bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psychological interventions for patients with delirium in intensive care: A scoping review protocol
Authors: Shaikh Madiha , Wade Dorothy M. , King Lara , Mackay Liam , Symes Isabelle , Syeda Anam , Greenburgh Anna
Published: December 2024

The objective of this scoping review is to investigate psychological interventions developed, evaluated, and considered for patients with delirium in intensive care units (ICU). Data will be extracted from sources of evidence that address interventions for delirium-related distress and/or cognitive impairments in the adult ICU population, suitable for delivery by or under the supervision of a psychological practitioner. ICU delirium is a common and impactful condition that adversely affects patient outcomes, including prolonged hospitalisation and deteriorating mental health. Despite its significance, it remains poorly understood. Addressing the psychological impact of delirium is crucial for improving both short- and long-term psychological outcomes in ICU patients. However, current non-pharmacological interventions often fail to consider this issue. The inclusion criteria encompass psychological interventions for critically ill adults that directly impact their thoughts, feelings, behaviour and/or cognition. Additionally, interventions involving relatives and multi-component non-pharmacological approaches will be considered. The databases Medline (Ovid), PsycINFO (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), and CINAHL Plus will be searched, covering literature from 1990 to the present. We chose 1990 as the earliest time point for searches because psychological input in ICUs began globally around 2000, with notable expansion in the past decade. Reference lists from identified articles will be hand-searched and PsycEXTRA (Ovid) and WorldCat.org will be searched for grey literature. Relevant information will be extracted and reported using a PRISMA flow diagram, characteristics and frequency table as well as narrative descriptions. This review aims to collate evidence to guide the development and evaluation of new psychological interventions to address delirium in the ICU.
Methods to normalize surface electromyography in respiratory muscles: Is it similar between amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and healthy people?
Authors: Lima Thiago Bezerra Wanderley e , Fonseca Jessica Danielle Medeiros da , Silva Ana Aline Marcelino da , Vieira Rayane Grayce da Silva , Montemezzo Dayane , Otto-Yáñez Matias , Torres-Castro Rodrigo , Júnior Mário Emílio Teixeira Dourado , Resqueti Vanessa Regiane , Fregonezi Guilherme Augusto de Freitas
Published: December 2024

The normalization process is important to determine the best approach for normalizing electromyographic signals from respiratory muscles in healthy subjects and those with ALS. The aim of this study is to compare different methods of normalizing the sEMG signal of respiratory muscles in both healthy subjects and those with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). This cross-sectional study was conducted in 67 subjects (50 healthy and 17 with ALS). The electrical activity of the sternocleidomastoid (SCM), scalene (ESC), diaphragm (DIA), parasternal (PS), external intercostal (EI), external oblique (EO), and rectus abdominal (RA) muscles were analyzed during maximal inspiratory pressure maneuvers (MIP), maximal nasal inspiratory pressure (SNIP), maximal expiratory pressure (MEP), and maximal voluntary isometric contraction of SCM and ESC (MVICSCM/ESC) and RA (MVICRA) using surface electromyography (sEMG). In the healthy group, inspiratory and expiratory muscles displayed higher electrical activity during MVICSCM/ESC and MIVCRA maneuvers, respectively (p<0.05). In the ALS group, inspiratory muscle activity was higher during the SNIP maneuver, while expiratory muscles showed higher activity during MVICRA (p<0.05). Based on the findings, it can be concluded that the MVIC resulted in greater inspiratory muscle activity, being the ideal method of normalization for inspiratory and expiratory muscles in healthy subjects. In ALS patients, the SNIP maneuver resulted in greater inspiratory muscle activity, while MVIC resulted in greater muscle activity in expiratory muscles.
Evaluating the accuracy of a nutritional screening tool for patients with digestive system tumors: A hierarchical Bayesian latent class meta-analysis
Authors: Yang Menghao , Xiao Na , Tang Le , Zhang Yang , Wen Yuexiu , Yang Xiuqin
Published: December 2024

Background

Cancer, particularly tumors of the digestive system, presents a major global health challenge. The incidence and mortality rates of these cancers are increasing, and many patients face significant nutritional risks, which are often overlooked in clinical practice. This oversight can lead to serious health consequences, underscoring the need for effective nutritional assessment tools to improve clinical outcomes. Although several nutritional risk screening tools exist, their specific utility for patients with gastrointestinal tumors remains unclear. This study aimed to address this gap by systematically evaluating the performance of various nutritional screening tools in this patient population.

Methods

A systematic search of six databases was conducted to identify studies that met predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Diagnostic test metrics such as sensitivity, specificity, and likelihood ratios (positive and negative) were estimated using a hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic model. This approach was used to compare the accuracy of different nutritional screening scales.

Results

A total of 33 eligible studies were included in this meta-analysis, assessing six nutritional screening tools: the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool, Malnutrition Screening Tool, Nutritional Risk Screening 2002, Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form, Nutritional Risk Index, and Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment. Among these, the Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment demonstrated the highest performance, with a sensitivity of 0.911 (95% confidence interval: 0.866–0.942) and a specificity of 0.805 (95% confidence interval: 0.674–0.891), outperforming the other screening tools.

Conclusions

This study confirms the effectiveness of the Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment in identifying malnutrition risk among patients with digestive system tumors. However, as this research focused on a Chinese population, future studies should encompass a broader geographic scope and work toward standardized assessment criteria to enhance the global validation and refinement of nutritional screening tools.
Structural insights into Semiliki forest virus receptor binding modes indicate novel mechanism of virus endocytosis
Authors: Yang Decheng , Wang Nan , Du Bingchen , Sun Zhenzhao , Wang Shida , He Xijun , Wang Jinyue , Zheng Tao , Chen Yutao , Wang Xiangxi , Wang Jingfei
Published: December 2024

The Very Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor (VLDLR) is an entry receptor for the prototypic alphavirus Semliki Forest Virus (SFV). However, the precise mechanisms underlying the entry of SFV into cells mediated by VLDLR remain unclear. In this study, we found that of the eight class A (LA) repeats of the VLDLR, only LA2, LA3, and LA5 specifically bind to the native SFV virion while synergistically promoting SFV cell attachment and entry. Furthermore, the multiple cryo-electron microscopy structures of VLDLR-SFV complexes and mutagenesis studies have demonstrated that under physiological conditions, VLDLR primarily binds to E1-DIII of site-1, site-2, and site-1’ at the twofold symmetry axes of SFV virion through LA2, LA3, and LA5, respectively. These findings unveil a novel mechanism for viral entry mediated by receptors, suggesting that conformational transitions in VLDLR induced by multivalent binding of LAs facilitate cellular internalization of SFV, with significant implications for the design of antiviral therapeutics.
Collective memory and digital surrealist solidarity: Shanghai elderly on social media during 2022 COVID lockdowns
Authors: Wu Yan
Published: December 2024

Ever since the first COVID-19 case was reported in Wuhan in 2019, Chinese cities have gone through different stages of quarantine till the end of 2022. Due to a surge of Omicron variant cases in 2022, travel restrictions were introduced in February and Shanghai entered lockdowns from 28 March 2022, allegedly to protect the elderly, the young and the vulnerable. Nevertheless, it was gradually revealed that many elderly people suffered or even died from the strict lockdown measures at home or in the quarantine hospitals. This article studies the trending visualities and black humour about the lockdown experience of Shanghai elderly on social media platforms Weibo and Weixin, examining how social media was used as a tool to provide counter narratives, build surrealist solidarity and construct collective memories. Data used for this article is sourced from China Digital Times. The keyword 上海老人 (‘Shanghai elderly’) was used to identify relevant posts between 1 March and 1 June 2022. A total of 39 posts containing visual or audio-visual components about Shanghai elderly’s lockdown experience was selected as samples. A multimodal analysis of data reveals that Shanghai elderly’s COVID experience was both represented and mediatized on social media platforms. Surrealism artistic creation from internet users exposes the ineptitude of government officials and the absurdity of reality. The use of black humour in surrealistic online content on the one hand shows individuals as helpless victims while on the other hand builds surrealist solidarity among people and exhibits resistance towards the authoritarian control.
Two cultures, one fandom: Comparisons of American and South Korean pop (K-pop) music fans
Authors: Gahler Heather , Choi Eunjoo
Published: December 2024

From the social identity theoretical perspective, the current study examines how nationality and fan identity play a role in Korean pop music (K-pop) fans’ attitudes towards one another. Specifically, the present study investigates how Korean pop music fans from two different countries, South Korea and the United States, perceive each other and how their degree of fanship influences their attitudes and perceptions towards each other. With 555 K-pop fans from each country, the present study conducted an online survey cross-culturally. The current study reveals the intergroup attitudes among K-pop fans from the two countries; while South Korean K-pop fans showed stronger negative attitudes towards American K-pop fans as their fanship increased, American K-pop fans showed a decrease in negative attitudes towards South Korean K-pop fans as their fanship increased.
Loving Fanfiction: Exploring the Role of Emotion in Online Fandoms, Brit Kelley (2023)
Authors: Randazzo Katherine
Published: December 2024

Review of: Loving Fanfiction: Exploring the Role of Emotion in Online Fandoms, Brit Kelley (2023)

New York: Routledge, 244 pp.,

ISBN 978-0-36776-754-9, p/bk, $52.95

ISBN 978-1-00302-054-7, e-book, $37.91
Fanvids: Television, Women, and Home Media Re-Use, E. Charlotte Stevens* (2020)
Authors: Barkin Lena
Published: December 2024

Review of: Fanvids: Television, Women, and Home Media Re-Use, E. Charlotte Stevens (2020)

Amsterdam: Amsterdam University Press, 277 pp.,

ISBN 978-9-46298-586-5, h/bk, £117.00
Editorial
Authors: Glas René , Mukherjee Souvik , Roine Hanna-Riikka , Stenros Jaakko
Published: December 2024

Games and books, understood in the broadest possible sense, interrelate in numerous different ways. Books and games can take each other’s form; they inspire and augment, expand and specify, contextualize and transform one another. We can ‘read’ games, and we can ‘play’ books. This article is an editorial to a Special Issue that discusses game-book hybrids, gamebooks, as complex entities worthy of their own attention. The focus is specifically on the intersections of games and books (instead of, for instance, games and literature, or games and narratives) as these offer a site for a fruitful cross-disciplinary work. The editorial briefly surveys the field and lays out the basics of games and books as interdisciplinary sites of research. It then introduces a tentative typology for mapping out the interconnectedness of games and books. Finally, the editorial introduces and briefly contextualizes the articles in the Special Issue.
Intra-normativities in technologizing elder care work: Mobile record-keeping, remote homecare and social media use shaping good care
Authors: Saari Eveliina , Levonius Vilja , Koskela Inka , Koivisto Tiina , Känsälä Marja
Published: December 2024

Western societies tend to implement new technologies to elder care work to replace routines in order to make services more efficient and transparent as the population ages and public resources diminish. However, we have not paid enough attention to how care practitioners perceive their changed circumstances in elder care work. Drawing on the thematic interviews of 31 care practitioners in Finland, we analyzed how the emergence of mobile record-keeping during homecare visits, use of video visits in remote homecare and social media use in intensive service housing shaped what is perceived as good care. Leaning on empirical ethics of care approach we found that each elder care service context and its technology shape its own intra-normativities. Each intra-normativity brings different values into being in elder care, which impact on work practices and how the relations between care practitioners and clients, and with the wider public are enacted.
Distracted parenting: How do parents’ emotional regulation and problematic smartphone use contribute to the interruptions of parent-child interactions?
Authors: Bodrožić Selak Matea , Merkaš Marina , Žulec Ivanković Ana
Published: December 2024

This study aimed to examine the associations between parents’ difficulties in emotion regulation, risk for smartphone addiction, and interruptions of parent-child interactions. The sample comprised 281 parents (80.9% mothers) who participated in the project “Digital technology in the family: patterns of behavior and effects on child development”. Parents completed the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS-16; Bjureberg et al., 2016) and the Smartphone Addiction Scale (SAS-SV; Kwon et. al., 2013). Additionally, parents rated how often they use and check their smartphones during parent-child interactions on a newly developed scale as an indicator of interruptions. The results show that parents with greater emotion regulation difficulty have a greater risk for smartphone addiction and report a higher frequency of using and checking their smartphones during parent-child face-to-face interactions. Thus, there is a significant indirect effect of emotion regulation challenges, through risk for smartphone addiction, on interruptions of interactions between parents and children. The findings are further examined within the context of parents’ characteristics that may be risk factors for the prevalence of interruptions of parent-child interactions.
Non-immersive forms of virtual reality (NIVR) and attitudes towards travel destinations in the era of COVID-19 self-isolation
Authors: Lewicki Marcin , Florek Magdalena
Published: December 2024

The main aim of this paper is to investigate the relationship between the attitudes towards virtual reality tools and the expected attitudes towards destinations selected during the self-isolation period resulting from the global pandemic caused by COVID-19. The study employs a research model based on the modified and extended Technology Acceptance Model, with structural modelling applied for verification purposes. The measurement criteria are mostly adopted from previous research or developed by the authors. Findings indicate that VR tools are perceived as easy to use, which directly affects the perceived enjoyment and usefulness of the VR. Furthermore, virtual reality tools are perceived as more useful when there is no alternative means of experiencing the external (real) world. The research model also confirms that the cognitive component of the users’ attitude directly influences their behaviour, whereas the affective dimension is not significant. This indicates that non-immersive VR tools and materials are perceived primarily as a conduit for disseminating pertinent information and providing the opportunity to compare destinations and make more informed decisions. In addition to these practical findings, this paper also contributes to this research strand by considering the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on the acceptance of virtual reality (VR). Finally, the proposed model further extends the TAM to different attitude aspects, such as behavioural, cognitive and affective components.
Fatigue characterisation of concrete composite girder with steel bottom plate and corrugated web under uniform corrosion environment
Authors: Wang Genhui , Han Pulu , Jin Xuejun
Published: December 2024

The objective of this study was to elucidate the fatigue characteristics of a concrete composite girder with a steel bottom plate and a corrugated web (Hereinafter referred to as CGSBCW), and compute its bending moment of inertia under uniform corrosion conditions by incorporating the corrosion rate parameter in the calculations. The corrosion rate was, in turn, determined from the stress value measured in the test. The stress amplitude – fatigue life (S–N) equation of the CGSBCW under uniform corrosion conditions was derived using the Paris semi-empirical law and Lemaitre fatigue life calculation formula. The Lemaitre parameters of the CGSBCW were determined through theoretical calculations and numerical simulations. The relationship among the stress amplitude, fatigue life, and corrosion rate when the corrosion rate was less than 20% was numerically fitted. Curvatures for the stress amplitude, fatigue life, and corrosion rate were confirmed. The results demonstrated that salt-corrosive environment had a significant impact on the fatigue characteristics of composite girders. For the same level of loading, it increased the stress amplitude and decreased the fatigue life. At a corrosion rate of 9%, the stresses in the test girders increased by 10%, while the fatigue life decreased by 24.5%. When the corrosion rate was less than 20%, the stress amplitude and fatigue life, respectively, increased and decreased essentially linearly with the increase in corrosion rate.
Researching history education in Canada: plus ça change?
Authors: Miles James
Published: December 2024

This article explores history education research in Canada by analysing three important studies conducted prior to 1970. The article considers how history education has shifted across these reports and what questions and problems remain stubbornly consistent and contemporary in history classrooms, despite regular interventions, reforms, papers, studies and curricular initiatives. The three research projects discussed in this article provide glimpses into how research on history education in Canada has been conducted, and what assumptions, questions and beliefs have driven it. In comparing these three studies, the article identifies important continuities and changes for Canadian history education researchers over time. In thinking across these three studies, the article also identifies and reflects on what paradigms of educational thought are present in each case, and how the socio-cultural-political context they were conducted in shaped the research. The article argues that each of these three studies reflects key debates in educational theory, including questions about progressive education and the civic and citizenship function of history education in society. The article also raises questions and issues for researchers interested in conducting national studies of history education in other national contexts with similarly decentralised education systems. Finally, the article addresses what might be learnt by current history education researchers doing similar work today.
Role of hematological biomarkers in predicting oncological outcomes of definitive chemoradiation in locally advanced vulvar carcinoma
Authors: Al Hussaini Maysa , Abuhijlih Ramiz , Mohamad Issa , Al-Ani Abdallah , Abuhijla Fawzi
Published: December 2024

Background: The systemic inflammatory response triggered by the carcinogenic process induces significant changes in a wide range of hematological biomarkers, impacting their levels, functions, and overall roles in the body’s physiological and pathological processes. Objective: To evaluate the value of pre-treatment hematological parameters in the prediction of clinical and radiological responses of locally advanced vulvar cancer to definitive chemoradiation. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients treated at the King Hussein Cancer Center receiving definitive chemoradiation for pathologically confirmed locally advanced vulvar carcinoma. Response of the primary disease to treatment was classified as complete response (CR) if there was no clinically- or radiologically-confirmed residual disease at 12 weeks after completion of chemoradiation. Univariate analyses on complete response, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) were performed using clinical factors and pre-treatment hematological parameters. Results: A total of 30 patients were included, with a median age of 57.5 years and a median follow-up of 21 months. Of these, 24 patients (80%) achieved CR. Disease progression occurred in 11 patients (36.7%) during the follow-up period, and 9 (30%) died. Kaplan–Meier analysis demonstrated that only the neutrophil–to–lymphocyte ratio (NLR) (p = 0.007) and basophil–to–lymphocyte ratio (BLR) (p = 0.05) were predictive of OS. Conversely, PFS was significantly associated with white blood cell count (p = 0.042) and BLR (p = 0.004). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis indicated that NLR and BLR had significant predictive power for survival at the following cutoffs: 3.4 and 0.035, respectively. When categorized by ROC values, BLR was significantly associated with response to treatment (p = 0.026). Moreover, both NLR and BLR were significantly associated with OS and PFS. Conclusion: Pre-treatment NLR and BLR may be useful predictive markers for clinical and radiological response, as well as for oncological outcomes in locally advanced vulvar cancer treated with definitive chemoradiation.
Siberian wildfire dilemma: controlling the uncontrollable?
Authors: Labzovskii Lev , Belikov Dmitry , Chang Dong Yeong , Hekman Erik
Published: December 2024

The intense Siberian wildfires in the summer of 2019 had devastating effects. Here the dynamics of these wildfires is described taking into consideration the legal act that determines modern forest management in Russia – the Forest Code-2006. This changed the approach to wildfire management in Russia by introducing control zones, where authorities can legally ignore wildfires due to their inaccessibility or remoteness from firefighting infrastructure. Remote sensing and open reports show that most wildfires (60–98%, depending on the day) in Siberia in 2019 were in control zones. Notably, the largest percentages were recorded during the crucial phases of the wildfires, including their rapid spread in June (97–98%) and during the peak from on 2 August (96%), when 3,012,082 of 3,134,128 hectares were on fire. The decision not to fight these wildfires was debatable given the considerable social concerns expressed online during the peak of the wildfires, which later resulted in civic petitions in favour of fighting wildfires more efficiently in Siberia. Based on previous reports by experts there is an urgent need to incorporate a more scientific approach in defining control zones in Siberia, to balance the current economic and socioenvironmental considerations. Otherwise, the control zones of Russian forests (occupying 48% of Russia’s and 11% of the global forest area, respectively) will remain a critical blind spot in climate change mitigation plans that aim to utilize Siberia’s carbon sequestration potential.
Unveiling genetic variation in Egyptian cotton (Gossypium barbadense L.) germplasm: A combined approach of morphological characterization and multivariate analysis
Authors: Harini P Shanmugam , Premalatha N , Subramanian A , Boopathi N Manikanda , Guruswamy K
Published: December 2024

Cotton (Gossypium sp.) is a commercial crop that is predominantly grown in tropical and subtropical regions, with India emerging as the largest producer globally. This study focused on the genetic diversity and morphological characterization of Gossypium barbadense L., the second most cultivated cotton species. Comprehensive data encompassing qualitative and quantitative traits, spanning morphological attributes to yield-contributing parameters were documented and analyzed using appropriate statistical analysis. The findings indicate the significance of specific attributes, viz., the number of monopodia and sympodia per plant, boll weight and fiber fineness, which emerged as highly reliable markers for selection. These traits exhibit elevated genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation, along with substantial heritability and genetic advance as a percent of the mean. Based on per se performance, genotypes SBS 66, SBS 79 and EC 98254 will serve as a source for the selection of parents for improving traits viz., boll weight, upper half mean length, fibre fineness and single plant yield. Principal component analysis divided the total variance into 14 components and cluster analysis segregated the germplasm into 5 distinct clusters, highlighting the substantial genetic variation and the genotypes 3530, CBS 202, ERB 4488 and EGYPTIAN, which can be used as parents in the future breeding programme.
Screening of herbicides for weed management in quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) - The first report from India
Authors: Lavanya S , Thavaprakaash N , Radhamani S , Janaki P , Djanaguiraman M , Sangeetha SP
Published: December 2024

Weed management without herbicide poses a significant challenge in crop production, especially for emerging crops like quinoa, which are highly sensitive to many herbicides. Identifying suitable herbicides and determining their optimal doses are critical steps for enhancing quinoa cultivation. To address this, two screening experiments followed by a conformity study were conducted in pots at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore in 2024. The study evaluated eight pre-emergence, six early post-emergence and three post-emergence herbicides, each applied at 100% and 75% of the recommended dose (a total of 34 treatments) and compared their effects against a non-treated control (no herbicide). The experiments were carried out in a completely randomized design. Screening results indicated that pre-emergence applications of pretilachlor, butachlor, bensulfuron methyl + pretilachlor and pyrazosulfuron ethyl at 100% recommended doses significantly reduced total weed density and dry weight while enhancing quinoa growth parameters, with minimal phytotoxic effects. In the conformity study, only the full recommended doses of pretilachlor (750 g ha-1), butachlor (1000 g ha-1) and bensulfuron methyl + pretilachlor (660 g ha-1) consistently reduced weed density and dry weight effectively. However, phytotoxicity evaluations revealed that both the 100 and 75% doses of atrazine, metribuzin, oxyfluorfen, tembotrione, topramezone, pendimethalin, imazethapyr, triafamone + ethoxysulfuron, penoxsulam + cyhalofop butyl, pyrazosulfuron ethyl, bispyribac sodium, fomesafen + fluzifop-p-butyl, quizalofop ethyl and pyrithiobac sodium were unsuitable for quinoa due to their high phytotoxicity.
Effects of drone-assisted precision weed management on irrigated barnyard millet
Authors: Jebalin VVS , Rathika S , Ragavan T , Baskar M , Jeyaprakash P , Ramesh T , Kannan SV , Sakthivel K
Published: December 2024

The research experiment was conducted during the 2023-24 rabi season, to examine the impact of herbicide dosage and spray volume applied through drones on weed control efficiency, aiming to enhance production and maintain soil and plant health in barnyard millet. The study took place at ADAC&RI, TNAU, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, India. The treatments consisted of two levels of pretilachlor (375g/ha and 500g/ha), and three levels of spray volume across two spraying methods (40, 50, and 60 L/ha using EFT E610p 10l agricultural drone model, and 500 L/ha applied manually with knapsack sprayer). Results revealed that the pre-emergence (PE) application of pretilachlor at 500 g/ha with a spray volume of 40 L/ha, 3 days after transplanting (DAT) using a drone resulted in higher weed control efficiency of 91.9% and 89.2 % at 15 DAT and 30 DAT, respectively, along with a higher grain yield of 2195 kg/ha. Enhanced weed control efficiency minimized nutrient removal by weeds, allowing greater nutrient uptake by crops and improved pollen viability, which contributed to higher yield parameters and grain nutrient content without compromising grain quality. Soil health is maintained, supporting nutrient availability and crop uptake without deteriorating the post-harvest nutrient status.
Legal instruments for strengthening the position of agricultural producers in the agri-food supply chain
Authors: Lipińska Izabela
Published: December 2024

The article deals with issues regarding the protection of the position of an agricultural producer in the agri-food supply chain vis a vis significant differences that frequently occur in the bargaining power between suppliers and buyers of agricultural and food produce. These issues are analysed against the background of unfair trade practices. The aim of the article is to answer the question of whether the normative solutions adopted at the EU and at national levels serve to adequately strengthen the position of agricultural producers in the food supply chain. It ends with a conclusion that despite the existence of certain legal mechanisms supporting agricultural producers, the protection they provide is still insufficient.
Pozycja prawna fundacji w regulacjach prawa rolnego
Authors: Litwiniuk Przemysław , Litwiniuk Edyta
Published: December 2024

Celem artykułu jest przedstawienie genezy i współczesnej pozycji prawnej fundacji w prawie polskim oraz skonfrontowanie jej z wyrażoną w ustawodawstwie prawnorolnym koncepcją podmiotów wpisujących się w zakres pojęcia ustroju rolnego, w szczególności weryfikacja użyteczności instytucji fundacji i fundacji rodzinnej jako form prawnych prowadzenia gospodarstw rodzinnych. Za walor tego rodzaju formuły uznano naturę prawną fundacji, sprzyjającą bardziej efektywnemu zarządzaniu i ochronie trwałości rolniczych jednostek produkcyjnych przed ich podziałem w procesie sukcesji, co może także zapewniać im większe bezpieczeństwo ekonomiczne. Przedstawiono również dysfunkcje obowiązujących regulacji prawa rolnego, które nadmiernie ingerują w wolność tworzenia i działania fundacji (art. 12 Konstytucji RP), a także w konstytucyjne gwarancje ochrony własności i innych praw majątkowych oraz w wolność działalności gospodarczej. Autorzy postulują dostosowanie rozwiązań prawnych objętych przepisami ustawy o kształtowaniu ustroju rolnego do wzorców wywodzonych z Konstytucji RP.
Speech Acts in the Digital Sphere: A Corpus-Based Exploration of Interactional Dynamics on Social Media Platforms
Authors: Jegede Olusegun Oladele
Published: December 2024

This study was motivated by the need to understand the ways users perform speech acts on social media platforms, specifically Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, and how these acts differ between public and private contexts. The purpose was to analyse the frequencies and types of speech acts (requests, apologies, and compliments) and identify the linguistic and pragmatic strategies employed. Using a mixed-methods research design, a corpus of 3 million posts was collected and analysed. Stratified random sampling ensured a balanced representation of speech acts, and both manual annotation and machine learning techniques were used for classification. Three major findings emerged: first, requests were significantly more frequent and direct in private messages than in public posts across all platforms; second, public apologies were more formal and detailed, while private apologies were concise and personal; third, Instagram had the highest frequency of compliments, with public posts being more explicit and enthusiastic compared to private messages. The study concluded that context and platform-specific features heavily influence communication strategies. These insights advance theoretical understanding and offer practical applications for optimizing social media communication.
Investigation of the compaction density of electromagnetic moulding of poly(ether-ketone-ketone) polymer powder
Authors: Xu Fan , Liu Hong , Yao Quantong , Wang Huixiong
Published: December 2024

During the moulding process of polymer composite powders, carbonisation often occurs owing to the insufficient ability to control temperature, thereby affecting the service performance of parts. This research studies the electromagnetic moulding (EM) of polymer powders at room temperature and demonstrated the deformation behaviour of poly(ether-ketone-ketone) (PEKK) powder particles for aviation under high-speed impact during EM. The orthogonal analysis method showed that the PEKK powder with a mass of 0.4 g had the highest compaction density of 1.242 when the discharge voltage was 8 kV. Discharge voltage was the most important parameter affecting compaction density, as discharge voltage increases, compaction density increases, but the mass is the opposite. The microstructure and hardness distribution in the specimens further demonstrate that discharge voltage is an important parameter affecting compaction density and provide process guidance for obtaining the high relative density of polymer products.
Bioprospecting hydroxylated chalcones in in vitro model of ischemia-reoxygenation and probing NOX4 interactions via molecular docking
Authors: Ali Arif , de Almeida Igor Moreira , Magalhães Emanuel Paula , Guedes Jesyka Macedo , Cajazeiras Francisco Ferdinando Mesquita , Marinho Marcia Machado , Marinho Emmanuel Silva , de Menezes Ramon Róseo Paula Pessoa Bezerra , Sampaio Tiago Lima , Santos Hélcio Silva dos , da Silva Júnior Geraldo Bezerra , Martins Alice Maria Costa
Published: December 2024

Ischemia/reperfusion injury (I/R) is a leading cause of acute kidney injury (AKI) in conditions like kidney transplants, cardiac surgeries, and nephrectomy, contributing to high global mortality and morbidity. This study aimed to analyze the protective effects of 2′-hydroxychalcones in treating I/R-induced AKI by targeting key pathological pathways. Considering strong antioxidant action along with other pharmacological roles of chalcone derivatives, six 2′-hydroxychalcones were synthesized via Claisen-Schmidt condensation and analyzed for their protective effects in an I/R induced AKI model using HK-2 cells. Among six 2′-hydroxychalcones, chalcone A4 significantly increased the HK-2 cells viability compared to I/R group. Chalcone A4 reduced the cell death events by reducing generation of cytoplasmic ROS and mitochondrial transmembrane potential. It also increased GSH and SOD activity while reducing TBARS levels, indicating strong antioxidant action. Scanning electron microscope images showed that chalcone A4 reversed I/R-induced morphological changes in HK-2 cells, including apoptotic blebbing and cytoplasmic fragmentation. Furthermore, in silico studies revealed interactions with NADPH oxidase 4, further supporting its protective role in I/R-induced AKI. These results showed that chalcone A4 possess potential protective action against I/R induced cellular damage possibly due to its strong antioxidant action and potential interaction with NOX4 subunit of NADPH oxidase.
E-commerce big data processing based on an improved RBF model
Authors: Lu Qiuping
Published: December 2024

In the dynamic landscape of China’s booming economy, the surge in e-commerce customer volume presents both opportunities and challenges, notably in managing customer churn (CC). Addressing this critical issue, this study introduces an innovative approach employing a radial basis function neural network for predicting CC within the e-commerce sector. To enhance the model’s performance in handling the vast and complex data inherent to e-commerce, the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression algorithm is employed, optimizing the model’s predictive accuracy. By meticulously analyzing the customer lifecycle, this refined model adeptly predicts churn at various stages, enabling the identification of features most correlated with churn. Empirical results underscore the model’s exceptional capability, achieving a prediction accuracy of 95% and a remarkably low loss rate of 3%. Furthermore, during the excavation, advanced, stable, and decline stages of the customer lifecycle, accuracy levels of 97.6, 93.1, 92.7, and 91.8% are attained, respectively, facilitating the precise selection of highly correlated customer features. Thus, the advanced churn prediction model proposed herein significantly contributes to the e-commerce domain, offering a robust tool for strategizing customer retention and mitigating churn.
Single-cell analysis identified key macrophage subpopulations associated with atherosclerosis
Authors: Zhao Zhenzhen , Qin Yuelong , Wu Rui , Li Wenwu , Dong Yujiang
Published: December 2024

Background

Atherosclerosis is a lipid-driven inflammatory disease characterized by plaque formation in major arteries. These plaques contain lipid-rich macrophages that accumulate through monocyte recruitment, local macrophage differentiation, and proliferation.

Objective

We identify the macrophage subsets that are closely related to atherosclerosis and reveal the key pathways in the progression of atherosclerotic disease.

Materials and methods

In this study, we characterize the single-cell landscape of atherosclerosis, identifying macrophage subsets closely related to the disease and revealing key pathways in its progression. Using analytical methods like CytoTRACE, Monocle2, Slingshot, and CellChat, we study macrophage differentiation and infer cell trajectory.

Results

The 8,417 macrophages were divided into six subtypes, macrophages: C0 C1QC+ macrophages, C1 SPP1+ macrophages, C2 FCN1+ macrophages, C3 IGKC+ macrophages, C4 FCER1A+ macrophages, C5CALD1+ macrophages. The results of gene set enrichment analysis, Monocle2, and Slingshot suggest that C2 FCN1+ macrophages may play an important role in the progression of atherosclerosis. C2 FCN1+ macrophages interact with endothelial cells via CCL, CXCL, APP, and other pathways to regulate the progression of atherosclerosis.

Conclusion

We identify a key macrophage subgroup (C2 FCN1+ macrophages) associated with atherosclerosis, which interacts with endothelial cells via CCL, CXCL, APP, and other pathways to regulate disease progression.
Immune cells in Alzheimer’s disease: insights into pathogenesis and potential therapeutic targets
Authors: Fu Xiaofeng , Cai Huimin , Quan Shuiyue , Ren Ziye , Xu Yinghao , Jia Longfei
Published: December 2024

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder for which there are currently no effective treatment options. Increasing evidence suggests that AD is a systemic disease closely associated with the immune system, not merely a central nervous system (CNS) disorder. Immune cells play crucial roles in the onset and progression of AD. Microglia and astrocytes are the primary inflammatory cells in the brain that can sensitively detect changes in the internal environment and transform into different phenotypes to exert differing effects at various stages of AD. Peripheral immune cells, such as T cells, B cells, monocytes/macrophages, and neutrophils can also be recruited to the CNS to mediate the inflammatory response in AD. As such, investigating the role of immune cells in AD is particularly important for elucidating its specific pathogenesis. This review primarily discusses the roles of central innate immune cells, peripheral immune cells, and the interactions between central and peripheral immune cells in the development of neuroinflammation in AD. Furthermore, we listed clinical trials targeting AD-associated neuroinflammation, which may represent a promising direction for developing effective treatments for AD in the future.
Effect of friction stir spot welding parameters on the shear fracture load of AA8011/structural steel for automotive applications
Authors: Nelson Esther Edwin Paul , Sambath Srinivasan , Samraj Ravi , Chinnasamy Rajendran
Published: December 2024

AA8011 and mild steel are the most suitable candidates for several structural applications due to their unique properties. However, joining these two materials with fusion welding poses challenges for manufacturing engineers. As a result, it often leads to issues such as hot cracking, porosity, and alloy segregation due to incompatibilities in metallurgical factors. An alternative method, friction stir welding, is used to join these materials. While lap joint configuration is common in many sectors for joining different thicknesses, traditionally it has been performed using rivets, bolts, and fusion welding processes. In this investigation, friction stir spot welding is employed to eliminate the need for rivets. To analyse the influence of major process parameters on shear fracture load, a systematic analysis is conducted. From the experimental results, it is detected that the joint welded with a tool rotational speed of 1,000 rpm, plunge rate of 4 mm.min−1, dwell time of 5 s, and a tool shoulder to pin diameter ratio of 3.0 exhibited peak load carrying capabilities of 9.46 kN. This can be attributed to the optimum levels of hook width, hook height and balanced material flow.
Energy efficiency in materials testing by reactive power part 2: resonance method in fatigue testing
Authors: Findeisen Dietmar , Schröpfer Dirk
Published: December 2024

Reactive power is related to the type of power that does not consume energy but stores it. In the design of test machines, the utilization of this physical phenomenon would be very beneficial. Reactive power allows for the combination of power amplification with energy savings, making it an ideal principle for conducting long-term tests that involve high loads and prolonged energy consumption. This work focuses on testing machines operating in resonance, which allows for higher test frequencies and reduced test durations. Various types of fatigue testing machines, including those with rotating-unbalance actuators, servo-hydraulic actuators, and piezoelectric actuators, are examined through vibration analysis, methodical design, and mechatronics. Resonant testing machines provide significant advantages in energy efficiency and test accuracy for a wide range of applications in materials testing. These methods are crucial for future applications in industries where energy efficiency and precise fatigue testing are critical, such as aerospace, automotive, and civil engineering.
EU-Med Capital Market Integration and the EU’s Covered Bonds Directive
Authors: Lucke Bernd
Published: December 2024

I analyze the potential of the EU’s Covered Bonds Directive (EU) 2019/2162 to promote the integration of Mediterranean Partner Countries (MPCs) into the EU’s Capital Market Union. I identify legal and supervisory conditions conducive for a successful development of covered bond (CB) markets. A formal model is presented to show how covered bond finance could be introduced in a banking environment in such a way that problems of asset encumbrance and unsecured debt runs are at least mitigated. Next, I study the question to what extent the EU’s covered bond framework is compatible with Islamic concepts of banking and finance? Finally, some policy objectives of EU and MPC governments are pointed out which can be expected to benefit from secured forms of bank debt funding such as covered bonds.
Approaching BMW, Bayernhafen and the Uljanik Shipyard
Authors: Koroman Boris
Published: December 2024

The aim of this article is to analyze the specific experience of visiting active industrial spaces and to describe the ways in which different industrial spaces communicate with their urban and social environment. Three examples of such interactions and spatial experiences are examined in the article: the BMW 6.10 Plant and the Danube River cargo port Bayernhafen, both located in Regensburg, Germany, and the Uljanik Shipyard in Pula, Croatia. Throughout the search for a methodological framework, certain analytical hubs are recognized and used as the foundation for and a frame of reference from which an observation, description and autoethnographic moves can be performed, and the analysis initiated. Following a brief introductory overview, a presentation of the experiences of visiting industrial facilities follows. This is followed by a comparison and further analysis.
El crítico de videojuegos: perfil, rutinas profesionales y funciones
Authors: Gallardo Agudo Ángel
Published: December 2024

Introducción: El creciente desarrollo del videojuego como industria y forma de expresión cultural genera un interés cada vez mayor por parte de los medios de comunicación generalistas, que se suman a los medios especializados para cubrir la realidad el sector mediante noticias, reportajes y críticas. El periodismo de videojuegos es hoy una subárea de la especialización cultural, al igual que el periodismo cinematográfico o el literario. El presente estudio pretende ser un primer acercamiento a la figura del crítico videolúdico en España y tiene el propósito de entender su perfil, sus funciones y sus rutinas. Metodología: Para ello, opta por la entrevista semiestructurada como técnica de investigación principal. La muestra la componen nueve críticos de medios generalistas y especializados con un amplio recorrido en la crítica de videojuegos. Resultados: Existe disparidad de opiniones entre los críticos sobre su papel, aunque la mayoría coincide en la importancia de la función valorativa. Tampoco hay consenso en torno al uso de calificaciones en los textos. Sin embargo, la mayoría está de acuerdo en que su figura tiene influencia tanto en la industria como en los usuarios. Discusión y conclusiones: El crítico videolúdico se concibe como un profesional con amplios conocimientos más allá de su campo, que sigue unas rutinas concretas para la elaboración de la crítica, desde la fase de juego hasta la redacción. Además, la crítica de videojuegos evoluciona hacia un texto más riguroso y argumentado.
Conceptualizations of Mental Health Among Young Black Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men (YB-GBMSM) Who Have Sex With Men Who Are Living With HIV
Authors: Hussen Sophia A. , Wade Ryan M. , Newman Antonio , Alohan Daniel I. , Harper Gary W.
Published: December 2024

Young Black gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men who are living with HIV are at an increased risk of experiencing poor mental health due to their exposures to intersectional stigma and discrimination, but often do not seek traditional mental health care. We qualitatively explored conceptualizations of mental health through interviews with 40 participants and analyzed our data using a phenomenology-informed approach. Participants conceptualized mental health as having inward-facing (cultivation of a healthy relationship with oneself, maintaining a peaceful state of mind, lack of depressed mood) and outward-facing components (goal-oriented behavior, resilient coping mechanisms). Some participants espoused an internal locus of control over one's mental state, while others focused on structural or environmental factors as key drivers of mental health. Our findings suggest that provider trainings and service integration, consistent with a more holistic conception of mental health, could help providers support well-being among this population.