bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diasporic strategizing: Punjabi Sikh immigrant navigations of labor and citizenship within contemporary U.S. racial capitalism
Authors: Bal Harleen Kaur
Published: November 2024

To avoid the snowballing of economic and legal challenges that immigrant and diaspora workers face, Punjabi families continue to use an assemblage of social practices and vernacular legal acumen to maneuver around restrictive labor conditions and economic systems, thereby mitigating what Balibar (2015) describes as “ultra-subjective” and “ultra-objective” violence. This essay draws on ethnographic examples to explore these strategies. In one case, a Punjabi family faced bankruptcy from a new motel business following the events of September 11, 2001. The family deployed the legal instrument of a fictive divorce to prevent the loss of their property and home, thereby formally individualizing the financial loss of bankruptcy while actually maintaining their collectively shared resources. Paradoxically, the formal dissolution of the marriage here served to ensure stability within the intergenerational family by securing the home, school enrollment, and community ties. In another case, I consider the role of the intergenerational family in contesting cultural citizenship for working-class immigrant parents working in meatpacking plants. This article explores the way Punjabi immigrant workers experience the contested web of cultural citizenship, racial capitalism, and violence, while concomitantly leveraging their legal acumen and community ties to traverse a legal and economic system that is often inaccessible or hinders their very stability. In doing so, workers challenge the distinction between class struggle and non-class struggle forms of action to ameliorate the objectification of racialized workers under capitalism (as reported by Riley et al., New Left Review, no. 138 (December), 5–27, 2022).
Functional and taxonomic β diversity in fish assemblages is structured by turnover in a tropical coastal lagoon
Authors: Hernández-Mendoza L. C. , Escalera-Vázquez L. H. , Vega-Cendejas M. E. , Núñez-Lara E. , Chiappa-Carrara X. , Arceo-Carranza D.
Published: November 2024

The study of beta diversity and its turnover and nestedness components allows us to understand the mechanisms that structure biotic communities within an ecosystem, which in turn enables the creation of strategies for their conservation and management. This study analyzed the beta diversity of fish assemblages in a coastal lagoon from two diversity facets: taxonomic and functional. Six bimonthly samplings were conducted by dividing the lagoon into three zones (inlet, mixing, and upper). Three trawls were performed at random points within each zone, and the parameters of dissolved oxygen (DO), pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), salinity, temperature, and depth were determined. A total of 1437 fish were captured and identified, and 14 functional traits related to locomotion and feeding were determined. Additionally, the beta diversity and its components for each diversity facet were determined. Differences in physicochemical parameters between climatic seasons and lagoon zones were identified; the external zone showed a higher number of species. However, the mixing zone exhibited greater functional richness, indicating that species with different functional characteristics converged in this area. Functional beta diversity showed higher values than taxonomic beta diversity, demonstrating functional differentiation of fish in the lagoon. In both facets, the turnover component predominantly contributes to beta diversity. The correlation between diversity and physicochemical parameters suggests that an environmental filter determines the presence of certain species and functions within the lagoon.
Preservice Teachers’ Visions and Understandings of Classroom Documentation and Displays of Children’s Work in Elementary Schools
Authors: Eckhoff Angela
Published: November 2024

At present, research exploring educator’s understandings of displays of student work is scant yet such displays are regularly exhibited within the community spaces of early learning and elementary schools. These displays communicate messages to those within the space about teacher and student agency, curricular priorities, children and their work, and the relationship between teaching and learning. Grounded in a framework of documentality and teacher vision, this paper explores the ways in which preservice teachers (PSTs) understand teacher-cultivated, student work documentation. This research used a Photo-Elicitation Interview methodology to develop a descriptive account of PSTs' visions and understandings of teacher-cultivated, classroom documentation and displays of children's work. Findings reveal that PSTs held paradoxical views of student work documentation teetering between an appreciation of an adult-centered aesthetic disconnected from their academic and creative capacities to an expressed valuing of an agentic positioning of children in the experiences of the classroom.
Social Purpose and Pedagogy in the Baby Room of UK Nurseries: Exploring the What, How and Why of Working with 0–2 Year Olds
Authors: Sakr Mona , Halls Kayla
Published: November 2024

This article builds on conversations about the nature of a pedagogy specifically for babies, which are defined in this paper as 0–2 year olds. To do this, we explore articulations of social purpose and social pedagogy among 15 baby room educators working in UK nurseries. Our findings suggest four types of social purpose and four types of social pedagogy that inform what baby educators do, how they do it and why they do it. The baby educators in our study articulated their social purpose in terms of providing a secure foundation for childhood and adulthood; acting as a support system for parents; enabling healthy early development; and inspiring learning across the lifespan. Correspondingly, they identified their social pedagogy in terms of giving care and nurture to meet physical and emotional needs; cultivating parent partnerships; planning activities, interactions and resources around developmental goals; and creating provocations to stimulate learning based on individual interests. We hope that this typology helps to deepen our understanding of what baby educators experience and the pedagogies they enact day to day, as well as acting as a reflective tool for baby room educators to use to deepen their practice.
Teaching Thales’s theorem: relations between suitable mathematical working spaces and specialised knowledge
Authors: Espinoza-Vásquez Gonzalo , Henríquez-Rivas Carolina , Climent Nuria , Ponce Rodrigo , Verdugo-Hernández Paula
Published: November 2024

In this article, we analyse a lesson on Thales’s theorem in a Chilean secondary school classroom through the combination of two theories: Mathematics Teachers’ Specialised Knowledge (ThMTSK) and Mathematical Working Spaces (ThMWS). Both theories, first separately and then in relation to one another, are used to analyse two tasks proposed by the teacher in the classroom following a cross-methodology for networking of theories. Through a single case study research design, a content analysis of the transcript of the video recording of the lesson was conducted. The joint analysis of this lesson allows us to better understand the mathematical work taking place in the classroom. In particular, the results show the scope of each model and their complementarity through the detection of meeting points and blind spots, through the role of proof, representations, and the change between geometrical and numerical work in teaching Thales’s theorem. This allows for a deeper understanding of a teacher’s practice and teaching. Ultimately, relationships between the theoretical elements of both theories are established to show their complementarity. We conclude that networking between theories can contribute to the development of these theories by raising questions that involve examining their foundations and assumptions in greater depth.
How to mitigate selection bias in COVID-19 surveys: evidence from five national cohorts
Authors: Narayanan Martina K. , Dodgeon Brian , Katsoulis Michail , Ploubidis George B. , Silverwood Richard J.
Published: November 2024

Non-response to surveys is a common problem; even more so during the COVID-19 pandemic with social distancing measures challenging data collection. As respondents often differ from non-respondents, this can introduce bias. The goal of the current study was to see if we can reduce bias and restore sample representativeness in a series of COVID-19 surveys embedded within five UK cohort studies by using the rich data available from previous waves of data collection. Three surveys were conducted during the pandemic across five UK cohorts: National Survey of Health and Development (NSHD, born 1946), 1958 National Child Development Study (NCDS), 1970 British Cohort Study (BCS70), Next Steps (born 1989-90) and Millennium Cohort Study (MCS, born 2000-02). Response rates in the COVID-19 surveys were lower compared to previous waves, especially in the younger cohorts. We identified bias due to systematic non-response in several variables, with more respondents in the most advantaged social class and among those with higher childhood cognitive ability. Making use of the rich data available pre-pandemic in these longitudinal studies, the application of non-response weights and multiple imputation was successful in reducing bias in parental social class and childhood cognitive ability, nearly eliminating it for the former. Surveys embedded within existing cohort studies offer a clear advantage over cross-sectional samples collected during the pandemic in terms of their ability to mitigate selection bias. This will enhance the quality and reliability of future research studying the medium and long-term effects of the pandemic.
National-level assessment of gestational carrier pregnancies in the United States
Authors: Masjedi Aaron D. , Mandelbaum Rachel S. , Erickson Katherine V. , Anderson Zachary S. , Matsuzaki Shinya , Ouzounian Joseph G. , Matsuo Koji , Paulson Richard J.
Published: November 2024

Purpose

To assess national trends, characteristics, and delivery outcomes associated with gestational carriers (GC) pregnancies.

Methods

This cross-sectional study queried the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project’s National Inpatient Sample. The study population was 14,312,619 deliveries between 2017 and 2020. Obstetric characteristics and outcomes associated with GC pregnancies were assessed with inverse probability of treatment weighting propensity score.

Results

There were 1965 GCs (13.7 per 100,000) included for national estimates. The prevalence rate of GC pregnancies increased by 55.0% over a 4-year period from 11.8 to 18.2 per 100,000 deliveries (P-trend < .001). In the weighted model, GCs were more likely to have a multiple gestation pregnancy (14.7% vs 1.8%, adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 7.83, 95% confidence interval [CI] 6.54–9.38, P < .001), placental abruption (3.5% vs 1.1%, aOR 2.98, 95%CI 2.12–4.19), and low-lying placenta (1.6% vs 0.2%, aOR 5.14, 95%CI 3.10–8.52). Among singleton delivery, odds of late-preterm (10.8% vs 6.4%, aOR 1.79, 95%CI 1.44–2.23) and periviable (1.1% vs 0.4%, aOR 2.54, 95%CI 1.32–4.89) deliveries and postpartum hemorrhage (12.2% vs 4.1%, aOR 3.27, 95%CI 2.67–4.00) were increased for GC compared to non-GCs whereas odds of cesarean delivery (23.6% vs 31.6%, aOR 0.59, 95%CI 0.51–0.69) were decreased. These associations were less robust in multi-fetal gestations.

Conclusion

The results of the current nationwide assessment suggest that GC pregnancies are rare but gradually increasing in the United States. This study shows that GC pregnancies have usually favorable pre-pregnancy patient characteristics compared to non-GC pregnancies, with mixed obstetric outcomes including increased odds of preterm delivery, placental abnormalities, and postpartum hemorrhage and decreased odds of cesarean delivery in singleton pregnancies.
Taphonomic Approach to the Interpretation of Isolated Human Skulls: Distinguishing Natural from Intentional Deposition
Authors: Bello Silvia M. , Crété Lucile
Published: November 2024

The human cranium is probably the most common single anatomical element manipulated after the death of the individual. However, it is not uncommon to find isolated crania for which it is difficult to unequivocally determine the nature of the deposition, either intentional or natural. In order to establish whether naturally deposited and intentionally deposited skulls are characterised by different taphonomic patterns, we evaluated the state of preservation of 75 isolated crania (68 naturally deposited and 7 intentionally deposited) from sites in Africa, Europe, Near East and Asia, from approximately 2 million to 20,000 years BP. As a comparative reference, we evaluated the preservation pattern of further 101 skulls from individuals buried in primary deposition at two cemeteries. Finally, to determine whether the breakage pattern of skull-cups (skulls intentionally modified and manufactured into bowls) mimics a natural skull breakage, we analysed the preservation pattern of 19 skull-cups from archaeological and ethnographic contexts. Preservation and breakage patterns were evaluated using the Zonation method and the Landmark method. Results suggest that the intentionally deposited skulls have a pattern of preservation similar to the skulls found in cemeteries, and for both these categories, skulls were generally better preserved than naturally deposited skulls. The natural breakage pattern of isolated skulls also significantly differs from the breakage pattern of skulls modified into skull-cups, suggesting that it is unlikely that skull-cups were fashioned in a manner that imitates natural breakage patterns.
Modeling Marronage: GIS Heuristics of Refuge Affordances in Colonial St. Croix
Authors: Kohut Lauren E. , Wernke Steven A. , Dunnavant Justin
Published: November 2024

On the Caribbean island of St. Croix, archival documents reference settlements of runaway enslaved Africans in the mountainous range known as Maroon Ridge. These settlements provide an important record of Afro-Atlantic resistance to enslavement. However, as both intentionally secluded and ephemeral places of refuge, these maroon settlements are difficult to locate in the archaeological record. Geospatial modeling provides one avenue for understanding African geographies of resistance. Building on prior geospatial modeling efforts, this paper uses a GIS-based multicriteria suitability analysis to characterize the shifting affordances of marronage on Danish colonial St. Croix across the second half of the eighteenth century. By considering how the island landscape “looked” to those seeking refuge, we trace how possibilities for refuge were distributed through space and over time. In this paper, we develop affordance heuristics to model refuge using digitized historic maps and publicly available LiDAR data. The resulting model suggests shifting maroon refugia sites over time and demonstrates how geospatial approaches, paired with historical archives, can model historic affordances across time.
Differential Effects of Itaconate and its Esters on the Glutathione and Glucose Metabolism of Cultured Primary Rat Astrocytes
Authors: Watermann Patrick , Kalsi Gurleen K. , Dringen Ralf , Arend Christian
Published: November 2024

Itaconate is produced as endogenous metabolite by decarboxylation of the citric acid cycle intermediate cis-aconitate. As itaconate has anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties, this substance is considered as potential therapeutic drug for the treatment of inflammation in various diseases including traumatic brain injury and stroke. To test for potential adverse effects of itaconate on the viability and metabolism of brain cells, we investigated whether itaconate or its membrane permeable derivatives dimethyl itaconate (DI) and 4-octyl itaconate (OI) may affect the basal glucose and glutathione (GSH) metabolism of cultured primary astrocytes. Acute exposure of astrocytes to itaconate, DI or OI in concentrations of up to 300 µM for up to 6 h did not compromise cell viability. Of the tested substances, only OI stimulated aerobic glycolysis as shown by a time- and concentration-dependent increase in glucose-consumption and lactate release. None of the tested itaconates affected the pentose-phosphate pathway-dependent reduction of the water-soluble tetrazolium salt 1 (WST1). In contrast, both DI and OI, but not itaconate, depleted cellular GSH in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. For OI this depletion was accompanied by a matching increase in the extracellular GSH content that was completely prevented in the presence of the multidrug resistance protein 1 (Mrp1)-inhibitor MK571, while in DI-treated cultures GSH was depleted both in cells and medium. These data suggest that OI stimulates Mrp1-mediated astrocytic GSH export, while DI reacts with GSH to a conjugate that is not detectable by the GSH assay applied. The data presented demonstrate that itaconate, DI and OI differ strongly in their effects on the GSH and glucose metabolism of cultured astrocytes. Such results should be considered in the context of the discussed potential use of such compounds as therapeutic agents.
Independent Political Networks: Comparing the Discussion Network Size and Composition of Partisans, Leaners, and Independents
Authors: Eveland William P. , Gee William
Published: November 2024

Most prior U.S. political discussion research has failed to pay close attention to the networks of political independents, and to the differences between true partisans, leaners, and true independents. This is in direct contrast to the (appropriately) growing research attention paid to the decades-long rise in the proportion of independents and the decline of true partisans. This study presents representative U.S. survey data that compares political discussion frequency, network size, and the partisan composition of the discussion networks of partisans, leaners, and independents. After applying controls for ideological strength and political interest, we find that the three groups do not differ in discussion frequency or network size. However, there are meaningful differences across the groups in three different network composition measures, including partisan bias. We interpret our findings in the context of both applied measurement considerations and normative democratic expectations of partisan diversity within discussion networks.
Health-related quality of life and its association with socioeconomic status and mental health in 5- to 7-year-old children: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Befus Eva-Grethe , Mølland Eirin , Helseth Sølvi , Westergren Thomas , Abildsnes Eirik , Hagen Milada , Nolte Sandra , Haraldstad Kristin
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Assessing socioeconomic status (SES), mental health, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in young children is crucial for making informed health care decisions and identifying areas of intervention. The present study aimed to investigate potential associations between SES, mental health, and HRQoL in 5–7-year-old children.

Method

The present study included mother-reported health assessments for 621 children aged 5–7 years in Grade 1 collected between 2019 and 2023 as part of the Starting Right™ project. Online questionnaires were used to support public health nurses in assessing children’s health status. HRQoL (KIDSCREEN-27, 5 subscales) and mental health [Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), 4 subscales] were assessed. Sociodemographic characteristics, sex, maternal education, and income were obtained from Statistics Norway. The data were analyzed using multiple robust regression.

Results

Mother-reported mean scores for the KIDSCREEN-27 were within the normal range compared with European norms (8–11 years). However, for each KIDSCREEN-27 dimension, there were individuals whose mothers reported scores that were substantially lower than average. Having mental health problems, defined as being in the 80th and 90th percentiles of the SDQ Total problem score, was associated with 2.1–10.7-point lower KIDSCREEN-27 scores (p < 0.001–0.021), which was most noticeable in the KIDSCREEN-27 school environment subscale. Weak but significant positive associations were found between SES and HRQoL.

Conclusion

Our results provide important insights into the associations between SES, mental health, and HRQoL in young children. Given the strong association between mental health problems and HRQoL in Grade 1 children, the assessment of both is essential, so that early interventions, an improved caring environment, and nurturing support can be initiated.
Livelihood risks arising from urban river pollution in selected marginal communities in the Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria
Authors: Onyima Blessing Nonye , Nwabueze Lydia Ngozichukwuka , Nnadozie Chika Felicitas , Omovoh Gift Ochonogor , Mmachaka Thandi , Omovoh Blessing Odafe , Arimoro Francis Ofurum , Uku Jude Edafe , Akamagwuna Frank Chuckwuzuoke , Onyima Gospel Ogochukwu , Odume Oghenekaro Nelson
Published: November 2024

Urban river pollution has become a critical sustainability challenge worldwide. In the studies of urban river pollution, very little research focus has gone into understanding pollution effects on main river-dependent livelihoods among marginal communities in urban centres. In this study, using a context-specific risk framework, we identify and analyze (i) urban river-dependent livelihoods (ii) pathways to community exposure to urban river pollution (iii) effects and consequences on urban river-dependent livelihoods (iv) potential intervention strategies. The study uses knowledge co-production workshops, and ethnographic methods involving participant observations, focus group discussions, in-depth interviews, and key informant interviews as a means of generating the needed data. Our findings indicate that degraded urban rivers have had profound negative effects on river-dependent livelihoods such as food processing, poultry, livestock farming and the small-scale brick industries for construction. Further, urban river pollution has also led to livelihood-related conflicts over access to limited, good-quality water resources. Intervention strategies to improve livelihood resilience are suggested at the institutional, communal and livelihood levels. Institutional interventions include strengthening environmental laws compliance and enforcement, inter-agency collaborations and extending sanitation and urban planning to marginal communities in cities. Communal interventions are sensitization campaigns, enforced sanitation practices and calls for behavioural and attitudinal change. Livelihoods-linked interventions aim to reduce livelihood strategies’ contributions to river pollution. Such interventions include proper disposal of waste generated through livelihood strategies, and instituting practices that minimize run-off from wet industries.
Impacts of adding sucrose or trehalose to extenders with different glycerol concentrations on freezablility and fertility of buffalo bull semen
Authors: Khalil Wael A. , El-Deghaidy Ragaey M. , Sakr Abdelaziz M. , Swelum Ayman A. , Abdelnour Sameh A. , El-Harairy Mostafa A.
Published: November 2024

This experiment was conducted to determine the most suitable glycerol concentration (3 or 6%) and/or non-penetrating cryoprotectants (trehalose and sucrose) for the cryopreservation of buffalo semen, with the aim of enhancing the cryopreservation protocol. Semen of Egyptian buffalo were pooled and diluted with eight Tris extenders supplemented with either 6% glycerol (control group, GL6), 3% (low level, GL3), sucrose (SU, 50 mM), trehalose (TR, 50 mM), 6% glycerol together with 50 mM of sucrose (GL6SU) or 50 mM of trehalose (GL6TR), and 3% of glycerol together with 50 mM of sucrose (GL3SU) or 50 mM of trehalose (GL3TR), then frozen following the standard protocol. Findings indicated that GL3 extender resulted in the highest values of progressive motility, sperm kinematics, sperm membrane integrity, and viability of post-thawed semen (37 °C for 30 s). On the contrary, the Tris extender enriched only with SU and TR groups had the lowest values of sperm quality compared to the other groups (p < 0.05). All GL supplemented groups showed higher intact acrosome levels and lower detached acrosome and dead sperm with intact acrosome compared to those with TR and SU alone (p < 0.05). A significant increase in viable sperm was observed in the GL3, GL6, and GL3SU groups compared to the other groups (p < 0.05). The Tris extender supplemented with low glycerol (3%) significantly reduced the levels of MDA. In the in vivo fertility trial, it was shown that the pregnancy rate was higher in the GL6SU group (72%) than in the GL3SU group (68%; p > 0.05). Collectively, these results suggest that there is potential in using low glycerol (3%) as a cryoprotective agent in the medium for buffalo sperm cryopreservation without significant adverse effects compared to the addition of 6% glycerol. This study supported the sustainability of materials used in assisted reproductive technology by reducing the glycerol content in the freezing medium. Further research is needed to confirm this hypothesis.
Competition-driven phenotypic plasticity in Iron acquisition and aromatic utilization confers a fitness advantage to Pseudomonas putida in an Iron-limited rhizospheric environment
Authors: Joshi Hiren , Khan Atif
Published: November 2024

Iron scarcity poses a critical challenge for rhizospheric bacteria like Pseudomonas putida in the competitive rhizosphere. Despite its dependence on iron for essential functions such as root colonization, motility, and aromatic compound utilization, P. putida exhibits limited capability for heterologous siderophore utilization and primarily relies on the secretion of a single siderophore, pyoverdine. This study investigates the mechanisms by which P. putida acquires iron in an iron-limited, aromatic-rich, rhizosphere-like environment. Our findings demonstrate that P. putida exhibits significant phenotypic plasticity, dynamically modulating pyoverdine secretion in response to competitive pressures and substrate availability. This adaptive strategy optimizes energy expenditure and iron acquisition, providing a competitive advantage. Comparative gene expression analysis supports these observations, revealing the molecular underpinnings of this plasticity. Enhanced pyoverdine production driven by competition compensates for the bacterium's limited siderophore repertoire and facilitates rapid aromatic compound utilization, conferring a distinct fitness advantage in iron-deprived conditions. This study elucidates the complex interplay between competition, iron uptake, and aromatic compound utilization that underpins the rhizospheric success of P. putida.
Hybrid TDR-MI Based Wireless Sensor Network for Underground Water Pipeline Leakage Detection and Localization Using Pressure Residuals and Classifiers
Authors: Vankdothu Ramdas , Bhukya Hanumanthu , Bhukya Raghu Ram
Published: November 2024

The pipeline leakage detection and leak localization trouble is a highly demanding and dangerous issue. Underground pipelines are critical for transporting enormous fluid volumes (e.g., water) across extended distances. Not only would solving this issue save the nation a great deal of money and resources, but it will also save the environment. However, because of the harsh climatic conditions below earth, current leak detection systems are not enough for monitoring subterranean pipelines. To address these issues, this study suggests a hybrid wireless sensor network for monitoring subterranean pipelines that is based on magnetic induction and time domain reflectometry (TDR). TDR is installed in this instance below a wireless sensor network that is based on MI. TDR significantly reduces the time needed for inspection while accurately locating the leak. Based on MI technology, we provide a wireless sensor network for inexpensive, real-time leak detection in subterranean pipelines. Through the integration of data from several sensor types located within and around subterranean pipes, MISE-PIPE detects leaks. Ad-hoc WSNs are employed in pressure measurement. (WDNs) is a popular subject that has drawn attention from scholars lately. Since leak localisation has a significant influence on the human population and the economy, time and accuracy are essential components. A broad leak localisation technique is proposed using statistical classifiers operating in the residual space. Classifiers are trained using leak data from every node in the network, accounting for demand uncertainty, noise from sensor preservatives, and leak size. After localising and identifying leaks, all monitoring data is sent to the CH using the K-means clustering technique, which performs two vital tasks: optimum clustering, extending the Network Lifetime, and maintaining Quality of Service. The K-Means technique is used to optimise the clustering process. The K-means clustering technique is used to transfer all monitoring data to the CH for the purpose of pipeline leak identification and localisation. Unlike the current underground pipeline monitoring system, our proposed Hybrid TDR-MI-based wireless sensor network allows precise real-time leak identification and localisation.
Performance measurement of unmanned aerial vehicles to suit industrial applications
Authors: Boshoff Marius , Barros Gustavo , Kuhlenkötter Bernd
Published: November 2024

For the measurement and technical evaluation of industrial robots, a test procedure defined in ISO 9283 has existed for 25 years, with which the performance criteria of industrial robots relevant to users, e.g., path accuracy, pose accuracy, or position overshoot, can be measured. The specified test procedure and defined operating and environmental conditions are to be adhered to enable comparability of the tested robotic systems. In the production environment, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are increasingly being utilized for tasks such as material transportation and surveillance. However, for these applications, which are currently the subject of considerable discussion, UAVs must also adhere to industrial standards regarding performance criteria. To ensure that these performance criteria are met across all manufacturers, a defined test procedure for UAVs is required in which all relevant performance criteria can be determined based on ISO 9283. This article will, therefore, first conduct the test procedure for a UAV under ISO 9283 and examine the transferability of the standard for performance measurement of UAVs in detail. However, evaluating the measurements suggests that the procedure defined in ISO 9283 is not fully transferable to UAVs as measurements do not fully cover the potential strengths or weaknesses of UAVs regarding the test procedure. The article concludes by discussing modifications to the test procedure and thus suggesting establishing a standardized procedure for UAVs. This procedure should enable the acquisition of performance criteria and might function as a safety benchmark before operating UAVs.
Deflating Predicativism Against the Small Clause Hypothesis for Proper Names
Authors: Kijania-Placek Katarzyna , Poller Olga
Published: November 2024

In this article, we challenge Matushansky’s (Linguistics and Philosophy,21, 573–627, 2008) small clause treatment of proper names in naming constructions. While she is widely credited with establishing, based on cross-linguistic evidence, that names should be viewed as predicates in naming constructions, we present a counterexample from Polish that questions the universal interpretation of the small clause hypothesis (SCH). This leads us to advocate for an alternative analysis of proper names in naming constructions, wherein they are considered components of the argument of a naming verb. We posit that this approach may have deflationist implications for predicativism concerning proper names, as it does not necessitate the existence of primitive name-predicates. We argue that there is no compelling positive evidence for the existence of predicative uses of names whose application conditions cannot be articulated using an equivalent phrase that quotes or mentions the name. Any apparent use of “Delia” as a predicate can be cast either (i) as not really a predicate, but rather an argument mentioning the name “Delia,” or (ii) as a genuine predicate, albeit one with an application condition defined by one of the well-established existing predicates, such as “individual called ‘Delia,’” where the name is mentioned. Predicative uses of names are thus dependent on the mention of names, and so there is a sense in which there are no primitive name-predicates.
Mathematical anxiety is associated with reduced visuospatial working memory: the impact of emotional and spatial distracting information
Authors: Ashkenazi Sarit , Danan Yehudit , Okon-Singer Hadas
Published: November 2024

The attentional control theory posits that anxiety may shift attention towards threatening stimuli and/or affect general attentional control mechanisms. The spatial theory suggests that mathematical anxiety (MA) originates from weakness in spatial processing mechanisms such as visuospatial working memory. Accordingly, MA may negatively influence (1) attentional mechanisms in anxious states and/or (2) general attentional control or working memory mechanisms. The current study examined the associations between MA, attention mechanisms, and working memory. To this end, we validated a new set of math-related pictures and used a math-related modified version of a flanker task. Two groups of college students with low (N = 35) and high (N = 31) MA were asked to perform a central task and ignore math-related and neutral distracting pictures. After we controlled for general anxiety, participants with high MA exhibited a larger location congruency effect in the modified flanker task. Moreover, visuospatial short-term and working memory fully mediated the relationship between MA and performances. These results suggest that general visuospatial deficits constitute the main difficulty among individuals with MA. Taken together, the findings shed light on the unique difficulty of individuals with HMA ignoring distraction, and suggest that reduced visuospatial abilities are at the basis of this difficulty. These findings are discussed in the context of their theoretical and treatment-related potential implications.
Children’s Perceived Economic Disadvantage and Social Relationships in School: Family Relationships as a Mediating Factor
Authors: Hautala Helena , Lehti Hannu
Published: November 2024

We investigate how perceived economic disadvantage is associated with social relationships in school among children aged 9–14 years and the mediating effect of family relationships in the association. We measure economic disadvantage through both perceived financial concerns and the child’s estimate of the amount of money he or she has compared to friends. Social relationships are measured through the experience that teachers care and trust that other children will help if needed. Family relationships are measured through three variables measuring a child’s experiences of communication with parents and having a good time with family. As data, we use the Finnish sub-survey from the third wave of the international survey Children’s Worlds, The International Survey of Children’s Well-being (ISCWeB) for 2018–2019 (N = 1684), which we analyze using linear probability regression models. Results show that both measured dimensions of perceived economic disadvantage are negatively associated with the experience that teachers care and the trust that other children help. Family relationships mediate the association of financial concerns with relationships with both teachers and other children in school. Having less money than friends is associated with relationships with both teachers and other children, regardless of family relationships. Attention should be paid to the socio-emotional well-being of economically disadvantaged children in school, especially children who are exposed to vulnerability in family relationships as well. It is important not only to promote economic equality but also to be aware of hierarchies built on economic grounds among children.
Tracing the birth and intrinsic disorder of loops and domains in protein evolution
Authors: Caetano-Anollés Gustavo , Mughal Fizza , Aziz M. Fayez , Caetano-Anollés Kelsey
Published: November 2024

Protein loops and structural domains are building blocks of molecular structure. They hold evolutionary memory and are largely responsible for the many functions and processes that drive the living world. Here, we briefly review two decades of phylogenomic data-driven research focusing on the emergence and evolution of these elemental architects of protein structure. Phylogenetic trees of domains reconstructed from the proteomes of organisms belonging to all three superkingdoms and viruses were used to build chronological timelines describing the origin of each domain and its embedded loops at different levels of structural abstraction. These timelines consistently recovered six distinct evolutionary phases and a most parsimonious evolutionary progression of cellular life. The timelines also traced the birth of domain structures from loops, which allowed to model their growth ab initio with AlphaFold2. Accretion decreased the disorder of the growing molecules, suggesting disorder is molecular size-dependent. A phylogenomic survey of disorder revealed that loops and domains evolved differently. Loops were highly disordered, disorder increased early in evolution, and ordered and moderate disordered structures were derived. Gradual replacement of loops with α-helix and β-strand bracing structures over time paved the way for the dominance of more disordered loop types. In contrast, ancient domains were ordered, with disorder evolving as a benefit acquired later in evolution. These evolutionary patterns explain inverse correlations between disorder and sequence length of loops and domains. Our findings provide a deep evolutionary view of the link between structure, disorder, flexibility, and function.
Beyond the post: an SLR of enterprise artificial intelligence in social media
Authors: Maldonado-Canca Luis-Alfonso , Casado-Molina Ana-María , Cabrera-Sánchez Juan-Pedro , Bermúdez-González Guillermo
Published: November 2024

This study explores the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on brand communication within corporate social networks, analyzing its benefits, ethical and technical challenges, and proposing responsible implementation strategies enriched with new theoretical contributions. To achieve this, a systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted based on the SPAR-4-SLR methodology by Paul et al. (2021), using 57 studies from Scopus and Web of Science over the past six years. This approach was complemented with recommendations from Kitchenham and Charters (2007) to ensure rigor and thoroughness in the analysis. The study reveals that artificial intelligence transforms interactions within corporate social networks by enabling effective personalization, optimizing customer experience, and enhancing satisfaction. Benefits include precise segmentation, predictive analytics, and customer service optimization through chatbots. However, significant ethical challenges also emerge, such as data privacy, algorithmic bias, and a lack of transparency in AI models. The necessity for responsible practices and regulations that foster user trust and mitigate risks associated with the implementation of AI in digital communication strategies is emphasized.
Novel hole transport materials of pyrogallol-sulfonamide hybrid: synthesis, optical, electrochemical properties and molecular modelling for perovskite solar cells
Authors: Naguib A. , Elseman Ahmed Mourtada , Ishak E. A. , El-Gaby M. S. A.
Published: November 2024

Sulfonamide derivatives as semiconductor materials for organic optoelectronic devices, including photovoltaic (PV), have received considerable interest. In the present work, the synthesis of novel pyrogallol-sulfonamide derivatives based on a molecular hybridization approach yielded N-((4-((2,3,4-trihydroxyphenyl)diazenyl)phenyl)sulfonyl)acetamide (N-DPSA). The techniques of spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR), and mass spectrum were utilized to identify the structural composition of the synthesized N-DPSA. The new N-DPSA was investigated by Hall-effect measurement to prove the positive charge carrier (hole mobility) with mobility and conductivity of 2.39 × 103 cm2/Vs and 1.76 × 10–1 1/Ω cm, respectively. Consequently, N-DPSA could be proposed as a strong candidate as a p-type semiconductor (hole transport layer (HTL)). The optical energy gap was computed at 2.03 eV, indicating the direct optical transition nature of N-DPSA. The elaborated molecular semiconductor's thermal features, molecular modelling, and electronic energy levels were also investigated. The new N-DPSA at various concentrations provided easy synthesis, cheap cost, high performance, and a straightforward design approach for a possible HTL in effective perovskite solar cells (PSCs). A PCE of 7.3% is shown for the N-DPSA-based PSC at its optimal concentration.
Mg(BH4)2-CH3NH2BH3@MgO solid state electrolyte for magnesium batteries
Authors: Mazzucco Asya , Tricerri Niccolò , Lamacchia Lorenzo , Sgroi Mauro Francesco , Baricco Marcello , Filinchuk Yaroslav
Published: November 2024

New electrolytes are necessary for the development of eco-friendly and cost-effective solid-state magnesium batteries. Methylamine borane-magnesium borohydride Mg(BH4)2-CH3NH2BH3 combined with MgO is suggested as a novel solid state electrolyte. In fact, Mg(BH4)2-CH3NH2BH3 0.33–0.67 (molar fraction) is a viscous liquid at room temperature, but it can be stabilized in the solid state after the incorporation of 75 wt% of MgO. The obtained composite exhibits remarkable Mg2+ conductivity, achieving approximately 10–5 S cm-1 at 25 °C and 10–4 S cm–1 at 65 °C.

Graphical abstract
Evaluation of an Interprofessional Educational Intervention in Mental Health and Intellectual and Developmental Disability for Health and Social Service Trainees
Authors: Tarzi Gabriel , Thakur Anupam , Bobbette Nicole , Pilatzke Megan , Lefkowitz Gill , Thomson Kendra , Thatcher Alicia , Hasan Syeda , Fogle Adeen , Blake Marissa , Hines Ann , Lunsky Yona
Published: November 2024

Objective

Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) experience high rates of poor mental health and challenges accessing timely and high-quality services. There is limited interprofessional training on mental health care for this population.

Methods

A virtual, synchronous program based on the Project Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO) Ontario IDD Mental Health program was developed for health and social service trainees. Participants represented 10 disciplines across 12 Canadian university or college programs. The program was taught by a team of health and social service providers together with individuals with lived experience and included didactics and case-based discussions. Program evaluation utilized a pre-, post-, and 12-week follow-up survey design with feedback surveys following each session.

Results

Fifty participants registered for the program; 34 (68%) completed baseline measures and attended at least two sessions. Overall, participants reported high session satisfaction (average rating of 4.47 of 5). Participants demonstrated significant improvement in self-efficacy regarding communication (p < 0.001), management of mental health needs (p < 0.001), and working across systems (p < 0.001). Participants self-reported feeling more knowledgeable about common comorbidities (p < 0.001), assessing behavioral challenges (p < 0.001), the role of interdisciplinary professionals (p < 0.001), and community resources (p < 0.001). Improvements were maintained at follow-up across outcomes.

Conclusion

The pilot Project ECHO for health and social service trainees in adult IDD mental health demonstrated high participant satisfaction and positive impact on trainees’ self-efficacy and knowledge. Interprofessional educational interventions can be effectively implemented using virtual technology to teach about other mental health populations requiring multisector care.
Collaborative actuation of liquid crystal elastomer unit cells as a function design platform
Authors: Wang Jinyu , Bisoyi Hari Krishna , Huang Yinliang , Xu Yiyi , Zhang Xinfang , Fan Ben , Yang Tao , Liu Zhiyang , Huang Shuai , Li Quan
Published: November 2024

As future soft robotic devices necessitate a level of complexity surpassing current standards, a new design approach is needed that integrates multiple systems necessary to synchronize the motions of soft actuators and the response of signals, thereby enhancing the intelligence of flexible devices. Herein, we propose a liquid crystal elastomer unit cell-based platform that organizes the cells in a group to create expandable functions. One unit cell behaves like a flexible module that can expand biaxially into a specific, stable, and controllable pattern. Collaborating the unit cells in different manners results in an adaptable soft grasper, a half-adder for information processing, and a tunable phononic bandgap. This implies a high level of reconfigurability and scalability in both structures and functions by elegantly reassembling the unit cells. This design strategy has the potential to integrate multiple functions that traditional soft actuators cannot accommodate, providing a platform for developing intelligent soft robotics.
Comparing Ethereum fungible and non-fungible tokens: an analysis of transfer networks
Authors: Loporchio Matteo , Di Francesco Maesa Damiano , Bernasconi Anna , Ricci Laura
Published: November 2024

The increasing adoption of tokens on the Ethereum blockchain has given rise to many distinct economic communities whose activity history is publicly accessible. In this paper we study the communities of Ethereum fungible and non-fungible tokens, regulated, respectively, by the ERC-20 and ERC-721 standards. In particular, we focus on token transfers and consider the top 100 largest ERC-20 and ERC-721 ecosystems by number of transfers, modeling them as networks where nodes correspond to participants and edges represent token transfers. We analyze their main topological properties and conduct a clustering-based study to identify groups of graphs with similar topologies. Subsequently, we classify the networks based on the application domain of their corresponding token and investigate whether graphs with similar topologies correspond to tokens within the same domain. We also conduct a temporal analysis of token popularity based on the historical transfer activity. Our findings highlight the existence of common topological properties (e.g., absence of small world effect) across both types of tokens. In contrast, the clustering analysis indicates no evident connection between the token application domain and the structure of the induced transfer networks, with the exception of non-fungible tokens associated with spamming activities.
Design Thinking and teamwork—measuring impact: a systematic literature review
Authors: Schlott Cornelia Kerstin
Published: November 2024

Research has significantly advanced the understanding of the benefits that Design Thinking can offer organizations and firmly established the importance of effective teams for them. Yet, a critical inquiry remains: What specific benefits does Design Thinking confer upon teamwork and its outcomes? This article conducts a systematic review, synthesizing empirical evidence from literature to address this question. The analysis reveals the diverse impact of Design Thinking on team interactions, skills, tasks and activities, values, emotions and mindset, and team composition as well as performance. Furthermore, this study explores how Design Thinking's influence on teams can contribute to cultural change within organizations and discusses both the limitations and prerequisites of this method. Suggestions on how future research can proceed are provided, and practical implications that can enhance the implementation of design methods in organizations are highlighted.