bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Theoretical Analysis on the 2016 Presidential Results: It’s Impact on Immigrant Perceptions of Law Enforcement Across Generations
Authors: Joseph Justin J.
Published: December 2024

The rise of Trump ignited smoldering xenophobia throughout the U.S. As a result of Trump’s election, punitive and restrictive immigration policies were passed and have not been lifted. Consequently, punitive enforcement of immigrant populations has increased nationwide specifically in Texas. For instance, a significant increase in deportation, arrest, and detainment of immigrants, the reduction of humanitarian protection, random punitive immigration enforcement, and fewer opportunities for legal immigration have occurred since Trump’s presidency. Although research has observed that first-generation immigrants are more trustful and have more positive perceptions of police when compared to later generations, previous research has observed various factors influence immigrant perceptions of police. Investigation into immigrant perceptions of police during Trump’s first year in office, combined with the analysis of unexplored constructs (e.g., “the talk”) would improve our understanding of factors influencing perceptions across generations. The current study will investigate: (1) Does immigrant generation status influence fear of police during Trump’s first year in office; (2) Is the fear of police mediated through receiving “the talk”? Mediation analysis will be conducted to investigate the research questions.
Creating Collective Responsibility at School: Principals’ Roles, Faced Challenges, and Solution Strategies
Authors: Kiral Bilgen
Published: December 2024

Collective responsibility means that teachers work in cooperation and collaboration, act, and solve problems together. When teachers act together, they can be more productive. Urban schools’ principals prefer activity and project-based approaches in order to better integrate students into urban life, and for this, they work to ensure that teachers act together. The study aims to determine the role of principals in order to create collective responsibility in the school and to reveal the challenges they experienced and strategies to overcome them. The study was carried out in the 2023-2024 academic year in line with the experiences of eight school principals working in urban public schools in Türkiye. The study is a phenomenology design, one of the qualitative research designs. Data was collected with focus group interviews and recorded via video. The study concluded that they experienced some difficulties in creating collective responsibility and that these were caused by teachers, principals, and school and out-of-school factors. It has been determined that principals play an important role in collective responsibility, that they make an effort to turn the school into a team and work together, and that they use communication, support, and various managerial policies and strategies. It may be beneficial for principals to create professional learning communities in their schools for share information and act together for teachers’ professional development and schools’ improvement.
Friction modelling and parameter estimation for heavy-duty robots
Authors: Bogdan Ioana Corina , Abba Gabriel
Published: December 2024

This article presents a dynamic model used in the modelling of heavy-duty robots that is associated with an estimation method to determine the dynamic parameters of the robot and the friction components. The dynamic model considers nonlinear friction effects localised on the motor and joint sides, since the proper operation of the gearbox depends on the friction effects occurring at the input and output of the bearings, as well as the friction in the gearbox due to the gear contact. In this study, two models are evaluated to determine the most effective friction and nonlinear model. First, static models, such as Coulomb friction on the motor and joint sides with 42 parameters, are evaluated. Second, a nonlinear reduction model is tested on the motor side while keeping the same Coulomb friction model on the joint side. Parameter identification is performed using the open-loop method based on the output error with a minimisation criterion in a quadratic form. The maximum number of parameters identified by the open-loop method for the six axes is 42 for the first model and 54 for the second model. To sum up, the second study revealed that embedding the nonlinear reduction model with Coulomb friction into the dynamic model yields better results.
The dual lens of objectification: Perceived objectification, male partners’ reported objectification, and women’s detrimental sexual outcomes
Authors: Read Katie , Kılıç Dilan , Kahalon Rotem , Klein Verena
Published: December 2024

Objectification theory posits that women are treated merely as a body, valued for its use, pleasure and consumption by and for others, mainly men. Women are also disadvantaged relative to men when it comes to sexually pleasurable experiences, including lower orgasm rates and a higher burden of performing sexual emotional labour (e.g., faking orgasm, performing desire for the partner, tolerating discomfort or pain during sex). We tested the hypothesis that objectification within romantic relationships (i.e., partner-objectification) may contribute to this tendency. Using data from 160 heterosexual couples, we aimed to explore how women’s self-objectification, perceived partner-objectification, and men’s self-reported partner-objectification are related to women’s orgasm rates and performance of sexual emotional labour. Self-objectification predicted women’s performance of sexual emotional labour but did not predict women’s orgasm rates. Our results further indicate that to the extent that women perceived themselves as being objectified by their male partner, they tend to report lower orgasm rates and greater performance of emotional labour. However, men’s self-reported partner-objectification did not. These findings suggest that women’s meta-perceptions are of greater importance for women’s sexual well-being than men’s self-reports. The research has implications for societal interventions aimed at preventing the consequences of partner-objectification, as well as for discussions in sex and relationship therapy for couples.
Physicochemical properties and flame retardancy of irradiated EPDM nanocomposites and possible application as insulating materials
Authors: Eyssa H.M. , Sherief Marwa A , Amr Ahmed , Senna Magdy M
Published: December 2024

This work aims to develop a new kind of ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM) to be utilized as insulator in electrical cables. This type was incorporated with Al(OH)3, Al2O3, and graphene oxide (GO) to decrease the flammability of the rubber. Al2O3 nanoparticle was synthesized via Sol-Gel route. The produced nano Al2O3 powder was characterized using X-ray diffraction and FTIR absorption. The morphologies were studied using SEM and TEM. The characterization demonstrated that the particle size of the prepared Al2O3 a nano-spheres had an average diameter of 19–30 nm. Gamma radiation affected the mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties. The incorporated rubber consisted of homogenous nanoparticles. Additionally, the samples flammability was examined utilizing limited oxygen index (L.O.I) and the effect of γ- radiation on the flammability was investigated. The analysis of the obtained values reveals that the additive materials will be incorporated with rubber. Also, the influence of γ- radiation on the mechanical and thermal behavior indicates that a little positive effect accompanied the γ- radiation of the samples. The evaluation of the prepared samples as flame retardant for rubber indicate that the value of L.O.I = 20.5 for native rubber and increased to 27.1 for the composite EPDM/Al(OH)3/2%Al2O3/1% GO. This value candidates this composite to be used as insulator in the electrical cable because the addition of Al component and graphene restricted the spread of the flame and dispersed the smoke.
Internal Factors that Influence Coping in Older Drivers’ Transition to Non-Driving
Authors: Hansmann Kellia J. , Meuser Thomas , Johnson Rachel L. , Peterson Ryan A. , Fowler Nicole R. , DiGuiseppi Carolyn , Han Duke , Moran Ryan , Omeragic Faris , Betz Marian E.
Published: December 2024

Quality of life outcomes are associated with the transition to non-driving and depend on effective coping. We examined the relationship between internal factors associated with effective coping and longitudinal changes in travel behavior among drivers aged ≥70 using data from a randomized controlled trial evaluating a driving decision aid. We measured attitudes using the Assessment of Readiness for Mobility Transition (ARMT) and personality using the Ten-Item Personality Inventory (TIPI). We analyzed associations between attitudes and personality with drivers’ change in a) alternative transportation use and b) driving behavior over time. Older drivers with high versus low attitudinal readiness for mobility transition were more likely to use alternative transportation over time (adjusted odds ratio = 6.37; 95% confidence interval: 1.45–28.1). We found no association between personality characteristics and alternative transportation use or driving behavior over time. Attitudinal readiness may be a key predictor of effective coping during the transition to non-driving.
Research on track vibration characteristics and rail corrugation based on fastener failure
Authors: Xiang Li , Ke Lin , Xinlei He , Shuyang Qi , Shuncai Li
Published: December 2024

Based on the measured rail corrugation data on the curve, a rigid-flexible coupling vehicle-track system dynamic model is established. The stiffness and damping of the fasteners were changed to simulate the failure behavior of the track structure, and the influence of fastener failure on the vibration characteristics of the system was studied to determine the causes of rail corrugation. The research results show that: (1) The number of peaks on wheel-rail vibration significantly increases after fastener failure, which increases the probability of wheel-rail resonance. The fastener failure causes more frequent wheel-rail resonance, leading to severe system vibration and increased wheel-rail wear. (2) The simulated wavelength of 57 mm on the slight radius curve with the highest proportion of corrugation is similar to the measured wavelength of 55 mm. The fastener failure is related to the generation of rail corrugation, which verifies the existence of rail corrugation on site. (3) The smaller the curve radius, the greater the lateral and longitudinal creep forces and wear number, indicating that the degree of rail corrugation on slight radius curve is more severe. When the slight radius curve and fastener failure are satisfied together, the lateral and longitudinal creep forces and wear number reach their maximum values, which further accelerates the generation of rail corrugation.
Leadership in a Pandemic: State Legislator Constituent Outreach in Response to COVID-19
Authors: Strawbridge Michael , Masuoka Natalie , Brown Nadia , Hanson Erik
Published: December 2024

This study builds on the existing literature by considering the extent to which minority legislators offer different forms of constituency outreach during times of emergency. This case study of state legislator constituent outreach during the COVID-19 pandemic uses an analysis of Facebook posts in 2020 to track how state legislators provided outreach and communicated resources to their constituents during a public health crisis. We ask, in times of emergency, do women and minority legislators offer unique attention toward the needs of those constituencies that they descriptively represent, or do urgent issues push these legislators to focus more broadly on general concerns expressed by their entire district? We argue that legislators’ social media activity during the COVID-19 pandemic offers an important measure of their practice of constituency outreach due to the nation’s reliance on virtual communication during this period. This study finds there to be important variation by partisanship, but within party, we find important differences depending on both the race and gender of the legislator. Democratic women of all races were those legislators most actively providing information and outreach related to COVID-19 to their constituents in 2020.
Prompting, Patience, and Perspective: Applying Transformational Teaching Theory to Using Artificial Intelligence in a Coding Course
Authors: Royal Cindy
Published: December 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) has taken the forefront in discussions of the future of media and education. Although there are valid concerns, AI has the potential to be useful in learning new skills, particularly those related to computer programming. This case study depicts the ways AI was introduced to assist in teaching coding, specifically in a mobile application development course. Applying transformational teaching theory, this study assesses student perceptions of AI as it affects the acquisition and mastery of key concepts, strategies for learning and discovery, and the attitudes and mindsets associated with using AI for learning to code.
The Referrer Matters. Musculoskeletal Surgical Conversion Rates: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis
Authors: Marks Darryn , Pearce-Higgins Jasmine , Frost Taylor , Fittock Joseph , Rathbone Evelyne , Hing Wayne
Published: December 2024

Background:

Efficient musculoskeletal care is important for health services and society. Surgical conversion rates are a common measure of efficiency, yet normal values and the impact of referrer type are unclear. This information could assist musculoskeletal care, service benchmarking and redesign.

Methods:

A systematic review with meta-analysis was undertaken with PubMed, CINAHL and EMBASE databases searched from inception to 12th of October 2024, to identify studies from which musculoskeletal surgical conversion rates could be extracted. Data were categorised according to the professional group responsible for referral (all doctors, general practitioners, sports physicians, allied-health/physiotherapy-led screening services) and methodology used to define surgical conversion. Meta-analysis of pooled data was undertaken.

Results:

Twenty-eight studies with a combined total of 5358 patients were included. Pooled data revealed surgical conversion rates of 23% for referrals from all types of doctors (0.23, 95% CI 0.18-0.27), 28% from general practitioners (0.28, 95% CI 0.12-0.52), 61% from allied health physiotherapy-led screening services (0.61, CI 0.50-0.70) and 70% from sports physicians at (0.70, CI 0.64-0.75). A variety of methodological factors impacted surgical conversion rate reporting and heterogeneity.

Conclusions:

Musculoskeletal services seeking to improve efficiency through higher surgical conversion rates, should include sports physician and/or physiotherapy-led models of care for referral generation or management.
I know you are but who Am I? Presentation and labelling in young queer communities
Authors: Feldstein Kate , Schieber David
Published: December 2024

Recent research shows a sharp increase in the number of queer-identified young people in the United States, along with an expansion of terms people use to describe their queer identities. Using semi-structured interview data collected from 30 queer-identified non-male 18-23-year-olds, we examine how young people today use terminology, identity, and appearance to communicate their sexual and/or gender identity. We find that the two most salient factors in how participants describe their sexual and gender identities are presentation and labelling. We then propose a distinction between one’s autonym and exonym, where an autonym is the identity label one uses to describe oneself and an exonym is the identity label others use to describe a person.
Novel approaches of charging and compounding a single-cylinder diesel engine
Authors: Ramkumar Jayaraman , Anand Krishnasamy , Ramesh Asvathanarayanan
Published: December 2024

Conventionally, charging the single-cylinder engine by turbocharging or supercharging has always been technically challenging. Turbocharging the single-cylinder engine reduces performance due to higher pumping losses and the phase lag between the intake and exhaust valves. Although employing a supercharger enhances the potential for extracting higher power output, the higher brake specific fuel consumption is a disadvantage due to the power consumed by the supercharger. Furthermore, the energy in the exhaust gases is inevitably discharged into the atmosphere. Hence, single-cylinder engines have been significantly underpowered and under-utilized for several decades. The work explores three novel approaches to charge and compound a commercial single-cylinder diesel engine. Firstly, a novel concept of turbocharging the single-cylinder engine using an exhaust plenum was studied. Then, a novel supercharging and turbo-compounding of the test engine is explored, followed by an impulse turbine compounding. All three novel approaches were simulated with a 1D model developed using the commercial 1D simulation software AVL BOOST. Experiments were carried out on the naturally aspirated, supercharged, and turbocharged single-cylinder engine, while simulated results were used on the impulse turbine. Results showed that with the first novel approach, the turbocharged single-cylinder engine delivered 33% higher brake power output with a 345 basis points (3.45% points) improvement in brake thermal efficiency compared to the base naturally aspirated (NA) engine. With the second approach, the supercharged and impulse turbine compounded engine generated 15 kW of power, 47% higher, with 700 basis points (7% points) of improved brake thermal efficiency compared to the base naturally aspirated (NA) engine. The third novel approach delivered 11% higher engine brake power output with 354 basis points improvement (3.54% points) in brake thermal efficiency compared to the base naturally aspirated (NA) engine. All three novel approaches also delivered reduced emissions levels except for oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emissions.
What Did We Miss? The Case of a Failed Behavioral Threat Assessment Protocol
Authors: Burton Brett Anthony , Rigaud Vanessa
Published: December 2024

Educational leaders and school communities are currently facing numerous challenges due to the widespread surge of violent threats in our schools. This case study is a powerful instrument that will inspire and guide future educational leaders in examining their contingency plans. By accounting for various possible obstacles to executing the threat assessment plan, leaders can significantly impact the future of education. The discussion questions and activity suggestions are designed to integrate educational leadership research specific to the case issues, providing a comprehensive understanding of the topic. Using the organizational accidents framework and Bolman and Deal’s four Frames of leadership, leaders can identify gaps and challenges in their school community, enhancing their ability to pivot in different circumstances.
The hypointense pulvinar sign on susceptibility weighed magnetic resonance imaging: A visual biomarker for iron deposition in epilepsy
Authors: Martella Victoria , Ludovichetti Riccardo , Nierobisch Nathalie , Obermüller Carina , Gunzer Felix , Maibach Fabienne , Heesen Philip , Hamie Qeumars , Terziev Robert , Galovic Marian , Kulcsar Zsolt , Hainc Nicolin
Published: December 2024

Objective

Our study aimed to investigate potential alterations in iron deposition within pulvinar, using susceptibility weighted imaging (SWI) MRI in epilepsy patients through a biomarker termed the “hypointense pulvinar sign.”

Methods

A full-text radiological information system search of radiological reports was performed for the term “epilepsy” between 2014 and 2022. Only patients with the diagnosis of epilepsy were included. SWI was assessed by two readers recording lateralization of an asymmetrically more hypointense pulvinar. Cohen’s kappa for inter-rater reliability was calculated. Fisher’s exact test was performed to assess for significance between groups.

Results

Our epilepsy cohort comprised 105 patients with following diagnoses: 45 intra-axial tumor, 13 meningioma, 13 MRI negative, 12 encephalomalacia, seven siderosis, six cavernoma, five arteriovenous malformation, two acute demyelinating encephalomyelitis, one tuberous sclerosis, one giant aneurysm. The hypointense pulvinar sign was correct in 44% of cases. Notably, right hemispheric lesions exhibited a significantly higher proportion of correct hypointense pulvinar signs compared to the left hemisphere (46% vs 24%; p = 0.044). Inter-rater reliability was substantial at 0.62 ( p < 0.001). Only two of 21 (10%) of healthy controls demonstrated a hypointense pulvinar sign, which was significantly different from the epilepsy cohort ( p < 0.01).

Conclusions

The hypointense pulvinar sign has proven to be a reproducible, simple to use biomarker for iron deposition in epilepsy which could be considered for inclusion into multimodal precision medicine models.
The Effect of School Feeding Program on Pupils’ Enrolment, Attendance and Performance in Northeastern Region of Nigeria
Authors: Barnabas Bulus , Bavorova Miroslava , Madaki Mustapha Yakubu
Published: December 2024

School feeding programs have been introduced with the aim to alleviate hunger and improve pupils’ performance. This study investigates the effects of the school feeding program on pupils’ enrollment, attendance and academic performance in northeastern Nigeria. Primary data were obtained from 180 class teachers at 60 participating primary schools, as well as secondary data from their school records. The linear regression results showed that the duration of the feeding program has a significant positive effect on pupils’ academic performance. The propensity scores matching results revealed that the school feeding program has a positive effect on pupils’ enrollment and class attendance. While the effect of the program was not significant on academic performance, perhaps because the sample size was small or a relatively short duration of the program, making it difficult to detect statistically significant differences in academic performance. Long-term school feeding programs are recommended to encourage pupils’ school attendance which will, in turn, improve performance in the long term.
Investigating Driving Factors of Digital Transformation in the Vietnam Shipping Companies: Applied for TOE Framework
Authors: Nguyen Trung-Hieu
Published: December 2024

In the context of the digital age, digital transformation provides direction for shipping enterprises in addressing new challenges, such as the breakout of the Covid 19 epidemic, changes in customer needs, and environmental pollution. However, there are many factors that affect the adoption of digital transformation in businesses. The goal of this study is to use the TOE (technology, organization, and environment) framework to investigate the factors that influence the implementation of digital transformation in shipping companies. This study used quantitative methods, including a survey sample of 436 managers from 2021 to 2023. Our findings show that digital technology development, digital skills, financial resource availability, top management, and competitive pressure all have positive effects on the implementation of digital transformation in maritime firms. These findings provide some insights for researchers and businesses into the key factors that support the adoption of digital transformation. The research may also assist the government design policies to boost digital transformation activities in the maritime sector.
Prevalence of Atrial Fibrillation and Long-Term Survival of Older Adults; Findings from the SNAC Study
Authors: Lindberg Terese , Sanmartin Berglund Johan , Wimo Anders , Qiu Chengxuan , Bohman Doris M. , Elmståhl Sölve
Published: December 2024

Objective: This study examined the prevalence and long-term survival of atrial fibrillation (AF) in the older population. Methods: Data was recruited from the longitudinal SNAC study from baseline (2001–2004) for up to 10 years. Results: The population comprised 6,904 persons (59% women) (mean age 73.9 years). The prevalence of AF was 4.9% and increased with age. The hazard ratio (HR) for death in those with AF at baseline was 1.29 during the 10-year observation period. Cox regression analysis in persons with AF ( n = 341) showed that men had a higher HR for death (1.57). CHA2DS2-VASc scores were significantly associated with death within 10 years (HR 1.29/score). Any form of anticoagulant use was reported in 146 (42.8%) and was significantly associated with survival ( p = .031). Conclusions: The prevalence of AF in the general population was almost 5%, and it shortened life expectancy by nearly 2.4 years over a 10-year period. Despite the proven efficacy of OAC therapies, our results demonstrate that AF continues to be associated with increased mortality, especially among men, and that many older people are at high risk of developing a stroke because they do not receive appropriate anticoagulant therapy. These results emphasize the need for improved preventive and therapeutic modalities.
Long-term outcomes after first-ever posterior circulation stroke and the prognostic significance of the New England Medical Center Posterior Circulation Registry stroke classification: A prospective study from the Athens Stroke Registry
Authors: Karvelas Nikolaos , Palaiodimos Leonidas , Karamanis Dimitrios , Sagris Dimitrios , Louka Anna-Maria , Papanagiotou Panagiotis , Korompoki Eleni , Ntaios George , Vemmos Konstantinos
Published: December 2024

Background:

There is paucity of data on the long-term outcomes after acute ischemic posterior circulation stroke (PCS). Additionally, the long-term prognostic value of the New England Medical Center-Posterior Circulation Registry (NEMC-PCR) classification of PCS has not been studied.

Patients and methods:

All consecutive patients with PCS registered in the Athens Stroke Registry between 01/1993 and 12/2012 were prospectively followed for up to 10 years and included in the analysis. The NEMC-PCR criteria were applied to classify them in relation to topography. The main studied outcomes were all cause mortality, stroke recurrence and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs).

Results:

A total of 653 patients with PCS (455 men, mean age 68.06 years) were followed up for 52.8 ± 44.0 months. Seventy-four (11.3%), 219 (33.5%), 335 (51.3%), and 25 (3.8%) patients had proximal, middle, distal, and multiple territories PCS, respectively. During the 10-year follow-up period, 217 patients died (7.6 per 100 patient years), 127 developed recurrent stroke (4.2 per 100 patient years), and 209 had a MACE (7.3 per 100 patient years). The cumulative 10-year mortality was higher in distal and multiple territories PCS compared to middle and proximal PCS (55.6%, 58.8%, 40.0%, 35.5%, respectively, p < 0.001 by log-rank test). Patients with distal location PCS had almost twofold increased 10-year risk of mortality compared to proximal location patients after adjusting for all confounding variables (HR 1.99, 95% CI 1.05–3.77). Per TOAST classification, large artery atherosclerosis was associated with almost two-fold increase in risk of mortality, stroke recurrence and MACEs.

Discussion and conclusion:

A large proportion of PCS patients experienced 10-year death, stroke and MACE occurrence after PCS. NEMC-PCR topographic classification was found to have significant prognostic value, with distal and middle PCS having worse long-term outcomes than proximal PCS.
Global Healthy and Sustainable City Indicators: Collaborative development of an open science toolkit for calculating and reporting on urban indicators internationally
Authors: Higgs Carl , Lowe Melanie , Giles-Corti Billie , Boeing Geoff , Delclòs-Alió Xavier , Puig-Ribera Anna , Adlakha Deepti , Liu Shiqin , Borello Vargas Júlio Celso , Castillo-Riquelme Marianela , Jafari Afshin , Molina-García Javier , Heikinheimo Vuokko , Queralt Ana , Cerin Ester , Resendiz Eugen , Singh Dhirendra , Rodriguez Sebastian , Suel Esra , Domínguez-Mallafré Marc , Ye Yang , Alderton Amanda
Published: December 2024

Measuring and monitoring progress towards achieving healthy, equitable and sustainable cities is a priority for planners, policymakers and researchers in diverse contexts globally. Yet data collection, analysis, visualisation and reporting on policy and spatial indicators involve specialised knowledge, skills, and collaboration across disciplines. Integrated open-source tools for calculating and communicating urban indicators for diverse urban contexts are needed, which provide the multiple streams of evidence required to influence policy agendas and enable local changes towards healthier and more sustainable cities. This paper reports on the development of open-source software for planning, analysis and generation of data, maps and reports on policy and spatial indicators of urban design and transport features for healthy and sustainable cities. We engaged a collaborative network of researchers and practitioners from diverse geographic contexts through an online survey and workshops, to understand and progressively meet their requirements for policy and spatial indicators. We outline our framework for action research-informed open-source software development and discuss benefits and challenges of this approach. The resulting Global Healthy and Sustainable City Indicators software is designed to meet the needs of researchers, planners, policy makers and community advocates in diverse settings for planning, calculating and disseminating policy and spatial urban indicators.
Expansion of Pleioblastus amarus in tea plantations significantly enhances the appearance and nutritional composition of bamboo shoots but adversely affects palatability
Authors: Fan Lili , Chen Shuanglin , Cai Zongming , Guo Ziwu , Yang Jie , Zheng Rong , Hu Ruicai
Published: December 2024

The expansion of Pleioblastus amarus into tea plantations introduces environmental heterogeneity, significantly influencing the growth and quality of bamboo shoots. This study examined the effects of bamboo expansion on the appearance, nutrition, and palatability of bamboo shoots, utilizing partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to identify key influencing factors. Results revealed that bamboo expansion increased shoot diameter, length, and fresh weight, enhancing overall size and edibility, particularly in the tea-bamboo mixed forest center zone (TBC), where appearance quality peaked. Nutritional analysis revealed substantial increases in protein, fat, starch, and vitamin C content after bamboo expansion, along with the improvements in amino acid score (AAS), essential amino acid index (EAAI), and nutritional index (NI), indicating elevated nutritional value. However, despite the rise in soluble sugars and flavor-enhancing amino acids, higher levels of total acids, oxalic acid, tannins, and cellulose diminished the palatability, notably in TBC site. PLS-SEM further indicated that while bamboo expansion positively influenced shoot appearance and nutrition, soil factors predominantly drove these changes and concurrently detracted from overall palatability. These findings provide a framework for enhancing bamboo shoot quality and optimizing management practices in tea plantation ecosystems.
Innovative behavior and structural empowerment among the Chinese clinical nurses: the mediating role of decent work perception
Authors: Wang Zhangyi , Yang Li , Zhu Yue , Tang Xiaochun , Wang Tingrui , Chen Li , Li Liping , Xie Weimin , Peng Jiaofeng , Yang Jie , Long Qianxiang , Lu Feng , Wang Yan , Shen Huilong , Yin Jun , Zhan Xiaoping , Zhou Huifang
Published: December 2024

Background

Clinical nurses play a vital role in healthcare. Their innovative behavior is crucial for improving patient care, advancing the profession, and ensuring the healthcare industry’s continued success. Many studies have highlighted the importance of nurse innovative behavior, but the link between their innovative behavior, structural empowerment, and decent work perception remains unclear.

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between innovative behavior, structural empowerment, and decent work perception among the Chinese clinical nurses and identify the mediating role of decent work perception.

Methods

A cross-sectional correlational design was employed, and from July 2023 to April 2024, 1,513 clinical nurses were recruited from 8 tertiary grade-A hospitals across three cities in China. Data from the Demographic Characteristics Questionnaire, the Nurse Innovation Behavior Scale, the Conditions of Work Effectiveness Questionnaire-II, and the Decent Work Perception Scale were collected through convenience sampling and analyzed using descriptive statistics, univariate correlation, and process plug-in mediation effect analyses.

Results

The total scores of innovative behavior, structural empowerment, and decent work perception were 28.36 ± 6.25, 51.15 ± 12.63, and 42.97 ± 9.25, respectively. Innovative behavior was significantly, moderately and positively correlated with structural empowerment (r = 0.657, p < 0.01) and decent work perception (r = 0.618, p < 0.01); decent work perception played a partial mediating role between innovative behavior and structural empowerment (52.5%).

Conclusion

The innovative behavior, structural empowerment, and decent work perception among the Chinese clinical nurses were relatively moderate, indicating a need for improvement. Structural empowerment perception can, directly and indirectly, impact innovative behavior through decent work perception among Chinese clinical nurses. Nursing managers should promote innovative behavior of clinical nurses by raising structural empowerment and decent work perception to improve the quality of clinical nursing. Thus, it can be improved by creating a positive empowerment climate for clinical nurses and providing them with the information, resources, support, and opportunities for their jobs and improving their level of structural empowerment and decent work perception.
Impact of HIV exposure without infection on hospital course and mortality among young children in sub-Saharan Africa: a multi-site cohort study
Authors: Lwanga Christopher , Aber Peace , Tickell Kirkby D. , Ngari Moses M. , Mukisa John , Atuhairwe Michael , Brown Lindsay , Mupere Ezekiel , Potani Isabel , Shahrin Lubaba , Morgan Brooks , Singa Benson O. , Nankabirwa Victoria , Mugambe Richard K. , Mukasa Zakaria , Walson Judd L. , Berkley James A. , Lancioni Christina L.
Published: December 2024

Background

Although mortality risk associated with HIV is well described, HIV-exposed uninfected (HEU) young children are also at increased risk of hospitalization and death as compared to HIV-unexposed uninfected (HUU) children. The drivers of poor outcomes among HEU children remain unknown, limiting the development of interventions to support this vulnerable population.

Methods

We performed a secondary analysis of data from a large multi-country prospective cohort [Childhood Acute Illness and Nutrition (CHAIN) Network] study. Data from 5 sites in Uganda, Kenya, and Malawi were included. Hospitalized children aged 2–23 months were followed from an index admission for 6 months after discharge to determine acute and long-term outcomes. Using perinatal HIV exposure (HEU and HUU) as the primary exposure and adjusting for child, caregiver, and household characteristics, we compared inpatient and 30-day survival outcomes, nutritional status, hospital length of stay, illness severity, and utilization of inpatient resources.

Results

We included 1486 children: 217 HEU and 1269 HUU. HEU children had an increased risk of mortality both during hospitalization [adjusted OR 1.96, 95% CI (1.14–3.37)] and in the 30 days following hospital admission [adjusted hazard ratio 2.20, 95% CI (1.10–4.42)]. Wasting and stunting were more frequent in HEU than HUU children, with adjusted OR 1.41, 95% CI (1.03–1.95) and adjusted OR 1.91, 95% CI (1.34–2.70), respectively. HEU children were also more likely to have a prolonged hospital stay compared to HUU children [adjusted OR 1.58, 95% CI (1.08–2.29)], although admission diagnoses, illness severity at admission, and use of inpatient resources (supplemental oxygen, nasogastric tube, and second-line antibiotics) did not differ significantly between groups.

Conclusions

HEU children are more likely to die during hospitalization and within 30 days of admission, to be wasted and stunted upon hospital admission, and to require a prolonged hospital stay, as compared to HUU children. Hospitals in settings with a high prevalence of women-living-with-HIV should ensure that maternal HIV status is established among children requiring admission and build capacity to provide additional hospital monitoring and early post-discharge support for HEU children.
Impact of the digital health application ViViRA on spinal mobility, physical function, quality of life and pain perception in spondyloarthritides patients: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Blaskowitz Paloma Palm von Alten , Liphardt Anna-Maria , Bouzas Claudia , Coppers Birte , Petit Pascal , Vuillerme Nicolas , Bundle Vanessa , Rudolf Sebastian , Knitza Johannes , Raimondo Maria Gabriella , Labinsky Hannah , Hatscher Lukas , Wirsching Andreas , Bohr Daniela , Araujo Elizabeth , Ramming Andreas , Ramming Alina , Schett Georg , Morf Harriet
Published: December 2024

Background

Spondyloarthritides (SpAs) are a group of common rheumatic diseases that often cause limited mobility and lower back pain. Physiotherapy is an integral part of treatment, but access to physiotherapy limits treatment success. Digital health applications (DHAs) enable home-based physiotherapy and could significantly improve access for SpAs patients. The aim is to investigate the clinical effects of the DHA ViViRA compared with those of standard physiotherapy.

Methods

SpAs patients with chronic back pain were enrolled in a randomized controlled trial. The intervention group received ViViRA DHA, whereas the control group received standard physiotherapy. Pain (verbal rating scale, PAIN-Detect), quality of life (SF-36) and mobility (BASMI) were assessed at baseline and after 12 weeks as the primary outcomes.

Results

Data from 59 participants (71.2% female, mean age 45.2 years) were analyzed. The intervention group showed a significant improvement in mobility (average BASMI score: baseline: 1.1 [range 0.7–1.5]; follow-up: 1.0 [range 0.5–1.4]; p = 0.05), whereas the control group showed a significant decrease in mobility (baseline: 1.5 [range 1.1–1.9]; follow-up: 1.8 [range 1.4–2.2]; p = 0.00). The intervention group demonstrated lower pain intensity (VRS pain level at week 3.5 ± 2.8) than did the control group (VRS pain level at week 4.5 ± 2) after 12 weeks.

Conclusion

Our results highlight the efficacy of DHAs such as ViViRA in the treatment of lower back pain in SpAs patients. Compared with the current gold standard, physiotherapy, DHA use results in superior outcomes. However, further larger studies are needed to confirm these promising results.

Trial registration

The study is registered in the German clinical trial registry (DRKS) under the following ID: DRKS00031254.
Occupational risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection among healthcare workers in Bangladesh: a multicenter hospital-based study and lessons for future epidemics
Authors: Basher Ahamed Khairul , Biswas Md Abdullah Al Jubayer , Rahman Aninda , Rahman Mahmudur , Chowdhury Fahmida , Hassan Md. Zakiul
Published: December 2024

Background

Frontline healthcare workers (HCWs) were particularly vulnerable to contracting SARS-CoV-2 infection as a result of occupational exposure. There is a scarcity of data characterizing the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection among HCWs, particularly in low-income hospital settings. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of COVID-19 among HCWs and identify associated risk factors.

Methods

From July 2021 to July 2023, we enrolled HCWs from 13 primary, 2 secondary, and five tertiary care hospitals in four selected districts of Bangladesh. We collected information on demography and risk exposure in a face-to-face interview. We calculated the odds ratio to measure the risk using multivariable logistic regression.

Results

We enrolled 3436 HCWs: 22% (747) physicians, 47% (1632) nurses, and 31% (1057) support staff. Most of the HCWs were female 67% (2292), and the mean age was 38.1, IQR = 29–44 years. Overall, 26% (889) of HCWs had lab-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. Among HCWs, nurses accounted for the highest proportion of COVID-19 infections at 53% (473/1632). Physicians had a significantly higher risk of infection with an aOR of 3.08 (95% CI 2.42–3.93; p < .001) compared to support staff. HCWs who had direct exposure to COVID-19 patients were also at a higher risk, with a 1.93 times higher likelihood of infection ([aOR] = 1.93, 95% CI 1.50–2.47; p < .001), compared to HCWs who were not exposed.

Conclusions

This study highlights the heightened vulnerability of HCWs to SARS-CoV-2 infection due to occupational exposure and indicates the risk of nosocomial transmission to patients and emphasizes the importance of implementing targeted infection control measures, such as improved workplace safety protocols and comprehensive training to tackle future pandemics of similar traits.
Seismic data reconstruction via a hybrid convolutional neural network-low-rank method
Authors: Gao Wei , Fu Lihua , Fang Wenqian , Wu Jiahui , Wang Ying
Published: December 2024

Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) have shown promising results in seismic data reconstruction due to their exceptional ability to extract local features. However, incomplete seismic data may impede CNNs’ ability to discern meaningful features, leading to a degradation of reconstruction performance. Therefore, we develop a hybrid CNN-low-rank (LR) method that leverages LR techniques to recover data structure information, followed by detail refinement using a plug-and-play (PnP) trained CNN within an iterative framework. This approach uses LR techniques to restore inherent structural information, compensating for the absence of local information, thereby enabling CNNs to infer missing traces more accurately. Specifically, we first train a network to learn the mapping from the LR recovered data patches with randomly selected rank parameters to complete the data patches. Next, we incorporate the PnP-trained CNN into an iterative framework, wherein the LR recovery and network refinement are interleaved within each iteration. This creates a continuous reconstruction process until a termination condition is met. Performance evaluations of our algorithm, conducted on synthetic and field data sets with a high missing trace ratio, demonstrate its superiority over the traditional LR method (multichannel singular spectrum analysis) and the CNN-based method (U-net). Moreover, our approach indicates strong performance in reconstructing large contiguous gaps and handling higher-dimensional seismic data (including three dimensions and five dimensions), broadening its applicability and robustness in practical seismic data reconstruction tasks.
Actionability of Synthetic Data in a Heterogeneous and Rare Health Care Demographic: Adolescents and Young Adults With Cancer
Authors: Hogenboom Joshi , Lobo Gomes Aiara , Dekker Andre , Van Der Graaf Winette , Husson Olga , Wee Leonard
Published: December 2024

PURPOSE

Research on rare diseases and atypical health care demographics is often slowed by high interparticipant heterogeneity and overall scarcity of data. Synthetic data (SD) have been proposed as means for data sharing, enlargement, and diversification, by artificially generating real phenomena while obscuring the real patient data. The utility of SD is actively scrutinized in health care research, but the role of sample size for actionability of SD is insufficiently explored. We aim to understand the interplay of actionability and sample size by generating SD sets of varying sizes from gradually diminishing amounts of real individuals' data. We evaluate the actionability of SD in a highly heterogeneous and rare demographic: adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer.

METHODS

A population-based cross-sectional cohort study of 3,735 AYAs was subsampled at random to produce 13 training data sets of varying sample sizes. We studied four distinct generator architectures built on the open-source Synthetic Data Vault library. Each architecture was used to generate SD of varying sizes on the basis of each aforementioned training subsets. SD actionability was assessed by comparing the resulting SD with their respective real data against three metrics—veracity, utility, and privacy concealment.

RESULTS

All examined generator architectures yielded actionable data when generating SD with sizes similar to the real data. Large SD sample size increased veracity but generally increased privacy risks. Using fewer training participants led to faster convergence in veracity, but partially exacerbated privacy concealment issues.

CONCLUSION

SD is a potentially promising option for data sharing and data augmentation, yet sample size plays a significant role in its actionability. SD generation should go hand-in-hand with consistent scrutiny, and sample size should be carefully considered in this process.
Eddies driven by eddy currents: Magnetokinetic flow in a conducting drop due to an oscillating magnetic field
Authors: Kumaran V.
Published: December 2024

An oscillating magnetic field of amplitude H
0 and angular frequency ω is applied across an electrically conducting non-magnetic drop of conductivity κ, viscosity η and radius R. The oscillating magnetic field generates an oscillating electric field due to Faraday's law,

, where
E
and
H
are the electric and magnetic field, and μ
0 is the magnetic permeability. This generates a current density,

. The non-linear interaction between the oscillating current and magnetic field results in a time-independent body force density,

due to Ampere's circuital law. This drives a pair of axisymmetric circulation rolls in the two hemispheres of the drop in the viscous limit where inertia is neglected. The characteristic circulation velocity is

times a function of the dimensionless parameter

, the square root of the ratio of the magnetic field frequency and the eddy current relaxation rate. The velocity increases proportional to

for

, has a maximum at

, and decreases proportional to

for

. Large strain rates in the range

are generated in a metal drop of radius 0.1–1 mm for magnetic flux density as low as

, provided relatively high frequencies of oscillation in the range

are used. Joule heating could increase the drop temperature by tens of degrees Kelvin in comparison to the ambient.