bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cross-sectional Study Reveals Moderate Professional Benefits Among Nurses in a Multicultural Healthcare System
Authors: Lai Ka Ieng , Fong Pedro , Meng Lirong
Published: February 2025

The global nursing shortage poses challenges to healthcare accessibility, clinical outcomes, and patient safety. Researchers have explored factors that influence nursing attrition, and the Nurses’ Perceived Professional Benefits (NPPB) is one such factor that has gained attention. This cross-sectional study aims to assess the NPPB among registered nurses in Macao, a multicultural city with a unique healthcare system. A 33-item online questionnaire was used to collect data from 279 nurses. The questionnaire measured NPPB across 5 dimensions: positive occupational perception, personal enhancement, recognition from family and friends, decent nurse-patient relationships, and team belongingness. This study indicated that Macao nurses had a moderate level of NPPB. Nurse-patient relationships, income, and job stability received the most positive responses, while team belongingness received the lowest scores. These findings suggest that improvements are needed in team building, providing more opportunities for specialized training, and offering more career advancement opportunities.
Coming to my own wisdom: A qualitative study exploring the role of the Take Charge intervention in stroke recovery
Authors: Fu Vivian , Fernando Kathryn Mary , Bright Felicity , Riley Judith , McPherson Kathryn , McNaughton Harry ,   on behalf of the Taking Charge After Stroke trial investigators
Published: February 2025

Objective

The Take Charge intervention, delivered early after hospital discharge following acute stroke, is effective at improving 12-month health status, independence and advanced activities of daily living. This study aims to provide a deeper understanding of the experiences of receiving Take Charge.

Design

This was a qualitative study nested within a large randomised control trial, the Taking Charge After Stroke (TaCAS) study. Data were analysed using thematic analysis, and we describe our findings using interpretive description.

Participants

People with stroke aged over 18 years, who were participants in the TaCAS study conducted in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Intervention

Take Charge, a person-centred conversation delivered face-to-face, designed to explore a person's identity and priorities, conducted by a trained facilitator and guided by a workbook.

Results

We interviewed nine participants, three from each of the three arms of the TaCAS trial – each would have received one, two, or zero Take Charge sessions (the control group). The overall theme of ‘Doing things my way/coming to know my own wisdom and expertise’ was enabled by ‘being listened to and feeling heard’ and ‘focusing on the goals which were important to me’, both strongly expressed by people who received the Take Charge intervention, and hindered by ‘medical paternalism’ and ‘loss of sense of self/“not me”’ most commonly expressed by people in the control arm.

Conclusions

The Take Charge intervention empowers people with stroke by enhancing intrinsic motivation. A trusting, therapeutic relationship and non-judgemental facilitation are essential to ensure that the person feels heard.
Functionalist Emergentist Materialism: A Pragmatic Framework for Consciousness
Authors: D’Angiulli Amedeo , Sidhu Kiranpreet
Published: February 2025

It is often challenging to fully justify why it is preferable to think and conduct research about consciousness following a particular theory as opposed to another. This may be especially true in disciplines within Psychology, Cognitive Science, and Neuroscience which may be pressured to follow radical reductionism to physics or chemistry. The present approach was developed through teaching a cohort of approximately 2000 undergraduate and graduate students for over fifteen years. It involves a pragmatic tutorial of the major traditions in philosophical thinking, dissecting the explanatory power of each theory and logically resolving their differences in a unitary novel framework called functionalist emergentist materialism (FEM). This proposed epistemic approach dissolves many theoretical issues. Notably, it becomes possible to make sense of the “hard problem” as an evolutionary solution. We apply and integrate this approach with one of the most comprehensive neuroscientific theories, Damasio's tripartite of consciousness, and extract a pragmatic test for recognizing conditions in which an organism is conscious. FEM aligns with contemporary evolutionary thinking and current scientific standards.
Collagen as a biomaterial for skin wound healing: From structural characteristics to the production of devices for tissue engineering
Authors: Giorno Luciana P , Malmonge Sonia M , Santos Arnaldo R
Published: February 2025

Collagen is an abundant component in the human body and plays a fundamental role in the integrity and function of various tissues, including skin, bones, joints, and connective tissues. This natural polymer also contributes to physiological balance and individual health. Within this context, this article reviews the structure of collagen, describing intrinsic characteristics that range from its molecular composition to its organization into bundles. Additionally, the review highlights some of the applications of collagen in tissue engineering, particularly its mimicry of the skin’s extracellular matrix. For this review, searches were performed in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Sciences. The inclusion criteria were established based on the relevance of the studies for the objectives of the review and methodological quality. After selection of the articles, a critical analysis of their content was conducted and the information was synthesized and presented concisely. Analysis of the properties of collagen revealed its key importance for the design of bioactive materials in regenerative applications. However, challenges such as the need for improvement of the integration of implanted materials and a better understanding of the underlying biological processes remain.
Rapamycin ameliorates inflammatory pain via recovery of autophagy flux mediated by mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway in the rat spinal cord
Authors: Zhang Jiawei , Chen Shi , Zhang Rongyi , Zheng Xiaoting , Liu Chang , Zhang Jiqian , Zhang Lei , Yang Zhilai , Wang Likui
Published: February 2025

Objective:

This study aimed to investigate the effect of rapamycin on inflammatory pain in rats.

Introduction:

Inflammatory pain is a kind of pathological pain caused by inflammatory mediators or factors such as TNF-α (Tumor Necrosis Factor-α), IL-1β (Interleukin-1β), and IL-6 (Interleukin-6). NSAIDs and opioid analgesics are commonly used for relieving inflammatory pain, but the side effects limit their clinical application. New drugs based on new mechanisms for inflammatory pain are urgently needed. Autophagy is an evolutionarily conserved homeostatic process for lysosomal degradation of intracellular components. Recent reports indicate the involvement of autophagy in the development and maintenance of neuropathic pain, but the role of autophagy in inflammatory pain still needs to be explored.

Methods:

The pain-related behaviors of rats were studied by paw withdrawal threshold and paw withdrawal latency. The autophagy level of the rat spinal cord was detected by western blots. The concentrations of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 were detected by ELISA.

Results:

We found that the paw withdrawal threshold and paw withdrawal latency were both significantly decreased after CFA (Complete Freund’s Adjuvant) injection, accompanied by the activation of mTOR signaling pathway and the inhibited autophagy flux in the spinal cord. And inflammatory cytokines were increased in the spinal cord after CFA injection. Then, we studied the effect of rapamycin on CFA-induced inflammatory pain in rats, and found that rapamycin restored the autophagy flux and significantly reduced mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia. In addition, rapamycin significantly decreased the levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 after CFA injection in the spinal cord.

Conclusion:

Our results suggested that rapamycin might be a promising candidate for the treatment of inflammatory pain by restoring the autophagy flux in the spinal cord.
Resistances to online group analysis – Is there anything new under the sun?
Authors: Weinberg Haim
Published: February 2025

In this article, I explore the common resistances to online group analysis and group therapy and bring arguments to support the use of online settings for analytic groups. The arguments are based on theoretical, practical, experimental and experiential perspectives. Online groups are not supposed to replace in-person meetings and the article advocates an integrative model that benefits from both the online and in-person options. A comparison is made between the early arguments by individual psychoanalysts against group analysis and current arguments against online group analysis. Perhaps such resistance shows there is nothing new under the sun.
Multidimensional Scaling of the Wechsler Intelligence Scales for Children in a Clinical Sample Assessed for Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)
Authors: Wolff Lee , Till Haydn , Watt Bruce
Published: February 2025

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a significant public health concern arising from prenatal alcohol exposure. This study examines the clinical utility of Wechsler intelligence tests in assessing cognition in 108 children with confirmed prenatal alcohol exposure. Data were analysed using multidimensional scaling and Guttman’s Structural Model of Intelligence, with a view to assessing the application of the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children 4th Edition (WISC-IV) and 5th Edition (WISC-V) in characterising cognitive ability for this clinical population. WISC-IV and WISC-V subtests exhibited distinct clustering patterns within the sample compared to normative populations. Subtests appeared to cluster based on response modality, aligning with Guttman’s Structural Model of Intelligence. The findings demonstrate an alternative interpretation approach for intelligence tests in children with prenatal alcohol exposure, which may complement existing FASD diagnostic frameworks. The clustering patterns underscore the importance of considering response modality in understanding cognitive abilities.
The Impact of Race and Violence on Perceptions of Justice for Offenders Diagnosed With a Serious Mental Illness
Authors: Lucas Paul A. , Lucas Kweilin T.
Published: February 2025

Serious mental illness (SMI) is a complex issue that raises important questions about the treatment of justice system–involved individuals with mental health conditions. This study investigates the perceptions of justice for violent and nonviolent offenders living with an SMI using factorial vignettes to explore differences in attitudes, controlling for factors such as age, race, and political ideology, among a sample of 362 students at a southern university. Attitudes and beliefs were analyzed using ordinal logistic regression, with results showing that respondents were more punitive toward violent offenders diagnosed with an SMI, regardless of race, supporting previous research that examined balanced justice. Interestingly, this finding contradicts other previous research which indicated that participants were more likely to support balanced justice for violent offenders with mental illness more than punitive-oriented approaches. Implications for future policy aimed at addressing SMI through the use of balanced justice initiatives, such as mental health courts, are discussed.
Design and performance test analysis of sine-wave curved carbon fiber composite membrane disk
Authors: Wang Xiaohong , Xu Jiang , Zhu Guanyu , Liu Changxi , Bi Fengyang
Published: February 2025

The diaphragm plate is one of the key components of elastic coupling. The use of carbon fiber composite materials (CFRP) to manufacture elastic coupling diaphragms can better improve the operation of the shaft system in the transmission system. Diaphragm surface design is a key content of diaphragm design. In this paper, a sine-wave curved membrane disk structure is designed based on ABAQUS. The effects of different surface forms, ply angles and ply angle ratios on the structural properties of CFRP diaphragms were compared and analyzed. The CFRP sine-wave curved diaphragm plate is fabricated by the compression molding process, and experimental testing and validation research on the torque transmitting ability and the axial displacement compensation ability of the CFRP sine-wave curved elastic membrane disk structure are carried out. The test results show that the CFRP sine-wave curved elastic membrane disk structure of this pavement structure can transmit a torque of 7.5 kN·m, and the axial displacement compensation capacity can reach 4 mm, which is better than that of the ordinary elastic membrane disk structure with better axial displacement compensation capacity.
Factors Associated With Physical Activity in Alzheimer’s Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study of Individuals and Their Caregivers
Authors: Clina Julianne G. , Bodde Amy E. , Chang Joy , Helsel Brian C. , Sherman Joseph R. , Vidoni Eric D. , Williams Kristine N. , Washburn Richard A. , Donnelly Joseph E. , Ptomey Lauren T.
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Physical activity (PA) is associated with better outcomes in individuals living with Alzheimer’s and related dementia (ADRD). We examined environmental, intra-, and interpersonal correlates of PA for persons living with ADRD.

Methods

PA (accelerometry), cognitive function, physical function, and sociodemographic factors were collected in adults with ADRD and their caregivers. Spearman’s correlations and generalized linear models were used to evaluate factors associated with PA of persons living with ADRD.

Results

Valid data were obtained from 65 pairs of adults living with ADRD (73.6 ± 8.4 years, 39.4% female) and caregivers (69.4 ± 9.4 years, 69.2% female, 93.8% spouse). Moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) and light PA of persons living with ADRD were correlated with upper and lower body strength, aerobic fitness, and agility. MVPA and sedentary time of persons living with ADRD were associated with that of their caregiver.

Conclusion

Physical function and caregiver PA may be targets for interventions in those living with ADRD.
Deep learning-based AI model for sinusitis diagnosis
Authors: Zhang Jingfei , Wang Dianyi , Li Wentao , Wang Jingyi
Published: February 2025

Problem statement

While CT (Computed Tomography) is commonly used, its diagnostic accuracy for chronic sinusitis remains uncertain. Moreover, the high cost of CT examinations limits its use as a routine diagnostic method. There is an urgent need to develop an AI-assisted diagnostic model for sinusitis.

Objective

The primary aim of this study is to develop an AI-assisted diagnostic model for sinusitis that can improve diagnostic accuracy and accessibility compared to traditional CT methods.

Methodology

This study utilized a retrospective approach, focusing on patients diagnosed with chronic sinusitis via CT and normal patients admitted to the People's Hospital between January 2018 and January 2019. A total of 5000 sinus CT images were collected. All cases underwent T (targeted) coronal plain scans in the hospital's CT room, ensuring complete CT images. In constructing the chronic sinusitis classification model based on deep learning, 5000 CT images of soft tissue windows and sinuses were gathered. This included 1000 CT images for each of the four groups diagnosed with sphenoid sinusitis, frontal sinusitis, ethmoid sinusitis, and maxillary sinusitis, along with 1000 images from normal cases (250 images per group). The sigmoid function replaced the softmax function, and the binary cross-entropy function was used to assess the model's predictive accuracy.

Results

The model achieved an accuracy of 85.8%, outperforming doctors with low (71.7%), medium (78.4%), and senior (73.4%) qualifications. The model demonstrated high accuracy, superior feature extraction, and resolution capabilities.
Reconsidering the Asylum Lottery: Refugee Determination and the Structure of Luck
Authors: Marshall Emma
Published: February 2025

An influential body of legal scholarship suggests that luck plays a role in determining who gets refugee status where legal processes operate as a ‘roulette’ or ‘lottery’. These metaphors act as a powerful way of signalling how systems of justice produce unfair outcomes, but scholarship on refugee law has, to date, paid little attention to date on how luck functions as a concept. Drawing from other disciplinary approaches to conceptualising luck, this article uses empirical research on access to immigration advice in England to develop a more critical approach to luck. The findings demonstrate how experiences of luck within immigration systems are connected to structural inequalities and other factors that are often produced by – and can be addressed through – policy decisions. I argue that, as legal scholars, we need to be cautious about accepting individual narratives of luck at face value, because luck implies a lack of control and can therefore work to obscure these more structural issues. Paying closer attention to how experiences of luck are produced and structured by legal processes can, however, also help to expand the conceptual tools that we use to work towards fairer systems of justice.
Terminally Ill Patients: Self-Care Abilities and Compassion in Nurses and Informal Caregivers
Authors: Baykal Dilek , Akar Ezgi Nur , Sahin Eraslan Aysenur , Yilmaz Mihriban
Published: February 2025

Background

Palliative care units are centers where comprehensive care is provided, primarily by nurses, but also by informal caregivers who are usually the patients’ relatives. The difference is that nurses fulfill this duty professionally, and their levels of self-care and compassion are not expected to be affected by their work. In this regard, comparing the levels of compassion and self-care in patients’ relatives and nurses will provide evidence to help raise awareness and support both groups.

Aims

This study aimed to determine the relationship between the self-care abilities and compassion of nurses and informal caregivers.

Design

This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study.

Settings/Participants

The study was conducted between August 2023 and July 2024 in palliative care units in Istanbul. A total of 98 nurses and 96 informal caregivers participated in the study. They were administered the Exercise of Self-Care Agency Scale and the Compassion Scale.

Results

The mean compassion scores of the informal caregivers and nurses were high, with no significant difference ( P > .05). However, a significant difference was observed in their self-care ability scores, with nurses scoring lower in self-care compared to informal caregivers ( P < .05).

Conclusions

Nurses working in palliative care had a similar level of compassion as the primary relatives of the patients. However, it is concerning that the nurses had less ability to engage in self-care than the informal caregivers. This result indicates that nurses need support to enhance their self-care.
Evaluation of the Reliability of Facial Models Digitalized with Different Imaging Methods in Cleft Lip and Palate
Authors: Budak Hüseyin , Yilmaz Hanife Nuray
Published: February 2025

Objective

To compare the reliability of different digitizing methods not only among themselves but also with direct measurements from facial plaster models of unoperated cleft babies.

Design

Single-center retrospective study.

Setting

The study consisted facial models of babies with unilateral (UCLP, n = 65) and bilateral (BCLP, n = 65) cleft lip and palate from the archives of the Department of Orthodontics, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey. Those models were digitized using Medit i600, iTero Element 2 (Align Technology), and E3 3Shape scanning devices. A digital caliper with a 0.03 precision (INSIZE Digital Caliper) was used for manual measurements on plaster models. 3Shape Ortho Analyzer software was used for digital measurements.

Results

All scanning methods were reliable and compatible with a rate of 90% or more compared to manual measurements. The E3 3Shape device showed the lowest deviations (UCLP, between 0.04 and 0.11 mm; BCLP, between 0.04 and 0.25 mm) from manual measurements. In the UCLP group, Medit i600 presented the highest deviation (0.15-0.58 mm) whereas Itero Element 2 showed the highest deviation in the BCLP group (0.16-0.46 mm). Although there were statistically significant differences in the deviations of digital measurements, the values were still within clinically acceptable limits.

Conclusion

Intraoral scanners were less reliable in topographic measurements, especially in cases with increased depth. Although the highest compatible results were found with E3 3Shape model scanner, iTero Element 2 and Medit i600 were promising and advisable for digitizing and archiving the plaster models of babies with cleft lip and palate.
Understanding Latino Political Engagement and Activity on Social Media
Authors: Abrajano Marisa , Garcia Marianna , Pope Aaron , Kamau Edwin , Vidigal Robert , Tucker Joshua A. , Nagler Jonathan
Published: February 2025

Social media is used by millions of Americans to access news and politics. Yet there are no studies, to date, examining whether these behaviors systematically vary for those whose political incorporation process is distinct from those in the majority. We fill this void by examining how Latino online political activity compares to that of white Americans and the role of language in Latinos’ online political engagement. We hypothesize that Latino online political activity is comparable to whites. Moreover, given media reports suggesting that greater quantities of political misinformation are circulating on Spanish versus English-language social media, we expect reliance on Spanish-language social media for news predicts beliefs in inaccurate political narratives. Our survey findings, which we believe to be the largest original survey of the online political activity of Latinos and whites, reveal support for these expectations. Latino social media political activity, as measured by sharing/viewing news, talking about politics, and following politicians, is comparable to whites, both in self-reported and digital trace data. Latinos also turned to social media for news about COVID-19 more often than did whites. Finally, Latinos relying on Spanish-language social media usage for news predicts beliefs in election fraud in the 2020 U.S. Presidential election.
Adoption Informed Counseling and the Chinese Adoptee
Authors: Lieberthal Rho Joy
Published: February 2025

Marriage, couple, and family counselors and therapists are encouraged to understand adoption-related developmental considerations when working with international adult adoptees. One specific subgroup, Chinese adoptees, are entering adulthood and are well-served by adoption-informed mental health providers. This practice brief reviews demographic information about the Chinese adoptee diaspora and describes adoption-informed practices.
Cost-Consequence Analysis of Apixaban Versus Rivaroxaban for Managing Patients with Venous Thromboembolism in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Almutairi Abdulaali R. , Alruthia Yazed , Alyami Majed S. , Alshaya Omar A. , Alanazi Taif Z. , Al Daghreer Sarah I. , Korayem Ghazwa B. , Alrasheed Sarah A. , Alorf Reema A. , Almohammed Omar A.
Published: February 2025

Background and Objective

Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have been proven to be cost-effective for treating various conditions, including venous thromboembolism (VTE). Nevertheless, there are no studies assessing the cost-effectiveness of DOACs for VTE treatment in Saudi Arabia using real-world data. Hence, this study seeks to examine the costs and medical consequences of apixaban compared to rivaroxaban in treating VTE patients in Saudi Arabia.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was carried out in three tertiary care hospitals spanning from January 2016 to December 2020. The measure of effectiveness is defined as the likelihood of preventing the composite of VTE recurrence (rVTE), major bleeding (MB), or clinically relevant non-major bleeding (CRNMB) within 90 days of the indexed VTE event, and rehospitalization due to rVTE, MB, or CRNMB. The effectiveness was determined by calculating 1 minus the probability of experiencing the composite outcome. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was computed from the perspective of the Saudi National Health System, therefore only direct costs were considered. The 95% confidence interval surrounding mean costs and effectiveness rates was calculated using the bootstrapping method. Sensitivity analyses were also carried out.

Results

In the analysis, 367 patients were included, with 176 on apixaban and 191 on rivaroxaban. The average annual medication costs for apixaban and rivaroxaban were $547.05 and $577.77, respectively. The mean annual direct medical costs for apixaban and rivaroxaban were $6496.83 (95%CI 5748.86-7457.97) and $5528.58 (95%CI 4836.21-6024.52), respectively. Apixaban's and rivaroxaban's mean effectiveness rates were 0.91 (95%CI 0.87-0.96) and 0.77 (95%CI 0.71-0.83), respectively. This resulted in an ICER of $6916.07 for the prevention of an additional composite outcome when using apixaban instead of rivaroxaban. The use of apixaban for preventing composite outcomes has been found to be more effective but costlier in 94.81% of the bootstrap cost-effectiveness distributions compared to rivaroxaban. It was also found to be more effective and less costly in 5.19% of the bootstrap cost-effectiveness distributions.

Conclusion

Apixaban demonstrated superiority over rivaroxaban in preventing composite outcomes, encompassing rVTE, MB, CRNMB, and rehospitalization. Nevertheless, this was correlated with increased direct medical expenses. These findings emphasize the necessity of a well-rounded approach when choosing anticoagulants, considering both clinical effectiveness and economic considerations. This study's results are impactful for improving patient care and resource allocation, underscoring the pivotal role of cost-effectiveness in healthcare decision-making.
Beyond Crisis: Enhancing Behavioral Response Through a Conceptual Framework
Authors: Olmedo Alirio , Muir Jane
Published: February 2025

Objective

The objective of the study is to present a conceptual model informed by existing literature surrounding behavioral health crises and response teams.

Method

The Behavioral Crisis Response Model (BCRM) was developed through a comprehensive literature review, synthesizing existing knowledge to clarify the structure, relationships, and processes between patients and Behavioral Response Teams (BRTs), focusing on published literature from 2018 to 2023. Themes to inform the BCRM were developed through iterative review and discussion with an expert panel.

Results

The BCRM framework comprises five key domains: Patient-Centered Care, Preparation, Planning, Execution, and Evaluation. Each domain encompasses specific actions and strategies to ensure comprehensive and effective crisis intervention. The Patient-Centered Care domain ensures the patient remains the focus during a crisis. The Preparation domain focuses on readiness through training and resource verification. The Planning domain involves initial and risk assessments, followed by devising a tailored response plan. The Execution domain emphasizes the implementation of the response plan with adaptable leadership styles. The Evaluation domain involves debriefing, root cause analysis, and performance reviews to promote continuous improvement.

Conclusion

The BCRM offers a patient-centered, structured approach to managing behavioral health crises and enhancing team cohesion and effectiveness. Further evaluation of adopting the BCRM is needed within health care institutions to improve patient outcomes, reduce harm, and advance better care quality.
Postural drainage and high flow nasal oxygen therapy in four cats with decompensated cardiogenic pulmonary oedema
Authors: Adamik Katja-Nicole , Guillet Claire , Hennink Imke
Published: February 2025

Case series summary

This case series describes four cats with decompensated congestive heart failure and fulminant cardiogenic pulmonary oedema (CPE) that did not respond to conventional treatment and oxygen therapy, and subsequently developed hypoxaemic respiratory failure. The cats were anaesthetised to enable endotracheal intubation, manually ventilated with 100% oxygen and postural drainage was performed immediately to evacuate pulmonary oedema. Afterwards, the cats were extubated and transitioned to high-flow nasal oxygen (HFNO). HFNO allowed significant improvement in the respiration parameters without causing clinical complications. In three of the cats, the procedure was successful; duration of HFNO ranged between 4 and 44 h, and they were successfully weaned off the HFNO therapy. One cat required re-intubation due to HFNO-response failure and was ultimately euthanased. Another cat was euthanased 5 days later due to the severity of its underlying disease.

Relevance and novel information

This is the first report describing the combined technique of postural drainage and HFNO in cats with decompensated CPE. This combined technique could be a life-saving option for cats that fail to respond to conventional therapies and for which positive pressure ventilation is not an option.
From movement to party: Analysis of the tensions between horizontality and oligarchy in Spanish municipalist platforms (2015–2023)
Authors: Mérida Juan , Feenstra Ramón A.
Published: February 2025

In 2014 and 2015, dozens of ‘municipalist’ candidates gained huge success in the Spanish local elections. These movement parties, intrinsically linked to the intense mobilisations of the previous electoral cycle, adopted a horizontal organisational model in contrast to the traditional oligarchic structure. In the wake of the 2015–2023 electoral cycles, however, there has been little analysis of these experiences and the processes they adopted. This study examines four such experiences in Zaragoza, Valladolid, A Coruña and Castellón through 72 interviews and documentary analysis. The study contributes to the debate on internal democracy in political parties in three ways, demonstrating: (1) a certain inevitable distancing between movement and party with power concentrated in the latter; (2) imposition of the institutional pace and the difficulty of combining it with the logic of direct democracy; and (3) demystification of certain forms of direct democracy and the need to combine vertical and professional logics with horizontal and participatory ones.
The role of agglomeration in the physical properties of CNTs/polymer nanocomposites: A literature review
Authors: Zeinedini Afshin , Akhavan-Safar Alireza , da Silva Lucas F.M.
Published: February 2025

The physical properties of nanocomposites may be improved by addition of low content of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). In contrast, for higher concentrations of CNTs, the physical properties of nanocomposites may be degraded owing to agglomeration. In recent years, due to the increasing applications of CNTs, many efforts have been performed to overcome the agglomerates, achieving the real potential of CNTs in improving the performance of nanocomposites. To this end, in this review paper, the impact of agglomeration on various physical properties of CNTs/polymer nanocomposites was investigated. Besides, the present work provides a review of the effective factors that lead to the CNTs agglomeration. The conventional and novel strategies adopted to control this phenomenon are also presented. The findings revealed that dense agglomerates negatively affect all physical properties of nanocomposites. It was observed that the elastic modulus and tensile strength of epoxy-based nanocomposites can be degraded around 25 and 35% when the weight fraction of CNTs is increased from 0.5 to 1.0 wt.%. Besides, in the case of fracture toughness, it was reported that by adding 0.1, 0.2, 0.3 and 0.4 wt.% of CNTs to an epoxy-based nanocomposites, the fracture toughness enhances around 17, 24, 30, and 4%, respectively. In addition, a 50% reduction in the thermal conductivity of the nanocomposite may be happened due to the formation of CNTs agglomeration. It was also concluded that in the presence of agglomerates, the coefficient of friction of a polymer-based nanocomposites can increases from 0.027 to 0.034. In contrast, slight agglomerates may improve electrical properties to a certain extent. It was also concluded some of the expensive strategies proposed to overcome the agglomeration may adversely affect the CNTs structure, may not be so effective to prevent the occurrence of agglomeration, or may not be applicable in high-volume production of nanocomposites. However, the implementation of novel strategies such as 3D porous structures could overcome this challenge significantly.
Mechanical properties and durability of concrete containing fly ash and GGBS for marine environment: A comprehensive study from laboratory perspective
Authors: Dang Viet Quoc , Chau Vinh Ngoc , Thanh Sang Nguyen , Huy Thuc Phan , Ho Lanh Si
Published: February 2025

The degradation of concrete structures in the marine environment is generally caused by sulfate attack and chloride ion penetration. To improve the durability of concrete in the marine environment, fly ash (FA) and ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) were partially used to replace cement in a ternary system. The crushed sand was used to reduce the shortage of river sand. In this study, the concrete containing crushed sand, FA, and GGBS was prepared in the laboratory, in which river sand was partially replaced with crushed sand and cement was substituted with FA and GGBS. The amounts of FA/binder and GGBS/binder were fixed at 20% and 35%, respectively, while the content of crushed sand/fine aggregate was set at 60%. The mechanical properties were investigated via compression and splitting tensile tests. The durability of the concrete was examined using a rapid chloride penetration test, sulfate attack test, accelerated corrosion test, and abrasion-wear resistance test. The results showed that the partial replacement of cement by FA and GGBS improved both the mechanical properties and durability of concrete. The inclusion of FA and GGBS in concrete significantly improved its resistance to chloride permeability, specifically, the total charge passed of the mixture with FA and GGBS decreased from 86.2% to 136.9% in comparison with the mixture without FA and GGBS. The addition of FA and GGBS could reduce the change in the length (i.e., improved sulfate resistance) of concrete when it is in contact with the sulfate solution. The changes in the length of the mixture containing FA and GGBS were 3.5 times and 3.2 times smaller than those of the mixture without FA and GGBS. The concrete mixture containing FA and GGBS has a two-time higher corrosion resistance to chloride ion ingress than conventional concrete without FA and GGBS inclusion. The abrasion resistance was improved significantly with the inclusion of FA and GGBS, the abrasion resistance of the mixtures containing FA and GGBS significantly improved by 52 to 59% in comparison with the mixture without FA and GGBS. These results demonstrate that the inclusion of FA and GGBS in concrete can improve both the mechanical properties and durability of concrete, which can be applied in marine environments for sustainable development.
A literature review on model tests for flooding and motions of damaged ships
Authors: Ruponen Pekka
Published: February 2025

During the past decades, experiments with scale models have been widely conducted to study the flooding process and motions of damaged ships, both in calm water and in waves. Survivability tests in irregular beam seas have been well-established and widely used, also commercially, to verify the compliance with the so-called Stockholm Agreement regulatory requirements. However, model tests for both transient and progressive flooding modes have mainly targeted at obtaining experimental data for validation of numerical simulation methods. This is becoming more important as increased computing capacity has enabled practical use of first principle tools for assessing damages stability. In this review, the different model test types and typical experimental setups are analyzed. In addition, the applied scales factors are studied and some research gaps are pointed out. Despite notable achievements in the past, further model tests are still considered essential for obtaining reliable experimental data on certain flooding mechanisms. Consequently, some recommendations for future experiments are also given.
Effects of lighting on task performance, stress and thermal sensation in working environments
Authors: Erkan I , Simsek S , Avci AB , Akyol G
Published: February 2025

Studies have shown that the correlated colour temperature (CCT) of light significantly influences individuals engaged in study and work activities. However, the impact of CCT on stress and task performance, particularly when considering subjective preferences and experiences, has been explored only to a limited extent. This study aims to investigate the relationship between CCT, thermal sensation vote, stress levels and task performance. Forty-two healthy participants (21 female and 21 male, aged 20 to 53 years) participated in the experimental study. Participants completed a paper-based task and subjective questionnaires across three sessions, each conducted under different CCTs (2700 K, 4000 K and 6500 K). During these sessions, electroencephalogram (EEG) and heart rate variability were monitored to objectively assess stress levels. The study primarily focused on the activity of EEG alpha and theta waves in response to varying CCT degrees. Notably, significant activity was observed in the frontal lobes at 2700 K, particularly related to the frontal theta wave. Statistical significance was also identified in different brain regions in both alpha and theta waves among participants who demonstrated successful task performance. Additionally, participants reported optimal thermal comfort at 2700 K, which was associated with enhanced task performance and reduced stress levels.
Employers’ Perspectives of Important Skills for Employees With Disabilities: The Entry-Level Employability Skills and Behaviors Scale
Authors: Reardon Kyle , Rowe Dawn A. , Unruh Deanne K.
Published: February 2025

Achieving successful employment outcomes is critical for individuals with disabilities (IWD). Employers’ perspectives toward employability skills for entry-level employees with disabilities is an important factor in employment rates. This study investigated the psychometric properties of the Entry-Level Employability Skills and Behaviors (EL-ESB) Scale, a measure of the most important employability skills for entry-level employees with disabilities according to employers. Analyses explored and confirmed the scale’s factor structure, measured internal consistency, and examined group differences based on geographic location and business size. Results indicated evidence of a five-factor structure and acceptable internal consistency. Implications for research and practice are discussed, including the need for further replication research and the scale’s potential utility in informing transition programs of the most important skills to teach students with disabilities.
New derivatives based on zerumbone scaffold as anticancer inhibitors: Synthesis, in vitro anticancer evaluation, docking, and MD simulation studies
Authors: Truong Ngoc Hung , Le Minh Ha , Luu Hanh Trang , Vu Tien Chinh , Pham Van Chung , Luu Van Chinh
Published: February 2025

A three-step procedure was applied to synthesize seven novel zerumbone ethers 7a–g with N-(4-hydroxybenzyl) benzamide, N-(4-hydroxybenzyl) substituted benzamide, and N-(4-hydroxybenzyl) cinnamamide moieties, including simultaneous O- and N-acylations, ester hydrolysis, and O-alkylation. The structure of intermediates and target compounds was elucidated using one-dimensional and two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance, and high-resolution mass spectrometry data. Their cytotoxic activities were screened on three human cancer cell lines HepG2, LU-1, and HeLa. The results showed that ethers 7a–g exhibited activity against all tested cell lines with IC50 values ranging from 1.71 to 6.86 µM and stronger than zerumbone, approximately 10–35 folds. Theoretically, the mode of their anticancer action was studied based on predicting the ability to inhibit Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor 1 and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor 2 proteins using docking and molecular dynamic simulation studies. The interaction of 7a–g with important amino acids in the active binding sites of protein Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor 1 and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor 2, and Umbrella Effect formation explained the significant improvement in their cytotoxic activities compared to the parent compound zerumbone.
Coaches’ attitudes of sport science professions in community-level Australian football
Authors: Siesmaa Emma , Kittel Aden , Bell Leo , Larkin Paul , O’Brien Brendan J
Published: February 2025

Sport science is a popular area for university study and a sought-after field for employment. Employment opportunities in elite sport are few, thus a surplus of sport science university graduates seek employment often in community-level sport exists. Community sports coaches can be a gateway to the employment of sport science professionals, however coaches’ attitudes toward the use and value of sport science, and how this may translate to employment opportunities, is not well understood. This study reports the attitudes of ten community-level Australian football coaches, obtaining an in-depth understanding of their perceptions of a sport scientist's role, their value of the sport science field, current use of sport scientists within their club, sport scientist training and qualifications, and the feasibility of employing a sport scientist. Inductive semi-structured one-on-one interviews were conducted via an online platform using an open-ended interview schedule developed from a detailed literature review, determining key foci for inclusion. Coaches viewed the role of a sport scientist in community-level football to be broad, acknowledging that sport scientists can perform specialist roles. Coaches highly valued the profession overall and frequently used and endorsed the use of sport scientists in their sport. However, a commonly occurring theme was that sport science was not seen as particularly cost-effective at a community-level. This theme stemmed from the overarching perceived financial barrier coaches reported as limiting their ability to employ or effectively utilise a sport scientist in their club. The findings highlight key limitations to the employment of sport scientists in community-level sports.
Shear wave elastography of the deltoid muscle in healthy volunteers – quantifying age-dependent normal values
Authors: Ivanov David V , Voelkel Jacob E , Giambini Hugo , Sanchez-Sotelo Joaquin , Dave Jaydev K , Kummer Tobias
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) is performed for various shoulder pathologies. Inadequate tensioning of the deltoid muscle can lead to complications, highlighting the need for optimization. Preoperative quantification of deltoid health may improve operative execution and outcomes. Shear wave elastography (SWE) quantifies stiffness as a marker for muscle health and tensioning. This study establishes normal reference values for the deltoid in healthy individuals.

Methods

40 participants were enrolled, 10 in each 18–30, 31–40, 41–55, and 55 + age groups. Two operators performed SWE in 3 deltoid regions, and the intra- and inter-operator agreement was assessed.

Results

Mean values were 23.2 ± 4.6, 26.4 ± 5.6, and 17.9 ± 5.2 kPa for the anterior, lateral, and posterior regions. The posterior region did not show any age dependency. However, there were significant differences between the age groups of 18–30 and 55 + years in the anterior (19.7 ± 3.7 vs. 26.7 ± 5.3 kPa) and lateral (22.0 ± 5.4 vs. 30.2 ± 8.8 kPa). Intra-operator reliability ranged from 0.45 to 0.60, and inter-reader agreement from 0.57 to 0.85.

Conclusion

This study provides reference values of deltoid stiffness which could serve as a comparison with clinical measurements for RSA operative planning and execution and prediction of surgical outcomes.
Aging, cellular senescence and Parkinson's disease
Authors: Ma Yue , Erb Madalynn L , Moore Darren J
Published: February 2025

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the most common neurodegenerative movement disorder, affecting 1–2% of people over age 65. The risk of developing PD dramatically increases with advanced age, indicating that aging is likely a driving factor in PD neuropathogenesis. Several age-associated biological changes are also hallmarks of PD neuropathology, including mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation. Accumulation of senescent cells is an important feature of aging that contributes to age-related diseases. How age-related cellular senescence affects brain health and whether this phenomenon contributes to neuropathogenesis in PD is not yet fully understood. In this review, we highlight hallmarks of aging, including mitochondrial dysfunction, loss of proteostasis, genomic instability and telomere attrition in relation to well established PD neuropathological pathways. We then discuss the hallmarks of cellular senescence in the context of neuroscience and review studies that directly examine cellular senescence in PD. Studying senescence in PD presents challenges and holds promise for advancing our understanding of disease mechanisms, which could contribute to the development of effective disease-modifying therapeutics. Targeting senescent cells or modulating the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) in PD requires a comprehensive understanding of the complex relationship between PD pathogenesis and cellular senescence.
Keeping Healthcare Workers Safe During a Pandemic: Evaluating Doffing Area Design for Safer Removal of Personal Protective Equipment
Authors: Matić Zorana , Oh Yeinn , Grindle Amanda , DuBose Jennifer R. , Lim Lisa
Published: February 2025

Objective

This study proposes a user-centered methodology to quantify the design affordances of doffing spaces, focusing on the safety and efficiency of healthcare workers (HCWs).

Background

Doffing personal protective equipment (PPE) poses a significant challenge for healthcare workers (HCWs) due to the high risk of self-contamination. The physical design of the doffing area plays an important role in ensuring safety during this process. However, there currently are no established spatial metrics for assessing the design of doffing spaces.

Methods

Four doffing areas in two Biocontainment Units (BCUs) were evaluated using Functional Scenario (FS) analysis method. FSs, representing the spatial needs of key users (HCW and Trained Observer—TO) were developed based on observations, literature, and discussions with staff. For each FS, we defined quantifiable metrics for visualizing the user's needs and evaluating doffing area design performance.

Results

We defined 11 FSs (seven for HCWs and four for TOs) and 19 associated spatial metrics. FSs for the HCW focused on the prevention of self- and cross-contamination, as well as facilitating visibility, efficiency, and situational and process awareness. The FSs for the TO center on preventing self-contamination, promoting visibility and process awareness, and safe waste management.

Conclusions

The FS approach allowed for the quantification of doffing area affordances and evaluation of how they impact HCW performance, emphasizing design aspects that enhance safety and efficiency. The presented metrics and study findings are expected to inform the future design of spaces where doffing occurs and provide new guidance for improved doffing safety.