bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Forest Cover Dynamics in Dedo District, Oromia Region, Ethiopia, Using Machine Learning Algorithm
Authors: Engda Esubalew Mulugeta , Bojer Amanuel Kumsa , Mekonnen Ziyen Achamyeleh , Tegegn Wubalem Woreket
Published: September 2024

Forests, which are vital for ecological equilibrium, are experiencing widespread dynamics due to multiple anthropogenic pressures. To grasp the dynamics of this process, accurate and spatially explicit information is urgently required. However, quantifying the temporal forest cover dynamics of the Dedo forest of Ethiopia has been lacking despite its significance to the surrounding ecology. This phenomenon places seriously threatened natural resources, particularly forests. Thus, this study was intended to quantify the dynamics of forest cover over three decades (1990–2022). Satellite images of Landsat 5 and Landsat 8 were used for the years 1990, 2000, and 2022. In addition, the study explores the application of machine learning (ML) algorithms for accurate land use and land cover (LULC) classification and employs a random forest algorithm of the supervised classification technique. Accordingly, this study aims to assess the forest cover dynamics in the Dedo district, Oromia Region, Ethiopia, using a combination of machine learning techniques and remote sensing algorithms to comprehensively analyze temporal dynamics. The results depicted that significant reductions and losses in forested areas have been observed by the study’s analysis results. There has been a 67.21% decline in the overall amount of forest cover or 859.5 ha. These results highlight how urgently community‐driven conservation and reforestation programs are needed to stop additional ecosystem degradation and protect natural areas. Likewise, this approach can offer significant benefits for natural resource management, environmental monitoring, and the estimation of ecosystem services. Furthermore, the findings of this study can aid decision‐makers, and planners, in making timely and data‐driven decisions and interventions in afforestation and forest protection activities to mitigate the rapid losses of forest resources in the study area.
Analysis of Slotted Tooth Switched Reluctance Motors for Electric Vehicle Applications
Authors: Abdel Tawab Mohamed A. , Shatla Hamdy , Bahy M.
Published: September 2024

Switched reluctance motors’ (SRMs) implementation in electric vehicle drives are widely increasing due to several merits, such as a wide speed range, high torque density, and rare earth‐free characteristics, but it also has some drawbacks, such as more torque ripples, acoustic noise, and vibration, that hinder its usage in electrical vehicle applications. This paper introduces a novel geometry of rotor teeth of SRM, where two slots are inserted per each tooth of rotor to create rotor‐slotted tooth SRM (RST‐SRM). The novel topology aims to enhance the performance of SRMs, especially at high speeds. The overall performance of the RST‐SRM was carried out in addition to comparing it with performance of both stator‐slotted tooth SRM (SST‐SRM) and conventional SRM. The design parameters of the three models are the same and carried out by finite element tools (FETs) to obtain the magnetic characteristics, and the static analysis of the three models is compared. Dynamic performance was achieved by implementing the MATLAB Simulink package. The steady‐state and start‐up performance of the three models were obtained and compared. The performance parameters are estimated at various slot dimensions of the novel technique, in addition to studying the effect of conduction angles for three models. Finally, the efficiency, iron losses, and torque ripple maps of the three models are compared to simulate the scope of the work of electric vehicles.
Antibacterial Effect of Copper Oxide Nanoparticles on Polyvinyl Chloride‐Based Polymer Nanocomposite
Authors: Gupta Sonali , S. K. Keerthan , Kudipady Manas Laxman , Puttaiahgowda Yashoda Malgar
Published: September 2024

Since polymer nanocomposites provide a versatile method to improve safety and protection in various applications, they are essential in tackling the problem of microbial infections. These nanocomposites are designed to actively prevent the growth of bacteria by including antimicrobial agents such as functional groups or nanoparticles. In the present article, copper oxide nanoparticles were synthesized via the green method using the solution method. The grafting of N‐ethyl piperazine (NEP) to polyvinyl chloride (PVC) polymer was carried out to obtain NEP–PVC polymer using solution polymerization technique and further reacted with CuO nanoparticles to obtain polymernanocomposite which was characterized using FTIR and 1H‐NMR, SEM, TEM, DLS, and XRD. The comparison in the antibacterial activity of nanocomposite and the synthesized polymer was carried out to determine its efficacy against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus using the spread plate method. Our findings indicate that NEP–PVC‐based nanocomposite after incorporating copper oxide nanoparticles has enhanced the antibacterial properties over NEP–PVC polymer, henceforth a promising candidate to be used in medical devices, food packaging, and surface coatings.
KL‐6 Mucin as Serum Tumor Marker of Metastatic Renal Cancer: A Case Report
Authors: Ishida Kyohei , Hasegawa Go , Takada Toshinori , Ogose Akira , Kawaguchi Gen , Ikeda Yohei , Nishiyama Hiroki , Hara Noboru , Nishiyama Tsutomu
Published: September 2024

We encountered a case of metastatic renal cell carcinoma in which the serum level of KL‐6, a therapeutic marker, was exceptionally high and fluctuated with the progression of treatment. A 74‐year‐old man was diagnosed with right renal cystic cancer and multiple metastases in October 2022. The KL‐6 level was 27490 U/mL. He started treatment with lenvatinib and pembrolizumab. KL‐6 decreased to 3885 U/mg in February 2023. The patient’s proteinuria worsened, leading to the discontinuation of lenvatinib. KL‐6 increased to 25950 U/mL in April. He discontinued pembrolizumab and started taking cabozantinib. In September, drug‐induced bilateral inflammatory pneumonitis developed. He discontinued cabozantinb and began taking axitinib. KL‐6 decreased; however, he suffered from severe diarrhea and subsequent renal insufficiency. He discontinued axitinib in November. KL‐6 increased to 29640 U/mL in December.
Supplementary Table 2 from Integration of Clinical Trial Spatial Multiomics Analysis and Virtual Clinical Trials Enables Immunotherapy Response Prediction and Biomarker Discovery
Authors: Zhang Shuming , Deshpande Atul , Verma Babita K. , Wang Hanwen , Mi Haoyang , Yuan Long , Ho Won Jin , Jaffee Elizabeth M. , Zhu Qingfeng , Anders Robert A. , Yarchoan Mark , Kagohara Luciane T. , Fertig Elana J. , Popel Aleksander S.
Published: September 2024

All model parameters
Table 1 from SREBP-Dependent Regulation of Lipid Homeostasis Is Required for Progression and Growth of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Ishida Chiaki T. , Myers Stephanie L. , Kubota Casie S. , Shao Wei , McGuire Meredith R. , Liu Chune , Ewachiw Theodore E. , Mukhopadhyay Debaditya , Ke Suqi , Wang Hao , Rasheed Zeshaan A. , Anders Robert A. , Espenshade Peter J.
Published: September 2024

Causes of death in KPC mouse cohorts
Supplementary Table 5 from SREBP-Dependent Regulation of Lipid Homeostasis Is Required for Progression and Growth of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Ishida Chiaki T. , Myers Stephanie L. , Kubota Casie S. , Shao Wei , McGuire Meredith R. , Liu Chune , Ewachiw Theodore E. , Mukhopadhyay Debaditya , Ke Suqi , Wang Hao , Rasheed Zeshaan A. , Anders Robert A. , Espenshade Peter J.
Published: September 2024

Table S5. SREBP target genes analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier Plotter  
Supplementary Validation Data S1 from mTORC1-Driven Protein Translation Correlates with Clinical Benefit of Capivasertib within a Genetically Preselected Cohort of PIK3CA-Altered Tumors
Authors: Sobsey Constance A. , Froehlich Bjoern C. , Mitsa Georgia , Ibrahim Sahar , Popp Robert , Zahedi Rene P. , de Bruin Elza C. , Borchers Christoph H. , Batist Gerald
Published: September 2024

Supplementary Validation Data demonstrating the performance of the iMALDI-MS assay
Supplementary Figure 4 from SREBP-Dependent Regulation of Lipid Homeostasis Is Required for Progression and Growth of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Ishida Chiaki T. , Myers Stephanie L. , Kubota Casie S. , Shao Wei , McGuire Meredith R. , Liu Chune , Ewachiw Theodore E. , Mukhopadhyay Debaditya , Ke Suqi , Wang Hao , Rasheed Zeshaan A. , Anders Robert A. , Espenshade Peter J.
Published: September 2024

FIGURE S4 – SCAP is required for human PDAC tumor growth in mouse orthotopic xenograft models
Figure 6 from SREBP-Dependent Regulation of Lipid Homeostasis Is Required for Progression and Growth of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Ishida Chiaki T. , Myers Stephanie L. , Kubota Casie S. , Shao Wei , McGuire Meredith R. , Liu Chune , Ewachiw Theodore E. , Mukhopadhyay Debaditya , Ke Suqi , Wang Hao , Rasheed Zeshaan A. , Anders Robert A. , Espenshade Peter J.
Published: September 2024

SREBP pathway activation is required for PDAC cell growth in low-serum conditions. A, PDAC cells (Pa03c and Pa16c) were cultured in either 10% or 1% FBS with indicated concentrations of 25-hydroxycholesterol (25-HC) for 72 hours, and cell growth was determined using an MTS assay with data normalized to 10% FBS untreated cells. Data are representative of two biological replicates with three technical replicates for each biological replicate. Error bar denotes SD. B, Immunoblot analysis of nuclear extracts from human Pa03c and Pa16c cells cultured in either 10% FBS, 1% FBS, or 1% FBS-containing 25-hydroxycholesterol (2.5 μmol/L) for 16 hours. Blots were probed for either SREBP1-N or SREBP2-N (arrow), and lysine-specific histone demethylase 1A (KDM1A) served as a loading control. The result is representative of two biological replicates. C, Pa03c and Pa16c cells were cultured under the same conditions as in B, and quantitative RT-PCR was performed for target genes of SREBP1 (SCD, FASN, and INSIG1) and SREBP2 (HMGCR, HMGCS1, and LDLR). GAPDH served as a control. Data are representative of two biological replicates with three technical replicates for each biological replicate. Error bar denotes standard deviation. Statistical significance was determined using one-way ANOVA and Tukey HSD test. P values are indicated: *, P < 0.05; **, P < 0.01; ***, P < 0.001; ****, P < 0.0001; ns, not significant. D, Immunoblot analysis of whole cell lysates from Pa03c and Pa16c cells cultured as in B for indicated SREBP target protein expression. The asterisk indicates a nonspecific band present in Pa03c and Pa16c cell lines. Actin served as a loading control. The result is representative of two biological replicates.
Figure 3 from SREBP-Dependent Regulation of Lipid Homeostasis Is Required for Progression and Growth of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Ishida Chiaki T. , Myers Stephanie L. , Kubota Casie S. , Shao Wei , McGuire Meredith R. , Liu Chune , Ewachiw Theodore E. , Mukhopadhyay Debaditya , Ke Suqi , Wang Hao , Rasheed Zeshaan A. , Anders Robert A. , Espenshade Peter J.
Published: September 2024

SCAP is required for human PDAC tumor growth in mouse orthotopic xenograft models. A, Nude mice were orthotopically injected with 5 × 104 Pa03c cells in the tail of the pancreas (one tumor per mouse). Mice were euthanized on day 30 post-surgery and tumors weighed. The wild-type (WT) group contained five mice, and the SCAP KO group contained six mice. Error bar denotes standard deviation. Statistical significance was determined using the Student t test. B, Photograph images of all harvested tumors from A. C, Representative hematoxylin and eosin–stained sections of formalin-fixed tumor tissue from the mice in A showing a low magnification (2×) image (top row) and a higher magnification (20×) image (bottom row) of the tumors.
A Pragmatic Account of Cultural Theory
Authors: Garcés-Velástegui Pablo
Published: September 2024

Sociocultural diversity is notoriously challenging to study. Sociocultural viability theory has proven influential in research and practice positing that 1) consists of four primary ways of perceiving, organizing and justifying social relations; and, 2) complex problems are likely to be solved by harnessing all ways of life, whereas attempts based on fewer are doomed to fail. However, the theory lacks elaboration of its philosophical underpinnings, leading to misunderstandings and confusion. This paper offers a pragmatic account of the theory. Based on a philosophical ontology, the argument exposes the theory’s pragmatic wagers (mind-world monism and phenomenalism). Moreover, it also shows how the theory’s overall project can be undergirded by pragmatism’s focus on practical consequences, provisionality of knowledge, plurality, and public participation.
‘They Shall Not Prevail’: Claro M. Recto’s Nationalist Crusade, 1952–1960
Authors: Domingo Luis Zuriel P.
Published: September 2024

This article revisits the political thought of Filipino statesman Claro M. Recto (1890–1960), with a focus on the idea of nationalism. Upon his return to Congress in 1952, Recto advocated for Filipino nationalism in response to the so-called “special relationship” between the Philippines and the United States in the post-independence period. He claimed that the Philippines, though granted independence in 1946, remained under the disparaging political and economic influence of the United States because of one-sided treaties. In Recto’s mind, this “special relationship” was the main reason for the country’s retrogression in attaining political and economic growth and development. Throughout his post-independence career in Congress, Recto was consistent in his posture of advocating Filipino nationalism. This article uncovers that Recto’s nationalist crusade was anti-imperialist in principle against American neocolonialism thus only protective of the welfare of the Filipinos. This rereading of Recto’s political thought hopes to add more nuance understanding about him, but it also deepens our understanding of the essence of nationalism in the postcolonial period in the Philippines and Southeast Asia.
Memory, Identity and Poetry
Authors: Chowdhary Mir Kamruzzaman
Published: September 2024

This essay explores how two medieval war poems engaged in the formation of two opposing ideas and ideologies in the sultanate of India. Kanhadade Prabandha (1455 CE) portrays the Hindu/Rajput idea of Muslim penetration into Rajasthan and, on the other hand, Khazāʾin al-futūḥ (1311 CE) illustrates the benevolent aspect of the Islamic/Turkish conquest of Hindustan. The Kanhadade Prabandha is a narrative of the heroic resistance put forward by Jalore ruler Kanhadade (r. 1291–1311) and his son Viramde (d. 1311) against Delhi Sultan Alauddin Khalji (r.1296–1316) in 1311 CE. Smaller states vied to carve a distinct identity in the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. These rulers patronised poets in their courts who would write sagas about their patrons. Hence, the role of patronage and the complex political situation of that period require adequate scholarly attention to understand the evaluation of historical narratives of that time, including war narratives Kanhadade Prabandha and Khazāʾin al-futūḥ. In Kanhadade Prabandha, Alauddin Khalji (r.1296–1316) is presented as an asura (demon), a daitya (monster) and a mleccha (the low-born untouchable). In contrast, the book’s patron, Kanhadade, is presented as a person from pure vamsa (lineage). Hence, this paper tries to understand how the “we and other” concept was perceived in medieval historical narratives to create certain ideas in the medieval society and political spectrum. What was the purpose of writing these books? How did the Indic authors utilise the Turks of Delhi to propagate ideas and ideologies of Rajputs of north-western India? By focusing on the event of Jalore (1311 CE), the paper explores diverse trajectories of that historical occurrence as well as the propulsion of Rajput ideologies of that time by it. The paper follows a comparative study of Indic and Indo-Persian sources to achieve these objectives. The article corroborates Indic sources with the contemporary Indo-Persian historical accounts to shed light on the shifting perceptions about the Rajput rulers and their relations with the Sultans of Delhi. Finally, the article argues that the idea of the Rajput being a closed warrior group gradually came into being in the fifteenth to sixteenth centuries.
Separated by Degrees: Social Closure by Education Levels Strengthens Contemporary Political Divides
Authors: de Jong Jona , Kamphorst Jonne
Published: September 2024

Across Western democracies, education levels are predictive of immigration attitudes and voting for new left or far right parties. What explains education-based political divides? This article proposes that social closure of higher- and lower-educated citizens strengthens and reinforces differences in political attitudes and voting between them. Using social network data from the Netherlands, and ESS data, we show that large proportions of higher- and lower-educated citizens report no close relationships with different education levels. Network education levels, in turn, are predictive of immigration attitudes and voting behaviour. Difference-in-differences models show that a change in network education levels is associated with change in these outcomes. Our findings contribute to literatures on educational divides and peer effects. Moreover, they support an interpretation of political competition on the universalist-particularist dimension as durably rooted in social structure. Sizable, distinct and insulated educational groups can crystallize contemporary divides and predictably shape political reality.
Who Are We Measuring? Teacher Effects in Gifted and Talented Teacher Rating Scales
Authors: McCoach D. Betsy , Peters Scott , Gambino Anthony J. , Long Daniel , Siegle Del
Published: September 2024

Teacher rating scales (TRS) often play a part in service eligibility decisions for gifted services. Although schools regularly use TRS to identify gifted students either as part of an informal nomination process or through behavioral rating scales, there is little research documenting the between-teacher variance in teacher ratings and the consequences of such rater dependence. To evaluate the possible benefits or disadvantages of using TRS as part of a gifted identification process, we examined the student-, teacher-, and school-level variance in TRS, controlling for student ability and achievement to determine the unique information, consistency, and potential bias in TRS. Between 10% and 25% of a students’ TRS score can be attributed to the teacher doing the rating, and between-teacher standard deviations represent an effect size of one-third to one-half standard deviation. Our results suggest that TRS are not easily comparable across teachers, making it impossible to set a cut score for admission into a program (or for further screening) that functions equitably across teachers.
An Integrated Electroencephalography and Eye-Tracking Analysis Using eXtreme Gradient Boosting for Mental Workload Evaluation in Surgery
Authors: Shafiei Somayeh B. , Shadpour Saeed , Mohler James L.
Published: September 2024

Objective

We aimed to develop advanced machine learning models using electroencephalogram (EEG) and eye-tracking data to predict the mental workload associated with engaging in various surgical tasks.

Background

Traditional methods of evaluating mental workload often involve self-report scales, which are subject to individual biases. Due to the multidimensional nature of mental workload, there is a pressing need to identify factors that contribute to mental workload across different surgical tasks.

Method

EEG and eye-tracking data from 26 participants performing Matchboard and Ring Walk tasks from the da Vinci simulator and the pattern cut and suturing tasks from the Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery (FLS) program were used to develop an eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) model for mental workload evaluation.

Results

The developed XGBoost models demonstrated strong predictive performance with R2 values of 0.82, 0.81, 0.82, and 0.83 for the Matchboard, Ring Walk, pattern cut, and suturing tasks, respectively. Key features for predicting mental workload included task average pupil diameter, complexity level, average functional connectivity strength at the temporal lobe, and the total trajectory length of the nondominant eye’s pupil. Integrating features from both EEG and eye-tracking data significantly enhanced the performance of mental workload evaluation models, as evidenced by repeated-measures t-tests yielding p-values less than 0.05. However, this enhancement was not observed in the Pattern Cut task (repeated-measures t-tests; p > 0.05).

Conclusion

The findings underscore the potential for machine learning and multidimensional feature integration to predict mental workload and thereby improve task design and surgical training.

Application

The advanced mental workload prediction models could serve as instrumental tools to enhance our understanding of surgeons’ cognitive demands and significantly improve the effectiveness of surgical training programs.
The Race for Data: Utilizing Informative or Persuasive Cues to Gain Opt-In?
Authors: D’Assergio Caterina , Manchanda Puneet , Montaguti Elisa , Valentini Sara
Published: September 2024

The European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) mandates explicit user opt-in consent for data access. It recommends transparency in opt-in requests about data collection, storage, and use, without specifying the format of these requests. Consequently, the GDPR gives firms flexibility in designing opt-in messages. This research uses theory, multiple datasets, and methods to investigate firms’ communication formats for opt-in requests, addressing three questions: (1) How do firms design their opt-in requests? (2) Does the chosen format affect consumer response? (3) What drives firms’ choices of formats? The analysis of 1,506 repermission emails from 1,396 firms post-GDPR shows that 26% use only persuasive cues to request data, while 24% blend persuasive and informative cues. Notably, businesses with an offline presence use more persuasive cues compared with purely digital entities. A field experiment rationalizes this behavior showing that informative cues alone did not improve opt-in; a mix of persuasive and informative cues proved more successful. Additionally, firms dependent on personal data use persuasive cues more often than firms concerned with reputational risks of GDPR noncompliance. This study offers pivotal insights for regulators, firms, and consumers, revealing variations in how different firms acquire consent and the impact of their strategies on user behavior.
Output fluctuation and overshoot restraining for a class of nonlinear discrete-time systems using a modified model-free adaptive control
Authors: Wang Peng , Liu Lanqing , Xia Yu , Wang Yuan , Tang Yanling
Published: September 2024

This paper modifies the prototype model-free adaptive control (PMFAC) approach in which system output fluctuation and overshoot (SOFO) is easy to occur. Targeting a class of nonlinear discrete-time single-input single-output systems, historical input/output sensor data are utilized to online construct equivalent explicit data model for control design, making the controller model-free. Then, a novel compensation input term including a compensation gain and a signum function parameterized by incremental output is proposed to soften system inputs, which can in turn restrain the SOFO. Numerical simulations and a speed control experiment for a direct current motor verify that the modified approach can restrain the SOFO successfully and reduce response time compared with the PMFAC.
Sustaining the shell middens: A coastal vulnerability assessment of shell midden sites within the Nansemond River tributary
Authors: Young Mary Lawrence , Jenkins Jessica A.
Published: September 2024

Shorelines have always been hubs of human activity and development meaning much of our cultural heritage is concentrated in coastal settings. In recent decades, changing environmental conditions and the effects of global warming (i.e., shoreline erosion, sea-level rise, land subsistence) threaten to destroy much of our remaining global coastal heritage. To prevent the further loss of archaeological contexts, this study seeks to develop a coastal vulnerability index through geospatial analysis to assess the vulnerability of 35 precontact shell midden sites along the Nansemond River in Suffolk, Virginia. The Nansemond middens offer a long-term history of how coastal inhabitants interacted with their surrounding landscape, with occupation of the area ranging from the Early Archaic period through European contact. This research considers various environmental and cultural variables used to determine which archaeological sites are most threatened by environmental changes and have the greatest potential to contribute valuable data to understand the past.
Understanding of repetitive behaviours in the fields of vision impairment and autism
Authors: Tavoulari Aikaterini , Perepa Prithvi
Published: September 2024

Repetitive behaviours occur in children with vision impairment and those on the autism spectrum. However, there is negligible research focus on the similarities and differences between these two groups of children. This narrative review explores literature in the fields of vision impairment and autism to understand how repetitive behaviours are defined, explained, and supported in the respective fields. This comparative analysis highlights that while experiences of stigma are same for family members of both groups of children, there are some differences in terms of conceptualisation of repetitive behaviours and what is considered as underlying cause for these behaviours.
Translating mindfulness into relationships: Own and partner’s mental well-being moderate the link between trait mindfulness and relationship mindfulness
Authors: Zheng Yunzhi , Smedley Daniel K. , Kimmes Jonathan G.
Published: September 2024

Building upon the evidence supporting the interpersonal benefits of trait mindfulness, efforts to understand mindfulness in the context of intimate relationships (i.e., relationship mindfulness) have been made to better predict relationship outcomes. To further understand the relationship benefits of mindfulness, it is crucial to take a closer look at for whom and under what conditions trait mindfulness translates into relationship mindfulness. In this study, we examined the moderating effects of one’s own and their partner’s mental well-being on the positive link between trait mindfulness and relationship mindfulness. Specifically, we expected this link to be weaker for those who themselves or their partners reported worse mental well-being as poor mental well-being may pull couples inward, away from showing up mindfully in relationships. A sample of 115 different-sex married couples completed an online questionnaire that included measures of trait mindfulness, relationship mindfulness, and markers of mental well-being (i.e., depression, anxiety, loneliness). A series of actor-partner interdependence moderation models showed that, consistent with our hypotheses, the link between husbands’ trait mindfulness and relationship mindfulness was weaker if husbands or their wives reported higher depression or anxiety. Therefore, couples may benefit more if mindfulness-based couple interventions directly target how partners can use mindfulness skills to stay connected even when facing mental health challenges. This study also further highlights the importance of considering various relational contexts for mindfulness research and interventions.
Effects of processing tasks and working memory on the mapping component of L2 word learning: A partial replication and extension of Kida and Barcroft (2018)
Authors: Cai Jinting , Zhang Xiaopeng , Liu Yan
Published: September 2024

Kida and Barcroft studied second language (L2) homograph learning by specifically examining the form–meaning mapping component. Their research shed light on the type of processing-resource allocation (TOPRA) model, which posits that the allocation of processing resources in highly demanding tasks may facilitate certain aspects of L2 word learning while inhibiting others. The role of working memory (WM) in L2 word acquisition is widely recognized, yet its influence on the effects of processing tasks has not been tested within the context of the TOPRA model. To further test whether the TOPRA model applies to Chinese-speaking English learners and how WM potentially modulates the relationship between processing types and the mapping component of L2 words, we partially replicated and extended Kida and Barcroft by testing the effects of WM and processing tasks on L2 learning of English homographs. Eighty-four undergraduates, 28 from each of the three intact classes, took part in a pretest – a treatment phase where participants engaged in either semantic processing, structural processing, or a mapping (control) condition – and posttests (L1/L2 free recall, L2-to-L1/L1-to-L2 cued recall). They also completed a first language (L1) reading span task to measure their WM. Results revealed that processing tasks significantly affected the semantic learning and mapping component of L2 words, and interacted with WM during the novel mapping between known L2 forms and secondary L2 meanings. These findings are discussed in relation to two core issues in the TOPRA model.
Patterns of Technology-Based Abuse Among Adult Intimate Partner Violence Survivors and Associations with Offline Abuse
Authors: Reed Lauren A. , Brown Megan Lindsay , Kappas Mazzio Andrea , Messing Jill Theresa , Grimm Kevin , Wachter Karin , Jiwatram-Negrón Tina , Gonzalez-Pons Kwynn
Published: September 2024

Research about technology-based abuse (TBA) has primarily relied on youth-focused survey research, leading to gaps in knowledge about the experiences of TBA among adult populations. However, studies among adult intimate partner violence (IPV) survivors suggest that TBA is a pervasive problem warranting attention. This study builds on the limited existing literature about adult experiences of TBA by examining patterns of TBA among adult abuse survivors ( n = 377). Latent class analysis showed three distinct patterns of TBA: technology-based emotional abuse, technology-based monitoring, and technology-based control. Multinomial regression analyses demonstrated that TBA co-occurs with offline IPV. Findings reinforce the significant role of TBA in adult IPV survivors’ lives and highlight the importance of assessing for TBA among survivors.
Effects of Particle Shape, Size and Interfacial Adhesion on the Fracture Strength of Silica-Filled Epoxy Resin
Authors: Nakamura Yoshinobu , Iida Seiji Okabe and Takeo
Published: September 2024

The effects of particle shape, size and interfacial adhesion on the fracture strength of a particle-filled epoxy resin were investigated. For this purpose, various types of spherical and irregular-shaped silica particles having different mean sizes in the range from 2 to 30 pm were used. The particle content was 50% by weight. In order to prepare well and poorly adhered interfaces, surface treatment of the particles was carried out using silane coupling and decoupling agents. Surface treated particle-filled resins were compared with untreated particle-filled resin. The flexural strength increased with a decrease in particle size in both the untreated and the well adhered systems, whereas it was independent of size in the poorly adhered system. The flexural strength was higher in the order: well adhered > poorly adhered > untreated systems for spherical particles, but, well adhered > the untreated > poorly adhered systems for the irregular-shaped ones. According to a scanning electron microscopic observation of fractured surfaces, the fracture strength of particle-filled brittle polymers was affected by the number, size and sharpness of the defects in the material derived from particle fracture or interfacial debonding.
Fracture Behaviour of Discontinuous Long Glass Fibre Reinforced Injection Moulded Polypropylene
Authors: Mouzakis Dionysios E. , Harmia Tapio , Karger-Kocsis József
Published: September 2024

The in- and out-of-plane fracture behaviour of injection-moulded discontinuous long glass fibre reinforced (DLGF) polypropylene composites (PP) as stu.died. The DLGF content (0-11 wt%) and thickness of the molded plaques were vaned. The m-plane fracture toughness, as assessed by the essential work of fracture (EWF) method, showed a clear anisotropy. This was explained by the effects of the DLGF orientation and distribution. confirmed by fractography. The out-of-plane instrumented falling weight impact (IFWI) toughness ofthe 4 mm thick plaques was higher than that of the 2 mm thick ones. This was attributed to the onset of shear fracture, supported by the DLGF alIgnment across the plaque thickness in the thicker plaques.
Cold-Crystallisation of Polyphenylene Sulphide, Studied by Measuring the Electrical Resistance of a Carbon-Fibre Polyphenylene-Sulphide-Matrix Composite
Authors: Mei Zhen , Chung D.D.L.
Published: September 2024

Cold-crystallisation of polyphenylene sulphide (PPS) was studied by measuring the electrical resistance of a continuous-carbon-fibre PPS-matrix composite in the fibre direction during heating after cold-crystallisation. Melting of PPS caused a peak in the plot ofresistance vs. temperature. Cold-crystallisation was found to cause an extra peak at a lower temperature in this plot. due to the melting of the portion of PPS that had undergone cold-crystallisation. The resistance results are supported by calorimetry.
Tensile Properties of Rigid Glass Bead/HDPE Composites
Authors: Bai Shu-Lin , Cao Ke , Chen Jian-Kang , Liu Zong-De
Published: September 2024

The effects of particle volume fraction, strain rate and interfacial bonding strength on the tensile properties of glass bead- filled high density polyethylene (HDPE) composites have been studied experimentally. The results show that when the interfacial adhesion is strong, both the Young’s modulus and tensile strength of glass bead/HDPE composites increase with increasing particle volume fraction and strain rate.
Away from the cities? A medium-to-long-term investigation of how the COVID-19 pandemic has changed population spatial patterns in Italy
Authors: Silva Laura , Bezzo Franco Bonomi , Manfredini Fabio , Giavarini Viviana , Di Rosa Carmelo
Published: September 2024

This article focuses on the medium-to-long-term effects of COVID-19 and associated non-pharmaceutical interventions on population movements across the urban–rural spectrum in Italy. By analysing data from Facebook/Meta, population registers, and the housing market from January 2020 to May 2022, we aim to determine whether trends observed at the beginning of the pandemic have sustained over time. Results indicate an initial shift away from densely populated urban areas, marked by increased Facebook connections, higher rent prices and rising property sales in less densely populated locales. As the pandemic progressed, however, a decline in Facebook connections outside of urban poles indicated a resurgence in urban living. At the same time, intermediate and ultra-peripheral regions continued to attract permanent residents, as evidenced by a lively housing market and population growth in these areas. This suggests a complex pattern, where urban areas remain attractive, but the appeal of suburban and rural living has significantly increased, with both theoretical and practical implications. These findings challenge existing models of urbanisation and call for a re-evaluation of the factors driving residential preferences and mobility. Ultimately, a better understanding of these patterns could inform balanced policies that leverage internal migration dynamics, by supporting infrastructure development in suburban and rural areas, while adjusting urban planning to mitigate potential negative impacts like overcrowding and resource strain.
Comparative analysis of changes in spinal dimensions following different correction methods in adult spinal deformity surgery
Authors: Dinh Hoai TP , Ushirozako Hiroki , Hasegawa Tomohiko , Yamato Yu , Yoshida Go , Banno Tomohiro , Arima Hideyuki , Oe Shin , Yamada Tomohiro , Ide Koichiro , Kurosu Kenta , Matsuyama Yukihiro
Published: September 2024

Background: Adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery has gained popularity, with significant improvements in patient-reported outcomes. Posterior lumbar interbody fusion with multiple grade II osteotomies (PLIF + MOs) and lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) have been utilized to correct ASD; however, no studies have compared these methods with regard to the pre- and postoperative changes in length and volume of the spinal canal. This study aimed to investigate the 3-dimensional changes in the anterior vertical column length (AVCL), spinal canal length (SCL), and spinal canal volume (SCV) in patients with ASD after surgery, employing LLIF and PLIF + MOs. Methods: This retrospective study examined 44 patients with ASD who underwent surgery between 2010 and 2021 using two corrective surgical methods, LLIF and PLIF + MOs. Radiographic parameters and clinical outcomes were assessed, and three-dimensional models were created from computed tomography images to analyze changes in AVCL, SCL, and SCV. Results: We compared the effects of LLIF and PLIF + MOs on spinal canal dimensions during ASD surgery. LLIF demonstrated an increase in lumbar segment (L1-S1) AVCL and whole spine (T1-S1) SCL by 6.5 ± 8.0 mm and 13.8 ± 7.6 mm, respectively, compared with PLIF + MOs. However, PLIF + MOs exhibited a reduction in the lengths of the lumbar segment AVCL. Postoperative differences were significant for AVCL (L1-S1), SCL fusion level, and first-standing lumbar lordosis between the groups ( p < 0.0001, 0.002, and 0.016, respectively). LLIF significantly increased the SCV at the fusion level and whole spine T1-S1 by 14.5% and 10.6%, respectively, outperforming PLIF + MOs. Despite changes in dimensions, the postoperative Oswestry disability index scores showed no significant difference between the two groups. Conclusions: Our study suggests that LLIF can increase spinal canal space, lumbar lordosis, and anterior column length in the lumbar spinal segment. Knowledge of these variations may be critical for enhancing surgical outcomes and preventing neurological complications.
Perceived Safety and Fear of Crime of Visitors in a Shopping Mall in Karachi, Pakistan
Authors: Iqbal Asifa , Nazir Humaira
Published: September 2024

This study examines the environment of one of the largest and most recently built shopping mall in Karachi, Pakistan. The aim of this study is to assess how building design, familiarity with the mall, and past experiences of victimization influence visitors’ perceived safety. Using site inspections guided by crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED) principles and an online survey, the study identifies factors affecting visitors’ perceived safety. Findings indicate that enhancing surveillance, territoriality, and access control in well-designed and maintained spaces can impact levels of perceived safety. These findings underscore the importance of surveys, in combination with site inspections, in providing a comprehensive tool for understanding and improving safety in commercial complexes.
Optimistic About the Future: How Job and Study Resources Facilitate Career Optimism in Working Students
Authors: Nerona Randolfh R. , Hood Michelle , Bialocerkowski Andrea , Creed Peter A.
Published: September 2024

Access to job and study resources is important to enhance workers’ and students’ career optimism, respectively. Yet, it is unknown how these resources foster career optimism in young adults who work and study. Drawing on conservation of resources and self-determination theories, we examined the relationships between job and study resources and subsequent career optimism directly and indirectly via psychological needs satisfaction. Data were collected at two time points (4-week lag) from 256 working students (84% women; Mage = 20.08 years) recruited from one large, multi-campus Australian university. Using structural equation modeling, we found that study resources had a direct, positive relationship with career optimism, but job resources did not. We also found that both role resources had direct, positive relationships with autonomy, competence, and relatedness satisfaction. Only the satisfaction of autonomy needs was related to career optimism. Further, both job and study resources were indirectly related to career optimism via autonomy satisfaction. Overall, the structural model explained 21% of the variance in career optimism. These findings provide guidance on how university staff (e.g., career counselors and teachers) and those in the workplace (e.g., supervisors and managers) can enhance career optimism in this population of young workers.
How Does Your Identification System Measure Up? A Guide to Applying the CASA Criteria to Gifted and Talented Identification Systems
Authors: Stambaugh Tamra , Lee Lindsay Ellis , Makel Matthew , Peters Scott , Johnson Kiana R.
Published: September 2024

The ability to effectively identify students for advanced learning opportunities has been an ongoing issue within the field of gifted education. Common criteria to guide the design and evaluation of identification systems has been essentially non-existent. In this article we provide a practical guide for evaluating and reflecting on the effectiveness of identification criteria, namely: CASA (Cost, Alignment, Sensitivity, and Access). To demonstrate their use, the CASA criteria are described and the criteria are applied to a hypothetical district with discussion about decisions and changes to support more equitable identification and services alignment. A checklist is also provided to guide district leaders with applying the CASA criteria to their own identification systems. This article builds upon previous descriptions of CASA that have been published.
Cognitive performance in the heat: A prediction with heart rate variability (HRV) time-domain indices
Authors: Zhu Hui , Wang Yufei , Wang Yichao , Su Hua , Yu Chuck Wah
Published: September 2024

Heat waves (HWs) appear more frequently and more intensively in recent years, producing a few high air temperature records and bringing more health issues. In order to explore the variation in human cognitive performance under hot-humid exposure, four air temperatures at 32°C, 36°C, 38°C and 41°C were selected and four corresponding 150-min hot exposure experiments were administrated. Subjects completed five kinds of cognitive tasks at these four environmental temperatures, during which electrocardiogram (ECG) data was continuously recorded. Time-domain analysis of the heart rate variability (HRV) was conducted based on the ECG data, and three time-domain indices were obtained, including the standard deviation of all normal to normal N-N intervals (STDNN), the percentage of intervals over 50 ms was different from the preceding interval (pNN50) and the square root of the mean of the squares of successive NN interval differences (RMSSD). Variations in these indices with exposure time and air temperature were analysed. Thereafter, a correlation analysis between cognitive performance and HRV time-domain indices was conducted. Results showed that these three HRV time-domain indices varied differently with the air temperature and exposure time. In addition, results of the correlation analysis showed that RMSSD was the most correlated index, based on which a cubic relation between the cognitive performance and RMSSD was acquired. This study provided a solution for the cognitive prediction of outdoor workers during HWs.
Sexual Harassment Experience, Coping, and Awareness Among Nurses Working in Small- and Medium-Sized Hospitals in South Korea
Authors: Jung Gye Hyun , Uhm Dongchoon , Choi Yunjeong
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Although over 60% of Korean acute care hospitals are small- or medium-sized, their ability to address sexual harassment may differ from larger hospitals due to differences in resources, policies, and organizational culture.

Objective

This study aims to identify sexual harassment experience, coping, and awareness among nurses working in small- and medium-sized hospitals.

Methods

This is a descriptive cross-sectional study that collected data from 462 nurses working in nine small- and medium-sized acute care hospitals in two cities in Korea. The study utilized self-report questionnaires, including the coping with sexual harassment questionnaire, perception of sexual, and experience of sexual harassment. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, and one-way analysis of variance.

Results

Most nurses receive sexual harassment prevention education in the workplace every year, but only 77% of them are accurately aware of sexual harassment behavior. Among the types of sexual harassment experienced by the participants, verbal sexual harassment was the most common. Only 192 out of 462 nurses responded to the timing of their sexual harassment experience. Of those, more than 50% reported experiencing sexual harassment within the first year of employment and over 80% within 3 years. The most common perpetrators of sexual harassment were patients, followed by doctors. The more times the nurses received sexual harassment prevention education, the better they were at coping with sexual harassment.

Conclusion

To prevent sexual harassment in the workplace, training content should be tailored because attitudes and perceptions vary based on the perpetrator's characteristics. This ensures relevance, addresses risks, and clarifies legal responsibilities. To create a healthy and safe working environment for nurses, institutions and managers should implement methods to raise awareness of sexual harassment. This may include providing anonymous hotlines, online reporting systems, regular audits, and establishing anonymous peer counseling platforms.
Depressive symptoms profile and dementia risk after spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage
Authors: Scopelliti Giuseppe , Kyheng Maéva , Casolla Barbara , Kuchcinski Grégory , Boulouis Grégoire , Moulin Solène , Labreuche Julien , Hénon Hilde , Pasi Marco , Cordonnier Charlotte
Published: September 2024

Introduction:

Depressive symptoms are commonly reported after spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) and frequently associated with cognitive decline. Using hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA), we aimed to identify different post-ICH depressive symptoms profiles and to evaluate their association with dementia risk.

Methods:

We included consecutive patients from the prospective Prognosis of Intracerebral Haemorrhage (PITCH) study who survived 6 months after the ICH. We performed HCA using depressive symptoms severity (assessed using the Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS)), along with the presence of apathy and anxiety (screened using Neuropsychiatric Inventory questionnaire). Baseline clinical/neuroimaging characteristics and risk of incident dementia were compared between different profiles using univariate and multivariable models.

Results:

Of 265 six-month ICH survivors, 221 (83%) underwent neuropsychiatric screening (mean age 65.5 years; 57% male). Using HCA, 3 profiles were identified: (1) without significant depressive symptoms ( n = 152; median MADRS score = 2 [IQR 0–4]); (2) depressive symptoms with predominant apathy ( n = 41; median MADRS score = 15 [IQR 5–20], 68% with apathy); (3) depressive symptoms profile with predominant anxiety ( n = 28; median MADRS score = 17 [IQR 9–25]; 100% with anxiety). Compared to patients without depressive symptoms, patients with depressive symptoms and predominant apathy (but not those with predominant anxiety) were more likely to have cerebral atrophy (OR = 2.4, 95% CI = 1.4–4.2) and had significantly higher long-term new-onset dementia risk (adjusted hazard ratio = 2.2, 95% CI = 1.3–3.8).

Conclusion:

Screening for apathy and anxiety on top of depressive symptoms might help identifying patients at risk for dementia. Future studies on treatment should account for different post-ICH depressive symptoms profiles that may impact on cognitive function.