bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Designing of an mRNA vaccine against high-risk human papillomavirus targeting the E6 and E7 oncoproteins exploiting immunoinformatics and dynamic simulation
Authors: Rahman Md. Mijanur , Masum Md. Habib Ullah , Parvin Rehana , Das Shuvo Chandra , Talukder Asma
Published: January 2025

Human papillomavirus 16 and human papillomavirus 18 have been associated with different life-threatening cancers, including cervical, lung, penal, vulval, vaginal, anal, and oropharyngeal cancers, while cervical cancer is the most prominent one. Several research studies have suggested that the oncoproteins E6 and E7 are the leading cause of cancers associated with the human papillomavirus infection. Therefore, we developed two mRNA vaccines (V1 and V2) targeting these oncoproteins. We used several bioinformatics tools to predict helper T lymphocyte, cytotoxic T lymphocyte, and B-cell epitopes derived from the proteins and assessed their antigenicity, allergenicity, and toxicity. Both vaccines were constructed using selected epitopes, linkers, and adjuvants. After that, the vaccines were applied for physicochemical properties, secondary and tertiary structure predictions, and subsequent docking and simulation analyses. Accordingly, vaccine 1 (V1) and vaccine 2 (V2) showed better hydrophilicity with the grand average hydropathicity score of -0.811 and -0.648, respectively. The secondary and tertiary structures of the vaccines were also deemed satisfactory, with high stability indicated by the Ramachandran plot (V1:94.5% and V2:87.1%) and Z scores (V1: -5.15 and V2: -4.1). Docking analysis revealed substantial affinity of the vaccines towards the toll-like receptor-2 (V1: -1159.3, V2: -1246.3) and toll-like receptor-4 (V1: -1109.3, V2: -1244.8) receptors. Molecular dynamic simulation validated structural integrity and indicated varying stability throughout the simulation. Codon optimization showed significant expression of the vaccines (V1:51.88% and V2:51.63%) in E. coli vectors. Furthermore, regarding immune stimulation, the vaccines elicited significant B-cell and T-cell responses, including sustained adaptive and innate immune responses. Finally, thermodynamic predictions indicated stable mRNA structures of the vaccines (V1: -502.60 kcal/mol and V2: -450.90 kcal/mol). The proposed vaccines designed effectively targeting human papillomavirus oncoproteins have demonstrated promising results via robust immune responses, suggesting their suitability for further clinical advancement, including in vitro and in vivo experiments.
Persistence of Phi6, a SARS-CoV-2 surrogate, in simulated indoor environments: Effects of humidity and material properties
Authors: Parry-Nweye Eloise , Liu Zhenlei , Dhaouadi Yousr , Guo Xin , Huang Wenfeng , Zhang Jianshun , Ren Dacheng
Published: January 2025

The SARS-CoV-2 virus caused the COVID-19 pandemic and brought major challenges to public health. It is transmitted via aerosols, droplets, and fomites. Among these, viral transmission through fomites is not well understood although it remains a very important transmission route. This motivated us to study how fomites play a role in viral transmission within controlled indoor environments. To achieve this, we investigated viral aerosol persistence on fomites under different humidity levels to mimic the built environment. We developed a protocol to study the effect of humidity on viral infectivity using a full-scale environmental chamber. The results show that the infectivity of aerosolized Phi6 in air decreased by ≥ 1 log10 as the relative humidity (RH) increased from 25% to 75% but then increased by ≥ 1 log10 as the RH further increased to 85%, resulting in a characteristic V-shape curve which varied with exposure time. Consistently, we show that although material properties may impact viral persistence, changes in the local humidity more significantly influence viral persistence on fomites. These results provide new insights into indoor fomite-mediated viral transmission under different environmental conditions. These findings will help guide the design of more effective strategies for viral control in indoor environments.
Identity, language and communication concerns of subcultures: The case of Antalya Cretans
Authors: ŞİMŞEK Pınar
Published: January 2025

In today’s world, there is almost no homogeneous culture without interaction, and multiculturalism has become the most important phenomenon for all societies. Therefore, this cultural diversity, consisting of differences in culture, language, identity, religion, etc. has also brought along many problems. In the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s in “Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage”, it is stated that identifying, documenting and surveying intangible cultural heritage of communities contributes to social harmony and tolerance. This research has been conducted on the identity, language, and communication of the Cretan in Türkiye. The purpose of the study is to contribute to social peace and tolerance by examining the identity, language, and communication perceptions and concerns of the Crete-origin community living in Türkiye as a subculture group, within the context of multiculturalism and intercultural communication. In this direction, preliminary interviews, observations and semi-structured in-depth interviews were made in the fieldwork carried out between May-July 2024 in the of the Cretan immigrants who have migrated and settled in Antalya at the first settlements one of the world cities with intense multiculturalism. In the study, an answer has been sought to the question “What are the identity and linguistic anxiety, harmony and conflict situations in the communication and interaction of Cretans living in Turkey as a subculture with the dominant culture?”. The findings were subjected to thematic and descriptive analysis and interpreted. It is predicted that the findings and results of this research can be used to contribute to studies aimed at preventing identity, linguistic and cultural incompatibility and possible conflicts caused by increasing migration movements.
Individual and community-level determinants of knowledge of obstetric danger signs among women in Southern Ethiopia: A multi-level mixed effect negative binomial analysis
Authors: Yoseph Amanuel , Simachew Yilkal , Tsegaye Berhan , Borsamo Asfaw , Seifu Yohans , Belayneh Mehretu
Published: January 2025

Introduction

One of the key strategies to achieve the sustainable development goal by reducing maternal deaths below 70 per 100,000 is improving knowledge of obstetric danger signs (ODS). However, mothers’ knowledge of ODS is low in general and very low in rural settings, regardless of local and national efforts in Ethiopia. Further, there is significant variation of ODS knowledge among women from region to region and urban/rural settings. Most studies are limited only to northern Ethiopia and focused on individual-level determinants. Thus, this study aimed to assess the individual and community-level determinants of knowledge of obstetrics danger signs among women who delivered in the last 12 months in the northern zone of the Sidama region, Ethiopia.

Methods

We conducted a community-based cross-sectional study from October 21 to November 11, 2022. A multi-stage sampling procedure was utilized to select study participants. A structured and pretested questionnaire was utilized to collect data. Open Data Kit (ODK) smartphone application was used to collect data at women’s homes. A multi-level mixed-effects negative binomial regression model was used to control effects of clusters and confounders.

Results

The overall response rate of this study was 99.12%. The proportion of knowledge of obstetrics danger sign was 22.3% (95% CI: 18.7, 25.9). Government-employed women [adjusted incidence ratio (AIR) = 1.37; 95% CI: 1.20, 1.56], women who had exposure to mass media (AIR = 1.16; 95% CI: 1.08, 1.25), women who had received model family training (AIR = 1.15; 95% CI: 1.10, 1.25), autonomous women (AIR = 1.34; 95% CI: 1.25, 1.46), women who had faced health problems during pregnancy (AIR = 1.21; 95% CI: 1.11, 1.32), and urban women (AIR = 1.22; 95% CI: 1.09, 1.62) were determinants positively affect knowledge of ODS.

Conclusion

Only one in five women has good knowledge of ODS in the study setting. Urban residence, mass media exposure, receiving model family training, facing health problems during pregnancy, and women’s autonomy were the main determinants of knowledge of ODS. Any intervention strategies should focus on multi-sectorial collaboration to address determinants of knowledge of ODS at the individual and community level. Reinforcing the existing model family training, particularly focusing on rural women and women who denied autonomy in decision-making about health care, should be considered. Awareness creation should be increased about ODS through mass media exposure.
The MIR-NAT MAPT-AS1 does not regulate Tau expression in human neurons
Authors: Policarpo Rafaela , Wolfs Leen , Martínez-Montero Saul , Vandermeulen Lina , Royaux Ines , Van Peer Gert , Mestdagh Pieter , De Strooper Bart , Sierksma Annerieke , d’Ydewalle Constantin
Published: January 2025

The MAPT gene encodes Tau protein, a member of the large family of microtubule-associated proteins. Tau forms large insoluble aggregates that are toxic to neurons in several neurological disorders, and neurofibrillary Tau tangles represent a key pathological hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and other tauopathies. Lowering Tau expression levels constitutes a potential treatment for AD but the mechanisms that regulate Tau expression at the transcriptional or translational level are not well understood. Natural antisense transcripts (NATs) are a particular class of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) that can regulate expression of their overlapping protein-coding genes at the epigenetic, transcriptional, or translational level. We and others identified a long non-coding RNA associated with the MAPT gene, named MAPT antisense 1 (MAPT-AS1). We confirmed that MAPT-AS1 is expressed in neurons in human post mortem brain tissue. To study the role of MAPT-AS1 on MAPT expression regulation, we modulated the expression of this lncRNA in human neuroblastoma cell lines and in human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) derived neurons. In contrast to previous reports, we observed no changes on MAPT mRNA or Tau protein levels upon modulation of MAPT-AS1 levels in these cellular models. Our data suggest that MAPT-AS1 does not regulate Tau expression levels in human neurons in vitro. Thus, MAPT-AS1 does not represent a valuable therapeutic target to lower Tau expression in patients affected by tauopathies including AD.
The synergistic effects of microcredit access and agricultural technology adoption on maize farmer’s income in Kenya
Authors: Kipkogei Shadrack , Han Jiqin , Mwalupaso Gershom , Tanui John , Brenya Robert
Published: January 2025

Addressing global food security demands urgent improvement in agricultural productivity, particularly in developing economies where market imperfections are perverse and resource constraints prevail. While microcredit is widely acknowledged as a tool for economic empowerment, its role in facilitating agricultural technology adoption and improving agricultural incomes remains underexplored. This study examines the synergistic effects of microcredit access and agricultural technology adoption on the incomes of maize farmers in Kenya. Using household-level data, we employ an endogenous switching regression framework to control possible endogeneity in access to microcredit. Our findings shows that microcredit access positively influences the adoption of advanced agricultural technologies. Key determinants, including marital status, use of fertilizer application, access to extension services, and cooperative membership, are identified as significant determinants of microcredit access. Notably, the Average Treatment Effect on the Treated (ATT) indicates a 40.52% increase in income among farmers who access microcredit, mainly driven by the timely adoption of high-quality seeds, improved agricultural technologies, and enhanced inputs. These results highlight microcredit’s role in promoting allocative efficiency and enhancing Total Factor Productivity (TFP) within agricultural systems. Robustness checks, including propensity score matching and sensitivity analyses, corroborate these findings. The study recommends the implementation of targeted financial policies and educational initiatives meant to promote credit access, encourage savings, and enhancing financial literacy, particularly for credit-constrained households. Integrating these measures could strengthen rural financial markets and drive sustainable agricultural development across the regions.
Construction of management tools for early warning of prevacuum steam sterilization failure
Authors: Zhao Xin , Liu Ting , Ma Ning , Wang Ran , Li Ying , Shen Tong
Published: January 2025

Objective

The aim of this study is to develop a set of management tools for early warning of steam sterilization failure, including a failure risk checklist and a calculation model for assessing early sterilization failure risk, and to verify the early warning effectiveness of the management tools through check experiment.

Methods

This study included two stages. The first stage involved the construction of a failure risk checklist and the development of a computational formula for early sterilization failure risk by expert consultation. In the second stage, the early warning effectiveness of the sterilization failure management tools was verified through a comparative verification method based on the consultation results of two experts.

Results

The evaluation system comprised a total of 10 early warning indicators divided into 3 categories: "Staff", "Steam sterilizer" and "Medical devices". The Cronbach’s α coefficient for internal consistency reliability was 0.837, the total content validity index (S-CVI) was 0.884, and the item-content validity (I-CVI) ranged from 0.762 to 1. In management practices, the sterilization qualification rate of the experimental group was 100%, compared to 99.78% in the control group. There were significant differences between the two groups in terms of accidental downtime (hours) and the normal operation rate of the equipment caused by equipment failure.

Conclusion

This study constructed an early warning model for the vacuum steam sterilization process failures. This model facilitates more accurate identification of sterilization failure risks, which helps medical institutions in enhancing sterilization quality control and early interventions.
Impact of CaNa2EDTA fortification on growth, antioxidant activity and stress-related gene expression in tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) at different stocking densities paradigms
Authors: Komal Wajeeha , Fatima Shafaq , Minahal Qandeel , Liaqat Razia , Abdul Latif Asma , Hussain Aya S.
Published: January 2025

Increasing aquaculture production requires high-density farming, which induces stress, necessitating supplements to mitigate its effects and ensure fish health. The aim of this study was to examine how CaNa2EDTA (EDTA) affects the growth, immune response and antioxidant activity in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). The fish were raised at three different stocking densities: low (LD = 2.00 kg/m3), medium (MD = 3.50 kg/m3), and high (HD = 5.00 kg/m3). Each density group was fed with one of four levels of EDTA supplementation (E0 = 0 g/kg, E1 = 5 g/kg, E2 = 10 g/kg, and E3 = 15 g/kg) for 60 days. Each diet was tested in triplicate (n = 66 fish per replicate in LD, 116 per replicate in MD, and 166 per replicate in HD). After 60 days, the results of this study declared that LD group showed better growth than the MD and HD groups, and among all groups, those fed the E1 diet grew better than those on other diets. The study found significant changes in the chemical composition of the fish and the activity of digestive enzymes across all treatments. Antioxidant enzyme levels and cortisol were higher in the HD group compared to the LD and MD groups. However, fish in the HD group fed the E1 diet had the lowest levels of antioxidant enzymes and cortisol. Malondialdehyde levels were higher in the HD group compared to the LD and MD groups, with the lowest levels seen in fish on the E1 diet in the HD group. The expression of Somatostatin-1 did not increase in the MD group compared to the LD and HD groups. The gene expression levels of pro-opiomelanocortin-α and Interleukin 1-β were not significantly affected by either stocking density or EDTA supplementation. In conclusion, EDTA supplementation improved growth and antioxidant response in tilapia, with the best results seen at a dose of 5 g/kg in the high-density group, suggesting that this approach could be beneficial in intensive tilapia farming.
The influence of cognitive reserve on ERP measures of selective visual attentional processing in older adults after mild traumatic brain injury
Authors: Balart-Sánchez Sebastián A. , Bittencourt Mayra , Jalili Seyedehzahra , van der Naalt Joukje , Maurits Natasha M.
Published: January 2025

Objective

Older adults have an increased risk of developing persistent cognitive complaints after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Yet, studies exploring which factors protect older adults with mTBI from developing such complaints are rare. It has been suggested that one such factor may be cognitive reserve (CR), but it is unknown how CR influences cognition in this patient category. Here, we therefore study how CR influences brain processes during a task that taps into attention, an important cognitive function.

Methods

We studied 17 older adults (13 males, mean 68.18 (SD 5.08) years old) at the subacute stage after mTBI and 19 age- and CR-matched participants without mTBI; 9 males, mean 67.79 (SD 5.36) years old) performing a selective visual attentional processing task while recording EEG. The P2 brain event-related potential component was obtained by averaging over electrodes in the fronto-central region of interest and its amplitude and latency were derived as neural correlates of attentional processing. The inverse efficiency score (IES) was derived from accuracy and reaction times as a measure of performance. To investigate the effect of CR on performance and P2 component characteristics, three separate mixed model repeated measures analyses of covariance (RM-ANCOVA) were performed.

Results

Performance did not significantly differ across groups or task conditions, nor was it significantly influenced by CR. Main effects of CR illustrated that the P2 latency was delayed (p = .03) and the P2 amplitude increased (p = .02) with higher CR across groups. Furthermore, CR correlated positively with P2 latency in both groups (older adults without mTBI: r = .370, p = .005, older adults with mTBI: r = .287, p = 0.041), and with P2 amplitude in the older adults with mTBI (r = .595-.636, p<0.001-.011). We found no main or interaction effects of group or task condition on P2 characteristics.

Conclusion

Older adults with mTBI with higher CR employ more brain resources than older adults with mTBI with lower CR, accompanied by slower processing, suggesting that it may have resulted in similar performance at a selective visual attentional processing task. To better interpret these findings in the context of persistent complaints and establish that higher CR in these patients may result in better performance, our study needs to be repeated with more participants.
Determining the perceptions and practices of oncologists regarding venous thromboembolism risk assessment in ambulatory cancer patients: A qualitative study
Authors: Tariq Marwa Akram , Mikhael Ehab Mudher
Published: January 2025

Cancer-associated thrombosis (CAT) can increase morbidity and mortality for cancer patients. Therefore, guidelines recommend predicting VTE risk and thromboprophylaxis for high-risk patients. Many studies critique oncologists’ adherence to thromboprophylaxis guidelines for cancer patients. Meanwhile, most of these studies did not discuss in detail the reasons and facilitators for oncologists’ adherence to thromboprophylaxis guidelines. Therefore, the current study aimed to explore in depth the perceptions and practices of oncologists working in oncology centers in Baghdad, Iraq, regarding VTE and its risk assessment among ambulatory cancer patients. A qualitative study with face-to-face individual-based interviews was conducted with oncologists working in four major oncology centers in Baghdad, Iraq using a semi-structured interview guide. The guide was developed based on previous relevant literature and validated by a panel of experts. The interviews were conducted from November 2023 to January 2024. Thematic analysis approach was used for data analysis. Thirty-one oncologists were interviewed in this study. Twenty-two of the interviewed oncologists reported that they detect VTE among their cancer patients. 64% of participating oncologists reported that they did not conduct VTE risk assessments for their cancer patients. Only four oncologists reported assessing VTE risk using the Khorana score. 58% of oncologists reported that they prescribe thromboprophylaxis for high-risk patients; meanwhile, only 11% of them reported prescribing anticoagulants in a dose similar to that reported by thromboprophylaxis guidelines. 77% of participating oncologists reported that pharmacists have a significant role in preventing cancer-related thrombosis by helping physicians prescribe a safe and effective prophylactic anticoagulant and in calculating VTE risk scores. In conclusion, CAT is commonly diagnosed among Iraqi cancer patients. VTE risk assessment for ambulatory cancer patients is rarely conducted by oncologists working at Oncology centers in Baghdad, Iraq. The prophylactic anticoagulants were rarely prescribed in appropriate dose and/or duration for patients at high risk of VTE. Pharmacists can help oncologists follow thromboprophylaxis guidelines by calculating VTE risk score and recommending a safe and effective dose of appropriate prophylactic anticoagulant.Educating and training oncologists about VTE risk assessment is recommended to enhance their practice in thromboprophlaxis.
Mortality and predictors among HIV-TB co-infected patients in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wondie Wubet Tazeb , Wubneh Chalachew Adugna , Legesse Bruck Tesfaye , Mekonen Gebrehiwot Berie , Zemariam Alemu Birara , Gebreegziabher Zenebe Abebe , Gedefaw Gezahagn Demsu , Bekele Gemechu Gelan , Regassa Belay Tafa
Published: January 2025

Background

HIV-TB co-infection poses a significant public health threat, notably in sub-Saharan Africa including Ethiopia. Despite this public health problem, studies in Ethiopia regarding the mortality of HIV-TB co-infection patients have been inconsistent, and the overall estimate of mortality was not determined. Accordingly, this meta-analysis aims to assess the magnitude of mortality and predictors among HIV-TB co-infected patients in Ethiopia.

Methods

A search of the literature was conducted from three databases (PubMed, Global Index Medicus, and CINHAL), and other sources (Google Scholar, Google, Worldwide Science). All observational studies that reported the mortality of HIV-TB co-infected patients in Ethiopia were included. Joanna Briggs Institute’s (JBI) quality appraisal checklist was used to assess the quality of studies. Effect sizes were pooled using the random effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed using Cochrane Q and I2 test statistics, and the prediction interval was determined. Subgroup analysis was conducted by region. To examine the presence of an influential study, a sensitivity analysis was done. Egger’s test was used to check publication bias. A non-parametric trim and fill analysis was carried out.

Results

A total of 886 studies were identified, using database searches and keywords. Of these, 37 met the criteria for inclusion. The pooled proportion of mortality among HIV-TB co-infected patients was found to be 18.42% (95% CI:14.27–22.57). In the subgroup analysis, the highest mortality was observed in the Tigray region at 31.86% (95% CI: 7.69–56.03), and the lowest mortality was reported in two general studies in Ethiopia 11.95 (95% CI: 4.19–19.00). From the examined 20 predictors, only four predictors such as Anaemia (HR = 2.25, 95% CI: 1.65–3.07), Poor adherence to ART (HR = 2.42, 95% CI: 1.39–4.21), not taking co-trimoxazole preventive therapy (HR = 1.87, 95% CI: 1.28–2.73), and extrapulmonary tuberculosis (HR = 1.23, 95% CI: 1.01–1.51) were significant predictors.

Conclusions

In Ethiopia, 18.42% of HIV-TB co-infected patients died. Anaemia, poor adherence, not taking CPT, and extrapulmonary tuberculosis were found to be significant predictors. Hence, the concerned stakeholders need to expand and strengthen the HIV-TB collaborative services and attention should be given to patients presented with the aforementioned predictors.

Trial registration

This meta-analysis has been registered in PROSPERO with registration number CRD42023466558.
Iridescent Kuwait: Petro-Modernity and Urban Visual Culture Since the Mid-Twentieth Century, Laura Hindelang (2022)
Authors: Cooke Miriam
Published: January 2025

Review of: Iridescent Kuwait: Petro-Modernity and Urban Visual Culture Since the Mid-Twentieth Century, Laura Hindelang (2022)

Boston, MA: De Gruyter, 261 pp., 29 b&w and 67 colour illus.,

ISBN: 9783110714661, $44.99 (paperback);

ISBN: 9783110714739, open access (eBook)
Re-Orientations: Europe and Islamic Art From 1851 to Today, Kunsthaus Zürich, Zurich, March 24–July 16, 2023
Authors: Akgün Bahar
Published: January 2025

Review of: Re-Orientations: Europe and Islamic Art From 1851 to Today, Kunsthaus Zürich, Zurich, March 24–July 16, 2023
Reading, Gender and Identity in Seventeenth-Century England
Authors: Jeans Hannah
Published: January 2025

Offering a more complete picture of women’s reading experiences in seventeenth-century England, this book examines attitudes to women’s reading both within early modern gender discourse and from women readers themselves. It draws on diaries, letters, annotated books and other archival sources to explore the relationship between reading habits and constructing (gender) identity, ultimately questioning the accepted notion of ‘the woman reader’ itself.
Navigating Ethical Challenges in a Robotics Education Program: Design Solutions at Multiple Levels
Authors: Cai Qijie , Song Liyan , McNary Scot , Duan Suzhen
Published: January 2025

This design case presents a detailed account of how we navigated various ethical issues observed in a robotics program that aimed to engage underrepresented students in robotics and STEM experience. The ethical challenges we encountered revolved around uneven participant engagement and interpersonal tensions. We tackled these challenges by designing new program elements, such as coach guides and differentiated robotics tasks. Additionally, we focused on systemic factors, aiming to reshape power dynamics by enhancing resource access, integrating the engineering design process into the curriculum, and empowering coaches to guide group activities. These design solutions were in line with the care-based ethical theory and principle-based ethics perspective, emphasizing a balanced power structure, responsiveness to individual needs and experiences, and the promotion of learner autonomy and responsibility. The redesigned program demonstrated success, evident in robust attendance, high participant satisfaction, and positive feedback from families. This design case provides practical strategies and valuable insights for educators and policymakers dedicated to promoting equity in robotics education.
Design Ethics of Culturally Sustaining & Revitalizing (Re)Presentation
Authors: Litts Breanne K. , Tehee Melissa , Cardona-Rivera Rogelio E. , Alladin J. Kaleo
Published: January 2025

Educational innovations with emerging technologies often disregard the potential historical and cultural damage of those technologies, which further disenfranchises Indigenous communities from a fruitful relationship with them. This is especially true for narrative-based digital technologies, because storytelling is held as a sacred practice of knowledge sharing among Indigenous communities. In response, we wondered how we could create technologies (digital and non-digital) that support Indigenous ways of knowing, especially through storytelling. This is a process we call (re)presentation. Specifically, our work is centered on building culturally sustaining and revitalizing models for (re) presenting stories. Our team engaged in an iterative and reflexive design process with Indigenous and non-Indigenous community members, educators, designers, and researchers. We present a single design case of (re)presenting an Indigenous story across interactions and share four ethical tensions that we encountered throughout our process. Our (re)presentation of each tension includes a critical reflection as well as our shared journey navigating the ethical tensions in practice and what that means for how we approach learning design
Ethics of Care and Soft Systems Methodology Employed to Guide a Doctoral Program Redesign
Authors: Warren Scott , Rivera Brittany , Grotewold Kimberly S. , Hernandez Ruthi , Yeoh Eugene , Johnson Veronica , McGuffin Kristen , Robinson Heather
Published: January 2025

For many educational organizations, ensuring students have a positive experience and feel cared for by their degree program faculty is necessary for recruitment and retention, which can be especially important in challenging doctoral programs. Making information easily accessible and up-todate on the website, including the necessary forms, is a simple yet significant way of demonstrating support and care for students as they seek to complete important milestones such as the dissertation. Further, regular communication of expectations with care messages is vital for retention because it builds students’ confidence that department members support their well-being and success. From the perspective that the organization’s behaviors should be moral, it is necessary to show care for students to ensure they can complete a degree. Instructional design should follow a strong learning design theory aligned with desired outcomes. As such, our program redesign was guided by Noddings’ concept of Ethics of Care, which is grounded in a feminist, moral perspective of educational support. The operational enactment of that conception was supported by soft systems methodology, which is focused on understanding and depicting the complexity of human interactions in organizations. This paper presents our attempt to completely redesign a doctoral program to support students to improve their experience by providing improved advising services and academic resources.
Introduction to the Special Section on Ethics in Learning Design
Authors: Moore Stephanie L. , Gray Colin M. , Abramenka-Lachheb Victoria
Published: January 2025

The International Journal of Designs for Learning (IJDL) is pleased to publish this Special Section on Ethics in Learning Design. This Special Section includes six design cases that highlight different aspects of ethical considerations that instructional designers make as they go about their everyday work. These design cases include instances where ethical tensions were amplified or made central by the author for critical discussion as well as cases where ethical considerations, principles, or frameworks played a key role in enabling design work to occur in a more ethical manner.
AI solutionism as a barrier to sustainability transformations in research and innovation
Authors: Nutas Andrei
Published: January 2025

AI-driven approaches dominate research and innovation, but are they addressing social complexities and deeper ethical challenges? Following a critique of the growing reliance on technical solutions to sustainability issues, the author calls for a shift toward value pluralism and epistemic
humility, offering reforms to reshape research and higher education priorities.In this article, the impact of AI-driven solutionism in research and innovation is critically examined, with a particular focus on sustainability challenges. It is argued that overreliance on technical solutions
often ignores ethical complexities, leading to two risks: overlooking diverse values and epistemic hubris. The author examines how current trends in academia, research funding, and industry partnerships perpetuate a solutionist ideology, potentially marginalizing critical ethical discourse
and participatory decision-making. He highlights the need for a shift towards value pluralism and epistemic humility in research and innovation. He concludes by proposing reforms in higher education and research funding to foster these principles, offering concrete examples of their implementation.
Modeling propagation competition between hostile influential groups using opinion dynamics
Authors: Chen Yuhong , Li Cong , Liu Fangzhou , Buss Martin
Published: January 2025

We model the propagation competition between hostile groups as an opinion dynamic game. The model is based on a variant of the DeGroot model. In the cost function, we considered the regulation from the platform and the intention to nudge the opponent against the regulation. Considering the unavailability of network relations, we use reinforcement learning to search for the feedback strategy of both parties. In the simulation, we verified the effectiveness of this method and showed that the stricter the platform regulation, the more conducive to the formation of consensus.
A wideband tunable quadrature coupler with flat coupling
Authors: Mextorf Henning , Schernus Winfried
Published: January 2025

This paper presents a wideband reconfigurable coupler with tunable coupling ratios. It consists of two 3 dB quadrature couplers and two varactor-based continuously tunable reflection networks. The instantaneous bandwidth is enhanced by adding matching networks at all four ports. The proposed four port with reflection symmetry offers a return loss greater than 15 dB and an isolation greater than 20 dB through a fractional bandwidth of 23 % while exhibiting a very flat response. The coupling ratio can be tuned from −9 dB to 0.1 dB.
Ultrasonic metal welding of Al/Cu joints with Ni coating: parametric effects on joint performance and microstructural modifications
Authors: Das Soumyajit , Satpathy Mantra Prasad , Routara Bharat Chandra , Nanda Basanta Kumar , Sahoo Susanta Kumar
Published: January 2025

The increasing adoption of lithium-ion battery packs in electric vehicles has sparked considerable interest in choosing the appropriate busbar material and obtaining suitable mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties of the welded joints. This study comprehensively employs ultrasonic metal welding to create tab-to-busbar connections utilizing 0.3 mm nickel-coated copper and 0.5 mm aluminum sheets. Joint mechanical performance, microstructural characterization, and welding mechanism at different weld energies and clamping pressures are studied to understand the material flow, inter-atomic mixing, and newer grain formation phenomena. The correlation between the dynamic characteristics of electrical contact resistance and the resulting temperature is also revealed under various welding conditions by applying current through the joints. The micro-hardness analysis disclosed the different weld zones of distinctive values where the material has been mixed. Further, the nickel coating on the copper surfaces facilitates metallurgical bonding to a significant extent. The results revealed that the inter-atomic diffusion, wave-like bonding area, and micro-bond development on the weld cross-sectional surface are the foremost reasons for satisfactory welds.
Deep embedded based energy efficient user grouping and Kookaburra Goshawk optimization for optimal power allocation in Terahertz MIMO-NOMA systems
Authors: Borakhade Deepali Kishor , Gawali Vikram Sadashiv , Sapkale Pallavi
Published: January 2025

In recent years, terahertz (THz) communications have gained significant attention due to their potential for supporting ultra-high data rates in future wireless systems, particularly in multiple-input multiple-output non-orthogonal multiple access (MIMO-NOMA). However, efficient power allocation and interference management remain critical challenges. In this work, a power allocation approach is devised for THz MIMO-NOMA systems based on fuzzy integrated user pairing. First, the system model is considered and the devised work is based on grouping the users and hybrid precoding. By considering three constraints including position, signal to interference plus noise ratio (SINR), and initial power the user grouping procedure is done. Additionally, the grouping of users is based on the deep-embedded fuzzy clustering, where the measure of distance is modified by applying the above-mentioned three parameters. Next, the hybrid precoding of the THz MIMO-NOMA scheme is done. Later, the power allocation is done based on the user grouping, which is performed concerning the established Kookaburra goshawk optimization (KGO) by employing energy efficiency (EE), a utility function. Here, the KGO is established by unifying the Kookaburra optimization algorithm (KOA) and northern goshawk optimization (NGO). The KGO for power allocation reached the maximal achievable rate, EE, sum rate, utility, and simulation time of 0.958, 0.909, 0.858, 0.899, and 3.579, respectively, for 400 users.
Space-time wedges
Authors: Bahrami Amir , De Kinder Klaas , Li Zhiyu , Caloz Christophe
Published: January 2025

Space-time–modulated systems have attracted significant interest over the past decade due to their ability to manipulate electromagnetic waves in unprecedented ways. Here, we introduce a new type of space-time–modulated structure, the space-time wedge, consisting of two interfaces moving at different velocities, which results in either closing or opening wedges. Using moving boundary conditions, we derive closed-form solutions for the scattering of electromagnetic waves in such a wedge and leverage these solutions to unveil the underlying physics, including multiple space-time scattering and Doppler shifting. The space-time wedge holds potential for various optical and photonic applications.
Tunneling of two-dimensional surface polaritons through plasmonic nanoplates on atomically thin crystals
Authors: Lee Seojoo , Kang Ji-Hun
Published: January 2025

We theoretically investigate the tunneling of two-dimensional surface polaritons (2DSPs) through plasmonic nanoplates on atomically thin crystals. By developing an analytic model based on coupled-mode theory, we examine the tunneling efficiency as a function of the plate’s width and height. Our analysis reveals that the tunneling is mediated by evanescent waves induced near the plate edges due to interactions between 2DSPs and the plate, enabling the consistent recoupling of 2DSPs across plates of finite width, regardless of their height. Additionally, we clarify that these evanescent waves not only facilitate tunneling but also induce an anomalous phase shift in the 2DSPs reflected from the plate. This phase shift is shown to play a critical role in the resonant tunneling of 2DSPs through two plates, effectively creating a polariton-assisted resonator in the deep subwavelength regime.
Evaluation of Consumer Masstige Brand Relationship Between Generations
Authors: Rodrigues Paula , Sousa Ana , Borges Ana Pinto
Published: January 2025

This study expands the conceptual model on the antecedents and consequences of masstige brands by analysing the similarities and differences in consumer perceptions between Generations Z and Y. Focusing on Chinese consumers, data were collected via a structured survey and analysed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) and bootstrapping to ensure methodological rigor. The results validate the conceptual framework, showing partial measurement invariance between the two generational cohorts, indicating that while both groups share similar perceptions of masstige brands, key differences exist in how they relate to brand loyalty. This study offers empirical validation of the model, addressing a gap in the literature by testing masstige brand constructs using the Masstige Mean Score Scale (MMSS). The findings contribute to masstige branding strategy by highlighting generational nuances and confirming that Generations Z and Y in China exhibit comparable but distinct engagement with masstige brands, providing insights for more targeted brand strategies.
Tobacco induces abnormal metabolism of tryptophan via the kynurenine pathway
Authors: Onmaz Mustafa , Eryavuz Onmaz Duygu , Demirbas Nur , Kutlu Ruhusen , Unlu Ali , Hatir Ahmet Emre
Published: January 2025

Objectives

This study aims to investigate the effect of smoking on the metabolism of kynurenine and thus contribute to the elucidation of the potential mechanism of cigarette smoking.

Methods

The study included 82 smokers and 63 nonsmokers who applied to the Family Medicine Polyclinic for routine check-ups. Sociodemographic data, routine laboratory results, Framingham risk scores (FRS), and Fagerström Nicotine Dependence Test (FTND) were recorded. Serum tryptophan, kynurenine, kynurenic acid, 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid, 3-hydroxykynurenine, and quinolinic acid concentrations were measured with tandem mass spectrometry.

Results

Serum tryptophan levels (p=0.040) were statistically significantly lower in smokers, and the kynurenine/tryptophan ratio and serum kynurenine, kynurenic acid, quinolinic acid, 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid levels were higher (p<0.001). The correlation analysis in the smoker group showed a positive correlation between serum kynurenic acid levels and FTDN. The serum kynurenine levels were positively correlated with the levels of total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and FRS. There was a positive correlation between serum quinolinic acid levels and participants’ systolic and diastolic blood pressures.

Conclusions

Our findings showed that tryptophan metabolism via the kynurenine pathway was induced in smokers.
OS ESTUDOS RURAIS À LUZ DE OUTRAS POSSIBILIDADES: PISTAS A PARTIR DA ANTROPOLOGIA SIMÉTRICA
Authors: Schneider Maurício , Menasche Renata
Published: January 2025

O presente ensaio busca refletir sobre algumas possibilidades de aporte da Antropologia Simétrica para os estudos rurais. Para tanto, primeiramente são resgatados elementos do percurso percorrido pelo campo de conhecimento dedicado a estudar os grupos camponeses no Brasil, com destaque para os estudos de comunidade e para as etnografias hermenêuticas. Na sequência, busca-se discutir os conceitos de cultura e sociedade como entendidos por algumas correntes antropológicas, enquanto “todos sistêmicos”, ontologicamente separados da natureza. São também realizadas algumas ponderações a respeito das relações entre humanos e não-humanos. Por fim, são consideradas algumas possibilidades de abordar fenômenos observados no meio rural a partir de noções como redes e cosmologias.
ENCENAR OS SABERES ETNOGRÁFICOS: PERSPECTIVAS MUSEOLÓGICAS SOBRE MÍDIAS DIGITAIS E EXPOSIÇÃO
Authors: Schoeni Dominique
Published: January 2025

As tecnologias digitais têm diversificado os lugares da museologia e renovado as práticas de instituições comprometidas na tarefa de mapear os conhecimentos. De fato, as imagens digitais se prestam a todos os usos: arquivadas, exibidas, editadas, elas podem servir a simular, explicar, demonstrar, ou favorecer ao público as possibilidades de exploração. Mas além dessas semelhanças funcionais com as técnicas museológicas, a predominância dos meios digitais pode suscitar preocupações acerca do risco de confusão ou de nivelamento das diferenças e das singularidades nas realidades apresentadas. A experiência concreta de montagem de uma exposição, a partir da etnografia da ocupação de cabanas abandonadas por migrantes sem abrigo, nos levou, o sociólogo Nasser Tafferant e eu, a considerar as limitações das produções digitais no âmbito da etnografia. A encenação das condições precárias de moradia desses migrantes convocava as dimensões sensíveis, físicas, corporais do trabalho etnográfico para torná-las perceptíveis num espaço concreto do percurso expositivo. Estamos apostando que uma forma original de conhecimento pode emergir dessa aproximação da pesquisa etnográfica através da mídia da exposição.
ETNOGRAFIA COM IMAGENS: PRÁTICAS DE RESTITUIÇÃO
Authors: Carvalho da Rocha Ana Luiza , Eckert Cornélia
Published: January 2025

A restituição é uma ação ética, prática da pesquisa etnográfica. A partir das experiências de formação científica em dois núcleos de pesquisa em antropologia visual na UFRGS, refletimos sobre as aprendizagens nos exercícios de etnografia com imagens e descrevemos formas de socializar as pesquisas com imagens.
LE MONTAGE EN ANTHROPOLOGIE FILMIQUE: REFLEXION A PARTIR DU «PORTRAIT» DE L’OUVRIER EN REGION PARISIENNE
Authors: Martaud Aliénor
Published: January 2025

Como realizar o "retrato" filmado do trabalhador na região parisiense? Se a organização do trabalho de campo permite misturar a experiência e os instrumentos etnográficos, o uso do vídeo nos confronta a novas problemáticas, relacionadas à escrita fílmica. Aqui, trataremos de questionar a montagem na realização de um filme documentário. Como Jean Rouch e Edgar Morin, preconizamos que "a imagem, tal como a entrevista, não é suficiente para revelar o real. É por meio da construção, ou seja, pela montagem, que podemos pesquisar a ‘verdade sociológica’". A montagem é o ponto culminante onde vêm se refletir as intenções do pesquisador, sua subjetividade e a expressão do mundo real do qual ele dá conta. No âmbito desta pesquisa, nós optamos, então, pela realização de um tríptico visual. O primeiro é um documentário construído pelos trabalhadores; o segundo, pelo pesquisador; e o terceiro, é uma proposta fílmica sobre a pesquisa em andamento. Este triplo olhar sobre a realização de um “retrato” operário multiplica os eixos de leitura e interroga sobre o lugar da imagem no campo das ciências sociais.
HUMANOS FAZEM, E SÃO FEITOS DE, CULTURA MATERIAL: UMA APRESENTAÇÃO DOS TRECOS, TROÇOS E COISAS
Authors: Fernandes Braga Carolina Hoffmann
Published: January 2025

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O COMPARTILHAMENTO DA VIOLÊNCIA NA ETNOGRAFIA FÍLMICA DE ROSE HIKIJI
Authors: Vergara Camile
Published: January 2025

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VER À DISTÂNCIA: A PRODUÇÃO AUDIOVISUAL DE JOVENS HOMENS DE UMA ÁREA RURAL DA ÁFRICA DO SUL
Authors: Vailati Alex
Published: January 2025

Este trabalho analisa a relação entre imaginação e produção audiovisual, entre um grupo de jovens homens em KwaMashabane, uma área rural da África do Sul. Através da metodologia vídeo-colaborativa serão analisadas as relações de poder que sustentam a produção de vídeos. O evidente papel subalterno dos jovens locais e a análise do processo de produção revelam diferentes níveis de hegemonia. Se a autoridade dos adultos não é ainda contestável pelos jovens, parece que os símbolos neoliberais, imagens e narrações estão tornando-se a maior retórica que influencia a imaginação dos jovens.