bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Religion and Secularism: A Critical Examination of Their Interplay in Modernity
Authors: Imran Muzzamel Hussain , Leng Xin
Published: January 2025

This study examines the evolving relationship between religion and secularism, emphasizing the critique of secularism in the context of the contemporary world. While advocates for religion argue that its presence in public life offers meaningful benefits and enhances democratic values, secularists contend that maintaining a separation between church and state is essential for protecting individual rights and freedoms. The research critiques the prevailing view of secularization as synonymous with modernization, which assumes that religion will inevitably decline. It highlights the ongoing significance of religious communities within contemporary pluralistic societies and reassesses the boundaries of the public sphere in light of this persistence.
Bede on Jude
Authors: Moore Nicholas J.
Published: January 2025

The Venerable Bede is known today as the first English historian. Yet he considered himself to be an exegete above all else, and was received as such in the medieval church. Among his various works of biblical interpretation is the first extant Latin commentary on the Catholic Epistles. Dating from the early stage of Bede’s writing, the commentary is generally characterized as concerned with the plain or literal sense of the text. This article offers a reading of the final book of Bede’s commentary, on the Epistle of Jude. Here we find evidence of Bede’s learning and his interest in a range of canonical and doctrinal questions. Significantly, the article demonstrates that Bede also develops early and brief figural readings of the text, and thus disproves the contention that he is concerned only with its literal sense.
Exploring the Digital Spaces of Women Artisans in Kashida Crafts: Case Stories From Thar Desert of Western Rajasthan
Authors: Thounaojam Shripama , Ojha Jaya Kritika
Published: January 2025

Kashida crafts (hand embroidery) have been practiced for centuries and have a rich cultural heritage that has been passed down from generation to generation. However, with the advent of modern technology, changing trends in fashion, and the thriving markets of machine-made craft products, handmade crafts such as Kashida are progressively losing their relevance in recent times. The paper aims at exploring the perspectives, narratives, challenges and barriers of women artisans of the desert in adopting the digital ecosystem for their craft. The paper follows a qualitative approach and undertakes thematic analysis from the case of 10 women artisans to draw inferences on critical factors, bottlenecks and the possibilities of strengthening the digital spaces. The findings reveal that there is financial instability and a generational gap in digital literacy. Overcoming these barriers can empower artisans to utilize digital platforms for wider reach and cultural preservation.
Chewing-Activated TRPV4/PIEZO1–HIF-1α–Zn Axes in a Rat Periodontal Complex
Authors: Wang Y. , Lee B.H. , Yang Z. , Ho T.J. , Ci H. , Jackson B. , Pushon T. , Wang B. , Levy J. , Ho S.P.
Published: January 2025

The upstream mechanobiological pathways that regulate the downstream mineralization rates in periodontal tissues are limitedly understood. Herein, we spatially colocalized and correlated compression and tension strain profiles with the expressions of mechanosensory ion channels (MS-ion) TRPV4 and PIEZO1, biometal zinc, mitochondrial function marker ( MFN2), cell senescence indicator ( p16), and oxygen status marker hypoxia-inducible factor-1α ( HIF-1α) in rats fed hard and soft foods. The observed zinc and related cellular homeostasis in vivo were ascertained by TRPV4 and PIEZO1 agonists and antagonists on human periodontal ligament fibroblasts ex vivo. Four-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed hard ( n = 3) or soft ( n = 3) foods for 4 wk (in vivo). Significant changes in alveolar socket and root shapes with decreased periodontal ligament space and increased cementum volume fraction were observed in maxillae on reduced loads (soft food). Reduced loads impaired distally localized compression-stimulated PIEZO1 and mesially localized tension-stimulated TRPV4, decreased mitochondrial function ( MFN2), and increased cell senescence in mesial and distal periodontal regions. The switch in HIF-1α from hard food–distal to soft food–mesial indicated a plausible effect of shear-regulated blood and oxygen flows in the periodontal complex. Blunting or activating TRPV4 or PIEZO1 MS-ion channels by channel-specific antagonists or agonists in human periodontal ligament fibroblast cultures (in vitro) indicated a positive correlation between zinc levels and zinc transporters but not with MS-ion channel expressions. The effects of reduced chewing loads in vivo were analogous to TRPV4 and PIEZO1 antagonists in vitro. Study results collectively illustrated that tension-induced TRPV4 and compression-induced PIEZO1 activations are necessary for cell metabolism. An increased hypoxic state with reduced functional loads can be a conducive environment for cementum growth. From a practical standpoint, dose rate–controlled loads can modulate tension and compression-specific MS-ion channel activation, cellular zinc, and HIF-1α transcription. These mechanobiochemical events indicate the plausible catalytic role of biometal zinc in mineralization, periodontal maintenance, and dentoalveolar joint function.
Molecular Profiling of Odontoclasts during Physiological Tooth Replacement
Authors: Henriquez J.I. , Flibotte S. , Fu K. , Richman J.M.
Published: January 2025

The odontoclast is a rarely studied cell type that is overly active in many dental pathologies, leading to tooth loss. It is difficult to find diphyodont mammals in which either physiological or pathological root resorption can be studied. Here we use the adult leopard gecko, which has repeated cycles of physiological tooth resorption and shedding. RNA-seq was carried out to compare gene expression profiles of functional teeth to developing teeth. Genes more highly expressed in bell-stage developing teeth were related to morphogenesis ( PTHLH, SFRP2, SHH, EDAR). Some genes expressed in osteoclasts ( ACP5, CTSK, CSF1R) were relatively more abundant in functional teeth compared with developing teeth. There was, however, no differential expression of RANKL ( TNFSF11) in the 2 tooth types. In addition, functional teeth expressed proteolysis genes not found in osteoclasts ( ADAMTS2, 3, 4, 14; CTSA, CTSH, CTSS). We used tartrate acid resistant phosphatase and cathepsin K (CTSK) staining to identify odontoclasts in and around the gecko dentition. There were 3 populations of CTSK cells: (1) large, functional multinucleated odontoclasts in the crown of the tooth with a ruffled border inside resorption pits; (2) smaller, precursor cells in the pulp with fewer nuclei; and (3) flattened external precursor cells next to the root and bone of attachment. We found a positive relationship between developing teeth and the population of CTSK+ cells on the root surface. We tested a candidate signal that may be involved in CTSK+ cell presence. An antagonist of CSF1R was delivered to developing teeth in vivo, which resulted in a significant decrease in CTSK and CSF1R compared with DMSO controls. Thus, the CSF1 signaling pathway is upstream of CTSK in teeth. This is the first work to detail the molecular characteristics of odontoclasts during physiological tooth shedding and to demonstrate that in vivo, local drug delivery is possible in the gecko model.
Using QuantCrit to Examine Black and White Student Graduate School Enrollment Trends From 2002 to 2018
Authors: Solinas-Saunders Monica , Hobson Charles J. , Frink Dorothy E.
Published: January 2025

Applying the tenets of QuantCrit, longitudinal trends in estimated graduate school enrollment percentages for Black and White students from 2002 to 2018 were analyzed and compared using U.S. Department of Education data. While the statistical analyses for Black students confirmed a positive linear trend, the relatively recent downward movement from 2012 to 2018 is concerning. Considering the recent SCOTUS decision to eliminate any consideration of race from college admission standards, we should closely monitor the enrollment of Black students in graduate programs.
The Reakiro Care Model for Persons With a Chronic Death Wish: An Epidemiological Study
Authors: Vanhie Thijs , Verdegem Sofie , Cuypers Annelies , Bemelmans Luc , Onghena Patrick , Vandenberghe Joris
Published: January 2025

Reakiro is a walk-in, care and expertise center for persons with severe, chronic psychiatric illness and a persisting death wish, leading to chronic suicidality and/or a euthanasia request. The aim is to introduce the Reakiro model, integrating principles from presence theory, recovery-oriented care, existential therapy, and palliative care, and to describe the population visiting Reakiro ( N = 505). 55.4% had not (or not yet) formally requested euthanasia. 13.9% were in a euthanasia evaluation procedure and a minority finished the procedure (2.0% granted, 2.2% denied). A majority (63.4%) matched with two or more categories in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V). Depressive (54.3%), personality (35.4%), and trauma-related disorders (28.7%) were most prevalent. Compared with previous Belgian samples of persons requesting psychiatric euthanasia, the Reakiro sample shows similar distribution of sex, age, and prevalence of mood and personality disorders. The sample differs in showing a higher prevalence of trauma-related disorders.
Current practices of pain assessment and analgesic use in laboratory mice: A 2022 FELASA Working Group survey
Authors: Gomez de Segura Ignacio A , Seeldrayers Saskia , Flecknell Paul
Published: January 2025

Assessing and alleviating pain in animals involved in research is critically important. However, the effective implementation of pain management depends on the knowledge and attitudes of the personnel involved. Following a Federation of European Laboratory Animal Science Associations ‘Pain in Mice’ working group initiative, a questionnaire to survey current practices concerning analgesic use in laboratory mice was distributed to several professional groups in the field of laboratory animal science. Besides demographic data, attitudes to pain and analgesia and sources of information and advice on pain management were assessed. Data were gathered and analysed through an e-survey provider. Most respondents ( N = 222) were from Europe (90%). Analgesics were administered to murine surgical models by 92% of respondents in most cases and by 66% to all mice undergoing surgery. Most respondents used multimodal analgesic regimens (69%). For non-surgical models, 34% of respondents provided analgesics. The most commonly administered classes of analgesics were opioids (mostly buprenorphine) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (mostly meloxicam and carprofen). A wide range of dose rates of meloxicam and carprofen was reported. Local anaesthetics were also widely used in surgical models (mostly lidocaine). Pain assessment was undertaken by most respondents (98%). In conclusion, most respondents provided analgesics to mice undergoing surgery and used analgesics in some non-surgical models. A considerable variation in the dose range used and the timing of administration of analgesics likely reflects both a lack of data and variation in pain assessment methodologies.
Textual Enhancement's Impact on Reading Fluency and Comprehension
Authors: Lee Bradford J. , Thomson Sam
Published: January 2025

Textual enhancement (TE) refers to any modification made to written text for the purpose of drawing learners’ visual attention to the target area. Typically, TE is employed to encourage learners to notice specific aspects of language (e.g., grammar, vocabulary, discourse features). However, the current study sought to investigate TE's potential effect on a unique outcome: reading fluency (i.e., speed). N = 132 students at a Japanese university were asked to read two passages (one standard, one textually enhanced) and were assessed on both their reading speeds and level of comprehension. The results indicated that while there was a statistically significant (albeit, slight) increase in their reading speeds of the TE passage ( t = 3.78, p < .001, d = .33) there was no significant difference in their comprehension of the two ( t = −.60, p = .54, d = .05). Participants were also surveyed regarding their level of consciousness of the enhancements, along with their reactions to the technique. Surprisingly, students’ cognition of the enhancements was partially dependent on group membership: students who were exposed to the enhanced text first were less likely to notice that the two passages were stylistically different, indicating their focus on meaning entirely eclipsed a focus on form.
A Case for Teacher Inquiry Groups for Exploring Language Teacher Identity Constructions in Transnational Contexts
Authors: Fairley Mariah J.
Published: January 2025

With calls for increased focus on action in the promotion of social justice in the English language teaching field, critical scholars have identified language teacher identity (LTI) exploration as having transformative potential. However, more research is needed on how to effectively pedagogize LTI exploration in language teacher education and professional development programs in diverse contexts around the globe—which is the focus of this special issue. Grounded in the framework of identity as critical pedagogy, this article proposes the use of a teacher inquiry group as one approach to pedagogizing identity exploration for transnational language teachers. The article describes how this approach was implemented as a form of professional development with one group of six transnational in-service English language teachers associated with an Egyptian university, as they came together to explore their identity constructions and how they navigate tensions arising in their work. The main activities of the teacher inquiry group included autobiographical narrative writing, artistic expression, autoethnography, and critical discussion. Each activity type is briefly described, and participant examples are presented. The article ends by sharing participant reflections on the teacher inquiry group approach, followed by considerations for critical scholars interested in exploring this approach in other contexts.
A word about . . . White Christian nationalism and one Womanist’s invitation into a deeper story
Authors: Parker Angela N.
Published: January 2025

The political climate in the United States leading up to the 2016 election and beyond has shone a spotlight on White Christian nationalism and its deep hold on US Christianity. White Christian nationalism assumes a narrative that God founded America through White people. White people were here first, and everyone else is a threat. White Christian nationalism only wants some of its members to make it home (i.e., White Christians). White Christian nationalism reaches beyond this political structure and is foundational to Eurocentric approaches to biblical studies and Christianity in general. The story of Jesus’s own encounter with an “other” in Matt 15:21-28 invites us into a deeper story of Jesus that can help amend the narratives that keep us separate and divided. Part of the job of contemporary Jesus followers is to ensure the livelihood of the entire body of Christ and not only one segment of it.
‘Peace-kept’ urbanism: Ephemerality and endurance in eastern DRC
Authors: Larsen Maren
Published: January 2025

This paper opens up and departs from United Nations peacekeeping camps in the city of Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo, to grapple with questions around urbanism’s temporariness and permanence. Inspired by literature from southern urbanism and camp urbanism that focuses on temporal aspects of the built environment, I trace the various spatio-temporal horizons through which peacekeeping camps come in and out of being. Honing in on a particular moment of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo that registers both its extendedness and acknowledgement of an eventual end, four empirical examples illustrate the overlapping temporal logics shaping the spaces of these contingent camps. I trace these logics in ways that can be analytically useful to understanding how urbanism emerges in the continuous re-making of human settlements between now and later, as well as between the city and elsewhere. In doing so, I develop the notion of ‘peace-kept’ urbanism to account for dwelling arrangements in places where there is peacekeeping, marked by both ephemerality and endurance and fluctuating in conjunction with multiple spatial and temporal horizons.
The Impact of Intelligent Delivery Systems and Automated Rail Logistics on the Efficiency and Safety of Clinical Item Transportation: A Observational Studies
Authors: Li Yi , He Ping , Peng Xue-Lian , Peng Min
Published: January 2025

This paper aims to establish an intelligent delivery system integrated with track logistics and explores its impact on the clinical transportation of goods. The study analyzed hospital delivery items before and after the implementation of an intelligent delivery system combined with automated track logistics in 2023. Delivery conditions prior to the system’s activation served as the control group, while those post-implementation formed the observation group. This research assesses the effects on transportation efficiency, resource allocation, transport safety, and satisfaction among medical staff. The average delivery time of goods significantly decreased following the adoption of the intelligent delivery system combined with automated track logistics ( P < .01). The total number of adverse delivery-related events was reduced from 25 to 4 ( P < .01). Departmental medical staff reported substantial increases in scores for delivery efficiency, error incidence, and overall satisfaction with the delivery process ( P < .01). The integration of the intelligent delivery system with automated track logistics significantly enhances the efficiency of clinical goods transportation, optimizes resource allocation, ensures the safe transport of items, and improves the patient experience and clinical staff satisfaction with delivery operations. Regular system maintenance and adjustments, supported by professional technical personnel, are essential to fully leverage the system's advantages.
Pediatric acral pigmentation related to a beetle contact
Authors: Kaplan Or , Test Gidon , Kestenbom Inbal , Tavor Oren
Published: January 2025

We report a case of the appearance of dark pigmented skin on the plantar surface of the foot and toes in a young child, likely caused by the beetle Carabus impressus. Few such documented cases occur in the literature and none reported from our region. Identifying the cause is important to avoid unnecessary investigations and treatment, and to provide reassurance to patients.
Drugs and Religion in Latin America: A Narrative Literature Review
Authors: Ferreyra Fausto Gabriel , Mosqueira Mariela
Published: January 2025

This article presents a review of the scientific literature on drugs and religion in Latin America. Although the ongoing relevance of both phenomena in the region has fostered an extensive bibliography on their points of contact, we still lack a comprehensive analysis of its main findings. Methodologically, we opted for a narrative review of articles dedicated to the empirical study of this intersection. These were compiled through searches in eight databases and repositories. The 132 articles that met the inclusion criteria were processed by reading, summary, and structured analysis. The review allowed the identification of five predominant areas of research in the literature on drugs and religion in Latin America: (1) religion and attitudes toward drugs, concerning how religious beliefs shape opinions and behaviors regarding drugs; (2) religious drug use, regarding the ceremonial consumption of psychoactive substances; (3) religion and drug policy, alluding to religious participation in political discussions and state interventions on drugs; (4) religion and drug treatment, referring to the therapeutic responses that religion offers to problematic drug use; and (5) religion and drug trafficking, which focuses on the religious presence in illicit drug markets. With its results, the study seeks to contribute to the consolidation of a multidisciplinary research agenda on the various links between drugs and religion.
The Extreme Sexual Victimization Histories of Women in Prison and the Significance of Race
Authors: Belknap Joanne , Wilson Cathy Mcdaniels
Published: January 2025

This unprecedented research compared the self-reported SVs (sexual victimizations) of randomly sampled women in and outside of prison. Specifically, National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS) Ohio data were compared with data the second author collected in Ohio women’s prisons. Consistent with pathways theory, all 15 SV measures increased the likelihood of being in prison, and this was true among both African American (Black) and white women for 14 of the 15 SV measures. We also found that childhood rape decreased both Black and white women’s likelihood of completing high school, regardless of whether they were in prison, and not completing high school was itself a decisive risk factor for incarceration. Consistent with social death theory, Black women were still more likely than white women to be in prison when controlling for high school completion, experiencing at least one rape, and whether raped before the age of 18. Support for the culture of dissemblance was mixed.
Advanced model predictive control strategy for thermal management in multi-zone buildings with energy storage and dynamic pricing
Authors: Kargar Seyed Mohamad , Bahamin Mohamadsadegh
Published: January 2025

In this study, we propose a modified model predictive control (MPC) strategy for managing the thermal load in buildings, aimed at creating a fine-tuned balance between indoor thermal comfort and electricity cost reduction. Here, the multi-zone building’s state-space model is employed to dynamically manage energy consumption while preserving occupant comfort. The key contributions of this work include the development of a novel economic MPC strategy tailored for multi-zone heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, integrating thermal energy storage to optimise energy usage and occupant comfort. Additionally, we introduce an enhanced multi-objective optimisation framework that transforms the conflicting objectives of energy efficiency and occupant comfort into a single-objective problem for improved computational efficiency. The control strategy also incorporates dynamic electricity pricing, enabling cost-effective operation by shifting energy consumption to lower-cost periods. The proposed control method reduces fluctuations in indoor air temperature, extending the operational life of HVAC system actuators. Beyond reducing costs and consumption, this approach alleviates energy production strain and peak demand on the smart grid. The optimisation process incorporates user-defined temperature preferences for each zone, ensuring tailored comfort conditions. Simulation results show that this method maintains indoor air temperature within the desired comfort range, outperforming traditional methods prone to fluctuations. Furthermore, the proposed MPC strategy effectively shifts the peak load to periods of lower electricity prices, achieving an 18.58% reduction in overall energy costs.
Giant Solitary Fibrous Tumor of the Retropharyngeal Space: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Dong Bingwan , Zhao Enmin , Wen Feng
Published: January 2025

Solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) is an uncommon spindle cell neoplasm, which generally arises from the pleura. There have been documented a number of extrapleural origins including the head and neck in the literature. It is emphasized to make a diagnosis in a rare location such as the retropharyngeal space. We present a case of a 54-year-old man diagnosed with giant solitary retropharyngeal SFT. Clinical symptoms were pharyngeal foreign body sensation and dysphagia associated with dyspnea. Physical examination showed a sizable submucosal mass under the posterior pharyngeal wall, which partially obstructed the upper aerodigestive tract. With radiologic images to evaluate the dimension and relationship with surrounding structures, the tumor was surgically removed en bloc via a transcervical approach. The histology and immunohistochemistry play a crucial role in differential diagnosis. Complete surgical excision is an alternative and curative strategy.
Comparing Approaches to Estimating Person Parameters for the MUPP Model
Authors: LaHuis David M. , Blackmore Caitlin E. , Ammons Gage M.
Published: January 2025

This study compared maximum a posteriori (MAP), expected a posteriori (EAP), and Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) approaches to computing person scores from the Multi-Unidimensional Pairwise Preference Model. The MCMC approach used the No-U-Turn sampling (NUTS). Results suggested the EAP with fully crossed quadrature and the NUTS outperformed the others when there were fewer dimensions. In addition, the NUTS produced the most accurate estimates in larger dimension conditions. The number of items per dimension had the largest effect on person parameter recovery.
Application of Bayesian Decision Theory in Detecting Test Fraud
Authors: Sinharay Sandip , Johnson Matthew S.
Published: January 2025

This article suggests a new approach based on Bayesian decision theory (e.g., Cronbach & Gleser, 1965; Ferguson, 1967) for detection of test fraud. The approach leads to a simple decision rule that involves the computation of the posterior probability that an examinee committed test fraud given the data. The suggested approach was applied to a real data set that involved actual test fraud.
Using Multimedia Instruction to Improve Science Vocabulary Knowledge: Investigating Impact of Three Formats
Authors: Coleman Olivia Fudge , Kunemund Rachel L. , Waterfield Danielle A. , McClain Suzanne , McDonald Sean D. , Welker Nathan P. , Kennedy Michael J.
Published: January 2025

Many students entering middle school experience increased difficulty in acquiring academic content vocabulary, especially in science. Content Acquisition Podcasts for Students (CAP-S) were developed over a decade ago to help remediate this issue and provide structured multimedia instruction on academic content vocabulary to help improve the acquisition and application of terms. This study sought to expand the CAP-S research base by examining the impact of three different formats of CAP-S on the understanding, retention, and application of science vocabulary terms in rural inclusive middle school classrooms. Participants included 271 students, 11% of whom had Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), served in rural settings. The CAP-S formats included increasingly intensive levels of instructional components. One-way ANOVAs with corrected post-hoc comparisons to probe significant findings were completed. Findings underscore the general effectiveness of CAP-S in improving science vocabulary knowledge for students in rural settings and highlight the need for further research into specific instructional components that may be used to continue to improve upon the CAP-S format. Implications for educators include leveraging multimedia tools to support rural and other diverse learners and considering classroom context when implementing vocabulary instruction are discussed.
Historical Control Data of Spontaneous Lesions of Laboratory New Zealand White and Dutch Belted Rabbits (Oryctolagus Cuniculus) Used in Toxicity Studies
Authors: Corbetta Davide , Isobe Kaori , Masood Romaisa , Rogerson Petrina , Bradley Alys
Published: January 2025

A retrospective study was performed to determine the incidences of spontaneous findings in control laboratory New Zealand White (NZW) and Dutch Belted (DB) rabbits. Terminal body and organ weights data were also collected. A total of 2170 NZW (526 males/1644 females), 100 DB rabbits (50 animals per sex), aged 4- to 7-month-old were obtained from 158 non-clinical studies evaluated between 2013 and 2022. The NZW rabbits had greater mean terminal body weights than DB strain. Mixed cell infiltration in the lung was the most recorded finding in both strains, followed by pulmonary inflammation/mononuclear cell infiltration. Differentiation between pulmonary “infiltration”/“inflammation” remained challenging as interpretation of guidelines for diagnostic terminology may vary amongst pathologists. Other common findings included mineralization and basophilia of the renal tubules; hepatic/renal mononuclear cell infiltration, all more common in females. Cysts were commonly recorded, with high prevalence in the oviduct, thyroid gland, ovary in NZW strain, while uterine, pituitary gland, and thyroid gland cysts were the most identified in DB rabbits. Neoplasms and infectious etiologies were absent. Most of the animals were sexually mature. To our knowledge, this is the most recent comprehensive study of spontaneous lesions and organ weights in both rabbit strains and should facilitate the differentiation of spontaneous and induced lesions in safety studies.
Do Competitive Markets Clean Up the US Electricity Sector?: Evidence From the Southwest Power Pool
Authors: Park Doyoung , Kaffine Daniel T.
Published: January 2025

In the US, there has been a movement toward competitive electricity markets with system-operator auctions. However, the impact of such market reforms on non-market outcomes like emission rates remains unclear. We decompose how competition in wholesale electricity markets can affect carbon emission rates of electricity generating units (EGUs) through process, reallocation, and selection effects. Using event-study and difference-indifference strategies, we quantify the Day-Ahead Market’s (DAM) environmental impact in the Southwest Power Pool and assess the importance of each channel, with Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Maryland interconnection serving as the comparison group. We find DAM reduced average carbon emission rates of EGUs by 0.033 tons per MWh, a roughly 4 percent reduction. This reduction is primarily driven by the selection effect: emission-intensive and uneconomical EGUs retire after the DAM market reform. This corresponds to an annual avoidance of 7.66 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions, worth approximately $383.4 million in avoided damages.

JEL Classification: L51, L94, Q48, Q53
The transgressive aesthetics of populism
Authors: Zicman de Barros Thomás , Aiolfi Théo
Published: January 2025

This article consolidates the emerging discursive-performative paradigm in populist studies by presenting the idea of populism as an aesthetic transgression, bridging the gap between discursive and sociocultural-performative strands. The article is broadly inspired by Jacques Rancière’s notion of aesthetics as the ‘partage du sensible’ and critically employs it to understand how populism transgresses the rules establishing what can appear in politics. The article claims that populism is aesthetically transgressive in two ways: (1) by making visible subalternised subjects through the discursive articulation of the ‘people’ and (2) by naming the ‘elite’ in a way that makes visible underlying modes of domination. The article argues that this framework allows for a more fruitful understanding of the relationship between populism and topics such as crisis and institutionalism. Moreover, the article employs this framework to differentiate between emancipatory and reactionary forms of populism, connecting emancipatory populism to queer aesthetic practices and explaining how it reinvigorates liberal democracy. Conversely, reactionary populism mobilises what Hannah Arendt called the ‘mob’ and ends up reinforcing modes of domination.
Electrochemical and surface morphology characterizations of zinc electroplated coatings
Authors: Carrijo-Gonçalves Gabriel Abelha , da Silva Brunela Pereira , Veloso Tácia Costa , Capelossi Vera Rosa
Published: January 2025

Acid baths containing sulfate still lack industrial purposes, although they are classified as low toxicity and represent smaller risks to the environment and operators when compared to the traditional alkaline baths. So, the influence of zinc concentration (Zn2+), current density ( i), temperature ( T), and pH levels were examined during the Zn electroplating process in sulfate baths over process efficiency, coating morphology, and corrosion resistance. The current efficiency decreased as decreasing i (from 30.5 mA/cm2 to 7.5 mA/cm2). Increasing both Zn2+ and T promoted a reduction in the average grain size with nodules structures spread over the coating surface as shown by scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis. Increasing the bath acidity resulted in a higher roughness profile and a more fragile coating, while the substrate was not completely covered at low i as shown by energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis. As expected, two capacitive arcs were observed in the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) test. Therefore, among the completely covered samples, the conditions Zn2+ = 50 g/L, 30.5 mA/cm2, 50 °C, and pH = 2.5 presented greater deposit homogeneity, grain refinement and increased impedance modulus (2850.26 Ω.cm2 at 30 mHz).
Real-world outcomes of Zilver Vena® Venous Self Expanding Stent placement for thrombotic and non-thrombotic indications in Spain
Authors: Ramirez Ortega Marta , Tejero Olivia Toledo , Benages Esteban Malo , Griggs Amy , Segbefia Edem , Mallagray Enrique Puras
Published: January 2025

Purpose

To evaluate longer term outcomes of the Zilver Vena Venous Stent in patients undergoing venous stenting.

Materials and Methods

Patients with iliofemoral obstructive venous disease and treated with venous stents were retrospectively enrolled in a physician-led real-world data collection effort. Results were analyzed by etiologies: post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS), non-thrombotic iliac vein lesion (NIVL), and iliocaval acute deep vein thrombosis (aDVT). Patency outcomes (primary, assisted-primary, secondary), reinterventions (in-stent and all), adverse events, and venous clinical outcome measures (VCSS, CEAP, Villalta Score) were reported using Kaplan-Meier estimates and summary statistics.

Results

A total of 219 patients (89.5% women, mean age 45.3 ± 11.9 years) were identified: 56 PTS, 153 NIVL, and 10 aDVT patients. Devices were placed across the inguinal ligament in 80.4%, 0%, and 70.0% of patients in the PTS, NIVL, and aDVT groups, respectively. Through 1-year, Kaplan-Meier estimated primary patency rate was 96.4% for PTS, 99.3% for NIVL, and 100% for aDVT patients, respectively, and followed the same trend through 3 years. Freedom from (FF) all and within stent reinterventions estimated by Kaplan-Meier was 87.9% and 90.1% for PTS, 98.2% and 98.2% for NIVL through 3 years. No reinterventions were reported for the aDVT group. Improved venous clinical outcome measures were seen in all groups at the last follow-up visit. Stent fractures occurred in 2 PTS patients without related reintervention or clinical sequelae. No stent migrations were reported.

Conclusion

Real-world use showed high patency rates and improved venous clinical outcome measures (VCSS, Villalta, and CEAP) after venous stent placement.
Phosphodiesterase inhibition restores hypoxia-induced cerebrovascular dysfunction subsequent to improved systemic redox homeostasis: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study
Authors: Stacey Benjamin S , Marley Christopher J , Tsukamoto Hayato , Dawkins Tony G , Owens Thomas S , Calverley Thomas A , Fall Lewis , Iannetelli Angelo , Lewis Ifan , Coulson James M , Stembridge Mike , Bailey Damian M
Published: January 2025

To what extent sildenafil, a selective inhibitor of the type-5 phosphodiesterase modulates systemic redox status and cerebrovascular function during acute exposure to hypoxia remains unknown. To address this, 12 healthy males (aged 24 ± 3 y) participated in a randomized, placebo-controlled crossover study involving exposure to both normoxia and acute (60 min) hypoxia (Fi[Formula: see text] = 0.14), followed by oral administration of 50 mg sildenafil and placebo (double-blinded). Venous blood was sampled for the ascorbate radical (A•−: electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy) and nitric oxide metabolites (NO: ozone-based chemiluminescence). Transcranial Doppler ultrasound was employed to determine middle cerebral artery velocity (MCAv), cerebral delivery of oxygen [Formula: see text] dynamic cerebral autoregulation (dCA) and cerebrovascular reactivity to hypo/hypercapnia (CVRCO2HYPO/HYPER). Cortical oxyhemoglobin (cO2Hb) and oxygenation index (OI) were assessed using pulsed continuous wave near infra-red spectroscopy. Hypoxia decreased total plasma NO ( P = 0.008), [Formula: see text] ( P = <0.001) and cO2Hb ( P = 0.005). In hypoxia, sildenafil selectively reduced A•− ( P = 0.018) and MCAV ( P = 0.018), and increased dCA metrics of low-frequency phase ( P = 0.029) and CVRCO2HYPER ( P = 0.007) compared to hypoxia-placebo. Collectively, these findings provide evidence for a PDE-5 inhibitory pathway that enhances select aspects of cerebrovascular function in hypoxia subsequent to a systemic improvement in redox homeostasis and independent of altered vascular NO bioavailability.
Task activation results in regional 13C-lactate signal increase in the human brain
Authors: Uthayakumar Biranavan , Cappelletto Nicole IC , Bragagnolo Nadia D , Chen Albert P , Ma Nathan , Perks William J , Endre Ruby , Tam Fred , Graham Simon J , Heyn Chris , Keshari Kayvan R , Soliman Hany , Cunningham Charles H
Published: January 2025

Hyperpolarized-13C magnetic resonance imaging (HP-13C MRI) was used to image changes in 13C-lactate signal during a visual stimulus condition in comparison to an eyes-closed control condition. Whole-brain 13C-pyruvate, 13C-lactate and 13C-bicarbonate production was imaged in healthy volunteers (N = 6, ages 24–33) for the two conditions using two separate hyperpolarized 13C-pyruvate injections. BOLD-fMRI scans were used to delineate regions of functional activation. 13C-metabolite signal was normalized by 13C-metabolite signal from the brainstem and the percentage change in 13C-metabolite signal conditions was calculated. A one-way Wilcoxon signed-rank test showed a significant increase in 13C-lactate in regions of activation when compared to the remainder of the brain ([Formula: see text]). No significant increase was observed in 13C-pyruvate signal ([Formula: see text]) or 13C-bicarbonate signal ([Formula: see text]). The results show an increase in 13C-lactate production in activated regions that is measurable with HP-13C MRI.
Multiple microcysts and clivus invasion diagnose T-box pituitary transcription factor 19 lineage adenomas in non-functioning pituitary adenomas
Authors: Zhao Xuening , Wang Xiaochen , Wang Sihui , Chen Lingxu , Yuan Mengyuan , Sun Shengjun
Published: January 2025

Background

Preoperative identification of T-box pituitary transcription factor 19 (TPIT) lineage silent adenomas in non-functioning pituitary adenomas (NFPAs) is important.

Purpose

To compare the clinical, laboratory, and radiological features of the three cell lineages of adenomas in NFPAs and evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of multiple microcysts and clivus invasion on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for TPIT lineage adenomas in NFPAs.

Material and Methods

A total of 405 patients with NFPA were retrospectively enrolled, including steroidogenic factor 1 (SF-1) lineage adenomas (n = 204), TPIT lineage adenomas (n = 111), and pituitary transcription factor 1 (PIT-1) lineage adenomas (n = 90). The clinical, laboratory, and radiological features of the three lineages adenomas were compared. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy of multiple microcysts, clivus invasion, and their combination were calculated to diagnose TPIT lineage adenomas in NFPAs.

Results

Among the three lineages of NFPAs, patients with SF-1 lineage were older than those with TPIT and PIT-1 lineages ( P < 0.001). TPIT lineage adenomas were most common in women ( P < 0.001) and had the highest tumor volume ( P < 0.001), and incidence of clivus invasion ( P < 0.001). The multiple microcysts and clivus invasion in the diagnosis of TPIT lineage adenomas in NFPAs had high specificity (88.44% vs. 98.64%) and accuracy (77.28%).

Conclusion

The MRI findings of multiple microcysts and clivus invasion can help diagnose TPIT lineage adenomas in NFPAs with high specificity.
Aesthetic Perception to Different Facial Profiles—An Evaluation Based on Age, Sex, Educational Status, and Study Area
Authors: Sada Maria Gabriela Peraldi , Garcia Luis Alberto Gonzalez , Martinez Marco Antonio Martinez
Published: January 2025

Objectives

This study aimed to determine the aesthetic preferences of profile silhouettes according to various soft tissue analyses commonly used in orthodontic practice.

Methods

For this observational study, lateral photographs were taken of two patients. Nasolabial and mentolabial angles were digitally altered in 20° increments, obtaining four photographic series, and a survey was carried out, recruiting 330 participants to evaluate their preferences according to these categories: very attractive, somewhat attractive, little attractive, and unattractive. The relationship between variables was evaluated using the chi-square test ( χ2) and Cohen’s d ( d) for effect size.

Results

Significant correlations were obtained between variables ( p < .001; p < .05). Female participants, those 23-33 years old, graduates, and those from Health Sciences obtained a higher prevalence when choosing the most balanced facial profile. Differences in the nasolabial angle were more detected.

Conclusion

There was a tendency to prefer profiles with a more open nasolabial angle and a flatter mentolabial sulcus in women. The variables that proved to have the most influence were educational status and age.
You cannot start a fire without a spark: Strengths-based leadership and personal initiative
Authors: Kopperud Karoline Hofslett , Kost Dominique
Published: January 2025

A pivotal characteristic of leaders is their ability to assist employees in recognizing, harnessing, and cultivating their strengths. This study explores the hypothesis that strengths-based leadership fosters employees’ personal initiative (PI). Grounded in self-determination theory (SDT), it is posited that strengths-based leadership indirectly bolsters employees’ PI by enhancing their competence perceptions. The study further argues that with the increase in remote work opportunities in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is imperative to consider whether teleworking influences the relationships among strengths-based leadership, employees’ perceived competence, and employees’ PI. A two-wave, web-based questionnaire was utilized to collect data from 626 employees in the public sector in Norway. Multiple regressions and the PROCESS macro were used to test the hypotheses. The results corroborate a mediation model in which strengths-based leadership amplifies employees’ PI by increasing their perceived competence. The results supported the hypothesis that remote working moderates the positive association between strengths-based leadership and employees’ perceptions of competence, whereas a moderated mediation model, with the number of hours working remotely as the moderator, did not. This study contributes to research on strengths-based leadership by offering a deeper understanding of the mechanisms that drive proactive employee behavior within the framework of self-determination theory. As such, this study also contributes to self-determination theory and the literature on PI by examining how context and leadership influence the satisfaction of employees’ needs and foster proactivity. The study further provides insight into the implications of the increase in home office use in the post pandemic workforce.
Lab group size and laboratory duration
Authors: Beck Stephen BM , Lazari Panos , Di Benedetti Matteo
Published: January 2025

Engineering courses all have an element of practical work. One category of this is the laboratory where students perform experiments to either look at physical phenomena or systems. There has been very little research into how students and staff would like these laboratories to be conducted to optimise their experience. A questionnaire was sent to staff and students in the Faculty of Engineering at Sheffield University to find out their opinions on laboratories. The response rates were lower than would be hoped, but the actual numbers of responses (40 staff and 181 students) were reasonable for this type of work. This paper reports on the results obtained on lab duration and group size and also whether students like or dislike laboratories. The results show that students like relatively short labs (a maximum of two hours). Students and staff would ideally like students to do experiments in pairs. Students who like labs tend to want smaller groups while those who dislike them desire larger groups. Surprisingly, both students who like and dislike labs would generally like more labs., This work shows that shorter labs in smaller groups take the same resources as longer labs with bigger groups while generally providing a better experience. It is hoped that this work will help make laboratories more efficient, effective and attractive to students.
Physical and mechanical properties of Fique: Thermal conductivity and breaking strain
Authors: Guzmán-López Rolando Enrique , Pulido Cavada Anya Montserrat , de Isidro Gordejuela Federico , González-Lezcano Roberto Alonso
Published: January 2025

Due to the current search for new sustainable urban habitats based on new ecological materials, research work and applications related to plant dry matter – lignocellulosic fibres – obtained from wild and cultivated plants have taken on great relevance, with a growing number of publications related to this subject being found in recent years. In this study, the mechanical and thermal properties of Fique are analysed as a possible use in the secondary sector; a natural fibre native to the arid regions of America that was born as a by-product of the production of numerous products such as Tequila and whose production increases in response to growing consumer demand. Thermal conductivity was measured at steady state, using the hot plate protector method (ASTM C177), and in transient state, using the thermal needle method (ASTM D334); To this end, three levels of bulk density of the non-woven material (50, 65 and 80 kg/m3) were analysed as one of the manufacturing parameters to be prioritized. It is concluded that the fibre’s own pores are a parameter to consider, since the results suggest that the higher the density, the greater the resistance of the fibre to heat flow. On the other hand, the mechanical properties obtained in this article focus on the breaking strain; these results may open the door to new research into the use of fique in industrial processes, either to obtain semi-rigid or flexible elements or for use in natural composites.
Lighting America'S Department Store
Authors: Laughead-Riese Amy
Published: January 2025

Macy's in-house lighting expert describes how lighting reinforces the retail brand and meets the core customer's expectations
Smart Corridors Lightthe Way to Energy Efficiency
Authors: Graeber Nicole , Papamichael Konstantinos
Published: January 2025

Managing the lighting in secondary spaces such as stairwells, lobbies and service rooms based on occupancy can carve a big chunk out of overall energy use
Sculpture by the Bay
Authors: Tarricone Paul
Published: January 2025

How do you add 25,000 lights to a bridge in a graceful not garish manner? Just ask artist Leo Villareal
LEDs for Interior Church Lighting
Authors: Rambusch Viggo , Rambusch Edwin
Published: January 2025

Even the most traditional buildings have come under the influence of solid-state lighting. Here are four applications in churches where LEDs fit right it