bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Implications of Hyperhomocysteinemia in Glomerular Sclerosis in Hypertension
Authors: Li Ningjun , Chen Ya-Fei , Zou Ai-Ping
Published: July 2002

Hyperhomocysteinemia (hHcys) has been recognized as a new risk factor for cardiovascular diseases independent of plasma lipid levels or other factors. However, it remains unknown whether hHcys is implicated in the target organ damages associated with hypertension. The present study first examined the possible role of hHcys in the development of glomerulosclerosis in Dahl salt-sensitive (DS) hypertensive rats. High-performance liquid chromatography showed that plasma total homocysteine (tHcys) concentration was 7.64±0.29 μmol/L in conscious DS rats on a low salt (0.4% NaCl) diet, which was higher than 5.23±0.25 μmol/L in Dahl salt-resistant normotensive rats. When these rats were exposed to a high salt (4% NaCl) diet, plasma tHcys markedly increased in DS rats (14.7±1.31 μmol/L) but not in Dahl salt-resistant rats (5.34±0.54 μmol/L). An iron chelater, desferrioxamine (0.3 mg/kg IV per day), completely normalized high salt–induced elevations of plasma tHcys and significantly attenuated the sclerotic changes in the glomeruli in DS rats. To further determine whether hHcys has an independent effect in the development of glomerulosclerosis, Sprague-Dawley rats were fed drinking water containing methionine (1 g/kg per day) for 6 weeks to produce hHcys. In these rats, plasma tHcys increased to 12.5±1.9 μmol/L (versus 6.1±2.6 μmol/L in control rats), and the aorta exhibited typical sclerotic changes, but arterial pressure was not altered. Urinary protein excretion increased to 52±2 mg/24 hours (versus 17±2 mg/24 hours in control rats), and the glomerular mesangium was expanded with glomerular hypercellularity, capillary collapse, and fibrous deposition in the rats with hHcys. These results suggest that elevated plasma homocysteine may be an important pathogenic factor for glomerular damage in hypertension independent of arterial pressure.
Brain Amiloride-Sensitive Phe-Met-Arg-Phe-NH
2
–Gated Na
+
Channels and Na
+
-Induced Sympathoexcitation and Hypertension
Authors: Huang Bing S. , Leenen Frans H.H.
Published: July 2002

Dietary and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) Na
+
may act through brain amiloride-sensitive, Phe-Met-Arg-Phe-NH
2
(FMRFamide)-gated Na
+
channels (FaNaChs) to cause sympathoexcitation and hypertension. We hypothesized that FaNaChs cause sympathoexcitation via the activation of brain “ouabain” and the brain renin-angiotensin system. In conscious Wistar rats, intracerebroventricular (ICV) infusion of Na
+
-rich (0.3 mol/L) artificial CSF (aCSF) and ICV injection of angiotensin II or ouabain increase renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA), blood pressure (BP), and heart rate (HR). ICV benzamil, an amiloride analogue, did not affect baseline values and blocked the responses to ICV infusions of Na
+
-rich aCSF but not ICV angiotensin II or ouabain. ICV FMRFamide also increased RSNA, BP, and HR. Blocking brain “ouabain” with ICV antibody Fab fragments abolished the responses to both ICV FMRFamide and Na
+
-rich aCSF. In conscious spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) on a high salt intake for 6 weeks, prolonged ICV but not intravenous infusion of benzamil at 10 to 20 μg/h significantly decreased RSNA, BP, and HR in a dose-related manner. The extent of these responses was significantly smaller in SHR on regular salt intake. These findings suggest that benzamil-blockable brain FaNaChs represent the major mechanism through which a small increase in CSF Na
+
by ICV Na
+
-rich aCSF in Wistar rats or high salt intake in SHR initiates sympathoexcitation and hypertension. Enhanced Na
+
entry through FaNaChs appears to activate brain “ouabain” and the brain renin-angiotensin system and, thereby, increases the sympathetic outflow. Brain FaNaChs appear to contribute to the worsening of hypertension in SHR on a high salt diet and, to a small extent, to the maintenance of hypertension in SHR on a regular salt diet.
Assessment of Left Ventricular Mass by Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance
Authors: Myerson Saul G. , Bellenger Nicholas G. , Pennell Dudley J.
Published: July 2002

Left ventricular hypertrophy is associated with significant excess mortality and morbidity. The study and treatment of this condition, in particular the prognostic implications of changes in left ventricular mass, require an accurate, safe, and reproducible method of measurement. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance is a suitable tool for this purpose, and this review assesses the technique in comparison with others and examines the clinical and research implications of the improved reproducibility.
Can Perinatal Supplementation of Long-Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Prevent Hypertension in Adult Life?
Authors: Das Undurti N.
Published: July 2002

It is suggested that adequate provision of long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids during the critical periods of brain growth prevents the development of hypertension in later life.
Estrogen Activates Phosphatases and Antagonizes Growth-Promoting Effect of Angiotensin II
Authors: Takeda-Matsubara Yuko , Nakagami Hironori , Iwai Masaru , Cui Tai-Xing , Shiuchi Tetsuya , Akishita Masahiro , Nahmias Clara , Ito Masaharu , Horiuchi Masatsugu
Published: July 2002

Accumulating evidence suggests that estrogen exerts cardioprotective effects and protects against neointima formation in response to vascular injury in vivo, whereas angiotensin (Ang) II stimulation via the Ang II type 1 (AT
1
) receptor exaggerates vascular injury. We postulate that estrogen treatment antagonizes the AT
1
receptor-mediated growth-promoting effects in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). The present in vitro study was designed to explore this possibility and to establish the cellular mechanism whereby estrogen attenuates the growth of VSMCs. Primary cultures of VSMCs derived from male adult Sprague-Dawley rats express exclusively AT
1
receptors. Treatment with Ang II enhanced proliferation of VSMC and c-
fos
expression, whereas 17β-estradiol (E2) attenuated these vasotrophic effects of Ang II. We also demonstrated that E2 attenuated AT
1
receptor-mediated extracellular signal-regulated kinase activation and that this effect of E2 was restored by pretreatment with vanadate or okadaic acid. Moreover, we demonstrated that E2 enhanced SHP-1 activity, rapidly reaching a peak after 3 minutes of E2 stimulation, whereas E2 transactivated mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase-1 expression, showing a peak after 60 minutes of E2 treatment. SHP-1 activation was not influenced by actinomycin D treatment, whereas E2-mediated mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase-1 expression was attenuated. Taken together, our results suggest a novel mechanism of vasoprotection by which estrogen antagonizes the effect of the AT
1
receptor via the activation and induction of phosphatases through nongenomic as well as genomic signaling.
The Response of Left Temporal Cortex to Sentences
Authors: Vandenberghe R. , Nobre A. C. , Price C. J.
Published: July 2002

The meaning of a sentence differs from the sum of the meanings of its constituents. Left anterior temporal cortex responds to sentences more strongly than to unconnected words. We hypothesized that the anterior temporal response to sentences is due to this difference in meaning (compositional semantics). Using positron emission tomography (PET), we studied four experimental conditions (2 × 2 factorial design): In one condition, subjects read normal sentences. In a second condition, they read grammatically correct sentences containing numerous semantic violations (semantically random sentences). In a third condition, we scrambled the word order within the normal sentences, and, in a fourth condition, the word order was scrambled within the semantically random sentences. The left anterior temporal pole responded strongly to sentences compared to scrambled versions of sentences. A similar although weaker response occurred in the left anterior superior temporal sulcus and the left posterior middle temporal gyrus. A subset of voxels within the left anterior temporal pole responded more to semantically random sentences and their scrambled versions than to normal sentences and the corresponding scrambled versions (main effect of semantic randomness). Finally, the grammatical and the semantic factor interacted in a subset of voxels within the anterior temporal pole: Activity was higher when subjects read normal sentences compared to their scrambled versions but not for semantically random sentences compared to their corresponding scrambled versions. The effects of grammar and meaning and, most importantly, the interaction between grammatical and semantic factors are compatible with the hypothesis that the left anterior temporal pole contributes to the composition of sentence meaning.
Perceptual Priming Versus Explicit Memory: Dissociable Neural Correlates at Encoding
Authors: Schott Björn , Richardson-Klavehn Alan , Heinze Hans-Jochen , Düzel Emrah
Published: July 2002

We addressed the hypothesis that perceptual priming and explicit memory have distinct neural correlates at encoding. Event-related potentials (ERPs) were recorded while participants studied visually presented words at deep versus shallow levels of processing (LOPs). The ERPs were sorted by whether or not participants later used studied words as completions to three-letter word stems in an intentional memory test, and by whether or not they indicated that these completions were remembered from the study list. Study trials from which words were later used and not remembered (primed trials) and study trials from which words were later used and remembered (remembered trials) were compared to study trials from which words were later not used (forgotten trials), in order to measure the ERP difference associated with later memory (DM effect). Primed trials involved an early (200–450 msec) centroparietal negative-going DM effect. Remembered trials involved a late (900–1200 msec) right frontal, positive-going DM effect regardless of LOP, as well as an earlier (600–800 msec) central, positive-going DM effect during shallow study processing only. All three DM effects differed topographically, and, in terms of their onset or duration, from the extended (600–1200 msec) fronto-central, positive-going shift for deep compared with shallow study processing. The results provide the first clear evidence that perceptual priming and explicit memory have distinct neural correlates at encoding, consistent with Tulving and Schacter's (1990) distinction between brain systems concerned with perceptual representation versus semantic and episodic memory. They also shed additional light on encoding processes associated with later explicit memory, by suggesting that brain processes influenced by LOP set the stage for other, at least partially separable, brain processes that are more directly related to encoding success.
Kernel-Based Topographic Map Formation by Local Density Modeling
Authors: Hulle Marc M. Van
Published: July 2002

We introduce a new learning algorithm for kernel-based topographic map formation. The algorithm generates a gaussian mixture density model by individually adapting the gaussian kernels' centers and radii to the assumed gaussian local input densities.
Learning and Memory in Virtual Environments: A Role in Neurorehabilitation? Questions (and Occasional Answers) from the University of East London
Authors: Rose F. David , Attree Elizabeth A. , Brooks Barbara M. , Andrews Tresa K.
Published: July 2002

The virtual reality research group at the University of East London has its origins in basic neuroscience research on environmental influences on recovery of function from brain damage. Here we describe our work since incorporating within our research the use of virtual environments (VEs) in brain damage rehabilitation. We have focused on three issues relating to the development of VEs for people with impaired brain function: “usability”, the value of active interaction (as opposed to passive observation), and the nature of transfer of training from virtual to real environments. Our studies, which have encompassed vascular, traumatic, degenerative, and developmental brain damage, suggest that VEs have great potential in brain damage rehabilitation.
A Methodology for Missile Countermeasures Optimization under Uncertainty
Authors: Moore Frank W.
Published: July 2002

The missile countermeasures optimization problem is a complex strategy optimization problem that combines aircraft maneuvers with additional countermeasures in an attempt to survive attack from a single surface-launched, anti-aircraft missile. Classic solutions require the evading aircraft to execute specific sequences of maneuvers at precise distances from the pursuing missile and do not effectively account for uncertainty about the type and/or current state of the missile. This paper defines a new methodology for solving the missile countermeasures optimization problem under conditions of uncertainty. The resulting genetic programming system evolves programs that combine maneuvers with such countermeasures as chaff, flares, and jamming to optimize aircraft survivability. This methodology may be generalized to solve strategy optimization problems for intelligent, autonomous agents operating under conditions of uncertainty.
Cities and Industrial Symbiosis: Some Historical Perspectives and Policy Implications
Authors: Desrochers Pierre
Published: July 2002

The exchange of wastes, by‐products, and energy among closely situated firms in the Danish city of Kalundborg has become the impetus to and main template for the movement to plan ecoindustrial parks. In recent years, however, similar by‐product exchange patterns have been observed in other regions of Europe and North America. Evidence also indicates that cities have historically played an important role in facilitating the creation of recycling linkages between different industries. If Kalundborg and other newly documented cases of localized interfirm recycling linkages are but contemporary manifestations of much older processes, then what are the policy implications for current attempts to plan eco‐industrial parks?

This article explores this issue by looking at the economic incentives that have always led to the formation of cities and interfirm recycling linkages at both the local and interregional levels. A critique of current interpretations and policy prescriptions based on the Kalundborg case is then offered. I argue that current attempts to foster the development of eco‐industrial parks and eco‐industrial networks are too narrow in their geographical scope, that public planning is unlikely to prove more efficient than private initiatives, and that perhaps the most important lesson to be learned from Kalundborg is thevalue of a flexible regulatory framework.
Ecological Modernization and the Global Economy
Authors: Mol Arthur P. J.
Published: July 2002

This paper explores what an ecological modernization perspective has to offer in an era marked by globalization. Globalization processes and dynamics are mostly seen as detrimental to the environment. The point that an ecological modernization perspective puts on the research agenda is that, although global capitalism has not been beaten and continues to show its devastating environmental effects in all corners of the world, we are moving beyond the era of a global treadmill of production that only further degrades the environment. More or less powerful, reflexive, countervailing powers are beginning to move towards environmental reform. And these powers are no longer limited to a small environmental movement that only reacts to the constant undermining of society's sustenance base. In analyzing these countervailing forces, the paper also explores the consequences of globalization processes for ecological modernization ideas and perspectives.
COPPER MONEY IN LATE MAMLUK CAIRO: CHAOS OR CONTROL?
Authors: Meloy John
Published: July 2002

This paper investigates the copper money system of the Late Mamluk period (1468-1517) using numismatic and textual evidence from Cairo. Numismatic evidence is associated with contemporary chronicle reports of recoinages and devaluations of the copper currency, which serves to explain how the various issues of copper money (fulūs) were issued and how they related to each other. This investigation provides evidence for the dating of one undated coin type, explains the function of the variety of types in the copper coinage, and establishes the basis for determining the monetary policy of the period and the public responses to that policy. Cet article est consacré au système monétaire de cuivre de l'époque mamelouke tardive (1468-1517), étudié à travers des sources numismatiques et des textes du Caire. La documentation numismatique est ainsi mise en relation avec des chroniques contemporaines faisant état des refrappes et des dévaluations de la monnaie de cuivre, ce qui permet d'expliquer dans quelles conditions il a été procédé aux diverses émissions de monnaie de cuivre (fulūs) et comment celles-ci sont liées les unes aux autres. Cette étude permet de dater un type monétaire non daté, explique la fonction de la variété des types au sein du monnayage de cuivre et établit les fondements servant à déterminer la politique monétaire de la période étudiée et les réactions du public à cette politique.
POPULATION GROWTH AND MARITIME PROSPERITY: THE CASE OF CH'ÜAN-CHOU IN COMPARATIVE PERSPECTIVE, 946-1368
Authors: So Sufumi , So Billy
Published: July 2002

This paper examines the relationship between demographic changes and maritime prosperity in eight prefectures on China's coast during the Sung and Yuan dynasties, with Ch'üan-chou as the focus of discussion. Three sets of rank-order data on demographic patterns and degrees of maritime prosperity in these prefectures were generated and subjected to a unique statistical technique, dual scaling. The results contradict the widely held view that there was a positive correlation between demographic changes and maritime prosperity in early modern China in general and in the Sung-Yuan Ch'üan-chou in particular. Cet article porte sur le rapport entre l'évolution démographique et la prospérite maritime des huit préfectures côtières chinoises sous les dynasties de Song et de Yuan, avec Ch'üan-chou comme le centre de notre analyse. Les trois ensembles de données classifiées sur la répartition démographique et sur le niveau de prospérite maritime des dites préfectures ont été constitués et puis soumis à l'unique technique statistique utilisée - dual scaling. Les résultats contredisent le point de vue répandu qui voit une corrélation positive entre les changements démographiques et la prospérite maritime au début de l'ére moderne chinoise en général, et à Ch'üan-chou sous les dynasties Song et Yuan en particulier.
Civil Disobedience: A Case Study in Factors of Effectiveness
Authors: Dillard Courtney
Published: July 2002

Between 1989 and 1998, The Fund for Animals organized protests and acts of civil disobedience against the largest pigeon shoot in this country. During this long campaign, The Fund used a variety of approaches to argue for its position. This article focuses on two distinct enactments of civil disobedience at the Hegins shoot. Through an historical comparative analysis, the article describes the acts of civil disobedience and the context within which they took place for both 1992 and 1996. The article focuses on audience reaction, including media representatives, in order to discern why onlookers may have found one instance of civil disobedience more compelling than another. The findings suggest that the effectiveness of civil disobedience may be determined in part by the way it is enacted. Specifically, civil disobedience is more persuasive when enacted in clearly nonviolent/non-threatening ways and when participants demonstrate not only a willingness to suffer for their beliefs but also an interest in communicating that suffering to onlookers.
ESAU, TAMAR, AND JOSEPH: CRITERIA FOR IDENTIFYING INNER-BIBLICAL ALLUSIONS
Authors: Noble Paul
Published: July 2002

Although the importance of inner-biblical allusion is now widely recognised, there is still some uncertainty about the criteria by which genuine allusions may be distinguished from, say, merely fortuitous resemblances. The present article tries to illuminate these issues through a study of Genesis xxxviii. Since there are numerous individual similarities between this chapter and the Succession Narrative, some scholars have claimed (by an argument of cumulative probabilities) that one story is intentionally alluding to the other. This method of identifying allusions, however, is here rejected - both because of difficulties in carrying it through consistently and non-arbitrarily, and also because it would lead to an implausible plurality of further supposed-allusions. Instead, a methodology based upon R. Alter's notion of a type-scene is proposed, by which allusion is discovered through identifying shared patterns of interconnected resemblances. Applying this methodology also to Genesis xxxviii, it is argued both that this text makes numerous allusions to the stories of Jacob and Joseph, and that recognising these allusions adds very considerably to our understanding of all three stories.
Addressing Both Racism and Ageism in Research—An Opportunity for MOSAAIC
Authors: Li Lingsheng , Chang Anna , Covinsky Kenneth E.
Published: February 2025

This Viewpoint assesses an opportunity for epidemiological cohort study the Multi-ethnic Observational Study in American Asian and Pacific Islander Communities (MOSAAIC) to address critical evidence gaps for groups who have been labeled as “other” in research studies.
Proposed Core Outcomes After Neonatal Sepsis
Authors: Taneri Petek Eylul , Biesty Linda , Kirkham Jamie J. , Molloy Eleanor J. , Polin Richard A. , Branagan Aoife , Kawaza Kondwani , Daly Mandy , Wynn James L. , Nagy Bonnard Lívia , Quirke Fiona A. , Kissoon Niranjan , Ohaja Magdalena , Bazilio Kateregga , Giannoni Eric , Schlapbach Luregn J. , Suguitani Denise , Strunk Tobias , Stoll Barbara J. , Devane Declan
Published: February 2025

Importance

Sepsis is one of the leading causes of neonatal mortality. There is heterogeneity in the outcomes measured and reported in studies of neonatal sepsis. To address this challenge, a core outcome set (COS) for research on neonatal sepsis was needed.

Objective

The Neonatal Sepsis Core Outcome Set (NESCOS) project aims to develop a COS for research evaluating the effectiveness of neonatal sepsis treatments.

Evidence Review

For this consensus statement, the research team obtained ethics approval and used a 4-stage process: (1) a systematic review of qualitative studies, (2) a real-time Delphi (RTD) survey to identify important outcomes for consensus meetings, (3) consensus meetings to finalize the COS, and (4) dissemination of the findings. The study was conducted from May 2, 2022, to October 27, 2023. The steering group and project participants consisted of health care workers, researchers, academics, parents, and parent representatives from low-, middle-, and high-income countries. An RTD survey and consensus meetings were conducted, with measures including a 9-point Likert scale rating (where 1 indicated not at all important and 9 indicated critically important) for outcome importance and a minimum 80% agreement threshold among stakeholders for final COS inclusion. The systematic review identified 19 outcomes, which were combined with outcomes from previous systematic reviews of clinical trials.

Findings

The RTD survey included 306 participants, leading to the identification of 55 outcomes for further discussion in consensus meetings. The finalized COS comprises 9 outcomes: all-cause mortality, need for mechanical ventilation, brain injury on imaging, neurologic status at discharge, escalation of antimicrobial therapy, central nervous system infections, multiorgan dysfunction, neurodevelopmental impairment, and quality of life of parents.

Conclusions and Relevance

This consensus-based COS for research on neonatal sepsis treatments will help standardize the outcomes measured and reported, enhancing the comparability of research findings. Future efforts should focus on establishing standardized and reliable methods for measuring these outcomes.
What Parents Need to Know About Knee Pain in Active Children
Authors: Angulo Maria Isabel , Collazo Geisel R. , Thompson Lindsay A.
Published: February 2025

This JAMA Pediatrics Patient Page discusses Osgood-Schlatter disease, a common overuse injury of the knee, in active children.
Antimicrobial Prophylaxis Use and Outcomes for Children Undergoing Cholecystectomy
Authors: McKie Kerri A. , Moturu Anoosha , Graham Dionne A. , Coleman Melvin , Huang Reiping , Grant Catherine , Saito Jacqueline M. , Hall Bruce L. , Cina Robert A. , Newland Jason G. , Ko Clifford , Rangel Shawn J.
Published: February 2025

Importance

Consensus guidelines from the Infectious Disease Society of America recommend against antimicrobial prophylaxis in the operative management of uncomplicated cholelithiasis; however, these guidelines were derived entirely from the adult surgical population.

Objective

To compare surgical site infection (SSI) outcomes between children undergoing cholecystectomy who received prophylaxis and those who did not.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This was a cohort study using data from 141 hospitals participating in the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program–Pediatric. Patients younger than 18 years who underwent cholecystectomy for uncomplicated cholelithiasis from January 2021 to December 2022 were identified. Exclusion criteria included diagnoses of acute cholecystitis, pancreatitis, choledocholithiasis, hematologic disorders, and emergent procedures.

Exposure

Administration of prophylactic antibiotics before incision.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The main outcomes were 30-day postoperative SSI and readmission. Propensity score weighting on the likelihood of receiving prophylaxis was used to balance groups on case acuity, duration of surgery, hospital discharge diagnosis, and patient characteristics. The association between outcomes and the use of prophylaxis was estimated using logistic regression models, weighted by the inverse probability of treatment with a random effect by hospital to control for hospital-level clustering. A secondary analysis was performed exploring the association between broad-spectrum prophylaxis and outcomes.

Results

Of 2234 children who met criteria for inclusion (median age, 15.3 years; 19.7% male [399 of 2025]), 2025 (90.6%) received prophylaxis (utilization rates ranged from 0% to 100% among hospitals). Cefazolin was the most commonly used antibiotic (69.2% [1401 of 2025]), and 559 of 2025 patients (27.6%) received extended-spectrum prophylaxis (compared with cefazolin). In the propensity-weighted cohort, SSI rates were lower for children who received prophylaxis compared with those who did not (18.0 of 2016 [0.9%] vs 7.8 of 212 [3.7%]; adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 0.28; 95% CI, 0.11-0.70), and rates were similar between children receiving cefazolin and those receiving more extended-spectrum antibiotics in a secondary propensity-weighted analysis (13.9 of 1399 [1.0%] vs 2.9 of 558 [0.5%]; AOR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.15-1.95).

Conclusions and Relevance

The results of this study support prophylaxis use for children undergoing nonemergent cholecystectomy; however, use of extended-spectrum antibiotics was not associated with superior outcomes compared with cefazolin alone. Opportunities to optimize infection prevention or antimicrobial stewardship were identified in more than one-third of all children undergoing cholecystectomy.
Is Low-Fat Dairy an Appropriate Recommendation for Children?
Authors: Ng Natalie Xiao-Wen , Gross Susan Michelle
Published: February 2025

This viewpoint explores the evidence behind recommendations for low-fat dairy consumption in children.
A Global Framework for Adult Education: The Marrakech Framework for Action
Authors: Rhodes Christy M. , ÓTuama Séamus
Published: February 2025

In the summer of 2022, UNESCO held CONFINTEA VII, a gathering of over 140 governmental delegations with the dual purpose of examining the current state of adult learning across the world and establishing a set of comprehensive goals for the next 12 years for the field of adult education. Held regularly since 1949, the International Conference on Adult Education (CONFINTEA) provides an agenda relevant to adult educators on a global scale. CONFINTEA VII's declaration, the Marrakech Framework for Action (MFA) is grounded in principles, policies, and action recommendations to achieve UNESCO's 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development goals and was unanimously ratified by participating delegations. This article provides an outline of the priority areas and action recommendations of the MFA as a prologue to this special issue of New Directions for Adult and Continuing Education, “Global Trends in Adult Education.”
Fault‐Tolerant Control of BLDC Motors: Fault‐Tolerant Control Methodology for Hall‐Effect Sensor Fault Detection and Energy Efficiency Optimization
Authors: Ullah Asad , Hongfei Hu , Xu Yimei , Khatoon Amna , Ahmad Ishfaq
Published: February 2025

Electrical motors' effectiveness, optimization, and dependability have led to significant developments in the industrial revolution. Rotor commutation is essential for smooth operation and is done by energizing the proper rotor. The study introduces an innovative methodology for fault‐tolerant control of Hall‐Effect sensors governing brushless direct current (BLDC) motors. The implemented result validates the substantial saving of energy. The implementation here is unique and effective because the BLDC motor will be operated even if there is a fault in the Hall‐Effect sensor. It will run smoothly and efficiently unless the two sensor failures are detected. This method addresses situations where the signal from a Hall Effect sensor stays consistently low or high for short periods. This developed system is mature enough to handle the subsystem when the data from the sensor detects faults, identifies faulty signals, and creates a replacement signal. The proposed research work uses MATLAB Simulink and the TI‐DSP (TMS320F2812) KIT to show the high‐speed simulation. The simulation results were validated through different motor speeds from 3500 to 2000 rpm. Drawbacks like cost and reliability have been overcome in the implemented research work. In the implemented research work, the simulation outcome shows approximately 10% better results in generating more torque than the existing methods using sinusoidal windings.
Directly Printed 3D Soft Microwave Plasmonic Enhanced‐Q Resonators by Decoupling from Lossy Media
Authors: Jeong Hoon Yeub , Jeong Jonghyun , Choi Jun‐Chan , Kim Heesuk , Han Jae‐Hoon , Chung Seungjun
Published: February 2025

Soft electronic components are essential building blocks for realizing form‐factor‐free applications; however, most designs are confined to 2D or 2.5D structures due to challenges in maintaining 3D structural integrity. This limitation is particularly critical for electromagnetic devices, such as resonators, where dielectric losses from elastomeric substrates severely hinder high‐performance functionality. Here, directly printed 3D electromagnetic soft plasmonic enhanced‐quality(Q) factor resonators are proposed, using highly conductive composites. By incorporating an immiscible solvent into an elastomer matrix, emulsion phases are formed that significantly enhance the storage modulus, enabling the fabrication of 3D‐printed structures while improving their electrical conductivity. 3D microwave plasmonic resonators with a high degree of design freedom, such as pillars and hooks are demonstrated. These structures exhibit improved resistance to dielectric interference by leveraging the resonance in lossless air. Moreover, integrating a coplanar ground plane further decouples the resonators from lossy substrates, resulting in a 3.4‐fold enhancement in the Q‐factor (octupole mode) compared to 2D resonators. This improvement enables stable operation on high‐permittivity surfaces, such as human skin. Additionally, a single 3D resonator demonstrates wireless deformation‐sensing capabilities, facilitating the simultaneous detection of strain amplitude and orientation. This result can pave the way for advanced sensing applications in soft electronics.
Predicting Mechanical Properties of FDM‐Produced Parts Using Machine Learning Approaches
Authors: Özkül Mahmut , Kuncan Fatma , Ulkir Osman
Published: February 2025

Additive manufacturing (AM), especially fused deposition modeling (FDM), has been widely used in industrial production processes in recent years. The mechanical properties of parts produced by FDM can be predicted through the correct selection of printing parameters. In this study, 25 machine learning (ML) algorithms were used to predict the mechanical properties (hardness, tensile strength, flexural strength, and surface roughness) of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) samples fabricated by FDM. Experiments were conducted using three different layer thicknesses (100, 150, 200 μm), infill densities (50%, 75%, 100%), and nozzle temperatures (220°C, 230°C, 240°C). The effects of printing parameters on mechanical properties were investigated through analysis of variance (ANOVA). This analysis results indicated that infill density had the most significant effect on hardness (55.56%), tensile strength (80.02%), and flexural strength (77.13%). In addition, the layer thickness was identified as the most influential parameter on the surface roughness, with an effect of 70.89%. The prediction performance of the ML algorithms was evaluated based on the mean absolute error (MAE), root mean squared error, mean squared error, and R‐squared (R2) values. The KSTAR algorithm best predicted both hardness and surface roughness, with MAE values of 0.006 and 0.009, respectively, and an R2 value of up to 0.99. For the prediction of tensile and flexural strength, the MLP algorithm was determined to be the most successful method, achieving high accuracy (R2 > 0.99) for both properties. In addition, comparison graphs between the predicted and actual results showed high overall accuracy, with a particularly strong agreement for hardness, tensile strength, and surface roughness. The study identified the algorithms with the best prediction performance and provided recommendations for predicting the 3D printing process based on these findings.
Gait Speed and All‐Cause Mortality in Whole‐Spectrum Chronic Kidney Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis Included 6217 Participants
Authors: Zhang Fan , Wang Hui , Bai Yan , Huang Liuyan , Zhong Yifei , Li Yi
Published: February 2025

Background

The quantitative relationship between gait speed and mortality risk in patients with chronic kidney disease remains unclear. This study aimed to conduct a meta‐analysis to estimate the risk of mortality associated with gait speed in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients.

Methods

Relevant studies published were identified through literature searches using Embase, PubMed and Web of Science. Prospective cohort studies of adult CKD patients that examined the relationship between gait speed and mortality were included. Random effects meta‐analyses based on restricted maximum likelihood to were used to calculate relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI). The results of meta‐analyses were assessed using Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation framework.

Results

Seventeen prospective cohort studies involving 6217 CKD patients (mean age range: 51.6–81.85 years; 44.3%–84% male) were included. Pooled analysis of 12 studies (n = 4233) showed that lower gait speed was associated with a higher risk of all‐cause mortality compared to higher gait speed (RR = 2.138; 95% CI: 1.794–2.548; p < 0.001; I2 = 16.0%; high‐certainty evidence) in CKD patients. Dose–response meta‐analysis of 6 studies (n = 1650) revealed that each 0.1 m/s increase in gait speed was associated with a 25.7% lower risk of all‐cause mortality (RR = 0.743; 95% CI: 0.580–0.955; p = 0.018; I2 = 45.0%; high‐certainty evidence).

Conclusions

Slower gait speed is a strong predictor of all‐cause mortality in CKD patients, including those undergoing dialysis or kidney transplantation. Gait speed assessment should be incorporated into routine clinical evaluations to identify high‐risk patients and guide interventions aimed at improving physical function and survival outcomes.

Trial Registration: PROSPERO registration number: CRD42022340135
Do We Have the Evidence to Produce Tools to Enable the Identification and Personalization of Management of Women's Pelvic Floor Health Disorders Through the Perinatal and Perimenopausal Periods? ICI‐RS 2024
Authors: Kearney Rohna , Salvatore Stefano , Khullar Vik , Chapple Christopher , Taithongchai Annika , Uren Alan , Abrams Paul , Wein Alan
Published: February 2025

Introduction

There is an increasing recognition of the impact of ageing on pelvic floor health and the consequences in populations with rising proportions of women over the age of 65 years. A think tank was held at the ICI‐RS 2024 to discuss the evidence to support the personalisation of women's pelvic floor health during the perinatal and perimenopausal period.

Methods

Data was collected and presented on the evidence to support the development of tools to personalise pelvic floor health care. Epidemiological, imaging, patient‐reported outcomes, and evidence of tool development questionnaires were discussed. The current evidence and research gaps for potential intervention to prevent the pelvic floor disorders of pelvic organ prolapse, overactive bladder, urinary incontinence and faecal incontinence during the perinatal and perimenopasual time periods were discussed and identified.

Results

Epidemiological studies highlight that vaginal delivery and in particular operative vaginal delivery is the single biggest modifiable risk factor for the future development of pelvic floor dysfunction. The oestrogen depletion resulting from the perimenopause and menopause can lead to the development of Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) which is associated with the risk of developing pelvic floor dysfunction. Ultrasound is a useful technique for assessing the pelvic floor and has been used to assess bladder neck mobility, distensibility of the puborectalis muscle and the striated urethral sphincter volume antenatally with some studies reporting a correlation between these measurements and the need for Caesarean section and development of postpartum stress urinary incontinence. Further studies are needed to standardise these measurements. There are no patient reported outcome questionnaires validated for use in the perinatal and postmenopausal period. The UR‐ choice tool has been developed to counsel women on the risk of postpartum pelvic floor disorders occurring. However, further evaluation in larger numbers is required.

Conclusion

There is significant interest in developing tools to counsel women on the risks of developing pelvic floor dysfunction post partum and after the menopause. Further evaluation of the UR‐choice tool was considered a research priority. The timepoint of cervical screening for research into interventions such as pelvic floor health education, lifestyle optimisation and perimenopausal vaginal oestrogen supplementation was identified.
Development of Boron Nitride Hydroxide/Aluminum Oxide/Epoxy Resin Spheres and Graphene Oxide‐Loaded L‐Ascorbic Acid Aerogel for Enhanced Thermal Conductivity and Insulation via Hot‐Pressing
Authors: Cho Jangwoo , Jang Eunsu , Kim Jihoon , Kim Munho , Su Pei‐Chen , Kim Jooheon
Published: February 2025

Polymer composites have easy processability, low cost, and wide applicability. Moreover, arranging fillers within such polymer composites to form a heat transfer path plays a crucial role in enhancing thermal conductivity. In this paper, composites were composed using boron nitride (BN), aluminum oxide (Al2O3), reduced graphene oxide (r‐GO), L‐ascorbic acid (L‐AA), and epoxy resin (EP) (BN‐OH/Al2O3/EP/r‐GO@L‐AA). To create BN‐OH/Al2O3/EP spheres, Al2O3 was used as the core, with a small amount of EP and BN‐OH surrounding it to form ceramic spheres. An r‐GO@L‐AA aerogel was formed by cross‐linking r‐GO and L‐AA, followed by freeze‐drying. The BN‐OH/Al2O3/EP/r‐GO@L‐AA composites were fabricated by hot‐pressing the BN‐OH/Al2O3/EP spheres and r‐GO@L‐AA aerogel. With the vertical alignment of the BNs arranged according to the r‐GO@L‐AA aerogel, the BN‐OH/Al2O3/EP/r‐GO@L‐AA composite achieved a high thermal conductivity of 4.632 W/m K, a tensile strength of 65 MPa, and insulating properties.
Exploring Acidic Sauce Permeation on High‐Barrier Packaging Film Properties
Authors: Haque Md. Akiful , Peterson Amy M. , Froio‐Blumsack Danielle , Ratto Jo Ann , Chen Wan‐Ting
Published: February 2025

High‐performance packaging for condiments, such as hot sauce in meal, ready‐to‐eat (MRE) rations for military personnel, is critical to ensure food quality and safety. This study addresses possible packaging solutions by examining the performance and degradation of multilayer packaging films when exposed to hot sauce. The research involved creating pouches from four different multilayer films, utilizing polymers such as: linear low‐density polyethylene (LLDPE), low‐density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyesters and polyamide (PA). These pouches underwent accelerated storage testing with liquid hot sauce for 12 months at 80°F. The study focused on understanding the effect of acidic sauce permeation on the chemical properties, surface morphology and colour changes of individual layers within a pouch. The analysis identifies the layer most susceptible to degradation due to hot sauce permeation. It was also found that the sealant layer plays a key role in protecting the hot sauce quality, preventing pouch failure. These findings are critical for enhancing the durability and efficiency of multilayer packaging materials, with broader implications for the food, pharmaceutical and consumer goods industries.
A Survey of Approaches to Early Rumor Detection on Microblogging Platforms: Computational and Socio‐Psychological Insights
Authors: Kwao Lazarus , Yang Yang , Zou Jie , Ma Jing
Published: February 2025

Social media, particularly microblogging platforms, are essential for rapid information sharing and public discussion but often allow rumors, that is, unverified information, to spread rapidly during events or persist over time. These platforms also offer opportunities to study the dynamics of rumors and develop computational methods to assess their veracity. In this paper, we provide a comprehensive review of existing theoretical foundations, interdisciplinary challenges, and emerging advancements in rumor detection research, with a focus on integrating theoretical and computational approaches. Drawing on insights from computer science, cognitive psychology, and sociology, we explore methodologies, such as multimodal fusion, graph‐based models, and attention mechanisms, while highlighting gaps in real‐world scalability, ethical transparency, and cross‐platform adaptability. Using a systematic literature review and bibliometric analysis, we identify trends, methods, and gaps in current research. Our findings emphasize interdisciplinary collaboration to develop adaptable, efficient, and ethical rumor detection strategies. We also highlight the critical role of combining socio‐psychological insights with advanced computational techniques to address the human factors in rumor spread. Furthermore, we emphasize the importance of designing systems that remain effective across diverse cultural and linguistic contexts, enhancing their global applicability. We propose a conceptual framework integrating diverse theories and computational techniques, offering a roadmap for improving detection systems and addressing misinformation challenges on microblogging platforms.
Politics and Geology in Anthropocene Geopolitics
Authors: Dalby Simon
Published: February 2025

TheAnthropoceneconcept requires an extension of thinking well beyond traditional environmental formulations to recontexualise humanity as a major earth system force that is transforming the biosphere. This new context requires moving beyond conventional social science assumptions that the planet is a stable stage for human rivalries and engaging with the world making implications of understanding humanity as a geologicalactor. If humanity is to shape the future so that life operates in conditions loosely analogous to the last dozen millennia then a ‘planet politics’ that focuses on production processes that transcends the systems of fossilfueled capitalism of the last couple of centuries is essential. The task for social scientists is to facilitate such transitions, and the Anthropocene concept, if it is used carefully is a key formulation to facilitate transitions to more sustainable futures.
Thinking Politically About the Anthropocene
Authors: Lebow Richard Ned
Published: February 2025

I examine possible interactions between the Anthropocene and the study of international relations. I ask how the concept of the Anthropocene encourages new and productive frameworks for realism, liberalism, and constructivism. I suggest that suitably revised paradigms can help us reduce and cope with the effects of climate change.
Conclusion
Authors: Eitrem Holmgren Linda
Published: February 2025

This chapter discusses the main findings of the study. It argues that a broad definition of political participation is needed to recognise women’s grassroots work as acts of citizenship. It explores the ways in which gender equality and women’s political participation in Northern Ireland has been faced with pushback, backlash and in some instances, progress since 1998. The chapter then compares and contrasts transversal and agonistic dialogue in relation to women’s cross-community activities and addresses their limitations and obstacles to implementation. The chapter is then concluded with a discussion of the potential for building transversal gender-just citizenship in Northern Ireland.
Datenassimilation und optimale Sensorplatzierung
Authors: Naumann Andreas , Riedel Ilka , Herzog Roland
Published: February 2025

In Kap. „Strukturmodelle von Werkzeugmaschinen“ wird das thermo-elastische Verhalten von Werkzeugmaschinen im Detail beschrieben. Eine Maßnahme zur Beherrschung des thermischen Verhaltens sind steuerungsintegrierte Korrekturverfahren. Diese Verfahren nutzen ein Modell, um die thermisch bedingten Verlagerungen der Maschine nachzubilden.
Energieeffiziente Systeme zur aktiven Steuerung von Wärmeflüssen
Authors: Voigt Immanuel , Drossel Welf-Guntram
Published: February 2025

Maßnahmen zur Kompensation und Korrektur thermischer Fehler in Werkzeugmaschinen gehen in der Regel mit einem erhöhten Energieeinsatz oder hohem Modellierungs- und Messaufwand einher. Ein neuartiger Ansatz zur Reduzierung der Auswirkungen von Wärmeströmen auf die Maschinengenauigkeit ist der Einsatz von Komponenten, die eine Umverteilung der Wärme in der Maschine ohne zusätzliche Hilfsenergie ermöglichen. Eine derartige Wärmeumverteilung hat zum Ziel, durch variable thermische Lasten induzierte Temperaturfelder so zu verändern, dass die Verlagerung des TCP in ihren zeitlichen Schwankungen reduziert wird.
Optimierte Temperierung von Maschinengestellen für unsymmetrische Lasteinträge
Authors: Steiert Christoph , Weber Juliane , Hellmich Arvid , Geist Alexander , Mater Sarah , Glänzel Janine , Weber Jürgen , Ihlenfeldt Steffen
Published: February 2025

Die in Kap. 18 vorgestellte Methodik zum Betrieb von Kühlsystemen in Werkzeugmaschinen wird in diesem Kapitel exemplarisch am Beispiel eines Maschinengestells angewandt. Es wurde in der Vergangenheit die verformungsgerechte Temperierung von Gestellstrukturen aus Polymerbeton untersucht und dabei mehrere Einzelkreisläufe, die einzeln oder gekoppelt betrieben wurden eingesetzt. Dabei wurden TCP-Hauptverlagerungen gemessen und um mindestens 50 % reduziert, wodurch sich die Bearbeitungsgenauigkeit von Prüfwerkstücken verbesserte.