bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intelligent vector-based path following guidance law for unmanned surface vehicles
Authors: Ünal Osman , Akkaş Nuri , Atalı Gökhan , Özkan Sinan Serdar
Published: November 2024

This study proposes a significant improvement on the classical vector field guidance law. The classical vector field method results in an imaginary number in some cases. In the numerical calculation, the imaginary part of the number is ignored in order to obtain a solution. Neglecting the imaginary part adversely impacts the optimization process, resulting in increased cross tracking errors. The first objective of this study is to modify the classical vector field method in order to obtain real numbers in all scenarios. Owing to this modification, cross tracking errors were reduced by 10% compared to the traditional vector field method. The second goal of this study is to incorporate the surrogate optimization technique into the guidance laws developed in this study (the modified vector field and the robust vector field) to quickly tune the parameters of these guidance laws. The classical vector field and other algorithm improved in this study require optimizing four key parameters. While the unmanned surface vehicle performs the multi-command tasks, determining the optimum values of these four key parameters for each mission increases the computational costs significantly. The proposed intelligent vector-based path following guidance law (which integrates the surrogate optimization technique with the robust vector field) determines optimal parameters approximately 10 times faster than the traditional method (which integrates the genetic algorithm with the classical vector field guidance law).
Advanced Care Plan Among Older Chinese in Residential Aged Care: A Retrospective Review
Authors: Gaviola Minah Amor , Pedzisi Simon , Inder Kerry Jill , Johnson Amanda
Published: November 2024

Introduction:

Worldwide in the population of older people, ethnic diversity is prevalent and therefore warrants culturally sensitive advanced care planning. This study aimed to explore advanced care planning documentation related to the cultural needs of residents of Chinese ethnicity in Australian aged care facilities.

Methods:

A retrospective review of advanced care plan documentation was undertaken among 31 older Chinese residents with life-limiting illnesses across two residential aged care facilities in New South Wales, Australia. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Results:

90% of residents had advanced care planning documentation. The presence of the resident and their representative and medical care directives were well documented. Specific details on the provision of palliative care that considers the person’s cultural needs and preferences were limited.

Discussion:

Findings suggest the need for further research that explores an optimal way of embedding culture-specific information and the development of a culturally sensitive advanced care plan for people of Chinese ethnicity.
How Doctors Talk About Medical Errors: A Qualitative Study of Junior Doctors’ Experiences
Authors: Møller Jane Ege , Kai Linda Marie , Skipper Mads , Hansen Maja Bertz , Randsbæk Flemming , Matthiesen Signe Schlichting , Malling Bente Vigh
Published: November 2024

During the last three decades, an increased amount of research on errors in health care has been conducted. Studies show that physicians find it challenging to handle errors because of the blame and guilt that errors cause. Communicating with colleagues has been identified as vital for coping with errors and for creating a just culture; however, many physicians do not usually discuss their errors. Knowledge about how junior doctors experience errors is vital to ensure that they both receive emotional support and learn from errors. To capture junior doctors’ perceptions and experiences, we used a qualitative, exploratory design based on virtual focus groups. We conducted seven virtual focus groups with 22 junior doctors from 11 specialties. We defined three main themes: (1) how the junior doctors conceptualized medical errors, (2) how they experienced talk about errors among colleagues, and (3) the context in which this talk took place. The participants experienced errors as challenging elements in their working life; however, they struggled to define it. They described inconsistencies regarding the reasons for discussing errors within the learning environment, with some being experienced as constructive (providing education and support) and some as destructive (involving blame and shame). There was a discrepancy between the wish to normalize error and the lack of sharing between colleagues. Our study shows that error in health care is a complex phenomenon that challenges junior doctors’ navigation in clinical practice. Despite efforts to implement an open and just culture, this has not yet been achieved.
True Median Cleft With Sinus Tract in the Nasal Septum: A Case Report
Authors: Suzuki Sho , Kuwahara Kosuke , Okazaki Mutsumi , Kamochi Hideaki
Published: November 2024

A true median cleft is an extremely rare congenital anomaly characterized by a midline vertical cleft and various deformities, also known as Tessier number 0 cleft. Here we report a case of a 5-year-old Asian boy with true median cleft associated with sinus tracts in the nasal septum, a phenomenon not previously reported in the literature. The tracts were identified as the cause of recurrent infections around the oral vestibule and upper lip. The tracts were resected successfully, and postoperative progress has been satisfactory. We discuss the importance of preoperative image evaluations and the selection of a suitable surgical approach.
From Screen to Reality: Exploring the Profound Themes of Adoption in ‘This Is Us’ and Their Real-World Implications
Authors: Rajaei Afarin , Abraham Danna
Published: November 2024

Tears were free flowing when we watched the critically acclaimed series “This Is Us”. The majority of people are immediately struck by the complex and nuanced portrayal of adoption through the character of Randall Pearson. His journey as a transracial adoptee navigating the complexities of family, identity, and race resonates deeply, inviting viewers to confront the multifaceted nature of the adoption experience. In this paper, we aim to explore the effects of understanding adoption through available themes – from screen to reality – and the power in a non-linear story told in “This Is Us,” focusing on how Randall's story sheds light into the narratives of adoptive identity formation and the impact of transracial adoption on family dynamics. Through a close analysis of key episodes and character arcs, we hope to contribute to a more empathetic and deeper understanding of adoption in all its complexity.
Nasopharyngeal stenosis in cats: a retrospective study of 21 cases comparing endoscopic and surgical treatment (2018–2022)
Authors: Champetier Agathe , Lemetayer Julie , Ruel Yannick , Dossin Olivier
Published: November 2024

Objectives

Feline nasopharyngeal stenosis (NPS) is an uncommon disease in cats. The aim of this study was to compare the outcome with endoscopic and surgical treatments.

Methods

In this retrospective study, medical records were searched for cases of NPS and cases were divided into three groups: endoscopic treatment (balloon dilation); surgical treatment; or no treatment. Data are presented as median and range. Success rates and length of post-procedure corticosteroid treatment were compared between the two treated groups.

Results

A total of 21 cases were included: 10 males and 11 females (median age 6.7 years, range 0.5–14.4). Clinical signs at the time of initial presentation included permanent stertor (19/21), increased respiratory efforts (9/21), nasal discharge (9/21) and cough/reverse sneezing (6/21) with a duration in the range of 3–60 months. Diagnosis was based on endoscopy (21 cases) and CT (19 cases). In total, 12 cases were treated with endoscopic balloon dilation; 11 cases demonstrated a complete resolution of clinical signs (two cats had two dilations) and one case showed incomplete improvement after one balloon dilation but was successfully treated surgically. Eight cats were treated surgically (including one cat that was originally treated with balloon dilation), including seven cases with complete resolution of clinical signs and one case with a rostral NPS that failed to respond. Two cats were not treated and are still alive more than 3 years after diagnosis. The success rate was not different between the endoscopic (11/12) and surgically treated cases (7/8) ( P = 0.85). The outcome was considered excellent in most of the cases as 18/23 procedures were successful, at least until the medium term, and 15/18 treated cats had no clinical signs of minimal stertor at follow-up.

Conclusions and relevance

This preliminary study suggests that minimally invasive endoscopic treatment of NPS has a high success rate and should be attempted in all cases with perforate stenotic membranes. When not achievable, extended palatoplasty can be recommended as a good alternative.
Heterogeneity of tourists’ destination brand experiences: A segmentation analysis
Authors: Zhu Fangcao , Tsz Tse Serene Wai , Sun Tung Vincent Wing
Published: November 2024

Destination brand experiences (DBEs) have been one of the crucial attributes for establishing differentiation, uniqueness and competitive advantages in tourism. Although existing research tend to evaluate tourists’ DBEs as homogeneous, tourists in reality vary according to different dimensions of DBEs, and such heterogeneity will impact their destination satisfaction and loyalty. This study addresses this gap through a two-stage segmentation analysis, and a three-cluster solution was found, that is, Rel-Cog, Emo-Sense and Behaviorally Tepid tourists. Overall, this study contributes to the literature by highlighting the application of DBEs for segmentation and provides recommendations for tourism practitioners on ways to customize their promotional activities and strategies.
Circulation in four walnuts from the Sarah Pike Conger collection
Authors: Peterson Veronica
Published: November 2024

Four walnuts are quietly evocative among hyper-elite objects of women's life in the Late Qing Dynasty at the Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology. This article explores the multiple worlds these objects unfold as we intentionally break from the catalog's preoccupation with “original use”. Using concepts of mobility and materiality, I investigate artificially obscured relationships contained by these four walnuts. This circulatory rumination examines the American collector Sarah Pike Conger and elite collecting culture entrenched by the Late Qing Dynasty (1875–1912); the intertwined cultivation of health, wealth, and prestige through gifting; and the connections between pleasures of the past to modern phenomenon like the walnut speculation in China ca. 2008–2013. Through this rumination, I challenge the divisions constructed by assumptions of the museum and what is traditional.
Evaluation of the Validity of Anatomical Merkmal Method for Anterolateral Popliteal Puncture Technique
Authors: Yamazaki Daisuke , Sasaki Fumiaki , Fujihashi Takahide , Amamizu Hirokazu , Takahashi Toru
Published: November 2024

Treatment of chronic total occlusion (CTO) in the femoropopliteal segment remains technically challenging, and some CTO lesions may require distal puncture. The anterolateral popliteal puncture technique was reported in 2017 and has many advantages, including the ability to continue the procedure in the supine position. We investigated the anatomical Merkmal of anterolateral popliteal artery puncture and verified the efficacy of the Merkmal method by contrast-enhanced lower limb computed tomography (CT) at our hospital. We assumed that the popliteal artery would run along the medial margin of the fibular head when the medial margin of the fibular head and the tibia were in the most separated oblique position. On bone 3D CT images, we set a region of interest (ROI) over the expected course of the popliteal artery according to the Merkmal method. The primary endpoint was the hit rate, defined as the ratio of the area of the popliteal artery in the ROI on 3D CT divided by the area of the popliteal artery at the same level on contrast-enhanced CT. The secondary endpoints were the diameter of the popliteal artery, its distance from the skin, and the angle of obliquity. We retrospectively validated the Merkmal method in 108 limbs of 56 patients who underwent contrast-enhanced lower limb CT at our hospital. The hit rate was 66.5% (range, 39.8%-87.0%), the mean diameter of the popliteal artery was 4.6 ± 0.7 mm, the mean distance from the skin to the popliteal artery was 48.6 ± 4.8 mm, and the mean angle of lateral obliquity was 57.3 ± 12.0°. These findings indicate the potential of the Merkmal method to facilitate anterolateral popliteal puncture.

Clinical Impact

This anatomical Merkmal method may facilitate anterolateral popliteal puncture.
The Prognostic Significance of NEDD9 Expression in Human Cancers: A Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, and Omics Exploration
Authors: Yasin Jehad A. , Odat Ramez M. , Qtaishat Fares A. , Tamimi Mohammad-Amer A. , Alsufi Muaath I. , Younis Osama M. , Alkuttob Leen A. , Saeed Anwaar
Published: November 2024

Background

Neural precursor cell expressed developmentally downregulated 9 (NEDD9) is considered an important factor in the progression of cancer, acting as a modulator of cellular migration, adhesion, and metastatic potential. Its significance as a prognostic factor, however, remains unclear, which necessitated a comprehensive review and meta-analysis.

Methods

Our study followed the PRISMA guidelines, analyzing studies from major databases including PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane. Our eligibility criteria included studies evaluating NEDD9 expression in relation to cancer prognosis and outcomes such as overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), disease-free Survival (DFS), recurrence-free survival (RFS), and cancer-specific survival (CSS). We used random-effects and fixed-effect models for meta-analysis, and we validated our findings by comparative analysis using data from external cohorts like The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA).

Results

The analysis of 27 studies with 3915 patients demonstrated a significant relationship between NEDD9 expression and poor OS as indicated by the pooled meta-analysis outcome across all included cancers (HR: 1.81, 95% CI: 1.38-2.37). A significant effect on PFS/DFS/RFS/CSS was also found (HR: 2.14, 95% CI: 1.42-3.23). Variations in survival across different types of cancer were indicated by subgroup analysis. NEDD9 expression was correlated with various immune cells across cancer types according to immune infiltration analysis. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis indicated significant interactions involving NEDD9, suggesting mechanisms which influence tumor behavior and response to treatment.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that NEDD9 is a significant prognostic marker in several human cancers. As a result of its central role in cancer progression and prognosis, it presents a promising target for therapeutic interventions. Our study highlights the importance of further research into the biology of NEDD9 and its therapeutic potential.
Automated defect detection in nanomaterial-coated-fabrics using variational autoencoder
Authors: Tram Nguyen Ngoc , Jooyong Kim
Published: November 2024

This paper introduces an unsupervised method for detecting regions with a high density of nanomaterials on coated fabric using Variational Autoencoder, a generative model capable of learning dominant features of the input data and generating similar outputs. The model was applied to images of cotton fabric coated with commercial single-walled carbon nanotubes (SW-CNT) to learn their features. Morphological and electrical properties of the coated samples were initially investigated to identify high-density particle regions. Subsequently, an experiment evaluated the performance of these samples in a specific smart textile application, establishing ground truth for defect localization in each fabric image. Image post-processing techniques were then employed to accurately detect defective regions in test images. The proposed method achieved a recognition rate of 93.2% and the highest Intersection over Union (IoU) of 0.923. This study demonstrates a promising approach for defect identification in coated fabrics, advancing smart textile technology.
Using Generative Text Models to Create Qualitative Codebooks for Student Evaluations of Teaching
Authors: Katz Andrew , Gerhardt Mitch , Soledad Michelle
Published: November 2024

Feedback is a critical aspect of improvement. Unfortunately, when there is a lot of feedback from multiple sources, it can be difficult to distill the information into actionable insights. Consider student evaluations of teaching (SETs), which are important sources of feedback for educators. These evaluations can provide instructors with insights into what worked and did not during a semester. A collection of SETs can also be useful to administrators as signals for courses or entire programs. However, on a large scale as in high-enrollment courses or administrative records over several years, the number of SETs can render them difficult to analyze. In this paper, we discuss a novel method for analyzing SETs using natural language processing (NLP) and large language models (LLMs). We demonstrate the method by applying it to a corpus of 5000 SETs from a large public university. We show that the method can extract, embed, cluster, and summarize the SETs to identify the themes they contain. More generally, this work illustrates how to use NLP techniques and LLMs to generate a codebook for SETs. We conclude by discussing the implications of this method for analyzing SETs and other types of student writing in teaching and research settings.
CVT-based swarming techniques for convex and non-convex cases
Authors: Cao Kai , Chen Yangquan , Gao Song , Cheng Manying
Published: November 2024

In the multi-robot swarm control algorithm, the traditional rigid formation algorithm has low formation redundancy, and it is difficult to flexibly adapt to the external environment. In this study, centroidal Voronoi tessellation (CVT) was used to control a group of robots for forming the required flexible formations and increasing the structural redundancy and internal carrying capacity of the multi-robot system. When the CVT area is divided in a non-convex environment, the Voronoi and non-convex areas will overlap, which will cause the robot to collide with the obstacles and hinder the optimization of the cost function. In this study, constrained CVT was used to solve the problem of region overlap in non-convex environments. The proposed path planning algorithm ensured the safe movement of the robot and explored the applicability of the algorithm in different scenarios. Finally, the performance of the algorithm in the non-convex area was verified and discussed by analyzing the simulation and experimental results for the convex and non-convex environments. The results showed that the constrained CVT could control the robot to generate the formation as quickly as possible in the non-convex area, and it was easy to dynamically switch the formation according to the external environment.
Design and application of insulation skin wrapping robot for overhead distribution line
Authors: Lu Caijiang , Chen Jingran , Cai Jiahua , Wang Hao , Mao Xianying , Xia Wenchao , Fu Guoqiang
Published: November 2024

Overhead distribution lines are widely distributed and the environment is complex. At present, most of the overhead distribution lines in urban–rural fringe and rural areas are bare lines. These lines are susceptible to contact with tree barriers, airborne objects, and construction machinery, resulting in safety problems, such as tripping accidents and casualties caused by electric shock. In order to solve the hidden safety problems of bare lines, an insulation skin-wrapping robot for the overhead bare lines is designed and proposed innovatively in this paper. The mechanical system and the control system of the robot are designed and analyzed in detail. In order to detect whether the insulation skin is wrapped successfully, the robot uses machine vision technology to automatically detect the wrapping effect. In the experiments and engineering applications, the proposed robot is applied to the experimental line and 10 kV overhead distribution line. The results demonstrate the feasibility and practicability of the robot in insulation skin wrapping.
Spacious analogies: Teaching the local in the distant in the Israeli classroom
Authors: Johnston-Levy Taylor
Published: November 2024

This essay explores how the social world intrudes on the Israeli classroom, where open discussion of relations between Palestinians and Jews can feel nearly impossible. I will consider the strategy of confronting societal conflicts with students through what I call spacious analogies—that is, by studying social and historical sites removed from the local context but analogous to it in provocative ways. My objects of analysis will be two ‘teaching stories’: my narratives of discussing Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice through the lens of Orientalism and Richard Wright’s Native Son in dialogue with Whiteness Studies scholarship. In both stories, social hegemony akin to racial whiteness manifested itself, in the way students identified with characters and in their classroom affect. Through the relative safety of literary texts from different social worlds, however, the students were invited to confront the hegemony of their own context and build resilience to the discomforts of doing so. I will propose that teaching by analogy can allow educators to scaffold the discomfort of students from the hegemonic group without recentering their needs over those of marginalized students or resorting to analytical models that sanitize histories of oppression.
The effect of lexical semantic activation on reasoning about evolution: A cross-linguistic study
Authors: Liu Jingyi , Novick Laura R
Published: November 2024

We hypothesised that people of different language backgrounds (English vs. Mandarin Chinese) might think about evolutionary relationships among living things differently. In particular, some reasoning heuristics may come from how living things are named. Our research examined if sub-word and sub-lexical elements in written Chinese influence people’s inferences. Some taxon names in Chinese are conjunctive concepts that include another taxon: e.g., panda is called bear cat in Chinese, and the skunk character has a semantic radical (semantic component of a character) that means mouse. These conjunctions might influence Chinese readers to infer that conjunctive concepts share biological characteristics with their constituents (e.g., that skunks share biological properties with mice). Readers in a language (English) without lexical activation from constituents of conjunctive concepts would not be expected to show such effects. This research provided insights into how differences in prior knowledge due to different language backgrounds affect thinking and reasoning.
Changes in functional status during and after pregnancy in people with cerebral palsy: An international observational study
Authors: Condran Georgia , Lipworth Hayley , Berndl Anne
Published: November 2024

Background

There is limited information surrounding physical changes people with cerebral palsy (CP) experience during pregnancy.

Methodology

This is a subgroup analysis of an international online questionnaire, developed with input from individuals with CP. Data collection included demographics, baseline functional status, and functional status changes during pregnancy. Descriptive analysis was used.

Results

158 participants from 15 countries participated of which 30 had a total of 49 pregnancies resulting in birth. Worsened strength, spasticity, bladder function and fatigue occurred in 56.5% (13/23), 47.8% (11/23), 56.5% (13/23) and 87.0% (20/23) of participants. 9/23 (40.9%) required new mobility devices. Worsening of fatigue, strength, spasticity and need for a new mobility device was reported by all groups regardless of functional status.

Conclusions

People with CP may experience significant functional changes during pregnancy, even those who mobilized independently prior to pregnancy. These findings may inform obstetricians, nurses, neurologists and physiatrists, and contribute to preconception counselling.
The Need for Standardization of Continuous Glucose Monitoring Performance Evaluation: An Opinion by the International Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine Working Group on Continuous Glucose Monitoring
Authors: Pleus Stefan , Eichenlaub Manuel , Eriksson Boija Elisabet , Fokkert Marion , Hinzmann Rolf , Jendle Johan , Klonoff David C. , Makris Konstantinos , Nichols James H. , Pemberton John , Selvin Elizabeth , Slingerland Robbert J. , Thomas Andreas , Tran Nam K. , Witthauer Lilian , Freckmann Guido
Published: November 2024

Metrics derived from continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems are often discordant between systems. A major cause is that CGM systems are not standardized; they use various algorithms and calibration methods, leading to discordant CGM readings across systems. This discordance can be addressed by standardizing CGM performance assessments: If manufacturers aim their CGM systems at the same target, then CGM readings will align across systems. This standardization should include the comparator device, sample origin, and study procedures. With better aligned CGM readings, CGM-derived metrics will subsequently also align better between systems.
From analytics to empathy and creativity: Charting the AI revolution in marketing practice and education
Authors: Pavone Giulia , Meyer-Waarden Lars , Munzel Andreas
Published: November 2024

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) increasingly demands an understanding of its impact on marketing practice and education. Our hybrid literature review synthesizes 312 peer-reviewed articles on AI in marketing and consumer behavior, using scientometrics and the TCCM (Theory, Context, Characteristics, Methodology) framework. We identify five research areas: human–AI interaction in services, natural language processing (NLP) and computer vision for consumer insights, AI for e-commerce and decision support, marketing automation and creativity, and AI ethics. AI’s evolution is marked by a transition from analytical to empathetic and intuitive technologies like affective computing and generative AI. We highlight the changing dynamics between humans and AI, AI integration in marketing practices and education, and the transformed AI-enhanced marketing workplace. We underscore the significance of ethical considerations, the well-being of users, and the integration of generative AI tools. This review provides a comprehensive guide for forthcoming research, practical applications, and educational advancements in AI-enhanced marketing.
Integrating Metaverse in Psychiatry for Adolescent Care and Treatment (IMPACT)
Authors: Nawaz Faisal A. , Mottershead Richard , Farooq Rihab , Hryniewicki Jaroslaw , Kaldasch Michael , El Idrissi Ben Jelloul , Tariq Hanaa , Ahmed Waleed
Published: November 2024

The integration of the metaverse in healthcare has been evolving, encompassing various areas such as mental health interventions, neurological treatments, physical therapy, rehabilitation, medical education, and surgical procedure assistance. For the adolescent population, growing in the digital era and witnessing the interaction of technology with daily life has made digitalization a second nature. Despite the potential of this technology in advancing adolescent mental health care and treatment, there is a notable gap in research and development. Thus, this commentary article aims to elucidate the current landscape of emerging technologies for adolescent mental healthcare in the metaverse, identify potential challenges with its implementation in this growing population, as well as provide recommendations to overcome these obstacles.
Unraveling the Economic Echoes: The Russo-Ukrainian Conflict’s Influence on South Korean Macroeconomic Stability—Insights from the Energy Sector
Authors: He Yugang
Published: November 2024

The ongoing Russo-Ukrainian conflict has exerted a marked impact on global energy dynamics, consequently impairing the functional capacity of economies globally. Situated within the archetype of a small, open economy, South Korea has unavoidably experienced these economic tremors. This study, therefore, uses the South Korean example to scrutinize the reverberations of the Russo-Ukrainian war on pivotal macroeconomic constituents, primarily through the prism of the energy market. Utilizing Bayesian estimation methods and impulse response functions as instrumental tools for empirical exploration, the result delineates that an uptick in energy prices—a positive energy price shock—concludes in a downturn in firm output, investment, and petroleum product consumption. This shock simultaneously instigates a downswing in household consumption of petroleum goods and wage levels, counterbalanced by an elevation in household consumption of non-petroleum goods. Intriguingly, as the Russo-Ukrainian conflict endures, the impact of energy price shocks on the fluctuation of key macroeconomic indicators in Korea seems to be attenuating. This study serves as an adjunct to the preexisting Korean academic corpus on this subject, offering fresh insights that enhance the overall understanding of these complex economic phenomena.
Knowledge Mapping of Green Economy Research: A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Mo Rigen , Peng Xian-hong , Wang Shao-bu , Zhang Justin Zuopeng
Published: November 2024

With the international community’s commitment to the goals of the Paris Agreement and governments’ implementation of green recovery plans worldwide, the green economy is increasingly recognized as a key strategy to address environmental crises and as a driver of new economic growth. Based on the Web of Science database, this study analyzes 2,106 articles published between 1989 and 2024 and constructs a knowledge graph of the most active institutions and journals in contemporary times. It examines clustering networks and identifies emerging hotspots in recent green economy research. The results indicate that the Chinese Academy of Sciences has the highest number of publications, followed by the University of London and Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics. The publications predominantly focus on disciplines such as environmental science, environmental studies, and green sustainable science and technology. “Sustainability” is the journal with the most publications, and “Green Economy and Related Concepts: An Overview” is the most cited literature. Rockstrom’s work has played a pivotal role in the evolution of green economy research. The research topics mainly focus on three areas: the necessity of the green economy for human social survival and development, the theoretical framework, models, and pathways of the green economy, and the practice and effectiveness evaluation of green economy initiatives. In the past 5 years, the main keywords discussed include policy, circular economy, and CO2 emissions. These findings provide valuable references for researchers and practitioners engaged in green economy studies.
The Potential for Servant Leadership to Raise Teacher Morale in Primary Schools: Perspectives from South Africa
Authors: Makirimani Roseline , Naicker Suraiya Rathankoomar
Published: November 2024

The aim of this study was to investigate whether the enactment of servant leadership could be a prospective strategy to raise teacher morale. First, the factors that cause poor teacher morale were sought. Second, the perspectives of teachers and principals regarding the notion of servant leadership in improving teacher morale were pursued. A generic qualitative approach was employed and data was collected from four principals and eight teachers by means of individual interviews. Insufficient support from principals, lack of involvement of teachers in decision-making, leadership styles of principals, and work-related factors were the main causes of poor teacher morale. Teachers and principals both agreed that servant leadership could contribute to raising teacher morale. The study was conducted when teaching and learning resumed after the Covid-19 lockdown. Therefore, the data collection was limited to one school district and the methodology limited to individual interviews, both online and face-to-face. The study led to the formulation of eight standards that leaders could use in their leadership practice.
The Abbreviated 3-Item Versions of the Satisfaction With Life Scale and the Satisfaction With Love Life Scale
Authors: Neto Joana , Neto Félix
Published: November 2024

The Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) and the Satisfaction with Love Life Scale (SWLLS) are cognitive measures of subjective well-being. Each scale includes 5 items. The major goals of this work were to analyze the psychometric features and validity of the abbreviated 3-item forms of the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS-3) and the Satisfaction with Love Life Scale (SWLLS-3), as well as the measurement invariance (MI) by gender and age in a Portuguese population. The sample comprised 1,271 participants with an average age of 38 years. Confirmatory factor analyses (CFA) demonstrated that the two-dimensional model of SWLS-3 and of SWLLS-3 presented good fit indices. The reliability was adequate. Furthermore, these scales demonstrated MI across gender and age. The correlations of the 3- and 5-item measures with these well-being measures were very similar. Overall, the 3-item versions of the SWLS-3 and the SWLLS-3 are presented as valid and reliable measurement tools.
Racial Disparities in School Poverty and Spending: Examining Allocations Within Metropolitan Areas
Authors: Bifulco Robert , Souders Sarah
Published: November 2024

Racially segregated schools influence the distribution of educational opportunity. When students of different races enroll in separate schools, systematic differences in access to school resources and exposure to high levels of student need can emerge. Using recently available national school-level finance data, we find that typical Black and Hispanic students attend schools with higher per-pupil spending but also higher proportions of low-income students and English learners than typical White students living in the same metropolitan area. Drawing on estimates of the additional spending required to provide high-need students with equal educational opportunities, we find that cost-adjusted spending in the average Black and Hispanic students’ schools ranges from zero to 17.2% less than that in the average White students’ schools. Racial disparities in cost-adjusted spending are larger in the largest metropolitan areas and in the Northeast, indicating that many Black and Hispanic students are disadvantaged by these inequities.
The Assessment of Awareness of Early Warning Signs of Bipolar Disorder Recurrence Among Patients and Their Main Caregivers in Jordan
Authors: Abu Sabra Mohammad A. , Hani Salam Bani , Jebbeh Raid Abu
Published: November 2024

Introduction

One of the biggest challenges to public health is increasing knowledge of the early warning signs (EWS) of bipolar disorder recurrence. The recurrence incidence is still high despite multiple attempts to improve the awareness level. The awareness level is still ambiguous and insufficient.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to assess the degree of awareness of EWS of bipolar disorder recurrence among patients and their main caregivers in Jordan.

Methods

A descriptive cross-sectional design was used to recruit 275 patients and their main caregivers to fill out the adapted version of the Awareness of the EWS of Relapse Questionnaire.

Results

The analysis showed that patients and their main caregivers’ awareness of the EWS of bipolar disorder recurrence was low and inadequate (patients, mean = 2.61 (SD = 2.6); main caregivers, mean = 3.84 (SD = 2.2); scores range from 0 to 10).

Conclusion

According to the study, the awareness level of these signs is still vague and inadequate. This means that ensuring long-term positive results for patients and their main caregivers requires a high degree of awareness regarding the warning signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder recurrence. To engage in standard practice, EWS of bipolar disorder recurrence awareness necessitate adequate resources, support, and an empowered and well-communicated multidisciplinary team.
Serpiginous Choroiditis After COVID-19 Infection
Authors: Seddigh Sorayya , Pinto Ashlyn , Zaki Amr M. , Gupta R. Rishi
Published: November 2024

Purpose: To present the first case of macular serpiginous choroiditis after COVID-19 infection. Methods: A single case was analyzed. Results: A 28-year-old previously healthy man presented with severe unilateral vision loss in the left eye. A fundus examination showed severe atrophic pigmentary changes that corresponded with optical coherence tomography (OCT) findings of a rapidly progressing amoeboid-like lesion disrupting the ellipsoid zone and retinal pigment epithelium. Multimodal imaging, including fundus autofluorescence, OCT angiography, and indocyanine green angiography, was supportive of serpiginous choroiditis. After a comprehensive systemic workup, the diagnosis of macular serpiginous choroiditis was confirmed. No improvement was seen with high-dose steroids; therefore, an immunosuppressive regimen was initiated. Conclusions: An exaggerated choroidal inflammatory response may be triggered by a COVID-19 infection, although causation cannot be inferred. Retinal manifestations should be considered when assessing patients presenting with visual symptoms after COVID-19 infection.
Probiotic bacteria-released extracellular vesicles enhance macrophage phagocytosis in polymicrobial sepsis by activating the FPR1/2 pathway
Authors: Zhu Ruiyao , Zhang Yu , Wang Xiaohong , Liu Benjamin D. , Chowdhury Debabrata , Li Zhixin , Pan Mingliang , Peng Tianqing , Chen Jing , Huang Wei , Zhan Liying , Fan Guo-Chang
Published: November 2024

Background

Sepsis-induced organ failure and high mortality are largely ascribed to the failure of bacterial clearance from the infected tissues. Recently, probiotic bacteria-released extracellular vesicles (BEVs) have been implicated as critical mediators of intercellular communication which are widely involved in the regulation of the inflammatory response. However, their functional role in macrophage phagocytosis during sepsis has never been explored.

Methods

BEVs were collected from three different strains of probiotics including Lactiplantibacillus plantarum WCFS1 (LP WCFS1), Lactobacillus rhamnosus Gorbach-Goldin (LGG), and Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN), or from LGG cultured under three pH conditions (pH5-acid, pH6.5-standard, pH8-akaline) through differential centrifugation, filtration, and ultracentrifugation of their culture supernatants. In vitro phagocytosis was measured in Raw264.7 cells and bone marrow-derived macrophages using pHrodo red E. coli BioParticles. The in vivo therapeutic effects of BEVs were tested using a feces-injection-in-peritoneum (FIP) model of polymicrobial sepsis.

Results

LGG-derived EVs (BEVLGG) were the best among these three probiotics BEVs in stimulating macrophages to take up bacteria. Furthermore, BEVLGG collected from pH8 culture condition (BEVpH8) exhibited the strongest capacity of phagocytosis, compared with BEVpH5 and BEVpH6.5. Treatment of septic mice with BEVpH8 significantly prolonged animal survival; increased bacterial clearance from the blood, peritoneal lavage fluid, and multiple organs; and decreased serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines/chemokines, as well as reduced multiple organ injuries, in comparison with control-treated septic mice. Mechanistically, RNA-seq and bioinformatic analysis identified that the FPR1/2 signaling was remarkably activated, along with its downstream pathways (PI3K-Akt-MARCO and NADPH-ROS) in BEVpH8-treated macrophages, compared with control cells. Accordingly, pre-addition of Boc2, a specific antagonist of FPR1/FPR2, to macrophages significantly attenuated BEVpH8-mediated phagocytosis, compared to controls.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that LGG-derived BEVs may have therapeutic effects against sepsis-induced organ injury and mortality through enhancing FPR1/2-mediated macrophage phagocytosis.
Characteristics of deep-sea microbial cellulases: key determinants of the ultimate fate of plant biomass on Earth
Authors: Tachioka Mikako , Tsudome Mikiko , Tsuda Miwako , Hiraoka Satoshi , Miyazaki Masayuki , Takaki Yoshihiro , Deguchi Shigeru
Published: November 2024

Land plants, especially those with significant woody biomass, represent the largest source of biomass on Earth, making the biodegradation of lignocellulosic materials critical to understanding the global carbon cycle. Cellulose, a major component of lignocellulose, is notoriously resistant to degradation due to its highly crystalline structure. While the degradation of cellulose by terrestrial microbes has been extensively studied, the mechanisms of cellulose degradation in deep-sea environments remain largely unexplored. The deep-sea ecosystem depends on organic matter, such as cellulose, that is synthesized in terrestrial environments and surface waters and descends to the deep sea. Recent studies suggest that a significant amount of cellulose is likely to reach the deep sea. Here, we present an in-depth study of cellulases from a novel deep-sea γ-proteobacterial strain TOYAMA8, isolated from Toyama Bay, Japan, using Surface Pitting Observation Technology (SPOT), a highly sensitive assay for enzymatic cellulose hydrolysis. The cellulases of strain TOYAMA8 show similarities to those of a previously reported deep-sea cellulolytic microbe, Marinagarivorans cellulosilyticus strain GE09. Genomic and transcriptomic analyses of these strains reveal novel cellulase genes and mechanisms that differ from terrestrial counterparts, shedding light on the unique adaptations of deep-sea microbes to recalcitrant biomass. In particular, these strains produce high-molecular-weight cellulases with unique domain architectures, likely optimized for membrane anchoring, which prevents enzyme diffusion and ensures efficient localized activity. Our findings provide critical insights into the microbial cellulose degradation in the deep sea, highlighting its role in the fate of organic carbon and the potential for biotechnological applications in biorefineries.
Drastic variation in mitochondrial genome organization between two congeneric species of bird lice (Philopteridae: Ibidoecus)
Authors: Cao Mei-Ling , Nie Yu , Yi Xi-Long , Xiong Jun , Wang Wei , Deng Yuan-Ping , Fu Yi-Tian , Liu Guo-Hua , Shao Renfu
Published: November 2024

The over 4,100 species of bird lice are classified into 214 genera in the parvorders Amblycera and Ischnocera. Congeneric species of bird lice usually share much similarity in morphology and in mitochondrial (mt) genome organization. Two recent studies, however, reported substantial intra-genus variation in mt genome organization in bird lice. Both the ancestral single-chromosome mt genome and a fragmented mt genome with two or three minichromosomes were observed in the genera Austromenopon and Laemobothrion. To better understand intra-genus variation in mt genome organization, we sequenced the complete mt genome of the white spoonbill louse Ibidoecus plataleae and compared it with that of the glossy ibis feather louse Ibidoecus bisignatus reported previously. We found that I. plataleae had a fragmented mt genome with 12 minichromosomes; each minichromosome was 2,798 to 3,628 bp in size and had 2 to 6 genes. This is in stark contrast to the mt genome of I. bisignatus, which has all genes on a single chromosome, 14,909 bp in size. This is the most drastic intra-genus variation in mt genome organization observed to date in animals, indicating an unprecedented rapid process of mt genome fragmentation in the genus Ibidoecus. The divergence time between I. plataleae and I. bisignatus is currently unknown but is estimated to be less than 23 million years. Either many minichromosal split events occurred after I. plataleae diverged from I. bisignatus, or one minichromosome splits into multiple minichromosomes in a single event. Sequencing and comparing more Ibidoecusi species will help understand the unusual mt genome fragmentation in this genus.
Esophageal pressure as estimation of pleural pressure: a study in a model of eviscerated chest
Authors: Florio Gaetano , Carlesso Eleonora , Mojoli Francesco , Madotto Fabiana , Vivona Luigi , Minaudo Chiara , Battistin Michele , Colombo Sebastiano Maria , Gatti Stefano , Sosio Simone , Pesenti Antonio , Grasselli Giacomo , Zanella Alberto
Published: November 2024

Background

Transpulmonary pressure is the effective pressure across the lung parenchyma and has been proposed as a guide for mechanical ventilation. The pleural pressure is challenging to directly measure in clinical setting and esophageal manometry using esophageal balloon catheters was suggested for estimation. However, the accuracy of using esophageal pressure to estimate pleural pressure is debated due to variability in the mechanical properties of respiratory system, esophagus and esophageal catheter. Furthermore, while a vertical pleural pressure gradient exists across lung regions, esophageal pressure balloon provides a single value, representing, at most, the pressure surrounding the esophagus.

Methods

In a swine model with a preserved esophagus and a single homogenous, easily measurable intrathoracic pressure, we evaluated esophageal pressure’s agreement with intrathoracic pressure at different positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) levels (0, 5, 10, 15 cmH2O). We assessed the improvement of measurement accuracy by correcting absolute esophageal values using a previously described technique, that accounts for the pressure generated by the esophageal wall in response to esophageal balloon inflation.

The study involved five swine, wherein two different esophageal catheters were used alongside the four distinct PEEP levels. Swings, uncorrected and corrected absolute esophageal pressures (end-inspiratory, end-expiratory) were compared with their respective intrathoracic pressures. The effect of correction technique was assessed with manual incremental step inflation procedure.

Results

We found that both catheters significantly overestimated absolute esophageal pressure compared to intrathoracic pressure (5.01 ± 3.32 and 6.06 ± 5.62 cmH2O at end-expiration and end-inspiration, respectively), with error increasing at higher positive end-expiratory pressure levels (end-expiration: 2.36 ± 2.03, 3.77 ± 1.37, 6.24 ± 2.51 and 7.69 ± 4.02 for each PEEP level, P < 0.0001; end-inspiration: 1.71 ± 2.10, 3.70 ± 1.73, 7.67 ± 3.62 and 11.14 ± 7.60 for each PEEP level, P = 0.0004).

Applying the correction technique significantly improved agreement for absolute values (0.82 ± 1.62 and 1.86 ± 3.94 cmH2O at end-expiration and end-inspiration, respectively). Esophageal pressure swings accurately estimated intrathoracic pressure swings at low-medium intrathoracic pressures (-0.64 ± 0.62, -0.07 ± 0.53, 1.43 ± 1.51, and 3.45 ± 3.94 at PEEP 0, 5, 10 and 15 cmH2O, respectively; P = 0.0197).

Conclusions

The correction technique, based on the mechanical response of esophageal wall to the balloon inflation, is fundamental for obtaining reliable estimations of absolute intrathoracic pressure values, and for ensuring its correct application in clinical setting.