bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A systematic literature review of virtual idol from the perspective of the business role ecosystem
Authors: Wang Yiran , Tang Zhongjun , Wang Wanqiu , Zhao Dongyuan , He Duokui , Lu Yingtong
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Virtual idols have entered the golden period as the main form of future digital people. However, existing studies only focus on a single idol type and partial role relationships related to virtual idols, lacking synthesized insights. To address these gaps, this paper summarizes different types of virtual idols and all role relationships to achieve a comprehensive literature review.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the business ecosystem theory, this paper constructs a business role ecosystem framework for virtual idols from the two subsystems of value co-creation and value realization.

Findings

Firstly, we extract common characteristics and the generalized definition applicable to diverse idol types. Secondly, we find that there are commonalities and differences in the significant characteristics of virtual idols in different application fields. Thirdly, literature in the value co-creation subsystem mainly focuses on co-creation mechanisms in the role relationship between idols and demanders (RRID). A few focus on virtual idols’ constructions in the role relationship between producers and idols (RRPI) and co-creation phenomena in the role relationship between demanders and producers (RRDP). Finally, literature in the value realization subsystem mainly focuses on consumer attitudes and realization mechanisms in RRID. A few focus on realization phenomena in the role relationship between producers and tripartite enterprises (RRPT) and RRPI.

Practical implications

This paper points out future implementing directions of industry practitioners, gives strategies to promote economic value realizations and emphasizes the importance of cultural communication.

Originality/value

This paper discusses the existing theoretical gaps and possible future research directions regarding characteristics, applications and role relationships.
Forecasting the extreme impact of Covid-19 on airline and petroleum stocks: a comparison of alternative time-series models
Authors: Khan Mushtaq Hussain , Feroze Navid , Ahmed Junaid , Mughal Mahzar
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Earlier studies used conventional time-series models to forecast the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on stock market performance. This study aims to provide a more flexible model that offers more robust estimation features, such as incorporating additional information (prior) about the model parameters, capturing the evolving behavior of the parameters over time and being able to include several covariates using a spike and slab prior, within the context of the Covid-19 shock and its effect on stock market performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Empirically, this paper compares autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) models and the proposed Bayesian structural time-series (BSTS) models regarding their forecasting accuracy for airline and petroleum stocks in the five countries most affected by the Coronavirus, namely, Brazil, France, India, Russia and the USA. In addition, the authors estimate the difference between the pre- and post-intervention periods of the observed series of stock prices and a simulated time-series that would have occurred without the extreme event of Covid-19, using intervention analysis under the best-performing models.

Findings

The forecasting results, based on the trend, seasonality and regression components, demonstrate that BSTS models respond faster to the diverse needs of time-series analysis in unprecedented and crisis conditions compared to ARIMA models. Therefore, the authors use intervention analysis under BSTS models to examine the impact of Covid-19 intervention on stock market performance. The authors find that the Covid-19 shock had an adverse effect on the stock markets of the selected countries. The impact was more pronounced in the Brazilian market, where the average weekly prices of airline and petroleum stocks plummeted by 76% and 29%, respectively.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no prior study has carried out intervention analysis under BSTS models to forecast the impact of Covid-19 intervention on stock market returns. This study attempts to fill this methodological gap in the literature.
Transformational leadership in physical therapy: a qualitative study
Authors: Ulrich Jonathan William , Reis Tania Carlson
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the lived experience of leadership within outpatient physical therapists and to assess if the participants’ lived experience of leadership is congruent with existing leadership theory.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative, in-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with eight outpatient physical therapists within a single southeastern state of the USA to discuss their lived experience with leadership within their professional roles. The data was analyzed inductively through in vivo coding, second cycle coding and development of themes.

Findings

The results of this study produced three themes surrounding the lived experience of leadership by outpatient physical therapists: How they lead, the important skills necessary to lead and the rewards of leadership.

Research limitations/implications

The lived experience of outpatient physical therapists appears to be congruent with transformational leadership theory. Researchers should consider using the transformational leadership theory framework to investigate and assess the effectiveness of leadership within physical therapy.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this research is the first time that the perspectives of those living the experience of leadership in physical therapy have been sought out for their perspectives on what leadership is within the field, which has implications for future research, leadership development and assessment of effective leadership.
Examining retirement savings building and depleting behavior
Authors: Sargent Carol Springer , Balasubramnian Bhanu , Bowler Blake D. , Lambert Charles Asa
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Around the globe, low retirement savings threaten the economic well-being of large portions of the population. To better understand what promotes retirement sufficiency, we investigate variables that correlate with retirement savings behaviors.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the 2021 National Financial Capability Study data, we examine factors correlated with having a retirement plan, contributing to a retirement plan and avoiding the depletion of retirement savings.

Findings

While strong financial behavior and actual financial literacy are each connected to retirement plan participation, the link attributed to strong financial behavior is nearly twice as strong as that for actual financial literacy. Strong financial behavior correlates strongly with leaving retirement savings in place. Having a financial literacy blind spot (i.e. not knowing that one does not know about financial literacy) correlates strongly with retirement savings depletion. Financial anxiety does not correlate with retirement plan participation or depletion.

Originality/value

Our measure of strong financial behavior explains much more variation in retirement savings than variables commonly explored in the retirement literature. Individuals facing income constraints without a financial literacy blind spot are less likely to deplete their retirement savings. Conversely, those with a financial literacy blind spot tend to deplete their retirement savings regardless of their financial vulnerability or strength. Our findings hold even when restricting the sample to households with incomes below the median ($75,000), as well as above the median, indicating that policies targeting non-income variables could enhance retirement outcomes.
Unveiling workplace dynamics: insights from voluntary disclosures on business outlook and CEO approval
Authors: Kock Ned , Haddoud Mohamed Yacine , Onjewu Adah-Kole , Yang Shiyu
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This inquiry extends the discourse on job satisfaction and employee referral. It aims to examine the moderating effects of perceived business outlook and CEO approval in the dynamics of job satisfaction and employee referral. A model predicting job satisfaction and employee referral through the lens of Herzberg’s two-factor theory is developed and tested.

Design/methodology/approach

To remedy the overreliance on self-reported surveys, impeding generalization and representativeness, this study uses large evidence from 14,840 voluntary disclosures of US employees. A structural equation modeling technique is adopted to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The inherent robust path analysis revealed intriguing findings highlighting culture and values as exerting the most substantial positive impact on job satisfaction, while diversity and inclusion played a relatively trivial role. Moreover, employees’ view of the firms’ outlook and their approval of the incumbent CEO were found to strengthen the job satisfaction–referral nexus.

Originality/value

The study revisits the relationship between job satisfaction and employee referral by capturing the moderating effects of perceived business outlook and CEO approval. We believe that this investigation is one of the first to capture the impact of these two pivotal factors.
A review of public opposition to the establishment of construction and demolition waste recovery facilities
Authors: Behzad Moein , Shooshtarian Salman , Maqsood Tayyab
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Urban expansion in recent decades has led to a surge in new buildings and infrastructure, significantly increasing construction and demolition (C&D) waste materials. This large waste stream presents environmental challenges, prompting stakeholders in the construction and waste recovery sectors to establish waste recovery facilities. However, these infrastructure projects often face public opposition. This research aims to identify the root causes of public opposition to C&D waste recovery facilities and propose strategies to manage and mitigate these concerns effectively.

Design/methodology/approach

This research adopts a qualitative approach to extract relevant literature using the PRISMA model, which is common for systematic reviews. A set of selection criteria were used to extract the most relevant literature in this field. The analysis methods are based on bibliometric analysis as well as document analysis.

Findings

The research findings indicate that five major categories impact the public’s perceptions of C&D waste recovery facilities. These categories include environmental, awareness and perception, economic, health, safety and well-being and project management. Furthermore, the research provides eight strategies to effectively manage public opposition to waste recovery facilities.

Research limitations/implications

This research provides a framework for managing public opposition to C&D waste recovery infrastructure projects fairly and efficiently. Comprising six steps with specific actions, the framework addresses citizens’ concerns while improving C&D waste recovery rates. It serves as a strategic roadmap that can be adapted for use in various infrastructure projects, fostering community support and sustainable development.

Originality/value

This review paper is the first attempt to gather causes for public opposition to the development of C&D waste recovery facilities. The research findings can guide policymakers who strive to establish a fair framework for all stakeholders affected by or involved in the establishment of C&D waste recovery facilities.
Remote sensing reveals scale‐specific effects of forage crop mowing and landscape structure on a declining farmland bird
Authors: Andreatta Davide , Bazzi Gaia , Nardelli Riccardo , Siddi Leonardo , Cecere Jacopo G. , Chamberlain Dan , Morganti Michelangelo , Rubolini Diego , Assandri Giacomo
Published: January 2025

The effectiveness of agri‐environment schemes (AESs), the largest conservation‐related expenditure for farmland biodiversity conservation within the European Union, is often compromised by a limited spatial scale of implementation. We focused on multiannual forage crops, a surrogate habitat for grassland birds, to assess the scale‐dependent effects of mowing timing and frequency on the local population size of an iconic species, the skylark (Alauda arvensis). While there is much evidence for a negative impact of in‐field mowing activities on grassland birds, whether such effects occur also at broader spatial scales is largely unknown.

We surveyed breeding skylarks in the Po Plain (northern Italy) to determine (1) the association between landscape composition/configuration and abundance and (2) how abundance is affected by forage crop mowing timing and frequency. We addressed both questions through scale optimisation, identifying the most influential spatial scales for each covariate. Forage crop mowing timing was assessed through a novel remote sensing algorithm based on high‐resolution Sentinel‐2 satellite images.

We observed a strong scale dependence on the importance of different habitats in determining skylark abundance. Abundance increased with an increasing cover of forage crops locally (200 m) and of winter crops at a landscape scale (2600 m), suggesting that the species is favoured by heterogeneous agroecosystems. Locally (150–350 m), skylarks were more abundant when crops were aggregated, being negatively impacted by crop fragmentation caused by urbanization and by seminatural habitats.

At the landscape scale (1150 m), the timing of mowing was consistent across years, with early‐mown areas supporting fewer skylarks. This is probably because, over longer temporal scales, early‐mown forage patches have limited or null productivity, eventually limiting local population size.

Synthesis and applications. We provide a new perspective on the overarching influence of spatial scale in driving the abundance of a declining farmland bird species, supporting the urgency of designing landscape scale‐effective AESs. This should be framed within the new EU Common Agricultural Policy reform and operated by farmer collectives, whereby management interventions should be monitored by state‐of‐the‐art remote sensing techniques. These results suggest that implementing scale‐optimized AESs could be crucial for effective farmland biodiversity conservation.
Adaptive Capacity in a Crisis: Turbulence Managers in Street‐Level Organizations
Authors: Alirani Gertrud , Oscarsson Olof , Olausson Pär M. , Danielsson Erna
Published: January 2025

This study explores the adaptive capacity of managers in street‐level organizations (SLOs) in response to global crises. Using a Swedish municipality as a case study, we explore the challenges encountered by managers during the extended COVID‐19 pandemic. The abilities required to manage the crisis differ from the challenges and skills typically associated with professional crisis managers. We propose the term ‘turbulence manager’ to describe the unique challenges in SLOs and the skills required to navigate the situation, particularly the delicate balance between crisis management and regular duties. In conclusion, this study emphasizes the crucial role of SLO managers in crisis adaptation, highlighting their ability to mitigate the impact of turbulence by creatively adjusting their existing routines.
Rethinking the pan scan in stable trauma: A comparison of whole‐body computed tomography and selective imaging in clinically stable blunt force trauma
Authors: Kerslake Milo , Chui Yingbin , Pham Tan‐Phu , Dinh Michael , Kaikhosrovi Mahsa , Bennett Katherine , Oliver Matthew
Published: January 2025

Objective

To compare the frequency of clinically significant missed injuries in clinically stable trauma patients undergoing initial whole‐body computed tomography (WBCT) versus selective imaging. Secondary objectives include comparisons of radiation exposure, incidental findings, ED length of stay (LOS), hospital LOS and mortality.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study of trauma activations at a tertiary trauma centre in patients with normal vital signs from 1st January 2022 to 31st December 2022. Data were collected from the trauma registry and chart review of medical records.

Results

A total of 665 patients were included with 42% (n = 277) receiving a WBCT, compared to 58% (n = 388) undergoing selective imaging. Most patients (52%) did not have any traumatic axial injuries identified. Missed injuries were identified in 0.8% (n = 3/388) of patients in the selective imaging cohort, with no adverse patient outcomes or major alteration to inpatient management. No missed injuries were identified in the WBCT group. Mortality was rare (0.9%, n = 6/665), occurring exclusively in elderly patients and mostly attributed to non‐traumatic pathologies. Patients undergoing WBCT had a significantly increased likelihood of incidental findings (75% vs 35%, P < 0.001), increased radiation exposure (mean 24.67 vs 8.19 millisieverts [mSv], P < 0.001), longer ED LOS (9.86 vs 8.43 h, P = 0.012) and a higher likelihood of admission (65.3% vs 55.7%, P = 0.012).

Conclusions

Missed injuries were rare and without major complications in this clinically stable cohort. The liberal use of WBCT, despite low rates of missed injuries, morbidity and mortality, suggests over‐utilisation of WBCT for ‘mechanism only’ traumas.
circSIRT2/miR‐542‐3p/VASH1 axis regulates endothelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EndMT) in subretinal fibrosis in age‐related macular degeneration models
Authors: Zhang Min , Wu Jiali , Wang Yimin , Wu Yidong , Wan Xiaoling , Jiang Mei , Bo Qiyu , Chen Jieqiong , Sun Xiaodong
Published: January 2025

Neovascular age‐related macular degeneration (nAMD), characterized by choroidal neovascularization (CNV), is one of the leading causes of severe visual impairment and irreversible vision loss around the world. Subretinal fibrosis (SRF) contributes to the incomplete response to anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) treatment and is one of the main reasons for long‐term poor visual outcomes in nAMD. Reducing SRF is urgently needed in the anti‐VEGF era. The role of non‐coding RNAs has been implicated in CNV; however, their roles in SRF have not been elucidated yet. Herein, we comprehensively investigated circular RNA (circRNA) profiles in the laser‐induced mouse SRF model and the transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) induced human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) fibrosis model. A novel circRNA, circSIRT2, was identified, and its function in SRF and endothelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EndMT) regulation was investigated. circSIRT2 was consistently upregulated in fibrotic models in vivo and in vitro. circSIRT2 overexpression downregulated the fibrotic markers and inhibited the proliferation and migration of endothelial cells in vitro. circSIRT2 overexpression in vivo also reduced SRF area in mice. Mechanistically, circSIRT2 functioned by sponging miR‐542‐3p, which further upregulated the expression of vasohibin‐1 (VASH1) and reduced SRF lesion development. Vitreous delivery of miR‐542‐3p and VASH1 in the mouse SRF model also confirmed the pro‐fibrotic function of miR‐542‐3p and anti‐fibrotic function of VASH1, respectively. In conclusion, circSIRT2 inhibited SRF by binding miR‐542‐3p, which stimulated the VASH1 expression and subsequently suppressed EndMT. The circSIRT2/miR‐542‐3p/VASH1 axis may serve as a promising therapeutic target for SRF in nAMD.
Age‐Related Dynamics and Spectral Characteristics of the TCRβ Repertoire in Healthy Children: Implications for Immune Aging
Authors: Fang Mingyan , Miao Yu , Zhu Lin , Mei Yunpeng , Zeng Hui , Luo Lihua , Ding Yuan , Zhou Lina , Quan Xueping , Zhao Qin , Zhao Xiaodong , An Yunfei
Published: January 2025

T‐cell receptor (TCR) diversity is crucial for adaptive immunity, yet baseline characterizations in pediatric populations remain sparse. We sequenced the TCRβ chain of 325 healthy Chinese children aged 0–18, categorized into six age groups. We also analyzed cellular composition and TCRβ associations using flow cytometry in 81 of these samples. Our results indicate a decrease in TCRβ diversity with age, characterized by an increase in high‐frequency clonotypes and notable changes in CDR3 length and V(D)J gene usage. These changes are influenced by early life vaccinations and antigen exposures. Additionally, we found a significant association between reduced TCRβ diversity and a decrease in CD4+ T naïve cells. We also developed a predictive model that identifies specific TCRβ features as potential biomarkers for biological age, validated by their significant correlation with changes in the immune repertoire. These findings enhance our understanding of age‐related variations in the TCRβ repertoire among children, providing resourceful information for research on pediatric TCR in health and disease.
Investigating the Role of TRPV4 and GPR35 Interaction in Endothelial Dysfunction in Aging Mice
Authors: Tian Xiaoxue , Kan Hao , Yang Liu , Wang Zhiwei , Zhang Tiantian , Zhang Ka , Mao Aiqin , Wen Xin , Zhou Tingting , Wang Xiaoyan , Zhang Xiaodong , Feng Lei , Geng Li
Published: January 2025

Endothelial dysfunction, characterized by a decline in endothelial physiological functions, is a significant aspect of cardiovascular aging, contributing notably to arterial stiffness, atherosclerosis, and hypertension. Transient receptor potential channel V4 (TRPV4), a key member of Ca2+‐permeable channels, plays a crucial role in maintaining vascular functions. However, the role and mechanisms of TRPV4 in aging‐related endothelial dysfunction remain incompletely understood. Here, we demonstrated a marked reduction in endothelial TRPV4 function without alterations in its expression, leading to abnormal endothelial Ca2+ signaling and impaired vasodilation in aging mesenteric arteries. Employing transcriptome sequencing, co‐IP, and PLA assays, we characterized G protein‐coupled receptor 35 (GPR35) interacting with TRPV4, and abnormally enhanced interactions were found in aging endothelial cells. Subsequently, we revealed that intensive GPR35‐TRPV4 interaction significantly contributes to endothelial dysfunction during aging, utilizing TRPV4 endothelial‐specific knockout (TRPV4EC−/−), AAV‐FLT1‐shRNA (GPR35) mice, and GPR35 overexpressed/knocked‐down HUVECs. Furthermore, molecular docking analysis and subsequent co‐IP and pressure myograph experiments indicated that both Thonningianin A and Carfilzomib efficiently restored the GPR35‐TRPV4 interaction, preventing endothelial dysfunction and vasodilation impairment. Our study identifies the crucial role of GPR35‐TRPV4 interaction in aging‐associated abnormal endothelial function and vascular tone modulation. Restoring GPR35‐TRPV4 interaction via Thonningianin A or Carfilzomib represents a promising precision approach for aging‐related endothelial dysfunction.
Risk Factors for Antepartum Haemorrhage in Women With Placenta Praevia
Authors: Treffers A. , Reynoldson O. , Beckmann M.
Published: January 2025

Background

Placenta praevia (PP) is a significant obstetric complication associated with antepartum haemorrhage (APH) and adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. Identifying risk factors for APH in women with PP is important for guiding management decisions.

Aims

This study aimed to identify risk factors associated with APH amongst women admitted to a single tertiary hospital with PP.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective cohort study was undertaken, utilising data from the hospital's maternity dataset (2007–2021) and included publicly funded women with PP after 24 weeks gestation. Exclusions comprised multiple pregnancies, fetal abnormalities, intra‐uterine fetal death and deliveries at other hospitals. Baseline characteristics, outcomes and potential risk factors for APH were analysed through bivariate and stepwise logistic regression.

Results

Of the 430 cases with PP, 112 (26%) were admitted with APH. Of these, 45 had two or more admissions with APH, constituting 40% of the APH cohort. Those requiring admission were more likely to deliver at an early gestation, and their baby required nursery admission. Factors independently associated with APH included a higher number of previous caesarean sections, parity, Caucasian ethnicity and major PP.

Conclusions

Most women with PP will not require an admission with APH. In considering inpatient versus outpatient management, multiparous Caucasian women with a major PP appear more likely to be at risk of APH admission and premature delivery. These findings underscore the importance of tailoring clinical decision‐making.
Societal Trust and Income Smoothing
Authors: Kim Hui Dong , Behnamrad Mahsa , Kim Jason Gwanhee , Lee Yong Gyu
Published: January 2025

This paper investigates the effect of societal trust on information communication between managers and outside investors, focusing on income smoothing as a communication channel. Using a large cross‐country sample, we find that firms in more trusting countries are less likely to use income smoothing to signal their private information (‘informational smoothing’). This finding suggests that societal trust attenuates investors’ concern of moral hazard and diminishes their demand for firms’ private information, while managers respond to this change in information demand by reducing the extent of informational smoothing. We also find that the negative impact of societal trust on informational smoothing is less pronounced in countries with stronger formal institutions, indicating that trust serves as a substitute for formal institutions. Overall, this study enhances our understanding of the different impacts of societal trust on various forms of information communication tools and the variations in the informational aspects of income smoothing practices worldwide.
Portuguese Society of Ophthalmology and Portuguese Society of Human Genetics Joint Clinical Practice Guidelines for Genetic Testing in Inherited Retinal Dystrophies
Authors: Marques João Pedro , Soares Célia Azevedo , Carvalho Ana Luísa , Estrela‐Silva Sérgio , Santos Luísa Coutinho , Ramos Lina , Silva Eduardo
Published: January 2025

The Portuguese Society of Ophthalmology and the Portuguese Society of Human Genetics developed clinical practice guidelines to streamline genetic testing for inherited retinal dystrophies (IRDs), underlining the critical role of molecular diagnosis in enhancing patient care. Genetic testing is pivotal in diagnosis, genetic counselling, prognosis and access to clinical trials, and new gene‐specific therapies. These guidelines recommend genetic testing in all IRD patients and provide a detailed assessment of available testing methods, ensuring that genetic counselling is integrated into ophthalmic care. Essential to this process is the inclusion of at least one genetic counselling session to effectively communicate and discuss implications of test results with patients and families/carers. Key recommendations include cascade testing to identify at‐risk family members and standardisation of variant classification according to international criteria to ensure consistency in diagnosis and care. Ophthalmological follow‐up is generally prescribed at intervals of 1–2 years for adults and 6 months for paediatric patients, to monitor disease progression and complications. Paediatric considerations are addressed, reflecting the complexities and ethical concerns associated with testing minors. These guidelines aim to elevate diagnostic accuracy, guide therapeutic decisions and ultimately improve patient outcomes, marking a significant advance in the genetic management of IRDs.
Diagnostic accuracy of early neonatal MRI in predicting adverse motor outcomes in children born preterm: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Mistry Karen H. , Boyd Roslyn N. , Pagnozzi Alex M. , Bora Samudragupta , Ware Robert S. , George Joanne M.
Published: January 2025

Aim

To examine the diagnostic accuracy of Early structural and diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (acquired at < 36 weeks postmenstrual age) to detect cerebral palsy (CP) or other adverse motor outcomes at or beyond 3 years corrected age in infants born preterm.

Method

In this systematic review and meta‐analysis, we searched the CINAHL, Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science databases for studies without language restrictions and a prospectively registered protocol up to October 2023. We extracted the study details, associations presented, and meta‐analyses conducted with pooled sensitivity and specificity.

Results

Twenty‐seven articles met the overall inclusion criteria. White matter injury, cerebellar haemorrhage, intraventricular haemorrhage, and lower thalamic volume were associated with poorer motor outcomes. Abnormal Early structural MRI detected infants with a later diagnosis of CP (n = 448, eight studies) with a pooled sensitivity of 98% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 86–100), specificity of 75% (95% CI = 51–93), and adverse motor outcomes (n = 215, four studies), with a pooled sensitivity of 39% (95% CI = 20–59) and a specificity of 90% (95% CI = 88–94).

Interpretation

Early abnormal structural MRI predicted later CP with high sensitivity and specificity, while specificity was higher than sensitivity in predicting adverse motor outcomes using the Movement Assessment Battery for Children, Second Edition. Further research into diagnostic accuracy and association between Early MRI and long‐term motor outcomes is warranted.
Challenges and coping of children in large Jewish Ultra‐Orthodox families during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Gemara Netanel , Kornik Henya
Published: January 2025

Background

The COVID‐19 pandemic has had far‐reaching effects on the well‐being and functioning of children and families worldwide. The distinctive contexts in which these families live play a crucial role in determining the extent of the pandemic's effects. The Jewish Ultra‐Orthodox community in Israel, with its unique context, experienced the repercussions of the pandemic in distinct ways.

Objective

This qualitative study, guided by the context‐informed theoretical perspective, aimed to gain a deeper understanding of the experiences and perspectives of Ultra‐Orthodox families with multiple children regarding the challenges and coping of children during the pandemic, while considering the unique contexts that shape their lives.

Method

Semistructured interviews were conducted with 15 parents (eight mothers and seven fathers) and 35 children (18 girls and 17 boys) from Ultra‐Orthodox families. All families had at least six children (M = 7.5). Thematic analysis was employed to analyze the interview data, allowing for the generation of shared themes among the participants' narratives.

Results

The findings revealed four primary areas that presented challenges for Ultra‐Orthodox families during the COVID‐19 pandemic: children's studies, fear, crowdedness, and community detachment. Despite these adversities, the study also sheds light on the coping mechanisms employed by Ultra‐Orthodox families of religious beliefs, parental involvement, and the family.

Conclusion

These findings contribute to understanding how Ultra‐Orthodox families experienced and navigated the challenges of the COVID‐19 pandemic, highlighting the interplay among religious beliefs, family dynamics, and community structures in shaping their responses.

Implications

The insights gained from this study may inform the development of culturally competent support services for Ultra‐Orthodox families during crises while potentially offering broader ideas for understanding how close‐knit religious communities cope with acute crises that threaten their traditional ways of life.
Making Room for Women. Gender and Space at Work in the Swedish Armed Forces
Authors: Persson Alma , Cottrell‐Sundevall Fia
Published: January 2025

This article contributes new insights into the spatiality of gender relations in military work and organizations, focusing specifically on the Swedish Armed Forces (SAF). It examines the unique and longstanding practice of gender‐mixed rooms, which have served as the standard way of lodging soldiers in Sweden for decades. Drawing on a combination of in‐depth interviews, archival research, and document analysis, the study follows the process of making room for women, tracing back to the early 1980s when the first women enrolled in the SAF. The findings demonstrate that gender‐mixed rooms have played a pivotal role in shaping both gender relations and institutional norms within the SAF. We argue that women's inclusion into the soldier collective has been simultanously facilitated and conditioned by this spatial arrangement. The case underscores the need to closely examine both the “how” and the “where” of gender equality initiatives when striving to foster more inclusive organizations.
Stable isotope evidence for suspended moult and age‐related differences in moult location in the trans‐Saharan migratory Alpine Swift
Authors: Brighten Alexandra L. , Bize Pierre , Payo‐Payo Ana , Meier Christoph M. , Newton Jason , Bodey Thomas W.
Published: January 2025

Stable isotope analysis has been used extensively in migratory bird studies to provide ecological insights that may otherwise be difficult to obtain. However, an understanding of moult is critical for appropriate feather sampling, and here we make the first assessment of its relevance for examining the non‐breeding ecology of the Alpine Swift Tachymarptis melba, a long‐distance Afro‐Palaearctic migrant. We sampled three feather types from birds found dead after their return from migration and investigated variability in δ13C, δ15N and δ2H within and among feathers and between age classes. We found isotopic evidence supporting an interrupted primary moult in adults, with the innermost primary of adults (known to be moulted on the breeding grounds) significantly depleted in 13C and 2H compared with either the outermost primary or outermost tail feather, both of which were representative of sub‐Saharan non‐breeding areas. In contrast, the absence of significant differences in immature birds suggests the probable existence of a non‐migratory strategy within this age class. These isotopic insights into moult and life history highlight the potential for stable isotope analysis as a tool for investigating non‐breeding strategies in the Alpine Swift.
On improved inorganic gas‐sensing characteristics of microwave‐treated tungsten oxide quantum dots at room temperature
Authors: Salot M. , Santhy K. , Naganaboina V. R. , Singh S. G. , Pramanick A. K. , Mandal D. , Avasthi G. , Chaudhury S. K.
Published: January 2025

Tungsten oxide (WO3) based metal oxide semiconductor material has been conventionally used for sensing inorganic gases at elevated temperatures. However, in this study, the gas sensing performance of tungsten oxide‐based sensors is evaluated at room temperature. In this study, WO3 quantum dots (QDs) are synthesized via the electrochemical method, followed by a microwave treatment to dehydrate them. The newly developed process is relatively less expensive and offers the flexibility to alter the structure in terms of phase, size, shape, and vacancy concentration. It is observed that electrochemical process parameters play an important role in phase evolution and control the oxygen vacancy concentration in the powder, which are essential for enhancing its gas sensing characteristics. Results showed an enhanced gas‐sensing ability of WO3 QDs at room temperature toward inorganic gases, such as CO, NO2, NH3, and H2 when subjected to microwave treatment. The enhanced gas‐sensing performance of microwave‐treated WO3 QDs is attributed to its smaller size and high oxygen vacancy concentration. The minimum limit of detection values for CO, NO2, NH3, and H2 at room temperature using microwave‐treated hydrated tungsten oxide QDs were 4.60, 1.5, 0.35, and 10.25 ppm, respectively.
Variability of excessive daytime sleepiness and cataplexy according to seasonality: A study in central disorders of hypersomnolence
Authors: Cirillo Flavia , Fernandes Mariana , Placidi Fabio , Izzi Francesca , Mercuri Nicola Biagio , Liguori Claudio
Published: January 2025

Seasonality of excessive daytime sleepiness has been proposed, yet no research has specifically investigated its impact on daytime sleepiness and cataplexy in central disorders of hypersomnolence. This study examined seasonal variations in daytime sleepiness and cataplexy in narcolepsy type 1, narcolepsy type 2 and idiopathic hypersomnia. Patients included in the study were on stable pharmacological treatment, and participated in sleep medicine interviews to assess diurnal sleepiness and daytime napping and completed the Epworth Sleepiness Scale to assess excessive daytime sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale ≥ 10). Patients with narcolepsy type 1 also maintained a cataplexy diary. Evaluations were conducted in autumn, winter, spring and summer. The study included 29 patients with narcolepsy type 1, 16 patients with narcolepsy type 2 and 10 patients with idiopathic hypersomnia. Patients with narcolepsy type 1 and narcolepsy type 2 showed higher Epworth Sleepiness Scale scores in summer compared with other seasons, while patients with idiopathic hypersomnia showed no changes in excessive daytime sleepiness across the four seasons. Epworth Sleepiness Scale scores were higher in idiopathic hypersomnia patients compared to narcolepsy type 1 and narcolepsy type 2 patients in spring, autumn, and winter; conversely, in summer there were no differences in Epworth Sleepiness Scale scores among the three groups. No significant differences in Epworth Sleepiness Scale scores were noted between patients with narcolepsy type 1 and narcolepsy type 2 throughout the year. Furthermore, no seasonal effect on cataplexy frequency was found in patients with narcolepsy type 1. This study demonstrates that seasonality may influence daytime sleepiness in patients with narcolepsy type 1 and narcolepsy type 2 but not in patients with idiopathic hypersomnia, while cataplexy symptoms remain unaffected by seasonal changes. The underlying mechanisms linking excessive daytime sleepiness to seasonality have yet to be explored, though social factors and vacation time may contribute to increased excessive daytime sleepiness in narcolepsy.
A graph attention reasoning model for prefabricated component detection
Authors: Zhou Manxu , Ye Guanting , Yuen Ka‐Veng , Yu Wenhao , Jin Qiang
Published: January 2025

Accurately checking the position and presence of internal components before casting prefabricated elements is critical to ensuring product quality. However, traditional manual visual inspection is often inefficient and inaccurate. While deep learning has been widely applied to quality inspection of prefabricated components, most studies focus on surface defects and cracks, with less emphasis on the internal structural complexities of these components. Prefabricated composite panels, due to their complex structure—including small embedded parts and large‐scale reinforcing rib—require high‐precision, multiscale feature recognition. This study developed an instance segmentation model: a graph attention reasoning model (GARM) for prefabricated component detection, for the quality inspection of prefabricated concrete composite panels. First, a dataset of prefabricated concrete composite components was constructed to address the shortage of existing data and provide sufficient samples for training the segmentation network. Subsequently, after training on a self‐built dataset of prefabricated concrete composite panels, ablation experiments and comparative tests were conducted. The GARM segmentation model demonstrated superior performance in terms of detection speed and model lightweighting. Its accuracy surpassed other models, with a mean average precision (mAP50) of 88.7%. This study confirms the efficacy and reliability of the GARM instance segmentation model in detecting prefabricated concrete composite panels.
Graph neural networks for the localization of faults in a partially observed regional transmission system
Authors: Rimkus Mantautas , Kokoszka Piotr , Duan Dongliang , Wang Xuao , Wang Haonan
Published: January 2025

Localization of faults in a large power system is one of the most important and difficult tasks of power systems monitoring. A fault, typically a shorted line, can be seen almost instantaneously by all measurement devices throughout the system, but determining its location in a geographically vast and topologically complex system is difficult. The task becomes even more difficult if measurements devices are placed only at some network nodes. We show that regression graph neural networks we construct, combined with a suitable statistical methodology, can solve this task very well. A chief advance of our methods is that we construct networks that produce localization without having being trained on data that contain fault localization information. We show that a synergy of statistics and deep learning can produce results that none of these approaches applied separately can achieve.
Rare germline structural variants increase risk for pediatric solid tumors
Authors: Gillani Riaz , Collins Ryan L. , Crowdis Jett , Garza Amanda , Jones Jill K. , Walker Mark , Sanchis-Juan Alba , Whelan Christopher W. , Pierce-Hoffman Emma , Talkowski Michael E. , Brand Harrison , Haigis Kevin , LoPiccolo Jaclyn , AlDubayan Saud H. , Gusev Alexander , Crompton Brian D. , Janeway Katherine A. , Van Allen Eliezer M.
Published: January 2025

Pediatric solid tumors are a leading cause of childhood disease mortality. In this work, we examined germline structural variants (SVs) as risk factors for pediatric extracranial solid tumors using germline genome sequencing of 1765 affected children, their 943 unaffected parents, and 6665 adult controls. We discovered a sex-biased association between very large (>1 megabase) germline chromosomal abnormalities and increased risk of solid tumors in male children. The overall impact of germline SVs was greatest in neuroblastoma, where we uncovered burdens of ultrarare SVs that cause loss of function of highly expressed, mutationally constrained genes, as well as noncoding SVs predicted to disrupt chromatin domain boundaries. Collectively, we estimate that rare germline SVs explain 1.1 to 5.6% of pediatric cancer liability, establishing them as an important component of disease predisposition.
Protest-related injuries during the Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone protest in Seattle, Washington, USA in 2020
Authors: Bui Anthony L , Sleeth Georgia A , McDade Jessica E , Duber Herbert C , Rivara Frederick P
Published: January 2025

Introduction

George Floyd’s death in 2020 galvanised large protests around the country, including the emergence of the Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone (CHAZ) in Seattle, Washington, a non-policed, organised protest region that may have differing injury risks than other regions. We sought to quantitatively describe characteristics of injuries related to protests documented at visits to two nearby major emergency departments, including the only Level 1 trauma centre in the state.

Methods

Using the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision code inclusion criteria, we identified 1938 unique patient visits across the two emergency departments from 29 May 2020 and 1 July 2020. We reviewed provider notes to identify keywords to determine if the visit was related to the CHAZ protest. We quantitatively described demographics and injury characteristics.

Results

We identified 48 injury visits related to the protest, with 25 from assault, 11 from crowd-control weapons and 8 from ground-level falls. Crowd-control weapons consisted of five visits from pepper spray, five from tear gas and a smaller number from flash-bang grenades, rubber bullets or other projectiles or a baton. In terms of body region injuries, 23 involved the head, 13 involved the knee and lower leg and 11 involved the thorax. Five patients required transfer to the operating room for surgery and admission and two died.

Discussion

The demonstrations during the CHAZ in Seattle in 2020 resulted in several violent injuries. Given the high proportion of assault and head injuries, these injury patterns can help prepare healthcare workers and first responders to plan care needs during protests.
Clinical benefit of chronic non-invasive ventilation in severe stable COPD: a matter of persistent hypercapnia improvement
Authors: Raveling Tim , Boersma Renzo , Wijkstra Peter J , Duiverman Marieke L
Published: January 2025

Purpose

In patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) treated with chronic non-invasive ventilation (NIV), the relation between improvements in nocturnal transcutaneous partial pressure of CO2(PtcCO2) and daytime arterial partial pressure of CO2(PaCO2) remains uncertain. Also, to what extent improvements in nocturnal PtcCO2result in better health-related quality of life (HRQL), exercise capacity, lung function and survival has not been investigated.

Patients and methods

Patients with COPD who were initiated on chronic NIV were prospectively followed for 6 months. Daytime PaCO2and nocturnal PtcCO2were measured before NIV initiation. NIV targeted normocapnia (PaCO2/mean PtcCO2<6.0 kPa) or to reduce baseline values >20%. HRQL was measured with the Severe Respiratory Insufficiency questionnaire (SRI) and exercise capacity with the 6-min walk test (6MWT). Patients were divided into three groups: group 1: neither PtcCO2nor PaCO2reductions reached the target; group 2: both PtcCO2and PaCO2targets were reached; group 3: only PtcCO2target was reached.

Results

177 participants were included with both transcutaneous and daytime gas exchange data. In total, 66% reached nocturnal gas exchange targets. However, in only 17%, this also resulted in substantial daytime PaCO2reduction (group 2). Compared with group 1, these patients had higher baseline PtcCO2(7.4±0.7 vs 8.2±1.9 kPa, p=0.012) and better NIV usage (6.2±2.8 vs 8.3±2.4 hours, p=0.010). Despite comparable NIV settings, the forced expiratory volume in 1 s and 6MWT improved only in group 2, and only these participants reached a clinically relevant improvement on the SRI and experienced improved survival.

Conclusion

Patients with COPD who can maintain improved ventilation by nocturnal NIV during daytime spontaneous breathing are most likely to experience relevant benefits on HRQL, exercise capacity, lung function and survival.
Structural, magnetic, and magneto-optical properties of Ni/Rh(001) ultrathin films: theoretical study
Authors: Bensebaa Mohamed , Boukelkoul Mebarek , Laraba Hadjer , Aliouane Toufik
Published: January 2025

Ultrathin films exhibit unique properties due to strong interfacial effects, making them highly promising for a wide range of technological applications. This study presents a comprehensive theoretical investigation of Ni n/Rh(001) ultrathin films, grown by pseudomorphic epitaxy, using density functional theory within a spin-polarized relativistic framework (spin-polarized relativistic linear muffin-tin orbitals and atomic sphere approximation). Our calculations reveal that the nickel layers adopt a body-centered tetragonal structure on the rhodium substrate in the [001] direction, characterized by a tetragonality ratio of c/ a = 1.18, which significantly affects the magnetic and structural properties of the system. We found that Ni layers exhibit increased magnetic moments compared to bulk Ni, with intra- and inter-plane ferromagnetic coupling. Additionally, the rhodium last layer shows an induced magnetic moment due to hybridization with nickel atoms, with significant variations across layers. Furthermore, we analyzed the polar magneto-optical Kerr effect spectra, identifying specific interband transitions responsible for the observed Kerr rotations. These results provide critical insights into the correlation between structure, magnetism, and magneto-optical properties in ultrathin films, demonstrating their potential for applications in data storage, spintronic, and biosensing technologies.
Unusual Cause of Mid Myocardial Late Gadolinium Enhancement at Cardiac MRI
Authors: Gowda Suraj , Rajeshkannan Ramiah , Raj Vimal
Published: January 2025

The possibility of an underlying anomalous coronary anatomy in patients with mid myocardial enhancement at cardiac MRI and left ventricular dysfunction should be considered.