bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Force-displacement hysteresis characteristics of PAM based on improved generalised Prandtl-Ishlinskii model
Authors: Zhang Yeming , Liu Chuangchuang , Cai Maolin , Shi Yan , Gong Sanpeng , Zhang Hui , Zhang Shuaijie
Published: December 2024

As an advanced actuator that simulates the characteristics of biological muscle, the internal structure and working principle of pneumatic artificial muscle imply significant complexity and highly nonlinear characteristics, which are particularly prominent in the theoretical modelling process, and pose many challenging problems for researchers. The classical Prandtl-Ishlinskii model fails to provide ideal mathematical descriptions and accurate models when dealing with the nonlinear characteristics of pneumatic artificial muscle, resulting in the construction of models for such nonlinear systems that still require further research. Based on the above, this paper proposes a generalised Prandtl-Ishlinskii model based on the improved force-displacement hysteresis characteristics of pneumatic artificial muscle, which employs an improved particle swarm optimisation to identify the unknown parameters of the model, and applies the identified parameters to construct the force-displacement hysteresis curves of pneumatic artificial muscle. Comparing the model fitting results with the experimental data, it is found that the maximum error of the improved generalised Prandtl-Ishlinskii model is reduced by more than 50% and the average error is reduced by more than 75% compared with the classical Prandtl-Ishlinskii model when the internal pressure of the pneumatic artificial muscle is 0.35, 0.4 and 0.45 MPa. The improved generalised Prandtl-Ishlinskii model can better characterise the asymmetric hysteresis property, which improves the model accuracy of the force-displacement coupling of pneumatic artificial muscle, and provides a certain theoretical basis for the later realisation of the precise control of the force-displacement coupling of pneumatic artificial muscle.
Mobility power and society: Managing migrant workers among Chinese multinational companies in Europe
Authors: Zheng Yu , Smith Chris
Published: December 2024

This paper examines how Chinese multinational companies manage labour mobility, with a focus on the sourcing and circulation of labour. Drawing on secondary sources, this study argues that labour mobility is a central issue in employment relations in China and for the Chinese MNCs operating abroad. It presents three employment archetypes that illustrate the varied strategies Chinese firms use to manage labour mobility within China’s societal constraints. Adaptive diffusion of these employment archetypes is not evident among Chinese MNCs in Europe. Instead, Chinese MNCs strategize to secure continued supplies of workers, replace migrant sources that become undesirable or inaccessible, and mitigate disruptions caused by voluntary labour turnover. Several mechanisms enable Chinese MNCs to manage their overseas workforces to maintain the employer dependency like that of migrant workers in China. These mechanisms include internal firm transfer arrangements administered directly by the employer; bilateral labour agreements negotiated through government interventions; and international and local worker deployment mediated through employment agencies. By highlighting the conflicts and negotiations underlying the management of labour mobility among leading Chinese MNCs in Europe, the paper provides an analytical framework for understanding the diversity of Chinese MNCs in structuring employment relations in an increasingly interconnected global labour market.
The gender gap in expert voices: Evidence from economics
Authors: Sievertsen Hans Henrik , Smith Sarah
Published: December 2024

In economics, as in other domains, male experts are overrepresented in public debates. The underlying reason for this is unclear. A demand-side explanation is that female experts are less frequently asked to give their opinion; a supply-side explanation is that, conditional on being asked, female experts are less willing to give their opinion. Analysing an existing panel of expert economists, all asked for their opinions on a broad range of issues, we find evidence of a supply-side gap: male panel members are more likely to give an opinion, and this is the case in all fields of economics and on both in-field and out-of-field topics.
The Evolution of the Measurement of Rape and Sexual Assault Over 50 Years: Milestones, Definitions, Operationalizations, and Classifications
Authors: Fisher Bonnie S. , Gross Rebekkah L.
Published: December 2024

For the past 50 years, the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) has been committed to improving crime victimization estimates through three crime surveys: the National Crime Survey (1972–1991), National Crime Victimization Survey (1992–2023), and the redesigned National Crime Victimization Survey (2024–present). This article explores the progression of how rape and sexual assault (RSA) have been measured across these surveys, highlighting key milestones, legislative impacts, and measurement changes. The key aspects include the transformation of sexual victimization definitions, the focus on behaviors and tactics in the type of crime classification, and the expansion from solely measuring rape to a broader spectrum of RSA. The dedication to refining RSA screening and classification methods through extensive testing and evaluation is evident. This evolution demonstrates BJS’s ongoing efforts to produce accurate RSA estimates and adapt to changing societal and legislative contexts.
Analysis of mental health of healthcare workers and its influencing factors in three consecutive years
Authors: Chen Qili , Shen Shiyuan , Liang Yudan , Kong Lingen , Zhuang Shunzhi , Li Caiming
Published: December 2024

Background

Healthcare workers are an indispensable part of society, and a healthy mind and body are important to them, but today's exacerbation of psychological problems in healthcare, has attracted the attention of society.

Objective

This study spans two particular phases: the COVID-19 pandemic phase and the full liberalization of epidemic control. To explore trends in the mental health status of healthcare workers, particularly anxiety, depression and sleep quality, and to analyze the influencing factors and inform the development of interventions through data collection over three consecutive years.

Methods

A general information questionnaire, SAS, SDS, and PSQI were used to survey in-service healthcare workers in a regional tertiary care hospital for three consecutive years, and data were collected to cover multiple time points to observe trends in mental health and to synthesize and analyze potential influencing factors such as demographic characteristics.

Results

The SAS, SDS, and PSQI scores of the healthcare workers were significantly higher than the national norm. With psychological interventions, the incidence of depression and sleep problems decreased year by year, and the incidence of anxiety problems fluctuated little. Anxiety, depression and sleep problems are affected by a variety of factors, and healthcare workers whose gender is female, whose occupation is nurseing whose age is younger, whose job title is lower, and whose position is on the front line of epidemic prevention are more likely to have mental health problems.

Conclusions

This study identifies the severity and complexity of mental health problems among healthcare workers, analyzes their mental health needs and factors affecting mental health, and provides a scientific basis for providing psychological interventions.
Nomogram for Predicting Survival Post-Immune Therapy in Cholangiocarcinoma Based on Inflammatory Biomarkers
Authors: Jin Jianan , Mou Haibo , Zhou Yibin , Zhang Shiqi
Published: December 2024

Background

Immune therapy, especially involving PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors, has shown promise as a therapeutic option for cholangiocarcinoma. However, limited studies have evaluated survival outcomes in cholangiocarcinoma patients treated with immune therapy. This study aims to develop a predictive model to evaluate the survival benefits of immune therapy in patients with cholangiocarcinoma.

Methods

This retrospective analysis included 120 cholangiocarcinoma patients from Shulan (Hangzhou) Hospital. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were conducted to identify factors associated with survival following immune therapy. A predictive model was constructed and validated using calibration curves (CC), decision curve analysis (DCA), concordance index (C-index), and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves.

Results

Cox regression analysis identified several factors as potential predictors of survival post-immune therapy in cholangiocarcinoma: treatment cycle (<6 vs ≥ 6 months, 95% CI: 0.119-0.586, P = 0.001), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR <3.08 vs ≥ 3.08, 95% CI: 1.864-9.624, P = 0.001), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA <4.13 vs ≥ 4.13, 95% CI: 1.175-5.321, P = 0.017), and presence of bone metastasis (95% CI: 1.306-6.848, P = 0.010). The nomogram model achieved good predictive accuracy with a C-index of 0.811. CC indicated strong concordance between the predicted and observed outcomes. Multi-timepoint ROC curves at 1, 2, and 3 years validated the model’s performance (1-year AUC: 0.906, 2-year AUC: 0.832, 3-year AUC: 0.822). The multi-timepoint DCA curves also demonstrated a higher net benefit compared to extreme curves.

Conclusion

The nomogram model, incorporating key risk factors for cholangiocarcinoma patients post-immune therapy, demonstrates robust predictive accuracy for survival outcomes, offering the potential for improved clinical decision-making.
Explore the Staging of Cerebral Venous Thrombosis Through Fibrinolytic Indicators
Authors: Lan Duo , Guo Yibing , Zhang Xiaoming , Huang Xiangqian , Zhou Da , Ji Xunming , Meng Ran
Published: December 2024

Background

The stage of cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) is crucial to guide treatment decisions. This study aims to examine changes in fibrinolytic indicators throughout CVT onset and validate a predictive model using admission fibrinolytic indicators to estimate the CVT stage.

Methods

Retrospective analysis was conducted on data from 292 CVT patients. We utilized linear regression, time series, and univariate ANOVA analyses to explore characteristics of change in fibrinolytic indicators with CVT duration and identified time point at which fibrinolysis indexes showed significant changes as the time point for acute and chronic stages of CVT. A nomogram was employed to construct a prediction model using a training set, which was then evaluated for discrimination, calibration, and clinical utility.

Results

Prolonged onset duration independently correlated with decreased fibrinogen and D-dimer after adjusting for all variables, with adjusted correlation coefficients of −0.003 (−0.005, −0.001) and −0.004 (−0.007, −0.001), respectively. Significant changes in fibrinolytic indicators were observed around 14 days after CVT onset. The training set demonstrated an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.851 (95% CI: 0.7989-0.904) for the prediction model. Internal validation showed that the nomogram accurately predicted acute CVT with an AUC of 0.828 (95% CI: 0.738-0.918).

Conclusion

According to the trend of fibrinolysis index, 14 days of onset can be used as the dividing point of acute and chronic stages of CVT. For patients with unclear onset, the present model, based on admission fibrinogen and D-dimer values, can accurately predict the stage of CVT. The high discriminative ability indicates the potential of this model for classifying the acute patient.
Enhancing lateral stability of bidirectional virtual track trains through articulated rotation systems
Authors: Ji Yuanjin , Huang Youpei , Ma Xiaoguang , Ren Lihui
Published: December 2024

This paper investigates the mechanism and optimization of the articulated rotation system to enhance the lateral stability of bidirectional Virtual Track Trains (VTT), an innovative rail transportation technology that utilizes virtual tracks instead of physical ones. Through a combination of theoretical analysis and multibody dynamics simulations, the study explores the effects of articulation stiffness and damping on vehicle stability and curve negotiation. Results indicate that increasing articulation stiffness reduces trajectory deviation and the rate of change in lateral deviation, while damping affects the convergence rate without altering stability. The optimized articulation system significantly improves stability and maneuverability, contributing to safer and more efficient operation of VTTs.
Journalism in Chains: A Field Theory Approach to Understanding the Lived Experiences of Afghan Journalists
Authors: Shah Sayyed Fawad Ali , Archiwal Ahmadullah , Hussain Shabir
Published: December 2024

Following the Taliban’s takeover in Afghanistan, journalists and media organizations face unique challenges. This study uses field theory to highlight the voices of this marginalized community, missing from the dialogue on journalistic practices. Through 23 in-depth qualitative interviews, we explore how the Taliban’s rule is reshaping Afghanistan’s journalistic field. Findings reveal that journalists are adopting pragmatic strategies to bring some equilibrium to the field amid Taliban pressures. The existing practices involve renegotiating journalistic approaches where certain aspects are modified and others totally abandoned due to authoritarian constraints. This evolution underscores the profession’s resilience and adaptability, diverging from Western ideals but essential for survival in these strict conditions.
Effectiveness of Simulation-Based Education on Educational Practices of Communication Skills, Satisfaction, and Self-Confidence Among Undergraduate Nursing Students
Authors: Jallad Samar Thabet
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Simulation-based education is one of the important teaching and learning strategies that imitate real situations in a clinical environment of safety. Simulation-based education offers experiential, interactive, and collaborative learning opportunities, and hence can help improve students’ communication skills and increase their satisfaction and self-confidence. Purpose: This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of simulation-based learning on the educational practice of communication skills, satisfaction, and self-confidence among undergraduate nursing students. Methods: An uncontrolled before-and-after study design among first-year nurse students ( n = 112) used the Educational Practices Questionnaire and the Student Satisfaction and Self-Confidence in Learning instruments for data collection. Results: In total, 91.1% of participants reported high satisfaction with simulation-based education experiences. Mean scores for communication skills, student satisfaction, and self-confidence were higher on posttest. There was a suggestive correlation between simulation-based education and the practices of communication skills, satisfaction, and self-confidence. Conclusion: Simulation-based education is associated with improved communication, student satisfaction, confidence, and critical thinking among nursing students. This study is important for institutions because it demonstrates that simulation-based education enhances a safer and more effective learning environment to meet the demands of future health-care professionals by increasing their satisfaction and self-confidence and improving communication skills through increased collaboration in several real-life scenarios.
Endovascular management of central venous catheter induced superior vena cava syndrome
Authors: Anderson Brigitte , Madabhushi Vashisht , Flentje Alison , Jabbari Javaneh , Chaudhary Mirnal , Harding Joel , Nagarsheth Khanjan
Published: December 2024

This case series describes the endovascular management of three patients with catheter-associated superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome. SVC syndrome can result from malignant (60%) or benign (40%) etiologies. The most common causes of benign SVC syndrome are indwelling central venous catheters (CVCs) with 1%–3% and 0.2%–3.3% of patients being affected. In all cases, a mechanical thrombectomy device was used to evacuate the chronic and acute thrombus, followed by a balloon angioplasty and stenting of the SVC. Anterograde flow and rapid symptom resolution was achieved following the procedure. No peri- or postprocedural complications occurred. These cases demonstrate the feasibility of endovascular management of catheter-associated SVC syndrome.
Prevalence of Food Insecurity Among HIV-Positive Smokers in Vietnam
Authors: Guevara Alvarez Gloria , Kapur Reet , Nguyen Trang , Nguyen Nam , Armstrong-Hough Mari , Parekh Niyati , Shelley Donna
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Smoking causes disparate health outcomes among people living with HIV, who also experience higher rates of food insecurity compared to HIV-negative adults.

Objective

Aiming to characterize household food insecurity among HIV + smokers in Vietnam, we surveyed 182 smokers undergoing HIV-care at 5 clinics in Hanoi, Vietnam.

Methods

We estimated the proportion of food insecurity among our sample using the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale and analyzed covariates associated with food insecurity, like income, and moderators of smoking, like drug use.

Results

Food insecurity was reported by 13.3% of our sample. The mean (SD) of years living with HIV was 12.8 (6.45). Moderate-to-severe food insecurity was associated with tobacco dependence [RR = 1.68 (1.27, 2.22); P = .05] and readiness-to-quit smoking [RR = .45 (.24, .86); P = .002].

Conclusions

Our findings suggest people living with HIV who smoke are vulnerable to food insecurity and face very high or high tobacco addiction. We also find evidence that food insecurity is linked to several other conditions that alone or together are barriers to quitting. Considering these findings and the increasing interest in HIV and co-existing chronic conditions like smoking and food insecurity, further research is needed to understand how food insecurity and tobacco use intersect and impact people living with HIV who experience these concomitant conditions.
Can regional revitalization policies boost tourism growth in underdeveloped areas? Evidence from China’s revolutionary base areas
Authors: Hu Haisheng , Liu Decai , Yang Yang
Published: December 2024

Regional policies and support represent essential factors facilitating regional tourism development. The paper constructs a difference-in-differences (DID) model design to explore the impact of a regional revitalization policy, the policy on Several Opinions on Supporting the Revitalization and Development of Gannan and Other Former Central Soviet Areas, on tourism development in the relevant area. Treating this implementation as a quasi-natural experiment, we show that the policy significantly contributes to tourism development. We further identify the mechanism of the policy-tourism causal relationship through the mediation effect model. Results indicated that the regional revitalization policy fosters tourism development by promoting economic growth and transportation accessibility. Lastly, province-based heterogeneity analysis recognized a stronger policy effect in Guangdong and Fujian Provinces, which witnessed higher economic levels. Several implications were provided based on the empirical evidence.
Stimulating Political Imagination With Arts-Based Methods: The Case of Utopia Consultation
Authors: Perheentupa Inna , Porkola Pilvi
Published: December 2024

In this article, we identify ways to methodologically stimulate political imagination in sociological research by exploring an art concept called ‘utopia consultation’ and related arts-based exercises. We investigate how political imagination can be stimulated and practised through arts-based research methods in sociology, and what tangible tools arts-based research offers for studying the intangible. Our analysis builds on recent work on utopia, understood as a tool rather than a blueprint, and sociology of the future, which focuses on the future as an analytical category. We draw on 18 one-on-one utopia consultation sessions conducted in 3 upper secondary schools in Finland, and 3 facilitated collective discussions with the participants in each education institution to discuss their experiences of the one-on-one utopia consultations. Based on our analysis, we suggest four key methodological practices for stimulating political imagination: dialogue, play, cultivating a hopeful orientation to the not-yet, and collective utopian negotiation. We advance sociological discussions of methodology around utopia and political imagination, and contribute to sociological work on the intangibility of discovering the not-yet through arts-based methods by identifying tangible practices and tools for studying the intangible.
(L2) grit, emotions, and motivated learning behavior: The case of English majors in Hungary
Authors: Csizér Kata , Pawlak Mirosław , Albert Ágnes , Kruk Mariusz
Published: December 2024

Although the number of studies into grit in second/foreign language (L2) learning is on the rise, available empirical evidence is still scant, particularly in relation to links between the two facets of (L2) grit (i.e. perseverance and interest), positive (i.e. enjoyment, curiosity) and negative (i.e. in-class and after-class boredom, anxiety) emotions as well as motivation. In addition, most research has been quantitative in nature and has mainly targeted Asian contexts. In order to fill these gaps, a mixed-methods study was undertaken among English majors and English student teachers in Hungary. It aimed to: (1) characterize the participants in terms of the variables under investigation, (2) identify their profiles in relation to general grit and L2 grit, and (3) determine the differences between the identified clusters with respect to different emotions and motivation. Quantitative data were collected from 331 students by means of a composite questionnaire while semi-structured interviews with nine participants were employed to gather qualitative data. Among other things, cluster analysis allowed identification of four distinct groups of participants while analysis of variance indicated that, overall, higher levels of (L2) grit were accompanied by higher levels of positive emotions and motivated behavior, and lower levels of negative emotions. Content analysis of the interview data, however, testified to the complexity of (L2) grit, its potential malleability, complex interactions with other variables, and context-dependence.
The effects of two Alzheimer's disease related genes APOE and MAPT in healthy young adults: An attentional blink study
Authors: Zeng Jianmin , Gao Ziyun , Xiong Xiong , Hou Xingrong , Qin Huihui , Liu Yong , Bowman Howard , Ritchie Craig , O’Brien John T , Su Li
Published: December 2024

Background

Genetic risk factors start to affect the brain and behavior in Alzheimer's disease (AD) before clinical symptoms occur. Although AD is mainly associated with memory deficits, attention and executive dysfunctions can present at the early presymptomatic stages in middle age for those with non-modifiable risks.

Objective

Here, we investigated whether known risk genes for AD already affected attention in young adulthood.

Methods

A total of 392 healthy young adults aged around 20 years underwent genetic testing for risks of dementia ( APOE and MAPT) and performed a computerized cognitive test for temporal attention called the Attentional Blink (AB) task, in which patients with dementia tested in previous studies often showed reduced performance. Here, the AB task was analyzed using repeated-measurements analysis of variance for the ability of visual perception, attention deployment and temporal memory encoding/binding performance.

Results

The results showed that all participants exhibited AB effects. Importantly, genetic risk factors had statistically significant influence on temporal attention depending on sex in healthy young adults. APOE4 status was associated with enhanced attention deployment in males but not females, while MAPT AA carriers had poorer performance in AB but only in females. No genetic effects were found for visual perception and temporal memory binding errors between high and low risk groups.

Conclusions

We provided evidence that both APOE and MAPT start to affect attentional function as early as young adulthood. Furthermore, unlike previous findings in older people, these genes had a differential effect for males and females in young adults.
Articulatory precision from connected speech as a marker of cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s disease risk-enriched cohorts
Authors: Xu Lingfeng , Chen Kewei , Mueller Kimberly D , Liss Julie , Berisha Visar
Published: December 2024

Background

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) has been recognized as a possible precursor to Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Recent research focusing on connected speech has uncovered various features strongly correlated with MCI due to AD and related dementias. Despite these advancements, the impact of early cognitive decline on articulatory precision has not been thoroughly investigated.

Objective

This study introduced the phoneme log-likelihood ratio (PLLR) to assess the articulatory precision of speakers across different cognitive status levels and compared its effectiveness to existing well-studied acoustic features.

Methods

The study utilized speech recordings from a picture description task, which included data from 324 cognitively unimpaired participants with low amyloid-β burden (CU, Aβ([Formula: see text])), 47 cognitively unimpaired participants with high amyloid-β burden (CU, Aβ([Formula: see text])), 69 participants with MCI, and 20 participants with dementia. Nine acoustic features were extracted from the speech recordings, covering three categories: speech fluency, speech pace, and articulatory precision. Welch’s [Formula: see text]-test and Hedge’s [Formula: see text] were adopted to assess their discriminative ability.

Results

A reduction in speech fluency and pace was observed among participants in the MCI and dementia groups. The PLLR shows large effect sizes in distinguishing between cognitively unimpaired participants with low Aβ burden and those diagnosed with MCI or dementia. Additionally, the test-retest reliability experiment indicated moderate repeatability of the features under study.

Conclusions

The study reveals PLLR as a sensitive indicator capable of detecting subtle articulatory variations across groups, while also providing further support for the association between reduced articulatory precision and early cognitive decline.
Loss of the mitochondrial protein mitoNEET in mice is associated with cognitive impairments and increased neuroinflammation
Authors: Geldenhuys Werner J , Wilson Gina N , Hernandez Katrina , Monaghan Kailee , Smith Kaitlynn , Cicala Dominick S , Poling Terri J , Walton James C , Han Peng Cheng , Huber Jason D
Published: December 2024

Background

Mitochondrial dysfunction is implicated in several neurodegenerative diseases associated with memory and cognitive deficits, including Alzheimer's disease. Changes in bioenergetic function results in reactive oxygen species, oxidative damage and consequently neuroinflammation, which contributes to neuronal cell loss.

Objective

In this study, we evaluated the impact of the loss of the redox active [2Fe-2S] mitochondrial-associated protein mitoNEET (CISD1) on neuroinflammation and cognition using an age-appropriate preclinical model. While associations between neuroinflammation and poor cognitive impacts have been shown in recent work, little has been done to assess whether loss of mitoNEET is associated with changes in neuroinflammatory markers or negative cognitive-behavioral outcomes.

Methods

Using 9–11-month-old mitoNEET knockout (CISD1-/-) and wild-type mice, we conducted a battery of cognitive tests to assess the impact of mitoNEET loss on performance. We then histologically evaluated the effect of absence of mitoNEET on markers of neuroinflammation in the aged brain.

Results

We found loss of mitoNEET in mice was associated with a significant reduction in willingness to explore within an open field and impaired short-term spatial working memory in the Y-maze. We also found a significant reduction in novel object recognition memory that was gene-dependent and accompanied by reduced c-fos expression in hippocampus and cortical regions.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that mitoNEET loss is significantly associated with impairments in cognitive-behavioral and neuroinflammatory outcomes; specifically, learning and memory, anxiety-like behaviors, neuroinflammation, and neural activation. This is the first study to demonstrate cognitive-associated behavioral deficits with neuroinflammation in the mitoNEET knockout mouse model.
Job crafting and employees’ innovative behaviour in hotels: Exploring the role of employees’ psychological state and workplace gossip
Authors: Soliman Mohammad , Anasori Elham , Ranjan Aditya , Obaid Mohammad Ali
Published: December 2024

Grounded by the Job Crafting Theory, along with the JD-R model, this work examines how job crafting impacts innovative behaviour, considering the impact of psychological distress, resilience, and negative gossip at the workplace. A self-administrated questionnaire was used to collect data from employees at hotels in Antalya, Turkey, and analysed using PLS-SEM. Results showed job crafting significantly influenced both innovative behaviour and psychological distress. Individual crafting does not significantly impact resilience, but collaborative crafting substantially affects it. Psychological distress significantly impacts resilience, innovative behaviour, and negative gossip. Resilience affects both innovative behaviour and negative gossip, the latter significantly influences innovation. This research enriches theory by exploring how job crafting influences employees’ innovation amidst factors (i.e., psychological distress, resilience, and gossip) in hotels. Additionally, it provides managers of hotels with strategies to enhance innovation and diminish negative workplace dynamics.
Radiomics Harmonization in Ultrasound Images for Cervical Cancer Lymph Node Metastasis Prediction Using Cycle-GAN
Authors: Zhao Zeshuo , Qin Yuning , Shao Kai , Liu Yapeng , Zhang Yangyang , Li Heng , Li Wenlong , Xu Jiayi , Zhang Jicheng , Ning Boda , Yu Xianwen , Jin Xiance , Jin Juebin
Published: December 2024

Background: Ultrasound (US) based radiomics is susceptible to variations in scanners, sonographers. Objective: To retrospectively investigate the feasibility of an adapted cycle generative adversarial networks (CycleGAN) in the style transfer to improve US based radiomics in the prediction of lymph node metastasis (LNM) with images from multiple scanners for patients with early cervical cancer (ECC). Methods: The CycleGAN was firstly trained to transfer paired US phantom images from one US device to another one; the model was then further trained and tested with clinical US images of ECC by transferring images from four US devices to one specific device; finally, the adapted model was tested with its effects on the radiomics feature harmonization and accuracy of LNM prediction in US based radiomics for ECC patients. Results: Phantom study demonstrated an increased radiomics harmonization using CycleGAN with an average Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.60 and 0.81 for radiomics features extracted from original and generated images in correlation with the target phantom images, respectively. Additionally, the image quality metric Peak Signal-to-Noise Ratio (PSNR) was increased from 11.18 for the original images to 15.45 for the generated image. Clinical US images of 169 ECC patients were enrolled for style transfer model training and validation. The area under curve (AUC) of LNM prediction radiomics models with features extracted from generated images of different style transfer models ranged from 0.73 to 0.85. The AUC was improved from 0.78 with features extracted from original images to 0.85 with style transferred images. Conclusions: The adapted CycleGAN network is able to increase the radiomics feature harmonization for images from different ultrasound equipment based on image domain and improve the LNM prediction accuracy for ECC.
The Embodied Self-Representations of Older Women: A Qualitative Study Protocol for Developing and Evaluating a Therapeutic Model with Narrative and Phototherapy Techniques
Authors: Piol Silvia , Orkibi Hod , Keisari Shoshi
Published: December 2024

Gendered ageism, the intersection of ageism and gender bias, conceptualizes how social constructions shape attitudes toward older women and restrict their access to societal resources. As oppressive gendered ageist stereotypes can affect how older women perceive their embodied selves, interventions tailored to women’s needs are essential to maintaining a positive identity. This research protocol aims to develop an arts-based intervention specifically adapted to the psychosocial needs of community-dwelling older Italian women. It centers on the embodied self-representations of older women from a life-course perspective that integrates narrative and phototherapy techniques. In the first phase of this research project, a pragmatic approach will be taken to explore professionals’ use of phototherapy techniques with aging women; the data will be analyzed through reflexive thematic analysis. Building on the findings and the literature, an intervention will then be developed for older women. In the second phase, a narrative approach will be taken to probe the embodied self-representations of older Italian women as expressed in their narratives and photographic art products; the data will be analyzed through polytextual analysis of personal narratives. In the third phase, interviews based on the arts-based approach and the Client Change Interview will be conducted with older women to examine the psychosocial contribution of the intervention and their experiences with the artistic process and products; the data will be analyzed through reflexive thematic analysis. To uphold qualitative research rigor, data triangulation, reflexive journaling, auditing, and member checking will be employed. The data collection will be conducted between 2024 and 2025. The findings of this study will shed light on the embodied self-representations of older women in Italy as they emerge in their narratives and phototherapy artworks and will provide an empirically based intervention that integrates narrative and phototherapy techniques tailored to their psychosocial needs.
Quantitative literacy and the continuing gap between curriculum policy and practice
Authors: Schmidt William H , Houang Richard T , Sullivan William F , Cogan Leland S
Published: December 2024

Opportunities to learn related to the use of quantitative reasoning to solve higher-order real-world applications that reflect the messy nature of the world are scarce and vary across countries. Those experiences are essential to the development of quantitative literacy. This literacy, like that related to language, is critical for all children. To examine this issue, 19 countries were involved in a study that analyzed the degree of emphasis placed on quantitative literacy in their curriculum standards. Most countries have such policies but vary appreciably regarding their degree of emphasis. Furthermore, the countries’ 8th grade textbooks were analyzed to determine the degree to which those books provided opportunities to develop quantitative literacy. The results identified a major policy-practice gap.
Does difficulty moderate learning? A comparative analysis of the desirable difficulties framework and cognitive load theory
Authors: Pyke Wesley , Lunau Johan , Javadi Amir-Homayoun
Published: December 2024

There is evidence to suggest that variations in difficulty during learning can moderate long-term retention. However, the direction of this effect is under contention throughout the literature. According to both the Desirable Difficulties Framework (DDF) and the Retrieval Effort Hypothesis (REH), increasing difficulty (thus relative effort) during retrieval-based learning can help achieve superior long-term retention. One reason for this is due to improved schema formation following a deeper encoding strategy, allowing for more efficient retrieval techniques. A conflicting theory discussed in this review is the Cognitive Load Theory (CLT). The CLT states that conditions for learning are best when extraneous load is reduced, and intrinsic load is optimised. By doing this, germane resources can focus on schema formation. While both theories consider schema formation key to successful retention, the way in which it is best achieved is conflicting. To date, both theories have yet to be compared despite their commonalities. This review evaluates the aforementioned theories, before proposing a new model of difficulty in learning. The proposed model integrates principles from the DDF, REH, and CLT, incorporating insights from Perceptual Load Theory (PLT). It suggests that task difficulty should be adjusted based on the material’s complexity and the learner’s expertise. Increasing difficulty benefits low-element-interactivity tasks by enhancing focus and retention, while reducing difficulty in high-element-interactivity tasks prevents cognitive overload.
A grounded theory for professional soccer teams’ playing styles: Towards a consensus
Authors: Plakias Spyridon , Kasioura Charoula , Pamboris George M. , Kokkotis Christos , Tsatalas Themistoklis , Moustakidis Serafeim , Papalexi Marina , Giakas Giannis , Tsaopoulos Dimitrios
Published: December 2024

The recognition of playing styles in soccer has been established as highly significant in the performance analysis of the sport. The aim of this research was to clarify the terms used by authors to express this specific concept and to identify all recognized playing styles, examining their relationships, thereby creating a comprehensive framework. We employed a qualitative study design using a Grounded Theory approach. A rigorous process of open, axial, and selective coding was applied, involving nine researchers to ensure the reliability of the findings. Qualitative research data were obtained from documents found on Scopus and Google Scholar. After applying specific criteria, 205 documents were deemed suitable, with 22 of them necessary to achieve theoretical saturation, the point where no new properties, dimensions, or relationships emerge during analysis. The 22 documents were analyzed using Atlas.ti.23, identifying 84 codes, 40 of which were utilized as categories and 44 as subcategories. The set of codes categorized into six thematic folders. The analysis led to the identification of terms used to express the concept of style in the international literature and the recognition of playing styles used to characterize a team a) regardless of the game phases, b) in specific phases of the game, c) in specific sub-phases of the attack, d) based on the game phases that teams rely on for their tactics, and e) based on the teams’ physical performance. By synthesizing existing literature, we proposed a Grounded Theory that serves as a consensus point for researchers and coaches. This theory managed to overcome the limitations of individual studies and can serve as the foundation for effective communication within the soccer community, thus being a useful tool for future research, as well as for coaches, analysts, and scouts of the teams.
Uveitis in paediatric Behçet disease: a large multicentric Italian cohort
Authors: Maccora Ilaria , Orsini Sara Immacolata , Gallizzi Romina , Montin Davide , Cattalini Marco , La Torre Francesco , Spagnolo Alessandra , Diomeda Federico , Simonini Gabriele
Published: December 2024

Background:

Behçet disease (BD) is a rare disease in childhood and its uveitis may lead to blindness if not properly treated.

Objectives:

We aim to describe a cohort of paediatric BD patients with uveitis.

Design:

This is a multicentric retrospective study.

Methods:

Six paediatric rheumatology units in Italy were involved including children with a diagnosis of paediatric BD according to the International Criteria for BD Criteria and/or to the International Study Group Criteria for BD, or Paediatric BD classification criteria if they had uveitis. Demographic, laboratory and clinical data were collected and followed up to March 2023. Ocular characteristics and treatment response were assessed according to Standardization Uveitis Nomenclature.

Results:

Among the 97 children with BD followed, 33 (34%) had uveitis (22 males, 66.7%). The median age at onset of BD and uveitis were, respectively, 11.5 years (2.5–17.1) and 11 years (3–17.3). Uveitis preceded BD diagnosis in 18 children (54.5%). Seventeen children had HLA B51 positivity (51.5%). Uveitis was bilateral in 25 (75.8%), and panuveitis in 16 (48.5%). All the patients received at least 1 systemic treatment for uveitis: 25 adalimumab, 2 tocilizumab, 1 abatacept, 3 infliximab, 4 azathioprine, 1 methotrexate and 1 corticosteroid. The remission was achieved with 30/35 treatments (85.7%) after a median time of 8 months (6–24). Six children had a relapse in therapy after the achievement of remission (20%). Fourteen patients stopped the therapy for persistent remission, but 5 relapsed (35.7%) after a median time of 9 months (range 1–48).

Conclusion:

Uveitis in BD is a sight-threatening condition, and it is more frequently a panuveitis. Biologic treatments seem to be often required to control ocular inflammation.
Design for People With Dementia: A Scoping Review on the Perspective of Inclusion, Accessibility, and Equity in Healthcare
Authors: Machado Bárbara Foiato Hein , König Klever Emanuele , Libânio Cláudia de Souza
Published: December 2024

Purpose: We explored the literature on the use of design in dementia care and the relationships with inclusion, accessibility, and equity in the past decade. Background: A body of research indicates the importance of studies that focus on a person-centered approach, with a direct potential to impact the quality of life of people with dementia through inclusion, accessibility, and equity. Although there is a growing presence of the literature on design approaches in dementia care settings, there is a need to integrate these findings for a better understanding of the progress in this field. Methods: We conducted a scoping review of the literature in seven databases, covering a period of ten years in May 2023. Results: Twenty-nine papers were included and analyzed with a focus on person-centered design and its relationship with inclusion, accessibility, and equity. Based on the identification and analysis of these studies, we discuss the significance of person-centered design, emphasizing its impacts on inclusion, accessibility, and equity. We present a summary of findings and offer recommendations for future research. Conclusions: By exploring and presenting existing practices, resources, and tools tailored to specific needs in dementia care, this research provides information for researchers, designers, and policymakers in developing interventions that prioritize the well-being and dignity of those affected by this condition.
Scoping Review: Association of Inpatient Hospital Design Features With Patients’ Clinical Outcomes
Authors: Oh Esther Jiin , Liu Alice J. , James LaTeesa , Varon David , Mead Mitchell , Ibrahim Andrew M.
Published: December 2024

Objective: To identify associations between inpatient hospital design features and empirical patient clinical outcomes as well as changes over time. Background: A growing body of literature has emerged evaluating the association of hospital design features with measurable clinical outcomes during inpatient hospital admissions. However, there has been limited effort to evaluate the scope and quality of studies examining individual, inpatient hospital design features on empirical patient clinical outcomes. Methods: Primary research articles published in English between 1980 and 2021 evaluating inpatient clinical outcomes were included. Key terms for hospital designs and clinical outcomes were used. Ovid Medline, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Elsevier Embase, and Google Scholar were searched on May 28, 2021. Data were independently extracted by two authors, with arbitration from the third author. Results: Forty-six research articles were included for analysis. Predominantly studied inpatient hospital design features included: single versus multibedded rooms/wards, windows, furnishings, installed lighting, ward size and spatial arrangement, noise level, air ventilation, and patient visibility. Although nearly half (43%) of the articles lack appropriate methods to account for residual confounding, a trend of improvement in the use of appropriate methods was identified with 68% of studies in the last decade having appropriate methods. Studies demonstrating positive associations were more likely to be cited than those with negative associations (average citation per article, 508 vs. 27). Conclusion: Our study demonstrates the use of empirical patient clinical outcomes as a feasible approach to evaluate hospital design features, and identified an incremental improvement in the methods being applied.
Mapping Tourists’ Evaluations of a Hotel: An Analysis of Branded Versus Non-Branded Hotels
Authors: Seo Kwanglim , Shulga Lenna
Published: December 2024

Using Leximancer text-mining software and multiple regression, tourists’ online reviews of branded and non-branded hotels and resorts in Hawaii were analyzed to identify key concepts and attributes relative to brands based on positive and negative online sentiment. The text-mining findings revealed that perceptions of branded hotels are more closely related to tourists’ experiences, while perceptions of non-branded hotels are associated with specific hotel attributes. The hierarchical multiple regression analysis further showed that when tourists describe their hotel stay in the review, their overall rating is positively affected, but references to hotel staff in the review have a negative impact. By exploring various concepts, connections, and pathways to behavioral intentions emerging from unconstructed qualitative data, this study provides an alternative way to analyze tourists’ perceptions and attitudes toward branded and non-branded accommodations.
CUSMA, a capitalist adventurism? Marxist analysis of class inequities in the Canada-United States-Mexico agreement
Authors: Singh Ankit
Published: December 2024

This essay will serve as a theoretical intervention, highlighting the inherent contradictions within CUSMA's labor provisions. By critically analyzing the agreement through a Marxist lens, it will reveal how the agreement perpetuates capitalist exploitation even with its purported aims of improving labor conditions. The analysis will emphasize that meaningful advancements in labor rights under global trade agreements like CUSMA require a radical restructuring of economic systems. This theoretical critique aims to deepen the understanding of labor rights within the context of international trade and capitalist frameworks, rather than proposing policy changes.