bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of influencing factors on the seismic performance of RC beam-column exterior joints based on orthogonal experimental design
Authors: Zhao Weiping , Hu Rui , Xu Yang , Yang Hong , Yang Jia-Qi
Published: February 2025

Due to the frequent earthquakes in recent years, the importance of studying the seismic performance and optimizing the influencing factors of beam-column exterior joints has become increasingly significant. This paper designed nine RC (reinforced concrete) beam-column exterior joints, taking into account concrete strength, the anchorage style of steel bars, and reinforcement ratio as influencing factors. Quasi-static loading tests were conducted on these nine RC beam-column exterior joints utilizing an orthogonal experimental design (OED) of three factors and three levels (L9(33)). The failure mode, hysteretic performance, skeleton curves, ductility, cumulative energy dissipation, and ultimate bearing capacity of the joints were assessed. Additionally, the impact of variations in these factors on seismic performance was investigated. Variance analysis and range analysis were conducted on the test results to determine the primary and secondary order of factors influencing the seismic performance, thereby identifying the optimal levels of these factors. The results indicated that all three factors significantly affect on the ductility, cumulative energy dissipation, and ultimate bearing capacity. The primary and secondary orders as well as the optimal levels of the three factors, are as follows: (1) for ductility, the primary and secondary orders are: reinforcement ratio > concrete strength > anchorage style, with the optimal level being: C70 + two-sided welding +1.63%; (2) for cumulative energy dissipation, the primary and secondary orders are: concrete strength > reinforcement ratio > anchorage ratio, with the optimal level being: C70 + two-sided welding +2.08%; (3) for ultimate bearing capacity, the primary and secondary orders are: reinforcement ratio > concrete strength > anchorage style, with the optimal level being: C70 + 90-degree hooks +2.58%. From the above discussion, this paper provides a theoretical reference for optimizing the design of factors that impact the seismic performance of RC beam-column exterior joints.
Bridging the academia-industry gap: Insights from digital journalism education in Palestine
Authors: Abu-Ayyash Shadi
Published: February 2025

This paper examines how Palestinian universities align their digital journalism curricula with the needs of the journalism industry, focusing on integrating digital technologies and practical skills within the context of military-occupied Palestine. The study explores how these universities navigate the complexities of preparing journalists for a rapidly evolving digital media environment amidst the unique challenges posed by the ongoing conflict and military occupation. The findings reveal an increasing emphasis on digital skills and practical training, but also identify a pressing need for further development in advanced technologies and stronger collaboration between academia and industry. This study underscores the importance of tailoring journalism education to address both the technological advancements and the socio-political realities that define journalistic practice in Palestine.
Adaptive vocal performance training using transfer learning and genetic algorithm: Personalization and optimization
Authors: Guo Juan
Published: February 2025

This study proposes an adaptive vocal performance training system based on transfer learning and genetic algorithms to address the limitations of traditional training methods, such as insufficient personalization and low efficiency. The system extracts high-level performance techniques from existing vocal datasets using transfer learning, and fine-tunes the pre-trained ResNet-50 convolutional neural network to cater to the specific needs of vocal training. A genetic algorithm is then employed to optimize the training plan, which is continuously refined through multiple iterations to meet individual student needs. Personalized training plans are provided based on the students’ voice characteristics and learning requirements. The system’s performance was evaluated, showing significant improvements in training effectiveness, with a training improvement score of 4.5 ± 0.4 and a user satisfaction score of 4.7 ± 0.3. The system also achieved a personalization score of 4.8 ± 0.2 and reduced training time to 28 ± 3 min. Compared to traditional vocal training methods, this system demonstrates superior performance in enhancing both training efficiency and effectiveness.
Reclaiming dignity through creative encounters among Brazilian women survivors of violence in London
Authors: McIlwaine Cathy , Peppl Renata , Cal Angrisani Carolina
Published: February 2025

Responding to recent calls for geography, especially urban and public geography, to engage more fully with the concept of dignity, this paper shows how feminist participatory arts-based approaches can facilitate the reclaiming of dignity among migrant women survivors of violence, an issue which has received surprisingly limited attention to date. We argue for feminist cultural geography to engage more fully with conceptualisations of dignity and especially how working through participatory arts is key to building it among migrant women. Drawing on ongoing research with a community arts organisation, Migrants in Action (MinA), run by and working with Brazilian migrant women in London, the paper proposes the notion of ‘creative dignity encounters’. These entail generating safe and compassionate spaces for women to engage in artistic engagements that allow them to reclaim their dignity conceived relationally as respect and recognition, self-respect and autonomy. We identify three types of ‘creative dignity encounters’ revolving around these three dimensions; the first, facilitates migrant women’s reinterpretation of and additional contributions to prior social science research as an act of respect and recognition; the second, engenders self-respect through healing and belonging and the third, builds autonomy through acknowledging and challenging wider structural oppressions that underpin gendered violence. Such encounters create different outcomes depending on the artistic medium and how they are sustained over time. Furthermore, they are not a panacea for bringing about social transformation and recovery, yet they can allow migrant women to begin their journeys towards reclaiming dignity in affective, relational and embodied ways.
Open Conversion After Branched Endovascular Aortic Repair With a Novel Hybrid Graft
Authors: Malik Karolina Daria , Debus Sebastian , Enzmann Florian K , Schulte-Uentrop Leonie , Kölbel Tilo , Wipper Sabine
Published: February 2025

Open surgical conversion (OSC) constitutes the final treatment option for failed endovascular aortic repair. The procedure is exceptionally challenging and infrequently performed, particularly following complex aortic reconstructions involving the thoracoabdominal segment. We describe a unique technique of an OSC for thoracoabdominal aneurysm due to persistent endoleak after branched endovascular aortic repair and multiple endovascular endoleak treatment attempts, which was accomplished using a novel Thoracoflo hybrid device.

Clinical Impact

This technical note introduces the first open surgical conversion after a failed branched endovascular repair of a thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm, using the new hybrid Thoracoflo device. This innovative technique reduces reno-visceral ischemia time and can be performed through a xipho-pubic laparotomy without the need for extracorporeal circulation. It offers a safe and effective solution for complex thoracoabdominal aortic diseases, and can also serve as a bailout option following endovascular failure.
Exploring the process—structure–property relationship of nylon aramid 3D printed composites and parameter optimization using supervised machine learning techniques
Authors: Raffic Noor Mohamed Mohammed , Karuppiah Ganesh Babu , Selvan Dharani Kumar , Saminathan Rajasekaran , Sharma Shubham , Dwivedi Shashi Prakash , Kumar Sandeep , Abbas Mohamed , Kozak Dražan , Lozanovic Jasmina
Published: February 2025

The main goals of this research are to identify the significant input parameters using supervised machine learning methods and investigate the relationship between the process, structure, and properties of components created using fused deposition modeling utilizing nylon aramid composite filaments. To develop an experimental layout using Taguchi’s L18 orthogonal array, six different FDM parameters such as infill pattern, infill density, layer thickness, component orientation, print temperature, and raster angle have been taken into consideration.Using an Ultimaker FDM printer, rectangular samples were created, and the values of face hardness, thickness regions, printing time, and component weight were assessed. ANOVA and the signal to noise ratio method are two techniques that have been used to find the significant influencing parameter and the ideal combination of parameters. When comparing thickly layered samples with a suitable increase in time and weight, thin-layered samples are shown to have greater hardness values at both tested areas. With a 50.09% contribution to face hardness and a 30.11% contribution to hardness at the thickness area, raster angle is found to be significant over hardness.Layer thickness is an important element that contributes 81.95% to printing time and 42.09% to part weight, respectively. In an 80:20 train-test split, the decision tree approach outperformed the k-nearest neighbor algorithm for all four output responses, with classification accuracy ranging from 83.33% to 100%. Infill density is recommended by the decision tree method to be extremely significant over face hardness and component weight, and layer thickness is similarly recommended to be highly significant over printing time and hardness at the thickness region. The presence of surface pores, interior voids, and layer abnormalities is confirmed by FESEM images.
Fabric-based patchwork on shoes through ultrasonic welding
Authors: Hussain Rahima , Nazeer Muhammad Anwaar
Published: February 2025

There has been a surge in textile and shoe product design innovation, introducing new products that merge design and technology in various domains. Decorative or functional patches on shoes are typically attached using stitching or adhesives, both of which present challenges: stitches often fail due to wear and tear, while adhesives involve toxic materials that are environmentally harmful. This study addresses these issues by exploring ultrasonic welding as a sustainable alternative for attaching patches to fabric shoes. The research aims to assess the impact of washing on the dimensional stability of the developed samples, investigate the ultrasonic seam strength of various fabric combinations, evaluate comfort properties, and examine the abrasion resistance of the attached patches. Results showed that PP-PP combinations exhibited the highest seam strength (55.3 N), as well as the highest air permeability (342 mm/s), making them ideal for application focused on strength and stability. However, PES-PES combinations demonstrated superior elongation (122.65%) and abrasion resistance (withstanding 35,000 cycles), proving suitable for flexibility and durability. Performance evaluation highlights ultrasonic welding as a more durable, environmentally friendly, and sustainable solution compared to conventional methods.
SGK1-HDAC4-HMGB1 signaling pathway in the spinal cord dorsal horn participates in diabetic neuropathic pain
Authors: Zhang Mao-Biao , Chen Jia-Li , Lu Jia-Hui , Jia Gai-Li , Cao Hong , Li Jun
Published: February 2025

Purpose:

This study aimed to determine whether serum-and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase1 (SGK1) activation-dependent histone deacetylase 4 (HDAC4) phosphorylation, nucleocytoplasmic trafficking, and subsequent regulation of high-mobility group protein box 1 (HMGB1) expression are involved in type 2 diabetic neuropathic pain (DNP).

Methods:

The type 2 diabetic neuropathic pain model was established in rats by feeding them with a high-fat and high-sugar diet for 8 weeks and then fasting them for 12 h, followed by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ, 35 mg/kg). SGK1 was inhibited in the spinal cord by intrathecal administration of the SGK1 inhibitor GSK-650394.

Results:

The present study revealed that pSGK1/tSGK1 was persistently upregulated in the spinal cord of rats with type-2 DNP. The downregulation of pSGK1/tSGK1 through the intrathecal injection of the SGK1 inhibitor GSK-650394 significantly ameliorated the pain hypersensitivity, relieved the abnormal expression of pHDAC4/tHDAC4 and HMGB1, and affected HDAC4 nucleocytoplasmic trafficking in DNP rats.

Conclusion:

Our data suggest that SGK1 in the spinal cord modulates type-2 DNP by regulating the HDAC4/HMGB1 pathway.
AMPK activation mitigates inflammatory pain by modulating STAT3 phosphorylation in inflamed tissue macrophages of adult male mice
Authors: Xiang Hongchun , Lan Yuye , Hu Liang , Qin Renjie , Li Hongping , Weng Tao , Zou Yan , Liu Yongmin , Hu Xuefei , Ge Wenqiang , Zhang Hong , Pan Hui-Lin , Yang Na-na , Liu Wentao , Cai Guowei , Li Man
Published: February 2025

Inflammatory pain presents a significant clinical challenge. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is recognized for its capacity to alleviate inflammation by inhibiting transcription factors such as nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT). Our prior research demonstrated that AMPK reduces inflammatory pain by inhibiting NF-κB activation and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) expression. However, the role of AMPK in regulating reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) by modulating STAT3 phosphorylation in inflammatory pain remains inadequately understood. This study aims to investigate the role of AMPK in modulating STAT3 phosphorylation in the macrophages of inflamed tissues to mitigate inflammatory pain. A Complete Freund’s Adjuvant (CFA)-induced inflammatory pain model was established by subcutaneous injection into the plantar surface of the left hindpaw of adult male mice. Behavioral tests of mechanical allodynia and thermal latency were used to determine nociceptive behavior. Immunoblotting quantified p-AMPK and iNOS expression levels. Nuclear translocation of p-STAT3(Ser727) and STAT3 in macrophages was assessed by western blot and immunofluorescence. ROS accumulation and mitochondrial damage in NR8383 macrophages were detected by flow cytometry. Lentivirus infection cells experiment was performed to transfect vectors encoding the STAT3 S727D mutants. Treatment with the AMPK activator AICAR alleviated CFA-induced inflammatory pain, enhanced AMPK phosphorylation, and reduced iNOS expression in inflamed skin tissues. AICAR effectively prevented STAT3 nuclear translocation while promoting the phosphorylation of STAT3 (Ser727) in the cytoplasm. In vitro studies with CFA-stimulated NR8383 macrophages revealed that AICAR increased STAT3(Ser727) phosphorylation, curtailed iNOS expression, and attenuated ROS accumulation and mitochondrial damage. Furthermore, the S727D mutation, which enhances STAT3 phosphorylation, replicated the protective effects of AICAR against CFA-induced oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. Our study shows that the AMPK acitvation downregulates iNOS expression by inhibiting the STAT3 nuclear translocation and promotes cytoplasmic STAT3(Ser727) phosphorylation, which reduces ROS expression and mitochondrial dysfunction, thereby alleviating inflammatory pain. These findings underscore the therapeutic potential of targeting AMPK and STAT3 pathways in inflammatory pain management.
EXPRESS: Electrophysiological markers of adaptive co-representation in joint language production. Evidence from human-robot interaction.
Authors: CIRILLO Giusy , Runnqvist Elin , strijkers kristof , Nguyen Noël , Baus Cristina
Published: February 2025

The present study aimed to assess the extent to which human participants co-represent the lexico-semantic processing of a humanoid robot partner. Specifically, we investigated whether participants would engage their speech production system to predict the robot’s upcoming words, and how they would progressively adapt to the robot’s verbal behavior. In the experiment, a human participant and a robot alternated in naming pictures of objects from 15 semantic categories, while the participant’s electrophysiological activity was recorded. We manipulated word frequency as a measure of lexical access, with half of the pictures associated with high-frequency names and the other half with low-frequency names. Additionally, the robot was programmed to provide semantic category labels (e.g., "tool" for the picture of a hammer) instead of the more typical basic-level names (e.g., "hammer") for items in five categories. Analysis of the stimulus-locked activity revealed a comparable Event-Related Potential (ERP) associated with word frequency both when it was the participant’s and the robot’s turn to speak. Analysis of the response-locked activity showed a different pattern for the category and basic-level responses in the first but not in the second part of the experiment, suggesting that participants adapted to the robot’s lexico-semantic patterns over time. These findings provide empirical evidence for two key points: (1) participants engage their speech production system to predict the robot’s upcoming words, and (2) partner-adaptive behavior facilitates comprehension of the robot’s speech.
Clinical thumb ulnar collateral ligament injury owing to a pathological fracture through an enchondroma of the proximal phalanx
Authors: van de Lucht Veronique , van Heijl Mark , Schep Niels
Published: February 2025

A young woman presented with an acute ulnar collateral ligament injury of the thumb, owing to a pathological fracture through an enchondroma. Treatment included bone graft and fracture fixation, with successful healing and functional recovery.

Level of evidence: V
Revision options for discontinued trapeziometacarpal arthroplasties: compatibility with currently available implants
Authors: Vandenabeele Pieter , Vanmierlo Bert , Decramer Arne , Soete Jeroen , Muermans Stijn , Goubau Jean , Duerinckx Joris
Published: February 2025

Surgical revision options for failed trapeziometacarpal total joint replacement include implant replacement and trapeziectomy. However, discontinuation of older implants complicates revision with original components, particularly as removing a well-fixed metacarpal stem can be challenging. This study examined the feasibility of pairing discontinued stems (Arpe, Elektra and Ivory) with currently available necks (Maïa, Moovis and Touch). We analysed the metallurgical composition, insertion depth, contact surface area and mechanical stability for all possible combinations of these implants. Our findings show compatibility of both Ivory and Arpe stems with the Touch neck and of the Elektra stem with the Moovis neck. Under strict lateral loading, fixation was stable up to 826.87 N, surpassing in vivo forces. Microscopic evaluation after the biomechanical load-to-failure test showed negligible damage to the connecting surfaces. These results suggest that it is safe to pair discontinued stems with currently available necks in revision trapeziometacarpal total joint arthroplasty.
Identifying the entry point for transcapitate intramedullary implant insertion into the third metacarpal in rheumatoid and osteoarthritis
Authors: Endo Takeshi , Kawamura Daisuke , Iwasaki Norimasa
Published: February 2025

This anatomical study identifies the optimum entry point for intramedullary implant insertion into the capitate during total wrist arthroplasty. An entry point more radial and distal from the centre of the capitate head is suggested to avoid fractures and perforations in rheumatoid hands.
Comparative analysis of alectinib and brigatinib in real-world treatment of advanced NSCLC with ALK rearrangements
Authors: Kim Kyuhwan , Kim Kyu Yean , Kang Hye Seon , Shin Ah Young , Kim Sung Kyoung , Park Chan Kwon , Lee Sang Haak , Kim Seung Joon , Lim Jeong Uk , Yeo Chang Dong
Published: February 2025

Background and objectives:

This study aimed to compare the efficacy of the second-generation anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) alectinib and brigatinib in the treatment of advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with ALK rearrangements based on real-world data.

Design and methods:

We conducted a multicenter retrospective study using the Clinical Data Warehouse from seven university hospitals affiliated with the Catholic Medical Center. Patients diagnosed with ALK-positive advanced NSCLC and treated with alectinib or brigatinib were included. Key outcomes such as time to discontinuation (TTD), duration of response (DOR), overall survival (OS), and objective response rate (ORR) were analyzed.

Results:

A total of 143 patients were included (107 treated with alectinib, 36 with brigatinib). Alectinib was more frequently used as a first-line treatment (71% vs 44.4% for brigatinib, p = 0.008). Prior crizotinib treatment was more frequent in the brigatinib group (52.8% vs 22.4% for alectinib, p < 0.001). The best ORR was similar between the groups (84.1% for alectinib vs 83.3% for brigatinib, p = 0.518). The median TTD was 57.8 months (95% confidence interval (CI): 29.0–86.7) for alectinib and 39.6 months (95% CI: 21.7–57.4) for brigatinib ( p = 0.462). No significant differences were observed in intracranial TTD, intracranial DOR, or OS between the groups. Prior crizotinib treatment significantly shortened TTD for second-generation TKIs ( p = 0.025), but the overall TKI treatment duration did not show a significant difference between patients who received frontline second-generation ALK TKIs and those who received second-generation ALK TKIs sequentially after crizotinib.

Conclusion:

Alectinib and brigatinib demonstrated comparable efficacy in ALK-positive advanced NSCLC. Undergoing crizotinib followed by a second-generation TKI was not significantly different from initiating a second-generation TKI without prior crizotinib in terms of outcomes.
Belzutifan for the treatment of renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Wu Xiancheng , Lazris David , Wong Risa , Tykodi Scott S.
Published: February 2025

Belzutifan received its first FDA approval in 2021 for treating clinical manifestations of von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease including renal cell carcinoma (RCC) followed by approval in 2023 for treating advanced sporadic RCC that has progressed through multiple lines of treatment. It is the first FDA-approved drug to target hypoxia-inducible factor 2 alpha (HIF-2α). By inhibiting the HIF-2α transcription factor, belzutifan prevents HIF-2α from dimerizing with HIF-1β, thereby preventing the transcription of downstream oncogenes. Most clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) tumors are associated with VHL deletion or inactivation resulting in HIF-2α overexpression that represents a key contributor to tumorigenesis, thereby making belzutifan a uniquely optimal drug for targeting ccRCC. Belzutifan has demonstrated activity in clinical trials as a front- and later-line therapy, and in combination with tyrosine kinase inhibitors. It has been largely well tolerated, although anemia represents a common on-target side effect and, along with hypoxia, requires monitoring during treatment. Ongoing phase III trials are investigating belzutifan in combination regimens in the relapsed/refractory, front-line, and adjuvant settings. Future studies will focus on identifying predictive biomarkers and resistance pathways.
Reading, Again. Reviving Reading
Authors: Mishra Tarc Aparna
Published: February 2025

This paper will examine the role of affect as a key force in the experience of reading. I argue reading is an experience rather than an instrument of cognition. The latter, I suggest, gives way to dehumanizing and violating forms of reading as instrument or nomenclature or categorization. I suggest that new relations can be made in, within and from practices of reading that conceive it as a fragile, faltering practice of knowledge production. My reconceptualization of reading derives from Derrida’s notion of deconstruction as learning to read the trace of affect unraveling the normative and/or binary procedures cohering privileged and/or prejudicial understandings of the text. Reading for affect asks researchers to engage in an analysis of the felt and non-evident of people, events and texts. Rather than comprehend in the sense of cognition, we feel the trace of meanings cathected in signs before we know what the sign might mean. My paper will expand on reading as conveying affectivity or the unheard embedded in text. Increasingly there is a demand to read the other’s words with greater attention to feeling for what they do and do not say, can and cannot speak. In studies that purport to do research with humans, it seems to be imperative to engage in a practice of reading that attends to the other meanings indicated by words. This requires the development of a critical or close research reading practice that attends to affect or the interior meanings of articulations and text that words cannot easily convey.
Comments on YouTube videos as a source of advice for supporting child autonomy: Interpreting autonomy as independence, reflexivity, nature/nurture, and nostalgia for the USSR
Authors: Mikhaylova Oxana , Zvyagina Sofia
Published: February 2025

YouTube represents a vast resource that parents may consult for advice; however, little is known about the information available to parents seeking advice on supporting their children’s autonomy. This study aimed to analyze the comments (of parents) responding Russian-language YouTube videos focused on advice for child autonomy support. Following a descriptive cross-sectional design, YouTube was searched using the phrase “child autonomy.” Qualitative content analysis was used to assess comments from videos that met the inclusion criteria. The analysis revealed that viewers interacted with the content of videos about parental autonomy support in children. Specifically, they expressed reflexivity toward the advice given. However, their discussions focused on only one type of autonomy—independence—while almost completely neglecting tactics that would support volitional functioning. Additionally, the commenters tended to shift the responsibility for parenting to external entities, arguing that raising autonomous children had been easier in the USSR of the past. While this may be attributed to nostalgia—it was also apparent that they shifted the locus of blame also to include the educational system (4), fathers that gave a bad example (2), and the current economic conditions that permitted the child to be financially independent (1) although it was not clear how they viewed these as constraints. Recommendations based on the findings include encouraging professionals involved in child development to film and release more qualified content on YouTube for Peer Review, supporting autonomy in children on YouTube by raising the quality of the contents and suggesting that this could be done by working with professionals as well as government agencies participating in making helpful videos.
Examining proposed generative AI integrations in public relations: Offering participatory (AI) public relations
Authors: Salzano Matthew , Ashby-King Drew T.
Published: February 2025

This study explores the instructional guidance provided to public relations practitioners on utilizing Generative AI (GenAI) following the public release of ChatGPT. We took a critical public relations approach to examine how thought leaders, bloggers, and scholars proposed integrating GenAI into public relations practice. Through a critical thematic analysis of 63 blog posts and news articles we sought to understand how instructional guides suggested integrating GenAI tools and the potential implications of these suggestions. We found that the examined texts primarily focused on how GenAI could enhance practitioners’ efficiency, paying limited attention to the possible ethical implications of delegating public relations work to machines. We highlight potential ethical issues associated with GenAI taking over a significant portion of the writing tasks in public relations, and we argue that PR needs to develop alternative ways to utilize GenAI while preserving the unique contributions of human practitioners. We introduce the concept of participatory (AI) public relations, which emphasizes an ontological shift in how public relations understands and uses AI, where outcome is less important than the act of engaging in the practice of public relations.
A bidirectional Mendelian randomization study integrating genome-wide association studies, expression quantitative trait locus, and methylation quantitative trait locus data revealed causal relationship between heavy cigarette dependence and Barrett’s esophagus
Authors: An Zhou , Zeng Meichun , Wang Xianhua
Published: February 2025

Background:

The association between smoking dependence and the risk of developing Barrett’s esophagus remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate whether a causal relationship exists between smoking dependence and Barrett’s esophagus, using Mendelian randomization analysis.

Methods:

Two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis was conducted to evaluate the impact of smoking and Barrett’s esophagus. Additionally, we applied summary data-based Mendelian randomization techniques to combine information from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) with expression quantitative trait locus and methylation quantitative trait locus.

Results:

Multivariable Mendelian randomization showed an association between smoking per day (odds ratio = 1.2, 95% confidence interval: 1.038–1.38, p = 0.014) or current smoking (odds ratio = 2.41, 95% confidence interval: 1.06–5.5, p = 0.037) and Barrett’s esophagus. Inverse variance-weighted methods of bidirectional Mendelian randomization also revealed that smoking per day was significantly associated with elevated risks of Barrett’s esophagus (odds ratio = 1.34, 95% confidence interval: 1.092–1.649, p = 0.005), while Barrett’s esophagus was also a susceptibility factor for smoking per day (odds ratio = 1.05, 95% confidence interval: 1.017–1.087, p = 0.003). By incorporating consistent summary data-based Mendelian randomization associations between DNA methylation and smoke/Barrett’s esophagus, gene expression and smoke/Barrett’s esophagus, and DNA methylation and gene expression, we identified that the genetic variant-cg00935895-RBM43 (ENSG00000184898)-smoke/Barrett’s esophagus axis exerted an effect on smoke/Barrett’s esophagus by altering the DNA methylation level, which regulated the expression level of RBM43.

Conclusions:

Our study provides evidence of a bidirectional causal association between smoking and Barrett’s esophagus from a genetic perspective, which sheds new light on the potential role of RBM43 as a mediator in facilitating the impact of smoking and Barrett’s esophagus.
Factors associated with in-hospital mortality in octogenarians managed by geriatric service in a referral hospital in Colombia
Authors: Cortes Bahamon Carlos Mario , Rodríguez Ángel Jenny , Ballesteros Tapias Jennifer Katherine , Chavarro-Carvajal Diego Andrés , Muñoz Oscar Mauricio
Published: February 2025

Introduction:

The demographic transition has significantly increased the number of hospitalizations in octogenarian patients. Previous studies have documented the importance of clinical, functional, and cognitive variables for in-hospital mortality risk, but their frequency and importance in Latin American populations is yet to be described. It is important because Colombia has multiple ethnic races, with different types of longevity, and we have a history of social violence that affects our life expectancy. The aim of this study is to define which risk factors are associated with in-hospital mortality in octogenarians, and how frequent they are and quantify the weight of each of these factors in the outcomes.

Methodology:

We present an analytical observational retrospective cohort study in adult patients over 80 years of age hospitalized and followed by the geriatrics service at Hospital Universitario San Ignacio (Bogotá, Colombia). The association between in-hospital mortality and multiple clinical, functional, and cognitive variables was evaluated by means of univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Results:

A total of 1235 hospitalizations were analyzed (age 85.5 ± 4.4 years, 58.62% women). Malnutrition was documented in 22.4%, dependency for basic activities (Barthel ⩽ 95) in 75.9%, and positive screening for frailty (FRAIL ⩾ 3) in 55.3%. Mortality was 5.67%. Factors independently associated with mortality were history of cancer (Odds ratio (OR): 2.31; 95% Confidence interval (CI): 1.34–3.98, p < 0.003), delirium (OR: 2.48; 95% CI: 1.44–4.28, p < 0.001), malnutrition (OR: 2.50; 95% CI: 1.46–4.28; p = 0.001), frailty (OR: 2.25; 95% CI: 1.13–4.45, p = 0.019), tachypnea on admission (OR: 1.09; 95% CI: 1.03–1.14, p = 0.002), and creatinine elevation (OR: 2.47; 95% CI: 1.47–4.15, p = 0.001).

Conclusion:

Factors easily identifiable at hospital admission and amenable to intervention could predict an increased risk of mortality in octogenarian patients, such as the presence of malnutrition, frailty, and delirium. These findings facilitate the estimation of mortality risk and serve as a starting point to investigate the potential benefit of early interventions in this population.
“When you’re a star, they let you do it”: Trump, Twitter, and moral disengagement
Authors: Rasul Muhammad Ehab , Halversen Audrey , Smith Jonathon
Published: February 2025

Since the 2008 US Presidential election, the salience of Twitter in political discourse has been apparent. Donald Trump revolutionized presidential communication through his use of Twitter by communicating to narrow audiences, which are difficult to reach with traditional communication channels. Although now back on the platform, his controversial tweets were subject to widespread scrutiny and eventually led to him being permanently banned from Twitter. Due to Trump’s status as a political elite, it is essential to examine his rhetoric’s morality as public elites have the power to shape public opinion. However, existing literature on morality and presidential communication does not offer an analysis of whether moral disengagement is used by presidents on new media platforms such as Twitter. This study employs quantitative content analysis to explore the use of moral disengagement mechanisms as a communicative tool by Trump approximately 3 months before the 2020 US Presidential election. Our analysis found that at least one moral disengagement strategy was present in Trump’s tweets 45% of the time, with attack being the most commonly used strategy. Moral disengagement mechanisms were used most commonly when other politicians, election/voting, or news was mentioned. Overall, based on an index that we created, a low level of moral disengagement was used.
Weaponizing the Workplace: How Algorithmic Management Shaped Amazon’s Antiunion Campaign in Bessemer, Alabama
Authors: Wiggin Teke
Published: February 2025

Scholarship on “algorithmic management” focuses on how employers use algorithms and digital devices to routinely control workers. It also looks at how workers resist this control. But how does algorithmic management affect the ability of employers to respond to collective action? The answer is important because algorithmic management is the “new contested terrain” of labor struggles. Drawing on 42 interviews with workers and court documents obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request, the author examines Amazon’s antiunion campaign in Bessemer, Alabama. The findings reveal that employers can weaponize elements or effects of algorithmic management against unions via repurposing devices that algorithmically control workers, engaging in “algorithmic slack-cutting,” and exploiting patterns of social media activity encouraged by algorithmic management. These findings demonstrate that the labor process can shape counter-organizing opportunities for employers, not just organizing opportunities for workers. They also reveal that algorithmic management has upgraded the antiunion arsenal, while shedding light on other aspects of algorithmic management that have escaped notice. The discussion section presents a framework for researching how other workplace variables shape counter-organizing. The conclusion discusses implications for our understanding of workplace regimes and the future of labor control.
Body camera footage as data: Using natural language processing to monitor policing at scale & in depth
Authors: Camp Nicholas P. , Voigt Rob
Published: February 2025

Officer-worn body cameras are ubiquitous in modern law enforcement as a tool for accountability. The cameras’ mere presence may deter bad behavior, and recordings of misconduct can serve as evidence in the courtroom. We suggest an additional use for body camera footage: as data for identifying patterns in and ways of improving policing practices, which are often challenging to observe by other means. This use requires scaling up the analysis of body camera footage to the hundreds of recordings police departments collect each day. Natural language processing, a set of computational methods to process and analyze human language, is an important tool for this purpose. This tool typically uses artificial intelligence to extract key social components of speech—such as politeness, sentiment, or emotion—captured by body camera audio. We offer suggestions for using these tools to analyze body camera footage, and we identify issues relevant to the analysis, application, and governance of this footage. In the era of artificial intelligence, body camera footage is a promising source of data; the advice in this article is designed to maximize the chances that the conclusions drawn from that data are valid and in the public interest.
‘The battlefield of thunder’: A hermeneutic- phenomenological study of metaphors of spiritual experiences in mental health care
Authors: Holm Camilla Christine , Eirik Karlsson Bengt , Holmberg Åse
Published: February 2025

This study highlights metaphors as ways of articulating the nature of spiritual experiences. A secondary analysis of data from a previous study revealed that spiritual experiences were described using metaphors. A sample of six participants was selected. The study aimed to describe metaphors of inpatients’ spiritual experiences in mental health care. The study had a qualitative design. The metaphors were interpreted as individuals’ embodied meanings of spirituality. These meanings were identified through a hermeneutic phenomenological framework, informed by the approach of interpretative phenomenological analysis. The analysis identified three superordinate themes, to capture the embodied lived experiences of spirituality: the meaning of the immortal diamond, the meaning of the lion-hearted warrior and the meaning of navigating by divine compasses. By acknowledging metaphors as important sources of subjective knowledge, this study reflects on how mental health professionals can use metaphors to gain insight into inpatients’ spiritual universe to facilitate relationships of resonance within a Relational Recovery perspective.
Examining Drivers of B2B Subscription Commerce in Digital Ecosystem Using Fuzzy Cognitive Mapping
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Mayukh
Published: February 2025

This study investigates subscription commerce (SC) in the business-to-business (B2B) marketplace, focusing on transforming legacy incumbents’ relationships from one-time transactions to long-term associations. It aims to identify SC drivers and their role in the digital era’s production and consumption ecosystem. The research follows a three-part approach. First, it distinguishes SC from electronic commerce and subscription billing. Second, it explores the digital ecosystem (DE), emphasizing the production and consumption ecosystem. Third, it proposes a fuzzy cognitive mapping (FCM) framework to analyse SC drivers, specifically emphasizing value derivation from data in the DE transition. This study pioneers the analysis of SC drivers within B2B contexts, showcasing SC’s substantial role in unlocking value for legacy incumbents, particularly through the innovative FCM framework. It stands out as the first comprehensive analysis of SC drivers in B2B settings, showcasing its contribution to the digital transformation of legacy incumbents using FCM. This research offers crucial insights for legacy firm managers, aiding in digital transformation strategies, whether through in-house development or SC procurement. Additionally, consultants can leverage these drivers to support firms in their digitization efforts.
Non-ergodic correction factors for hard rock sites in Western Canada
Authors: Hassani Behzad , Atkinson Gail M , Fairhurst Mike , Yan Li , Stewart Jonathan P , Sheffer Megan
Published: February 2025

For short-period structures situated on hard rock, accurate characterization of ground motions at high frequencies is critical. Predictions based on empirical ground motion models (GMMs) for generic site conditions carry large uncertainties, especially because the datasets used to develop GMMs are often lacking in observations for hard rock sites. The current state-of-practice is to perform a VS-[Formula: see text] host-to-target correction, where VS is the site shear-wave velocity and [Formula: see text] is the near-surface high-frequency attenuation parameter. However, in the absence of site-specific ground motion data, the modeling parameters ( VS and [Formula: see text]) and their reliability in predicting the correct adjustment factors are not well quantified and are subject to large epistemic uncertainty. We apply an alternative framework to characterize hard rock site response in probabilistic seismic hazard analysis (PSHA) using site-specific ground motion data. Our methodology relies on estimation of the non-ergodic hard rock site response at a given site, as derived using site-specific Fourier amplitude spectra. The use of site-specific data allows us to remove the site-to-site variability component from PSHA and greatly reduce epistemic uncertainty of the hard rock site response. We demonstrate the applicability of the proposed methodology for a critical facility in British Columbia (B.C.), Canada. Comparison of the non-ergodic and generic hard rock correction factors reveals the importance of compiling and using site-specific data in PSHA. For competent hard rock, we suggest that amplification at high frequencies is often controlled by factors other than impedance effects, such as topographic effects or near-surface high-frequency attenuation; such effects are not well modeled through the traditional VS-[Formula: see text] approach.
Targeted therapy and immunotherapy for gastric cancer: rational strategies, novel advancements, challenges, and future perspectives
Authors: Luo Dong , Liu Yunmei , Lu Zhengmao , Huang Lei
Published: February 2025

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common malignant tumors worldwide, and its treatment has been a focus of medical research. Herein we systematically review the current status of and advancements in targeted therapy and immunotherapy for GC, which have emerged as important treatment strategies in recent years with great potential, and summarize the efficacy and safety of such treatments. Targeted therapies against key targets in GC, including epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)/VEGF receptor (VEGFR), have shown remarkable therapeutic efficacies by inhibiting tumor progression and/or blood supply. In particular, markable breakthroughs have been made in HER2-targeting drugs for HER2-positive GC patients. To address intrinsic and acquired resistances to HER2-targeting drugs, novel therapeutic agents including bispecific antibodies and antibody–drug conjugates (ADC) targeting HER2 have been developed. Immunotherapy enhances the recognition and elimination of cancer cells by activating body anticancer immune system. Programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) antibodies are the most commonly used immunotherapeutic agents and have been used with some success in GC treatment. Innovative immunotherapy modalities, including adoptive immune cell therapy, tumor vaccines, and non-specific immunomodulators therapy, and oncolytic viruses have shown promise in early-stage clinical trials for GC. Clinical trials have supported that targeted therapy and immunotherapy can significantly improve the survival and quality of life of GC patients. However, the effects of such therapies need to be further improved and more personalized, with advancement in researches on tumor immune microenvironment. Further studies remain needed to address the issues of drug resistance and adverse events pertaining to such therapies for GC. The combined application of such therapies and individualized treatment strategies should be further explored with novel drugs developed, to provide more effective treatments for GC patients.
Analysis and Experimental Study on the Internal Flow Performance of Deep-Sea Biological Pumping Sampler
Authors: Liu Guangping , Jin Yongping , Peng Youduo , Liu Deshun , Wan Buyan
Published: February 2025

To accurately acquire deep-sea live biological samples, a hydraulic suction macro-biological pressure-retaining sampler (HSMPS) was designed to achieve active capture of seafloor biological by a suction pump. The complex flow fields of deep-sea biologicals at three different locations were simulated. The deep-sea biologicals cause the flow field pressure and velocity to rise at different locations of the sampler, and the magnitude of the rise varies at different locations. The internal flow properties of the sampler were analyzed for different pumping flow rates the sampler. When the flow rate of the sampler pump was greater than 14 m3/h, the velocity of the inlet of the inflow area was greater than the limiting velocity of the deep-sea biologicals. The pumping test of deep-sea biologicals pumping sampler was carried out in the laboratory, and the test results were basically consistent with the simulation analysis. In order to balance the deep-sea biologicals damage and escape rate, the pumping flow of the sampler should be controlled between 14 and 16 m3/h. The test results provide a theoretical basis for the design of deep-sea biologicals sampling equipment.
Using problem formulation for an efficient, fit-for-purpose risk assessment of microbial plant protection products
Authors: Steenbergh Anne K. , Arts Gertie , Bakker Peter A. H. M. , de Boer Wietse , Glandorf Debora C. M. , ter Horst Mechteld M. S. , de Jonge Rob , de Kogel Willem Jan , Köhl Jürgen
Published: February 2025

The safety of the use of microbial plant protection products (PPP) is assessed before the products can be placed on the market. Due to large differences amongst microbial PPP a case-by-case approach is needed for this assessment. We propose to use the problem formulation approach based on pathways to harm to tailor the assessment to individual microbial PPP and to harmonise this approach when possible. The steps in problem formulation are described and examples are given of how the approach can be used for case-by-case assessments of microbial PPP. We also describe which other elements are needed to fully optimise the risk assessment of microbial PPP and how our approach fits in with the current EU regulatory framework and ongoing activities.