bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Hot-Dry Winds in Northern China: A Multidimensional Analysis Using Gridded Datasets
Authors: Feng Yao , Sun Fubao
Published: October 2024

Hot-dry winds (HDWs), characterized by simultaneous high temperature, low humidity, and strong wind speed, represent prevalent agrometeorological hazards in northern China. To date, our comprehension of HDWs has been constrained to regional scales due to the dependence upon in situ meteorological observations and the lack of a universal definition of HDWs. In this study, we leveraged a gridded dataset to elucidate the spatiotemporal dynamics of HDWs in northern China from 1961 to 2022. We also introduced a standardized HDW index (sHDWI) to investigate HDW severity. The results indicated more HDW occurrences in eastern Northwest China (NW) and western Inner Mongolia (IM). While there were declining trends in HDW frequency, extent, and severity on average in northern China from 1961 to 1993, these trends were reversed by an overall increase afterward. Intriguingly, regions spanning from NW to IM exhibited significant upward trends in HDW severity according to sHDWI. The spatial extents of light, moderate, and heavy HDWs consistently decreased in North China (NC), with notable expansions over IM, NW, and Northeast China (NE) from 2001 to 2022. Importantly, the increased frequency, expanded extent, and intensified severity of HDWs, particularly, the heavy ones, underscored the escalation of HDW events in recent decades over the arid IM and hyperarid NW, known for their fragile ecological environment. The findings from this research carry significant implications for agricultural production and water management in northern China influenced by the changing patterns of HDWs in the context of climate change.

Significance Statement

This study aims to enhance our understanding of the large-scale spatiotemporal dynamics of hot-dry winds (HDWs) in northern China using a 0.25° × 0.25° gridded dataset spanning the period from 1961 to 2022. The adoption of the gridded dataset enables a multidimensional exploration of HDWs, encompassing their frequency, extent, and severity which cannot be fully captured by in situ observations. Meanwhile, to quantify changes in HDW severity, we introduce a standardized HDW index that surpasses existing HDW definitions relying on absolute thresholds or relative percentiles of maximum air temperature, relative humidity, and wind speed. Our results reveal a consistent reversal in HDW frequency, extent, and severity around 1993 in northern China and highlight the intensification of heavy HDWs, particularly in the arid and hyperarid regions within the study area.
Simultaneous quantification of serum symmetric dimethylarginine, asymmetric dimethylarginine and creatinine for use in a routine clinical laboratory
Authors: Marshall David J , Hawley James M , Keevil Brian G
Published: October 2024

Background

Symmetric dimethylarginine (SDMA) and asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) are naturally occurring amino acids classed as uraemic toxins by the European Uremic Toxins Work Group. SDMA is principally excreted through the kidneys and is a well-known renal function marker, and ADMA is a potent inhibitor of nitric oxide production. Here, we describe the development of a rapid and sensitive liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method for simultaneous measurement of SDMA, ADMA and creatinine.

Method

Serum samples were prepared by protein precipitation and dilution with acetonitrile prior to injection onto a Waters TQS-Micro. SDMA, ADMA, creatinine and their corresponding internal standard transitions were detected using multiple reaction monitoring after separation with a hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography analytical column. Sample stability and intra-individual variation studies were also assessed following ethical approval.

Results

The retention time for creatinine was 0.43, SDMA 1.10 and ADMA 1.14 min. Mean recovery for creatinine was 103%, SDMA was 100% and ADMA was 103%; matrix effects were minimal (<6%). Lower limit of quantitation for creatinine and SDMA/ADMA was 17.5 µmol/L and 0.1 µmol/L, respectively. Analytical imprecision showed a coefficient of variation <10% for all analytes across the working range of the assays. Intra-individual variation for creatinine was 4.7%, SDMA 7.5% and ADMA 7.6%.

Discussion

We have developed a rugged assay for measurement of SDMA, ADMA and creatinine by LC-MS/MS suitable for routine use. It is easy to perform owing to its simplicity and reproducibility. The stability of SDMA and ADMA pre- and post-centrifugation allows for their routine use without any special sample handling requirements.
Do All Roads Lead to Rome? How Three Process Pathways Contribute to Transformative Innovation in Cross-Sector Partnerships
Authors: Margolis Anna
Published: October 2024

Cross-sector partnerships (CSPs) offer much-needed collaborative spaces to address socio-ecological problems. Yet it is unclear if and how CSPs activities contribute to transformative innovation (TI) that addresses these problems and creates socio-ecological impact. Understanding how CSPs can contribute to TI is essential for CSP practitioners and researchers in order to address pressing socio-ecological problems. To better understand how CSPs can contribute to TI and socio-ecological impact, I conducted a multiple case-study of eight CSPs in the field of sustainable, circular packaging. The findings—based on the novel Transformative Innovation Process framework this article introduces—reveal three innovation pathways with different potentials for contributing to socio-ecological impact. Of the three, the complementary pioneering and adapting pathways have the greatest potential for contributing to socio-ecological impact, and the consolidating pathway has the least potential. This article makes theoretical contributions to the CSP literature as well as practical contributions for CSPs.
Residential care settings for children in the Philippines: Examining their transnational and neocolonial characteristics and the implications for children’s social welfare
Authors: Roche Steven , Otarra Carmela , Flynn Catherine , Mendes Philip
Published: October 2024

This article investigates the contemporary transnational and neocolonial characteristics of children’s welfare in the Philippines, drawing on the perspectives of young people in residential care settings (RCSs) (aka orphanages) as well as the views of programme and policy actors embedded across child protection systems. Its findings highlight the funding and governance roles of transnational actors in child and family welfare programmes, the commodification of children that these transnational dynamics engender and the Philippines’ dependence on international actors to support children’s welfare. Recommendations include the enhanced regulation of RCSs, expanded social protection measures and greater use of family-based care models.
Animal researchers’ views on the publication of negative results and subsequent policy adoptions
Authors: Sorzano Carlos Oscar S , Hamilton Daniel G , Mendez Eva
Published: October 2024

For over a decade, the non-publication of negative results from preclinical studies has been identified as a significant concern in biomedical research. Such underreporting is considered a contributor to the reproducibility crisis in the field and has been recognized by significant journals such as Science and Nature. In response to the consistently high non-publication rates of preclinical animal research in Europe, a survey was conducted among the biomedical research community to gather their views on publishing negative results. Using the EUSurvey platform, over 200 researchers directly working with animals were surveyed. The study aimed to understand the frequency of negative results, the reasons behind their non-publication, and the perceived pros and cons of making such results public. Insights from the survey could guide steps toward promoting transparency in science, refining research methodologies, reducing animal usage in experiments and minimizing research waste.
Longitudinal Study of Bereavement Outcomes Among Palliative Caregivers Mourners: Psychological Profiles in Prolonged Grief and Psychopathology
Authors: Ribera-Asensi Olga , Valero-Moreno Selene , Pérez-Marín Marián
Published: October 2024

Prolonged grief (PG) is a mental health condition characterized by severe distress following a loss. This study examines the roles of attachment styles, social support, stressful life events (SLEs), and pre-existing psychopathology in predicting PG and post-bereavement psychopathology among 74 caregivers of palliative patients. Using validated assessment tools, the study employed hierarchical regression and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to identify predictors of prolonged grief and psychological outcomes over six months. Results showed that pre-existing psychopathology and PG risk predicted post-bereavement psychopathology, though not PG itself. Low social support and high SLEs were linked to worse outcomes, while strong social support and low stress predicted positive outcomes. These findings highlight the importance of multiple interacting factors in understanding grief and emphasize the need for interventions that enhance social support, manage stress, and address mental health conditions to reduce psychological distress in bereaved caregivers.
Analysis of the dust cleaning performance of a branch-type nozzle
Authors: Yong Zhang , Chuoxi Liang , Shiyang Ye , Guoquan Xiao
Published: October 2024

To solve the problem of uneven dust cleaning in filter cartridges, a simple and easy-to-install “branch-type” nozzle structure was designed to improve cleaning efficiency. In this study, numerical simulations, range analysis methods, orthogonal experimental design, back-blowing experiments, and powder cleaning experiments were conducted. By choosing the back-blowing uniformity as the evaluation index for cleaning performance, with the flow distribution coefficient A, length of branch pipe B, and outlet diameter of main pipe C as the factors, and ignoring the interaction between factors, an orthogonal experiment was designed to simulate the fluid flow field of nine different nozzle structures installed in the back-blowing model. The results were analyzed using range analysis methods, and the optimal nozzle structure parameter combination was determined to be A = 50%/40%/10%, B = 70 mm, and C = 18 mm. Based on the back-blowing experiment, the accuracy of the simulation results was verified, and the back-blowing uniformity was improved by 50.12%. In the powder cleaning experiment, a new method of measuring the mass of dust shaken off by a single pulse of cleaning to calculate the residual dust on the filter cartridge, rather than removing the filter cartridge and weighing it, was found to reduce experimental errors and make the conclusions more solid and convincing. The results showed that the “branch-type” nozzle increases the cleaning efficiency by 37.6% compared with no nozzle installed, proving that the “branch-type” nozzle can reduce the number of reverse cleaning required and extend the cleaning interval, thus optimizing the cleaning performance of the dust collector.
Autocratic Leaders, Combat Experience, and Interstate Conflict: Evidence From Iraq
Authors: Cohen Michael D.
Published: October 2024

Scholarship concurs that autocratic and military regimes are highly likely to initiate and escalate militarized interstate disputes. While combat experience can moderate the war-prone tendencies of some leaders, most agree that this does not occur in autocratic regimes. This article presents evidence that under at least some conditions, the experience of military combat can make leaders of autocratic and military regimes less likely to initiate militarized disputes. The empirical analysis supports these claims through examining three leaders of the same state—Iraq—who varied in their military and combat experience but faced the same two adversaries regarding the same territorial disputes.
Precarious employment in Swedish retail 1990–2019: An intersectional analysis of patterns and consequences
Authors: Carlén Stefan , de los Reyes Paulina
Published: October 2024

This article analyses the patterns in the increase in precarious employment in Swedish retail during the period 1990–2019. As expected, class, gender, age and migrant background are decisive for unequal working conditions. However, the study also finds a polarisation of work contracts, displaying class differences and an increase in non-standard contracts among blue-collar workers, and that conditions have become more difficult for younger workers. Although female workers still have lower incomes and more insecure conditions than other groups, the findings show a masculinisation trend among precarious workers. The increases in inequality are due not primarily to lower hourly wages, but to larger numbers of precarious contracts. During the last decade of the period, there was a sharp increase in the percentage of people on sick leave due to stress and mental disorders. Although this increase is general, precarious workers have more diagnoses of mental disorders, in both the short and long term.
Performing like a Learning Machine: The Emphasis on Performance Goals Results in Self-Objectification
Authors: Zhang Jingyu , Cheng Lei , Yang Ying , Wang Xijing
Published: October 2024

Little attention has been given to self-objectification, which refers to viewing oneself as an instrument or object rather than a full human, in an educational context. To address this gap, the current research aims to test self-objectification among students, and we hypothesized that a performance goal orientation would result in self-objectification (H1), which would further predict reduced authenticity (H2). Six studies (N = 1,716) confirmed our hypotheses. Studies 1–2, employing cross-sectional and 2-wave designs, found a positive association between a performance goal orientation and self-objectification among college students. Study 3 further showed the link among middle school students (i.e., adolescents). Studies 4–5b employed experimental methodologies to demonstrate the causal relationship between the performance goal orientation and self-objectification. In addition, increased self-objectification triggered by the performance goal orientation was further related to reduced authenticity (Studies 3–5b). This work advances the understanding of self-objectification in the educational domain.
Cross-national Psychometric Evaluation of the Jefferson Scale of Empathy-Medical Student Version
Authors: Piumatti Giovanni , Costa Manuel João , Ardenghi Stefano , Baroffio Anne , Elorduy Marta , Gerbase Margaret W. , Gustin Marie-Paule , Palés Jordi , Quince Thelma , Rampoldi Giulia , Strepparava Maria Grazia , Thiemann Pia , Virumbrales Montserrat , Costa Patrício S.
Published: October 2024

This study aimed to examine the factorial structure of the Jefferson Scale of Empathy–Medical student version (JSE-S) and assess items’ discriminatory ability at higher and lower empathy levels in medical student populations from different countries and languages. JSE-S datasets were retrieved from previous studies of 4113 first- and/or second-year medical students from Switzerland, Portugal, Italy, Brazil, France, Spain, New Zealand, UK, Ireland, Mexico, and Peru. Parallel principal component analyses and item response theory were applied. Excluding item 18, the Compassionate Care subscale emerged in five samples (Switzerland, Portugal, Italy, France and UK/Ireland), Perspective Taking in three (Switzerland, Portugal and UK/Ireland) and Walking in Patient’s Shoes in five (Switzerland, Portugal, Spain, UK/Ireland and Mexico/Peru). All subscales had items providing overlapping information. The JSE-S subscales had reliable high test performance at low empathy levels, while when the JSE-S increased, the standard error also increased. There was no consistent support across countries for the JSE-S three-factorial structure. Items provided redundant information and discriminatory power decreased when aiming to differentiate students at high empathy levels. A JSE-S revision to improve cross-cultural comparability, results’ generalizability and validity should focus on suppressing or reformulating items that cannot differentiate medical students’ empathy.
Primary teachers’ identity positioning in the process of pedagogical innovation / Identidad indagadora y posicionamiento del profesorado de educación primaria en un proceso de innovación pedagógica
Authors: Monje López Marcos , Badia Garganté Antoni , Becerril Balín Lorena
Published: October 2024

Based on the Dialogical Self Theory (henceforth DST), positioning in a pedagogical innovation is defined as a subjective stance taken that has been experienced by the teacher themselves. Thirty Andalusian primary school teachers in seven focus groups reported on five positioning descriptors: agency, ownership, sense-making, emotions and collaborative inquiry. Data were analysed with qualitative and quantitative procedures. The results showed three types of positioning: (1) active, positive and satisfactory positioning ( n = 13), with high agency, ownership, sense-making, cooperation and positive emotions; (2) active, efficient and indifferent positioning ( n = 8), with medium agency, medium-high degree of ownership, high degree of sense-making, indifferent emotions and a high degree of cooperation; (3) passive, critical and negative positioning ( n = 9), with a low degree of agency, ownership, sense-making and cooperation and negative emotions. We provide relevant information to identify the positioning that emerges when primary school teachers participate in a pedagogical inquiry process.
Multiple points of system failure underpin continuous subcutaneous infusion safety incidents in palliative care: A mixed methods analysis
Authors: Brown Amy , Yardley Sarah , Bowers Ben , Francis Sally-Anne , Bemand-Qureshi Lucy , Hellard Stuart , Chuter Antony , Carson-Stevens Andrew
Published: October 2024

Background:

About 25% of palliative medication incidents involve continuous subcutaneous infusions. Complex structural and human factor issues make these risk-prone interventions. Detailed analysis of how this safety-critical care can be improved has not been undertaken. Understanding context, contributory factors and events leading to incidents is essential.

Aims:

(1) Understand continuous subcutaneous infusion safety incidents and their impact on patients and families; (2) Identify targets for system improvements by learning from recurrent events and contributory factors.

Design:

Following systematic identification and stratification by degree of harm, a mixed methods analysis of palliative medication incidents involving continuous subcutaneous infusions comprising quantitative descriptive analysis using the PatIent SAfety (PISA) classification system and qualitative narrative analysis of free-text reports.

Setting/participants:

Palliative medication incidents ( n = 7506) reported to the National Reporting and Learning System, England and Wales (2016–2021).

Results:

About 1317/7506 incidents involved continuous subcutaneous infusions with 943 (72%) detailing harms. Primary incidents (most proximal to patient outcomes) leading to inappropriate medication use (including not using medication when it was needed) were underpinned by breakdowns in three major medication processes: monitoring and supply (405, 31%), administration (383, 29%) and prescribing (268, 20%). Recurring contributory factors included discontinuity of care within and between settings, inadequate time, inadequate staffing and unfamiliarity with protocols. Psychological harms for patients and families were identified.

Conclusions:

System infrastructure is needed to enable timely supply of medication and equipment, effective coordinated use of continuous subcutaneous infusions, communication and continuity of care. Training is needed to improve incident descriptions so these pinpoint precise targets for safer care.
Robot learning on the job: Human-in-the-loop autonomy and learning during deployment
Authors: Liu Huihan , Nasiriany Soroush , Zhang Lance , Bao Zhiyao , Zhu Yuke
Published: October 2024

With the rapid growth of computing powers and recent advances in deep learning, we have witnessed impressive demonstrations of novel robot capabilities in research settings. Nonetheless, these learning systems exhibit brittle generalization and require excessive training data for practical tasks. To harness the capabilities of state-of-the-art robot learning models while embracing their imperfections, we present Sirius, a principled framework for humans and robots to collaborate through a division of work. In this framework, partially autonomous robots are tasked with handling a major portion of decision-making where they work reliably; meanwhile, human operators monitor the process and intervene in challenging situations. Such a human–robot team ensures safe deployments in complex tasks. Further, we introduce a new learning algorithm to improve the policy’s performance on the data collected from the task executions. The core idea is re-weighing training samples with approximated human trust and optimizing the policies with weighted behavioral cloning. We evaluate Sirius in simulation and on real hardware, showing that Sirius consistently outperforms baselines over a collection of contact-rich manipulation tasks, achieving an 8% boost in simulation and 27% on real hardware than the state-of-the-art methods in policy success rate, with twice faster convergence and 85% memory size reduction. Videos and more details are available at https://ut-austin-rpl.github.io/sirius/ .
Castellvi classification of lumbosacral transitional vertebrae: comparison between conventional radiography, CT, and MRI
Authors: Hanhivaara Jaakko , Määttä Juhani H , Kinnunen Pietari , Niinimäki Jaakko , Nevalainen Mika T
Published: October 2024

Background

The reliability and diagnostic accuracy of commonly used diagnostic imaging modalities in the classification of lumbosacral transitional vertebrae (LSTV) are poorly known, and comparative studies are scarce.

Purpose

To compare the diagnostic performance of conventional radiography (CR), computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in classifying LSTVs.

Material and Methods

In this retrospective cross-sectional study, a total of 852 patients undergoing lumbar imaging studies using all three modalities were initially assessed for the presence of LSTV using CT scans. In total, 100 patients with LSTV anatomy were identified. Four readers performed blinded and independent evaluations of these 100 patients on each modality, and an experienced fellowship-trained radiologist performed a gold standard read using all three modalities. Inter-reader reliability metrics were analyzed in comparison to the gold standard. Statistical software R (4.2.1) was used for the analyses.

Results

We found superior diagnostic efficacy for CT: the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and balanced accuracy were 76%, 93%, 77%, and 84%, respectively. For MRI, the metrics were 54%, 88%, 56%, and 68%, and for CR 32%, 85%, 42%, and 59%, respectively. Inter-reader reliability was found to be good for CT (κ = 0.63–0.71) and fair for both CR (κ = 0.16–0.32) and MRI (κ = 0.24–0.56).

Conclusion

CT had the highest diagnostic performance in all measured metrics with good inter-reader reliability. MRI and CR showed fairly poor sensitivity and accuracy, and thus consideration should be used when classifying LSTVs with these two modalities.
School librarian experience as an agent in fostering a reading culture
Authors: Irawati Indira , Laksmi Laksmi , Rahmi Rahmi , Wijayanti Luki , Kristiningsih Theresia
Published: October 2024

This study examines the role of school librarians in Indonesia in encouraging reading habits among young people. Employing a phenomenological approach, it seeks to understand librarians’ personal experiences and their interpretations of these experiences. The research highlights how librarians’ childhoods and family backgrounds influence their motivation to promote a reading culture. Their interactions with school management and efforts to encourage teachers to model reading behaviours are critical. The librarians also challenge the policies and organizational norms they believe hinder reading promotion. As agents of change, they possess a strong commitment to developing innovative programmes. In conclusion, their experiences serving as agents have given them a heightened sense of discursive awareness and intentionality. Although these efforts have successfully instilled regular reading habits, enhancing critical thinking and interpretive skills remains an ongoing challenge. The study suggests that the librarians could further enrich the reading culture by enhancing intersubjectivity, thus improving collective understanding and practices.
Ezra as Educator: Exploring Ezra's Educational Legacy at the Close of the Old Testament
Authors: Estep James Riley
Published: October 2024

This article will endeavor to surface the educational principles and practices of Ezra's ministry and make practical implications for today's Christian educator. It will conclude with an itemized list of implications for contemporary Christian educators.
Between disloyalty and engagement, readjusting the terms of an action research
Authors: Puyol Emily Lopez
Published: October 2024

The scientific literature on CIFRE theses (Industrial Research Training Agreements) in social sciences highlights the ambivalence linked to the hybrid status of doctoral students, oscillating between that of apprentice researcher and that of salaried employee within an organization. This research, often carried out in the form of action research, confronts doctoral students with dilemmas regarding their double posture. In this article, I propose to analyze my CIFRE thesis experience within a French association dedicated to combating educational inequalities. The proximity to the field enabled me to explore research perspectives not initially envisaged. By reformulating the initial subject of the thesis, I integrated new questions while collaborating with my colleagues to create alternative modes of research restitution, thus fostering links between the academic and professional.
Spilled chalices, storming leopards and the apostates of capital
Authors: Almeida João
Published: October 2024

Kafka's aphorism of the leopards tells us that no temple is spared of a visit of these surprising animals. However, when the leopards suddenly spill the chalices of the temples of capital and drink the wine over and over again they become part of the capitalist ritual. Their presence becomes noticeable, and the surprise effect of their profanity becomes predictable, calculated, instrumentalised, appropriated as part of the ceremony. However, the parable of the leopards may tell us more about Critical Theory than Political Theology. Such a parable can be seen as a method in itself to question complicities and co-options of Critical Theory in the very survival of capitalism. In the face of the ongoing collapse of earth ecosystems and unresolved global crises, the temples of capital may run dry on wine. What would it mean, then, to apostatise from the religious cult of capital?
A Retrospective Closed Cohort Study on Distribution of Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria in Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia and its Impact on Patient Outcome
Authors: Mantri Tushar , Burad Jyoti , Hashmi Safiya Al , Jaadi Said Salim Abood AL , Aladawi Badriya , Balushi Wijdan Abdullah Said
Published: October 2024

Objectives

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a common and serious nosocomial infection affecting critically ill patients undergoing mechanical ventilation. This study investigated the prevalence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) organisms in VAP, the VAP rate, and the outcomes associated with MDR-VAP.

Methods

This retrospective single-center study, conducted in 2022, included adult ICU cases from April 2021 to March 2022, receiving mechanical ventilation for more than 48 h. Patient data were analyzed for demographics, comorbidities, empirical antibiotic use, and outcomes. MDR organisms were identified in respiratory cultures.

Results

Among 447 patients, 133 developed VAP, with 96 cases being MDR-VAP. The mean age of the overall VAP population was 52 years, 70% of which were males. The incidence of VAP was 30.0% (95% CI: 25.7%–34.5%), while that of MDR-VAP was 21.6% (95% CI: 17.9%–25.8%). The most prevalent MDR organisms were Acinetobacter species (50%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (46.9%). Empirical antibiotics were administered in 96% of VAP cases. The overall VAP rate was 38.03/1000 ventilator days. No single antimicrobial agent seemed to offer an empirical cover, as the susceptibility rate for most tested antimicrobials was less than 85%. Patients with MDR-VAP had a low survival rate (64.6%) and were less likely to be extubated at 13.5% compared to non-MDR-VAP (survival rate of 62.2%). COVID-19 patients had a high incidence of MDR VAP, especially with Acinetobacter. Overall, VAP mortality was 57.1%. The median ventilator days were 16 for VAP and only four for non-VAP.

Conclusion

Gram-negative organisms, particularly Klebsiella and Acinetobacter, were the main MDR VAP culprits. MDR-VAP exhibited higher morbidity and mortality. A study focused on developing resistance by microorganisms is warranted for further understanding.
Childhood Emotional Trauma and Flourishing in Female College Students
Authors: Kim Yoonjung , Shin Hyeji
Published: October 2024

There are few studies that measure the effects of childhood emotional trauma on female college students’ positive perceptions and attitudes toward their present lives. Therefore, this study analyzes how female college students’ emotional trauma induced by child emotional abuse influences their flourishing as adults. To this end, a descriptive survey via an online platform was conducted from November 26 to December 3, 2022. The participants were 318 female college students aged 18 to 35 in South Korea, who experienced parental emotional abuse when they were younger than 18 years old. The survey was conducted to validate the moderating effects of resilience and cognitive emotion regulation strategies on the relationship between female college students’ childhood emotional trauma and flourishing. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, analysis of variance, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and Hayes’ PROCESS macro. Self-blame, other-blame, and positive refocusing factors of the Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire were found to moderate the relationship between childhood emotional trauma and flourishing. Specifically, the self-blame strategy intensified the negative moderation effect. As flourishing depends on the degree of self-blame, fostering optimism by mitigating self-blame is necessary. The other-blame strategy attenuated the negative impact of childhood emotional trauma on flourishing. Nevertheless, this strategy can weaken emotions if individuals fail to regulate them independently. A positive refocusing strategy also effectively moderated the relationship between childhood emotional trauma and flourishing by alleviating the former’s adverse effects. By contrast, resilience lacked a moderation effect. To overcome past emotional adversities and lead a flourishing life, interventions that actively utilize relational resources within the campus and regulate irrational beliefs, such as self-blame and blame toward others are necessary. These findings provide critical foundational data for the development of programs aimed at fostering a forward-thinking cognitive framework, thus enabling them to focus on future plans despite memories of emotional abuse.
Integrated cooperative guidance and control of strapdown missiles
Authors: Huang Xiaoyang , Zhao Bin , Zhou Jun , Xie Jingjie , Zhao Wanli
Published: October 2024

This paper develops an innovative integrated cooperative guidance and control (ICGC) law for multiple strapdown missiles, and explicitly considers both the attitude dynamics and field-of-view (FOV) limitations of the seekers. First, a model is rigorously established using strict state feedback to incorporate attitude dynamics, which employs the body-line-of-sight (BLOS) angle to characterize the FOV constraints of strapdown seekers. We propose a nonlinear observer to precisely estimate aerodynamic disturbances, target maneuvers, and unmodeled dynamics. Using the BLOS angle as a critical variable for multi-missile cooperation, we derive a novel ICGC law based on the barrier lyapunov function and the dynamic surface control method. This law enables strategic cooperative geometries among multiple missiles attacking a single maneuvering target, with detailed proof of stability provided. Extensive numerical simulations demonstrate that the proposed ICGC law significantly enhances cooperative engagement capabilities, ensuring effective target attacks while adhering to the FOV constraints. This research substantially advances missile guidance and control systems, offering a robust framework for cooperatively engaging maneuvering targets.
Humans: An integrative review exploring dehumanisation in advanced dementia
Authors: Bøgmose Jesper , Olivares Bøgeskov Benjamin Miguel , Dening Tom , Martinsen Bente
Published: October 2024

Background: People living with advanced dementia risk being seen as someone without personhood in contemporary societies, an understanding that has been described and challenged for decades in dementia scholarly literature. Such perception can be characterised as forms of existential dehumanisation, which still asserts itself in dementia care practices, adversely affecting the ethical and caring aspects of such care.

Aim: To challenge dehumanisation in dementia care, we must first learn to recognise what foster it in caring relations. Thus, the aim of our study is to identify existing perceptions of care recipients living with advanced dementia, which elicit dehumanising attitudes among formal caregivers.

Research design: We conducted an integrative review based on Whittemore and Knafl’s updated methodology. This allowed us to identify and analyse 26 articles incorporating both qualitative- and quantitative studies as well as theoretical- and grey literature all describing perceptions of care recipients living with dementia that lead to dehumanisation.

Ethical considerations: Studying the darker sides in caring relations was to be beneficial in improving dementia care practices.

Findings: Through an analytical process five themes that can sprout dehumanising attitudes in caring relations were identified, which include perceiving people living with advanced dementia as (1) absurd, (2) shadow, (3) perilous, (4) void, or (5) repugnant. We argue that these perceptions can be seen as unintentional and stem from a misled embodied perception, which caregivers should learn to recognise and consequently be able to resist through virtue ethics.

Conclusion: Our study indicates that challenging dehumanisation is a practical matter of identifying and reacting in a timely way to ones misled embodied perceptions. We suggest the five themes offer a potential means to warn formal caregivers of impending dehumanising attitudes and help them to review how they ethically are thinking and perceiving the person living with advanced dementia.
Crowdfunding Research: Critical Analysis and Constructive Agenda for Future Inquiry
Authors: Oberoi Swati , Joshi Rohit , Mehta Atul , Srivastava Smita , Gupta Vishal K.
Published: October 2024

Crowdfunding (CF), an innovative entrepreneurial phenomenon, has gained considerable attention in social science outlets. Yet, the overall intellectual structure of this growing field of enquiry remains under wraps. This study addresses this knowledge gap by critically analysing 534 published articles using co-citation analysis of influential CF publications and tracing the intellectual history of the four variants of CF, namely rewards, donation, debt and equity. The co-citation analysis of highly cited publications uncovers the DNA (dynamics, nuances and anchors) of CF research revealing the field’s underlying disciplines and its theoretical anchors. Overall, the authors take cognisance of the intellectual scaffolding of CF research, map the advancement of CF variants and recognise its potential to act as a force of social and economic disruption. The critical analysis reported here reveals gaps in the extant literature which can provide novel avenues for productive enquiry by future CF scholars.
Predictive Variables of Organisational Performance in Creative Industry Companies from the Perspective of Managers: Experiences in SMEs
Authors: Mateus Marelby Amado , Rincón Alfredo Guzmán , Hinestroza Merlin Patricia Grueso
Published: October 2024

The creative industry has emerged as a crucial global development and economic growth driver. This study aims to identify and analyse predictive variables that influence the organisational performance of creative industry SMEs from the entrepreneurs’ perspective, providing a deeper understanding of the sector’s dynamics and guiding businesses and decision-makers towards effective strategies. A quantitative methodology was used to survey 500 managers of creative SMEs in Colombia. The results indicate that reputation, based on client recommendations, and the capacity for innovation significantly impact performance. Notably, concern for technology showed a negative effect, suggesting the need for more strategic technological adoption. These findings highlight the importance of effective reputation management and the promotion of innovation, offering valuable insights for policy and strategy formulation in the creative economy.
Book review: S. Dhaliwal (Eds.), Cases on Entrepreneurship and Diversity
Authors: Ramesh Ananthavalli
Published: October 2024

S. Dhaliwal (Eds.), Cases on Entrepreneurship and Diversity (Edward Elgar Publishing, 2024), xiv + 232 pp. ISBN: 9781803923840 (Hardback). https://doi.org/10.4337/9781803923857 .
Changing Landscape of Financial Inclusion Through FinTech: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Mittal Palak , Singh Ravi Inder
Published: October 2024

Financial services, credit to technological development, have witnessed significant transformation in the last few decades in terms of efficiency improvement and increased access to financial services. It is strongly perceived that the use of technology will make financial services reach unbanked and underbanked people at their doorstep. Therefore, this study is conducted to examine the impact of financial technology (FinTech) on financial inclusion through the systematic literature review approach. Research studies published from 2004 to 2022 on the theme are covered in this study. This Study uses population, intervention, comparison, outcomes and context (PICOC) strategy, identifying the population such as ‘Fintech’ in the context of ‘financial inclusion’. The research reveals that FinTech has improved financial inclusion through use the of mobile money, digital lending and has reduced cost, income inequality and risk reduction which in turn has helped in the economic growth of the country. This study highlights that digital lending is the most under-researched parameter among the four. This study also highlights the challenges faced by various countries in the adoption and usage of FinTech, which has major implications for policymakers, government authorities, technological developers and banking regulations.

JEL: O33
Chemoprotective Effect of Bryodulcosigenin against 7,12-Dimethylbenz(a)anthracene-induced Breast Cancer via Suppression of Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, and Apoptosis
Authors: Zheng Jie , Hu Junyan , Jiang Shujun , Wang Yuhong , Xing Dan
Published: October 2024

Background

Breast cancer, originating in the cells of the breast, involves a significant role of oxidative stress and inflammatory reactions in tumor cell proliferation. In this study, we investigate the chemoprotective impact of bryodulcosigenin against 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA)-induced breast cancer in rats, aiming to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.

Materials and Methods

Female Wistar rats were used in this study, with breast cancer induced by intraperitoneal injection of DMBA at a dose of 80 mg/kg body weight. The rats were then treated orally with bryodulcosigenin at doses of 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg body weight for 22 weeks. Body weight, tumor marker, glycoprotein, mitochondrial, antioxidant, cytokines, and inflammatory parameters were estimated. Apoptosis parameters messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expressions were estimated.

Results

Bryodulcosigenin significantly ( p < 0.001) downregulated the tumor weight and incidence. Bryodulcosigenin significantly ( p < 0.001) repressed the tumor markers like cancer antigen 15-3 (CA 15-3), alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), total sialic acid (TSA), and lipid-bound sialic acid (LSA); glycoprotein such as hexose, hexosamine, and sialic acid improved the level of mitochondrial parameters like succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), isocitrate dehydrogenase (ICDH), alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase (α-KGDH), and malate dehydrogenase (MDH); cytokines, namely, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and inflammatory parameters such as nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), prostaglandin (PGE2), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), respectively. Bryodulcosigenin significantly ( p < 0.001) altered the level of lipid parameters such as triglyceride, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL); antioxidant parameters like thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH), respectively. Bryodulcosigenin significantly ( p < 0.001) altered the mRNA expression of apoptosis markers such as B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated protein x (Bax), and caspase-3.

Conclusion

We can conclude that bryodulcosigenin protects against DMBA-induced breast cancer by reducing inflammatory reactions and apoptosis.
Multidisciplinary Approach to Allergic Fungal Sinusitis: A Scoping Review
Authors: Swain Santosh Kumar , Mittal Yash
Published: October 2024

Background and Aims:

A noninvasive form of fungal rhinosinusitis is called allergic fungal sinusitis (AFS). It is characterised by pathognomonic eosinophilic mucin-containing hyphae, which are helpful in the diagnosis combined with certain histopathological and imaging characteristics. Most patients with AFS present with nasal obstruction, nasal discharge with eosinophilic mucin and headache.

Methods:

The search for published articles on AFS was done with databases like PubMed, Scopus, Medline and Google Scholar. This review article discusses the prevalence, etiopathology, clinical features, diagnosis, management and prognosis of AFS.

Results:

In AFS, computed tomography (CT) scans of the paranasal sinuses typically show abnormalities indicative of chronic rhinosinusitis. These include central regions with increased contrast (hyperattenuating) in the affected sinuses, which are associated with fungal elements and allergic mucin. In most cases of AFS, effective treatment typically involves trans-nasal endoscopic surgery, topical nasal steroids, postoperative nasal saline irrigations and endoscopic cleaning in the office. Additional medical treatments may include systemic steroids, oral antifungals, a combination of systemic corticosteroids and oral antifungals or, in some cases, immunotherapy.

Conclusion:

AFS tends to recur more often than chronic bacterial sinusitis. Managing recurrence remains a major challenge in AFS treatment. A multidisciplinary approach by otolaryngologists, ophthalmologists and neurosurgeons is recommended for AFS because of its slow and locally destructive disease.
Rhinosporidiosis Presenting as a Large Oral Cavity Mass: A Case Report
Authors: Swain Santosh Kumar
Published: October 2024

Background:

Rhinosporidiosis (RS) is a chronic granulomatous infection that primarily impacts the mucous membranes of the nose and nasopharynx. The diagnosis of RS is usually done by the clinical presentations and confirmed by histopathological study. The diagnosis of RS may be delayed when the extra-nasal sites are involved. Wide and complete excision of the lesion by thorough electro-cautery is usually recommended. Case Report: A 25-year-old male patient attended the outpatient department of otorhinolaryngology with a chief complaint of swallowing difficulty and sensation of foreign body in the oral cavity and oropharynx for 3 months.

Conclusion:

Rhinosporidiosis (RS) is an enigmatic disorder with a debatable mode of infection and the nature of the etiological agent. Atypical and extra-nasal cases of RS should be carefully diagnosed, managed, and monitored throughout their clinical course.
Exploring Denosumab’s potential in aneurysmal bone cyst treatment: A scoping review
Authors: Sandhu Vinesh , Ajit Singh Vivek , Puri Ajay
Published: October 2024

Background: Denosumab effectively treats RANKL-mediated bone disorders by inhibiting osteoclast activity. While approved for giant cell tumours, its role in aneurysmal bone cysts (ABC) remains unclear. This review explores denosumab’s application in ABCs, focusing on its role, outcomes, and adverse effects. Methods: A scoping review adhering to PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines was conducted. The search involved five databases from inception until 31 December 2023. Results: From an initial 390 studies, 29 were selected post-screening involving 67 patients. The most common ABC sites were the spine ( n = 42) and pelvis ( n = 7). Denosumab served as primary treatment in 25 patients (37.3%), neoadjuvant in 11 (16.4%), second-line therapies after inadequate initial therapies in 24 (35.8%), and adjunct therapy in seven cases. All patients demonstrated favourable clinical and radiological responses post-denosumab. 10 patients (15%) experienced tumour recurrences: six after denosumab discontinuation (3-17 months post-cessation), three post-surgery following neoadjuvant denosumab, and one during ongoing treatment. Adverse effects reported were hypocalcaemia ( n = 10), hypercalcemia ( n = 14), and sclerotic metaphyseal bands ( n = 2), all in the paediatric age group. While hypocalcaemia surfaced early in denosumab therapy, hypercalcaemia manifested 2.5-6 months post-discontinuation, mainly managed with bisphosphonates. Fewer than half of the studies had follow-ups that exceeded 2 years. Conclusion: Denosumab may be an effective therapy for ABC, especially for high-risk cases like spinal and pelvic tumours. It can also be utilized as a second-line for recurrence/failed initial intervention or as neoadjuvant therapy. Concerns exist about tumour recurrence and rebound hypercalcemia, necessitating careful monitoring, longer follow-up, and prophylactic measures. Prospective clinical trials are warranted for deeper insights.
Accounting by decree: The impact of government policy on cost practices in the United States of America – 1933 to 1939
Authors: McNair Carol J , Smark Ciorstan , Watts Ted , Jones Greg , Bowrey Graham
Published: October 2024

This article explores the impact of federal government policy and societal trends on cost practices and management techniques used to support business structures within the United States between 1933 and 1939. These dates reflect the influence of the Great Depression in the USA. Specifically, we explore the influence of the National Industrial Recovery Act (1933) on the development of costing and pricing policies from the perspective of the social rule system theory. Using this theory and source documents from the ‘New Deal’ period and the National Industrial Recovery Act, the article explores the costing assumptions underlying the Act's definition of ‘cost’. The Act was enforced through government policy (1933 to 1935) and supported by the Blue Eagle symbol throughout the period. This resulted in a pseudo-competitive market structure where Blue Eagle costing (full cost recovery and earning a ‘fair and reasonable’ profit) became the basis for market pricing and business management.