bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Personal Networks and Cervical Cancer Screening among Black Immigrant Women
Authors: Cofie Leslie E. , Whitt Olivia , Bhagat Nikhil 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Background
Prior research has linked personal network characteristics with cancer screening uptake including Papanicolaou (Pap) screening, but less is known about the experiences of Black immigrant women (BIW) in the USA. We examined the relationship between network characteristics and Pap screening among BIW and explored how their network members influence their cancer related knowledge and prevention behaviors.

Methods
A mixed methods study of BIW, aged 21–65 years, in southeastern US included a cross-sectional survey (N = 204) and in-depth individual interviews (N = 13). We examined whether high-social connectedness, contact frequency, and social support were associated with Pap screening, using multivariable logistic regression models. Thematic analysis further assessed the roles of personal network factors on BIW’s cancer preventive behaviors.

Results
Pap screening was more likely among BIW with high- versus low-social connectedness (OR: 2.68, CI: 1.12, 6.46). However, the impact of high-social connectedness was attenuated, after adjusting for demographic factors and health insurance. Our qualitative findings revealed that both BIW and their personal networks had limited knowledge on cancer and related prevention measures. Close network members, particularly mother-figures, provided support for BIW’s care seeking efforts, including cancer screening, although some participants mentioned a lack of screening support.

Conclusion
These findings suggest that Black immigrant communities may benefit from tailored cancer prevention interventions among close network members, to improve knowledge and support for cancer control behaviors.
Comparative analysis of rural communities’ tradeoffs in large-scale and small-scale renewable energy projects in Kenya
Authors: Lamhamedi Bouchra El Houda , de Vries Walter Timo 
Published: November 2024

AbstractIn Kenya's dynamic renewable energy landscape, characterized by complex policy frameworks, complex land tenure regimes, and diverse community dynamics, this qualitative research investigates the mechanisms and motivations guiding community decision-making when trading land for electricity access within the context of renewable energy projects. Through the lens of the Institutional Analysis and Development (IAD) framework, particularly the rules in use, this study unravels the complexities of rural communities’ trade-offs inherent in both large-scale and small-scale renewable energy projects. Data was collected through in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and participant observations in rural communities engaged in these projects. The findings offer new insights into communities’ decision-making processes and institutional dynamics in shaping outcomes, with a focus on land rights and land use implications. The analysis highlights the relational nature of the trade-offs, influenced by factors such as land tenure systems, project scale, electricity access, traditional knowledge, and local context, supporting the importance of understanding communities’ diverse roles and positions, power dynamics, and governance structures. Overall, this study contributes to a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding land-electricity trade-offs in renewable energy projects in rural areas, emphasizing the need for adaptable strategies to address evolving community needs and challenges.
Non-modifiable and Modifiable Risk Factors in Vascular Ageing Extremes: The African-PREDICT Study
Authors: Rooi Donavan , Kruger Ruan , van Vuren Esmé Jansen , Breet Yolandi 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
Cardiovascular risk factors accelerate vascular ageing beyond chronological age, hence early vascular ageing (EVA). Carotid to femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV) is a measure of vascular ageing and is used to identify EVA and supernormal vascular ageing (SUPERNOVA). Vascular ageing is not completely understood in African populations. Therefore, we aimed to phenotype young South African adults stratified by cfPWV extremes in terms of non-modifiable and modifiable risk factors. This study included 1133 young adults (mean age: 24.5 years). We measured cfPWV using applanation tonometry. Body composition measures, self-reported 24-h dietary intake, smoking and alcohol consumption were included. Fasting blood samples were analysed for biochemical risk factors. Three groups based on cfPWV percentiles were compared and included SUPERNOVA (≤ 10th percentile), average vascular ageing (AVA, between 10 to 90th percentile) and EVA (≥ 90th percentile).

Results
Chronological age, male sex, smoking, alcohol use, and blood pressure were incrementally higher across PWV groups (all p trend ≤ 0.007). Black ethnicity was higher (p = 0.038) in the SUPERNOVA group. In exploratory factor analysis, a factor pattern including mean arterial pressure and fasting glucose showed beneficial odds (OR 0.62, p = 0.002) for SUPERNOVA and higher likelihood (OR 2.10, p < 0.001) for EVA. Another factor pattern of socio-economic status and total dietary fat showed lower odds (OR 0.64, p = 0.003) for EVA.

Conclusion
Poor lifestyle behavioural risk factors seem detrimental in the EVA group conferring a possible higher risk of future CVD.
Exploring the therapeutic potential of marine actinomycetes: a systems biology-based approach for Alzheimer’s disease treatment
Authors: Chowdhury Mayank Roy , Kizhakedathil Moni Philip Jacob , Kumar Vinith , Saktheeswaran M. , Mathesh K. Kutty , Deepa Vijaykumar Sudarshana 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Background
This study addresses the urgent need for novel Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) treatments, focusing on the therapeutic potential of marine Actinomycetes compounds. Current AD therapies provide only symptomatic relief, necessitating a paradigm shift toward more effective interventions.

Methodology
Ninety-one bioactive compounds were methodically identified from Actinomycetes strains in the Indian Ocean. Rigorous ADME analysis and in silico toxicological screening narrowed the selection to 19 compounds, including Helquinoline, Bonactin, Azamerone, and Arcyriaflavin A. These compounds demonstrated favorable drug-like properties and activity against crucial AD targets. Utilizing network pharmacology, a bioactive-target-disease association network was constructed to unveil intricate relationships between compounds and target proteins in the context of AD. Topological analysis highlighted influential targets such as SRC, MAPK1, EGFR, PRKCA, PRKCD, and CDK2. Protein–Protein Interaction (PPI) mapping revealed interconnected pathways influenced by these compounds.

Results
Focus narrowed to the top 10 pathways associated with key hub–bottleneck genes. The GnRH signaling, EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance, and ErbB signaling pathways exhibited remarkable fold enrichment, emphasizing their central roles in AD pathogenesis. The GnRH signaling pathway aligned with endocrine dysregulation in AD, EGFR’s dual role in prion-like propagation and amyloid-β pathology, and ErbB signaling’s multifaceted contributions.

Conclusion
In conclusion, this study presents marine Actinomycetes compounds as potential poly-pharmacological modulators in AD. Despite promising results, cautious optimism is warranted, requiring further experimental validation. The identified compounds and pathways offer a novel perspective, laying the groundwork for targeted interventions within the intricate landscape of AD. This research contributes to advancing AD therapeutics within a systems biology framework, introducing innovative approaches to address this complex neurodegenerative disorder.
Instability of isolator shocks to fuel flow rate modulations in a strut-stabilised scramjet combustor
Authors: Kumar R. , Ghosh A. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractReynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) simulations, both steady and unsteady, are used to investigate supersonic, chemically reacting, flow fields inside a strut-stabilised supersonic combustion ramjet (scramjet) engine operating under different fuel flow rates. Fully supersonic, fully subsonic and mixed modes of operations inside the combustor, obtained at different fuel flow rates, are studied numerically through shock wave visualisations and top-wall static-pressure probing. The effect of changing fuel flow rates, imposed both suddenly and gradually, on the behaviour of shock waves and wall pressure profiles are studied in detail. For certain modes of combustion characterised by the presence of oblique shocks at the strut, shockwaves in the combustor respond predictably to an increase or decrease in fuel flow rate attaining the steady state flow fields as predicted by RANS simulations for those fuel flow rates. For certain other modes of combustion, characterised by the presence of shockwaves in the isolator and the absence of oblique shocks at the leading edge of the strut, shockwaves in the flow field appear unstable to fuel flow rate modulations. For such cases, any change in fuel flow rates, sudden or gradual, increase or decrease, causes the isolator shocks to immediately move upstream and eventually out of the isolator. A plausible physics-based explanation of the observed phenomena is presented.
BSO algorithm and artificial neural network aided emission optimisation for gas turbine engine
Authors: Konar M. , Cam O. , Aktaş M. O. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractAircraft play a major role in meeting the fast and efficient transportation needs of modern society, thanks to their advanced features. However, gas turbine engines used in aircraft have many negative effects on human health. One of the negative effects is the exhaust gases released by these engines to nature. In this study, it is discussed to present alternative models based on heuristic methods to reduce the emission values of the synthetic fuel mixture used in the combustion chamber of gas turbine engines. For this purpose, a model based on artificial neural networks (ANN) based on the back-tracking search optimisation (BSO) algorithm is proposed by using experimentally obtained emission values found in the literature. In the proposed model, the parameters of the optimum ANN structure are first determined by the BSO algorithm. Then, by using the optimum ANN structure, the most appropriate input values were found with the BSO algorithm, and the emission values were reduced. The simulation results have shown that the proposed method will be a fast and safe alternative method for reducing emission values.
Weekly dynamic motor insurance ratemaking with a telematics signals bonus-malus score
Authors: Yanez Juan Sebastian , Guillén Montserrat , Nielsen Jens Perch 
Published: November 2024

AbstractWe present a dynamic pay-how-you-drive pricing scheme for motor insurance using telematics signals. More specifically, our approach allows the insurer to apply penalties to a baseline premium on the occurrence of events such as hard acceleration or braking. In addition, we incorporate a bonus-malus system (BMS) adapted for telematics data, providing a credibility component based on past telematics signals to the claim frequency predictions. We purposefully consider a weekly setting for our ratemaking approach to benefit from the signal’s high-frequency rate and to encourage safe driving via dynamic premium corrections. Moreover, we provide a detailed structure that allows our model to benefit from historical records and detailed telematics data collected weekly through an onboard device. We showcase our results numerically in a case study using data from an insurance company.
Worldviews of Employment in Coast Salish Communities
Authors: Jensen Leif 
Published: November 2024

AbstractWhile Canadian law has started to seriously grapple with questions that relate to reconciliation with Indigenous communities and laws, much of the focus is on specific, often resource-based, projects. As a result, there has been relatively little attention paid to other aspects of reconciliation, such as how legal aspects of employment may be re-evaluated. Employment law is a useful place to start as employment is a fundamental aspect of a person’s life, providing both financial support and a contributory role in society. This paper examines how different societal values impact employment law and in particular, how Coast Salish worldviews and law may impact, facilitate, and resist, the employment legislation in force in British Columbia.
Exploring the stigma against people with mental illness in Bangladesh
Authors: Roy Prodyut , Chowdhury Kamal Uddin Ahmed 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
This study investigates the stigma against people with mental illness in Bangladesh through in-depth interviews with 14 patients and 9 healthcare professionals, and 33 focus group discussions with people without mental illness. The research has delved into the understanding of different types of stigma against mental illness in the context of Bangladesh. The findings revealed four types of stigma which were categorized into four themes namely self-stigma, public stigma, professional, and institutional stigma. Patients had internalized negative attitudes, thereby discriminated toward themselves. The public discriminated against patients because of believing in prejudices against them. Other health professionals had negative conceptions toward patients, and they devalued mental health professionals (MHPs). A culture of negative attitude and belief had emerged in institutional settings which encouraged discrimination. Policymakers and healthcare professionals can use the findings to develop a mental health service by addressing the stigma. Mental health practitioners can assess the impact of stigma to improve the mental well-being of their patients. Students and workplace staff will benefit from intentional or unintentional discrimination in educational institutions and workplace settings by addressing the effects of stigma. Importantly, other health care providers will be aware of their thoughts against patients and MHPs.
‘The Charismulator’ – charisma simulator: A study of a new VR intervention to improve charisma
Authors: Shavit Rotem , Katz-Navon Tal , Delegach Marianna 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Charisma, often seen as an innate trait, is now understood as leader signaling grounded in values, symbols, and emotions, suggesting it can be developed through interventions. However, the method for cultivating charisma remains unclear. This study examines nonverbal communication strategies, highlighting the potential of body language, facial expressions, and vocal modulation to enhance charisma. Additionally, we introduce a virtual reality training program focused on these cues and explore the role of audience presence in boosting the intervention’s effectiveness by fostering self-awareness and behavioral adjustments. Results of a controlled randomized experiment with virtual reality-trained participants and online charisma assessors demonstrated significant improvements in observer-rated charisma from pre- to post-training compared to the control group. Moreover, training in front of a virtual audience yielded the expected outcomes. This study sheds light on charisma theory, its potential virtual reality training application, and its implications for leadership development.
AXIOMATIZATION AND FORCING IN SET THEORY WITH URELEMENTS
Authors: YAO BOKAI 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
In the first part of this paper, we consider several natural axioms in urelement set theory, including the Collection Principle, the Reflection Principle, the Dependent Choice scheme and its generalizations, as well as other axioms specifically concerning urelements. We prove that these axioms form a hierarchy over

$\text {ZFCU}_{\text {R}}$

(ZFC with urelements formulated with Replacement) in terms of direct implication. The second part of the paper studies forcing over countable transitive models of

$\text {ZFU}_{\text {R}}$

. We propose a new definition of

${\mathbb P}$

-names to address an issue with the existing approach. We then prove the fundamental theorem of forcing with urelements regarding axiom preservation. Moreover, we show that forcing can destroy and recover certain axioms within the previously established hierarchy. Finally, we demonstrate how ground model definability may fail when the ground model contains a proper class of urelements.
On the Epistemic Roles of the Individualized Niche Concept in Ecology, Behavioral Biology, and Evolutionary Biology
Authors: Kaiser Marie I. , Morrow Katie H. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractWe characterize four fruitful and underappreciated epistemic roles played by the concept of an individualized niche in contemporary biology, utilizing results of a qualitative empirical study conducted within an interdisciplinary biological research center. We argue that the individualized niche concept (1) shapes the research agenda of the center, (2) facilitates explaining core phenomena related to interindividual differences, (3) helps with managing individual-level causal complexity, and (4) promotes integrating local knowledge from ecology, evolutionary biology, behavioral biology, and other biological fields. We thereby also challenge arguments that the niche concept is superfluous in ecology.
Minimally processed foods have a higher total antioxidant content compared to processed and ultra-processed foods: results from an analysis of 1946 food items
Authors: Basile Anthony J. , Ruiz-Tejada Anaissa , Mohr Alex E. , Stanley Steven , Hjelm Ellinor , Sweazea Karen L. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractUltra-processed foods (UPF), per the NOVA Classification, provide a major source of calories within modern food systems and are associated with poor health outcomes related to chronic inflammation. Dietary antioxidants play a key role in preventing disease; however, the relationship between the NOVA Classification and the total antioxidant content (TAC) of foods is not well characterised. We hypothesised that TAC would be highest in minimally processed food (MPF), lower in processed food (PRF) and lowest in UPF. TAC data for 3137 animal-based, mixed and plant-based food items were obtained from a published dataset. After data cleaning, 1946 food items and their TAC values were analysed using two hierarchal linear models (alpha: P < 0·05). MPF had the highest mean TAC (10·79 (sem 0·87) mmol/100 g) and were 11·31-fold and 10·72-fold higher than PRF and UPF, respectively (P = 0·023). Plant-based and mixed foods had a higher mean TAC (8·55 (sem 0·68) and 1·12 (sem 0·11) mmol/100 g, respectively) and were 22·67-fold and 2·98-fold higher compared with animal-based foods (P < 0·001). Food processing did not change mean TAC in mixed and animal-based foods; however, plant-based MPF had a higher mean TAC (11·49 (sem 0·93) mmol/100 g) and were 9·88-fold and 15·12-fold higher compared with plant-based PRF and UPF, respectively (P < 0·001). Mean TAC differed between NOVA processing groups for three categories of food: vegetables, beverages and beans, nuts and seeds (P < 0·001). Across all food items, and especially plant-based foods, mean TAC decreased with food processing. The lower TAC of UPF may at least partially explain why their consumption promotes inflammatory chronic disease.
Prospective association between the Cardiovascular Health Diet Index and subclinical atherosclerosis: the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil) cohort study
Authors: Cacau Leandro Teixeira , de Almeida Alves Mariane , de Souza Santos Itamar , Generoso Giuliano , Bittencourt Márcio Sommer , Lotufo Paulo Andrade , Benseñor Isabela Martins , Marchioni Dirce Maria Lobo 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe Cardiovascular Health Diet Index (CHDI) is a diet quality score based on the dietary guidelines of the American Heart Association for cardiovascular health but with some adaptations, such as red meat, dairy products, beans and ultra-processed foods in its components. The CHDI has shown good relative validity parameters; however, its association with health outcomes is still unclear. Thus, our aim was to investigate the association between the CHDI score with subclinical atherosclerosis. Data from the Brazilian Longitudinal Study of Adult Health (ELSA-Brasil) cohort were used. Subclinical atherosclerosis was assessed by measuring coronary artery calcification at baseline (2008–2010) and second wave (2012–2014) and carotid intima-media thickness at baseline and at the third wave (2017–2019). The CHDI score (ranges from 0 to 110 points) was applied to dietary data obtained from an FFQ at baseline. Poisson regression with robust variance, linear regression and linear mixed-effects models were used to evaluate the association of the CHDI score with coronary artery calcification incidence (n 2224), coronary artery calcification progression (n 725) and changes in carotid intima-media thickness (n 7341) over time, respectively. After a median 8-year follow-up period, a 10-point increase in the CHDI score was associated with a decrease in carotid intima-media thickness of 0·002 mm (95 % CI –0·005, –0·001). No association was observed between the CHDI score and coronary artery calcification incidence and progression after a 4-year follow-up period. Higher scores in the CHDI were prospectively associated with decreased subclinical atherosclerosis after an 8-year follow-up period.
“Human Beings Are Too Cheap in India”: Wages and Work Organization as Business Strategies in Bombay's Late Colonial Textile Industry
Authors: van Nederveen Meerkerk Elise , Dixit Aditi 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
This article examines the business strategies employed by early twentieth-century Bombay mill owners in work organization and wage differentiation. The traditionally highly segmented and fluctuating domestic textile markets in India were further complicated by colonial free trade policies, making them highly competitive. This prompted Bombay mills to adopt various strategies, including maintaining a flexible workforce, product diversification, tailoring sales strategies to the Indian market, and increasing labour inputs, related to their heavy reliance on short-stapled Indian raw cotton. Using detailed and disaggregated data reported by textile mills in Bombay during the 1920s and 1930s, this article investigates how employers adopted these strategies in tandem with distinct wage-setting systems as management tools to depress the wage bill. By analysing the motivations behind the adoption of or resistance to these tools across different operations within the production process – such as weaving, spinning, reeling, and winding – the article reveals how gendered and social-class stratifications shaped these strategies and led to wage disparities across the industry. Ultimately, these labour-intensive strategies, conditioned by the broader colonial context in which India's textile industry developed, were at the root of the lower productivity of Indian workers, with long-run adverse consequences for India's general industrial development.