bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
¿Dónde está la verdad? Sobre la etnografía de hechos disputados
Authors: Fassin Didier
Published: January 2025

En este ensayo, Didier Fassin explora la compleja relación entre verdad y etnografía, especialmente al abordar hechos disputados. A partir de teorías filosóficas en torno a la verdad —correspondencia, coherencia y pragmatismo—, el texto reflexiona sobre cómo los científicos sociales se enfrentan a ella en contextos de narrativas contradictorias, particularmente en disputas legales y morales. Utilizando el caso de un controvertido homicidio policial de un miembro de la comunidad gitana en Francia, el autor contrasta la “verdad judicial” producida por las autoridades con una “verdad etnográfica” que considera múltiples perspectivas. Fassin sostiene que, en lugar de buscar una verdad absoluta o universal, la etnografía debe aspirar a proporcionar una comprensión integral de los hechos mediante la inclusión de diversas miradas, ofreciendo una crítica a las dinámicas de poder institucional que determinan cuáles verdades son escuchadas y legitimadas.
Relatos anónimos: Reflexiones en torno a diálogos de una red feminista
Authors: Ortiz Ruiz Francisca , Mendoza Horvitz Manuela , Sepúlveda Sánchez Denisse , Vásquez Leiva Isidora
Published: January 2025

En este artículo reflexionamos sobre la importancia del relato anónimo como una forma de performar activismo desde el feminismo en el espacio académico, además de permitir compartir experiencias de manera confidencial y segura. Con este propósito, presentamos una conversación extendida entre las cuatro autoras, en la que analizamos lo que significó realizar intervenciones feministas en el contexto académico. En particular, abordamos “Relatos anónimos en 100 palabras”, una iniciativa orientada a imaginar y compartir experiencias feministas mediante relatos breves, y a experimentar con la escritura como un espacio de reflexión crítica y pública que facilita un puente entre lo personal y lo colectivo. Como resultados, se discutirá sobre la relevancia de imaginar y compartir experiencias a través de relatos, y de utilizar la escritura como un espacio de reflexión crítica. El artículo concluye destacando los testimonios de otras personas en la academia, y profundizando en los aspectos clave que surgen al pensar en lo que una academia feminista puede o debería ser.
Muerte en la Torre de Marfil. Algunos fragmentos
Authors: Ball Stephen J.
Published: January 2025

Death in the Ivory Tower es una novela de ficción que sigue a Staverley, un académico de sociología y detective aficionado en la ficticia Universidad de Watermouth, quien se ve envuelto en una investigación de asesinato de una estudiante. En esta selección de fragmentos del libro, Staverley enfrenta los desafíos de enseñar en una universidad inglesa a mediados de los años ochenta, marcada por tensiones sociales y políticas, mientras explora las dinámicas de poder, género y clase en el entorno universitario e indaga en los secretos de sus estudiantes y colegas. La historia entrelaza humor y crítica social, planteando la posibilidad de pensar la ficción como otra forma de hacer sociología.
The Politics of Representation: Arundhati Roy’s Re-framing of Media Narratives in The Ministry of Utmost Happiness
Authors: Sarwar Batool
Published: January 2025

In the current global scenario, media discourse has incontestably become one of the most powerful means of constructing the narratives which influence public response to the events occurring in the modern world. When the issue of media power is examined within the overarching paradigm of international media representation of events occurring in countries with a long-standing history of colonization, it becomes clear that earlier Orientalist attitudes are still potent in representing certain populations as inferior to and of lesser value than their Western counterparts. This essay will examine Arundahati Roy’s portrayal of media discourse in The Ministry of Utmost Happiness (2017) in the light of Edward Said’s ideas of Orientalism and Judith Butler’s notions of the frames of recognition used in media discourse to show that certain lives are considered more valuable and grievable than others. This essay will also demonstrate how media representation can be placed within the framework of global capitalism with images and stories being circulated according to market demands of global media consumption. Maintaining that Roy’s attitude to media narratives in her novel is ambivalent and complex, this essay will argue that her representation of these media narratives within the larger frame of the novel is a subversive act that makes transparent the assumptions underlying media discourse and power.
Spectrum, Volume 18, June 2023: 10-21
Teachers’ Experiences of Using AI-powered Technologies in Bangladeshi English Language Classrooms
Authors: Munni Benazir Elahee , Rafique Rumana
Published: January 2025

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools can potentially revolutionize classroom practices. English as a Foreign Language or Second Language (EFL/ESL) classrooms in higher education (HE) are also privy to the transformative features of AI. However, there is limited research on Bangladeshi HE teachers’ AI usage in teaching. This study, recognizing this gap, investigates Bangladeshi English teachers’ experiences and perceptions of using AI tools at the tertiary-level English classes. Data were collected employing an open-ended qualitative survey distributed among 17 English teachers from various public and private universities in Bangladesh. A thematic analysis suggests that most participants regularly use Turnitin, ChatGPT, and Grammarly among other AI tools. While some teachers did not routinely integrate AI tools into classroom activities, most considered them an efficient auxiliary tool for improving writing, vocabulary, grammar, designing materials, and detecting plagiarism. The results also revealed teachers' concerns about their lack of AI readiness and students’ malpractices using AI such as cheating and disinclination towards critical thinking. Based on the findings, the researchers discovered that effective integration of AI tools in learning can occur through a balance of human-led and AI-led instructions. The study recommended the need for teachers’ capacity building and skills training as mediators for contextually relevant AI usage, predominantly in writing. 
Spectrum, Volume 18, June 2023: 89-100
Isolation and characterization of viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus from farmed bastard halibut
Authors: Xu Y , Tang T , Wang J , Dou W , Wang N , Zhou Y , Duan H
Published: January 2025

Viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSV) was detected and identified in healthy bastard halibut Paralichthys olivaceus on the east coast of China through a combination of virus isolation, real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and conventional RT-PCR followed by sequencing. Analysis using MEGA11 software revealed that the isolated VHSV belongs to genotype IVa. Bastard halibut fry were experimentally infected by immersion and gill inoculation with infected cell culture medium and exhibited clinical signs. Cytopathic effects (CPE) were observed again when the epithelioma papulosum cyprini (EPC) cells were inoculated with homogenized tissue samples from the diseased fish. Real-time RT-PCR confirmed the existence of the virus in the infected fish tissues. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed the presence of numerous virus particles in the infected EPC cells, both extracellularly and intracellularly. The combination of clinical signs, typical CPE, and genetic analysis identified the isolated virus as VHSV.
Nail Psoriasis: A Narrative Review of Manifestations, Diagnosis, and Management
Authors: Yorulmaz Ahu
Published: January 2025

Psoriasis is a common, chronic inflammatory dermatosis, and patients with psoriasis often develop nail involvement. It is estimated that up to 90% of patients experience nail lesions at least once in their lifetime. Nail psoriasis (NP) occurs when psoriatic inflammation affects the nail matrix, nail bed, or both. The clinical manifestations of NP vary depending on the location and severity of the inflammation. Common signs include pitting, splinter hemorrhages, salmon patches, and distal onycholysis. Although cutaneous psoriasis is considered more severe in individuals with nail involvement, there is no clear relationship between the duration, severity, and clinical presentations of cutaneous psoriasis and NP patterns. NP is notable for an increased prevalence of arthritis among patients and is considered a significant clinical burden due to its association with arthritis and its slow or poor response to many therapeutic agents. Effective reassurance and patient education are essential components of NP management. This review summarizes clinical manifestations and diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for NP.
Pantelejmonov apostol: tekstovno-leksička analiza
Authors: Ramić-Kunić Erma , Kardaš Mehmed
Published: January 2025

Panteleimonʼs Apostle: textual-lexical analysis

Summary

The Panteleimonʼs Apostle is one of the four preserved apostles of Bosnian medieval literacy. The manuscript was written at the end of the 14th or the beginning of the 15th century. According to current research, we know that the text was written by different scribes and copied from several templates. This paper analyzes the textual and lexical level of the manuscript and compares the text with other Bosnian apostles, as well as with apostles from other Slavic editions. At the level of the mutual relationship between the texts of the Bosnian apostles, a high percentage of text alignment was found, while deviations are the result of different templates used as their basis. A detailed comparison shows that the template of Panteleimonʼs Apostle in the Acts of the Apostles is closer to the Venetian Apostle than to the Hval or Giljferding apostles, while in the Epistles, Pantelejmonʼs and Venetian texts also show similarities with Hvalʼs.
Eufemistični frazeologizmi iz semantičkog polja smrti u govoru Rožaja
Authors: Mujević Dženisa
Published: January 2025

EUPHEMISTIC PHRASEOLOGISMS FROM THE SEMANTIC FIELD OF DEATH IN THE SPEECH OF ROŽAJE
Abstract
The aim of this paper is to analyze dialectal, authentic euphemistic phraseologisms from the speech of Rožaje within the semantic field of death, marked by exceptional expressiveness and vividness. The phraseologisms analyzed in the paper were collected through dialectal research of the Rožaje speech and represent a specificity of this speech area, rarely recorded in neighboring dialects. Through this study, we aim to present the taboo nature of the topic of death and the conceptualization of the terms "death" and "dying" in language, which are undesirable for utterance in conversational style, leading to the creation of euphemistic phraseologisms in dialectal phraseology. This taboo, a form of social control, is imposed by religion, culture, and society, and individuals are taught this from birth through upbringing and education. The taboo most often applies to death, old age, illness, and intimate relations, but in this paper, we will focus on euphemistic phraseologisms from the tabooed thematic field of death. Death, as part of every civilization, has been euphemized through various mechanisms since the earliest beginnings of collective and individual cultural formation. This will be presented from the perspective of cognitive linguistics. Additionally, we will identify the most productive mechanism in the creation of euphemistic phraseologisms related to the terms "death" and "dying."

Keywords: euphemism, dialectal phraseology, taboo topic, death, dying, cognitive linguistics, conceptual metaphor, conceptual metonymy
Reducing the uncertainty in the distribution of cm-scale rock properties in the near well-bore region
Authors: Mortazavi Seyed Ahmad , Mishra Achyut , Dickinson Julie , Haese Ralf R.
Published: January 2025

Rock properties at cm-scale impact geological carbon storage by enhancing capillary and mineral trapping. Hence, it is important to accurately capture their distribution in geo-models which are used for numerically estimating the fate of injected CO2. However, there could be high variability in the cm-scale distribution of rock properties even close to wells which is not captured with traditional workflows. This study explores the impact of grid cell resolution, seismic inversion and placement of an additional well in proximity to CO2 injection well on improving the representation of cm-scale lithological heterogeneity in the near well bore region in geological models. We utilize wireline and seismic data from Parasequence-2 of the Paaratte Formation, Otway Basin, Australia, which is a shallow to coastal marine deltaic deposition comprising a high degree of lithological heterogeneity and a prospective unit for pilot scale geological carbon storage operations. The data was used to prepare a suite of reservoir models capturing the impact of above factors on the plausible distributions of facies, porosity and permeability in the formation. The analysis suggests that smaller grid cell size (1 m × 1 m × 0.3 m) compared to the typical industry standard (10 m × 10 m × 2 m) significantly improves the representation of cm-scale rock properties. Additionally, stochastic seismic inversion could play an important role in capturing rock property distribution even for smaller CO2 storage sites used for pilot scale injection operations. Further, we show that the placement of an additional well only 116-m away from the CO2 injection well can drastically improve the probability in the distribution of cm-scale rock properties in reservoir models.
The temperate forest phyllosphere and rhizosphere microbiome: a case study of sugar maple
Authors: Enea Morgane , Beauregard Jacob , De Bellis Tonia , Faticov Maria , Laforest-Lapointe Isabelle
Published: January 2025

The interactions between sugar maple (Acer saccharum, Marshall) and its microbial communities are important for tree fitness, growth, and establishment. Despite recent progress in our understanding of the rhizosphere and phyllosphere microbial communities of sugar maple, many outstanding knowledge gaps remain. This review delves into the relationships between sugar maple and its microbes, as climate change alters plant species distributions. It highlights the multifaceted roles of key microbes, such as arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi and pathogens, in affecting the distribution and establishment of sugar maple in novel habitats. Furthermore, this review examines how microbial communities in different compartments contribute to tree fitness. Finally, it explores how microbial dispersal and altered species interactions under changing environmental conditions can affect sugar maple's ability to migrate beyond its current range, emphasizing the different scenarios associated with such shifts. In the rhizosphere, AM fungi are known for their roles in nutrient acquisition and improving stress tolerance. Yet, key questions remain about how these fungi interact with other microbes, how soil chemistry and climate change alter these interactions, and how the presence of beneficial microbes influences sugar maple's establishment. Additionally, the role of dark septate endophytes (DSE) in sugar maple's fitness remains underexplored, emphasizing the need for more research on their diversity and functions. In the phyllosphere, microbial communities are subject to shifts due to rising global change, with potential impacts on sugar maple's fitness. These changes may influence the tree's resistance to pathogens, tolerance to environmental stress, and overall health. Yet, our understanding of these interactions relies mostly on short-read sequencing methods targeting marker genes (e.g., 16S, ITS, 18S), which often fail to identify microbes at the species level. Limitations in molecular techniques and poor microbial reference databases hinder our ability to fully characterize tree-associated microbial diversity and functions. Future research should thus prioritize advanced molecular tools such as shotgun, hybrid, or long-read sequencing. Controlled experiments are also needed to establish causal links between sugar maple fitness and microbial communities, and to study whether microbial communities change throughout the tree's lifespan.
Developmental regression of novel space preference in an autism spectrum disorder model is unlinked to GABAergic and social circuitry
Authors: Asano Hirofumi , Arai Masaya , Narita Aito , Kuroiwa Takayuki , Fukuchi Mamoru , Yoshimoto Yuhei , Oya Soichi , Miyoshi Goichi
Published: January 2025

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by social deficits and restricted behaviors, with developmental defects in GABAergic circuits proposed as a key underlying etiology. Here, we introduce the V-Y assay, a novel space preference test in which one arm of the Y-maze is initially hidden and later revealed as a novel space. Using an ASD mouse model with FOXG1 haploinsufficiency, which exhibits ASD-like social impairments that can be either exacerbated or ameliorated by GABAergic circuit manipulations, we observed impaired novel space preference and exploratory behavior in the V-Y assay. Interestingly, unlike social phenotypes, novel space preference was initially established by 3 weeks of age but regressed by 6 weeks. Furthermore, alterations in GABAergic signaling via Gad2 mutation did not affect novel space preference, in contrast to their impact on social behaviors. These findings reveal that the regression of novel space preference in ASD follows a distinct developmental trajectory from GABA-driven social impairments, providing new insights into the mechanisms underlying ASD.
Cross-validation of the safe supplement screener (S3) predicting consistent third-party-tested nutritional supplement use in NCAA Division I athletes
Authors: Schott Kinta D. , Bhalla Avaani , Armstrong Emma , Seltzer Ryan G. N. , Wardenaar Floris C.
Published: January 2025

Introduction

This cross-sectional study aimed to cross-validate an earlier developed algorithm-based screener and explore additional potential predictors for whether athletes will use third-party-tested (TPT) supplements.

Methods

To justify the initial model behind the supplement safety screener (S3) algorithm which predicts whether athletes will use TPT supplements, a cross-validation was performed using this independent dataset based on responses of a large group of collegiate NCAA DI athletes. Additionally, explorative modeling using stepwise logistic regression was used to identify new predictors for TPT supplement use to create and evaluate a new model for future use.

Results

The S3 algorithm was applied to the responses from n = 662 athletes using supplements (age: 20 ± 1.5 years, 50% female, from >24 sports) confirming that the algorithm identifies consistent and inconsistent TPT users (χ2 (1) = 15.95, p < 0.001), with a moderate area under the curve (AUC, 0.67) and a moderate specificity (68%), but low sensitivity (51%). Explorative modeling identified two new variables: TPT logo recognition, and having at least one name, image, likeness (NIL) deal that may help to predict TPT supplement use.

Discussion

Strong relationships between risk groupings and product use outcomes toward TPT supplement use were identified for the athletes screened. The S3 screener showed high sensitivity for identifying student-athletes inconsistently using TPT supplements, but a low specificity, lacking the ability to place less risky athletes into low-risk quadrants. The exploratory modeling, identifying TPT logo recognition and having a NIL deal, further strengthens our knowledge on predictors for consistent TPT supplement use.
Harnessing the diversity of a lettuce wild relative to identify anthocyanin-related genes transcriptionally responsive to drought stress
Authors: Medina-Lozano Inés , Grimplet Jérôme , Díaz Aurora
Published: January 2025

Lettuce is a crop particularly vulnerable to drought. A transcriptomic study in the variety ‘Romired’ and the wild relative Lactuca homblei was conducted to understand the increase in anthocyanins (only significant in L. homblei) in response to drought previously observed. RNA-seq revealed more differentially expressed genes (DEGs), especially upregulated, in the wild species, in which the most abundant and significant GO terms were involved in regulatory processes (including response to water). Anthocyanin synthesis was triggered in L. homblei in response to drought, with 17 genes activated out of the 36 mapped in the phenylpropanoid-flavonoid pathway compared to 7 in ‘Romired’. Nineteen candidate DEGs with the strongest change in expression and correlation with both anthocyanin content and drought were selected and validated by qPCR, all being differentially expressed only in the wild species with the two techniques. Their functions were related to anthocyanins and/or stress response and they harboured 404 and 11 polymorphisms in the wild and cultivated species, respectively. Some wild variants had high or moderate predicted impacts on the respective protein function: a transcription factor that responds to abiotic stresses, a heat shock protein involved in stomatal closure, and a phospholipase participating in anthocyanin accumulation under abiotic stress. These genetic variants could explain the differences in the gene expression patterns between the wild (significantly up/downregulated) and the cultivated (no significant changes) species. The diversity of this crop wild relative for anthocyanin-related genes involved in the response to drought could be exploited to improve lettuce resilience against some adverse climate effects.
Characterization of cognitive functioning in complex PTSD compared to non-complex PTSD
Authors: Schöndorf Zoe-Sofia , Terhoeven Valentin , Jaehn Anna , Roesch-Ely Daniela , Friederich Hans-Christoph , Nikendei Christoph , Kindermann David
Published: January 2025

Background

Previous research has indicated cognitive impairments in patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), specifically in attention, memory, and executive functioning. However, there is limited knowledge about the cognitive profile of individuals with complex PTSD (cPTSD), a new diagnosis in ICD-11. Moreover, predictors of cognitive impairment remain unclear. The present study aims to enhance understanding of cognitive functioning and its predictors in cPTSD compared with non-complex PTSD (ncPTSD).

Methods

N = 64 participants (n = 34 cPTSD, n = 30 ncPTSD) completed psychometric questionnaires and the neuropsychological test set Cognitive Basic Assessment (COGBAT) assessing a general cognitive index, attention, visual memory, and executive functioning. First, the test results of both groups were compared to the COGBAT norm sample. Secondly, group differences in cognitive domains were analyzed using student t-tests with independent samples (cPTSD vs. ncPTSD). Thirdly, bivariate and multivariate regressions examined influencing factors of cognitive impairment.

Results

Both groups showed cognitive impairments in comparison to the COGBAT norm group. Significant differences between cPTSD and ncPTSD were found in visual memory (p = .003) and selective attention (p = .004). In multivariate regression, type of PTSD and age were found to significantly impact visual memory, while type of PTSD, age, and psychotropic medication showed significant effects on selective attention.

Conclusions

Given higher symptom severity and cognitive deficits in cPTSD, more intensive and diverse interventions should be considered in comprehensive treatment plans, for instance, cognitive training.
An ARFID case report assessment with 18F-FDG PET/MRI and treatment with olanzapine, escitalopram and fluoxetine in adult
Authors: Liu Meichen , Chang Yiheng , Xie Xueting , Liu Yudan , Tian Shiyun , Yang Chun , Zhao Ziqi , Zhang Huimin
Published: January 2025

Background

Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID), a DSM-5-introduced eating disorder, is increasingly prevalent and challenging to treat, primarily affecting children and adolescents, with limited adult case reports. This rarity in adults leads to misdiagnosis or underdiagnosis, and treatment experiences are scarce.

Case presentation

This report details an adult ARFID case, where the patient’s fear of food intake followed gastric damage from corn ingestion, resulting in a restrictive diet of rice porridge due to gastric pain. The behavior is driven by fear of eating-related adverse effects.

Result

Based on clinical symptoms assessment, semi-structured interviews, and comprehensive testing, including PET/MRI scans to exclude secondary conditions, a diagnosis of ARFID was confirmed. ARFID, a newly introduced diagnosis in the DSM-5, is uncommon in adults with sparse case data. Differentiating it from gastrointestinal diseases and other psychiatric conditions is crucial for precise diagnosis and focused treatment.

Conclusion

In this paper, we report on the clinical diagnosis, imaging manifestations, treatment, and follow-up of an adult ARFID case, highlighting the utility of neuroimaging in diagnosis and differentiation. It also assesses the therapeutic efficacy of olanzapine, escitalopram oxalate, and fluoxetine hydrobromide, offering clinical guidance for diagnosing and managing ARFID.
The progress in the field of clinical staging for mental disorders within the last decade: an updated systematic review
Authors: Clarke Sharon L. , Soons Nicole , Videler Arjan C. , van Alphen Sebastiaan P. J. , Van Henricus , Dil Linda , Pappijn Laurens , Corbeij Sven , Broekhof Beau , Chanen Andrew M. , Hutsebaut Joost
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Clinical staging aims to refine psychiatric diagnosis by describing mental disorders on a continuum of disorder progression, with the pragmatic goal of improved treatment planning and outcome prediction. The first systematic review on this topic, published a decade ago, included 78 papers, and identified separate staging models for schizophrenia, unipolar depression, bipolar disorder, panic disorder, substance use disorder, anorexia, and bulimia nervosa. The current review updates this review by including new proposals for staging models and by systematically reviewing research based upon full or partial staging models since 2012.

Methods

PsycINFO, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane databases were systematically searched from 2012 to June 2023. The original review’s eligibility criteria were used and extended with newly introduced categories of DSM-5 mental disorders, along with mental disorders for which a progressive course might be expected. Included papers: a) contained a complete or partial staging model, or b) focused upon clinical features that might be associated with stages, or c) focused upon treatment research associated with specific stages.

Results

Seventy-one publications met the inclusion criteria. They described staging models for schizophrenia and related psychoses (21 papers), bipolar (20), depressive (4), anxiety (2), obsessive-compulsive (3), trauma related (4), eating (3), personality disorders (2), and ‘transdiagnostic’ staging models (13).

Discussion

There is a steady but slow increase in interest in clinical staging and evidence for the validity of staging remains scarce. Staging models might need to be better tailored to the complexities of mental disorders to improve their clinical utility.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42021291703.
Assessing and projecting the global impacts of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Zhang Nanlong , Chai Shuren , Wang Jixing
Published: January 2025

Background

This study aims to assess the global burden of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) from 1990 to 2030, with a focus on incidence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALY).

Methods

Data on the incidence rates, DALY rates, and death rates of AD across various geographic populations from 1990 to 2021 were obtained from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 study. Generalized Additive Models (GAMs) were employed to forecast the disease burden from 2022 to 2030.

Results

The projected global burden of Alzheimer’s disease from 2022 to 2030 indicates a decrease in DALYs, with an Estimated Annual Percentage Change (EAPC) of −1.44 (95% CI: −1.45, −1.42). Similarly, death rates and incidence rates also show a decline, with EAPCs of −1.80 (95% CI: −1.83, −1.77) and −1.27 (95% CI: −1.29, −1.26) respectively. Gender-specific analysis reveals that the projected global incidence EAPC from 2022 to 2030 is estimated at −1.73 (95% CI: −1.75, −1.70) for males and −1.03 (95% CI: −1.04, −1.02) for females. Regionally, Andean Latin America and the Caribbean exhibit the highest positive EAPCs for DALYs at 0.94 (95% CI: 0.93, 0.94) and 0.59 (95% CI: 0.59, 0.60) respectively, while Eastern Europe shows the lowest EAPC at −16.31 (95% CI: −18.60, −13.95). Country-specific projections highlight Cyprus and Serbia with the highest positive EAPCs for DALYs at 12.55 (95% CI: 11.21, 13.91) and 9.6416 (95% CI: 8.86, 10.4333) respectively. On the other hand, Bahrain and Armenia exhibit significant negative EAPCs at −87.28 (95% CI: −94.66, −69.70) and −85.41 (95% CI: −92.80, −70.41). An analysis based on the Socio-Demographic Index (SDI) reveals that regions with higher SDI values have greater burdens of AD, with countries having SDI ≥ 0.8 showing significantly higher age-standardized Incidence Rates (ASIR), age-standardized Death Rates (ASDR), and age-standardized DALY rates compared to those with SDI < 0.8.

Conclusion

From 1990 to 2030, global burden of AD is projected to decrease, with significant gender and regional disparities. Regions with higher SDI show higher disease burdens, underscoring the necessity for targeted interventions and customized public health strategies to effectively address AD in varied socio-economic settings.
Management of rare and undiagnosed diseases: insights from researchers and healthcare professionals in Türkiye
Authors: Durmus Sinem , Yucesan Emrah , Aktug Sinem , Utz Begum , Caglayan Ahmet Okay , Gencpinar Pinar , Günay Cagatay , Oktay Yavuz , Yildirim Ravza Nur , Yigit Ayca , Ozbek Ugur
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Diagnosis, treatment and management of rare diseases (RD) pose unique challenges due to their complex nature, significantly impacting the daily experiences of researchers and healthcare professionals working in this field. Despite increasing awareness and progress in the field of RD worldwide in recent years, a significant gap remains in our understanding of the specific barriers that these professionals face in their work with RD. This study provides a detailed survey analysis that sheds light on the challenges that researchers and healthcare professionals face in diagnosing, treating, managing and conducting research on RD.

Methods

We developed a national online survey with three RD stakeholder groups (Researchers, Healthcare professionals and researcher-healthcare professionals) to identify the main challenges and needs in Türkiye for the diagnosis, treatment and follow-up processes of rare and undiagnosed diseases.

Results

The survey was completed by 363 participants, revealing that participants face key challenges such as the need to refer patients to specialized centers, financial burdens, limited access to necessary tests, inadequate support for rare disease research and a lack of interdisciplinary collaboration. Participants also noted that RD are inherently difficult to conduct research on with small cohorts. Survey results also suggest a number of policy improvements to accelerate research on RD: increased funding, establishment of robust surveillance systems, and development of comprehensive national action plans and guidelines on RD.

Discussion

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to be conducted in Türkiye. This study contributes to the understanding of the needs of professionals in rare disease research and highlights the urgent need for system improvements to support them.
A spiking neural network for active efficient coding
Authors: Barbier Thomas , Teulière Céline , Triesch Jochen
Published: January 2025

Biological vision systems simultaneously learn to efficiently encode their visual inputs and to control the movements of their eyes based on the visual input they sample. This autonomous joint learning of visual representations and actions has previously been modeled in the Active Efficient Coding (AEC) framework and implemented using traditional frame-based cameras. However, modern event-based cameras are inspired by the retina and offer advantages in terms of acquisition rate, dynamic range, and power consumption. Here, we propose a first AEC system that is fully implemented as a Spiking Neural Network (SNN) driven by inputs from an event-based camera. This input is efficiently encoded by a two-layer SNN, which in turn feeds into a spiking reinforcement learner that learns motor commands to maximize an intrinsic reward signal. This reward signal is computed directly from the activity levels of the first two layers. We test our approach on two different behaviors: visual tracking of a translating target and stabilizing the orientation of a rotating target. To the best of our knowledge, our work represents the first ever fully spiking AEC model.
Soybean and avocado unsaponifiables: a review of their potential use in the treatment of osteoarthritis
Authors: Sabucedo-Suárez Ana , López-Peña Mónica , Permuy María , Muñóz Fernando
Published: January 2025

Recent research has shown that Avocado-Soybean Unsaponifiables (ASU) greatly reduce the symptoms of osteoarthritis (OA). It’s yet unknown exactly how ASU works, however, it has been demonstrated to have analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. These qualities can potentially lessen the need for non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) and their secondary effects. This review aims to examine the current literature on ASU, focusing on their efficacy, mechanism of action, and potential utility in treating OA for managing chronic pain associated with this condition. The literature review was conducted manually through Pubmed, Scopus and Web of Science (WOS) databases, covering studies from 2000 to 2022 with terms like “osteoarthritis,” “OA,” “animal models,” “ASU,” and “soy/avocado.” Two reviewers independently screened each article using inclusion and exclusion criteria and categorized the studies into in vitro, preclinical, and clinical groups. According to in vitro research, ASU affect the regulation of molecules related to OA, increasing structural elements like collagen and aggrecan and decreasing pro-inflammatory mediators. Although results vary, pre-clinical research in different animal models has demonstrated positive effects, such as ameliorating histopathological changes and reduced inflammation. Despite some discrepancies regarding structural changes in the joints, clinical trials typically demonstrate symptom relief and slow down the disease progression. While ASU demonstrates significant promise in alleviating OA symptoms and reducing reliance on NSAIDs, further research is essential to fully understand its mechanisms of action. More studies are needed to determine the precise pathways through which ASU exerts its effects and to establish the most effective dosages for its administration, either alone or in combination with other treatments.
AI-Enhanced Design and Application of High School Geography Field Studies in China: A Case Study of the Yellow (Bohai) Sea Migratory Bird Habitat Curriculum
Authors: Liu Binglin , Zeng Weijia , Liu Weijiang , Peng Yi , Yao Nini
Published: January 2025

China’s Yellow (Bohai) Sea bird habitat is an important ecological region. Its unique ecology and challenges provide rich resources for research and study. Our course design concept is supported by AI technology, and improves students’ abilities through innovative functions such as dynamic data support, personalized learning paths, immersive research and study experience, and diversified evaluation mechanisms. The course content revolves around the “human–land coordination concept”, including pre-trip thinking, research and study during the trip, and post-trip exhibition learning, covering regional cognition, remote sensing image analysis, field investigation, and protection plan display activities. ERNIE Bot participates in optimizing the learning path throughout the process. The course evaluation system starts from the three dimensions of “land to people”, “people to land”, and the “coordination of the human–land relationship”, adopts processes and final evaluation, and uses ERNIE Bot to achieve real-time monitoring, data analysis, personalized reports, and dynamic feedback, improving the objectivity and efficiency of evaluation, and helping students and teachers optimize learning and teaching. However, AI has limitations in geographical research and study, such as insufficient technical adaptability, the influence of students’ abilities and habits, and the adaptation of teachers’ role changes. To this end, optimization strategies such as improving data quality and technical platforms, strengthening student technical training, enhancing teachers’ AI application capabilities, and enriching AI functions and teaching scenarios are proposed to enhance the application effect of AI in geographical research and promote innovation in educational models and student capacity building.
A State Estimation of Dynamic Parameters of Electric Drive Articulated Vehicles Based on the Forgetting Factor of Unscented Kalman Filter with Singular Value Decomposition
Authors: Lei Tianlong , Hou Mingming , Li Liaoyuan , Cao Haohua
Published: January 2025

In this paper, a state estimation method of distributed electric drive articulated vehicle dynamics parameters based on the forgetting factor unscented Kalman filter with singular value decomposition (SVD-UKF) is proposed. The 7DOF nonlinear dynamics model of a distributed electric drive articulated vehicle is established. The unscented Kalman filter algorithm is the foundation, with singular value decomposition replacing the Cholesky decomposition. A forgetting factor is introduced to dynamically adapt the observation noise covariance matrix in real time, resulting in a centralized parameter state estimator for the articulated vehicle. The proposed parameter state estimation method based on the forgetting factor SVD-UKF is simulated and compared with the unscented Kalman filter (UKF) estimation method. Key dynamic parameters are estimated, such as the lateral and longitudinal velocities and accelerations, angular velocity, articulated angle, wheel speeds, and longitudinal and lateral tire forces of both the front and rear vehicle bodies. The results show that the proposed forgetting factor SVD-UKF method outperforms the traditional UKF method. Furthermore, a prototype vehicle test is conducted to compare the estimated values of various dynamic parameters with the actual values, demonstrating minimal errors. This verifies the effectiveness of the proposed dynamic parameter estimation method for articulated vehicles.
Unveiling the Power of Race and Education in Shaping Entrepreneurial Dreams: An Empirical Study in Florida
Authors: Collier Donovan , Chinta Ravi
Published: January 2025

This study investigates the main effects and the interaction effects of race and education on entrepreneurial intentions in the pre-startup phase, using logistic regression analysis on a sample of 967 respondents from Florida. Blacks and Other Nonwhites are compared to Whites in the logistic regression analysis. As the largest empirical study of its kind at the state level in the U.S., it addresses a gap in the literature by focusing on a narrowly defined geographic area. The findings reveal significant differences in entrepreneurial intentions among racial groups, with education playing a crucial role. Policy implications include the need for tailored support programs and inclusive financial products to foster a more equitable entrepreneurial ecosystem. This study underscores the importance of entrepreneurial education and highlights the necessity for ongoing research to understand the unique challenges faced by Nonwhite entrepreneurs, ultimately contributing to a more inclusive and dynamic economy.
Passive Radar-Based Parameter Estimation of Low Earth Orbit Debris Targets
Authors: Henry Justin K. A. , Narayanan Ram M.
Published: January 2025

Major space agencies such as NASA and the ESA have long reported the growing dangers caused by resident space objects orbiting our planet. These objects continue to grow in number as satellites are imploded and space debris impacts each other, causing fragmentation. As a result, significant efforts by both the public and private sectors are geared towards enhancing space domain awareness capabilities to protect future satellites and astronauts from impact by these orbiting debris. Current approaches and standards implement very large radar arrays, telescopes, and laser ranging systems to detect and track such objects. These systems are very expensive, may take significant amounts of time to develop, and are still only sparingly able to efficiently track debris targets less than 10 cm in diameter. This work proposes a theoretical passive-radar-based method using illuminators of opportunity for detecting space debris while estimating motion direction and Doppler. We show that by using a signal processing chain based on the self-mixing technique and digital filters, Doppler information can be extracted and continuously tracked by a uniform linear receiver array. This can be achieved by a passive sensor system, which has the advantage of lower cost without the need to emit signals that constrain the spectrum sharing issues.
High-Density Genetic Map Construction and QTL Detection for Cotyledon Color in Faba Bean Based on Double Digest Restriction-Site Associated DNA Sequencing (ddRAD-Seq)
Authors: Teng Changcai , Zhang Hongyan , Hou Wanwei , Li Ping , Zhou Xianli , Liu Yujiao
Published: January 2025

Cotyledon color is one of the important indices for identifying faba bean variety purity and measuring processing quality. Therefore, an in-depth study of the genetic mechanism of cotyledon color is vital for promoting faba bean industry development. We used the yellow cotyledon variety Qingcan 16 and the green cotyledon variety Qingcan 17 as parent plants to construct hybrid combinations. F1-, F2-, BC1F1-, and BC2F1-generation single-plant cotyledon colors were counted to clarify cotyledon color inheritance. F2-generation individuals were genotyped using ddRAD-Seq to construct a genetic linkage map and identify QTLs for cotyledon color. Green cotyledons were controlled by one pair of recessive nuclear genes. Using the screened 1991 SNP markers, a high-density linkage map was constructed, with a coverage length of 1476.95 cM and an average map distance of 0.96 cM. The green cotyledon trait was located using WinQTL Cart, and a vfGC candidate interval explaining 34.30 to 49.40% of the phenotypic variation was identified at LG02 (101.952 cM to 115.493 cM) and at LOD = 16.0, corresponding to chr1L 1,077,051,302 bp to 1,636,400,339 bp (559.35 Mb). The above interval contained 2021 genes, 20 of which were involved in photosynthesis, but no SGR or genes with similar functions were identified. However, the published faba bean vfSGR was located within the vfGC candidate interval, confirming that our localization interval was reliable. The above findings provided further clues for the fine localization of genes regulating green cotyledons and the development of molecular linked markers in faba bean.
Blood Morphology and Hematology of Adult Baikal Seals (Pusa sibirica Gmelin, 1788) Under Professional Care
Authors: Esipova Polina , Suvorova Irina , Yachmen Veronika , Pushchin Igor
Published: January 2025

Studying the blood cell morphology of marine mammals provides an opportunity to elucidate the physiological mechanisms of adaptive changes associated with the aquatic habitat that occur at the cellular level, as well as adaptations to changing environmental conditions and under various physiological and pathological processes. The Baikal seal [Pusa sibirica (family Phocidae)] is endemic to the freshwater Lake Baikal, but comprehensive hematology data are not available. We studied the morphological features of blood cells of twelve clinically normal, adult Baikal seals (n = 6 males, n = 6 females) from two oceanariums under professional care for eight years. The morphology of mature and immature erythrocytes and inclusions are described. The blood of Baikal seals is characterized by the presence of erythrocytes with a size of 8.2 ± 0.6 µm; Howell–Jolly bodies were rarely observed, the number of reticulocytes ranged from 4.1 to 93.1 × 109/L, and nucleated erythrocytes were absent. The morphological features of neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, and platelets were described. Inter-individual and sex differences in the counts of basophils, platelets, red blood cells, and levels of hemoglobin, the mean corpuscular volume, and the mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration were statistically observed. The results could be useful for Baikal seal veterinary care, immune response research, and comparative studies with other pinnipeds.
Animal Welfare, Agency, and Animal–Computer Interaction
Authors: Browning Heather , Veit Walter
Published: January 2025

Recent discussions in animal welfare have emphasised the importance of animal agency—the ability of animals to make choices and exert control over their environment in a way that aligns with their needs and preferences. In this paper, we discuss the importance of animal agency for welfare and examine how use of some types of animal–computer interaction can enable animals to exercise more agency in captive environments through increased choice and control, cognitive challenge, and social interactions; as well as considering some of the potential limitations of such efforts.
Preliminary Exploration of Natural Polyphenols and/or Herbal Mix Replacing Sodium Nitrate to Improve the Storage Quality of Pork Sausage
Authors: Kaloudi Angeliki-Niki , Karageorgou Agori , Goliomytis Michael , Simitzis Panagiotis
Published: January 2025

Synthetic agents are regularly used as preservatives in pork meat products such as sausages. However, these compounds can be harmful to human health, due to their carcinogenic potential. As a result, natural antioxidants derived from herbs and medicinal plants are continuously and thoroughly assessed to replace/minimize the application of synthetic agents during meat processing and storage. The current study was consequently implemented to highlight the effects of natural polyphenols and/or an herbal mix on the quality characteristics of pork sausages. Five batches of sausages were manufactured using the same recipe and raw materials; the control, without sodium nitrate and natural preservatives (CON), and four groups supplemented with sodium nitrate at 0.015% (SN), olive polyphenols at 0.2% (POL), an herbal mix containing rosemary, savory, camelia, thyme, lemon balm and turmeric at 0.2% (NM), or the concomitant addition of olive polyphenols (0.1%) and the herbal mix (0.1%) (POL + NM). Assessment of pH, color, cooking loss, tenderness and oxidative stability was implemented immediately after the manufacture of the sausages (day 0) and at 1, 2 and 3 months after refrigerated storage. It was illustrated that the oxidative stability of sausages was ameliorated as a consequence of POL or/and NM addition, since the values of malondialdehyde (MDA) were significantly decreased compared to the control (p < 0.001) at months 1, 2 and 3, and the values were similar to those observed in the SN group that served as a positive control. Values for the lightness (L), shear force and cooking loss were similar among the experimental treatments (p > 0.05). On the other hand, pH values were greater in the SN and NM groups than in the other groups (p < 0.05). Redness (a*) was significantly higher in the SN group and yellowness (b*) in the NM and POL + NM groups compared to the other groups (p < 0.001). It can be concluded that the examined polyphenols and/or herbal mix could be used as an alternative to nitrates for the amelioration of oxidative stability in pork sausages.