bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Two new species of fanged frog from Southeastern Borneo, Indonesia (Amphibia: Anura: Dicroglossidae)
Authors: GONGGOLI ADE DAMARA , SHIMADA TOMOHIKO , MATSUI MASAFUMI , NISHIKAWA KANTO , SIDIK IRVAN , KADAFI AHMAD MUAMMAR , FARAJALLAH ACHMAD , HAMIDY AMIR
Published: January 2025

Two new species of dicroglossid frog of the Limnonectes kuhlii complex are described from southeastern Borneo, Indonesia. These new species were previously confused with L. kuhlii, whose type locality is Java, but recognized to represent genetically distinct lineages. Here, we describe them based on molecular and morphological characteristics. The two new species, Limnonectes maanyanorum sp. nov. and Limnonectes nusantara sp. nov., can be distinguished from named species of the Limnonectes kuhlii complex from Borneo, Java, Sumatra, and Peninsular Malaysia by significant genetic distances in partial sequences of the 16S rRNA gene and combinations of morphological characters. These descriptions are an initiation step in taxonomic work to encourage studies of the L. kuhlii complex in Kalimantan, Indonesia.
On two new deep-sea species of the genus Campylaspis G. O. Sars, 1865 (Cumacea: Nannastacidae) from Brazil
Authors: DUDA MARIA LUIZA DE F. , ROCCATAGLIATA DANIEL , LUCATELLI DEBORA , FILHO JESSER F. SOUZA-
Published: January 2025

Currently, 15 species of the genus Campylaspis, collected between 40 and 4,680 m depth, are known from Brazil. In the present study, two additional species collected from Campos Basin, Rio de Janeiro and Espírito Santo States, between 393 and 733 m depth, are described. An updated list of all the Campylaspis species reported from Brazil along with an identification key for the deep-sea species are presented.
Where Have the EF5s Gone? A Closer Look at the “Drought” of the Most Violent Tornadoes in the United States
Authors: Lyza Anthony W. , Brooks Harold E. , Krocak Makenzie J.
Published: January 2025

As of January 2025, the United States has gone over 11 years without the occurrence of a tornado rated EF5 on the Enhanced Fujita (EF) scale, constituting the longest “drought” in F5/EF5-rated tornadoes since the beginning of official records (1950). This article places the “drought” of 5-rated tornadoes in the context of a long-term tornado climatology. A key breakpoint exists between how the legacy Fujita (F) scale and the EF scale handle the complete destruction and sweeping away of single-family homes, with standard “well-constructed” homes being swept away constituting F5 damage on the F scale but only EF4 damage on the EF scale. To illustrate this point, adjusting the lower-bound of EF5 on the EF scale from 201 mph to 190 mph or increasing all 190–200-mph EF4s to >200 mph EF5s to account for this breakpoint in the handling of single-family homes would lead to consistent 5-level rating assignments from 1880 through present day. Furthermore, contextual evidence that was used to aid in identifying 5-level damage in the F-scale and early EF-scale eras could assist in identifying top-tier intensity tornadoes. These findings ultimately lead to questions regarding what the highest possible rating of a tornado should represent from both physical and societal perspectives.
The Evolutions of Single-Year and Multiyear El Niño from Preconditioning to Decay Stages: Direct Wind-Driven versus Boundary-Reflected Oceanic Responses
Authors: Lee Chung-Wei , Sui Chung-Hsiung , Izumo Takeshi
Published: January 2025

Advancing our understanding of single-year and multiyear El Niño events is essential for a better forecast of El Niños and assessment of their global socioeconomic impacts. Here, we compare these two types of El Niños in reanalysis and coupled model data. We further develop an approach in a linear continuously stratified ocean model to quantifying direct wind-driven (DWD) and boundary-reflected (BR) responses to wind stress forcing from the reanalysis and coupled model datasets. For single-year El Niños, the positive North Pacific meridional mode charges additional heat content to the tropical Pacific through DWD processes in year−1 before the development year (year0), leading to the earlier event development. The subsequent discharge and zonal-advective reflective feedbacks by BR processes also start earlier and are intensified by wind anomalies of a more eastward fetch. Finally, during the mature boreal winter and decay spring in year1, the equatorial western Pacific winds turn into easterlies, terminating DWD downwelling Kelvin waves and the positive feedback. In contrast, multiyear El Niños feature a lower preconditioning recharge state in year−1, later development and less eastward-extending wind and sea surface temperature anomalies in year0, and weaker delayed negative feedbacks and persistent western Pacific westerly winds in year1. The resultant insufficient BR negative feedbacks and lasting DWD downwelling Kelvin waves allow El Niño to continue into year1/year2. The approach developed here and the results that show the fundamental dynamic processes regulating El Niño’s duration should help in improving El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) seasonal forecasting.

Significance Statement

El Niño events have global climate impacts, but their duration from single- to multiyear is a challenging prediction problem. Here, we investigate the mechanisms determining their duration. We analyze their evolutions and quantify wind-forced ocean responses. We show that the early establishment of tropical Pacific warm water volume, the eastward shift of wind stresses, and the center of warm sea surface temperature influence the strength and timing of the following negative feedbacks that modulate an event’s decay. The El Niño’s spatial and temporal diversities are linked by dynamical processes. The above mechanisms can be applied to observation monitoring, model, and forecast diagnosis. It could potentially help in mitigating the global socioeconomic and environmental impacts of ENSO.
The Impact of Outer-Core Structure on Eye Formation and Intensification of Tropical Cyclones
Authors: Chen Yueh-Li , Wu Chun-Chieh
Published: January 2025

The objectives of this study are to clarify the role of initial outer-core structure in intensity development and eye formation of tropical cyclones (TCs) and to examine the inner-core evolution in both the troposphere and lower stratosphere during intensification. A set of TCs with modified outer-core wind profiles of Typhoon Soudelor (2015) is set up. There are systematic variations of intensity, radius of maximum wind (RMW), and size, wherein larger initial vortices exhibit lower peak intensity, intensification rate, and RMW contraction rate and tend to maintain their larger size. While TCs in most of the experiments form their eyes through “clearing formation” processes, the largest experiment forms an eye through “banding formation” with more asymmetric eyewall convection. As compared to the largest TC, the smallest TC possesses low-level convergence and midlevel latent heating more concentrating inside the RMW with higher inertial stability and a stronger, deeper, and higher-altitude upper-level warm core. For the smallest TC, more subsidence warming is found in the lower stratosphere above the eyewall associated with more vigorous overshooting. The warmer air can be efficiently advected into the upper-level center since 1) the overshooting convection aggregates at a smaller radius and 2) the overshooting convection more frequently occurs at the upwind side of environmental flow owing to its higher angular velocity and faster axisymmetrization. It can be concluded that, for the smaller TCs, the more dominant role of the stratosphere in transporting much higher potential temperature downward appears to be the key leading to their higher intensification rate.
“What If Applicants Fake Their Responses?”: Modeling Faking and Response Styles in High-Stakes Assessments Using the Multidimensional Nominal Response Model
Authors: Seitz Timo , Spengler Maik , Meiser Thorsten
Published: January 2025

Self-report personality tests used in high-stakes assessments hold the risk that test-takers engage in faking. In this article, we demonstrate an extension of the multidimensional nominal response model (MNRM) to account for the response bias of faking. The MNRM is a flexible item response theory (IRT) model that allows modeling response biases whose effect patterns vary between items. In a simulation, we found good parameter recovery of the model accounting for faking under different conditions as well as good performance of model selection criteria. Also, we modeled responses from N = 3,046 job applicants taking a personality test under real high-stakes conditions. We thereby specified item-specific effect patterns of faking by setting scoring weights to appropriate values that we collected in a pilot study. Results indicated that modeling faking significantly increased model fit over and above response styles and improved divergent validity, while the faking dimension exhibited relations to several covariates. Additionally, applying the model to a sample of job incumbents taking the test under low-stakes conditions, we found evidence that the model can effectively capture faking and adjust estimates of substantive trait scores for the assumed influence of faking. We end the article with a discussion of implications for psychological measurement in high-stakes assessment contexts.
Lo sterminio degli ebrei nelle pagine dell’Orologio: Carlo Levi lettore di Primo Levi
Authors: Benfante Filippo
Published: January 2025

This article delves into the relationship between Carlo Levi's L' Orologio ( The Watch, 1950) and Primo Levi's Se questo è un uomo ( If This Is a Man, 1947). Following a brief overview of passages where Carlo Levi addresses themes of extermination, deportation, and return from concentration camps (not limited to Jews), the article highlights some intertextual connections to suggest that Se questo è un uomo served as one of the literary influences for L' Orologio. Particularly, the portrayal of a Roman survivor by Carlo Levi echoes the character of Elias in Primo Levi's work. Lastly, the article examines Carlo Levi's position within the circle of friends and relatives who welcomed Primo Levi upon his return to Italy and engaged in discussions regarding the first edition of Se questo è un uomo.
Is the natural environment important to social work education and practice? Perspectives from social work students in Queensland, Australia
Authors: Gallagher Hilary , Ross Kylie , Ramsay Sylvia
Published: January 2025

This article reports on a quantitative research project with Bachelor of Social Work students in Queensland, Australia, about student involvement in environmental activities and environmental curriculum content. As environmental perspectives in social work are still emerging, research into student perceptions of the environment is limited, particularly in Australia. This project found most students valued the natural environment both personally and as emerging practitioners. Students participated in many environmental activities, with students more focused on future micro social work practice. Many students identified environmental content within their degree and expressed a desire for more, to support the future needs of clients.
Improved generative adversarial networks for denoising fabric defect images
Authors: Hu Xudong , Wang Tao , Yu Bo , Dai Ning , Shen Chunya , Yuan Yanhong
Published: January 2025

In order to solve the problems of noise, blurring, and loss of detail in fabric defect images due to camera location and factory environments, a fabric defect image denoising method based on improved generative adversarial network (GAN) is proposed. A mathematical model is developed to simulate the noisy images of fabric blemishes in a real factory environment. GAN, as a deep learning method widely used in the field of computer vision, generates high-quality data samples through the competition between generators and discriminators. In this study, the traditional GAN is improved by introducing multiple loss terms and adopting a new adaptive weighting strategy in order to make the denoised image closer to the original clear image while better preserving the structural and detailed features of the image. In addition, the network structure is improved by introducing a multiscale discriminator, a convolutional block attention module (CBAM) and a residual network to capture feature information at different spatial scales more effectively and to promote the propagation of low-level features. The experimental results show that the method can effectively remove fabric defective image noise, and its subjective effect and objective indexes are better than similar algorithms. The research results are of great value to quality inspectors, related researchers, and image denoising technology professionals in the textile industry. These results help to improve the efficiency and accuracy of fabric defect detection and image denoising processing, thus promoting the development of related technologies.
The race for best friendship in Sino-Gulf relations: fractured cooperation and conflict in times of strategic uncertainty
Authors: Thies Antonia , Zumbraegel Tobias , Demmelhuber Thomas
Published: January 2025

The scholarly debate on a changing Gulf monarchies’ role in international politics has been vividly evolving throughout the last years. It was particularly nurtured by an assumed waning US hegemony in the region and thriving Belt and Road Initiatives of China since 2013. Contributions on the state of Sino-Gulf relations got a massive booster in view of COVID19 since China had presented itself as the most reliable partner with sufficient knowledge and expertise to fight the pandemic. This article is based on the argument that the Gulf monarchies (in our sample: Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar) adjust their foreign policies toward this key player in the Indo-Pacific in order to prepare themselves for strategic uncertainties and security risks on a domestic, regional, and international level. By relying on the expanded IR concept of hedging, we present evidence how this leads to frictions and tensions on the regional level among the Gulf monarchies that have long been described as a like-minded club of authoritarian monarchies.
Risks and Benefits of Future Travel with Hyperloop: A Multi-Analytical Approach
Authors: Kang Sung-Eun
Published: January 2025

Despite significant government investment in Hyperloop transportation across various countries, research on its potential advantages and drawbacks from the tourist’s perspective remains scarce. Guided by prospect theory, this study examines the perceptions and behaviors of frequent ( n = 386) and occasional ( n = 214) travelers regarding Hyperloop technology, using multiple analytical methods such as partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM), multi-group analysis (MGA), fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA), and artificial neural networks (ANN). The study explores how four perceived benefits (economic, environmental, socio-cultural, and time-saving) and four perceived risks (functional, physical, psychological, and financial concerns) influence travelers’ intentions to use Hyperloop for tourism. The PLS-SEM and MGA analyses indicate that frequent travelers prioritize time-saving, while economic, environmental, socio-cultural benefits, and functional risks influence occasional travelers’ decisions. Additionally, fsQCA findings identify distinct benefit-risk combinations affecting travel decisions, and deep learning models highlight critical factors predicting Hyperloop adoption. This study provides theoretical insights and practical strategies for integrating Hyperloop into tourism planning and management.
Attitudes About Aging and Beliefs About When you Have Been or Will be Your Best Self
Authors: Kahlbaugh Patricia , Biblekaj Viktoria , Shortell Malori
Published: January 2025

Stereotypes about aging and aging anxieties are common and when internalized are related to poor physical and psychological outcomes. As a result, older adults may view themselves as having their best years behind them. The present study investigates ageism and aging anxiety as barriers to positive self-development. Participants ( n = 360) between ages of 19 and 77 years old ( M = 39, SD = 15.9) were recruited using Amazon Mechanical Turk (MTurk) and completed measures of Ageism, Aging Anxiety, and were asked to identify when they have been or will be their Best Self. With increasing age, adults with more internalized ageism and more aging anxiety, specifically physical appearance and fear of loss, identified their Best Self with a time in the past. These findings support the idea that internalization of ageism and aging anxiety can be counterproductive for expectations for growth as one ages.
Gender Equity in Municipalities: Understanding Local Policy Priorities
Authors: D’Agostino Maria J. , Elias Nicole M. , DiMaria Nicole
Published: January 2025

The purpose of this research is to examine policy priorities of municipal legislation designed to promote gender equity. We ask the following research question: How does municipal policy address gender equity? To answer this question, we identify New York City legislation that targets gender equity passed under the DeBlasio administration (2014–2022). Using Atlas.TI, legislation is organized around The New York City Commission on Gender Equity’s goals to identify policy priorities. Our findings indicate that despite progressive policy efforts, policy priorities remain focused on gender stereotypes and long-standing issues, particularly sexual harassment and violence.
A review on recent progress in light metal solid-phase additive manufacturing
Authors: Li Jiyu , Yang Tianhao , Liu Siqi , Shi Yun , Zhao Kai
Published: January 2025

Additive manufacturing technology, known for its advantages in rapid layer-by-layer 3D printing, personalized production, and flexible manufacturing, has gained widespread applications in the manufacturing industry. This paper provides an analysis and summary of the recent progress in lightweight metal solid-state additive manufacturing technology and its related process mechanisms. The primary solid-state additive manufacturing technologies currently include ultrasonic additive manufacturing, cold spray additive manufacturing, and friction-based additive manufacturing. The research and application status of solid-state additive manufacturing technology for lightweight metal materials are particularly emphasized, and the characteristics of these three types of solid-state additive manufacturing technologies are compared. In the end, the paper highlights the key directions for future research in solid-state additive manufacturing technology, including additive process mechanisms, simulation study of multi-physics and multi-scale, application of various materials, external field-assisted process modification and optimization through artificial intelligence.
Identification of subtrochanteric and femoral shaft fractures as atypical femur fractures on radiology reports
Authors: Bögl Hans Peter , Schilcher Jörg
Published: January 2025

Background

Bisphosphonate-associated stress fractures, atypical femur fractures (AFF), are a rare subgroup of femoral stress fractures. Their correct and early diagnosis is imperative for appropriate treatment.

Purpose

To investigate the sensitivity of written radiology reports to mention radiographic features of AFF, depending on the time period and academic level of the hospital.

Material and Methods

We used 171 patients, aged 55 years or older, who sustained an AFF between 2008 and 2010 (early period) identified through the Swedish National Patient Register and radiographic review and 104 patients identified through the Swedish Fracture Register between 2015 and 2018 (late period). Plain radiographs were extracted from 72 radiology departments in Sweden and individually re-reviewed and classified based on the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research case definition for AFF. Radiology reports were viewed for mentioning AFF or stress/insufficiency features (true positives). The number of true positives was compared with the number of false positives for both periods using non-parametric statistics and using the gold standard as reference.

Results

We obtained 98 of the possible 171 reports with 7% of true positives for the early period and 77 of the possible 104 reports with 27% true positives for the late period ( P < 0.001). The level of improvement over time was independent of the academic level of the hospital.

Conclusion

Despite improvements over time, written radiology reports seldom mention AFF features. Clinicians, specifically orthopedic surgeons, are encouraged to contribute to a correct and early diagnosis to tailor treatment, while awaiting improvements in radiology reports.
Why consumers hesitate to pay online: Evidence from online transactions
Authors: Li Zongwei , Liu Jixiang , Chen Jianing , Zhang Yanhui
Published: January 2025

Purchase intention and decision turn out to be the research hotspots in the field of consumer behavior, whereas the reasons for consumer hesitation before purchase have been scarcely investigated. In order to explore the factors that affect consumers’ online purchase hesitation in the context of e-commerce retail, this study uses the theory of perceived risk to analyze how different dimensions of perceived risk dominated by consumer trust affect consumers’ purchase hesitation at the checkout stage, examines the moderating effect of consumers’ online shopping experience on the influencing process, and builds a test model with moderating variables. In this study, the factors for purchase hesitation are empirically analyzed using the methods of literature analysis and logistic regression based on the real transaction data from Taobao. The results show that seller credit rating, representing seller risk, exerts a significant adverse effect on purchase hesitation, whereas the order amount (i.e. financial risk, and price dispersion, representing product risk) positively affects purchase hesitation. The consumer experience plays a moderating role in the above process. In addition, this article further explores the heterogeneous role of buyer’s device, seller’s platform, and buyer’s gender and excludes some of the interfering factors that lead to involuntary hesitation.

JEL Classification: M31, M37
Early Meniscal Repair Leads to Higher Success Rates Than Delayed Meniscal Repair: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: van der List Jelle P. , Daniel Stef , Blom Ingmar , Benner Joyce L.
Published: January 2025

Background:

There has been an increased interest in meniscus preservation over the last decade. Several risk factors for the failure of meniscal repair have been identified. However, the timing of meniscal repair has not been extensively assessed in the literature, and there is currently no high-quality evidence on the optimal timing of performing meniscal repair after an injury with regard to outcomes.

Purpose:

To assess the role of the timing of meniscal repair on outcomes in the literature.

Study Design:

Systematic review and meta-analysis; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

The databases of PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library were searched in October 2023 for studies comparing the outcomes of early versus delayed meniscal repair. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they reported outcomes within and after a time threshold (eg, within and after 3 weeks). Random-effects models were used.

Results:

A total of 35 studies with 3556 patients and 3767 menisci were included (mean age, 27.5 years; 66% male; mean follow-up, 4.5 years). Most studies were level 3 or 4 evidence, and the overall quality was low. The failure rates of meniscal repair were 11.3% versus 24.1% within versus after 2 weeks, respectively (7 studies, 511 patients; odds ratio [OR], 0.50 [95% CI, 0.22-1.16]; P = .11); 7.2% versus 15.3% within versus after 3 weeks, respectively (5 studies, 556 patients; OR, 0.28 [95% CI, 0.10-0.79]; P = .02); 15.7% versus 21.3% within versus after 6 weeks, respectively (7 studies, 746 patients; OR, 0.63 [95% CI, 0.33-1.18]; P = .15); and 10.2% versus 18.7% within versus after 8 weeks, respectively (7 studies, 652 patients; OR, 0.47 [95% CI, 0.26-0.87]; P = .02); these were significant for 3 and 8 weeks. No differences were seen for within versus after 3 months (7 studies, 1305 patients; 22.4% vs 18.5%, respectively; OR, 1.04 [95% CI, 0.47-2.33]; P = .92).

Conclusion:

The timing of meniscal surgery was correlated with the likelihood of success, and meniscal repair should preferably be performed within 8 weeks of the injury, with the earliest benefit at 3 weeks. Clinicians should take this into consideration when recommending operative treatment or initial nonoperative treatment.
Patients With a Quadriceps Tendon Autograft Demonstrate Greater Asymmetry in Landing Kinetics Than Patients With a Bone–Patellar Tendon–Bone Autograft 6 Months After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Cherelstein Rachel E. , Kuenze Christopher M. , Walaszek Michelle C. , Brumfield Emily R. , Lewis Jennifer N. , Hughes Garrison A. , Chang Edward S.
Published: January 2025

Background:

Asymmetric landing kinetics 6 months after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) are associated with higher risk of second anterior cruciate ligament injury. Little is known about landing kinetics after ACLR with an all–soft tissue quadriceps tendon (QT) autograft despite its increasingly common use in young, active patients.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

The purpose of this study was to compare landing kinetics during a bilateral drop vertical jump (DVJ) 6 months after ACLR in participants who had undergone primary ACLR with a QT or bone–patellar tendon–bone (BTB) autograft. The hypothesis was that patients with a QT autograft will experience more asymmetry during a bilateral DVJ than patients with a BTB autograft 6 months after ACLR. In addition, greater impact force asymmetry will be associated with worse patient-reported outcome measures.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Participants who underwent primary unilateral ACLR with a QT or BTB autograft between May 2022 and December 2023 were prospectively recruited to undergo DVJ assessment and patient-reported outcome measures 6 months after ACLR. DVJ assessment was completed using force-sensing insoles. Peak impact force, average loading rate, and impulse data were collected at 100 Hz.

Results:

Forty-four participants (22 BTB, 22 QT) completed DVJ assessment and International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and Anterior Cruciate Ligament–Return to Sport After Injury (ACL-RSI) surveys at 6 ± 1 months after ACLR. Graft source groups did not differ by age ( P = .884), sex ( P = .531), mass ( P = .872), height ( P = .572), months since surgery ( P = .683), or lateral ( P = .637) or medial ( P = .416) meniscal tear treatment rate. On average, participants with a QT autograft demonstrated 26.2% greater contralateral limb peak impact force ( P = .004), 18.4% lower peak impact force limb symmetry index ( P = .009), 18.5% lower involved limb impulse ( P < .001), and 15.1% lower impulse limb symmetry index ( P < .001) when compared with participants with a BTB autograft. Graft source groups did not differ in IKDC score ( P = .333) or ACL-RSI score ( P = .070). Neither IKDC nor ACL-RSI score was strongly associated with any kinetic variables.

Conclusion/Clinical Relevance:

Participants with a QT autograft exhibit greater asymmetry in landing kinetics when compared with participants with a BTB autograft 6 months after ACLR, and landing kinetics were not associated with IKDC or ACL-RSI score.
Unique offerings: Ideological competition and rebel governance
Authors: Akcinaroglu Seden , Berkowitz Jeremy , Moreno Leon Carlos E. , Ogutcu-Fu Sema Hande , Sedashov Evgeny , Tokdemir Efe
Published: January 2025

This study examines the factors influencing non-state armed actors’ (NSAAs) ability and willingness to implement rebel governance, with a focus on the group's ideological distinction from adversaries and the government. We argue that a unique ideology acts as an effective branding tool, enhancing governance success as constituents recognize and align with it. This ideology allows NSAAs to offer a distinct social contract to their followers with minimal risk, fostering strong relationships with their constituents, and hence benefits from such governance. We propose that rebel governance increases when NSAAs are ideologically distinct from other armed factions and the state. We validate our hypotheses using the Rebel Quasi-State Institutions dataset, an original dataset on armed groups’ ideologies, and the Database for Political Institutions for government ideology. This study is the first to explore the link between an armed group's distinct ideology and its governance capacity in multi-party settings, and offers a novel contribution to the burgeoning literature on group ideology and rebel governance.
Stability analysis and asynchronous control of discrete-time cyclic switched systems with unstable subsystems
Authors: Wang Suzhen , Yu Fan , Wang Ruihua , Jiao Ticao
Published: January 2025

This paper studies the stability analysis and asynchronous control problems of discrete-time cyclic switched systems consisting of both stable and unstable subsystems based on slow/fast cycle-dependent average dwell time (ADT) switching. By Kronecker delta function, the cycle-dependent convex Lyapunov function (CLF) is first devised for the cyclic switched systems. It should be pointed out that the Lyapunov function has remarkably less conservativeness and more flexibility compared to traditional multiple Lyapunov function (MLF). Asynchronous cycle-dependent CLF and time-varying controller are proposed to investigate the asynchronous switching control of cyclic switched systems, and the relationship between the synchronous running time of stabilizable and unstabilizable subsystems and asynchronous time is characterized in the cycle. Finally, a numerical example and an application example are provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Gen Z Perspectives on Indian Beauty and Personal Care Websites: A Behavioural Reasoning Theory Approach
Authors: Priyadharshini K.
Published: January 2025

As Generation Z (Gen Z) becomes an increasingly influential demographic in the beauty and personal care market, understanding their attitudes and behaviours is crucial for industry stakeholders. Brands and e-commerce platforms need to adapt to the preferences of this generation by enhancing their digital presence, fostering trust and championing ethical and sustainable practices. Using behavioural reasoning theory, this study focuses on understanding the attitudes and preferences of Gen Z consumers towards Indian beauty and personal care websites, a demographic known for its tech-savvy nature and unique consumer behaviour. Preliminary findings reveal that Gen Z consumers exhibit a strong affinity for online shopping, with convenience and a wide product selection being the primary driving factors. This research contributes to the body of knowledge on Gen Z consumer behaviour, offering insights that can guide strategies in the ever-evolving beauty and personal care industry. In conclusion, this study provides a comprehensive examination of Gen Z consumers’ attitudes and preferences towards Indian beauty and personal care websites, shedding light on the factors that influence their online shopping choices and the challenges they encounter.
From Worker Victory to Policy Reform: Injured Migrant Workers Fight for Return to Work Justice in Workers’ Compensation in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Yachnin Maryth
Published: January 2025

This article explores the challenges facing injured migrant farm workers in the workers ’ compensation system in Canada's province of Ontario, with a focus on their fight for return to work justice. Told from the perspective of one of the lawyers who represented the workers, it highlights a recent victory achieved by 4 workers in the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program in defending their rights to workers’ compensation support. The workers’ compensation tribunal decided that the workers’ compensation board must evaluate these workers ’ ability to return to work, access retraining, and receive compensation based on their labor markets in Jamaica—instead of based on fictional job prospects in Ontario. The tribunal also called out the need to consider systemic anti-Black racism in workers’ compensation law and policy. The article analyzes how this legal victory could reshape workers ’ compensation policy in Ontario for injured migrant farm workers. It also discusses the implications of the win for injured workers in other temporary work programs and precarious employment sectors.
Provoking Sustainability: The Evolving Role of Management Educators
Authors: Shapiro Beigh Joan N.
Published: January 2025

Despite JME’s impactful pedagogical presence, we still fail to motivate change in a world where our planet degrades, available resources are imbalanced or unavailable to marginalized communities, and business schools goad students into mindsets of never-ending individual greed. As management educators, we have opportunities to invert the norms of our curriculum and business schools that have prioritized the profit and growth maximization models of neoclassical economists. Seizing opportunities to transform our teaching to move toward a more sustainable vision of our future is critical at this juncture. We can prioritize and teach outcomes of fairness, equity, and the health of our planet. If management educators do not align with a vision of globally sustainable business practices, we risk preparing our students for a world that no longer exists. To that end, JME’s 50-year anniversary offers an opportunity to look back on how the management educator’s role has evolved in view of sustainability education and pedagogical techniques, highlighting areas where JME’s contributions have either excelled or fallen short. The critique offers concrete guidance for educators to create a path for transformational change. The “moonshot” hope is that management educators will trigger much-needed, bottom-up transformation in their business schools and greater institutions.
Fluid-induced vibration response characteristics of the oxygen pump volute
Authors: Huo Shihui , Xie Bin , Li Ruizhi , Zhang Ping
Published: January 2025

The oxygen pump constitutes a crucial and intricate component within liquid rocket engines, serving as a primary source of engine vibration. This study delves into the unsteady fluid-induced excitation loading, considering the interplay between gap flow and main flow. The findings are validated through testing on a liquid rocket engine. Modal characteristics of the oxygen pump under varying liquid mediums are examined. The Rayleigh damping parameter is determined, accounting for the frequency characteristics of fluid-induced excitation, thereby establishing a comprehensive transient dynamic model. Subsequently, the transient dynamic response of the volute in an oxygen pump to unsteady fluid-induced excitation is analyzed, unveiling both time-domain and frequency-domain vibration response characteristics. The analysis methodology is corroborated through comparison with the statistical distribution of test results. Notably, the vibration response of the oxygen pump volute predominantly exhibits frequency doubling of rotational speed, with prominent occurrences observed at the 12X and 18X frequencies.
Notes on optimal flux fields
Authors: Gol’dshtein Vladimir , Segev Reuven
Published: January 2025

For a given region, and specified boundary flux and density rate of an extensive property, the optimal flux field that satisfies the balance conditions is considered. The optimization criteria are the [Formula: see text]-norm and a Sobolev-like norm of the flux field. Finally, the capacity of the region to accommodate various boundary fluxes and density rates is defined and analyzed.
Innovative telehospitalist model optimizes medical triage in collaboration with community emergency departments: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Koch Adam T , Keuseman Rachel L , Parikh Riddhi , Legler Sean R , Ayanian Shant , Boyapati Renu Bhargavi , Fischer Karen M , Lawson Donna K , Dugani Sagar B , Burton M Caroline , Pagali Sandeep R
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Optimal hospital bed utilization requires innovative patient care models. We studied a novel hospitalist model utilizing telemedicine to facilitate collaboration with affiliated emergency departments (EDs) and support medical triage and care of ED patients with high likelihood of hospital admission.

Methods

Telehospitalists based at a tertiary care facility collaborated with four community EDs in the same healthcare network between January 1, 2022, and April 30, 2023. Telehospitalists supported ED clinicians in medical care decisions and facilitated patient disposition. Emergency department length of stay (LOS) and disposition were evaluated, as were hospital LOS, 30-day readmission, and in-hospital mortality. For patients discharged from the ED, 7-day ED readmission and subsequent hospitalization were evaluated.

Results

Telehospitalists discussed 550 “admit-likely” patients with ED clinicians: 105 patients (19.1%) discharged from the ED and avoided admission; 322 patients (58.5%) were admitted to local or nearby community hospitals; 123 patients (22.4%) transferred to the tertiary care facility. Emergency department LOS differed significantly among disposition groups, including patients discharged home (10.2 h), admitted to local hospitals (12.6 h), and transferred to tertiary care hospitalist services (14.9 h; p < 0.001). Hospital LOS and in-hospital mortality were not significantly different among disposition groups. Patients admitted locally had lower 30-day readmission compared to those transferred to tertiary care facility (odds ratio = 0.59 [0.36, 0.99], p = 0.048).

Discussion

Telehospitalists as triage clinicians is an innovative approach to support local ED clinicians and patients. Telehospitalists optimized hospital bed utilization and healthcare system resources by facilitating safe discharges to home and expediting tertiary care transfers when necessary.
A critical perspective on social services’ organizational boundaries: Learning from transgender women
Authors: Barak Adi , Timor-Shlevin Shachar , Steinberg Alona
Published: January 2025

The normative construction of social services’ organizational boundaries may operationally exclude marginalized people by neglecting their specific needs and placing them outside the organization's domain. In order to develop a critical outline of social services’ organizational boundaries, we present a qualitative study involving 10 transgender women in Israel, aged 18–25, exploring their interactions with social services.

Findings

The study present cases of organizational neglect and rejection, alongside cases of radical acceptance. These experiences of rejection and acceptance enable us to articulate social services’ organizational boundaries from a critical social work perspective, emphasizing customization, flexibility, and dialog.

Applications

Building on the concept of radical acceptance, social workers and social services are encouraged to broaden their professional and organizational boundaries through a critical social work lens.
Parents’ perceptions and practices of children’s risky play in Hong Kong
Authors: Ng Carly KY , Siu Angela FY
Published: January 2025

Risky play provides various benefits to child growth and development. The culture of overprotection among Hong Kong parents have decreased young children’s opportunities to engage in play that involves physically challenges. This study expanded our understanding of parents’ views and behaviors on allowing their preschool children opportunities for risky play. Two hundred and three parents of children aged 2 to 8 years completed a questionnaire regarding their understanding and practices of risky play, and their attitudes toward risk-taking. Parents perceived risky play as more appropriate for boys at a younger age than for girls. Parents with higher education background were more likely to allow children to engage in risky play at a younger age. Moreover, a significant relationship was identified between parents’ own attitudes towards risk-taking and the views on their child’s age for involvement in risky play. Qualitative analysis further revealed that parents acknowledged the roles of risky play in enhancing physical development of children, and in having benefits for children’s mental health. However, parents perceived risky play as something having possibility of leading to accidents. Implications on parent education relating to risk as an essential learning process on child development and as a way to build resilience are discussed.
Characterization of phase-changing materials as stabilized thermal energy storage in impregnated biomaterial
Authors: Zor Mustafa , Li Jinxing , Şen Ferhat , Can Ahmet , Wang Xiaodong (Alice) , Rodrigue Denis , Candan Zeki
Published: January 2025

In recent years, impregnation of biomaterial (wood veneers) with eutectic phase change materials (PCM) has been investigated to increase the thermal capacity of bio-based materials, which significantly affects the thermal capacity, especially in building applications requiring low heat. In this study, four eutectic phase change materials were prepared using three different fatty acids and impregnated on two wood veneers (oak and ash). The structural characterization of the prepared eutectic mixtures was examined using FT-IR, while the morphological properties of the wood veneers were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The thermal performance was analyzed via differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and their thermo-mechanical properties by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). Additionally, the thermal conductivity ( k values) was determined. From the results obtained, it was possible to prepare eutectic mixtures with melting temperatures around 30°C with heat capacities up to 225.5 J/g. It was also generally determined that eutectic PCM, prepared from mixtures of lauric acid and palmitic acid, have lower thermal conductivity but show higher storage and loss modulus for the wood coatings leading to a balance between mechanical and thermal properties.
Near-Infrared Fluorescence-Guided Segmentectomy: Added Benefit of Indocyanine Green Dye Diminishes With Surgeon Experience
Authors: Patel Yogita S. , Farrokhyar Forough , Simunovic Marko , Hanna Waël C.
Published: January 2025

Background

Near-infrared fluorescence (NIF)-mapping with indocyanine green dye (ICG) facilitates the identification of the intersegmental plane during minimally invasive segmentectomy. Our pilot study showed that ICG is associated with an increase in oncological margin distance from the tumour, greater than the surgeon’s best judgment. We hypothesized that, with greater experience, the surgeon’s judgement will improve, and the benefit of ICG will diminish.

Methods

This is a phase 2 single-arm trial of patients undergoing robotic-assisted segmentectomy for NSCLC tumours less than 3 cm. After isolating the diseased segment(s), the predicted intersegmental plane (Dp) was identified by the thoracic surgeon. After intravenous ICG injection, the true intersegmental plane (Dt) was revealed using NIF. The primary outcome was the average distance between Dt and Dp (Dt-Dp). Comparisons were performed across 3 temporal tertiles: tertile 1 (t1) comprised of the first 30 participants, and the remaining participants were divided equally for tertiles 2 (t2) and 3 (t3). Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare differences between tertiles (α = 0.05).

Results

A total of 190 patients were enrolled from October 2016 to June 2021. The median age was 68 (interquartile range:62-72), and 57.37%(109/190) were women. ICG injection occurred in 60.53%(115/190) of the participants, and intersegmental plane visualization was achieved in 88.70%(102/115). Dt-Dp diminished significantly across tertiles: t1 = 20.65 ± 15.82 mm, t2 = 2.42 ± 15.49 mm, and t3 = 1.36 ± 9.87 mm ( P = 0.0001). Locally estimated scatterplot smoothing revealed that this distance approaches zero as the surgeon performs more cases.

Conclusion

In our single-surgeon experience with robotic-assisted segmentectomy for NSCLC, the added value of NIF-mapping with ICG diminishes with surgeon experience.
The mechanism of othering: A discourse analysis of the construction of China's image in EurActiv and Euronews
Authors: Zhou Xiang , Jin Yujie , Wei Fengyu
Published: January 2025

The European Union (EU)–China relationship, pivotal in major diplomatic powers, has undergone significant adjustments in recent years, highlighting the importance to study how the EU media portray the image of China. Within the paradigm of othering, this critical discourse analysis selected two EU media, EurActiv and Euronews, with a sample of 117 news reports from 2013 to 2021 from Factiva, to examine the discursive structures and strategies presented in reporting on China based on the historical and realistic background and ideological traditions of Europe, Eurocentrism, and the Cold War mentality. In the mechanism of othering, three discursive strategies, such as classification/labeling, intertextuality/allusion, and reference strategies, were integrated from different aspects to construct China as not-one-of-us, a systemic competitor challenging and dividing Europe. Otherizing China is essentially a way for the EU as the we group for its self-construction to maintain Europe's long-standing superiority over China and the internal cohesion of the EU.
Predicting risk of maternal critical care admission in Scotland: Development of a risk prediction model
Authors: Cowan Lorna M , Adamestam Imad , Masterson John A , Beatty Monika , Boardman James P , Chislett Louis , Johnston Pamela , Joss Judith , Lawrence Heather , Litchfield Kerry , Plummer Nicholas , Rhode Stella , Walsh Timothy S , Wise Arlene , Wood Rachael , Weir Christopher J , Lone Nazir I
Published: January 2025

Background:

Identifying women at highest or lowest risk of perinatal intensive care unit (ICU) admission may enable clinicians to risk stratify women antenatally so that enhanced care or elective admission to ICU may be considered or excluded in birthing plans. We aimed to develop a statistical model to predict the risk of maternal ICU admission.

Methods:

We studied 762,918 pregnancies between 2005 and 2018. Predictive models were constructed using multivariable logistic regression. The primary outcome was ICU admission. Additional analyses were performed to allow inclusion of delivery-related factors. Predictors were selected following expert consultation and reviewing literature, resulting in 13 variables being included in the primary analysis: demographics, prior health status, obstetric history and pregnancy-related factors. A complete case analysis was performed. K-fold cross validation was used to mitigate against overfitting.

Results:

Complete data were available for 578,310 pregnancies, of whom 1087 were admitted to ICU (0.19%). Model performance was fair (area under the ROC curve = 0.66). A comparatively high cut-point of ⩾0.6% for ICU admission risk resulted in a negative predictive value (NPV) of 99.8% (specificity 97.8%) but positive predictive value (PPV) of 0.8% (sensitivity 9.1%). Models including delivery-related factors demonstrated superior discriminative performance.

Conclusions:

Our model for maternal ICU admission has an acceptable discriminative performance. The low frequency of ICU admission and resulting low PPV indicates that the model would be unlikely to be useful as a ‘rule-in’ test for pre-emptive consideration of ICU admission. Its potential for improving efficiency in screening as a ‘rule-out’ test remains uncertain.