bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The genome sequence of the amphioxus, Branchiostoma lanceolatum (Pallas, 1774)
Authors: Adkins Patrick , Bishop John , Harley Joanna , Holland Peter W. H. ,   Marine Biological Association Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Management, Samples and Laboratory team,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: Sequencing Operations,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life Core Informatics team,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: February 2025

We present a genome assembly from a specimen of Branchiostoma lanceolatum (Amphioxus; Chordata; Leptocardii; Amphioxiformes; Branchiostomatidae). The assembly contains two haplotypes with total lengths of 468.40 megabases and 465.81 megabases, respectively. Most of haplotype 1 (99.34%) is scaffolded into 19 chromosomal pseudomolecules. Haplotype 2 is a scaffold level assembly. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 15.14 kilobases in length.
No difference in inflammatory mediator expression between mast
cell-rich and mast cell-poor rosacea lesions in Korean patients: a comparative
study
Authors: Lee Jin Ju , Kwon Bo Ram , Lee Min Young , Byun Ji Yeon , Roh Joo Young , Choi Hae Young , Choi You Won
Published: February 2025

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the correlation between
mast cell (MC) density in rosacea-affected skin and the expression of key
inflammatory mediators, including IL-6, TNF-α, and cathelicidin LL-37. By
comparing lesions rich in MCs with those having fewer MCs, we sought to
elucidate the role of MCs in the inflammatory mechanisms underlying rosacea
pathogenesis.
Methods: Specimens were collected from 20 patients diagnosed with
rosacea who attended the outpatient clinic between 2008 and 2013. Each specimen
underwent staining using hematoxylin/eosin, Giemsa, IL-6, LL-37, and
TNF-α for both histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses. The
number of stained cells was counted across 10 randomly selected dermal layers at
a magnification of ×400 using light microscopy. The results were
categorized based on the number of MCs counted: more than 10 MCs were classified
as MC-rich, and 10 or fewer MCs as MC-poor.
Results: Among the 20 patients (10 MC-rich and 10 MC-poor), the
MC-rich group demonstrated significantly higher MC counts than the MC-poor group
(P<0.001). However, there were no significant differences in the
expression levels of IL-6, LL-37, or TNF-α between the two groups.
Additionally, MC density did not show any significant associations with patient
demographics, clinical characteristics, or systemic comorbidities.
Conclusion: Increased MC density was not associated with differences
in IL-6, TNF-α, or LL-37 expression in rosacea lesions. These findings
suggest that MC infiltration may not directly influence the inflammatory
mediator profile in rosacea. Further research is required to identify
distinctive pathological features or markers that can elucidate the mechanisms
of rosacea.
Radiological characteristics of shoulder diseases in older adults,
including adhesive capsulitis, rotator cuff tear, and osteoarthritis of the
glenohumeral joint: a narrative review
Authors: Kim Myung-Seo , Jung Tae-Hoon
Published: February 2025

Shoulder diseases, including adhesive capsulitis, rotator cuff tear, and
osteoarthritis of the glenohumeral joint, can significantly impair daily
activities in older adult patients. This review aims to examine the radiologic
findings associated with these shoulder conditions in older patients, providing
insights for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. Adhesive capsulitis,
commonly known as frozen shoulder, leads to pain and restricted movement,
thereby causing shoulder dysfunction. Recent advances in diagnostic technology
have greatly enhanced the sensitivity and accuracy of diagnosing this condition
through radiologic evaluations, including MRI, magnetic resonance arthrography
(MRA), and high-resolution ultrasound. Rotator cuff disease is another frequent
issue in older adults, with full-thickness tears occurring in 50%–80% of
cases. Both MRI and MRA are highly sensitive and specific in identifying rotator
cuff tears. Additionally, ultrasonography is recognized for its high sensitivity
and specificity in detecting tears of the supraspinatus tendon. Although
osteoarthritis of the glenohumeral joint is less commonly prevalent, its
advanced stages can severely affect the function of the upper extremity. Plain
radiography is typically the first imaging technique used to assess this type of
osteoarthritis. As the condition worsens, CT is utilized to measure glenoid bone
loss, glenoid version, and inclination, which are crucial for accurate surgical
planning. Each imaging modality provides distinct benefits: plain radiographs
for initial structural assessment, ultrasonography for real-time evaluation of
soft tissues, MRI/MRA for detailed visualization of capsular and tendinous
lesions, and CT for precise bony analysis.
Effectiveness of a multidisciplinary pulmonary rehabilitation program
at Ewha Womans University Mokdong Hospital, Korea
Authors: Han Soo Jeong , Suh Jee Hyun
Published: February 2025

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a
multidisciplinary pulmonary rehabilitation program at Ewha Womans University
Mokdong Hospital, Korea that was designed to augment respiratory function,
promote patient recovery, and improve discharge outcomes.
Methods: This study was conducted as part of quality improvement
activities from March to August 2023. A multidisciplinary pulmonary
rehabilitation team was established, comprising specialists in rehabilitation
medicine, pulmonology, and thoracic surgery, as well as physical and
occupational therapists, and the nutrition team. We developed a comprehensive
rehabilitation program that included stretching, strengthening exercises,
aerobic training, and respiratory retraining, supplemented by individualized
treatments such as bedside and ambulatory physical therapy. Evaluations before
and after rehabilitation were performed using the Modified Medical Research
Council Dyspnea Scale and the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Assessment
Test. The primary indicators of success were an increase of over 10% in
pulmonary rehabilitation consultations and an improvement in discharge-to-home
rates.
Results: The total number of pulmonary rehabilitation cases rose by
79.16%, from 24 to 43, while consultations saw a 21.15% increase, from 52 to 63.
Of the 63 pulmonary rehabilitation cases, 32 (50.8%) were transferred to other
hospitals, 25 (39.7%) were discharged home, and 6 (9.5%) remained
hospitalized.
Conclusion: The study demonstrated the effectiveness of a
multidisciplinary pulmonary rehabilitation approach in improving program
participation and achieving meaningful discharge outcomes. These findings
underscore the potential for expanding multidisciplinary efforts and highlight
the need for further studies to increase discharge-to-home rates and evaluate
the long-term impacts of such programs.
Training researchers to engage in policy in the United States: mapping the growth and diversity of programme models
Authors: Akerlof K.L. , Schenk Todd , Bankston Adriana , Mitchell Kelsey , Syl Aniyah , Eddy Lisa , Hall Sarah L. , Lad Nikita , Lake Samuel J. , Ostrom Robert B.J. , Rosenberg Jessica L. , Schwartz Mark R. , Sisti Abigail R. , Smith Christopher T. , Solomon Lee , Velez Anne-Lise K.
Published: February 2025

Background:

Programmes that provide scientists and engineers with support to engage in public policy have proliferated in the United States, with many opportunities available for training, networking and placements within government and government-facing organisations. This trend suggests that an evolution may be occurring at the science–policy interface. However, there is little extant data on the structure, aims and impacts of these programmes.

Aims and objectives:

This study maps the current landscape of US programmes seeking to train researchers at all career stages to engage in policy. We focus on Virginia, a state with a substantial number and diversity of programmes, to assess: (1) how they conceptualise their audiences, activities and impacts; and (2) which roles in policy and types of evidence use they address.

Methods:

We developed a database of US policy programmes (n=174) and conducted a case study of those in Virginia through surveys and interviews with their leaders (n=12).

Findings:

The majority (57%) of science policy programmes are state-based. These programmes include student organisations, government placements and fellowships, and academic certificates, degrees, and other trainings. While these reflect diverse models for how to engage researchers in policy, Virginia programme leaders across these categories similarly conceived long-term impacts, audiences and activities, researcher roles in policy, and types of decision-maker evidence use. And they perceived limited ability to implement evidence-based approaches within their programmes.

Discussion and conclusion:

Building additional programmatic capacity – through shared learning and partnerships – could lend support to this emerging trend in science policy with implications for US research and governance.
Structural stigma: a fundamental cause of inequalities among carers of people with dementia
Authors: Oliveira Déborah , Musyimi Christine
Published: February 2025

In this article, we argue that structural stigma is a fundamental and often overlooked factor contributing to carer inequalities globally and that interventions that solely target individual carer outcomes are therefore unlikely to be effective or sustainable without a systemic approach that considers the multilevel social issues that are the root causes of carer disparities. Recognising, redistributing and alleviating unpaid care are not only moral imperatives but also economic necessities. It is urgent to understand further how structural stigma related to dementia is conceptualised and operationalised, what its implications are for unpaid care, and strategies to end it globally.
Development of an ALK-positive Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer in Vitro Tumor 3D Culture Model for Therapeutic Screening
Authors: Berry Madeleine A. , Bland Abigail R. , Major Gretel S. , Ashton John C.
Published: February 2025

Cancer cell monolayers are commonly used for preclinical drug screening. However, monolayers do not begin to mimic the complexity of the tumor microenvironment, including hypoxia and nutrient gradients within the tumor. To more accurately mimic solid tumors, we developed and drug-tested an anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK)-positive (H3122) non-small-cell lung cancer 3D (three-dimensional) culture model using light-activated gelatin methacryloyl hydrogels. We previously demonstrated that the combination of alectinib, an ALK inhibitor, and SHP099, an SHP2 inhibitor, had synergistic efficacy in ALK-positive cell monolayers. We aimed to test this drug combination in our novel ALK-positive 3D cancer model. We first validated the 3D cultures by comparing the distribution of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL)-positive cells in the 3D cultures with sections from time-matched mouse xenografts, finding a comparable percentage of TUNEL-positive cells in the 3D culture and xenograft inner cores at each time point. When we investigated the effect of the combination of alectinib and SHP099 in these novel 3D cultures, we found a comparable cellular response compared with our two-dimensional experiments especially with the drugs in combination. We suggest that 3D cultures be used as preclinical screening platforms to ensure that only the most efficacious drug candidates move on to in vivo testing.
Understanding healthcare providers’ perspectives on barriers to accessing stroke care at a resource-limited hospital in East Africa: A qualitative study from Mnazi Mmoja Referral Hospital in Zanzibar
Authors: Jørgensen Jutta M. Adelin , Ditlevsen Elias , Said Sanaa S. , Walker Richard W. , Christensen Dirk Lund , Nielsen Karoline Kragelund
Published: February 2025

Timely and appropriate care reduces the risk of mortality and disability after stroke. Despite high stroke incidence, little is known about the specific barriers to accessing stroke care in Zanzibar, East Africa. The aim of this study was to investigate healthcare providers’ perspectives regarding the barriers to stroke care at the main referral hospital in Zanzibar. We used a phenomenological approach and conducted 14 individual semi-structured interviews with healthcare providers at Mnazi Mmoja Referral Hospital in Zanzibar. The interviews took place from April through September 2022. Thematic network analysis was applied to analyse and interpret the data. Three broad themes and eleven sub-themes were identified, relevant at specific stages in the patient’s care pathway from deciding to seek care over receiving acute stroke care in hospital to accessing post-stroke care. These themes include health system barriers (medical supplies and equipment; staff shortages; attitudes and teamwork; organization of services; health education); patient-level factors (health literacy; relational factors; worries and feeling hopeless; financial constraints); and cultural context (stroke as a spiritual malady; trust, mistrust and power). Some of the sub-themes of barriers were similar to findings from other studies in both high and low-resource settings, such as shortages of medical supplies, equipment and staff, and sub-optimal organization of care. Other sub-themes were unique findings to low-resource settings, such as Zanzibar, and included relational factors and patients’ perception of stroke as a spiritual malady. Interventions to improve stroke care should be informed by all these findings. Otherwise, focus only on removing barriers related to availability of stroke treatment in hospital may divert attention from significant cultural factors that affect health care seeking behaviour.
Purity control of simulated moving bed based on advanced fuzzy II controller
Authors: Xie Chao-Fan , Lin Ting , Zhang Hong
Published: February 2025

Simulated Moving Bed (SMB) is the optimal technology for chromatographic separation, but its process is complex and sensitive to numerous parameters that affect separation performance, making it difficult to control. In recent years, fuzzy controllers have been widely applied in industry due to their simplicity, robustness, and ease of implementation. However, traditional fuzzy controllers used in industry do not consider the error acceleration term. In steady-state conditions, error acceleration is typically slightly less than the target value. Introducing the acceleration term, albeit non-fuzzy, in a proactive fuzzy I-type controller often leads to an increase in steady-state values. The study shows that, compared to the advanced fuzzy I-type controller, the extraction accuracy for material B improved by an average of 0.7%, while the accuracy for material A increased by 0.1%. Compared to traditional fuzzy controllers, the extraction accuracy for material B improved by an average of 0.35%, while the accuracy for material A remained relatively stable. In terms of stability analysis concerning variations in moving bed parameters, the advanced fuzzy II-type controller exhibited greater stability than the I-type, with an average precision stability improvement of 0.6%. Traditional fuzzy controllers demonstrated pathological characteristics during fluctuations in the switching time parameter, whereas the advanced fuzzy II type controller-maintained stability.
Cognitive diagnostic analysis of mathematics key competencies based on PISA data
Authors: Zhang Yi , Zhao Baixiang , Jian Min , Wu Xiaopeng
Published: February 2025

As a new generation of assessment instrument, cognitive diagnosis integrates the measurement objectives into the cognitive model to diagnose the fine-grained knowledge of students. Taking the PISA 2012 dataset in mathematics from Shanghai, Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan as the research subject, this study constructed a cognitive model with the attributes of Mathematical Abstraction, Logical Reasoning, Mathematical Modeling, Intuitive Imagination, Mathematical Operation and Data Analysis, and made an analysis of the mastery of students’ mathematical competencies of different attributes in four regions, and the learning paths of the students’ mathematical competencies were constructed. The results showed that Shanghai had the obvious advantages in each attribute; the mastery mode of Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan showed a common trend, and they all indicated a relatively low percentages of competencies in Logical Reasoning and Intuitive Imagination. In terms of the learning paths, the learning paths in the four regions reflected diversities, but obvious main learning paths existed. Majority of the knowledge states’ abilities were below 0. While in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Macau, more knowledge states’ abilities were above 0. This research provided a reference for the systematic analysis of students’ knowledge status and learning path.
Enhanced object detection in low-visibility haze conditions with YOLOv9s
Authors: Zhang Yang , Zhou Bin , Zhao Xue , Song Xiaomeng
Published: February 2025

Low-visibility haze environments, marked by their inherent low contrast and high brightness, present a formidable challenge to the precision and robustness of conventional object detection algorithms. This paper introduces an enhanced object detection framework for YOLOv9s tailored for low-visibility haze conditions, capitalizing on the merits of contrastive learning for optimizing local feature details, as well as the benefits of multiscale attention mechanisms and dynamic focusing mechanisms for achieving real-time global quality optimization. Specifically, the framework incorporates Patchwise Contrastive Learning to fortify the correlation among positive samples within image patches, effectively reducing negative sample interference and enhancing the model’s capability to discern subtle local features of haze-impacted images. Additionally, the integration of Efficient Multi-Scale Attention and the Wise-IoU Dynamic Focusing Mechanism enhances the algorithm’s sensitivity to channel, spatial orientation, and locational information. Furthermore, the implementation of a nonmonotonic strategy for dynamically adjusting the loss function weights significantly boosts the model’s detection precision and training efficiency. Comprehensive experimental evaluations of the COCO2017 fog-augmented dataset indicate that the proposed algorithm surpasses current state-of-the-art techniques in various assessment metrics, including precision, recall, and mean average precision (mAP). Our source code is available at: https://github.com/PaTinLei/EOD.
Sex and pressure effects of foam rolling on acute range of motion in the hamstring muscles
Authors: Hirose Norikazu , Yoshimura Akane , Akiyama Kei , Furusho Atsuya
Published: February 2025

This study investigated the effects of pressure levels and sex on acute range of motion (ROM) changes during foam rolling (FR) using a soccer ball. Twenty collegiate athletes (10 males, 10 females) performed FR on their hamstrings at low (15–25% body weight) or high (45–55%) pressure levels for 2 minutes. ROM was assessed through passive straight leg raise (PSLR) and passive knee extension (PKE) tests before, immediately after, and 10 minutes post-intervention. Results showed that FR significantly improved hip and knee ROM across all conditions, with benefits persisting for at least 10 minutes. No notable differences were observed between pressure levels, and sex did not affect the magnitude of improvement. Perceived pain during FR did not significantly influence ROM outcomes. These findings demonstrate that FR using a simple tool like a soccer ball is beneficial for improving ROM in both males and females, regardless of pressure intensity. This suggests that FR provides a practical, accessible method for improving ROM in athletes and other populations.
PROMOÇÃO DA SAÚDE NO TERRITÓRIO
Authors: Santos Flávia de Oliveira
Published: February 2025

Conhecer o território e a realidade das populações que estão em condições de vulnerabilidade social pode ajudar no estabelecimento de políticas públicas e programas de promoção da saúde. O objetivo deste artigo é apresentar o território como instrumento fundamental para estratégias de tal promoção. A metodologia consistiu em pesquisa bibliográfica em artigos, livros, dissertações, teses, textos disponíveis em bases digitais de livre acesso na internet, entre outros. Como resultado, constata-se que, se por um lado, para a construção de territórios saudáveis, exige-se políticas públicas saudáveis, o que não é tarefa exclusiva do setor da saúde, mas de todos os setores da governança, por outro, além de ações intersetoriais, exige-se a participação da sociedade civil, de sujeitos individuais, de grupos sociais e instituições. É preciso incluir como tarefa diária o pensar e o fazer promoção da saúde, redesenhando permanentemente um projeto de saúde no território, no qual não prevaleça o modelo higienista/sanitarista.
Blessed Acts of Oblivion
Authors: Heywood Paolo
Published: February 2025

This essay explores the ethics of forgetting as a technology of the self. Forgetfulness is a feature of a range of contexts of political conflict and “difficult” heritage. Such forgetfulness is often imagined as an imposition (as when states deny the freedom to remember) or a weakness (as when people are thought to repress uncomfortable or difficult memories). Here, by contrast, I examine a context of difficult heritage and political conflict in which people forget some things by remembering others, and I highlight the ways in which it is often hard to disentangle the primary process. Rather than ask whether the point is what you remember or what you forget, alternative and more interesting questions are revealed, I suggest, by asking what kind of subject constitutes the ideal end result. 
 
Riassunto
Questo articolo esplora l’etica dell’oblio come tecnologia del sé. L’oblio è una caratteristica di una serie di contesti di conflitto politico e di “eredità difficili”. Tale oblio è spesso immaginato come un’imposizione (come quando uno stato nega la libertà di ricordare) o come una debolezza (come quando si pensa che una persona reprima ricordi scomodi o difficili). Qui, al contrario, esamino un contesto di eredità difficile e di conflitto politico in cui le persone dimenticano alcune cose ricordandone altre, e sottolineo come spesso sia difficile districare quale processo sia primario. Piuttosto che chiedersi se il punto sia ciò che si ricorda o ciò che si dimentica, suggerisco che domande alternative e più interessanti si rivelano chiedendo quale tipo di soggetto sia il risultato ideale.
Trends and dynamics of turmeric markets in India
Authors: Aruna Prabha S , Venkatesa Palanichamy N , Murugananthi D , Shivakumar K M , Kalpana M , Balakrishnan M
Published: February 2025

As the leading global producer and consumer of turmeric, India has several major markets, including Erode, Nizamabad, Duggirala, and Sangli. Turmeric prices have exhibited cyclical patterns and fluctuations, significantly impacting farmers' incomes. Analyzing the trend, seasonal, and cyclical aspects of turmeric prices can aid in forecasting peak and low periods, thereby minimizing cultivation risks. Data spanning 14 years (2010-2023) was gathered from key markets to examine price behaviour, including the Erode Regulated Market in Tamil Nadu, Nizamabad in Telangana, and Sangli in Maharashtra. Researchers applied a regression model to analyze price trends, while seasonal indices were used to identify seasonality. The Bry-Boschan algorithm, implemented through MATLAB software, was used to determine price cycles. The study revealed an upward price trend across all major Indian turmeric markets over the years and identified cyclical behaviour, with cycles lasting 2-4 yrs. Notably, the duration of price slumps exceeded that of booms. By anticipating these cycles, farmers make informed decisions regarding sowing and selling, potentially reducing risks associated with turmeric cultivation. Implementing a Minimum Support Price could help offset rising labour costs and falling prices, encouraging farmers to continue turmeric cultivation. Additionally, adopting a pricing system based on curcumin content for Tamil Nadu turmeric could yield better prices.
Production technology and optimization of inputs for soil-less maize green fodder production
Authors: Thambiyannan S , Senthivelu M , Sathya Sheela K R V , Lakshmi Narayanan S , Satheesh Kumar N , Radhajayalakshmi R , Ramasamy K
Published: February 2025

The study on seed priming with nutrients in maize was conducted to produce soil-less maize green fodder. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with nine treatments replicated thrice. The treatments included Control (no priming), soaking seeds in water for 12 or 24 h, soaking seeds in urea (0.1% solution), Mono ammonium Phosphate (MAP) (0.1% solution) and in 19:19:19 (0.1% solution) for 12 or 24 h. To optimise the seed rate and harvesting time for soil-less fodder production, the experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design with four treatments and five replications. The seed rate of 400, 500, 600, and 700 g per square foot (sq. ft.) was adopted with harvesting time treatments at 7, 8, 9, and 10 days after germination. Results showed that a seed rate of 400 g per sq. ft. produced the highest germination rate, taller plants, and higher fodder yield and dry matter production (DMP), comparable to the 500 g per sq. ft. treatment. For seed priming, seeds soaked in a nutrient solution of 0.1% 19:19:19 for 24 h had the highest fodder yield followed by 24 h of soaking in 0.1% MAP and 24 h in 0.1% urea. Harvesting at 9 days after sowing (DAS) resulted in a higher fodder yield, DMP, and crude protein. These findings underscore the significant role of research in advancing the field of soil-less green fodder production. Based on the conducted experimental studies, density rate of 400 g per sq. ft. (equivalent to 4.31 kg m-2 ) is optimal for achieving higher yields of maize green fodder in soil-less production and seed priming with 19:19:19 nutrient solution at a concentration of 0.1% for 24 h has increased the green fodder yield by 75 % over control. Harvesting green fodder at 9 DAS is recommended under a low-cost hydroponic system
Evaluation of Translatability of Pun in Audio-Visual Content: The Case of Shark Tale
Authors: Yassin Rozan , Jaradat Abdulazeez , Haider Ahmad S.
Published: February 2025

Translating puns in audio-visual content is challenging, as they are often humorous, are paired with visual cues that restrict translators’ creativity, and do not last long on the screen. This research article investigates the translatability of puns in the animated movie Shark Tale from English into Arabic in both its subtitled and dubbed versions. The data are qualitatively analyzed according to Aleksandrova’s (2019. Audiovisual translation of puns in animated films. The European Journal of Humour Research, 7(4), 86–105) Taxonomy, and it is found that the translators generally tend to ignore or avoid translating puns in a way that preserves both or one of the pun signs or at least raises a sense of humor. This avoidance can take the shape of Literal Translation or No Translation (omission). Nonetheless, the alternative translations provided by the researchers confirm that puns can be translated by accepting the game of translation using two different strategies: (a) Quasi-Translation where the translator preserves one of the signs of the original pun and replaces the other with a suitable one from the target language and (b) Free Translation where the translator replaces the two signs of the source pun with new signs from the target language. Additionally, it is found in this study that the identity and complexity of puns are involved in their translatability. Specifically, visual puns and complex puns, which are culturally very local, are subject to being ignored by No Translation (i.e., omitting the linguistic host of a pun). Concerning the relation between translation of puns and modes of translation, no difference in the quality of pun translation in the subtitled and dubbed versions is found. These findings imply that humorous and figurative language is difficult to deal with while transferring them into another language; yet, they are translatable. Therefore, translators should have a positive attitude toward it, as translating this language, such as puns, can be obtained by more than one technique (i.e., Free and Quasi) that could preserve or raise a sense of humor.
Targeting mediating mechanisms of social disparities with an interventional effects framework, applied to the gender pay gap in Western Germany
Authors: Didden Christiane
Published: February 2025

The Oaxaca-Blinder (OB) decomposition is a widely used method to explain social disparities. However, assigning causal meaning to its estimated components requires strong assumptions that often lack explicit justification. This article emphasizes the importance of clearly defined estimands and their identification when targeting mediating mechanisms of social disparities. Three approaches are distinguished on the basis of their scientific questions and assumptions: a mediation approach and two interventional approaches. The OB decomposition and Monte Carlo simulation-based g-computation are discussed for estimation in relation to these approaches. The latter method is used in an interventional effects analysis of the observed gender pay gap in Western Germany, using data from the 2017 German Socio-Economic Panel. Ten mediators are considered, including indicators of human capital and job characteristics. Key findings indicate that the gender pay gap in log hourly wages could be reduced by up to 86% if these mediators were equally distributed between women and men. Substantial reductions could be achieved by aligning full-time employment and work experience.
A medius error analysis for the conforming discontinuous Galerkin finite element methods
Authors: Zeng Yuping , Zhang Shangyou
Published: February 2025

In this paper, we derive an improved error estimate of a conforming discontinuous Galerkin (CDG) method for both second and fourth order elliptic problems, assuming only minimal regularity on the exact solutions. The result we established is called a medius error estimate since it relies on both a priori and a posteriori analysis. Compared with the standard interior penalty discontinuous Galerkin (IPDG) method, when choosing the standard DG norm, an additional term ‖∇u − ∇
w

v

h
‖0 is incorporated in the CDG formulation for second order elliptic equation, while for the case of fourth order equation, this term becomes

‖
Δ
u
−

Δ

w

v

h

‖

0

${\Vert}{\Delta}\mathbb{u}-{{\Delta}}_{w}{\mathbb{v}}_{h}{{\Vert}}_{0}$

. These terms disappear if we directly analyze the nonstandard error formulations ‖∇u − ∇
w

u

h
‖0 and

‖
Δ
u
−

Δ

w

u

h

‖

0

${\Vert}{\Delta}\mathbb{u}-{{\Delta}}_{w}{\mathbb{u}}_{h}{{\Vert}}_{0}$

. Extensive numerical results are also carried out to validate our theoretical findings.
A comparative study of routing protocols, AI, and passive optical networks in the evolution of mobile ad hoc networks (MANETS)
Authors: Sharma Vikas , Sukhroop Pritibha , Kumar Sachin , Rani Rajni
Published: February 2025

Mobile Ad Hoc Networks (MANETs) have gained significant attention in wireless communication due to their decentralized nature, flexibility, and adaptability. However, MANETs face challenges such as dynamic topologies, limited resources, and unpredictable mobility patterns, necessitating intelligent routing protocols for optimal performance. This research presents a comparative study of traditional MANET routing protocols and recent advancements incorporating Artificial Intelligence (AI). We analyze the improvements AI brings to routing efficiency by comparing AI-driven techniques with conventional methods. Additionally, the paper investigates the integration of Passive Optical Networks (PONs) with MANETs, focusing on how optical technologies can enhance network performance by providing high-capacity, low-latency backhaul links. These links could complement AI-based routing decisions, improving overall network stability and data transmission. The study highlights both the opportunities and challenges of merging AI with traditional routing protocols and PONs, offering insights into future research directions aimed at optimizing MANET performance. The synergy between AI and PONs may offer a promising solution to address the dynamic and resource-constrained nature of MANETs in real-world applications.
Treading carefully: a genre analysis of “accept with revision” peer reviews of linguistic journal submissions using the appraisal system
Authors: Kheradparvar Najmeh , Dreyfus Shoshana
Published: February 2025

Reviewing the work of other scholars is a critical part of being an academic. However, the practise of writing reviews is rarely made explicit nor taught. In order to make this practice visible in our own field of linguistics, this paper describes the structure and key language features of a small selection of “accept with revision” peer reviews. Unlike previous studies of peer reviews, the analysis draws on the system of appraisal to identify the key evaluative meanings that have enabled the mapping of the generic structure of these peer reviews. The analysis shows they comprise two stages: Overview and Recommendation for revisions, with each stage comprising a number of phases. The analysis also shows how in evaluative genres such as peer review texts, preserving the face of authors and engaging in many implicit evaluative resources is a key feature.
Fun with Images: An Analysis of the Role of Visual Literacy in Facilitating Easy and Enjoyable Learning with a Focus on Future Prospects
Authors: Dey Anindita , Munshi Shamim Aktar
Published: February 2025

The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of visual literacy in enhancing learning effectiveness and enjoyment among elementary school students in the Jalpaiguri district of West Bengal, India. Additionally, the study proposes a model for integrating visual literacy into the elementary school curriculum, offering educators and policymakers pathways to maximize its benefits for future generations. A quantitative survey method with a well-structured questionnaire was employed to gather the necessary data. After obtaining permission from the school authorities, the researchers co-ordinated with the instructors to establish a three-day data collection plan that accommodated their schedules. In total, 84 pupils were selected as a sample population. The study revealed that integrating visual literacy strategies with traditional curricula can significantly improve students’ learning experience and involvement. Tools such as flash cards, picture books, maps, charts, and ICT applications were found to enhance both engagement and vocabulary acquisition. The study found that students had a positive attitude toward using visual aids, which led to cognitive benefits such as improved problem-solving and critical thinking skills. The study also established that graphical tools were particularly effective in second language acquisition, helping students overcome the fear of acquiring a non-native language (English). Furthermore, the study recommends incorporating visual literacy techniques across classroom settings and suggests that these strategies can make elementary education more engaging, effective, and child-friendly.
Modelling the choice between PP+DE+N and PP+N possessive constructions in Mandarin Chinese: a mixed effects logistic regression approach
Authors: Chen Yue
Published: February 2025

This study investigates the choice between two near-synonymous Mandarin Chinese possessive constructions, namely, the PP+DE+N (e.g., wǒ de mama, ‘my mom’) and PP+N (e.g., wǒ mama, ‘my mom’). Deploying a mixed effects logistic regression model to evaluate the impact of linguistic (syntactic and semantic) and extralinguistic (register) factors, this study reveals a substantial relationship between the selection of possessive constructions and several fixed effects including the number of attributes before N, the syntactic component of PP+(DE)+N, the semantic connection between PP and N, the person and number of the PP, and the context or style of the texts. Furthermore, this study uncovers that the noun serves as an essential random effect that helps determine the conceptual distance between the PP and N. To conclude, this study unveils the patterns governing the use or omission of de in Mandarin Chinese possessive constructions, hence enhancing our comprehension of syntactic nuances in the language. It also offers a potent methodological approach for future investigations of the reasons underpinning the formal marking of possessive constructions.
Tratamiento de las fracturas supracondíleas de húmero en niños. Comparación entre decúbito supino y prono
Authors: Cucalón Genaro R. , García Osso Lautaro , Iglesias Santiago L. , Levy Eduardo J. , Dal Lago Javier E.
Published: February 2025

Introducción: Las fracturas supracondíleas de húmero son lesiones comunes en pacientes pediátricos, representan aproximadamente el 60-70% de todas las fracturas de codo en esta población. El propósito de este estudio fue describir los resultados clínico-radiológicos del tratamiento con osteodesis de fracturas supracondíleas de húmero en pacientes pediátricos y evaluar el impacto de la posición (decúbito prono o supino).
Materiales y Métodos: Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo que incluyó a todos los pacientes <16 años con diagnóstico de fractura supracondílea de húmero grado II y III de Gartland, que fueron sometidos a reducción y osteodesis de húmero, entre 2002 y 2022, con un seguimiento mínimo de 6 meses.
Resultados: La serie estaba formada por 265 pacientes, 127 fueron operados en decúbito supino y 138, en decúbito prono. El hallazgo más importante de nuestro estudio fue que la osteodesis permite alcanzar excelentes resultados clínicos y radiológicos, y que la posición del paciente no tiene un impacto significativo en la cirugía.
Conclusiones: La reducción y osteodesis de húmero logran excelentes resultados clínico-radiológicos para el tratamiento de las fracturas supracondíleas. La posición del paciente (decúbito supino o prono) no parece tener un impacto en la tasa de consolidación ni en la función del miembro.
Desafío 2025
Authors: Lopreite Fernando Adrián
Published: February 2025

-
Baby Leads the Way: An Evidence-Based Guide to Introducing Solid Foods
Authors: Laux Julie , Scott Cinthia , Playforth Krupa , Callahan Catherine , Relan Manisha
Published: February 2025

Written by a multidisciplinary team of experienced medical professionals and starting solids experts, this practical, research-backed comprehensive resource guides parents on how to safely introduce solid food to their baby. Baby Leads the Way offers a simple, step-by-step framework to empower families to navigate this journey with confidence. Available for purchase https://www.aap.org/Baby-Leads-the-Way-An-Evidence-Based-Guide-to-Introducing-Solid-Foods-Paperback
Readiness of General Hospitals That Participate in Pediatric Quality Improvement Initiatives
Authors: Vaughan Jordan , Edwards Yeelen , Rodean Jonathan , McCulloch Charles , Gonzales Ralph , Kaiser Sunitha V.
Published: February 2025

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

General hospitals care for more than 70% of hospitalized children nationally but face challenges in pediatric quality improvement (QI). Feasibility and organizational readiness to change assessments can help inform effective QI. Our objective was to assess readiness to implement pediatric QI interventions among a broad sample of general hospitals participating in the Simultaneously Implementing Pathways for Improving Asthma, Pneumonia, and Bronchiolitis Care for Hospitalized Children (SIP) study.

METHODS

We conducted a mixed-methods study. Data were collected via electronic surveys and qualitative interviews. Participants included multidisciplinary inpatient pediatric clinicians and QI leaders. Surveys used validated tools, including the Organizational Readiness to Implement Change (ORIC) and Feasibility of Intervention Measure (FIM). Interview guides developed using an implementation framework explored feasibility of implementing evidence-based practices. We analyzed data using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 424 participants from 15 hospitals were approached, and 186 (44%) completed the survey. ORIC and FIM scores were scaled 1 to 5, with higher scores indicating agreement. Response results did not differ based on clinician type or experience. Clinicians at community hospitals with pediatric beds reported greater readiness than nested children’s hospitals (median ORIC 4.4 vs 4.0, P = 0.02). Interviewees’ (n = 21) anticipated feasibility challenges included aligning practices across hospital care settings and obtaining information technology support for electronic medical record changes.

CONCLUSIONS

In this mixed-methods study, we found high but variable readiness for pediatric QI and identified specific threats to feasibility. We also illustrated how such assessments can be used to support pediatric QI efforts in general hospitals.
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Use for Newborns With Relatively Lower Illness Acuity
Authors: Schulman Joseph , Gould Jeffrey B. , Lee Henry C. , Profit Jochen , Govindaswami Balaji
Published: February 2025

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) aggregate service and outcome descriptions focus on high-illness-acuity neonates. We sought to describe the high-level landscape of lower-acuity inborn NICU admissions (LAINAs).

METHODS

This cross-sectional study of a nearly three-quarters population sample from 2022 describes 120 California hospitals with inborn NICU admissions. Binary illness acuity stratification was based on high-acuity criteria—admission within 28 days of birth and either birthweight of 1500 g or less, gestation of 31 weeks 6 days or less, or more than 1500 g with at least 1 of the following: death, assisted ventilation for 4 hours or more whether intubated or not, early bacterial sepsis, major surgery requiring anesthesia, acute transport in or out, suspected encephalopathy/perinatal asphyxia, active therapeutic hypothermia, or seizures. Exposure: inborn NICU admission; main outcomes: LAINA categorization, diagnostic categories, patient-days, length of stay.

RESULTS

Of 44 330 total NICU admissions, 26 257 (59.2%) were LAINAs and accounted for 31.2% of all NICU patient-days. Mean length of stay for all NICU admissions was 12.9 days, compared with 8.0 days for LAINAs. The most common LAINA diagnostic categories included respiratory distress (43.0%), suspected infection (39.6%), admission policy based only on birthweight/gestational age (30.7%), hyperbilirubinemia (28.9%), and feeding difficulty (25.6%). NICUs varied widely in the diagnostic categories represented.

CONCLUSIONS

LAINAs outnumbered high-illness-acuity admissions in most NICUs, accounting for almost a third of NICU patient-days. These findings merit reflection and research on data elements needed to describe service provision and clinical outcome and on preferable hospital settings for clinical management.
Comparing the quality of wheat flour produced by roller mill and Astrié stone mill
Authors: Kóczán-Manninger Katalin , Jakab Ivett , Illés Levente , Szedljak Ildikó , Lambert-Meretei Anikó , Badak-Kerti Katalin
Published: February 2025

An alternative to roller mills, a French-designed stone mill, was evaluated and compared with traditional laboratory roller mills through grinding performance. Developed by the Astrié brothers in the 1950s, the stone mill's slow-rotating granite stones purportedly preserve the full nutritional value of the grain. This study, conducted in collaboration with the Csoroszlya farm, compared flour from the same wheat batch ground by both an Astrié stone mill and a laboratory roller mill. Evaluations included the Pekar test for bran content, sieve analysis, measuring wet gluten content, and gluten index to assess protein quality. Rheological properties of the doughs were analyzed using Farinograph and Mixolab equipment, which indirectly also measured amylase enzyme activity. Results indicated that the stone mill produced flour with finer grain size, higher protein content, and higher enzyme presence, although challenges remain in achieving optimal gluten index and dough stability.
Electrical characterization of the alleged bio-memristor Physarum polycephalum
Authors: Schmidt Markus , Seyfried Günter , Reutina Uliana , Seskir Zeki , Miranda Eduardo R.
Published: February 2025

This study investigates the potential of the slime mold Physarum polycephalum to function as a bio-memristor. In contrast to earlier reports, our experimental results did not show a significant memristive behavior. Instead, all tested slime molds exhibited elliptical I-V characteristics, attributed to their inherent capacitance. To model this behavior, we developed replacement circuits consisting solely of resistors and capacitors, which accurately reproduced the observed results. While these circuits lack memristive properties, they demonstrate potential utility as sub-circuits in analog applications, such as filters, timing circuits, and phase shift networks. Despite it not being a memristor, P. polycephalum may hold promise for alternative bio-electronic applications, including its use in microbial fuel cells. Our findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the electrical properties of bio-inspired systems and suggest new avenues for integrating biological components into electronic circuits.

Graphical abstract
Znaczenie aktywności w funkcjonowaniu społeczno-emocjonalnym osób w wieku starości
Authors: Cudak Henryk
Published: February 2025

Jakość życia i funkcjonowania osób w podeszłym wieku uzależniona jest od wielostronnej aktywności w środowisku rodzinnym, lokalnym, w organizacjach i stowarzyszeniach różnego typu. Przemiany społeczne, kulturowe, techniczne wymaga od osób w okresie starości odpowiedniego przystosowania. Ważne miejsce w życiu osób w wieku starości ma aktywność fizyczna, społeczna, intelektualna, edukacyjna i kulturowa. Intensywność podejmowanych działań z zakresu aktywności uzależniona jest od: poziomu wykształcenia, stanu zdrowia, miejsca zamieszkania, potrzeb psychospołecznych. Brak lub ograniczona aktywność jednostki ludzkiej bądź zbiorowości społecznej powoduje niską jakość funkcjonowania osób w starczym wieku i poczucie osamotnienia i samotności.
Wspieranie rozwoju dziecka ze spektrum autyzmu – rodzicielskie wyzwania
Authors: Dzierżan Anna
Published: February 2025

Rola rodziców dzieci autystycznych jest niezwykle trudna. Czas postawienia prawidłowej diagnozy trudnych, niezrozumiałych zachowań jest kluczowy dla dalszych działań. Szczególnie istotne są wyniki diagnozy dla młodych rodziców, ale także dla innych członków rodziny, jeśli nigdy nie mieli do czynienia z takim zaburzeniem zachowania, a także mowy u małego dziecka. Wiele należy zrobić w kierunku pozyskania dobrych terapeutów (tu nie kończy się na jednej osobie), wyszukania informacji w sprawdzonej literaturze, obserwacji własnego dziecko, by móc być dla niego wsparciem. Ważne jest zagospodarowanie przestrzeni, w której ma na co dzień funkcjonować dziecko. Rodzic chce efektu – szczęśliwego, samodzielnie radzącego sobie w życiu ukochanego dziecka.