bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Pico Balloon Archive: Establishing the First Super-Pressure Balloon Satellite Network for Atmospheric Research
Authors: McKinney Todd , Perlaky Nick , Mills Mason , Stevenson Darby , Crawford Alice , Brown Bill , Newchurch Michael J.
Published: September 2024

We present the Pico Balloon Archive (PBA), a specialized platform for archiving, visualizing, and verifying data from pico balloons—lightweight, super-pressure balloons capable of operating in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere for durations ranging from weeks to years. With a latitudinal range from 88.77°S to 89.60°N and data collection ongoing since 2021, the PBA stands as the most spatially extensive repository for super-pressure balloons to date. It offers a centralized, user-friendly online portal (http://picoballoonarchive.org) for data access, featuring a summary of flight details, downloadable raw data, and individual flight visualizations. In this study, we validate the PBA’s wind speed and direction calculations against the Integrated Global Radiosonde Archive (IGRA), showing strong correlations (r2 = 0.66 and 0.78 for wind speed and direction, respectively). We also highlight the PBA’s effectiveness in charting global atmospheric circulation and the capacity of certain balloons to traverse hemispheres, a feat made possible by unique stratospheric dynamics. Furthermore, we demonstrate the PBA’s effectiveness in validating numerical weather prediction (NWP) Lagrangian trajectories, quantifying errors based on model initialization latitude. This continuously updated super-pressure balloon network is poised to significantly aid the atmospheric science community, facilitating a deeper understanding of global atmospheric processes.

Significance Statement

The first ever super-pressure balloon network is discussed and validated using radiosondes and numerical weather prediction (NWP) models. The Pico Balloon Archive (PBA) is positioned to offer worldwide data, facilitating cost-effective and high-reward atmospheric research for numerous users.
Fast-Track Score to Predict the Feasibility of Early Extubation Post Liver Transplant
Authors: El Moheb Mohamad , Sahli Zeyad T. , Rawashdeh Badi , Vargas Paola , Pelletier Shawn , Oberholzer Jose , Forkin Katherine T. , Thiele Eryn , Huffmyer Julie , Bogdonoff David , Collins Stephen , Kleiman Amanda , Goldaracena Nicolas
Published: September 2024

Background

Over the past several years, the liver transplant community has embraced the concept of fast-tracking patients to facilitate earlier postoperative recovery.

Aim

Derive and validate a novel “fast-track” risk score that captures the demographic and clinical characteristics of DDLT patients to predict the likelihood of early extubation after surgery.

Design

Adult patients who underwent non-fulminant DDLT between January 2014 and July 2019 were included. The cohort was divided in 2 groups: patients extubated within 4 hours of surgery vs extubated after 4 h. Logistic regression was performed to identify the independent predictors of early extubation. The area under the curve (AUC) was calculated to measure the ability of the risk score to predict early extubation. The score was validated by applying coefficients of the regression model to the validation cohort and calculating the AUC.

Results

A total of 290 DDLT patients were included, of which 175 (60%) were in the “delayed extubation” group and 115 (40%) were in the “fast-track” group. Patients with a MELD <29, transfused <4 units of pRBCs, and transfused <5 units of FFP during surgery were 2.30 times, 5.74 times, and 3.09 times more likely to be extubated early, respectively. A risk score with an integer point scale was derived and exhibited an AUC of .80. The proportion of patients who were extubated early increased from 2.78% at a score of 0 to 66.67% at a score of 4.

Conclusions

The proposed score provides a fast and easy method to help identify DDLT patients suitable for early extubation.
A Spatial-Temporal Analysis of Brain Activation to Explain the Take-Over Failure in Conditionally Automated Driving
Authors: Yin Weiru , Chai Chen , Weng Shixuan , Shi Xiupeng
Published: September 2024

Objective

This study aims to investigate the causes of take-over failures in conditional automated driving with spatial-temporal analysis of brain zone activation.

Background

Take-over requires a human driver to resume the control of the vehicle when its automation system disengages. Existing studies have found that take-over failures occur frequently on some drivers, but the causes have not been thoroughly studied.

Method

In a driving simulator experiment, 40 drivers took over in critical freeway cut-in situations. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) data were collected before and during the take-over process to evaluate brain zone activation. Successful and failed take-overs were compared with changes in fNIRS data based on spatial-temporal comparisons and cluster analysis.

Results

The results suggested a significant difference in temporal brain activation between take-over failure and success conditions. Take-over failure conditions are mostly related to earlier and longer brain activation in most brain zones and repeated activation of the cognition brain zones. Drivers’ attention switches, steering, and braking patterns are also related to different brain zone activation orders.

Conclusion

The results indicate the need to reduce the mental workload caused by the sudden system disengagement to prevent take-over failure.

Application

Future research and implementation should focus on earlier warnings of upcoming hazards and driver education in dealing with sudden system disengagement.
Interpreting Mk 5: 25–34 in Solidarity with Women Who Have Experienced Pregnancy Loss
Authors: Reimer-Barry Emily
Published: September 2024

This essay offers an interpretation of Mk 5: 25–34 by drawing upon historical-critical, feminist, and postcolonial interpretive strategies. The ambiguity within the text opens up a range of possible meanings. In the Markan account, Jesus responds to the bleeding woman by bleeding power; creating space for her to tell her story without shame or blame; and blessing her so that she can go in peace. I argue that this three-fold response could reframe the church’s approach to solidarity with women who have experienced reproductive loss, inclusive of abortion.
Fugitive Care: The Politics of Care Enacted by Afro-Caribbean Women Teachers
Authors: Williams Brown Kimberly , Northern Faith , Kallman Cayla
Published: September 2024

The future of teaching will increasingly rely on overseas-trained teachers (OTTs) to address teacher shortages. While research on OTTs in the United States is expanding, studies focusing on Afro-Caribbean teachers are emerging. Despite the growing call for more teachers of color, Afro-Caribbean OTTs’ contributions are often overlooked due to their immigrant status. We propose the concepts of “radical transparency” and “fugitive care” to articulate how these teachers’ classroom practices offer alternative possibilities for schooling, making the learning process both explicit and equitable for all students. Drawing on a Transnational Black Feminist Framework (TBF), we highlight the unique politics of care practiced by these teachers, revealing gaps in our cultural understanding and underscoring their vital, yet understudied, contributions to education.
Hydraulic loss experiment of straight-through Tesla valve in forward and reverse directions
Authors: Zhao Yan-Juan , Tong Jiang-Bo , Zhang Yu-Liang , Xu Xiao-Wei , Tong Liang-Huai
Published: September 2024

Tesla valves are widely used in the field of fluid control. To study the hydraulic performance of straight-through Tesla valves in forward and reverse flow, 16 straight-through Tesla valves with diverse blade parameters were designed in this paper, and hydraulic loss tests were carried out in forward and reverse flow under different working conditions. The results show that the hydraulic loss increases with the increasing working flow rate in forward and reverse flow; at the identical flow rate, the reverse loss is higher than the forward loss. Both the hydraulic loss through the valve and the unidirectional conductivity of the valve increase with increasing blade length, pitch, and number of blades, but too long of a length results in weakened unidirectional conductivity. The hydraulic loss increases with the increase of blade angle, and the unidirectional conductivity decreases with the increase of blade angle. When the blades are arranged in perfect symmetry, the hydraulic loss through the valve is maximum, and the valve has the best unidirectional conductivity.
Application of AI in the creation of discharge summaries in psychiatric clinics
Authors: Janota Bertrand , Janota Krzysztof
Published: September 2024

Background

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI; ChatGPT 4.0) into medical workflows presents a great potential to enhance efficiency and quality. The use of artificial intelligence in the creation of discharge summaries seems particularly interesting and valid. The course of each hospitalization is described in the discharge summary, which is given to each patient and then to his general practitioner at the end of hospital treatment. An exploratory analysis of discharge summaries in psychiatric clinics underscores that these documents must fulfill diverse and specific requirements. Nevertheless, AI-generated discharge summaries offer the opportunity to optimize information transfer and alleviate the workload on physicians.

Method

The study evaluates the quality of discharge summaries produced by clinical staff and by an AI model (ChatGPT 4.0). The clinicians involved in writing of the discharge summaries were not informed about the study’s purpose or methodology. The completed summaries were subsequently assessed by four attending physicians using predefined criteria. These physicians were also blinded to the study’s objectives and were unaware of the individual authors of the summaries. The evaluation criteria included consistency, completeness, and comprehensibility. Additionally, the time required to prepare these summaries and its impact on overall quality were analyzed.

Results

The results of the study indicate that discharge summaries generated by AI are more efficient than discharge summaries prepared by clinic staff. The AI was particularly effective in terms of coherence and information structure.

Conclusion

Further research, training and development is needed to improve the accuracy and reliability of AI-generated discharge summaries.
Prototype Facial Response to Cute Stimuli: Expression and Recognition
Authors: O’Neil Makenzie J. , Danvers Alexander F. , Hu Jing I. , Shiota Michelle N.
Published: September 2024

Cute, kindchenschema stimuli can evoke a suite of cognitive, physiological, and behavioral tendencies thought to promote caregiving. This research investigated facial expression elements associated with this response to cuteness and assessed the recognizability of an expression combining these elements. In Studies 1 and 2, participants at a community outreach event (Study 1, n = 19) and undergraduate students (Study 2, n = 103) showed spontaneous facial displays while watching videos/photos of baby humans and animals. These were Facial Action Coding System (FACS)-coded, revealing characteristic and statistically distinctive action unit elements of facial expression responses to cuteness. In six follow-up online studies (combined N = 962), including replications with Syrian refugees ( n = 103) and Chinese samples ( n = 222), a “cuteness prototype” expression combining all elements identified across Studies 1 and 2 (i.e., oblique brows, chin raise, lip tightening, and Duchenne smile) was commonly interpreted as a response to cuteness. These findings add to a growing literature about caregiving-focused motivational states and associated emotion/affect.
Estimating Test-Retest Reliability in the Presence of Self-Selection Bias and Learning/Practice Effects
Authors: Belzak William C. M. , Lockwood J. R.
Published: September 2024

Test-retest reliability is often estimated using naturally occurring data from test repeaters. In settings such as admissions testing, test takers choose if and when to retake an assessment. This self-selection can bias estimates of test-retest reliability because individuals who choose to retest are typically unrepresentative of the broader testing population and because differences among test takers in learning or practice effects may increase with time between test administrations. We develop a set of methods for estimating test-retest reliability from observational data that can mitigate these sources of bias, which include sample weighting, polynomial regression, and Bayesian model averaging. We demonstrate the value of using these methods for reducing bias and improving precision of estimated reliability using empirical and simulated data, both of which are based on more than 40,000 repeaters of a high-stakes English language proficiency test. Finally, these methods generalize to settings in which only a single, error-prone measurement is taken repeatedly over time and where self-selection and/or changes to the underlying construct may be at play.
Opportunities for contact, contact valence and outgroup attitudes: the moderating role of outgroup anger / Oportunidades de contacto, valencia de contacto y actitudes del exogrupo: el rol moderador de la ira del exogrupo
Authors: Cernat Vasile
Published: September 2024

Opportunities for contact reduce prejudice via positive contact and increase it via negative contact. However, the relative importance of these routes varies considerably, and it is unclear what processes are crucial in this respect. The analysis of a sample of Romanian students ( N = 232) revealed that outgroup anger moderated both the paths from opportunities for contact to contact and from contact to positive outgroup attitudes: at low levels of anger, the positive route was dominant, whereas at higher levels of anger, the negative route reduced the positive effects. These results underline an important connection between the waning and waxing of intergroup conflict and intergroup contact.
Latent Profiles of Visual Imagery: Aphantasics, Mid-Range Imagers, and Hyperphantasics Experience Reading Differently
Authors: Williams Rosina , Suggate Sebastian P.
Published: September 2024

Mental imagery differs markedly between people, with research tentatively identifying three categories, namely aphantasia, mid-range imagery, and hyperphantasia. Further, aphantasia poses interesting questions as to how people with low imagery experience reading. Accordingly, we used Latent Profile Analysis (LPA) on a sample of adults (n = 287) to see what distinct imagery profiles exist empirically. Second, we tested different imagery profiles for associations with different reading enjoyment and absorption experiences. The online correlational study asked participants to complete measures including the Vividness of Visual Imagery Questionnaire (VVIQ-2), the Story World Absorption Scale, and a measure of reading enjoyment. LPAs were run to identify imagery profiles and correlations were run with reading enjoyment and absorption. Results of the LPA validate the existence of three profiles. All groups reported moderate to high enjoyment and absorption, however, significant group differences existed between the lowest and highest imagers. Future research needs to better understand what these experiential differences are and how they may or may not affect reading ability.
Students’ Personal Experience vis-à-vis Personal Interest Towards Philippine Traditional Dances with Respect to Dance Steps, Music, Costume, and Dance History for Preservation Endeavors: Does it Matter?
Authors: Lobo Joseph
Published: September 2024

The primary aim of this research is to investigate the immediate influence of students’ personal experiences and their degree of interest in traditional dances of the Philippines in relation to preservation efforts. Respondents for the study are students from a higher education institution in the Philippines. After obtaining data and performing multiple regression analysis, it was observed that overall personal experience has a direct influence to level of interest. Moreover, students’ personal experience has a direct influence to their interest towards dance steps and costumes, except music and dance history. Therefore, offering a wide range of varied and substantial activities students is imperative, commencing from early education through to their tertiary education years, to enhance enthusiasm and involvement in the safeguarding of these intangible cultural heritages. Limitations and recommendations for physical education teachers in the higher education sector, institutional projects and collaborative efforts, and future research directions are also presented.
No such thing as waste in primary food sector
Authors: Kenk Kadi , Kerge Kristiina , Kriipsalu Mait , Grivins Mikelis , Brobakk Jostein , Värnik Rando
Published: September 2024

The European Union (EU) circular economy action plan aims to double its use of recycled material by 2030. We argue that waste-centric approach to resources may have adverse consequences to this ambition. The aim of the work was to find out the factors limiting or promoting the use of waste from primary food sector in countries with the same cultural background and similar climate in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Norway. Biomass from the primary food production sector is of good quality and excellent to use, but its use may be limited if given waste status. From numerous management decision trigger clusters, which may affect valorisation of the biomass, we focus on technology and policy. Our semi-structured interviews addressed the analysis and management of waste or by-products and explored the end-of-waste and alternative mechanisms that allowed the biomass to be valorised. However, the interviews revealed that none of the companies regard anything becoming waste, but as raw material or production left-over. Any obstacles hypothesised turned out not to be acknowledged by companies at all. This appears to be a very good example of the use of resources, but the approach is haphazard and may conflict with official understanding and waste reporting requirements. Definition of waste is the same in the EU, and arbitrary treatment can be misleading. There is a need for better management of the material flow to ensure effective biomass circulation avoiding its becoming waste. We recommend that this be addressed by introducing environmental, social, governance and a self-control system.
Do I Belong Yet? The Relationship Between Special Education, In-School Suspension, Belonging, and Engagement
Authors: Cunningham Mary C. , McDermott Logan , Cruz Rebecca A.
Published: September 2024

Students receiving special education services are disproportionately subjected to exclusionary discipline compared to their nondisabled peers. They also report feeling less connected and engaged at school, which is associated with exclusionary discipline experiences. Using data from the High School Longitudinal Study (2009), we examined the relationship between special education, in-school suspension, school belonging, and school engagement. In line with past research, we found that students who received special education services were at a higher risk of in-school suspension than their general education peers. Students with higher levels of school engagement were at a lower risk of receiving in-school suspension, regardless of special education services. However, higher levels of school belonging were associated with more suspensions for those receiving special education, while the inverse was true for nonspecial education students. Additional research is needed to understand this unique relationship and its implications for discipline and the school experiences of students with dis/abilities.
Displaced belonging: Poetics and politics of belonging in Leila Aboulela's ‘The Ostrich’ and ‘Missing Out’
Authors: Assa Shirin
Published: September 2024

This paper offers a political analysis of belonging in postcolonial and migrant literature, focusing on Leila Aboulela's short stories ‘The Ostrich’ (2018) and ‘Missing Out’ (2010). As a British Sudanese writer widely acknowledged for her ‘authentic’ portrayal of Muslim experiences in non-Muslim societies, this paper explores how the politics of belonging are reflected in the poetics of these literary narratives, including the structures, settings, and character portrayals. It employs Nira Yuval-Davis's analytical framework of belonging ( 2006 ) to emphasise the role of politics and political projects in the construction and deployment of belonging in the United Kingdom and Sudan. Conducting a comparative analysis of Muslims’ experiences of belonging in the diaspora, this paper unfolds the contestation of belonging in the aftermath of migration and provides the concept of displaced belonging. Displaced belonging is characterised by navigating through multiple political landscapes of belonging, as demonstrated in the experiences of Muslim migrants. The conclusion highlights the impact of the politics of belonging on domestic dynamics and daily experiences of belonging at home, as well as the way homemaking in the diaspora challenges these politics. This paper sheds light on the intersectionality of Muslims’ experiences in non-Muslim societies through the poetics and politics of belonging. Doing so encourages the consideration of Aboulela's works as revered interlocutors of Muslim experiences across various disciplines and provides an interpretive-theoretical framework to enhance the analytical repertoire of literary studies.
Stakeholder Perspectives on Research, Policy and Practice Priorities to Increase Human Milk Feeding Rates in the United Kingdom
Authors: Burton Amy Elizabeth , Owen Alison , Taylor Jennifer , Lindsay-Wiles Isobel , Heyes Joanna , Cust Fiona , Page Sarah
Published: September 2024

Background:

Human milk feeding rates in the United Kingdom are a public health concern. Changes to United Kingdom policy and practice are needed to improve lactation support. These should be informed by those with lived experience of human milk feeding and those who provide support.

Research Aim:

The aim of this study was to identify research, policy, and practice priorities for increasing human milk feeding rates using insights from a wide range of stakeholders. A secondary aim was to evaluate the influence of a World Café on individual attendees and their interactions within the organizations and communities of which they are a part.

Methods:

The research employed a participatory qualitative design, incorporating a cross-sectional survey and World Café discussions. World Café is a novel approach to engaging stakeholders in discussion, resulting in consensus-building and participatory-driven recommendations. A pre-event survey was completed by a self-selected sample of 67 participants; 37 of these (55%) took part in World Café discussions or an online focus group. World Café discussions and the online focus groups were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Following the World Café, 12 participants (32%) completed a post-event survey, and eight (22%) completed an additional follow-up survey at 2 months.

Results:

Priority policy and practice changes were identified, including enhancing education, the need for dedicated funding for human milk feeding support, the need to include family within support provision, and the need to change policy regarding media representations of infant feeding. In addition, World Café methodology proved valuable for facilitating networking and instigating changes in relation to support.

Conclusion:

World Café generated stakeholder agreed-on priorities for research and policy. Many of the recommendations from historical policy and guidance continue to be areas for further development.
Hybrid force-position coordinated control of a parallel mechanism with the number of redundant actuators equal to its DOF
Authors: Han Ming , Lian Wangwang , Liu Jianming , Yang Dong , Li Tiejun
Published: September 2024

To address the demands for precision and load-bearing capacity in the installation of building panels, a hybrid force-position driven robot with redundant actuation has been developed. The mechanical performance of this robot is primarily governed by its central parallel mechanism, which is equipped with redundant actuators matching the degrees of freedom. Non-redundant and redundant actuators are respectively responsible for position and force control. The inclusion of redundant force-driven joints has increased the internal coupling within the mechanism. To enhance the coordination between position and force control, a hybrid synchronized control method based on cross-coupling has been proposed. Initially, kinematic and dynamic models of the parallel structure were established. Under predefined trajectories, the theoretical inputs for each actuator were calculated using inverse kinematics and dynamics. Subsequently, employing the principle of cross-coupling, the torque output from the position actuators was used as feedback. This feedback was processed by a synchronized coordination controller to adjust the output force of the redundant force-driven joints. By adjusting the output force of the redundant actuators, the torque burden on the position actuators was effectively reduced, thereby enhancing the precision of position control. Additionally, under the same load conditions, smaller power actuators could be utilized for position control, reducing the overall weight of the robot and improving its load-to-weight ratio. To validate the effectiveness of the proposed control strategy, a robotic simulation environment was established. The simulation results demonstrated significant reductions in the average torque required by the position actuators across three different trajectories, with reductions of 91.43%, 54.56%, and 80.6% respectively. Finally, the load-bearing capacity and the load-to-weight ratio of the prototype were assessed. Experimental results confirmed that the prototype achieved a load-to-weight ratio of 15.83%, validating the effectiveness of the hybrid synchronized control method based on cross-coupling.
Artificial Intelligence in Marketing: Two Decades Review
Authors: Jain Richali , Kumar Ajay
Published: September 2024

Advancements in big data analytics, IoT, and artificial intelligence (AI) have significantly transformed marketing practices and consumer behavior. AI offers promising opportunities for marketing practice and research. However, marketers need a holistic understanding of AI and its influence on consumers. Thus, this study aims to offer a review of AI applications in marketing and explore the role of AI in aiding marketing. This study carries out a review of AI and its applications in marketing by analysing the existing literature between 2000 and 2021. Only those papers were selected for this review, which are positioned around AI technology. Articles were drawn from Google Scholar and Scopus databases and were analysed using thematic analysis. A review of selected papers depicts that AI implementation in marketing is still in its nascent stage. The review proposed the following themes: (a) Prediction Analysis, (b) Relationships with AI, (c) Consumer Relationship Management, (d) AI in Strategic Marketing, (e) AI and Services, (f) Conversational Commerce, (g) Advertising and Artificial Intelligence, and (h) Consumer Brand Engagement.
Examining the Boost Account for Repeat and Near Repeat Burglary in Canada
Authors: Emeno Karla , Pullman Mari , Bennell Craig
Published: September 2024

Research suggests that previously burglarized targets, and targets located near such locations, are at an increased risk of being victimized. However, this elevated risk is only temporary and appears to subside over time. The boost account is one theory that attempts to describe the occurrence of repeat, and near repeat, burglaries. The boost account suggests that these burglaries are the result of the same offender returning to burglarize a dwelling that they have successfully burglarized in the past, or one near the previously victimized target. In the current study, we first determined the repeat and near repeat space-time clustering of solved residential burglaries committed in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, from 2007 to 2008. The results indicate that solved Edmonton burglaries do cluster together in time and space (i.e., residences within 700 m of a previous burgled target are at an increased risk for a period of 7 days). We also investigated whether repeat and near repeat burglaries in the dataset were more likely than distant burglaries to be committed by the same offender. It was found that serial offending by the same offender offers a viable rationale for much of the repeat and near repeat burglaries committed in Edmonton from 2007 to 2008. The practical implications of these results, as well as some limitations and directions for future research, are discussed.
Predictability of Neutrophile to Lymphocyte Ratio and Platelet to Lymphocyte Ratio on the Effectiveness of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer patients: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Nguyen Cuc Thi Thu , Van Tran Nguyen Khanh , Huong Phung Thanh
Published: September 2024

Objectives

The associations between the neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) with the responses of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) and the NLR/PLR predictive potential were evaluated via meta-analysis.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted using the PubMed, Embase, and The Cochrane Library databases until October 2021. The relationship between NLR/PLR and overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) was evaluated using pooled hazard ratios (HR). The relationship between NLR/PLR and overall response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR) was assessed via pooled odds ratios (OR). Heterogeneity between studies, publication bias, subgroup and sensitivity analyses, trim and fill meta-analysis, and the contour-enhanced funnel plot were performed using the R software.

Results

A total of 44 (out of 875) studies met the eligibility criteria, providing a sample size of 4597 patients. Patients with a high NLR were statistically significantly associated with worse outcomes, including OS (pooled HR = 2.44; P < 0.001), PFS (pooled HR = 2.06; P < 0.001), DCR (pooled OR = 0.71; P < 0.001), and ORR (pooled OR = 0.33; P < 0.001). Similarly, a high PLR was associated with poorer outcomes in response to ICI drugs, including OS (pooled HR = 2.13; P < 0.001) and PFS (pooled HR = 1.61; P < 0.001).

Conclusion

High NLR and PLR were associated with a statistically significant reduction in the efficacy of ICI drugs in NSCLC patients. Thereby, it is possible to use NLR and PLR as potential and available biomarkers in the clinical practice to predict the outcome of ICI treatment in NSCLC patients.
“What's Unexpected?” Interventionist Explanations of Dyslexia
Authors: Godfrey Vickie
Published: September 2024

This phenomenological study explored how five participants used their Texas state-approved definition of dyslexia to identify children with dyslexia as different from those with other global reading difficulties. Drawing on theories from disability studies in education and dis/ability critical race theory, I interviewed participants who identified dyslexia in terms of sociocultural differences, beliefs about intelligence, and reading ability. They frequently left unexamined concerns of race and how explanations of dyslexia privileged white, middle-class children over children of color and children in low-income schools. This study contributes to research that critically examines how these definitions of dyslexia segregate students with reading difficulties based on beliefs about intelligence, sociocultural factors, and the lack of conversations about race. Implications suggest that a growing focus on dyslexia may exacerbate inequalities already present in school systems. Stakeholders should critically examine their identification practices of reading difficulties to ensure that all children receive reading support.
In the Mind’s Eye: Exploring the Relationship Between Visual Mental Imagery and Stereotyping
Authors: Eisenstadt Benjamin E. , Spagna Alfredo , Stroessner Steven J.
Published: September 2024

Academic Abstract

How do social stereotypes shape and reflect images formed in the mind’s eye? Visual mental imagery has long been assumed crucial in creating, maintaining, and perpetuating stereotypes and prejudice. Surprisingly, research in social cognition has only recently begun to explore the causal role of mental images in these phenomena. In contrast, cognitive neuroscience research on visual mental imagery (VMI) has explored the pivotal role of imagery in various consequential cognitive and behavioral phenomena. However, cognitive neuroscience has largely neglected how stereotypes influence mental imagery. This article provides a historical overview of the development of these two fields in terms of mental imagery and discusses recent advances at their intersection. Opportunities for additional integration are highlighted, and suggestions for furthering the dual study of stereotyping and mental imagery are provided.

Public Abstract

How can social stereotypes impact and mirror visual imagination? It has long been assumed that visual mental imagery plays a central role in forming, maintaining, and strengthening stereotypes and prejudice. Yet, until recently, there has been limited exploration within social psychology and cognitive neuroscience on the explicit connection between visual mental images and social stereotypes. We describe the historical progression of these fields concerning visual imagery and explore recent advancements that unite stereotyping and mental imagery research. Furthermore, we propose avenues for future research to deepen our understanding of how individuals utilize mental images in stereotyping and how mental imagery can modify stereotypes.
“My Aim Is True”: An Attribution-Identity Model of Ally Sincerity
Authors: Moser Charlotte E. , Wiley Shaun
Published: September 2024

Academic Abstract

Advantaged group allies have multiple motives for supporting equality, raising questions about their sincerity. We draw upon the covariation model of attributions to explain how disadvantaged group members make attributions about whether advantaged group “allies” are sincerely motivated to empower the disadvantaged group. We propose an Attribution-Identity Model of Sincerity (AIMS) which posits that disadvantaged group members view advantaged group members as sincere allies when they support equality in the presence of inhibitory causes and in the absence of facilitative causes, exceed expectations for the advantaged group, and provide support across time and contexts. Furthermore, those who identify strongly with their disadvantaged group and perceive intergroup inequality as illegitimate are most motivated to ascertain the sincerity of advantaged group members’ allyship. AIMS suggests how members of disadvantaged groups seek to maximize benefits and minimize risks of advantaged group members’ allyship.

Public Abstract

Advantaged group members (e.g., men, White Americans) can act as allies for disadvantaged groups (e.g., women, Americans belonging to minoritized racial groups), but members of disadvantaged groups sometimes have reason to question whether their motives are sincere. We argue that members of disadvantaged groups view advantaged group allies as more sincere when they support equality when they do not stand to benefit from it and even when they stand to lose. We also argue that members of disadvantaged groups view advantaged group allies as more sincere when their support for equality goes beyond expectations for their advantaged group, consistently over time, and is not limited to particular situations, forms, or contexts. Members of disadvantaged groups like sincere allies, want to work with them, and feel safe around them. Sincere allies also serve as moral exemplars to other members of advantaged groups.
Histopathological changes in testicular lesions in cats
Authors: Hill Fraser I , Tse May PY , Mills Steve W , Sandy Jeanine R , Elsohaby Ibrahim , Barrs Vanessa R
Published: September 2024

Objectives

The aim of this retrospective study was to describe the neoplastic and non-neoplastic lesions seen on histopathological examination of cat testes in Hong Kong between 2018 and 2024.

Methods

A total of 26 single or dual testes samples were collected from 18 cats by veterinarians at 14 veterinary clinics and submitted for histopathological examination. Laboratory records, including signalment, lesion location, age, breed and histopathological findings, were reviewed for each cat.

Results

Neoplastic testicular lesions were seen in three older cats (median age 8.5 years; range 3–17) compared with 18 non-neoplastic lesions in 15 cats (median age 1 year; range 0.5–3). The most common non-neoplastic lesions included inflammation (in the testes, epididymis, tunics and ductus deferens), cryptorchidism, and one case each of polyorchidism and epididymal cyst formation. Two of the testes with inflammation were identified on immunohistochemical staining as feline coronavirus-infected and one pair of testes was associated with the presence of extracellular Gram-negative bacteria at the lesion site. Three different neoplastic lesions were identified, one each of Sertoli cell tumour, leiomyoma and fibrosarcoma.

Conclusions and relevance

Non-neoplastic testicular lesions were most common, including inflammation, cryptorchidism, polyorchidism and epididymal cysts. To our knowledge, leiomyoma and fibrosarcoma have not been reported in cat testes before and represent important differential diagnoses for testicular lesions.
The incidence and trends of proteinuria, azotemia and hypertension in cats receiving toceranib phosphate
Authors: Williams Kimberly , MacDonald-Dickinson Valerie , Matsuyama Arata
Published: September 2024

Objectives

This retrospective study aimed to determine the incidence and trends of proteinuria, elevations in serum creatinine and urea, and systolic blood pressure in cats undergoing treatment with toceranib.

Methods

In total, 32 cats treated with toceranib for malignancies were analyzed. Cats were included if urinalysis and urine protein:creatinine ratio (UPC) measurements were available at 28 days (T1) and 56 days (T2) after starting the treatment. Cats with concurrent lower urinary tract disease, including urinary tract malignancy, were excluded. Friedman’s ANOVA compared variables between time points, and the Spearman test assessed the correlation between treatment duration and UPC.

Results

The median starting dose of toceranib was 2.68 mg/kg (range 1.7–3.9). In total, 15 (46.9%) cats received concurrent non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The most commonly treated tumors were oral squamous cell carcinoma (n = 10) and mast cell tumor (n = 5). None of the 32 cats developed progressive proteinuria or azotemia during the follow-up period (median 56 days; range 56–336). Notably, UPC and serum creatinine were significantly lower at T2 compared with baseline ( P = 0.012 and 0.001, respectively). Among the four cats with baseline proteinuria, UPC decreased over time with or without concurrent telmisartan treatment (n = 2). All four of these cats experienced a reduction in tumor size with toceranib concurrently with their decreased UPC. There was no significant correlation between UPC and the duration of toceranib treatment ( P = 0.089). Blood pressure was not significantly different over the assessed time points.

Conclusions and relevance

The incidence of proteinuria, renal azotemia and hypertension in cats treated with toceranib for neoplasia appears to be low. Toceranib may be a viable treatment option even in cats with pre-existing proteinuria or renal disease, with careful monitoring of trends recommended.
Impact of vitreomacular interface on intravitreal Brolucizumab efficacy in age-related macular neovascularization
Authors: Ruggeri Maria Ludovica , Toto Lisa , Zeppa Lucio , Gironi Matteo , Quarta Alberto , Venturoni Patrizio , Aharrh-Gnama Agbeanda , Porreca Annamaria , Di Nicola Marta , Mastropasqua Rodolfo
Published: September 2024

Background

This study aimed to assess the influence of vitreoretinal interface (VRI) on the outcome of Brolucizumab intravitreal injections (IVBr) in patients with age-related macular neovascularization (MNV).

Methods

40 eyes of 40 patients with active-naive MNV candidates to IVBr were enrolled at the Ophthalmology Clinic of the University “G. d’Annunzio,” Chieti-Pescara, Italy. Based on the VRI condition, 20 patients were included in the G0 group (without evidence of VRI alterations), whereas 20 patients were enrolled in the G1 group (with VRI abnormalities). The primary outcome measures were changes in best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central macular thickness (CMT), subfoveal choroidal thickness (SCT), pigment epithelial detachment presence and maximum height (PEDMH), intraretinal fluid (IRF) presence, subfoveal subretinal fluid (SSRF) presence and thickness (SSRFT), subretinal pigment epithelium fluid (SRPEF) presence and SRPEF thickness (SRPEFT).

Results

There were no significant differences in BCVA and SCT between the two groups, although both parameters significantly changed over time (BCVA p 0.005; SCT p < 0.001). No differences in CMT and PEDMH were found between the two groups. SSRF presence showed differences between the two groups at T4 (p 0.044), and IRF presence showed significant differences over time (p 0.008) in favor of MNV eyes without VRI alterations.

Conclusions

Concomitant vitreomacular interface disease alterations in eyes treated with IVBr for MNV influenced fluid presence with greater persistence of SSRF and IRF compared to MNV eyes without VRI. Nevertheless, the overall macular thickness and visual function were not significantly different between the two groups.
Conceptualizing the foreign policy roles of states dealing with historical traumas: the case of Israel
Authors: Blanc Emmanuelle , Kalhousová Irena
Published: September 2024

While growing attention has been given to the impact of historical traumas on international politics, we know little about how trauma influences the foreign policy of states that have experienced trauma(s). Challenging the dichotomous conceptualization of traumatized states’ behaviours as either aggressive or pacifist, we show that traumatized states tend to articulate their foreign policy roles in a more complex way. We identify five foreign policy roles reflecting the remembering mode associated with ‘acting out’ (i.e. the role of victim and safe-haven/defender of the traumatized minority), with ‘working through’ (i.e. the role of forgiver, the role of canary in a coal mine and the guardian of the memory) or a blend of the two, demonstrating that both types of remembering modes can be activated simultaneously. The oscillation between these modes of remembering is characteristic of the non-linear process of coping with trauma, explaining the traumatized states’ seemingly inconsistent self-representations. We illustrate our claim with the case of Israel, based on the qualitative content analysis of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speeches to foreign audiences between 2009 and 2021.
Autism and emotion recognition technologies in the workplace
Authors: Katirai Amelia
Published: September 2024

The use of emotion recognition technologies in the workplace is expanding. These technologies claim to provide insights into internal emotional states based on external cues like facial expressions. Despite interconnections between autism and the development of emotion recognition technologies as reported in prior research, little attention has been paid to the particular issues that arise for autistic individuals when emotion recognition technologies are implemented in consequential settings like the workplace. This article examines recent literature on autism and on emotion recognition technologies to argue that the risks of the use of emotion recognition technologies in the workplace are heightened for autistic people. Following a brief overview of emotion recognition technologies, this argument is made by focusing on the issues that arise through the development and deployment of emotion recognition technologies. Issues related to the development of emotion recognition technologies include fundamental problems with the science behind the technologies, the underrepresentation of autistic individuals in data sets and the problems with increasing this representation, and annotation of the training data for the technologies. Issues related to implementation include the invasive nature of emotion recognition technologies, the sensitivity of the data used, and the imposition of neurotypical norms on autistic workers through their use. The article closes with a call for future research on the implications of these emergent technologies for autistic individuals.

Lay abstract

Technologies using artificial intelligence to recognize people’s emotional states are increasingly being developed under the name of emotional recognition technologies. Emotion recognition technologies claim to identify people’s emotional states based on data, like facial expressions. This is despite research providing counterevidence that emotion recognition technologies are founded on bad science and that it is not possible to correctly identify people’s emotions in this way. The use of emotion recognition technologies is widespread, and they can be harmful when they are used in the workplace, especially for autistic workers. Although previous research has shown that the origins of emotion recognition technologies relied on autistic people, there has been little research on the impact of emotion recognition technologies on autistic people when it is used in the workplace. Through a review of recent academic studies, this article looks at the development and implementation processes of emotion recognition technologies to show how autistic people in particular may be disadvantaged or harmed by the development and use of the technologies. This article closes with a call for more research on autistic people’s perception of the technologies and their impact, with involvement from diverse participants.
Linking obsessions to morality: A cross-cultural study among Turkish and Belgian university students
Authors: Ozcanli Fulya , Claes Laurence , Hermans Dirk , Mesquita Batja
Published: September 2024

The present study examines the links between different types of morality and obsessions in university students from Leuven, Belgium ( N = 252) and İstanbul, Turkey ( N = 301) using validated scales for morality and obsessions. Belgium and Turkey were chosen as two exemplar cultural contexts expected, and in the current study found, to differ in the relative levels of individualizing and binding morality. We hypothesized that obsessions involving potential harm (e.g., aggressive obsessions) are cross-culturally associated with individualizing morals, and obsessions indicating impurity (e.g., contamination) are cross-culturally associated with binding morals. Moreover, we expected that cultural differences in the frequency of obsessions could be linked to differences in culturally prevalent moralities. As predicted, contamination obsessions were cross-culturally linked to binding morals. Also, the frequency of contamination obsessions was higher in the Turkish sample compared to the Belgian, which was predicted by higher levels of binding morals in Turkey. Doubts were cross-culturally endorsed at similar rates and were associated with individualizing morals. Aggressive obsessions were relatively more frequent in the Belgian compared to the Turkish sample, however—unexpectedly—these intrusions were not positively linked to either type of morality, neither in Belgium nor in Turkey. Taken together, these findings provide initial support for the role of morality in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), at least for certain types of obsessions (contamination and doubts), as well as suggest that some differences in the moral foundations may play a role in explaining the prevalence of certain obsessions (i.e., contamination).