bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Robust positioning in extreme environments: a tightly coupled GNSS-vision-inertial-wheel odometer framework
Authors: Zhang Yahui , Li Aimin , Li Haopeng , Chen Fei , Shen Ruiying
Published: December 2024

Purpose

A tightly coupled global navigation satellite system (GNSS)-Vision-IMU-wheel odometer (GVIWO) system is proposed, which can realize robust positioning in extreme environments. The purpose of this study is to achieve adaptive initialization in complex environments, sensor anomaly detection and processing, and adaptive robust localization in extreme environments.

Design/methodology/approach

Adaptive initialization includes traditional dynamic and static initialization and extreme condition initialization. To deal with the unstable visual features in the state of excited motion, a method of wheel odometer assisted initialization is designed. According to the abnormal condition of the sensor, the anomaly detection and attenuation mechanism are designed to realize the accurate positioning of the sensor under abnormal condition.

Findings

Tight coupling optimization of GNSS signals, RGB+Depth Map cameras, inertial measurement units and wheel odometers ensures accurate positioning in both indoor and outdoor environments. Through open data sets and field validation experiments, the proposed tightly coupled system has strong adaptability, especially in extreme environments.

Originality/value

A new framework is proposed by integrating GNSS, visual, inertial measurement unit (IMU) and wheel odometer sensors to form an efficient positioning solution. An adaptive initialization method is proposed to enhance the robustness and real-time performance of the positioning system in complex and dynamic environments. A mechanism for detecting and attenuating sensor anomalies is designed, enabling quasideterministic positioning under sensor anomalies.
Unraveling the joint effect of firm and stakeholder pro-environmental engagement on firm economic rewards: an application to waste management services
Authors: Erbetta Fabrizio , Abrate Graziano
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to examine whether the pro-environmental engagement (PEE) of firms in response to the environmental expectations of stakeholders increases firm market power and whether the level of stakeholder PEE can counterbalance this effect.

Design/methodology/approach

This study draws on stakeholder theory and the co-production paradigm. The stakeholder perspective provides a theoretical basis for the increase in market power of organizations that improve their PEE, while co-production paradigm provides a theoretical foundation for the negative impact of stakeholder PEE on market power. The empirical evidence is derived from waste management services in Italy. The authors use a stochastic frontier approach to determine firm market power indices in relation to firm and stakeholder PEE.

Findings

The results confirm that market power increases when stakeholder expectations are met, while stakeholder commitment (mainly service recipients) challenges this effect. Furthermore, the findings suggest the existence of a self-reinforcing mechanism, as organizational efforts tend to keep pace with the empowerment of service recipients.

Originality/value

The originality of the study lies in the use of market power as a performance parameter, which has the advantage of being directly related to the acquisition of monopoly rents. In this context, the sustainability efforts of firms have strategic valence, as they allow them to approach a monopolistic condition, while the co-production efforts of service recipients can mitigate this socially undesirable outcome.
Design of vibration monitoring system for track beam of suspended permanent magnetic levitation train
Authors: Wang Tianyin , Tian Yin , Yang Jie
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to design a long-term vibration monitoring system for track beams of suspended maglev trains to ensure safe and smooth operation of the trains.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper begins by focusing on the selection of hardware for the wireless monitoring and acquisition terminal and the circuit design. It connects to a wireless Access Point (AP) via Wi-Fi and utilizes the Transport Control Protocol (TCP) to upload the sensor data collected by the monitoring terminal to the upper computer. Additionally, the design includes software for the upper computer to parse the uploaded data packets and create a visualization interface, which is crucial for monitoring the vibrations of the track beams.

Findings

The vibration monitoring system developed in this study can display the data collected by the monitoring terminal in real time on the upper computer, while also allowing remote commands to query the status of the monitoring terminal. Due to the low-power design of the monitoring and acquisition terminal, it is capable of meeting the long-term vibration monitoring requirements for the track beams. Through precision testing of the monitoring terminal, we can ensure that the sensors meet experimental requirements, providing reliable data support for scientific research.

Originality/value

The vibration monitoring system presented in this paper integrates modern wireless communication technology and data visualization technology.
The effect of a Veterans Affairs rapid rehousing and homelessness prevention program on long‐term housing instability
Authors: Chapman Alec B. , Scharfstein Daniel , Byrne Thomas , Montgomery Ann Elizabeth , Suo Ying , Effiong Atim , Shorter Christa , Huebler Sophia , Greene Tom , Tsai Jack , Gelberg Lillian , Kertesz Stefan G. , Nelson Richard E.
Published: December 2024

Objective

To evaluate the effect of enrolling in Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) on short‐ and long‐term housing outcomes among Veterans experiencing housing instability.

Study Setting and Design

We analyzed data from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) electronic health record (EHR) between October 2015 and December 2018 using the target trial emulation framework. Veterans were included in one or more trials if they were 18 years or older, had recent evidence of housing instability, had received care in VA for at least 1 year, and had never before enrolled in SSVF. Patients who enrolled in SSVF after meeting eligibility were assigned to the treatment group, while patients who did not enroll in SSVF were assigned to a control group. We extracted patients' housing outcomes from the EHR and modeled the probability of being unstably housed each day while accounting for confounders and irregular visit times.

Data Sources and Analytic Sample

We extracted housing status and covariates from the VA Corporate Data Warehouse. Housing instability was ascertained using a combination of structured data elements and natural language processing.

Principal Findings

We identified 238,059 unique patients who met the eligibility criteria for one or more trials. The risk of housing instability decreased in both arms over the three years after initiating a trial but was lower among SSVF enrollees, with a risk difference of −12.9% (95% confidence band −14.6%, −11.2%) on Day 120 and an attenuated difference of −2.4% (−4.0%, −0.7%) on Day 1095.

Conclusions

SSVF is one of the largest rapid rehousing and homelessness prevention programs in the nation. We found that SSVF improves housing outcomes over the three years following enrollment, but the effect reduces over time. These findings can inform policy and program design for improving housing outcomes for homeless‐experienced individuals.
Examining social attention as a predictor of problem drinking behavior: A longitudinal study using eye‐tracking
Authors: Han Jiaxu , Fairbairn Catharine E. , Venerable Walter James , Brown‐Schmidt Sarah , Ariss Talia
Published: December 2024

Background

Researchers have long been interested in identifying objective markers for problem drinking susceptibility informed by the environments in which individuals drink. However, little is known of objective cognitive‐behavioral indices relevant to the social contexts in which alcohol is typically consumed. Combining group‐based alcohol administration, eye‐tracking technology, and longitudinal follow‐up over a 2‐year span, the current study examined the role of social attention in predicting patterns of problem drinking over time.

Methods

Young heavy drinkers (N = 246) were randomly assigned to consume either an alcoholic (target BAC 0.08%) or a control beverage in dyads comprising friends or strangers. Dyads completed a virtual video call in which half of the screen comprised a view of themselves (“self‐view”) and half a view of their interaction partner (“other‐view”). Participants' gaze behaviors, operationalized as the proportion of time spent looking at “self‐view” and “other‐view,” were tracked throughout the call. Problem drinking was assessed at the time of the laboratory visit and then every year subsequent for 2 years.

Results

Significant interactions emerged between beverage condition and social attention in predicting binge drinking days. In cross‐sectional analyses, among participants assigned to the control (but not alcohol) group, heightened self‐focused attention was linked with increased binge days at baseline, B = 0.013, Exp(B) = 1.013, 95% CI = [0.004, 0.022], p = 0.005. In contrast, longitudinal models indicated that heightened self‐focused attention among control participants while interacting with friends was linked with a more pronounced decline in binge drinking over time.

Conclusions

The relationship between social attention and problem drinking is complex and evolves over time. While dispositional self‐consciousness may act as a risk factor at the cross‐sectional level, it appears to serve a potentially protective function as participants mature into young adulthood. More broadly, results highlight potential utility for objective markers of self‐consciousness in the understanding of problem drinking etiology.
Climate Denialism
Authors: Pulles Tinus
Published: December 2024

Climate change imposes severe impacts on society and the economy. Solving this problem may require a major redesign of how available resources on our planet are exploited, and those changes induce resistance. Therefore, the general public and politicians welcome claims that climate change is not as bad as scientists conclude. An article in this issue by May and Crok casting doubt on the conclusions of climate science was submitted to this journal and apparently passed peer review. On that basis, the authors claim authority and a high status for their article in posts on social media. However, there are serious problems with this article. It applies a number of logical fallacies frequently used by climate denialists. Rather than debunking all of these fallacies, the present article uses the one by May and Crok to showcase several of these fallacies. These include examples of rhetorical tricks denialists frequently use to cast doubt on the major findings of climate science such as use of fake experts, cherry picking, creating false expectations, and misrepresentations of available understanding.
Perfusion Pressures and Weight Loss During Normothermic Machine Perfusion of Human Donor Livers
Authors: Lascaris Bianca , Bodewes Silke B. , Thorne Adam M. , van den Heuvel Marius C. , de Haas Robbert J. , Nijsten Maarten W. N. , de Meijer Vincent E. , Porte Robert J.
Published: December 2024

Background

Normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) is increasingly used to preserve and assess donor livers prior to transplantation. Due to its success, it is expected that more centers will start using this technology. However, NMP may also cause adverse effects.

Methods

In this retrospective, observational study, we investigated the effect of NMP pressures on donor liver weight, post‐transplant outcomes, and hepatic perfusion characteristics. A total of 36 livers were transplanted after NMP. NMP perfusion pressure settings were lowered from a median (IQR) of 47 mmHg (42–54) to 34 mmHg (30–39) for the hepatic artery (HA), and from 8 mmHg (7–10) to 7 mmHg (6–8) for the portal vein (PV) to diminish potential edema formation inside the liver.

Results

This change appeared to lead to a reduction of liver weight after NMP (−22 g to −143 g, p = 0.02), without affecting the PV flow velocity (35.5 to 48.0 cm/s, p = 0.54), or hepatocellular injury markers during NMP (AST 1511–1148 U/L, p = 0.44; ALT 318–849 U/L, p = 0.35), and post‐transplantation outcomes. Changes in liver weight correlated significantly with the applied PV pressure during NMP (r = 0.52, p < 0.01) and the HA flow (r = 0.38, p < 0.05).

Conclusion

NMP can lead to a reduction in liver weight, which might be masked by edema when high perfusion pressures are used. We encourage applying the lowest perfusion pressures possible to reach adequate flows and oxygen supply during liver NMP.
Artificial intelligence chatbots mimic human collective behaviour
Authors: He James K. , Wallis Felix P. S. , Gvirtz Andrés , Rathje Steve
Published: December 2024

Artificial Intelligence (AI) chatbots, such as ChatGPT, have been shown to mimic individual human behaviour in a wide range of psychological and economic tasks. Do groups of AI chatbots also mimic collective behaviour? If so, artificial societies of AI chatbots may aid social scientific research by simulating human collectives. To investigate this theoretical possibility, we focus on whether AI chatbots natively mimic one commonly observed collective behaviour: homophily, people's tendency to form communities with similar others. In a large simulated online society of AI chatbots powered by large language models (N = 33,299), we find that communities form over time around bots using a common language. In addition, among chatbots that predominantly use English (N = 17,746), communities emerge around bots that post similar content. These initial empirical findings suggest that AI chatbots mimic homophily, a key aspect of human collective behaviour. Thus, in addition to simulating individual human behaviour, AI‐powered artificial societies may advance social science research by allowing researchers to simulate nuanced aspects of collective behaviour.
Revisiting the phylogeny of royal ferns (Osmundales) through the lens of character dependence and restudied fossil taxa questions existing family and subfamily concepts
Authors: Urrea María José , Yañez Agustina , Flores Jorge R.
Published: December 2024

The royal ferns (Osmundales) are a morphologically diverse group of leptosporangiate ferns, the fossil record of which dates back to the Permian. Despite there being numerous described permineralized species, the phylogenetic relationships between extinct species remain contentious. Although several analytical approaches have been applied to infer well‐resolved phylogenetic hypotheses—even methods that are arguably conceived to be better at dealing with data conflict and uncertainty, many taxa have not been assigned to specific taxonomic categories. Here, we evaluate the phylogenetic affinities in Osmundales by reanalysing a dataset comprising an extensive taxon sampling of fossil Osmundalean rhizomes. The impact of both character dependence and weighting characters against homoplasy on the inferred topologies is also evaluated. Our analyses cast doubts on the monophyly of Osmundaceae and Guaireaceae. Subfamily Itopsidemoideae was rendered monophyletic when inferences were conducted by considering character dependence and downweighting characters. The subfamily Osmundoideae was retrieved monophyletic only under one concavity value and using character dependence while the remaining subfamilies included fossils with uncertain affinities within Osmundales. The position of Osmundacaulis, for instance, was recovered as a sister taxon to guaireoid fossils. To recover the monophyly of the categories below the subfamily level, incorporating character dependence and/or weighting against homoplasy was necessary. Consistent with previous studies, multiple taxa were unstable, leaving their phylogenetic affinities unclear. Our analyses underline the impact of accounting for both character dependence and weighting against homoplasy, especially when considering the contribution of missing data to observed homoplasy. Ultimately, these considerations yield markedly different topologies that imply contrasting classification schemes, highlighting the complexity inherent in resolving the evolutionary history of royal ferns.
Imprecise Coding in Allergic Contact Dermatitis: A Register‐Study From Northern Finland Between Years 1999 and 2022
Authors: Kämäräinen Jenni , Loukkola Touko , Mikkola Joanna , Sivonen Minna , Jokelainen Jari , Kiviniemi Eetu , Huilaja Laura , Sinikumpu Suvi‐Päivikki
Published: December 2024

Background

Registry‐based data are increasingly used in dermatological research. A recent epidemiological study has shown that the use of non‐specific diagnostic codes is common among dermatologists.

Objectives

To study closely the use of the diagnostic codes L23.8 (‘allergic contact dermatitis [ACD] for other agents’) and L23.9 (‘ACD with unspecified cause’) by using single‐centre data.

Patients/Materials/Methods

This retrospective study included all patients whose record contained at least one entry of either code, recorded at the Oulu University Hospital, Finland, between the Years 1999 and 2022.

Results

The database search retrieved records of 472 patients with the L23.8 code, 264 patients with L23.9. Over the 20‐year follow‐up period, the use of L23.8 increased and that of L23.9 decreased. In most (85.1%) cases, the L23.8 code was used even though the more specified L23 code could have been chosen. In one‐third of cases, L23.8 was used to cover ACD with multiple allergens that would otherwise be identified by their specific sub‐codes. The L23.9 code was used most often prior to patch testing (69.1% cases).

Conclusions

This study revealed several imprecisions in the use of both codes. Our study highlights the importance of correct coding in clinical practice, as it emphasises the most common pitfalls.
Implementation of a Comprehensive Protocol for Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) in Kidney Transplant Recipients Improves Patient and Graft Outcomes
Authors: Eltemamy Mohamed , Oh Paul J. , Siddiqui Hafiz Umair , Lin Yi‐Chia , Lansang M. Cecilia , Poggio Emilio , Goldfarb David , Krishnamurthi Venkatesh , Wee Alvin
Published: December 2024

Background

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols have gained widespread acceptance as a means to enhance surgical outcomes. However, the intricate care required for kidney transplant recipients has not yet led to the establishment of a universally recognized and dependable ERAS protocol for kidney transplantation.

Objective

We devised a customized ERAS protocol to determine its effectiveness in improving surgical and postoperative outcomes among kidney transplant recipients.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This was a retrospective, single‐center study performed at our tertiary care institution. Three hundred and fifty‐six patients in the conventional group (from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2017) and 442 patients from the ERAS group (from January 1, 2018 to June 1, 2020) were compared. Patients were followed for 1 year postoperatively.

Intervention

Changes were made in the preoperative, operative, postoperative, and outpatient follow‐up settings after transplantation.

Outcome Measurements and Statistical Analysis

Primary endpoints were hospital length of stay (LOS) and 30‐day readmission rates. We also measured surgical outcomes, graft performance, and patient survival. Wilcoxon rank‐sum, Pearson's Chi‐squared, or Fisher's exact tests were used to compare groups.

Results

Our ERAS protocol was associated with a decrease in hospital LOS from 5 to 3 days (p < 0.001) and 57.1% lower odds of hospital readmissions within 30 days compared to the conventional group (p < 0.001, 95% CI 0.26–0.7). Decreases in operative estimated blood loss, blood transfusion rates, and delayed graft function were also associated with the ERAS protocol.

Conclusion

Our multi‐layered ERAS protocol is effective in improving outcomes for kidney transplant recipients. A future multi‐institutional study with healthcare savings analysis may suggest that widespread benefits are yet to be realized by the greater implementation of such enhanced recovery protocols.
Do Factors Influencing Acceptance of Kidney Stone Formers as Donors Predict Subsequent Stone Events?
Authors: Keddis Mira T. , Howard Matthew R. , Zhang Nan , Quillen Jaxon K. , D'Costa Matthew R. , Khamash Hasan A. , Jadlowiec Carrie C. , Wadei Hani M. , Porter Ivan E. , Stern Karen L. , Rule Andrew D.
Published: December 2024

Purpose

This study aimed to assess whether kidney stone burden and risk factors at the time of kidney donor evaluation were associated with a symptomatic stone event post‐donor evaluation.

Methods

We identified adults evaluated at Mayo Clinic (two sites) (2000–2011) for living kidney donation and had either a personal history or radiological evidence of kidney stone disease. We analyzed demographics, stone risk factors, stone number/size, and the committee's donation decision and reasons. A follow‐up survey (2022–2023) assessed post‐evaluation symptomatic kidney stones and related morbidity.

Results

Among 412 potential donors with kidney stone disease, 258 donated, 75 did not donate due to kidney stones, and 79 did not donate for other reasons. Multivariable analysis showed that candidates not donating due to stones had higher body mass index (BMI), prior symptomatic kidney stones, multiple stones on imaging, bilateral kidney stones, and diameter of largest stone ≥3 mm. Of 147 who completed the survey, 26 (18%) had a symptomatic kidney stone post‐donor evaluation. Younger age (p = 0.031) and multiple stones on imaging (p = 0.02) were significant predictors of post‐evaluation symptomatic stones regardless of donation status (p = 0.41).

Conclusions

Stone burden on imaging and prior symptomatic stone events were associated with not donating. Younger age and stone burden on imaging were the primary risk factors for a symptomatic kidney stone event after donor evaluation.
A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, multiple dose, parallel study to investigate the effects of a cathepsin S inhibitor in celiac disease
Authors: Bentley Darren , Mannino Marie , Manchester Marianne , Teixeira Priscila Camillo , Reis Bernhard , Boyce Malcolm , Nagel Sandra
Published: December 2024

Celiac disease is a chronic, immune‐mediated enteropathy with symptoms triggered by exposure to dietary gluten in genetically predisposed individuals. The only available management option is lifelong adherence to a gluten‐free diet. This randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, parallel‐group, single‐center study tested the effects of the cathepsin S inhibitor RO5459072 on the immune response to a 13‐day gluten challenge in 19 participants with celiac disease (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02679014). Nine participants in the RO5459072 arm received 100 mg study drug b.i.d. (200 mg daily); 10 received a placebo. The primary end point was the number of responders to the gluten challenge (defined as individuals with an increase in the number of gliadin‐specific, IFNγ‐secreting T cells detected using an ELISPOT assay). However, there was a weak response to the gluten challenge across both arms. Few participants had an increase in gliadin‐specific, IFNγ‐secreting T cells, and the antigen‐specific responses (anti‐tTG and anti‐DGP antibodies) were weaker than expected in both arms. Therefore, the primary end point was not met, although the study was underpowered to detect a treatment effect under these circumstances. Pharmacodynamic findings suggested that RO5459072 had some beneficial effects. Fewer participants in the RO5459072 arm exhibited gliadin‐specific IFNγ‐secreting T cells after 6 days' gluten intake. Participants in the RO5459072 arm also showed decreased intestinal permeability, and a decrease in the number of circulating B cells, CD4+ and CD8+ T cells compared to baseline. Nevertheless, the absence of clear effects on the response to a gluten challenge indicates that inhibition of cathepsin S may not be an effective treatment strategy for celiac disease.
Twice Upon a Time: Children Use Syntax to Learn the Meanings of Yesterday and Tomorrow
Authors: Maheshwari Urvi , Barner David
Published: December 2024

Time words like “yesterday” and “tomorrow” are abstract, and are interpreted relative to the context in which they are produced: the word “tomorrow” refers to a different point in time now than in 24 h. We tested 112 three‐ to five‐year‐old English‐ and Hindi‐speaking children on their knowledge of “yesterday” and “tomorrow,” which are represented by the same word in Hindi‐Urdu: “kal.” We found that Hindi learners performed better than English learners when tested on actual past and future events, but that performance for hypothetical events was poor for both groups. Compatible with a “syntactic cues” account, we conclude that syntactic tense information—which is necessary for differentiating “yesterday” from “tomorrow” in Hindi—may play a stronger role in learning the deictic status of these words than mapping of specific words to particular past and future events (“event mapping”).
Forming Connections: Functional Brain Connectivity is Associated With Executive Functioning Abilities in Early Childhood
Authors: Kelsey Caroline , Kamenetskiy Adelia , Mulligan Kaitlin , Tiras Carly , Kent Michaela , Bayet Laurie , Richards John , Bosquet Enlow Michelle , Nelson Charles A.
Published: December 2024

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies with adults provide evidence that functional brain networks, including the default mode network and frontoparietal network, underlie executive functioning (EF). However, given the challenges of using fMRI with infants and young children, little work has assessed the developmental trajectories of these networks or their associations with EF at key developmental stages. More recently, functional near‐infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) has emerged as a promising neuroimaging tool which can provide information on cortical functional networks and can be more easily implemented with young children. Children (N = 207; n = 116 male; n = 167 White) had fNIRS data recorded at infancy, 3, 5, and 7 years of age while watching a 2‐min nonsocial video. At 3, 5, and 7 years, children completed behavioral assessments and parents completed questionnaires to assess child EF abilities. Results showed that, although early functional brain network connectivity was not associated with later functional brain connectivity, EF was concurrently and longitudinally associated with functional connectivity levels in both networks. Overall, these results inform the understanding of early emerging neural underpinnings of regulatory abilities and point to considerable change in the composition of functional brain networks and a conservation of function across development.
Ameliorating the Psychological Well‐Being of Chinese and Iranian Teachers in English Classrooms: A Cross‐Cultural Analysis of the Role of Job Satisfaction and Exemplary Leadership Behaviour
Authors: Wang JunWei , Derakhshan Ali
Published: December 2024

It is widely acknowledged that the mental condition of teachers has a direct impact on their professional performance. Put another way, teachers with mental or psychological disorders may fail to accomplish their professional responsibilities. Accordingly, factors contributing to teachers' psychological well‐being need to be uncovered. To address this necessity, several scholars up to now have scrutinised the predictors of this construct in different educational settings, including language classrooms. Nevertheless, few researchers have addressed the role of personal and job resources in teachers' psychological well‐being. Furthermore, to the best of our knowledge, no cross‐cultural study to date has examined the role of these resources in English teachers' psychological well‐being. To bridge these gaps, the present cross‐cultural inquiry investigated the role of two personal and job resources, namely job satisfaction and exemplary leadership behaviour, in Chinese and Iranian English teachers' well‐being. In doing so, three self‐report scales were distributed among a large sample of Iranian (N = 256) and Chinese (N = 311) teachers. The collected data were statistically analysed through the Amos software (version 29). The results of the analysis showed that both Iranian and Chinese teachers' psychological well‐being is closely tied to job satisfaction and exemplary leadership behaviour. Moreover, the outcomes identified that job satisfaction and exemplary leadership behaviour can ameliorate the psychological well‐being of Iranian and Chinese teachers in English classrooms. In addition, no meaningful difference was discovered between Chinese and Iranian measurement models regarding the predictive role of job satisfaction and exemplary leadership behaviour. This may be illuminating for all teachers and educational administrators working in EFL and ESL environments.
Teacher Identity and Neoliberalism: An Auto‐Netnographic Exploration of the Public Education Crisis
Authors: González‐Calvo Gustavo
Published: December 2024

This auto‐netnographic study explores the impact of neoliberal ideologies on teacher identity within the context of public education in Spain, with a particular focus on how social networks and media, such as Twitter and Facebook, shape and reflect these dynamics. Combining narrative introspection with thematic analysis of online content, the study examines how social media amplifies neoliberal values, including individualism, commodification and competitive appraisal, influencing teacher subjectivity and solidarity. By situating the findings within the Spanish educational landscape, the study highlights how localised socio‐political dynamics intersect with global neoliberal trends. The results reveal that social media serves as both a platform for ideological critique and a site where collective identities are fragmented, contributing to the erosion of solidarity amongst educators. Ultimately, this research advocates for reclaiming public education values through critical reflection and dialogue, promoting a more equitable and humane educational system.
The Dual Role of Nb Microalloying on the High‐Cycle Fatigue of 1.0%C–1.5%Cr Bearing Steel
Authors: Wu Yongjin , Zhang Chaolei , Dong Shuaijun , Wang Wenjun , Mao Xinping , Wang Shuize , Wu Guilin , Gao Junheng , Wu Honghui , Zhao Haitao
Published: December 2024

The high‐cycle tension–compression fatigue property of 1.0%C–1.5Cr% bearing steel with niobium (Nb) content of 180 and 800 ppm was investigated. The results indicated that the fatigue limit for both Nb‐free and 0.018% Nb steel remained at 900 MPa, while 0.080% Nb steel increased to 950 MPa. Furthermore, Nb played a dual role in the high‐cycle fatigue limit. First, it refined the undissolved carbides. In 0.080% Nb steel, the dissolution of rod‐like carbides resulted in a 31% reduction in the size of undissolved carbides compared with Nb‐free steel, and the roundness was increased with carbide aspect ratio decreasing from 1.37 to 1.16. Second, the stress field generated by the tip‐shaped TiN crack source in 0.018% Nb steel exceeded that produced by the spherical oxide inclusions in Nb‐free steel and the ellipsoidal NbC in 0.080% Nb steel, which negatively impacted the fatigue properties of the steel.
Exploring Synergies: Greenhouse Gas Dynamics, Soil Mechanisms, and Forest Ecosystems for Climate Resilience and Sustainable Environmental Stewardship
Authors: Muhammad Ihsan , Luo Xinyu , Khan Imran , Al‐Ghamdi Abdullah Ahmed , Elshikh Mohamed Soliman , Shen Weijun
Published: December 2024

Rising global temperatures underscore the urgent need to understand the complex interplay between greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and climate change. This study investigates the relationships between GHG emissions and key environmental factors in China from 1990 to 2019, focusing on the role of forest ecosystems and soil management practices. Utilizing FAOSTAT and World Development Indicators data, we analyze the connections between total GHG emissions and factors such as biomass burning (BM), net stock change (NSC), fertilizer application (FERT), and manure application (MA) in soils. Employing impulse response analysis and Robust Least Squares Estimation with transformed logarithmic independent parameters, we find strong positive correlations between GHG emissions and both BM (coefficient 0.82) and FERT (coefficient 0.95). Robust Least Squares Estimation further confirms the significant influence of BM (coefficient 0.85) and FERT (coefficient 1.01) on GHG emissions. Notably, the interaction between precipitation (PPT) and NSC significantly impacts GHG emissions, with a negative coefficient (−0.58) for “PPT * NSC”. In contrast, the interaction between PPT and FERT significantly impacts GHG emissions, with a positive coefficient (0.29) for “PPT * FERT.” Furthermore, a unidirectional causality is observed from GHGs to BM (coefficient 6.31). These findings highlight the critical roles of BM, fertilizer use, and PPT patterns in driving GHG dynamics and underscore the potential of forest management strategies, particularly those focused on NSC, to mitigate climate change. This research provides valuable insights for promoting a sustainable balance between human activities and the vital role of forests in maintaining a healthy environment.
Exploring the dynamics of T‐cell responses: a combined approach using EdU incorporation and proliferation dye dilution assay
Authors: Raaphorst Hilde , Lougheed Sinéad , Saou Latifa , van Kleef Nadine D , Rensink Irma , ten Brinke Anja , Freen‐van Heeren Julian J , Turksma Annelies W
Published: December 2024

Understanding antigen‐specific T‐cell responses is crucial for advancing immunotherapies and vaccine development. This study proposes a novel approach combining two complementary assays: the 5‐ethynyl‐2′‐deoxyuridine (EdU) incorporation assay (tracking proliferation over 0–48 h) and the VPD450 dye dilution assay (tracking proliferation over 4–6 days). Integrating these techniques provides additional insights into T‐cell proliferation kinetics. Both assays were independently optimized using anti‐CD3 and anti‐CD28 polyclonal T cell stimulation. 1 μM VPD450 is suitable for assessing T‐cell proliferation. The EdU concentration should match the stimulation strength, requiring higher concentrations to efficiently track DNA replication detection during increased cellular division. Day 5 was the optimal read‐out day for the EdU incorporation assay. We then combined the VPD450 dye dilution and EdU incorporation assays. As a proof of principle, we stimulated PBMCs from healthy donors with tetanus toxoid to assess antigen‐specific T‐cell responses. Additionally, we demonstrated the assay's application in drug research by evaluating proliferation in a mixed lymphocyte reaction with abatacept, an agonistic anti‐CTLA‐4 antibody. This combined approach offers qualitative insights into T‐cell proliferation kinetics, beneficial for assessing novel vaccine efficiency or for designing new treatments targeting T cell proliferation, such as in autoimmune settings.
Boundary Spanning and Practical Impact in IS Research: A Bourdieusian Analysis
Authors: McCarthy Stephen , Scholta Hendrik , Hausvik Geir Inge , Busch Peter André
Published: December 2024

Information systems (IS) research often seeks to deliver practical impact in addition to the traditional requirement for theoretical contribution. While an admirable goal, it is nevertheless a challenging prospect, as key questions remain around how best to facilitate a relationship between IS academic and practitioner communities. To explore this issue, we analyse multi‐case study data from interviews with 24 IS practitioner doctorates, industry contact points, and senior IS academics who sought to create a joint field between academia and practice during their research. Our findings reveal several boundary spanning activities needed to traverse field boundaries and maintain the joint field's existence across the stages of proof‐of‐concept, proof‐of‐value, and proof‐of‐use. Building on insights from the work of Pierre Bourdieu, we further discuss how IS practitioner doctorates operationalised capital, doxa, and habitus to achieve varying degrees of practical impact in their work. Action‐oriented recommendations are presented to support practical impact going forward including creolised messages and the mobilisation of capital to change inter‐field relationships. By adapting Bourdieu's Theory of Practice to the engaged scholarship discourse in IS, we contribute new insights into how the academia‐practice gap might be addressed.
The light detection performance of ZnO‐based Schottky‐type photodetector as a function of changing solution molarity
Authors: Erkol Mehmet , Coşkun Mustafa , Coşkun Fatih Mehmet , Kocyigit Adem
Published: December 2024

Wide band gap metal oxides can increase the detection band and performance of photodetectors. Among them, zinc oxide (ZnO) is a multi‐functional oxide metal with various applications in various areas, that is, gas sensors, electronics, and optoelectronics. In this study, we employed ZnO metal oxide layers, which were synthesized by hydrothermal method, as interfacial layers for Schottky‐type silicon‐based photodetectors between Au metal and p‐Si with 46 and 56 mM ZnO solution molarities to fabricate Au/ZnO/p‐Si heterostructures. Synthesized ZnO morphology and crystallinity were tested by scanning electron microscopy and x‐ray diffraction techniques. The Au/ZnO/p‐Si heterostructures were investigated for photodetector applications by current–voltage (I–V) analysis in various light densities ranging from dark to 150 mW/cm2, and different wavelengths for the same light irradiance power. I–V characteristics under dark and light situations were used to extract diode characteristics and light detection parameters. The impedance analysis technique was also employed to demonstrate the capacitance behavior for the Au/ZnO/p‐Si heterostructures. The obtained Au/ZnO/p‐Si heterostructures confirms that trap levels are important to obtain high‐performance photodetectors.
Impact of light dose and fluence rate on the efficacy and tolerability of topical 5‐ALA photodynamic therapy for actinic keratoses: A randomized, controlled, observer‐blinded intrapatient comparison study
Authors: Tanew Adrian , Ristl Robin , Trattner Hannes , Hacker Valentin , Kroyer Bettina , Radakovic Sonja
Published: December 2024

Background

Conventional photodynamic therapy (cPDT) is an effective treatment option for field cancerization and multiple actinic keratoses (AK). The main side effect of cPDT is pain during illumination which in severe cases might necessitate early termination of treatment. Modification of treatment parameters such as light dose and fluence rate is a promising approach to mitigate PDT‐associated pain.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and tolerability of four different cPDT illumination protocols in the treatment of AK in the head region.

Methods

Prospective, investigator‐blinded, within‐patient study on 67 patients with multiple AK in the head region. PDT treatment was performed on comparable target areas with four different settings of illumination: (A) standard light dose and standard fluence rate, (B) standard light dose and halved fluence rate, (C) halved standard light dose and standard fluence rate and (D) halved standard light dose and halved fluence rate. Pain and the intensity of the phototoxic skin reaction was recorded during and after illumination. The clearance rate of the target areas and target lesions was assessed at 12 weeks after PDT. Target areas with incomplete clearance were retreated, those with complete clearance were reassessed at 24 weeks after PDT.

Results

The mean and maximum pain level during illumination was significantly decreased at the lower fluence rates. The phototoxic skin reaction was most pronounced with the standard illumination setting. The overall clearance rate of AK and the clearance rate of the target lesions at 3 months after PDT as well as the number of recurrent or new AK at 6 months after PDT did not differ between four treatment protocols.

Conclusions

Reduction of the fluence rate and/or light dose was associated with less PDT‐induced pain and/or shorter exposures times without compromising the therapeutic efficacy of cPDT for AK in the head region.
Proton Pump Inhibitor Use and Incident Cardiovascular Disease in Older Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Soliman Ahmed I. , Wactawski‐Wende Jean , Millen Amy E. , Gray Shelly L. , Eaton Charles B. , Hovey Kathleen M. , Andrews Chris A. , Shadyab Aladdin H. , Haring Bernhard , Saquib Nazmus , Johnson Karen C. , Allison Matthew , Manson JoAnn E. , LaMonte Michael J.
Published: December 2024

Background

Epidemiological studies have been inconsistent regarding an association between proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use and risk of primary cardiovascular disease (CVD) events.

Methods

We studied 85,189 postmenopausal women (mean age 63 years at baseline) without known CVD at enrollment into the Women's Health Initiative Observational Study (1993–1998). PPI use was determined from medication inventories at baseline and Year‐3. CVD events were physician adjudicated and defined as a composite of coronary heart disease, stroke, and CVD mortality. Follow up was from baseline to September 2010. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for incident CVD according to baseline PPI use (no/yes), use duration (non‐user, < 1 year, 1–3 years, > 3 years), and time‐varying based on updated Year‐3 information. Propensity score adjustment was used to control for residual confounding.

Results

At baseline, 1747 (2.1%) women reported using PPIs. During a mean follow‐up of 11 years, 5778 (6.8%) cases of primary CVD were identified. PPI users had significantly higher risk of CVD compared with non‐users in the fully adjusted model (HR: 1.21, 95% CI: 1.02–1.43), and after propensity score adjustment (HR: 1.27, 95% CI: 1.21–1.32). Longer PPI use duration was associated with incrementally higher CVD risk (HRs: < 1 year: 1.11, 1–3 years: 1.27, > 3 years: 1.33; p for trend = 0.02).

Conclusions

PPI use was associated with higher risk of incident primary CVD in older postmenopausal women. These findings underscore the importance of guideline‐directed PPI use to avoid unwanted adverse events.
Clin‐STAR Corner: Practice Changing Advances at the Interface of Oncology and Geriatrics
Authors: Phillips Tanyanika , Ji Jingran , Katheria Vani , Dale William
Published: December 2024

Cancer and aging are inextricably linked, and older adults are a significant proportion of those diagnosed, treated, and living with and beyond a cancer diagnosis. Several large prospective studies have enhanced our understanding of how to improve the assessment, treatment, and outcomes of older adults with cancer starting therapy. This article summarizes three recent high‐impact trials that produced practice‐changing implications for the management of older adults with cancer that led to guideline updates. The key findings from these trials highlight that geriatric assessment‐guided interventions in older adults with cancer: (1) facilitated higher rates of chemotherapy completion at planned doses with less modification among patients, (2) reduced grade 3 hematologic and non‐hematologic toxicity during treatment delivery among patients of all stages of cancer receiving chemotherapy, and (3) influenced treatment decisions among advanced cancer patients receiving supportive care leading to reduced toxicity through reduced intensity of therapy without compromise of survival.
Normal Anal Sensibility in Patients Born With Anorectal Malformations
Authors: den Hollander Venla E. C. , Trzpis Monika , Broens Paul M. A.
Published: December 2024

Objectives

Anal sensibility is crucial for fecal continence. We aim to investigate anal sensibility in patients diagnosed with different types of ARM, after various types of treatments, and according to the sacral ratio.

Methods

Retrospectively, we included 68 ARM patients (7 treated non‐surgically and 61 surgically). All underwent anorectal function tests. We measured anal sensibility, the existence of a functional internal anal sphincter (IAS), and sacral ratio.

Results

The mean anal sensibility was 7.2 (SD 5.2). Normal anal sensibility was present in 40/60 patients, irrespective of the malformation type. Patients diagnosed with minor types had better anal sensibility than those with major types (5.1 vs. 8.4 mA, respectively, p = 0.007) and those treated non‐surgically vs. surgically (2.7 vs. 7.7 mA, respectively, p = < 0.001). Anal sensibility was significantly better in patients who possessed an IAS than in patients without an IAS (6.4 and 9.2 mA, p = 0.038). Multivariable regression analysis demonstrated a relationship between anal sensibility and the existence of a functional IAS. Anal sensibility was not associated with the sacral ratio.

Conclusions

Normal anal sensibility can be present in ARM patients diagnosed with all types of ARM after they have been treated with corrective surgery. Anal sensibility was better in those with a functional IAS. This means that the IAS, present in the distal end of the fistula, should be spared as much as possible to preserve anal sensibility. In this way, aiming to maintain the best possible fecal continence.
Changes in Disc Status and Condylar Regeneration After Intracapsular Condylar Fractures in Rabbits
Authors: Xu Siwei , Yan Kaixin , Jiang Linli , Chang Xinnan , Li Hui , Liu Lei
Published: December 2024

Background

The treatment procedure for intracapsular condylar fractures (ICF) is still being debated. The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disc is a key factor for treating ICF. The study aims to investigate the changes in TMJ disc status and condylar cartilage regeneration following ICF in a rabbit model, to assist in planning treatment.

Methods

Adolescent and adult rabbits received surgery on the left TMJs: (1) ICF with anterior disc displacement, (2) ICF with the removal of the ICF segment and disc. The animals were euthanized immediately, and at 4, 8, and 12 weeks after surgery. Their left TMJs were collected for histological, SOX 9 immunohistochemical, and micro‐CT analyses.

Results

All 36 TMJs (100%) showed anterior disc displacement at 4, 8, and 12 weeks after surgery. Also, condylar cartilage regeneration was observed in all 36 joints. Notably, partial regeneration of condylar cartilage was noted at 4 weeks after removal of the disc and ICF fractured segment in both adolescent and adult groups.

Conclusion

Anterior displaced disc after ICF in adolescent and adult rabbits exhibited sustained disc displacement without therapeutic intervention. TMJ disc and associated attachment are crucial in the condylar cartilage regeneration after ICF.