bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A global migration industry in local contexts: Home care and domestic work brokerage in Austria and Sri Lanka
Authors: Aulenbacher Brigitte , Handapangoda Wasana
Published: February 2025

This article investigates the transnational marketization and corporatization of domestic services by brokers. Polanyian, institutional logics, and intersectional perspectives and findings on capitalism and violence provide a theoretical framework to understand brokerage as mode of service provision creating and shaping hybrid and unequal work and care arrangements. The Austrian context is a paradigmatic example for the European mode of senior home care provision by recruiting female migrant workers from Central and Eastern Europe and placing them in Austrian middle- and upper-class households. The Sri Lankan context is a paradigmatic example for a labour brokerage state, which exploits (paid) household labour of women that satisfy the needs of upper- and middle-class households in the Middle East. Contextual global sociology offers a critical lens to compare the ways in which brokerage is politically, socially, and culturally embedded and creates similar and different modes of service provision based on social inequalities.
Optimal design and analysis of a novel magnetic drive blood pump
Authors: Zhu Zina , Zhang Yupeng , Wan Renyu , Wu Peng , Cui Guohua
Published: February 2025

Utilizing magnetic coupling to drive the artificial heart blood pump in a non-contact and wireless manner offers a viable solution that can effectively avoid problems such as percutaneous lead infection. However, the existing magnetic drive blood pumps have problems such as low utilization efficiency and limited transmission torque due to significant leakage of permanent magnets. To address these limitations, this paper introduces a magnetic modulation-based magnetic drive blood pump, which uses salient pole iron sheets to modulate the magnetic field generated by permanent magnets, thereby minimizing leakage and enhancing the efficiency of permanent magnet utilization. Through finite element analysis of electromagnetic fields, the magnetic circuit structure of the magnetic modulation type magnetic drive blood pump is optimized. Additionally, the influence of the air gap distance of the magnetic drive blood pump on transmission performance is analyzed. Finally, a comprehensive experimental setup for blood pump is developed. By measuring the load torque and spatial magnetic flux density parameters of the magnetic drive blood pump and comparing them to the simulation outcomes, the effectiveness of the proposed magnetic modulation type blood pump is verified.
Optimization and analysis of drilling-induced damage in unidirectional carbon fiber reinforced plastics
Authors: Kurniawan Eddy , Hur Yong Chan , Kim Ji Hoon
Published: February 2025

Carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRP) materials, widely adopted as lightweight and robust metal alternatives, face challenges in achieving satisfactory machining outcomes, particularly in drilling, leading to frequent issues such as delamination. To address this issue, an approach was undertaken to predict and optimize machining parameters to produce high-quality holes. Drilling tests were conducted, and the hole quality was evaluated using the delamination factor. The experimental results showed that higher feed rates generally increase the delamination factor, though an anomaly was observed at lower feed rates. The spindle speed also influences delamination but to a lesser extent. To obtain the optimum drilling process parameters, a multi-layer perceptron (MLP) was initially used. Subsequently, a genetic algorithm (GA) was used to determine the ideal drilling parameter-level combination for maximum performance. Although many optimization studies have been conducted on this topic to obtain high-quality holes, only a few studies have conducted optimization by combining the neural network modeling and GA. The MLP-GA optimization showed an error of 0.3% in validation and successfully found optimum feed rate and spindle speed that minimize delamination. It was confirmed that the combined MLP-GA significantly improves prediction accuracy. This method can be used as a reference to determine process parameters to obtain high-quality holes in drilling CFRP.
Practice and Impact of Using Fall Screening Tools in Emergency Medicine for Older Adults: A Scoping Review
Authors: Chalke Arushi Milind , Leito Grace Marie , Sidhu Azmat , McClelland Jean , Agyemang Sheneil , Luzingu Joy Kinko , Agarwal Nimit , Steckler Leah , Wu Angela , Chen Zhao
Published: February 2025

Falls are a leading cause of injury among older adults in the United States which leads to significant morbidity and mortality. Though screening for fall risk is an important preventative measure in the emergency department (ED), fall screening tools’ feasibility and utility remain a challenge in EDs. This scoping review aimed to identify the fall screening tools, their psychometric properties, their best practices, and their impact in the ED among patients aged 60 years and older. In the 25 publications included in this review, 6 functional assessments and 10 screening questionnaires were used. Even though this review found several tools that are easy to apply and have good psychometric properties in the ED setting, there is a need for increased feasibility, support, and effectiveness. Consistent education and resource allocation remains a challenge for fall screening. Future research needs to focus on optimizing fall screening tools and practices to improve fall prevention measures in ED.
Stimulation of macrophage cell lines confined with silica and/or silicon particles and embedded in structured collagen gels
Authors: Muñoz-González Pedro U , Delgado Jorge , González-García Gerardo , Mendoza-Novelo Birzabith
Published: February 2025

Macrophages encapsulated in composite gels are subjected to a three-dimensional (3D) microenvironment and material-related stimuli that allow modulation of their phenotypes. Herein, 3D collagen fibrillar networks structured with di- or tri-functionalized oligourethanes, including Si-O or Si-Si particles confined therein, are compared regarding their physicochemical properties and material-guided macrophage activation. Gelation kinetics, degradation/swelling, and rheometric results demonstrated that the properties of the composite gels depend on the oligourethane functionalization number (derived from diols/triols and L-Lysine diisocyanate, LDI) and silica incorporation. Human or murine macrophages seeded or encapsulated in the composite gels showed good viability and the adoption of an anti-inflammatory phenotype in response to the silica in the composite gel, showing accelerated gelation when cell culture components are present in the liquid precursors. An increase in cell viability proportional to the storage modulus was observed. ELISA tests strongly suggest that the Si-Si nanoparticles in the composites can antagonize the pro-inflammatory stimulation with lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and interferon-gamma (IFNγ), even promoting an anti-inflammatory response in embedded cells after 24 h. Silicon-doped and crosslinked collagen gels have good potential to modulate macrophage inflammatory response, serving as a 3D immunomodulatory scaffold.
Analysis of elderly patients with inter-trochanteric fracture and failure of postoperative internal fixation
Authors: Xu Xuepeng , Hu Xin , Fei Lincong , Shen Shi
Published: February 2025

Objective

This study aims to compare the efficacy and safety of Proximal Femoral Nail Anti-Rotation (PFNA) versus Dynamic Hip Screw (DHS) in the treatment of intertrochanteric fractures (IF) in elderly patients. We specifically evaluate perioperative indicators, postoperative hip function, and the rate of internal fixation failure.

Methods

300 elderly IF patients treated in our hospital from July 2018 to May 2022 were divided into the PFNA group (n = 150), control group (n = 150), PFNA group treated with PFNA, and control group treated with mobility hip screw (DHS). Perioperative bleeding, operation time, postoperative time and hospital time were observed in the two groups: fracture reduction, hip function at 1 and 6 months after surgery, and failure of internal fixation. Observe the postoperative internal fixation failure in the PFNA group.

Results

The intraoperative blood loss, operation time, first postoperative time and hospital time in the PFNA group were less than in the control group (P < 0.05). One month after surgery, the Harris score of the PFNA group was less than that of the control group (P < 0.05); the Harris score was not different at 6 months (P > 0.05). The excellent rate of fracture reduction in the PFNA group was greater than that in the control group (P < 0.05). The failure rate of internal fixation in the PFNA group was less than that in the control group (P < 0.05). By univariate analysis, Sing Index classification, Evans classification, 25 min and underlying disease were risk factors for postoperative internal fixation failure in PFNA patients (P < 0.05). After multivariate Logistic regression analysis, Sing Index grade, Evans classification, and tip distance 25min were independent risk factors for postoperative internal fixation failure in PFNA patients (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The treatment of elderly IF patients with PFNA has the advantages of small trauma, good fracture reduction, firm internal fixation, low failure rate of internal fixation, and quick postoperative recovery. Sing index classification, Evans classification, and 25min tip distance mainly caused internal fixation failure in patients with PFNA.
Artificial neural network based prediction of specific wear rate in Al7475 composites reinforced with industrial wastes
Authors: Khawale Vijay Ramrao , Satishkumar P , Haldar Barun , Alrasheedi Nashmi Hassan , Vijayakumar Sivasundar , subbiah Ram , Sateesh Nagari
Published: February 2025

The research investigates the dry sliding wear characteristics of Al7475 alloy-based composites reinforced with three dissimilar powders (SiC, TiB2, and Flyash) in the context of solid waste management. The aim of this paper to analyze the effect of selected parameters such as Reinforcements (RT), sliding distance (SE) and sliding speed (SD) on specific wear rate (SWR). Three different Al composites (Al7475/3 wt% of RT, Al7475/6 wt% of RT, Al7475/9 wt% of RT) are produced by squeeze casting process. As per L27 orthogonal array design, the wear tests were performed on Pin on Disk (POD) apparatus under dry conditions. SEM and EDS tests are performed to analyze the surface morphologies of wear test samples. The influence of various parameters on wear behavior was investigated using S/N ratio and ANOVA test. The regression and experimental results are compared to estimate the predicted error, coefficient of correlation. ANN is employed to predict the model to analyze SWR of wear parameters. The experiment and perdition model (3–10–1) developed from ANN are interrelated with the correlation factor of 0.99527 or 99.527% for the training algorithm of LM technique. The closeness value between the ANN and experiment results improves the scope of predicting the SWR of the developed composite. The model is designed to assist engineers in forecasting component failures in automobile and manufacturing industries resulting in cost and time savings.
Long-term Dagum-power variance function frailty regression model: Application in health studies
Authors: Rodrigues Agatha Sacramento , Borges Patrick
Published: February 2025

Survival models with cure fractions, known as long-term survival models, are widely used in epidemiology to account for both immune and susceptible patients regarding a failure event. In such studies, it is also necessary to estimate unobservable heterogeneity caused by unmeasured prognostic factors. Moreover, the hazard function may exhibit a non-monotonic shape, specifically, an unimodal hazard function. In this article, we propose a long-term survival model based on a defective version of the Dagum distribution, incorporating a power variance function frailty term to account for unobservable heterogeneity. This model accommodates survival data with cure fractions and non-monotonic hazard functions. The distribution is reparameterized in terms of the cure fraction, with covariates linked via a logit link, allowing for direct interpretation of covariate effects on the cure fraction—an uncommon feature in defective approaches. We present maximum likelihood estimation for model parameters, assess performance through Monte Carlo simulations, and illustrate the model’s applicability using two health-related datasets: severe COVID-19 in pregnant and postpartum women and patients with malignant skin neoplasms.
Adapting Emotion-Focused Therapy for Latine Couples
Authors: Leeth Christopher K. , Mendoza Andrea
Published: February 2025

There is a critical need for culturally responsive and inclusive methods of counseling. This extends to couples counseling for BIPOC and marginalized clients. Emotion-focused therapy (EFT) is a promising method of working with couples that is grounded in Western/European values. However, using the cultural lens approach, EFT can be adapted to work with Latine couples. This article details EFT and the cultural lens approach, explains adapting EFT for work with Latine couples, and provides recommendations for counselors.
A Relational Approach to Emotionally Focused Therapy
Authors: Mendoza Andrea , Leeth Christopher K.
Published: February 2025

Emotionally focused therapy (EFT) is an evidence-based couple's approach to increasing a couple's relational connection through attachment and interaction patterns. Although EFT is empirically researched, most of the research is rooted in Western cultures, therefore limiting its applicability to marginalized couples. This article integrates EFT with relational cultural theory (RCT), emphasizing relational images and disconnection in a couple's relationships. This integration provides counselors with a culturally responsive framework to address the cultural values of marginalized couples. This article details the major tenets of EFT and RCT, provides a detailed case illustration integrating EFT and RCT with a Latine couple, and provides recommendations for counselors.
Talar Morphology of Charcot-Marie-Tooth Patients With Cavovarus Feet
Authors: Peterson Andrew C. , Requist Melissa R. , Benna Jacob C. , Nelson Jayson R. , Elhabian Shireen , de Cesar Netto Cesar , Beals Timothy C. , Lenz Amy L.
Published: February 2025

Background:

Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT), a common inherited neurologic disorder, significantly impacts the morphology of foot bones, particularly the talus. The disease has been classified into types based on specific mutations, with the most common being CMT type 1 (CMT1; demyelinating) and CMT type 2 (CMT2; axonal). However, the specific osseous morphologic variations in CMT patients and their major genetic subgroups remain insufficiently understood, posing challenges in clinical management and surgical intervention.

Methods:

This study analyzed talar morphology in individuals with CMT compared with a healthy control group, employing a single-bone statistical shape model and talar neck offset angle measurements. Participants included 18 CMT individuals (yielding 29 tali) and 43 healthy controls. For individuals with CMT, the average age at diagnosis was 36.5 ± 19.8 years, with a mean interval of 8.6 years between diagnosis and imaging. Talar morphology was evaluated using weightbearing computed tomography and subsequent morphologic and angular analysis.

Results:

Differences were observed in talar morphology between CMT and healthy individuals. Notably, CMT1 and CMT2 tali exhibited a flatter talar dome and more medial talar head and neck compared with controls. Additionally, the CMT1 and CMT2 subgroups both had a more medially oriented talar neck based on the talar neck offset angle compared with the controls.

Conclusion:

The findings illustrate significant morphologic variations in the talus of CMT patients, indicating the need for type-specific clinical approaches in treating CMT-related foot deformities. Understanding these talar variations is crucial for tailoring surgical techniques and orthotic designs, and developing effective rehabilitation protocols for individuals with CMT, potentially improving patient care and outcomes.
Mutagenesis and Carcinogenesis Risk Evaluation for AAV and Lentiviral Gene Therapies
Authors: Parman Toufan , Pizzurro Daniella M. , Lucas Jacquelynn , Peng Zhechu
Published: February 2025

Fueled by the identification and invention of novel gene delivery vectors, gene therapy efforts now hold promise for treating a wide range of diseases and are seen as a crucial part of growth for the biopharmaceutical industry. Currently, recombinant adeno-associated virus vectors (rAAVs) and lentiviral vectors (LVs) are the main vectors used in gene therapies that are approved or tested in human clinical trials. Meanwhile, ongoing research continuously reveals unprecedented knowledge of viral vectors on the host genome, which may subsequently affect the mutagenic and carcinogenic potential of these therapies. This article summarizes the content and addresses the commentary from the scientific symposium entitled “Mutagenesis and Carcinogenesis Risk Evaluation for AAV and Lentiviral Gene Therapies,” conducted at the 43rd Annual Meeting of the American College of Toxicology, November 2022 in Denver, CO. The objective is to summarize the current understanding of rAAV and LV related mutagenicity/carcinogenicity risk, describe the methods and interpretation of results to guide risk assessments, as well as the current regulatory landscape on the carcinogenicity and mutagenicity assessment of rAAV and LV gene therapy products.
2025 iCatCare consensus guidelines on the diagnosis and management of lower urinary tract diseases in cats
Authors: Taylor Samantha , Boysen Søren , Buffington Tony , Chalhoub Serge , Defauw Pieter , Delgado Mikel M , Gunn-Moore Danièlle , Korman Rachel
Published: February 2025

Practical relevance:

Lower urinary tract signs (LUTS) such as dysuria, haematuria, periuria, pollakiuria and stranguria can occur as the result of a variety of underlying conditions and diagnostic investigation is required to uncover the underlying cause and select appropriate treatment.

Aim:

The '2025 iCatCare consensus guidelines on the diagnosis and management of lower urinary tract diseases in cats' provide an overview of the common presenting signs caused by underlying feline lower urinary tract (LUT) diseases in cats, which often are indistinguishable between different underlying causes. The Guidelines set out a diagnostic approach to affected cats before focusing on the most common causes of LUTS: feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC), urolithiasis, urinary tract infection and urethral obstruction. The aim is to provide practitioners with practical information on these problematic conditions.

Clinical challenges:

The fact that LUTS are similar despite different underlying causes creates a diagnostic challenge. The most common cause of LUTS, FIC, is challenging to manage due to a complex pathogenesis involving organs outside the LUT. Urethral obstruction is a life-threatening complication of various underlying LUT diseases and recurrent LUTS can lead to relinquishment or euthanasia of affected cats.

Evidence base:

These Guidelines have been created by a panel of experts brought together by International Cat Care (iCatCare) Veterinary Society (formerly the International Society of Feline Medicine [ISFM]). Information is based on the available literature, expert opinion and the panel members' experience.
Downturn Down Under: Mapping the Decline of Happiness Among Emerging Adults in Australia
Authors: McMillan Nathan , Smith Jonathan
Published: February 2025

Using data from the ‘Social Futures and Life Pathways of Young People in Queensland’ project, we analysed happiness among a group of young Australians from the ages of 14–26. Over this time, our findings suggest a linear decrease in happiness. Potential correlating factors were then explored at the following three pivotal points: mid-high school (aged 14–15), during the transition to tertiary education and early workforce entry (aged 19–20) and at the onset of formative career development and greater financial independence (25–26 years). Results show that educational attainment, relationship formation, earning capacity and confidence in the future are central to happiness throughout this period. Our findings imply that milestones traditionally associated with adulthood continue to play a significant role in the happiness of young Australians. Our findings underscore the importance of providing better support for the overall well-being of emerging adults as they navigate this complex life stage.
Faricimab efficacy in a poorly responsive case of Polypoidal Choroidal Vasculopathy (PCV): A case report
Authors: Rizzo Clara , Savastano Maria Cristina , Kilian Raphael , Rizzo Stanislao
Published: February 2025

Purpose

To evaluate anatomical and functional outcomes of Faricimab therapy on a case of polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) refractory to previous treatments.

Major findings

A 56-year-old patient with PCV presenting with a large pigment epithelial detachment (PED) showed best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improvement, subretinal fluid (SRF) reduction and PED height reduction at 2 months follow up after a loading phase of 4 monthly Faricimab injections. The patient had previously undergone Aflibercept, Brolucizumab and photodynamic therapy (PDT) treatments with a suboptimal response.

Conclusion

Despite Faricimab proving itself as an efficient alternative in a case of PCV poorly responsive to previous treatments, definite evidence still needs to be confirmed in larger studies.
Electoral competitiveness and candidates’ preferences on tax increase: Evidence from Japan
Authors: Takagi Kenshin
Published: February 2025

How do elections affect the government’s attempt to raise taxes? Previous studies have focused on the effect of elections on the timing of tax increases, arguing that the government is less likely to decide to raise taxes as the election approaches. However, they lack the micro-foundations to explain how elections discourage the government from implementing tax increases. To address this shortcoming, the current study focuses on individual ruling party politicians and shows that the competitiveness of elections in their districts gives them an incentive to oppose the government’s attempt to raise taxes, using data derived from the House of Representatives elections in Japan. This implies that the electoral prospects of individual ruling party politicians are behind the government’s decision to delay the tax increase.
Negative sanctions don’t work (mostly): An analysis of gender quota sanctions in Africa
Authors: Blaxland Joel
Published: February 2025

Getting those already within the system to comply has always been one of the loftier hurdles for gender quotas to clear. Some experts have thus maintained enforcement mechanisms (i.e., sanctions) are necessary to compel compliance and are a critical component of a comprehensive and effective gender quota framework. Drawing on more than a half-century of sanction theory and literature, this study discusses the critical differences between deterrence and compellence sanctions, and positive and negative sanctions. Although the most commonly-applied sanction in gender quota frameworks in Africa, this study’s analysis provides evidence that negative compellence sanctions are ineffective at helping quotas reach their minimum target-thresholds while positive compellence sanctions are particularly effective. This study further clarifies the extent to which different types of sanctions help gender quotas meet their target-thresholds over time.
Critique of sensoric mediality – An experimental approach to chains of translation between the analog and the digital
Authors: Sprenger Florian
Published: February 2025

By reconstructing a basic temperature sensor and its chains of translation, the text presents a new approach to experimental media archeology, critical making and speculative design. Based on this experiment, the text proposes to investigate how sensoric mediation transforms data into operational signals, challenging the myth of ‘raw data’ as unfiltered representations of the environment and the clear distinction between analog and digital. In a micro-analysis, the text reconstructs the translations between the analog and the digital as processes of virtualization, through which what is processed by the computer shares an efficiency with what it refers to, without being of its nature or substance. In order to better understand how autonomous machines adapt to their environment by means of such translation chains, without assuming an isomorphic representation of the world or direct access to the environment, the text follows the first steps of such chains of translation in detail. Experiments with a simple temperature sensor and an Arduino microcontroller show how often unreflected and black-boxed pre-decisions flow into the necessary sensory mediations. This in turn sheds light on new forms of co-existence between humans and autonomous, sensor-based machines such as autonomous vehicles or robots.
Hysteretic performance of square rotational friction damper
Authors: Yan Lijuan , Zhang Chunwei
Published: February 2025

The concept of square rotational friction damper is proposed in this paper. The hysteretic performance and influencing factors of the damper are comprehensively investigated through cyclic loading tests and numerical simulation. The energy dissipation performance and slip force model of the square rotational friction damper were experimentally tested, examining the effects of two factors: the materials of the friction pads and the pre-tension forces applied to the high-strength bolts. The numerical model was constructed and validated against the experimental results. A parametric study on square rotational friction dampers was performed through the finite element analysis approach, involving the variation of parameters such as the friction coefficient, bolt washer radius, and initial angle under cyclic loads. The results show that the square rotational friction dampers made of three types of friction pads exhibit strong energy dissipation capacity. The sliding force rises with the increase in pretension force of high-strength bolts. Brass friction pad dampers provide the largest sliding force, but non-asbestos composite friction pad dampers demonstrate the mostly steady sliding force. The sliding force of asbestos composite friction pad dampers decreases most severely with an increase in the number of hysteretic loops. The magnitude of the sliding force and the friction coefficient are linearly related. The slip force increases gradually as the radius of the bolt washer increases, but the increase is limited. When the initial angle of the damper is 90°, both the sliding force and the loading stroke reach their maximum values, resulting in the strongest energy dissipation capacity.
3-D Analytical Comparison of Axial Flux Machines With Layered and Segmented Halbach Magnets
Authors: Ni Youyuan , Liu Chenhao , Xiao Benxian , Lin Yong
Published: February 2025

The three-dimensional (3-D) linear analytical comparison is made for axial flux machines (AFMs) with surface-mounted non-layered/layered and segmented Halbach magnets. Using a 3-D subdomain model method, the analytical equations in terms of the scalar potential for different subdomains are solved. In addition, the magnet parameters are optimized to enhance the performance of AFMs. It is well demonstrated that the optimized AFM with the radially layered unequal-height Halbach magnets exhibit better performance than that with the other magnet arrangements. Finally, the proposed 3-D linear analytical predictions are validated through a 3-D finite element analysis (FEA).
Research on tacholess fast-varying instantaneous rotating frequency estimation model based on nonlinear short-time Fourier transform combination with adaptive chirp mode decomposition and its application
Authors: Yan Lu , Lan Tian Zhong , Yang Shi Li , Chen Qin Xiao , Bie Jin Wei
Published: February 2025

Instantaneous rotating frequency extraction is one of the key technologies for mechanical health monitoring and fault diagnosis. As the instantaneous rotating frequency presents fast-varying property under high-speed fluctuation, this paper uses a coarse-to-fine strategy to propose a tacholess fast-varying instantaneous rotating frequency estimation model based on nonlinear short-time Fourier transform (NLSTFT) combination with adaptive chirp mode decomposition (ACMD). By self-adaptive matching and decomposing the vibration signal based on its time-frequency distribution, it increases the energy aggregation of time-frequency representation, which not only improves computational efficiency but also avoids the spectral ambiguity problem. As a result, the proposed model is very suitable for extracting instantaneous rotating frequency under severe speed fluctuation; simulation signal and rolling bearing fault vibration signal also validate this conclusion. Furthermore, by integrating with signal decomposition technology, various order components of fault vibration signal can also be self-adaptive extracted.
“Oh, you’re watching me”: Care workers’ experiences of surveillant assemblages on the platform and in the home
Authors: Akridge Hunter , Ahmed Alex , Bàssïbét Free S , Miranda Alcázar Magally A , Fox Sarah
Published: February 2025

Domestic workers have long been marginalized, even as they are made hypervisible to their employers. This is a process increasingly augmented by digital technologies. These technologies include care platforms, which have increasingly mediated the process of finding employment. This article reports on interviews with in-home childcare workers or “nannies” who shared experiences of scrutiny and surveillance across the labor process, both on and off the platform. This includes background checks, in-person monitoring, hidden cameras, and more. Although these practices might be legitimized as an extension of parental care or benign monitoring, workers’ negative afffects—fear, worry, anger—disrupt this normalization. Their stories make visible harm and hidden burdens from this hybridization of care and control. Through their accounts, a surveillant assemblage comes into view that intensifies uneven visibility regimes and reinstates the racialized and gendered power dynamics that have long defined domestic labor.
Working empirically across paradigms in cross cultural management: The sequential strategy for interpretive and critical methodologies
Authors: Zoelner Mette
Published: February 2025

The paper raises the methodological question of how to work empirically across paradigms, adopting a sequential strategy to separately and successively apply two contrasting methodologies: first, the Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis from within the interpretive paradigm, and second, the Critical Discourse Analysis, anchored within the critical paradigm. One argument is that the sequential strategy allows for unfolding the potentialities of each methodology by establishing two separate and coherent research designs. A second is that the sequential strategy serves to process the application of contrasting methodologies to an established empirical puzzle. The paper illustrates the arguments with the example of a pilot study on international employees’ identities in Denmark: The Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis provides comprehension of international employees’ subjective experiences of lived mobility, while the Critical Discourse Analysis permits unmasking hegemonic discourses on migrants that enable and constrain identity constructions. The paper makes two contributions to the multiparadigm debate in Cross Cultural Management (CCM): first, that the multiparadigm approach can constitute a framework for processing successive use of methodologies to an established empirical puzzle; second, the value of sequential strategy when working empirically across paradigm boundaries.
Application of ACO in financial statement quality evaluation: From the perspective of corporate governance
Authors: Liu Dongdong
Published: February 2025

This paper proposes an improved Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) algorithm to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of financial statement quality evaluation. Traditional ACO suffers from slow convergence and the risk of falling into local optima, particularly in multi-objective optimization problems involving complex financial data. To address these limitations, the proposed method incorporates Principal Component Analysis (PCA) for feature extraction, reducing the impact of redundant data and providing clearer input for optimization. A dynamically adjusted pheromone update strategy and a local search mechanism are introduced to strengthen the algorithm’s global search capability and prevent premature convergence. A multi-objective optimization model is developed, incorporating key financial indicators such as profitability, debt-paying ability, and management efficiency, with differentiated weights assigned to each objective based on its relevance in corporate governance. The algorithm’s performance is optimized through cross-validation and parallel computing, accelerating execution speed while minimizing time overhead in large-scale data processing. Experimental results demonstrate that the improved ACO algorithm achieves stable performance, converging close to the optimal solution within 40 iterations with an objective function value of approximately 0.9. Additionally, the algorithm yields a lower Mean Squared Error (MSE) of 0.285 across 10 different discount scenarios, indicating superior quality in financial statement evaluation. These findings validate the effectiveness of the proposed method in enhancing financial statement quality assessment.
Governing through risk: The paradoxes of professional development and post-panoptic surveillance in Taiwan’s headship preparation
Authors: Jason Chen Hung-Chang
Published: February 2025

Purpose: This study examines the intricate dynamics of Taiwan’s Administrative Placement (AP) initiative, a headship preparation policy requiring aspiring principals to undertake placements within Local Education Bureaus (LEBs). Methods: Drawing on Foucault’s concepts of governmentality and post-panoptic surveillance, this qualitative case study analyzes interview data from headteachers, education officials, and school inspectors, alongside policy documents and media reports. Findings: The AP initiative operates as a mechanism of subtle governance, while framed as professional development, shaping aspiring headteachers into compliant “delivery subjects.” Embedded within neoliberal rationalities of risk management, the AP constructs aspiring headteachers as “risky subjects” requiring mitigation through continuous observation, assessment, and self-discipline. This process ultimately prioritizes the political and administrative objectives of local governments, potentially overshadowing the focus on the complexities of leading teaching and learning. Conclusions: The study highlights the paradoxical nature of professional development intertwined with post-panoptic surveillance, raising critical questions about the impact of such initiatives on educational leadership and policy implementation.
Using action research to tackle school absenteeism: A participatory approach to local policymaking
Authors: Iglesias Vidal Edgar , Morcillo Sánchez Lara , Moschetti Mauro , Planas Lladó Anna , Navarro Morera Joan Carles
Published: February 2025

Traditionally, absenteeism has been understood as a problem that requires individualised punitive measures. However, more recent studies have highlighted the importance and coherence of tackling it through community-based approaches in which the entire educational ecosystem is involved and participates. This article describes the methodological work employed as part of a comprehensive and community-based approach to creating a local plan for the prevention of absenteeism in a municipality in the metropolitan area of Barcelona. The conceptualisation and development of the plan itself followed a participatory action research (PAR) methodology, a democratic process that allows all parties involved to contribute their knowledge and experience to resolve a specific problem. This methodology not only serves to empower the actors involved in the process but has also proven effective in tackling complex social challenges through the generation of solutions that overcome the boundaries between policy and practice. The results are presented in the areas of (a) connections and recognition between actors; (b) ownership; (c) a horizontal approach and (d) actions consistent with needs. In practice, PAR is a working methodology that makes it easier for the actors to be both objects and subjects of the intervention. Systematising the process involved in constructing the plan contributed to the different agents maintaining common objectives, and their alliances being strengthened as a result. Joint construction of the plan allowed for appropriation and transfer of the proposed measures and actions, which were the sum of the existing starting points plus proposals emerging in response to real-life needs. The PAR process took into account horizontal fieldwork, in which professionals, young people and their families contributed to generating solutions. In short, the methodological proposal followed suggests that processes of joint decision-making and iterative reflection such as PAR are effective and have transformative potential as an approach for addressing social challenges.
Investigation on predicting the stall limit of compressor at low rotating speed
Authors: Wu Hong , Zhou Xiaoyong , Zhou Guoyu , Que Xiaobin , He Liu
Published: February 2025

In order to realize fast and accurate prediction of the stall limit of compressor, a study on predicting the stall limit of compressor at low rotating speed is conducted with throughflow calculation and maximum static pressure rise coefficient. The calculated stall limit of 30%–60% design speed for four axial compressors is compared with the experimental results. The results show that the blade loading increases significantly from the shroud to the hub at the near stall condition of the compressors with low inlet hub-tip ratio. If the maximum static pressure rise coefficient calculated with the spanwise averaged parameters from the throughflow analysis is used to determine the stall limit. The stall limit predicted by the throughflow calculation has a large deviation with the experimental result. The maximum deviation of near stall total pressure ratio and near stall mass flow reach 15% and 30% respectively. In this paper the spanwise variation of the static pressure rise coefficient is taken into account to define the stall limit prediction method. At a particular spanwise position, the maximum effective static pressure rise coefficient is calculated with the parameters at the blade section determined by the throughflow streamline. Taking the maximum static pressure rise coefficient at the low spanwise position with high blade loading as the stall criterion, the stall limit of the compressors can be predicted well with throughflow calculation compared to the experimental results. The maximum deviation of near stall total pressure ratio and near stall mass flow is respectively lower than 2% and 3%.
Therapists’ perceptions of the Carroll Upper Extremity Function Test to measure functional outcomes post-hand allotransplantation: A phenomenological study
Authors: Heiple Jyoti Khiani , Danzl Megan , Jackson Barbara , Ising Tara
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Hand allotransplantation is a treatment option available for individuals who have suffered a traumatic upper extremity injury. To date, there is not an industry-standard recognized measurement tool to assess post-hand allotransplantation functional performance. A commonly used observational functional assessment tool is the Carroll Upper Extremity Function Test (UEFT). This study explored therapists’ perceptions of the Carroll UEFT applicability to measure functional outcomes post-hand allotransplantation.

Methods

The study employed a qualitative phenomenological approach with in-depth, semi-structured interviews with five occupational therapists and two physical therapists representing five hand transplant centers in the United States. Braun and Clarke’s six-phase thematic analysis approach was utilized for data analysis.

Results

The findings generated four themes: (1) scoring is too vague and subjectivity prevails, (2) questionable reliability of the scores, (3) translates to real-life functional tasks, and (4) outcomes affecting decisions.

Conclusion

The study identified limitations of the Carroll UEFT as applied to a targeted population, hand transplant recipients. The scoring is too vague and subjectivity prevails theme was the most resonant theme generated from the participants, with a call for standardization of the assessment. This theme was followed by questionable reliability of the scores, which identifies concerns regarding the reliability of the Carroll UEFT. Rehabilitation services associated with hand allotransplantations can incorporate the findings of this study and collaborate to identify and navigate the transition to an evaluation tool with strong psychometrics for best practice in the assessment of functional outcomes for hand-transplant recipients.
Expert Clinical Interpretation of Continuous Glucose Monitor Reports From Individuals Without Diabetes
Authors: Spartano Nicole L. , Prescott Brenton , Walker Maura E. , Shi Eleanor , Venkatesan Guhan , Fei David , Lin Honghuang , Murabito Joanne M. , Ahn David , Battelino Tadej , Edelman Steven V. , Fleming G. Alexander , Freckmann Guido , Galindo Rodolfo J. , Joubert Michael , Lansang M. Cecilia , Mader Julia K. , Mankovsky Boris , Mathioudakis Nestoras N. , Mohan Viswanathan , Peters Anne L. , Shah Viral N. , Spanakis Elias K. , Waki Kayo , Wright Eugene E. , Zilbermint Mihail , Wolpert Howard A. , Steenkamp Devin W.
Published: February 2025

Background:

Clinical interpretation of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) data for people without diabetes has not been well established. This study aimed to investigate concordance among CGM experts in recommending clinical follow-up for individuals without diabetes, based upon their independent review of CGM data.

Methods:

We sent a survey out to expert clinicians ( n = 18) and asked them to evaluate 20 potentially challenging Dexcom G6 Pro CGM reports (and hemoglobin A1c [HbA1c] and fasting venous blood glucose levels) from individuals without diabetes. Clinicians reported whether they would recommend follow-up and the reasoning for their decision. We performed Fleiss Kappa interrater reliability to determine agreement among clinicians.

Results:

More than half of expert clinicians (56-100%, but no clear consensus) recommended follow-up to individuals who spent >2% time above range (>180 mg/dL), even if HbA1c <5.7% and fasting glucose <100 mg/dL. There were no observed trends for recommending follow-up based on mean glucose or glucose management indicator. Overall, we observed poor agreement in recommendations for who should receive follow-up based on their CGM report (Fleiss Kappa = 0.36).

Conclusions:

High discordance among expert clinicians when interpreting potentially challenging CGM reports for people without diabetes highlights the need for more research in developing normative data for people without diabetes. Future work is required to develop CGM criteria for identifying potentially high-risk individuals who may progress to prediabetes or type 2 diabetes.
Xuanfei Pingchuan Decoction Attenuates Ovalbumin-Induced Allergic Asthma Mice Through Regulating Th17/Treg Immune Imbalance
Authors: Ding Dou , Zhang Qi , Gu Juan , Cai Mingxing , Gan Yuan , Ye Yanni , Yang Xun , Dong Xiaojun , Xia Xiuwen
Published: February 2025

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the interventional effects and potential underlying mechanisms of Xuanfei Pingchuan Decoction on ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic asthma (AA) in mice.

Methods

Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was used to analyze and identify the constituents of Xuanfei Pingchuan Decoction. An allergic asthma (AA) mouse model was induced by using OVA combined with aluminum hydroxide. The resistance index (RI) in the airway was analyzed with an AniRes2005 animal pulmonary function analyzer. H&E staining was performed to evaluate pathological changes in the lung tissue. Apoptotic cells in lung tissue were assessed via TUNEL staining. The percentage of eosinophils (EOS) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and the ratio of Th17 to Treg cells in the splenic tissue and peripheral blood were determined by flow cytometry. The levels of IL-6, IL-17A, and IL-10 in the BALF were determined by ELISA. The mRNA expression of RORγt and Foxp3 in lung tissue was measured with RT‒qPCR. Biochemical kits were used to measure the levels of total IgE, sIgE (specific IgE), and IgG1 in the serum.

Results

A total of 340 active constituents were identified from Xuanfei Pingchuan Decoction by LC-MS/MS analysis. Xuanfei Pingchuan Decoction reduced the RI; alleviated histopathological damage; decreased the apoptosis rate; reduced the proportion of EOS; down-regulated the mRNA levels of IL-6, IL-17A, and RORγt; up-regulated the mRNA levels of IL-10 and Foxp3; reduced the levels of IgE, sIgE, and IgG1; and regulated the Th17/Treg balance in AA mice.

Conclusions

Xuanfei Pingchuan Decoction improved airway inflammation in OVA-induced AA mice, and the underlying mechanism may be related to the regulation of Th17/Treg immune imbalance.
Recalcitrant vulvar lichen planus cleared on abrocitinib: A case report
Authors: DeBiasio Celina , Kirshen Carly
Published: February 2025

Lichen planus is a chronic inflammatory disorder, with vulvar variants often resistant to multiple treatments. The primary therapeutic goals for vulvar lichen planus are to prevent scarring and the development of squamous cell carcinoma. Management also involves treating associated symptoms such as pruritus and pain. This report describes a 50-year-old female with treatment-resistant hypertrophic and erosive vulvar lichen planus. Despite extensive trials of various therapies, the patient experienced symptoms of pruritus, pain, and repeated flares, significantly affecting her quality of life. Abrocitinib, a highly selective Janus kinase 1 inhibitor, was added to her treatment regimen, leading to a 95% resolution of lesions and substantial improvement in quality of life. This case highlights the potential of abrocitinib as an effective, novel off-label treatment for recalcitrant vulvar lichen planus.