bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New records for the genus Chimarra Stephens 1829 (Trichoptera: Philopotamidae) in India
Authors: PANDHER MANPREET SINGH , HUSSAIN ZAHID , KAUR SIMARJIT , PAREY SAJAD HUSSAIN , MAJEED AQUIB
Published: December 2024

Two new species records of genus Chimarra Stephens 1829 (Chimarra actinifera Schmid 1958 and Chimarra godagama Schmid 1958), both from Tamil Nadu, are added to the Philopotamidae fauna of India. Additionally, Chimarra subpositio Pandher et al. 2020 (nomen novum for Chimarra bicolor Navás 1932, a junior secondary homonym of Philopotamus bicolor Banks 1901, now in Chimarra) is redescribed and re-illustrated based on freshly collected material. With these new additions, and taxonomic changes, the genus Chimarra is represented by 57 species in India.
A new species of Lusius Tosquinet (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae, Ichneumoninae) from China, with a key to Chinese species
Authors: HAN YUAN-YUAN , CHEN MENG-MENG , DONG YAN
Published: December 2024

A new species of Lusius Tosquinet, 1903, L. hunanensis sp. nov., from Hunan province of China, is described and illustrated. The new species is characterized by clypeus nearly smooth, truncated laterally, rounded medially; mesopleuron entirely punctate; propodeum weakly rugose with transverse striation, without punctures; postpetiole yellow, metasomal tergite 2 and tergite 3 with small spot laterally. A key to Chinese species of Lusius is provided.
3. The Structures of Narrative Imagination
Authors: Grüne Matthias
Published: December 2024

The article discusses the connection between genetic and narratological research using the example of a plot outline from Theodor Fontane's novel ‘Die Poggenpuhls’. It is demonstrated that the application of narratological categories can help to understand the structural conditions that determine the imagination of the narrated world. The outline already exhibits specific characteristics of realistic narration. It becomes clear, for example, that Fontane is guided by the principle of the scene in structuring his plot. Furthermore, immersion in such passages, which are already relatively precisely delimited in terms of space and time, can be seen as an essential driving force in the creative process. The same applies to the significance of supposedly functionless details that appear at an early stage of production and can thus be interpreted as a source of inspiration for the imagination. Finally, the plot sketch also shows a convergence and perspective blending of character and narrator speech, which is characteristic of realistic storytelling.
4. A Lodger Returns
Authors: Hilfling Josefine
Published: December 2024

Henrik Pontoppidan’s major novel A Fortunate Man (1898-1905) is told by a heterodiegetic omniscient narrator. A short section of the novel was originally published as the short story "Heart’s Delight" (1885). This short story is in the first edition told by a homodiegetic narrator, but in a revised second edition (1886), it is told by a heterodiegetic narrator. By tracing the epigenetic changes from the two versions of "Heart’s Delight" to A Fortunate Man, this essay argues that the change of voice in "Heart’s Delight" not only made it possible for Pontoppidan to later embed the short story in A Fortunate Man; it also resolved the unintended deficient narration (Phelan 2017) of the first edition of the short story and made it more stylistically coherent because it already featured characteristics typical of omniscient narration. Homodiegetic narration resembling omniscient narration anchored in single versions of texts, has previously been described by narrative critics (Skov Nielsen 2004; Shen 2013). This essay combines narratology and genetic criticism to explain the origin of inconsistencies in single texts and across versions and works.
7. Prototyping the Narrative Skeleton
Authors: Zilliukas Joris
Published: December 2024

James Joyce’s drafts of Ulysses provide a wealth of material for genetic analysis. The ‘proto-draft’ manuscript of Ulysses’ penultimate episode, ‘Ithaca’, affords a one-of-a-kind look into how Joyce made material into narrative, from fabula, to the utilization of techniques such as disnarration and ‘the unnarrated’ (Prince, 1988). The chapter uses a genetic narratological treatment to portray a writer projecting their writing into the future, casting it aside, and shaping style and content.
10. A Genetic and Biographical Analysis of Barbara Pym’s Companion Character
Authors: Loughman Jane
Published: December 2024

Jessie Morrow, the paid companion of the elderly Miss Doggett, is a prominent character in Barbara Pym’s fictional world. The first time Pym wrote about Jessie was in a 1939-40 draft of Crampton Hodnet, and the final iteration (and the only contemporaneously published version) of Jessie is in Jane and Prudence (1953). In between these two appearances of Jessie, Pym created similar companion characters. In the span of roughly ten years, Pym’s characterisation of the companion significantly changed via these variants across her manuscripts and typescripts. There is minimal scholarship that examines the transformations, which may be due to the minimal endogenetic material that would be useful in a genetic analysis — drafts, typescripts, and sketches — on the companion character in the ten-year period between the first and last iteration of Jessie. Expanding the endogenesis to include Pym’s diaries and letters facilitates a study of Pym’s creative process; on the ‘narrative’ level of narratology, the consideration of autobiographic material allows an interpretation of the characterisation changes that Pym made to Jessie and her companion ‘variants.’ There is a tendency in studies of Pym and of her work to read her characters as stand-ins for Pym herself. This chapter postulates that the companion character is not a mirror image of Pym, but rather a persona adopted on-the-page in tandem with the fictive personae Pym adopted off-the-page throughout her life.
Reaction of Highland Maize Inbred Lines Against Turcicum Leaf Blight (Exserohilum turcicum) Disease Under Artificial Inoculation
Authors: Dida Midekssa , Sadessa Kassahun , AbbaKemal Demissew , Merga Misgana , Biratu Gudeta , Tullu Dufera
Published: December 2024

Maize is one of the most extensively grown crops in Ethiopia and the rest of the world. However, the maize production in Ethiopia is mainly threatened by the major foliar diseases like turcicum leaf blight (TLB), which cause up to 62.4% yield loss. To develop TLB-resistant maize varieties, it is important to look for resistant inbred lines. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the reaction of the highland maize inbred lines against TLB disease under artificial inoculation. Eighty inbred lines were obtained from the highland maize breeding program based at Ambo Agricultural Research Center (AARC). The experiment was arranged in a row-column design with two replications. The experiment was established at the AARC TLB screening maize pathology dedicated disease nursery field in the 2022 maize cropping season. The inbred lines were artificially inoculated using TLB disease inoculum. A scale of 0 to 9 was used to score, and the TLB disease severity was recorded four times at ten-day intervals starting from the disease onset. Disease data were analyzed using R-software version 4.0.5. The severity of the TLB disease was significant among the inbred lines. Accordingly, out of 80 genotypes screened for TLB Inbred lines coded as IL1-IL4 were resistant whereas IL5-IL22 were selected as moderately resistant.
The Influence of Linguistic Ideologies on the Value of the Polish Language and Polish Identity Among Middle-Aged Ukrainian Citizens of Polish Origin
Authors: Пелехата [Pelekhata] Олена [Olena]
Published: December 2024

This paper provides a thorough analysis of the influence of linguistic ideologies on the prestige of the Polish language and Polish self-identification among middle-aged Ukrainian citizens of Polish origin who emigrated to Poland both before the outbreak of the Russian–Ukrainian war and after Russia's full-scale military invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The linguistic biographies of two families who have moved to Wroclaw for permanent residence are investigated in the article. Members of these families represent the middle-aged generation, as they were born in Ivano-Frankivsk in 1964–1987 (36–59 years old as of 1 April 2024), being children and grandchildren of the older and the oldest generations of Poles in Ivano-Frankivsk (formerly Stanislaviv) who have lived in the city for the last hundred years (1923–2023).
Single-Path Supercontinuum Near- to Mid-Infrared Correlation Spectroscopy of Aqueous Samples
Authors: Sonoiki Doyinsola S. , Kwarkye Kyei , Sørensen Klavs M. , Engelsen Søren B. , Bang Ole , Petersen Christian R.
Published: December 2024

Combining near-infrared (NIR) and mid-infrared (MIR) spectroscopy to cover both the fundamental and overtone combination molecular vibrational resonances allows more robust analytical methods to be used, such as two-dimensional correlation spectroscopy. However, due to the strong differences in molar absorption coefficients and transparency of the optical material, it is inherently difficult to perform NIR and MIR spectroscopy on aqueous samples using a single instrument. Combining spectra from different instruments and sample presentations can result in unwanted spectral variations, which can influence the prediction models and mitigate the advantages of the combination approaches. In this work, a more consistent instrument response is achieved by combining a single supercontinuum (SC) laser spanning from 1000 to 4000 nm as the light source, with an attenuated total reflection crystal and a transmission cuvette in a single-path configuration. Using this approach, NIR–MIR correlation spectroscopy is demonstrated using a set of 22 aqueous samples with varying concentrations of ethanol, sucrose, and ʟ-proline.
How and when do work stressors and peer norms impact career entrants’ alcohol-related behavior and its consequences?
Authors: Nahum-Shani Inbal , Yap Jamie RT , Bamberger Peter A , Wang Mo , Larimer Mary E , Bacharach Samuel B
Published: December 2024

Do the key drivers of alcohol misuse change as young adults transition from early to late stages of employee onboarding? To answer this question, a series of hypotheses were tested based on two waves of data collected from 1240 college graduates from four different universities in the United States who reported obtaining full-time employment following college graduation. Data on alcohol misuse and hypothesized mechanisms—peer drinking norms and work-related stressors—were collected during the early (i.e. first few months on the job: T1) and late (12 months following initial assessment: T2) stages of employee onboarding. Results indicate that both a key work-related stressor (role overload) and injunctive peer drinking norms (i.e. those focusing on others’ approval) drive alcohol misuse in the transition from early to late stages of onboarding. However, while the relationships between injunctive peer drinking norms and alcohol misuse remain constant over the two measurement points, the mediated relationships between work-related stressors and alcohol misuse via distress is curvilinear and significantly weakens from early to late onboarding. We argue that this observed attenuation suggests that some risk factors can drive alcohol misuse in a way that is non-monotonic as well as dynamic over the course of emerging adults’ career entry.
Effects of (ZrHfNbTaTiMo)C addition on microstructure and mechanical properties of WC-10Co cemented carbides
Authors: Deng Xiao-Chun , Zhang Guo-Hua
Published: December 2024

The WC-10Co cemented carbides containing (ZrHfNbTaTiMo)C high-entropy carbide with satisfactory comprehensive mechanical properties were successfully manufactured by conventional vacuum sintering. The influences of (ZrHfNbTaTiMo)C contents (0, 0.5, 1, 5, 10 wt.%) on the densification degree, microstructure, grain size and mechanical properties were investigated. The results showed that the addition of (ZrHfNbTaTiMo)C deteriorated the wettability between Co and WC, leading to a decline in relative density. (ZrHfNbTaTiMo)C inhibited the growth of WC grains, and the average grain size of WC continued to decrease with the increase of (ZrHfNbTaTiMo)C content. After adding (ZrHfNbTaTiMo)C, the hardness and toughness rose first and then descended. When the content of (ZrHfNbTaTiMo)C was 1 wt.%, the hardness and toughness reached the maximum value of 16.77 GPa and 10.45 MPa·m1/2, respectively. Moreover, the structure was a dual-grain structure, with many high-aspect-ratio rectangular grains in the sintered samples added by 0.5 wt.% and 1 wt.% (ZrHfNbTaTiMo)C. This special structure not only enhanced the hardness, but also compensated the loss of toughness. After doping 0.5 wt.% CeO2, the hardness decreased slightly, while the toughness increased to 12.42%.
Relationships Between Coping With Interpersonal Stress in the Workplace and Depressive Symptoms Among Care Workers
Authors: Kato Tsukasa
Published: December 2024

This study examined the relationships between coping with interpersonal stress and depressive symptoms that care workers encounter in the workplace. Care workers frequently encounter interpersonal stress; however, to date, no study has measured specific coping strategies for dealing with interpersonal stress. In 2017, 138 care workers completed questionnaires on their perceptions of interpersonal stress in the workplace, coping with interpersonal stress, and depressive symptoms. Multiple regression analysis of the survey data revealed that coping strategies for interpersonal stress predicted depressive symptoms, even after controlling for the effects of gender, years of experience as a care worker, and perceived stress. A high level of coping, which involves not acting prematurely when handling a stressful relationship, was associated with reduced depressive symptoms (beta = −.29, p < .001). In contrast, higher scores for the coping type that attempt to actively damage, disrupt, and dissolve a stressful relationship were associated with increased depressive symptoms (beta = .46, p < .001). These results are consistent with those of previous studies involving full-time workers and hospital nurses. Based on our findings, we provide suggestions to improve the mental health of healthcare workers, such as creating a work environment that considers human relationships.
Exploring the Use of Rhymes in International and Localized English Language Teaching Textbooks for Young Learners – A Comparative Study
Authors: Peng Mei , Shi Yangyang
Published: December 2024

Rhymes are generally considered as appropriate young learner materials in terms of language learning and teaching. This article reports on the findings of a comparative study on the use of rhymes in two primary school English language teaching textbook series, namely English from China and Cambridge Global English ( CGE) from the United Kingdom. Based on a detailed analysis which focuses on the four components (i.e., linguistic ability, cultural awareness, thinking quality and learning ability) of the core competence proposed by the National English Curriculum Standards for Compulsory Education, the findings reveal that the localized textbook series English demonstrates a noticeable imbalanced reflection of the four components by putting more emphasis on fostering learners’ linguistic ability, especially their receptive skills (listening and reading) but ignoring the cultivation of the other three, while the international series CGE shows a more comprehensive and balanced representation of the four components. Based on the research findings, the implications for textbook writers and teachers are discussed.
Investigating STEM Secondary School Teachers’ CLIL Assessment Practices in EFL Contexts: the Repertory Grid Technique
Authors: Kruawong Thana , Imsa-ard Pariwat
Published: December 2024

Within the context of content and language integrated learning (CLIL), assessment assumes a pivotal role in fostering learning, given the dual emphasis on content and language acquisition. This dual focus engenders a heightened complexity in the assessment process within CLIL classrooms. Despite the escalating prevalence of CLIL classrooms, the aspect of CLIL assessment remains inadequately explored, constituting an unresolved issue in CLIL research and pedagogy. The enquiry into the assessment practices of CLIL teachers serves as a means to elucidate this research lacuna. This study aims to scrutinize the assessment practices employed by five Thai secondary school CLIL teachers, utilizing personal construct theory (PCT) as the foundational framework. Methodologically, data collection encompasses repertory grids and retrospective semi-structured interviews, with a pivotal application of focus grid analysis for data scrutiny and interpretation. The findings revealed that there was a strong preference for interactive and collaborative assessment methods that enhance both language skills and cognitive abilities. In particular, problem-solving tasks, lab experiments, and group discussions are effective in promoting higher-order thinking, while interactive projects and presentations boost language development. In contrast, traditional assessments such as multiple-choice questions are less effective. These findings highlight the need for professional development programmes and supportive educational policies to integrate dynamic, dual-focused assessments into CLIL curricula.
Conditions for the viability of new evangelical parties: The Colombian Case, 1990–2018
Authors: ORTEGA Bibiana
Published: December 2024

At least 41 Evangelical Political Parties (EPPs) have been created in Latin America since the 1980s. While some of these political parties have been viable, others have not. This article explores the conditions that contribute to an EPP’s viability from a party-centered perspective. Focusing on the case of Colombia and using csQCA analysis, the study identifies two causal configurations that explain an EPP’s viability. The first shows that ecclesial support combined with a broader programmatic agenda is sufficient for an EPP’s viability, while the second demonstrates that ecclesial support, coupled with an autonomous internal structure, is also sufficient to ensure viability.
Health Care Providers’ Well-being Indicators are Associated With Their Intention to Leave Their Positions: A Cross-Sectional Study From Saskatchewan, Canada
Authors: Sheekha Tasbeen Akhtar , Rohatinsky Noelle , Alhassan Jacob Albin Korem , Kendel Dennis , Levandoski Carmen , Dmytrowich Jeff , Lafontaine Tenille , Cardinal Matthew , Peña-Sánchez Juan Nicolás
Published: December 2024

This study aimed to measure the intention to leave and well-being indicators (ie, job satisfaction, burnout, moral distress, risk of depression, and resilience) of health care providers (HCPs) in Saskatchewan, Canada and to explore the association between their intention to leave and well-being indicators and other demographic factors, including gender. A cross-sectional study was conducted among registered nurses (RNs), physicians, and respiratory therapists (RTs) in Saskatchewan between December 2021 and April 2022. An online survey inquired about intentions to leave current positions, well-being indicators, and demographics of HCPs. Logistic regression models explored associations between intention to leave current positions and HCPs’ well-being indicators. Adjusted odd ratios (AORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) are reported. In total, 1497 HCPs participated; 38.6% considered leaving their positions. Controlling by gender, age group, children at home, redeployment, burnout, and resilience levels, the odds of considering leaving their positions decreased by 0.55 (95% CI = 0.43-0.70) per unit of increase in job satisfaction. HCPs experiencing high moral distress were more likely to consider leaving their positions (AOR = 3.97, 95% CI = 2.93-5.39). RNs were more likely to consider leaving their positions than physicians (AOR = 1.68, 95% CI = 1.13-2.50). Age interacted with gender, and burnout interacted with children at home. The job satisfaction, distress levels, and RN designation predicted HCPs’ intention to leave. We must recognize the dissimilar effect of age on the intention to leave between women and men and the effect of burnout between those with and without children. Strategies to increase retention of HCPs should consider well-being indicators and focus on reducing morally distressing environments and redeployment.
An exploratory study of Chinese migrant churches in Germany with a focus on their multidimensional functional purpose
Authors: Ma Tianji , Chen Szu-Chin
Published: December 2024

This paper seeks to provide a holistic overview of the current situation of the Chinese diaspora and the Chinese migrant church in the network of the Forum for Mission among Chinese in Germany with a focus on their multidimensional functional purpose. It is shown that the migrant churches in their special German context do not just function as genuine religious centers, but also as socio-cultural islands and psycho-emotional safe havens. Paradoxically, however, the socio-cultural shelter ends up as an ethnically isolated enclave. In view of their future viability, in the opinion of the authors, a new profile and theological self-understanding, characterized by transcultural openness, could be of essential importance. The enormous intercultural potential of the ethnic groups within the migrant churches can be used to extend the logic of crossing borders and acceptance in love and reconciliation in the light of the Christian faith into the encounter with the native society and churches. In the end, for the fruitful intercultural potential to be realized, a dynamic multi-way interaction between these actors, with mutual willingness to learn from each other, is desirable.
Adaptive proportional integral derivative fault tolerant control for continuous-time switched systems: A highly maneuverable aircraft technology (HiMAT) vehicle application
Authors: Elouni Mohamed , Rodrigues Mickael , Hamdi Habib , Rabaoui Bouali , BenHadj Braiek Naceur
Published: December 2024

This article presents an active fault-tolerant tracking control (FTTC) scheme for switched linear systems with unknown external disturbances and actuator faults. First, a switched adaptive observer (SAO) is designed to simultaneously achieve system state and actuator fault estimation. Second, an active fault-tolerant tracking controller with a reconfigurable adaptive proportional–integral–derivative architecture is proposed based on the results of these estimations. This FTTC technique aims to ensure the tracking of a predefined reference trajectory while also compensating for actuator fault effects. In terms of linear matrix inequalities, less conservatism design conditions for the SAO and fault-tolerant tracking controller are obtained by utilizing the average dwell time technique and multiple Lyapunov functions. Finally, an application to the highly maneuverable aircraft technology vehicle is used to prove the benefits of the presented scheme.
Effect of Epidermos Barrier Cream on Postoperative Parotidectomy Incision Scar
Authors: Gökdoğan Ozan , Guzel Ömer Faruk , Turkiş Fulden Cantaş , Demirtaş Mahmut , Köseoğlu Sabri , Üçüncü Harun
Published: December 2024

Introduction: The modified Blair incision is commonly used for superficial and deep lobe lesions of the parotid gland. The most common complication of the parotidectomy procedure is the postoperative surgical scar. Epidermos barrier cream is a type of cream that helps in wound healing by covering the wound. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of epidermos barrier cream on postoperative incision scars. Methods: Forty-six patients scheduled for surgery due to benign parotid masses were included in the study. Patients were called for a follow-up appointment to remove sutures 1 week after standard surgical intervention. In the study group, epidermos cream was used on the wound site until complete healing was achieved after suture removal, while wound healing in the control group was monitored without any medication. The patients were evaluated in the first, second, and fourth postoperative weeks using a wound site assessment questionnaire and surgical wound assessment for wound healing evaluation. Results: There were no statistically-significant differences between the groups in the evaluation results in the first week. On examination of the data in the second week, a difference was only observed in terms of the presence of hyperemia at the edges of the wound between the groups ( P = .005), with no statistically-significant differences found in any other assessment tools. In the 4-week wound healing evaluation, a statistically-significant difference was observed in favor of the study group both in the patient’s evaluation of the wound site ( P < .001) and in the surgeon’s evaluation of the wound site ( P = .029). Conclusion: Epidermos cream was found to significantly improve postoperative scar healing in parotidectomy incisions considered challenging in terms of healing. Epidermos barrier cream was found to be beneficial for wound healing in wound sites.
Assessing the Quality of Social Media Content Regarding Facial Paralysis and Reanimation
Authors: Ngo Kevin , Brame Lacy S. , Parikh Aniruddha C. , Mims Mark M.
Published: December 2024

Introduction: Patients frequently use social media to direct their health care. However, the quality of social media posts regarding facial paralysis and reanimation is unclear. Objective: To assess the quality of facial reanimation posts on social media. Methods: Ten key search terms were used to search YouTube and Facebook. The top 10 posts for each search term were graded using a variety of parameters including the Global Quality Score (GQS), Modified DISCERN, Journal of the American Medical Association Criteria, and a novel Social Media Quality Score (SMQS) which was created by the authors. Results: There was a significant difference in SMQS ( P = .035) and GQS ( P = .01) between YouTube and Facebook Videos. For YouTube videos, there was a significant difference in SMQS scores ( P = .003) between various search terms. For Facebook videos, there was a significant difference in both SMQS ( P < .0001) and Modified DISCERN ( P = .036) scores. The majority of videos evaluated were of moderate or low quality. Conclusion: Higher quality posts regarding facial reanimation are needed on social media. As health care providers, we must provide patients with appropriate resources to find high-quality posts, and when posting content, we must carefully curate the “key words” so that patients can easily find high-quality content.
Lonely and Self-Centered? A Meta-Analysis of the Link Between Prosociality and Loneliness
Authors: Malon Monika , Gajos Katarzyna , Rajchert Joanna , Holt-Lunstad Julianne , Okruszek Łukasz
Published: December 2024

While loneliness may motivate individuals to approach others, it may simultaneously increase their focus on self-preservation, resulting in egocentric behavior. Since the evidence linking loneliness and prosociality is inconclusive, the current meta-analysis aims to explore this relationship. Through a systematic search of databases, we identified 35 studies involving 44,764 participants. A small effect size for a negative correlation between loneliness and prosociality ( r = -0.12, 95% CI: [-0.19, -0.05]) was found using the random effects model. The effect was not moderated by participants’ sociodemographic characteristics or the WEIRDness of the sample but differed between types of measurement and forms of prosocial behavior. Our findings highlight the importance of understanding the processes perpetuating the link between loneliness and decreased prosociality, as this tendency may pose difficulties in restoring social connections, cooperating with others, or aiming for common goals.
The Probabilistic Price of Life Across Time: Generational and Probabilistic Distance Render a Life Today Worth More Than Ten Tomorrow
Authors: Law Kyle Fiore , Syropoulos Stylianos , O’Connor Brendan Bo , Young Liane
Published: December 2024

Is the certainty of saving a life today worth more than the less-certain possibility of saving 10 lives tomorrow? In six pre-registered studies with U.S. samples from Prolific ( N = 5,095), we employed an intergenerational probability discounting task, discovering people discount the value of life as uncertainty and intergenerational distance from the present increase. Specifically, as uncertainty about impacting the future rises, individuals increasingly prioritize saving fewer present lives over more future lives, particularly for more distant future beneficiaries (Studies 1–2b). Experimental evidence (Studies 3a–4) suggests that certainty perceptions drive intergenerational concern, rather than the inverse. Drawing upon seminal research from cognitive science and behavioral economics, these findings address gaps in emerging social psychological inquiry into long-term intergenerational concern, shed light on mechanisms underlying debates on the ethical philosophy of longtermism, and highlight practical implications for decision-makers, stressing the need to increase certainty perceptions surrounding about pro-future actions to enhance intergenerational beneficence.
Pioneer Learning From Failure: How Competitor Entry and Consumer Reports Improve Learning From Failure Repositories
Authors: Maslach David , Rousseau Horacio , Lamont Bruce
Published: December 2024

While learning is key for pioneers—firms introducing new products without existing competitors—a lack of competitors limits learning opportunities. To compensate, pioneers in safety-critical industries frequently resort to failure repositories—databases that track failure reports in an industry. However, the sheer volume, inconsistency, and unstructured nature of such failure reports make them difficult to use without clear referents that provide a benchmark and context for interpretation. We investigate how the entry of a competitor enhances pioneers’ learning effectiveness by offering such a stable basis for comparison and analysis. Specifically, we observe changes in failure reports that support our theory that pioneers adjust their learning processes in response to the altered availability and nature of failure information in a repository after competitor entry. Consumer failure reports, which provide unfiltered and unique information, are crucial for understanding and addressing problems that may result in failure. Our analysis of the medical device industry shows that pioneers learn more effectively after a competitor enters the market. Pioneers learn more effectively from consumer reports, especially when not interspersed with less valuable sources, such as expert and internal firm reports. Notably, pioneer learning after competitor entry leads to lower reported alleged future injuries and product malfunctions. These findings contribute to repository-based learning by showing how competition can improve effectiveness and suggesting that distinct consumer feedback is particularly valuable for pioneering firms. Besides adding to the literature on organizational learning, this study also highlights the role of competition in fostering innovation and improving safety.
Individual differences in theory of mind and children’s advanced scientific reasoning in elementary school
Authors: Lecce Serena , Mascheretti Sara , Stagnitto Serena Maria , Osterhaus Christopher
Published: December 2024

Recently, there has been an increased interest in the associations between theory of mind (ToM), the ability to infer others’ mental states, and academic functioning in middle childhood including scientific reasoning. This study follows this trend and addresses two gaps in the literature. First, it examines whether individual differences in ToM primarily relate to children’s acquisition of advanced scientific reasoning or also help them overcome less-sophisticated conceptions. Second, it investigates the associations between scientific reasoning and distinct aspects of the multidimensional construct of ToM (here we assessed recursive ToM, interpretive ToM, and social awareness ToM). Participants were 84 8-, 9-, and 10-year-olds (41 F, 43 M) attending elementary school in northern Italy. Children were assessed for their ToM, scientific reasoning, inhibitory control, and verbal and non-verbal ability. Results showed that ToM was uniquely correlated with children’s acquisition of advanced conceptions of scientific reasoning but not with the overcoming of naïve and intermediate levels of understanding. Hierarchical regression analyses showed that this finding applies to all three ToM components and that the association between ToM and advanced scientific reasoning was independent of children’s general cognitive development (inhibitory control, and verbal and non-verbal ability). Overall, our findings suggest that ToM paves the way for more sophisticated reasoning in the science domain and that several distinct mechanisms may underlie this effect.
Gender Differentials in Economic Independence and Health Status of Elderly in India: Evidence from National Sample Survey
Authors: Sangar Shivendra
Published: December 2024

This study examines gender differences in economic independence and health status among elderly people in India, using 2017–8 data from the National Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO). It explores these aspects in relation to factors like residence, age, literacy, marital status and principal activity. The findings show that elderly women are more economically dependent than men, with age, lack of education and widowhood increasing dependency. Married individuals tend to enjoy better health, while higher literacy and economic engagement improve male health. The study calls for revamping social security schemes and implementing female-centric measures to address the gender disparities among India’s elderly.
Critical Theory and Radical Psychoanalysis: Rethinking the Marcuse-Fromm Debate
Authors: Thompson Michael J.
Published: December 2024

I explore the ways that the debate between Herbert Marcuse and Erich Fromm relates to the possibility of informing both a critical psychoanalysis as well as how psychoanalysis can fit into critical social theory. I argue that Fromm’s emphasis on the social nature of the mind and the self is a more attractive template that Marcuse’s more anachronistic reading of Freud and his metapsychology. Fromm grants centrality to the issue of praxis as central to the nature of critique, both in terms of one’s relation to oneself in psychoanalytic terms as well as to the dynamics and structures of the social world of which we are a part.
Palliative and end-of-life care for patients with pleural mesothelioma: A cohort study
Authors: Wakefield Donna , Ward Tom , Edge Hannah , Mayland Catriona R , Gardiner Clare
Published: December 2024

Background:

Pleural mesothelioma is a rare and incurable cancer, with complex physical and psychological symptoms. Despite recent advances in treatment, prognosis remains poor (average 8–15 months) with a lack of research on palliative and end-of-life care.

Aim:

To examine markers suggestive of quality palliative and end-of-life care, including receipt of specialist palliative care, advance care planning, fewer unplanned hospital admissions at end-of-life. To compare variables with socio-economic position to identify if inequalities exist.

Design:

A cohort study, retrospectively reviewing the medical notes from diagnosis to death for all patients diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma between 01/01/2016 and 31/12/2021.

Setting/participants:

Over 5 years, n = 181 patients were diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma across Teesside (north-east England), n = 30 were alive at study commencement and excluded. For the 151-patient cohort, demographics were as follows: 92% male, 79% aged 70–89 years and 26% in the lowest socio-economic quintile (based on area-level deprivation).

Results:

Median survival was 246 days. Within the final 90 days of life, 69% of patients had at least 1 unplanned hospital admission, with 20% having 3+ (range 0–7). Those with the highest socio-economic position had less admissions on average. Specialist palliative care was received by patients, at home 34%, in hospital 26%, in hospice 11%. Do Not Attempt Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (DNACPR) decisions, were in the final 24 h of life for 18% of patients (median 7 days). Disease specific findings included police attendance for expected deaths and lack of signposting.

Conclusion:

Patients with pleural mesothelioma have unplanned admissions to hospital towards the end of life, with possible inequalities; they receive late advance care planning and face challenges unique to their disease. It is important that patients receive high quality palliative end-of-life care through accessing specialist palliative care or have guidance/signposting to other potential sources of support.
Applying Predictive Safety Analysis to Complete Streets: A Case Study
Authors: Dunn Michael R. , Kersavage Kristin , Porter Richard J. (R.J.) , Gross Frank , Lim In-Kyu , Dadvar Seyedehsan , Dimaiuta Michael
Published: December 2024

Complete Streets encompasses policymaking, planning, design, and operations to improve safety, connectivity, and equity for all road users. Existing safety performance analysis and evaluation methods have gaps related to predicting the safety benefits of Complete Streets projects. Specifically, the methods do not fully capture expected multi-modal safety performance effects or address the combined effects of multiple safety treatments implemented in combination. This paper describes a research effort to 1) apply predictive safety analysis methods to quantify the safety performance effects of Complete Streets projects in the project planning stage and 2) compare the predicted safety performance effects with actual effects estimated with a project evaluation after construction. The paper serves as a basis for understanding the current capabilities, challenges, and needs associated with safety performance analysis of Complete Streets projects.
Coexistence of tubulocystic renal cell carcinoma and polycythemia vera: A rare case report
Authors: Wei Renjie , Liu Fudong , Luo Xu , Gong Chunyu , Ran Ruitu
Published: December 2024

Tubulocystic Renal Cell Carcinoma (TC-RCC) and Polycythemia Vera (PV) are both infrequent medical conditions. TC-RCC was recognized as a distinct subtype of kidney cancer by the World Health Organization in 2016, while PV is a rare myeloproliferative neoplasm distinguished by the excessive production of red blood cells. The coexistence of these two conditions is exceptionally uncommon and lacks comprehensive documentation. This study presents a case report of a 35-year-old male patient who has been diagnosed with PV for the past 20 years. The patient underwent a radical nephrectomy to remove the renal tumor, and subsequent histopathological analysis confirmed the presence of TC-RCC. Throughout the 6-month follow-up period, the patient exhibited no signs of abnormalities. The rarity of the coexistence of TC-RCC and PV highlights the intricate nature of managing such instances, necessitating a cautious approach to diagnosis and treatment, particularly in surgical interventions. The present study serves as a valuable resource for diagnosing and treating individuals presenting with concurrent renal neoplasms and PV.
Exploratory study on the impact of military actions on the environment and infrastructure in the current Ukraine war with a specific focus on waste management
Authors: Hanoshenko Olena , Halaktionov Mykola , Huber-Humer Marion
Published: December 2024

The war in Ukraine and its consequences are becoming a disaster not only on a national scale but also for many other countries. The overview and considerations on such consequences given in this article shall help in managing and restoring (Ukrainian) territories after war. A structured analysis of literature about the war and post-war impact on the environment paired with ‘grey literature’ and the collection of currently available information from regional and national government agencies and official organizations on the specific situation in Ukraine, with a particular focus on waste management issues, was conducted. The main groups of environmental components affected by military actions are analysed, systematized, and classified. It is shown that the negative impact of military actions has irreversible consequences for the environment not only in Ukraine but is also already gaining global proportions. In addition, much of the infrastructure in the waste management sector has been destroyed, meaning that large volumes of unsorted and untreated waste are now ending up in landfills, most of which are uncontrolled since other more effective and sustainable environmental and waste management options are currently missing. Therefore, it is necessary to develop remediation concepts and implement comprehensive measures to clean up the territories and restore environmental components and the waste management sector after war. This includes – among other issues – assessing or measuring the generation and composition of post-war demolition waste and municipal solid waste during and after the war as a basis for further planning and decision-making.
A Review of the Multilayering Technique of Injecting Dermal Fillers
Authors: Ashley Emmaline , Chadha Priyanka
Published: December 2024

The multilayer injection technique for dermal fillers has emerged as a promising strategy in facial rejuvenation, aiming to restore volume, enhance contours, and achieve a more natural and youthful appearance by strategically placing fillers of varying rheology in multiple facial planes. This contrasts with more traditional, single-layer injection techniques. This scoping review aims to critically evaluate evidence around the feasibility, procedural approaches, outcomes, and complications associated with the multilayer approach. A review of the literature was conducted across multiple databases, including Medline, Web of Science, and Embase, for studies published between January 1, 2010, and June 4, 2024. The search included keywords related to dermal fillers, facial rejuvenation, and multilayer injection techniques. Experimental studies, including randomized control trials (RCTs), observational studies, retrospective studies, case series, and cadaver studies were considered eligible for review. The search yielded 6 studies that met the inclusion criteria: 2 cadaver studies with associated prospective studies and 4 retrospective reviews. The studies collectively involved 464 patients and 15 human cadavers. The cadaver studies focused on establishing the anatomical justification for the multilayer technique, while the clinical studies reported high patient and physician satisfaction with few complications. The multilayer injection technique is a promising approach to facial rejuvenation, offering natural-looking results with a sound anatomical basis and low risk of complications. However, the existing literature is limited by methodological shortcomings, including variations in study designs, lack of control groups, and reliance on subjective assessments. Further rigorous research is needed to validate the efficacy and safety of this technique in live patient settings.
A study on CT detection image generation based on decompound synthesize method
Authors: Fu Jintao , Liu Renjie , Zeng Tianchen , Cong Peng , Liu Ximing , Sun Yuewen
Published: December 2024

Background:

Nuclear graphite and carbon components are vital structural elements in the cores of high-temperature gas-cooled reactors(HTGR), serving crucial roles in neutron reflection, moderation, and insulation. The structural integrity and stable operation of these reactors heavily depend on the quality of these components. Helical Computed Tomography (CT) technology provides a method for detecting and intelligently identifying defects within these structures. However, the scarcity of defect datasets limits the performance of deep learning-based detection algorithms due to small sample sizes and class imbalance.

Objective:

Given the limited number of actual CT reconstruction images of components and the sparse distribution of defects, this study aims to address the challenges of small sample sizes and class imbalance in defect detection model training by generating approximate CT reconstruction images to augment the defect detection training dataset.

Methods:

We propose a novel CT detection image generation algorithm called the Decompound Synthesize Method (DSM), which decomposes the image generation process into three steps: model conversion, background generation, and defect synthesis. First, STL files of various industrial components are converted into voxel data, which undergo forward projection and image reconstruction to obtain corresponding CT images. Next, the Contour-CycleGAN model is employed to generate synthetic images that closely resemble actual CT images. Finally, defects are randomly sampled from an existing defect library and added to the images using the Copy-Adjust-Paste (CAP) method. These steps significantly expand the training dataset with images that closely mimic actual CT reconstructions.

Results:

Experimental results validate the effectiveness of the proposed image generation method in defect detection tasks. Datasets generated using DSM exhibit greater similarity to actual CT images, and when combined with original data for training, these datasets enhance defect detection accuracy compared to using only the original images.

Conclusion:

The DSM shows promise in addressing the challenges of small sample sizes and class imbalance. Future research can focus on further optimizing the generation algorithm and refining the model structure to enhance the performance and accuracy of defect detection models.
Associations of Muscle-Strengthening Activity and Cognitive Function in Community-Dwelling Middle-Aged and Older Adults
Authors: Zhang Yuzi , DeFina Laura F. , Leonard David , Chen Baojiang , Hébert Emily T. , Barlow Carolyn E. , Pavlovic Andjelka , Kohl Harold W.
Published: December 2024

Objective

To determine the associations between muscle-strengthening activity (MSA) and cognitive function among middle-aged and older adults.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 2973 participants aged ≥55 in the Cooper Center Longitudinal Study. Participants self-reported leisure-time physical activity. Cognitive function was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). The associations of reported MSA frequency (0–1 vs. ≥2 sessions/week) and volume (zero, low: ≤250, medium: 250–420, high: >420 MET minutes/week) with mild cognitive impairment (MCI, defined as MoCA<26) and MoCA total score were examined using logistic and linear regression.

Results

Individuals who participated in ≥2 MSA sessions/week had a significantly higher MoCA total score. Participants with medium MSA volume were significantly associated with lower odds of being classified as MCI and associated with a higher MoCA total score than those with zero volume.

Conclusions

Engaging in MSA is associated with cognitive health among middle-aged and older adults independent of aerobic exercise.