bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thyroid Function and Brain Structure: Insight from a Mendelian Randomization Study
Authors: Li Ping , Liu Xiao , Wu Liming , Dong Liming , Zhou Jianbo , Song Zhihui
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Thyroid hormones play a critical role in brain development. However, the precise causal associations between thyroid function and structural changes in specific brain regions remain uncertain. Methods: We applied the univariate Mendelian randomization (UVMR) method to assess the causal effects of thyroid function on brain structure. Genome-wide association study (GWAS) data on thyroid-related traits from the ThyroidOmics Consortium including free thyroxine (FT4), free tri-iodothyronine (FT3), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), FT3/FT4 ratio, as well as dichotomized high and low TSH levels were used as exposures. GWAS data on cortical thickness, surface area, and volume of subcortical structures served as outcomes. Inverse variance weighted was the main estimate method. Subsequently, multivariable MR (MVMR) was conducted to validate significant causal associations identified in UVMR. Results: UVMR analysis demonstrated a statistically significant inverse association between genetically predicted FT4 and putamen volume (β = −71.91 mm3, 95% confidence interval: −112.11 mm3 to −31.71 mm3, p = 4.54 × 10−4). The findings were robust in sensitivity analysis. MVMR analysis further confirmed a persistent causal relationship between FT4 and putamen volume after adjusting for FT3, TSH, and neuropsychiatric disorders. Functional enrichment analyses indicated the pathways by which FT4 influences putamen volume may be related to the thyroid hormone signaling pathway, sodium-independent organic anion transport, and Rap1 signaling pathway. Conclusion: MR analysis provides evidence for causal relationships between thyroid function and brain structural alterations, particularly highlighting the impact of FT4 on putamen volume. Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms by which thyroid hormones modulate brain structure.
Long-Term Multimodal Exercise Intervention for Patients with Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration: Feasibility and Preliminary Outcomes
Authors: Nemoto Miyuki , Nemoto Kiyotaka , Sasai Hiroyuki , Higashi Shinji , Ota Miho , Arai Tetsuaki
Published: December 2024

Introduction: After Alzheimer’s disease, frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) is the second most common form of early-onset dementia. Despite the heavy burden of care for FTLD, pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments with sufficient efficacy remain scarce. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of a multimodal exercise program for FTLD and to examine preliminary changes in the clinical outcomes of the program in FTLD. Methods: This single-arm preliminary study was conducted from July 2017 to July 2018 and recruited 4 male patients with FTLD aged 60–78 years. Patients exercised under the supervision of an exercise instructor once every 2 weeks for 48 weeks. The multimodal exercise program comprised cognitive training, moderate-intensity continuous training, strength training, balance training, and flexibility and relaxation training. Feasibility was measured using dropout and attendance rates. Cognitive, psychological, physical, and behavioral function tests were conducted before and after the intervention. Results: All patients completed the intervention (100%) and attended well (93.6%). Positive changes in scores in the Stroop Color-Word Test (cognitive; 5 out of 6 items), Mood Check List-short form 2 (psychological), movement subscales of the Stereotypy Rating Inventory (behavioral), and Timed Up and Go (TUG, physical) assessments demonstrated a medium-to-high effect size (open effect size: 0.52–0.97). While there were improvements in some domains, such as recovery self-efficacy and exercise efficacy, the MMSE-J scores showed an overall slight decline, especially in the semantic dementia case where a marked decrease was observed. Additionally, three physical function items showed no effect, except for a positive outcome in the TUG test. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy revealed increased activation in the frontal lobe, indicated by elevated oxygenated hemoglobin levels before and after the exercise intervention. This pattern of activation suggests that the intervention may have stimulated neural activity in the frontal lobe, potentially enhancing cognitive and behavioral functions, including executive function and attention. Conclusion: The long-term multimodal exercise intervention may be feasible and positively change the cognitive, psychological, physical, and behavioral functions in older adults with FTLD. Although the intervention led to improvements in certain areas, there were also declines observed in various functions, which may not necessarily be due to the intervention itself but rather reflect the natural progression of the disease.
Treatment of Hereditary Leukonychia with Intramatricial Triamcinolone: A Case Report
Authors: Axler Eden , Lipner Shari R.
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Hereditary leukonychia is a rare genetic nail disorder characterized by whitening of the nail plate, which is sometimes due to mutations in the phospholipase C delta-1 (PLCδ1) gene. While leukonychia is typically asymptomatic, it carries significant psychosocial burden, and patients often report that others comment that they look like they are wearing nail polish. There are no known treatment options. Case Presentation: A 39-year-old Kuwaiti male with autosomal recessive variant of PLCδ1-related non-syndromic leukonychia affecting nine fingernails presented for treatment because he was socially stigmatized. Treatment with 30% glycolic acid chemical peel was ineffective. Because there is evidence suggesting a link between PLCδ1-related hereditary leukonychia and abnormal keratinization, we hypothesized that injection of steroids into the nail matrix, which could inhibit keratinocyte activity and reduce nail matrix inflammation, may be an effective treatment. Following treatment with intramatricial triamcinolone, the patient experienced complete resolution of leukonychia in five fingernails and partial improvement in the remaining four. Conclusion: We present a case of successful treatment of hereditary leukonychia due to a phospholipase C δ-1 gene mutation with intramatricial triamcinolone. This case highlights the potential of this treatment approach for leukonychia and warrants further investigation in larger cohort studies.
Enhancing prefrontal modulation by phase-locking intermittent theta burst stimulation to a concurrent transcranial alternating current stimulation
Authors: Zimmermann Nadja , Koenig Thomas , Riesen Andrea S. , Morishima Yosuke
Published: December 2024

Theta burst stimulation (TBS) modulates cortical excitability by applying bursts of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) in theta rhythms. Individual responses to TBS vary however greatly due to various factors, such as anatomical differences or the phase of the ongoing oscillatory activity in which TBS pulses are applied. To combat this variability, we exploit the ability of transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) to shape the state of cortical excitability in a phase-dependent manner. While cortical excitability is increased at crests of the tACS-induced current, applying the TBS triplet pulses at these crests has the potential to produce larger neuronal responses and thus increase the likelihood of long-term potentiation (LTP). In our randomized sham-controlled study, we focused on enhancing prefrontal cortex excitability by phase-locking intermittent TBS (iTBS) to the crests of an induced 5 Hz tACS current. Twenty-seven healthy participants received two iTBS sessions, once paired with sham-tACS and once with active tACS in a cross-over design. We evaluated effects of our stimulation protocol on cortical excitability by comparing TMS-induced activity and resting-state Microstates in the EEG before and after the stimulation as well as between the two sessions. We found significant effects of iTBS on channel-wise, global, and oscillatory TMS-induced activity, as well as changes in Microstates. The concurrent, phase-locked tACS-iTBS protocol notably decreased the N100 amplitude of the Global Mean Field Power. We also found that baseline TMS-induced oscillatory activity was a key predictor of changes in TMS-related oscillatory activity. In the case of TMS-related gamma oscillations, a significant interaction between our stimulation protocols and baseline activity was observed, indicating that the relationship between baseline and post-iTBS oscillations was strengthened by the concurrent phase-locked tACS-iTBS stimulation protocol. These findings highlight the potential of phase-locked tACS to enhance the effects of iTBS on prefrontal cortical excitability.
Ahead of Evidence: Computer Simulation and Epistemic Risks in Particle Physics
Authors: van Panhuys Marianne , Hillerbrand Rafaela
Published: December 2024

In present-day particle physics, empirical reasoning is highly inferential as experiments rely on complex instruments and an intensive use of computer-based methods. This paper investigates how these methods impact the evidential status of the data produced, using an expanded epistemic risk framework. Based on a case study from a top-quark physics experiment, we clarify the relationship between inductive and other epistemic risks. We argue that various epistemic risks that arise ahead of evidence affect the inductive risk of the experimental results, and propose an understanding of epistemic risk in relation to different epistemic goals. Specifically, the case study shows how experimental tasks and their associated goals relate to the epistemic aim of the experiment, by revealing modalities of risk and risk dynamics throughout the experimental process.
Holmes ⌕ A Benchmark to Assess the Linguistic Competence of Language Models
Authors: Waldis Andreas , Waldis Andreas , Perlitz Yotam , Choshen Leshem , Choshen Leshem , Hou Yufang , Gurevych Iryna
Published: December 2024

We introduce Holmes, a new benchmark designed to assess language models’ (LMs’) linguistic competence—their unconscious understanding of linguistic phenomena. Specifically, we use classifier-based probing to examine LMs’ internal representations regarding distinct linguistic phenomena (e.g., part-of-speech tagging). As a result, we meet recent calls to disentangle LMs’ linguistic competence from other cognitive abilities, such as following instructions in prompting-based evaluations. Composing Holmes, we review over 270 probing studies and include more than 200 datasets to assess syntax, morphology, semantics, reasoning, and discourse phenomena. Analyzing over 50 LMs reveals that, aligned with known trends, their linguistic competence correlates with model size. However, surprisingly, model architecture and instruction tuning also significantly influence performance, particularly in morphology and syntax. Finally, we propose FlashHolmes, a streamlined version that reduces the computation load while maintaining high-ranking precision.
Capturing the Variability of the Nocturnal Boundary Layer through Localized Perturbation Modeling
Authors: Kaiser Amandine , Vercauteren Nikki , Krumscheid Sebastian
Published: December 2024

A single-column model is used to investigate regime transitions within the stably stratified atmospheric boundary layer, focusing on the role of small-scale fluctuations in wind and temperature dynamics and of turbulence intermittency as triggers for these transitions. Previous studies revealed abrupt near-surface temperature inversion transitions within a limited wind speed range. However, representing these transitions in numerical weather prediction (NWP) and climate models is a known difficulty. To shed light on boundary layer processes that explain these abrupt transitions, the Ekman layer height and its correlation with regime shifts are analyzed. A sensitivity study is performed with several types of perturbations of the wind and temperature tendencies, as well as with the inclusion of intermittent turbulent mixing through a stochastic stability equation. The effect of small fluctuations of the dynamics on regime transitions is thereby quantified. The combined results for all tested perturbation types indicate that small-scale phenomena can drive persistent regime transitions from very to weakly stable regimes, but for the opposite direction, no evidence of persistent regime transitions was found. The inclusion of intermittency prevents the model from getting trapped in the very stable regime, thus preventing the so-called “runaway cooling,” an issue for commonly used short-tail stability functions. The findings suggest that using stochastic parameterizations of boundary layer processes, either through stochastically perturbed tendencies or parameters, is an effective approach to represent sharp transitions in the boundary layer regimes and is, therefore, a promising avenue to improve the representation of stably stratified atmospheric boundary layers in NWP and climate models.
Mechanisms of Organizational Imprinting: From Entrepreneur to Organization
Authors: Becker Markus C.
Published: December 2024

Entrepreneurs can have a long-lasting impact on organizations they found, despite significant changes in the environment. Imprinting theory offers an explanation for this. Yet, knowledge of how imprinting occurs is still limited. Scholars have therefore called for more attention to processes and micro-level theories of imprinting, including the role of individuals. I therefore ask, how do entrepreneurs imprint organizations? Drawing on material from company archives, I conducted a longitudinal, historical case study of Zeiss, a German manufacturer of optical instruments, covering the period 1846–1990. I show how individual blueprints of the founder and his business partner were translated into persistent features of the organization through early decisions, teaching, role modeling, and formalized rules, which left structural, behavioral, and product imprints. The article extends theory on imprinting by shedding light on blueprints as sources of imprints, the multiple mechanisms by which individuals persistently shape core features of an organization, and the multiple organizational dimensions on which imprints are left.
Principal Component Analysis and Near-Infrared Spectroscopy as Noninvasive Blood Glucose Assay Methods
Authors: Barati Hadi , Mousavi Madani Arian , Shadzinavaz Sorena , Fardmanesh Mehdi
Published: December 2024

In this paper, a new model is presented for estimation of the blood glucose level from the measured near-infrared absorbance. The model has been developed in such a way that the regression coefficients of this linear relation have been approximated by considering only the molar absorptivity of the glucose and the obtained coefficients have been utilized to estimate the blood glucose levels from the measured absorbances. The estimation of the blood glucose concentrations by this blind approach exhibited an acceptable accuracy in comparison to the more accurate principal components regression method. The blood sample absorbances have been measured using a Fourier transform infrared device while the blood glucose levels have been determined by a commercial finger-prick glucometer device.
The Soldier in the State: Explaining Public Trust in the Armed Forces
Authors: Accorsi Pedro , Krebs Ronald R.
Published: December 2024

Although, in many countries, the military is the most trusted state institution, we know little about public trust in the military outside the United States. We argue that, for the military, trust is grounded in its legitimation as, and aspiration to be, non-partisan. From this insight, we develop hypotheses regarding the relationship between trust in the military and other institutions, the military’s centrality to political power, intrastate conflict, and recruitment format. Using cross-national data (2006–2021), we find support for these hypotheses. Falling trust in partisan state institutions benefits the armed forces. When the military exercises influence over politics, at odds with its legitimation, it is judged by the usual standards of government performance. Civil wars convert the military into a factional actor, and public trust falls. When militaries recruit via selective conscription, confidence suffers. These findings have important implications for civil-military relations, military effectiveness, and democratic stability.
Book review: Julien Chaisse, Hong Kong as an Actor in International Economic Law: Multilateralism, Bilateralism, and Unilateralism
Authors: Kenzhaliyev Madi
Published: December 2024

Julien Chaisse, Hong Kong as an Actor in International Economic Law: Multilateralism, Bilateralism, and Unilateralism. Hart Publishing, 2024, pp. 301, $80.50 (Hardback), ISBN-13: 978-1509968169.
Macroeconomic Policy, Wage Gap and Asset Prices: A Dynamic Dependent Economy Model
Authors: Basu Moumita , Nag Ranjanendra Narayan
Published: December 2024

The role of financial sector in general and macroeconomic policy in particular is a crucial issue in the study of macroeconomic behaviour of developing countries. This article addresses this issue in terms of a dynamic dependent economy model consisting of traded and non-traded sectors. We use perfect foresight and focus on wage gap between skilled and unskilled labour along with unemployment and movement of asset prices. Based on the structure of the model we examine multitude of transmission mechanisms with implications of monetary policy and decrease in oil subsidy. The several cross effects induced by change in system of parameters have their profound bearing on exchange rate, Tobin’s q, wage gap, level of employment and the sectoral composition output.

JEL Codes: E31, E63, F32, F41
Book review: Farhat Hasan, Voices in Verses: Women’s Poetry and Cultural Memory in Nineteenth-Century India
Authors: Petievich Carla
Published: December 2024

Farhat Hasan, Voices in Verses: Women’s Poetry and Cultural Memory in Nineteenth-Century India. Cambridge University Press, 2024, 205 pp.
Advertising Message Strategy in Television Commercials: Evidence from Ghana as an Emerging Country“
Authors: Iddrisu Aisha , Uztuğ Ferruh
Published: December 2024

This study is a quantitative content analysis of advertising message strategies used in Ghana’s TV commercials (2020–2021) using the modified strategy of Wang and Praet with the objective of exploring the various advertising message strategies used in Ghana’s TV advertisement, and its variation according to product category. The findings indicate that, out of the 220 commercials used in the study, affective message strategy ( n = 122, 55%) was the dominant message strategy used in Ghana’s TV commercials. The most advertised product category on Ghana’s TV commercials (2020–2021) was food category, and a significant relationship was observed between message strategy and product category as well as message strategy and brand type.
P. gingivalis–Infected Macrophage Extracellular Vesicles Cause Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes
Authors: Tanai A. , Fukuhara Y. , Eguchi T. , Kawai H. , Ueda K. , Ochiai K. , Ikegame M. , Okamoto K. , Okamura H.
Published: December 2024

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease triggered by oral bacterial infection, with the bacterium Porphyromonas gingivalis being a major causative agent. The association between periodontitis and various systemic diseases has been demonstrated. Recent research has also highlighted the relationship between the aggravation of maternal periodontitis and adverse pregnancy outcomes such as preterm birth and low birth weight. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying how factors from periodontitis influence pregnancy and fetal development remain unclear. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nano-sized spherical particles secreted into the tissue microenvironment by various types of cells. EVs have garnered interest in recent years due to their role in intercellular communication. In the present study, we investigated whether EVs derived from P. gingivalis–infected macrophages (Pg-inf EVs) reach the feto-placental unit and influence fetal development. Through a series of in vivo experiments in mice, we demonstrated that Pg-inf EVs translocated to the feto-placental unit and impaired fetal development in size and weight. Histological analysis revealed disoriented blood vessel alignment and impaired angiogenesis in the placentas of Pg-inf EV–injected groups, indicative of compromised placental function. Proteome analysis revealed a significant decrease in Vegfr1 expression in the placentas of the experimental group. Moreover, Pg-inf EVs reduced VEGFR1 expression in cultured human vascular endothelial cells, highlighting a potential molecular mechanism through which these EVs exert their effects on placental angiogenesis. This is the first study to reveal a novel pathway in which oral bacteria–infected macrophage EVs in maternal periodontitis affect pregnancy via the feto-placental unit.
USP7 Inhibition Promotes Early Osseointegration in Senile Osteoporotic Mice
Authors: Zhou F. , Wang Z. , Li H. , Wang D. , Wu Z. , Bai F. , Wang Q. , Luo W. , Zhang G. , Xiong Y. , Wu Y.
Published: December 2024

Although elderly osteoporotic patients have similar implant survival rates compared with those of normal individuals, they require longer healing periods to achieve proper osseointegration. This may be related to chronic inflammatory responses and impaired stem cell repair functions in the osteoporotic bone microenvironment. Recently, the deubiquitinating enzyme, ubiquitin-specific peptidase 7 (USP7), was found to regulate the macrophage immune response and modulate stem cell osteogenic differentiation. The selective inhibitor of USP7, P5091, has also been found to promote bone repair and homeostasis in osteoporotic conditions. However, the roles of USP7 and P5091 in osteoimmunology and dental implant osseointegration under senile osteoporotic conditions remain unclear. In this study, USP7 depletion and P5091 were shown to inhibit inflammation in senescent bone marrow–derived macrophages (BMDMs) and promote osteogenic differentiation in aged bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (BMSCs). Furthermore, mRNA-Seq revealed that USP7 depletion could enhance efferocytosis in senescent BMDMs through the EPSIN1/low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 (LRP1) pathway and selectively induce apoptosis (senolysis) in aged BMSCs. In senile osteoporotic mice, we found that the osseointegration period was prolonged compared with young mice, and P5091 promoted the early stage of osseointegration, which may be related to macrophage efferocytosis around the implant. Collectively, this study suggests that USP7 inhibition may accelerate the osseointegration process in senile osteoporotic conditions by promoting macrophage efferocytosis and aged BMSCs apoptosis. This has implications for understanding the cellular interactions and signaling mechanisms in the peri-implant bone microenvironment under osteoporotic conditions. It may also provide clinical significance in developing new therapies to enhance osseointegration quality and shorten the edentulous period in elderly osteoporotic patients.
Incorporating Critical Pedagogy into Second Language Teacher Education: An Identity Lens
Authors: Wang Kailun , Yuan Rui
Published: December 2024

Language teacher identity has become an established field of inquiry over the past decades. Despite strong calls to integrate critical pedagogy into language teacher education programs to foster student teachers’ critical awareness and catalyze their identity development, there is a paucity of empirical studies on how such integration can take place and influence student teachers’ identity construction. Adopting a case study approach, this article demonstrates two student teachers’ identity changes in an undergraduate Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages course with a critical pedagogy design. Multiple sources of data were collected including semi-structured individual interviews, online forum discussion records and final reflection essays. Throughout the course, the two student teachers actively engaged in multiple course activities and reflected on their personal beliefs about English and its learning and use. Diwata (pseudonym) regained confidence as a language teacher who was determined to disprove misconceptions in this field, and Ting (pseudonym) reclaimed ownership of English by unearthing her shining points in teaching (e.g. shared experience and empathy with students). The findings underscore the role of critical pedagogy in catalyzing student teachers’ identity transformation into linguistically inclusive, socially conscious and culturally responsive language teachers. Practical implications are also provided in the article.
Mechanical and diffusion property and multi-objective optimization of rubber seals exposed to high-pressure hydrogen gas
Authors: Ma Yi , Wu Xuhang , Deng Xiaoling , Peng Xudong , Meng Xiangkai
Published: December 2024

As the critical components in hydrogen refueling, storage, and transportation systems, the degradation and failure of rubber O-ring seals under a high-pressure (HP) hydrogen environment (up to 100 MPa) directly affect hydrogen energy safety. Clarifying the interaction mechanism of hydrogen diffusion and the mechanical properties of rubber seals is essential for HP hydrogen infrastructure. A hydrogen diffusion-mechanical sequential numerical model is built to investigate the sealing performance and hydrogen diffusion behaviors of rubber seals using ABAQUS software. The effects of hydrogen swelling environmental pressure (5∼100 MPa) and stress-concentration gradient on mechanical and contact characteristics and hydrogen concentration distribution are analyzed for the rubber seals with/without backup rings, respectively. Furthermore, the orthogonal experimental and comprehensive frequency analysis methods are employed to evaluate the significance of the main structural and assembly parameters and obtain the optimal schemes of the rubber seals under the HP environment. The results show that the stress concentration and rubber extrusion easily occur at the sealing clearance of the O-rings with swelling after pre-compression and pressurization. The hydrogen diffusion of the O-ring is mainly driven by the concentration difference and stress gradient, with the former being the dominant factor. With the increase in the hydrogen pressure, the effective sealing rate along the sealing surface decreases sharply, and the non-uniformity of hydrogen concentration and the possibility of fatigue damage in the rubber O-rings increase. Two multi-objective optimization schemes (Ⅰ and Ⅱ) for the main structural and assembly parameters of rubber seals are obtained by intuitive analysis and comprehensive frequency analysis to improve the extrusion tendency and sealing reliability of rubber seals in the HP hydrogen environment.
Evaluation of the therapeutic efficacy of renal artery stenting in patients with atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis
Authors: Shi Qiuyue , Mao Min , Chang Jing , Li Xin , Li Yanwei
Published: December 2024

Purpose

It is currently controversial whether renal artery stenting is beneficial for the clinical outcomes of atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis (ARAS) patients. The study aims to evaluate whether blood pressure (BP) and renal function improve in ARAS patients after stenting.

Methods

A retrospective study was conducted on 78 ARAS patients who underwent renal artery stenting at the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from January 2013 to June 2024. BP, the number of oral antihypertensive medications, renal function, and adverse events were analyzed before and after stenting.

Results

A total of 90 stents were implanted. The median follow-up time was 1.59 years. From 24 hours post-operation, significant decline in BP were observed. During follow-up, systolic BP decreased by 24.27 mmHg (95% CI: 16.54–32.00; P < 0.0001) and diastolic BP by 12.27 mmHg (95% CI: 7.25–17.29; P < 0.0001), but the reduction in the number of oral antihypertensive medications was not significant ( P > 0.05). Serum creatinine also showed a significant decrease of 8.50 μmol/L at follow-up ( P < 0.05). Among the four subgroups, 30 patients with mild renal impaired [eGFR ≥ 60 mL/(min·1.73 m2) and <90 mL/(min·1.73 m2)] showed an increase of 10.68 mL/(min·1.73 m2) in eGFR during follow-up ( P < 0.01), while the eGFR of the remaining 48 patients with other renal function stages showed no significant change before and after stenting. Moreover, 24 patients experienced cardiovascular or/and renal adverse events.

Conclusions

Renal artery stenting might significantly reduce BP and improve renal function in ARAS patients, particularly those with mild renal impairment, which still requires prospective multicenter studies to confirm.
“I Feel Like I Belong, and I Know Why I Belong”: An Intersectional Identity-Affirming Counterspace
Authors: Allweiss Alexandra , Howell-Shields Diamond , Grant Carl A.
Published: December 2024

This paper draws on qualitative interview data with student-residents and alumni of an undergraduate residential learning community at a large U.S. university. The authors bring together the frameworks of intersectionality and counterspace to explore how student-residents experienced the intersectional framework of the residential learning community. This paper outlines how the community served as an intersectional identity-affirming counterspace and considers the limitations and challenges of the space within the larger social and institutional context. It concludes with a consideration of the implications for efforts toward educational justice and equity.
Quantized attack-resilient control for Markov jump systems with sensor and actuator attacks
Authors: Liu Shuting , He Hangfeng , Qi Wenhai , Xu Hongzhan
Published: December 2024

With the networking of control systems, cyberattacks on industrial control systems are becoming more and more frequent. In this study, the quantized attack-resilient control problem for Markov jump systems with sensor and actuator attacks and partly unknown transition rates was investigated. In the existing work, the forms of attack signals are mostly assumed directly. In order to release these assumptions, the mode-dependent monitor and logarithmic quantizer are designed to obtain the forms of attack signals and their constraints. Based on the constraints of attack signals, an adaptive filter is proposed to estimate the real system outputs, which are attacked by cyberattacks. Then, the adaptive compensator and quantized attack-resilient controller are designed to guarantee stochastic stability and [Formula: see text] performance. Benefiting from the quantized attack-resilient control strategy, the proposed method can well combat the attacks, not only reducing the impact of the attacks, but also constraining the attack signals. Finally, an application example is presented to illustrate the obtained results.
Teaching social inclusion, public policy and governance through active learning and educational games
Authors: Pérez-Durán Ixchel , Acebillo-Baqué Miriam , Comellas-Bonsfills Josep M
Published: December 2024

How can an active learning approach enhance how key topics in public policy, public administration, and governance are taught? This article describes four educational game scenarios that illustrate decision-making processes in social inclusion policies. Various governance aspects can be examined through these games, including accountability reforms, crisis management, challenges in implementing artificial intelligence in social service provision, and market regulation. All these cases have been developed within the framework of the P-Cube project, an Erasmus + project that aims to foster active learning through the use of educational games for teaching public policy. The first case illustrates the effect of regulation on nursing home services, and aims to examine the implications of establishing independent agencies to regulate specific social sectors and the involvement and participation of the market and stakeholders in these regulatory bodies. The second case explores the application of artificial intelligence and automated decision-making in a surveillance system for detecting welfare fraud, in which the main learning objective is to discuss governance implications and consequences for social innovation and inclusion. The third case examines the implementation of alternative solutions for providing school meals to children from low-income families during the COVID-19 pandemic. The main objective here is to explore the role of participatory mechanisms in driving policy change and to identify the factors influencing their degree of effectiveness. The fourth case explores the potential ways of regulating the rights of workers employed in the digital platform-based economy. Our cases target graduate and postgraduate students in political science, public administration, public policy, social policy, and other related fields. They also offer valuable insights for practitioners, specifically public managers at different organizational levels.
Malignant Degeneration of a Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumor in the Neck Region
Authors: Murugesan Ramaneeshwaran , Kumar Rajeev , Manchanda Smita , Barwad Adarsh Wamanrao , Sagar Prem , Bhalla Ashu Seith , Kumar Rakesh , Mani Suresh
Published: December 2024

Background: Malignant transformation of neurofibromas into malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNST) is a rare but aggressive phenomenon, particularly in the head and neck region, and is associated with a poor prognosis. The primary treatment modality is surgical excision, often followed by radiotherapy. This is a case report of MPNST in the neck, with long-term follow-up. Case Presentation: A 26-year-old woman presented with a history of multiple progressively enlarging neck swellings for 8 years. The swellings were associated with mild pain and occasional bleeding. The patient had undergone 3 prior surgical excisions, with a fourth recurrence leading to complete excision and split-thickness skin grafting due to extensive raw surface area. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of MPNST. The patient subsequently received adjuvant chemoradiotherapy due to the aggressive nature of the pathology. Results: The patient has been under regular follow-up for 36 months, with no evidence of local, regional, or distant metastasis. Conclusion: Malignant transformation of neurofibromas is a rare entity, particularly in the head and neck. Early surgical intervention followed by adjuvant chemoradiotherapy provides effective long-term control of the disease and improved survival.
Effects of the Change in Respiratory Kinematics on the Singing Voice: Re-Visiting the Benefits of Diaphragmatic-Abdominal Breathing in Professional Singers with Problems in Pitch
Authors: Maiti Amit Bikram , Dutta Mainak , Samaddar Saikat , Bhattacharya Samaddar Sangita , Dey Uposoma , Pradhan Rajanikanta
Published: December 2024

Objectives: To assess the effect of voice therapy on pitch in professional singers with faulty respiratory kinematics. Methodology: In this prospective interventional study, professional singers with easy voice fatigability and inability to reach higher pitches, following appropriate selection criteria, were subjected to a 1-month structured voice therapy that transformed their predominant breathing pattern from thoracic to diaphragmatic-abdominal. Acoustic parameters (pitch range and its extreme values before/after therapy, and difference in pitch range) were analyzed using Praat software and compared using standard statistical methods (paired t-test). The singers’ age and career duration were also correlated with the pitch parameters (Pearson’s correlation coefficient). Results: The singers (n = 60; 55% men, 45% women; respective mean age: 34.24, 35.92 years; average singing career: 12.56 years) had thoracic breathing before treatment [average pitch-range: 92.8 Hz; 85.84 Hz (men), 101.29 Hz (women)] that turned to abdominal type post-therapy [average pitch-range: 189.21 Hz; 178.54 Hz (men), 202.25 Hz (women)]. The decrease in the mean lowest pitch was significant by paired t-test in both men and women ( t = 7.96 and 7.87, respectively; .0001 significant level of test), as also the increase in mean highest pitch ( t = 23.85 and 17.45, respectively; .0001 significant level of test) and change in pitch range ( t = 19.45 and 17.37, respectively; .0001 significant level of test). Correlations between age/career duration with pitch range before and after therapy and its difference varied from very poor to fair [respectively, for men and women, age with pitch range: r = −.54, r = .03 (pre-therapy); r = .045, r = −.39 (post-therapy); age with difference in pitch range: r = .21, r = −.30; singing career with pitch-range: r = −.36, r = .25 (pre-therapy); r = .3, r = −.5 (post-therapy); singing career with difference in pitch range: r = .29, r = −.51]. Conclusions: Voice therapy directed to change respiratory kinematics from thoracic to diaphragmatic-abdominal was significant in the restoration of acoustic voice parameters in professional singers. Their age and duration of singing career had limited roles as adjuncts to voice therapy in the process.
Death of a Family Member and Self-Perceptions of Aging Among Middle-Aged and Older Adults
Authors: Xu Shu
Published: December 2024

The death of a family member is one of the life’s most emotionally distressing experiences, yet its impact on self-perceptions of aging remains understudied. This study examines the relationship between the death of a family member and self-perceptions of aging among middle-aged and older adults using data from the 2014–2016 Health and Retirement Study ( n = 11,416). Four types of family death (father death, mother death, spousal death, and child death) were analyzed. Linear regression models with Generalized Estimating Equations were estimated to examine the association between the death of a family member and self-perceptions of aging, as well as the moderation effect of gender. Results indicated that the death of a mother or a spouse is associated with less positive self-perceptions of aging compared to those not bereaved. No significant gender differences were observed in the association between the death of a family member and self-perceptions of aging. Interventions and support are necessary to help the bereaved navigate the bereavement process and maintain a positive outlook on aging in the face of loss.
Characterization of Ti-48Al-2Cr fabricated by multi-wire arc additive manufacturing: Microstructure, mechanical, and oxidation resistance properties
Authors: Li Ze , Li Zhiyong , Ren Jieliang , Zhou Haiwu , Zhang Yingqiao , Wei Shouzheng , Zhang Yichuan , Liu Fuqiang
Published: December 2024

Utilizing a multi-wire arc additive manufacturing process applied with high-frequency induction heating wire technology (MWAAM-HF) proposed in this study, Ti-48Al-2Cr alloy straight-walled component was fabricated. During the MWAAM-HF process, three types of wires melt simultaneously and transfer smoothly into the weld pool to form satisfactory component without discernible cracks. The upper and lower regions have higher hardness compared to the middle region in both Z and Y direction. Along the Y direction, the upper region exhibited the highest UTS and YS, while the minimum values were observed along the Z direction. Superior wear resistance was observed in the upper and lower regions. Distinct regions exhibited different levels of high-temperature oxidation resistance and the upper region has superior high-temperature oxidation resistance.
Coaching stroke survivors to persevere with practice: An observational behavioural mapping study
Authors: Neibling Bridee , Smith Moira , Barker Ruth N , Hayward Kathryn S
Published: December 2024

Objective

To quantitatively describe therapists’ use of coaching with stroke survivors, in a hospital-based rehabilitation setting, to promote perseverance with longer-term practice.

Design

Prospective observational behavioural mapping study.

Setting

Rehabilitation unit of a regional public hospital in Queensland, Australia.

Main measures

A custom-designed behavioural mapping tool was used to collect rehabilitation session contextual data and therapists' use of coaching. Data were captured in 3-minute epochs for a maximum of 30 minutes. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics.

Results

Thirty-six rehabilitation sessions, including 34 participants (therapists n = 22, stroke survivors n = 12) were observed. Rehabilitation sessions were mostly inpatient ( n = 33, 91.7%), one-on-one ( n = 30, 83.3%), and conducted in the physiotherapy ( n = 160, 45.5%) or occupational therapy ( n = 155, 44.0%) gym. Strategies to promote perseverance were used in 76.7% ( n = 267) of observed epochs. The most frequently used strategy was monitoring the quality of practice and the least frequently used strategy was utilising a support person to facilitate practice.

Conclusion

Coaching that may promote perseverance with practice was regularly used by therapists during hospital-based rehabilitation sessions. Coaching that may enable longer-term perseverance beyond a therapist-dependent rehabilitation model was less commonly observed.
Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes vary in different canine soft tissue sarcoma histological types
Authors: Avallone Giancarlo , Brigandì Elena , Tugnoli Chiara , Rigillo Antonella , Bacci Barbara , Roccabianca Paola
Published: December 2024

Soft tissue sarcomas (STSs) are conventionally viewed as poorly immunogenic tumors; however, some human STSs have recently been reported to elicit an immune response, thus representing potential candidates for immunotherapy. Data regarding immune cell infiltrates in canine STSs are limited and reported without tumor-type stratification. The aim of this study was to retrospectively assess tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in canine STSs of 5 different histotypes. Eighty-seven canine STSs were collected: 22 perivascular wall tumors (PWTs), 19 liposarcomas, 17 fibrosarcomas, 16 myxosarcomas, and 13 leiomyosarcomas. The tumors were graded and immunolabeled for CD3, CD20, and FoxP3, and slides were scanned. T-cell, B-cell, Treg, and total TIL densities were quantified with QuPath software and expressed as cells/mm2. The B/T-cells ratio and Treg/T-cell proportions were calculated. Total TIL densities were higher in PWTs and myxosarcomas (median = 225 and 303, respectively). PWTs had higher T-cell density but lower Treg proportion (median = 152 and 7.6% respectively). Myxosarcomas had higher Treg densities and B/T-cell ratios (median = 24.4 and 1.57, respectively). No association with grade was found among STSs as a group. In myxosarcomas, higher grade was significantly associated with higher total TILs, and CD20+ and FoxP3+ cell densities ( p < .05). The results suggest that PWTs and myxosarcomas may represent the most immunogenic STS types. Myxosarcomas elicit a B-cell and Treg-rich immune response; PWTs stimulate a T-cell-rich and Treg-poor reaction. The immune system response may contribute to the more aggressive behavior of myxosarcomas and the more indolent course of PWTs.
Face matching as a majority: Getting the best from a crowd
Authors: Kramer Robin S. S. , Javorková Natália
Published: December 2024

For unfamiliar faces, deciding whether two photographs depict the same person or not can be difficult. One way to substantially improve accuracy is to defer to the ‘wisdom of crowds’ by aggregating responses across multiple individuals. However, there are several methods available for doing this. Here, we investigated performance in three tests of unfamiliar face matching. In all cases, we found that going with the option chosen by the majority of people provided the best approach. No benefit was found by weighting an option's popularity using average confidence, while choosing the ‘surprisingly popular’ option resulted in a sizeable decrease in accuracy. Therefore, rather than incorporating metacognitive judgements, we endorse a simple majority vote for this particular task.
Marketing to End War, Create Peace, and Enhance Sustainable Well-Being: Introduction to the Special Issue
Authors: Shultz Clifford J. , Rosa José Antonio , Malter Alan J.
Published: December 2024

Responsible marketing, policy, and consumer behavior are integral to ending wars, creating peace, and enhancing sustainable well-being. This editorial commentary introduces and provides an overview of a special issue comprising marketing research intended to prevent or ameliorate negative consequences from war and other forms of violent conflict. It features 11 scholarly articles by globally dispersed scholars using a range of methodologies at various levels of analysis. These distinguished researchers were motivated by keen awareness of and deep abhorrence for the deleterious effects of systemic violence, as well as by examples of policies implemented and products and services that have brought relief to the devastated and dispossessed. This compendium makes clear that marketing scholarship and practice can be effective in advancing well-being for populations suffering from systemic violence and related destruction, deprivation, and uncertainty. The scholarship is timely and compelling, as war and other forms of violent social conflict continue to inflict great harm on people, societies, countries, and our planet; it makes tangible a shared belief that constructive engagement via coordinated policy and marketing innovations can help end and mitigate conflict, and is vital to creating and sustaining peace and prosperity.
Analysis of engineering performance of concrete comprising recycled crushed plastic waste and fly ash
Authors: Abirami Thuraisingam , Bandara Chaminda , Yapa Hiran , Dissanayake Ranjith
Published: December 2024

This study investigated the attributes of blending of recycled crushed polypropylene plastic coarse aggregates (PPCA) and fly ash (FA) towards the fresh and hardened properties of concrete. Natural coarse aggregate was partially replaced with PPCA at volumetric replacement levels up to 30% and cement was replaced with FA up to 20%. Initially, the performance of PPCA and FA in concrete was investigated distinctly. The incorporation of 30% of PPCA in concrete rather impaired the workability (from 95 mm – 50 mm: 47%) and the compressive strength (from 44.6 MPa to 31.4 MPa: 29.7%). By appropriate using of a superplasticizer, the loss in the workability could be recovered. Microstructural investigation was conducted employing scanning electron microscope analysis; it showed that the formation of a weak interfacial transition zone between PPCA and cement paste to be the reason for strength reduction in PPCA concrete. In contrast, the addition of 10 – 20% of FA in concrete improved the workability by 63.2% – 100%, but yet again, the 28-day compressive strength reduced by 15.8 – 35.6%. Meanwhile, thermal conductivity results and constitutive relationships proved that the use of PPCA enhanced the thermal insulation property and ductility of PPCA concrete, respectively. Eventually, a total of six concrete batches with binary blended PPCA and FA were cast to find the optimum replacement levels. The optimum binary combination with reasonable strength and workability at a minimal cost was achieved to be 10% PPCA and 20% FA.