bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ciclos de bloqueios de rodovia em Novo Progresso (Amazônia)
Authors: Barbosa Renata Lacerda
Published: February 2025

Based on the blockades of the BR-163 Cuiabá-Santarém highway in the southwest of Pará, this paper discusses how this collective action was prioritized as a form of interlocution with the political and institutional system by heterogeneous and unequal social agents, who occasionally allied with each other: large and small rural producers; small farmers; miners; businessmen; traders; logging companies; and indigenous people. The research is based on ethnography in the region, with a focus on the municipality of Novo Progresso. It analyzes reports, academic research, and administrative documents. To demonstrate the dynamics of social mobilizations and their relationship with the federal government, I analyze cycles of protests that have permeated dozens of highway blockades since 2002. Discussing the literature on social movements and political confrontations, this study reveals a large role for traditional political and social representatives and for agendas referring to territorialities in these collective actions on the BR-163 highway in Pará. I argue that it is important to analyse mobilizations outside the major urban centers, led not only by subaltern agents, but also by dominant, reactionary and/or unequal agents.
HAITCH: A framework for distortion and motion correction in fetal multi-shell diffusion-weighted MRI
Authors: Snoussi Haykel , Karimi Davood , Afacan Onur , Utkur Mustafa , Gholipour Ali
Published: February 2025

Diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) is pivotal for probing the microstructure of the rapidly-developing fetal brain. However, fetal motion during scans and its interaction with magnetic field inhomogeneities result in artifacts and data scattering across spatial and angular domains. The effects of those artifacts are more pronounced in high-angular resolution fetal dMRI, where signal-to-noise ratio is very low. Those effects lead to biased estimates and compromise the consistency and reliability of dMRI analysis. This work presents High Angular resolution diffusion Imaging reconsTruction and Correction approacH (HAITCH), the first and the only publicly available tool to correct and reconstruct multi-shell high-angular resolution fetal dMRI data. HAITCH offers several technical advances that include a blip-reversed dual-echo acquisition for dynamic distortion correction, advanced motion correction for model-free and robust reconstruction, optimized multi-shell design for enhanced information capture and increased tolerance to motion, and outlier detection for improved reconstruction fidelity. The framework is open-source, flexible, and can be used to process any type of fetal dMRI data, including single-echo or single-shell acquisitions, but is most effective when used with multi-shell multi-echo fetal dMRI data that cannot be processed with any of the existing tools. Validation experiments on real fetal dMRI scans demonstrate significant improvements and accurate correction across diverse fetal ages and motion levels. HAITCH successfully removes artifacts and reconstructs high-fidelity fetal dMRI data suitable for advanced diffusion modeling, including fiber orientation distribution function estimation. These advancements pave the way for more reliable analysis of the fetal brain microstructure and tractography under challenging imaging conditions.
The macaque ventral intraparietal functional connectivity patterns reveal an anterio-posterior specialization mirroring that described in human ventral intraparietal area
Authors: Sheng Wei-An , Clavagnier Simon , Froesel Mathilda , Vanduffel Wim , Heed Tobias , Ben Hamed Suliann
Published: February 2025

The macaque monkey’s ventral intraparietal area (VIP) in the intraparietal sulcus (IPS) responds to visual, vestibular, tactile, and auditory signals and is involved in higher cognitive functions, including the processing of peripersonal space. In humans, VIP appears to have expanded into three functionally distinct regions. Macaque VIP has been divided cytoarchitonically into medial and lateral parts; however, no functional specialization has so far been associated with this anatomical division. Functional MRI suggests a functional gradient along the anterior-posterior axis of the macaque IPS: anterior VIP shows visio-tactile properties and face preference, whereas posterior VIP responds to large-field visual dynamic stimuli. This functional distinction matches with functional differences among the three human VIP regions, suggesting that a regional specialization may also exist within macaque VIP. Here, we characterized the macaque ipsilateral, whole-brain functional connectivity, assessed during awake resting state, along VIP’s anterior-posterior axis by dividing VIP into three regions of interest (ROIs). The functional connectivity profiles of the three VIP ROIs resembled anatomical connectivity profiles obtained by chemical tracing. Anterior VIP was functionally connected to regions associated with motor, tactile, and proprioceptive processing and with regions involved in reaching, grasping, and processing peripersonal space. Posterior VIP had the strongest functional connectivity to regions involved in motion processing and eye movements. These profiles are consistent with the connectivity profiles of the anterior and posterior VIP areas identified in humans. Intermediate VIP did not exhibit specific connectivity profiles. Viewed together, resting-state functional connectivity, task-related fMRI, and anatomical tracing consistently suggest specific functional specializations of macaque anterior and posterior VIP.
Phenomenography in the 21st Century
Authors: S. Åkerlind Gerlese
Published: February 2025

Phenomenography offers a distinctive approach to studying human experience of the world, by highlighting different ways in which the same phenomena (concepts, objects, events) are experienced within any group of people. Phenomenography focuses on the relationship between meaning—people’s holistic understanding of phenomena—and structure, that is the part-whole structure of people’s awareness of phenomena. This structure of awareness then forms the basis for identifying differences in the experienced meaning of phenomena, and how awareness needs to change to allow new meanings to emerge—whether educationally, historically, culturally or socially.

Over its 50-year history, there have been substantial advancements in the methods and theoretical assumptions underlying phenomenographic research, but these developments are not always recognised. This book details how the 21st-century practice of phenomenography differs from its earlier iterations, emphasising that earlier works can be misleading when used to justify current research practices.

Phenomenography is a developing, not static, approach to social science research, and this book introduces further methodological and theoretical extensions to the research. Although most commonly used in educational research, the potential of phenomenography to contribute to research in other social science disciplines is increasingly being recognised and is further emphasised in this book. In this way, this book is not only essential reading for doctoral students, but will also be of interest to those already experienced in phenomenography, and to social science researchers within and outside the field of education.
2. Developments in phenomenography over time
Authors: S. Åkerlind Gerlese
Published: February 2025

In Chapter 2, I describe how phenomenography has changed and developed over time, grouping developments into four key stages: (1) commencement of phenomenography; (2) clarification of methods; (3) theoretical developments in phenomenography; and (4) phenomenographic practice in the 21st century. In order to make the implications of the changes more meaningful, I present concrete examples in the chapter of different kinds of research questions and outcomes expected at different stages. In introducing terms like 21st-century phenomenography, I want to be clear though that early approaches to phenomenographic research are still recognisably and acceptably phenomenographic; it is just that more sophisticated ways of conducting phenomenographic research are now encouraged.
7. Analysing data and reporting research outcomes
Authors: S. Åkerlind Gerlese
Published: February 2025

Phenomenographic data analysis is complicated, involving multiple analytic goals and many iterations through the data. Plus, phenomenography in the 21st century is more complex and rigorous than earlier phenomenographic research, with additional research goals. To help readers understand the analytic process, I present a set of ten iterative steps to the analytic process, illustrating each step with concrete research examples. The chapter concludes with a discussion of indicators of rigour in phenomenographic research, describing strategies that enhance the trustworthiness of the interpretive research process and the credibility of relationally constituted research outcomes.
8. Adding further structure to the outcome space
Authors: S. Åkerlind Gerlese
Published: February 2025

A key indicator of phenomenography in the 21st century is the constitution of ‘dimensions of variation’ and associated ‘critical aspects’ in experience of phenomena. However, two ways of identifying and describing dimensions and critical aspects have emerged in the literature. In the traditional approach, dimensions of variation (and thus critical aspects) are constituted independently of each other. In the alternative approach, dimensions of variation (and thus critical aspects) are constituted in a structurally related way along common themes of meaning, called ‘themes of expanding awareness’. This adds additional structural complexity to the constitution of critical aspects of phenomena. This chapter clarifies the difference between the two approaches, provides concrete illustrations of the research outcomes that result from the two approaches, and discusses the different insights that each approach provides to our understanding of critical aspects of human experience.
9. Phenomenography and variation theory
Authors: S. Åkerlind Gerlese
Published: February 2025

The epistemological assumptions outlined in Learning and Awareness also led to a theory of learning, called ‘variation theory’. This has been of great value to educational research and development, and has led to its own strand of applied research and practice based on pedagogical applications of variation theory in the classroom and in teacher education and development. Whilst variation theory research is often not strictly phenomenographic, they may be usefully applied together and complement each other in numerous ways. This chapter describes how the variation theory tradition developed during the 2000s, and outlines its ongoing relationship with phenomenography.
10. Phenomenography and collective awareness
Authors: S. Åkerlind Gerlese
Published: February 2025

Phenomenography initially commenced as a distinctive research approach based on two primary goals: to improve our understanding of learning from the students’ perspective; and to describe humanity’s collective awareness of different phenomena in the world. To date, the majority of phenomenographic research has focused on the former, educational goal. This means that the potential of research based on the second goal, investigating collective understanding of socially significant phenomena, has been underdeveloped. This forms the focus of this final chapter in the book. I start by unpacking the ongoing interest in collective awareness throughout the history of phenomenography, with examples of where phenomenographic research has been used outside of education. To help envisage the ways in which phenomenographic research might integrate with other social science research, I also outline phenomenography’s implicit position on the socially-mediated nature of human experience, and present a number of examples of studies that have integrated phenomenographic research with social and practice theories. The chapter is forward looking, with the aim of encouraging future research into collective awareness of phenomena within specific socially, culturally and historically situated groups, using phenomenographic methods.
Reducing Initialization Shock by Atmosphere–Ocean Coupled Data Assimilation and Its Impacts on the Subseasonal Prediction Skill
Authors: Choi Nakbin , Lee Myong-In , Ham Yoo-Geun , Hyun Yu-Kyung , Lee Johan , Boo Kyung-On
Published: February 2025

Atmosphere–ocean coupled model predictions have been hindered by the imbalance of initial states between atmosphere and ocean obtained from independent data assimilation systems. This study tests an atmosphere–ocean coupled data assimilation (CDA) method applied to a state-of-the-art coupled global climate model, the Global Seasonal Forecasting System, version 5 (GloSea5), and investigates its impacts on forecast skills. Weakly coupled data assimilation (WCDA) combines preexisting atmosphere and ocean analysis fields with the coupled model background states, for which the incremental analysis update (IAU) is employed to gradually adjust from the background states to the analysis fields yet maintain balanced states between atmosphere and ocean. While the global analysis from WCDA maintains comparable quality in the spatial distribution of temperature and precipitation to existing reanalysis datasets, it improves the tropical precipitation variability due to the atmosphere–ocean coupling. In short-range forecasting from WCDA, the widespread bias of surface air temperature is reduced, which was originally induced by the differences between sea surface temperature (SST) in the atmospheric initial conditions and that in the oceanic initial conditions. The WCDA impact on the forecast skill is more pronounced in the subseasonal time-scale Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) forecasts by reducing initialization shock in moisture; otherwise, atmospheric convection becomes much suppressed initially and then suddenly produces a large amount of precipitation in the forecasts from uncoupled initialization.
Depression and comorbid chronic physical health diseases in the Australian population: A scoping review
Authors: Srinivasan Gouri , Kondalsamy-Chennakesavan Srinivas , McGrail Matthew , Garg Vikas , Nasir Bushra
Published: February 2025

Objective:

Chronic diseases are a major challenge in Australia, contributing to disability, premature mortality, and a significant healthcare burden. This burden is intensified when depression, a common mental health issue, co-occurs with chronic diseases. This scoping review aimed to investigate the relationship between depression and comorbid chronic diseases, namely cardiovascular disease (CVD), diabetes, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in the Australian population.

Methods:

Following Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology, this scoping review searched for English-language articles published between January 2013 and December 2023. The review targeted studies examining depression and selected comorbid chronic diseases within the Australian population. Two independent reviewers conducted data screening and extraction, with results synthesised into tables and summarised narratively.

Results:

The search yielded 31 quantitative studies, highlighting a high prevalence of depression co-occurring with chronic diseases. Key findings included the worsening of chronic disease severity by depression, compounded by gender and age disparities, and the impact of socioeconomic factors impairing the quality of life. The review also identified significant challenges in the provision of care, particularly in rural areas, emphasising the need for integrated care models, and enhanced healthcare training.

Conclusion:

This review revealed critical research gaps in understanding the relationship between depression and chronic diseases, particularly regarding underrepresented groups such as younger adults and rural populations. It highlights the need for improved diagnostic criteria, treatment approaches, and professional training, advocating for targeted research and policy interventions to improve outcomes and quality of life for individuals with depression and selected comorbid chronic diseases.
Beleaguered Opposition Politics in Southern Africa
Authors: de Jager Nicola
Published: February 2025

In many southern African countries, the incumbents have retained control of executive power since independence, while opposition parties fare poorly. Why have liberation movements-turned government tended to produce dominant party systems, despite multiparty elections? And, what accounts for this dynamic of beleaguered opposition politics? It is theorised that the historical influence of Marxism-Leninism and its ideas of the vanguard party, ‘democratic’ centralism, the use of violence and casting opposition as enemies of the state produces dominant party systems hostile to opposition. Using public survey data from Afrobarometer, a further cultural explanation is provided – a society distrustful of opposition. As citizens, eager for civil and political liberty, grow in their understanding of the importance of opposition politics, the region may yet see an expansion of competitive politics.
Quantified assessment of modelled impacts on asymmetric composite laminates
Authors: Zhyhylii Dmytro , Pozovnyi Oleksandr , Chai Eric YH , Dvurecenska Ksenija , Christian William JR
Published: February 2025

Modern approaches to exploring the impact behaviour of composite components involve computer models such that the components are virtually tested. However, for these virtual tests to be trusted they require careful validation using experimental data. This study demonstrates a quantitative validation approach for confirming the effectiveness of a simplified impact model. A set of six asymmetric laminates was impacted at 30 J whilst their bottom surface was monitored using high-speed cameras. The camera images were processed to obtain full-field strain which was then used to validate the model by the orthogonal decomposition technique. The validation procedure has confirmed that the model provides reasonable predictions of impact behaviour and gives insights into how it could be improved. The overall approach demonstrates how virtual testing of composite components can be vigorously validated. Validated virtual testing can then provide a low-cost and rapid route to the certification of lightweight composite structures.
Distributed iterative containment control for nonlinear heterogeneous partial difference multi-agent systems with time delays
Authors: Wang Cun , Zhou Zupeng , Peng Jiansheng , Dai Xisheng
Published: February 2025

The consensus problem under a single leader forms the foundation of coordination control in multi-agent systems (MASs). Nonetheless, the issue of containment control, which involves multiple leaders, represents a critical aspect that demands further investigation. This paper addresses the containment control of nonlinear heterogeneous partial difference multi-agent systems (HPDMASs) characterized by state time delays and governed by hyperbolic or parabolic partial difference equations. This study proposes a D-type distributed iterative containment control protocol incorporating initial state learning, which leverages local state information from neighboring agents. Using the contraction mapping principle, this research examines the convergence conditions for the containment error within a finite time interval. The results demonstrate that, under the proposed containment control protocol, the containment error in the HPDMASs can gradually converge to zero as the number of iterations increases. Simulation results are provided to validate the effectiveness of the proposed control protocol.
Endolymphatic Sac Tumor. Post-Radiosurgery Evaluation Using Time-Resolved Imaging of Contrast Kinetics MR Angiography
Authors: Blandino Antonella , Romano Allegra , Filippi Chiara , Pizzolante Sofia , Romano Andrea , Moltoni Giulia , Covelli Edoardo , Barbara Maurizio , Bozzao Alessandro
Published: February 2025

Endolymphatic sac tumor (ELST) is a rare, aggressive hypervascular tumor of the posterior petrous bone. These tumors can manifest independently or in conjunction with Von Hippel–Lindau (VHL) syndrome. Currently, the primary treatment strategy involves complete surgical excision, though the role of radiotherapy remains debated.

We are reporting a case of a 35-year-old female patient affected by ELST associated with VHL syndrome, managed solely through stereotactic radiosurgery and monitored by time-resolved imaging of contrast kinetics magnetic resonance sequence.
Leveraging Design-Based Research in the Development of a Technology-Based Intervention for Students With Disabilities
Authors: Wilson Sarah Emily , Wiggins Joseph B. , Wong Lauren N. , Ulrich Tracy Gault , Causey Bill , Parra Jorge , Gage Nicholas A. , Blackorby Jose
Published: February 2025

Over the past few decades, advances in computing power and the widespread adoption of the Internet have completely transformed the ways that people obtain information, communicate, educate, and conduct business. Unfortunately, access to technology and to the training required to use technology are not equitably distributed in the United States, with access much lower in rural areas than urban areas. Further, the urban–rural divide disproportionately affects people in groups that have been historically marginalized in computing, particularly students with disabilities. To address this gap in access and opportunity, we are using Design-Based Research and co-design methods to develop a new technology-based intervention called Furthering Rural Adoption of Computers and Technology through Artistic Lessons (FRACTAL) that incorporates computer science and artificial intelligence into art classes in rural middle schools. In this paper, we describe our co-design process, articulate how and why Design-Based Research and co-design are useful for developing technology-based interventions in schools, and discuss our initial steps to develop FRACTAL in partnership with teachers in rural schools to address the needs of historically disenfranchised and marginalized students.
Preferences of continuing care service options for patients with venous leg ulcer: A discrete choice experiment
Authors: Zhou Panpan , Gu Fei , Wang Xian , Huang Zheng , Yu Jinzhi , Li Meng
Published: February 2025

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the preferences of patients with venous leg ulcer for wound continuing care programs. Methods: A discrete choice experiment was conducted among patients with venous leg ulcer in three large tertiary hospitals in Shanghai, China. Conditional logit analysis was used to estimate the preference weights for wound continuing care services. Results: A total of 223 VLU patients were surveyed, and 201 valid questionnaires were collected, with a validity rate of 90.1%. The modes of care delivery, service type, consistency of caregiver, and additional services were important considerations for patients when choosing wound continuing care options. Of these, community health service center and wound specialist nurses were preferred, as were options with the same caregiver providing services, online platform appointments, and the inclusion of additional services, while western care and make an appointment in-person at the clinic were relatively less attractive for patients. Conclusion: These results reflect patients’ needs and preferences in different aspects and provide valuable references for healthcare organizations and care providers. Patient preferences are deemed as one of the multiple factors that necessitate consideration in the distribution of medical resources. They are integrated with various aspects of deliberations, including geographical location, health conditions, and economic status, so as to construct a comprehensive perspective.
Exploratory analysis of the professional quality of life in an Italian radiotherapy department: The role of empathy and alexithymia
Authors: Burla Tiziana , Zaffaroni Mattia , Marvaso Giulia , Mazzocco Ketti , Galli Gabriele , Vincini Maria Giulia , Mastroleo Federico , Sarra Fiore Massimo , Pravettoni Gabriella , Jereczek-Fossa Barbara Alicja
Published: February 2025

Purpose:

Professional quality of life (QoL) is crucial for healthcare workers as it affects performance at work and interaction with patients, but little is known about stressors influencing radiation oncology professionals. The present study aims to explore the professional QoL of radiation oncologists (ROs) and radiation therapists (RTTs) in an Italian radiotherapy department and to report data about the possible impact of personality factors, such as alexithymia and empathy.

Material and methods:

Participants filled out three validated questionnaires measuring the professional QoL, alexithymia, and empathy: (i) Professional Quality of Life Scale (ProQOL); (ii) Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20); (iii) Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI). Correlation, regression analyses and non-parametric tests were run.

Results:

A total of 48 professionals completed the survey (66.7% ROs, 33.3% RTTs). Considering the ProQOL dimensions, moderate levels of risk for burnout (BO) and secondary traumatic stress (STS) were found. BO was found to be predictive by TAS-20 total score (β=.37, p=.010), while STS resulted to be predictive by TAS-20 total score (β=.54, p <.001) and IRI Empathic Concern subscale (β=.45, p <.001). No significant differences were found between ROs and RTTs for all the considered variables, except for TAS-20 total score ( p=.032), higher for RTTs.

Conclusions:

Results showed no evidence of high risk of burnout and no intrinsic differences regarding the professional QoL between ROs and RTTs. Findings suggest a significant role of alexithymia and empathy predicting professional QoL. These results underscore the importance of promoting a positive work environment and emotional competencies to prevent high stress levels.
Scheduled Exercise Partially Offsets Alcohol-Induced Clock Dysfunction in Skeletal Muscle and Liver of Female Mice
Authors: Tice Abigail L. , Lee Choogon , Hickner Robert C. , Steiner Jennifer L.
Published: February 2025

Binge and chronic alcohol intake impair skeletal muscle and liver circadian clocks. Scheduled exercise is suggested to protect against circadian misalignment, like that induced by alcohol. It was tested whether scheduled, voluntary daily wheel running would protect the gastrocnemius and liver clocks against alcohol-induced perturbations. Female C57BL6/Hsd mice were assigned to 1 of 4 groups: control-sedentary (CON SED, n = 26), control-exercise (CON EX, n = 28), alcohol-sedentary (ETOH SED, n = 27), or alcohol-exercise (ETOH EX, n = 25). Exercise mice were granted access to running wheels for 2 h/day (ZT13-15) while ETOH mice consumed alcohol-containing liquid diet for 6 weeks. Tissues were collected every 4 h starting at ZT12 from 4-5 mice/group and were used for RNA/cDNA/RT-PCR (gastrocnemius and liver) and Western blotting (gastrocnemius). A second cohort of mice were weaned off alcohol, given regular chow, and continued daily exercise (2 h/day) for ~2 weeks. Then, all mice (EX and SED) were given 24-h wheel access for 1 week to assess cyclic running behaviors during abstinence. While alcohol differentially disrupted muscle and liver clocks in sedentary mice, differences between exercised groups were minimized. BMAL1 protein expression increased in the nuclear-enriched fraction in the gastrocnemius of both exercise groups compared to both sedentary groups. In the second cohort, wheel running was increased in ETOH EX compared to ETOH SED in the dark cycle. In the light cycle, ETOH mice ran less than CON mice, and EX mice ran less than SED mice despite all mice receiving chow diet and no EtOH. Overall, scheduled wheel running partially offset the alcohol-induced perturbations in the muscle and liver clock while ETOH and EX both influenced the timing of subsequent activity after the dietary intervention ended.
Modeling and application for pneumatic soft actuators based on a novel deep neural network
Authors: Zhang Ke , Bi Yongqi , Zhang Ruiyu
Published: February 2025

Soft robots, with the characteristics of lightweight, compliance and safety compared to rigid robots, have drawn the attention of many researchers. However, the current limitations in operational speed and the inherent nonlinearity of soft robots pose challenges in mathematical modeling and control accuracy. This paper presents a four-wheeled rigid-flexible coupled robot with a cylindrical pneumatic soft actuator for unknown domain exploration, which has the property of a higher movement speed. A deep neural network (DNN) is applied to model the dynamics of the actuator which describes the relationship between air pressure and bending angle. The proposed DNN integrates a multilayer perceptron (MLP) with a residual neural network (Res-Net), with the final output derived from weighted summation of both networks’ outputs, adjusted for varying environmental conditions. Experiments demonstrate that the learning-based modeling method outperforms traditional model-based methods in describing the relationship between air pressure and bending angle of the soft actuator, while also significantly reducing development time. The maximum value of the MAE of the DNN during prediction is 0.5733°, which is 67.37% smaller than the error of the model-based method. This method enables immediate training upon acquiring real-world data without the need for preliminary model accuracy verification. Additionally, it captures the dynamic response of the system effectively. When the actuator’s operational environment changes, the method rapidly adapts to new dynamics. After adjusting the experimental environment, the maximum MAE predicted by the DNN trained with the new data was only 0.3365°. The result provides ideas for future modeling and control of soft robots.
Experimental investigation on the electrical performance of a solid-liquid tubular triboelectric nanogenerator in pipeline system
Authors: Li Qingtao , Xing Pengfei , Li Guobin , Zhang Hongpeng , Zheng Xieqing , Xu Yanbo , Guo Jia
Published: February 2025

To explore the electrical performance of solid-liquid triboelectric nanogenerators for monitoring the state of water pipe systems, a solid-liquid tubular triboelectric nanogenerator (SLT-TENG) was developed, using water as a direct frictional material. Experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of various factors on the electrical performance of the SLT-TENG, such as water flow conditions, ion concentration, temperature, electrode dimensions, and multi-unit operation. The results demonstrated that the nanogenerator produced an alternating current (AC) electric signal, generated by two types of frictional electrification: solid-liquid and solid-solid friction. The output signal of the SLT-TENG was highly sensitive to changes in the liquid flow conditions within the pipe system. The electric signal amplitude increased eight to nine times in the presence of sudden flow interruptions or large air bubbles. Additionally, the signal amplitude was found to increase with higher ion concentrations and larger electrode contact areas but decreased as temperature rose. Parallel operation of multiple nanogenerators further improved performance, leading to a 140.5% increase in signal amplitude and significant enhancement of other electrical parameters. These findings provide valuable insights for the application of SLT-TENGs in monitoring water pipe system conditions.
Performance evaluation of submerged FSW for aluminum 6061 employing AOA-ANN based on experimental data
Authors: Shrivastava Ekta , Shrivastava Pankaj Kumar , Singh Pushpendra , Kashyap Akash , Arya Liladhar
Published: February 2025

Submerged friction stir welding (SFSW) under water is a relatively new solid state joining process, which combines heating and mechanical work for deformation to achieve high quality, defect-free joints. In the present research aluminum-6061 alloy has been welded by using SFSW. Tool rotational speed, feed and water temperature has been taken as important control variables to estimate the joint performance in terms of hardness and tensile strength. It was observed that the average grain size obtained in stir zone is around 3.5 μm, the maximum hardness obtained is 87 HV and maximum tensile strength is 175 MPa. Predictive models using artificial neural networks (ANNs) were developed for both the hardness and tensile strength, followed by process optimization utilizing four distinct evolutionary optimization techniques: arithmetic optimization algorithm (AOA), Jaya algorithm and Rao-3 algorithm. Among these, the AOA demonstrated superior performance within the present manufacturing environment. As compared to the maximum experimental values of hardness and tensile strength, the optimization by using AOA, show the improvement of 6.33% and 0.35% in hardness and tensile strength, respectively.
Serum High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Concentrations in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma and Its Association With Histological Grade in a Chinese Population
Authors: Cao Ying-Ying , Lv Xiao-Jing , Li Hui , Qian Li-Chao , Si Hai-Peng , Li Yuan , Guo Kai , Ren Shuai , Wang Zhong-Qiu
Published: February 2025

Background

Serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) may influence cancer development. However, its relationship with the histological grade of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is not well understood. This study aims to explore the potential associations between serum HDL-c levels and different histological grades of PDAC.

Methods

This retrospective study included 181 patients with pathologically confirmed PDAC who underwent radical surgery. Clinical data, blood biochemical results, imaging features, and pathological details of the patients were collected, such as age, gender, diabetes, hypertension, tumor grade, tumor size and location, high-density lipoprotein (HDL-c), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9), and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA).

Results

Patients with high-grade PDAC had significantly lower HDL-c levels compared to those with low-grade PDAC across both training and validation cohorts ( P < 0.05). Significant associations were found between HDL-c levels and high-grade PDAC in the training ( P < 0.001) and validation ( P = 0.044) groups. Moreover, HDL-c levels were inversely related to lymph node metastasis in the training ( P = 0.001) and validation ( P = 0.012) sets.

Conclusions

Lower HDL-c levels are associated with high-grade PDAC and lymph node metastasis, suggesting that HDL-c may play a protective role in the progression of PDAC.
Evaluating a Self- and Family Management Framework for Young Adult Survivors of Childhood Brain Tumors
Authors: Hammer Shannon N. , Deatrick Janet A. , Knafl Kathleen A. , Knafl George J. , Hobbie Wendy L. , Stevens Evelyn , Minturn Jane E. , Barakat Lamia P.
Published: February 2025

This study evaluated adaptations to the revised Self- and Family Management Framework aimed at enhancing support for families of young adult survivors of childhood brain tumors (YAS). Baseline data from condition-focused caregivers of YAS ( N = 53) examined correlations between the Framework’s Facilitators and Barriers (individual/contextual/clinical factors), Processes (caregiver problem-solving), Proximal Outcomes (YAS self-management, caregiver family management), and Distal Outcomes (YAS/caregiver HRQOL). All aspects of family management were associated with YAS HRQOL; only Parent Mutuality was associated with caregiver HRQOL. Problem-solving was partially supported as a process linked to family management and caregiver HRQOL. Individual/contextual/clinical factors were not associated with problem-solving. Self-management was not associated with problem-solving or HRQOL. Interventions grounded in concepts of family management may improve YAS HRQOL and have future potential for family nursing practice. Further research is needed to understand the divergence between HRQOL findings, partial support for problem-solving, and lack of associations with individual/contextual/clinical factors, and self-management.
Fiscal Performance and Intergovernmental Fiscal Relations in Developing Countries
Authors: Ogweno Jedah Nyaboe , Semedo Gervasio
Published: February 2025

This paper investigates the effect of fiscal decentralization on public finance performance for two levels of government on a panel of 33 developing economies from 2000 to 2020. Using the bias-corrected Least Square Dummy Variable estimator (LSDVC), we demonstrate that fiscal decentralization could enhance fiscal performance. The main findings are as follows: First, a larger share of decentralized expenditure is associated with a stronger central fiscal balance, but this effect diminishes with increased vertical fiscal imbalances (transfer dependency of subnational governments). The findings also show that vertical fiscal imbalances and revenue decentralization undermine fiscal positions at the central government level. At the sub-national level, we find a U-shaped relation between revenue autonomy (measured as the sub-national governments’ share of tax revenues) and sub-national budget deficits. Nonetheless, deficits of sub-national governments can be avoided through increased local accountability, for example, by having regional governments’ executive and legislative officials locally elected.
Validation of A Nationwide Digital Pediatric Pathology Consultation Network
Authors: Chen Haiying , Putra Juan , Nagy Anita , Terry Jefferson , El Demellawy Dina , de Nanassy Joseph , Schollenberg Erica , Haig Aaron , Stefanovici Camelia , Whelan Kathryn , Poulin Alysa , Dal Soglio Dorothee , Chen Zesheng , Smith Brian , Fiore Cindy , Somers Gino R.
Published: February 2025

Background:

Digital pathology facilitates remote pathology consultations. Pediatric pathologists in Canada formed a nationwide digital pathology consultation network, mostly for second opinion review of pediatric cancer cases. Validation of such a large network for clinical use is challenging. Here we report our unique validation process of this digital pathology network.

Method:

This study was designed in keeping with the College of American Pathologist (CAP) guidelines, and included 14 pathologists from 9 hospitals across Canada. All cases are pediatric pathology cases. Each pathologist reviewed multiple digital cases and the corresponding glass slide cases. For each review, intra-observer concordance (diagnosis on digital case versus diagnosis on glass slide case) was recorded, creating a data point.

Result:

The study generated 269 valid diagnostic data points. Out of the 269 data points, 257 were concordant (95.5% concordance), exceeding the CAP recommendation of 95% concordance. Thus, the network was successfully validated.

Conclusion:

This is a unique validation study for a large nationwide digital pediatric pathology network. The study involved all pathologists/hospitals in the network, closely emulating real world clinical process. The network was successfully validated.
Clinical characteristics of semantic variant of primary progressive aphasia with TDP-43- and tau-related gene variants
Authors: Ma Yayu , Tang Chao , Lei Xiaoyang , Wang Li , He Dian
Published: February 2025

Background

Semantic variant primary progressive aphasia (svPPA) can be inheritable. There is a predictable relationship between the pathological substrate and genetic variants in this condition.

Objective

To report a case with svPPA who carried a MAPT gene mutation and to explore clinical differences between svPPA with TDP-43 pathology-related genes and svPPA with tau pathology-related genes.

Methods

Studies reporting svPPA patients with MAPT, TARDBP, GRN, C9orf72, or TBK1 gene mutations were selected from PubMed and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI). Of the 109 articles from the literature, 31 reports involving 75 cases provided the outcomes of interest.

Results

Along with the new case, 76 patients (43 males and 33 females) were included in this study. Among them, 34 carried MAPT mutations, 15 with TARDBP mutations, 13 with GRN mutations, 8 with C9orf72 expansions, and 6 with TBK1 mutations. The analysis results revealed that the mean age of onset in the tau pathology-related gene mutation group (50.56 ± 7.46 years) was younger than that in the TDP-43 pathology-related gene mutation group (58.19 ± 7.66 years) (p < 0.001). MAPT and TARDBP mutations were more prevalent in the study population, accounting for 44.7% and 19.7%, respectively. Within the MAPT gene mutation population, P301L accounted for 41.2%, while IVS10 + 16C > T accounted for 38.2%. Among the TARDBP gene mutation carriers, I383V accounted for 73.3%.

Conclusions

The onset age in svPPA patients with tau pathology-related gene mutations is younger than in those with TDP-43 pathology-related gene mutations. MAPT variants, specifically P301L and IVS10 + 16C > T, as well as TARDBP I383V variant, may have higher mutation frequency in svPPA.
Sex-specific effects of apolipoprotein E ε4 genotype on longitudinal hippocampal atrophy in amnestic mild cognitive impairment over a 2-year evaluation period
Authors: Park Chang Hyun , Lee Hyunji , Lee Young-Min , Lee Byung-Dae , Moon Eunsoo , Suh Hwagyu , Kim Kyungwon , Kim Hak-Jin , Shim Hwanwook , Pak Kyoungjune , Choi Kyung-Un , Kim Chang-Seok
Published: February 2025

Background

Hippocampal atrophy is implicated in the early onset of Alzheimer's disease (AD). It is closely associated with rapid cognitive decline and serves as a critical predictor for conversion from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to AD. Consequently, with growing interest in utilizing hippocampal volume (HV) as an outcome measure in clinical trials, elucidating the neurobiological mechanisms underlying hippocampal atrophy is essential for early diagnosing AD and predicting its progression.

Objective

The risk of AD associated with the apolipoprotein E ε4 ( APOE4) allele is higher in females than in males. However, the presence of sex-specific effects of the APOE4 genotype on longitudinal hippocampal atrophy (ΔHV) remains unclear. We aimed to examine the effects of the interaction between the APOE4 genotype and sex on ΔHV in amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI).

Methods

This hospital-based prospective longitudinal study included 73 patients with aMCI. ΔHV, the major outcome measure, was assessed using magnetic resonance imaging performed at a baseline date and 2 years after the baseline evaluation. A two-way analysis of variance was conducted to examine the effects of the interaction between the APOE4 genotype and sex on ΔHV over the 2-year period.

Results

A significant interaction was observed between APOE4 and sex concerning ΔHV ( p = 0.036). In females, ΔHV significantly correlated with the APOE4 status. Female APOE4 carriers (ε3/ε4) exhibited 2.3 times higher ΔHV compared with female non-carriers (ε3/ε3) (−0.51 ± 0.28 versus −0.22 ± 0.26, p < 0.001). In contrast, ΔHV was not linked to the APOE4 status in males ( p = 0.599).

Conclusions

We identified that the APOE4 genotype affected ΔHV in females. Our findings suggest that female APOE4 carriers, unlike males, may be more susceptible than non-carriers to the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of hippocampal atrophy in aMCI.
Bayesian network modeling of statistical dependency within cognitive domains and clinical dementia severity ratings for Western and Indian cohorts
Authors: Kumar Wupadrasta Santosh , Bhutare Sayali Rajendra , Sinha Neelam , Issac Thomas Gregor ,   For the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative *
Published: February 2025

Background

Dementia is studied rigorously in the current times, to assess the potential factors that contribute towards its progression, such as demographic factors, geographical background as well as to understand its impact on essential life skills. Alzheimer's disease, the most common form of dementia, is a major focus due to its prevalence and lack of curative treatments.

Objective

We aim to study dementia progression across two geographically distinct populations, by analyzing Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) scores and its domain-specific components, which reflect the decline in essential life skills. This analysis may support clinicians in designing targeted interventions.

Methods

This study investigates the statistical dependencies between the CDR and its six defining domain scores across two distinct aging datasets: the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) and the Longitudinal Aging Study of India (LASI). We analyzed the dependencies among domain scores and their influence on the global CDR in both datasets using data-driven directed acyclic graphs, within Bayesian network models.

Results

Distinct notable similarities and differences in the associations and the edge strengths between the Western and Indian populations were identified. Memory showed similar prominence in contributing towards global CDR, while the incoming edges on memory domain reduced in LASI over ADNI, specifically from the domains, Home and hobbies, and Community affairs.

Conclusions

The analysis highlights a stronger dependency of CDR scores on memory functions in both datasets. The results overall elucidate population-specific differences and similarities in dementia progression across diverse demographic contexts.
Critical reflections on mass tourism and empathy in the works of a Finnish artist
Authors: Vainikka Vilhelmiina , Andrews Hazel
Published: February 2025

Art and tourism provide a fascinating nexus for creative academic research. This paper explores this connection by interpreting art made about tourists and tourism and by listening to a Finnish artist, Erika Adamsson. Her perspective as well as the theoretical framework of understanding others without hiding stereotypes or challenging issues are discussed. The method used is autoethnographic artwork elicitation. As a result, this paper provides a mass tourism cultural heritage album with unique interpretations by the authors, yet collectively linked to academic theories: an account of tourist representations and the possibilities of art to open minds to the worlds of others. Art, with its compositions, colours and indirect messages, invites a self-critical reflection on mass tourism that is more fruitful for understanding than mere critical analysis. Artwork elicitation and critical empathy provide a fruitful avenue for tourism researchers to explore phenomena and to engage with people who are challenging to empathize with or face being stereotyped.
Sex Differences in Perception of Economic and Dating Access
Authors: Hall Rachel E. , Blake Khandis , Chan Ho Fai , Torgler Benno , Whyte Stephen
Published: February 2025

Mating and labor markets are fundamental drivers of societal dynamics. Yet, equity of access to these domains differs between the sexes due to numerous biological, economic, psychological, and socio-cultural factors. These inequalities and their impacts can accentuate perceptions, preferences, and behaviors of males and females in different ways. Utilizing a large cross-sectional sample of those currently engaged in the Australian mating market ( n = 1072 online daters), we explored the impact of sex and individual differences on the perceptions of men's ease of access to a decent job in the labor market (opportunity), women's economic dependence on men (economic inequality), and relative reproductive opportunity (dating access) for both sexes. Our study identifies both sex differences and symmetries in socio-economic factors (such as education level and having offspring) correlating with the perceptions of both economic and dating market access for Australian online daters. Additionally, key resource endowment indicators (income and unemployment) also reflect differences in both sexes’ perceptions of both access and gender equity. That said, our study finds that perceptions of access to both (economic and mating) markets shows far greater variation based on biological age (especially for women) than any other factor.