bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Automated Drug Expiry Detection and Alert System Via Email Notifications
Authors: Friday Ebole , Sorlihu Tiamiyu
Published: February 2025

Effective pharmaceutical management is vital for healthcare systems, where timely identification of drug expiry dates is crucial to ensure patient safety and regulatory compliance. This paper presents an automated system for drug expiry date detection and email alerting, aimed at enhancing the efficiency and reliability of pharmaceutical management. Traditional manual tracking methods are often prone to errors and inefficiencies, leading to potential health risks. The proposed system automates this process, ensuring prompt notifications to relevant stakeholders. The system features a centralized database for storing drug information, barcode or QR code scanning for data entry, an expiry date detection algorithm, and an integrated email alerting mechanism. The database, managed using MySQL, contains detailed records of each drug, including its name, batch number, manufacturing date, expiry date, and quantity. Barcode or QR code scanners facilitate quick and accurate updates to the database, implemented through a Python-based application. The expiry date detection algorithm runs periodically, comparing current dates with stored expiry dates to identify drugs nearing expiration within a specified threshold, typically 30 days. Upon detection, the system triggers email alerts with detailed drug information sent to pharmacists, healthcare providers, and inventory managers, prompting timely action to prevent the use of expired medications. Testing in a controlled environment with a sample dataset demonstrated that the algorithm accurately identified drugs nearing expiry and generated appropriate email alerts. User feedback indicated significant improvements in efficiency and a reduced risk of expired drug usage. This automated system offers a proactive approach to managing drug inventories, minimizing human error, and enhancing compliance with health regulations. By automating expiry date tracking and alerting, it improves pharmaceutical safety and streamlines inventory management. Future enhancements could include additional notification methods, such as SMS alerts, and expanding the system’s capabilities to manage other aspects of pharmaceutical inventory.
The Essential Role of Right Amount and Quality of Protein for Ensuring Child Growth and Maintenance of Bone and Muscle Mass
Authors: Alam Shah , Ferdousi Asma , Biswas Susmita , Begum Ayesha , Datta Mitra , Shil Sunanda , Reza Fahim , Talukdar Mishu
Published: February 2025

Protein is a vital macronutrient, essential for growth, tissue repair, and immune function. However, the impact of elevated protein intake during childhood and adolescence remains controversial. While high protein intake in older adults is often recommended for maintaining muscle mass and preventing frailty, excessive intake in younger populations has raised concerns about potential health risks, particularly related to obesity. This review aims to update current literature on the long-term effects of protein consumption in children and adolescents (ages 4-18) and to explore emerging methods for evaluating protein metabolism in this age group. The RDA for protein varies based on age, sex, and activity level. Generally, it is suggested that children consume about 0.95-1.3 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day, depending on age and specific requirements. In many developed countries, children and adolescents often consume protein at levels 2-3 times higher than the RDA, potentially leading to both positive and negative health outcomes. Protein is critical for normal growth and development during childhood and adolescence. Adequate intake supports muscle development, immune function, and the production of hormones. Studies suggest that elevated protein intake may be linked to increased Fat-Free Mass Index (FFMI), which is beneficial for muscle development and overall body composition. High protein diets have been associated with increased satiety, which can help in managing appetite and potentially reducing overall caloric intake, thus contributing to healthier weight maintenance. Some evidence suggests a correlation between high protein intake in infancy and childhood and increased risk of obesity later in life. This association may be due to the overactivation of growth pathways and increased insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels. Excessive protein intake has been hypothesized to strain kidney function, especially in individuals with pre-existing kidney conditions. However, current evidence in healthy children and adolescents is inconclusive. This narrative review emphasizes the need for a nuanced understanding of protein intake in children and adolescents, considering both the benefits and potential risks associated with high protein consumption. As research evolves, dietary guidelines may need to be adjusted to reflect the latest findings.
Thinking About Initiation: Spiritual Education and Cultural Identity in Benin
Authors: Bienvenu Hounyoton , Raymond-Bernard Ahouandjinou , Hamadou Bani , Bénédicte Odoubourou
Published: February 2025

This article, based on an in-depth ethnographic study, highlights the essential role of initiation rites, such as Chakpanna, Ochoumaré, Monlou, Oro and Hunzizon...etc., in identity-building and social cohesion in Benin, drawing on participant observations and testimonials from social actors to demonstrate that they constitute a comprehensive traditional educational process. The study underlines the importance of transmitting ancestral knowledge, respect for tradition, solidarity and courage, which are essential to social cohesion and the preservation of Benin's cultural heritage, while exploring the interactions between the traditional education of initiation rites, informal family education and formal modern education, as well as the challenges posed by modernity. The study underlines the need for constructive dialogue between traditional authorities, government institutions and civil society to balance tradition and evolution, thus ensuring the transmission of initiation rites to future generations, while opening up promising research prospects, including comparative studies with other African cultures to better understand the diversity of these rites and their role in identity building in a changing world.
Examining the Role of Academic Accommodations and Technical Standards in Preparing Health Professions’ Students for Clinical Success: A Case Report
Authors: Victor Callie , Shanholtz Cathy , Holove-Murillo Minelva , Davila Laura , Hosseinian Sarah , Koch Mia
Published: February 2025

Initiatives focused on equity, inclusion, and support for underrepresented groups are making higher education more accessible, yet the transition from an academic setting to the clinical workplace can pose significant challenges for students, especially those who have relied on academic accommodations. While these accommodations facilitate success in the classroom, they may not fully equip students for the demands of professional practice. This case report examines the perspectives of two graduate faculty at a Mid-Atlantic university, focusing on the relationships between academic accommodations and technical standards in health profession programs. The report explores how technical standards and accommodations influence students’ readiness for clinical settings and their potential for professional success. Three key themes emerged: (1) Preparation for Clinical Success, highlighting participants’ views on how accommodations and technical standards contribute to students' academic and clinical success; (2) Assumptions and Uncertainties, revealing representatives' lack of knowledge and hesitancy regarding technical standards, along with a disconnect between administration and faculty in updating and incorporating inclusion principles into these standards, and (3) Preservation of University Standards and Reputation, which underscores the importance of maintaining institutional integrity while supporting diverse learning needs. The complex interplay between accommodation policies and technical standards requirements highlights the need for continual assessment to effectively prepare students for workplace demands.
Recruitment Strategies and Holistic Review in Increasing URM Student Populations in PA Programs: A Review of Literature
Authors: Gamber Michelle , Black Kelton
Published: February 2025

A significant lack of diversity in the healthcare workforce exists throughout most health professions and contributes differences in treatments and access to care among groups underrepresented in medicine (URM). Substantial research has been gathered indicating a series of health disparities that disproportionately impact racial and ethnic minorities. The PA profession has been no exception to these challenges in diversity, though recent changes in accreditation standards now require programs to increase recruitment efforts for these populations. This article identifies recruitment strategies and methods of holistic review utilized by PA programs successful in increasing their URM student populations. Recruitment methods highlighted in this paper have been organized into 3 types: pipeline programs, mentorship programs, and general recruitment efforts. Community collaborations and partnerships with pre-pa and diversity organizations have proven successful in promoting URM population success in health professions, while altering admissions methods to favor qualitative measures has also proven beneficial. With these efforts, reflection on successes seen in other PA programs in the development of pipeline programs, utilization of recruitment efforts, and adaptation of admissions strategies should serve as rough guides for next steps in their program’s development. Having representative diversity on admissions committees and increasing recruitment efforts specific to DEI communities should be considered minimum steps taken by programs to advance diversity in the PA profession.
Testing Some Varieties of Peas in the Southern Area of Romania
Authors: Cojocaru Jeni , Melucă Cristina , Sturzu Rodica
Published: February 2025

The pea, Pisum sativum L. Family Papilionaceae, is a leguminous, herbaceous plant native to Asia Minor and Central Asia. It was cultivated by the Greeks and Romans in antiquity and quickly spread throughout the world; it was brought to Romania in the 17th century. Pea has long been an important component of the human diet, providing an excellent source of protein, is characterized by high yielding ability, but at the same time significant variability of yield level. It also has a high protein content in seeds and the ability to bind atmospheric nitrogen, which is of both ecological and economic importance. Peas play also an important role in crop rotation and in the plant production systems being a good previous crop for cereals and chemicals are not used or only used to a limited extent and has recently received special attention for the improvement of new varieties. To establish the production potential and the ability to adapt to the climatic conditions of the area, in the period 2019, 2020, 2021, at Agricultural and Development Research Station Teleorman, was tested the behavior of 7 local and foreign pea varieties, by establishing a bifactorial experiment, in 3 repetitions, laid out according to the randomized block method, with plots having an area of 10 m2, because the capability of the variety to adapt to growing conditions plays an important role in increasing the quantity and quality of crops production.
Observation on the Clinical Effect of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy on Postoperative Recovery of Patients with Kashin-Beck Disease in Plateau Areas After Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA)
Authors: Zhao Zhifu , Liu Li
Published: February 2025

Background: When the altitude is 0 meters above sea level, the oxygen concentration in the air is approximately 21%. As the altitude increases, the oxygen concentration gradually decreases. At an altitude of 3,000 meters, the oxygen concentration in the air is about 15%. The low oxygen concentration seriously affects the recovery after knee joint surgery and is more likely to lead to postoperative complications. This study aims to explore the efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on the early postoperative recovery of patients with Kashin-Beck disease in high-altitude areas after undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Methods: The clinical data of 58 patients with Kashin-Beck Disease who were hospitalized and underwent TKA in Ruoergai County People's Hospital at an average altitude of 3,500 meters were retrospectively analyzed. According to whether hyperbaric oxygen therapy was used after surgery, they were divided into two groups: the hyperbaric oxygen group (HO group, hyperbaric oxygen therapy was administered daily from the 1st to the 7th day after surgery) and the conventional group (GO group, only normal pressure oxygen inhalation was carried out without hyperbaric oxygen therapy after surgery). Finally, a total of 56 patients were included in the study, with 22 patients in the HO group and 34 patients in the GO group, and the evaluation was carried out based on the recovery status of all selected patients at the time of discharge after surgery. Results: There was no significant difference in the general clinical data between the two groups; the overall incidence of adverse reactions after surgery in the HO group was significantly lower than that in the GO group (P<0.01); the postoperative quality of recovery score (QoR-40) of the HO group was significantly higher than that of the GO group on the 3rd, 7th, and 14th days after surgery (P<0.01); although there was no significant difference in the pain (NRS) score, knee joint score, and surgical satisfaction between the two groups at 2 hours, 12 hours, 24 hours, 48 hours, and 72 hours after surgery, the length of hospital stay in the HO group was significantly shorter than that in the GO group, and this difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusion: Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for patients with Kashin-Beck Disease in plateau areas after TKA is beneficial to the early postoperative recovery process, can reduce the incidence of postoperative complications, and shorten the length of hospital stay, which has significant clinical application value.
Effect of Land Use Types and Slope on Selected Soil Physicochemical Properties in Bubisa Watershed, Adea Berga District, Central Ethiopia
Authors: Lemma Ajema , Wakgari Tesfaye , Kebede Gizachew
Published: February 2025

Soil physicochemical properties can be affected by different land use type in Ethiopia. The nutrient content of soil in the three sites was varied based on; soil management systems, organic inputs and other factors. Cognizant of this fact, research was conducted in Bubisa Watershed to evaluate the effect of different land use types and slope on selected physicochemical properties of soil. Accordingly, lands such as; crop, grazing and forest land were nominated and twenty seven (27) core and composite soil samples were collected from 0-20 cm layers. Soil analysis was done and the highest (1.29 g cm-3) bulk density was recorded on the upper slope of crop land and lower (0.99 g cm-3) on the lower slope of forest land. Total porosity and Available water holding capacity were high (60.02%; 172 mm/m) in forest land and lower (49.56%); 152 mm/m) in crop land respectively. Soil pH was high in forest land and low in crop land soils. The result of soil organic carbon and total nitrogen were also high (4.51%; 0.22%) in forest land and low (1.4; 0.15) crop land soils, respectively. Moreover, CEC and basic cations varied across the three sites and high in forest land and low in crop land in the study watershed. Based on the results, it was concluded that forest has high concentration of soil nutrients except bulk density than crop land. As recommendation, studies should be expanded to provide more conclusive recommendation to have qualified; productive soils and estimate the effect of land use types and slope on soil properties for sustainable agricultural productivity.
New Energy Loss Expression for Stepped Spillways with Channel Slopes 26.6° and Below
Authors: Ozueigbo Okechukwu , Agunwamba Jonah
Published: February 2025

A stepped spillway is a hydraulic structure built at storage and detention dams to discharge flood water that cannot be safely kept in the reservoir. It was created to minimize the kinetic energy that would have otherwise produced dangerous scour at the natural river bed beneath the spillway. They discharge this energy in floodwater using their stepping nature. Several studies show the detrimental consequences of falling water's kinetic energy on the river bed underneath the structure. Only a handful of these studies, however, have evaluated the impact of energy losses caused by stepped spillways with channel slopes 26.6° or less. As a result, there are gaps in the rules and recommendations for designers of stepped spillways with channel slopes below 26.6°. Furthermore, the existing models for forecasting energy dissipation in stepped spillways for channels of all slopes include a parameter, the friction factor, f, which is difficult to estimate with precision, leading to its subjective estimation by those involved in the stepped spillway design. The goal of this study is not only to provide designers with design recommendations and information for stepped spillways with channel slopes below 26.6°, but also to eliminate the 'troublesome' frictional factor; f. Using phase-detection intrusive probes, air-water flow tests were carried out in nappe, transitional, and skimming flows on a stepped spillway with channel slope below 26.6° in a large facility. New expressions for evaluating energy losses in stepped spillways with slopes 26.6° or less are developed. Regarding energy dissipation, the data from the latest models compare well with the measured data, with high coefficients of correlation that range between 0.95 and 0.99. All of the measured data and the estimated data are in good agreement. The models are simple to use.
The Legal Documents of Afghanistan's Higher Education and the Effects of the Country
Authors: Saqib Naqibullah , Tayeb Barakatullah , Wasiq Ahmad
Published: February 2025

Man is a social creature who has all kinds of needs in the society, and the fulfillment of such needs is impossible without legal documents. On the one hand, higher education develops systematically and seriously, and on the other hand, it leads to the development and development of the country, and on the other hand, obtaining higher education without legal documents and using it correctly is difficult and may be impossible. Because these legal documents are necessary for the development of higher education sectors, so that higher education sectors are developed appropriately, necessary and legally. It is important that a country's all-round growth, production, agriculture, livestock, technology, increase in exports and decrease in imports, employment, especially for the country and its citizens, higher education is necessary and necessary, so that higher education can develop appropriately and interestingly in the light of legal documents. Therefore, the research of the legal documents of higher education and their effects is of special and interesting importance. The most important problem is that the development of higher education is impossible without legal documents, because legal documents have many effects on higher education. Needs opportunities. This work eases this problem by obtaining higher education according to legal documents and makes it useful in less time with less possibilities. This type of research has been conducted in the library and in the field, and historical, descriptive, analytical and comparative methods have been used. As a result, I can say that by conducting this research, it will be proven that the citizens of the dear country of Afghanistan should have higher education for the development of the nation. And plays an important role. The life of the country and its citizens will move forward in a good way, and the country will develop and grow day by day.
How do we prosume? A formal typology of prosumption
Authors: Žilinskaitė Rima
Published: February 2025

Prosumption is not an exclusively digital phenomenon, but Internet and digital technologies enable users to participate more frequently in the development of products or other artifacts and become the so-called prosumer—producer and consumer combined. However, the extent to which this is the case remains to be determined. The existing classifications of prosumption are tailored to both non-digital and digital prosumption. Departing from these classifications, this article identifies the formal characteristics of prosumption that occur across different spheres in which the phenomenon is manifested. A new typology of prosumption is proposed as an analytical instrument that allows researchers to encompass the full spectrum of variation in prosumption and examine the differences of prosumer practices in various spheres (digital and otherwise). The proposed typology is based on three dimensions: the nature of prosumer activities in collaborative terms, the initial reason to engage in a prosumer activity, and the level of skills required from a prosumer.
Ginsenoside Rg3 Alleviates Xerostomia in Orchiectomized Mice via AR/AQP5
Authors: Chen B. , Sun Y. , Wei W. , Mao T. , Yu J. , Cui Y. , Lin Z. , Wang L. , Watanabe N. , Mayo K.H. , Pathak J.L. , Li X. , Li J.
Published: February 2025

Sjögren’s disease (SjD), an autoimmune inflammatory disease, is associated with reduced androgen levels. Testosterone replacement therapy alleviates SjD progression, but the exact mode of action is unclear and adverse effects are reported. Our present study found that dihydrotestosterone (DHT) enhances the transcription and expression of aquaporin 5 (AQP5) in human salivary gland epithelial cells via androgen receptor (AR) signaling. The DHT/AR complex binds to the androgen response element of the AQP5 promoter, upregulating AQP5 expression. Using orchiectomized mice, we observed that reduced levels of DHT resulted in hyposalivation and SjD progression. By screening compounds with similar structures to DHT, we identified that DHT-like ginsenoside Rg3, a natural product, upregulates AQP5 expression in salivary gland epithelial cells via binding with AR. The Rg3/AR complex acts like DHT/AR and binds to the androgen response element of the AQP5 promoter to promote AQP5 transcription in salivary gland epithelial cells. Gavage of Rg3 restored saliva secretion and submandibular gland morphology in orchiectomized and nonobese diabetic mice. Transcriptome analysis revealed that Rg3 treatment upregulates saliva secretion–related signaling and downregulates inflammation and immune activation–related signaling in the submandibular glands of orchiectomized mice. In conclusion, our results indicated that Rg3 restores androgen deficiency–triggered xerostomia via AR-mediated AQP5 upregulation.
Pericytes Are Odontoblast Progenitor Cells Depending on ER Stress
Authors: Ouchi T. , Ando M. , Kurashima R. , Kimura M. , Saito N. , Iwasaki A. , Sekiya H. , Nakajima K. , Hasegawa T. , Mizoguchi T. , Shibukawa Y.
Published: February 2025

Odontoblasts are terminally differentiated cells that exhibit mechanosensitivity and mineralization capacity. Mechanosensitive ion channels such as Piezo1 are present in odontoblasts and are associated with their physiological functions via Ca2+ signaling. Both Ca2+ signals via Ca2+ influx from mechanosensitive ion channels and Ca2+ release from Ca2+ stores function as secondary messenger systems for various biological phenomena. The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) serves as an intracellular Ca2+ store that mobilizes intracellular Ca2+. Changes in Ca2+ concentration inside the ER are among the factors that cause ER stress. Perivascular cells are located around odontoblasts in the dental pulp. Although such formation indicates that perivascular cells interact with odontoblasts, their detailed profiles under developmental and pathological conditions remain unclear. In this study, we revealed that pericyte marker, neural/glial antigen 2 (NG2)–positive cells, in cell-rich zones (CZs) can differentiate into Piezo1-positive odontoblasts following genetic odontoblast depletion in mice, and modeled as odontoblast death after severe dentin injury and as reparative dentin formation. NG2-positive pericytes differentiated into odontoblasts faster than glial cells. To determine how NG2-positive cells differentiate into Piezo1-positive odontoblasts, we focused on the ER-stress sensor protein, activating transcription factor 6a (ATF6a). After genetic odontoblast depletion, NG2-positive cells regenerated in the odontoblast layer and were capable of acting as functional odontoblasts. In the presence of extracellular Ca2+, the application of a sarco/ER Ca2+-ATPase (SERCA) inhibitor, thapsigargin, known as an ER-stress inducer, increased the intracellular Ca2+ concentration in the odontoblast lineage cells (OLCs). The increase was significantly inhibited by the application of a pharmacologic Piezo1 inhibitor, indicating that ER stress by SERCA inhibition augmented Piezo1-induced responses in odontoblast progenitor cells. However, the physiological activation of Gq-coupled receptors by adenosine diphosphate did not induce Piezo1 activation. Gene silencing of ATF6a and/or NG2 impaired the mineralization of OLCs. Overall, ATF6a orchestrates the differentiation of NG2-positive pericytes into functional odontoblasts that act as sensory receptor cells and dentin-forming cells.
Incoherence in the Brain Death Guideline Regarding Brain Blood Flow Testing: Lessons from the Much-Publicized Case of Zack Dunlap
Authors: Nguyen Doyen , Zainer Christine M.
Published: February 2025

At age 21, following a severe traumatic brain injury, Zack Dunlap was declared brain-dead according to the American Academy of Neurology guideline (Guideline) when he met the clinical criteria of brain death (minus apnea testing because of bradycardia) with technetium-99m diethylene-triamine-pentaacetate scintigraphy reported as showing no intracranial blood flow. His parents agreed to organ donation. During preparations for organ donation, Zack manifested a purposeful movement in response to a noxious stimulus made by his cousin. Following subsequent neurological recovery, he has returned to a normal life, holding steady employment and raising a family. During an interview, he reported that while in coma, he heard a doctor say that he was brain-dead and felt angry about it. His experience fits the phenomenon of cognitive-motor dissociation. Recently, Zack's medical records were made available to the first author. A critical review of the records uncovered a problem inherent in the logic of the Guideline algorithm regarding brain blood flow scintigraphy. This article discusses the lessons drawn from Zack's case, namely, that both the aforementioned problem and the occurrence of cognitive-motor dissociation in patients deemed to be brain-dead can pose a significant risk of a false-positive declaration of death.
An analysis of offence patterns and legal response to one-punch fatalities in Australia
Authors: Sarkar Reena , Duncan Hayley , Bassed Richard , Drummer Olaf H , Roodenburg Abbie , Schumann Jennifer
Published: February 2025

One-punch deaths draw considerable legal and media attention due to the nature of catastrophic events and their impact on victims and families. Empirical research on the sentencing outcomes and offence categories faced by the perpetrators is non-existent. This Australian study examined judicial sentencing reviews to unpack perpetrator characteristics, offence patterns and sentencing outcomes for one-punch fatalities over a 30-year period. Two hundred and eighty-seven perpetrator convictions were reported by various parameters such as median sentencing length, injury mechanism and maximum sentencing categories. Secondary outcomes were details of concentrations of alcohol and illicit drug usage and usage of one-punch specific laws, hitherto unelucidated for one-punch assaults. Nearly all perpetrators were male with a median age of 26 years, with 61% charged in New South Wales and Victoria alone. The median sentence length of imprisonment was 3.8–11.5 years for a manslaughter conviction. Median sentence length when categorized by injury mechanism demonstrated variation in both life sentence and one-punch offence categories. About 40% of Australian perpetrators were convicted under one-punch laws in states where these were introduced. The study will increase knowledge and public awareness regarding the impact of one-punch violence and outcomes.
From classroom to field: Assessing the impact of gender-targeted farmer training on knowledge, attitudes and practices in Northern Laos
Authors: Earp Francesca , Khounsy Syseng , Bush Russell
Published: February 2025

Agricultural development aiming to empower and engage women has become a staple of most agrarian development programs. These gender-focused development programs are commonly referred to as gender-targeted development. Lao People's Democratic Republic is one country experiencing an increased focus on gender-targeted agricultural development. However, a limited understanding of cultural and gender-specific factors influencing the engagement of Laotian women continues to impact the successful implementation of these programs. This study examines the advantages of gender-segregated training through pre- and post-training knowledge, attitude and practice surveys. While no definitive conclusion was reached regarding the effects of gender-segregated or gender-mixed training, the study highlighted key factors that influence women's engagement, including domestic responsibilities and gender inequity in agricultural extension. The study revealed that domestic responsibilities significantly impact the engagement of women, with a majority (51.5%) of women participants with children bringing them to the training sessions. In contrast, only 12.1% of men with children brought them to their session, and they did so only to gender-mixed sessions where they could rely on their wives for childcare assistance. Men in the study experienced significant knowledge changes in gender-mixed training, whereas women exhibited no significant difference in knowledge acquisition between gender-segregated and gender-mixed sessions. Significantly, the investigation uncovered that gender gaps in education in Laos have reduced women's readiness for training, evidenced by the significantly lower starting scores of women. The findings of this study demonstrate the importance of future research in Laos and the application of participatory research approaches. A deeper understanding of the factors influencing the engagement of women in development programming will ultimately enhance the long-term success of gender-targeted development programs in Northern Laos and the Mekong Subregion, thereby contributing to improved gender equity and women's empowerment.
Study on the processing of thermoplastic polyvinyl alcohol with ammonium salts by melt spinning and its potential as a precursor fiber
Authors: Köhler Philipp , Kruppke Iris , Cherif Chokri
Published: February 2025

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) has all the essential requirements to be used as an alternative precursor for carbon fiber (CF) production. Within this work, three different commercially available, thermoplastically processable PVOH grades together with three different ammonium salts as stabilizing agents were investigated using the melt spinning process with regard to their processing into CF precursor filaments. Precursor filaments could be spun at up to, 500 m min−1. The distribution of the salts over the filament cross-section was evaluated using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis, whereas the quantitative determination was carried out using Kjeldahl nitrogen analysis. The thermal properties were characterized using thermogravimetric analysis. An increase in the ammonium iodine (NH4I) concentration to 10.0 wt.% leads to 22.4 wt.% mass residue at 1000°C. The precursor filaments were carbonized in a laboratory tube furnace up to 1000°C and initial tests were carried out on the resulting CFs.
Effect of dodecyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride on dyeing kinetics and thermodynamics of spandex fibers dyed with acid dye
Authors: Cen Hongyang , Hao Haitao , Wang Haoran , Jiang Wuwei , Song Yajing , Xu Zhenxin , Li Yongqiang
Published: February 2025

Spandex fiber has been widely used in clothing. Adding a small amount of spandex to textiles can greatly improve the elasticity, wear resistance, and other mechanical properties. But it is difficult to color it into a deep hue with acid dyes. The main purpose of this paper is to investigate how the cationic dyeing auxiliary dodecyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride (DDBAC) can effectively improve the dyeability and dyeing depth of spandex fibers, and its influence on dyeing kinetics and thermodynamics of spandex fiber. The results showed that adding DDBAC could increase the potential of spandex zeta. Kinetically, when spandex adsorbed acid dyes, adding DDBAC could decrease the dyeing rate constant, and improve the dyeing equilibrium concentration and half-dyeing time. Thermodynamically, without DDBAC, the adsorption isotherm of spandex to Acid Red 414 conforms to the Langmuir model. The adsorption isotherm of spandex to Acid Red 414 after DDBAC is added is not entirely obedient to the Langmuir partition type but is close to the Langmuir + Nernst binary adsorption model. Meanwhile, the new binary saturation adsorption value S increased with the increase of temperature and DDBAC dosage and tended to occur more in the Nernst-type partitioning mechanism.
Preliminary Validation of a Measure of Interpersonal Problems: A Study of Personality Pathology in Depressed Older Inpatients
Authors: Wildstein Nicole , Zweig Richard
Published: February 2025

This preliminary study sought to determine the psychometric properties of the Inventory of Interpersonal Problems-Personality Disorders (IIP-PD-25) in a middle-aged to older adult sample in which personality pathology is common. Depressed inpatients (N = 62) between 55 and 92 years (M = 67.60, SD = 8.75) were administered self-report questionnaires to measure personality traits (NEO Five-Factor Inventory), interpersonal processes (IIP-PD-25), depression (Geriatric Depression Scale), and social role impairment (Social Adjustment Scale-Self-Report). We investigated whether the IIP-PD-25 has convergent validity with these measures. After adjusting for covariates, IIP-PD-25 scores were associated with greater depression (ß = .459, p < .001), greater social role impairment (ß = .374, p = .004), greater neuroticism (ß = .614, p < .001), and less agreeableness (ß = −.260, p = .035). Three-fourths of the IIP-PD-25 subscales also showed convergent validity with these constructs in the predicted directions. Based on these findings, the IIP-PD-25 is valid for purposes of capturing interpersonal and personality pathology in a depressed, older inpatient population.
Examining the Effectiveness of Interventions for Criminal Justice-Involved Women: A Meta-Analytic Review
Authors: Summers Richard , Pemberton Simon , Long Joanna
Published: February 2025

Academic understanding of women’s gendered pathways into the criminal justice system has grown significantly over the last 20 years. Allied to this development has been an increasing number of gender-responsive practices and interventions designed to address the needs of criminal justice-involved women. This meta-analysis summarizes the trends in 71 interventions extracted from 64 papers involving justice-involved women. Subgroup analysis and meta-regression were used, which shows that gender-responsive interventions are up to 42% more effective compared with gender-neutral, even when controlling for several covariates. Other findings in our case demonstrate features of interventions, such as intervention, format, focus, and length, that appear to be effective in reducing recidivism for criminal justice-involved women. Our findings strengthen the case for investment in gender-responsive interventions and diversion programs.
A Review of Artificial Intelligence, Algorithms, and Robots Through the Lens of Stakeholder Theory
Authors: Matthews Michael J. , Su Runkun , Yonish Lindsey , McClean Shawn , Koopman Joel , Yam Kai Chi
Published: February 2025

With the arrival of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, intelligent machines are affecting the daily lives of multiple organizational stakeholders. However, despite the continued expansion of intelligent machines in society, management scholarship has generally lagged, and current frameworks are under-equipped to offer meaningful guidance regarding the intersection of intelligent machines and organizations. We address this issue via a multidisciplinary review and a novel framework of intelligent machines and value creation. First, we discuss the characteristics of intelligent machines (i.e., autonomy, learning, inscrutability, and materiality) and how variation in these characteristics impacts their affordances and, subsequently, the value offered to stakeholders. We also advance the notion of value contingencies, which captures the idea that the value afforded by intelligent machines is conditional and that stakeholders’ dispositions and exploitation of intelligent machines must be considered when assessing value creation. Building on our framework, we offer recommendations for future research. Overall, we forward the literature by showcasing how intelligent machines often create both advantages and disadvantages for stakeholders and demonstrate how practitioners, policymakers, and management scholars may consider this moving forward.
Optimizing the utilization of interregional input-output table in measuring the distribution of value-added exports in the regional value chain scheme: application to the food and beverage industry
Authors: Oktora Siskarossa Ika , Satrio Roni Anom , Muhtasib Nora
Published: February 2025

The production process of an industry is no longer within a single area but comprises a synergy of multiple countries, a phenomenon measured by the Global Value Chain (GVC). The GVC enables the assessment of the distribution of value-added across various industries in different countries at a macro level with a focus on those with unimplemented regional-scale assessments (Regional Value Chain/RVC). The importance of RVC, particularly in supporting and strengthening GVC, can be emphasized using the Interregional Input-Output Table (IRIO). The RVC approach is used to understand the distribution of value-added generated by the industrial sector in Indonesia. Therefore, this study examines the relationship between the food and beverage industry in Indonesia's mainstay industry for export activities. By looking backward and forward participation using the 2016 Indonesian IRIO Table, it's possible to trace the origin and destination of value-added in the food and beverage industry across different regions. The results show that provinces with high export Foreign Value-Added (FVA) also have significant Domestic Value-Added (DVA). The food and beverage industry is instrumental in creating value-added in these provinces due to the dominant role in backward and forward participation. Furthermore, two provinces, Jawa Timur and Sulawesi Selatan, are the central hubs for the food and beverage industry in the Western and Eastern Regions of Indonesia, respectively.
Superior vena cava syndrome caused by a giant right coronary artery aneurysm
Authors: Kahlbau Hagen , Mendes João João , Fragata Isabel , Fragata José
Published: February 2025

We present the case of a 61-year-old male who was admitted with superior vena cava syndrome. Patient’s medical history includes a coronary artery bypass surgery 5 years ago. Echocardiography and computed tomography angiography showed a giant right coronary artery aneurysm compressing the superior vena cava. Due to hemodynamic deterioration, emergent cardiac surgery was performed to alleviate the compression, and veno-arterial extracorporal membrane oxygenation (VA ECMO) was necessary during intensive care unit. Hemodynamic improvement over 6 days allowed for successful ECMO weaning and eventually patient’s discharge.
Developmental Progression of Perceived Gender Similarity in Early Adolescence
Authors: Leclerc Gabrielle , Bernier Annie , Martin Carol L. , Dégeilh Fanny
Published: February 2025

This study aimed to examine the developmental progression of gender similarity, an important aspect of gender identity, in early adolescence. At 11 ( Mage = 11.01) and 14 years of age ( Mage = 14.00), 156 youths (77 girls, 76 boys, 2 transgender boys, 1 gender fluid participant) reported on their perceived own-gender and other-gender similarity levels. Latent change score models suggested that mean levels of own-gender similarity remained stable over time while mean levels of other-gender similarity decreased. No gender differences were found in these mean-level trends. Using autoregressive cross-lagged models to investigate individual differences, a cross-over effect emerged for both gender groups, wherein other-gender similarity at age 11 negatively predicted own-gender similarity at age 14 (controlling for baseline levels of own-gender similarity). These results suggest that both perceived own-gender and other-gender similarity should be assessed when examining gender similarity in early adolescence, as these two subdimensions follow distinct developmental patterns.
Influence of field strength on quantitative parameters and feature stability in the assessment of the ovaries using 1.5-T and 3-T MRI
Authors: Mokry Theresa , Pantke Judith , Kauczor Hans-Ulrich , Laun Frederik B , Schlemmer Heinz-Peter , Kuder Tristan A , Bickelhaupt Sebastian
Published: February 2025

Background

Little is known of the influence of scanner field strength on quantitative diffusivity variables, especially kurtosis in healthy ovaries.

Purpose

To evaluate the influence of scanner field strength on quantitative diffusion variables in pelvic MRI of the ovaries.

Material and Methods

This prospective, single-centre study consisted of repeated 1.5-T and 3-T examinations in 30 female volunteers (mean age=27.9 years, age range=20.3–45.2 years) from July 2017 to September 2019. Multi b-value DWI 0, 50, 100, 800, 1500, 2000 s/mm2 was acquired over three timepoints during the menstrual cycle. Ovaries were segmented at b = 1500 s/mm2. Median apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and advanced kurtosis parameters Dapp and Kapp were calculated. Statistical analysis was performed with the variations of diffusivity variables being compared between 1.5-T and 3-T MRI using a Mann–Whitney rank-sum test.

Results

Median ADC and Dapp (µm²/ms) did not statistically differ. Median ADC were 1.509 (range=1.371–1.610), 1.619 (range=1.463–1.747), and 1.511 (range=1.423–1.639) at 1.5 T; 1.542 (range=1.428–1.682), 1.658 (range=1.510–1.806), and 1.572 (range=1.455–1.709) at 3 T ( P = 0.14, 0.19, and 0.07), whereas median Dapp were 2.024 (range=1.913–2.152), 2.192 (range=2.010–2.327), and 2.045 (range=1.958–2.170) at 1.5 T; 2.013 (range=1.952–2.188), 2.179 (range=2.018–2.327), and 2.082 (range=1.959–2.194) at 3 T ( P = 0.77, 0.99, and 0.34) for timepoints 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Statistical comparison of Kapp revealed significant differences for all timepoints: 0.629 (range=0.595–0.652), 0.604 (range=0.574–0.651), and 0.622 (range=0.581–0.664) at 1.5 T; 0.601 (range=0.563–0.626), 0.567 (range=0.526–0.633), and 0.599 (range=0.541–0.650) at 3 T ( P < 0.001, 0.005, and 0.03).

Conclusion

Diffusivity mapping in the ovaries provides similar absolute median diffusion values, but statistically significant differences in absolute kurtosis values between 1.5 T and 3 T.
Gut microbial profiles of patients with optic neuritis or myasthenia gravis
Authors: Wu Tao , Jiang Hanqiu , Lin Chen , Peng Jingting , Kong Xiuyun , Yu Jie , Wang Jiawei , Cui Shilei
Published: February 2025

Objective

To characterize the gut microbial composition of patients with optic neuritis (ON) or myasthenia gravis (MG).

Methods

Stool samples were collected from 45 patients with ON, 13 patients with MG, and 20 healthy controls. Microbial genomic DNA was extracted, and the V3–V4 regions of bacterial 16S rRNA genes were amplified and sequenced. Bioinformatic analyses was performed to compare the alpha-diversity, beta-diversity, taxonomic assignments, and bacterial richness of the groups. Differences in the abundances of microbial taxa were identified using linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) and analysis of variance.

Results

Beta-diversity analysis showed distinct clustering of patient samples from the healthy controls. At the phylum and genus levels, Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria predominated, but their proportions varied between groups. LEfSe analysis identified microbial taxa that were associated with each group. The patients showed lower abundances of certain intestinal probiotics, including Bifidobacterium, Bacteroides, and Roseburia, than the controls. No significant differences were found between the disease subgroups. The Carnobacteriaceae family was significantly less abundant in the ON than in the MG group.

Conclusion

We have identified significant alterations in the gut microbiota of patients with ON or MG, and importantly, a notable reduction in intestinal probiotics.
Organizers’ Dilemmas, Direct Action, and Adult Education: Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Sarmiento-Jaramillo Juana , Poizat Germain , Fisher Robert
Published: February 2025

This study provides a detailed account of dilemmas experienced by community organizers arising from the tension between political and educational objectives within the community organizing social action approach. We address the way these dilemmas emerge during nonviolent direct action (NDA), and the associated organizers' valuative processes. Within the course-of-experience framework, we conducted direct field observations, video recordings, and self-confrontation interviews with French organizers promoting housing rights in working-class communities. After outlining six episodes experienced as dilemmatic by these organizers, we offer an in-depth analysis of two enacted prototypical dilemmas. Findings reveal the cruciality of the organizers’ emotions during NDAs, and that organizers tend to prioritize short-term political goals over longer-term goals of collective radical education/emancipation processes. We discuss findings through two main drivers for organizers’ training: the risk of becoming a winner-almighty organizer instead of promoting actual grassroots participation, and the impact of anger and indignation in ethical reasonings during NDAs.