bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Functional outcome prediction in Japanese patients with non-surgical intracerebral hemorrhage: The FSR ICH Score
Authors: Kiyohara Takuya , Matsuo Ryu , Irie Fumi , Nakamura Kuniyuki , Hata Jun , Wakisaka Yoshinobu , Kitazono Takanari , Kamouchi Masahiro , Ago Tetsuro ,   Investigators for Fukuoka Stroke Registry
Published: January 2025

Introduction: There has been limited research on predicting the functional prognosis of patients with non-surgical intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) from the acute stage. The aim of this study is to develop a risk prediction model for the natural course in patients with non-surgical ICH and to evaluate its performance using a multicenter hospital-based prospective study of stroke patients in Japan.
Methods: We consecutively registered a total of 1,017 patients with acute ICH (mean age, 68 years) who underwent conservative treatment and followed them up for 3 months. The study outcome was a poor functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale score, 4–6) at 3 months after ICH onset. To develop the risk prediction model for natural course in patients with non-surgical ICH, we included the following clinical common factors assessed on admission in daily clinical practice for ICH: age, sex, medical history (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, pre-stroke dementia, previous stroke, coronary artery disease, smoking status, alcohol drinking status, oral anticoagulation, and antiplatelet medication), admission status (Time from onset to admission, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, pulse pressure, plasma glucose levels, severity of the stroke), and neuroradiologic data (ICH location, intraventricular hemorrhage, and hematoma volume).The risk prediction model for poor functional outcome was developed using logistic regression analysis. In addition, the risk prediction model was translated into a point-based simple risk score (FSR ICH score) using the approach in the Framingham Heart Study.
Results: At 3 months after the ICH onset, 323 (31.8%) patients developed a poor functional outcome. Age, diabetes mellitus, pre-stroke dementia, NIHSS score on admission, intraventricular hemorrhage, and hematoma volume were included in the risk prediction model. This model demonstrated excellent discrimination (C statistic=0.884 [95% confidence interval, 0.863–0.905]; optimism-corrected C statistic based on 200 bootstrap samples=0.877) and calibration (Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test: P=0.72). The FSR ICH score, a point-based simple risk score, also showed excellent discrimination, with a C statistic of 0.882 (95% CI: 0.861–0.903).
Conclusions: We developed a new risk prediction model for 3-month poor functional outcome in patients with non-surgical ICH using a multicenter hospital-based prospective study in Japan. The current risk prediction model has the potential to be a useful tool for estimating the natural course in patients with non-surgical ICH, aiding in making treatment decisions, including surgical options, early formulation of rehabilitation plans, and efficient utilization of medical resources.
A New Perspective on the Management of Primary Immunodeficiencies: Evaluation of Arrhythmia and Cardiac Diseases
Authors: Inan Mustafa Ilker , Akgul Balaban Yasemin , Yagci Ahmet Faruk , Kartal Ozgur , Bugan Baris , Kalkan Fikriye , Sonmez Ezgi , Demirel Fevzi , Selcuk Ali , Yesillik Sait
Published: January 2025

Introduction: Primary immunodeficiency diseases (PIDs), are a growing group of rarely seen diseases. Various clinical conditions like autoimmunity, lymphoproliferative/malignant diseases, chronic lung and gastrointestinal system diseases have been identified which accompanies PIDs besides recurrent infections. However, there is a lack of information about accompanying cardiovascular diseases. We aimed to determine the frequency of cardiovascular diseases and arrhythmias in PID patients.
Methods: 48 PID patients and 48 control group patients were included to this single-center, prospective controlled study. All patients underwent resting electrocardiogram, echocardiogram and 7-lead 24-hour ambulatory electrocardiogram (Holter) monitoring assessed by an experienced cardiologist.
Results: Both supraventricular and ventricular extrasystoles were found to be statistically significantly higher in patient group in terms of frequency and sustained, non-sustained, and runs compared to control group. The median of total supraventricular extrasystoles was 8 (0-65) in patient group which was 0.5 (0-4.5) in control group (p<0.001) while the median of total ventricular extrasystoles was 2 (0-45.5) and 0 (0-2) in two groups, respectively (p=0.022). 18 patients (37.5%) had supraventricular and/or ventricular arrhythmias. The patient group had a statistically significantly higher systolic pulmonary artery pressure value compared to control group [20 (16-28) vs. 17.5 (15-25); p=0.036]. We found 7 patients had 13 structural heart diseases including second degree or above valve pathologies in patient group whereas none of the control group patients had these diseases (p=0.013).
Conclusion: With the positive findings of higher frequency and risk of arrhythmias and various structural heart diseases, we hope that our study will provide a new perspective on the management of PID patients, contributing positively to their survival and early prevention of cardiovascular comorbidities.
Changes in Antigen Carbohydrate 125 in Patients Receiving Dapagliflozin following an Admission for Acute Heart Failure
Authors: Miñana Gema , de la Espriella Rafael , Lorenzo-Hernández Miguel , Rodriguez-Borja Enrique , Mollar Anna , Palau Patricia , Fernández-Cisnal Agustin , Valero Ernesto , Carratalá Arturo , Santas Enrique , Bodi Vicent , Sanchis Juan , Bayés-Genís Antoni , Nuñez Eduardo , Nuñez Julio
Published: January 2025

Introduction: Antigen carbohydrate 125 (CA125) has emerged as a proxy of fluid overload and inflammation in acute heart failure (AHF). We aimed to evaluate the influence of dapagliflozin on CA125 levels within the first weeks after discharge and whether CA125 changes were related to 6-month adverse clinical outcomes. Methods: In this retrospective observational study, data from 956 AHF patients discharged from a tertiary hospital were analyzed. CA125 levels were assessed during the index admission (visit 1) and at a median of 26 (15–39) days after discharge (visit 2). The primary endpoint was changes in CA125 and its correlation with the risk of 6-month death and recurrent readmissions (any or AHF-related). Multivariable mixed regression and a two-equation count model regression were used for the analyses. Results: The mean age of the cohort was 73.1 ± 11.1 years, 54.8% were males, 43.5% showed left ventricular ejection fraction ≥50%, and 18.7% of patients received dapagliflozin at discharge. Dapagliflozin treatment was associated with a greater reduction in CA125 levels at follow-up (−24 U/mL) compared to non-dapagliflozin patients (−14 U/mL, p = 0.034). The magnitude of CA125 reduction (per decrease in 10 U/mL) was significantly associated with a lower risk of 6-month death (incidence rate ratio [IRR] = 0.98, 95% CI = 0.96–0.99; p = 0.049), all-cause readmissions (IRR = 0.99, 95% CI = 0.98–0.99; p = 0.003), and HF readmissions (IRR = 0.98, 95% CI = 0.97–0.99; p < 0.001). Conclusion: Dapagliflozin treatment at discharge following an episode of AHF was associated with a greater reduction in CA125 during the first weeks after discharge. The greater CA125 reduction identified patients with a lower risk of 6-month adverse clinical outcomes.
Efficacy of a shortened oral antibiotic bowel decontamination in minimally invasive surgery for diverticular disease
Authors: Schardey Josefine , von Ahnen Thomas , Crispin Alexander , Knoblauch Mathilda , Zimmermann Petra , Kühn Florian , Andrassy Joachim , Werner Jens , Rau Bettina , Wirth Ulrich
Published: January 2025

Introduction
Infectious complications, such as anastomotic leakage (AL) and surgical site infections (SSI), remain a significant challenge in colorectal surgery. Consequently, there is growing interest in oral antibiotic bowel decontamination with non-absorbable antibiotics (selective digestive decontamination, or SDD), which can reduce perioperative complications while also minimizing antibiotic use. This study aimed to determine whether a three-day SDD regimen is as effective as a seven-day regimen in preventing postoperative complications in laparoscopic diverticular surgery.
Methods
A bicenter data analysis of prospectively and retrospectively collected patient data was performed. Three-day versus seven-day perioperative use of an SDD-based regimen (polymyxin B, gentamicin, vancomycin and amphotericin B) in patients undergoing minimally invasive surgery for diverticular disease was compared using non-inferiority analysis.
Results
A total of 469 patients were included in the analysis: 101 patients received a three-day perioperative SDD regimen, while 368 patients received a seven-day regimen. Due to use of routine clinical data, no control cohort available. The overall complication rate was 16.5% in both groups. AL and SSI occurred in 2.0% and 6.0% of the three-day group, and in 1.4% and 6.3% of the seven-day group, respectively, with no significant differences between the groups.
However, for wound infections and overall infectious complications, the three-day regimen can be considered non-inferior to the seven-day regimen. Our data did not confirm the non-inferiority of the SDD3 regimen compared to the SDD7 regimen for AL.
Discussion
We report low rates of AL and other surgical and non-surgical complications in minimally invasive diverticular disease surgery. The low complication rates demonstrate non-inferiority regarding SSI. Our findings are consistent with recent evidence highlighting the positive impact of perioperative SDD treatment on SSI and infectious complications.
Use of histomorphological features for the prediction of grade C fistula after Whipple procedure – a difficult task
Authors: Fahlbusch Tim , Antoniou Georgios , Höhn Philipp , Tannapfel Andrea , Uhl Waldemar , Belyaev Orlin , Munding Johanna
Published: January 2025

Introduction
The prediction of occurrence and form of a postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) could decrease the risk after pancreatic resections. We developed a score based on histomorphological criteria to predict POPF earlier on. In this study we test the scoring system to differentiate between patients developing grade B and C postoperative pancreatic fistula.
Methods
We analysed 92 patients who underwent pancreatic head resection and developed a grade B or C POPF postoperatively. There were no exclusion criteria. Pancreatic resection margins were analysed histologically and pancreatic duct size, fibrosis, fat content and signs of inflammation were transformed into a scoring system.
Results
Patients with a grade B fistula (n=48) were compared to patients with grade C fistula (n=44). Grade C group was characterized by higher mortality (0 vs 22, p<0.001), postpancreatectomy haemorrhage (3 vs 24, p<0.001) longer stays in ICU (2.6 vs 21.1, p<0.001) and in hospital (29.8 vs 44.6, p<0.001). The scoring system was unable to predict grade C fistula. We calculated receiver operator characteristics for all assessed characteristics, which revealed an area-under-the-curve of 0.561. The strongest predictors of POPF grade C were pancreatic fat and soft pancreatic tissue. A combination of only these two items led to a statistically significant difference (p<0.001) and an AUC of 0.771.
Conclusion
Establishing a score to differentiate between grade B and grade C POPF is a difficult task. Pancreatic fat seems to be the most relevant histomorphological feature to be used in any scoring system and it should be combined with other clinical features to enhance its precision and validity.
Molecular Approach of Oxidative Stress and Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia - Relationship of GSTM1 and GSTT1 Genes
Authors: Nuevo Luana Vilches Cagnim , Piatto Vânia Belintani , Spessoto Luís Cesar Fava
Published: January 2025

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a chronic lung disease, with its own clinical, radiological and histopathological characteristics, which mainly affects premature newborns, resulting from a combination of factors that include immaturity, inflammation and lung injury, in addition to therapy with mechanical ventilation and exposure to high concentrations of oxygen. However, even with advances in care for critically ill newborns, BPD continues to be a challenge for the care team and family members. This has been identified as one of the most important causes of morbidity and mortality due to prematurity, and can have significant impacts on the quality of life of the affected patients. While interactions between the risk factors associated with BPD characterize it as multifactorial, its real pathogenesis still remains uncertain, as some newborns, despite having similar risk factors, do not develop it, suggesting, therefore, that susceptibility to BPD is genetically determined. Genetic variants in the Glutathione S-Transferase Mu-1/Glutathione S-Transferase Theta-1-null (GSTM1/GSTT1) genes may be associated with a greater risk of developing BPD in premature newborns, as they affect the function of glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) enzymes and, consequently, the body's ability to eliminate toxic or harmful pro-inflammatory substances. GSTM1/GSTT1-null individuals, due to the absence of gene expression, present loss of enzymatic activity of the respective GST enzymes, triggering failures in the detoxification process and the consequent development of numerous diseases resulting from oxidative damage such as infertility, chronic kidney disease, eryptosis, retinopathy of prematurity, necrotizing enterocolitis, periventricular leukomalacia, intraventricular hemorrhage. The objective of this narrative review is to highlight the role of genetic variants in the GSTM1/GSTT1 genes in the onset of bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
Differential Neural Mechanisms Underlying Inhibition of Color and Dynamic Motion Distractors
Authors: van Moorselaar Dirk , Wang Ningkai , Theeuwes Jan
Published: January 2025

Navigating visually complex environments requires focusing on relevant information while filtering out (salient) distractions. The signal suppression hypothesis posits that salient stimuli generate an automatic saliency signal that captures attention unless overridden by learned suppression mechanisms. In support of this, ERP studies have demonstrated that salient stimuli that do not capture attention elicit a distractor positivity (PD), a putative neural index of suppression. Yet, to date, this hypothesis has been primarily tested with color singletons, leaving it unclear if the PD reflects general suppression or is specific to color singletons. This study compared lateralized ERPs elicited by color singleton and dynamic motion distractors using a variant of the additional singleton paradigm that has been shown to result in proactive suppression of colored distractors. Behavioral results showed a singleton presence benefit for both distractor types, indicating distractor suppression. However, ERP data revealed clear differences in the underlying neural mechanisms: Color singletons elicited a PD component indicative of proactive suppression, whereas motion singletons elicited a later positivity preceded by an N2pc, suggesting reactive suppression. Our findings suggest that motion singletons, unlike color singletons, are suppressed reactively after initial capture. This study highlights the importance of considering distractor feature dimensions in understanding attentional suppression mechanisms and underscores the need for caution in establishing proactive suppression based on a single metric. Further research is needed to clarify the conditions under which the early PD reliably indicates proactive suppression and to explore the neural processes underlying the suppression of various salient distractors.
Understanding Visual Perception
Authors: Purves Dale
Published: January 2025

Visual perception can be thought of in two fundamentally different ways: (1) that what we see is determined by circuitry for detecting and representing object features and conditions in the physical world or (2) that what we see is determined empirically by neural associations based on the relative success of accumulated trial-and-error behavior. The evidence reviewed here indicates that the qualities we perceive are determined empirically. The reasons for this way of seeing are discussed.
Gradual Domain Adaptation via Normalizing Flows
Authors: Sagawa Shogo , Hino Hideitsu
Published: January 2025

Standard domain adaptation methods do not work well when a large gap exists between the source and target domains. Gradual domain adaptation is one of the approaches used to address the problem. It involves leveraging the intermediate domain, which gradually shifts from the source domain to the target domain. In previous work, it is assumed that the number of intermediate domains is large and the distance between adjacent domains is small; hence, the gradual domain adaptation algorithm, involving self-training with unlabeled data sets, is applicable. In practice, however, gradual self-training will fail because the number of intermediate domains is limited and the distance between adjacent domains is large. We propose the use of normalizing flows to deal with this problem while maintaining the framework of unsupervised domain adaptation. The proposed method learns a transformation from the distribution of the target domains to the gaussian mixture distribution via the source domain. We evaluate our proposed method by experiments using real-world data sets and confirm that it mitigates the problem we have explained and improves the classification performance.
Aposematism vs. scavenging? camera trapping unveils low and seasonal-dependent consumption of toxic salamander carcasses by wild boars
Authors: Velo-Antón Guillermo , Ledo María Comesaña , Pardavila Xosé
Published: January 2025

Aposematic species rely on primary and secondary antipredator strategies. Yet, some opportunistic and generalist species may consume them, although this has been largely supported by indirect evidence such as dietary analyses or clay model experiments. Here, we studied the role of the wild boar, Sus scrofa, as a consumer and possible predator of an aposematic and toxic salamander, Salamandra salamandra gallaica. We investigated this behaviour using camera traps and salamander carcasses on a small island where both species co-occur. Our results show a very low proportion of salamanders consumed by wild boars (3.8%), which indicates that fire salamanders might not completely rely on their aposematic strategy to avoid being consumed by this generalist species. The number of predation events does not differ between wild boar age classes, but it does between seasons, with a higher consumption in spring, which can be associated with an increase in animal consumption when fruits (e.g., acorns) are no longer available on this island. We also highlight the need for temporal studies targeting predator-prey interactions through behavioural data and complementary approaches to better understand the possible impact of opportunistic and generalist species in the ecosystem. This is particularly important in management plans involving the control of generalist species such as the wild boar, which is considered one of the most invasive species globally and a threat to countless species worldwide.
Response of juvenile male and female guppies to acute predation cues
Authors: Dumaresq Synnott Félixe , Brusseau Alix J.P. , Crane Adam L. , Brown Grant E.
Published: January 2025

Within aquatic ecosystems, chemosensory cues are widely used as publicly available risk assessment information, allowing prey to optimize behavioural decisions. In sexually dimorphic species, males and females often have different responses to local predation threats. According to the ‘distracted male’ hypothesis, reproductively active males should show a reduced response to risk cues compared to conspecific females due to the potentially high costs of lost courtship and mating opportunities among males. Recent evidence supports this hypothesis, showing that adult male guppies (Poecilia reticulata) show a reduced or absent response to chemosensory risk cues. Here, we further test the ‘distracted male’ hypothesis by testing non-reproductive male and female guppies, collected from the Lopinot River (high predation) or the Upper Aripo River (low predation). We found that juvenile male and female guppies exhibited similar response patterns. Consistent with our predictions, both juvenile male and female guppies collected from a high predation site exhibited a similar antipredator response (reduced number of lines crossed) when exposed to conspecific alarm cues or a novel odour (vs. water control). Those collected from a low predation site showed similar responses to conspecific alarm cues and no response to a novel odour or the water control. Combined, our results suggest that unlike adult guppies, non-reproductive male and female guppies make similar behavioural decisions in response to acute predation cues. As predicted by the ‘distracted male’ hypothesis, the previously reported absence of a response to chemosensory risk assessment cues among adult males may be due to a devaluation of risk assessment information in favour of continued mating.
Probiotic viability in the gastrointestinal tract in a randomised placebo controlled trial: combining molecular biology and novel cultivation techniques
Authors: Sen A. , Kimura M. , Ejima R. , Arai S. , Mitsuyama E. , Kaneko H. , Mishima R. , Muto N. , Hiraku A. , Kato K. , Kuwano Y. , Maruyama H. , Nakamura M. , Iwabuchi N. , Nakano M. , Odamaki T. , Tanaka M.
Published: January 2025

Understanding the viability of ingested probiotics within the gastrointestinal tract is essential for evaluating their efficacy and deciphering their mechanisms of action. Detecting Bifidobacterium longum subspecies longum BB536 is particularly challenging owing to its indistinguishability from the naturally abundant B. longum species in the human gut. We aimed to address this challenge by developing a selective culture medium for B. longum BB536 and employing a propidium monoazide-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PMA-qPCR) method to verify the survival of the probiotic after consumption. To achieve this, we designed a novel lactose-mupirocin-trimethoprim (LMT) medium that facilitates the cultivation of B. longum BB536 under anaerobic conditions at 42 °C. We screened 52 healthy adults and enrolled 39 who met the eligibility criteria. The participants were randomised into two groups, with 34 completing the protocol: 17 received commercial yogurt containing B. longum BB536 (9.30 log10 cfu/day) and 17 received a placebo. Prior to the intervention, B. longum BB536 was undetectable in all participants. However, following supplementation, LMT culturing identified viable B. longum BB536, with average counts of 6.33 ± 0.69 log10 cfu/g on day 3 and 6.16 ± 0.74 log10 cfu/g on day 17. PMA–qPCR further validated these results, showing viable cell counts of 6.09 ± 0.68 log10 cells/g wet faeces on day 3 and 6.44 ± 0.64 log10 cells/g wet faeces on day 17. While each method detected B. longum BB536 in some participants where the other did not, no participant tested negative by both methods at any time point. This complementarity between LMT culturing and PMA–qPCR ensures a comprehensive detection strategy, confirming the presence and resilience of B. longum BB536 in the gastrointestinal tract and underscoring its potential as a beneficial probiotic strain (UMIN000052110).

Japan Conference of Clinical Research: registration number: BYG2B-01; University Hospital Medical Information Network: study protocol registration UMIN000052110.
Flies and beetles-mediated transmission of pathogens in domestic pigs: a systematic review
Authors: Makovska I. , Chantziaras I. , Dhaka P. , Courtens L. , Kox L. , Dewulf J.
Published: January 2025

The presence of flies and beetles in pig farms is common and raises concerns about their potential role in pathogen transmission. These concerns become even more significant when live insect larvae are used as animal feed. If not fully consumed by pigs, the larvae may remain on the farm, develop into adults, and thereby pose health risks. In order to implement effective biosecurity measures on farms, it is important to have a comprehensive understanding of how these insects contribute to pathogen transmission. This systematic review, conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines, seeks to evaluate the available evidence regarding the role of flies and beetles in transmitting pathogens to domestic pigs. A comprehensive search of PubMed®, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, focusing on peer-reviewed literature published between 2007 and 2023 in Europe and North America was conducted. The search identified 1,062 initial records, of which 39 articles met the inclusion criteria after screening and evaluation. Among the selected studies, 87% (34/39) focused exclusively on flies, 3% (1/39) focused on beetles, and 10% (4/39) included both. Flies were mainly identified as mechanical vectors for 26 pathogenic agents, including viruses, bacteria, and parasites while beetles were associated with the potential transmission of two viruses and one bacterium. Overall, only three studies provided evidence of pathogen transmission (African Swine Fever Virus, Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus, and Vesicular Stomatitis New Jersey Virus), which were based on experimental studies involving flies, and one study documented canthariasis caused by Tenebrio molitor larvae. In conclusion, this review identified a number of pathogenic agents that may be transmitted by insects to domestic pigs. The review also demonstrated a scarcity of studies that have convincingly proven the role of insects in pathogen transmission.
Working around unpredictable clocks: Examining the impact of last-minute schedule changes on perceived contract breach and job performance
Authors: Kim Dayoung , Hu Dishi , Harold Crystal M
Published: January 2025

This article explores the effects of an unpredictable work scheduling practice: last-minute schedule changes. We examine the effects of two forms of last-minute schedule changes—unexpected additions or reductions to one’s work schedule—on employee reactions. More specifically, drawing from psychological contract theory, we argue that experiencing more last-minute work schedule changes precipitates psychological contract breach and, in turn, influences employee job performance. Furthermore, we model the opportunity to offer input into schedule change requests as a moderator that buffers negative reactions to last-minute schedule changes. Results of a three-wave field study suggest that last-minute hour additions, but not hour reductions, increase employees’ breach perceptions of psychological contracts related to work schedules and, in turn, result in a decrease in task performance and organizational citizenship behaviors and an increase in counterproductive work behaviors. The indirect effects become weaker when employees are offered the opportunity to provide input into schedule changes. We discuss the theoretical and practical implications of these findings.
Romanians’ fears linked to the social work system: Too many people take advantage without needing help
Authors: Croitoru Alin , Bobic Viorica , Corman Sorina , Pavelescu Amalia , Popa Radu-Ioan , Rădăcină Oana-Elena
Published: January 2025

The article provides empirical evidence on Romanians’ concerns over the effectiveness of their social work system in correctly evaluating social needs and preventing welfare frauds. Based on a national survey conducted in 2022, we found that 59 percent of the respondents believe that too many people receive social benefits without needing help. We analyze the profile of this category of respondents by taking into account vulnerabilities of the individual/household, opinions about social workers, attitudes toward increasing public funds for social protection, households’ economic well-being and various socio-demographics (age, gender, and education). The article’s conclusions can inform research and policies in this field.
Dynamics simulation analysis of the melting process of ice on the surface of aramid IIIA fabrics
Authors: Han Lun , Qin Xiaoyuan , Wang Xu , Han Xu , Yu Bin , Liu Baocheng , Yuan Huifen , Zhao Shuhan , Yu Bin , Zhao Zhiqi
Published: January 2025

In many industries, workers are facing the inconvenience caused by icing on fabrics. Fabric is a porous material, and researchers generally hold that porous material is not suitable for being used as an anti-icing material. Therefore, research on the anti-icing properties of fabrics have not attracted researchers' attention, thus relevant research results are few. The influence of sample surface wettability on snow melting has been rarely studied in depth. In this paper, a test device for testing the melting rate of ice on the surface of a sample was developed. Based on this experiment, a simulation model for simulating the melting process of the ice on the aramid IIIA fabric samples was established based on the melting promoting anti-icing theory. This work also indicates that the use of computational models in the study of ice melting processes is successful. Results show that the relative error between the simulated value and the experimental value was 1.63%. These computational models provide details on the phase transition and temperature changes of ice during the melting process, which are difficult to observe in experiments. Meanwhile, the simulated phase transition of ice is consistent with actual observations. The results indicate that the simulation model established in this article can be extended to study the melting process of ice on aramid IIIA fabric samples, and can be used to guide the study of the anti-icing performance of aramid IIIA fabrics.
ESL Teachers’ Experiences While Designing Projects with Block-Based Coding: Language Instruction and Computational Thinking
Authors: Kim Ehean , Dinç Emre
Published: January 2025

This multiple case study aimed to investigate ESL teachers’ practices when they learn and design their ESL lesson activities, with a particular emphasis on the integration of computational thinking through Scratch. Scratch was considered as the computational thinking platform, and teachers were designers of language instruction with/for computational thinking. We aimed to explore ESL teachers’ lesson designs incorporating computational tools. We collected audio and video recordings from individual workshops and semi-structured interviews and then conducted a thematic analysis. Five themes emerged: (a) learning experiences shaped project designs, (b) teachers’ understanding of student's interests and age appropriateness shaped Scratch projects and pedagogical choices, (c) integrating computational thinking with ESL instruction was challenging, (d) efforts were made to reduce technical and content challenges, and (e) teachers considered and used Scratch as an ESL tool. Our findings underscored teacher agency in how teachers adapted their instruction based on perceived student needs and capabilities.
Accountability, Bureaucratic Discretion, and Civil-Military Relations
Authors: Webeck Sean , Banerjee Vasabjit
Published: January 2025

All democracies wrestle with the problem of representation. Most people intuitively understand this through electoral politics, but this connection is less clear when we consider bureaucracy. And when it comes to civil-military relations, many think about this problem in terms of “civilian control.” We present a different approach and contribute to this literature in three ways. First, we critique assumptions often used in thinking about civilian control. Second, we offer a classification system with three schools of thought on the problem of bureaucratic accountability. These are the (a) political control school (representation through the politics-administration dichotomy and compliance model), (b) responsiveness through institutional design school (representation through formal institutions), and (c) responsibility through values school (representation through informal institutions). We provide examples from scholarship and cinema for each school to aid in understanding and to facilitate teaching and learning. Third, using bureaucratic accountability as an organizing concept, we propose bureaucratic discretion as a different organizing problem or puzzle for civil-military relations scholars to consider. Furthermore, by providing an organizing concept for civil-military relations using insights from the field of public administration, we additionally lay the groundwork to encourage public administration scholars to conduct research on civil-military relations.
The High Cost of Cheap Talk: How Disingenuous Ethical Language Can Reflect Agency Costs
Authors: Smulowitz Stephen J. , Pfarrer Michael D. , Cossin Didier , Lu Hongze (Abraham)
Published: January 2025

Does the use of a certain type of ethical language indicate that managers are failing to behave in a socially responsible manner? Managers are increasingly using language related to ethics, values, and corporate purpose in their communications with stakeholders. However, while economic models argue that “talk is cheap,” we predict that some ethical language (i.e., cheap talk) can reflect agency costs. That is, cheap talk reflects managers being disingenuous with stakeholders about their ethical intentions in order to reduce pressure on corporate social performance (CSP). We test this prediction by inductively creating a dictionary of cheap talk words and demonstrating that the use of cheap talk in annual reports (10-Ks) is associated with decreasing CSP. We also examine how monitoring by stakeholders concerned about CSP (specifically, security analysts and women board membership) can reduce this effect, and how certain types of executive compensation (specifically, exercisable and non-exercisable options) can either alleviate or worsen this effect. We contribute to the cheap talk literature (a subset of the impression management literature) by showing the high cost of disingenuous ethical language (i.e., cheap talk). We also add to the literature distinguishing between “values” and “legal” ethical talk by showing in post hoc analyses that words reflecting values are more likely to be cheap talk.
Off to the Polls and Then Down the Ballot: Are Union Members Less Likely to Roll-Off?
Authors: Carpenter Ryan , Mallinson Daniel J. , Bucci Laura
Published: January 2025

Unions are successful at mobilizing voter turnout, but does this success translate to voting down-ballot? Raising this question brings together two disparate strains of research on ballot-roll off and union voter mobilization. Using data from the Cooperative Election Study (2012, 2016, and 2020), we find that union voters are more likely to vote in down ballot U.S. House, Senate, and gubernatorial elections. Though members of union households are less likely to vote down-ballot than nonunion voters. We consider the implications of these findings for research on union mobilization and ballot roll-off.
Metaphor and Organization Studies: Going beyond resonance to further theory and practice
Authors: Biscaro Claudio , Bruni Elena , Cornelissen Joep , Oswick Cliff
Published: January 2025

Research on metaphor in organization studies has proliferated over the last 40 years. For most of its history, metaphors have been studied and deployed as linguistic and cognitive ‘resources’ to unpack the complexity of organizations and the environments in which they operate. Reviewing classic papers on the topic published in Organization Studies, we synthesize the key characteristics of past work and informed by our review offer a more multi-dimensional theoretical perspective to channel research into new directions. Our new perspective is premised on leveraging dissonance and multimodality in producing and using metaphors. We demonstrate how such a viewpoint draws new perspectives for scholars and practitioners alike. We highlight some of the implications of centring future thinking from this multi-dimensional perspective, including new strategies of deploying metaphors to generate potentially path-breaking theories and ways of studying phenomena.
Why and how counting counts: Perspectives on calculative practices for organization studies
Authors: Giovannoni Elena , Begkos Christos , Mouritsen Jan , Kornberger Martin
Published: January 2025

How do numbers and calculations relate to organizing? This paper draws on a selection of articles published in Organization Studies to discuss why and how counting counts, navigating the domains of the ordered, evident, and known, as well as those of the disordered, ambiguous, and unknown. In these domains, we identify different perspectives on calculative practices in organization studies: from datafication and the making of categories, to calculative infrastructures and the making of collective things, to the aesthetics of numbers and the making of affects. These perspectives reveal that while numbers reduce, simplify, and clarify, they also offer insights into the complexity, obscurity, and ambiguity of our world through their inherent incompleteness and gaps. Such insights suggest opportunities for organization scholars to employ numbers and calculations as lenses to research phenomena both in the domain of cognition and senses, as well as in that of the mysterious and unsensed. This shift highlights a renewed interest in a phenomenology of quantification, inviting organization scholars to engage with calculations—embracing their ambiguity, limitations, and even magical qualities—as cues to explore what eludes the senses.
Addressing Literacy Skills of Adolescent Girls in a Juvenile Justice Facility: Using the Self-Regulated Strategy Development Instructional Approach to Improve Written Summaries
Authors: Pitzel Allyson , Sanders Sara , Rollins Lauren Hart , Hester Olivia R. , Hackney Aimee J. , Jolivette Kristine
Published: January 2025

Developing the ability to summarize written text is a critical literacy skill set for adolescent students with disabilities. Using a nonconcurrent multiple baseline design, four female students at-risk for emotional and behavioral disorders in a juvenile justice facility were taught the TRAP+IDEAS mnemonic using the self-regulated strategy development (SRSD) instructional approach to improve written summaries. Three students completed the study with observed improvements in summary content and quality of their written summaries with two students maintaining their summary content and quality during two weeks of maintenance. The social validity of the intervention, limitations, and future directions are presented.
Teachers’ perceptions of the implementation of active breaks in the classroom: is being active so important? / Percepciones de los docentes sobre la implementación de los descansos activos en el aula: ¿tan importante es ser activo?
Authors: Muntaner-Mas Adrià , Cantallops Ramón Jaume , Javier Ponseti Verdaguer Francisco , Sánchez-Romero Elisa I.
Published: January 2025

Active breaks can be a reference framework for promoting physical activity at schools, hence the important of ascertaining which variables can promote or hinder their implementation. The goal was to analyse the relationship between the perceived barriers and teacher beliefs and benefits of implementing active breaks by analysing the mediating role of the teachers’ physical activity. Method: 109 teachers participated (70.6% females; Mage = 38.59, SD = 11.08). An ad hoc questionnaire on active breaks and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire were used for the teachers’ physical activity. Results: low level of perceived barriers to active breaks increased beliefs and benefits for their implementation in the classroom. Conclusions: this study shows that teachers’ physical activity was not a variable that determined the implementation of active breaks in the classroom. Therefore, other personal and/or contextual factors related to the adoption and implementation of active breaks should be explored.
The Moratorium Debate in the Anglican Church of Uganda
Authors: Hirome David , Kim Hansung
Published: January 2025

In 1971, John Gatu called for a moratorium on missionary funds and personnel from Europe and North America. This call stirred a debate among Christian churches and organizations in Africa and beyond. The moratorium received positive and negative responses. Two leaders of the Church of Uganda responded to the moratorium. After 50 years of the discussion of Gatu's call for a moratorium, the Church of Uganda has developed and yet she has other issues of selfhood of the church.
Loneliness in the Maltese population: A comparison of data from 2019 and 2022
Authors: Azzopardi Andrew , Clark Marilyn , Grech Anna , Camilleri Liberato
Published: January 2025

Loneliness is a complex and multifaceted experience resulting from a person’s subjective assessment of the gap between their desired and actual social connections. This study presents an analysis of prevalence rates and correlates of loneliness amongst Maltese individuals aged 11 years and older ( n = 658). Data collected in 2022 allowed for a follow up on a first ever study investigating loneliness in Malta in 2019 ( n = 1,009) and makes comparisons to understand how loneliness prevalence rates have changed over time and in view of the COVID-19 pandemic. Results show that in 2022, 54.6% of the sample reported some degree of loneliness. The sociodemographic characteristics that were significantly associated with the highest levels of loneliness were age (11–19 years and 55+), lower levels of education, being widowed, retired, low household income, decreased sense of neighborhood belonging, poor general health, poor coping abilities and not feeling positive about life. Compared to 2019, mean overall loneliness scores were significantly higher in 2022. The most marked increases were observed amongst the youngest groups (11–19 years and 20–34 years), those with the lowest and the highest educational levels, those with a weaker sense of neighborhood belonging and those with poorer coping abilities. The paper makes some recommendations for further research, policy and practice in view of the findings.
Potential assessment and analysis of renewable energy sources and technologies of Egypt’s present state: Toward a sustainable energy future
Authors: Ibrahim Marwa M.
Published: January 2025

The need for renewable energy sources has increased recently due to the desire to mitigate climate change and achieve sustainability. The swift population growth in Egypt makes expanding the energy sector a pressing concern. In particular, renewable energy source (RES) applications are crucial to meeting energy demand. Therefore, Egypt has big plans for RESs to combine economic growth with a clean energy future. Egypt, one of the largest economies on the African continent, plays a crucial role in the international energy transit market. However, local energy demands continue to overburden the country’s energy sector. If traditional power generation methods supply Egypt’s energy needs, then the country’s CO2 emissions are projected to increase by around 125% between 2012 and 2035. This article summarizes Egypt’s current energy situation and looks at the country’s ability to produce electricity from sustainable sources. As part of an analysis of Egypt’s renewable energy projects, the hydroelectric, solar, and wind energy resources provided came with comprehensive and detailed explanations of the green technologies in use. The evaluation includes facts about the sites, land area, capital costs, electrical capacity, technical specifications, specifics about the machinery and equipment, and other relevant components of the projects. Also, waste role energy management is presented. Overall, research indicates that Egypt’s abundant and varied resources in the renewable energy industry are not yet fully utilized to generate sustainable energy. The Egyptian government is moving very quickly to increase the production of renewable energy in partnership with the private sector. The results of this study should assist Egypt and other nations in laying the groundwork for attaining the NET Zero goal, which the entire globe hopes to accomplish in the next decades.
Moldovan academic librarians’ perception on research data management
Authors: Lupu Viorica , Țurcan Nelly , Cujba Rodica
Published: January 2025

This study investigates the perceptions and attitudes of librarians in the Republic of Moldova towards research data management (RDM). Given the increasing significance of RDM in supporting open science and efficient research practices, the role of academic libraries is evolving. This research aims to explore librarians’ familiarity with RDM concepts, the extent of RDM services provided, and the challenges faced in implementing these services. A survey was conducted among 93 librarians from 10 leading universities in Moldova, collecting data on their awareness, involvement, and the institutional support available for RDM. The findings reveal a varying degree of familiarity and engagement with RDM services among librarians, highlighting the need for enhanced training and institutional policies to support effective RDM practices.
Osteochondral Allograft Transplantation as a Salvage Procedure After Failed Index Cartilage Surgery of the Knee: A Systematic Review
Authors: Gopinatth Varun , Tartibi Sina , Smith Matthew V. , Matava Matthew J. , Brophy Robert H. , Knapik Derrick M.
Published: January 2025

Background:

Osteochondral allograft transplantation (OCA) is well established as a viable chondral restoration procedure for the treatment of symptomatic, focal chondral defects of the knee. The efficacy of secondary OCA in the setting of failed index cartilage repair or restoration is poorly understood.

Purpose:

To evaluate radiographic and clinical outcomes, failures, and reoperations after OCA after failed index cartilage repair or restoration of the knee.

Study Design:

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

A systematic review was conducted in accordance with the 2020 PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. A literature search was conducted by querying PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, the Cochrane Database for Systematic Reviews, and the Cochrane Central Register for Controlled Trials databases from inception through September 2023 to identify studies reporting on outcomes of patients undergoing OCA after failed index chondral repair or restoration.

Results:

A total of 6 studies, entailing 349 patients, met inclusion criteria. The mean patient age was 34.6 ± 10.2 years. The mean chondral defect size at the time of secondary OCA was 5.8 cm2 (range, 4.0-9.5 cm2), and the most common defect location was the medial femoral condyle (53.6%; n = 171/319). The most common index chondral procedures were marrow stimulation (73.8%; n = 256/347 patients), OCA (11.8%; n = 41/347), and autologous chondrocyte implantation (4.9%; n = 17/347). The overall failure rate after secondary OCA was 16.6% (95% CI, 8.8%-24.4%). The overall reoperation rate was 42.8% (95% CI, 31.7%-53.9%). Failure and reoperation rates were associated with increasing chondral defect size ( P < .01). Defects 9-10 cm2 had a reoperation rate of 67% and a failure rate of 39%. The 5-year survival rate after secondary OCA was 79% to 87.8%, and the 10-year survival rate was 61% to 82%. A total of 42 clinical outcome scores were reported, and 71.0% (n = 22/31) of patient-reported outcome measures yielded significant improvement from preoperative to postoperative levels for patients undergoing secondary OCA.

Conclusion:

After index chondral surgery, the overall failure rate after secondary OCA was 16.6%, with an overall reoperation rate of 42.8%. The majority of clinical outcomes reported suggest improvement when compared with preoperative values. Larger chondral defects may be associated with higher rates of failure and reoperation.