bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seraph-100 hemoperfusion for management of severe COVID-19: Assessment of serum and plasma analytes pre- and post-filtration
Authors: Rouse Michael , Gann Eric R. , Brandsma Joost , Sugiharto Victor A. , Robertson Henry , Genzor Pavol , Chen Hua-Wei , Simons Mark P. , Schobel Seth A. , Chenoweth Josh G. , Jenkins Sarah A. , Clark Danielle V. , Della Volpe Jeffrey , Chitty Stephen , Rivera Ian M. , Lewis Michael , Park Caroline , Parikh Amay , Vir Pooja , Stewart Ian J. , Pratt Kathleen P.
Published: December 2024

Introduction
We report an Intervention/outcome study of 33 severe COVID-19 subjects who received Seraph100 Microbind Affinity Blood Filter (Seraph 100) hemoperfusion therapy (15 survivors, 18 non-survivors) under emergency authorization from the FDA. Our objective was to determine if Seraph 100 hemoperfusion reduces SARS-CoV-2 RNA titers and/or markers of inflammation and/or epi/endothelial damage.a

Methods
Viral RNA and 78 protein analytes related to endothelial/epithelial damage and/or inflammation were quantified in systemic blood samples from 33 severe COVID-19 subjects collected upon ICU admission and then immediately before and after blood passed through the heparin-based Seraph 100 filter at two time points on the first day of hemoperfusion. Viral RNA titers were quantified using droplet-digital PCR. Protein analytes were quantified using multiplex/multi-analyte panels on MesoScale Discovery and ProteinSimple-Ella platforms.

Results
A total of 15/33 subjects had detectable viral RNA in baseline samples (shortly after ICU admission). These initial viremia levels were low, and they did not change uniformly post-perfusion. Five of 55 protein analytes that were up-regulated 1.4-120X at ICU admission relative to healthy controls showed significant decreases across the filter during the indicated time points on the first day of hemoperfusion: IP-10/CXCL10, fms-like tyrosine kinase (Flt-1), MIG/CXCL9, Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF) and receptor for advanced glycosylation end-products (RAGE). Paired t-tests identified 25 additional analytes that showed significant decreases (p<0.05) only without Bonferroni correction.

Conclusion
Initial freely circulating SARS-CoV-2 RNA levels of ICU-admitted subjects were low or undetectable. The Seraph 100 filter did not significantly reduce viral RNA titers in their plasma. However, multiple circulating proteins with roles in inflammation, endothelial/epithelial damage and/or angiogenesis decreased significantly across the filter. Larger prospective trials will be required to determine if such transient reductions translate into improved patient outcomes. However, this study did not demonstrate a direct reduction of free SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA by the Seraph 100.
Functional adaptations in coronary reactivity following healthy pregnancy in swine
Authors: Tucker Selina M. , Essajee Salman I. , Warne Cooper M. , Dick Gregory M. , Goulopoulou Styliani , Tune Johnathan D.
Published: December 2024

This study tested the hypothesis that coronary artery adaptations during the postpartum period are related to underlying reductions in endothelium-dependent relaxation and/or augmented smooth muscle vasoconstrictor responsiveness. In vivo experiments were performed in control (nonpregnant) and postpartum swine 35-45 days post-delivery, with isometric tension experiments performed in isolated coronary arteries from those animals. Coronary artery rings demonstrated increases in active tension generation following incremental increases in passive stretch with no differences between groups. Endothelium-dependent relaxation to bradykinin was attenuated in postpartum vs. control swine (P < 0.005). Contractions to the thromboxane A2 mimetic U46619 (0.1 nM – 1 µM) were shifted rightward (EC50 27 ± 10 nM vs. 238 ± 66 nM; P < 0.01) in arteries from postpartum swine, with no changes in maximum responses (P = 0.68). Intracoronary administration of U46619 (1 nM – 1 µM) in open-chest swine decreased coronary flow ~45 ± 3% in nonpregnant controls but had no effect on coronary blood flow in postpartum swine. Contractions to KCl (5 – 90 mM) showed a rightward shift in arteries from postpartum swine (15.6 ± 1.4 mM vs. 21.8 ± 1.9 mM; P = 0.03), with no change in maximum response. Taken together, the postpartum period is associated with reduced endothelium-dependent relaxation and responsiveness to receptor-dependent and independent vasoconstrictor stimuli.
Ruptura como destino: o itinerário intelectual de Renato Ortiz
Authors: Pedron Caio César , Maldonado Luccas Eduardo
Published: December 2024

Interview with the sociologist Renato Ortiz.
Sociologia das reformas: orquestrando crítica, elites e especialistas
Authors: Hey Ana Paula , Tomei Francesco , Louro Pedro
Published: December 2024

Introduction to dossier - "Sociology of reforms"
Bridging Cultures, Building Relationships: the Fulbright Program’s Legacy in Taiwan
Authors: Bettie Molly
Published: December 2024

Following Professor Hsin-huang Michael Hsiao’s induction into the Fulbright Taiwan Hall of Fame in 2023, this report explores the history and purpose of the Fulbright Program and examines the role of educational exchange in US–Taiwan relations. It analyses the programme’s goal of fostering mutual understanding and the mechanism of intergroup contact. Drawing on archival research carried out at the University of Arkansas Fayetteville and the National Archives in College Park, Maryland, this report traces the development of the US–Taiwan Fulbright Program, highlighting its contribution to building meaningful interpersonal connections that promote mutual understanding and international goodwill. As we celebrate Professor Hsiao’s achievements, this reflection situates the programme within the broader historical context of educational exchange and public diplomacy.
Monograph of the genera Struthiopteris Scop. and Spicantopsis Nakai (Blechnaceae, Polypodiopsida)
Authors: MOLINO SONIA , SANTOS GUILLERMO , VÁZQUEZ RUBÉN , MEDINA RAFAEL , GALÁN JOSÉ MARÍA GABRIEL Y
Published: December 2024

The Blechnaceae fern family, comprising approximately 250 species, exhibits a subcosmopolitan distribution but showcases notable diversity in South America and the Austropacific region. Recent taxonomic revisions expanded the generic treatment within the family, Resulting, among other things, in the resurrection of the genus Spicantopsis. This genus, segregated from Struthiopteris, now encompasses three species endemic to East Asia. Struthiopteris, on the other hand, has three species distributed in Japan, Europe, North of Africa, and western North America. Molecular evidence, coupled with morphoanatomical traits, supported this taxonomic distinction. Despite subsequent studies on palynological and morphoanatomical characteristics, a comprehensive global monograph of Struthiopteris and Spicantopsis is lacking. This paper aims to fill this gap by synthesizing available information, providing identification keys, full descriptions, taxonomic notes, and some necessary type designation for all species within both genera. The study, based on the examination of 1,649 herbarium specimens and digital materials, underscores the importance of anatomical and morphological characters in fern taxonomy. Mapping distribution data further enhances understanding of the geographic ranges of these ferns. This comprehensive synthesis contributes to the ongoing elucidation of fern diversity and taxonomy.
A new species of Cyathus (Nidulariaceae, Basidiomycota) from Kalimantan, Borneo
Authors: GÓIS JEFFERSON DOS SANTOS , CRUZ RHUDSON HENRIQUE SANTOS FERREIRA DA , BASEIA IURI GOULART , HOSAKA KENTARO
Published: December 2024

In this study, we present the first new species of Cyathus from Indonesia. Cyathus magnipilosus is characterized by having light-colored basidiomata, an exoperidium with long tomentum, single-layered cortex, black peridioles with a smooth surface and elongated basidiospores. The new species is presented with morphological illustrated description, and phylogenetic analyses using ITS and LSU sequences. Cyathus magnipilosus fits in the pallidum group, based on recent classifications. Comparative analyses with related taxa and a detailed discussion are provided as well as an identification key to the known species of Cyathus in the pallidum group for the world.
Glochidion liangkwangense (Phyllanthaceae), a new species from Guangdong and Guangxi Provinces, China
Authors: YAO GANG , LUO SHIXIAO , HUANG JIUXIANG , SONG ZHUQIU
Published: December 2024

Glochidion liangkwangense, a new species from Guangdong and Guangxi Provinces, China, belonging to subgenus Pseudoactephila, is here described. The new species grows in limestone hills. It is most similar to Glochidion anthopotamicum in morphology, but it could be easily distinguished from the later by its sepals that are erect and usually extend outward (vs. spreaded or even reflexed at the upper part, and jointly formed a urceolate shape at the lower part), sepals of female flowers in 2 series that are different in shape and size (vs. in 2 series but subequal in both of shape and size), disc segments in flowers that are short and spatulate to slightly T-shaped (vs. long and linear), and capsules that are triangular-globose (vs. globose) in shape. Additionally, the new species is considered here as Least Concern (LC) in conservation status. Key to all species of the subgenus Phyllanthodendron in Glochidion is provided.
Cardiac Trauma: A Review of Penetrating and Blunt Cardiac Injuries
Authors: Lee Carlin , Jebbia Mallory , Morchi Raveendra , Grigorian Areg , Nahmias Jeffry
Published: December 2024

Cardiac injuries pose challenging diagnostic and management dilemmas. Cardiac trauma can be classified by mechanism into blunt and penetrating injuries. Penetrating trauma has an overall higher mortality and is more likely to require operative intervention. Due to the lethality of any cardiac injury, prompt diagnosis and treatment is critical for survival. The initial management of suspected cardiac injury should start with Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) protocols followed shortly by directed diagnosis and management, which usually begins with a focused assessment with sonography in trauma (FAST) examination. In contrast to traditional ATLS protocols, some centers have adopted an assessment of “circulation before “airway” and “breathing”; however, this is an evolving concept. In this article, we provide an overview on the management of penetrating and blunt cardiac injuries, including use of physical exam, laboratory tests, imaging, and surgery.
Political Stability and Economic Growth: Evidence from India
Authors: Kumar Gulshan , Kaur Sandeep
Published: December 2024

Political stability, defined in terms of stability in government and the absence of violence and conflict within the country, is a vital institutional factor affecting economic growth. The present study investigates the relationship between political stability and economic growth in India for the years 1996–2021, using autoregressive and distributive lag models. After validating the existence of levels of relationship, it emerged that long-term political stability might not be conducive to growth in India. The results countered the existing theoretical frameworks whereby political instability hinders economic growth and political stability facilitates it. In contrast, the limited nature of the tenure forces the governments to consider the needs of people and re-election incentivises them to design prolific policies. When the power is concentrated in the hands of the executive or policymakers for a long period of time, the bargaining power of economic agents might be rendered ineffective and the state might have little incentive to promote growth.
The Role of Social Media Communication in the Association Between Widowhood and Depressive Symptoms
Authors: Kim Nahyun , Cho Hyeonji , Kim Kyungmin
Published: December 2024

Social support theory highlights the importance of social connections in coping with stress and adversity. Given that mobile technologies and internet have become important tools for social interaction, it is crucial to investigate the role of social media communication in the bereavement process. We examined whether the association between widowhood and depressive symptoms would be moderated by social media communication (i.e., chatting/messaging, social media, online community platforms, and video sharing). From the 2021 Korea Social Integration Survey, we analyzed a sample of 5,238 respondents (aged 40+) who were ever-married, comparing 4,725 married and 513 widowed individuals. Social media communication except chatting/messaging was associated with fewer depressive symptoms—regardless of widowhood. We also found that social media use (e.g., Facebook) attenuated the association between widowhood and depressive symptoms. Our findings highlight the importance of examining social engagement via information and communication technologies and the potential mechanism contributing to widowed adults’ well-being.
An extended Kalman filter with mixture kernel maximum correntropy criterion for GPS navigation applications
Authors: Jwo Dah-Jing , Lai Chien-Hua , Biswal Amita , Cho Ta-Shun
Published: December 2024

For enhancing the robustness of the Kalman filter in the presence of non-Gaussian noise or measurement outliers within a nonlinear state-space model, a robust filter based on mixed correlation entropy is proposed in this paper. The mixed correlation entropy cost function is utilized as a replacement for the second-order function used in the Kalman filter for measurement fitting errors in the Global Positioning System (GPS). Leveraging entropy theory with kernel functions, a novel robust filtering algorithm is designed by using the maximum correntropy criterion (MCC). While it has been demonstrated, the MCC-based robust filters are feasible for handling non-Gaussian noise and the default kernel in the original MCC, such as the Gaussian kernel, which may not be sufficient for dealing with more complex data encountered in many practical problems. The selection of kernel parameters for MCC-based filters becomes challenging when an adaptive kernel is not used. Therefore, there is a need to design algorithms, which are insensitive to kernel parameters for handling the measurement outliers. In this paper, the robust filters based on double-Gaussian mixture correntropy are proposed and combined with the nonlinear filtering algorithms, replacing filtering methods that rely solely on the minimum mean square criterion. Finally, the algorithm’s robustness is validated through simulation experiments under a certain degree of accuracy. The solutions suggested may outperform the current robust approaches, according to simulation findings, which can achieve better performance for GPS navigation applications.
Roles and Responsibilities When Learners Have CVI: Perspectives From Vision Professionals
Authors: Ely Mindy , Strausbaugh Ashley , Yount Amy
Published: December 2024

Introduction: The roles and responsibilities outlined in a white paper by Mazel et al. , outline a scope of practice for vision professionals when learners are diagnosed with cerebral visual impairment (CVI). The goal of the current study was to identify teachers’ knowledge and skills to apply these roles and responsibilities in practice. Methods: Participants in this study had to be a certified vision teacher or orientation and mobility specialist and have at least one child with CVI on their caseload. Participants ( n = 238) were surveyed and asked to rate their skills and knowledge, agreement, and current practice given seven statements that described their roles and responsibilities. Participants were also asked to rank barriers to their practice. Results: The percentage of respondents who strongly agreed with each statement ranged from 78% to 97%. The percentage of respondents who rated their knowledge and skills at a high level across the seven statements ranged from 64% to 88%. Professionals most commonly identified a need for more training and a lack of time in the professional day as barriers to implementing the seven statements of practice. Discussion: Although most vision professionals reported high knowledge and skills in the identified roles and responsibilities, there continues to be a need for more understanding in their role in providing direct services to CVI learners. Implications for Practitioners: The need for more professional development opportunities, specifically in relation to assessment of students with CVI, was identified through the survey. Although vision professionals rated this task as high in their agreement and practice, it was rated as one of the lowest by respondents in terms of their knowledge and skills.
The Characteristics and Prognosis of Acute Hearing Loss in Military Personnel
Authors: Hung Ting-Li , Wang Chih-Hung , Cheng Shu-Chu , Chen Hsin-Chien
Published: December 2024

Introduction: The military population is one of the high-risk groups for acute hearing loss. This retrospective study aims to examine acute acoustic trauma (AAT) and idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL) among military personnel. Materials and Methods: A total of 111 cases of acute hearing loss from a tertiary hospital between 2009 and 2021 were divided into AAT (53 cases) and ISSNHL (58 cases) groups. The time interval between trauma and treatment initiation, accompanying symptoms, and hearing thresholds before and after treatment were examined for all cases. Results: Two-thirds of the AAT group participants experienced damage to the left ear, and all individuals in this group presented with tinnitus at the time of trauma, but vertigo was less common in the AAT group than in the ISSNHL group. Hearing improvement after treatment was significant in both groups. An intergroup comparison of post-treatment hearing recovery revealed that prognosis was primarily determined by the initial severity of hearing loss rather than the underlying condition of AAT or ISSNHL. Conclusions: This finding emphasizes the importance of prompt and aggressive treatment in severe cases and the need for tailored strategies within military healthcare systems to improve hearing outcomes.
Community out-of-hours palliative care – ‘It’s a patchwork of services’: A qualitative study exploring care provision
Authors: Firth Alice M , Goodrich Joanna , Gaczkowska Inez , Harding Richard , Murtagh Fliss EM , Evans Catherine J
Published: December 2024

Background:

People in receipt of community palliative care usually receive care from a range of services and require access to care 24/7. However, care outside of normal working hours varies, with little understanding of which models of care are optimal.

Aim:

To identify and characterise current models of out-of-hours community palliative care in the UK and explore healthcare professionals’ views on the barriers and facilitators to providing high quality community out-of-hours care.

Design:

Exploratory qualitative study using semi-structured interviews, analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Setting and participants:

We recruited 39 healthcare professionals from 20 geographic areas. Participants were service leads from community palliative care, district/community nursing and primary care providers.

Results:

Four overarching models of out-of-hours palliative care identified, characterised by levels of integration between services, balance between generalist and specialist providers, availability of care and type of care provided (hands-on clinical care/ advisory care). Analysis of barriers and facilitators generated three themes: (1) ‘It’s never one service’: challenges of coordination of care across multiple services, (2) Need for timely skilled management of distressing symptoms, (3) ‘We’re just plugging gaps’: prioritising patient care within limited resources. Patterns within the themes varied across the four models.

Conclusion:

This study identifies key characteristics of four common models of out-of-hours palliative care, from the perspectives of professionals. Facilitators of high quality out-of-hours care include: a palliative care specific single point of access for patients; formal structures to integrate generalist/specialist services; and timely/skilled management of symptoms. We provide recommendations for a potential model incorporating these factors.
Unboxing the imaginary: Typology of future imagination techniques in high-tech development
Authors: Samimian-Darash Limor , Sheniak Amit , Rotem Nir
Published: December 2024

When the future is connected to the term ‘imagination’, it is generally presented through the concept of the ‘imaginary’—that is, an image of the future that is related to a grand social image. In this article, we discuss the concept of sociotechnical imaginaries and argue that although this concept provides a needed perspective that allows scholars to unpack imaginaries associated with technological futures, it often features very broad concepts, hindering investigation of the ongoing dynamics of the actual acts of imagining and imagination. In contrast, we are interested in examining the processes and practices of imagination of socio-technical futures. Attempting to extend and deepen the development of this prevalent approach in STS, we make three incremental claims. First, future imaginaries should be addressed as a product of a process of imagination, not just in their final stable states. Second, exploring the process of future imagination reveals the effect of different temporalities—patterns of future imagination that expand the common singular far-future imaginary. Third, using a temporality-based analysis, we can identify different future planning techniques and practices in terms of their levels of formality and institutionalization.
Comparative and Combined Associations of Nonconsensual Distribution of Sexually Explicit Materials and Interpersonal Violence on Psychological Distress
Authors: Fahmy Laila , Piper Cameron M. , Dardis Christina M.
Published: December 2024

Nonconsensual distribution (NCD) of sexual images and videos is prevalent among emerging adults, frequently co-occurs with other types of violence and is associated with psychological distress. Due to its often-public nature, NCD has been theorized to have unique negative psychological effects on survivors. Yet, there is limited research that quantifies the comparative and combined psychological impact of NCD victimization with other forms of interpersonal violence (IPV; e.g., physical, sexual, psychological). Among an undergraduate sample, the present study compared posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depressive symptoms among victims of NCD ( n = 224) to a group who experienced past-year IPV, but not NCD ( n = 231). As NCD may occur within a broader pattern of violence, NCD victims were also separated into groups of those who experienced a combination of NCD and additional forms of IPV from the same perpetrator (“NCD-combined”; n = 183), and those who experienced only NCD from the perpetrator (“NCD-only”; n = 41), both of whom were compared to past-year IPV-only victims ( n = 231). Overall, 20.8% of participants reported NCD victimization, which was more common among women, bi/pansexual individuals, and either white or multiracial individuals. Consistent with hypotheses, NCD victims were over two times as likely to meet criteria for probable PTSD and depression than those who experienced past-year IPV only; further, victims in the NCD-combined group reported significantly higher PTSD and depressive symptoms than IPV-only victims and significantly higher PTSD symptoms than NCD-only victims. In a regression including IPV frequency, NCD remained uniquely associated with total PTSD symptoms, PTSD avoidance and mood/cognition subscales, and depressive symptoms. Implications for future research and practice are provided.
Peplau’s Theory of Interpersonal Relations: Scholarly Practice
Authors: Jojan Lincy , Carroll Karen
Published: December 2024

The authors emphasize the importance of nurses’ interpersonal relations and incorporate a theoretical perspective that promotes an understanding of the multiple dilemmas that patients and families experience in their journey of improving health and well-being. A detailed explanation of Peplau’s theory of interpersonal relations is provided, including the three phases involved in developing nurse-patient relationships, and the challenges associated with each phase are reviewed with a focus on interpersonal competencies. Peplau’s theory of interpersonal relations promotes a scholarly practice dedicated to the wholeness, complexity, and context of interpersonal relationships.
Creating Nursing History by Expanding Nursing Theories and Science
Authors: Doe Mi Jin
Published: December 2024

This is an introduction to the review of Olga Petrovskaya’s (2023) Nursing Theory, Postmodernism, Post-Structuralism, and Foucault. It presents opportunities to recognize the new possibilities that nursing philosophy and science have brought to the history of nursing.
Nursing Theory Today: What, Why, How
Authors: Reed Pamela G.
Published: December 2024

Theory is a key component in nursing scholarship. A fundamental aim of nursing scholarship is to generate understanding of processes and human experiences of health. The combined practices of nursing science and the profession can be uniquely beneficial to theory development. However, traditional views of science in nursing may dampen the synergy between these two practices for developing nursing theories. In this article, I present particular ideas about nursing theory today, including some traditions that we may need to transcend, drawing from current thinking in philosophy of science and nursing science.
Evolving Nursing Science and Its Nurse Scholars and Nursing Scholarship
Authors: Phillips John R.
Published: December 2024

A brief evolution of nursing is presented. The significance of the concepts of nurse scholar and nursing scholarship in the creation of nursing science is discussed. Statements about nurse scholars and nursing scholarship signify their importance in the creation of nursing science. Possible issues of concern for nursing are presented as questions.
Robust finite frequency H∞ control of active suspension based on gain scheduling
Authors: Li Qiangqiang , Chen Zhiyong , Song Haisheng
Published: December 2024

This paper investigates vibration damping control of a 6-degree-of-freedom (6-DOF) active suspension system for trucks. It establishes a discrete linear parameter-varying (LPV) system model, considering uncertain parameters that vary between laden and unladen conditions. Moreover, the model incorporates real-time measurement of the vehicle body’s sprung mass. To address robust finite frequency problems and time-domain constraints, a novel linear matrix inequality (LMI) condition is devised. This LMI condition effectively handles the nonlinear combination of the gain scheduling control matrix and the time-varying system matrix. By solving a limited number of LMIs, a gain scheduling controller is designed, which is contingent upon the sprung mass. Experimental findings demonstrate the method’s efficacy within the 4–8 Hz vertical vibration frequency range, known for human body sensitivity. Furthermore, the method ensures stringent constraints in suspension control within the time domain.
Lateral stability control for distributed drive autonomous vehicle with extreme path tracking
Authors: Zhang Lipeng , Zhang Yimiao , Qi Bingnan , Zhang Xiaolong , Zhao Minghui
Published: December 2024

To enhance the path-tracking accuracy and lateral stability of autonomous vehicles under extreme conditions, this paper proposes a coordinated control strategy based on an Active Front Steering (AFS) system and Direct Yaw Moment Control (DYC). First, a path-tracking controller based on Model Predictive Control (MPC) is designed, which includes a Kalman filter to correct lateral stiffness in real-time and calculates the front wheel steering angle output based on path-tracking errors and current direct yaw moment. Next, we formulated the Direct Yaw Moment Control objective as a linear combination of stability and maneuverability objectives, and used a fuzzy controller to dynamically coordinate the weights of stability and maneuverability objectives. This process not only improves the adaptability of the control strategy but also enhances vehicle performance under various road conditions. Furthermore, a Sliding Mode Control (SMC) is employed to calculate the required direct yaw moment. This approach ensures vehicle stability during high-speed driving or changes in road surface adhesion. To optimize torque distribution, we employed a constrained quadratic programming method to minimize tire load rates, thereby improving vehicle energy efficiency and handling. Finally, through Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) testing, we validated that the proposed control strategy achieves excellent tracking accuracy, real-time performance, and lateral stability under different road adhesion conditions and vehicle speeds. The control strategy developed in this study not only exhibits theoretical innovation but also demonstrates significant effectiveness in practical applications, providing valuable insights for path-tracking and lateral dynamic control strategies of autonomous vehicles under extreme conditions.
Numerical investigation and thermal optimization of low-inductance ring-shaped film capacitors with integrated cooling structure for electric vehicle
Authors: Wang Yi , Guo Hui , Yuan Tao , Wang Yansong , Guo Xinhua , Shi Wei , Zhao Lihui , Huang Linhao
Published: December 2024

The advancement of motor controllers for electric vehicles is increasingly focusing on higher power density, efficiency, and miniaturization. Consequently, there is a growing demand for film capacitors that offer not only lower stray inductances but also enhanced high-temperature resistance capabilities. While existing research dedicated to mitigating the stray inductances of film capacitors, studies that address both the capacitors’ stray inductances and the thermal managements remain relatively scarce. Therefore, this paper proposes for the first time a low-inductance ring-shaped capacitor, utilizing an integrated cooling structure to reduce the capacitor’s thermal resistance and enhance its high-temperature tolerance. Firstly, the stray inductances and heat dissipation performances of both ring-shaped and conventional square-shaped capacitors, each with identical capacitances, are compared using Q3D and FLUENT simulations, the results demonstrate that the ring-shaped capacitor exhibits lower stray inductance and superior heat dissipation performance. Then an integrated cooling structure is proposed for the ring-shaped capacitor with the aim of diminishing its thermal resistance and augmenting its tolerance to high temperature. Utilizing FLUENT conjugate heat transfer simulation, the impacts of key factors within the cooling structure such as inlet flow rate, inlet temperature, and ambient temperature on the capacitor’s maximum temperatures are investigated, and the optimal inlet flow rate and inlet temperature are determined by multi-objective optimization. The findings reveal that increasing the inlet flow rate reduces the maximum temperature, although the cooling effect becomes less significant at higher flow rates, leading to increased energy consumption and operating costs. Moreover, the ambient temperature has the largest impact on the capacitor temperature, followed by the inlet temperature. The optimized integrated cooling structure achieves approximately a 73.93% reduction in thermal resistance and lowers the maximum temperature of the ring-shaped capacitor by about 72.24%.
Prediction of the remaining useful life of lithium-ion battery based on particle filter-long short term memory network
Authors: Wu Zhong-Qiang , Hu Xiao-Yu
Published: December 2024

To the problem that it is difficult to accurately predict the remaining useful life (RUL) of lithium battery, a prediction model of improved long short term memory network based on particle filter (PF-LSTM) is proposed. The health factors extracted from the historical aging data of battery charge and discharge are selected as training samples which are closely related to the capacity decline issue of battery. The hyperparameters of LSTM including the number of neurons, learning rate, node abandonment rate, batch size, training steps, et al are optimized by PF algorithm. By the global optimization ability of PF, the prediction ability of the network is improved. Dropout layer is introduced to avoid network over-fitting, so the generalization ability of the model is improved. Experimental results show that PF-LSTM has the highest accuracy compared with other algorithms.
The effect of silk short fiber biomimetic materials on the recovery of sports function in patients with meniscal injury during sports
Authors: Wang Yong , Bin Dongsong
Published: December 2024

Background

In sports, especially high-intensity and high-risk activities, the meniscus is easily damaged. For patients with meniscus injuries, it is necessary to repair or replace the patient's meniscus. However, as age increases, the human meniscus tissue gradually forms and cannot be repaired through its own meniscus. Therefore, it is necessary to maintain the patient's movement function through meniscus support materials.

Objective

Traditional meniscus support materials have poor mechanical properties and poor biocompatibility. In response to this issue, this study designed a meniscus scaffold made of silk short fibers, silk fibroin, and wool protein.

Methods

Through electrospinning and freeze-drying techniques, the material was processed to obtain a silk short fiber meniscus with a biomimetic structure.

Results

Through experiments, the surface morphology, hydrophobicity, porosity, secondary structure, thermal stability, water absorption swelling, and MP of MCS made of SSF biomimetic materials were characterized.

Conclusion

The experimental results show that the manufactured silk short fiber meniscus has good compressive performance, thermal stability, and water absorption and swelling properties, and it also exhibits good biocompatibility.
Early subclinical macular disease in asymptomatic patients with primary antiphospholipid syndrome: A quantitative multimodal retinal evaluation
Authors: Zacharias Leandro Cabral , Neto Taurino dos Santos Rodrigues , Dias da Silva Neto Epitácio , Monteiro Mário Luiz Ribeiro , Balbi Gustavo Guimarães Moreira , Signorelli Flávio , Higashi Alex Haruo , Bonfá Eloisa , de Andrade Danieli Castro Oliveira
Published: December 2024

Purpose

To perform a quantitative multimodal evaluation in 25 patients with primary antiphospholipid syndrome (PAPS) without ocular complaints and to compare them with 25 healthy individuals.

Methods

A structural and functional ophthalmological evaluation using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) and microperimetry (MP) exam in 25 patients with PAPS, followed at a tertiary rheumatology outpatient clinic, was performed. All ophthalmologic manifestations were documented and subsequent statistical analysis was performed for comparative purposes, with significance set at p < 0.05.

Results

We included 100 eyes of 50 subjects (25 patients with PAPS without ocular complaints and 25 healthy individuals). Quantitative OCTA assessment revealed significant differences between PAPS patients and controls in both the superficial vascular complex (SVC) and deep vascular complex (DVC) using high-speed protocol, as well as in the SVC in the high-resolution protocol. Analysis of the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) parameters showed a larger area of FAZ in the DVC in PAPS patients using the high-speed method compared to the control group ( p = 0.047). In MP quantitative analysis, the PAPS group exhibited lower central ( p = 0.041) and global ( p < 0.001) retinal sensitivity compared to the control group, along with sectoral differences, except in the inferior sector.

Conclusions

PAPS patients present lower vascular density and retinal sensitivity compared to the control group, even in patients without paracentral acute middle maculopathy (PAMM). Our findings underscore the significance of ocular evaluation beyond symptomatic assessment in these patients.
Price and Volume Effects Around Credit Rating Change Announcements: Evidence from India
Authors: Kaur Jaspreet , Dey Soma
Published: December 2024

This article addresses the issue of the informational content of credit ratings by examining the effect of credit rating change announcements on the stock price and trading volume of Indian companies. Using the event study approach, abnormal return and abnormal volume are estimated around rating change announcements (upgrades and downgrades) during the period 1 April 2010 to 31 March 2021. The findings demonstrate a significant market reaction to rating change announcements. Negative (positive) abnormal returns are found around downgrade (upgrade) announcements, with downgrades prompting a more pronounced reaction than upgrades. The market is able to anticipate the rating change (pre-event reaction) in case of both upgrades and downgrades. Further, significant abnormal trading volume is observed around rating changes, with downgrade announcements again eliciting a stronger reaction, thereby shedding light on the information content of credit ratings and investor behaviour in the context of emerging markets. The magnitude of market reaction to changes in credit rating is also dependent on the rating agency’s size and reputation. The study has implications for portfolio management, investment strategies and stakeholder engagement and, therefore, of interest to investors, debt issuer firms and policymakers.
Tenure Standards at Aladdin Business School
Authors: Syed Jawad , Umrani Waheed Ali
Published: December 2024

In 2015, Dean Alan Patrick of Aladdin Business School (ABS) faced resistance from faculty members regarding new tenure standards introduced by the School’s Appointment, Promotion, and Tenure Committee. ABS, a leading business school in Egypt, aimed to enhance its reputation by achieving international accreditations like AACSB, which required significant research output. The new tenure policy emphasized publishing in top-tier journals, a shift from previous, less-defined performance standards. Several junior and senior faculty members expressed concerns over these heightened expectations, arguing they were unrealistic given existing teaching workloads and the lack of adequate research resources. They also critiqued the perceived lack of consultation, claiming the new standards undermined shared governance. Dean Patrick, however, defended the policy as a necessary step towards aligning the school with global standards and improving both research and teaching quality. Despite efforts to support faculty through development initiatives, the changes sparked anxiety among faculty who feared the new standards would prioritize research at the expense of teaching, potentially creating a divide between tenured and non-tenured faculty. The case highlights tensions between institutional strategic goals, individual faculty expectations and the challenges of implementing performance-based tenure in a changing academic environment.
Ultrasound measurement of abdominal and low back muscle symmetry in adult degenerative lumbar scoliosis: A case-control study
Authors: Dawu Wang , Kaiting Li , Weiwei Yi , Yuzhang Tao , Xiaohong Li , Yong Zhang
Published: December 2024

Background

Individuals with adult degenerative lumbar scoliosis (ADLS) have underlying biomechanical alterations along the trunk muscles. However, few studies have evaluated trunk muscles in ADLS.

Objective

To quantify and evaluate the symmetry, thickness, and stiffness (shear modulus) of the abdominal and back muscles in ADLS participants.

Methods

This was a case-control study with participants aged 60–79 years with ADLS (n = 37) and without ADLS (n = 37). Radiographic examination data were collected from the participants. Ultrasound thickness and shear modulus measurements were performed to compare differences in the rectus abdominis, external oblique, internal oblique, transversus abdominis (TrA), multifidus, erector spinae, and quadratus lumborum muscles in the supine, prone and standing positions in the ADLS (n = 37) and control groups (n = 37). Thicknesses and shear modulus were compared.

Results

The absolute thickness of the TrA in ADLS group was significantly greater on the convex side than on the concave side in both the supine (2.978 ± 0.552 vs. 2.556 ± 0.513, p = 0.041) and standing positions (2.671 ± 0.475 vs. 2.054 ± 0.401, p = 0.034). The percentage changes in both sides of the shear modulus of the TrA were significantly greater in the ADLS group than in the control group for the supine position ( p = 0.019), and standing position ( p = 0.039).

Conclusions

Compared with those in the control group, only the absolute muscle thicknesses and percent change in the shear modulus of the TrA in the ADLS participants were more asymmetric.
“Tears of Gratitude Are Flowing From My Eyes; You Touch My Soul”
Authors: Zapata-Sepúlveda Pamela , Suárez-Ortega Magdalena
Published: December 2024

With love and gratitude, months since we learned of his departure, we meet in Seville to say goodbye and remember our beloved mentor, Professor Norman Denzin. We appreciate the invitation to say goodbye to him in the journal that he created, a space for the dissemination of qualitative research, from where he supported, in an inclusive way, those who are dedicated to this research in Ibero-America. As members of the A Day in Spanish and Portuguese (ADISP), and one of us being Spanish and the other being Chilean, we want to honor Professor Denzin by remembering some significant moments that we shared with him. We have evoked memories and reflect on the impact of his teachings on our present and our future. Although distance has softened his departure in our hearts, at the same time, they keep his memory alive.
The Jewish Question(s) and Literacy Practices in Time: An Essay
Authors: Bloome David
Published: December 2024

This article uses diverse genres in addressing “The Jewish Question(s),” a phrase with multiple meanings ranging from the antisemitic to the deeply philosophical. The focus is on addressing “The Jewish Question” in literacy research and theory. The article is organized in three parts. The first part, Jewish Literacy Practices and Collapsing Time, troubles linear time, conceptualizing the past, present, and future as interpenetrating and interpellated. The second part, titled “Story,” is a narrative about the thefts of mezuzot from our home and an exploration of collapsing time such that there is no separation among what happens now, what has happened over the past 5,785 years, and what will happen in the next 5,785 years. The third part is a brief reflection on the implications of troubling the ubiquitousness of narrative linearity in theorizing literacy education.
Gender and family-role portrayals of autism in British newspapers: An intersectional corpus-based study
Authors: Karaminis Themis , Gabrielatos Costas , Maden-Weinberger Ursula , Beattie Geoffrey
Published: December 2024

A recent large-scale study on the portrayal of autism in British newspapers revealed a deficit-based coverage, which concentrated on children and boys in particular, typically represented from the mothers’ perspective. This follow-up study refines these representations, considering how they differ by gender and family role. We analysed 2998 text samples, which discussed autism in the context of four combinations of gender and family roles, namely, BOY, GIRL, FATHER and MOTHER. These samples included sources with different publication dates, reporting style and political orientation. Autism representations remained negative regardless of gender and family role. Over time, stories about autistic girls started to emerge, identifying them as a distinct group explicitly compared to autistic boys. Newspapers, especially broadsheets, associated girls with diagnostic difficulties, camouflaging and sometimes gender dysphoria − discussed particularly for those assigned female at birth. The child’s autism was more often attributed to maternal than paternal behaviours or lifestyle. Autistic mothers were mentioned more often than fathers and were portrayed negatively. We conclude that newspapers portray female autism as less significant than male autism and, in addition, place mothers under more ethical scrutiny than fathers. These disparities reflect both historical biases in autism research and gender and family-role stereotypes.
Impact of Occupation-Based Groups on Occupational Performance and Satisfaction Outcomes: Pilot Study
Authors: Wall Gemma , Gustafsson Louise , Pearce Claire , Isbel Stephen
Published: December 2024

Occupation-based groups can be used to improve occupational performance outcomes in the inpatient rehabilitation setting. It remains unclear whether they offer comparable outcomes to occupation-based interventions delivered individually. This study aims to pilot an occupation-based group intervention and compare occupational performance, satisfaction, and goal attainment outcomes with usual care. Twenty-one participants (15 women, 6 men, aged 34–85) were allocated to control ( n = 11) and intervention ( n = 10) groups. The control group received usual care (individual occupation-based interventions), while the intervention group received usual care plus an occupation-based group intervention. The method used a pilot quasi-experimental pre- to post-intervention design with a nonequivalent control group. The primary outcome measures were the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM) and the Goal Attainment Scale (GAS). No significant between-group differences were found; both groups reported statistically significant improvements with medium to large effect sizes. Pilot data suggests that occupation-based groups offered comparable outcomes to individual treatment; a larger sample size is required to draw conclusions on their impact. Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ( https://uat.anzctr.org.au/Default.aspx ) was accessed on November 20, 2023. Registration number: ACTRN12623001196639.
Pediatric Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy: Current Practices and Implementation Barriers
Authors: Larson Sophia C. , Smith Alyssa E. , Aravamuthan Bhooma R. , Moore Hunter G. , Antonoff Kaylin A. , Ramey Sharon , Hoyt Catherine R.
Published: December 2024

Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy (CP) is the most common pediatric motor disability, characterized by unilateral motor weakness. Pediatric Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (pCIMT) improves affected extremity function but faces variable clinical integration. This study assessed U.S. providers’ awareness and use of pCIMT, educational practices, and barriers to broader implementation for more eligible children. Overall, 148 providers specializing in pediatric stroke or hemiplegic CP completed surveys on pCIMT familiarity, implementation challenges, and support for evidence-based practices (EBP). Participants indicated high pCIMT competency. Although 75% reported regional pCIMT availability, only 14% indicated that pCIMT is accessible to all children who could benefit. Reported barriers included therapist and family availability, cost, and institutional limitations. Despite valuing EBP, participants reported minimal workplace support for its use. The study revealed significant barriers to pCIMT accessibility and implementation. Further research is needed to address these challenges and improve clinical adoption of EBP, such as pCIMT.