bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Influence of Self-Determination on Career Success through Work Engagement: A Study on Startup Employees in Surabaya
Authors: Nugroho Bima Setyo , Kistyanto Anang
Published: January 2025

This research aims to analyze the influence of self-determination on career success through work engagement in startup employees throughout Surabaya. This study uses a quantitative approach. The population of this research is startup employees spread across Surabaya and the sample size collected was 124 respondents. The sample collection technique uses an accidental sampling technique. The data in this study were analyzed using SEM-PLS which was processed with SmartPLS 3.2.9 software. The analysis results obtained from this research show that (1) Self-determination has a significant positive effect on career success. (2) Self-determination has a significant positive effect on work engagement. (3) Work engagement has a positive effect on career success. (4) Work engagement can mediate the influence of self-determination on career success. From this research, it can be concluded that self-determination can support career success in startup employees throughout Surabaya and foster work engagement in the work environment at startup companies. So that employees can develop all their ideas, thoughts, and potential which will directly impact the startup company. Apart from that, the model in this research is new so it can be studied further on other objects.
Effect of Conventional and Islamic Banks in Jordan: Before and After Arab Spring
Authors: Abdalgani Ayat , Othman Rafidah , Abdul Rasid Siti Zaleha
Published: January 2025

This study utilizes Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) to measure the efficiency of conventional and Islamic banks in Jordan at the first stage. The data covers the period from 2008 and 2019, and a total of 13 conventional and 3 Islamic banks. In the second stage, the data were then analyzed by different parametric and non-parametric tests (e.g., T-test, Mann–Whitney and Kolmogorov–Smirnov tests). The findings reveal that, overall, Islamic banks have higher level of efficiency compared to conventional banks. However, when we have taken the Arab Spring (AS), we observed that Islamic banks have better level of efficiency before AS (2008-2010) but conventional banks outperformed after the AS (2011-2019). Furthermore, we also did not find any significant differences in efficiency between young and old banks. In contrast, there were significant differences in efficiency between small and large banks and the latter outperformed the former. The findings shed light on the relative efficiency levels of these two types of banks, providing insights for policymakers, regulators, and bank management.
The Relationship Between Environmental, Social and Governance Practice and Corporate Financial Performance of Malaysian Public Listed Companies
Authors: Wong Wei Shien
Published: January 2025

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices have gained increasing attention among companies in Malaysia as they strive to meet the expectations of stakeholders, especially investors. This study aims to environmental, social and governance (ESG) practice reported in the public-listed companies and the similarities among the industry sectors and to investigate the relationship between environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices and corporate financial performance. Grounded in Stakeholder Theory, this study employs descriptive and correlation analysis to assess the correlation between independent and dependent variables. A comprehensive content review of secondary data from the annual reports of selected public-listed companies in Malaysia was conducted, with data thoroughly documented in a meticulously prepared checklist. The sample consists of 41 public-listed companies across 10 distinct industry sectors. Data analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 29. The findings revealed that Malaysian public-listed companies typically implemented structured environmental, social and governance practice (ESG) practices in Malaysia which are perceived to influence corporate financial performance. The analysis demonstrates an insignificant weakly negative relationship between environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices and corporate financial performance. Despite several limitations, this study offers recommendations for future research and practice.
Inhibited Solutions for Wells in Complicated Geological Conditions in the Areas of South-Western Turkmenistan
Authors: Deryaev Annaguly
Published: January 2025

Shortcomings in methods for assessing the condition and composition of clayey rocks and shales lead to lower drilling cycle rates and profits and do not allow for proper quality of well construction in difficult geological conditions. The purpose of this study was to develop an optimal method of selecting the drilling mud composition when drilling wells in clay rock deposits. The following methods were used in the study: method of X-ray diffraction analysis of clay minerals; comparative analysis; method of mathematical statistics; side-tracking method. It was found that at equal wetting ability of clays, the fixing properties of the ALCAR-1 system are 3.5-4 times higher than those of the lime-potash system. Thus, with the same degree of stability, the water yields as well as drilling speeds may be higher with ALCAR than with the lime-potash system. The study of clayey rocks from the section of well No. 5 in the Bugdaily area showed that they have colloidality high enough for deep-seated clays, as they have a high content of montmorillonites. Drilling mud characterisation study found that mud samples No. 1, 2, and 3 had a strong inhibitory effect. The most effective sample was No. 3, which was able to ensure a stable state of clayey rocks for 90-100 days. The study of interaction of drilling fluid system ALCAR-3 with clayey rocks, carried out in the fields of south-western Turkmenistan, found that the inhibitory effect of the No. 3 sample can be further enhanced by the addition of 3% potassium chloride. The findings of this study can be used for successful drilling operations of deep wells in the areas of fields with complicated conditions associated with wellbore instability in the preparation of inhibited drilling fluids.
An Adaptive Spatial-Terminal Iterative Learning Strategy in Roll-to-Roll Control Problems
Authors: Wang Zifeng , Jin Xiaoning
Published: January 2025

Roll-to-Roll (R2R) systems, featuring motorized or idle rollers, are crucial for high-volume, continuous production of flexible substrates. A significant challenge in R2R printing processes is maintaining tight alignment tolerances for multilayer printed electronics. This alignment, known as registration, is complicated by the deformability of flexible substrates and complex roller dynamics, leading to registration errors (RE) caused by variations in substrate tensions and speeds. Despite using real-time feedback controllers like proportional-integral-derivative (PID) or model predictive control for tension control, these systems struggle with transient and angle-periodic disturbances common in R2R systems. We introduce a spatial-terminal iterative learning control (STILC) method with an adaptive basis function to eliminate RE in R2R gravure printing. This function, along with the registration error, updates the STILC compensation profile via a P-type iterative learning control (ILC) law. Our numerical experiments demonstrate that STILC with the adaptive basis function effectively eliminates RE caused by roller-motor axis mismatches and provides better convergence than STILC with an invariant basis function. This novel approach shows promise for various industrial applications involving spatially periodic disturbances, particularly those with unknown dynamics and without given state trajectories to track rigorously, which is common in engineering practice.
Optimization of Micropillars Electroplating Bonding Processes and Additives
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Chen Changping , Yang Haoze , Zhang Jiameng , Xiao Mengtao , Dou Long , Li Junhui
Published: January 2025

With the increasing interconnect density of electronic components, copper–copper direct bonding technology has garnered increasing attention from researchers. The electroplating bonding method is an efficient copper pillar interconnection technique that can be implemented at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. comsol simulation results show that under convective conditions, the plating layer primarily deposits on the convection exit side of the copper plate. Under weak convection and low current density, the plating exhibits deposition characteristics that conform to the substrate surface. As convection intensity increases, preferential deposition begins to occur, although the overall deposition rate decreases. At this point, when the current density is increased, the deposition pattern predominantly shows preferential deposition; however, excessively high current density can lead to copper deposition in nonbonding areas. Orthogonal experimental results indicate that, within the accelerator bis(3-sulfopropyl) disulfide (SPS)–inhibitor polyethylene glycol (PEG)–leveling agent Jenner Green B (JGB)–chloride ion (Cl−) system, the influence of the four additives on bonding strength follows this order: JGB > Cl− > SPS > PEG. The optimal formulation derived from the orthogonal experiments is SPS 2 ppm, PEG (8000) 150 ppm, JGB 5 ppm, and Cl− 30 ppm, which results in a shear strength of 123.2 MPa. These findings suggest that high-strength copper pillar interconnections can be achieved by adjusting physical parameters such as the electric field, flow field, and additive concentrations.
Long-Term Viewership Forecasting of American College Football Games
Authors: Park Junhyung , Kenter Franklin , Hasler Oliver
Published: January 2025

Using data collected from televised college football games between 2014 and 2019, we present a log-linear statistical model for viewership of National Collegiate Athletic Association college football games that controls for well-known factors, such as temporal fixed effects, strength of the games, rivalries, outcome uncertainty, and broadcast medium, among others. Novel factors influencing viewership that are not used in previous studies include the number of concurrent broadcasts, the strength of the game relative to other concurrently broadcast games, and their interactions. This model only includes team-specific factors available prior to the season, thereby providing valuable input if games were to be scheduled well in advance. We also propose a novel variable coding that allows a parsimonious estimation of the effect of all pairs of interconference games, not just intraconference games. The model is assessed through residual analysis and in- and out-of-sample predictive performance.
Return to Sport After Partum in Patients With Diastasis of the Rectus Abdominis Muscles: Ultrasound Evaluation and Rehabilitation Protocol
Authors: Vita Fabio , Donati Danilo , Amouso Vincenza , Stella Salvatore Massimo , Fantini Marta , Tedeschi Roberto , Miceli Marco , Galletti Stefano , Faldini Cesare
Published: January 2025

Background: Diastasis rectus abdominis is a condition in which the rectus abdominis muscles separate and move laterally, causing stretching of the linea alba tissue with weakness of the abdominal wall. Although it can lead to hernia of the abdominal viscera, diastasis rectus abdominis is not a hernia in itself. This condition is common among women during pregnancy and the postpartum period and can significantly affect their quality of life and their return to sports activity. Unfortunately, information on the incidence, risk factors, prevention, and treatment of diastasis rectus abdominis are limited. Methods: We conducted a pilot prospective observational study on 37 patients who practiced sports at high levels (at least 3 times a week with amateur/competitive competitions) who underwent ultrasound measurements of the distance between the rectus abdominis muscles at the level of the xiphoid process, supraumbilical, umbilical, and subumbilical at time (T0), after 2 months from the rehabilitation protocol (T1), and then after 4 months of rehabilitation protocol (T2) from approximately 3 months after giving birth, and we saw an early return to sport. Results: Our data analysis reveals that there is an initial decrease in diastasis during the first 2 months with 3 weekly physiotherapy activity sessions in all 4 measurements. One session takes place on site with physiotherapists, while the other 2 are carried out at home using the rehabilitation protocol provided by the medical staff. At the 4-month follow-up, the improvement was similar to the previous follow-up. Conclusion: Of the 37 women analyzed, 6 were referred to the surgeon; 2 for hernias and 4 for diastases greater than 4 cm. The remaining women benefited from a conservative approach. Patients undergoing the rehabilitation protocol showed improvements in all 4 measures, as well as their early return to sport.
Evidence for nonlocal sediment transport on hillslopes from fault scarp morphology
Authors: Gray Harrison , Doane Tyler , Nicovich Sylvia , Primus Miriam , DuRoss Christopher , Gold Ryan
Published: January 2025

Hillslope sediment transport processes such as bioturbation, rainsplash, and granular mechanics occur across the entire planet. Yet, it remains uncertain how these small-scale processes act together to shape landscapes. Longstanding hillslope diffusion theory posits that hillslope processes are spatially limited, whereas new concepts of nonlocal sediment transport argue otherwise. However, each theory produces subtly different, but distinct, predictions for the evolution of fault scarps. We use the topographic change of fault scarps to demonstrate that hillslope processes produce nonlocal sediment transport. Analysis of a global compilation of 340 dated single-earthquake scarp profiles reveals a statistically significant (p < 0.05) relationship between scarp age and scarp asymmetry, here defined as the ratio of imaginary to real components of the Fourier transform of absolute slope. Numerical simulations show that nonlocal models predict this relationship, whereas hillslope diffusion models do not. To further investigate this result, we examined the depositional geometry of a well-exposed colluvial wedge along the Wasatch fault in central Utah, United States. Our quantitative comparison between the exposure and numerical simulations reveals better agreement with the nonlocal model. Nonlocal sediment transport theory appears to best capture the physics of how hillslope processes shape fault scarps, yet hillslope diffusion provides a useful approximation in many cases. As the processes that act on fault scarps are nearly identical to those acting on hillslopes, our results provide evidence supporting nonlocality as a generalized model of hillslope sediment transport.
Effect of 8-Oxo-1,N6-Ethenoadenine Derivatives on the Activity of RNA Polymerases from SARS-CoV-2 and Escherichia coli
Authors: Petushkov Ivan V. , Aralov Andrey V. , Ivanov Igor A. , Baranov Mikhail S. , Zatsepin Timofey S. , Kulbachinskiy Andrey V.
Published: January 2025

Bacterial and viral RNA polymerases are promising targets for the development of new transcription inhibitors. One of the potential blockers of RNA synthesis is 7,8-dihydro-8-oxo-1,N
6-ethenoadenine (oxo-εA), a synthetic compound that combines two adenine modifications: 8-oxoadenine and 1,N
6-ethenoadenine. In this study, we synthesized oxo-εA triphosphate (oxo-εATP) and showed that it could be incorporated by the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase of SARS-CoV-2 into synthesized RNA opposite template residues A and G in the presence of Mn2+ ions. Escherichia coli RNA polymerase incorporated oxo-εATP opposite A residues in the template DNA strand. The presence of oxo-εA instead of adenine in the template DNA strand completely stopped transcription at the modified nucleotide. At the same time, oxo-εATP did not suppress RNA synthesis by both RNA polymerases in the presence of unmodified nucleotides. Therefore, the oxo-εA modification significantly disrupts nucleotide base pairing during RNA synthesis by RNA polymerases of different classes, and the corresponding nucleotide derivatives cannot be used as potential antiviral or antibacterial transcription inhibitors.
On average behavior of a hybrid arithmetic function associated to Hecke eigenvalues of cusp forms over the values of a multivariate polynomial
Authors: Sharma Anubhav , Sankaranarayanan Ayyadurai
Published: January 2025

In this paper, we investigate the average behavior of a hybrid arithmetic function, i.e. [Formula: see text] over a certain sequence of positive integers, where [Formula: see text] is the [Formula: see text] normalized Fourier coefficients of the [Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text] is any fixed integer) symmetric power [Formula: see text]-function (i.e. [Formula: see text]), [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are the sum of divisors function and the Euler totient function, respectively. Precisely, we prove an asymptotic formula with an error term for the sum [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text] is sufficiently large, and [Formula: see text]
W-Entropy of quantum Markov semigroups in terms of quantum Bernoulli noises
Authors: Chen Jinshu , Hao Jie , Yang Nana
Published: January 2025

In this study, we first deal with the canonical anti-commutation relation algebra in which the Bernoulli creation and annihilation operators generate the structure of ultra hyperfinite C[Formula: see text]-algebra. This observation simplifies the construction of the minimal quantum Markov semigroup construct from quantum Bernoulli noises by taking a filter through the family gamma of finite subsets of the natural numbers. As a result, we obtain a Feller quantum Markov semigroup defined on the C[Formula: see text]-algebra, which in turn is extended to the entire algebra of bounded operators. Then, one condition for us to obtain a faithful normal invariant state of this semigroup is an equilibrium state (it satisfies the detailed balance conditions). Finally, we use the quantum Wasserstein distance to discuss the W-entropy rate of this invariant state.
A path integral treatment of time-dependent Dunkl quantum mechanics
Authors: Benchikha A. , Hamil B. , Lütfüoğlu B. C.
Published: January 2025

This study addresses a significant gap in the literature by extending the path integral formalism to time-dependent systems within the Wigner–Dunkl framework, deriving exact propagator solutions for analytically solvable cases. By employing generalized canonical transformations, we reformulated the path integral to develop an explicit expression for the propagator. This formalism is applied to specific cases, including a Dunkl-harmonic oscillator with time-dependent mass and frequency. Solutions for the Dunkl–Caldirola-Kanai oscillator and a model with a strongly pulsating mass are derived, providing exact propagator expressions and corresponding wave functions. These findings extend the utility of Dunkl operators in quantum mechanics, offering new insights into the dynamics of time-dependent quantum systems and possibly find application in quantum optics, plasma physics, and other fields.
Blocking Plasmodium Merozoite Invasion of Red Blood Cells: Molecular Docking Analysis of Small Molecule Inhibitors of the RH5-CyRPA-RIPR Complex
Authors: Lamptey Eugene , Ofosu Belinda , Hanson George , Sakyi Patrick O. , Partey Frederica , Miller Whelton A. , Kwofie Samuel K. , Mensah-Brown Henrietta E.
Published: January 2025

Malaria, caused by Plasmodium parasites, remains life-threatening, with Plasmodium falciparum responsible for severe cases. The parasite’s invasion of Red Blood Cells (RBCs) is critical for infection. The interaction between Reticulocyte Binding Protein Homologue 5 (RH5), Basigin, monoclonal antibodies and Cysteine-Rich Protective Antigen (CyRPA) with glycan on RBCs is essential for this process. This study aims to identify small molecules inhibiting the RH5-CyRPA-RIPr invasion complex. A library of 2299 compounds from FDA-approved drugs and African natural products in the ZINC database was screened using molecular docking. Binding sites for Basigin, monoclonal antibodies and glycans on RH5 and CyRPA were targeted, with binding affinity cutoffs of −8.5 kcal/mol for monoclonal antibodies and −7.0 kcal/mol for CyRPA and Basigin. Compounds were assessed for pharmacokinetics, solubility, drug-likeness, lead-likeness and biological activity using the PASS online server. Molecular dynamics simulations and free energy calculations evaluated stability and binding efficiency. Nine hits for RH5 and three for CyRPA showed favorable stability and anti-protozoal activity (up to 0.65). African natural products exhibited similarities with drugs like Nequinate and Cyanidin, supporting further research. Promising small molecules were identified as potential inhibitors of P. falciparum invasion, laying a foundation for experimental validation and drug development.
RenderGAN: enhancing real-time rendering efficiency with Deep Learning
Authors: Mameli Marco , Paolanti Marina , Mancini Adriano , Zingaretti Primo , Pierdicca Roberto
Published: January 2025

In the domain of computer graphics, achieving high visual quality in real-time rendering remains a formidable challenge due to the inherent time-quality trade-off. Conventional real-time rendering engines sacrifice visual fidelity for interactive performance, while image generation using path-tracing techniques can be exceedingly time-consuming. In this paper, we introduce RenderGAN, a deep learning-based solution designed to address this critical challenge in real-time rendering. RenderGAN uses G-Buffers and information from a real-time rendering engine as inputs to produce output images with exceptional visual fidelity. Its encoder-decoder architecture, trained using the Generative Adversarial Network (GAN) framework with perceptual loss, enhances image realism. To evaluate RenderGAN's effectiveness, we quantitatively compare the generated images with those of a path-tracing engine, obtaining a remarkable Universal Image Quality Index (UIQI) value of 0.898. RenderGAN's open-source nature fosters collaboration, driving advancements in real-time computer graphics and rendering techniques. By bridging the gap between real-time and path-tracing rendering, RenderGAN opens new horizons for accelerated image generation, inspiring innovation and unlocking the full potential of real-time visual experiences. Project page: https://github.com/marcomameli1992/RenderNet
List of Consortium Members from Visualizing Cancer Heterogeneity at the Molecular and Cellular Levels: Lessons from Rosetta
Authors: Goodwin Richard J.A. , Marshall John F. , Poulogiannis George , Yuneva Mariia , Brindle Kevin M. , Takáts Zoltán , Sansom Owen J. , Bunch Josephine , Barry Simon T. , Al-Afeef Ala , Amgheib Ala , Azarian Sara , Brochu-Williams Frederic , Burton Amy , Campbell Andrew , Cristaudo Vanina , Demircali Ali , Dexter Alex , Elia Efstathios , Fala Maria , Garrett Magali , Ghanate Avinash , Gilmore Ian , Gonzalez Ariadna , Grant Paul , Gupta Amit , Gurung Dipa , Hall Harry , Hamm Gregory , Inglese Paolo , Islam Najah , Jones Stewart , Karali Evi , Kazanc Emine , Koguna Hanifa , Kohli Manas , Koquna Hanifa , Koundouros Nikolaos , Kreuzaler Peter , Kyriazi Melina , Lall Sharanpreet Kall , Lewis David Y. , Ling Stephanie , Loizeau Xavier , Luptakova Dominika , Maneta-Stravrakaki Stefania , McGill Daniel , McKenzie James , McMahon Greg , Metodiev Martin , Mistry Jaynish , Monteiro Alvaro Perdones , Montezuma Erica , Morton Jennifer , Munteanu Catherine , Murta Teresa , Najumudeen Arafath , Nanda Chandan Seth , Nasif Ammar , Nikula Chelsea J. , Paauwe Madelon , Paiz Petra , Panina Yulia , Philip Robin , Poynter Liam , Pruski Pamela , Race Alan M. , Rao Jyotsna , Richings Jack , Savage Adele , Sharma Shreya , Soares Renata Filipe , Soloviev Dmitry , Spicer-Hadlington Amy , Sproat Caroline , Steven Rory T. , Sumpton David , Taylor Adam J. , Thomas Spencer , Thompson Daria , Tripp Aurelien , Tsalikis Thanasis , Tsyben Anastasia , Turseven Seyma , Vande-Voorde Johan , Vorng Jean-Luc , White Emma , Wright Alan , Wu Vincen , Xiang Yuchen , Yan Bin , Zao Jinshi , Zeiger Lucas , Zhang Junting , Zhou Weiwei
Published: January 2025

Cancer Research UK Rosetta Grand Challenge consortium list of members
Long-Term Effectiveness and Safety of Isatuximab in Combination with Pomalidomide and Dexamethasone in a Japanese Patient with Refractory Multiple Myeloma and 1q21 Amplification: A Case Report
Authors: Yoshioka Takanori , Sando Yasuhisa , Sunami Kazutaka
Published: January 2025

Introduction: In the ICARIA-MM trial, isatuximab plus pomalidomide-dexamethasone (Pd) significantly prolonged progression-free survival, compared with Pd alone, in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM), including those with gain or amplification of chromosome 1q, region 2, band 1 (1q21+). Case Presentation: We describe a 62-year-old Japanese man with 1q21+ RRMM, previously treated with three lines of therapy, who had a rapid and durable response to isatuximab-Pd. After the first isatuximab-Pd cycle, he had a complete response or better, which was maintained throughout 54 cycles (4.25 years). Isatuximab-Pd was generally well tolerated. The only serious adverse event was grade 3 cataracts. Conclusion: Our case shows that isatuximab-Pd is capable of inducing an enduring response in a patient with 1q21+ RRMM.
A aparente ausência de vogais postônicas mediais na variedade de São Carlos (SP)
Authors: Rodrigues Tiago Pereira , Arantes Pablo
Published: January 2025

This study has two goals: (i) to identify possible factors favoring the apparent absence of non-final post-stressed vowels in antepenultimate stress words (when there are not evident visual cues in the oscillogram and spectrogram) and (ii) to verify possible evidences in favor of the hypothesis that cases of apparent absence of non-final post-stressed vowels with fricative consonants preceding these vowels can be interpreted as realizations of non-final post-stressed vowels totally covered by the noise of the consonants. To fulfil the goals, the Articulatory Phonology framework was used, and speech data were collected from two experiments of oral word production. The experiments were applied to native speakers from the Paulista town of São Carlos.
Survey of interactive evolutionary decomposition-based multiobjective optimization methods
Authors: Lárraga Giomara , Miettinen Kaisa
Published: January 2025

Interactive methods support decision-makers in finding the most preferred solution for multiobjective optimization problems, where multiple conflicting objective functions must be optimized simultaneously. These methods let a decision-maker provide preference information iteratively during the solution process to find solutions of interest, allowing them to learn about the trade-offs in the problem and the feasibility of the preferences. Several interactive evolutionary multiobjective optimization methods have been proposed in the literature. In the evolutionary computation community, the so-called decomposition-basedmethods have been increasingly popular because of their good performance in problems with many objective functions. They decompose the multiobjective optimization problem into multiple sub-problems to be solved collaboratively. Various interactive versions of decomposition-based methods have been proposed. However, most of them do not consider the desirable properties of real interactive solution processes, such as avoiding imposing a high cognitive burden on the decision-maker, allowing them to decide when to interact with the method, and supporting them in selecting a final solution. This paper reviews interactive evolutionary decomposition-based multiobjective optimization methods and different methodologies utilized to incorporate interactivity in them. Additionally, desirable properties of interactive decomposition-based multiobjective evolutionary optimization methods are identified, aiming to make them easier to be applied in real-world problems.
An observational study of socioeconomic disparities in psychiatry consultation uptake in Australia, using routinely collected national data from 2015 to 2022
Authors: Meehan Edward , Yeatman Thomas , Shawyer Frances , Rajit Darren , Lakra Vinay , Meadows Graham , Enticott Joanne
Published: January 2025

Background:

The COVID-19 pandemic was associated with increased psychological distress and psychiatric service usage in Australia. Previous research into the first few months of the pandemic found severe inequality in telehealth psychiatry but no change in inequality for psychiatry service usage overall. However, it is unknown how inequality evolved over the remainder of the pandemic, as extended lockdowns continued in major Australian cities.

Aims:

To understand how socioeconomic inequality in psychiatric consultations changed during the COVID-19 pandemic, using new data from 2020 to 2022.

Methods:

We analysed routinely collected national Medicare data, provided to us as service counts per Statistical Area 3 (SA3) region by financial year from 2015 to 2016 to 2021 to 2022. We calculated daily rates of psychiatry attendances per 100,000 working age adults within each SA3 region, and we evaluated inequality in the distribution of consults using concentration indices and curves based on the Index of Relative Socio-economic Disadvantage (IRSD).

Results:

We analysed 7 years of Medicare data from 321 SA3 regions. The national consultation rate increased in 2020 to 2021 from 45.16 to 50.17, and then decreased slightly in 2021 to 22 to 48.65. Inequality as measured by concentration indices rose from 0.169 in 2020 to 2021 to 0.177 in 2021 to 2022. Consultation rates in the most disadvantaged IRSD quintile decreased by 15.9% in 2021 to 2022 compared to smaller decreases of between 1% and 4% in the top 4 quintiles.

Conclusion:

Our study shows that inequality in mental health service provision increased in the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic to the highest level seen in the 7 years of data we analysed. Individuals within the most disadvantaged IRSD quintile experienced a significant and disproportionate decline in service rates. Close monitoring and more granular data are needed to understand the drivers behind this inequity and its current status, and to inform interventions to improve it.
L2 Students’ Gradeless Assessment of Digital Multimodal Composing: Unlocking Multiliteracies Through Rubric-referenced Multisource Feedback
Authors: Liu Yuming , Lam Ricky
Published: January 2025

While a body of literature highlights the positive effects of digital multimodal composing (DMC) on second language (L2) writing, research into DMC assessment practices remains few and far between, particularly when scholars pay little attention to L2 learners’ perceptions towards DMC assessment. The current DMC assessment is largely confined to linguistic modes, leaving other multimodal semiotic modes almost unaddressed. This article, therefore, presents a learning-oriented assessment strategy to involve L2 writers in evaluating their digital storytelling videos through rubric-referenced multisource feedback. This gradeless DMC assessment practice encompasses three key features: (1) a tailored genre-based feedback sheet that provides students with standardized guidelines to deliver ungraded comments on their videos; (2) two hands-on workshops that offer foundational support and ‘just-in-time’ scaffolding for DMC creation and evaluation; and (3) the integration of self- and peer feedback, placing L2 students at the center to assess and reflect on their videos. The analysis of students’ group reflective journals, student-authored videos, and feedback sheets revealed that the rubric-referenced self- and peer feedback created a complementary process for DMC assessment. This approach facilitated the employment of cognitive and metacognitive strategies to self-regulate feedback and video revisions, promoted multimodal metalanguage development, and enhanced multiliteracies. Pedagogical implications for implementing multisource feedback to assess DMC in L2 contexts were discussed.
Exploring the generational ordering of kinship through decisions about DNA testing and gamete donor conception: What’s the right age to know your donor relatives?
Authors: Gilman Leah , Nordqvist Petra , Hudson Nicky , Frith Lucy
Published: January 2025

The development of direct-to-consumer genetic testing (DTCGT), in conjunction with social media, has had profound consequences for the management of information about donor conception. One outcome is that it is now possible to circumvent formal age-restrictions on accessing information about people related through donor conception. Consequently, many donor conceived people and their parents face questions regarding what is the ‘right age’ to seek out such connections with ‘donor relatives’. In this article, we share findings from 20 interviews with UK-based parents through donor conception, exploring how they grapple with such questions and possibilities. This involves parents reflecting on the meaning of childhood and its significance in processes of kinship. We identify three ontologies of childhood in participants’ reasoning: children as kinship catalysts, children as vulnerable to kinship risk and children as emerging kinship agents. We discuss what our findings tell us about the generational ordering of kinship. We show that processes through which genetic relatedness is made to matter (or not) are understood to operate differently according to the generational position of those involved due to culturally-specific understandings of childhood. These ontologies of childhood, and their relationship to kinship, are (re)produced in and through parent–child relationships.
Relationship between bullying victimization and depressive symptoms among early adolescents in rural China: Exploring the overgeneralization of social distrust in cross-sectional and longitudinal designs
Authors: Chen Chun , Zhang Yulu , Xu Rongrong , Gong Jiaowei , Jimerson Shane , Song Yingquan
Published: January 2025

This study investigated the underlying mechanism between bullying victimization and depressive symptoms via social trust cross-sectionally and longitudinally among 4,548 early adolescents at T1 and 4,484 adolescents at T2 from rural areas in Guizhou, China. Correlational data showed that all forms of bullying victimization at T1 showed negative correlations with in-group trust at T1 and T2 and generalized trust and depressive symptoms at T1. Both forms of trust were negatively associated with depressive symptoms at both time points. Results of structural equation modeling revealed a significant cross-sectional relationship between T1 bullying victimization and T1 depressive symptoms and that T1 bullying victimization was indirectly related to T1 depressive symptoms through both in-group and generalized social trust at T1. Thus, among students who reported experiencing more bullying, there was a lower level of trust in familiar people and authorities, which mediated their reports of depression. However, social trust did not explain the nonsignificant longitudinal relationship between bullying victimization at T1 and depressive symptoms at T2, potentially due to the lack of control of confounding variables. One implication is the importance of immediate intervention to counteract the tendency to overgeneralize bullying victimization to overall social trust. This study contributes to an empirical understanding of the underlying mechanism between bullying victimization and psychopathology symptoms among early adolescents in rural China.
Corporate Short-Termism: A Review and Research Agenda
Authors: Wiersema Margarethe , Koo Haeyoung , Chen Weiru , Zhang Yu
Published: January 2025

Corporate short-termism, defined as a managerial preference for the short term that undermines a firm’s long-term interests, has become a topic of global concern for governments, investors, and business leaders. In recent years, heightened capital market pressures to maximize shareholder value have intensified focus on the issue, raising concerns that the pursuit of short-term shareholder value may come at the expense of long-term prospects and corporate sustainability. Our review reveals that despite abundant research on short-termism, we have only a fragmented understanding of the factors driving this phenomenon and its consequences. The difficulty of operationalizing the construct and the various firm actions and outcomes examined has hindered consensus as to the specific antecedents and implications of managers’ preference for the short term. Our paper seeks to provide greater clarity on corporate short-termism and to develop a framework for understanding what motivates management to prioritize the short term over the long term and the firm-level consequences of related decisions. In doing so, we hope to advance our state of knowledge on this important issue and motivate scholars to more fully unpack the drivers and outcomes of corporate short-termism.
Decoding stressful conversations: Investigating the links between testosterone, relational outcomes, and perceived (non)accommodation in mixed-sex college couples
Authors: Dhillon Anuraj , Denes Amanda
Published: January 2025

Communication behavior during conversations about relational stressors has consequences for romantic relationships and may be associated with partners’ relational uncertainty and satisfaction. The current study explored whether the hormone testosterone (T) is associated with post-conversation relational outcomes through perceptions of partners’ (non)accommodative behaviors during a stressful conversation. Data was collected from 50 mixed-sex college couples. The results of an actor-partner dyadic mediation model revealed that, for women, T was associated with perceived partner (non)accommodation, which in turn was associated with relational uncertainty. Partner effects were also found. More specifically, women’s T was positively associated with men’s relational uncertainty and men’s perceived nonaccommodation, men’s perceived accommodation was negatively associated with women’s relational uncertainty, and women’s perceived nonaccommodation was positively associated with men’s relational uncertainty. The findings extend the growing research linking physiology and communication and indicate that romantic partners’ hormone levels are associated with both their own and their partner’s perceptions of communication behavior and subsequent relational outcomes.
Unlocking success: How information literacy drives student engagement in Pakistan's higher learning business institutions
Authors: Mughari Shahzeb , Rafique Ghulam Murtaza , Khan Hina Asif
Published: January 2025

The present research investigates how information literacy (IL) drives student engagement in Pakistan's higher-learning business institutions by examining its effect on student engagement. Data were collected via a survey-based questionnaire from 390 business students enrolled in thirteen Higher Education Commission (HEC) ranked business institutions, selected using non-proportional stratified sampling, and analyzed using SPSS-24. The analysis revealed high perceived information literacy and student engagement, encompassing academic, online, cognitive, social (with teachers peers), beyond-class, and affective engagement. Correlation analysis indicated a significant positive correlation between IL and student engagement, including their sub-dimensions. The results also demonstrated a significant positive effect of IL on overall student engagement. Theoretically, this study contributes to the literature by exploring the connection between IL and student engagement comprehensively. Practically, the findings highlight the importance of IL and offer insights for business educators, librarians, information professionals, and accrediting bodies in developing and integrating a need-based, credit IL course and time-to-time IL sessions across all levels of business education.
Audiovisual Associations in Saint-Saëns’ Carnival of the Animals: A Cross-Cultural Investigation on the Role of Timbre
Authors: Di Stefano Nicola , Ansani Alessandro , Schiavio Andrea , Saarikallio Suvi , Spence Charles
Published: January 2025

Several studies have investigated crossmodal associations involving audiovisual stimuli. To date, however, far fewer studies have explored the relationship between musical timbre and visual features (e.g., soft/harsh timbres with blue/red colours). To fill this gap in the literature, 249 participants were invited to judge the match between different coloured images and musical excerpts. The images depicted seven characters from Saint-Saëns’ “Carnival of the Animals”; the audio stimuli consisted of the music the composer created to represent each character. To test the effect of timbre and culture, the audio stimuli were presented either in the original orchestral version or in the piano transcription, while the participants were recruited from various countries, encompassing both Western and non-Western nationalities. The results demonstrate that timbre influences crossmodal associations between musical excerpts and drawings, while these associations remain consistent across cultures, languages, and levels of musical background.
Paraneoplastic syndrome with intestinal pseudo-obstruction in a patient with small cell lung carcinoma: a case report and literature review
Authors: Ren Xiao-Jun , Shi Zhao-Hong , Cheng Ying-Xia , Luo Yun
Published: January 2025

Paraneoplastic chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction (CIPO) is a rare manifestation associated with small cell lung carcinoma and other malignancies. In this report, we present a challenging case involving a 60-year-old man with small cell lung carcinoma who developed symptoms of intestinal pseudo-obstruction, including abdominal distention, pain, and obstipation. Despite receiving extensive treatment with intravenous gamma globulin and glucocorticoids, the patient’s symptoms did not improve, ultimately resulting in irreversible nervous system damage. Through a comprehensive literature review, we explore the underlying mechanisms of paraneoplastic CIPO and discuss its diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. We emphasize the significance of timely detection of related antibodies for early diagnosis and treatment of CIPO to improve patient outcomes.
Non-equilibrium solidification of Fe–B eutectic alloys under electric current pulse
Authors: Ma Teng , Sun XiaoSi , Zhang JunTing , Zhang Fengy , Zhao Yali
Published: January 2025

This paper aims to explore the effects of electric current pulse (ECP) on the formed microstructure in Fe–B eutectic alloys. ECP treatment can change the microstructure morphology and phase composition of the Fe–B eutectic alloys from regular eutectic under conventional solidification conditions to (α-Fe) + interdendritic irregular eutectic structure. The results demonstrate that there is a maximum value of the peak current, when the maximum value is not reached, the peak current increases; the α-Fe refinement effect is obvious, the volume fraction of α-Fe increases. When the maximum value is surpassed, the α-Fe grain size increases, the volume fraction of α-Fe decreases. The phenomenon can be explained by the cluster theory for liquid metals and the non-equilibrium diffusion theory. The solidification path of Fe–B eutectic alloys under different peak ECPs was drawn, and the formation mechanism of irregular eutectic under different conditions was explained. The results of the soft magnetic properties experiments show that the morphology of the Fe2B phase and its degree of granulation have a great influence on the magnetic properties. As the size of Fe2B phase increases, the coercivity Hc increases. As the grain size of Fe2B decreases, the coercivity and residual magnetic field strength decrease.
Meta-analysis on the effects of music participation on social and emotional measures across the lifespan
Authors: Cooper Patrick K
Published: January 2025

The purpose of this study was to conduct a random-effects meta-analysis to measure the overall mean effect of music participation on social and emotional measures in participants across the lifespan. Results showed small to medium overall effects ( N = 18,564, k = 56, g = .23, p < .0001, 95% confident interval = [.16, .29]), indicating subjects who participated in music had better scores on social and emotional measures compared with those participating in other activities (such as sports) or no other activities (passive control group). Moderator analysis showed no statistical differences across seven moderators. Results did not differ by age of the participants, type of scale used (social or emotional), research design (cross-sectional or experimental), presence of an active or passive control group, if the study was located at a school site or elsewhere (such as a town community center), length of the intervention, or the type of musical activities experienced by the participants (singing, instrumental, or both). Overall, the results suggest that the social and emotional benefits of participating in musical activities transcend age and type of music making. The utility of music participation as a conduit of social or emotional growth appears to be empirically supported.
When the Expected Scenario Did Not Occur: A Novel NDUFA12 Mutation Resembling Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Koçak Ahmet , Uyur Yalçin Emek , Eldeş Hacifazlioğlu Nilüfer , Taş İbrahim , Göçmen Rahşan , Konuşkan Bahadır
Published: January 2025

Mitochondrial complex I transfers electrons from NADH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) to ubiquinone, facilitating ATP synthesis via a proton gradient. Complex I defects are common among the mitochondrial diseases, especially in childhood. NDUFA12, located in complex I's transmembrane domain, is not directly involved in catalytic activity, but the NDUFA mutations are associated with Leigh syndrome and complex I defects. Complex I deficiency typically manifests as bilateral brainstem lesions and presents with dystonia, hypotonia, and optic nerve damage. This article discusses a patient with an NDUFA12 mutation resembling neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder clinically and radiologically, highlighting the importance of considering NDUFA12 mutations in dystonia and optic neuritis diagnoses, particularly in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder cases that do not respond to standard treatments. Further research on NDUFA12 variants is needed for a better understanding of their phenotypic spectrum and to enhance diagnostic accuracy.
Factors Associated With FDA-Approved Quit Medication Use Among a Sample of Adult Tobacco Users in a County in Central California
Authors: Manalili Nicola , Merzon Jenelle , Alber Julia , Lent Adrienne
Published: January 2025

Purpose

To examine associations between identified factors to accessing Food and Drug Administration-approved quit medication (FDAQM) and use among a sample of tobacco users.

Design

Cross-sectional, online survey.

Setting

County in Central California.

Subjects

Current adult tobacco users (n = 76).

Measures

Demographics self-reported likelihood of quitting in the next month, contacting a healthcare provider about quitting, time since last healthcare visit, provider asking about tobacco/nicotine use, provider advice to quit, provider FDAQM prescription and FDAQM use in the past year.

Analysis

Logistic regression.

Results

Those with a higher likelihood of quitting had a lower odds of FDAQM use (OR = 0.15, 95% CI = 0.03, 0.73) while those who had contacted a healthcare provider had a higher odds (OR = 15.39, 95% CI = 2.72, 87.05).

Conclusion

While the sample was limited, this research provides evidence in an understudied tobacco cessation area. More work is needed to understand the generalizability of these results and develop interventions that address these factors.