bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative analysis of wheel‒rail frictional temperature rise using moving heat source and thermo-mechanical coupling methods at various wheel‒rail creepages
Authors: Zhang Jinyu , Tao Gongquan , Wen Zefeng
Published: December 2024

A finite element (FE) model of wheel‒rail frictional heating with moving heat source is proposed in this paper for estimating the wheel‒rail contact temperature distributions under repeated long-term operation. To calculate the temperature rise in wheel‒rail friction, this study compares the computational accuracy and efficiency of the temperature field generated by the moving heat source method and the thermo-mechanical coupling method. A three-dimensional transient wheel‒rail rolling contact thermo-mechanical coupling finite element model is established using ANSYS/LSDYNA software. The moving heat source method is conducted through ANSYS transient thermal analysis with a time step of 2.57 × 10−5 s, meeting the thermal analysis requirements. Taking into account the influence of complex operating conditions and the third medium between the wheel and rail, this study compares and analyzes the two methods under different wheel–rail creepage conditions. The following conclusions were drawn: as creepages increase, the wheel tread surface temperature increases approximately linearly, with the temperature calculated by the moving heat source method being larger. The temperature difference between the two methods gradually increases, and the maximum temperature value difference is 4.9%, which is less than 5%. The moving heat source approach can save approximately 20 times the computational time. Considering both calculation time and efficiency, the moving heat source method can be employed as an alternative to the three-dimensional transient wheel‒rail rolling contact thermo-mechanical coupling finite element method. This study provides theoretical support and a finite element model reference for the calculation of wheel‒rail friction temperature rise.
A Study on the Effect of Ganoderic Acid A on  Nociceptive and Inflammatory Mice Models
Authors: Yu Haizhou , Tao Qiaojian , Zeng Xianjing , Zhou Jinfeng
Published: December 2024

Background

Inflammatory illnesses and severe tissue injuries are frequently accompanied by pain. A widespread global health issue that has a significant negative impact on people’s quality of life everywhere is inflammation and the pain it causes.

Purpose

In this study, we sought to evaluate Ganoderic acid A’s antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties in mice models.

Methods

The current study aims to investigate the influence of Ganoderic acid A on animal models of inflammation and nociceptive response produced by heat and chemicals. Ganoderic acid A’s antinociceptive activity was examined using acetic acid-induced writhing, formalin and capsaicin-induced nociception, the tail immersion test, and the hot plate method. Ganoderic acid A’s anti-inflammatory effects were investigated utilizing carrageenan-induced inflammation, as well as the assessment of pro-inflammatory cytokine levels in mice. Additionally, the open-field test was used to examine behavioral changes in the mice.

Results

The findings of this work unequivocally showed that Ganoderic acid A significantly reduced the various thermally- and chemically-induced nociception in mice. Ganoderic acid A considerably increased the delay time in the hot plate and tail immersion tests. Capsaicin and formalin-stimulated models showed better licking times, and acetic acid-induced nociception was considerably reduced. Ganoderic acid A also effectively suppressed carrageenan-induced inflammation and decreased the synthesis of pro-inflammatory regulators including tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin (IL)-1beta, and IL-6 in the experimental animals. However, it demonstrated only minor improvements in the behavioral assessment.

Conclusion

Thus, these findings, when paired with future investigations, will provide a better knowledge of Ganoderic acid A’s antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory capabilities, allowing for the development of a novel analgesic drug. To corroborate the preclinical findings, however, rigorously planned clinical investigations are desperately needed.
Assessing the Anticancer Potential of Compounds from Caesalpinia sappan Wood against Mutant EGFR in Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Computational Insights
Authors: Pashmina Shaik , Krishnasamy Nitya , Selvam Suganya Panneer , Ramadoss Ramya , Sundar Sandhya
Published: December 2024

Background

Lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC), a subtype of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), frequently harbors mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), which regulates cell proliferation and survival. This makes EGFR an attractive therapeutic target for LUSC. Advances in computational drug discovery have facilitated the identification of natural compounds with anticancer potential. Caesalpinia sappan, a medicinal plant with known therapeutic properties, contains bioactive phytochemicals that may exhibit anticancer effects.

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to assess the anticancer potential of phytochemicals from C. sappan against mutant EGFR in LUSC through computational approach, including molecular docking and biological activity prediction.

Methods

Thirty phytochemicals from C. sappan were retrieved from the Indian Medicinal Plants, Phytochemistry, and Therapeutics (IMPPAT) database. Drug-likeness was assessed using Lipinski’s rule of five, and ADMET properties were evaluated using the SwissADME web server. Compounds permeable to the blood-brain barrier (BBB) were excluded to mitigate central nervous system (CNS)-related side effects, resulting in the selection of 10 compounds for molecular docking with mutant EGFR using PyRx software. Docking scores were compared with doxorubicin, a standard anticancer drug. Biological activity prediction was performed using the PASS web server.

Results

Of the 30 phytochemicals screened, 24 adhered to Lipinski’s rule of five, and 14 were excluded due to BBB permeability. Molecular docking revealed that nine compounds had significant binding affinity toward mutant EGFR, with binding energies comparable to doxorubicin. Among these, norvaline exhibited the lowest binding affinity (–4.8 kcal/mol). Biological activity prediction indicated that eight of the nine lead compounds displayed antineoplastic activity, with oleic acid being the exception.

Conclusion

This study identified several phytochemicals from C. sappan with the potential to inhibit mutant EGFR in LUSC. The exclusion of BBB-permeant compounds enhances the clinical relevance of these findings by minimizing CNS-related side effects. These results underscore the promise of natural compounds as alternative therapeutic agents for targeting EGFR in LUSC and warrant further in vitro and in vivo validation.
Comparative analysis of Kirschner wire configurations for fixation of extra-articular proximal hallux fractures: Insights from synthetic composite bone models
Authors: Kocak Soner , Kilic Bulent , Caliskan Mustafa , Afacan Muhammed Yusuf , Uzun Bora , Ertem Fatih , Gulabi Deniz , Erturk Cemil
Published: December 2024

Purpose: This study compares the durability and stability of Kirschner wires used in two different configurations for the fixation of extra-articular fractures of the proximal hallux. Methods: Standardized and reproducible extra-articular osteotomy lines were fixed with Kirschner wires arranged in cross and parallel configurations using synthetic composite bone models. These fixed composite bones were assessed under two distinct experimental setups. Measurements recorded included the load causing 2 mm displacement at the osteotomy line, load-to-failure, displacement at failure, and stiffness values. Results: In both experimental setups, the load causing 2 mm displacement, load-to-failure, and failure stiffness values were significantly higher for the cross configuration compared to the parallel configuration. Conversely, the displacement at failure was significantly lower in the cross configuration relative to the parallel configuration. Additionally, the force required to induce a 2 mm displacement in the cross-configuration group exceeded the force exerted on the hallux during normal walking. Conclusion: The results indicate that Kirschner wires applied in a cross configuration offer superior stability and durability for the fixation of proximal hallux fractures compared to the parallel configuration in synthetic composite bone models. To validate these findings and assess clinical outcomes, further research through a prospective randomized controlled trial is recommended.
A Content Analysis of Web-Based Heat Stress Materials Published by Occupational Health and Safety Ministries, Associations, and Agencies in Canada
Authors: Tetzlaff Emily J. , Richards Brodie J. , Wagar Katie E. , Harris-Mostert Roberto C. , Journeay W. Shane , O’Connor Fergus K. , Kenny Glen P.
Published: December 2024

An ever-increasing number of workplaces are becoming heat-exposed due to rising temperature extremes. However, a comprehensive review of Canadian safety materials available to support workplaces in managing this critical hazard has not previously been conducted. We undertook a review and a content analysis of heat stress materials on safety-based ministry, association, and agency websites in Canada (n = 155) to identify content related to heat stress (n = 595). Each document was qualitatively analyzed using NVivo. The most dominant components identified were heat stress control measures (n = 492, 83%), training and education (n = 414, 70%), workplaces and workers at risk (n = 361, 61%), exposure limits and monitoring practices (n = 344, 58%), and emergency response and reporting (n = 249, 42%). However, the content within these programming components was highly variable. While we found that organizations across Canada provide heat stress content, there was evidence of inconsistencies and considerable gaps in the availability of material and the strategies presented to control the critical risk posed by heat.
Three-phase damage model based on composite mechanics for post-peak analysis of recycled aggregate concrete
Authors: Sae-Long Worathep , Damrongwiriyanupap Nattapong , Limkatanyu Suchart , Xi Yunping , Phoo-ngernkham Tanakorn , Sukontasukkul Piti , Keawsawasvong Suraparb
Published: December 2024

This paper presents a novel three-phase damage model for the prediction of the post-peak responses of composite materials, such as recycled aggregate concrete (RAC). The proposed damage model is based on composite damage mechanics and is composed of three phases: cement paste, interface transition zone (ITZ), and aggregate. All phases are assumed to be linearly elastic and isotropic materials. The aggregate is supposed to be the undamaged material, while the cement paste and ITZ are considered the damaged materials. Three different composite damage models, namely Voigt (parallel), Reuss (serial), and the proposed generalized self-consistent (spherical), represent the damage growth in the composite materials. The Voigt parallel model is employed to address the upper bound of post-peak stiffness and stress, while the Reuss serial model represents the lower bound. To investigate the softening phenomenon after the post-peak state, both linear and exponential functions are used to describe the stress-strain curve in this state. Two numerical simulations are provided to examine the stress degradation in the softening state. Both simulations reveal that the post-peak stress degrades with increasing damage parameters and ITZ thickness. Therefore, both damage and ITZ’s thickness are significant factors for analyzing the post-peak responses of RAC.
Single-Incision Peroneal Tendon Repair With Concomitant Modified Dwyer Calcaneal Osteotomy: Report of 15 Cases With Plate Fixation
Authors: Saxena Amol , Fournier Maggie
Published: December 2024

Background:

Addressing hindfoot varus via calcaneal osteotomy with simultaneous peroneal tendon repair from a single incision has not been thoroughly assessed. Some concerns with one incision are wound complications, nerve damage, and symptomatic hardware.

Methods:

Patients operated on by one surgeon May 2012 to January 2022 were retrospectively reviewed with minimum 2-year follow-up via in-person visit, telephone, and chart review. Patients with peroneal tendon repair in conjunction with a modified Dwyer (with lateral shift) osteotomy fixated with a laterally applied locking plate were included. Those whose osteotomies were fixated with posteriorly applied screws were excluded.

Results:

Fifteen patients were assessed, 13 males and 2 females, average age 56.9 ± 9.9 years. There were no wound complications or nerve injuries. One patient elected to have plate removal. There was 1 deep vein thrombosis. Return to activity including sports was 5.3 ± 1.3 months. On average, postoperative Roles and Maudsley and AOFAS hindfoot scores improved to “significant from pre-treatment” 11 with “excellent” results.

Conclusion:

Peroneal tendon repair can be performed through the same incision as a modified Dwyer calcaneal osteotomy to address hindfoot varus deformity. In this series, there were no wound or nerve issues.
Cytotoxic surface contamination in hospitals: Current practices, challenges and perspectives
Authors: Favier Bertrand , Simonin Claire , Tokatian Sophie , Guitton Jérôme , Darnis Sophie , Basset Mathurine , Chabaud Sylvie , Gilles Laurence
Published: December 2024

Objective

Despite significant advances in cancer treatment with targeted therapies and immunotherapies, cytotoxic chemotherapies are still extensively used. Potential cytotoxic contamination in preparing and administrating cytotoxics is still a major source of concern. Besides advanced protections including biological safety cabinets, work surface contamination needs to be continuously controlled to ensure that handling procedures and cleaning were appropriate. Contamination monitoring needs to be standardized.

Data Sources

The study searched Pubmed/Medline and Embase with"hazardous drug”, “cytotoxic drug”, “surface contamination”, “environmental contamination”, “wipe sample”, “pharmacy”, “care unit”, and selected studies reporting contamination results in work environment for pharmacy technicians and nurses, from 1 January 2017 to 31 December 2022.

Data Summary

The 29 studies totalized 16,196 samples and 189,571 assays. Contamination results showed 39.8% sample positivity, and 8.2% assay positivity. Multicentric studies gathering at least 500 samples or up to 800 samples would limit heterogeneity in sample positivity. In addition, monitoring of an appropriate tracer selection including at least the 7 tracers with the highest contamination frequencies (cyclophosphamide, gemcitabine, fluorouracile, ifosfamide, platinum derivatives, paclitaxel and methotrexate) would facilitate contamination comparisons amongst studies and local results. Most recent studies reported thresholds for cyclophosphamide close to 0.1 ng/cm² at the 90th percentile.

Conclusions

The overall risk of exposure for healthcare professionals is a major concern. Sample size in multicentric studies would require at least 500 samples; quantification of all tracers with the highest contamination frequencies need to be quantified. This approach would provide a basis to develop guidelines to appropriately monitor contamination in pharmacies and patient care area managers.
Solanum erianthum Poisoning Causing Speech Disturbance: A Case Series
Authors: Choon Lee Kee , Khiruddin Ain Izzati
Published: December 2024

The Solanaceae plant family ( Solanum), such as capsicum, eggplant, potato, and tomato, is made up of common plants consumed by humans. Despite having medicinal benefits, these plants can produce toxic alkaloid compounds. We report 2 cases of uncommon Solanum erianthum poisoning after consuming the berries as a meal. Both patients presented with slurring of speech, which is easily mistaken for a stroke. Symptoms developed 19 h after consuming the wild berries and resolved spontaneously 12 h after onset. Both patients recovered with no neurologic deficit. No antidote was given in either case. The Solanaceae plant family is a common group of plants consumed by humans and is considered one of the largest genera. The phytochemical profile showed that the leaves and berries contain toxic glycoalkaloid levels, which can cause gastrointestinal and neurologic symptoms in poisoning cases. Reports have shown that the toxic glycoalkaloids can inhibit the cholinesterase enzyme, thus producing cholinergic effects. Theoretically, atropine is the choice of antidote, but no case report of atropine use has been documented. Treatment of S erianthum poisoning remains supportive care. These cases highlight the rare occurrence of poisoning from S erianthum and emphasize the necessity for considering toxicologic causes in nonlocalizing neurologic symptoms.
Feline caudal vena cava to aorta ratio reference interval
Authors: Whitelock Adam , Goodwin Wendy , Pratt Shaun , Nash Katherine
Published: December 2024

Objectives

The primary objective of this investigation was to ultrasonographically evaluate the caudal vena cava to aorta (CVC:Ao) ratio in healthy, conscious cats and to generate reference intervals. A secondary objective was to identify the site of examination with the least intra- and inter-observer variability. This investigation was undertaken to assess whether the CVC:Ao ratio holds promise as a technique to assess intravascular volume responsiveness in cats.

Methods

In total, 42 healthy cats were included for reference interval generation. Ultrasound examinations were performed by two operators with each examination performed twice by each operator on the same occasion. Examinations were performed on conscious cats in left lateral recumbency. Ultrasound sites investigated were the subxiphoid, hepatic intercostal, hepatorenal and iliac bifurcation. Operators also assessed each site for ‘ease of visualisation’ on a scale of 0–3.

Results

Reference intervals were generated for the CVC:Ao ratio at all four ultrasonographic sites. While each site demonstrated low variability around its mean ratio, all sites exhibited significant intra- and inter-observer variability. The hepatorenal and iliac bifurcation sites were found to be the easiest to visualise (score 3; well-defined visualisation of both vessels) and had reference intervals of 0.8–1.41 and 0.75–1.2, respectively.

Conclusions and relevance

The ultrasonographic assessment of the CVC:Ao ratio was possible at four anatomical locations in the cat. The hepatorenal and iliac bifurcation may offer more readily assessable CVC:Ao ratios. Further studies are necessary to assess the utility of the CVC:Ao ratio in disease states, including in hypovolaemia and hypervolaemia.
Party membership and affiliation: Realizing party linkage and community in the twenty-first century
Authors: Gauja Anika , Kosiara-Pedersen Karina , Weissenbach Kristina
Published: December 2024

Since the turn of the century, the emergence of new (types of) parties and the organizational evolution of established ones has challenged traditional ideas of party membership with innovative forms of membership and affiliation. These shifts affect how parties build linkage and sustain their communities. While many studies focus on the changing nature of membership within individual parties, a comprehensive, comparative understanding of these changes – what is driving them, and how they impact the democratic functioning of political parties – is lacking. We establish a theoretical and empirical framework to investigate these phenomena that distinguishes between the concept of party membership (what it is supposed to achieve) and the way in which party membership is operationalized from the perspective of the state, parties as organizations and individuals. Our framework and illustrative examples serve as a foundation for the comprehensive empirical analysis undertaken by the contributors to this special issue.
Identifying the unique determinants influencing rural families’ engagement with an existing tele-assessment approach for autism identification: A qualitative study
Authors: Wagner Liliana , Foster Tori , Bonnet Kemberlee , Spitler Anna Kathleen , Schlundt David , Warren Zachary
Published: December 2024

Accurate identification of autism is a pressing challenge for rural, medically underserved communities. Tele-assessment could address some barriers to care by increasing access to expert diagnosticians, but questions remain regarding how best to implement these approaches. To gather community input regarding rural families’ perceptions and use of tele-assessment for autism identification, we conducted four focus groups with caregivers of children with autism ( n = 22) and community service providers ( n = 10) living and working in rural areas in the Southeast region of the United States. An iterative inductive/deductive approach guided qualitative data analysis. Coding reflected four core attitudes central to community perceptions, including (1) questions surrounding the validity (scientific legitimacy) of tele-mediated autism assessment; (2) level of trust in the evaluation process in general (and tele-assessment specifically); (3) beliefs about the feasibility of tele-assessment; and (4) concerns related to privacy. These attitudes and beliefs are influenced by determinants at multiple levels and stages, highlighting the need to adapt the existing tele-assessment approach by embedding implementation strategies that support multiple actors at each stage. This work identifies important targets for ensuring equitable access to tele-assessment for rural families.

Lay abstract

It is often difficult for families in rural communities to access autism evaluations for their children when they have concerns. Tele-assessment could make it easier for them to see specialists who give autism diagnoses, but we still need to figure out the best way to carry out these approaches. To understand how rural families view tele-assessment, as well as barriers they may face, we held focus groups with caregivers of children with autism and local service providers in the Southeastern United States. We met with 22 caregivers and 10 providers. We analyzed the discussions and found four key attitudes: (1) questions about whether autism assessment can really be done online; (2) level of trust in the evaluation process, especially tele-assessment; (3) beliefs about whether tele-assessment is practical for families; and (4) worries about privacy. These attitudes and beliefs are shaped by various factors at different stages, indicating that we need to improve tele-assessment by better supporting everyone involved at different stages of the tele-assessment process. This research highlights important areas for improvement to provide fair access to tele-assessment for rural families (e.g. creating education materials, conducting barrier counseling).
Interfacial characterization of diffusion bonded AISI 304L austenitic stainless steel and Inconel 718 with copper interlayer
Authors: Khan Salman
Published: December 2024

Joining of Austenitic Stainless Steel (AISI 304L) and Inconel (IN718) with Copper (Cu) interlayer was carried out using diffusion bonding. The bonding process was performed at bonding temperature of 950 °C for 90 min of holding time under 5 MPa of bonding pressure. The resultant bonding interface was investigated for its microstructural, compositional, and nanomechanical characteristics using optical and scanning electron microscopy (OM and SEM) with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and nanoindentation. The results reveal that the microstructure of AISI 304L was comprised of an equiaxed austenitic matrix with annealed twins while IN718 was comprised of annealed twins along with the formation of MC and M23C6 carbides. Additionally, the maximum nanohardness occurred at the bonding interface (3.42 GPa) and AISI 304 BM (3.13 GPa) in the Cu/IN718 and Cu/AISI 304L respectively. Moreover, AISI 304 BM has highest elastic modulus (223 GPa) at the Cu/AISI 304 bonding interface while at the Cu interlayer (141 GPa) in the Cu/IN718 bonding interface. Lastly, average values of H/Er and hc/hm reveals the pile-up behaviour around all the nanoindents.
Study of computer multi-instrumented reflexive conversation activity in preliminary architectural design
Authors: Baudoux Gaëlle , Safin Stéphane
Published: December 2024

The establishment of BIM raises issues at the transition between sketches, still mostly used in ideation, and project digital models. With the latest AI evolution, one way of supporting this transition is to provide sketch interpretation software generating digital representations. However, the question arises as to whether these two modes of representation can co-exist, and whether digital representations can provide a resource for designers in the preliminary phase. In this paper, we investigate the impact of auto-generated representations on the preliminary design activity of architects. We implement a Wizard of Oz protocol with nine participants sketching their design and being provided with CAD plans, 3D models and inspirational images. We study reflexive conversations by analyzing and categorizing behavior patterns preceding and following the reception of self-generated representations. We identify 23 patterns, and show the flexible role of the digital representations, having a strong impact on the process.
Temperature-sensitive wicking performance of plant-cool knitted fabric
Authors: Li Xingmin , Wang Ziqi , Shi Yunrui , Wang Lu , Shou Dahua , Xu Peng , Chen Qing
Published: December 2024

The wicking performance of fabrics is crucial for the thermal comfort of the human body and significantly affects the fabric’s overall moisture management properties. This study aims to illustrate the impact of varying liquid temperatures on the wicking performance of Plant-Cool knitted fabric from experimentally and numerically. Experimental results indicate that as the liquid temperature increases (from 5°C to 65°C), the wicking height in the fabrics consistently increases. However, different fabric compositions exhibit varying sensitivities to temperature changes. The fabric with the best wicking performance (Fabric A) shows the least sensitivity to temperature changes, with wicking curves at different temperatures being very close to each other. The fabric with moderate wicking performance (Fabric B) has a moderate sensitivity to temperature changes but shows insensitivity under low-temperature conditions. The fabric with the poorest wicking performance (Fabric C) is the most sensitive to temperature changes, although its sensitivity is less pronounced under high-temperature conditions. The Laughlin-Davies model has proven to be successful in describing the wicking process of fabrics. Additionally, simulations conducted using COMSOL have been effective, offering a deeper understanding of the wicking process in fabrics.
Chinese Medicines Treatment for Sleep Disturbance in Breast Cancer Survivors: A Network Meta-Analysis
Authors: Chuang Chia-Wen , Tsai Ming-Yen , Wu Shih-Chung , Liao Wen-Chun
Published: December 2024

Background:

Sleep disturbance and insomnia are common adverse events in patients with breast cancer (BC). Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treatment for sleep disturbance includes acupuncture, acupressure, auricular acupressure/auricular acupuncture, and Qigong. However, the specific efficacy of these TCM treatment remains unclear.

Materials and Methods:

This systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA) investigated the effects of various TCM treatment on improving sleep quality in BC survivors.

Methods:

Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting the results of TCM treatments were included. The main NMA included 12 RCTs involving 1011 participants. The risk of bias was assessed using the RoB 2 tool for randomized controlled trials. The certainty of evidence of the NMA was assessed in accordance with GRADE (the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations).

Results:

Acupressure, acupuncture, auricular acupuncture/auricular acupressure, and qigong were identified as optimal TCM treatment (P < .05) for enhancing sleep quality in BC survivors.

Conclusion:

Our results provide some evidence that TCM treatment, particularly acupressure, can be beneficial in improving sleep quality in BC survivors. However, larger-scale clinical trials with robust methodological designs are required to validate and extend our findings.
Experimental investigation on mechanical behaviors of PET fabric coated/uncoated PVC for automobile airbags use subjected to uniaxial, biaxial tension and in-plane large shear deformation
Authors: Wang Changsheng , Ma Tao
Published: December 2024

PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) fabric, as one of the airbag materials, has good viscoelasticity and permeability. The surface treatment of airbag fabrics often comes in two types (coated and uncoated) depending on their type and cost. In this study, two fabrics of the automobile airbag material PET was used in the presence and absence of surface coating with PVC (polyvinyl chloride). Three different types of experimental tests including off-axial uniaxial tension, biaxial cyclic loading and picture-frame shear cyclic loading were used depending on the fabric’s load state during the airbag inflatable deployment and folding process. The two materials’ uniaxial tensile modulus and the biaxial tensile modulus were successfully obtained. According to the experimental results of the two materials, the coated material was found to have superior elastic properties than the uncoated material. However, the stress-strain change path was consistent, allowing for a more accurate definition of the material properties of automobile airbag fabric and stronger technical support for the development of automobile airbag safety.
Response surface optimized green approach for silk and cotton dyeing using Beta vulgaris peels extract as a dye and pomegranate rind as bio-mordant: Waste to craft
Authors: Hussain Hafiz Nawaz , Imtiaz Faiza , Sajid Arfaa , Younas Umer , Manzoor Qaisar , Mnif Wissem , Nazir Arif , Al-Mijalli Samiah H , Iqbal Munawar , Ehsan Nimra
Published: December 2024

In this study, a green method was employed for dyeing silk and cotton fabrics using extracts from Beta vulgaris peels as a colorant, pomegranate rind as a bio-mordant, and microwave-assisted extraction as a green extraction technique. The dyeing process was optimized employing response surface methodology and characterization of the dyed fabric was conducted using FTIR, SEM, color strength, and fastness properties. The optimized conditions for dyeing were a solvent-to-extract ratio of 10 ml/g, temperature 70°C, and pH 6. The values of K/S calculated under optimal conditions were 2.565 for cotton fabric and 3.928 for silk fabric, with good fastness properties ranging from 4-5. Better fastness properties were obtained at low pH and a high solvent-to-solid ratio. FTIR confirmed the different functional groups including prominent peaks appearing at 1600–1700, 1546, and 1200–1300 cm−1 for Amide-I, amide-II, and amide-III functional groups in silk and 3271–3332 cm−1 (OH stretching), 2851–2915 cm−1 (C–H stretching) for cotton fabric. SEM analysis showed the characteristics of the fabric surface before and after the adsorption of the dye components. The current study revealed selected bio-waste as a new and cheaper source of coloring material. Natural dye obtained from different waste materials can be exploited as a dyeing tool for different fabrics on an industrial scale, providing a viable green alternative to hazardous synthetic colorants.
Atypical implicit and explicit sense of agency in autism: A complete characterization using the cue integration approach
Authors: Lafleur Alexis , Caron Vicky , Forgeot d’Arc Baudouin , Soulières Isabelle
Published: December 2024

There exist indications that sense of agency (SoA), the experience of being the cause of one’s own actions and actions’ outcomes, is altered in autism. However, no studies in autism have simultaneously investigated the integration mechanisms underpinning both implicit and explicit SoA, the two levels of agency proposed by the innovative cue integration approach. Our study establishes a first complete characterization of SoA functioning in autism, by comparing age- and IQ-matched samples of autistic versus neurotypical adults. Intentional binding and judgments of agency were used to assess implicit and explicit SoA over pinching movements with visual outcomes. Sensorimotor and contextual cues were manipulated using feedback alteration and induced belief about the cause of actions’ outcome. Implicit SoA was altered in autism, as showed by an overall abolished intentional binding effect and greater inter-individual heterogeneity. At the explicit level, we observed under-reliance on retrospective sensorimotor cues. The implicit-explicit dynamic was also altered in comparison to neurotypical individuals. Our results show that both implicit and explicit levels of SoA, as well as the dynamic between the two levels, present atypicalities in autism.
The Material Dimension of Chinese Hip-Hop: From Tangible Forms to Online Consumption
Authors: Wang Yehan
Published: December 2024

Despite the importance of the material extensions of culture, the role of materiality in the study of contemporary subcultures, youth affiliations and practices has been largely overlooked. This article explores how materiality can shape identities and foster subcultural communities using Chinese hip-hop as a prime case study that combines classical subcultural traits with ongoing online popularity. Drawing from online participant observation and 31 semi-structured interviews, this study identifies two aspects of materiality revolving around three key themes as an analytical backbone: the emotional impact of music artefacts, the dynamics of material exchanges within the community, and recurring motifs of materialism. By integrating insights from music sociology and contemporary youth studies, this article underscores the enduring relevance of tangible artefacts and physical engagement with individuals and technology, even within today’s increasingly digitised environments. This enhanced focus on materiality enables moving beyond binary classifications of subcultures and post subcultures by emphasising instead the centrality of observable cultural practices and the participants’ life experiences that revolve around them.
Mapping social landscapes: Youth NEET risk and social issues in Europe – A systematic literature review
Authors: Lindblad Victoria , Enemark Nanna Ramsing , Gaardsted Pernille Skou , Møller Hansen Line Elise , Lauritzen Fie Falk , Melgaard Dorte
Published: December 2024

Introduction

The 40 million young people’s lack of successful transition from the education system to the labour market across Europe has a major focus. This systematic review of literature document social risk factors associated with NEET status in Europe.

Methods

A systematic literature search was conducted in four databases on February 21, 2023, with an update on January 15, 2024.

Results

A total of 98 articles included. Multiple social risk factors were associated with NEET status and divided into three spheres: factors related to the parental influence, the environment circumstance, and the individual factors.

Conclusions

Lacking a robust sense of self and limited self-efficacy, growing up in unstable home environment, having parents with low educational or labour market attainment are associated with significantly increased risk of NEET. Performing or behaving poorly in school and risk behaviour such as crime and substance use are also correlated with NEET status.
Buy versus build: Navigating Artificial Intelligence (AI) tool adoption in academic libraries
Authors: Michalak Russell , Ellixson Devon
Published: December 2024

This paper explores the strategic decision to buy (vs build) Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools for use in higher education and academic libraries. It discusses the benefits and challenges associated with this approach and provides insights that can guide other academic libraries in making informed decisions about AI-driven tool adoption to support undergraduate research workflows. Detailed examples are provided and the pros/cons of each approach are provided.
Open scholarship and bibliodiversity
Authors: Walsh Maureen P. , Kaliuzhna Nataliia , Mchunu Nokuthula , Mostafa Mohamad , Witzig Katherine , Alves Tony
Published: December 2024

This paper is based on the Open Scholarship and Bibliodiversity panel presented at the 2024 NISO Plus conference in Baltimore, Maryland on February 13, 2024, and brings together five perspectives on the interdependency of open scholarship and bibliodiversity. Bibliodiversity in the context of open scholarship refers to the diversity of publishing models, platforms, and formats that are available for scholarly communication. It emphasizes the importance of a varied and inclusive ecosystem for acquiring academic knowledge and for the dissemination of research. An important part of bibliodiversity is the inclusion and the promotion of a diversity of scholarly voices. The authors explore how to ensure that a scholarly infrastructure includes a multitude of voices, is accessible to everyone, and can be expressed in a variety of ways.
The SeamlessAccess audit toolkit: A framework for librarians to audit resource access
Authors: Felts John W , Griffey Jason , Lloyd Tim
Published: December 2024

To help navigate the complex issues that occur as a result of changing technology, regulations, and user expectations, SeamlessAccess is producing a toolkit that gives librarians a framework for auditing their resource access. Structured into four key areas—Usability, Privacy, Reliability, and Security—the toolkit enables libraries to identify the risks and opportunities that inform decision making and advocate for future investment. This paper explores usability and privacy and features feedback from a librarian about how the toolkit helped identify and address access-related issues, assess potential ethical or legal exposure, and identify best practices and recommended next steps for moving forward. It also explores how this toolkit can serve as a communications tool to enable librarians to improve knowledge and awareness within their teams as well as with key stakeholders outside the library.
Sleep-wake cycle and 24-h motor activity in early-mid Huntington's disease patients: An actigraphy-based study
Authors: Scaglione Cesa , Vitiello Maria , Tonetti Lorenzo , Giovagnoli Sara , Barletta Giorgio , Calandra-Buonaura Giovanna , Guaraldi Pietro , Di Laudo Felice , Natale Vincenzo , Provini Federica
Published: December 2024

Background: Disrupted 24-h sleep-wake and rest-activity cycles are known common features in Huntington's disease (HD) patients; however, critical periods during the 24-h cycle have been less studied. Objective: To analyze the differences between early-mid stage HD patients and healthy controls (HC) in sleep patterns and 24-h motor activity by using actigraphic monitoring. Methods: Twenty HD patients (13 females; mean age ± SD 56.45 ± 16.94) at early-mid stage of the disease and 20 HC were actigraphically monitored for a week. We applied the Functional Linear Modeling (FLM) to analyze motor activity from the actigraphic data. We analyzed parameters regarding both the time spent in bed and out of bed; get-up time (GUT); time in bed (TIB); midpoint of sleep (MS); sleep motor activity (SMA); sleep onset latency (SOL); total sleep time (TST); wake after sleep onset (WASO); sleep efficiency (SE); number and duration of awakenings (AWK); diurnal motor activity (DMA) and diurnal total sleep time (DTST). Results: Ten patients were in Stage I, 6 in Stage II and 4 in Stage III. HD patients presented lower SE and higher TIB, SOL, WASO, AWK and AWK > 5 min in comparison to HC. Moreover, higher motor activity was observed in patients with HD, in particular between 2:15 and 4:00 am, from around 40 min prior to bedtime until 20 min after bedtime, and from around 20 min prior to get-up time until 50 min after get-up time. Conclusions: Actigraphy documented a specific 24-h motor pattern in HD, potentially constituting a disease signature.
Quality of care through the eyes of residents with Huntington's disease living in a nursing home: A qualitative explorative study
Authors: Heffels Joyce CF , Oosterloo Mayke , de Boer Bram , Roos Raymund AC , Schols Jos MGA , Everink Irma HJ
Published: December 2024

Background: Moving to a nursing home is often unavoidable for late-stage patients with Huntington's disease (HD). Specialized care is needed, adjusted to the specific needs and characteristics of this usually young group within the nursing home. Despite this, there are no specific, validated methods for assessing the experienced quality of care (QoC) by HD nursing home residents. Objective: We used a qualitative, phenomenological approach to gain insight into the perspectives of HD residents and identify elements for assessing QoC in HD specialized nursing homes. Methods: Fifteen advanced-stage HD residents (Total Functional Capacity Scale 3–5), from three specialized HD nursing homes in the Netherlands, participated in semi-structured interviews from November 2022 to February 2023. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results: Residents emphasize the significance of care and daily living experiences, including meal satisfaction, support in daily activities, and a structured routine. Autonomy, well-being, and a positive living environment contribute to a sense of home. QoC is influenced by residents’ ability to express preferences, choose consciously for a specialized nursing home, and caregivers’ HD knowledge and competences. Positive QoC involves open, respectful conversations, family contact, and addressing topics like advance care planning. Interactions with fellow residents, including behavioural and communication challenges, also affect QoC. Conclusions: The experiences of nursing home residents with HD related to the QoC they receive are shaped by satisfaction with daily activities, autonomy, caregiver expertise, and fellow resident interaction. These factors are crucial for assessing QoC from the residents’ perspective.
Social cognition profile in early Huntington disease: Insight from neuropsychological assessment and structural neuroimaging
Authors: Caillaud Marie , Laisney Mickael , Bejanin Alexandre , Duclos Harmony , Scherer-Gagou Clarisse , Prundean Adriana , Bonneau Dominique , Eustache Francis , Verny Christophe , Desgranges Béatrice , Allain Philippe
Published: December 2024

Background

Huntington's disease (HD) is traditionally associated with motor, cognitive, and neuropsychiatric symptoms. Recent observations suggest that disturbances in social cognition may feature prominently in HD, potentially contributing to behavioral challenges.

Objective

This study aims to explore the onset and neural mechanisms underlying social cognition disturbances in HD, which are not yet well understood despite increasing recognition of these symptoms.

Methods

This study compared 20 individuals in the early stages of HD with 20 healthy controls across a range of cognitive tests, in-depth social cognition assessments, and structural MRI evaluations.

Results

The findings revealed alterations in various aspects of social cognition, particularly cognitive and affective Theory of Mind, in the early HD group. Some of these alterations correlated with the neurodegeneration of the striatum (caudate), suggesting that social cognition deficits may serve as early indicators of disease progression.

Conclusions

This research underscores the importance of integrating social cognition evaluations into the clinical assessment of HD and hints at a complex interplay between these deficits and the broader neuropsychological impact of the disease. The results thus advocate for a more holistic approach to understanding and managing HD, considering the potential interdependencies between social cognition and other cognitive functions.
Examining Teachers’ Needs, Competencies, and Knowledge in Gifted Education for Professional Learning
Authors: Akgül Gülendam , Erten Tatlı Cemre , Akçabozan Kayabol Nazlı B.
Published: December 2024

The current knowledge and competence level of teachers concerning gifted education in Türkiye is not well-studied that may hinder the development of need-based planning of teacher training programs. The aim of this study is to explore teachers’ needs, competencies, and level of perceived knowledge in gifted education. In a mixed methods study, data were collected with focus group discussions and online questionnaires. The results of thematic analysis and descriptive statistics revealed that teachers were less knowledgeable on some topics (e.g., gifted education in the world, preparing the Individualized Educational Program, gamification in gifted education, identification of gifted students, and different assessment strategies in gifted education) than other topics (e.g., project-based thinking and project development and communication with gifted students’ parents). The findings have implications for developing teacher training programs in gifted education.
Prolonged Surveillance in Inverted Papilloma Reveals Delayed Recurrence and Lack of Benefit to Frozen Section
Authors: Panara Kush , Workman Alan D. , Lerner David K. , Tong Charles C. L. , Wilensky Jadyn , Douglas Jennifer E. , Adappa Nithin D. , Palmer James N. , Kohanski Michael A.
Published: December 2024

Background

To reduce recurrence rates of inverted papilloma (IP), some have argued for the use of intraoperative frozen margins; results remain mixed and studies critically lack lengthy surveillance periods.

Objective

We aim to elucidate the impact of prolonged surveillance and intraoperative frozen margins on IP recurrence.

Methods

This is a retrospective analysis of patients who underwent resection of IP at a tertiary care center over a 10-year period from 2008 to 2018 followed by subsequent surveillance. Patient demographics, tumor and operative characteristics, and recurrences were analyzed.

Results

Our analysis includes 199 patients, with 37 recurrences and an average recurrence time of 44.4 months; 57% of patients received intraoperative frozen sections and recurrence rates were similar between those who received frozen sections and those who did not (20.1% vs 15.5%, P = .36). Patients with recurrences within 5 years of surgery were more likely to have received frozen sections than those with recurrences beyond 5 years ( P < .01). There was no difference in surgical approach or extent of disease in those who received frozen margins. Patients that received frozen sections were more likely to have multiple sites of attachment (56.5% vs 38.1%, P = .01) and persistent disease following a previous resection at an outside institution (67.0% vs 44.0%, P = .001).

Conclusion

Our average time to recurrence was 44.4 months, significantly longer than surveillance times reported in the literature, indicating that longer periods of surveillance are necessary to capture late recurrences. Our analysis is the first and largest American cohort to look at IP resection in a standardized fashion and find that recurrence rates are similar between patients receiving frozen sections or not.