bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Toxicity assessment of collagen from Decapterus macarellus: a zebrafish model study
Authors: Wimalagunarathna Nipuna Deelaka , Gunathilake Varuni Karunika
Published: February 2025

Background

Collagen, derived from various biological sources, is crucial in supporting a range of physiological processes and developmental pathways. However, concerns have been raised regarding the potential teratogenic effects of collagen. The zebrafish (Danio rerio) model has emerged as a premier vertebrate model for investigating the impact of biomaterials on vertebrate development, both under normal and pathological conditions. The present study sought to assess the acute toxicity, developmental toxicity, cardiotoxicity, and teratogenic toxicity of fish collagen extracted from Decapterus macarellus fish species on various developmental parameters. Acid-solubilized collagen was extracted from D. macarellus, and zebrafish embryos (< 96 h) were subsequently exposed to varying collagen concentrations of 62.5 parts per million (ppm), 125 ppm, 250 ppm, 500 ppm, and 1000 ppm. Key developmental parameters, including survival rate, hatching rate, heart rate, and deviations in four apical points: embryo coagulation, lack of somite formation, non-detachment of the tail, and lack of heartbeat observations were recorded over a period of 0–96 h post-fertilization (hpf). Positive and negative controls were parallelly carried out analysing the results statistically with pairwise Kruskal–Wallis test followed by a Dunn pairwise test.

Results

The results indicated that the survival rate of zebrafish embryos ranged from 96.97 ± 5.25 to 82.28 ± 9.80% at 96 hpf across all tested collagen concentrations. No significant differences were observed (P > 0.05) compared to the negative control group or between the various treated concentrations. The hatching rate at 48 hpf and heart rates at 72 hpf and 96 hpf in the treated groups showed no significant variations compared to the negative control (P > 0.05). Furthermore, no abnormal changes were recorded in the four apical points; embryo coagulation, lack of somite formation, non-detachment of the tail, and lack of heartbeat in embryos, treated with collagen. All the observed results cumulatively indicated the nontoxic effect of collagen from D. macarellus on zebrafish embryo development.

Conclusions

The results confirm the extracted from D. macarellus is nontoxic and causes no teratogenic effects in zebrafish embryo development. It further validates the potential of using collagen as a biocompatible material, where non-toxicity and developmental safety are paramount.
Semi-airborne electromagnetic exploration of deep sulfide deposits with UAV-towed magnetometers - Part 2: Inversion Resolution analysis
Authors: Rochlitz Raphael , Günther Thomas , Kotowski Philipp Oliver , Becken Michael
Published: February 2025

Modern measurement systems for geophysical exploration are increasingly based on uncrewed aerial vehicles. For performing semi-airborne electromagnetics, they offer a cost-efficient alternative to helicopters as carrier for receiver systems with reduced logistical efforts and a greater flexibility in survey layouts. We present inversion results of controlled-source electromagnetic data recorded with two different sensors, a scalar and a vector magnetometer, acquired in two mining areas, namely, the Hope deposit in Namibia and the Poderosa mine in the Eastern Iberian pyrite belt, Spain. The scalar magnetometer is more sensitive at lower frequencies while the vector magnetometer is more sensitive at higher frequencies. The Hope demonstration site is easily accessible with almost no vegetation and topography, allowing for optimized regular survey layouts and dense data sets to cover the region of interest. In contrast, the Poderosa test site is characterized by poor accessibility, topographic undulations up to 300m, and thick vegetation. For simulating and inverting scalar data projected to the local total magnetic field direction, we consider a resource-saving simulation approach using mesh rotation. We further extended the capabilities of the open-source tools custEM/pyGIMLi to invert the combined data sets of both receiver systems in both, 2.5D and 3D. As the two applied sensors are sensitive in different frequency ranges, combining the two data sets in inversion with a common frequency range of 1 to 1024 Hz provides the advantage of enhanced near-surface resolution together with investigation depths up to 1 kilometer. We assess the reliability of the inversion results by performing misfit and resolution analysis as well as comparing the inverted conductive zones with additional information about the two deposits. The results from both test sites demonstrate the capability of the proposed measurement design to recover comparatively small but elongated conductors associated with known massive sulfide deposits.
Improved Wigner distribution function for interference imaging location of microseismic events
Authors: Feng Liyuan , Li Huailiang , Li Binhong , He Jian , Wen Junnan , Zhao Xiangyun
Published: February 2025

Accurate and rapid event location is crucial for microseismic monitoring in hydraulic fracturing. We present an improved Wigner distribution function (WDF) to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of the interferometric imaging location method. Unlike traditional approaches, our strategy processes cross-correlation stacked images directly in the spatial domain and employs WDF for focusing, thus eliminating the need for complex waveform polarity correction and significantly simplifying the computation process. During the imaging process, an adaptive weighting function is designed to effectively suppress energy artifacts and optimize the energy focusing of the source location. Additionally, to enhance spatial resolution, we develop an adaptive window function based on Gaussian distribution, which adjusts the window's standard deviation to flexibly meet different imaging requirements. Synthetic data test results demonstrate that the proposed method achieves a smaller absolute location error compared to the traveltime inversion (TTI), single correlation stacking (SCS), and cross-correlation phase weighting (CCPW) approaches. Moreover, the average processing time of the developed method is only 0.86 s, which is 15.69% faster than TTI and 68.52% faster than the CCPW method. Test results using real data further confirm that the developed method achieves location errors that are 81.12%, 78.73%, and 50.53% better than the average location errors of the SCS, CCPW, and TTI methods, respectively.
A brief critique of the pseudo-diagnosis ‘complex emotional needs’
Authors: Porter Hat , Edwards Bethan , Head Nell , Smith Jee
Published: February 2025

‘Complex emotional needs’ has emerged in the UK as a label to refer to individuals given a diagnosis of a personality disorder. We argue that this name change is insufficient to address the harms associated with the personality disorder construct; rather, it risks broadening its scope, and thereby the construct’s harms.
The 95% Effective Duration of Music for Anxiolysis Before Elective Cesarean Delivery
Authors: Fong Tristan M. , Drzymalski Dan M.
Published: February 2025

BACKGROUND:

Music can be used in the perioperative period as a nonpharmacological intervention to reduce anxiety, but how long it should be played to be effective is unknown. The goal of this study was to determine the 95% effective duration (ED95) of music of different subtypes for anxiolysis in parturients awaiting elective cesarean delivery. It was hypothesized that the overall ED95 would be <15 minutes and similar between music groups.

METHODS:

A prospective, randomized, biased coin study was conducted at a major academic institution. Consented parturients undergoing elective cesarean delivery were randomly assigned to one of 2 music groups: preselected Mozart sonatas or patient preference. Music duration began at 4 minutes and was subsequently increased, decreased, or kept the same based on the previous subject’s response. Anxiety on a verbal scale of 0 to 10 and vital signs were compared pre-and postmusic. Successful intervention was defined as a decrease in anxiety by at least 1 point. Primary ED95 estimates with centered isotonic regressions (CIRs) were compared utilizing 83% confidence intervals (CI), while turning-point and simple means were compared with Student’s t tests for sensitivity analysis.

RESULTS:

A total of 57 pregnant women were approached and 40 agreed to participate. The mean age was 33 (standard deviation [SD] 5.1). Primary ED95 estimates by CIR were 6.8 (83% CI, 5.9–8.4) minutes and 6.7 (83% CI, 5.9–8.3) minutes for Mozart and personal preference music, respectively. Mean ED95 by CIR for any music type was 6.8 minutes. Mean immediate postintervention anxiety reduction with Mozart music was 1.7 (SD 1.4) and personal preference was 2.6 (SD 2.0). There were no significant changes in heart rate or blood pressure immediately after music.

CONCLUSIONS:

Playing music for <7 minutes is a versatile, effective, and low-risk method for anxiolysis in women awaiting elective cesarean delivery.
“The Undercurrent of Friction”
Authors: Nygren Joshua
Published: February 2025

This article examines the origins, contours, and consequences of a bitter bureaucratic rivalry within the US Department of Agriculture on the eve of New Deal soil conservation programs. The conflict, which pitted agricultural engineers against soil scientists and agronomists, served as a crucible for federal soil conservation. It emerged as these experts built the case that soil erosion could and should be controlled through state action. From the 1910s to the early 1930s, federal agencies and technicians developed reliable, practical erosion-control technologies, and they redefined erosion not as a private or regional matter but as a national concern demanding national attention. The feud also demonstrates how, contrary to popular belief, federalized soil conservation emerged prior to and independent of the Great Plains Dust Bowl. By the time dust storms captured the nation's attention in 1933, the question was no longer whether the federal government would act to control erosion but who would lead the effort.
Medicare at 60: Many Successes but More Work to Do
Authors: Garrett Bowen , Holahan John , Zuckerman Stephen
Published: February 2025

Enacted in 1965, Medicare enrolled its first beneficiaries in 1966. Medicare has provided access to health care for tens of millions of Americans aged 65 and older, as well as to younger individuals with disabilities. To mark its 60th anniversary, it is fitting to review Medicare's many accomplishments, as well as its problems, and highlight reforms that can extend and build on its legacy. The problems mainly relate to the financing challenges the program poses, for beneficiaries, taxpayers, and the federal budget, and the approach that has led to significant overpayments to private Medicare Advantage plans that now enroll over 50% of beneficiaries. This article reviews historic trends in enrollment and spending in Medicare, payment innovations the program created, how traditional Medicare has outperformed commercial insurers in controlling health care spending, and sources of overpayments in Medicare Advantage. Finally, the article highlights potential ways to fix Medicare's problems and promote its sustainability for future generations.
Medicare at 60: A Popular Program Facing Challenges
Authors: Neuman Tricia , Fuglesten Biniek Jean , Cubanski Juliette
Published: February 2025

As Medicare approaches its 60th anniversary, it almost goes without saying that the program is both popular and successful. Medicare provides health insurance coverage to 67 million older adults and people with disabilities. Medicare is viewed favorably by Democrats, Republicans, and Independents. Medicare has also helped to extend life expectancy and, in conjunction with the Civil Rights Act of 1964, narrow disparities in care. It is a vital source of revenue for hospitals, physicians and other health care providers, and health insurers and is an essential component of health and retirement security in the U.S. These are among the reasons why Medicare is often considered a third rail in politics. Medicare also faces challenges stemming from the growing role of private plans, demographic shifts, and rising health care costs. This paper examines these challenges by focusing on three fundamental questions. First, what are the implications of the transformation that is taking place with private insurers playing a more dominant role in providing Medicare benefits? Second, what changes may be important to address the gaps in covered benefits and related affordability challenges? Third, how can Medicare be sustained to finance care for current and future generations?
Ownership Concentration and Strategic Supply Reduction
Authors: Doraszelski Ulrich , Seim Katja , Sinkinson Michael , Wang Peichun
Published: February 2025

We explore the implications of ownership concentration for the recently concluded incentive auction that repurposed spectrum from broadcast TV to mobile broadband usage in the United States. We document significant multilicense ownership of TV stations. We show that in the reverse auction, in which TV stations bid to relinquish their licenses, multilicense owners have an incentive to withhold some TV stations to drive up prices for their remaining TV stations. Using a large-scale valuation and simulation exercise, we find that this strategic supply reduction increases payouts to TV stations by between 13.5 percent and 42.4 percent. (D44, D47, H82, L13, L82, L88)
Mortgage Pricing and Monetary Policy
Authors: Benetton Matteo , Gavazza Alessandro , Surico Paolo
Published: February 2025

This paper examines how central bank policies influence mortgage pricing in the United Kingdom. It shows that lenders price discriminate by offering two-part tariffs of interest rates and origination fees, and during unconventional monetary policies like the Funding for Lending Scheme, lenders reduced interest rates while increasing fees. Using a model of mortgage demand and lender competition, we find that central bank policies increased mortgage lending. Additionally, banning origination fees would reduce lending, as fees help lenders capture surplus while allowing them to price discriminate across borrowers with different sensitivities to rates and fees. (JEL E43, E52, E58, G21, G28, R31)
Do Ordeals Work for Selection Markets? Evidence from Health Insurance Auto-Enrollment
Authors: Shepard Mark , Wagner Myles
Published: February 2025

Are application hassles, or “ordeals,” an effective way to limit public program enrollment? We provide new evidence by studying (removal of) an auto-enrollment policy for health insurance, adding an extra step to enroll. This minor ordeal has a major impact, reducing enrollment by 33 percent and differentially excluding young, healthy, and economically disadvantaged people. Using a simple model, we show adverse selection—a classic feature of insurance markets—undermines ordeals’ standard rationale of excluding low-value individuals since they are also low-cost and may not be inefficient. Our analysis illustrates why ordeals targeting is unlikely to work well in selection markets. (JEL D82, G22, H75, I13, I18)
Assessing the Predictive Power of Self-Care and Psychological Flow on Occupational Stress in Nurses
Authors: Salem Almahaireh Abdallah , Suhail  Shawaqfeh Baha'
Published: February 2025

Background The nursing workforce is crucial in healthcare systems worldwide and contributes to community well-being. also, Nurses experience numerous psychological, social, emotional, and behavioral shocks and challenges in their work. In Jordan, 43% of doctors and nurses suffer from high levels of burnout, around 55% experience high levels of emotional exhaustion, and 33% of doctors and nurses suffer from high levels of psychological pressure and job stress. Others found that 70% of nurses experience stress. these issues can be reduced by practicing self-care and psychological flow which impact in work-related tasks which are important in effectively addressing occupational stress healthily and soundly. This study aims to determine assessing the predictive power of self-care and psychological flow in occupational stress among nurses Methods This study follows the quantitative technique. sample consisting of 476 nurses in Amman Jordan was chosen. Three scales were adapted to meet the study objectives: Occupational stress scale, Self-care scale, and psychological flow scale. There validity and reliability were checked. Results The study results indicate that self-care and psychological flow levels were low with means of 2.32 and 2.13, while the occupational stress level was high with a mean of 3.91. Also, there are a predictive power of self-care and psychological flow in occupational stress among nurses. Conclusions This study shows that of self-care and psychological flow predict occupational stress among nurses, which helps us to manage the occupational stress among them by giving them self-care and psychological flow practices and healing time during work by group counseling and lectures.
Research on Olympic medal prediction based on GA-BP and logistic regression model
Authors: Zhao Sanglin , Cao Jikang , Steve Jackon
Published: February 2025

Background Predicting the number and distribution of Olympic medals in the future has become a hot topic, but predicting the number of Olympic medals is not easy and requires comprehensive consideration of multiple factors such as historical data, athlete performance, and host country effects. Method This article uses the GA-BP algorithm model, combined with genetic algorithm (GA) and backpropagation neural network (BPNN), to optimize the weights and bias parameters of the BP neural network using the global search capability of genetic algorithm, thereby improving training efficiency and prediction performance. By estimating the number of Olympic gold medals and total medals, verifying the accuracy of the model, and predicting the medal table for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Meanwhile, based on the synthetic control model, Estonia and China were selected as research subjects to construct a virtual control group and two experimental groups for analysis. Result The experimental results showed that Estonia and China won more medals with a head coach than without one. In 1992, Estonia won 1 gold medal and 2 bronze medals under the guidance of excellent coaches, indicating the significant role of head coaches in improving athletes’ performance. Conclusion This study provides valuable insights for the decision-making of the Olympic Committee, revealing key factors in medal distribution, optimizing the allocation of national strategic resources, and predicting the performance of countries at future Olympic Games.
Toward person-centred measures of contraceptive demand: a systematic review of the relationship between intentions to use and actual use of contraception.
Authors: Boydell Victoria , Wright Kelsey Quinn , Elnakib Shatha , Galavotti Christine
Published: February 2025

Background Understanding people’s interest in using modern contraception is critical to ensuring programs align with people’s preferences and needs. Current measures of demand for contraception are misinterpreted. More direct measures of intention to use (ITU) contraception do exist but remain underexplored. This systematic review examines the relationship between intention to use and actual use of contraception. Methods We searched PubMed, PsycInfo, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Collaboration to identify studies published from 1975-2020 that: (1) examined contraceptive behaviour, (2) included measures of ITU and future contraceptive use, and (3) included at least one quantitative measure of association between ITU and actual use. The inclusion criteria were: 1) examined contraceptive behaviour (excluding condom use only), (2) included disaggregated integral measures of ITU contraceptives and later contraceptive use, (3) included at least one quantitative measure of the association between ITU contraceptives and actual contraceptive use, (4) study population was women of reproductive age, (5) were peer-reviewed, and (6) written in English. Results 10 prospective cohort studies met the inclusion criteria; these provided 28,749 person-years of data (N=10,925). Although we could pool the data for unadjusted odds ratios, a metanalysis was not possible. We calculated that 6 of the 10 studies indicated significant, increased, unadjusted odds of subsequent contraceptive use after reporting ITU. Of those, 3 study analyses reported significant, positive adjusted odds ratios for the relationship between intention to use and later contraceptive use across varying covariates. The range of confounding factors, particularly around sub-populations, points to the need for more research so that a meta-analysis can be done in the future. Conclusions People’s self-reported ITU contraception has the potential to be a strong predictor of subsequent contraceptive use. Few studies directly examined the relationship between ITU and contraceptive uptake and recruitment was primarily pregnant or postpartum samples.
High Current Accelerator-driven Neutron Sources - The HBS project for a next generation neutron facility
Authors: Gutberlet Thomas , Baggemann Johannes , Brückel Thomas , Li Jingjing , Lieutenant Klaus , Mauerhofer Eric , Rücker Ulrich , Voigt Jörg , Zakalek Paul , Felden Olaf , Gebel Ralf , Lehrach Andreas , Hanslik Romuald , Beßler Yannick , Meusel Oliver , Podlech Holger
Published: February 2025

Background Research with neutrons is usually related to the use of fission-based research reactors or neutron spallation sources to offer neutron beams for science and industry. In recent years a novel way for the production of brilliant cold, thermal, and epithermal neutron beams has emerged with the availability of high current proton accelerator systems. These “High-Current Accelerator-driven Neutron Sources” (HiCANS) offer pulsed neutron beams with high peak brilliance close to present day neutron sources. Methods A project was launched at the Jülich Centre for Neutron Science for the development, design and demonstration of such an innovative high-current accelerator driven neutron source termed “High-Brilliance neutron Source” (HBS). The aim of the project is to construct a scalable neutron source as a user facility. The basic technical components consist of i) a high current proton accelerator with a proton energy below 100 MeV, ii) a compact neutron target, moderator and reflector unit and iii) a neutron extracting, and transport system optimized for neutron beams with high brilliance to serve a suite of high performing instruments with epithermal, thermal and cold neutrons for various applications. Results and Conclusions The HBS project will offer open access and services to the various and changing demands the scientific and also the industrial community asks for. The project offers flexible solutions to a broadest scale of applications in science and industry. The conceptual design of HBS as well as the technical design was published recently in a series of reports as blueprint of a HiCANS facility. HBS will complement and develop further the landscape of high-end neutron facilities in Europe. In addition, HBS will allow intense training and preparation for experiments at the highest level at flagship European neutron sources such as the ILL or, in the future, at the ESS.
A modified decontamination and storage method for sputum from patients with tuberculosis
Authors: Le Quang Nguyen , Dang Anh Thu Do , Pham Tien Trieu Le , Hong Hanh Nguyen , Huu Lan Nguyen , Thi Minh Ha Dang , Thwaites Guy , Thuy Thuong Thuong Nguyen , Walker Timothy M.
Published: February 2025

Background Collecting and storing large number of sputum samples with a view to culturing these in the future requires an efficient initial handling method. We devised a modified sputum digestion and decontamination method that maximised storage capacity and Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) recovery from culture while minimising laboratory workload and risk of contamination. Methods We collected smear microscopy positive sputum samples from patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). The sputum samples were split and processed using both the standard N-Acetyl-L-cysteine and sodium hydroxide (NALC-NaOH) method and our modified method before freezing and later culturing in BD BACTEC 960 Mycobacterium Growth Indicator Tubes (MGIT) system. We assessed the Time to Positivity (TPP) and Growth Unit (GU) data. Results We selected 22 sputum samples to compare two digestion and decontamination methods. The samples that underwent the modified method had longer TTP (p < 0.05) but similar GU in comparison to standard method. Overall, 1/22 samples failed to grow in MGIT after being processed by the modified method. We then applied the modified method to 348 sputum samples with Rifampicin resistance detected by GeneXpert MTB/RIF assay, which were frozen for between 1–25 months. The overall MGIT positive, negative, and contamination rate was 90.5%, 7.8%, and 1.7%, respectively. There was no significant difference in MGIT result when samples were grouped by duration of storage or positive smear grade. Conclusions Our modified method yielded acceptable M.tb recovery rate and low contamination risk while allowing us to collect and store thousands of sputum samples over a long period of time for future tests.
The Strong Maximum Circulation Algorithm: A New Method for Aggregating Preference Rankings
Authors: Atkinson Nathan , Ganz Scott , Hochbaum Dorit , Orlin James
Published: February 2025

We present a new optimization-based method for aggregating preferences in settings in which each voter expresses preferences over pairs of alternatives. Our approach to identifying a consensus partial order is motivated by the observation that collections of votes that form a cycle can be treated as collective ties. Our approach then removes unions of cycles of votes, or circulations, from the vote graph and determines aggregate preferences from the remainder. Specifically, we study the removal of maximal circulations attained by any union of cycles the removal of which leaves an acyclic graph. We introduce the strong maximum circulation, the removal of which guarantees a unique outcome in terms of the induced partial order, called the strong partial order. The strong maximum circulation also satisfies strong complementary slackness conditions and is shown to be solved efficiently as a network flow problem. We further establish the relationship between the dual of the maximum circulation problem and Kemeny’s method, a popular optimization-based approach for preference aggregation. We also show that identifying a minimum maximal circulation—that is, a maximal circulation containing the smallest number of votes—is an NP-hard problem. Further, an instance of the minimum maximal circulation may have multiple optimal solutions whose removal results in conflicting partial orders.

Funding: D. Hochbaum’s research is supported in part by AI institute National Science Foundation award 2112533.
Certainty-Equivalent Pricing with Dependent Demand and Limited Price-Changing Opportunities
Authors: Ahn Hyun-Soo , Thomas Ryan Christopher , Uichanco Joline , Zhang Mengzhenyu
Published: February 2025

When underlying demand follows a complex stochastic process, pricing problems are difficult to solve. In such cases, certainty equivalent ( CE ) policies, based on the solution to the deterministic relaxation of the stochastic pricing problem, can be used as practical alternatives. CE policies have lighter computational and informational requirements compared with solving the problem to optimality. Although the effectiveness of CE pricing policies has been theoretically studied when demands are independent, performance is not well known when demands are state-dependent and price-changing opportunities are limited. This paper analyzes the performance of CE policies in a pricing problem where future demand depends on sales and inventory, and the firm has limited opportunities to change prices. We show that CE policies are asymptotically optimal; as the problem scale (denoted by m) becomes large, the percentage revenue loss decreases at the rate of [Formula: see text]. We also extend the result to the joint pricing and (initial) inventory problem.
Tecnologias Informacionais: As repercussões das TICs nas Redes Sociais e a Ofensa aos Direitos da Personalidade
Authors: Caires Moreira Mayume , Pereira Siqueira Dirceu
Published: February 2025

O presente artigo tem por escopo analisar os impactos da incorporação/utilização das Tecnologias de Informação e Comunicação (TICs) nas redes sociais e nos direitos da personalidade. Dentro da conjectura informacional vivenciada nos últimos séculos a informação e a comunicação tornaram-se fonte de produtividade e riqueza, e possuem como base as TICs. Estas podem ser definidas como um conjunto de tecnologias utilizadas para produzir e disseminar informações. As tecnologias informacionais, otimizadas pelo avanço da Internet, possibilitaram a interação de indivíduos de diversas localidades, bem como transformaram o processo de disseminação da informação e do conhecimento. Atualmente os usuários das redes sociais, tais como Facebook, Instagram, Twitter e Whatsapp, possuem papel ativo na atividade de gerar e propagar informações. Deste modo, por meio do método hipotético- dedutivo, essencialmente bibliográfico realizado por meio da pesquisa de artigos e livros acerca da temática, coletados nas bases dados: EBSCOhost, google acadêmico, SSRN, banco de teses e dissertações da USP, SCIELO e o portal de periódicos da CAPES, constatou-se que as transformações e a incorporação em massa das Tecnologias da Informação e Comunicação (TICs) impactam de forma positiva e negativa a esfera personalíssima das pessoas e podem violar direitos inerentes e imprescindíveis ao livre desenvolvimento da pessoa em sociedade.
Violência obstétrica contra a mulher e o Caso Alyne Pimentel
Authors: Alves de Souza Lima Carolina , De Sales França Rayssa
Published: February 2025

O presente artigo tem como objetivo específico analisar como o Sistema Internacional de Proteção dos Direitos Humanos tem atuado diante das violências, com destaque à violência obstétrica, contra as mulheres no Brasil, no caso emblemático Alyne Pimentel perante o Comitê Cedaw. Por meio da abordagem metodológica qualitativa da pesquisa, foi utilizado o método explicativo, com análise de conteúdo, pesquisa bibliográfica e documental, no intuito de analisar a referida decisão. Conclui-se pela relevância e pelo ineditismo da decisão do Comitê Cedaw, no sentido de reconhecer a falha do Estado brasileiro em garantir os cuidados médicos adequados a Alyne e sua família, assim como pelo reconhecimento da interseccionalidade das violências vividas por Alyne, mulher negra e pobre, que foi a óbito em razão da violência obstétrica.
Strategies for facilitating support, self-care, and well-being of research team members studying sexual assault: 30 years of lessons learned
Authors: Ullman Sarah E.
Published: February 2025

This article covers the author’s experiences conducting sexual assault research for 30 years using both quantitative and qualitative methods. Lessons learned while doing this research and strategies for self-care, including processing one’s experience in the research context and managing research teams with undergraduate and graduate research assistants are described. I draw on experiences of other researchers and clinical research findings in the area of vicarious trauma, secondary traumatic stress and ways of coping and seeking/providing support. Topics include selecting research team members, training and mentoring activities, providing relevant research and self-help reading materials, setting boundaries and role modelling self-care, checking in with team members regularly to see whether they need changes in work tasks, breaks, and/or other support including talking about experiences of working on gender-based violence (GBV) research. Normalising these impacts and providing spaces for student researchers and faculty to support each other and talk about their experiences and seek outside help from campus and community centres and agencies are also discussed. Career and life stage issues are addressed regarding how one’s research life is impacted by one’s personal life and vice versa. The need for research on sexual assault researchers and survivor researchers in particular is also mentioned.
PPT: A Point Patch Transformer for Point Cloud Classification
Authors: Wang Lin , Deng Hao , li sisi , Liu Cheng
Published: February 2025

With the success of Transformers in natural language processing and 2D computer vision, their application has extended to 3D point cloud understanding, yielding promising results. However, due to the inherent unordered nature of point cloud data, it cannot be easily partitioned into fixed-size patches as in 2D images. Consequently, most existing point cloud classification methods apply attention locally, neglecting the global context that attention mechanisms can offer. This limitation hinders the model’s ability to capture long-range dependencies within the point cloud.
To overcome this challenge, we propose the Point Patch Transformer (PPT), which applies standard attention mechanisms to the entire point cloud, facilitating the capture of long-range contextual relationships. The proposed method first partitions the irregular point cloud into non-overlapping patches via the proposed novel Points2Patches (P2P) algorithm, treating these patches as tokens. These tokens are then processed through a standard attention block. Additionally, to enhance local feature extraction, we introduce a position encoding based on local attention that aggregates information from neighboring points. Experimental results on the ScanObjectNN and ModelNet40 datasets demonstrate the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed approach.
“A man never cries”: A mixed-methods analysis of gender differences in depression and alcohol use in Moshi, Tanzania
Authors: Pauley Alena , Buono Mia , Metcalf Madeline , West Kirstin , Rent Sharla , Nkenguye William , Sawe Yvonne , Mikindo Mariana , Kilasara Joseph , Boshe Judith , Knettel Brandon A. , Mmbaga Blandina T. , Staton Catherine A.
Published: February 2025

Globally, gender differences are well-documented in alcohol use behaviors and MDD, yet these remain understudied in Moshi, Tanzania. Understanding gender-specific nuances of these conditions is crucial for developing effective and culturally appropriate mental health treatments. This study aims to investigate gender differences in MDD, alcohol use, and other aspects of mental well-being among patients at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre (KCMC). Six hundred and seventy-six patients presenting for care at the KCMC Emergency Department (ED) and Reproductive Health Centre (RHC) were enrolled between October 2021 and May 2022. Patients were selected through systematic random sampling and completed quantitative surveys, including the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) and the Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9). Nineteen patients were purposively chosen from the study population for in-depth interviews (IDIs) exploring alcohol use, gender, and depression. ANOVA, chi-squared tests, adjusted log-binomial regressions, and a linear regression model were used to analyze quantitative data in RStudio. A grounded theory approach was used to analyze all IDIs in NVivo. Average [SD] PHQ-9 scores were 7.22 [5.07] for ED women, 4.91 [4.11] for RHC women, and 3.75 [4.38] among ED men. ED women held the highest prevalence of MDD (25%) compared to RHC women (11%) and ED men (7.9%) (p < 0.001). Depressive symptoms were associated with higher AUDIT scores for ED men (R2 = 0.11, p < 0.001). Qualitative analysis showed that while present for women, social support networks were notably absent for men, playing a role in alcohol use. For men, alcohol was described as a coping mechanism for stress. Intersectionality of gender, alcohol use, and depression is influenced by sociocultural and behavioral norms in Moshi. As such, multi-layered, gender-differentiated programming should be considered for the treatment of substance use and mental health conditions in this region.
Time-consistent robust investment-reinsurance strategy with common shock dependence under CEV model
Authors: Li Lu , Qiu Zhijian
Published: February 2025

This paper investigates the optimal robust equilibrium investment and reinsurance strategy in a model with common shock dependent claims for an ambiguity-averse insurer (AAI). Suppose that the insurance company can purchase proportional reinsurance whose reinsurance premium is calculated by the expected value principle to disperse risks. The ambiguity-averse insurer’s wealth process have two dependent classes of insurance business and the surplus can be invested in a financial market composed of one risk-free asset and one risky asset, where the risky asset’s price is characterized by the constant elasticity of variance (CEV) model. Applying the game theory framework under the mean-variance criterion, the optimal investment reinsurance problem are derived. By adopting stochastic control theory and solving the corresponding extended Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman (HJB) equations, we obtain the robust optimal investment-reinsurance strategy and the corresponding equilibrium value function. Furthermore, some numerical examples are provided to illustrate the effects of model parameters on the optimal investment and reinsurance strategy.
Digital dynamics: British tabloids’ adaptation strategies online and in print
Authors: He Xiangyi , Conboy Martin
Published: February 2025

Tabloids are still thriving in the United Kingdom, but few studies have specifically explored the issue of how British tabloids have been affected by the digital turn. To the best of authors’ knowledge, no study has addressed what changes have taken place in the characteristics of tabloids in this emergent environment. This research therefore compares the digital manifestation of British tabloid newspapers with their analogue counterparts in order to ascertain whether online tabloids are adapting technology to amplify their print siblings’ traditional character, creating new features or becoming a digital tabloid hybrid. We selected two highly successful and representative online tabloids, Sun online and MailOnline, and their paper counterparts. The sample period for this study spans from 20 December 2021 to 20 February 2022, encompassing two months. The analysis aims to demonstrate how tabloids are adapting to the logic of the internet in order to maintain and even increase their commercial success. Conceptually, therefore, this research applies a discussion of tabloidization and includes more contemporary discussions of the place of tabloid newspapers and websites within the broader tabloid culture. It explores the changes in online tabloids compared with print tabloid newspapers through quantitative content analysis and qualitative interviews.
Crafting characters: Screenplay archives from a star-studies perspective (Love Is My Profession, Claude Autant-Lara, 1958)
Authors: Boillat Alain
Published: February 2025

This article aims to demonstrate the value of applying a star-studies approach to the examination of screenplay archives. This methodological framework is illustrated through a case study of the documents from the collection deposited by director Claude Autant-Lara at the Swiss National Film Archive that relate to the genesis of the film Love Is My Profession (1958). This film is notable for its cast, which includes two leading stars: Jean Gabin, an established actor associated with classical cinema for over two decades, and Brigitte Bardot, a rising icon of the French New Wave. The study reveals how the multiple screenplay variants for this adaptation of a Simenon novel, successively drafted by Autant-Lara, Jean Aurenche and Pierre Bost, were partly shaped by the involvement of these two stars, whose participation was planned from the project’s inception. Examining specific choices among the many possibilities envisioned highlights the significance of considering screenplays within a socio-historical perspective. This analysis draws on a rich collection of documents including, for example, scattered notes written day by day by the filmmaker, or letters exchanged between him and his producer, who insisted that the romance between the characters played by the two stars take centre stage.
Newer Coumarin-linked Heterocyclic Hybrids: Design, Synthesis and Biological Assessment as Possible Anti-Alzheimer Drugs
Authors: Sati Bhawana , Tyagi Alka , Anurag
Published: February 2025

As newer acetyl cholinesterase antagonists which could be effective in Alzheimer’s disease management, derivatives of 4-hydroxycoumarin were prepared. The 2-((2-oxo-2H-chromen-4-yl)oxy)-N-(pyridin-3-yl)acetamide derivative (4c) and 2-((2-oxo-2H-chromen-4-yl)oxy)-N-(pyridin-4-yl)acetamide (4d) showed the maximum AChE inhibition effect (IC50 = 0.957 ± 0.014 and 1.377 ± 0.018 mM, respectively) among the 16 coumarin-derived compounds evaluated against human acetylcholinesterase (hAChE). PHE 338 and HID 447 are responsible for ligand identification and trafficking by creating a polar π-π interaction with the pyridine ring of m-aminopyridine moiety according to the docking research of the most potent molecule 4c. Furthermore, the stabilization of the ligand in the active site may result in a stronger interdict of the enzyme by the development of a second hydrophobic π-π interaction between the phenyl ring of coumarin moiety and Trp 286 of the peripheral anionic site. In compound 4d, the coumarin moiety exhibited π-π stacking with amino acids (TYR 341 and TRP 286), hydrophobic interaction with TYR 72, pyridine ring of p-aminopyridine showed π-π stacking with TYR 124. The C=O group of coumarin ring formed a hydrogen bond with PHE 295 and the coumarin moiety also formed a hydrophobic interaction with PHE 297 at acyl binding pocket. The findings could be applied to the logical development of formidable and selective AChE inhibitors.
Synthesis and Characterization of Novel 1,2,3-Triazole linked Quinoline-based Thiazolidine-2,4-dione Derivatives as Potential Anticancer Agents and their Molecular Docking Studies
Authors: Sunkara Sreenivas , Kishore Ravada , Edigi Praveen Kumar , Jami Ananda Kumar , Sivaramakrishna Dokku
Published: February 2025

Novel hybrid molecules incorporating 1,2,3-triazole linked quinoline-based thiazolidine-2,4-dione derivatives (9a-l) were synthesized and validated through various 1H NMR, 13C NMR and ESI-MS. All the synthesized hybrid compounds were assessed for their anticancer activity against two cancer cell lines, MCF-7 and HEPG2, utilizing the MTT assay with doxorubicin as the standard reference drug. In comparison to the standard, compounds 9l, 9h, 9k, 9d and 9b exhibited superior activity against the tested cancer cell lines, MCF-7 and HEPG2. Additionally, molecular docking studies were conducted on the novel derivatives 9a-l against dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), revealing a correlation between the molecular docking results and the observed anticancer activity.
Intersecting Epidemics: Intimate Partner Violence, Stress, and Diabetes Among South Asian Women in the United States
Authors: Newton Bailey , Nagaraj Nitasha , Vyas Amita
Published: February 2025

South Asian women in the United States face disproportionate health challenges, including higher rates of intimate partner violence as well as higher rates of Type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes compared to other racial and ethnic groups. This cross-sectional study examines the association between intimate partner violence (psychological, physical, and sexual) and the diagnosis of gestational diabetes and type 2 diabetes. A web-based survey recruited 2,634 South Asian women in the U.S., collecting data on socio-demographics, intimate partner violence experiences, stress levels, and diabetes diagnosis. Logistic regression models adjusted for significant sociodemographic factors revealed that women with a history of intimate partner violence were 5.82 significantly more likely to report a type 2 diabetes diagnosis and 3.91 more likely to report a gestational diabetes diagnosis. Furthermore, stress as measured by the perceived stress scale, was also higher among women with intimate partner violence, potentially moderating the relationship between intimate partner violence and adverse health outcomes through cortisol dysregulation.

Despite high levels of educational attainment and employment, the prevalence of intimate partner violence was alarmingly high (66.7%), highlighting its pervasive impact on socioeconomic strata. These findings underscore the urgent need for culturally tailored interventions addressing intimate partner violence and its health consequences within South Asian communities. Further research is warranted to elucidate causal pathways and inform integrated public health strategies to mitigate disparities in chronic disease and intimate partner violence-related health outcomes.
The Relationship Between Abnormal Sleeping Patterns and ADHD
Authors: Davis Julia , Lampard James , Dsouza Allen
Published: February 2025

The objective of this focused literature review includes establishing and explaining the high correlation between sleep issues and ADHD. Through a systematic review of sources, a high correlation between sleep issues in those with ADHD was established with multiple theories lending explanation to this comorbidity. Neurological pathways in the brain already afflicted by the disorder of ADHD may cause direct effect on sleep pathways in their dysfunction. Other comorbid sleep conditions were found to occur in high frequency with ADHD however, a common etiology of these issues is yet to be established. The major conclusion of this study includes that there are multiple mechanisms through which sleep disturbances may be caused in ADHD patients, all of which must be considered in future research.
A two-column process for bispecific antibody purification based on MabSelect VL resin’s strong byproduct removal capability
Authors: Dong Wanyuan , Zhang Penglong , Wu Di , Wan Yan , Li Yifeng
Published: February 2025

Background: Protein L-conjugated resins are affinity media that bind to the variable region of the kappa light chain (LC) and have been used for initial product capture in the downstream processing of full-length antibodies and antibody fragments. Previous studies, including ours, have demonstrated that Protein L chromatography effectively separated various byproducts generated during the production of bispecific antibodies (bsAbs), including half-antibody, homodimer, LC-missing species, and aggregates. Cytiva recently launched its second-generation Protein L resin, MabSelect VL, which offers significantly improved binding capacity compared to its predecessor, Capto L. Objective: This study aimed to explore the feasibility of developing a two-column process, which includes MabSelect VL capture step and a polishing step, for purification of complex antibody molecules. Methods: We employed two bsAb cases to demonstrate that MabSelect VL’s enhanced byproduct removal capability allows for a potential two-column purification process. Results: For both bsAbs, the developed two-column process yielded a product with quality attributes comparable to those obtained using the traditional three-column process. Conclusion: The MabSelect VL-based two-column process can be successfully applied to bsAb purification. In addition, it should also be feasible with regular monoclonal antibodies, whose purification is generally less challenging than that of bsAbs. By reducing the downstream process from three columns to two columns, significant savings in terms of time, labor, and materials can be achieved.