bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tooth Preparation Assessment Criteria for All‐Ceramic CAD/CAM Posterior Crowns: An Evidence Map
Authors: Deranek Kimberly , Siegel Sharon C. , Golberg Marvin B. , Valdivieso Alessandra Forlano
Published: February 2025

Background

An evidence map review was used to determine universal criteria for all‐ceramic CAD/CAM posterior crowns to ensure standardized assessments by dental faculty, students, and practitioners.

Materials and methods

Covidence was used to perform the evidence map review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Web of Science (WOS), Embase, Dentistry and Oral Sciences Source (EBSCO), and MEDLINE (Ovid) were searched over a 10‐year range (January 2012–December 2023), English only. This was complimented by a manual search. Descriptive statistics (i.e. frequencies and modes) and a chi‐square goodness of fit test were used.

Results

A total of 640 articles were identified, out of which 73 were selected for review across six reduction parameters: occlusal reduction, axial reduction, finish line reduction, total occlusal convergence (TOC), preparation surface finish, and anatomic form. Zirconia was excluded from this analysis. Significant differences were found between the observed and expected frequencies of consolidated parameters associated with occlusal reduction and finish line shoulder parameters at the p ≤ 0.05 level. There were no significant differences found between the observed and expected frequencies of the consolidated reduction parameters associated with finish line chamfer, axial reduction, surface finish, or TOC (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

Recommendation parameters for all‐ceramic CAD/CAM posterior crown preparations are 1.5–2.0 mm for the occlusal reduction and 1.0 mm for the reduction of the shoulder finish line. Recommendations of at least 1.0 mm for the chamfer reduction, 12° for the TOC, 1.0–1.5 mm for the axial reduction, and a smooth preparation surface finish with internally rounded angles were also made, though none of these results were statistically significant. The literature review revealed the “finish line” category is multi‐dimensional suggesting a more encompassing term as “finish boundary profile (FBP).”
A Secure Blockchain‐Based Health Prediction Framework Using Mantaray Optimization
Authors: Verma Garima
Published: February 2025

One of the leading causes of various critical diseases for both men and women worldwide is obesity. This study uses a publicly available dataset to predict a person's weight category—normal, overweight, underweight, or obese—by examining lifestyle factors and daily activities. There is a need for new and sophisticated secure algorithms for quick processing and effective event detection. This paper subjects the dataset to a thorough feature selection and engineering process to identify the key factors influencing weight status. For obesity prediction, two novel machine learning‐based models are proposed: the neural network boost (N_XB) and the Mantaray optimization (MO‐NXB), which learn from the data stored in the blockchain. The blockchain serves as a safe storage environment for patient information and a genuine source for learning data because its data is impenetrable. The accuracy, precision, recall, and F1‐score of the suggested N_XB and MO‐NXB algorithms are evaluated by other algorithms. According to our investigation, the greatest accuracy of N_XB and MO‐NXB is 0.94 and 0.985, which is approximately 10% more than traditional models. Additionally, the latency of blockchain‐based storage, when contrasted with centralized storage, are 25.03% less than those of centralized storage.
Introduction
Authors: Woodin Tom , Vernon Keith , Shaw Linda
Published: February 2025

For over a century, the Co-operative College has been at the centre of co-operative education in Britain and beyond. In 1919, the College was established to meet the educational needs of co-operatives that had formed over the previous century. It has pursued forms of education focused on co-operation and mutuality, meeting and anticipating the needs of co-operative and mutual enterprises in which vision, values and principles have been central. Blending the immediate and symbolic, practical daily needs and longer-term visions created a fascinating educational mix which often contrasted with prevailing distinctions found in other educational settings. Whereas many radical, alternative and co-operative initiatives have been relatively short-lived given the difficult circumstances in which they operated, the longevity of the College is worth exploring further.
Introduction
Authors: Eitrem Holmgren Linda
Published: February 2025

This chapter introduces the theoretical and empirical context of the book, defining what a gender-just citizenship entails in deeply divided transitional societies, as well introducing theories that address the intersections of ethno-nationalism, gender and citizenship. Transversal politics and agonistic peace are briefly discussed in relation to women’s cross-community activities and political participation. This chapter then introduces Northern Ireland as a case study and discusses the methods used to collect and analyse the research data on which this book is based. Following this, it outlines the main arguments of the book and its research contributions. Lastly, it includes an outline of the book.
How can we improve the diversity of archival collections with AI? Opportunities, risks, and solutions
Authors: Jaillant Lise , Mitchell Olivia , Ewoh-Opu Eric , Hidalgo Urbaneja Maribel
Published: February 2025

This article is the first study to examine the impact (positive and negative) of Artificial Intelligence on the diversity of archival collections. Representing the diverse audiences they serve is a key objective for libraries and archives. For example, institutions with colonial-era archival documents are experimenting with AI to improve the discoverability of their collections and to enhance access for source communities and other users. Indeed, AI can be used to automatically create metadata, search vast amounts of historical records, and answer questions with natural language. However, these technologies also come with risks—for instance when AI systems are trained on potentially biased data. Very little is known about the impact of these computational tools on diversity in archival collections. Do AI technologies compound or alleviate the lack of diversity in archives? Drawing from interviews with academics, archivists, curators, and other experts across the UK/Europe and the USA, this article sheds light on the lack of collaboration between producers of AI technologies on the one side, and archivists, librarians and other cultural heritage professionals on the other side. We argue that bringing these stakeholders together is essential to improve the diversity of archival collections, using ethical and responsible AI. Finally, we offer recommendations to help professionals in libraries and archives assess the opportunities and risks associated with AI and find solutions to make their collections more representative of diverse audiences.
The potential impact of intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring on neurological function outcomes after postnatal spina bifida repair
Authors: Krause Matthias , Leibnitz Florian , Knüpfer Matthias Manfred , Merkenschlager Andreas , Griessenauer Christoph J. , Gburek-Augustat Janina
Published: February 2025

Introduction

The management of open neural tube defects (ONTD) has significantly improved with fetal surgery, but many children remain ineligible for fetal therapy. This study assesses the impact of intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM) during postnatal myelomeningocele (MMC) repair and its potential to optimize functional outcomes.

Patients and methods

Seven newborns with thoracolumbar or lumbar MMC underwent postnatal surgical repair using IONM. Neuromonitoring included motor-evoked potentials (MEP), sensory-evoked potentials (SEP), electromyography (EMG), and bulbocavernosus reflex (BCR). Preoperative neurological assessments were compared with postnatal outcomes at 2 years, along with anatomical levels on MRI and IONM results.

Results

At birth, 6 of 7 newborns showed better functional levels than expected by the anatomical level of the ONTD in fetal MRI. Intraoperative EMG responses were normal in all but one patient, but only 30% of patients had normal MEP and SEP responses. IONM was useful to detect undue mechanical stress during ONTD repair surgery and intraoperative identification of functional nerve roots. Neurological function deteriorated in the early postoperative period but stabilized at a level above the anatomical MRI level in 85% of the patients by 2 years of age.

Conclusion

IONM in postnatal ONTD repair is a safe and valuable tool that has the potential to increase surgical safety by detecting undue mechanical stress to the neural structure. Standardized postnatal management strategies, including the use of IONM, should be refined. Further studies are necessary to evaluate the prognostic value of EMG during postnatal surgery and its potential to result in better long-term outcome by preventing additional intraoperative damage.
Can we improve the diagnosis of invasion in encapsulated follicular-patterned thyroid tumors? Data from a massive international e-learning initiative
Authors: Mansour Yara , Chaltiel Léonor , Cavillon Ana , Al Bouzidi Abderrahmane , Kamate Bakarou , De Leo Antonio , Ramiandrasoa Andriamampihantona Lalaoarifetra , Mrad Karima , Vibert Nassim , Sobrinho-Simoes Manuel , Tallini Giovanni , Vielh Philippe , Belleannée Geneviève
Published: February 2025

With the reclassification of non-invasive follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma as “tumors” (NIFTP), the challenge of diagnosing carcinoma lies in recognizing invasion: blood vessel invasion (BVI) or capsular invasion (CI). We aimed to assess reproducibility in diagnosing BVI and CI in follicular-patterned tumors using a web-platform, under conditions as close as possible to routine surgical pathology practice. Six-hundred-fourteen pathologists reviewed 69 thyroid lesions diagnostically challenging for BVI or CI, made available in three rounds: before, immediately after, and three months after a training lecture given by an expert pathologist. Each lesion was associated with a quiz (five queries: certain CI, doubtful CI, certain BVI, doubtful BVI, or no invasion). Intraobserver agreement was fair for five queries and moderate for two categories (i.e., BVI vs. the other four queries). Interobserver overall agreement (OA) of participants was fair for all five queries and moderate for two categories (OA for five queries: 0 at each round; OA [95% CI] for two categories: Round 1 to 3: 8.7 [3.3–18.0], 2.9 [0.4–10.1], 4.3 [0.9–12.2]). Importantly, participants agreement with expert consensus improved following the training lecture and was maintained for three months (OA for five queries: Round 1 to 3: 40.6 [13.0–62.3], 49.3 [21.7–69.6], 49.3 [21.7–78.3]; OA for two categories: Round 1 to 3: 72.5 [60.9–89.9], 76.8 [62.3–88.4], 75.4 [60.9–89.9]). This study reveals the difficulty of applying clearly defined BVI and CI criteria to routine practice, but a specifically designed training lecture improves diagnostic accuracy, and the improvement is retained over months.
Improving graph collaborative filtering with network motifs
Authors: Zhang Yuqi , Yu Jian , Liu Zhizhong , Wang Guiling , Nguyen Minh , Sheng Quan Z. , Wang Nancy
Published: February 2025

Deep learning on graphs, specifically graph convolutional networks (GCNs), has exhibited exceptional efficacy in the domain of recommender systems. Most GCNs have a message-passing architecture that enables nodes to aggregate information from neighbours iteratively through multiple layers. This enables GCNs to learn from higher-order information, but the model does not allow for direct captions of the local structural patterns. Our rationale is to investigate the effectiveness of capturing such local patterns for graph-based collaborative filtering to enhance model’s learning ability per layer. This technique combines lower-order and higher-order interactions during layer-wise propagation. In this paper, we propose MotifGCN to aggregate both lower-order and higher-order information in each graph convolution layer. Specifically, we develop dedicated algorithms of generating motif adjacency matrices. The matrices are then used for motif-enhanced neighbourhood aggregation in each layer. As this paper focuses on recommender systems, MotifGCN is built on the basis of bipartite graphs. Our experiments on four real-world datasets show that MotifGCN has a superior performance compared to various state-of-the-art methods.
Artificial intelligence in managing retinal disease—current concepts and relevant aspects for health care providers
Authors: Riedl Sophie , Birner Klaudia , Schmidt-Erfurth Ursula
Published: February 2025

Given how the diagnosis and management of many ocular and, most specifically, retinal diseases heavily rely on various imaging modalities, the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) into this field has been a logical, inevitable, and successful development in recent decades. The field of retinal diseases has practically become a showcase for the use of AI in medicine. In this article, after providing a short overview of the most relevant retinal diseases and their socioeconomic impact, we highlight various aspects of how AI can be applied in research, diagnosis, and disease management and how this is expected to alter patient flows, affecting also health care professionals beyond ophthalmologists.
Image-based deep learning for smart digital twins: a review
Authors: Islam Md Ruman , Subramaniam Mahadevan , Huang Pei-Chi
Published: February 2025

Smart Digital Twins (SDTs) are being increasingly used to virtually replicate and predict the behaviors of complex physical systems through continual data assimilation, enabling the optimization of the performance of these systems by controlling the actions of systems. Recently, the Deep Learning (DL) models have significantly enhanced the capabilities of SDTs, particularly for tasks such as predictive maintenance, anomaly detection, and optimization. In many domains, including medicine, engineering, and education, SDTs use image data (image-based SDTs) to observe, learn, and control system behaviors. This paper focuses on various approaches and associated challenges in developing image-based SDTs by continually assimilating image data from physical systems. The paper also discusses the challenges in designing and implementing DL models for SDTs, including data acquisition, processing, and interpretation. In addition, insights into the future directions and opportunities for developing new image-based DL approaches to develop robust SDTs are provided. This includes the potential for using generative models for data augmentation, developing multi-modal DL models, and exploring the integration of DL models with other technologies, including Fifth Generation (5 G), edge computing, and the Internet of Things (IoT). In this paper, we describe the image-based SDTs, which enable broader adoption of the Digital Twins (DTs) paradigms across a broad spectrum of areas and the development of new methods to improve the abilities of SDTs in replicating, predicting, and optimizing the behavior of complex systems.
In the Aftermath of an Ethical Violation: Do Family Firms Suffer More Than Non-family Firms and Why?
Authors: Nyffenegger Bettina , Madison Kristen , Lude Maximilian , Prügl Reinhard , Hack Andreas
Published: February 2025

Research indicates that family firms often engender a sense of trustworthiness among stakeholders. However, little is known as to whether this trustworthiness is beneficial or detrimental to family firms in the face of an ethical scandal. Ethical transgressions can profoundly undermine stakeholders’ perceptions of a firm’s integrity and benevolence. Our research examines how stakeholders perceive and react to ethical transgressions committed by family firms, as compared to those committed by non-family firms. Drawing upon expectancy violations theory and social identity theory, we theorize that while family firms inherently enjoy a higher degree of trustworthiness, they suffer significantly more in the aftermath of an ethical transgression. Two scenario-based experimental studies support our theorizing, demonstrating that family firms experience a steeper decline in trustworthiness following an ethical transgression than do non-family firms. We uncover the psychological processes behind this finding, revealing that this vulnerability is attributed to heightened stakeholder expectations and pronounced identification with family firms. We empirically show that expectancy violations primarily diminish integrity perceptions, while identity threats degrade benevolence perceptions of family firms. This research broadens the understanding of ethics in family firms, highlighting how their initially perceived trustworthiness may become a double-edged sword during ethical crises.
Cell-Level Modelling of Homeostasis in Confined Epithelial Monolayers
Authors: Chaithanya KVS , Rozman Jan , Košmrlj Andrej , Sknepnek Rastko
Published: February 2025

Tissue homeostasis, the biological process of maintaining a steady state in tissue via control of cell proliferation and death, is essential for the development, growth, maintenance, and proper function of living organisms. Disruptions to this process can lead to serious diseases and even death. In this study, we use the vertex model for the cell-level description of tissue mechanics to investigate the impact of the tissue environment and local mechanical properties of cells on homeostasis in confined epithelial tissues. We find a dynamic steady state, where the balance between cell divisions and removals sustains homeostasis, and characterise the homeostatic state in terms of cell count, tissue area, homeostatic pressure, and the cells’ neighbour count distribution. This work, therefore, sheds light on the mechanisms underlying tissue homeostasis and highlights the importance of mechanics in its control.
Uses and challenges of digital twins-based augmented reality in operator training and data visualization in process manufacturing lines
Authors: Perno Matteo , Hvam Lars , Haug Anders
Published: February 2025

Despite the widespread interest in Industry 4.0 technologies, only a few empirical studies focus on augmented reality (AR) coupled with digital twins (DTs). Thus, little is known about the usefulness and challenges of these in manufacturing contexts. To address this gap in the literature, the present study conducts an action research study of a DT-based AR project in a process manufacturing company. Specifically, first, two DT-based AR applications for training new operators and live data visualizations, respectively, are developed. These applications are tested by relevant employees, who are subsequently interviewed. Through analysis of interview transcripts, four overall uses of DT-based AR are identified: (1) training of new staff; (2) data visualization; (3) plant design validation; and (4) maintenance. Furthermore, several challenges related to the use of this technology are identified, which are organized under four themes: (1) safety issues; (2) cost issues; (3) convenience issues; and (4) accessibility issues. These findings are organized into a model illustrating the relationships between the uses and challenges of DT-based AR in process manufacturing.
An Investigation Into the Notion of Complex Systems
Authors: Mazzocchi Fulvio
Published: February 2025

This article investigates the concept of ‘complex systems’. While not searching for some necessary and sufficient conditions that are valid for all of them, it acknowledges that complex systems can take different shapes, mainly depending on the features of their internal organization and how they interact with their environment. It then advocates a networked notion of complex systems that can accommodate their rich phenomenology and the various circumstances making them, focusing on two types of these systems: (i) one that is mainly characterized by the generation of stable patterns through self-reinforcing dynamics at the lower levels (Bénard convection) and (ii) a distinct one characterized by a more complex organization that makes them ‘minimally decomposable’ and showing autonomy (living systems). The article also assumes that the complexity of a system is analyzable by focusing on two distinct yet interrelated aspects: (i) the features of the system itself and (ii) the relationship between the system and an observer. Its final part discusses how complex systems cannot be adequately represented by a single model or description and how this is another distinctive aspect of their complexity.
Towards neural-network-guided program synthesis and verification
Authors: Kobayashi Naoki , Sekiyama Taro , Sato Issei , Unno Hiroshi
Published: February 2025

We propose a novel framework of program and invariant synthesis called neural network-guided synthesis (NeuGuS). We first show that, by suitably designing and training neural networks, we can extract logical formulas over integers from the weights and biases of the trained neural networks. Based on the idea, we have implemented a tool to synthesize formulas from positive/negative examples and implication constraints, and obtained promising experimental results. We also discuss two applications of our synthesis method. One is the use of our tool for qualifier discovery in the framework of ICE-learning-based CHC solving, which can in turn be applied to program verification and inductive invariant synthesis. Another application is to a new program development framework called oracle-based programming, which is a neural-network-guided variation of Solar-Lezama’s program synthesis by sketching.
Phase field approach for managing multi-fragment interactions in load-bearing fractured media
Authors: Chao Correas A. , Acquesta D. , Corrado M.
Published: February 2025

This work introduces a novel approach for characterizing the residual load bearing capacity of fractured components based on the Phase Field fracture model. The underlying idea involves exploiting this well-established framework for fracturing materials and applying it to mechanically loaded domains in which fracture has already occurred. Hence, the continuous phase field here portrays the smeared representation of known crack patterns, based on which the unilateral contact interactions between the crack lips are enforced through a suitable strain energy decomposition. This allows for a theoretically robust and implicit treatment of the originally discontinuous problem while remaining in a continuum framework. As such, the proposed approach avoids the numerically challenging definition and management of conventional contact pairs, thus proving to be especially promising for its application to domains with multiple fragments. Besides presenting the theoretical foundation and algorithmic convenience of the approach, its accuracy and representativeness are proven against theoretical predictions and numerical results from Finite Element models featuring conventional contact interactions.
Baumol’s cost disease in acute versus long-term care: Do the differences loom large?
Authors: Celebi Kaan , Hartwig Jochen , Sandqvist Anna Pauliina
Published: February 2025

Baumol’s (Am Econ Rev 57: 415–426, 1967) model of ‘unbalanced growth’ yields a supply-side explanation for the ‘cost explosion’ in health care. Applying a testing strategy suggested by Hartwig (J Health Econ 27: 603–623, 2008), a sprawling literature affirms that the ‘Baumol effect’ has both a statistically and economically significant impact on health care expenditure growth. Skeptics maintain, however, that the proliferation of hi-tech medicine in acute care is clearly at odds with the assumption underlying Baumol’s model that productivity-enhancing machinery and equipment is only installed in the ‘progressive’ (i.e. manufacturing) sector of the economy. They argue that Baumol’s cost disease may affect long-term care, but not acute care. Our aim in this paper is to test whether Baumol’s cost disease affects long-term care and acute care differently. Our testing strategy consists in combining Extreme Bounds Analysis (EBA) with an outlier-robust MM estimator. Using panel data for 23 OECD countries, our results provide robust and statistically significant evidence that expenditures on both acute care and long-term care are driven by Baumol’s cost disease, even though the effect on long-term care expenditures is more pronounced.
“Slow” Network Research? A Mixed-Methods Approach Towards Funeral Status Representation in the Late Urnfield Period
Authors: Deicke Aline
Published: February 2025

From its earliest stages on, the rise of computational approaches in the humanities—whether in archaeology, history, or digital humanities more generally—has been accompanied by discussions and critical reflections on the way in which data-driven research methods are informed by the representation of research objects as data structures. Various dimensions, challenges, and characteristics can be roughly divided into three intersecting aspects: the subjectivity of data, their complexity, and their size. Archaeological network analysis as a formal, quantitative method is situated firmly within the tension between these fields, and many authors focus on the application of network research to archaeological data while respecting their complex nature. This paper adds to this growing body of work by focusing on the specificities of a medium-sized data set that offers multiple perspectives on a complex question of social archaeology: the study of intersecting social identities and their materialisation in funeral assemblages, particularly of a collective identity of high status-individuals or “elites”, during the Late Urnfield Period. It offers a mixed-methods approach that centres quantitative results and qualitative contextualization across different scales, and minimises loss of information and context, while transparently disclosing its practices of data selection, pre-processing, and analysis. In doing so, it aims to make the reflective positionings of “slow data” and “slow technology” productive for a methodology of “slow networks”.
CEO personality traits and compensation: evidence from investment efficiency
Authors: Du Yao , Hasan Iftekhar , Lin Chih-Yung , Lu Chien-Lin
Published: February 2025

We examine the effects of the big five personalities of CEOs (openness, conscientiousness, extroversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism) on their annual compensation. We hand-collect the tweets of S&P 1500 CEOs and use IBM’s Watson Personality Insights to measure their personalities. CEOs with high ratings of agreeableness and conscientiousness get more compensation. We further find that the firms with these CEOs outperform their peers due to better investment efficiency. Firms are willing to pay higher compensation for talent, especially for firms with better operations, located in states with higher labor unionization, or facing higher competition in the product market. Overall, CEO personality is a valid predictor of CEOs’ compensation.
Bronchial foreign body caused by a grasshopper in a dog
Authors: Maggi Giulia , Rosi Elena , Cupido Simone , Palma Salvatore , Marchesi Maria Chiara
Published: February 2025

An 11-year-old dog living in a rural area of Italy was evaluated for a persistent cough. Diagnostic imaging findings, combined with the clinical history and physical examination, revealed focal pneumonia, raising suspicion of a vegetal foreign body. Bronchoscopy identified a foreign body (a grasshopper) partially obstructing the left caudal bronchus, and its removal was successfully performed. Insects should be considered potential bronchial foreign bodies in the differential diagnosis.
Population parameters of an expanding Iberian wild goat population in Southern Pyrenees, Spain
Authors: Herrero Juan , García-Serrano Alicia , Prada Carlos , García-González Ricardo
Published: February 2025

The escape and establishment of Iberian wild goats, Capra pyrenaica, from an enclosure in the 1990s marked the beginning of the recovery of the species in the Pyrenees. This population has occupied part of the Prepyrenees and has contacted another population reintroduced in France since 2014. It coexists with other wild ungulates, including the feral and domestic goats Capra hircus that has been living free since the 1960s. Today it’s the largest Iberian wild goat Pyrenean population. Between 2006 and 2022 we monitored the population and its expansion based on vantage points, itineraries and testimonies. The results indicate: (i) a population, of uncertain genetic origin, in numerical (15% average annual growth) and areal expansion, with the capacity to connect with other populations; (ii) an estimate of at least 500 individuals; (iii) in the process of expansion in contact with Iberian wild goats from France; (iv) sympatry with feral and domestic goat population in its main nucleus whose estimate exceeds 2000 specimens and (v) hybridization with feral and domestic goats. In 2022 sustainable hunt started with a hunting quota of 20 individuals. Genetic characterization and the establishment of an international coordinated monitoring are two of the current priorities.
Narrative meaning-making at the crossroads between life and death: a qualitative study into contemplating literary texts with advanced cancer patients.
Authors: van Poecke Niels , Scherer-Rath Michael , Weeseman Yvonne , Bood Zoë , Christophe Nirav , Dörr Henny , de Vos-Geelen Judith , Beeker Aart , de Klerk Gerty , Bras Eric , Vlug Hugo , Bossink Frans , Savelkoul Frans , Timmermans Liesbeth M. , Helmich Esther , Sprangers Mirjam A. G. , van Laarhoven Hanneke W. M.
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Advanced cancer patients may perceive their disease as an experience of contingency: a (sudden) disruption of the life-narrative evoking existential concerns such as loss of meaning and identity. The research project In Search of Stories aimed to investigate whether and how reading and discussing literary texts assisted participants in integrating their diagnosis as the experience of contingency into their life-narrative.

Methods

This qualitative study reports on interviews with 25 advanced cancer patients, who read a story from a curated collection of 10 literary texts. They discussed the story with a spiritual caregiver, using a reading guide to structure the conversation. The interviews were thematically analyzed using template analysis.

Results

Participants identified with contingency experiences and related existential concerns presented in the texts, including loss of meaning and identity, bodily alienation, and social estrangement. Reading and discussing literary texts also enabled participants to engage in self-regulation; in exploring how to relate to devalued emotions and attitudes, and in further developing their identity post-diagnosis.

Conclusions

A structured reading of literary texts revolving around contingency experiences enables advanced cancer patients to identify with and articulate emotions, attitudes, and existential concerns such as loss of meaning and identity. This allows them to break down barriers in talking about their illness experiences and to transition towards acceptance of their diagnosis as the experience of contingency.

Implications for Cancer Survivors

Reading and discussing literary texts about contingency may support people with advanced cancer to integrate their own experience of contingency into the life-narrative.
Procedural and Functional Sources of Trust in Police in Pakistan
Authors: Hassan Bilal
Published: February 2025

Police in Pakistan is one of the least trusted institutions, yet limited research has explored the underlying causes of this distrust. This study examines trust in police in the provinces of Punjab (Lahore) and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP; Peshawar) using performance and procedural justice frameworks. Based on survey data collected in 2016 from individuals with direct interactions with the police, the study investigates factors influencing public trust in these provinces, which have adopted distinct policing approaches. The findings show that procedural evaluations, such as satisfaction with investigation time, access to information, and adherence to human rights, are strong predictors of trust in police in both provinces. However, functional evaluations, including the ability to detect crimes, prevent crime, and apprehend criminals, significantly influence trust only in KP. The trust model performs better in KP, where the police benefit from greater administrative autonomy and reduced political interference compared to Punjab. These findings underscore that police reforms, such as depoliticization and administrative autonomy, are essential for improving police performance and fostering public trust.
Psychometric properties of the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS) in the general Romanian population and professionals working with autistic students
Authors: Iacob Claudia Iuliana , Dumitru Tabacaru Cristina , Yildiz Mustafa , Folostina Ruxandra
Published: February 2025

This study aimed to translate the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS) into the Romanian language and to examine its psychometric properties on two samples: the general adult population (N = 508) and specialists working with autistic students (N = 204). Specifically, we assessed construct validity, convergent validity with overall well-being and life satisfaction, divergent validity with prodromal symptoms and general health status, test-retest reliability at two weeks, and social desirability bias. The Romanian WEMWBS demonstrated robust construct, convergent, and divergent validity, supported by good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.90 for the general population and 0.91 for professionals) and two-week test-retest reliability. These results are similar to those reported for samples from other countries. Despite concerns about social desirability bias, the study revealed no evidence of respondents consciously providing socially desirable answers, although a slight tendency toward unconsciously favourable responses was observed. Caution is warranted in generalising the results due to age- and gender-related sample limitations. In conclusion, the Romanian WEMWBS is a valid tool for assessing mental well-being, offering cross-cultural applicability and the potential for methodological comparisons across various professional groups.
Adapting the generic conspiracist beliefs scale into Turkish and its relationship between critical thinking, information literacy, and media literacy in prospective teachers: a mixed study
Authors: Uygur Muhammed Eren , Çinpolat Enes
Published: February 2025

Conspiracy theories have gained increasing attention in recent years, particularly in education, as they influence individuals’ decision-making and attitudes. To address this issue, we aim to adapt the Generic Conspiracist Beliefs Scale (GCBS) into Turkish and explore its relationship with critical thinking, information literacy, and media literacy among prospective teachers in Türkiye. In the first phase, we validated the Turkish version of the GCBS by administering it to a sample of 637 adults. After the validation, we employed a mixed-methods explanatory sequential design to gain a deeper understanding of the relationships between these constructs. In the quantitative phase, we administered the GCBS, along with scales measuring critical thinking, information literacy, and media literacy, to 406 prospective teachers. The findings revealed a low-level positive but significant relationship between conspiracy beliefs and self-reported critical thinking scores. However, we found no significant relationship between conspiracy beliefs and the objective critical thinking test. Additionally, we identified a low-level positive correlation between conspiracy beliefs and literacy skills (both information and media literacy), suggesting that individuals with stronger conspiracy beliefs may also have slightly higher literacy skills, though the relationship remains weak. In the qualitative phase, we conducted focus group discussions with 12 volunteer participants selected from the top 25% of the sample based on their critical thinking and conspiracy belief scores. Focus group discussions revealed that prospective teachers with tendencies toward believing conspiracy theories had distorted perceptions of critical thinking and literacy skills, despite identifying as critical thinkers. Their interest in conspiracy theories generally stemmed from epistemic curiosity. Also, they indicated that they may struggle to maintain neutrality in educational settings, often reinforcing conspiratorial thinking outside class. This mindset may blur the line between fact and belief, undermining the credibility of the educational environment.
The role of self-compassion in the relationship of posttraumatic stress disorder with posttraumatic growth in Kahramanmaraş earthquakes survivors: a year on
Authors: Çağış Zafer Güney , Akçe İslam
Published: February 2025

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and posttraumatic growth (PTG) are two common posttraumatic reactions that may co-exist in individuals exposed to or witnessing an earthquake. There are a limited number of studies examining some mediating variables, such as self-efficacy and resilience in the relationship between PTSD and PTG in individuals exposed to traumatic experiences. However, these studies were not carried out with earthquake survivors, and self-compassion was not considered as a mediating variable. Therefore, in order to close this gap in the literature, the current study aims to reveal the mediating role of self-compassion in the relationship between PTSD and PTG in Kahramanmaraş earthquakes survivors. The data of the study were collected from 317 survivors of the February 6 earthquakes in Turkey (78.2% females), aged 18 and 52 (Mean = 24.12 ± 6.28). The results have indicated that PTSD was negatively correlated with self-compassion, whereas positively correlated with PTG. Self-compassion was found to be positively associated with PTG. More importantly, the findings have also revealed the mediating effect of self-compassion in the relationship between PTSD and PTG after controlling for gender, age, educational level, and marital status. The findings shed light on our understanding that self-compassion may not only play a protective role against the negative consequences of traumatic events, but also may be an effective mechanism in the transformation of PTSD into PTG. Moreover, the findings of the study have suggested that focusing on self-compassion may be functional for intervention programs aiming to prevent PTSD symptoms and increase PTG in earthquake victims.
The Role of Neuroinflammation and Network Anomalies in Drug-Resistant Epilepsy
Authors: Shi Jianwei , Xie Jing , Li Zesheng , He Xiaosong , Wei Penghu , Sander Josemir W , Zhao Guoguang
Published: February 2025

Epilepsy affects over 50 million people worldwide. Drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) accounts for up to a third of these cases, and neuro-inflammation is thought to play a role in such cases. Despite being a long-debated issue in the field of DRE, the mechanisms underlying neuroinflammation have yet to be fully elucidated. The pro-inflammatory microenvironment within the brain tissue of people with DRE has been probed using single-cell multimodal transcriptomics. Evidence suggests that inflammatory cells and pro-inflammatory cytokines in the nervous system can lead to extensive biochemical changes, such as connexin hemichannel excitability and disruption of neurotransmitter homeostasis. The presence of inflammation may give rise to neuronal network abnormalities that suppress endogenous antiepileptic systems. We focus on the role of neuroinflammation and brain network anomalies in DRE from multiple perspectives to identify critical points for clinical application. We hope to provide an insightful overview to advance the quest for better DRE treatments.
Public education data at the crossroads of public and private value creation: Orchestration tensions and stakeholder visions in Germany’s emerging national digital education ecosystem
Authors: Degen Konrad , Lutzens Rick , Beschorner Paul , Lucke Ulrike
Published: February 2025

Accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, private EdTech companies and emerging digital education ecosystems have significantly reshaped digital governance in education. This shift has pressured governments into rapid digital transformation while also raising concerns about increasing inequalities, fueled by a data-driven approach to teaching and learning. The public education debate increasingly calls for tighter data regulations, alternatives to private sector dominance, and digital education offerings by traditional education actors that create value in the digital realm. Responding to these pressures, the German government develops a national digital education ecosystem (NDEE) to guide this transformation. Using data from 10 semi-structured interviews, a stakeholder survey (n = 121), and three stakeholder workshops with in total of 80 participants, our mixed-method research contributes to the discourse on digital education governance and the creation of public data ecosystems. We identify 19 orchestration tensions, aggregated into four tension groups, shed light on education stakeholders’ preferences, and identify with the three ecosystem vision models: “Education Interconnectivity Infrastructure,” “Public Education Space,” and the “Public–Private Education Marketplace.” These findings underscore the importance of a coherent ecosystem vision that balances public and private interests, leads the foundation for ecosystem governance, and aligns the ecosystem’s scope with government orchestration capabilities. We offer valuable insights for researchers and policymakers working toward a government-orchestrated national digital education ecosystem.
Effects on structural properties of doping zinc into Sn2Ba(Cu2−xZnx)2Oy ceramics
Authors: Büyükakkaş S. , Ünlüer Ş.
Published: February 2025

The study manifests the effects of different amounts of Zn doping on the structure of the nano ZnO-doped Sn2Ba(Cu2−xZnx)2Oy [x = 0.0,0.4,0.8,1.0] compounds synthesized by the solid state-reaction method. The structural changes in the produced materials have been characterized by differential thermal analysis (DTA), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction spectrometry (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) methods. In the DTA analysis, while the endotherm was observed at 860 C in the pure material, the endotherms were at 810 and 880 C in the doped S10 material. The microstructure and surface morphology of pure and doped samples were analyzed using the SEM imaging method. SEM images show that the porous structure expected in Sn-based ceramics decreases and the grain size increases with the amount of Zn doping. XRD data were used to examine the crystal structures and determine the crystal phases. The effect of the ZnO dopant amount on phase transition was revealed. When the XRD peaks of the pure and doped samples are examined, it is seen that the lattice structures of both contain orthorhombic and tetragonal unit cells. It is determined Zn doping disrupts the structure of the orthorhombic 212 phase and has a positive effect on the development of the tetragonal 211 phase. It is determined that variation in the a, b, and c lattice parameters calculated using XRD data of Zn-doped materials is not monotonous. XRD analysis showed that the samples have Pmmm for the orthorhombic crystal structure and P4/mmm symmetry for the tetragonal crystal structure.
The Use of Advanced Technologies and Novel Processes for Metallurgical Study of Metal Objects Retrieved from Shipwrecks
Authors: Ashkenazi D. , Cvikel D.
Published: February 2025

The metallurgical characterization of artefacts from shipwrecks requires a multidisciplinary approach. To preserve them, advanced non-destructive testing (NDT) techniques are preferred to destructive techniques to minimize any potential damage. Characterizing ancient objects provides valuable insights into past life and technology, offering crucial information about the ship itself. Here, we describe innovative techniques developed for NDT of copper-alloy and ferrous artefacts retrieved from shipwrecks. Several case studies illustrate the advantages of employing advanced methods of multifocal light microscopy, field multifocal metallography, and chemical cleaning and conservation techniques. The analyses revealed details about the composition, microstructure, and manufacturing processes of the items, while also contributing to their dating. The results from NDT methods were consistent with those obtained from destructive methods. These approaches can enhance our understanding of metal artefacts recovered from both marine and terrestrial environments.
Block structures, g.a.c.s. approximation, and distributions
Authors: Adriani Andrea , Schiavoni-Piazza Alec Jacopo Almo , Serra-Capizzano Stefano
Published: February 2025

In the present note, we consider the problem of identifying the singular value and eigenvalue distribution in the Weyl sense of block matrix-sequences with rectangular Toeplitz blocks. Using recent results regarding the notion of generalized approximating class of sequences, we arrive to prove general results, which suggest practical preconditioning strategies for dealing with the fast solution of related large linear systems.
2D Undulated Metal Hydrogen-Bonded Organic Frameworks with Self-Adaption Interlayered Sites for Highly Efficient C–C Coupling in the Electrocatalytic CO2 Reduction
Authors: Lv Jianning , Li Wenrui , Li Shuai , Xu Shuo , Lv Zunhang , Zhu Zhejiaji , Dai Lu , Wang Bo , Li Pengfei
Published: February 2025

The hydrogen-bonded organic frameworks (HOFs) as a new type of porous framework materials have been widely studied in various areas. However, the lack of appropriate active sites, low intrinsic conductivity, and poor stability limited their performance in the field of electrocatalysis. Herein, we designed two 2D metal hydrogen-bonded organic frameworks (2D–M–HOF, M = Cu2+ or Ni2+) with coordination compounds based on 2,3,6,7,14,15-hexahydroxyl cyclotricatechylene and transition metal ions (Cu2+ and Ni2+), respectively. The crystal structure of 2D–Cu–HOF is determined by continuous rotation electron diffraction, indicating an undulated 2D hydrogen-bond network with interlayered π-π stacking. The flexible structure of 2D–M–HOF leads to the formation of self-adaption interlayered sites, resulting in superior activity and selectivity in the electrocatalytic conversion of CO2 to C2 products, achieving a total Faradaic efficiency exceeding 80% due to the high-efficiency C–C coupling. The experimental results and density functional calculations verify that the undulated 2D–M–HOF enables the energetically favorable formation of *OCCHO intermediate. This work provides a promising strategy for designing HOF catalysts in electrocatalysis and related processes.