bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abstractive summarization using multilingual text-to-text transfer transformer for the Turkish text
Authors: Alipour Neda , Aydın Serdar
Published: February 2025

Today, with the increase in text data, the application of automatic techniques such as automatic text summarization, which is one of the most critical natural language processing (NLP) tasks, has attracted even more attention and led to more research in this area. Nowadays, with the developments in deep learning, pre-trained sequence-to-sequence (text-to-text transfer converter (T5) and bidirectional encoder representations from transformers (BERT) algorithm) encoder-decoder models are used to obtain the most advanced results. However, most of the studies were done in the English language. With the help of the recently emerging monolingual BERT model and multilingual pre-trained sequence-to-sequence models, it has led to the use of state-of-the-art models in languages with fewer resources and studies, such as Turkish. This article used two datasets for Turkish text summarization. First, Google multilingual text-to-text transfer transformer (mT5)-small model was applied on multilingual summarization (MLSUM), which is a large-scale Turkish news dataset, and success was examined. Then, success was evaluated by first applying BERT extractive summarization and then abstractive summarization on 1010 articles collected on the Dergipark site. Rouge measures were used for performance evaluation. This study is one of the first examples in the Turkish language and it is considered to provide a basis for future studies with good results.
Evaluating ChatGPT’s Mandarin “yue” pronunciation system in language learning
Authors: Lau Yoke Lian , Tan Swee Mee , Abu Bakar Anna Lynn , Yong Zi Xian , Yong Zi Hong , Nasir Ernahwatikah , Jung Ku Chen
Published: February 2025

By incorporating voice control technology into ChatGPT, it becomes possible to engage in conversations or dialogues with individuals who are actively engaged in the process of acquiring language skills. Our study team conducted a modest experiment to evaluate the efficacy of a voice control feedback system in facilitating the mastery of the most challenging pronunciation of the Mandarin syllable "yue". The objective of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of voice-controlled ChatGPT in aiding learners to acquire accurate pronunciation of the Mandarin phoneme "yue". Furthermore, the study seeks to investigate the methods utilised by the ChatGPT model in identifying and distinguishing the word "yue" when it is used alone or in combination with "ye" and "yi". We employed many testing approaches, including single-word instances, paired instances, and the integration of phrases. In addition, we evaluated the model's ability to accurately detect the term "yue" in short sentences and, ultimately, in a longer sentence.
Hybrid horned lizard optimization algorithm-aquila optimizer for DC motor
Authors: Aribowo Widi , Abualigah Laith , Oliva Diego , Mzili Toufik , Sabo Aliyu
Published: February 2025

This research presents a modification of the horned lizard optimization (HLO) algorithm to optimize proportional integral derivative (PID) parameters in direct current (DC) motor control. This hybrid method is called horned lizard optimization algorithm-aquila optimizer (HLAO). The HLO algorithm models various escape tactics, including blood spraying, skin lightening or darkening, crypsis, and cellular defense systems, using mathematical techniques. HLO enhancement by modifying additional functions of aquila optimizer improves HLO performance. This research validates the performance of HLAO using performance tests on the CEC2017 benchmark function and DC motors. From the CEC2017 benchmark function simulation, it is known that HLAO's performance has promising capabilities. By simulating using 3 types of benchmark functions, HLOA has the best value. Tests on DC motors showed that the HLAO-PID method had the best integrated of time-weighted squared error (ITSE) value. The ITSE value of HLOA is 89.25 and 5.7143% better than PID and HLO-PID.
Enhancing convolutional neural network based model for cheating at online examinations detection
Authors: Ouahabi Sara , Aboudihaj Rihab , Sael Nawal , El Guemmat Kamal
Published: February 2025

In the last few years, e-learning has revolutioning education, giving students access to diverse and adaptable on-line resources, but it has also face a major challenge: cheating on online exams. Students now use variant cheating methods include consulting unauthorized documents, communicating with others during the exam, searching for information on the internet. Combating these cheating practices has become crucial to preserving the integrity of academic assessments. In this context, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as an essential tool for mitigating this fraudulent behavior. Equipped with advanced machine learning capabilities, AI can examine a wide range of data to detect student suspicious behavior. This study develops an approach based on a convolutional neural network (CNN) model designed to detect cheating by analyzing candidates' head movements during online exams. By exploiting the FEI dataset, this model achieves an interesting accuracy of 97.28%. In addition, we compare this model to the well-known transfer learning models used in the literature namely, ResNet50, VGG16, DenseNet21, MobileNetV2, and EfficientNetB0 demonstrating the out performance of our approach in detecting cheating during online exams.
Bridging biosciences and deep learning for revolutionary discoveries: a comprehensive review
Authors: Tariq Usman , Ahmed Irfan , Khan Muhammad Attique , Bashir Ali Kashif
Published: February 2025

Deep learning (DL), a pivotal artificial intelligence (AI) innovation, has dramatically transformed biosciences, aligning with the surge in complex data volumes to foster notable progress across disciplines such as genomics, genetics, and drug discovery. DL's precision and efficiency outmatch conventional methods, propelling advancements in biomedical imaging and disease marker identification. Despite its success, DL's integration into broader bioscience areas encounters hurdles including data scarcity, interpretability challenges, computational demands, and the necessity for ethical and regulatory considerations. Overcoming these obstacles is vital for DL to achieve its transformative potential fully. This review explores into DL's expanding role in biosciences, critically examining areas ripe for DL application and highlighting underexplored opportunities. It provides an insightful analysis of the algorithms that form the backbone of DL in biosciences, offering a thorough understanding of their capabilities. Ultimately, this paper aims to equip biotechnologists and researchers with the knowledge to leverage DL effectively, thereby enhancing the analysis of complex bioscience data and contributing to the field's future advancements.
Optimizing queue efficiency: Artificial intelligence-driven tandem queues with reneging
Authors: Radhakrishnan Keerthika , Palani Niranjan Subramani , Komala Durga Balakrishnan , Ramareddy Suresha
Published: February 2025

This paper delves into the theoretical integration of queueing theory and artificial intelligence (AI), examining the benefits and implications of their convergence. Queueing systems serve as fundamental models for various real-world applications, from telecommunications networks to healthcare facilities. This research presents a transformative framework for elevating the efficiency and performance of queueing systems by infusing AI-driven tandem queue analysis. The implications of this approach transcend industries, promising streamlined operations, reduced waiting times, and resource optimization. This work invites further exploration and application, offering a path to more effective and responsive queueing systems globally. Over the years, researchers and practitioners have explored numerous techniques to enhance the efficiency and performance of queueing systems. In recent times, integrating AI into the realm of queueing analysis has opened up new avenues for optimization and innovation. This paper studies a two-server tandem queueing model with reneging customers using AI techniques. Assuming that the arrival rate follows the Poisson process and the service rate follows an exponential distribution, using the birth-death process, probability generating function and AI module, we derive steady-state difference equation, expected number of people in customers, and mean waiting time.
Hypovigilance detection based on analysis and binary classification of brain signals
Authors: El Hadiri Abdeljalil , Bahatti Lhoussain , El Magri Abdelmounime , Lajouad Rachid
Published: February 2025

Road safety has now become a priority for drivers and citizens alike, given its considerable impact on the economy and human life, which is reflected in the increase in the number of accidents worldwide. This increase is linked to a number of factors, drowsiness being one of the main causes that can lead to tragic consequences. Various systems have been developed to monitor the state of alertness. The main idea adopted in this paper is based on the integration of a biosensor to acquire the cerebral signal, then the processing and analysis of the characteristics required to detect the two states of the driver using intelligent machine learning algorithms. Two models were chosen to carry out this binary classification: The K-nearest neighbour (KNN) and logistic regression (LR) classifiers. The experimental simulation results show that the first model outperforms the second in terms of accuracy, with a percentage of 97.83% for k=3. This could lead to the development of a new safety machine brain system based on classification to control vehicle speed deceleration or activate self-driving mode in the event of hypovigilance.
Real-time age-range recognition and gender identification system through facial recognition
Authors: Cruz-Colan Carlos , Lopez-Herrera David , Paiva-Peredo Ernesto , Acuna-Condori Kevin
Published: February 2025

Facial recognition and age estimation are being implemented in apparel retailing which is undergoing significant changes due to fashion and technology. To improve interaction with customers and refine marketing strategies. The paper proposes an approach based on a Siamese neural network and the use of tools such as MediaPipe for face detection and DeepFace for age and gender estimation. In addition, the four stages of the research work, real-time image capture, ID assignment, facial feature extraction, and data storage, are described. Early approaches to age estimation were based on biometric features, such as eyes, nose, mouth, and chin, resulting in limited accuracy and low performance in older adults. To improve accuracy, additional elements, such as the presence of wrinkles, were considered and a diverse database of images was used. The proposed methodology achieves a positive result for real-time age classification and gender ID. The results include information on gender, age, ID, time and date for each person identified.
Design and development of humanoid robotic arm
Authors: Bhatlawande Shripad , Kulkarni Sakshi , Shaikh Shajjad , Kurian Sachi , Shilaskar Swati
Published: February 2025

This paper presents the design, development, and evaluation of a 5-degrees of freedom (5-DoF) humanoid robotic arm featuring a sophisticated 5-finger gripper. The five degrees of freedom include the base, shoulder, elbow, wrist, and gripper, all controlled by MG996R servo motors to enhance grasping, positioning, flexibility, and mobility. The arm is constructed from laser-cut aluminum sheets. It effectively picks and places objects such as bottles and bags. A high-speed portable computing system is used to control robotics hand operations. A webcam is used for object detection and to acquire information about the surroundings. The system uses a convolutional neural network-based MobileNet architecture for object detection. The robotic hand is used as an assistive aid for amputees. It mimics finger movements based on detected objects. The system achieved a precision of 0.97 for bags and 0.93 for bottles, with accuracies of 96.83% and 92.42%, respectively. The system employs advanced computer vision algorithms and real-time strategies, ensuring adaptability across various tasks. It integrates advanced visual systems and improved feedback to enhance user interaction and overall usability. It addresses trade-offs between detection precision and processing time.
Optimizing robot anomaly detection through stochastic differential approximation and Brownian motion
Authors: Pillai Branesh M. , Mishra Arush , Thomas Rijo Jacob , Suthakorn Jackrit
Published: February 2025

This paper presents an adaptive approximation method for detecting anomalous patterns in extensive data streams gathered by mobile robots operating in rough terrain. Detecting anomalies in such dynamic environments poses a significant challenge, as it requires continuous monitoring and adjustment of robot movement, which can be resource intensive. To address this, a cost-effective solution is proposed that incorporates a threshold mechanism to track transitions between different regions of the data stream. The approach utilizes stochastic differential approximation (SDA) and optimistic optimization of Brownian motion to determine optimal parameter values and thresholds, ensuring efficient anomaly detection. This method focuses on minimizing the movement cost of the robots while maintaining accuracy in anomaly identification. By applying this technique, robots can dynamically adjust their movements in response to changes in the data stream, reducing operational expenses. Moreover, the temporal performance of the data stream is prioritized, a key factor often overlooked by conventional search engines. This paper demonstrates how the approach enhances the precision of anomaly detection in resource-constrained environments, making it particularly beneficial for real-time applications in rugged terrains.
Design and development of an Arduino-based oxygen saturation, heart rate variability, and blood glucose measurement device
Authors: Putra Yehezkiel P. , Wibowo Wahyu K. , Prayogi Soni
Published: February 2025

This study presents the design and development of an Arduino-based device for measuring oxygen saturation, heart rate variability (HRV), and blood glucose levels. The primary goal is to create an affordable, portable, and accurate health monitoring solution suitable for home health care and remote medical services. The device integrates a pulse oximeter sensor to measure oxygen saturation and heart rate, an electrocardiogram (ECG) sensor for capturing HRV data, and a non-invasive sensor for regular blood glucose monitoring, all managed by an Arduino microcontroller. Data collected by the sensors is processed and displayed on a user-friendly interface, enabling real-time tracking of health metrics. The device's performance was rigorously tested and validated against standard medical equipment, demonstrating comparable accuracy in measuring the targeted health parameters. This innovative solution aims to enhance personal health monitoring, reduce the burden on healthcare systems, and promote early detection and better management of health conditions. The affordability and ease of use make this device accessible to a wider population, potentially improving health outcomes. Future developments will focus on refining sensor accuracy and expanding the device's capabilities to monitor additional health metrics.
An Intersectional Analysis of Agentic Efforts Individuals Under Community Supervision Describe to Improve Their Lives
Authors: Auten Allison R. , Hoskins Kayla M. , Morash Merry
Published: February 2025

Scholarship on desistance recognizes the interconnected nature of personal agency and structural influences on desistance. Less is known regarding what specific agentic efforts convicted individuals take in pursuing pathways out of criminal lifestyles. The objectives of the present study are to understand how individuals on probation and parole describe their agentic efforts to improve their lives and examine how these efforts vary by gendered and racialized identities. Interviews from 274 men and women on community supervision revealed 49 different life-improving projects. Social location impacted both the nature of projects reported and the strategies deployed for project attainment. Findings clarify how desistance operates within varying socio-cultural contexts.
Mind or Body? What Mediates the Influence of Emotion-Specific Bodily Maps on Single Emotion Recognition?
Authors: Neumann Roland , Opdensteinen Kim D.
Published: February 2025

In two experiments, we examined if single emotion recognition is improved by a training to assign bodily maps (i.e., topographically distinct and culturally universal bodily sensations) to corresponding emotions. In Experiment 1, participants in the experimental group ( N = 38) viewed emotion-arousing pictures eliciting predominantly one specific emotion (i.e., fear, anger, disgust, and sadness) and learned to assign emotions to emotion-specific bodily sensations. Control group participants ( N = 36) were exposed to the same set of pictures and judged the content of the pictures on semantic dimensions (e.g., animals, people). Subsequently, a set of emotion-arousing pictures was presented, and all participants were asked to estimate the intensity of each emotion. Training of emotion-specific bodily maps improved single emotion recognition relative to the control group. Experiment 2 ( N = 43) replicated the findings of Experiment 1 and suggests that the training effect is caused by semantic processes.
Pre-service Language Teachers’ Task-specific Large Language Model Prompting Practices
Authors: Moorhouse Benjamin Luke , Ho Tsz Ying , Wu Chenze , Wan Yuwei
Published: February 2025

Since the emergence of ChatGPT, a type of large language model (LLM), there has been interest in how these tools can support language teachers’ professional practices and assist them with professional tasks, e.g., lesson planning. The current study explored how pre-service language teachers interacted with LLMs to assist them in improving lesson plans, and the knowledge and skills involved in these task-specific prompting practices. Data was collected from 25 pre-service teachers enrolled in a Master of Education in English Language Teaching program at a Hong Kong university. Analysis was performed on their submitted assignments, which included a revised lesson plan, a typed pedagogical rationale for the modifications, the logs of their interactions with the LLMs and reflections on the use of LLMs. The findings revealed a three-stage decision-making process among the teachers when interacting with AI to improve lesson plans. These were task identification, iterative prompting, and task implementation. Our findings also suggested that for teachers to engage effectively with LLMs they need pedagogical content knowledge, LLMs knowledge, and prompting skills. This study has implications for teacher professional development in enhancing prompt practices and the effective use of LLMs for accomplishing professional tasks.
The Economic Determinants of Venezuela’s Hunger Crisis
Authors: Rodríguez Francisco
Published: February 2025

This paper argues that Venezuela’s hunger crisis was caused by the collapse of the country’s import capacity. Evidence is presented to support the hypothesis that the key driver of the decrease in caloric intake was the decline of more than nine-tenths in oil revenues, which sparked an economic contraction and forced the economy to undertake massive cuts in imports of food and agricultural inputs. Declining oil prices and a collapse in production, in part driven by economic sanctions, are the primary drivers of the collapse in import capacity. Econometric estimates using cross-national panel data show that Venezuela’s performance in health and nutrition indicators is in line with, and in many cases significantly better, than what we should expect given the magnitude of its contraction in per capita incomes over the past two decades.
Comparing Location-Based and Category-Based AAC Interventions for Improving Communication Skills in Adolescents With Complex Communication Needs
Authors: Han Na Kyeong , Baik Kyungrang , Hong Ki-Hyung , Lee Hyun Jung , Kim Young Tae
Published: February 2025

Adolescents with complex communication needs require interventions based on community communication skills for effective communication within the expanding scope of their lives. This study aimed to compare two augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) interventions by using script for their effectiveness in helping four adolescents with complex communication needs to express themselves in the community. The devices used in the study were a location-based and a category-based high-tech AAC device used in an alternative treatment design. The two intervention methods were alternated during the intervention phase of the study to determine the more effective one. The effect size was calculated using an improvement rate difference (IRD) analysis. Then, the more effective method was applied instead of the less effective one in the replication phase, within the setting where the less effective method had previously been employed, to assess its effectiveness. and effective AAC communication methods were employed within the community during the generalization phase. As a result of the interventions, all four participants showed increased accuracy of expression in the local community compared with the baseline, and the location-based tool showed greater treatment effects than the category-based tool. Additionally, the location-based device also showed generalization effects in the local community. The findings confirmed the efficacy of the two different AAC tools to improve the accuracy of expression among adolescents with complex communication needs, facilitating their integration into the community.
Utility of chest CT in the diagnosis of additional suspicious lesions on MRI in women with breast cancer
Authors: Kim Jihee , Koh Jieun , Park Jihee
Published: February 2025

Background

Dedicated breast computed tomography (CT) is an emerging modality, but no study has compared breast lesions additionally detected on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with correlated CT lesions. Although there are differences between chest CT and dedicated breast CT, a preliminary evaluation would be valuable.

Purpose

To evaluate the usefulness of contrast-enhanced chest CT in evaluating additional suspicious lesions preoperatively detected on MRI in patients with breast cancer.

Material and Methods

Between January 2020 and December 2021, 245 patients with breast cancer who underwent preoperative breast MRI and contrast-enhanced chest CT were included. Enhancing lesions detected on CT showing correlation with additional suspicious lesions detected on MRI were recorded as CT-correlated enhancements. The pathological findings were confirmed by subsequent percutaneous biopsy or lesion excision. The clinical and MRI features of additional suspicious lesions were compared according to the standard reference or the presence of CT-correlated enhancement.

Results

There were 96 (39.2%) additional suspicious lesions detected on preoperative breast MRI and a malignancy rate of 39.6%. Of 96 lesions, chest CT revealed correlated enhancement in 64 (66.7%) lesions, including 33 malignant lesions. Among the 32 lesions that showed no correlation enhancement on chest CT, 5 (15.6%) were malignant. Malignancy, diffusion-weighted image restriction, and fast/washout kinetics were more frequently observed in lesions with CT-correlated enhancement than in those without correlated enhancement ( P < 0.001, P = 0.001, and P = 0.020, respectively).

Conclusion

When evaluating MRI-detected additional suspicious lesions in patients with breast cancer, lesions with CT-correlated enhancement were significantly more likely to be malignant than those without CT-correlated enhancement.
Disagreements of non-vascular findings in computed tomography of the aorta by radiology residents
Authors: Hongsakul Keerati , Junnhu Surajai , Vichitkunakorn Polathep
Published: February 2025

Background

Although non-vascular findings from computed tomography angiography (CTA) of the aorta are not the primary interpretation, the significant findings can affect the patient's treatment.

Purpose

To evaluate the disagreement between radiology residents and staff regarding non-vascular findings in CTA of the aorta.

Material and Methods

We conducted a retrospective study of 419 CTA scans of the aorta between January 2014 and December 2016. The non-vascular findings from the final preliminary reports, which were interpreted by radiology residents, were recorded and compared with blind interpretations by an experienced member of the radiology staff. Disagreements were analyzed using the unweighted Kappa value.

Results

A total of 419 CTA aorta were interpreted by 38 radiology residents. The elective versus emergency CTA rate was 58% versus 42%. The emergency CTA rate related to traumatic conditions was 57.9% The thoracic system was the most common disagreement of significant non-vascular findings, with the highest disagreement rate being significant breast lesions (80.0%, Kappa = 0.33; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.15–0.81). Non-vascular findings detected by residents in significant and intermediated significant groups were 339/627 for elective CTAs and 241/457 for emergency CTAs. The disagreement rates for these findings were 45.9% (Kappa = 0.68; 95% CI = 0.54–0.97) in elective CTAs and 47.3% (Kappa = 0.60; 95% CI = 0.53–0.90) in emergency CTAs.

Conclusion

The most disagreement of non-vascular findings in significant and intermediated significant groups was the thoracic system. The disagreement rates of non-vascular findings between radiology residents and staff were higher in emergency CTA. These results can be used to improve radiology training.
Triple coaxial microcatheter for preoperative transcatheter arterial embolization in bone and soft tissue tumors
Authors: Nozawa Yosuke , Fujimori Ayako , Igarashi Takao , Sano Akito , Watanabe Itsuo , Anazawa Ukei , Okamura Masashi
Published: February 2025

Background

Preoperative transcatheter arterial embolization (P-TAE) is a procedure designed to reduce intraoperative blood loss (IBL) and support the performance of surgery for bone and soft tissue tumors (BSTT).

Purpose

To develop a new P-TAE technique using a triaxial microcatheter system (TMCS) that maintains normal tissue circulation while embolizing only the feeding artery of BSTT and to investigate the safety and efficacy of P-TAE with TMCS.

Material and Methods

A total of 34 cases of BSTT in the whole body (25 men, nine women; mean age = 74.85 ± 11.32 years) were included between 1 April 2014 and 30 June 2024. We evaluated technical and clinical outcomes, P-TAE techniques, complications, and patient characteristics.

Results

Bone metastasis of renal cell carcinoma (n = 11) was the most frequent diagnosis. P-TAEs using TMCS were performed with technical success (97.05%) and clinical success (88.23%), demonstrating a high selectivity rate to the feeding artery of 97.14%. The mean IBL was 792.70 ± 1285.61 mL (median = 370 mL; range = 50–6935 mL). All surgeries were performed successfully after P-TAE.

Conclusion

P-TAE plays an important role in the presurgical operation of BSTT. The use of TMCS offers high selectivity, trackability, and crossability in the P-TAE procedure, enhancing the clinical efficacy of P-TAE.
Harnessing radiomics and nutritional metrics to predict long-term survival in Fournier’s gangrene patients
Authors: Malshy Kamil , Schmit Stephen , Golijanin Borivoj , Ahn Benjamin , Morgan John , Farah Amir , Miller Kennon , Golijanin Dragan , Cancian Madeline
Published: February 2025

Purpose:

To evaluate the association of traditional and novel nutritional measurements with survival in Fournier’s gangrene (FG) patients.

Methods:

We reviewed records of FG patients from our tertiary center (Jan 2013–Jan 2022). Radiomic sarcopenia parameters (Psoas Muscle Area [PMA], Roundness, Solidity, and calculated PMA-Index) were measured from admission CT scans at the L3 level using ImageJ software. We assessed sarcopenia’s impact on survival through three analyses: Model 1 used a PMI below the sex-adjusted median; Models 2 and 3 used published cutoffs. Kaplan-Meier curves were used to compare survival between sarcopenic and non-sarcopenic patients. Multivariable Cox and logistic regression analyses adjusted for age and the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) to assess mortality risk.

Results:

Of 130 men and 31 women (82% white), 60 patients (37.3%) had died after a median follow-up of 2.2 years (IQR 0.9-4.4). Survival rates were 94% at 30 days, 92% at 90 days, 80% at 1 year, 77% at 2 years, and 56% at 5 years. Non-survivors were older (median age 63 vs 55.1 years, p < 0.001) and had higher median CCI (4.8 vs 3; p < 0.001). In Model 1, sarcopenic patients had a non-significant increased mortality risk with hazard ratio (HR 1.47, 95% CI 0.82–2.64, p = 0.196). Models 2 and 3 showed similar results (HR 1.41, 95% CI 0.70–2.84, p = 0.325; HR 1.35, 95% CI 0.70–2.61, p = 0.364). None of the models were significant when adjusting for CCI and age. Survivors had better traditional metabolic profiles, including higher albumin (3.1vs 2.7 g/dL), hemoglobin (12.4vs 11.4 g/dL), and lower creatinine (1.39 vs 2.1 mg/dL); however, none of these were significant when adjusting for age and CCI.

Conclusions:

Despite a mild trend, none of the sarcopenia models were able to predict long-term mortality in FG patients in our cohort. This well-known, cost-effective nutritional predictor still requires further research to optimize its utilization in the FG patient population.
Care shortages and duties to age abroad
Authors: de Vries Bouke
Published: February 2025

Many higher-income countries have shortages of care-workers, which is unlikely to change in the foreseeable future as virtually all of these societies are ageing. The philosophical literature on this problem has concentrated mostly on the merits and demerits of different policy solutions, especially on the recruitment of foreign care-workers and on investments in care robots and other relevant technologies. However, the question of what moral duties, if any, private individuals have to help address care-worker shortages has been entirely neglected. In this article, I help to fill this lacuna by arguing that some inhabitants of higher-income countries have moral duties to age abroad in order to reduce the pressure on the aged care-systems of their current societies, whereby ‘ageing abroad’ is defined narrowly as moving to a foreign country to receive residential or non-residential aged care. As I show, these duties are dependent on a number of conditions being met, including the requirement that the host populations not be made worse off.
Inpatient Use of Valproic Acid in Agitated Delirium by Palliative Medicine
Authors: Jacobs Sarah , Herbst Leah , Fernandez Carlos , Mehta Zankhana Y. , Young Amanda , Davis Mellar P.
Published: February 2025

Background: Antipsychotics and benzodiazepines are prescribed for hyperactive delirium despite their side effects and lack of supportive evidence. Valproic Acid (VPA) improves agitation without QTc prolongation, excessive sedation, and parkinsonism. However, high quality evidence for this is lacking in delirium. Methods: This retrospective study involved hospitalized patients seen by Palliative medicine from 10/1/2019 to 4/17/2020 who received VPA for at least 24 hours for hyperactive delirium. Patients were excluded if VPA was used for seizures or bipolar disorder. We hypothesized that VPA improves agitation and thus reduces the use of opioids, antipsychotics, and benzodiazepines. Results: Twenty patients, 50% women, and a median age of 81.5 years were treated. Nine had cancer, five dementia and two had strokes. The median daily VPA dose was 831.6 mg (IQR 671.4 -1016.4). Due to the small numbers, we did not find a statistically significant differences in benzodiazepine, opioid, or antipsychotic use on days 1, 2, or 3. VPA was used as monotherapy in 10 patients, with no additional antipsychotic or benzodiazepines needed. Eleven patients were on comfort care measures at the time of VPA initiation. Ten died in the hospital. Three were discharged home, and seven transferred to a skilled nursing facility. Discussion: This study explored the use of VPA in palliative care. VPA may be effective in treating aggitation. Randomized controlled trials are needed to validate VPA benefits in treating agitated delirium.
Workplace accommodations for low-wage workers: A scoping review
Authors: McArthur Randi , Williams Jessica , Kneipp Shawn
Published: February 2025

Background

Low-wage workers carry a disproportionate burden of chronic condition morbidity due to their overall socioeconomic disadvantage and the risks accrued from low-wage work environments. Studies show low-wage work is linked to more occupational hazards, higher physical demands, more stress, lack of access to health insurance coverage and paid sick leave, and poverty – all of which result in poorer health. Work accommodations are modifications in the workplace setting that can help minimize health-related work limitations, and in some countries, employers are required to make “reasonable accommodations,” by law, for workers with chronic health conditions.

Objective

The purpose of this scoping review is to identify what is known about work accommodations for low-wage workers globally.

Methods

A systematic search of literature, using the PRISMA-ScR protocol, was conducted in PubMed, CINAHL, and Scopus databases through July 2024. Screening and data abstraction were performed by two independent reviewers. Studies that incorporated work accommodations as a variable and provided findings specific to low-wage workers were included.

Results

The search produced 473 citations; 14 met inclusion criteria. Health conditions represented were variable. Most studies used descriptive designs, and over half used a qualitative approach.

Conclusion

More studies are needed reflecting low-wage workers’ requests for and receipt of work accommodations. Work accommodations may be an important target for intervention among populations with chronic health conditions towards reducing morbidity, work limitations, and health inequities.
EXPRESS: Response Time Minimization for Cardiac Arrests
Authors: Lejeune Miguel A. , Margot François
Published: February 2025

Cardiac arrests are a significant health concern in the United States, as more than 350,000 occur annually and 90% of them are fatal. Providing quick access to automated external defibrillators is paramount since irreversible damage to vital organs occurs within minutes without cardiopulmonary resuscitation and defibrillation. We propose a novel optimization model to design a network of drones delivering automated external defibrillators in response to out-of-hospital cardiac arrests. The network is modeled as a collection of queues in which the occurrence of cardiac arrests is modelled as a Poisson process while the drone service times and the arrival of cardiac arrest requests at drone bases are random variables whose distribution parameters are determined endogenously. The model is formulated as a fractional integer problem with bilinear terms and minimizes the average response time which is conducive to maximizing the chance of survival of patients. We derive a mixed-integer linear reformulation and develop an exact solution method that includes a warm-start approach and new optimality-based bound tightening models. We use real-life cardiac arrest data (i) to derive health care insights about the impact of delivery mode and drone technology on response time and probability of survival, (ii) to showcase the dependency of the service rate and response time on the utilization of drones and the need to endogenize the response time, and (iii) to ascertain the computational efficiency and scalability of our approach. The cross-validation analysis confirms the robustness of the model and its applicability to unseen OHCA data.
Through the Lens of a Black Woman: Black Feminist Poetic Artful Inquiry in/With/for Qualitative Methodologies
Authors: Cutts Givens Qiana
Published: February 2025

In this article, I intentionally and predominantly #CiteBlackWomen and explore Black feminist poetic artful inquiry. I begin with artists and creatives, Solange Knowles and Cauleen Smith, to initiate the argument of “poetics” as theory, analysis, poetry, and other creative work. I discuss artful inquiry before defining and conceptualizing Black feminist poetic artful inquiry, exploring what it does and makes possible in/with/for qualitative methodologies. I present a poetic offering that highlights how a Black feminist poetic artful inquiry lens informs my research and lived experiences. I encourage qualitative research scholars to identify Black women’s intellectual contributions and promote Black women’s liberatory work as models for in/with/for qualitative methodologies. I invite Black women scholars to acknowledge how the academy’s training intentionally attempts to dissociate Black women from our ancestral knowledge. Finally, I encourage us to (re)member and embrace Black feminist poetic artful inquiry in our research and lived experiences.
Does Empowerment Mediate the Association Between Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) and Mental Health? An Analysis Across Multiple Forms of IPV
Authors: Cheng Shih-Ying , Lin Hsiu-Fen , Jiwatram-Negrón Tina , Messing Jill Theresa
Published: February 2025

This study explores the extent to which self-reported empowerment mediates the association between intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization and mental health symptomatology. Four forms of IPV—severe, harassment, psychological, and technology-facilitated IPV—and two mental health symptomatologies—depression and posttraumatic stress disorder—are examined. Data were collected from women who sought help from domestic violence service agencies in a U.S. Southwestern state. Results showed that all forms of IPV had both significant direct and indirect effects on mental health symptoms through empowerment, indicating that IPV is associated with increased mental health symptoms by, in part, diminishing one's empowerment levels. The findings underscore the importance of empowering survivors in the practice process.
Enhancing Service Recovery Performance Through Ethical Leadership: A Multilevel Curvilinear Investigation
Authors: Yang Mingjun , Luu Tuan Trong , Hoang Giang
Published: February 2025

Understanding how to enhance service recovery performance is crucial for service-oriented organizations, as it contributes to resolving service failures and addressing customer complaints. This study aims to develop a multilevel curvilinear model that explores the relationship between ethical leadership and service recovery performance, as well as the mediating and moderating effects underlying this relationship. Results from both Study 1 (dyadic and two-waved data from hotels) and Study 2 (triadic data from IT service organizations) revealed that ethical leadership had a curvilinear (inverted U-shaped) effect on service recovery performance. There was a curvilinear mediating effect of ethical self-efficacy between ethical leadership and service recovery performance, such that ethical leadership enhanced ethical self-efficacy, and an intermediate degree of ethical self-efficacy predicted the highest degree of service recovery performance (Studies 1 and 2). Results from Study 1 showed that internal knowledge transfer moderated the curvilinear relationship between ethical leadership and service recovery performance. Both internal knowledge transfer and task interdependence moderate the curvilinear relationship between ethical self-efficacy and service recovery performance (Study 1). Results from Study 2 showed that both internal knowledge transfer and task interdependence moderate the curvilinear relationship between ethical leadership and service recovery performance.
EXPRESS: Drunk Texts: Insights on Consumer Drinking Behavior from Online Reviews of Alcoholic Beverage Products
Authors: Wang Yiru , Kuchmaner Christina A. , Xu Xun
Published: February 2025

Little research has examined how consumers describe their alcohol consumption generally and through online channels. Informed by theories of social norms and impression management, we use a custom dataset of online reviews from Drizly.com to explore the topics discussed in online consumer reviews of alcoholic beverage products. We examine whether review topics differ by product category (i.e., beer, wine, or spirits) and based on product review volume, a normative signal. Consumers generally elaborate on the consumption setting, negative perceptions of the product and/or consumption experience, product-lifestyle fit, drink preparation, and finally any positive perceptions. Consumption setting is the primary topic discussed by beer and wine consumers, and this tendency is strengthened by the presence of more product reviews. Consumers’ openness to discussing negative aspects of consumption contradicts the logic of impression management theory. Additionally, the finding that positive aspects of consumption are the least elaborated topic generally and among beer and wine consumers contrasts previous social media research suggesting it would be a more important topic. We also find that greater product review volume strengthens beer and wine consumes’ likelihood to discuss both the positive and negative aspects of consumption, suggesting that drinking narratives are altered by perceived prevailing norms.
Investigating the optoelectronic device performance of p-Si/WO3/Ag sandwich structure
Authors: Aljawrneh Bashar , Ocak Yusuf Selim , Albiss Borhan Aldeen , Celik Omer , Alshanableh Abdelelah
Published: February 2025

The electrical and photoelectrical properties of a p-Si/WO3/Ag sandwich structure fabricated utilizing radio frequency (RF) sputtering of WO3 thin films were investigated. A comprehensive analysis of the surface morphology, structural, and optical characteristics of the WO3 thin films was performed. The findings demonstrated that the RF-sputtered WO3 thin films with smooth and uniform surface morphology are well-applicable in large-area applications. The WO3 thin films exhibited well-crystallized structures with a 2.92 eV optical band gap, indicating their suitability for optoelectronic applications. Current-voltage and current-time measurements in the dark and under various illumination conditions were used to evaluate the optoelectronic performance of the p-Si/WO3/Ag sandwich structure. The electrical and optoelectronic parameters, including ideality factor, barrier height, series resistance, and photosensitive were calculated. The results showed that the p-Si/WO3/Ag sandwich-type device obtained using RF sputtered WO3 thin film demonstrates remarkable rectification properties, highlighting its potential for use in photodiodes and optoelectronic devices.
Acoustics of Palacio de los Deportes in Mexico City, from the 1968 Olympics to a modern music venue
Authors: Arellano-Pérez Angel Eduardo , Orduña-Bustamante Felipe , Pérez-Ruiz Santiago Jesús , Pérez-López Antonio , Dorantes-Escamilla Ricardo , Bautista-Kuri Antonio
Published: February 2025

The acoustics of Palacio de los Deportes in Mexico City, a former sport venue for the XIX Olympic Games in 1968, currently in use mainly for massive modern music concerts, was studied by performing measurements in situ, in-lab speech intelligibility tests from measured impulse responses, and by computer ray-tracing simulations. Long reverberation times and late strong echoes were found as the main acoustic disturbances severely affecting speech intelligibility, and acoustic quality indices D50, C50, C80. A simulated solution is proposed including curved diffusers and absorbing treatment that could bring reverberation times and intensity of echoes toward values more suitable for pop and rock events with an expected improved acoustic quality. The acoustics of Palacio de los Deportes is put in context with those of the AO Arena in Manchester and the O2 Arena in London, two similar comparable venues that are well regarded on account of their popularity and acoustic quality.
An electromechanical coupling model for performance enhancement in diesel generator sets
Authors: Tao Jie , Ye Bin , Li Wanyou , Guo Yibin , Wang Donghua , Yang Qi
Published: February 2025

Diesel generator (DG) sets are crucial power supply equipment in diverse power systems. The power generation process of DG sets involves an intricate conversion of mechanical energy to electrical energy, which requires tight collaboration and interplay between the mechanical and electrical subsystems. This interaction significantly impacts the safety and efficiency of the entire power system. To investigate this interaction behavior and mechanism, this study proposes an electromechanical coupling dynamics model for DG sets that considers the interaction between the torsional vibration of the shaft system and the electrical system. First, an electromechanical coupling model between the diesel engine speed governor system and shaft torsional vibration is established. Next, the synchronous generator and its excitation system are modeled, and the interrelationship between the generator electrical system and the torsional vibration is derived based on Lagrange’s theory. As a result, an overall electromechanical coupling model is developed. This model is validated using experimental data, demonstrating high accuracy in evaluating both the torsional vibration characteristics and electrical dynamics, with a maximum error below 2.50%. Furthermore, this model is employed to study the effect of the dynamic torsional stiffness of the flexible coupling (FC) on electromechanical dynamic responses. The results show that adjusting the stiffness to 105% to 200% of the original design value can effectively mitigate both the electrical dynamic response and torsional vibration response, thereby improving the system performance. Based on these insights, an FC modification is implemented, resulting in a reduction in the steady-state frequency band from ±0.535% to ±0.175%. This successfully addresses the issue of the steady-state frequency band exceeding the ±0.50% threshold in the original design and significantly improves the DG set performance. This study provides valuable guidance to the parametric design and performance analysis of DG sets.