Simulation results indicate that, compared to the traditional A* algorithm, the Improved A* algorithm reduced computation time by 71.05% to 82.90% and the number of critical nodes by 51.94% to 70.53%, while only increasing the path length by 14.6% to 37.84%. Additionally, there was a significant reduction in climbing and tilting angles, and the paths have become smoother. Therefore, this method not only improves efficiency while generating safe and reliable paths in unstructured and uneven construction sites, but also enables robots to adapt to complex environments, and promotes automation and intelligent construction processes.
Training of Executive Functions in Children: A meta-analysis of cognitive training interventions
Authors: Birtwistle Efsun , Chernikova Olga , Wünsch Miriam , Niklas Frank
Published: January 2025

We investigated the effect of cognitive training of executive functions on children’s cognitive outcomes. To address this issue, a systematic meta-analysis of published research articles on cognitive training interventions was performed considering children’s age, training duration, -procedure, and -technology in moderator analyses. The results ( N = 57) of a random-effects-model showed that cognitive training was effective with a total effect size of g = 23 The training was more effective for younger compared to older children. Training benefits were found for near- and far-transfer tasks. The largest gains for a near-transfer skill were found for working memory. Both numeracy and literacy skills profited from training. Computer training was very effective, however, only a few studies used mobile technology. Non-adaptive training was associated with greater effect sizes and both group and individual training were similarly effective. Verbal feedback was important for younger children. School was an effective context for training, however, only a few studies were conducted at home or at the lab. The findings are discussed and advocate an early start of cognitive training interventions.
Why Do People Collect Sportscards? Fan Motivations for Collecting Miniature Sports Media
Authors: Parrott Scott
Published: January 2025

The sports card industry boomed during the COVID-19 pandemic when sports fans lacked access to sporting events. Estimates now place the value of the sports card industry in the billions. Sports cards raise compelling questions concerning fan behavior: Why collect cardboard photos of athletes? This study examines fan motivations for collecting sports cards by examining comments on Reddit, a social media platform centered around shared interests. Informed by the Uses & Gratifications approach, a thematic analysis was used to examine 326 comments concerning user motivations for collecting sports cards. Seven reasons were identified: Fans collect sports cards because (1) sports cards are educational; (2) fans identify with athletes; (3) sports cards can be a financial investment; (4) sports cards are addicting; (5) sports cards nurture social connection; (6) sports cards are entertaining, and (7) sports cards provide escape from mundane and stressful life events.