bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative Analysis of the Therapeutic Effects of MSCs From Umbilical Cord, Bone Marrow, and Adipose Tissue and Investigating the Impact of Oxidized RNA on Radiation‐Induced Lung Injury
Authors: Zhai Rui , Tai Fumin , Ding Kexin , Tan Xin , Li Hujie , Cao Zhengyue , Ge Changhui , Zheng Xiaofei , Fu Hanjiang
Published: October 2024

Radiation‐induced lung injury (RILI) is frequently observed in patients undergoing radiotherapy for thoracic malignancies, constituting a significant complication that hampers the effectiveness and utilization of tumor treatments. Ionizing radiation exerts both direct and indirect detrimental effects on cellular macromolecules, including DNA, RNA and proteins, but the impact of oxidized RNA in RILI remains inadequately explored. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can repair injured tissues, and the reparative potential and molecular mechanism of MSCs in treating RILI remains incompletely understood. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of action of three distinct sources of MSCs, including human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UCMSCs), bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), and adipose‐derived stem cells (ADSCs), in thoracically irradiated mice. Comparative analysis revealed that all three types of MSCs exhibited the ability to mitigate radiation‐induced inflammatory infiltration, alveolar hemorrhage, and alveolar wall thickening in the lung tissue of the mice. MSCs also attenuated RILI by decreasing inflammatory factors, upregulating anti‐inflammatory factor expression, and reducing collagen accumulation. Immunohistochemical results showed that all three MSCs reduced radiation‐induced cell apoptosis and promoted the regeneration of lung tissue cells. The analysis of malondialdehyde (MDA) and 8‐hydroyguanosine (8‐OHG) content indicated that MSCs possess reparative properties against radiation‐induced oxidative damage in lung tissue. The study provides evidence that UCMSCs are a more appropriate therapeutic option for RILI compared to BMSCs and ADSCs. Additionally, MSCs effectively reduce the accumulation of oxidized RNA in RILI, thereby, presenting a unique avenue for investigating the underlying mechanism of MSC‐based treatment for RILI.
GIS‐Based Identification and Analysis of Optimal Evacuation Areas and Routes in Flood‐Prone Zones of Swabi District, Pakistan
Authors: Ahmad Sareer , Waseem Muhammad , Hussain Sadaquat , Shah Mudassar Munir , Malik Fouzia Perveen , Masood Salman , Leta Megersa Kebede
Published: October 2024

This study explores the main elements causing flooding in Pakistan’s Swabi area and finds that elevation, slope, precipitation, and vicinity of rivers all play a major role in flooding occurrences. Low‐lying areas, steeper slopes, intense monsoon rainfall, and proximity to rivers increase vulnerability to floods. Additional factors such as curvature, normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), topographic wetness index (TWI), land use and land cover (LULC), and soil type exhibit comparatively less impact on flooding. The evaluation of flood risk incorporates nine factors through the AHP procedure, assigning weights that emphasize the importance of rainfall, slope, elevation, and distance to rivers using GIS software. The resulting flood hazard map categorizes the region into high‐, moderate‐, low‐, and very low‐risk zones, with approximately 49.42% identified as high flood risk areas. Evacuation planning designates secure zones, moderate‐risk areas, and high‐risk zones, emphasizing the need for flexible and adaptable routes in response to evolving flood scenarios. The study’s comprehensive approach, integrating GIS and AHP, provides valuable insights for effective flood management in the Swabi district, despite limitations related to data quality. The findings contribute to resolving flooding issues and offer a foundation for coordinated actions by authorities and communities in flood‐prone areas.
A Comparative Study of Demographic and Clinical Criteria Between Male and Female Patients With Pemphigus Referred to a Referral Hospital in Iran
Authors: Aryanian Zeinab , Balighi Kamran , Esmaeli Nafiseh , Daneshpazhooh Maryam , Mazloomi Tootoonchi Nasim , Razavi Zahra , Beigmohammadi Fereshteh , Gul Umamah , Khayyat Azadeh , Hatami Parvaneh
Published: October 2024

Background: Pemphigus is a rare autoimmune disease characterized by the formation of blisters on the skin and mucous membranes, caused by autoantibodies against desmoglein, a key protein in cell adhesion. This study aims to compare demographic and clinical criteria between male and female patients with pemphigus referred to a referral hospital, utilizing data from the pemphigus diseases registry.

Method: This retrospective cross‐sectional analysis focused on several key aspects age at disease onset, severity (measured by the Pemphigus Disease Area Index [PDAI]), types of pemphigus, duration of disease, and diagnostic criteria including the presence of antidesmoglein antibodies and findings from direct immunofluorescence (DIF). By examining these variables among a cohort selected based on their diagnosis of pemphigus, the study aimed to identify significant gender differences in disease manifestation, diagnosis, and progression. This approach is crucial for tailoring more effective gender‐specific management and treatment strategies for this rare autoimmune condition.

Results: In a comprehensive analysis of 1218 pemphigus patients in the year 2021 from the hospital’s registry, comprising 543 males (44.6%) and 675 females (55.4%), significant gender differences were identified in 9 out of 44 variables examined. The study revealed that males had a higher age at disease onset, more frequent clinical manifestations in the head, neck, and trunk areas, and greater severity of disease as measured by the PDAI score compared to females. Conversely, females exhibited higher instances of mucosal manifestations and a higher PDAI score for mucosal erosion blister of the lower gingiva. No significant gender differences were found in 21 variables, including the overall age of patients, specific clinical manifestations across various mucous membranes, types of pemphigus, and PDAI scores for mucosal erosions in particular locations, indicating a nuanced gender impact on the presentation and severity of pemphigus that necessitates tailored clinical approaches.

Conclusion: The study highlights significant gender differences in the presentation and severity of pemphigus, underscoring the importance of gender‐specific approaches in the diagnosis and management of this condition. The findings contribute valuable insights into the complex nature of pemphigus and underline the necessity for further research to understand the underlying mechanisms driving these differences.
Supplementary Tables S14-15 from Prostate Cancer Progression Modeling Provides Insight into Dynamic Molecular Changes Associated with Progressive Disease States
Authors: Chen Runpu , Tang Li , Melendy Thomas , Yang Le , Goodison Steve , Sun Yijun
Published: October 2024

GSE46691 disease-related genes, paths.
Visual Recovery and Endothelial Repopulation after DMEK Graft Removal and Vitrectomy for Late Endophthalmitis: A Case Report
Authors: Szalai Eszter , Belin Michael W. , Szijártó Zsuzsanna , Csutak Adrienne
Published: October 2024

Introduction: The aim of the study was to report a unique case with excellent clinical outcomes after late endophthalmitis following Descemet’s membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) surgery requiring donor graft removal without replacement. Case Presentation: A 67-year-old female with a prior ocular history of bilateral cataract surgery, Fuchs endothelial dystrophy, and pseudophakic DMEK in the left eye presented with endophthalmitis 2 months after keratoplasty. DMEK graft removal without replacement with an intracameral washout, pars plana vitrectomy, intracameral, and intravitreal antibiotics resulted in an excellent visual outcome (20/25). Conclusion: This is a unique case of late endophthalmitis following DMEK surgery requiring graft removal and pars plana vitrectomy with excellent visual recovery without donor replacement.
Dealing with the Verteporfin Shortage: Treatment Options and Outcomes in Patients with Chronic and Non-Resolving Central Serous Chorioretinopathy
Authors: van den Tillaart Femke M. , Hartgers Franca , Hoyng Carel B. , Yzer Suzanne
Published: October 2024

Introduction: Half-dose photodynamic therapy (HD-PDT) with verteporfin is the mainstay treatment in central serous chorioretinopathy (CSC). Since 2021, there is a worldwide shortage of verteporfin. This called for adjustments of daily practice. Here, we provide a comprehensive evaluation of the adapted treatment methods and outcomes in patients with non-resolving and chronic CSC. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, we compared patients referred in the year before the verteporfin shortage (group 1), with patients referred in the first year of verteporfin shortage (group 2). Treatment strategies, subretinal fluid (SRF) resolution, and visual acuity (VA) were evaluated during a follow-up period of at least 4 months. Results: Eighty-five eyes of 79 patients were analyzed, 36 eyes in group 1 and 49 in group 2. The treatment strategy at the first visit shifted from HD-PDT as the most performed treatment in group 1 to a more patient-tailored approach in group 2, with a wait-and-see policy in most cases. During follow-up, HD-PDT was performed significantly less in group 2 (89% vs. 45%; p < 0.001). At a mean follow-up time of 6.2 months, SRF resolved in 61% of the eyes in group 1 and in 55% in group 2 (p = 0.821). No difference in VA was observed between the groups at follow-up (p = 0.637). Conclusion: During the shortage of verteporfin, a different treatment strategy was applied, with HD-PDT being performed less frequently. By implementing a more patient-tailored approach, the VA and the resolution rate of SRF remained similar to the year before the shortage.
ДИСБАЛАНС АДИПОКІНІВ ТА ПОКАЗНИКІВ КЛІТИННОГО ІМУНІТЕТУ В ЩУРІВ З ДІЄТІНДУКОВАНИМ ВІСЦЕРАЛЬНИМ ОЖИРІННЯМ
Authors: Кондро М. М. , Вервега Б. М. , Берегова Т. В.
Published: October 2024

Вступ. Прогресивне збільшення кількості пацієнтів з ожирінням актуалізувало вивчення порушення функції жирової тканини, яку розглядають не лише як пасивний резервуар для зберігання надлишкового енергетичного субстрату, але як метаболічний активний ендокринний орган, що секретує гормони і цитокіни. Цитокіни й адипокіни жирової тканини беруть участь у регуляції багатьох життєво важливих процесів, дисбаланс яких призводить до розвитку інсулінорезистентності, метаболічного синдрому, цукрового діабету та серцево-судинної патології.
Мета дослідженння – визначити секрецію адипокінів у сироватці крові, жировій тканині та профіль сироваткових цитокінів, оцінити цитоморфологічний стан селезінки у щурів за умов дієтіндукованого ожиріння.
Методи дослідження. Досліди проведено на білих нелінійних щурах-самцях, напрямок включав дослідження механізмів розвитку стеатогепатозу у тварин, які протягом 16 тижнів перебували на висококалорійній дієті (дієта С 11024, Research Dietes, New Brunswick, NJ), найбільш наближеній до можливого характеру харчування осіб з надмірною масою тіла.     
Результати й обговорення. У щурів, які впродовж 16 тижнів перебували на висококалорійній дієті з високим вмістом жирів і вуглеводів та зниженим рівнем протеїнів, реєстрували вісцеральне ожиріння без прояву гіперфагії, що супроводжувалось стеатогепатозом. У тварин з дієтіндукованим ожирінням спостерігали зменшення концентрації адипонектину та збільшення вмісту лептину в сироватці крові. Встановлено зростання вмісту лептину в жировій тканині. У щурів, які тривало перебували на висококалорійній дієті, на фоні розвитку вісцерального ожиріння і стеатогепатозу зменшувалися маса селезінки та кількість спленоцитів, що спричиняло дисфункцію імунної системи, одним із проявів якої був дисбаланс вмісту про- і протизапальних цитокінів у сироватці крові.
Висновки. Тривале перебування щурів на висококалорійній дієті зумовлює розвиток вісцерального ожиріння, що характеризується гіпоадипонектинемією (p<0,001) та гіперлептинемією (p<0,01), збільшенням вмісту лептину в жировій тканині (p<0,05). Дисбаланс продукції адипокінів супроводжується зростанням вмісту інтерлейкіну-1β (p<0,01), інтерлейкіну-12 р40 (p<0,001), інтерферону-γ (p<0,05) та зменшенням вмісту інтерлейкіну-4 (p<0,05), інтерлейкіну-10 (p<0,05), трансформуючого фактора росту-β (p<0,01).
A Nearly Similar Powerful Test for Mediation
Authors: van Garderen Kees Jan , van Giersbergen Noud P. A.
Published: October 2024

We derive a new powerful, simple test for mediation. Testing for mediation is empirically important and the no-mediation hypothesis H0:θ1θ2=0 poses a theoretical problem, nonregular at the origin, where standard tests have extremely low rejection probabilities. We prove that a similar test only exists if 1/α∈N. It is unique, but with unfortunate properties. An innovative varying-g method is introduced to derive a nearly similar test, gopt, with power close to the envelope without these undesirable properties, and a second, less similar test, g1.2, with more empirical appeal. Results are illustrated in an educational setting.
Monsoon Winds and Ming Porcelains: Chinese Ceramics and Their Reception in Early Modern South Asia
Authors: Teece Denise-Marie
Published: October 2024

This essay will explore the arrival, acquisition, and reception of Chinese ceramics within early modern South Asia, with a focus on the Mughal dynasty (r. 1526–1857) courtly context. The first step in placing South Asian ceramic collecting practices within the broader historical and geographic circulation of porcelains in the Gulf and Indian Ocean worlds is understanding the breadth and nature of South Asian collections. While the Safavid porcelain collections donated by Shah Abbas to Ardabil, and the massive Chinese porcelain collection of the Ottoman courts held today in Istanbul’s Topkapı Palace are well known and relatively well published, the Chinese ceramic collections of South Asia have received less scholarly attention. Fresh material presented here includes new evidence of the extent of multi-generational Mughal interactions with, and interest in, Chinese ceramics. The broader question to be addressed is how these porcelains were perceived, utilized, and displayed in the South Asian context. Considering textual evidence, contemporary paintings, extant architecture, archaeological finds, and surviving inscribed objects, this essay will argue that Mughal porcelain collections should be understood within the context of their broader collecting activities, and in relation to the porcelain collections and displays of their Timurid ancestors.
Hasht Bihisht: A Spatial Interpretation of the Location, Size, and Layout of Humayun’s Tomb-Garden in the Nizamuddin Area of Mughal Delhi
Authors: Wescoat James L.
Published: October 2024

Humayun’s tomb-garden has many levels of spatial significance that include the garden’s elegant layout, monumental size, and strategic location in the Nizamuddin area of New Delhi. Previous research has shed light on spatial aspects of the tomb’s architecture, visual power, and religio-political symbolism. This article focuses on the garden’s fourfold and ninefold layout, size, and location. It interprets the garden’s hasht bihisht layout through a combination of historical geographic and spatial analysis methods. Conversion of garden measurements to gaz-i Sikandarī (a unit of measurement introduced by Sikandar Lodi [r. 1489–1517], 77.01 cm) units enabled testing hypotheses about garden layout in 5-gaz and 6.5-gaz modules. Topographic analysis sheds light on the garden’s siting in relation to natural landforms, drainage, urbanization, and antecedent architectural sites. Geometrical analysis identifies strong spatial linkages between the tomb-garden, dargāh of the Sufi saint Nizamuddin Awliyaʾ, and grave of Nizamuddin’s poet-disciple Amir Khusraw, with additional connections to antecedent tombs, the city of Dinpanah (Purana Qila), and the Grand Trunk Road from Agra to Delhi. The paper concludes with an interpretation of parallels and connections among Amir Khusraw’s poem Hasht Bihisht, Humayun’s imaginative administrative apparatus, and the hasht bihisht tomb-garden layout.
From the Khan to the Sultan: The Abu’l-Khairid Shāhnāma in the Topkapı Palace Library (H.1488) and Manuscript Production and Presentation under ʿAbdullah bin Iskandar Khan
Authors: Comstock-Skipp Jaimee K.
Published: October 2024

This article examines the sole courtly Shāhnāma of Firdausi to be produced during the Abu’l-Khairid dynasty (commonly called Shaybanid Uzbek, in power 1500–99). It is a lavish—albeit unfinished—copy, and the discussion details the circumstances of its 1564 patronage by the powerful leader ʿAbdullah bin Iskandar Khan (r. 1557–98). Situating the object in the context of Abu’l-Khairid developments in arts and politics during the second half of the sixteenth century, this analysis incorporates the concurrent production of multiple Tīmūr-nāma manuscripts by artisans in Transoxiana. It is posited that the copies of this latter title were made with the intention of conflating Timur’s military conquests with those of ʿAbdullah’s to be the righteous heir of Chinggis Khan. Departing from the 1560s, a final section dwells on the 1590s, during which ʿAbdullah had secured victory and control over the strategic Safavid province of Khurasan. Presented in Istanbul by an embassy arriving from Bukhara, ʿAbdullah’s personal Shāhnāma manuscript was given to the Ottoman sultan Murad III in 1594. This dispatch allows for an examination of the political relations and military coordination between the Ottomans and Abu’l-Khairids, the extent of which are not fully known. These exchanges can, however be gleaned from the Shāhnāma manuscript and the diplomatic circumstances of its transfer.
A twin of Polydora hoplura (Annelida: Spionidae) from the Arabian (Persian) Gulf, with review of primers used for barcoding of Spionidae
Authors: RADASHEVSKY VASILY I. , AL-KANDARI MANAL , MALYAR VASILY V. , PANKOVA VICTORIA V.
Published: October 2024

The spionid polychaete Polydora hoplura Claparède, 1868 has been widely recorded boring in shells of abalone, oysters, clams, barnacle tests and sponges in temperate and subtropical waters. Molecular studies have suggested conspecificity of individuals collected worldwide but showed high genetic variability of the species with the highest diversity of haplotypes in the South African population. We have compared the morphology and genetic data of shell-boring worms from Kuwait, which were previously assigned to P. hoplura, with American, Asian and European individuals, including those from the type locality in Italy. The Kuwaiti individuals share key diagnostic morphological characters with P. hoplura but differ in ochre pigment on the anterior chaetigers in life, pattern of pigmentation after fixation in formalin, and pattern of methyl green staining of fixed specimens. They also differ in the dimensions of mature spermatozoa. The analysis of sequence data of five gene fragments (total 3483 bp) showed that the intraspecific diversity of P. hoplura and the variability of Polydora individuals from Kuwait are less than the divergences in all studied genes, except for 28S rDNA, between these two groups. These data, as well as the absence of common cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) and 16S haplotypes, and morphological differences between individuals from Kuwait and P. hoplura, allowed us to conclude that the Kuwaiti population is not conspecific with P. hoplura. This conclusion was confirmed by the results of the species delimitation analysis. In the Bayesian inference analysis of the sequence data individuals from Kuwait formed a well-supported clade sister to P. hoplura. These individuals are described and illustrated here as a new species, Polydora mohammadi sp. nov. Primers used for successful amplification of the mitochondrial COI gene in various species of Spionidae are reviewed and we suggest future studies on Polydora use a combination of two primer pairs (2F–spionid–LCO/1R–spionid–HCO and Dorid_COI.3F/Dorid_COI.1R) to target sequences that include the barcode fragments covered with “Folmer” and “Dorid” primers.
Large-Scale Surface Air Temperature Bias in Summer over the CONUS and Its Relationship to Tropical Central Pacific Convection in the UFS Prototype 8
Authors: Choi Nakbin , Stan Cristiana
Published: October 2024

This study aims to understand the source of surface air temperature bias over the contiguous United States (CONUS) during boreal summer (June–September) in the Unified Forecast System (UFS) coupled model prototype 8 (P8), developed by the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The focus is on the subseasonal variability defined as a weekly average in weeks 2–5 of forecast leads (total 224 cases; 4 weeks × 2 initialization dates × 4 months × 7 years). The large-scale surface air temperature bias pattern is extracted using the empirical orthogonal function (EOF) analysis. The associated principal component describes the variability of bias for each reforecasting week throughout the 2011–17 reforecasting period. The leading EOF of surface air temperature bias exhibits an east–west dipole pattern over the CONUS, explaining 31.6% of the total variability of weekly temperature bias. This bias pattern is strongly related to the upper-level Rossby wave induced by a bias in convection over the central tropical Pacific. Furthermore, the mean bias of background flow in the extratropics degrades the representation of teleconnections from the tropics to the midlatitudes. UFS P8 has weaker zonal wind over the North Pacific with stronger vertical wind shear than the ERA5 reanalysis. The weak zonal wind hampers the Rossby wave’s propagation, while strong vertical shear reduces its amplitude.
The different ways of being true to self at work: A review of divergence among authenticity constructs
Authors: Rook Caroline , Leroy Hannes , Zhu Jingtao , Anisman-Razin Moran
Published: October 2024

As the number of publications demonstrating the benefits and risks of being authentic at work grows, so does the variety of interpretations of what it means to be authentic—and with it increasing inconsistencies and contradictions in conceptualizations of authenticity and its outcomes. We propose that the reasons for these inconsistencies stem from differing underlying assumptions on what authenticity is and thus what it means to be “true to self”. To better understand these differences, we conducted a systematic review of authenticity constructs in organization science, concentrating on the divergence among definitions and underlying theoretical assumptions of authenticity constructs. We identified two dimensions underlying authenticity constructs’ assumptions. First, constructs differed in whether the self was oriented more toward independence (emphasis on the self as distinct from others) or toward interdependence (self as relationally oriented). Second, constructs ranged in their perspectives on the self as fixed (self as stable) to more malleable (self as changing). In this review, we delineate the different ways of “staying true to one’s self” at work and show the inherent complexities in the process of being authentic in the workplace, explaining how these differences may lead to seemingly contradictory work-related outcomes of authenticity.
Black Philosophical Condition From Pre-Colony to Post-Colony
Authors: Amoateng Nana Kwasi
Published: October 2024

This article builds on Chancellor Williams’ “new approach” in the study of African history to analyze Black philosophical condition through different movements of Black thought in the form of birth, death, rebirth, and internal and external enemy. It argues that Blacks created the earliest age-intelligence system of thought in the pre-colony; that European conquests of Black sites through slavery, colonization, and neo-colonialism reshaped Black philosophical condition along the lines of irrationality, servitude, absence, and negation; and that contemporary Black philosophical condition is marked by enmity. Thus, this study engages with significant accomplishments of Black thought from pre-colony to post-colony, the philosophers’ war against Blacks, Black revolutionary ideologies, as well as Black enemy and the enemy of the Black. It concludes by highlighting the need for current and future philosophers to reposition African system of thought in age-intelligence philosophy.
Control strategy for single-layer warp tension in a carbon fiber 3D loom based on fixed-time theory and sliding mode theory
Authors: Zhang Yang , Meng Zhuo , Sun Zhijun , Li Changcheng
Published: October 2024

The stable control of warp tension in a carbon fiber three-dimensional (3D) loom plays a decisive role in the performance of 3D woven fabrics. Aiming at nonlinear, time-varying, and strongly coupled characteristics of the warp tension system, the stable control of warp tension is carried out based on fixed-time theory and sliding mode theory. First, the mathematical model of the tension system is established by taking into account the influence of the beating-up mechanism and shedding mechanism as the unmodeled part. Then, according to the characteristics that only warp tension in the system can be measured, the unmodeled part and external disturbance are regarded as a lumped disturbance. After analysis, a fixed-time extended state observer (FESO) is proposed to observe the lumped disturbance and unmeasured system state. Second, relying on the observed results, a novel logarithmic fixed-time fast convergent sliding surface (LF-FCSS) is constructed. Subsequently, based on this sliding surface, a non-singular sliding mode controller (NS-SMC) is designed, which allows the tension tracking error to converge rapidly while weakening the buffeting phenomenon and eliminating the singularity of the controller. Stability proof of the closed-loop system is given theoretically, which ensures that warp tension can be controlled stably. Finally, simulation models are built in Simulink to verify the fast convergence performance of the proposed sliding surface and the effectiveness of the non-singular controller. The superiority of the proposed control strategy is proved by comparing it with the existing methods of sliding mode control in the literature.
Can Virtual Influencers Induce Destination Visit Intentions? A Mediation Analysis Journey Through the Uncanny Valley
Authors: Jhawar Anand
Published: October 2024

Human social media influencers are facing a challenge due to the advent of the following line of influencers: computer-generated imagery, known as “Virtual influencers.” This study aims to capture initial insights about the emergence of virtual influencers and their influence on tourists’ destination visit intentions. Data collected through a quantitative online survey-based study from 400 tourism consumers in India, who are also Instagram users, is analyzed using Smart PLS 4.0. Using the Uncanny Valley theory, this study demonstrates that the presence of a virtual influencer in social media posts negatively affects tourists’ destination visit intentions, perceived content originality, and perceived brand-influencer congruence and positively effects perceived content uniqueness. Furthermore, perceived content uniqueness positively mediates the relationship between virtual influencer presence and destination visit intention, whereas perceived content originality and perceived brand-influencer congruence negatively mediate the relationship. Therefore, brand managers should make virtual influencers’ content more relatable and authentic to generate favorable consumer evaluations.
A Case Report of a Keratoacanthoma of the Lip in a Pediatric Patient and Narrative Review
Authors: Wang Junwei , Qin Yuelin , Wang Fang , Yang Xuecai , Zhang Cuimei
Published: October 2024

Keratoacanthoma (KA) is a self-regressing cutaneous tumor sharing clinical and histopathological similarities with squamous cell carcinoma. It is relatively uncommon and presents diagnostic challenges, particularly in pediatric patients. This paper presents a case study of KA affecting the upper lip keratosis in a 6-year-old girl. Through a comprehensive analysis of the pathogenesis, differential diagnosis, and treatment approaches of KA in children based on existing literature, we aim to offer clinical insights and guidance for practice.
Do Computer-Based Accommodations Matter? An Evaluation of Bundled Accommodations for Secondary Students With Mild Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Lin Pei-Ying
Published: October 2024

Objectives: To investigate the effectiveness of accommodation policies and teaching practices for secondary students with mild intellectual disabilities, the present study compared the probability that the secondary school accommodated students- if they received assistive technology, computer, and various combinations of accommodations for the provincial math and literacy assessments in Ontario, Canada- would acquire levels of academic achievement comparable to non-accommodated counterparts. Methods: A total of 217 bundled packages, consisting of multiple accommodations, for secondary students with mild intellectual disabilities were examined by an adjusted odds ratio method in the present study. Results: Our results suggest that the probability of achieving the literacy standards differed among students with mild intellectual disabilities in relation to who did or did not receive specific combinations of accommodations. We found that accommodations that involved computer and/or assistive technology were more beneficial for literacy, rather than the math assessment, for accommodated students with mild intellectual disabilities. Conclusion: Our findings help identify the computer-based accommodations that produced significant differential effects on literacy in students with mild intellectual disabilities. Implications for education and future research are also discussed in this paper.
‘At sea with Lucas’: narrative case study of an early childhood educator faced with a critical incident / ‘En la mitad del mar con Lucas’: estudio de caso narrativo de una maestra de educación infantil ante un incidente crítico
Authors: Figueroa-Céspedes Ignacio
Published: October 2024

The purpose of this article is to identify and understand the voices and I-positions of Francia, an experienced Chilean educator, in a critical incident that proved fundamental in her identity construction. The adaptation to a school institution in her novice professional development period as an early childhood educator emerges as a significant episode worth exploring. Through a narrative case study and the application of dialogical self-analysis tools, internal, external and outer voices are identified, like the I as someone postponed, the I as a protector, the I as a professional, the I as a collaborator and the school as an outer protective voice. This case highlights the tension between childcare and teacher self-care, revealing a transition towards professionalism. What stands out are collaboration and the need for professional learning in how to deal with critical situations, especially situations related to diversity, underscoring the importance of ethics and consideration of institutional contexts.
Cultivating an entrepreneurial ecosystem in an underserved area: The story of one university’s engagement
Authors: Roberts Cynthia , Hiller Jokima , Szostek Jana
Published: October 2024

Research supports the role of entrepreneurship in economic development, but it is rarely the efforts of the sole entrepreneur that effect success, rather the interplay of several elements in an entrepreneurial ecosystem. The term ecosystem has come to mean the connection and interactions between cultural contexts, social networks, resource providers, and economic policies that create an environment that either supports or hinders entrepreneurial growth, ultimately impacting overall wellbeing and quality of life. There has been an increasing call for universities and in particular, business schools to consider how they can positively impact their communities. This paper reviews the elements of entrepreneurial ecosystems, outlines challenges in underserved communities, and shares the experience of one school in making an impact to date through its outreach activities.
An exploration of factors leading to readiness for organizational health literacy change in community-based health organizations
Authors: Stone Melanie , Wray Ricardo , Rosenfeld Jason , Valerio-Shewmaker Melissa , Wagner Teresa
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Healthcare systems have a responsibility to improve organizational health literacy (OHL) to increase health equity. This study explored two organizational cultural factors, leadership support and staff buy-in, for organizations planning OHL change.

Methods

Ten community-based health organizations participated in an OHL program. The study design was mixed methods. The qualitative inquiry was interviews with senior leaders to explore awareness of OHL and: impetus to transform, leadership commitment, staff engagement, alignment to organizational goals, and integration of health literacy change with current practices. The quantitative assessment was the Organizational Readiness for Implementing Change (ORIC) questionnaire to assess staff’s perceptions about OHL change readiness.

Results

Senior leaders articulated the effects of low health literacy in their patient and client population. Support for OHL change was seen at both leadership and staff levels. Impetus for change was primarily a response to a community need or for quality improvement. Most of the non-clinical organizations had higher ORIC scores than the clinical organizations, indicating a perceived higher level of readiness for OHL change.

Conclusion

Leadership commitment and staff buy-in are important factors of readiness for OHL change. A novel finding is that community-based health organizations are able and willing to engage in OHL change.
The Effect of Entrepreneurial Orientation on SME Business Performance in Ethiopia: The Configurational Approach
Authors: Bate Adisu Fanta , Pittaway Luke
Published: October 2024

Entrepreneurial orientation (EO) is a firm-level equivalent of individual entrepreneurship, and its impact on business performance is widely debated in entrepreneurship literature. However, research findings have been inconclusive due to the influence of moderators such as market dynamism and access to capital. This study aims to address this gap by examining these factors and their configurational effects on the EO–performance relationship using data from Ethiopian manufacturing SMEs. The results signal a moderate EO implementation, suggesting a need for industry-tailored EO training that emphasises innovativeness, risk-taking, proactiveness, competitive aggressiveness, autonomy and networking. EO significantly affects business growth, highlighting the importance of enhancing EO practices to improve SME performance. Contrary to normative assumptions, the configuration of high market dynamism, greater access to finance and EO level is not required for superior performance. SMEs can excel in performance even in less volatile environments with reasonable access to finance and EO practices. Thus, maintaining market stability, enhancing finance access and implementing EO can effectively boost a firm’s business performance. The study contributes to understanding the EO–performance relationship by adopting networking as an additional EO dimension, pursuing a configurational approach and employing a blend of PROCESS macro-moderation models and hierarchical linear regression.
Mindful Content Marketing, Increasing Brand-Awareness: Theoretical Study & Literature Synthesis
Authors: Newar Vivek , Chetry Shraddha
Published: October 2024

This paper deals with the application of the mindfulness theories into the content marketing approach to make the branding success. One of them is a conceptual model that can be defined as, mindfulness is the intervening variable between content marketing and brand awareness enhancement. The paper took into account the already written books and journals, which have already been discussed about awareness, consciousness, and mindfulness and tried to study how mind-based communication can affect people’s perception of brand communication. It fills the gap in existing literature by it being a way of discussing the direct connection between mindful content marketing and enhanced brand awareness. The results have shown that mindful content marketing is indispensable in order to guarantee the right brand positioning and it also improves the effect of the brand communication purpose. The presented study introduces a fresh approach in the content marketing industry as it uses mindfulness to design consumer reactions and thereby, to get better links with the brands.
Do You See What I See? Perceptions and Effects of Image–Text Congruency in Online Climate Change News
Authors: Mosallaei Afrooz , Feldman Lauren
Published: October 2024

Literature suggests that when the image and text of news are congruent, it enhances news salience. However, when incongruent, people prioritize the viewpoint of the picture over the words. But what is congruency? This study experimentally investigates perceived image–text congruency in climate change online news, examining how newsreaders perceive and are influenced by congruency. It also explores the impacts of news format on perceptions of congruity, concerns about the climate crisis, and trust in the news outlet. Findings suggest congruency is partially subjective, highlighting that responsible visual discourse in the news may depend less on congruency than previously thought.
NUMA-aware parallel sparse LU factorization for SPICE-based circuit simulators on ARM multi-core processors
Authors: Zhou Junsheng , Yang Wangdong , Dong Fengkun , Lin Shengle , Cai Qinyun , Li Kenli
Published: October 2024

In circuit simulators that resemble the Simulation Program with Integrated Circuit Emphasis (SPICE), one of the most crucial steps is the solution of numerous sparse linear equations generated by frequency domain analysis or time domain analysis. The sparse direct solvers based on lower-upper (LU) factorization are extremely time-consuming, so their performance has become a significant bottleneck. Despite the existence of some parallel sparse direct solvers for circuit simulation problems, they remain challenging to adapt in terms of performance and scalability in the face of rapidly evolving parallel computers with multiple NUMA hardware based on ARM architecture. In this paper, we introduce a parallel sparse direct solver named HLU, which re-examines the performance of the parallel algorithm from the viewpoint of parallelism in pipeline mode and the computing efficiency of each task. To maximize task-level parallelism and further minimize the thread waiting time, HLU devises a fine-grained scheduling method based on an elimination tree in pipeline mode, which employs depth-first search (DFS-like) to iteratively search for parent tasks and then place dependent tasks in the same task queue. HLU also suggests two NUMA node affinity strategies: thread affinity optimization based on NUMA nodes topology to guarantee computational load balancing and data affinity optimization to enable effective memory placement when threads access data. The rationality and effectiveness of the sparse solver HLU are validated by the SuiteSparse Matrix Collection. In comparison with KLU and NICSLU, the experimental results and analysis show that HLU attains a speedup of up to 9.14× and 1.26x (geometric mean) on a Huawei Kunpeng 920 Server, respectively.
Performance Evaluation of Ethana Small-Scale Irrigation Scheme: Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Chala Mandefro , Akamo Alemitu
Published: October 2024

Evaluating the existing irrigation system efficiency and proposing corrective actions are crucial for enhancing irrigation scheme performance. Hence, this study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the Ethana small-scale irrigation (SSI) scheme using a set of selected indicators. Relevant data were collected from field measurements and various documents. The scheme’s performance was evaluated by determining water delivery, as well as internal and physical indicators. Flow rates at various off-takes (head, middle, and tail sections of the scheme) were recorded using a current meter and a 2″ Parshall flume. CROPWAT 8.0 computer software was used to determine water demand of selected crops. Data analysis was employed using empirical equations, simple descriptive statistics and GIS software. The result revealed that the overall efficiency of the scheme was 38.5% which is below the recommended value. The mean values of water delivery indicators were as follows: adequacy (0.85), delivery efficiency (0.81), equity (0.24), and dependability (0.29). Hence, adequacy, equity, and dependability were under fair conditions, while delivery efficiency was poor. The values of irrigation ratio (0.85) and sustainability of irrigated areas (0.93) showed that the current irrigated area is below the potential irrigable/command area. Generally, Ethana’s small-scale irrigation scheme has been performing below expectations due to various factors. Therefore, it is recommended to improve awareness of irrigation water users regarding water delivery plan, operation, and maintenance of irrigation structures.
De- and recoding algorithmic systems: The case of fact checkers and fact checked users
Authors: Schjøtt Anna , Bengtsson Mette
Published: October 2024

With the recent development of debunking on social media as a dominant agenda, fact checkers have increasingly used machine learning (ML) to identify, verify and correct factual claims, as ML promises the scaling of fact checking practices. However, it also places a new actor in between the fact checkers and the fact checked users. In this paper, we conducted a contrasted analysis of how fact checkers and fact checked users understand, evaluate and act towards the algorithmic system and the data flows in Meta’s Third-Party Fact-Checking Program: We did ethnographic fieldwork in the fact checking newsroom and interviewed and did protocol analysis with the fact checked. For both professional users and end users, the algorithmic system is experienced as a black box in which they have limited insight, and their sense-making practices happen based on the data and metrics that are made visible to them. In the paper, we draw on and expanded theory on decoding algorithms by not only exploring how the two user groups engage in decoding the algorithmic system, but also actively engage in forms of recoding by attempting to adapt or modify the algorithmic system to better fit within their cultural and social context, which is characterised by both varying epistemic cultures and societal positions. While the fact checkers from their hegemonic (sometimes negotiated) position understand the program as a (sometimes stupid) tool and primarily engage in passive acts of recoding, fact checked users, from their oppositional position, understand the program as an unpredictable censoring machine and engage primarily in more active acts of recoding. Based on the analysis, we end the paper with a discussion in which we argued for understanding data reflexivity as highly relational and processual.
Moving in L2 Chinese from childhood to adulthood: Developmental and crosslinguistic factors in bilingual event construal
Authors: Tusun Alimujiang , Wang Yi , Abulajiang Adalaiti
Published: October 2024

Aims and Objectives/Purpose/Research Questions:

The paper examined whether Uyghur-Chinese early successive bilinguals fully acquire motion event construal characteristic of their L2 Chinese, and how factors such as structural overlap between their two languages (i.e., verb-framing) and path type (i.e., presence or absence of boundary crossing) shape the acquisition process.

Design/Methodology/Approach:

Adopting a developmental approach, we included both child and adult bilinguals within a single design. Participants narrated video clips depicting both boundary-crossing and non-boundary-crossing events (i.e., across vs. up/down).

Data and Analysis:

The database comprised motion event descriptions of bilinguals representing three age groups (4–6 -year-olds [AG1, no. 48], 8–10 -year-olds [AG2, no. 48], and adult bilinguals [AG3, no. 30]), and Chinese monolinguals (no. 12). Data were analysed in terms of both ‘structural’ (linguistic devices used, and how they were arranged syntactically) and ‘pragmatic’ dimensions of motion expression (how frequently speakers profiled different event components).

Findings/Conclusions:

Analyses revealed that bilinguals fully established the ‘structural’ aspects of target system at AG2, but the ‘pragmatic’ aspect became target-like at AG3. Structural overlap led to crosslinguistic influence for non-boundary-crossing events while more general effects of path type manifested only at AG1.

Originality:

The paper enriches current research by featuring a non-Western bilingual community. By focusing on a language pair that is distant genealogically (Turkic vs. Sino-Tibetan) and typologically (agglutinative vs. analytic) but shares key structures in expressing motion, it contributes to a better understanding of the role of structural factors in bilingual event construal. Its developmental approach sheds light on both the process and the product of bilingual language acquisition.

Significance/Implications:

Our findings confirm that early successive bilinguals can eventually acquire L2-specific patterns of motion construal, but the developmental asymmetry observed between the ‘structural’ and ‘pragmatic’ aspects of motion expression underlines the importance of examining both these aspects for an accurate understanding of bilingual construal of motion events.
Experimental study of the effects of the ultrasonic peening treatment on residual stress, surface hardness, and hardness depth of parts cut with wire EDM
Authors: Abdollahi A , Amini S , Honarpisheh M
Published: October 2024

The Wire EDM process is widely utilized in diverse industries due to its numerous advantages. Residual stresses in wire EDMed workpieces, mainly due to non-uniformity in heat flux, metallurgical phase change, and inhomogeneous plastic deformation, are tensile and have large values ​​in surface layers. These residual stresses lead to the formation of surface cracks and a decrease in superficial mechanical strength. The Ultrasonic Peening Treatment (UPT) is an innovative approach used in this study to generate compressive residual stress and modify the surface structure of wire EDMed workpieces, as a cost-effective alternative to traditional methods. The study highlights UPT's potential as an effective way to modify the mechanical properties of wire EDMed workpieces. The impact of parameters such as the number of peening passes, feeding rate, and the type of wire EDM cut on the residual stress generated in MO40 (1.7225) alloy steel was thoroughly investigated. The experiments performed with the Taguchi method demonstrated that the UPT caused a shift in residual stress from tensile to compressive, with a maximum residual compressive stress of 1654 MPa. In the initial peening pass, an enhancement of 30%, 31%, and 48% in surface hardness values was noted for the semi-finishing, finishing, and roughing workpieces. The depth of hardness distribution reached 200 μm, while surface hardness decreased with an increased feeding rate. SEM images showed improved dislocation rearrangement due to ultrasonic vibrations, resulting in smaller surface layers, even at the nanoscale.