bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Data from Bladder Preservation with Durvalumab plus Tremelimumab and Concurrent Radiotherapy in Patients with Localized Muscle-Invasive Bladder Cancer (IMMUNOPRESERVE): A Phase II Spanish Oncology GenitoUrinary Group Trial
Authors: Garcia-del-Muro Xavier , P. Valderrama Begoña , Medina-Colmenero Ana , Etxaniz Olatz , Gironés Sarrió Regina , Juan-Fita María José , Costa-García Marcel , Moreno Rafael , Miras Rodríguez Isabel , Ortiz Irene , Cuéllar Andrés , Ferrer Ferran , Vigués Francesc , de Haro Piedra Roberto , Candal Gomez Arturo , Villà Salvador , Pontones José Luis , Murria Yasmina , Lendínez-Cano Guillermo , Alemany Ramon
Published: February 2025

AbstractPurpose:
The combination of radiation and immunotherapy potentiated antitumor activity in preclinical models. The purpose of this study is to explore the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of a bladder-preserving approach, including dual immune checkpoint blockade and radiotherapy, in patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC).
Patients and Methods:
Patients with localized MIBC underwent transurethral resection, followed by durvalumab (1,500 mg) plus tremelimumab (75 mg) every 4 weeks for three doses and concurrent radiotherapy (64–66 Gy to bladder). Patients with residual or relapsed MIBC underwent salvage cystectomy. The primary endpoint was complete response, defined as the absence of MIBC at posttreatment biopsy. Secondary endpoints were bladder-intact disease-free survival, distant metastasis–free survival, and overall survival.
Results:
Thirty-two patients were enrolled at six centers. Complete response was documented in 26 (81%) patients. Two patients had residual MIBC, and four patients were not evaluated. After a median follow-up of 27 months, 2 patients underwent salvage cystectomy. The 2-year rates for bladder-intact disease-free survival, distant metastasis–free survival, and overall survival were 65%, 83%, and 84%, respectively. The 2-year estimates of non–muscle-invasive bladder relapse, MIBC, and distant metastasis were 3%, 19%, and 16%, respectively. Grade 3 to 4 toxicities were reported in 31% of patients, with diarrhea (6%) and acute kidney failure (6%) being the most frequent.
Conclusions:
This multimodal approach including durvalumab plus tremelimumab with concurrent radiotherapy is feasible and safe, showing high efficacy in terms of response and eliciting bladder preservation in a large number of patients. Further research on this approach as an alternative to cystectomy is warranted.
Data from Next-Generation Sequencing–Based MSI Scoring Predicts Benefit in Mismatch Repair–Deficient Tumors Treated with Nivolumab: Follow-up on NCI-MATCH Arm Z1D
Authors: Schoenfeld Jonathan D. , Azad Nilofer S. , Gross Jacob , Chen Li , Overman Michael J. , Kao Katrina , Jackson Latifa , Brunnquell Donna , Bu Xiangning , Coppola Christina , Guan Ping , Lee Jennifer , Sims David , Fuchs Rebecca , Weirather Jason L. , Pfaff Kathleen L. , Gunasti Lauren , Ranasinghe Srin , Hamilton Stanley R. , Wang Victoria , O’Dwyer Peter J. , Wu Catherine J. , Rodig Scott J. , Patton David R. , Harris Lyndsay
Published: February 2025

AbstractPurpose:
Mismatch repair–deficient (dMMR) tumors have demonstrated favorable responses to immune checkpoint inhibition targeting PD-1. However, more in-depth identification of predictors of response could further refine patient selection for immunotherapy treatment.
Patients and Methods:
We undertook integrated evaluation performed on samples collected from 28 of 42 patients enrolled on the NCI–Molecular Analysis for Therapy Choice arm Z1D trial that evaluated PD-1 inhibition treatment with nivolumab in patients with noncolorectal dMMR tumors. Genomic analyses were performed using next-generation sequencing (NGS), whole-exome sequencing, and RNA sequencing and supplemented by multiplex immunofluorescence performed on tissue samples.
Results:
In this dMMR population, more extensive alterations of microsatellites as assessed by measures of NGS were associated with clinical benefit and tumor mutational burden. RNA sequencing further revealed associations between clinical benefit and immune infiltration index. Gene sets enriched in patients with clinical benefit included IFN signaling, antigen processing, and PI3K–AKT–mTOR signaling, whereas hedgehog signaling was found to be enriched in subjects lacking clinical benefit.
Conclusions:
These genomic data highlight the importance of immune infiltration and antigen presentation in dMMR tumors that respond to immune checkpoint blockade. In addition, they suggest that, even within a dMMR population, NGS-based measures of microsatellite instability could serve as biomarkers of immunotherapy response.
Data from Multiomics Reveals the Immunologic Features and the Immune Checkpoint Blockade Potential of Colorectal Medullary Carcinoma
Authors: Liu Chao , Zou Haoyi , Ruan Yuli , Fang Lin , Wang Bojun , Cui Luying , Wu Tong , Chen Zhuo , Dang Tianjiao , Lan Ya , Zhao Wenyuan , Zhang Chunhui , Meng Hongxue , Zhang Yanqiao
Published: February 2025

AbstractPurpose:
Colorectal medullary carcinoma (MeC) is extensive lymphocyte infiltration and is associated with an active immune response. However, studies to comprehensively explore the immune landscape and efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy in MeC are limited.
Experimental Design:
We screened 47 cases of MeC from the Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital cohort. The immunologic characteristics of MeC were analyzed by targeted exon sequencing, NanoString nCounter gene expression sequencing, IHC, multiplexed immunofluorescence, and T-cell antigen receptor sequencing. An additional 47 patients with MeC who received ICB therapy were included in the retrospective analysis to verify the efficacy of immunotherapy.
Results:
Genomically, MeC tends to have a higher proportion of mismatch repair protein deficiency/microsatellite instability (MSI), ARID1A mutation, and ASCL2 amplification. Gene expression shows enriched immune response–related pathways while downregulating oncogenic pathways, such as glycolysis, epithelial–mesenchymal transition, and Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Further immune characterization showed that MeC showed advantages in antigen presentation, co-stimulatory molecules, effector molecules, immune checkpoints, and immune cell abundance. More importantly, both MSI and microsatellite-stable type MeC showed a similar state of high infiltration of immune cells, even better than MSI non-MeC. MeC infiltrated massive highly clonal immune cells, especially intraepithelial CD8+ T cells. In the retrospective cohort, there were 30 patients with MeC who received ICB therapy and achieved complete or partial response with an objective response rate of 63.8%, especially including 16 patients with microsatellite-stable colorectal cancer.
Conclusions:
MeC is a pathologic subtype with an active immune response and is a promising group for ICB therapy. This heightened immune response was not limited to the patients' microsatellite status.
Strategies and techniques for creating educational programs for teachers of natural science subjects
Authors: Nurmukhamedova Zhanara , Nurbayeva Dilara , Yerzhenbek Bulbul , Nassirova Diana
Published: February 2025

The relevance of the study is based on the current educational reforms in the Republic of Kazakhstan, which is implemented under the conditions of humanization and integration at different levels. This is based on the development of the informatization and technologization of current science and practice, the trend towards the interpenetration of certain fields of knowledge into others, the exploration of interdisciplinary approaches in explaining the current world view, which is itself multidimensional, persistent, impartial and integrative. The purpose of this study is to provide a theoretical framework, developing a model for the training of modern natural science teachers and investigate the main stages of curriculum development for future teachers. The objectives of the study are aimed at disseminating knowledge about the development of effective educational programs. Objective methods included theoretical analysis, analysis of future teachers’ activities, synthesis of philosophical and educational psychology literature, modelling and observation. The study investigated and systematized approaches to the methodological design of educational programs and identified all types of professional competence using the method of analysis.
Self-assessment of secondary school Islamic education teacher: validity and reliability of qualitative study
Authors: Masuwai Azwani , Zulkifli Hafizhah , Hamzah Mohd Isa
Published: February 2025

Issues concerning the validity of qualitative studies are frequently debated among scholars. Interview techniques often lack standardized procedures, which can affect reliability, and eliminating biases in interviews is challenging. Ensuring reliability and validity is crucial for establishing research credibility and high measurement reliability. This study was conducted to explore the reliability and validity of qualitative study of self-assessment concept among Islamic education teachers towards continuous professionalism development. The qualitative study was involved six participants selected based on the purposive sampling technique using a semi-structured interview. This study aimed to validate interview data through participant verification, ensure the validity of qualitative themes through expert validation, and enhance reliability via data triangulation. Multiple methods were employed to achieve these goals, including interview protocol verification, pre-field study, data triangulation, field notes, participant verification, expert validation, and agreement assessed using the Cohen Kappa Index, along with an extended study period. The findings indicated that the study met it is objectives for validity and reliability according to the recommended strategies and techniques. The use of various validation methods and attention to language barriers contributed to the study’s robustness and offers valuable guidance for future research.
Assessing the effectiveness of the adaptation learning model for dyslexic students’ engagement: a quasi-experimental study
Authors: Hamid Siti Suhaila Abdul , Admodisastro Novia , Ismail Zahian , Radzuan Nabilah Filzah Mohd , Kamaluddin Adzhar , Mahmud Murni
Published: February 2025

Students with dyslexia require individual learning approaches due todifferent mastery and engagement levels. The conventional approach couldnot adjust the learning style automatically and burdened the teacher,especially in bigger class sizes. We proposed an adaptive learning model forstudents with dyslexia (ALMo-DML) that personalized the learning basedon the mastery level and behavior. ALMo-DML can retain the studentslonger using adaptive elements. This paper examines the effectiveness of theALMo-DML prototype in increasing student engagement by comparing itwith MyLexic, non-adaptive learning using a quasi-experiment. Theparameters involve on-task/off-task behavior, time spent, and usability test.Descriptive statistics, hypothesis testing, software usability scale (SUS), andobservation forms were used to measure the engagement parameters. Theresult shows a longer on-task time with an average of 22 minutes when usingthe ALMo-DML prototype compared to the non-adaptive application withonly 12 minutes (p-value<0.05) using the Mann-Whitney U test. Besides,observation data support the finding indicating engagement from gestures,keyboard, and mouse clicks. This study proved that ALMo-DML showed apositive effect on the engagement of students with dyslexia compared withnon-adaptive learning. Hence, ALMo-DML is highly recommended as asupporting material in helping students with dyslexia.
Anxiety and self-belongingness of inclusive learners: the stance, facet overcoming
Authors: G. Panneerselvam , Wiselet S. Bella
Published: February 2025

It was inevitable that young learners at this time would have to pay special attention to both prosaic life and their schoolwork. It is also acknowledged that the majority of learners live in a multi varied situations. This study focuses on and analyses academic anxiety and self-belongingness in learners in an inclusive setup. Academic anxiety is related to distinct characteristic of learner, including gender, venue, instructional media, and family structure. The study focused on these four personal characteristics, and an experimental design technique was used to perform the analysis. This was accomplished using a convenience sampling procedure, which yielded 284 samples. The descriptive analysis is assisted to examine the collected data. However, there is a significant variance regarding their locality of residency. As a result, there is an essential geographical divide between them. The study outcomes also revealed a correlation between learners’ academic concerns and sense of belonging. Significant differences in personnel parameters, such as the residential location of learners, were observed.
Enhancing curriculum development: a comprehensive framework for undergraduate competencies
Authors: Alvarez Ma Teresa Silos , Guinat Sheila Y.
Published: February 2025

In the context of significant changes in higher education and the job market, there has been extensive discussion on what qualifies graduate competency and what shapes graduates’ labor market outcomes. Each university’s vision is to produce highly competitive and educated graduates with high competence and contribute to the country’s development. Graduate employability is a key issue for higher education. Ensuring their competency is vital in forming an educated graduate the industry is looking for. Their competency is honed based on the activities and curriculum of the program as embedded in the circular memorandum order (CMO) of each program. A descriptive research design was used and a questionnaire on structured institutionalized tracer instrument and CMO 17 s.2017 was adopted. Uses statistical treatment such as mean, frequency, percentages and t-tests. This study focuses to assess and evaluate the competency of our graduates in response to the needs of the industry and for curriculum enhancement. The results reveal that the bachelor of science in business administration (BSBA) graduate’s competency based on all the identified parameters was deemed "very effective" and useful in their respective workplace. Though the results highlighted research and extension as "very effective", their importance to employment shows that they are highly significant corresponding to the present trend. Despite all the training and exposure, the college provides them, still need improvement and commends to enhance the curriculum, improve instruction delivery, and upgrade graduate competencies.
Enhancing mathematics learning in phase E: assessing Wordwall effectiveness
Authors: Rezeki Sri , Amelia Sindi
Published: February 2025

The use of technology, classroom atmosphere, facilities, and learning resources can support quality learning outcomes in students. Wordwall, as a gamification tool, has been proven to be effective for elementary and junior high school students in mathematics. However, the effectiveness of Wordwall in enhancing senior high school students’ cognitive abilities in mathematics learning has not been investigated. Previous studies have only shown its effectiveness in improving affective abilities. Therefore, this study endeavors to evaluate the effects of using Wordwall on the mathematics learning outcomes of senior high school students in phase E. Through quasi-experimental research with pre- and post-test group design, 38 experimental class students and 37 control class students were selected as samples in this study. The study found a statistically significant difference (sig. 0.000<0.05) in the mean learning outcomes of students who used Wordwall compared to those who did not. Descriptively, the experimental group displayed superior average mathematics learning outcomes compared to the control group, demonstrating a moderate level of effectiveness (ES=0.57). The strong effect of Wordwall can be realized if it is used not only as an exercise tool within the classroom but also as an instrument for knowledge transformation, incorporating consideration of students’ learning styles.
Validating the factor structure of school principals’ transformational leadership scale in Vietnam
Authors: Tran Van Dat , Trang Bui Le Diem , Le Minh Tuan Lam , Huynh Thi Cam , Nguyen Huynh Thuan
Published: February 2025

Recently, there has been a growing emphasis on investigating the factor structure of the transformational leadership style due to its significant impact on teachers’ outcomes and school-related factors such as organizational citizenship behaviors, organizational commitment, work dedication, creativity, and school innovation. However, the existing literature reveals a lack of studies focusing on the dimensions of transformational leadership style in Vietnam. The present study, therefore, aims to validate the factor structure of the 20-item transformational leadership scale, derived from the 45-item multifactor leadership questionnaire (MLQ), which was translated into Vietnamese and administered to 375 high school teachers. The results of both exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) confirmed the suitability of the original MLQ’s five-factor structure of transformational leadership, which includes idealized influence attributed (IIa), idealized influence behavioral (IIb), inspirational motivation (IM), intellectual stimulation (IS), and individualized consideration (IC). The fit indices of the model (χ2/df=1.57, p=0.000, TLI=0.91, CFI=0.90, and RMSEA=0.067), and Cronbach’s alpha values of all subfactors (α≥0.73) were satisfactory. The findings recommend that high schools might utilize the MLQ in evaluating teachers’ views of transformational leadership within the context of Vietnamese high school education to improve the leadership practices of principals.
Digital learning and student outcomes: a mathematical synthesis from the last decade
Authors: Koishybekova Aizhan , Zhanatbekova Nazym , Khaimuldanov Yerlan , Orazbayeva Assel , Abykenova Dariya
Published: February 2025

Understanding the broad effects of e-learning on educational outcomes and the contributing factors is crucial, especially given the conflicting conclusions from past research. This is important to ensure that educators and policymakers do not waste resources and focus effectively when prioritizing digital investments. Hence, this study sought to provide a comprehensive quantitative review of the extant evidence on how digital learning initiatives affect student outcomes within the cognitive domain across different subjects and educational levels. To that end, a meta-analysis was performed encompassing 17 studies spanning from 2015 to 2023, involving 1,896 participants. The quantitative synthesis was completed using a random-effects model. The results indicate a positive small to medium overall effect size (Hedge’s g=.49, adjusted for publication bias) for technology-assisted interventions compared to traditional education. Subgroup analyses revealed nuances, such as higher academic gains associated with active cognitive engagement modes and potential disparities between school and higher education settings. However, no factors significantly affected the pooled effect sizes for cognitive outcomes. Nevertheless, considerable between-study heterogeneity could compromise the estimates. The meta-analysis underscores the scarcity of rigorous studies in the digital learning domain. Further research directions are outlined.
Lesson learned from vocational training center as a school-to-work transition program in Indonesia
Authors: Hamid Mustofa Abi , Siswantoyo Siswantoyo , Gunadi Gunadi , Setiawan Dedi , Mutiara Indra , Martias Martias , Ismail Affero
Published: February 2025

The objective of this study is to assess the effectiveness of the refrigeration technology training program at the vocational training centers (VTCs) by employing the context, input, process, product, and outcome evaluation approach. This study is classified as evaluative research, employing a qualitative description approach. Data collecting employs several approaches such as observation, interviews, and documentation. The primary informants in this study included the head of the VTC, the organizer of the VTC, the instructor of the refrigeration technology training, and the participants of the refrigeration technology training. Triangulation methods are employed to guarantee the accuracy and reliability of the data. The findings indicate that the setting, process, and product elements can be categorized as satisfactory, while the input and outcome aspects remain in the poor category. To increase employment and reduce unemployment, this split air conditioning training can be expanded by strengthening program components in the input aspect, particularly facilities, and infrastructure, as well as in the output aspect.
Academics’ research productivity dynamics: psychological needs, research orientation, and desire for recognition
Authors: Albaram Badr Mohammed , Lim Yet Mee , Keoy Kay Hooi , Siek Hwee Ling
Published: February 2025

Malaysian higher education institutions aim to improve their reputation and visibility by focusing on research publications. Consequently, they face complexity in motivating research productivity compared to the high demand for academic research output and diversity of academics. This paper aims to fill the knowledge gap in investigating the dynamics of research productivity through the interplay of psychological needs satisfaction (PNS) to share knowledge, research orientation, and desire for recognition as intrinsic motivators. This quantitative research surveyed academics (N=310) in public and private Malaysian universities and data was analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The findings revealed that both research orientation and desire for recognition play a critical role in motivating academics’ research productivity. Additionally, the study demonstrates that when academics perceive their psychological needs as satisfied, they engage in knowledge-sharing behavior (KSB), which positively affects research productivity, though not as significantly as previously assumed. The study contributes to the literature as pioneering research investigated the role of research orientation, and desire for recognition in motivating academics’ research productivity. It widens the decision makers awareness in higher education institutions to understand the intrinsic motivations of research productivity that motivate them to develop research productivity policies.
Attention, relevance, confidence, and satisfaction motivation model in mathematics education: a systematic literature review
Authors: Mengyao He , Ismail Zaleha , Ismail Norulhuda , Xueting He
Published: February 2025

With the aims to find out how the attention, relevance, confidence, and satisfaction (ARCS) motivation model was applied into mathematics education; what research methods were used; and what outcomes were reported in these empirical studies, this paper systematically reviewed the empirical studies applied the ARCS motivation model into mathematics education trends on 2013-2023. Among 26 articles identified, the findings of this review indicated that the data from several contexts support the applicability of the ARCS model in diverse environments for mathematics learning, across different stages students, and in various nations. Three dimensions of the role of the ARCS model in mathematics education studies are identified: instructional design; theoretical framework; and measurement tool. Quantitative method was used most, and experimental studies and quasi-experimental studies were the main methods. Three types of outcomes were mainly focused on the past empirical studies: affective outcomes, cognitive outcomes, social outcomes. The findings highlighted the prospective paths that this area of research should pursue.
Sex Chromosomes and Sex Hormones: Dissecting the Forces That Differentiate Female and Male Hearts
Authors: Brong Annie , Kontrogianni-Konstantopoulos Aikaterini
Published: February 2025

The heart is a highly sex-biased organ, as sex shapes innumerable aspects of heart health and disease. Sex chromosomes and sex hormones —testosterone, progesterone, and estrogen— establish and perpetuate the division between male and female myocardium. Of these differentiating factors, the insulating effects of estrogen have been rigorously interrogated and reviewed, whereas the influence of sex chromosomes, testosterone, and progesterone remains in dispute or ill-defined. Here, we synthesize growing evidence that sex chromosomes and sex hormones substantially bias heart form, function, and dysfunction in a context-dependent fashion. The discrete protective functions ascribed to each of the 3 estrogen receptors are also enumerated. Subsequently, we overview obstacles that have historically discouraged the inclusion of female subjects in basic science such as the impact of the female estrus cycle and reproductive senescence on data reliability and reproducibility. Furthermore, we weigh the utility of several common strategies to intercept and rescue sex-specific protection. Last, we warn of common compounds in animal chow and cell culture that interfere with estrogen signaling. In sum, we survey the controversies and challenges that stem from sex-inclusive cardiovascular research, comparing the possible causes of cardiac sex bias, elucidating sex chromosome or hormone-dependent processes in the heart, describing common lapses that imperil female and male cell and animal work, and illuminating facets of the female heart yet unexplored or still uncertain.
Hypertension in Pregnancy and Postpartum: Current Standards and Opportunities to Improve Care
Authors: Countouris Malamo , Mahmoud Zainab , Cohen Jordana B. , Crousillat Daniela , Hameed Afshan B. , Harrington Colleen M. , Hauspurg Alisse , Honigberg Michael C. , Lewey Jennifer , Lindley Kathryn , McLaughlin Megan M. , Sachdev Neha , Sarma Amy , Shapero Kayle , Sinkey Rachel , Tita Alan , Wong Kristen E. , Yang Eugene , Cho Leslie , Bello Natalie A.
Published: February 2025

Hypertension in pregnancy contributes substantially to maternal morbidity and mortality, persistent hypertension, and rehospitalization. Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are also associated with a heightened risk of cardiovascular disease, and timely recognition and modification of associated risk factors is crucial in optimizing long-term maternal health. During pregnancy, there are expected physiologic alterations in blood pressure (BP); however, pathophysiologic alterations may also occur, leading to preeclampsia and gestational hypertension. The diagnosis and effective management of hypertension during pregnancy is essential to mitigate maternal risks, such as acute kidney injury, stroke, and heart failure, while balancing potential fetal risks, such as growth restriction and preterm birth due to altered uteroplacental perfusion. In the postpartum period, innovative and multidisciplinary care solutions that include postpartum maternal health clinics can help optimize short- and long-term care through enhanced BP management, screening of cardiovascular risk factors, and discussion of lifestyle modifications for cardiovascular disease prevention. As an adjunct to or distinct from postpartum clinics, home BP monitoring programs have been shown to improve BP ascertainment across diverse populations and to lower BP in the months after delivery. Because of concerns about pregnant patients being a vulnerable population for research, there is little evidence from trials examining the diagnosis and treatment of hypertension in pregnant and postpartum individuals. As a result, national and international guidelines differ in their recommendations, and more studies are needed to bolster future guidelines and establish best practices to achieve optimal cardiovascular health during and after pregnancy. Future research should focus on refining treatment thresholds and optimal BP range peripartum and postpartum and evaluating interventions to improve postpartum and long-term maternal cardiovascular outcomes that would advance evidence-based care and improve outcomes worldwide for people with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.
Morphological and karyotypic characterization of Alstroemeria urubiciensis (Alstroemeriaceae): a new species from Santa Catarina, Brazil
Authors: NASCIMENTO JÉSSICA , NOLLET FELIPE , GUERRA MARCELO , FELIX LEONARDO P.
Published: February 2025

Alstroemeria urubiciensis is an herbaceous species currently known only from a montane forest in the state of Santa Catarina, southern Brazil. It is morphologically similar to A. cunha, from which it differs by its greenish-yellow flowers, tepals with vinaceous longitudinal lines, and papillate bases on the outer tepals. The species exhibited a karyotype with 2n = 16, karyotypic formula 2ML + 2MS + 2SML + 2SMS + 8A, with no DAPI bands and CMA bands located primarily at the terminal regions of the short arms of acrocentric chromosomes.
Review of the genus Omalium Gravenhorst, 1802 (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Omaliinae: Omaliini) of China
Authors: SHAVRIN ALEXEY V.
Published: February 2025

Five species groups are established for 19 species of the genus Omalium Gravenhorst, 1802 from China: Acutangulum group containing O. anguliferum sp. nov. (Sichuan, Shaanxi), O. rutilum sp. nov. and O. sectum sp. nov. (Yunnan); Caesum group containing O. pratense sp. nov. (Shaanxi); Oxyacanthae group containing O. alticola Cameron, 1941, O. cocleare sp. nov. and O. contiger sp. nov. (Yunnan, Sichuan), O. kurbatovi sp. nov. (Anhui), O. oxyacanthae (Gravenhorst, 1806) and O. schuelkei sp. nov. (Gansu, Sichuan); Rivulare group containing O. bambusaphilum sp. nov. (Jiangxi), O. confertum sp. nov. (Sichuan), O. tibetanum sp. nov. (Yunnan), O. lama sp. nov. (Qinghai, Sichuan), O. pseudojaponicum sp. nov. (Gansu), O. rougemonti sp. nov. (Zhejiang, Hubei, Shaanxi, Sichuan), O. smetanai sp. nov. (Yunnan) and O. xizangense Zheng & Pu, 2000 (Xizang); and unknown group containing O. chinese J.-K. Li, 1993, species with an uncertain taxonomic status described from Hejlongjiang. All 15 new species are described and illustrated, and their geographical distributions are mapped. A key to species known from China is provided. Omalium alticola is recorded from China for the first time.
Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone Testing and Outcomes in Total Laryngectomy Patients
Authors: Warren James D. , Oglesby Kacie R. , Homan Carlton R. , Howe Edmund , Paul Oishika , Tassone Patrick , Kane Anne C.
Published: February 2025

Objective:

Assess timing and prevalence of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) testing after total laryngectomy (TL). Identify prevalence of postoperative hypothyroidism and determine associations between thyroidectomy, postoperative hypothyroidism, and wound complications, including pharyngocutaneous fistula (PCF).

Methods:

Retrospective chart review performed at 2 tertiary care centers of adult patients undergoing TL between 2013 and 2021. Demographic data, perioperative labs and post-operative outcomes were collected. Analysis was performed.

Results:

Of 237 patients identified, thyroid removal was performed in 156 (65.8%), including 23 (9.7%) total thyroidectomies and 133 (56.1%) hemi-thyroidectomies. Of the 191 (80.6%) receiving postoperative TSH testing, 98 (41.4%) had TSH testing within 90 days, and 112 (58.6%) developed hypothyroidism. Mean postoperative TSH testing interval was 222.0 days (SSD 400.2), with variations associated with age ( P = .026), gender ( P = .009), PCF formation ( P < .001), history of radiation therapy (RT, P = .011), and preoperative levothyroxine use ( P = .031). Partial or total thyroid removal significantly increased the likelihood of high postoperative TSH (OR = 2.631, P = .002, 95% CI [1.410, 4.911]). PCF occurred in 62 (26.2%) patients, and there were no significant associations between pre/postoperative TSH or thyroid removal and PCF development or wound complications.

Conclusion:

Thyroidectomy was associated with elevated postoperative TSH levels, adding support to prior literature for consideration of avoiding thyroid removal during TL when appropriate. The wide range of TSH testing intervals and prevalence of postoperative hypothyroidism in our cohort highlights the importance of monitoring thyroid function in TL patients during the perioperative period.
Deep feature extraction and fault diagnosis of solenoid valves in propulsion systems based on temporal-attention GraphLSTM model
Authors: Shen Feifan , Wu Jiayang , He Jiansong , Zhu Jizhen , Mao Xinqiang , Liu Qianyu
Published: February 2025

Fault diagnosis plays a crucial role in monitoring and maintaining industrial processes and equipment such as discovering solenoid valve faults. Given the intricate nature of complex industrial processes characterized by nonlinearity and dynamics, this paper introduces a novel Temporal-Attention Graph Long Short-Term Memory (TA-GraphLSTM) model for fault diagnosis, which smoothly integrates a hybrid GraphLSTM network module with a temporal-attention block. The novel architecture leverages the strengths of both graph and LSTM neural networks to effectively handle the complexities inherent in industrial data. To construct the input graph structure data, we develop a variable correlation analysis strategy based on the Maximum Information Coefficient (MIC), which facilitates accurate representation of the relationships between variables. Furthermore, the incorporation of the temporal-attention module allows the model to dynamically assign weights to hidden variables across time steps to capture temporal dependencies effectively. The proposed TA-GraphLSTM fault diagnosis method is validated through the application of a spacecraft propulsion system. The experiment results prove the effectiveness and robustness of the model.
“Doing family” from the standpoint of single Filipina migrant mothers
Authors: Presto Athena Charanne R
Published: February 2025

I aim to center the standpoint of single Filipina mothers engaged in migrant domestic work, a demographic largely decentered in the literature on family and migration. Specifically, I examine how they “do family” from a distance using feminist standpoint theory and culturally sensitive Filipino indigenous methodologies: pakikilahok (close participation) and pakikipagkwentuhan (exchange of stories). My findings reveal that while the experiences of my interlocutors echo general themes in transnational motherhood, they also face unique challenges: juggling the dual roles of financial and care provider, a heightened imperative to work overseas coupled with the pressure of sole responsibility for their children, additional logistical hurdles in coordinating care overseas through female relatives, and navigating their employment context without the emotional and financial support of a partner. I also find that engaging in paid care work in Singapore and performing mediated and unpaid care work in the Philippines do not necessarily operate under a zero-sum dynamic, as these roles are interconnected and can coexist. Finally, in this study, I do not only document single Filipina migrant mothers’ struggles and strategies in “doing family”; I also attempt to contribute to highlighting their voices and aiding in the pursuit of epistemic justice.
A Conceptual Relation Between the Need to Belong and Sense-of-Belongingness
Authors: Pardede Saga , Kovač Velibor Bobo
Published: February 2025

All humans have a fundamental need to belong (NTB), that is, forming and maintaining social connections. However, having these positive social bonds does not necessarily equal one’s sense-of- belongingness (SOB). Contemporary literature frequently uses NTB and SOB interchangeably, or SOB is seen as a by-product of NTB satisfaction. This conceptual paper aims to (1) provide the arguments that there exists a difference between the “Need to Belong” as a universal construct of fundamental psychological need and “ sense-of-belongingness” as a sensation that arose from distinct belongingness conditions, and (2) argue that these differences bear on human action under specific situations and contexts. Two hypothetical life situations are presented to illustrate the divergence of one’s motivational need to belong compared to the specific self-processes regarding one’s sense-of-belongingness. We concluded that there are arguments to claim that NTB and SOB, under specific social conditions, might be conceptually and empirically opposed or unrelated to one another.
Adaptive safe resilient consensus protocol of leader–follower multi-agent systems subject to hybrid false data injection cyberattacks and directed network topology
Authors: Chehardoli Hossein
Published: February 2025

This article introduces a safe consensus protocol of second-order unknown nonlinear multi-agent systems (MASs) subjected to hybrid false data injection cyberattacks (FDICAs), external disturbance, and directed network. All followers can be prone to FDICA and external disturbance. In an MAS, agents measure their state variables by sensors and then send them to neighbor agents through wireless systems. Therefore, both sensors and wireless systems can be prone to FDICAs. These attacks can deteriorate the closed-loop performance, reliability, and safety or even cause instability since they can easily propagate errors among the agents. So that, it is vital to design control policies enhancing resilience against FDICA. It is assumed that different bounded attacks are applied to position and speed channels. Our purpose is to plan a global safe adaptive resilient consensus protocol to guarantee the asymptotic stability. To this aim, by employing artificial neural networks (ANNs), the nonlinear dynamics of each agent is estimated. Afterward, a safe adaptive control law is planned to compensate for the effects of nonlinearity, disturbance, and FDICA to achieve the consensus. By means of the Lyapunov’s second theory, the global asymptotic stability (GAS) of the system is proved. Different numerical results confirm the theoretical investigations and illustrate the efficiency of the presented approach on controlling agents in the proposed second-order nonlinear MAS.
Exploring the optimal thresholds of silent pauses for measuring second language utterance fluency in monologic and dialogic speaking
Authors: Gao Jianmin , Sun Peijian Paul , Li Chenxin
Published: February 2025

Second language (L2) utterance fluency is crucial for speaking-proficiency assessment. The measurement of L2 utterance fluency relies heavily on silent pause identification. However, empirical studies establishing specific silent pause thresholds for L2 monologic speaking are scarce, and even fewer exist for L2 dialogic speaking. This study thus aims to explore the optimal silent pause threshold for measuring L2 utterance fluency in both speaking contexts. Following De Jong and Bosker, the study assumes that silent pause measures calculated at optimal thresholds can best predict L2 proficiency and perceived fluency. Multiple linear regression models were conducted using four silent pause measures (mid-Analysis of Speech Unit [ASU] silent pause rate, end-ASU silent pause rate, mid-ASU silent pause duration, end-ASU silent pause duration) at various thresholds (100–1000 ms) to predict participants’ L2 proficiency and perceived fluency scores. For the monologic task, silent pause measures calculated at a threshold of 200 ms best predicted both L2 proficiency and perceived fluency scores. For the dialogic task, silent pause measures calculated at a 200-ms threshold had the best predictive power for L2 proficiency score, whereas the optimal threshold for predicting the perceived fluency score was 350 ms.
Methemoglobinemia in the Setting of Hemolysis: A Case Report Suggesting Reflex Lab for Patients with Oxygen Saturation Gap for Early Detection and Diagnosis
Authors: Pham Christine , Williams Nicole , Zavala Sarah
Published: February 2025

Methemoglobinemia typically presents as functional anemia and hypoxemia. It is often recognized by a discordance between the pulse oximeter reading and the oxygen saturation measured on arterial blood gas. Methemoglobinemia can be inherited or acquired, with some commonly-used medications recognized as causative agents. In patients with hemolytic anemia such as in glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, hemolysis may be the main clinical presentation, with acquired methemoglobinemia after exposure to oxidizing agents. We present a case report of methemoglobinemia in the setting of hemolysis, with a new approach to coordinate with laboratory services to create a reflex lab to test for methemoglobinemia under certain conditions. This may improve time to recognition and treatment for patients with methemoglobinemia, as patient presentation as well as SpO2 and PaO2 discordance may be missed by less experienced providers.
State-of-the-art review on poly(aryl-ether-ketone) and its nanocomposites for high-performance applications
Authors: Gnanasekaran Dhorali , Pattanshetti Viresh
Published: February 2025

Poly (aryl ether ketones), known as PAEK, encompass a range of thermoplastics including poly (ether ketone) (PEK), poly (ether ether ketone) (PEEK), poly (ether ketone ether ketone ketone) (PEKEKK) and poly (ether ketone ketone) (PEKK) among many more. PAEK possess aryl, ether, and ketone building blocks; there are over 340 reported variations of PAEKs to date. This review explores detailed research on high-performance poly (aryl ether ketone) nano-composites, incorporating metal oxide, clay, boron hydride, and polyoctahedral silsesquioxanes (POSS) nanoparticles, and provides in-depth analyses of thermal degradation mechanism, heat release rate, combustion heat, and fire-retardant properties of PAEK polymers.
Study of moisture absorption, mechanical properties and morphology of jute/sisal hybrid cellulose composites
Authors: Karunakar Challa , Rao C. V. Mohan , Chada Radhika
Published: February 2025

In the current research work, an attempt has been made to fabricate hybrid cellulose-reinforced composites as a step towards the development of sustainable and ecofriendly materials. Cellulose is extracted from sisal and jute fibers using water pre hydrolysis synthesis. Hybrid cellulose composites are fabricated using different wt% combinations of sisal and jute celluloses and epoxy resin by hand layup technique. These composites are exposed to different environmental conditions that is, saltwater, tap water, and kerosene to explore the impact of moisture absorption on tensile, flexural and impact properties. It was observed that samples immersed in tap water absorbed maximum moisture content when compared with samples in saline water and kerosene. Exposure to various moisture conditions deteriorated mechanical characteristics that is, tensile, flexural, and impact properties in all compositions. Dry hybrid cellulose composite with 10S + 5J composition exhibited the maximum tensile strength (i.e. 25.04 MPa) and flexural strength (i.e. 74.24 MPa). In contrast, 5S + 10J dry composites exhibited better impact strength (1.6733 kJ/m2). SEM micrographs of tensile fracture surfaces confirmed that pull out of fibers, presence of micro voids and delamination are the significant causes for the failure of composites. Further, SEM micrographs correlated with moisture absorption effects to probe mechanical behavior and durability of the composites under different environmental effects. The study demonstrates that hybrid cellulose composites are ideal for low-load automotive applications, enhancing sustainability and biodegradability.
A study of the effect of grinding machine parameters on acoustic rail roughness and surface quality
Authors: Wilkes Jamie A , Thompson David J
Published: February 2025

Rail grinding is performed by infrastructure managers to control, reduce or prevent the growth of rail defects, such as rolling contact fatigue and corrugation. This is done using preventive methods (to attempt to prevent defects from forming) or corrective methods (to remove defects present in the rail). Trials were undertaken on preventive rail grinding machines used by Network Rail, with the aim of improving the finished quality of the rail whilst still achieving the metal removal and reprofiling required. An important aspect considered in the trials was the acoustic rail roughness and its relationship with grinding surface quality indices. The results demonstrated that, in the case of the operational machines used by Network Rail, the largest impact on the overall surface quality was the age and conditioning of the grinding stones. The trials also demonstrated the differences in Standard requirements for achieving good surface quality indices for grinding and good acoustic roughness levels. They further highlighted the importance of identifying rail corrugation prior to preventive grinding to reduce the likelihood of the grinding signature increasing roughness at corrugation wavelengths.
Development and validation of an automated Trunk Impairment Scale 2.0 scoring system using rule-based classification
Authors: Jia Yi Tay , Ripin Zaidi Mohd , Ridzwan Mohamad Ikhwan Zaini , Razali Muhammad Fauzinizam , Ying Heng Yeo , Jaafar Nur Akasyah Binti , Wai Teng Alexander Tan , Binti Ahmad Yusof Hazwani , Hanafi Muhammad Hafiz
Published: February 2025

The Trunk Impairment Scale Version 2.0 (TIS 2.0) measures the motor impairment of the trunk after a stroke through the evaluation of dynamic sitting balance and co-ordination of trunk movement. Evaluations by physiotherapists depend on their ability in detecting minor changes in motion and observing limb movements and these can be time consuming and reduce their availability for rehabilitation work. An automated scoring system for TIS 2.0 was proposed to provide a more reproducible and standardized alternative to manual physiotherapist assessments. In the development phase, motion data from lay actors simulating stroke condition were collected using video motion capture system OpenCap. This data was utilized to create metrics and establish cut-off values for a rule-based classification. The discriminant abilities of the metrics were evaluated using the area under the curve (AUC). In the testing phase, the performance of the developed system was assessed on 19 stroke survivors (Berg Balance Scale score of 20–55) using both automated system and manual scoring by nine physiotherapists. The discriminant abilities of the features used in the dynamic sitting balance subscale are considered excellent to outstanding (AUC ≥ 0.717), and coordination subscale ranged from poor to outstanding (AUC ≥ 0.667). The automated scores aligned with physiotherapists’ scores, achieving an average percentage of agreement 71.1%. The total TIS 2.0 scores generated by the automated method showed moderate correlation with the sum of mode-determined task scores ( R = 0.526, p < 0.05). These findings suggest that the proposed automated system demonstrates comparable validity to assessments by physiotherapists.