bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unsaturated Fatty Acids Are Decreased in Aβ Plaques in Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Röhr Dominik , Helfrich Melina , Höring Marcus , Großerüschkamp Frederik , Liebisch Gerhard , Gerwert Klaus
Published: January 2025

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by the accumulation of amyloid‐beta (Aβ) plaques in the brain, contributing to neurodegeneration. This study investigates lipid alterations within these plaques using a novel, label‐free, multimodal approach. Combining infrared (IR) imaging, machine learning, laser microdissection (LMD), and flow injection analysis mass spectrometry (FIA‐MS), we provide the first comprehensive lipidomic analysis of chemically unaltered Aβ plaques in post‐mortem human AD brain tissue. IR imaging revealed decreased lipid unsaturation within plaques, evidenced by a reduction in the alkene (=C‐H) stretching vibration band. The high spatial resolution of IR imaging, coupled with machine learning‐based plaque detection, enabled precise and label‐free extraction of plaques via LMD. Subsequent FIA‐MS analysis confirmed a significant increase in short‐chain saturated lipids and a concomitant decrease in long‐chain unsaturated lipids within plaques compared to the surrounding tissue. These findings highlight a substantial depletion of unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs) in Aβ plaques, suggesting a pivotal role for lipid dysregulation and oxidative stress in AD pathology. This study advances our understanding of the molecular landscape of Aβ plaques and underscores the potential of lipid‐based therapeutic strategies in AD.

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Differentiated Relational Strategies in Major Supplier Networks: A Blessing or a Curse in Collectivist Cultures?
Authors: Yan Zebin , Yang Zhi , Yang Haibin , Xie En
Published: January 2025

Extant literature highlights the positive performance outcomes of a differentiated supplier management strategy. However, this research presents counterintuitive findings in major supplier networks in a collectivist culture like China. In such contexts, differentiated supplier management strategies may violate the equality principle expected by major suppliers, hindering their collective value creation process and ultimately undermining the buyers' financial performance. Using a combination of survey data, secondary archival data from Chinese manufacturing firms and their major supplier networks, and qualitative triangulation, this research reveals that a buyer's differentiated relational strategy (DRS) in major supplier networks negatively affects its financial performance. The negative effects of a DRS intensify under demand uncertainty but lessen under technological uncertainty. This research reveals a contextualized perspective on differentiated supplier management strategies and enriches the literature on the effects of collectivist cultures in supply chain management.
Population Genomics Reveals Local Adaptation Related to Temperature Variation in Two Stream Frog Species: Implications for Vulnerability to Climate Warming
Authors: Forester Brenna R. , Cicchino Amanda S. , Shah Alisha A. , Mudd Austin B. , Anderson Eric C. , Bredeson Jessen V. , Crawford Andrew J. , Dunham Jason B. , Ghalambor Cameron K. , Landguth Erin L. , Murray Brent W. , Rokhsar Daniel , Funk W. Chris
Published: January 2025

Identifying populations at highest risk from climate change is a critical component of conservation efforts. However, vulnerability assessments are usually applied at the species level, even though intraspecific variation in exposure, sensitivity and adaptive capacity play a crucial role in determining vulnerability. Genomic data can inform intraspecific vulnerability by identifying signatures of local adaptation that reflect population‐level variation in sensitivity and adaptive capacity. Here, we address the question of local adaptation to temperature and the genetic basis of thermal tolerance in two stream frogs (Ascaphus truei and A. montanus). Building on previous physiological and temperature data, we used whole‐genome resequencing of tadpoles from four sites spanning temperature gradients in each species to test for signatures of local adaptation. To support these analyses, we developed the first annotated reference genome for A. truei. We then expanded the geographic scope of our analysis using targeted capture at an additional 11 sites per species. We found evidence of local adaptation to temperature based on physiological and genomic data in A. montanus and genomic data in A. truei, suggesting similar levels of sensitivity (i.e., susceptibility) among populations regardless of stream temperature. However, invariant thermal tolerances across temperatures in A. truei suggest that populations occupying warmer streams may be most sensitive. We identified high levels of evolutionary potential in both species based on genomic and physiological data. While further integration of these data is needed to comprehensively evaluate spatial variation in vulnerability, this work illustrates the value of genomics in identifying spatial patterns of climate change vulnerability.
The simplicity of physical laws
Authors: Chen Eddy Keming
Published: January 2025

Physical laws are strikingly simple, yet there is no a priori reason for them to be so. I propose that nomic realists—Humeans and non‐Humeans—should recognize simplicity as a fundamental epistemic guide for discovering and evaluating candidate physical laws. This proposal helps resolve several longstanding problems of nomic realism and simplicity. A key consequence is that the presumed epistemic advantage of Humeanism over non‐Humeanism dissolves, undermining a prominent epistemological argument for Humeanism. Moreover, simplicity is shown to be more connected to lawhood than to mere truth.
Quantifying tear exchange during rigid contact lens wear using corneoscleral profilometry: A proof of concept study
Authors: Iqbal Asif , Fisher Damien , Alonso‐Caneiro David , Collins Michael J. , Vincent Stephen J.
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Tear exchange during contact lens wear is essential for ocular surface integrity, facilitating debris removal, and maintaining corneal metabolism. Fluorophotometry and fluorogram methods are typically used to measure tear exchange, which require hardware modifications to a slit lamp biomicroscope. This manuscript introduces an alternative method using a corneoscleral profilometer, the Eye Surface Profiler (ESP), to quantify tear exchange during corneal and scleral rigid lens wear by assessing fluorescence intensity changes over time.

Methods

As a proof of concept, a healthy participant wore a corneal and a scleral rigid lens on separate days. After lens application, 2% sodium fluorescein was instilled, and ESP images were captured at intervals over a 30‐min period for corneal and a 90‐min period for the scleral lens. Fluorescence intensity data were extracted and analysed using MATLAB, restricted to a region of interest centred on the contact lens. The fluorescence intensity was fitted with an exponential decay curve to quantify tear exchange.

Results

Fluorescence intensity decreased over time for both lenses, with a faster decay rate being observed for the corneal lens. The scleral lens showed an initial ingress of fluorescein into the fluid reservoir, then a slow decay in fluorescence intensity due to limited tear exchange. The decay rate for the corneal lens was approximately four times faster than the scleral lens, with the time to reach 50% decay of ~42 min for the corneal lens compared to ~157 min for the scleral lens.

Conclusion

A new method was developed to quantify tear exchange using a commercially available corneoscleral profilometer, offering a wider field of view than existing techniques. This approach has clinical potential in scleral lens practice for identifying landing zone misalignment and improving the understanding of post‐lens tear dynamics, particularly in cases involving scleral lens modifications or patients experiencing midday fogging.
Factors associated with patient no‐show rates in an academic pain management practice
Authors: Burshtein Aaron , Shekane Paul
Published: January 2025

Objectives

Chronic pain is a debilitating, multifactorial condition. The purpose of this study was to examine patient characteristics of those who did not show up for their scheduled first pain medicine appointment in order to identify factors that may improve access to care.

Methods

This was a retrospective analysis of 810 patients from a single‐center academic pain management clinic between January 1, 2022, and December 31, 2023.

Results

Overall no‐show rate was 57%. There was a mean of 133 days (4.3 months) from scheduling to the appointment date. Patients age ≤ 30 years had the highest no‐show rate (69%), and those ≥81 years had the lowest (49%). Hispanic and Caucasian patients had similar no‐show rates (59% and 57%, respectively) and Asian patients had lower rate (41%). Referral from another specialty had a significantly lower no‐show rate (36% vs. 89%, p < 0.001). The presence of referral (p < 0.001) was a significant predictor of lower no‐show rates. Of the 191 patients with low back pain, internal medicine (38.7%) was the most referring specialty.

Discussion

High no‐show rates were present particularly among younger patients. Having a referral from another specialty was an independent predictor of lower no‐show rates.
Interplay of Light, Melatonin, and Circadian Genes in Skin Pigmentation Regulation
Authors: Bertolesi Gabriel E. , Debnath Nilakshi , Heshami Neda , Bui Ryan , Zadeh‐Haghighi Hadi , Simon Christoph , McFarlane Sarah
Published: January 2025

Circadian regulation of skin pigmentation is essential for thermoregulation, ultraviolet (UV) protection, and synchronization of skin cell renewal. This regulation involves both cell‐autonomous photic responses and non‐cell‐autonomous hormonal control, particularly through melatonin produced in a light‐sensitive manner. Photosensitive opsins, cryptochromes, and melatonin regulate circadian rhythms in skin pigment cells. We studied light/dark cycles and melatonin coordination in melanin synthesis and cell proliferation of Xenopus laevis melanophores. In vivo, tadpole pigmentation shows robust circadian regulation mainly hormone‐driven, in that isolated melanophores respond strongly to melatonin but only slightly to light. Melanophore proliferation is faster in the dark and slower with melatonin as compared to a 12/12 light/dark cycle. Expression of circadian core genes (clock, bmal1, per1, per2, per3, cry1, cry2, and cry4) in melatonin‐treated cells during the light phase mimics dark phase expression. Overexpression of individual Crys did not affect melanization or cell proliferation, likely due to their cooperative actions. Melanin synthesis was inhibited by circadian cycle deregulation through (a) pharmacological inhibition of Cry1 and Cry2 degradation with KL001, (b) continuous light or dark conditions, and (c) melatonin treatment. Our findings suggest that circadian cycle regulation, rather than proliferative capacity, alters melanization of melanophores.
Pollen–pistil interaction in Mauritia flexuosa: structural and cytological aspects provide insight into the reproductive success of a dioecious palm with supra‐annual flowering in a semiarid environment
Authors: Mazzottini‐dos‐Santos H. C. , Ribeiro L. M. , Fonseca P. P. , Azevedo I. F. P. , Souza C. S. , Nunes Y. R. F.
Published: January 2025

The success of pollen–pistil interaction in Mauritia flexuosa (buriti), a palm adapted to the humid ecosystems, ‘veredas’, within the Cerrado, is influenced by intrinsic and environmental factors. Its supra‐annual flowering, dioecy, and adverse climate conditions pose challenges for fertilization, therefore information on floral biology is essential. This study aimed to ascertain stigma receptivity, and elucidate structural, cytochemical, and ultrastructural aspects of the pollen–pistil relationship.

Flowers were analysed at intervals post‐anthesis (hpa) and post‐pollination (hpp). A stigma receptivity test was performed using H2O2 solution. Pistil samples were processed for anatomical, histochemical, and electron microscopy evaluation.

The stigma is wet and papillate type, with subepidermis containing sclerenchyma connected to vascular bundles. Stigma receptivity lasts around 36 hpa. The pollen tube penetrates the papilla at 2 hpp and develops in the symplast, towards the stylar canal. The papillae have loose cell walls that facilitate the secretion and contain a rich population of organelles, including large peroxisomes. Fertilization occurs 24 hpp, and during this period the stigma surface is free of pathogens.

The vascular connection to the pistil surface favours the germination of pollen grains. The pistil has a strong protective system until fertilization occurs. The symplastic growth of the pollen tube in the stigma and the efficient secretory apparatus of the pistil contribute to rapid fertilization. These structural characteristics and secretion dynamics enhance reproduction of buriti, even with supra‐annual flowering and in semiarid conditions.
Cultural uncertainty avoidance predicts consumers’ affective reactions to chemicals
Authors: Martin Christian
Published: January 2025

Chemicals in general often evoke negative emotions (e.g., worry or fear) in consumers. This can cause consumers to avoid beneficial products and may even lead to suboptimal public policy decisions. It is, therefore, important to better understand how affective reactions to chemicals in general (ARC) form in order to be able to counteract these undesirable effects. The present research contributes to the literature on ARC by studying between‐country differences in ARC. While ARC were negative in all countries in our dataset, there were practically relevant between‐country differences in how negative they were. We predicted and found that consumers in higher uncertainty avoidance (UA) societies reported more negative ARC than their counterparts in lower UA societies. This effect was due to the rule orientation component rather than the anxiety component of UA. Importantly, while we found evidence for several alternative explanations for between‐country variation in ARC (i.e., differences in affluence, individualism, prevalence of chemicals, and trust in consumer protection), the UA effect remained statistically significant when we controlled for other country characteristics. The present research contributes to a better understanding of how contextual factors on the society level influence consumers’ ARC and in doing so advances our understanding of ARC. It also has implications for practitioners who wish to educate consumers on the risks and benefits of chemicals.
The coronavirus outbreak calls for epidemic catastrophe insurance: Evidence from China
Authors: Wang Yinghui , Li Jianping , Zhu Xiaoqian
Published: January 2025

The COVID‐19 shows significant “catastrophe” characteristics. It has put tremendous pressure on various countries’ government finances. A few studies have realized that insurance could be applied in the rescue of catastrophic epidemics to relieve government pressure and improve rescue efficiency. However, most of these studies are based on qualitative analysis, with few quantitative calculations to prove whether it is feasible. Therefore, this article discusses the insurability of epidemic catastrophe insurance and proposes a novel quantitative methodology that measures insurance funds, estimates pandemic‐induced losses, and integrates reinsurance analysis to evaluate its effectiveness. Based on epidemic loss data collected from public information in China, the empirical study shows that China's epidemic catastrophe insurance fund can reach 50 billion yuan 5 years after its establishment and over 120 billion 10 years later, which can cover the losses caused by mild and severe epidemics. The epidemic catastrophe fund is capable of meeting claims requirements and effectively covering epidemics of varying severities. Furthermore, the reinsurance model demonstrates that insurers can transfer risks at a relatively reasonable cost, thereby covering losses from extreme epidemics. The findings reveal the effectiveness of epidemic catastrophe insurance, suggesting that worldwide countries incorporate epidemics into their catastrophe insurance to aid government in responding to future catastrophic epidemics.
A Dynamic Warm-Up Improves Titleist Performance Institute Screen Scores in Adult Golfers
Authors: Skibski Andrew , Vanguri Pradeep , Stout Jeffrey R. , Ingersoll Christopher D. , Mangum L. Colby
Published: January 2025

Context: Guidelines for various movement assessments often instruct clinicians to conduct testing without a warm-up. Warm-ups are commonly performed to increase heart rate, decrease stiffness, and prepare for sport-specific demands. Since athletes typically complete a warm-up prior to sport participation, evaluating biomechanics in this condition may provide a better indication of their bodies’ physical capabilities. The primary purpose of this study was to compare scores on the Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) screen before and after a dynamic warm-up in adult golfers. Design: Twenty-four adult golfers (19 male/5 female, age 44.0 [15.4] y, height 171.3 [8.6] cm, weight 82.5 [16.3] kg, average 18-hole score 90.7 [10.3] strokes) completed a single-session crossover laboratory study. Methods: Participants completed the TPI screen, which included 15 simple tests scored based on their ability to properly complete the movement. Following a rest and washout period, participants performed a brief dynamic warm-up including exercises for the extremities and trunk, followed by 30 seconds of practice golf swings. Participants immediately retested the TPI screen, following the same procedures. Composite and individual test scores were compared before and after the warm-up with Wilcoxon signed-rank tests and r effect sizes at a significance of P ≤ .05. Results: TPI composite scores were significantly higher following the warm-up (median: 36, interquartile range 31/40) than before the warm-up (median: 33, interquartile range 28/36) (P < .001), with a large effect size (r = .81). Conclusions: Our findings suggest a warm-up leads to higher scores on the TPI screen, and that an athlete’s warm-up condition should be considered when interpreting their performance.
Stationary solutions and invariant measures for SDEs driven by Lévy processes with Markovian switching
Authors: Gao Yue , Jiang Xiaomeng , Xing Jiamin
Published: January 2025

In this paper, we show that stochastic differential equations (SDEs) with Markovian switching driven by Lévy noises generate random dynamical systems (RDSs), and study the existence and uniqueness of stationary solutions. Besides, we obtain sufficient conditions for the existence of invariant measures.
A generalized ΛCDM model with parameterized Hubble parameter in particle creation, viscous and f(R) model framework
Authors: Singh G. P. , Garg Romanshu , Singh Ashutosh
Published: January 2025

In this study, we construct a theoretical framework based on the generalized Hubble parameter form which may arise within the particle creation, viscous and [Formula: see text] gravity theory. The Hubble parameter is scrutinized for its compatibility with the observational data relevant to the late-time universe. By using Bayesian statistical techniques based on [Formula: see text] minimization method, we determine model parameters’ best fit values for the cosmic chronometer and supernovae Pantheon datasets. For the best fit values, the cosmographic and physical parameters are analyzed to understand the cosmic dynamics in model. We also analyze the model section criterion in comparison to the [Formula: see text] cold dark matter model.
The Influence Index of Components in Uncertain Reliability Systems
Authors: Wang Jiajia , Li Anshui
Published: January 2025

It is natural to seek a measure for assessing the influence of individual component within a system. In this paper, we define the influence index of uncertain systems and introduce several key properties of this index. Furthermore, we investigate the influence indexes of specific types of uncertain reliability systems, including uncertain series, parallel, parallel-series, and series-parallel configurations. Some formulas are also derived to calculate the influence index of a component in uncertain Boolean systems.
Do Residential Areas Matter? Exploring the Differences in Motivational Factors, Motivation, and Learning Behaviors Among Urban High School English Learners From Different Regions
Authors: Wang Xu , Feng Yufei , Xu Yijing , Liu Honggang
Published: January 2025

It has long been researched on the differences in motivation profiles between English learners in urban and rural schools to promote educational equity. However, important stakeholders such as students in developing cities and rural-urban-migrant students have been overlooked. Additionally, the moderating roles of regional variables between motivation and behaviors are understudied. To address these gaps, we investigated 503 high school students from four cities in China through questionnaires. Drawing on self-determination theory, we explored the differences in English learning motivational factors, motivation, and behaviors between students in developed and underdeveloped cities, and between rural-urban-migrant students and local students within the same urban school. Furthermore, we examined the moderating roles of regional variables between motivation and behaviors. Independent-samples t-tests revealed that students in the underdeveloped city had significantly lower levels of emotion-related factors and English learning behaviors. Among students attending the same urban school, it was found that rural-urban-migrant students reported higher levels of negativity across all dimensions surveyed. Moreover, moderation analysis suggested the positive impact of motivation on English learning behaviors was weaker among rural-urban-migrant students. We discussed potential reasons for these results and provided implications for teachers, parents, and policymakers.
Rhizobium radiobacter Prosthetic Valve Endocarditis – A Case Report and Literature Analysis
Authors: Shah Sunish , Ramakrishnan Kavitha , Jawa Raagini
Published: January 2025

We describe a case of a 67-year-old man with bioprosthetic aortic valve endocarditis secondary to Rhizobium radiobacter, a rare Gram-negative plant pathogen. The initial source was assumed to be due to soil exposure. The patient was successfully managed with ceftriaxone following aortic valve replacement. Upon review of the literature, failure to recover R. radiobacter from blood cultures occurred in 57% (4/7) of reported endocarditis cases and 86% (6/7) were managed with antimicrobial monotherapy. Notably, all the published case reports to date of R. radiobacter endocarditis have reported survival following treatment.
Timing of Adolescent Alcohol Initiation and Unexplored Consequences: A Propensity Score Matching Approach
Authors: Dang Thuy , Wang Yunqi , Lee Eunice , Park Jeanie
Published: January 2025

There is scarcity of research comparing two age groups on the consequences of adolescent alcohol initiation. Particularly, it remains unknown whether alcohol initiation in grade 9 or earlier or grade 10–12 predict different or similar consequences in adolescents’ friend network and educational aspiration. The current study focuses on whether initiating alcohol use in grade 9 or earlier or grade 10–12 is associated with adolescents’ frequency of getting drunk, number of drunk friends they have, and their intention to obtain higher education. We used the data from the Monitoring the Future - Public Use Cross Sectional Datasets (1976–2022). We used R to conduct the propensity score matching, multiple linear regression analyses and two-way ANOVA. After propensity score adjustment, only associations between initiating alcohol use in grade 10–12 and getting drunk and initiating alcohol use in grade 10–12 and drunk friends remained significant.
Self-Esteem Mediates the Effect of Yoga-Induced Mindfulness on Adolescents’ Emotional and Behavioral Problems and Pro-Social Behavior
Authors: Pandey Mangesh , Dwivedi Krishna , Behera Narayan
Published: January 2025

Emotional and behavioral problems represent a spectrum of issues that impact adolescents’ optimal growth and development. This two-arm randomized trial assessed yoga’s role in improving physical fitness, mindfulness, self-esteem, cognitive functions, and emotional and behavioral problems in 90 adolescents, aged 11 to 15, of both genders. Participants were randomly assigned to either the yoga or control group. The yoga intervention followed a holistic approach, incorporating physical postures, breath regulation, relaxation techniques, and affirmations. The practices were conducted over 6 weeks, with sessions held 5 days a week, each lasting 50 minutes. The control group followed their usual school activities. The findings indicated significant improvements in physical fitness, mindfulness, cognitive task performance, and reductions in emotional and behavioral problems. Additionally, mindfulness influenced pro-social behavior and emotional issues, with self-esteem mediating 31% of the effect on emotional problems and 30% on pro-social behavior. Integrating yoga into school curricula could enhance adolescent development and well-being.
Finite-time control for polynomial parameter-varying systems and its application in mode transition of turbine-based combined cycle engines
Authors: Yu Lianchen , Yang Chenlong , Sun Hongfei , Zeng Jianping
Published: January 2025

This article investigates the problem of finite-time control for the mode transition of turbine-based combined cycle (TBCC) engines described in the polynomial parameter-varying (PPV) framework. In order to realize small-deviation mode transition, a PPV model that can be applied to different opening rates of an inlet splitter is established for a TBCC project put forward by Xiamen University named Xiamen Turbine-based Ejector Ramjet (XTER). The concepts of [Formula: see text] uniformly finite-time stability and [Formula: see text] uniformly finite-time output tracking performance are proposed, together with the corresponding state-and-parameter-dependent controller design conditions which can be efficiently solved by using sum-of-squares programming. Meanwhile, based on the PPV system of XTER, the controllers are designed in the designed flight conditions and the non-designed flight conditions, respectively. Finally, simulation results on the mode transition of the XTER are given to verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed control scheme.
Toxicologic Pathology Forum: Opinion on Digital Primary Read and Peer Review—Are We There Yet?
Authors: Schafer Kenneth A. , Rao Deepa B.
Published: January 2025

Recent trends in toxicological pathology include implementation of digital platforms that have gained rapid momentum in the field. Are we ready to fully implement this new modality? This opinion piece provides some practical perspectives on digital pathology such as its cost limitations, relative time requirements, and a few technical issues, some of which are encountered for specific lesions, that warrant caution. Although the potential for digital pathology assessment with whole slide images has made great strides, we are of the opinion that it is not yet ready for complete replacement of glass slides in toxicologic pathology safety assessments.
In perspective: Nepal’s LDC graduation: Implications, opportunities, and pathways
Authors: Shekh Irshad Ali , Bhattarai Subash Kumar , Thapa Rachana
Published: January 2025

In this paper, Nepal’s journey toward graduating from the Least Developed Countries (LDCs) category, a significant milestone anticipated for November 2026, is discussed. It evaluates Nepal’s progress in meeting the three key criteria for LDC graduation: the income criterion, Human Assets Index (HAI), and Economic and Environmental Vulnerability Index (EVI). A comparative analysis with Bhutan, which graduated in 2023, and Bangladesh, aiming for graduation in 2026, highlights the different economic paths and development challenges each country encounters. The article also discusses the potential consequences of Nepal’s LDC graduation, including the loss of preferential trade benefits and concessional aid. It outlines Nepal’s preparations, which involve the Smooth Transition Strategy (STS) and the 16th Five-Year Plan, both emphasizing macroeconomic stability, economic transformation, and social inclusion. While the article identifies key opportunities, such as increased foreign investment and an improved international reputation, it also underscores the challenges Nepal will need to address to ensure sustainable growth after graduation, particularly through strategic international partnerships and development diplomacy.
Combining the SLAM back and front ends with a joint vector-set distribution
Authors: Inostroza Felipe , Adams Martin
Published: January 2025

The joint optimization of map management and map feature to measurement association, together with the trajectory and map states, within a single, unified, Bayesian, feature-based, simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) solution is addressed in this article. Remarkable progress in feature-based SLAM has been made in which, given data association, the SLAM problem can be solved by use of nonlinear least squares solvers, often referred to as the SLAM back-end. These methods rely on external methods to solve both the data association and map management problems, which are collectively incorporated into the SLAM front-end. SLAM convergence failures are common when these front-end routines fail, particularly when feature detection uncertainty increases. Therefore, this article introduces Joint, Vector-Set SLAM (JVS-SLAM), utilizing Bayes theorem to solve feature to measurement association, map management, and SLAM itself jointly, thus combining the SLAM back and front ends. Results will demonstrate equivalent or superior SLAM performance to state-of-the-art solutions, under varying odometry, spatial and detection measurement uncertainties, without reliance on data association decisions. Results are based on both simulations and the challenging EuRoC data set, in which a drone undergoing high accelerations, equipped with a stereo camera, performs SLAM. Since JVS-SLAM jointly provides a solution to the map feature to measurement association problem, its computational complexity is comparable with multi-hypothesis based solutions. Parallels between state-of-the-art map management and feature to measurement association methods and the detection statistics used within JVS-SLAM will be examined, with a view to reducing its complexity in the future.
Flame retardancy of biopolymers enhanced by bio-based flame retardants: A review
Authors: Mhlabeni Thobile L , Chemere Endazenaw B , Jamiru Tamba , Mhike Washington
Published: January 2025

The demand for sustainable materials has led to the development of biopolymers as alternatives to petroleum-based polymers. However, their high flammability limits their use in applications requiring stringent fire safety. Bio-based additives such as lignin and chitosan among others have charring abilities that enhance flame retardancy by forming protective barriers during combustion. Renewable additives such as phytic acid, tannic acid, casein, and hydrophobins also show potential in improving polymer dehydration, which can help create a stable char layer. Phosphorylation and the use of nitrogen-containing compounds and nanomaterials show promise in improving fire resistance. These advancements make biopolymers more suitable for high-risk fire safety applications while maintaining sustainability. While considerable progress has been made in enhancing the flame retardancy of biopolymers, challenges remain in developing highly effective, non-toxic, and fully biodegradable flame retardants that do not compromise the physical properties and processability of the biopolymers.
Disciplinary variation in scholarly impact from two article title elements
Authors: Donovan James M
Published: January 2025

For understandable reasons, scholarly impact statistics have become a contentious issue for university faculty. They often look to their librarians to advise them on how best to monitor their performance, and what they could do to raise their profile. The present investigation seeks to equip those librarians with background and tools to provide useful perspective to their worried patrons. For over forty years the literature has been debating what characteristics of an article influence its later citation. While many suppose that outcome is determined solely by the quality and originality of the piece, one of the consistent findings has been that arguably irrelevant features appear to play an important role. The present discussion focuses on two of the most prominent such features, whether the article title includes a colon, and how long that title is. Both of these variables have been widely researched, but the outcomes are not typically offered in a form that will be useful to faculty patrons. Specifically, while both colons and shorter titles, for whatever reasons, reliably correlate with higher citations, these patterns vary by discipline and are not conveniently aggregated and reported. To fill this need, results have been extracted from seventy-four empirical investigations and presented by discipline. A wide range of disciplinary variance was found for these two variables which can be considered by an author. This collection of findings also has permitted correction of prior hypotheses about why such apparently irrelevant elements influence citation, which can improve understanding of the drivers of scholarly impact statistics.
ML-powered Internet of Medical Things Structure for Heart Disease Prediction
Authors: Mulani Altaf O. , Liyakat Kazi Kutubuddin Sayyad , Warade Nilima S. , Patil Alaknanda , Kolte Mahesh T. , Kinage Kishor , Rana Manish , Salunkhe Shweta Sadanand , Jadhav Vaishali Satish , Nagrale Megha
Published: January 2025

Background

Machine Learning-powered Internet of Medical Things (MLIoMT) is a burgeoning framework poised to transform healthcare, particularly in the timely identification of heart disease.

Purpose

This article proposes an innovative MLIoMT structure aimed at leveraging machine learning (ML) algorithms for heart disease detection.

Methods

Through the integration of wearable sensors, mobile applications, cloud computing, and advanced ML techniques, MLIoMT enables continuous monitoring of vital signs and cardiac health indicators in real time. By analyzing this data stream, abnormalities indicative of heart disease can be detected early, facilitating timely intervention and personalized healthcare recommendations. The MLIoMT framework employs diverse ML methods such as deep learning and ensemble techniques to enhance the accuracy and reliability of heart disease prediction models.

Results

The proposed structure holds promise for revolutionizing preventive healthcare, enabling proactive management of cardiac health and ultimately reducing the burden of heart disease. Results in terms of accuracy, precision, recall and F1 score show that the proposed system has better performance and efficiency.

Conclusion

Overall, MLIoMT represents a significant advancement in healthcare technology, with the potential to improve patient outcomes and enhance overall quality of life.
Users’ and therapists’ perspectives on the design of extended reality environments to train prosthesis control: A narrative review and focus group
Authors: Rozevink SG , Murgia A , Bongers RM , van der Sluis CK
Published: January 2025

Background

Extended reality (XR) has previously been used to train control of upper limb prostheses. It is however unclear what characteristics an XR environment should have in order to become a usable and effective training tool.

Objective

The objective was to develop a framework describing the most important factors to be incorporated when designing an XR environment to train prosthesis control.

Methods

A mixed method approach was used. A narrative review was conducted to explore factors that should be considered when designing an XR environment for prosthesis control. Subsequently, a preliminary framework, based on these factors, was rated by prosthesis users and therapists and discussed during focus groups.

Results

Fifty out of 489 articles were included. The preliminary framework comprised 62 factors in four domains: feedback, control, exercise and environment. Five prosthesis users and eight therapists participated in three focus groups. A final framework was developed which contained 46 factors in the four domains. End-users considered all domains to be equally important, since domains and factors influence each other.

Conclusions

The developed framework can be used to guide the design of an XR environment to train prosthesis control.
PETSc/TAO developments for GPU-based early exascale systems
Authors: Mills Richard Tran , Adams Mark F. , Balay Satish , Brown Jed , Faibussowitsch Jacob , Isaac Toby , Knepley Matthew G. , Munson Todd , Suh Hansol , Zampini Stefano , Zhang Hong , Zhang Junchao
Published: January 2025

The Portable Extensible Toolkit for Scientific Computation (PETSc) library provides scalable solvers for nonlinear time-dependent differential and algebraic equations and for numerical optimization via the Toolkit for Advanced Optimization (TAO). PETSc is used in dozens of scientific fields and is an important building block for many simulation codes. During the U.S. Department of Energy’s Exascale Computing Project, the PETSc team has made substantial efforts to enable efficient utilization of the massive fine-grain parallelism present within exascale compute nodes and to enable performance portability across exascale architectures. We recap some of the challenges that designers of numerical libraries face in such an endeavor, and then discuss the many developments we have made, which include the addition of new GPU backends, features supporting efficient on-device matrix assembly, better support for asynchronicity and GPU kernel concurrency, and new communication infrastructure. We evaluate the performance of these developments on some pre-exascale systems as well as the early exascale systems Frontier and Aurora, using compute kernel, communication layer, solver, and mini-application benchmark studies, and then close with a few observations drawn from our experiences on the tension between portable performance and other goals of numerical libraries.
A systematic-narrative hybrid review of evidence: Exploring how corporate social responsibility initiatives impact population health
Authors: Freeman Toby , Foley Kristen , Anaf Julia , Nosworthy Beth , Baum Fran
Published: January 2025

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) refers to initiatives undertaken by corporations that aim to make a positive impact on society. It is unclear to what extent these aims are achieved in relation to population health. We explored the evidence for mechanisms by which CSR has positive or negative effects on population health through a systematic-narrative hybrid review of 97 relevant articles. We found few examples overall that could trace a CSR initiative through to verifiable impacts on the population. Our review found that generally the evidence for the impacts of CSR on population health was patchy, highly heterogenous and of varying quality. We found some potential positive impacts of CSR on health; including on poverty alleviation, development, health care, the environment and the health and wellbeing of workers. Some CSR initiatives were rebranding of core functions, such as HR practices and employee wellbeing strategies, or were a partial redressing of the problems the corporation itself is creating, such as CSR initiatives that sought to improve workplace safety, reduce corporate environmental footprints or relocate people displaced by mining activities. We situate these impacts in relation to the role and intent of CSR, and argue that meaningful progress on CSR can only be made with greater transparency and reporting of initiatives to more fulsomely evaluate their impacts – as well as the political economy in which these sit. It is further critical to strengthen government regulation and oversight to maximise any public good that can come from CSR, and minimise the negative consequences reported in research literature.
School failure and life trajectories
Authors: Kiprianos Pandelis , Mpourgos Ioannis
Published: January 2025

Student dropout is a universal social phenomenon, and several definitions are used to analyse it. In our paper, the term refers to those who have not completed Greece’s 11-year compulsory education. Our purpose is to investigate the consequences of student dropout in Ilia, Western Greece, a region which traditionally has very high dropout rates. We investigate how those who drop out perceive, live, and make sense of the consequences of not completing compulsory education. We conducted 64 semi-structured interviews in 2018 and 2019 with people aged 17–50 who had abandoned primary or low secondary school between 1980 and 2015. The sampling technique used was ‘theoretical sampling’. The inductive categorization system consists of 6 categories and 15 subcategories. We concluded that not completing compulsory education has consequences for most people that are not limited to the professional field, although some of them do state that they do not experience negative consequences. An integrated educational policy on student dropout must also consider this dimension.
Community sentiment and joint enterprise murder: Challenging the mandatory minimum sentence
Authors: Deegan Simone J , Jane Milla
Published: January 2025

In Australia, adults (and juveniles) convicted of murder are subject to a mandatory sentence of life imprisonment with a 20-year minimum non-parole period. This sentence is imposed on secondary offenders under doctrines of extended criminal liability, as well as the principal offender. Although a stated justification for mandatory sentences is public confidence, very little is known about public attitudes towards imposing a mandatory life sentence on offenders convicted of murder under extended criminal liability. Using a self-selected sample of the South Australian public and an online vignette survey approach, the study finds, first, that public knowledge of actual murder-related statistics and current sentencing practices is poor. Second, findings indicate that desert-based, or proportional, punishments are often preferred for secondary offenders, rather than the mandatory minima.
Application of efgartigimod in Chinese patients with myasthenia gravis: a single-center real-world prospective study
Authors: Zhu Geke , Zhou Han , Wang Wanying , Ma Yongbo , Nie Xiangtao , Qi Wenjing , Hao Lei , Guo Xiuming
Published: January 2025

Background:

China has a large number of myasthenia gravis (MG) patients, creating an urgent need for rapid and tolerable treatment options. As the first-approved Fc receptor antagonist, efgartigimod has bright prospects for treating MG. However, real-world evidence on its application within the Chinese MG population are limited.

Objective:

This study aims to evaluate the rapid efficacy and safety of efgartigimod in Chinese MG population.

Design:

This single-center prospective study enrolled Chinese MG patients aged 18 and older who were treated with efgartigimod, classified as Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America I–IV, with a baseline Myasthenia Gravis Activities of Daily Living (MG-ADL) score of at least 4.

Methods:

Patients received efgartigimod at a dose of 10 mg/kg infused once weekly for 4 weeks. During the treatment, the corticosteroids dosage could be adjusted as appropriate or the non-steroidal immunosuppressive therapies (NSISTs) added. Prior to each infusion, patients’ MG-ADL scores, IgG levels, and routine laboratory tests were evaluated, while also recording the prednisone tapering and any adverse events occurring during the treatment.

Results:

Twenty five Chinese MG patients were enrolled between November 2023 and June 2024, including 3 with ocular MG (OMG) and 22 with generalized MG (GMG). During the 8-week follow-up, in GMG patients, whether positive for acetylcholine receptor (AChR) or muscle-specific tyrosine kinase (MuSK) antibodies, the overall efficacy was significant. Within one treatment cycle, 18 (82%) patients showed a reduction of at least 2 points in MG-ADL scores and sustained for at least 4 weeks, and 6 (27%) attained minimal symptom expression (MSE) and sustained for at least 4 weeks. Only 1 patient experienced exacerbation. Among OMG patients, 1 achieved MSE within the treatment cycle, while 2 showed minor improvements. Patients who added tacrolimus concurrently with efgartigimod did not achieve better improvement in MG-ADL scores compared to others. The average reduction in prednisone dosage was 27.4%. Only one patient experienced transient vomiting and diarrhea, with no serious adverse reactions reported.

Conclusion:

This study confirmed the short-term efficacy and safety of efgartigimod in Chinese MG patients. However, in clinical practice, careful consideration is needed regarding its application in OMG and whether to add NSISTs regimen during the treatment. Efgartigimod could potentially serve as an alternative to long-term corticosteroids therapy.
Association between osteoarthritis and cognitive function: results from the NHANES 2011–2014 and Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Zhao Kun , Nie Liuyan , Zhao Jingting , Dong Yankai , Jin Kaixiu , Wang Song , Ye Xiangming
Published: January 2025

Background:

Previous meta-analyses have demonstrated osteoarthritis (OA) is associated with an increased risk of dementia, but these studies were prone to bias based on residual confounding factors and reverse causality.

Objectives:

We aimed to investigate associations between OA and cognitive function using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and to investigate the causality using Mendelian randomization (MR).

Design:

This is a cross-sectional study and MR study.

Methods:

Data from the NHANES 2011–2014 were used. Multiple linear, logistic regressions and stratified analyses were used to determine the association between OA status and cognitive function. Sample weights were used to ensure result generalizability. Two-sample MR analysis was conducted to examine the association between OA and dementia. Mediation analyses were performed to investigate the mediating effects of depression.

Results:

We did not demonstrate a significant association between OA and cognitive performance after adjusting for relevant covariates ( p > 0.05), and the population of individuals with both OA and depression was associated with higher odds of low total word recall cognitive performance (odds ratio (OR) = 4.74, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.09–20.63; p = 0.04). Genetically predicted specific-site OA was not significantly associated with the risk of dementia (OR = 1.12; 95% CI: 0.96–1.32; p = 0.16), Alzheimer’s disease (OR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.68–1.31, p = 0.74), vascular dementia (OR = 1.32, 95% CI: 0.82–2.13, p = 0.25) with accepted heterogeneity and no evidence of directional pleiotropy. Furthermore, major depression was found to mediate the pathway between OA and vascular dementia (β = 0.044, 95% CI: −0.391 to 0.479, p < 0.05).

Conclusion:

Our findings indicate that there is no significant association or causal relationship between OA and cognitive decline. However, depression may serve as an important factor influencing cognitive outcomes. Future research should further explore the bidirectional causal relationship and underlying mechanisms.