bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic value of high-frequency ultrasound combined with magnetic resonance in different clinical stages of frozen shoulder: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Zhang Lei , Chen Hua , Yang Qi , Ding Zhichao , Zhang Laizhi , Gu Yifeng
Published: December 2024

Background

Frozen shoulder (FS) is a common musculoskeletal disease. Imaging plays an active role in the clinical diagnosis and staging of FS.

Objective

This study is undertaken to assess the application value of high-frequency ultrasound (HFU) combined with magnetic resonance (MR) in clinical staging diagnosis of FS.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study. The medical records of FS patients (from January 2021 to February 2022, n = 100) were collected. Patients were categorized into stage I (n = 30), stage II (n = 35) and stage III (n = 35) groups. The diagnostic value of HFU-related and MR-related indicators was assessed by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The correlation between HFU/MR indicator and passive range of motion-related indicators was analyzed by Spearman rank method.

Results

There were no statistically significant differences in gender, age, height, weight, and affected shoulder (left: right) among the three groups at different stages ( p > 0.05). HFU and MR in combination had a higher diagnostic coincidence rate when compared to their single use (96.00% vs. 91.00% or 93.00%). There was high diagnostic value for inferior capsule thickness (ICT) (area under the curve (AUC) = 0.914, p < 0.001, 95% CI (0.836–0.992)), glenohumeral distance (GHD) (AUC = 0.999, p < 0.001, 95% CI (0.996–1.000)) and articular capsule thickness (ACT) (AUC = 1.000, p < 0.001, 95% CI (0.998–1.000)) in stage I FS, for ICT (AUC = 0.947, p < 0.001, 95% CI (0.885–1.000)) and GHD (AUC = 0.974, p < 0.001, 95% CI (0.949–0.999)) in stage II FS, and for ACT (AUC = 0.989, p < 0.001, 95% CI (0.975–1.000)) in stage III FS. ICT/ACT positively correlated with internal rotation (IR), and negatively correlated with external rotation (ER)/extension (EX)/flexion (FL)/abduction (AB). GHD had a negative correlation with IR, and a positive correlation with ER/EX/FL/AB.

Conclusion

High-frequency ultrasound combined with magnetic resonance can improve the accuracy in clinical diagnosis of FS, promote better staging of FS, and provide a more reliable basis for clinical diagnosis and treatment of FS.
Efficacy of Wilate Prophylaxis in Reducing Nosebleeds in Patients with Severe VWD – A Post-hoc Analysis of the WIL-31 Study
Authors: Boban Ana , Dubey Leonid , Vilchevska Kateryna V. , Inati Adlette , Khayat Claudia Djambas , Sidonio Robert F.
Published: December 2024

Background

Prophylaxis with a von Willebrand factor (VWF) concentrate is recommended in von Willebrand disease (VWD) patients with a history of frequent and severe bleeds. Despite nosebleeds being a frequent manifestation of VWD, few studies have investigated the efficacy of factor prophylaxis in preventing nosebleeds in patients with severe VWD.

Methods

This post-hoc analysis of a prospective, 12-month, phase 3 study assessed the efficacy of wilate in the prevention of nosebleeds in 33 patients aged ≥6 years with severe type 1, type 2 or type 3 VWD. All patients previously participated in a 6-month prospective study of on-demand treatment with any VWF concentrate. Prophylactic efficacy was assessed by comparing total and spontaneous annualized bleeding rates for nosebleeds (TABR and SABR, respectively) during prophylaxis with rates during on-demand treatment.

Results

The mean TABR and SABR for nosebleeds were reduced by 76% and 81% respectively during prophylaxis versus on-demand treatment (2.7 vs 11.0 and 2.1 vs 10.9). During the second 6 months of prophylaxis, mean TABR was 49% lower and mean SABR 57% lower versus the first 6 months. The percentage of patients with zero nosebleeds was 19% during 6 months of on-demand treatment, 55% during the first 6 months of prophylaxis, and 68% during the second 6 months of prophylaxis. The efficacy of wilate in the treatment of breakthrough nosebleeds was rated excellent in 99% of cases.

Conclusion

This post-hoc analysis demonstrated the efficacy of wilate prophylaxis in the prevention and treatment of nosebleeds in children and adults with severe VWD.
Real-time wheel-rail adhesion anti-skid control model for high-speed articulated trains on long downhill slopes during braking
Authors: Gao Mengya , Wu Bing , Ni Zhangpeng
Published: December 2024

To improve the braking efficiency of articulated trains on long-steep downhill gradients under different wheel-rail adhesion levels, this paper develops a real-time train braking control system equipped with an optimal adhesion anti-slip controller. Simulation validation is conducted under both dry and wet wheel-rail contact conditions with different braking torques applied on a steep downhill slope. The anti-slip adhesion control system comprises two modules: an adhesion optimization module using a forgetting factor recursive least squares (FFRLS) method to determine creep force function slopes for enhancing wheel-rail adhesion utilization, and a controller employing a neural network with a Levenberg–Marquardt (L-M) algorithm. Through the co-simulation of the train-track coupling dynamic model and the anti-skid control system, the real-time adjustment of the braking torque of the train can be quickly corrected. The results indicate that the anti-skid control system demonstrates excellent self-adjustment capabilities under various operating conditions. It effectively controls wheel slip, achieving optimal wheel-rail adhesion. This ensures the shortest possible braking distance while maintaining train stability and improving train transmission efficiency.
Investigating Mechanisms Between Child Marriage, Intimate Partner Violence, and Psychological Distress in Malawi and Uganda: An Application of Generalized Structural Equation Models
Authors: Vahedi Luissa , Lee Jessica , Stark Lindsay , Seff Ilana
Published: December 2024

One in five women aged 20–24 years are first married before adulthood. Using the Violence against Children Surveys from Uganda and Malawi, we decomposed the total relationship between child marriage and psychological distress into an indirect relationship via intimate partner violence (IPV) and a direct relationship (above and beyond IPV). In Uganda, delaying marriage during adolescence reduced the probability of IPV and psychological distress in young adulthood; 45% of the total relationship between age at first marriage and psychological distress was mediated through IPV. In contrast, Malawi showed less evidence of direct and indirect relationships, though the total effect approached significance.
Acute intra ocular inflammation following intravitreal injections of faricimab: A multicentric case series
Authors: Le Hoang Mai , Querques Giuseppe , Guenoun Sacha , El Ghazi Djazia , Haddad Walid M. , Mouallem Alexandra , Semoun Oudy , Souied Eric H.
Published: December 2024

Purpose

To report 8 cases of acute intra ocular inflammation (IOI) following intravitreal injections (IVI) of faricimab in patients with age related macular degeneration (AMD), retinal vein occlusion (RVO) and macular neovascularization associated with chronic central serous retinopathy (CSR).

Methods

This is a multicentric retrospective observational case-series. Cases of acute IOI that occurred in 5 different institutions in France and Italy between November 2023 and June 2024 were reported.

Results

8 eyes of 8 patients presented with acute IOI following IVI of faricimab. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at the time of the IOI event varied between counting fingers and 20/25. 6 patients had neovascular AMD, 1 patient had a macular edema secondary to central RVO and 1 patient had a macular neovascularization associated with chronic CSR. Mean delay between the last IVI of faricimab and the assessment of the IOI event was 10.0 days. Presentation of IOI varied among patients. 6 patients presented with vitritis with varying severity. One of them had an associated papillitis. One patient presented with an anterior uveitis without vitritis. Corticosteroids were used in 5 cases. 2 cases resolved spontaneously. Surgery was needed in 1 case. These 8 cases of IOI occurred out of a total of 1923 IVI of faricimab performed with an estimated frequency of 0.41%.

Conclusion

Acute IOI may happen after IVI of faricimab. Severity of inflammation varies and treatment should be adjusted according to the clinical presentation.
Identifying 10-year cumulative incidence and risk of revision following total hip arthroplasty in patients with and without a diagnosis of human immunodeficiency virus
Authors: Mahindroo Sonal , Ferraro Samantha , Agarwal Amil , Zhao Amy , Das Avilash , Cohen Jordan S , Thakkar Savyasachi C , Golladay Gregory J
Published: December 2024

Introduction:

Prior studies have shown human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) may be a risk factor for early revision following THA, but little data exists looking at long-term implant survivorship. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare the 10-year cumulative incidence rate for revision following THA in patients with and without HIV.

Methods:

A retrospective cohort analysis of patients with HIV undergoing elective THA was conducted using a national database. Patients were stratified into asymptomatic HIV (AHIV) and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) cohorts. These patients were propensity-score matched to a group of elective THA patients without HIV based on age, gender, and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) at a 1:2 ratio. Kaplan-Meier and Cox Proportional Hazards Regression Analyses were used to assess cumulative incidence and risk of revisions within 10-years of the index procedure.

Results:

In total, 678 patients were at-risk at the 10-year mark. There were no differences in 10-year risk of revision THA, amongst patients with HIV when compared to matched and unmatched controls ( p > 0.05 for all). Patients with HIV did have an increased risk of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) following THA when compared to the unmatched control ( p = 0.001).

Discussion:

Surgeons and patients can be reassured of comparable 10-year revision rates in patients with and without HIV. However, as these patients are at increased risk for PJI and PPF, especially those with AIDS, when compared to the general population, surgeons should consider PJI prophylactic modalities in this patient population.
Pregnancy-Related Morphea: A Case Report
Authors: Borna Sedigheh , Zamanpour Zeynab , Shakoei Safoura , Aliasgharpoor Maryam , Hamidi Madani Zahra
Published: December 2024

Background:

Morphea is a skin condition marked by erythematous and hardened inflammatory lesions that can progress to atrophic and sclerotic plaques. In this case report, we present a case of a pregnant woman who showed morphea presentation.

Case presentation:

A 37-year-old G2P1L1 woman with a gestational age of 32 weeks and 2 days was referred to the hospital with complaints of swelling, pain, and erythema in both legs for the past week, without any obstetric complaints. Upon initial examination at the time of admission, swelling, erythema, warmth in both legs, ecchymotic lesions, and non-pitting edema were observed. Biometry and color Doppler ultrasound for evaluation of fetus growth was normal. Skin examination revealed mild erythema, warmth, and purpura and petechiae in some areas, with an orange peel appearance and firm texture on palpation. Leg lesion skin punch biopsy reported a sclerodermoid reaction pattern and findings more compatible with morphea. The patient was managed for morphea during pregnancy. However, at 38 weeks and 6 days of gestation, due to worsening symptoms and spreading stiffness to the groin area, and the need for initiating pulse corticosteroids and mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept), the patient was re-admitted for cesarean section. In the follow-up assessment, ultrasound findings were normal, IGRA, HIV antibody, HCV antibody, HBC antigen, and HBS antigen were negative, and no edema or inflammation was seen in the patient.

Conclusions:

In conclusion, although our patient recovered without specific treatment, predicting the recurrence or worsening of morphea in future pregnancies is challenging.
Investigation of tribological behavior of PEEK composite by Taguchi experimental optimization method
Authors: Ficici Ferit
Published: December 2024

In this study, the abrasive wear behavior of composites reinforced with undoped polyetheretherketone (PEEK), 30% carbon fiber (CF) and 30% glass fiber (GFR) was investigated using Taguchi experimental optimization method. As a result of the investigation, the best abrasive wear rate occurred in 30% CF reinforced composite material at 4 N application load, 60 m sliding distance and 220 m grit size. In addition, by applying Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) analysis, it was determined that the most effective parameter on the abrasive wear rate was the grit size parameter with 62%. Finally, the mathematical equation obtaining the optimum abrasive wear rate was successfully established with a coefficient of 91%.
The IPEDs assemblage: Tracing the entanglements of biomedicine, technology, enhancement and anti-doping policies in sport and society
Authors: Piatkowski Timothy , Turnock Luke , Gibbs Nick , Duff Cameron
Published: December 2024

The US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) and Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) recently ended their anti-doping partnership amidst controversy. We treat this decision, and the motivations underpinning it, as a means of exploring the complexities of anti-doping norms and the blurred lines between image and performance enhancing drug (IPED) use in sport and wider society. Drawing ideas from assemblage thinking, we analyse the evolving power dynamics surrounding IPED use, anti-doping policy, and the role of popular athletes in shaping societal perceptions of the use of, and potential harms associated with IPEDs. The study offers a case analysis of recent controversies in the UFC to investigate the entanglements of biomedicine, technology and celebrity culture in what we call the IPED assemblage. The 2023 termination of the USADA-UFC partnership has sparked debates about shifts in anti-doping standards, raising concerns about weaker testing protocols and perceptions of IPED normalisation. The case of Conor McGregor’s injury recovery and alleged IPED use underscores the blurred lines between therapeutic and enhancement drug use within the IPED assemblage, challenging conventional distinctions between ‘good’ and ‘bad’ drugs in the context of sports management and anti-doping policy making. We highlight the inadequacy of current doping policies in responding to the IPED assemblage and highlight the need to shift public discourse to foster a more critical understanding of therapeutic and enhancement strategies to drive innovation in anti-doping frameworks.
Study on the parameters of steel plate reinforcement rib-deck crack considering local stress disturbances
Authors: Gao Yuqiang , Ji Bohai , Fu Zhongqiu , Fei Jiangbin
Published: December 2024

Local reinforcement will change the local stiffness distribution of the component, causing perturbation effects on the local stress of the fatigue detail. Only considering the reinforcement effect may lead to excessive strengthening and induce new fatigue-prone points. For the fatigue detail of the rib-deck weld, steel plate reinforcement test and numerical simulations were conducted. The stress changes of the deck weld toe and weld root before and after reinforcement were analyzed. The influence of parameters such as steel plate length, thickness, and width on the reinforcement effect of the weld toe crack and local stress disturbance was discussed, and reasonable parameters were recommended. The results show that after the cracking of the weld toe, the stress concentration locations at the weld toe and weld root of the deck shift from the center of the specimen to the crack tip. Steel plate reinforcement can effectively restrain the crack propagation, but can lead to an increase in the stress at the deck weld root within the reinforced area. A good reinforcement effect can be achieved while the steel plate covers the crack, and further increasing the steel plate length has limited improvement on the reinforcement effect but reduces the adverse effect of steel plate reinforcement on the stress of the deck weld root. Increasing the steel plate width will increase the adverse effect of steel plate reinforcement on the deck weld root stress, and it is recommended to use steel plates with a length greater than 120 mm and a length-to-width ratio greater than 4 for reinforcement. Increasing the width of the steel plate has a relatively small effect on the reinforcement effect and the stress at the deck weld root, and steel plates with the same thickness as the deck are recommended.
Black women’s travel: Intersectionality and representation in American film
Authors: LaPan Chantell , Sadler Jennifer
Published: December 2024

Despite being a key market segment, representations of Black individuals’ leisure travel in American film are lacking, particularly for women. The intersectional experiences of Black women travelers are frequently ignored, while limitations on Black movement and leisure travel persist today. Popular media frequently influences travel patterns; therefore, this paper analyzes two films: How Stella Got Her Groove Back and Girls Trip function as counter-narratives to the real and perceived restrictions to Black women’s mobility. We find that through the normalization of Black women’s success and power, freedom of movement, girlfriendship, and sexual scripting, these films counteract long standing assumptions about Black women and their leisure travel. We also find that through both idealized and authentic destination portrayals, the film locations are presented as safe spaces to Black women audiences. We, therefore, suggest that film can be used as a key strategy to promote destinations to Black travelers, particularly women, who face intersectional layers of bias and mobility constraints, to foster authenticity, freedom, joy, and pleasure.
Winfield, Kansas’s Early Roots in Community Music: 1870 to 1930
Authors: Weinert Peter C.
Published: December 2024

Winfield, Kansas has a rich musical tradition. This is especially true in its early years when citizens worked to integrate music education and community music. Several factors converged during Winfield’s early years (1870–1930) that facilitated the community’s musical successes. These factors included an isolated location with settlers who made music a crucial part of the area’s social network; music educators and community leaders who gained national fame for their efforts in Winfield; public schools and three colleges that placed unusual emphasis on musical excellence; and municipal organizations with high rates of community participation and support. Importantly, music occurred both within and beyond educational institutions, with citizens fully engaged in music as both consumers and participants. Music in Winfield had a wide-reaching impact, with concerts for thousands of students, potentially the nation’s first public school orchestra and class method book, and thriving community music groups and festivals.
Identifying Strategies for Strengthening Behavioral and Social Science Research Study Conduct
Authors: Murphy Susan L. , Guetterman Timothy C. , Haro Elizabeth K. , Shakour Sana
Published: December 2024

Behavioral and social science research (BSSR) studies are less stringently regulated compared to drug and device studies. At our university, internal quality assurance activities revealed BSSR studies have more, but similar, issues compared to other studies. However, most institutional resources are tailored to support drug and device research, leaving an evidence gap regarding effective strategies for fostering rigorous BSSR study conduct. Two campus units partnered to undertake a two-phase study. First, we characterized compliance issues based on BSSR study audit data. Second, we conducted interviews with behavioral researchers and others to discuss contributors to compliance issues and potential mitigating strategies. Through thematic analysis, we identified problems at that can be addressed at individual, study team, and university systems levels. Study results outline potential strategies to reduce compliance issues.
Cognitive and affective processes in children’s third-party punishment
Authors: Arini Rhea L. , Bocarejo Aljure Juliana , Bueno Guerra Nereida , Bayón González Clara , Fernández Alba Estrella , Suárez Fernández Natalia , Ingram Gordon P. D. , Wiggs Luci , Kenward Ben
Published: December 2024

This study investigated how children’s punishment affective states change over time, as well as when children begin to prioritise intentions over outcomes in their punishment decisions. Whereas most prior research sampled children from Anglo-America or Northwestern Europe, we tested 5- to 11-year-old children from Colombia and Spain ( N = 123). We focused on punishment behaviour in response to ostensibly real moral transgressions, rather than punishment recommendations for hypothetical moral transgressions. We employed moral scenarios involving disloyalty (group-focused moral domain) and unfairness (individual-focused moral domain). Regarding punishment affective states, on average, children did not derive much enjoyment from administering punishment, nor did they anticipate that punishment would feel good. Thus, children did not make the same emotional forecasting error adults commonly commit. Regarding the cognitive integration of outcomes and intentions, children began to punish failed intentional transgressions more harshly than accidental transgression, in both disloyalty and unfairness scenarios, much earlier than in previous behavioural studies: around 7 years of age rather than in late adolescence. This could be due to the lower processing demands and higher intention salience of our paradigm. Exploratory analyses revealed that children showed higher concern for disloyalty than unfairness. Punishment of disloyalty remained relatively stable in severity with increasing age, while punishment of unfairness decreased in severity. This suggests that the relative importance of moral concerns for the individual vs. the group may shift because of culture-directed learning processes.
In silico molecular docking and molecular dynamics of Prinsepia utilis phytochemicals as potential inhibitors of phosphodiesterase 4B
Authors: Hoang Minh Chau Cao , Thi Tra Giang Ngu , Thi Thuy Tram Nguyen , Thi My Chau Le , Xuan Ha Nguyen , Thi Thuy Phan
Published: December 2024

Phosphodiesterase 4B is an important enzyme belonging to the phosphodiesterase family, playing a role in regulating the levels of cyclic AMP in cells. Phosphodiesterase 4B degrades cyclic AMP, a crucial signaling molecule involved in numerous biological processes, including inflammation regulation. Recently, the search for potential inhibitors with fewer side effects and high biological activity in valuable medicinal plants has drawn the attention of current scientists. Various in silico methods have been applied to reduce costs and time for experimental studies. In this study, an in silico screening involving a set of 131 natural compounds sourced from Prinsepia utilis species was conducted. These compounds were docked into the active site of the phosphodiesterase 4B protein. As a result, 10 compounds exhibited the most potential inhibitory activity against phosphodiesterase 4B, including 2α- O-trans- p-coumaroyl-3 β,19 α-dihydroxy-urs-12-en-28-oic acid, 2 α- O-cis- p-coumaroyl-3 β,19 α-dihydroxy-urs-12-en-28-oic acid, cyanidin-3- O-rutinoside, delphinidin-3- O-rutinoside, peonidin-3- O-rutinoside, rutin, isorhamnetin-3- O-rutinoside, kaempferol 3- O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→6)-β-D-glucopyranoside-7- O- β-D-glucopyranoside, kaempferol 3- O- α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→6) [ α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→2)]- β-D-glucopyranoside, quercetin 3- O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1→6)- β-D-glucopyranoside were identified through molecular docking simulations. Subsequently, molecular dynamics simulations were performed on these complexes, revealing significant findings regarding their stability. Furthermore, MM–GBSA calculations indicated that the potential compounds had stronger binding free energies than the reference inhibitor. Finally, the selected compounds were subjected to toxicity prediction, showing noteworthy results with large LD50 values and safe toxicity levels. Therefore, these compounds could be potential candidates for further experimental studies as phosphodiesterase 4B inhibitors.
Assessing ambient temperature measurements in road cycling races
Authors: Pinedo-Jauregi Aitor , Romarate Ander
Published: December 2024

The impact of heat stress on sports performance is a highly relevant topic. Environmental factors, such as temperature and humidity, play a significant role in determining athletic performance. Cycling computers are commonly used in road cycling to capture various data, including temperature. However, it is crucial to emphasize the importance of accurately measuring ambient temperature. This study aimed to assess the reliability and validity of the Garmin Edge 830 cycling computers in measuring ambient temperature during road cycling competitions. We analyzed temperature data collected by 12 different cycling computers. We focused on assessing these devices’ reliability and validity compared to measurements obtained from an official meteorological station. The interclass correlation coefficient between the devices was 0.468 (95% CI: 0.254 to 0.626; p < 0.001). The temperature readings exhibited a significant variability across the different devices. Furthermore, when comparing the data with the readings from the meteorological station, there was no agreement, as indicated by a Lin's Concordance Coefficient (LCC) of 0.398 and a Mean Absolute Percent Error (MAPE) of 8.87%. This research raises concerns regarding the reliability and validity of cycling computer devices for measuring ambient temperature.
Physiologically based pharmacokinetic modeling to predict the effect of risperidone on aripiprazole pharmacokinetics in subjects with different CYP2D6 genotypes and individuals with hepatic impairment
Authors: Mou Fan , Huang Zhiwei , Cheng Yu , Zhao Xue , Sun Xiujia , Li Huafang , Yu Shunying
Published: December 2024

Background:

Aripiprazole and risperidone, widely used atypical antipsychotics, are commonly adjunctively prescribed in clinical practice. When aripiprazole was combined with risperidone, the genotype of drug-metabolizing enzymes and liver impairment may lead to complex pharmacokinetic changes. The Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model can predict the influence of these factors on plasma concentration and optimize dosage regimens.

Objectives:

This study aims to investigate the pharmacokinetic changes of aripiprazole caused by various influencing factors when it was co-administered with risperidone through PBPK models.

Design:

The PBPK models of aripiprazole and risperidone were developed by gathering physicochemical parameters and drug-specific parameters. Then, by combining the inhibitory parameters, the enzymatic kinetic parameters of CYP2D6 genotypes, and the changes in anatomical and physiological parameters when liver function is damaged, the corresponding PBPK models were further established. Finally, this study put forward dosage optimization recommendations for situations where risks may exist.

Methods:

The comparison between predicted and observed plasma concentration data, along with the assessment of pharmacokinetic parameters, was utilized to evaluate the fit performance of the models.

Results:

The simulations of the PBPK model revealed that co-administration of risperidone did not result in significant changes in aripiprazole pharmacokinetics. However, in individuals with mild hepatic impairment and CYP2D6 normal metabolizer, a dose reduction of approximately 11% was advised when aripiprazole was combined with risperidone. When individuals with mild liver damage have CYP2D6 genotypes of intermediate metabolizer (IM) and poor metabolizer (PM), aripiprazole doses should be further reduced to 61% and 51%, respectively.

Conclusion:

The co-administration of aripiprazole and risperidone is generally considered safe from a pharmacokinetic perspective. However, if individuals have a CYP2D6 genotype of IM or PM and/or if they have mild hepatic impairment, adjusting the dose of aripiprazole is advisable to mitigate potential risks when combining it with risperidone.
A comparative study of undergraduate English major students’ perceptions of traditional versus online learning
Authors: Chea Phalla
Published: December 2024

The study investigates the perception of English major students towards traditional and online learning methods across various variables, including engagement, convenience, flexibility, motivation, communication, technology, satisfaction, retention, and comprehension. A mixed-method approach was used to gather quantitative and qualitative data. A validated questionnaire was prepared using SoJump via WeChat and the web, containing demographic information and a pre-validated 12-item questionnaire on students’ perceptions of traditional and online learning. Descriptive statistics were used for initial analysis. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to elicit feedback and opinions. 520 students from 30 prestigious universities in China participated in the study. The findings suggest that both modes of instruction contribute different potentials to improving students’ learning. Traditional learning offers better engagement, motivation, and retention than online learning due to its interactive nature and lack of technical issues. Online learning offers convenience, flexibility, communication, and comprehension, allowing students to access materials at their own pace and balance other commitments. Satisfaction in online learning was emphasized, and introverts were able to communicate confidently and feel class-related. Students also recommend blended learning, using traditional learning as a main course and online learning as a complement.
Synthetic ethnography: Field devices for the qualitative study of generative models
Authors: de Seta Gabriele , Pohjonen Matti , Knuutila Aleksi
Published: December 2024

Advancements in generative artificial intelligence have led to a rapid proliferation of machine learning models capable of synthesizing text, images, sounds, and other kinds of content. While the increasing realism of synthetic content stokes fears about misinformation and triggers debates around intellectual property, generative models are adopted across creative industries and synthetic media seep into cultural production. Qualitative research in the social and human sciences has dedicated comparatively little attention to this category of machine learning, particularly in terms of what types of novel research methodology they both demand and facilitate. In this article, we propose a methodological approach for the qualitative study of generative models grounded on the experimentation with field devices which we call synthetic ethnography. Synthetic ethnography is not simply a qualitative research methodology applied to the study of the social and cultural contexts developing around generative artificial intelligence, but also strives to envision practical and experimental ways to repurpose these models as research tools in their own right. After briefly introducing generative models and revisiting the trajectory of digital ethnographic research, we discuss three case studies for which the authors have developed experimental field devices to study different aspects of generative artificial intelligence ethnographically. In the conclusion, we derive a broader methodological proposal from these case studies, arguing that synthetic ethnography facilitates insights into how the algorithmic processes, training datasets and latent spaces behind these systems modulate bias, reconfigure agency, and challenge epistemological categories.
Cross-cultural narratives of weaponised artificial intelligence: Comparing France, India, Japan and the United States
Authors: Bode Ingvild , Huelss Hendrik , Nadibaidze Anna , Watts Tom FA
Published: December 2024

Stories about ‘intelligent machines’ have long featured in popular culture. Existing research has mapped these artificial intelligence (AI) narratives but lacks an in-depth understanding of (a) narratives related specifically to weaponised AI and autonomous weapon systems and (b) whether and how these narratives resonate across different states and associated cultural contexts. We speak to these gaps by examining narratives about weaponised AI across publics in France, India, Japan and the US. Based on a public opinion survey conducted in these states in 2022–2023, we find that narratives found in English-language popular culture are shared cross-culturally, although with some variations. However, we also find culturally distinct narratives, particularly in India and Japan. Further, we assess whether these narratives shape the publics’ attitudes towards regulating weaponised AI. Although respondents demonstrate overall uncertainty and lack of knowledge regarding developments in the sphere of weaponised AI, they assess these technologies in a negative-leaning way and mostly support regulation. With these findings, our study offers a first step towards further investigating the extent to which weaponised AI narratives circulate globally and how salient perceptions of these technologies are across different publics.
Doctors for the truth: Latin American antivaccine oppositional cultures on Telegram
Authors: Díaz Eduardo Paz , Ricaurte Paola
Published: December 2024

The antivaccine hesitancy movement represents a challenge to public policy and platform regulations. During COVID-19, various Latin American antivaccine groups clashed with official sanitary initiatives. Despite many responses, little progress has been made in reaching these groups to transform their perceptions about the benefits of the COVID-19 vaccine. During the pandemic in Latin America, the antivaccine network Médicos por la Verdad (Doctors for the Truth) gained prominence in various countries. Finding itself limited by legal and technical restrictions, this network used alternative media such as Telegram to disseminate messages. This study argues that such groups may be considered an antivaccination culture that opposes government measures. This focus emphasizes narrative construction and allows us to understand the phenomenon from the collective meaning-making perspective. This study analyzed 232,638 Telegram messages from 14 public channels associated with the Médicos por la Verdad network. Our findings indicate that this antivaccine network builds an oppositional culture expressed and reinforced through multimodal, trans-media, fragmented narratives and suspends disbelief that constructs a world where the community enacts a truth pact. These narrative methods foster building a resilient network of oppositional cultures, decreasing the effectiveness of policies. We conclude that research beyond the framework of misinformation and the analysis of conventional platforms is needed to understand the antivaccine oppositional cultures.
Enhanced MRI-based brain tumor segmentation and feature extraction using Berkeley wavelet transform and ETCCNN
Authors: Gokapay Dilip Kumar , Mohanty Sachi Nandan
Published: December 2024

Objective

Brain tumors are abnormal growths of brain cells that are typically diagnosed via magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which helps to discriminate between malignant and benign tumors. Using MRI image analysis, tumor sites have been identified and classified into four distinct tumor categories: meningioma, glioma, not tumor, and pituitary. If a brain tumor is not detected in its early stages, it could progress to a severe level or cause death. Therefore, to address these issues, the proposed approach uses an efficient classifier based on deep learning for brain tumor detection.

Methods

This article describes the classification and detection of brain tumor by an efficient two-channel convolutional neural network. The input image is initially rotated during the augmentation stage. Morphological operations, thresholding, and region filling are then used in the pre-processing stage. The output is then segmented using the Berkeley Wavelet Transform. A two-channel convolutional neural network is used to extract features from segmented objects. In the end, the most effective deep neural network is employed to determine the features of brain tumors. The classifier will utilize the Enhanced Serval Optimization Algorithm to determine the optimal gain parameters. MATLAB serves as the platform of choice for implementing the suggested model.

Results

Several performance metrics are calculated to assess the proposed brain tumor detection method, such as accuracy, F measures, kappa, precision, sensitivity, and specificity. The proposed model has a 98.8% detection accuracy for brain tumors.

Conclusion

The evaluation shows that the suggested strategy has produced the best results.
Barriers to clinical follow-up visits in multiple sclerosis: A nationwide register-based study
Authors: Beczek Agata , Landt Eskild Morten , Storr Lars Kristian , Beck Malene , Pontieri Luigi , Magyari Melinda , Dahl Morten
Published: December 2024

Background

In Denmark, specialized multiple sclerosis (MS) clinics offer free-of-charge treatment to people with MS. However, not all people with MS attend regular clinical follow-up.

Objective

To identify people with MS who do not attend Danish MS clinics and identify barriers to treatment.

Methods

The Danish Multiple Sclerosis Registry was linked to other national Danish registries with follow-up from 2000–2020. We used a time-dependent Cox regression to rank factors associated with low attendance to clinical follow-up visits based on the magnitude of hazard ratios (HRs).

Results

We included 10,175 adults with MS, of which 3862 (38%) had less than one visit annually. The five top-ranked factors that reduced the risk of visits occurring included never having received diseases modifying treatment (HR: 0.48; 95%CI: 0.46–0.49), been diagnosed with MS before 2009 (0.79; 0.78–0.81), association with MS center in an outer region of Denmark (0.82; 0.80–0.84), having progressive MS type (0.88; 0.86–0.91) and not having received symptomatic treatment at diagnosis (0.91; 0.89–0.93).

Conclusion

Our results highlight disease-specific and geographic inequalities in the management of people with MS in Denmark. Strategies to prevent this inequality, especially for people with progressive phenotypes and those who need supportive and non-medical treatment and care, should be implemented.
Influencing Factors of Continuous Intention to Use E-learning System of Undergraduates in Guangxi, China: The Mediating Role of Perceived Ease of Use and Perceived Usefulness
Authors: Yan Shen , Eng Liow Guat , Seong Lim Chui
Published: December 2024

Learning motivation is essential to online learning success. This study recognizes two aspects of learners’ motivation for E-learning and proposed technology acceptance model as cognitive process and stimulus-organism-response as affective process to explain the undergraduates’ continuous intention to use E-learning system based on Stimulus-Organism-Response model. It employes a quantitative research approach to analyze the data from 662 undergraduates using structural equation modeling. Specifically, it examines how flow experience (a generalized sense of enjoyment) as the external variable affects the perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness and the continuous use of the E-learning system. The results affirm that flow experience is a significant cognitive state in online virtual community behavior and has a significant influence on continuous intention to use. Perceived ease of use of the E-learning system is found more influential than perceived usefulness. Furthermore, the perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness were significant mediators between Flow and continuous intention. The findings of this study will help system designers, policymakers, educationists and other stakeholders take necessary steps in improving e-learners’ flow experience and their perceived ease of use and usefulness to increase retention rate and performance. More importantly, it will promote the formation of sustainable learning and ultimately achieve a lifelong learning society for all.
Students’ Evaluation of Live Online Lectures Versus Pre-Recorded Video Lectures During COVID-19: Focusing on Students’ Study Behaviors
Authors: Kim Eun Jung , Kim Mi Jeong
Published: December 2024

This study aimed to investigate university students’ evaluations of pre-recorded video and live online lectures, focusing on the factors that influence these assessments, particularly students’ studying behaviors. We conducted a web-based survey to gather data from undergraduate students. The results revealed that students rated live online lectures higher than pre-recorded video lectures in learning efficiency, student–teacher connectivity, and student–student connectivity. However, a contrasting trend was observed for academic performance. The multivariate analysis indicated that students who reported higher levels of restraint from distractions while listening to online lectures evaluated both pre-recorded video and live online lectures significantly more favorably. Moreover, students who regularly turned on their cameras during live lectures tended to rate online lectures more positively. These findings underscore the significance of students’ studying behavior as a critical factor influencing the effectiveness and outcomes of online lectures. It is important to foster and encourage students’ active engagement with online lectures and promote the development of self-learning skills.
The Influence of Learning Team on User Creativity in Online Learning Community
Authors: Li Shugang , Wen Zhifang , Zhu Lirong , Li Jiayi , Zhu He , Zhu Boyi , Zu Haixin
Published: December 2024

Exploring the influence mechanism of user creativity in online learning community is beneficial for improving learning efficiency and increasing stickiness and loyalty of users to online learning community. But the current research on collaborative creation mainly focuses on the effectiveness and innovation of online learning, and lacks the research focusing on the impact of environmental factors like learning group members on online users’ creativity enthusiasm and even creativity. This paper addresses this research gap by exploring the influence of learning team factors like social presence and observational learning on creativity by using self-efficacy and intrinsic motivation as mediators. The theoretical model was validated with data collected from 242 online learning community users. This paper finds that social presence and observational learning have a positive impact on motivational factors, such as self-efficacy and intrinsic motivation, which, in turn, enhance user creativity. Their influences are moderated by challenging research discipline, level of team members and incentive.
Navigating Homeschooling, Parenting, and Work During an Educational Emergency: Insights from Kazakhstan
Authors: Helmer Janet , Durrani Naureen , Mir Ghazala , Polat Filiz , Karimova Nazerke , Qanay Gulmira
Published: December 2024

Emergencies disrupt education service delivery; recent global political developments, environmental disasters, and the emergence of new diseases underscore the need for governments and education systems to learn from past crises to better prepare for future challenges. This qualitative study captures the perspectives of Kazakhstani parents as they navigated the difficulties posed by the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic and school closures. Interviews with 30 parents from different social backgrounds, geographical locations, family types, and employment situations revealed significant challenges. Utilizing the Balance Between Risks and Resources and Family Systems Theory, the study found that parents faced job losses, reduced income, and increased childcare responsibilities as schools swiftly transitioned to online learning. Gender inequity was particularly evident, with most educational support falling on mothers, who often felt unqualified to facilitate online schooling. Compounding these issues were poor internet access and the necessity of sharing a single device among multiple family members. Prolonged social isolation left many mothers feeling emotionally drained, with confined living spaces further impacting their well-being. Educational inequities widened and varied significantly along residential locations. To effectively address future emergencies and the long-term impacts of COVID-19, governments must ensure equitable digital access, provide financial and emotional support to families in need, offer technology training for parents and address unequal gender norms surrounding childcare and domestic labor. These steps will help build a stronger education system that meets the needs of all stakeholders and is better equipped to withstand future crises.
A Qualitative Study on the Contemporary Perspectives and Experiences of Co-residence During COVID-19 Among “Boomeranging” Young Adults and Their Mothers in England
Authors: Messiha Katrina , Stokes Gillian
Published: December 2024

The “Boomerang Effect” (BE) is a contemporary phenomenon in England and wider Europe, referencing young adults who move out of their parents’ home to live independently but eventually return to live with their parents again. Despite concerns about residential independence and the intensification of BE due to the COVID-19 pandemic, there is limited qualitative data investigating it. This qualitative study utilizes diary methods to elicit the perspectives and experiences from six mother-young adult child dyads in England for 21 days to enable holistic and dynamic insights on the day-to-day exposures to the BE phenomenon. Findings resulted in several salient themes: (1) prime concerns shaping living arrangements, (2) framing of (participant) role, (3) conceptualization of [participant] identity, (4) nature of family relations, (5) depiction of independence, and (6) perceived situational input of Government. This work underscores the interdependent and complex relationship between structure and agency manifest in the BE context.
The Use of Critical Consciousness for Gender Equality in Pre-Service Teacher Education: A New Perception for an Egalitarian World
Authors: Kumlu Esin
Published: December 2024

Depending upon Paulo Freire’s notion of critical consciousness (CC), this study investigates how the comparative analysis of traditional and non-traditional European fairy tales could impact the development of critical consciousness in pre-service English teachers and how they can use this skill for social change in their professional lives. Data were collected using narrative frames and semi-structured interviews at a university in the west of Türkiye as tools to investigate the experiences of 22 pre-service teachers taking the Discourse Analysis and Language Teaching course during the fall 2022 to 2023 semester. The thematic analysis of the qualitative data revealed an overarching theme, development of critical consciousness, and three sub-themes: development of critical thinking and reading skills, development of social awareness for gender equality through socio-political development, and an awareness of using gender-sensitive language. The results rest on the assumption that the development of critical consciousness through literary texts empowers the process of becoming a critical teacher who can liberate his/her students from social injustices by taking critical actions for a more egalitarian world.