bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Looking Ahead - The Future of Economic History
Authors: Doran Áine
Published: November 2024

This paper considers recent developments in economic history and asks what the future holds for the discipline on the island of Ireland.
Solidarity. . . Forever? Teaching Labor and Race at a Predominantly White and Emerging Hispanic Serving Institution with Games
Authors: Haggar Robert
Published: November 2024

In the past year, I have utilized two series of games to teach a predominantly white classroom the barriers that race plays to labor organizing. Students play Prisoner’s Dilemma and Stag-Hunt games, without and with player inequality. Player inequality is designed to mirror power asymmetry in the abstract but also white supremacy specifically by mirroring scenarios in Noel Ignatiev’s posthumous memoir of his time at the Gary Works— Acceptable Men. Though players are predisposed to cooperation, inequality between players strains solidaristic play. This cooperation exceeds that found in Acceptable Men, and students are encouraged to reflect upon why this may be the case.

JEL Classification: A22, J15, J51, Z13
Brain Age Gap as a Predictor of Early Treatment Response and Functional Outcomes in First-Episode Schizophrenia: A Longitudinal Study: L'écart d'âge cérébral comme prédicteur de la réponse en début de traitement et des résultats fonctionnels dans un premier épisode de schizophrénie : une étude longitudinale
Authors: Fan Lejia , Zhang Zhenmei , Ma Xiaoqian , Liang Liangbing , Yuan Liu , Ouyang Lijun , Wang Yujue , Li Zongchang , Chen Xiaogang , He Ying , Palaniyappan Lena
Published: November 2024

Objectives

Accelerated brain aging, i.e., the age-related structural changes in the brain appearing earlier than expected from one's chronological age, is a feature that is now well established in schizophrenia. Often interpreted as a feature of a progressive pathophysiological process that typifies schizophrenia, its prognostic relevance is still unclear. We investigate its role in response to antipsychotic treatment in first-episode schizophrenia.

Methods

We recruited 49 drug-naive patients with schizophrenia who were then treated with risperidone at a standard dose range of 2–6 mg/day. We followed them up for 3 months to categorize their response status. We acquired T1-weighted anatomical images and used the XGboost method to evaluate individual brain age. The brain age gap (BAG) is the difference between the predicted brain age and chronological age.

Results

Patients with FES had more pronounced BAG compared to healthy subjects, and this difference was primarily driven by those who did not respond adequately after 12 weeks of treatment. BAG did not worsen significantly over the 12-week period, indicating a lack of prominent brain-ageing effect induced by the early antipsychotic exposure per se. However, highly symptomatic patients had a more prominent increase in BAG, while patients with higher BAG when initiating treatment later showed lower gains in global functioning upon treatment, highlighting the prognostic value of BAG measures in FES.

Conclusions

Accelerated brain aging is a feature of first-episode schizophrenia that is more likely to be seen among those who will not respond adequately to first-line antipsychotic use. Given that early poor response indicates later treatment resistance, measuring BAG using structural MRI in the first 12 weeks of treatment initiation may provide useful prognostic information when considering second-line treatments in schizophrenia.
From warships to whaleships: Former Royal Navy vessels entering the South Seas fishery in the post-Napoleonic period, 1815–1845
Authors: Papworth Julie , Dence Roger
Published: November 2024

During Britain's conflicts between 1793 and 1815, the Royal Navy changed markedly. New classes of smaller warships were introduced, with numerous vessels built to Admiralty (King's Yard) designs in private shipyards rather than the Royal Dockyards. Many were sloops-of-war, flush-decked and unrated vessels, carrying 20 guns or fewer, that proved versatile in operations around the world. After 1815, the size of the fleet was reduced. Initially many vessels were kept in reserve, but eventually most were sold for mercantile service or breaking, some of the latter also then being resold for merchant use. These vessels proved attractive to long-established whaling owners and new entrants to the whaling trade alike. Such warship-to-whaleship transitions are examined through vessels entering the British southern whale fishery in the post-Napoleonic period between 1815 and 1845.
Colostomy formation in a peritoneal dialysis patient
Authors: Bashnini Nada , Jain Arsh K.
Published: November 2024

This case report discusses the complex management of a 46-year-old man with poorly controlled type 1 diabetes mellitus, stage 5 chronic kidney disease, and severe neuropathic complications, which led to bilateral leg amputations. The patient experienced persistent diarrhea due to diabetic neuropathy, significantly impairing his daily functioning. Despite transitioning from hemodialysis to peritoneal dialysis, the diarrhea persisted. A colostomy was subsequently performed, which, although it did not completely resolve the diarrhea, allowed for better control, improving the patient's self-care and independence. Notably, the catheter exit site was maintained on the opposite side of the abdomen. Despite initial concerns about the feasibility of peritoneal dialysis (PD) in patients with stomas, including the challenges of creating a stoma in patients with an existing PD catheter, this case demonstrates the successful continuation of PD following a colostomy. Traditionally, intestinal stomas have been viewed as a relative contraindication to PD due to risks such as leakage and infection. However, current guidelines recommend using extended catheters with a presternal exit site to minimize these risks. The patient's quality of life improved significantly after the colostomy, with no major complications observed during follow-up. This report underscores the importance of tailoring treatment to individual patient needs, balancing risks with potential well-being benefits, and highlights the necessity of interdisciplinary collaboration and adherence to best practices. Given the limited literature on PD in patients with intestinal stomas, this case contributes valuable clinical insights for future management.
Soret and Dufour effects for unsteady flow with shapes and (Cu+Fe3O4)/(ethelene–glycol+methanol) between two stretchable rotating disks
Authors: Rahman Muhammad , Turkyilmazoglu Mustafa , Mushtaq Zoofshan
Published: November 2024

The ongoing study looks at the multiple shapes of nanoparticles in an unsteady flow between two stretchable rotating disks. Unsteady flow of hybrid nanofluid takes place between the stretchable disks, using (ethelene–glycol+methanol) as the base fluid and (Cu+Fe3O4) as the hybrid nanofluid. This study uses three distinct forms of (Cu+Fe3O4) hybrid nanofluids: brick, blade, and cylinder. Using chosen similarity transmutations, corresponding mathematical expressions (partial differential equations) are transformed into nonlinear ordinary differential equations. The whole set of equations takes the shape of an ordinary differential equation depending on the boundary conditions, and the solution is numerically computed using the bvp4c MATLAB solver. The influence of multiple factors across the velocity field is illustrated graphically. To acquire tiny quantities of the unsteady factors S, the momentum boundary layer for all types of nanofluids becomes less and more conspicuous. We compared our findings to previous findings and discovered an intriguing pattern. The main discovery of this work is Dufour and Soret effect on the heat and concentration profile. The rise in the rotation and the unsteady parameter ends up with an increase in the tangential velocity. The temperature rises as the Brinkman number and heat source factors rise, and falls as the unsteady parameter S rises. The concentration falls as the Schmidt number and unsteady factor increase, but it increases as the activation energy increases.
Performance analysis and improvement of a novel reed valve in compressors using fluid–structure interaction method
Authors: Luo Leilei , Guo Bei , Zhou Yuhang , Geng Maofei , Cai Jiangpan , Wang Xiaolin
Published: November 2024

The reed valves used as suction valves in reciprocating compressors are more susceptible to damage due to the limitation of the lift limiter which can't completely block the entire valve plate. This article proposed a novel reed valve featuring a redesigned shape aimed to solve this issue. Compared to conventional reed valves, the proposed valve could effectively mitigate the highest stress occurring at the root of the suction valve. To thoroughly investigate the characteristics of this valve type and improve its performance, a three-dimensional fluid–structure interaction (FSI) model was established and validated using experiments. The leakage through the valve gap in the FSI model was solved using a combination of user-defined function (UDF) and Scheme file in Fluent. Based on this FSI model, the dynamic characteristics and stress distribution of the valve were mainly analyzed. The effect of the lift limiter on the performance of the valve was analyzed, and a suitable lift was determined. Moreover, the influence of thickness and shape parameters, was also analyzed and an efficient improved scheme was subsequently proposed. Through this scheme, the maximum stress of the valve was reduced by 23.77% compared with that of the original valves. This article provides important information for the design and optimization of complex-shaped reed valves.
A double nightmare of racist violence in bande dessinée and film: Cauchemar Blanc (Moebius, 1974 and Kassovitz, 1991)
Authors: Defever Elke
Published: November 2024

The following article offers a comparative, contextualized analysis of two versions of Cauchemar Blanc: its initial iteration as a bande dessinée published in 1974 by Moebius and its cinematic adaptation in 1991 by Mathieu Kassovitz. By analyzing the aesthetic and discursive strategies used, the study demonstrates how the authors use visual media to expose the pervasiveness of racism in France. Though Kassovitz remains faithful to the original, his adaptation intensifies Moebius's critique of French attitudes toward immigration and the ethnic diversification of society through the addition of humor, which functions as a call for collective action and sociopolitical reform. A comparative analysis of the film and comic within their historical contexts reveals the aesthetic and political nuances of transitioning between mediums and highlights evolving discursive strategies used by Left-leaning artists between the mid-1970s and early 1990s, emphasizing the persistence of racism in France despite institutional efforts against it.
‘I Am Woman, Hear Me Roar!’: #March4Justice and the Desire for Law to Listen
Authors: Sharp Cassandra
Published: November 2024

In speaking to a particular moment in time, when women are increasingly frustrated that their stories are not heard by the law, this article analyses comments posted to the hashtag March4Justice, to offer a contextualist account of how women are locating themselves in (and against) the law by means of social media. It suggests that the use of this hashtag contributes to, and is evidence of, an overarching rallying discourse that pleads for law reform. The article showcases an empirical analysis of social media narratives to demonstrate that emotionality, narrativity, and communal identity weave together to represent (and constitute) a critique of law's ability to listen to the needs of women.
Determinants of cross-border cultural integration: Case studies of the EU Basque and Upper Rhine cross-border regions
Authors: Bakry Ahmed , Growe Anna
Published: November 2024

The spatial integration of cross-border regions is a complex multidimensional process. Cultural integration across borders is a crucial element in broader cross-border regionalism and the intensification of economic transactions. While cultural integration has been viewed as a contingent ontological determinant for establishing cross-border integration and cooperation, there is a lack of empirical evidence on cultural integration. This study sets out a new methodological framework to measure the extent of spatio-cultural integration in cross-border regions. A P-ITEMS model containing six determinants of cultural integration was developed using primary data obtained through mixed methods of qualitative perceptual mapping and quantitative questionnaires. Two European Union cross-border regions – the Basque region and the Upper Rhine region – were selected as case studies, representing two different contexts with varied characteristics, to assess the extent to which the methodological framework can enhance understanding of the cultural integration process. The study shows that this new model can provide a range of findings and perspectives depending on the qualitative or quantitative methodological lens applied. The model revealed that the Basque cross-border region is strongly culturally integrated from both a qualitative and quantitative perspective, with high cross-border interactions, and its residents on both sides of the national border share a common perceptual image of the cross-border region despite its difficulty. In contrast, in the Upper Rhine cross-border region, this joint perceptual representation is missing from the qualitative data; however, the quantitative data indicates that considerable cultural interactions and integration take place.
Twenty-five years of Accounting History: A bibliometric analysis
Authors: Nerantzidis Michail , Vatis Stylianos Efstratios
Published: November 2024

This article reviews the 25 years of Accounting History. Using bibliometric analysis, we provide a summary of bibliometric statistics to present an overview of the peer-reviewed journal's publication landscape. For this reason, we use a sample of 566 documents from the Scopus database between 1996 and 2021. We document publication and citation data indicating an increased rate of productivity and influence. We identify the leading authors, institutions and countries and find that most contributions stem from Australia-based affiliations. We also apply network analysis to reveal the major themes, collaboration patterns and existing relationships among topics. We discover that the journal displays global views that are not limited to the wisdom of one country. We classify dominant topics into 11 clusters and suggest promising avenues for future research.
The Impact of Childhood Maltreatment Timing on Adolescents’ Depression and Anxiety
Authors: Kang Jiyoung
Published: November 2024

This study examined the relationship between the timing of childhood maltreatment and depression and anxiety in adolescents. Using prospective data from 867 children and their caregivers from the Longitudinal Study of Child Abuse and Neglect (LONGSCAN), the effects of early childhood maltreatment (ages 0–5.99) and middle childhood maltreatment (ages 6–11.99) on depression and anxiety at age 16 were compared. Early childhood and middle childhood maltreatment were measured in three ways, including latent class analysis. Findings from multiple regression analysis revealed that only early childhood maltreatment significantly increased adolescents’ depression and anxiety, even after controlling for multiple covariates such as negative life events, social support, and caregiver depression. Strategies to improve early childhood maltreatment prevention and reduce adolescents’ depression/anxiety are also discussed.
GATA3 Expression in Solid Vimentin-Negative Eosinophilic Renal Epithelial Tumors—A Comprehensive Study of 48 Tumors
Authors: Kwon Jung Woo , Nguyen Tung Duy , Tjota Melissa Y. , Antic Tatjana
Published: November 2024

Vimentin-negative solid eosinophilic renal tumors, such as renal oncocytoma, chromophobe renal cell carcinoma (chromophobe RCC), low-grade oncocytic tumor (LOT) of the kidney, and eosinophilic vacuolated tumor (EVT), often present diagnostic challenge to pathologists as they can have significant morphologic overlap. Recent studies have shown that the LOT is consistently positive for GATA3. To test the utility of GATA3 in this potentially challenging diagnostic setting, we investigated GATA3 expression in 48 vimentin-negative solid eosinophilic renal tumors with unequivocal diagnosis, which included 19 LOTs, 3 EVTs, 12 chromophobe RCCs, 11 renal oncocytomas (ROs), and 3 FLCN-mutated renal tumors. GATA3 was at least focally positive in 89% of the LOTs (17/19), 67% of the EVTs (2/3), and 33% of the chromophobe RCCs (4/12) and was negative in all ROs (0/11) and FLCN-mutated renal tumors (0/3). Our study shows that GATA3 can be useful in differentiating between LOT and RO, but it can be focally positive in many tumors of EVT and chromophobe RCC. Therefore, GATA3 could be useful as a panel of immunohistochemical stains that are used in diagnostic algorithm of vimentin-negative solid eosinophilic renal tumors. However, one should not solely rely on GATA3 as vimentin-negative solid eosinophilic renal tumors can have overlapping GATA3 expression.
Association Between Postoperative Medial-Middle Intercuneiform Joint Widening and Recurrence Rates in Hallux Valgus Treated With Modified Lapidus Procedure
Authors: Kim Jaeyoung , El Masry Seif , Srikumar Syian , Palma Joaquin , Ellis Scott , Conti Matthew
Published: November 2024

Background:

Although an association between intercuneiform (C1-C2) joint instability and the recurrence of hallux valgus (HV) deformity after the modified Lapidus procedure has been suggested, there is currently no radiographic evidence to support it. This study aims to investigate radiographic changes in the C1-C2 joint after the modified Lapidus procedure for HV correction, using weightbearing computed tomography (WBCT).

Methods:

This retrospective cohort study included 52 feet (50 patients) with HV who underwent modified Lapidus procedure and had preoperative and postoperative WBCT. Patients who had an additional transfixation screw between the first and second ray were excluded. The preoperative and average 6.5 months postoperative C1-C2 distance, C1-C2 angle, and C1-ground angle were measured on coronal multiplanar reconstructed WBCT images. Radiographic parameters between the recurrence group (n = 9) and nonrecurrence group (n = 43) were compared. Recurrence of HV deformity was characterized by a postoperative hallux valgus angle (HVA) greater than 20 degrees.

Results:

Nine of 52 patients (17.3%) had recurrence of their HV deformity. The recurrence group had greater changes in the C1-C2 distance; the median widening in the recurrence group was 0.7 mm (IQR, 0.6-0.8), whereas the nonrecurrence group was 0.3 mm (IQR, 0.1-0.4, P < .001). Regression analysis showed that increase in the C1-C2 distance were significantly associated with recurrence (odds ratio, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.18-3.77; P = .0015). Although no preoperative imaging parameters were associated with a change in the C1-C2 distance, increasing postoperative sesamoid position ( r = 0.32, P = .022) and HVA ( r = 0.28, P = .046) were correlated with a greater change in the C1-C2 joint gapping.

Conclusion:

Our study results suggest a possible association between early postoperative widening of the C1-C2 joint and the recurrence of the HV deformity following a modified Lapidus procedure. This raises, but does not answer, the question as to whether the routine stabilization of intercuneiform joint directly or indirectly may help reduce the rate of hallux valgus recurrence when performing the modified Lapidus procedure.
Transfibular Total Ankle Arthroplasty: Clinical, Functional, and Radiographic Outcomes and Complications at a Minimum of 5-Year Follow-up
Authors: Fletcher Amanda N. , Day Jonathan , Motsay Morgan , Manchester Maggie , Zhang Zijun , Schon Lew C.
Published: November 2024

Background:

The Trabecular Metal Total Ankle Implant differs from other newer-generation implants in the transfibular approach, multiplanar external frame for alignment, tantalum trabecular metal interfaces, curved geometry, and shallow resection depths. The primary aim of this study was to report midterm clinical and radiographic results, as well as survivorship and adverse events at a minimum of 5-year follow-up.

Methods:

A total of 83 ankles (81 patients, average age 60.6 years old, 50.6% females) with average 6.3 years’ (range, 5.0-10.1) follow-up were included. Postoperative patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) included SF-12 physical (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS) scores, Ankle Osteoarthritis Scale (AOS), pain visual analog scale (VAS). Radiographic outcomes included postoperative range of motion (ROM) and coronal/sagittal alignment. Adverse events were reported using the Canadian Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society Reoperation Coding System (CROCS).

Results:

Preoperative tibiotalar coronal deformity included 27 valgus (10 degrees, range 2-20 degrees) and 25 varus ankles (−9 degrees, range −2 to −25 degrees), corrected to neutral postoperatively. Postoperative tibiopedal ROM was 17.8 degrees dorsiflexion and 21.8 degrees plantarflexion. Adverse events occurred at average 28.7 months, most commonly gutter debridement (n = 17, 16.7%) and subsequent operative treatment unrelated to metal components (n = 10, 12.0%). There were 2 cases (2.4%) of acute deep infection treated with irrigation and debridement, polyethylene exchange, and retention of metal components without recurrence of infection. There were no cases of fibular nonunion, septic or aseptic loosening, or implant subsidence. Postoperative PROMS included SF-12 PCS: 40.4; SF-12 MCS: 56.0; VAS: 2.3; AOS Pain: 17.0; and AOS Disability: 24.9. Overall implant survival, defined by retention of the metal components, was 100% at final follow-up.

Conclusion:

At a minimum of 5 years, patients who underwent TM TAA reported minimal ankle pain and regained neutral ankle alignment and mobility, without septic or aseptic implant loosening. Although having certain limitations, this study suggests that TM TAA is a viable option for the treatment of end-stage ankle arthritis.
Gritty Parenting: The Development and Validation of the Parental Grit Scale
Authors: Teuber Ziwen , Datu Jesus Alfonso D. , Botes Elouise , Dicke Theresa , Jordan Gesine , Lan Xiaoyu , Iliescu Dragoş , Guo Jiesi , Greiff Samuel
Published: November 2024

In this study, we aimed to expand the domain specificity of grit by exploring it in the realm of parenting. Parental grit was defined as parents’ inclination to demonstrate perseverance, sustained passion, and adaptability in pursuing long-term parenting goals. With longitudinal data from 1,373 U.S. parents, we developed and validated the Parental Grit Scale (PGS) in three phases: item development and revision, establishment of factor structure, and examination of criterion-related and incremental validity. The PGS exhibited a three-factor structure and (partial) scalar measurement invariance across genders, the status of the child’s special needs, and measurement occasions. The PGS demonstrated moderate temporal stability. We found evidence of its validity in predicting parental emotional exhaustion, self-efficacy, autonomy support, and parents’ perceptions of children’s school well-being. Parental grit explained variance in these outcomes beyond domain-general grit and conscientiousness. The PGS has sound psychometric properties and is a valuable measure in the parenting domain.
Obstetric Violence (OV) Consequences and Coping Strategies: Insights Through the Voices of Arab and Jewish Women in Israel
Authors: Sharon Dganit , Alnabilsy Raghda
Published: November 2024

This qualitative research amplifies the voices of Jewish and Arab women in Israel, illuminating their experiences with obstetric violence, its consequences, and coping strategies. The premise of this study is the feminist approach that aims to eradicate phenomena related to gender and patriarchal structures affecting women, their bodies, and their health. The research was based on the qualitative-constructivist methodology, by means of thematic analysis of 20 in-depth semistructured interviews. Two main themes emerged: first, consequences (e.g., physical, emotional, spousal relationships, and mistrust) and second, women's coping strategies (e.g., repression, avoidance, garnering inner strengths, resilience, and relying on external help).
Love's Paradox: Unraveling the Dynamics of Love and Psychological Intimate Partner Violence Against Women
Authors: Ablana Cécylia , Raynal Patrick , Séjourné Natalène
Published: November 2024

This study investigates the connection between psychological intimate partner violence (IPV) and love components in relationships, surveying 1,061 women. Using Sternberg's Triangular Love Scale, participants assessed Intimacy, Commitment, and Passion, revealing four clusters (“Moderate Love,” “No Love,” “Low Passion,” and “Mostly Passion”). ANCOVA (analysis of covariance) analysis, with age as covariate, highlighted significant differences in Intimacy, Commitment, and Passion among clusters, validating the classification. Surprisingly, the “Mostly Passion” cluster exhibited higher severe psychological aggression and specific controlling behaviors than the “Low Passion” group. These findings emphasize the intricate relationship between love components and psychological IPV, suggesting tailored interventions for healthier relationships and victim support.
Comparison of Camera-Acquired Vital Signs to Conventional Vital Signs in a Space-Analog Environment
Authors: Canepa Carlo A. , Levin Dana R. , Padaki Amit S.
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Vital sign acquisition is a key component of modern medical care. In wilderness and space medical settings, vital sign acquisition can be a difficult process because of limitations on available personnel or lack of access to the patient. Camera-acquired vital signs could address each of these difficulties.

Methods

Healthy volunteers used software designed by Presage Technologies to acquire heart rate and respiratory rate at the HI-SEAS space-analog site in Mauna Loa, Hawai’i. Camera-acquired vital signs were compared to more conventionally acquired vital signs.

Results

Camera-acquired heart rate showed high correlation to conventionally acquired heart rate (R ∼ 0.95). Camera-acquired respiratory rate showed moderate correlation (R ∼ 0.65).

Conclusions

These results show that camera acquisition of vital signs is theoretically feasible in wilderness and space-analog environments. HR may be highly accurate even using current technology. Additional studies will be needed to further validate other types of camera sensors and other potential environments such as partial gravity and microgravity.
Stationary Scholars: The Looming Health Crisis Among Preclinical and Paraclinical Doctors in India
Authors: Johnson S , Rajan Helan
Published: November 2024

This letter highlights the critical issue of sedentary lifestyles among preclinical and paraclinical doctors in India, which poses significant health risks that are often overlooked. This manuscript reviews research demonstrating the links between prolonged sitting and increased risks of cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal disorders, mental health issues, and impaired cognitive function in this population. The COVID-19 pandemic is also discussed as a factor that may have exacerbated sedentary behavior. The letter calls for Indian medical institutions, policymakers, and stakeholders to urgently implement strategies to promote healthier work environments for preclinical and paraclinical doctors, including active workstations, structured activity breaks, tailored wellness programs, and educational campaigns. Advocating for policy changes and further research in this area are also emphasized as key priorities to address this overlooked occupational health concern and improve the well-being of these essential members of India’s medical academic community.
Personality and social determinants of health predict adolescent comfort and honesty reporting sports-related concussion symptoms
Authors: Weishaar Megan G. , Stephens Jaclyn A. , Prince Mark A. , Wicklund Alissa , Conner Bradley T.
Published: November 2024

Proper diagnosis is essential in mitigating risk associated with sports-related concussion (SRC); however, 50% of SRCs remain undiagnosed due to unreported symptoms. The current study aimed to identify the most clinically-relevant, attainable personality and social determinants of health variables that are associated with honesty and comfortability reporting symptoms in 317 adolescents ( Mage = 17.8, SD = 0.97, female = 55.0%, white racial identity = 81.4%). Three variables emerged as significantly associated with symptom disclosure outcomes. Openness to experience was positively associated with comfort and honesty in symptom disclosure, while impulsivity and pressure to continue playing were negatively associated with these outcomes. Importantly, increased pressure to continue playing was the most salient factor associated with symptom disclosure. These results underscore the importance of considering these specific variables when tailoring SRC intervention and prevention efforts at the individual, environmental, and systemic levels.
The revival of radical popular education in Italy as a new form of cultural and class struggle: The case of popular schools in Rome
Authors: Parziale Fiorenzo
Published: November 2024

The aim of this article is to examine the revival of popular schools in Italy, focusing on the ‘network of Roman popular schools’. This is a little researched but highly relevant topic in sociology nowadays, due to the innovative way it links politics and education in an increasingly unequal society. Inspired by research gathered over 4 years of participant observation and 28 in-depth interviews, I describe the way in which popular educators combine social mutualism, typical of Italian Antagonistic Left movements, with critical pedagogical practices: education is considered by activists as a way of doing politics by other means, in line with the origins of popular education enacted by the labor movement in the two past centuries and in particular with the pedagogical experience promoted by Lorenzo Milani, in turn capable of uniting Gramscian and Freirian thought. Popular educators address their educational actions to the social recognition of subaltern students, who are otherwise stigmatized by the dominant culture. In this way, a very interesting counter-hegemonic practice seems to be generated that entails not only the learners’ identity but also that of the educator themselves. This analysis leads to the identification of new popular education as a form of class and cultural struggle aimed at restoring social recognition to the working class.
Vision-guided crack identification and size quantification framework for dam underwater concrete structures
Authors: Li Yangtao , Zhao Haitao , Wei Yang , Bao TengFei , Li Tianyu , Wang Qiudong , Wang Ning , Zhao Mengfan
Published: November 2024

Remotely operated vehicles with cameras provide a non-contact inspection solution for dam underwater structural defect detection. However, manual information extraction methods suffer from problems like labor costs and high misjudgment. This study proposes an integrated dam underwater crack identification and size quantification framework using machine vision and deep learning. First, a real-time automatic detection framework for dam underwater cracks is built via You Only Look Once v5 (YOLOv5), and four different backbone detectors are introduced to balance detection accuracy and speed. Then, the Swin-Transformer module is inserted into the YOLOv5 model to enhance its feature extraction capability and small object detection capability. Next, a method for measuring the true size of cracks was constructed based on deep learning and infrared laser rangefinders. In this study, physical model experiments and actual engineering projects are combined to validate the generalization capability of the proposed crack identification and size quantification method. Experimental results show that the Swin-Transformer-based YOLOv5 model effectively balances detection accuracy and speed with a precision of 0.986, a recall of 0.979, a mean average precision of 0.985, and a frame rate of 68 frames per second in detecting underwater crack images with 768 × 576 pixels. In addition, the proposed method can accurately identify and detect cracks in complex underwater scenes, including obstacle interference, tilt shooting angle, uneven illumination, and turbid water scenarios. Moreover, the method proposed in this paper can quantify the overall size and geometric parameters of underwater cracks with relatively small errors.
Strategic patent disclosure: Unraveling the influence of temporal preferences
Authors: Datar Aneesh , Amore Mario Daniele , Fosfuri Andrea
Published: November 2024

We examine how the temporal preferences of a firm’s management and shareholders affect the textual properties of patent documents. We argue that low patent readability decreases imitation concerns due to lower information disclosure, but increases concerns of patent invalidation or litigation. These concerns are likely to materialize at different points in time, implying that decision-makers with different time horizons prefer different levels of patent readability. Building a theory on the time horizon of institutional owners and chief executive officers, we hypothesize a positive relationship between institutional ownership and textual readability of patent documents. Our analysis of over 200,000 US patents provides empirical support for our theoretical contentions. Our findings suggest that the temporal preferences of firms’ decision-makers influence not only the extent of innovation activities but also the way in which firms craft and disseminate information about such activities.
Guijiajiao-Lujiaojiao Synergistically Promote Spermatogenesis in Tripterygium Wilfordii Polyglycoside–Induced Oligoasthenozoospermia Rats via PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway
Authors: Huang Nianwen , Li Haisong , Sun Longji , Feng Junlong , Gao Zixiang , Lin Zhechao , Yang Yong , Wang Bin , Wang Jisheng
Published: November 2024

Guijiajiao-Lujiaojiao (GL) is a combination of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that can be used to treat oligoasthenozoospermia (OAS). However, its mechanistic role in OAS needs to be better understood and necessitates more studies. This study was planned to investigate GL’s therapeutic effects and its mechanistic role in the tripterygium wilfordii polyglycoside (GTW)-induced OAS rat model. In total, 60 Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats at 8 weeks of age were assigned to six groups: blank (NC), model (GTW), GL low-dose (GL-L, 0.3 g/kg/day), GL medium-dose (GL-M, 0.6 g/kg/day), GL high-dose (GL-H, 1.2 g/kg/day), and GL high-dose + PI3K inhibitor LY294002 (GL-H 1.2 g/kg/day + LY 1.2 mg/kg/day) groups. The model was characterized after 8 weeks to examine sperm concentration and viability, serum hormone levels, testes histopathology, and specific protein markers. The treatment efficacy was evaluated by mRNA and protein expression levels, among other parameters. Compared with the GTW group, the viability and concentration of rat spermatozoa were significantly increased after GL intervention ( p < .01). Meanwhile, the serum levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and T hormones in rats in the GL-M and GL-H groups were significantly higher than those in the GTW group ( p < .05). Furthermore, GL enhanced the proliferation of spermatogenic cells by modulating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, increasing and decreasing the levels of Bcl-2 and Bax proteins, respectively. It is concluded that the mechanism by which GL effectively enhanced the spermatogenic function of the GTW-induced OAS model may be attributed to the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway activation and the elevation of serum LH, FSH, and T hormone levels.
Deciphering the Iconic: An Inquiry into how Architecture Impacts the Inclusiveness of Cultural Institutions
Authors: Mathysen Dennis , Glorieux Ignace
Published: November 2024

Public libraries have seen a decline in attendance numbers in recent years, especially among visitors with lower levels of education. Public libraries have also significantly altered their ‘look and feel’ in the last two decades, with many now being housed in buildings with a very contemporary and ‘iconic’ architectural style. Our research explores whether these two developments are connected and how education- and class-based differences regarding the experience of architecture affect the inclusiveness of public libraries. An experimental research design (using Virtual Reality) was developed, allowing us to study what exactly makes buildings and spaces less inviting for certain types of (potential) visitors. Results suggest that lower educated (potential) visitors tend to find ‘iconic’ libraries less recognizable (as libraries) and less inviting, but also that generational effects are important to take into consideration and that some aspects of architecture are experienced and evaluated in a relatively ‘universalistic’ way.
Association of achieving clinical disease control criteria and patient-reported outcomes in bimekizumab-treated patients with active psoriatic arthritis: results from two phase III studies
Authors: Kristensen Lars Erik , Tillett William , Nash Peter , Coates Laura C. , Mease Philip J. , Ogdie Alexis , Gisondi Paolo , Ink Barbara , Prickett Adam R. , Bajracharya Rajan , Taieb Vanessa , Lyris Nikos , Lambert Jérémy , Walsh Jessica A.
Published: November 2024

Background:

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic inflammatory disease that causes pain and fatigue, reduces physical function, and negatively impacts health-related quality of life (HRQoL). In the phase III BE OPTIMAL and BE COMPLETE studies, bimekizumab demonstrated clinical efficacy and meaningful improvements in patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures in biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (bDMARD)-naïve patients, and those who had prior inadequate response/intolerance to tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi-IR).

Objectives:

To examine the association between achieving increasingly stringent clinical disease control criteria and improvements in PRO measures in patients with active PsA receiving bimekizumab.

Design:

Post hoc analysis of two phase III studies.

Methods:

BE OPTIMAL and BE COMPLETE assessed subcutaneous bimekizumab 160 mg every 4 weeks in bDMARD-naïve and TNFi-IR patients with active PsA. Disease control was assessed using American College of Rheumatology (ACR) response criteria, Minimal Disease Activity, Disease Activity Index for Psoriatic Arthritis, and the composite outcome of ACR50 and 100% improvement in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index. Associations between clinical disease control criteria and PRO measures of pain, fatigue, physical function, and HRQoL were assessed at week 16 and week 52/40 (BE OPTIMAL/BE COMPLETE).

Results:

Achievement of increasingly stringent clinical disease control criteria was generally associated with sequentially greater improvements in all PRO measures, including pain. At week 52/40, 94.7% of bDMARD-naïve and 97.6% of TNFi-IR patients achieving ACR70 reported ⩾50% improvements in pain from baseline, and the greatest numerical improvements (−48.5 bDMARD-naïve; −54.7 TNFi-IR). This pattern was evident as early as week 16 and sustained when assessed at week 52/40 across the majority of clinical disease control criteria and PRO measures reported.

Conclusion:

The achievement of increasingly stringent thresholds of disease control was associated with corresponding greater improvements in PROs, for patients receiving bimekizumab treatment, irrespective of prior TNFi use.

Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov:

NCT03895203, NCT03896581, and NCT04009499.
Revisiting huntingtin activity and localization signals in the context of protein structure
Authors: Truant Ray , Harding Rachel J , Neuman Kaitlyn , Maiuri Tamara
Published: November 2024

Protein localization signals and activity motifs have been defined within huntingtin since 2003. Advances in technology in protein structure determination by cryo-electron microscopy (EM) have led to 2.6 Å resolution structures of huntingtin and HAP40 for the majority of the protein, although structure of the amino terminus with the polyglutamine expansion remains elusive in the context of full-length huntingtin. Recent advances in protein modeling using neural network algorithms trained on a database of known protein structures has resulted in structure predictions that are useful for researchers but need experimental validation. Here, we use both structures solved by cryo-EM as well as modeling centered around experimental structural data to retrospectively revisit huntingtin protein localization signals identified prior to the cryo-EM and AI-enabled structural revolutions. We interrogate these models as well as put forward testable hypotheses of allosteric changes in huntingtin and how they could be affected by polyglutamine expansion. We also extended this methodology to another polyglutamine disease protein, ataxin-1, expanded in Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 1 (SCA1).
Household Wealth is Associated With Perceived Trustworthiness in a Diverse Set of Countries
Authors: Boon-Falleur Mélusine , André Jean-Baptiste , Baumard Nicolas , Nettle Daniel
Published: November 2024

Interpersonal trust impacts societal and individual outcomes, affecting economic growth, democracy, and well-being. Trust levels vary both within and across countries, raising the question of what factors influence interpersonal trust. Existing research indicates that an individual’s socioeconomic status influences their level of trust, with wealthier individuals tending to be more trusting. This article examines a further effect of wealth on interpersonal trust, namely whether people perceive wealthier individuals as more trustworthy. Using a novel method for uncovering stereotypes while avoiding social desirability bias, we investigate whether wealth cues are associated with the perceived trustworthiness of targets. Our study, conducted with diverse participants across different cultures (Brazil, Colombia, Democratic Republic of Congo, India, France, Nigeria, Philippines, and the United Kingdom), consistently demonstrates that wealthier targets are seen as more trustworthy. This culturally widespread negative stereotyping of poorer individuals may contribute to observed patterns of interpersonal trust.
Relapsed/refractory pure red cell aplasia in chronic lymphocytic leukemia successfully treated with acalabrutinib: a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Fresa Alberto , Innocenti Idanna , Tomasso Annamaria , Stirparo Luca , Mosca Antonio , Iadevaia Francesco , Autore Francesco , Laurenti Luca
Published: November 2024

The incidence of pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is <1% and treatments include the use of steroids and therapeutic strategies including immunosuppressive therapies. Here we present a case of a CLL-associated PRCA successfully treated with acalabrutinib, a treatment never described before for this specific condition, obtaining a rapid response after failing two lines of therapy. Exploring the treatment rationale, both the immune modulation and the continuous control of the disease, could have played a role in the treatment efficacy. Covalent BTK inhibitors are an effective treatment option for autoimmune complications of CLL, including CLL-associated PRCA.
Tales from the clinic: Contraception and perimenopause
Authors: Belcher Rosemary , Farmer Lucinda , Manley Kristyn
Published: November 2024

Effective contraception consultations are essential to delivering high-quality perimenopause care and reducing unplanned pregnancies. Contraception can be used independently, or in conjunction with hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Newer contraception options provide enhanced opportunities to individualise perimenopause care. This paper provides case based contraception options, which reduce unplanned pregnancies, erratic perimenopausal bleeding patterns and estrogen deficiency symptoms. Clinicians must also be aware of the potential impact of vaginal preparations which may affect condom integrity. Formulary updates should enable a wide range of options for contraception choices in all settings and provider updates should include this vital topic.
Bridging awareness and resistance: Using algorithmic knowledge against controversial content
Authors: Obreja Dragoș M
Published: November 2024

Political and moral/religious contents are increasingly popular on TikTok, and the concerns associated with them create the premises for a re-exploration of the user–machine agency negotiation. Using algorithmic awareness as a process, this research examines the relationship between users’ awareness of the TikTok algorithm and the main concerns associated with content that conveys political or moral/religious tenets. A survey of 329 Romanian students showed that greater algorithm awareness influences positive attitudes toward algorithms, but significantly stronger positive effects are observed between awareness and the two mediators related to political and moral/religious content perceived as contentious. Using Foucauldian insights on productive resistance, I argue that in-depth knowledge about the functionality of algorithms empower users to identify and subvert different forms of power, algorithmically mediated through political or religious content. When users perceive that they have enhanced agency over what they watch on TikTok, they feel that they can control potential concerns and consequently adopt positive attitudes toward algorithms and the overall platform. Foucault discusses pastoral power as a subtle form of power, designed to empty individuals of their deepest secrets. Similarly, such power is increasingly algorithmically mediated, given that digital machines enhance their agency in often nontransparent ways. Therefore, users’ awareness regarding the functionalities of algorithms allow them to combat the various mutations specific to pastoral power while encouraging them to adopt more positive attitudes toward algorithms in general.