bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Game theory-based MPC control strategy for path following of reconfigurable unmanned ground vehicle: A multi-agent control method
Authors: Wang Tiezhen , Yang Xu , Ma Minghao , Cen Hangjie , Deng Zhangzhen
Published: February 2025

The reconfigurable vehicle (RV) can assemble and disassemble, which is an innovation to the traditional fixed configuration vehicle. The authors propose a concept of reconfigurable unmanned ground vehicle (RUGV), which consists of maneuvering modules (MM) and functional modules (FM) and can greatly broaden civilian unmanned vehicle application scenarios. The reconfiguration of RUGV is not only the connection of the mechanical system but also the control system. The traditional control strategy can not meet the variety of control systems and actuator topology resulting from reconfiguration, so it is necessary to research the reconfiguration control technology of the RV. Since the path tracking problem is a hot issue in the unmanned vehicle field, this paper investigates the reconfiguration control problem in path tracking. To this end, this paper proposes a reconfigurable platform of RUGV, which is composed of single-axle and two-wheel configuration MM called cell unit (CU). To express the different configurations of RUGV, a universal dynamic model (UDM) of RUGV is developed by a vectorized modeling approach. Based on this model, a game theory-based model predictive control (GMPC) path tracking controller is designed, whose sub-GMPC optimization problem is solved by Nash equilibrium game strategy. Numerous simulations are carried out to verify and compare the proposed strategy. The simulation results show that the GMPC can handle RUGV path tracking and speed tracking simultaneously and can also optimize lateral dynamics stability. By comparing with the holistic model predictive control (HMPC) strategy, the GMPC method has almost the same control performance but a shorter average single-step compute time. The proposed strategy also features greater flexibility in RUGV actuators’ topology changes as well as robustness against actuators’ faults.
State observer for semi-active suspension system based on MPA-UKF
Authors: Yang Lintao , Zhao Yuzhuang , Ren Hongbin , Chen Jingwei
Published: February 2025

With consideration of the nonlinearity of semi-active suspensions and to enhance the accuracy of nonlinear state observers while achieving the automatic tuning of parameters, the Marine Predators Algorithm (MPA) is applied to the noise covariance tuning process of the Unscented Kalman Filter (UKF) based on a seven-degree-of-freedom nonlinear vehicle model. Therefore, a novel MPA-UKF algorithm is proposed for the state observation of semi-active suspensions. Additionally, a semi-active suspension vehicle test platform is set up to validate the algorithm’s performance under various driving conditions. The experimental outcomes demonstrate that the proposed algorithm improves parameter tuning efficiency while enhancing the accuracy of the Unscented Kalman Filter by 10% and can serve as the observer for suspension controllers.
A road adhesion coefficient estimation method based on feature screening and ensemble learning
Authors: Zhou Guan , Gao Chenxi , Wang Yuanlong
Published: February 2025

The road adhesion coefficient is an important parameter that affects the acceleration, steering, and braking performance of vehicles. Accurately estimating the road adhesion coefficient can ensure the performance of vehicle active safety systems and reduce the risk of accidents such as rear-end collisions and skidding during vehicle operation. Existing estimation methods do not take into account the overfitting problem that is easily caused by high dimensionality of features, as well as the degradation of estimation accuracy due to different intervals of superiority of the performance of a single model structure. To address these issues, this paper proposes a method for estimating the road adhesion coefficient based on feature screening and ensemble learning. Firstly, dynamic parameters related to the road adhesion coefficient are determined through dynamic analysis. The F-test regression is used to select dynamic parameters that have a strong correlation with the road adhesion coefficient, reducing the feature dimensionality to improve model training speed and generalization. Secondly, to combine the estimation results of multiple models, a stacked generalization (SG) model is established using three basic models: gated recurrent neural network (GRU), long short-term memory networks (LSTM), and convolutional neural network (CNN). A multilayer perceptron is used as the meta-learner to estimate the road adhesion coefficient. Finally, the Bayesian optimization algorithm (BO) is introduced to optimize the hyperparameters of the meta-model network, such as the number of layers, optimizer, and dropout rate, in order to construct an optimized stacked generalization model and improve the estimation accuracy of the road adhesion coefficient. Simulation results demonstrate that, compared to a single model, the optimized stacked generalization model can effectively improve the estimation accuracy of the road adhesion coefficient while ensuring real-time estimation. It also exhibits strong robustness and generalization ability in different operating conditions.
Analysis of virtual profiles of rotor sections and loss of angle of attack in hovering state
Authors: Zhao Guoqing , Jing Simeng , Zhao Qijun , Chen Xi , Wang Bo
Published: February 2025

Generally, the performance advantages of rotor airfoils with high aerodynamic efficiency might be reduced when applied on rotors, however, the quantitative research on the three-dimensional effects of rotor that lead to this problem is still very lacking. In order to quantitatively investigate the influences of three-dimensional effects on the aerodynamic characteristics of rotor airfoils, a novel numerical strategy for analyzing equivalent angle of attack and aerodynamic shape of blade profiles is proposed based on high-precision CFD method and the inverse design method, and the simulations on equivalent profiles and their equivalent angles of attack are conducted at various tip Mach numbers and aspect ratios of rotor blades. The numerical results indicate that the equivalent profiles in hover are mainly affected by radial flow on rotor, and the difference of aerodynamic shapes between equivalent airfoils and blade profiles are larger with the section closer to blade tip. The major influence on equivalent angle of attack is the vertical induced velocity, and the loss of angle of attack at root is larger than at tip. Additionally, lower tip Mach number and larger aspect ratio of rotor blades help to reduce the variation of the equivalent airfoil and loss of angle of attack. The quantitative results could provide theoretical references for the design of high-performance rotor airfoils and their applications on rotors.
Study on the inter-shaft rubbing characteristics of a twin-spool rotor system with cracked disk
Authors: Shao Jun , Wu Jigang , Cao Hong
Published: February 2025

The centrifugal stress, thermal stress, and aerodynamic stress on the aero-engine rotating disk vary drastically with the change of the aero-engine operational state, greatly susceptible to inducing disk fatigue cracks. Especially in the twin-spool rotor system, due to the effect of the disk fatigue cracks, the vibration of the inner and outer rotors increases dramatically, and the rubbing phenomenon may even occur at the inter-shaft sealing position. The aim of this paper is to investigate the inter-shaft rubbing characteristics of a twin-spool rotor system with cracked disk. Firstly, the effect of disk’s crack is modeled by an equivalent unbalanced force, and the inter-shaft rubbing force between the inner and outer rotors is further derived using Hertz contact and Coulomb friction theories, based on which, the dynamic model for a twin-spool rotor system with disk’s crack and inter-shaft rubbing faults is developed by means of finite element method. Subsequently, using three-dimensional spectrum, rotating orbits, and Poincaré diagram, a comparison of inter-shaft rubbing behaviors of a twin-spool rotor system with and without crack is performed, and the effects of crack-related parameters such as crack width and depth on the inter-shaft rubbing characteristics of the twin-spool rotor system are discussed in depth. The results reveal that the appearance of the crack may cause the rotor system to evolve from partial inter-shaft rubbing state to full annular inter-shaft rubbing state. The growth of crack width leads to a drastic increase in the unbalance of the cracked disk, which in turn results in a rise in the vibration amplitude of the rotor system. Besides, as the crack depth grows up, the rotor system may evolve from no rubbing state to partial inter-shaft rubbing state, and then from partial to full annular inter-shaft rubbing state. These findings can help to understand the inter-shaft rubbing characteristics of the twin-spool rotor system.
Optimization design of the impeller structure for a micro centrifugal pump based on pressure pulsation and shear stress analysis
Authors: Dong Xiaolan , Liu Yang
Published: February 2025

Micro centrifugal pumps are commonly used in the medical field for transporting drugs or blood, etc. Due to the particularity of fluid media, irregular flow is often generated inside the pump resulting in over-high pressure pulsation and shear stress, which will eventually cause damage to the medium. In this paper, the internal flow field of a micro centrifugal pump was investigated through both visualization experiments and numerical simulations. When the main structure parameters of the impeller were selected as optimization variables, with pressure pulsation and shear stress as optimization objectives, a combination numerical simulation solution of BP neural network and genetic algorithm was employed to optimize the objectives respectively.

The results indicate that the BP neural network model and genetic algorithm have high accuracy and can be used to predict the performance of micro centrifugal pumps. After optimization, the pressure pulsation strength coefficient of the monitoring point near the volute tongue is reduced by 40%. The internal flow of the micro centrifugal pump becomes more stable. The maximum shear stress of the impeller is declined by 42% and 28% in the volute. The research is of great significance to improve the stability and efficiency of micro centrifugal pumps.
Is the Philippines in an Agricultural Trap? Structural Change, Agricultural Productivity and Drivers of Transformation
Authors: Briones Roehlano M.
Published: February 2025

The Philippines’ prolonged spell as a lower middle-income country has been a longstanding mystery in economic development. This article argues that the ‘Agricultural Trap’ is a key piece of the puzzle. The agricultural trap is characterized by low levels of transformation of agriculture, as well as slow structural change of the economy. Historically, the Philippine economy has undergone considerable evolution; nonetheless, by some indicators, the Philippine economy and agriculture remain in a relatively backward state. In recent decades, the Philippines has been unusually slow in its ability to increase agricultural output while reallocating workers away from agriculture. This in turn is driven by slow rates of growth of total factor productivity and capital formation, persistent farmholding fragmentation, inability to diversify the structure of agricultural output, and significant producer support for food import substitutes. Escaping the agricultural trap requires the pursuit of a modern agro-industrial policy.
Supply-Side Anti-Pluralists and Demand-Side Anti-Plutocrats: The Case of 21st Century Populism
Authors: Koos Agnes Katalin
Published: February 2025

By the time communism collapsed in East Europe, there were several signs of backlash to liberal democracy worldwide. The writing on the wall first was deciphered as a resurgence of populism, and by the 2010s the interpretation soured into an experience of widespread democratic backsliding. The literature on these phenomena exploded, and by the early 2020s, some datasets were also created. This paper summarizes the main trends of contemporary views about populism and de-democratization and defends three claims that have abundant empirical support from the new datasets. The claims themselves are rooted in 21st century political science and many-century-old philosophical traditions. (i) Populism is not simply anti-pluralism, and not the negative end of a pluralism-populism continuum; (ii) types of populism vary in history and also with the “host” ideology; the current democratic backsliding is associated with right-wing populism; and (iii) people’s experience of equality in their country affects their receptivity to populist and anti-pluralist appeals. The first part of the paper articulates the theoretical background against which the claims receive meaning and relevance, and the second substantiates the claims and refers to the empirical evidence supporting them. The concluding part contemplates what it takes to make democracies survive.
Homicides in England and Wales: The Effects of Victim and Offense Characteristics on Case Clearance
Authors: Nicholls Rebecca , Brookman Fiona , Jones Helen , Maguire Edward R.
Published: February 2025

This study explores a range of victim and offense characteristics to identify which are associated with significantly higher or lower likelihood of homicide clearance in England and Wales. Data relating to 6,299 currently recorded homicides from the Home Office Homicide Index over an 11-year period (ending March 2022) were analyzed using binary logistic regression to assess the factors which influence the likelihood of clearance. Results indicated greater odds of clearance if the victim was female or if the victim was living with the suspect. Additionally, results indicated lower odds of clearance if the victim was older than 46 years, if the victim was intoxicated with drugs and alcohol, if the method of offense was hitting or kicking without a weapon, poisoning, exposure or negligence, if the main circumstance of the offense was a reckless act, or if the offense was gang-related. We discuss the implications of these findings for future research on homicide clearance, and implications for policy and practice.
Enough is enough: Identifying and overcoming acts of anti-Black performative allyship in the peer-review process
Authors: Rice Darryl B. , Stewart Oscar Jerome , Melaku Tsedale , Young Nicole C. J.
Published: February 2025

The purpose of our article is to provide insights as to how anti-Black performative allyship in the peer-review process obstructs the advancement of Black scholarship in management and organization studies (MOS). To accomplish this, we rely on critical race theory (CRT) to (1) contextualize and conceptualize anti-Black performative allyship within the peer-review process and explain its harmful effects; (2) identify three specific acts of anti-Black performative allyship within the peer-review process; (3) use narrative accounts to demonstrate our experiences with these acts of anti-Black performative allyship within the peer-review process; and (4) discuss corrective steps toward the realization of genuine allyship by MOS to advance Black scholarship. Theoretical implications are discussed.
Sleep disturbances in autistic children and adolescents: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Vargas Cristina , Paoletti Daniela , De Stasio Simona , Berenguer Carmen
Published: February 2025

Sleep disturbances are one of the most common comorbidities in autistic children and adolescence. Considering the impact of sleep disorders on development and daily functioning, it is important to know which treatments are considered effective in literature. This systematic review and meta-analysis study specifically aimed to investigate the effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions for the treatment of sleep disorders in autistic children and adolescents without intellectual disability. Search across PubMed, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Web of Science were identified 11 randomized controlled trial studies published between 2012 and 2024 that met the inclusion criteria. The results indicate that the interventions considered (Behavioral/psychological, Physical activity, and Somatosensory sleep interventions) significantly improve sleep parameters in this population ( p < 0.05). Objective data from actigraphy show an increase in total sleep time and sleep efficiency and a reduction in sleep onset latency. The results also show an improvement in sleep quality assessed through the Children’s Sleep Habits Questionnaire filled out by parents. This study is one of the first to examine through a meta-analysis the positive impact of non-pharmacological therapies in the treatment of sleep disorders in autistic children and adolescents without intellectual disability. Alternative treatments are essential, particularly for those who are intolerant to medication, as it allows clinicians to provide effective interventions tailored to this population.

Lay Abstract

Sleep disorders are common in people on the autistic spectrum and can affect their development, daily function, and overall well-being. This study examined the effectiveness of non-pharmacological intervention to improve sleep in autistic children and adolescents without intellectual disability. We considered 11 studies of non-pharmacological treatments for autistic children and adolescents. The results indicate that these interventions help to improve several sleep parameters, either by increasing, for example, the total time and quality of sleep, or by reducing the time needed for falling asleep. These approaches offer important treatment options especially for those cases where medication is not feasible, allowing physicians and specialists to propose more targeted and safer solutions for managing sleep difficulties in this population.
Narratives of reconstruction: Looking beyond biographical disruption through three Indian breast cancer memoirs
Authors: Bhattacharyya Mahua , Mishra Ajit K
Published: February 2025

Despite extensive research on Western breast cancer (BC) memoirs highlighting how shame profoundly impacts patients’ lives making them more vulnerable, Indian BC memoirs remain underexplored, especially in understanding the challenges of shame. This article examines the unique struggles of Indian female BC patients, focusing on their experiences of biographical disruption, the guilt-ridden consciousness of their altered body image, and the shame-induced actions that shape their narratives. Through an analysis of three Indian BC memoirs, Sunshine (2011), To Cancer, with Love (2015) and Cancer, You Picked the Wrong Girl (2021), this article explores how Indian female BC narrators comprehend and articulate their lived experiences of shame and self-perception. The analysis also highlights the diverse coping strategies such as doing humour, normalising breast talk, practising spirituality, and sharing survival lessons employed by these narrators to offer a deeper understanding of the intersection of shame, identity, and healing, and to transcend moments of shame through acts of reconstruction. More importantly, the analysis underscores how these acts of reconstruction provide empowering strategies for navigating the challenges of BC and accentuate the possibility of an autobiographical reconstruction mechanism.
Clinical application of subharmonic aided pressure estimation (SHAPE) in the assessment of portal hypertension in patients with decompensated cirrhosis: A pilot study
Authors: Huang Yunlin , Lu Xiuyun , Wang Feihang , Cao Jiaying , Wang Ying , Cheng Juan , Dong Yi , Wang Wenping
Published: February 2025

Purpose

The aim of the study was to explore the possibility of subharmonic aided pressure estimation (SHAPE) measurement for noninvasive evaluation of portal hypertension in patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis.

Materials and Methods

Patients diagnosed with decompensated liver cirrhosis were prospectively enrolled. SHAPE measurement was performed by using an ultrasound system. A continuous infusion of sonazoid at a rate of 0.18 ml/kg/h and saline at 120 ml/h was performed. The hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) value are the gold standard for evaluating portal hypertension. The Pearson coefficient and areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs) were analyzed.

Results

From February 2023 to August 2023, 15 patients (mean age, 61.1 ± 8.3 years; eight men and seven women) were included. The correlation coefficient of the SHAPE gradient and HVPG was 0.33. The mean SHAPE gradient of patients with clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH) (HVPG ≥ 10 mmHg) was significantly higher than that of patients with lower risk (0.5 ± 4.4 dB vs. −7.4 ± 5.1 dB, P = 0.01). Patients with increased risk for variceal hemorrhage (HVPG ≥ 12 mmHg) had a significantly higher mean SHAPE gradient than patients with lower risk (HVPG < 12 mmHg) (1.3 ± 4.4 dB vs. −5.9 ± 4.8 dB; P = 0.01). The optimal cut-off values of the SHAPE gradient for diagnosing patients with CSPH and at increased risk for variceal hemorrhage were −1.3 dB and −0.6 dB (both AUC = 0.89), respectively.

Conclusion

SHAPE measurement is a potential noninvasive, effective imaging method to evaluate portal hypertension among patients diagnosed with decompensated liver cirrhosis in clinical practice.
Social work in the era of WEB 3.0
Authors: Cheung Johnson Chun-Sing , Ho Stanley Chun-Yu , Yau Chi-Yin
Published: February 2025

The fundamental ideas underpinning Web 3.0 are revolutionary but could simultaneously be potentially disruptive. Have people and the surrounding systems been ready to embrace such a brand-new Utopia that is operated in a transparent, anonymized, decentralized, and immutable manner? In this regard, the role of social work should be carefully calibrated alongside this evolution process. Authors of this article argued that social workers should engage proactively in developing online communities, practicing with the humbleness and collaborative mind, and collaborate to reexamine the current code of ethics and establish appropriate practice guidelines for Web 3.0.
Compound fault diagnosis method for rolling bearings based on enhanced MED and adaptive periodized symplectic geometry mode decomposition
Authors: Li Shengqiang , Yan Changfeng , Hou Yunfeng , Liu Bin , Tian Yu , Wu Lixiao
Published: February 2025

Rolling bearing compound faults (RBCF) always interact and couple with each other, which makes it tremendously challenging to accurately diagnose them by processing the collected vibration signals. For the sake of separating and extracting fault features in RBCF, a novel method based on enhanced minimum entropy deconvolution (EMED) with adaptive periodized symplectic geometry mode decomposition (APSGMD) is proposed. First, weighted unbiased autocorrelation kurtosis is established as the new objective function to determine the optimal inverse filter coefficients of EMED method, which can enhance periodic impulse components of weak fault and eliminate background noise in RBCF signal. Second, for proposed APSGMD method, the termination condition based on cosine difference factor and kurtosis criterion are employed to adaptively select symplectic geometry components (SGCs), and a criterion for selecting singular value pairs is established to enhance the periodic impulse components of each SGC obtained. Finally, hierarchical clustering is leveraged to classify and reconstruct SGCs with different fault periods. A comprehensive simulation model is developed for RBCF to testify this method. The experimental results show that inner ring and outer ring faults, inner ring and ball faults, outer ring and ball faults, and inner–outer ring and ball faults can be accurately diagnosed by the proposed method.
Review of fault modes and failure diagnosis methods for magnetic-driving pump
Authors: Sun Hui , Hu Kang , Si Qiaorui , Lan Qingqi , Yuan Shouqi
Published: February 2025

Magnetic pumps transmit torque without leaks using magnetic induction, offering superior sealing over conventional pumps by replacing dynamic with static seals. They are vital for handling hazardous or valuable fluids, enhancing safety and efficiency while cutting maintenance costs. Despite their reliability, they face failure risks from temperature, lubrication, and contamination. This article reviews fault patterns, causes, and impacts in magnetic pumps and explores advanced sensor-based and intelligent diagnostic methods to predict and prevent failures, ensuring stable operation and reducing downtime. It provides a comprehensive overview of current fault diagnosis techniques and future research directions in the field.
The role of mastery in Crohn’s disease: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Gattoni Marina Francesca , Previtali Enrica , Leone Salvatore , Amore Alessia , Volpato Eleonora
Published: February 2025

Background:

Crohn’s disease (CD) is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory bowel disease. It is estimated that approximately 40% of individuals with CD are non-adherent to medical prescriptions. This lack of adherence to treatment plans has been linked to an increased risk of hospitalisation and surgical procedures, which can have a detrimental impact on the patient’s quality of life (QoL). Furthermore, the CD can impose significant stress on individuals, affecting their mental health and sense of mastery. The term ‘mastery’ is used to describe an individual’s awareness of their abilities and capacities that are essential for effectively managing life events and situations.

Objectives:

This study aimed to investigate the role of mastery in relation to medical adherence, distress, perceived social support, QoL, depressive and anxious symptoms and interoception in persons with a diagnosis of CD.

Design:

This is a cross-sectional study, involving 261 adults diagnosed with CD.

Methods:

Participants completed an online questionnaire comprising validated clinical and psychological scales, which lasted approximately 20 min. Participants were permitted to provide their most recently available medical report.

Results:

Patients with CD reported discrete levels of mastery. Two factorial ANOVA highlighted statistically significative differences in mastery in relation to clinical conditions ( F(2, 253) = 11.22, p < 0.001) and a significative interaction effect between gender and symptomatology ( F(2, 253) = 7.22, p < 0.001). Multiple linear regression illustrated a statistically significant association between mastery, clinical conditions, QoL, stress and interoception (adjusted R square = 0.558; F(14, 211) = 21.32, p < 0.001). Concerning the possible mediator role of mastery between psychological state and medical adherence, no statistically significant results emerged from the mediation model analysis.

Conclusion:

This study highlighted an effective impairment of mastery in CD patients, especially among men experiencing mild disease activity. A positive association between mastery and enteroception was outlined. The higher prevalence of distress, anxiety and depressive symptoms connected to mastery was substantiated. Future research should deepen the relationship between mastery with medical adherence.
Different activity and toxicity of immunotherapy in monozygotic twins diagnosed with early triple-negative breast cancer: a case report
Authors: Perachino Marta , Del Mastro Lucia , Buzzatti Giulia , Trevisan Lucia , Razeti Maria Grazia , Bellodi Andrea , Spinaci Stefano , Soldato Davide , Lambertini Matteo , Poggio Francesca
Published: February 2025

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common malignancy among women. Among 5%–10% of diagnoses are correlated with hereditary cancer syndromes, while the remaining cases are sporadic and linked to multiple factors. When a pathogenetic variant in one of the genes commonly associated with BC is detected, the patient is referred to a tailored surveillance program; otherwise, the standard follow-up guidelines are applied. We present a unique case of BC diagnosed in two monozygotic twins at the same age apparently unrelated to a hereditary syndrome known to date. Notably, despite comparable clinical–pathological features, the two neoplasms behaved differently to neoadjuvant chemo-immunotherapy, showing different outcomes and toxicities. Very little is known about the predictive mechanisms of response and toxicity to immunotherapy and this clinical case might be a starting point for further investigations.
Video-based contactless detection of task-related concentration using advanced machine-learning techniques
Authors: Li Xiaoyan , Wu Si Jia , Wang Yihong , Yasin Yousef , Gupta Arvind , Huang Huaxiong , Lee Kang
Published: February 2025

The present study aimed to test the accuracy of applying machine learning to a novel contactless video-based approach in detecting task-related concentration. Evaluations of concentration on-task have relied on laboratory methodologies, which encounter difficulties when applied to real work scenarios. Video photoplethysmography (VPPG) can present a solution to these difficulties by extracting physiological changes from videos captured by any conventional camera. Applying machine learning to physiological signals from VPPG can enable contactless detection of task-related concentration. Thirty adults completed a simulated task. Physiological changes were recorded via electrocardiogram (ECG) and VPPG. Pre-trained VGG, support vector machine, and XGBoost were performed on ECG and VPPG signals to detect when participants were on- or off-task. The ensemble method, which combined three machine-learning methods, applied to VPPG signals proved to be highly accurate (∼97%). Among individual machine-learning methods, pre-trained VGG applied to VPPG signals performed the best, comparable to the ensembled method. All analyses showed detection based on VPPG signals to significantly outperform ECG signals. Results establish a proof-of-concept that VPPG and machine learning can be used to detect task-related concentration in a contactless, convenient, and inexpensive fashion. VPPG can enable the detection of task-related concentration in natural work settings.
Classifying Alzheimer’s wandering and apathetic behaviours using indoor and outdoor localization data
Authors: Comai Sara , Masciadri Andrea , Salice Fabio
Published: February 2025

Dementia, especially Alzheimer’s disease, is increasing due to population ageing and is projected to nearly triple by 2050. Understanding and identifying common behaviours such as apathy, depression, and wandering can enable caregivers and medical professionals to enhance the quality of care for patients and implement appropriate interventions to mitigate cognitive decline. This paper analyses localization data collected from patients with mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease residing in a healthcare facility. In particular, metrics and behavioural indices are computed to classify the behaviour of individuals. The proposed method was initially applied to the localization data of seven residents, each exhibiting distinct behaviours. Subsequently, validation was conducted using data from 46 patients monitored over three months. Classification results were compared with the observations made by healthcare operators and physicians. The study demonstrated a high level of accuracy in classifying patients into different behavioural domains, such as wandering and depressed–apathetic, with 42 out of 46 cases correctly classified.
Experimental characterization and numerical investigation on different conformal lattice structures for specific energy absorption under quasi-static and dynamic loading
Authors: R Calpana , Ashok Dara , A Prasanna , Kasireddy SR , Bahubalendruni MVA Raju
Published: February 2025

Lattice structures exhibit significant potential for superior energy absorption under both static and dynamic loading conditions when compared to solid infill designs. This advantage arises from their distinctive properties, including low relative density, high flexibility, and enhanced compressibility. In this study, a novel type of infill lattice structure, termed the Different Conformal Lattice Structure (DCLS), was developed. DCLS is constructed through the tessellation of Simple Cubic (SC), Body-Centered Cubic (BCC), and Face-Centered Cubic (FCC) lattice configurations. The lattice structures were designed using Fusion360, incorporating optimized infill geometries characterized by both constant and variable relative densities achieved by varying the strut diameters of the individual lattices. Fabrication was performed using the Stereolithography (SLA) process, and the structures were subjected to quasi-static compression testing on a dynamic universal testing machine. Additionally, dynamic characterization was conducted using a Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB) apparatus, and the results were compared with finite element simulations. The Experimental findings revealed that specific DCLS configurations, particularly EVT-BFS-2.5, demonstrated exceptional performance, achieving the highest specific energy absorption (SEA) values, exceeding 28 MPa under dynamic loading. This represents an impressive 1866.97% increase compared to quasi-static testing. Finite element analysis corroborated these experimental results, showing excellent agreement and validating the accuracy of the simulations. The study underscores the potential of DCLS with optimized tessellation patterns to significantly enhance energy absorption capabilities. These findings position DCLS as a promising solution for applications demanding lightweight, high-performance energy-dissipative materials.
Navigating pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics challenges of β-lactam antibiotics in patients with low body weight: efficacy, toxicity, and dosage optimization
Authors: Tseng Yu-Ju , Tai Chih-Hsun , Chen Guan-Yuan , Chen Yen-Lin , Ku Shih-Chi , Pai Tsung-Yu , Wu Chien-Chih
Published: February 2025

Background:

Patients with low body weight (LBW) often exhibit altered pharmacokinetics (PK) in renal clearance and total body water. These changes complicate β-lactam antibiotic dosing, potentially resulting in suboptimal efficacy or increased toxicity.

Objectives:

To evaluate the attainment of PK/pharmacodynamic (PD) targets, the prevalence of subtherapeutic and supratherapeutic concentrations, and the incidence of neurotoxicity among LBW patients treated with piperacillin/tazobactam (TZP), cefepime (FEP), and meropenem (MEM).

Design:

A prospective observational study conducted at a tertiary hospital from January 2020 to December 2022.

Methods:

Adult patients with a body mass index ⩽18.5 kg/m2 who received TZP, FEP, or MEM were included. Trough serum concentrations were analyzed for PK/PD targets: 100% time above minimum inhibitory concentration (100% fT > MIC) and 100% time above four times MIC (100% fT > 4MIC). Neurotoxicity was assessed using standardized criteria. Statistical analyses identified factors associated with concentration variability and adverse outcomes.

Results:

Seventy-two patients were included: 29 received TZP, 23 FEP, and 20 MEM. Achievement of the 100% fT > MIC target was comparable across all antibiotics (~70%), but 100% fT > 4 MIC attainment was significantly higher for FEP (47.8%) than for TZP (10.3%) and MEM (30%) ( p = 0.01). Supratherapeutic concentrations were observed in 34.8% of FEP users compared to 3.4% and 5% for TZP and MEM, respectively ( p = 0.002). Neurotoxicity occurred in 13% of FEP patients but was not reported in TZP or MEM groups ( p = 0.04). Subtherapeutic concentrations were noted in approximately 30% of patients across all groups.

Conclusion:

PK changes complicate β-lactam antibiotic dosing, resulting in frequent failure to achieve PK/PD targets. FEP demonstrated a particularly high risk of supratherapeutic concentrations and neurotoxicity. Therapeutic drug monitoring is crucial to optimize dosing and improve safety in this population.
Practising reflexivity: Ethico-epistemological and political practice?
Authors: Subramani Supriya
Published: February 2025

In recent times, the term reflexivity has gained prominence in bioethics. For scholars engaged in both qualitative and quantitative research methods, particularly amid the prevailing climate of the empirical turn and reflexive turn, the concept of reflexivity opens up diverse epistemological and methodological possibilities. Given the varied moral paradigms and normative assumptions that shape applied ethics scholars’ understanding of moral knowledge, it becomes imperative to explore what practising reflexivity entails and how it impacts the discourse within the domain of applied ethics, especially in so-called empirical bioethics. In this paper, I aim to examine the current conversations surrounding reflexivity in bioethics scholarship, offering a critical analysis of the dominant interpretations of this concept. Acknowledging the limitations of thin reflexivity, which risks reinforcing the status quo through its depoliticized approach and lack of critical engagement with systemic issues in the politics of knowledge, my argument is that reflexivity should be understood as an ethical, epistemological and political practice that demystifies the process of knowing. Practising thick reflexivity not only requires acknowledging that the pursuit of knowledge is neither value-neutral nor value-free, but also involves seeking knowledge that explicitly accounts for inherent value commitments. This approach enables a deeper understanding of the complexities of social, moral and political realities. I conclude that embracing reflexivity necessitates a recognition of the politics of knowing, specifically, the non-innocence inherent in our processes of knowledge production, construction and representation of moral and social realities.
Perusing the Contemporary Tendencies in Employees’ Job Performance Studies: A Bibliometric Analysis of Research Trends, 2013–2023
Authors: Engidaw Abriham Ebabu , Zou Weikang , Ning Jing , Francesco Grillo , Hanchen Jiang
Published: February 2025

This study examined the bibliometric indicators of employee job performance articles published between 2013 and 2023, which were taken from the Web of Science database, and specifically aimed to explore the trends and themes of job performance research, the characteristics of authors, publications, nations and institutions, and the particular authorship partnerships and references that are frequently cited in the field of employee performance. The research performed descriptive and bibliometric analyses using the R-Studio data analysis tool, with 983 full-text articles selected based on their relevance to the study subject. The study finds that there has been a dramatic increase in interest in employees’ job performance studies, growing authorial collaborations, country collaborations, citations, and co-citations, though most of these research activities are dominated by researchers from fewer countries, such as China, the USA, and Korea. And, according to the result, it is evident that the majority of highly cited papers in the field originate from the United States and China; in contrast, the citation rates of publications from other countries are notably lower. This present research is expected to contribute to the expanding body of knowledge and practice on employees’ job performance, enable the discovery of new trends in this area, and identify for the scientific community the main research directions that have been explored.
Soret-Dufour influences on magnetized stratification flow of second grade micropolar nanofluid with multiple boundary conditions
Authors: Anwar Muhammad Imran , Shehzad Sabir , Omar Muhammad , Ali Mohsen , Qaisar Shahid
Published: February 2025

A comprehensive study of magnetized stratification flow of second grade micropolar nanofluids induced by the exponential stretched sheet is conducted. The current problem is established on the Newtonian heating (NH) and convective boundary conditions (CBC) flow model. To convert the governing system of dimensional differential equations into dimensionless differential equations, the feasible similarity transformations are introduced. The obtained dimensionless system is numerically computed using bvp4c built-in software package in matlab. The numerical data is utilized to express the role of dimensionless flow constraints on velocity profile [Formula: see text] micro-rotation profile [Formula: see text], and temperature profile [Formula: see text] .The comparison of numerical results for particular cases with the previous results shows the validity of current problem. The magnetic field, and second-grade parameter influences on the nanofluids are important to understand the behavior of velocity and microrotation profiles. The thermal profile is significantly impacted by the range of parameters like thermophoresis parameter, and Dufour number which reflecting the greater heat transportation within the flow system.
From Clothing to Laundry Water: Assessing Human Exposure and Chemical Footprint of Alkylphenol Ethoxylates
Authors: Guo Zhaoxia , Cheng Yeju , Ji Xiang , Sun Yue , Li Feng , Li Qizheng , Zhu Lisha , Wang Laili
Published: February 2025

The production and processing of textile and apparel products involve the use of various chemicals. These chemicals, such as alkylphenol ethoxylates (APEOs), are released during washing and wearing and may be potentially harmful to humans and the aquatic environment. The primary objective of this research was to investigate the effect of laundering on nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEOs) and octylphenol ethoxylates (OPEOs) in textiles. We performed washing experiments on nine unwashed textile samples. The results showed that the levels of NPEOs and OPEOs were significantly reduced after washing compared to the initial levels, and the release rates during washing ranged from 63% to 98%. However, it may not be possible to completely remove residual APEOs from clothing by washing. The total exposure dose to infants wearing unwashed textiles was approximately 2.7–50.1 times that of washed textiles, with oral exposure accounting for 35.7–53.5% of the total exposure dose. Furthermore, nine samples had a chemical footprint after washing of up to 114 PAF·m3·day. Given these findings, meticulous attention should be directed toward auxiliary selection and the formulation of eco-friendly alternatives throughout the textile production lifecycle.
Establishing a common definition for care provided by hospice societies in British Columbia, Canada: a Delphi process
Authors: Anderson Simon , Carter Rachel Z , Roberts Della , Thomas Pablita , Hassan Eman
Published: February 2025

Background:

Currently, there are over 70 hospice societies spread across urban, rural, and remote communities in BC. However, these societies are not utilized to their fullest potential, primarily due to a lack of awareness of the unique role they play in their communities and common misconceptions about the types of care they provide.

Objectives:

To develop a consensus-based definition of the care provided by hospice societies in BC, suitable for use across government, healthcare, community organizations, and the public.

Design:

A modified Delphi approach, guided by an environmental scan, was used to reach consensus on a standard definition of care among a panel of experts.

Methods:

Following an environmental scan of gray and published literature for attributes and components of care delivered by hospice societies, the expert panel participated in a modified Delphi process of iterative surveys asking questions about content, wording, and structure of the definition. The 56-member panel consisted of hospice society experts, palliative care experts, and people with lived experience. Consensus was defined as 75% agreement across the entire panel (all) and 75% agreement across hospice society representatives (hospice).

Results:

After six survey rounds, consensus was met on a common definition with three different length versions: full- and medium-length versions (85% all, 85% hospice) and a short version (94% all, 100% hospice). Differing opinions within our expert panel about components of care supported the need for this common definition.

Conclusion:

Our consensus-based definition provides unprecedented clarity and a shared understanding about the care provided by hospice societies in BC. Hospice societies are expected to benefit from this clarity by maximizing their use and access. It is also expected that this definition will guide advocacy efforts, ultimately contributing to the quality and sustainability of hospice care across the province.
Microcredit and Women’s Financial Empowerment: Insights from Brazilian Crediamigo Microcredit Program
Authors: da Cunha José Maria , Motta Victor , Inácio de Oliveira Alysson , Bezerra Melo Maria Renata , Valente Júnior Aírton Saboya
Published: February 2025

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to estimate the impact of Crediamigo Microcredit Program in Brazil on the financial situation of its recipients and investigate potential gender differences.

Study design: We use secondary data from the socioeconomic registry of Crediamigo, considering the active clients of the Program until 2021. Our identification strategy consists of using the Difference-in-Differences method.

Findings: The findings indicate that sustained participation in the program results in an average increase in operating profit, non-operating revenue, and payment capacity. Despite less favorable initial conditions and a lower average loan value, women experience significantly greater impacts.

Contributions: The main contribution focuses on using unique characteristics of Crediamigo to understand gender differences in financial performance.

Implications: By showcasing the benefits for female entrepreneurs, the findings offer valuable insights for more targeted financial initiatives and policies that bridge gender gaps and better serve female entrepreneurs.
New materialist inter-ethnic crossing in Jen Sookfong Lee’s The Better Mother
Authors: Zhou Quan
Published: February 2025

Using the lens of new materialism, this article explores the agency of food and clothing in Chinese Canadian novelist Jen Sookfong Lee’s The Better Mother. By analyzing how embodied inter-ethnic crossing is made possible by agentic material things, especially items of food and clothes, this article argues that Lee’s new materialist thinking in her fiction nuances and throws into sharp relief the rebellious and transgressive nature of inter-ethnicity.
Molecular mechanisms of m6A modifications regulating tumor radioresistance
Authors: Shen Ruolin , Jiang Zhenyang , Wang Huanhuan , Zheng Zhuangzhuang , Jiang Xin
Published: February 2025

Radiotherapy is one of the most effective treatments for malignant tumors. Radioresistance is a major factor that contributes to radiotherapy failure and poor prognosis. Recent studies have elucidated the pivotal role of aberrant N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification, the predominant internal mRNA modification in eukaryotic cells, influences cancer progression by disrupting gene expression and other critical cellular processes. Furthermore, aberrant m6A methylation provides a substrate for tumor therapy; however, whether it regulates tumor radioresistance remains unclear. Methylated transferase (writer), demethylated transferase (eraser), and methylated recognition protein (reader) are the three essential proteins that regulate m6A modification via different mechanisms in different tumors. This review summarizes the latest research advances in m6A methylation and aims to provide novel perspectives on the advancement of regimens to overcome radioresistance and tumor invasion.