bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Managing Air Traffic Flow With Link Flow Rate Control: A Pure Integer Programming Model With More Accurate Link Connection Modeling
Authors: Zhong Han , Wei Lai , Guan Wei , Zhang Wenyi
Published: December 2024

This paper develops a mathematical optimization approach for link‐level air traffic flow management. First, a pure integer programming model is established for the problem on a link level. The model seeks to minimize the weighted summation of ground delay and airborne delay, and offers a more precise modeling for the capacity and traffic dynamics at the merge, diverge, and intersection nodes. The optimization problem is computationally NP‐hard, and a modified genetic algorithm is then presented to solve it. Besides a new chromosome coding rule for converting binary decision into time series vectors, the algorithm uses a taboo mutation operator and an adaptive mutation probability selection operator. Finally, the effectiveness and superiority of the model and algorithm are demonstrated through a real‐world case study in Dalian, China, and some managerial insights are presented.
A Novel, Nonaquatic Zoonotic Transmission of Mycobacterium marinum
Authors: Kravvas Georgios , Aboukhatwah Nada , Meghoma Lola , Vilenchik Victoria , Oxley Jon , Keith Daniel
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Mycobacterium marinum was first described in humans in 1954, known to infect fish species and contaminate water and fish products. Inoculation to humans occurs through injured skin resulting in the formation of a solitary nodule known as “fish tank granuloma.” Disseminated infections have been reported in the immunocompromised and can present with extracutaneous manifestations such as arthritis and osteomyelitis. Nonaquatic transmission has not been previously reported.

Case Presentation: A 63‐year‐old lady with rheumatoid arthritis and bronchiectasis was referred to dermatology with widespread soft dermal plaques, pustules, erosions, and necrotic wounds. Multiple bacterial and viral swabs were negative. A biopsy was performed that showed a neutrophilic dermatosis suggestive of Sweet’s Syndrome. The patient initially improved with prednisolone, but subsequently deteriorated with a worsening rash, joint pains, and neutropenic sepsis. Repeat biopsies eventually revealed abundant acid‐fast bacilli, later confirmed to be Mycobacterium marinum. Our patient had no history of exposure to aquatic organisms but had previously cared for an inland bearded dragon with an unknown illness. Although infection with M. marinum has been reported in reptiles, cases of nonaquatic zoonotic transmission have not been described in the literature.

Conclusion: Mycobacterium marinum infection should be considered in patients with indicative clinical and histological features, especially in the immunocompromised, even in the absence of an obvious aquatic source of infection. Awareness of this entity could lead to earlier diagnoses and reduced morbidity and mortality.
Arrhythmia Induced by Positional Change Under General Anesthesia Related to Caudal Movement of the Peripherally Inserted Central Venous Catheter: A Case Report
Authors: Utsumi Isao , Hascilowicz Tomasz , Mio Yasushi , Omi Sachiko
Published: December 2024

Background: The novel case report of a temporary arrhythmia that developed after a positional change in a patient under general anesthesia emphasizes the possibility of potentially lethal cardiac arrhythmias that may develop owing to caudal movement of the peripherally inserted central venous catheter ([CVC] PICC) tip when changing patient positions.

Case Presentation: We present a case of temporary arrhythmia that developed after a positional change in a 44‐year‐old female patient scheduled for laparoscopic adrenalectomy under general anesthesia. She had undergone preoperative insertion of a PICC using an electrocardiogram (ECG)‐guided tip confirmation system (TCS).

Conclusion: The case report discusses the optimal TCS and emphasizes vigilant ECG monitoring, suggesting measures to prevent these arrhythmias under general anesthesia.
Predictive Model of Tibial Nerve Depth for Needle‐Based Interventions With Broader Applications: An Observational Study in a Spanish Cohort
Authors: Mínguez-Esteban Isabel , Romero-Morales Carlos , Villafañe Jorge Hugo , Valera-Calero Juan Antonio , Plaza-Manzano Gustavo , González-de-la-Flor Ángel
Published: December 2024

Objective: To develop a predictive model for estimating the depth of the tibial nerve using anthropometric and demographic data to improve the safety and accuracy of needle‐based interventions.

Design: Cross‐sectional observational study.

Setting: European University of Madrid, Spain.

Methods: Fifty volunteers aged 18–45 years, without any conditions affecting muscle tone, significant lower limb asymmetries, or history of lower limb surgeries. Demographic and anthropometric data, including sex, age, height, weight, BMI, and measurements of leg length and circumference at specific points, were collected. Ultrasound imaging was used to measure the depth of the tibial nerve at the popliteal fossa and mid‐third of the leg.

Results: The predictive model identified leg girth at the mid‐third as a significant predictor of tibial nerve depth, explaining 22.3% of the variance (R2 = 0.223, p < 0.05). Gender and leg girth together explained up to 17.8% of the variance for proximal tibial nerve depth (R2 = 0.178, p < 0.05). Additionally, males exhibited greater leg length (mean = 95.9 cm) compared to females (mean = 90.8 cm, p = 0.01), with no significant difference in tibial nerve depth between genders (p > 0.05). Strong correlations were observed between tibial nerve depth and BMI at both the proximal and mid‐third levels (r = 0.4–0.5, p < 0.001).

Conclusion: This predictive model shows that leg girth and gender are significant predictors of tibial nerve depth in a healthy cohort. However, its clinical utility remains preliminary and requires external validation in larger, diverse, and pathology‐specific populations to confirm broader applicability in clinical settings.
Biochemical, Antioxidant, and Antimicrobial Profiling of Essential Oils of Indian Origin for Culinary Applications
Authors: Sathish Kumar K. , Visnuvinayagam S. , Teena G. , Elavarasan K. , Bindu J. , Balange Amjad K. , Sivaranjani R. , Narasimhamurthy L.
Published: December 2024

This study investigated the biochemical composition and tested the antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of four Indian‐origin essential oils (EOs)—ginger, garlic, clove, and eucalyptus—to evaluate their potential for culinary applications. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis was used to identify the chemical constituents of EOs. Antioxidant assays such as 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and antimicrobial assays such as Agar well diffusion, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were carried out. In GC–MS analysis, α‐zingiberene (28.01%), eugenol (70.12%), 1,8‐cineole (52.95%), and allyl polysulfides and terpenes were the most dominant compounds in ginger, clove, eucalyptus, and garlic EOs, respectively, which are responsible for their antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Based on the antioxidant assays, clove EO exhibited the strongest antioxidant activities in both DPPH (70.84 ± 3.95%) and FRAP (142.29 ± 1.05 μ mol Fe (II) g−1) even at 5% level, suggesting its potential to inhibit lipid peroxidation, a process linked to oxidative stress in food. The antimicrobial study demonstrated the potential of EOs against foodborne pathogens, particularly against methicillin‐resistant S. aureus (MRSA), which reveals their potential against multidrug‐resistant bacteria. Among them, clove EO demonstrated the most potent antimicrobial activity against both Gram‐negative and Gram‐positive bacteria, with notable activity against MRSA with an inhibition zone of 41.33 ± 0.57 mm. This strong antimicrobial activity of clove EO was directly correlated with its total phenolic content (375.91 ± 14.21 mg phenols 100 g−1 at 5% level). The results indicated that clove EO stands out for its strong antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, particularly against multidrug‐resistant pathogens like MRSA. These findings suggest clove EO could be a promising natural alternative to synthetic preservatives and antibiotics in culinary applications, helping to preserve food and combat resistant bacteria.
Position and Dimensions of the Mandibular Condyle in Various Anterior–Posterior Skeletal Patterns: A CBCT Imaging Study in a Sample of Iranian People
Authors: Vasegh Zahra , Safi Yaser , Dalaei Kazem , Hosseinzadeh Mehdi , Tayari Nasim
Published: December 2024

Purpose: The aim of this comparative observational study is to evaluate and compare the size and position of the condyle among male and female patients with different skeletal patterns in the anterior‐posterior dimension using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images.

Materials and Methods: CBCT images of 120 patients, all prepared for other treatment purposes under the same conditions, were included in the study. The patients were classified into three groups—class I, class II, and class III—based on ANB angles and Wits analysis. The size of the condyle was measured in terms of width, height, and length. The position of the condyle was assessed by measuring the superior joint space (SS), anterior joint space (AS), and posterior joint space (PS) on the right and left sides separately. The measurements and results were analyzed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and Bonferroni analysis. A statistical significance level of p  < 0.05 was considered.

Results: The study found no statistically significant differences in the size of the SS and AS (p = 0.481 and p = 0.392, respectively) across different skeletal patterns. However, the size of the PS was significantly greater in class I subjects compared to class III subjects (p = 0.015). There were no statistically significant differences in condyle height and width among the different skeletal patterns (p = 0.367 and p = 0.720, respectively). In contrast, condyle length was statistically significant in class II individuals (p = 0.002) and was the lowest among the other skeletal pattern groups.

Conclusions: Based on the results obtained, class I individuals have lower PS values compared to class III individuals. Additionally, class II individuals have shorter condyle lengths compared to those in class III and class I.
An Investigation of Static and Dynamic Mechanical Properties of Eco‐Friendly Textile PLA Composites Reinforced by Flax Woven Fabrics
Authors: Pervaiz Amna , Azam Farooq , Ahmad Ahsan , Ahmad Faheem , Ahmad Sheraz , Ullah Tehseen , Nawab Yasir , Shaker Khubab
Published: December 2024

The use of sustainable natural fibers as reinforcement in polylactic acid (PLA) composites offers a promising approach to developing environmentally friendly and renewable composite materials. This research article explores the impact of weave designs on various mechanical properties of fiber‐reinforced polymeric composite (FRPC) laminates. Four different weave designs, including 1/1 plain, 2/2 matt, 4/1 satin, and 3/1 twill, were developed using flax yarn obtained from the Linum usitatissimum plant. These weave designs were incorporated into composites by wrapping the flax yarn with PLA filament as the matrix, followed by compression molding. The study examines the static and dynamic mechanical properties of the subsequent flax/PLA composites, including flexural strength, Charpy strength, tensile strength, and viscoelastic characteristics like damping factor, loss, and storage modulus. The plain 1/1–reinforced composite exhibits superior tensile strength (12 MPa), tensile modulus (9800 MPa), and flexural properties (29 MPa) due to the higher number of intersection points in the weave design, while in the case of impact strength (6.7 kJ/m2), satin structure‐reinforced composite showed superior properties due to higher float length of warp yarns and lower intersection points in the weave structure.
Dimensionless Characteristic Analysis of Indoor Gas–Liquid Humidification Jet Under Low Air Pressure on the Qinghai‐Xizang Plateau
Authors: Hu Jiale , Wang Yingying , Wang Dengjia , Song Cong , Suolang Baimu , Fu Zhiguo , Shi Dandan , Li Jiaman , Hu Runyang
Published: December 2024

Mastering the characteristics of gas–liquid humidification jets at low pressure is fundamental for creating indoor humidity environments on the Qinghai‐Xizang Plateau. In this paper, we numerically simulate gas–liquid two‐phase jets at 50.0–101.3 kPa and analyze their flow, mass transfer, and heat transfer properties based on relevant dimensionless numbers. The results show that, for Reynolds number (Re) = 1652–9914 at low pressure, the jet axis velocity decays more slowly, the entrainment between the jet boundary and ambient air is enhanced, and the momentum diffusion range is larger. Specifically, at Re = 1652, the average jet axis velocity of 50.0 kPa is 0.13 m/s higher than that of 101.3 kPa. The jet dimensionless velocity distribution of each radial section obeys the Voigt curve. Under low‐pressure conditions, the humidity diffusion range of the jet expands, while the temperature diffusion range decreases. The jet flow trajectory and velocity distribution are highly dependent on Re and Froude number (Fr), and temperature distribution depends significantly on Prandtl number (Pr) and Re. The jet humidity distribution highly depends on Schmidt number (Sc) when Re = 1652 and Re = 4957–9914, while showing weaker dependence on Sc for Re = 1652–4957. This study is aimed at enhancing the theory of gas–liquid jet flow and providing theoretical guidance for developing indoor humidity environment construction techniques at low pressure, thereby improving the livability of plateau buildings.
Table 4 from Identification of ncRNA Biomarkers in Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer to Address Racial Disparities
Authors: Gao Lu , Dhilipkannah Pushpa , Jiang Feng
Published: December 2024

Set of 17 ncRNAs found to be significantly differential expressed in WAs, as analyzed by the Mann–Whitney U test, with a FDR-adjusted P value of less than 0.05
Table 3 from Identification of ncRNA Biomarkers in Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer to Address Racial Disparities
Authors: Gao Lu , Dhilipkannah Pushpa , Jiang Feng
Published: December 2024

Set of 12 ncRNAs found to be significantly differential expressed in AAs, as analyzed by the Mann–Whitney U test, with a FDR-adjusted P value of less than 0.05
Supplementary Table 4 from Identification of ncRNA Biomarkers in Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer to Address Racial Disparities
Authors: Gao Lu , Dhilipkannah Pushpa , Jiang Feng
Published: December 2024

Supplementary Table 4. The diagnostic values of the three individual panels in the validation set.
A Pilot Study Using a Smartwatch to Search for Biomarkers of Heart Rate Variability in Active Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Imai Jin , Ohno Masashi , Sano Masaya , Miyazaki Takuro , Suzuki Hiroaki , Nishida Atsushi , Hashida Yuto , Ueda Takashi , Sato Haruhiko , Teramura Erika , Monma Makiko , Fujisawa Mia , Deguchi Ryuzo , Inoue Nagamu , Kishimoto Noriaki , Baba Akiyasu , Matsushima Masashi , Kagawa Tatehiro , Nishizakia Yasuhiro , Andoh Akira , Suzuki Hidekazu
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Autonomic imbalance has been reported to correlate with clinical remission in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). This study evaluated heart rate variability (HRV), a potential digital biomarker, in patients with active UC using a smartwatch that is easy to handle.
Methods: Patients with active UC were recruited for this prospective study. The patients’ HRV was measured via the Fitbit Inspire2™ linked via Bluetooth to their smartphone. HRV during nighttime sleep was obtained from continuous data. Patients were required to input the Simple Clinical Colitis Activity Index (SCCAI) score once daily by the application on their smartphones for three months.
Results: Nine patients with UC were included. In the clinically active phase, SCCAI scores showed a weak inverse relationship with parasympathetic activity, differences of successive R-R pulse intervals (RMSSD) (r=-0.44, p<0.0001), high-frequency (HF) (r=-0.42, p<0.0001), and total autonomic nervous activity, low-frequency (LF) (r=-0.43, p<0.0001). Receiver Operating Characteristic analysis indicated that the RMSSD, HF, and LF were significantly higher in patients with active UC. Meanwhile, LF showed the most correlation with severity for bowel urgency scores.
Conclusion: Longitudinal nighttime HRV recorded using a smartwatch is associated with disease activity in patients with active UC. In particular, RMSSD and HF, which are indices of the parasympathetic nervous system, have been suggested as potential digital biomarkers for UC.
Venous Endothelial Cell Transcriptomic Profiling Implicates METAP1 in Preeclampsia
Authors: Pabon Maria A. , Weisbrod Robert M. , Castro Claire , Li Haobo , Xia Peng , Kang Jiayi , Ardissino Maddalena , Economy Katherine E. , Yang Zihui , Shi Yanxi , Kim Eunice , Perillo Anna , Barrett Leanne , Brown Jenifer M. , Divakaran Sanjay , Cetinbas Murat , Sadreyev Ruslan I. , de Marvao Antonio , Wood Malissa J. , Scott Nandita S. , Lau Emily S. , Ho Jennifer E. , Di Carli Marcelo F. , Roh Jason D. , Hamburg Naomi M. , Honigberg Michael C.
Published: December 2024

BACKGROUND:

Preeclampsia is a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy characterized by systemic endothelial dysfunction. The pathophysiology of preeclampsia remains incompletely understood. This study used human venous endothelial cell (EC) transcriptional profiling to investigate potential novel mechanisms underlying EC dysfunction in preeclampsia.

METHODS:

Venous ECs were isolated from postpartum patients with severe preeclampsia and those with normotensive pregnancy using a J wire–based technique in the antecubital vein followed by CD144 (vascular endothelial cadherin) magnetic bead isolation. Venous EC transcriptomes were compared between preeclamptic and normotensive individuals. Differentially expressed genes were carried forward for genetic validation using expression quantitative trait loci from the Genotype-Tissue Expression project as exposures for vascular-specific Mendelian randomization. Functional validation of the top candidate was performed in human umbilical vein ECs using gain- and loss-of-function genetic approaches.

RESULTS:

Seventeen individuals with preeclampsia and 7 normotensive controls were included. Pairwise analysis yielded 14 protein-coding genes nominally differentially expressed in participants with preeclampsia. Mendelian randomization revealed a significant association between higher genetically predicted
METAP1
(methionyl aminopeptidase 1) expression in aortic and tibial arterial tissues and greater risk of preeclampsia.
METAP1
overexpression in human umbilical vein ECs decreased angiogenesis, with a 66% decrease in tube formation (
P
=7.9×10
−3
) and 72% decrease in cell proliferation (
P
=2.9×10
−2
). Furthermore,
METAP1
overexpression decreased
VEGFA
expression and increased expression of multiple preeclampsia-related genes, for example,
FLT1
,
INHBA
, and
IL1B
. Conversely,
METAP1
knockdown produced opposite effects on tube formation, cell proliferation, and inflammation-related gene expression.

CONCLUSIONS:

In a cohort of early postpartum individuals, we observed greater
METAP1
expression in venous ECs of women with preeclampsia versus normotensive delivery. Mendelian randomization supported a causal relationship between greater vascular
METAP1
expression and higher preeclampsia risk, and functional experiments demonstrated antiangiogenic and proinflammatory effects of METAP1 in human ECs consistent with alterations observed in preeclampsia. Ex vivo EC transcriptomics can identify novel mechanisms underlying preeclampsia pathophysiology, with implications for prevention and treatment.
Long-Term Risk of Acute Myocardial Infarction in Patients With a Transient Ischemic Attack: A Danish Nationwide Cohort Study
Authors: Safi Habibullah , Kristensen Søren Lund , Sørensen Rikke , Kruuse Christina , Johnsen Søren Paaske , Gislason Gunnar , Torp-Pedersen Christian , Køber Lars , Fosbøl Emil L. , Vinding Naja Emborg
Published: December 2024

BACKGROUND:

Sparse information regarding the long-term risk of acute myocardial infarction (MI) following a transient ischemic attack (TIA) emphasizes further research to guide preventive strategies and risk stratification in patients with a TIA.

METHODS:

We conducted a nationwide cohort study to investigate the 5-year risk of MI and all-cause mortality in patients with a first-time TIA. Patients with a first-time TIA were identified in the Danish Stroke Registry (2013–2020), matched on age, sex, and calendar year (1:4) with the general population and (1:1) with patients with first-time ischemic stroke. The 5-year risks of MI and all-cause mortality were estimated by the Aalen-Johansen and Kaplan-Meier estimators. The groups were compared using Cox regression, while adjusting for cardiovascular comorbidities.

RESULTS:

We identified 21 743 patients with TIA, 86 972 matched individuals from the general population, and 21 743 matched control patients with ischemic stroke. Median age was 70 (25th to 75th percentile, 60–78) years; 52% were male. Comorbidity burden was the lowest in general population controls, intermediate in patients with TIA, and the highest in patients with ischemic stroke. The 5-year risk of MI was 2.0% in patients with TIA, 1.5% in the general population (
P
<0.001), and 2.2% in the ischemic stroke population (
P
<0.001). After adjustment, these differences in MI rate were similar (TIA versus general population; hazard ratio, 0.99 [95% CI, 0.98–1.02] and TIA versus ischemic stroke; hazard ratio, 0.99 [95% CI, 0.96–1.01]). The 5-year risk of mortality was 17.0% in patients with TIA compared with 14.0% in the general population (
P
<0.001) and 27.0% in ischemic stroke population (
P
<0.001). The differences in mortality persisted following adjustments for patients with TIA versus general population (hazard ratio, 1.25 [95% CI, 1.19–1.31]) and for patients with TIA versus ischemic stroke (hazard ratio, 0.43 [95% CI, 0.41–0.46]).

CONCLUSIONS:

Patients with first-time TIA had a low 5-year incidence of MI, which was not significantly different from that of the general population and patients with first-time ischemic stroke after adjustments for comorbidities. However, patients with TIA had a 25% higher all-cause mortality rate than the general population, which was not readily explained by MI risk. Hence, the findings do not endorse the need to raise further awareness regarding MI in patients with TIA.
Acute Leukemia Diagnosis Through AI-Enhanced Attenuated Total Reflection Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy of Peripheral Blood Smears
Authors: Lee Michael , Sy Charles Eryll , Mesina Flordeluna , Caguioa Priscilla , Castillo Ma. Rosario Irene , Bangaoil Ruth , Punay Jeanny , Cobarrubias Mariella Cielo , Tomas Rock Christian , Albano Pia Marie
Published: December 2024

Acute leukemia, a highly perilous cancer, is diagnosed using invasive procedures like bone marrow aspirate and biopsy (BMA/BMB). This study investigated the use of artificial intelligence (AI)-enhanced Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy as a non-invasive, reagent-free diagnostic alternative with high sensitivity and specificity. The spectral peak patterns of peripheral blood smears (PBS) from clinically healthy individuals ( n = 50) BMA/BMB-confirmed acute leukemia patients ( n = 50) were examined in the 1800-850 cm–1 range. Six trained models were used to assess the diagnostic performance, focusing on accuracy, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), F1 score, and area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC). The study shows significantly lower absorbance peaks in leukemia cases compared to healthy controls across various spectral regions: 1637.82, 1528.63, 1448.29, and 1388.54 cm–1, 1302.02, and 1240.21 cm–1, and 1163.99 cm–1. These differences indicate decreased concentrations or distinct molecular configurations of proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, and carbohydrates in cases. Conversely, they exhibited elevated absorbance peaks at 1032.14 and 894.11 cm–1 regions, suggesting potential disparities in amino acid, DNA, fatty acid, and saccharide residues compared to healthy controls. Of the six trained models, the SVM model demonstrated remarkable diagnostic performance, achieving an accuracy of 83%, a PPV of 80%, an NPV of 86%, an F1 score of 82.47%, and an AUC of 90.76%. This study demonstrates the potential of AI-enhanced FT-IR spectroscopy as a valuable adjunct diagnostic tool for acute leukemia. By offering a less invasive and faster alternative to BMA/BMB, this approach can potentially enhance leukemia diagnosis and improve patient outcomes, particularly in pediatric and geriatric cases.
Examining potential Extralegal Factors Leading to Out-of-home Placement for First-time Status Offenders in a Large Urban County
Authors: Sprecher Mackenzie , Larson Matthew J. , Layton Kat , Russ Ryan , Gilbert Terri , Hicks Megan
Published: December 2024

This study explores the potential disparities in the judicial processing of status offenders within the U.S. juvenile justice system, with a focus on how race, gender, and offense type impact the likelihood of receiving out-of-home placements. Logistic regression models were used to examine first-time offenders from a large urban Midwestern County, with special attention paid to status offenders. The findings reveal that Black status offenders and those charged with incorrigibility are disproportionately subjected to out-of-home placements, despite the typically minor nature of status offenses. These findings necessitate attention to how status offenders move through the juvenile justice system. Implications for practice within the juvenile justice system, policy reforms, and the need for continued scholarly efforts are discussed.
Navigating Equality in Schools: The Sociological Impact of Leadership on Student Success
Authors: Liu Shuai
Published: December 2024

In the pursuit of a just and equitable society, the role of education is vital. One of the key determinants of this success lies in the quality of leadership within educational institutions. The study aims to analyze the multifaceted impact of leadership characteristics, bias mitigation (BM) efforts, and community engagement (CE) on academic achievement (AA) within the school context. This article aims to examine the sociological impact of leadership in schools and its direct influence on promoting equality and ensuring the success of all students. The study employed a mixed-method research approach, utilizing structured questionnaires and interviews to collect data from diverse stakeholders, including 26 school leaders, 154 educators, 1,750 students, and 32 community members across 7 purposively selected schools. PLS-SEM statistical analysis techniques were employed to analyze the collected data. The findings suggest that inclusive and equity-focused leadership is positively correlated with higher academic achievement among diverse student populations. Mitigating biases among educators enhances educational outcomes. Community engagement by school leaders enhances fairness in the education system. Based on the existing body of knowledge, this research contributes by validating the critical role of inclusive leadership in enhancing AA across diverse student populations. It innovates by integrating strategies to mitigate biases among educators and promoting active CE as novel approaches to bolster equitable educational outcomes. The implications of policymakers prioritizing leadership training in diversity and equity include schools adopting bias awareness programs and enhancing community partnerships to improve educational equity and student support.
Characterizing cigarette combustion dynamics using a vision-based 3D circumferential measurement and extraction system
Authors: Zhu Huaiyuan , Wu Changjian , Zhang Yuan , Ye Yuanqing , Huang Chaozhang , Wang Chenhui , Gao Ming , Cao Yi , Zhou Jiancheng
Published: December 2024

The precise measurement and extraction of characteristic parameters during the cigarette combustion process is paramount for a comprehensive understanding and efficient regulation of cigarette combustion. In this work, a novel three-dimensional extraction method for characteristic parameters in cigarette combustion has been proposed. The method overcomes the limitation of the traditional single camera to obtain image information due to incomplete field of view, and obtains the complete information of the cigarette combustion process by arranging synchronized cameras distributed around the circumference. The dynamic characteristic parameters of cigarette combustion, including burning line width, burning line uniformity and burning rate could be determined in real-time accurately. To verify the accuracy, the method has been applied to three different types of cigarettes. Results showed that the 3D reconstruction-based method can provide more accurate and reliable data for research in the field of cigarette combustion, offering foundational resource for further research into constituent release during cigarette combustion.
A ‘Better Resurrection’ (Hebrews 11.35), but Better Than What?
Authors: Brown J. Tyler
Published: December 2024

Nearly all agree that the ‘better resurrection’ (κρείττων ἀνάστασις) of Heb. 11.35 refers to the eschatological, general resurrection, but the majority view that it is to be compared merely with the resuscitations of the women’s sons by Elijah and Elisha stands on weaker foundations than is usually recognized. Building on Jon Levenson’s work on ancient, scriptural notions of death and resurrection (2006), the article shows through a close reading of Heb. 11.35 in context that the ‘better resurrection’ is compared most immediately with the ‘redemption’ from captivity the verse’s Maccabean martyrs reject, i.e., a temporary return to life understood as a kind of resurrection, but also with the resuscitations of the faithful women’s sons. Together with the resurrection of Isaac ‘in a symbol’ (ἐν παραβολῇ, 11.19), this conclusion suggests that Hebrews’ catalogue of Israel’s heroes is marked throughout by the proleptic experience of resurrection from the invasive realm of death.
Classical pressure profile prediction using a hybrid form of artificial neural network algorithm applied to building drainage systems
Authors: Mahapatra Ishanee , Gormley Michael
Published: December 2024

Classical pressure profile data for building drainage systems (BDS) represent a temporal snapshot of the pressure regime within the system following an event such as a water discharge from an appliance, and therefore can be an indicator of system performance. This research describes, for the first time, a method of predicting the pressure profile using FF(Feed Forward -PSO(Particle Swarm Optimization) artificial neural network (ANN) algorithm. The ANN model was validated against two sets of data: the first from a dedicated 32-storey building drainage experimental test rig at the National Lift Tower (NLT) test facility in Northampton, UK, and the second set of data from a validated numerical model, AIRNET. Both data sets were used to assess the FF- PSO-ANN Model. Calculation errors were minimized by refining weight vectors with a PSO scheme. The convergence of the PSO algorithm was managed through adjusted inertia weights, population size, damping factor, and acceleration coefficients. A generic prediction model was developed using a database of similar building drainage types and configurations. This algorithm refines and trains the ANN model, enhancing its applicability across various applications. The study confirms that the FF-PSO ANN model effectively predicts BDS pressure profile data and system performance.

Practical application

The ANN model presented develops a new approach with which to assess performance of a BDS at design stage. The model is based on the philosophy of a natural search algorithm which helps to attain global optimisation by refining the weight vectors. It is envisaged that this model can form a part of the assessment of designs at an early stage and provide useful information on the performance of the system. The in-built learning of the model allows accuracy to be improved as the database of existing pressure profiles increases, thus making the tool more relevant with time.
Disadvantaged Communities, Sudden Threats, and the Founding of Social Movement Organizations: The Case of Anti-Mafia Organizations
Authors: Chae Heewon , Dagnino Giovanni Battista , Audia Pino G.
Published: December 2024

We examine the contribution of disadvantaged communities to protest and the creation of social movement organizations (SMOs). While some view disadvantaged groups’ dissatisfaction with the status quo as critical, others expect them to be reluctant to initiate collective action because they tolerate grievances that tend to be stable over time. We suggest that sudden threats that stir up the urgency to fight against the status quo serve as a catalyst for the influence of disadvantaged communities on protest and SMO creation. Quantitative analyses of the emergence of SMOs that fought against the Mafia in Palermo, Italy, reveal two main findings. First, murders of individuals who challenged the Mafia increase anti-Mafia protest events especially in disadvantaged communities. Second, SMO creation is less likely to occur in disadvantaged communities. But protest events strengthen SMO creation, and this relationship is stronger in disadvantaged communities. An experiment in the context of racism in policing provides additional evidence of these links while also pointing to anger as an important mechanism. Overall, this study helps identify situations in which disadvantaged communities’ latent grievances, ignited by sudden threats, work in tandem with protests to create a distinct route to SMO foundings.
Inter-relations between mind-mindedness, maternal communicative style in the context of attachment distress, and infant–mother attachment security
Authors: Lombardi Elisabetta , Di Dio Cinzia , Meins Elizabeth , Giovanelli Chiara , Crippa Franca , Traficante Daniela , Marchetti Antonella , Carli Lucia Leonilde
Published: December 2024

The quality of the maternal communication plays a critical role in the development of secure infant–caregiver attachment. This relationship may be mediated by the caregivers’ capacity to recognize and appropriately respond to the child’s mental states (i.e., mind-mindedness). To specifically explore the role of mind-mindedness in the relationship between maternal communicative style and attachment, associations between maternal communicative style and attachment patterns were assessed in 88 infant–mother dyads using mind-mindedness as a mediator. Communicative style and attachment patterns were evaluated during the reunion episodes in the strange situation procedure. Communicative style was evaluated using the Coding System for the analysis of the Caregivers’ Communication Style scale, which produced three distinct communicative patterns: Misleading Communication, Denial Communication, and Affective Support. Attachment was classified by standard procedure as insecure-avoidant, secure, and insecure-ambivalent. Mind-mindedness, evaluated during free play, assessed mothers’ use of appropriate versus non-attuned mind-related comments. The results support a significant mediation of appropriate mind-minded comments in the relationship between affective supportive communicative style and both secure and insecure-avoidant attachment patterns, strengthening and mitigating direct relationships, respectively. No mediating role of mind-mindedness was found for insecure-ambivalent attachment. These findings help clarify the role of mind-mindedness in relation to communicative style and attachment and outline a certain behavioral consistency in mothers’ responses to their child across different observational contexts.
Plant Biocultural Landscapes in Māori Oral Tradition
Authors: Wehi Priscilla M , Cox Murray P , Whaanga Hēmi , Roa Tom
Published: December 2024

Human migration requires developing new relationships with plants. In Aotearoa New Zealand (AoNZ), settled by Polynesians c. 800 years ago, myriad linguistic and conceptual clues in oral tradition invite examination of this process and the contributions of new and familiar knowledge, to understand the intertwining of social and natural landscapes. We used one enduring form of Māori oral tradition, whakataukī (ancestral sayings), to examine biocultural relationships between humans and plants in AoNZ. We asked first whether plant species mentioned are representative of plant family phylogenies in AoNZ, and globally. We then examined the occurrence frequency of introduced and native plants in whakataukī to tease out plant knowledge that connects to prior experience through the Pacific, including cultivation, and consider how people-plant relationships might be influenced by cultural histories. We found that at the level of plant order, the number of plant species recognized in AoNZ is strongly correlated with the number of species recognized globally. Whakataukī tend to mention plants from orders that have a high number of species present in AoNZ but with some notable outliers. The enrichment of whakataukī references to the Solanales and ferns is driven by the importance of kūmara and aruhe/rarauhe, both key cultivated food crops. Cultivated plants as a group are well represented - both those that traveled with the early settlers, and also native species, highlighting the importance of cultivated plants in constructing a new human ecodynamical landscape. Plants used for ceremonial, medicinal, and food purposes also occur, as do gymnosperms and other forest trees with high cultural value, such as tōtara, rātā, and kauri. We consider our findings in the context of a rapid shift from small islands at tropical latitudes to large temperate islands with a diversity of biomes, and the innovation and adaptability of those creating lives in a new land.
Solid-type adenocarcinoma on thin-section CT: quantitative parameters from dual-energy CT associated with spread through air spaces
Authors: Tao Junli , Xu Hanshan , Shen Lili , Yin Ke
Published: December 2024

Background

Spread through air spaces (STAS) is a well-established factor associated with poor oncological outcomes in patients undergoing surgery for solid lung adenocarcinoma. There could potentially be a disparity in iodine uptake between patients with positive and negative airway spread of solid lung adenocarcinoma.

Purpose

To explore the associations and find correlations of iodine uptake with STAS status in patients who underwent surgery for solid lung adenocarcinoma.

Material and Methods

Patients who underwent solid lung adenocarcinoma resection between January and June 2022 were included in this retrospective study. Iodine concentration and CT features were assessed using contrast-enhanced dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) scans, and these were compared with the status of STAS.

Results

Of 52 patients included, 25 (48%) were STAS-positive and 27 (52%) were STAS-negative. There were no statistically significant differences in CT features between the two groups ( P > 0.05). STAS-positive was significantly associated with low arterial phase iodine concentration (ICA), normalized arterial phase iodine concentration (NICA), and venous phase iodine concentration (ICV), with a cutoff established at 1.15 mg/mL, 0.11, and 1.35 mg/mL, respectively ( P < 0.05). The AUCs for ICA, NICA, and ICV in predicting STAS in solid lung adenocarcinoma were 0.82, 0.83, and 0.73, respectively. ICA and NICA were identified as independent risk factors for STAS in solid lung adenocarcinoma, with a combined AUC of 0.89.

Conclusion

This study suggests that solid lung adenocarcinoma patients with low ICA, NICA, and ICVA were associated with STAS-positive, as well as a worse survival outcomes.
Markov-Decision-Process-Based Reinforcement Learning for Emergency Vehicles of Dispatch and Reallocation Strategies through the Lens of Efficiency and Fairness: Evidence from Chinese Emergency Medical Services System
Authors: Luan Siliang , Pan Fuquan , Chen Xiufeng , Bing Qichun , Yang Jinshun , Jin Xin
Published: December 2024

Efficient proactive emergency vehicle planning is crucial for effective emergency response management systems. This paper develops a flexible deep reinforcement learning framework to address uncertainties in dynamic emergency requests and complex traffic conditions. The Markov decision process model is proposed to optimize ambulance dispatch and reallocation, focusing on minimizing average response time, reducing delays from traffic congestion and patient severity misclassification, and enhancing general fairness. To tackle the challenges of the unbounded MDP state space, we employ a least-squares-based approximate policy iteration model for the upper bound and a linear programming model for the lower bound. We use Chinese emergency medical services system data for computational experiments and select average response time, fraction of delay, risk level, and Gini coefficient to evaluate the performance of our model. The numerical results demonstrate our optimal flexible policy outperforms the first-in-first-served rule, improving both efficiency and equity in medical decision-making.
Advancing a system-level perspective in stakeholder theory: Insights from the institutional economics of John R. Commons
Authors: Valentinov Vladislav
Published: December 2024

Stakeholder theory is a growing body of scholarly literature at the crossroads of business ethics and strategic management. This literature encompasses two distinct levels of inquiry, the levels of the firm and of the capitalistic system as a whole. At the firm level, stakeholder theory provides insight into the roots of the firm-level competitive advantage, whereas at the system level, it explores how capitalistic business can act as a social institution serving moral goals. Until now, the firm-level and system-level perspectives in stakeholder theory have not been effectively integrated. Drawing on the classical institutional economics of John Commons, the present paper elaborates the distinction between the firm and system levels of stakeholder collaboration and examines how they are interconnected. Stakeholder collaboration is shown to be shaped by larger institutions, such as habits, customs, public purposes, and prevailing perceptions of reasonableness. Whereas the system-level perspective in stakeholder theory focuses on the evolution of these larger institutions, the firm-level perspective explores how these institutions contribute to the emergence of the firm-level competitive advantage, thereby generating evolutionary forces that adjust the larger institutions.
Organizational disintegration
Authors: Aksom Herman
Published: December 2024

In this article, we introduce and explore the concept of organizational disintegration – the idea that organizations have an inner tendency to gradually drift from ordered and patterned design toward fragmentation, disorganization, and disorder. In doing this, we draw on previous studies on organizational disorder, entropy, and disorganization; explore some core ideas of these perspectives; and offer a theoretical account of organizations’ tendency toward disintegration. Organizational disintegration is understood as a by-product of increasing organizational complexity, the adaptation to which entails the proliferation of disorder processes such as the loss of control, coordination, and the emergence of tension, inconsistencies, and contradictions within an organizational structure and functions. Organizational disintegration may be a universal property of all organizations and a fundamental tendency present at each stage of an organization’s life. Because organizations have to regularly respond, change, and adapt to environmental shifts, organizational disintegration inevitably arises and evolves as a by-product of these cumulative complexity-generation processes. This phenomenon can be seen as an organizational analog of entropy. We offer theoretical and empirical implications for organization theory and systems science.
Service Providers’ Attitudes Toward Mandatory Reporting of Intimate Partner Violence: The Impact of Professional Experience
Authors: Nordby Christine , Douglas Kevin S. , Vatnar Solveig Karin Bø
Published: December 2024

Mandatory reporting (MR) among service providers (SP) working with intimate partner violence (IPV) is controversial, and the research is scarce. The potential association of SPs experience with IPV and MR-IPV and their attitudes is the aim of the current study. A total of 374 SPs working with victims and perpetrators (help-seekers) of IPV participated in this study. Factor analysis was conducted to produce a continuous standardized dependent variable as a measure of attitudes toward MR-IPV. Descriptive results indicated that SPs were generally supportive of MR-IPV. Linear regression analyses showed that a higher degree of professional experience with IPV was significantly associated with less skepticism of MR-IPV. The result was significant regardless of (1) severity of violence, (2) category of help-seeker, (3) time of incidents, and (4) number of cases where MR-IPV was considered relevant. Having substantial experience with IPV and MR-IPV remained significant adjusting for the SP category, years in current position, knowledge of MR, and frequency of mandatory reports. Our results indicate that experience is an important part of SPs attitudes toward MR-IPV.
Mothers’ Violence Experiences and Provision of Emotional Support Following Child Sexual Abuse
Authors: Rancher Caitlin , Smith Daniel W.
Published: December 2024

Emotional support from a non-offending caregiver, often the child’s mother, is theorized to help buffer children from the consequences of child sexual abuse (CSA). However, many mothers struggle to provide effective emotional support, suggesting it may be important to assess for factors related to mothers’ abilities to support their child. CSA frequently occurs in families that have experienced other types of violence, including intimate partner violence (IPV), and many mothers have their own personal history of child abuse. This research examined the prevalence and influence of mothers’ experiences of child abuse and adult interpersonal violence on the provision of emotional support following their child’s CSA disclosure. Participants included 120 mothers and their children (aged 7–17) recruited from a children’s advocacy center following the disclosure of CSA. Mothers and children completed convergent measures of emotional support. Mothers also completed semi-structured interviews assessing their experiences of adult IPV and child physical abuse and sexual abuse. Most mothers had experienced IPV (68%) and child physical abuse (87%). Nearly half (49%) had experienced CSA. Regression analyses indicated that mothers’ experiences of CSA were negatively associated with mother-report of emotional support (partial η2 = .05); however, mothers’ experiences of IPV and child physical abuse were positively associated with child-report of emotional support (IPV, partial η2 = .06; physical abuse, partial η2 = .09). The results highlight the importance of assessing for mothers’ experiences of violence to best support families receiving services for CSA.