bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Elder Abuse During COVID-19 Pandemic in Canada
Authors: Chokkanathan Srinivasan , Mohanty Jayashree
Published: January 2025

The current study attempts to estimate the prevalence rate of, and factors associated with, elder abuse in Ontario, Canada. The data for this study was collected using a cross-sectional study design, which involved a Qualtrics survey. Various recruitment strategies were used to reach respondents, including Facebook advertisements, email listservs, and a Qualtrics research panel. The sample size consisted of 933 adults. The analysis for this study focused on 361 respondents aged 51 years and older. The prevalence rate of abuse was found to be 16.1% during the COVID-19 pandemic. Hierarchical logistic regression results revealed that the model’s explanatory fit improved significantly after including family- and community variables. Factors that significantly increased vulnerability to abuse were male gender, living with others, family conflicts, ageism, loneliness, and COVID-19-related stressors. Innovative multisectoral and multilevel interventions are needed to prevent and deal with elder abuse during pandemics.
Augmenting Circadian Biology Research With Data Science
Authors: Soltani Severine , Burks Jamison H. , Smarr Benjamin L.
Published: January 2025

The nature of biological research is changing, driven by the emergence of big data, and new computational models to parse out the information therein. Traditional methods remain the core of biological research but are increasingly either augmented or sometimes replaced by emerging data science tools. This presents a profound opportunity for those circadian researchers interested in incorporating big data and related analyses into their plans. Here, we discuss the emergence of novel sources of big data that could be used to gain real-world insights into circadian biology. We further discuss technical considerations for the biologist interested in including data science approaches in their research. We conversely discuss the biological considerations for data scientists so that they can more easily identify the nuggets of biological rhythms insight that might too easily be lost through application of standard data science approaches done without an appreciation of the way biological rhythms shape the variance of complex data objects. Our hope is that this review will make bridging disciplines in both directions (biology to computational and vice versa) easier. There has never been such rapid growth of cheap, accessible, real-world research opportunities in biology as now; collaborations between biological experts and skilled data scientists have the potential to mine out new insights with transformative impact.
A method framework of cruciate ligaments segmentation and reconstruction from MRI images
Authors: Humayun Ahsan , Liu Bin , Rehman Mustafain , Zou Zhipeng , Xu Luning
Published: January 2025

Segmenting anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments (ACL/PCL) presents challenges in medical imaging due to diverse characteristics, including size, shape, and intensity. Our study uses superpixel-based spectral clustering for knee cruciate ligament segmentation in 2D DICOM slices, renowned for generating high-quality clusters. The proposed method addresses the challenges by (i) identifying the ligamentous region (ROI) through superpixel-based computation, (ii) extracting features (intensity-based, shape-based, geometric complexity, and Scale-Invariant Feature Transform) from the ROI, and (iii) segmenting knee ligament tissues using spectral clustering on the extracted features. Superpixel-based spectral clustering addresses the challenge of constructing a dense similarity matrix and significantly reduces the computational burden. Furthermore, 3D visualization of ligament structures is performed using the Visualization Toolkit (VTK). We evaluated our proposed approach on a dataset of knee MRI slices, assessing the results via the dice score, average surface distance (ASD), and root mean squared error (RMSE) metrics. Our method achieved an average dice score of 0.912 for ACL segmentation and 0.896 for PCL segmentation, outperforming other clustering methods. These scores showed an enhancement of 10.7% and 14.9% in segmentation accuracy for the ACL and PCL, respectively. Furthermore, reduced error margins were demonstrated with the mean ASD values of 1.60 and 1.78 and the mean RMSE values of 1.76 and 1.86 for ACL and PCL, respectively. These results show the effectiveness of the proposed method for cruciate ligament segmentation and its potential for increasing the segmentation accuracy and speed, offering significant advantages over manual segmentation by reducing time and expertise.
Trajectory tracking control strategy for biaxial systems based on disturbance rejection and axis-coupled interpolation command modifier
Authors: Zhan Chengpeng , Su Dongxu , Sun Xiao , Yang Lei , Liu Hui , Zhao Wanhua
Published: January 2025

This paper proposes a new control strategy for biaxial systems. It improves the trajectory tracking capabilities of biaxial system by enhancing the tracking performance of feed axes, disturbance rejection capabilities of feed axes, and consistency of dynamics between axes. First, the axis position controller is designed, it uses the feedforward controller and the state feedback controller to realize the active control of the low-order resonant modes of the mechanical system. In addition, a reduced-order extended state observer is designed to estimate the unknown state variables and disturbances in real time. The estimated disturbances will be compensated to the control loop to enhance the disturbance rejection capability of the axis. Second, the interpolation command modifier is designed. It is axis-coupled, which can not only compensate for the error caused by the axes themselves, but also compensate for the error caused by the coupling dynamics between axes. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed integrated control strategy is experimentally verified. The experimental results show that the trajectory tracking accuracy of the biaxial systems and its robustness to load variations are both improved by using the proposed control strategy.
Determination of depression prevalence in pregnant women living with HIV aged 18 years and older: A meta-analysis study
Authors: GÜRBÜZ Sibel , YILDIRIM ÖZTÜRK Elif Nur , SARI Simge , KAZCI Saliha , ÇÖL Meltem
Published: January 2025

Background

Pregnant women living with HIV are known to be at higher risk of depression than pregnant women without HIV. Accompanied by a systematic literature review, the aim of this study was to determine the global prevalence of depression in pregnant women living with HIV.

Methods

PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar and Web of Science databases were searched. The references of the included publications and a similar meta-analysis study were also reviewed. The 19 included studies were assessed for quality using standard forms. Pooled prevalence was calculated using a random effects model. Heterogeneity and publication bias were assessed using various methods. Subgroup analyses and meta-regression were also performed.

Results

Of the 19 studies included in the review, six of the studies were published between 2008 and 2014, and 13 were published between 2017 and 2023. 15 studies were conducted in African countries. According to study type, eight studies were cross-sectional and seven were cohort studies. The pooled prevalence of depression was calculated to be 45%. The prevalence in African countries was 37.7%. The studies were found to be statistically significantly heterogeneous. Tests and funnel plots showed no publication bias in this meta-analysis. The variables place, study type and scale made the model significant in the meta-regression.

Conclusion

In this meta-analysis, 6379 women aged 18 years and older were examined and their depression levels were found to be high. Taking steps to struggle with HIV and depression in people living with HIV seems important.
Effects of blade solidity on the transient start-up characteristics of pipeline-type spherical hydraulic turbine
Authors: Jiang Huzhong , Yang Junhu , Wang Xiaohui , Qi Bing , Ma Kehao
Published: January 2025

The pipeline-type spherical hydraulic turbine is an emerging residual pressure recovery device that aligns with the development needs of smart urban water management. However, in practical industrial applications, due to the uncertainty of water flow, hydraulic turbines may experience frequent start-stop cycles. If the start-up performance of the hydraulic turbine is poor, adding auxiliary start-stop equipment will make the generator module more complex. Furthermore, blade solidity is considered a key factor affecting the start-up performance of spherical hydraulic turbines.Therefore, This study employs the Six-Degree-of-Freedom (SDOF) solver to investigate the transient start-up characteristics of Spherical hydraulic turbines with different chord lengths and blade numbers. Experimental validation was conducted to affirm the reliability of numerical simulations using SDOF solver. Through numerical simulations, it was determined that there exists an optimal chord length for pipeline-type Spherical hydraulic turbines under unloaded conditions, ensuring their optimal start-up performance. Subsequently, based on this optimal chord length, the impact of different blade numbers on the start-up performance of pipeline-type Spherical hydraulic turbines was assessed. The study revealed that the best start-up performance is achieved when the chord length is c/d = 0.2 and the blade count is N = 5. This research provides valuable insights for the engineering application of pipeline-type Spherical hydraulic turbines.
Exploring the role of fintech development in bridging the gap between green energy transition, energy security, and energy poverty: Empirical investigation for BRI countries
Authors: Yang Wanping , Aslam Naveed , Saeed Rabia
Published: January 2025

This study investigates the trade-off between green energy transition (GET) and energy security (ES) for eliminating energy poverty (EP) and the role of fintech development in 112 Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) countries from 2000 to 2022. To our knowledge, this is the first empirical study analyzing this nexus for BRI countries. BRI country's reliance on conventional non-renewable energy resources due to EP and modern energy inaccessibility is a question mark. Therefore, it is crucial to analyze whether ES assurance as a production-to-consumption ratio or transitioning to modern energy as green transition could benefit EP alleviation. Moreover, the role of fintech development is to strengthen the relationship between GET, ES, and EP eradication. Considering these important but ignored aspects in existing literature, the present study focused on filling this gap. Estimates from panel quantiles indicate that GET and ES both are significant for EP alleviation but the magnitude of GET is higher in comparison with ES. After applying robust estimates, the conclusion remains the same. Our study further examined the moderating role of fintech development between GET, ES, and EP. Findings confirmed that fintech development is a strong moderator between selected variables. Based on these findings, our study suggests that transitioning to green energy is optimal for EP reduction rather than focusing energy production on consumption patterns. This study further recommends improving fintech services because it strengthens the relationship between GET and EP alleviation.
Sustainability of green hydrogen: A viewpoint in Pakistan
Authors: Mushtaq Sarah , Lee Jechan , Jamil Farrukh , Imran Shahzer , Akhter Parveen , Hussain Murid , Park Young-Kwon
Published: January 2025

Green hydrogen has been proposed as a clean and sustainable source of energy with unrivaled potential to play a pivotal role in every country's transition toward a low-carbon economy while striving to achieve Sustainable Development Goals. Herein, we provide perspective of using green hydrogen to enhance the sustainability in Pakistan. As renewable energy resources (e.g. solar and wind power) are abundantly available in Pakistan, the production of green hydrogen linked to renewable energy resources is conscious. As a representative case, the green hydrogen project in Sindh, Pakistan was announced—hydrogen is produced by water electrolysis powered by renewable electricity generated from solar or wind power. The potential of a circular economic approach to green hydrogen production in Pakistan is discussed in terms of policy development, public and private participation, public demand, and public awareness. Green hydrogen is indeed the green light of the future for Pakistan, as it can potentially help boost its economy while mitigating climate change. The insights given by this study can be useful to further develop any future green hydrogen roadmap for Pakistan.
Research Progress on Reproductive Toxicity and Reversibility of Tripterygium wilfordii Based on Gender Differences
Authors: Jinjin Wang , De Jin , Qin Zhu
Published: January 2025

Tripterygium wilfordii Hook F. (TwHF), a member of the Celastraceae family and belonging to the genus Tripterygium, is a vine-like shrub. It contains numerous active components, such as Tripterygium glycosides (GTW) and triptolide (TP), widely known for their significant reproductive toxicity. This toxicity is characterized by its detrimental effects on the testes and ovaries, leading to reduced libido, apoptosis of germ and follicle cells, and abnormal secretion of sex hormones. Thus, it is necessary to explore the mechanisms behind TwHF’s reproductive toxicity, which will lead to advancements in detoxification and efficacy enhancement strategies. This article offers a comprehensive overview and analysis of the research conducted on reproductive toxicity and its reversibility induced by TwHF, aiming to provide a reference for its rational use in clinical settings.
The Relationship of Bullying and Peer Victimization to Emotional and Behavioral Aspect of Mental Health among School Going Adolescents in India
Authors: Mital Amit Kumar , Choudhary Priyanka , Gupta Rajat , Sethi Sujata , Suri Neha , Jain R. B. , Baral Sudhansu Sekhar
Published: January 2025

Background:

Adolescents often struggle with social, emotional, and behavioral difficulties that can lead to functional impairment later in life. School-going children are at risk of bullying victimization at school, which can lead to social, emotional, and behavioral difficulties (SEBD). This study aimed to estimate the burden of SEBD, evaluate possible risk factors, and explore the correlation between bullying victimization and SEBD.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was done among 9th to 12th class students from July 2021 to June 2022. Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) was utilized to evaluate SEBD. Bullying victimization was assessed by “Adolescent peer relation instrument” (APRI). Chi square test, t-test, pearson correlation, and logistic regression was used.

Results:

Out of 391 participants, 35.3% faced peer problems, 22.2% conduct problems, 16.4% hyperactivity, and 15.6% emotional symptoms. Prosocial behavior was present in only 12.7% of adolescents. 70.8% bullied others and 62.9% were victims in the past 1 year. The victims were at increased risk for emotional symptoms, conduct problems, hyperactivity, and peer problems. Social perpetrators were at risk for emotional symptoms, conduct problems, hyperactivity, and peer problems; verbal and physical perpetrators were prone to conduct problems and hyperactivity. Higher emotional problems and prosocial behavior were reported among girls; higher conduct problems, peer problems, and hyperactivity were reported among boys. Hyperactivity was significantly more prevalent in students with poor performance. Emotional symptoms, conduct problems, hyperactivity, and peer problems were positively correlated with bullying and victimization, but negatively correlated to prosocial behavior.

Conclusions:

The burden of SEBD and bullying is high among school-going adolescents. Bullying and gender are significant risk factors for social, emotional, and behavioral difficulties. It also impacts the academic performance of the student. Anti-bullying interventional programs, cognitive behavior therapy, and parent management training programs for parents at school should be implemented universally at school to control these problems effectively.
Assessment of Commercial Baby Food Quality and Promotion in Malaysia for Policy Development
Authors: Shyam S. , Tan S. Y. , ALsheibani B. A. A. , How K. E. , Morpeth A. , Rippin H. , Threapleton D. , Cade J. E.
Published: January 2025

Nutritional quality of food for infants and young children (FIYC) is key to optimum development and health. To evaluate commercial FIYC products, the World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe (WHO-EURO) has defined a Nutrient and Promotion Profile Model (NPPM). Although FIYC is commonly used in Malaysia, its quality is largely unknown. We evaluated the nutrient profiles and on-pack promotions of FIYC available in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, using the NPPM. Among the 285 products sampled from a range of retail outlets, none met all NPPM promotional recommendations; only 24% satisfied all relevant nutrition criteria. Several products failed on sugar (29%) and sodium (26%) criteria, with around half having added sugar. In addition, 3%, 6%, and 9% of FIYC failed relevant fat, protein, and energy requirements, respectively. Although 98% had inappropriate health claims, 36% missed appropriate breastfeeding statements. There is an urgent need to improve the quality of FIYC in Malaysia.
The efficacy of manual therapy and therapeutic exercise for reducing chronic non-specific neck pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Calafiore Dario , Marotta Nicola , Longo Umile Giuseppe , Vecchio Michele , Zito Roberta , Lippi Lorenzo , Ferraro Francesco , Invernizzi Marco , Ammendolia Antonio , de Sire Alessandro
Published: January 2025

Background

Chronic non-specific neck pain (CNSNP) is a highly prevalent musculoskeletal disorder associated with significant disability, resulting in growing recourse to healthcare providers, huge cost for society and a great number of workdays lost.

Objective

By this systematic review and metanalysis we aimed to assess the effects of different physical therapy techniques in patients with CNSNP.

Methods

PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were regularly used to search for articles published from 1st January 2010 until 31st January 2024. All RCTs were assessed for eligibility, including studies on: patients with diagnosis of CNSNP; physical therapy approaches such as manual therapy (MT) and therapeutic exercise (TE); waiting list, sham treatments, as comparison; Visual Analogue Scale, Numerical Rating Scale, Numerical Pain Rating Scale, and Numerical Pain Scale, as outcomes.

Results

At the end of the search, 14025 studies were identified. After the removal of duplicates, 10,852 were considered eligible according to title and abstract screening, while 10,557 papers were excluded after this process. Therefore; a total of 11 RCTs were included in this systematic review. A decrease of pain intensity was observed in all groups, albeit in patients being treated with TE and MT. Besides this, the combination of TE and MT demonstrated a 91% of probability to be the best choice in patients with CNSNP at the first visit. Only the combination of TE plus MT/cognitive behavioral therapy and MT as a single treatment showed a reduction in pain score. Overall, 3 studies (27.2%) showed a low risk of bias, 6 (54.5%) showed some concerns in bias assessment, and 2 (19%) a high risk of bias.

Conclusion

Collectively, the findings of this systematic review showed that MT and TE might be considered as effective rehabilitation approaches for treatment of pain in patients with CNSNP.
Associations among lumbopelvic muscle activation, functional capacity, and self-reported clinical outcomes in individuals with chronic low back pain: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Sungnak Panakorn , Junsiri Pathtarajaree , Kingcha Pathaimas , Polsa Kanokwan , Prasertkul Wallika , Kunkhrong Patcharida , Sena Phongprapat , Laisirirungrai Dachawin , Vachalathiti Roongtiwa , Wattananon Peemongkon
Published: January 2025

Background

Lumbar multifidus (LM) and transverse abdominis (TrA) muscle activation deficits have been reported in patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP). These activation deficits could be related to poor functional capacity and self-reported clinical outcomes.

Objective

To determine the associations between lumbopelvic muscle activation and functional capacity, as well as self-reported clinical outcomes in individuals with CLBP.

Methods

Thirty individuals with CLBP were recruited. Ultrasound imaging was used to measure muscle activation. Participants performed a functional reach test (FRT), 5-time sit-to-stand test (5STS), 2-min step test (2MST), prone trunk extension test (PTET), and abdominal curl test (ACT). Self-reported clinical outcomes including visual analog scale (VAS), duration of low back pain (DLBP), modified Oswestry disability questionnaire (MODQ), and short-form health survey (SF-36) were also collected.

Results

LM activation was significant associated ( P < 0.05) with functional capacity (5STS and PTET) and self-reported clinical outcome (SF-36) were observed. Results also demonstrated TrA activation was significant associated ( P < 0.05) with ACT, VAS, and DLBP.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that clinicians should focus on LM activation to potentially improve functional capacity and quality of life, as well as minimize the chronicity. In addition, pain duration can influence TrA activation, while TrA activation training may be able to modulate pain.
Providers’ Perspectives About Selecting Materials for Early Intervention Sessions: Five Tensions That Influence Material Use
Authors: Williams Crystal S. , Fisher Kim , Stelter Claire
Published: January 2025

Early intervention (EI) sessions are intended to occur in a child’s natural environment. Part of a child’s natural environment includes the materials they typically can access. Recommended practices in the field suggest that EI providers should use materials in children’s homes rather than bringing a toy bag to address the child and family goals. However, the use of the toy bag is still prevalent in the field. The purpose of this qualitative study was to understand the perspectives of EI special instructors related to how they select materials for their EI sessions. Findings include five themes that represent tensions that EI providers experienced when selecting materials for EI sessions: (a) the journey of bagless intervention, (b) family-centered versus judgment-based views, (c) the natural environment versus the “ideal” environment, (d) professional responsibilities, and (e) addressing children’s needs. Implications include the need for high-quality preservice preparation and professional development related to this recommended practice and continued research related to bagless intervention.
Addressing the Educational Needs of Foster Children
Authors: Ryan Joseph B. , Hurley Zachary , Randall Kristina N.
Published: January 2025

Currently more than 400,000 youth are placed in foster care across the United States. Between 33% and 50% of these children receive special education services. Nearly half of foster care youth with disabilities are identified as having emotional and behavioral disorders, in part due to their exposure to maltreatment including neglect, substance abuse, physical, and sexual abuse. In this article, we review common challenges students in foster care face and offer recommendations to help improve their academic outcomes.
Family Impacts of Diabetic Extremity Wound Caregiving: A Qualitative Multiple Case Study Report
Authors: Doss Elizabeth R. , Popejoy Lori L. , Vogelsmeier Amy A. , Lane Kari R. , Canada Kelli E.
Published: January 2025

More than three million people in the United States are treated for diabetic extremity wounds every year, with numerous physical, financial, and psychosocial impacts not only to patients but also their families who care for them. This study examined the experiences of families who care for adult members with a diabetic extremity wound. A qualitative multiple case study was conducted with four family cases recruited from an urban academic medical center in the Southeastern United States, with data collection consisting of individual interviews, demographic survey instruments, and family caregiving genogram construction. Individual- and cross-case synthesis was completed using reflexive thematic analysis. Themes related to impacts on family functioning, the caregiving experience, and formal health care utilization were identified. These findings provide insight into the experiences of families living with diabetic extremity wounds, as well as clinical and research directions for the future.
Research on weight initialization of CNN student models based on knowledge distillation
Authors: Fei Chengzhi , Zhong Zhenghong , Jiang Kaiwen , Shao Changheng , Sui Yi , Liu Hanning , Sun Rencheng
Published: January 2025

Knowledge distillation is a process of weight compression where a complex teacher model trains a simplified student model, making the weights and their distribution crucial. This paper investigates the weight distribution in convolutional and fully connected layers of both teacher and student models. For convolutional layers, it was discovered that both teacher and student models exhibit a piecewise power-law distribution. A verification method based on the piecewise power law distribution of convolutional layers was proposed, and the correctness of this law was confirmed. Detailed analysis of the breakpoints and power exponents reveals that the teacher model has smaller breakpoints than the student model; for weights smaller than the breakpoint, the teacher model’s power exponent is lower than that of the student model, whereas, for weights larger than the breakpoint, the teacher model’s power exponent is higher. Based on these findings, a new weight initialization algorithm for convolutional layers was proposed. For fully connected layers, both models demonstrate a skewed distribution. A verification method based on the skewed distribution of fully connected layers was proposed, and the correctness of this law was confirmed. Analysis of the kurtosis and skewness indicates that the student model exhibits higher kurtosis and skewness than the teacher model. Based on these observations, a new weight initialization algorithm for fully connected layers was proposed. Experimental results show that both initialization methods improve the initial and final accuracy of the student model compared to the He initialization method.
Dual-prompt complementary fusion network for RGBT tracking
Authors: Wu Xihui , Ge Hongwei , Li Ting , Su Shuzhi
Published: January 2025

RGBT target tracking is a significant downstream task in the field of object tracking. However, compared to visible light target tracking, RGBT target tracking faces the challenge of smaller datasets, making it difficult to achieve performance levels comparable to those achieved in visible light target tracking. To address how to effectively combine the complementary characteristics of visible and thermal modalities, as well as how to fully leverage the superior performance of models trained on visible light target tracking tasks, while also aiming for lower computational costs and higher tracking effectiveness, a dual-prompt complementary fusion strategy for an RGBT tracking network is proposed. Drawing on the concept of prompt learning, this network aims to extend the efficient performance of visible light target tracking to the RGBT target tracking domain. In its implementation, the prompt module inputs both visible and thermal modality information as dual prompts into the backbone network, where the network utilizes these prompts to generate new, enriched prompt information at each layer. Subsequently, an information enhancement fusion module enhances the acquired prompt information and refeeds it into the backbone network, aiming to improve the tracking accuracy and robustness. Experimental results on GTOT, RGBT234 and LasHeR datasets show that the tracking accuracy (PR) and success rate (SR) of the network reach 93.1%/76.8%, 84.4%/62.4% and 66.8%/53.8%, respectively, which is improved compared with the current mainstream RGBT target tracking network, which verifies the effectiveness of the network.
Best evidence summary for the management of exercise in patients with central venous access devices
Authors: Luo Mengna , Wu Zhenming , Hu Zeyin , Li Jia , Fan Yuying
Published: January 2025

Background:

Central venous access devices (CVAD) are widely used in patient care, providing an essential, reliable pathway for patients to receive chemotherapy, long-term infusions, and nutritional support. However, a system of exercise management has not been developed in patients with CVAD.

Purpose:

To evaluate and summarize the evidence for management exercise in patients with CVAD and provide guidance for clinical practice.

Methods:

Systematic searches were conducted in domestic and international databases for evidence on exercise in patients with CVAD. The types of literature included clinical decisions, guidelines, systematic reviews, expert consensus, and original research. The retrieval time is from the database construction to October 2023.

Results:

We finally identified 20 articles that had high-quality results. We summarized the 26 pieces of best evidence from these articles, covering nine aspects: the effects of exercise interventions; ways of exercise; type of exercise tools; timing of exercise; dose of exercise; exercise precautions; monitoring of exercise safety; complications of exercise interventions; scales to assess the effect of exercise. Of these pieces of evidence, 12 were “strong” and 14 were “weak,” 14 pieces of evidence were recommended in level 1, and 12 pieces of evidence were recommended in level 5.

Conclusion:

The following 26 pieces of evidence for exercise management of CVAD in patients were finally recommended. However, as this evidence comes from only one country, relevant factors such as the clinical environment should be evaluated before application. Further studies should include diverse populations from multiple countries to ensure the findings are widely applicable and to identify any potential variations in exercise outcomes for patients.
Student teachers on stage: collaborative practices and a gender perspective through drama / Futuros docentes en el escenario: prácticas colaborativas y perspectiva de género a través de la obra dramática
Authors: Caamaño-Rojo María José , Gillanders Carol , Domínguez-Lloria Sara , Cortizas-Varela Olalla , González-Reyes Amaya
Published: January 2025

Initial teacher education must envisage spaces that provide students with opportunities to experience a collaborative culture during their training, promoting the acquisition of cross-curricular competencies and the comprehension of links between theory and practice, and encouraging the integration of a gender perspective in educational practices. Through an interdisciplinary project in which three subjects of the teaching degree in primary education were involved, students produced a theatrical show for children. Although this type of practice is not frequent in the Spanish university context, the results suggest that implementing projects of this kind provides multiple benefits for the participants. The development of basic and cross-curricular competencies, such as collaboration, teamwork, adaptability, communication and creativity, are underscored. Furthermore, very enriching synergies are created between the different fields of knowledge that favour the development of a holistic and globalized education.
Putting management knowledge in perspective: Education as an ethical and political endeavor
Authors: Barros Amon
Published: January 2025

This article investigates the integration of critical pedagogical frameworks into management education, focusing on how these frameworks can improve students’ critical consciousness and agency while acknowledging the shortcomings of management knowledge. Accepting the political nature of knowledge invites a political pedagogy and opens space for topics and people who were left out of the dominant Western-centric paradigms. Dialogical learning and critical suspicion against the canon can encourage participation and critical reflection among students. This approach enables students to analyze received structures and assumptions within which conventional management theories are framed. This practice could foster a welcoming learning environment open to new inputs from varied perspectives. The article discusses how incorporating the idea that all knowledge is situated allows for developing contextually informed managerial knowledge. Finally, it suggests how challenging the idea of universalistic approaches toward management may open up space for investigations that, by embracing their contextualized conditions, are also better suited for a complex and changing world.
Looking back, moving forward: Celebrating Management Learning’s 55 years of publication
Authors: Prasad Ajnesh , Śliwa Martyna
Published: January 2025

In this editorial, we close the 55th anniversary issue of Management Learning. We outline our rationale for this anniversary issue and reflect on the substantial contributions made by the journal over the course of its history. We focus particularly on how the journal has fostered intellectual space to enrich extant critical and reflexive knowledge on management learning and education. This editorial not only celebrates all that has been collectively accomplished by the Management Learning community, but also stakes some reference points as to the promise and the opportunities Management Learning holds in the discipline of management and organization studies going forward.
Experimental investigation and comparative analysis of various condition-based monitoring techniques for wear recognition in gear pump
Authors: Dhote Nihal , Khond Mohan
Published: January 2025

The purpose of the presented work is to recognize wear in different parts of the gear pump and to determine the wear particle contamination and particle types in oil. Oil samples were collected intermittently from the gear pump test rig to find the wear severity index and particle contamination. The percentage of large particles increased to 80.49% with wear severity index at the end of the test due to contamination. Hence ferrogram slides were prepared and observed under a bichromatic microscope to identify the types of wear particles. These ferrogram slides of oil samples show normal rubbing, severe sliding and cutting wear particles with some red oxide due to moisture content in the oil. Later on, to find the extent of damage to the gear pump parts, surface roughness and changed dimensions of these parts were measured by surface roughness measuring instrument and CMM. The model prepared based on these, gives the simulated results of wear varying from 27.3 µm to 87.8 µm shows a good correlation with actual measurement. In the last part of the work, the gear pump was removed from the system and worn-out parts were cut to prepare samples of the required sizes to observe under SEM. Morphology and texture results given by SEM help to study and predict the wear behaviour of system at particular operating conditions for condition monitoring. The combined approach of experimentation conducted here for quite a longer duration for such type of setup is the novelty of this work.
Short-term mentalization-based therapy for common childhood mental disorders – a pilot quasi-randomised controlled trial
Authors: Thorén Agneta , Lindqvist Karin , Nemirovski Julia Pertoft , Mechler Jakob
Published: January 2025

Internalizing and externalizing psychiatric disorders among children are common and debilitating, affecting family interactions, learning and peer relations. The aim of the present quasi-randomised pilot-study was to investigate preliminary effects of a mentalization-based time-limited treatment (MBT-C) for children with mixed psychiatric disorders. The trial comprised 17 children, aged 4–11 with mixed disorders, and their parents, admitted to an outpatient psychotherapy clinic. Quasi-randomization allocated patients to 12 sessions MBT-C with parallel parent support, or wait-list control. Compared to wait-list controls, significant improvements were observed in child pathology ( d = 1.23 , p = .006), therapist-rated global functioning ( d = 1.73, p = .002), parent-perceived overall distress and impairment ( d = 1.42, p = .017), and child-perceived emotional distress ( d = 1.32, p = .024). No significant effects were observed for parent-perceived symptoms ( d = 0.41, p = .28). Within-group changes and long-term effects were calculated for all participants including the wait-list after being crossed-over to treatment. Results were either maintained or further improved at 6- and 12-months follow-ups. This trial provides preliminary support for MBT-C in children with mixed disorders.
Lockdown through a Chinese lens: A qualitative study
Authors: Zhang Doris , Cheung Gary , Cullum Sarah , Ng Lillian
Published: January 2025

COVID-19-related lockdowns resulted in strict visiting restrictions in care homes, placing a vulnerable population at further risk of functional and cognitive decline, and psychological difficulties due to isolation. Experiences of vulnerable minority groups of older persons who reside in care homes are not well researched. In New Zealand, the Chinese community is a fast-growing ethnic group that faces challenges such as language barriers, differing cultural beliefs and COVID-19-related discrimination. The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of Chinese care home residents in New Zealand during COVID-19 lockdowns. In this qualitative study, we interviewed residents ( n = 6), family members ( n = 6) and facility staff ( n = 6) across two Chinese-run care homes in Auckland, New Zealand. Resident and family member participants were exclusively Chinese. Interviews were conducted and transcribed in either English or Mandarin Chinese. Transcripts were coded and analysed to synthesise themes. We identified five themes: (a) acceptance and pragmatism; (b) attitudes towards authority; (c) the concept of máfan: 麻烦 (to trouble); (d) challenges to fulfilling filial duties; and (e) responding to pandemic challenges. This research reframes the narrative of older Chinese care home residents during COVID-19-related restrictions. We recommend integrating the findings and philosophical values identified in this study to develop future protocols that consider the cultural and language needs of Chinese care home residents.
Digital detector PET/CT increases Centiloid measures of amyloid in Alzheimer's disease: A head-to-head comparison of cameras
Authors: Gillman Ashley , Bourgeat Pierrick , Cox Timothy , Villemagne Victor L , Fripp Jurgen , Huang Kun , Williams Rob , Shishegar Rosita , O’Keefe Graeme , Li Shenpeng , Krishnadas Natasha , Feizpour Azadeh , Bozinovski Svetlana , Rowe Christopher C , Doré Vincent
Published: January 2025

Background

The introduction of therapeutics for Alzheimer's disease has led to increased interest in precisely quantifying amyloid-β (Aβ) burden for diagnosis, treatment monitoring, and further clinical research. Recent positron emission tomography (PET) hardware innovations including digital detectors have led to superior resolution and sensitivity, improving quantitative accuracy. However, the effect of PET scanner on Centiloid remains relatively unexplored and is assumed to be minimized by harmonizing PET resolutions.

Objective

To quantify the differences in Centiloid between scanners in a paired cohort.

Methods

36 participants from the Australian Imaging, Biomarker and Lifestyle study (AIBL) cohort were scanned within a year on two scanners. Each participant underwent 18F-NAV4694 imaging on two of the three scanners investigated, the Siemens Vision, the Siemens mCT and the Philips Gemini. We compared Aβ Centiloid quantification between scanners and assessed the effectiveness of post-reconstruction PET resolution harmonization. We further compared the scanner differences in target sub-regions and with different reference regions to assess spatial variability.

Results

Centiloid from the Vision camera was found to be significantly higher compared to the Gemini and mCT; the difference was greater at high-Centiloid levels. Post-reconstruction resolution harmonization only accounted for and corrected ∼20% of the Centiloid (CL) difference between scanners. We further demonstrated that residual differences have effects that vary spatially between different subregions of the Centiloid mask.

Conclusions

We have demonstrated that the type of PET scanner that a participant is scanned on affects Centiloid quantification, even when scanner resolution is harmonized. We conclude by highlighting the need for further investigation into harmonization techniques that consider scanner differences.
Dancing towards speech improvement: Repurposing dance for motor speech deficits in neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Theofanopoulou Constantina
Published: January 2025

Dance or rhythmic movement-based training has demonstrated significant efficacy in addressing a range of motor and cognitive deficits associated with neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases. Leveraging both human and non-human animal behavioral and neurobiological evidence, I hypothesize a possible untapped role of dance training in mitigating impairments in the motor control of speech, a complex sensorimotor behavior affected in these conditions. Here, this hypothesis is supported by an in-depth examination of motor speech deficits in Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases, at a behavioral, physiological, and neural level. Additionally, literature on the impact of dance training on behaviors and brain pathways possibly relevant to speech motor control in populations with neurodegenerative diseases is thoroughly reviewed. Synthesizing these findings, I propose repurposing dance as a novel treatment for motor speech deficits and outline specific experiments to test this hypothesis. By comprehensively investigating the full spectrum of the effects of a motor-based training, i.e., dance, on often overlooked motor-based behaviors, such as speech, we may uncover novel therapeutic avenues of a practice that has already shown promising implications.
Play–literacy interface in childhood education: Across the scales of time and space
Authors: Liu Chunhong , Chen Qinghua , Zhang Limin , Lin Angel M. Y.
Published: January 2025

Play has been widely examined and viewed as an effective pedagogy to promote children's literacy development. While current research has identified various benefits associated with play, discrepancies still exist regarding what type of play could be more effective, for example, home play or school play. This could further lead to an outcome-oriented, positivist perception of play as a designed intervention that risks neglecting children's agency in creating, negotiating, and interpreting their play activities. In this conceptual article, we explore the theoretical affordance of the concept of temporal and spatial scales to rethink children's play as a dynamic, multilayered flow of meaning-making and negotiation across time and space. We discuss how using the lens of scales, play can be analyzed as actions, processes, and contexts. The methodological and pedagogical implications of scales are also illustrated for practical applications in research and education on play-based literacy learning. Finally, this article aims to draw researchers and educators’ attention to the complexity and diversity of play, as well as children's agency in (re)constructing playfulness.
“We are simply being pressed out, slowly but surely” - Unhoused peoples’ experience with exclusionary design
Authors: Nielsen Carsten Hvid
Published: January 2025

With interest in ‘what it is like to be subjected to?’ this article provides insight into unhoused people’s experiences of being exposed to ‘exclusionary design’ (Jensen, 2019, 2023), and how this type of design affects their everyday life. Exclusionary design encompasses elements such as benches divided into sections with armrests, sound installations with music set up in station areas, and areas that are fenced off. In the study of the experience of exclusionary design, 15 unhoused people were interviewed, and it is the statements of some of these people that form the foundation of this article, offering a deeper understanding of the impact of being rejected by exclusionary design in public spaces. The article concludes that three particular aspects are prevalent: exclusionary design is perceived as (1) unsolidary, (2) destructive, and (3) a stress factor in an already chaotic existence.
“I forgot she used to make chocolate cake”: Digital storytelling supporting person-focussed dementia care: A qualitative thematic analysis
Authors: Munk Stephanie , Toohey Rhiannon , Remtilla Aliaa , D'Cunha Nathan M , Gibson Diane , Isbel Stephen , Smyth Aisling , Bail Kasia
Published: January 2025

Reminiscence is a meaningful activity for people with dementia, but research implementing digital reminiscence tools into environments with older people is not well developed. This project sought to understand the effectiveness of a digital reminiscence tool in aiding person-centred dementia care with people attending a day respite centre and a group residential home, in metropolitan eastern Australia. This study used semi-structured interviews and ethnographic observations using a qualitative reflexive thematic analysis with seventeen participants including people with dementia ( n = 8), their loved ones ( n = 5) and staff n = 4) Themes identified were: 1. Remembering myself; 2. Reminiscing the person before and with dementia; 3. Enhanced relationships through self-expression; 4. Person-centred adaptation and the art of the interview; and 5. Future potential. Findings indicate that the StoryTiling app was user-friendly, supported reminiscence activities and enhanced person-centred care. The reminiscence activity enhanced relationships between participants, families, and carers, facilitating a deeper knowing of the person with dementia. The activities supported positive memories and emotions and helped reinforce the identity of the person with dementia in both their own mind, and their loved ones. The information captured in the StoryTiling process enabled person-centred care in improving the ability to know a person and being able to relate and respond to their individual needs, wants and goals. The process was dependent on the ‘art of the question’ and the ‘art of the interview’, particularly by people who know the person with dementia and are trauma-informed in order to effectively progress interviews and utilise them within the care environment. Enabling nudge activities that promote person-centred engagement such as reminiscence through digital storytelling may help foster person-centred care in the aged care sector.