bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of gluing garment materials with adhesive inserts on their multidirectional drape and bending rigidity
Authors: Stępień Michał , Frydrych Iwona , Miśkiewicz Pamela 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
The article concerns the study on multidirectional drape and bending rigidity of six wool (clothing) fabrics with two types of adhesive inserts. The aim of research was to investigate the effect of joining woolen fabrics with “Freudenberg Vilene” adhesive inserts on the bending rigidity and multidirectional drape. The adhesive inserts were differentiated according to mass per square meter, while the fabrics were differentiated according to thickness, weave, and mass per square meter. Based on the scientific literature, the issues related to the methods of testing the bending rigidity and multidirectional drape coefficient were discussed. All the conducted tests were aimed at the proper selection of adhesive inserts for the designed clothing products. The use of adhesive inserts affects the bending stiffness and multidirectional drapeability of clothing material. The fabric weave significantly affects the values of bending rigidity and drapeability. As the thickness of adhesive inserts increases, the overall bending rigidity increases. The greater the fabric mass per square meter, the stiffer the fabric. As the mass per square meter and thickness increase, the multidirectional rigidity of fabrics increases. The value of bending rigidity for the plain fabric is higher compared to twill fabric.
To Create or to Redistribute? That is the Question
Authors: Koursaros Demetris , Savva Christos , Michail Nektarios , Papadopoulou Niki 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
This study delves into the persistent low GDP growth observed in the post-crisis period, despite aggressive financial easing measures. It explores how economic agents allocate available funds, either through investments in new capital creation or the acquisition of existing assets for capital gains (asset redistribution). The former approach bolsters total income and employment, while the latter reshapes wealth distribution among agents. Through a combination of theoretical insights and empirical evidence, we argue that during economic downturns, investors often find it more lucrative, and lenders consider it safer, to finance the repurchasing of existing assets rather than investing in new ones. This trend not only worsens recessions but also hampers the recovery process by limiting entrepreneurs’ access to funding and altering the economy’s capital structure. Moreover, given that asset redistribution tends to benefit the wealthy, a surge in inequality fosters a cycle of income redistribution, further exacerbating economic downturns.
Exact controllability for nonlinear thermoviscoelastic plate problem
Authors: Moulahi Taoufik , Aouadi Moncef , Althobaiti Saad 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
In this article, we consider a problem of exact controllability in the processes described by a nonlinear damped thermoviscoelastic plate. First, we prove the global well-posedness result for the nonlinear functions that are continuous with respect to time and globally Lipschitz with respect to space variable. Next, we perform a spectral analysis of the linear and uncontrolled problem. Then, we prove that the corresponding solutions decay exponentially to zero at a rate determined explicitly by the physical constants. Finally, we prove the exact controllability of the linear and the nonlinear problems by proving that the corresponding controllability mappings are surjective.
Comparing the effects of blended learning and traditional instruction on “Medical Genetics and Embryonic Development” in undergraduate medical students: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Liao Bing , Ma Shuangyu , Ni Yingyin , Li Hui , Xue Yan , Dang Suying , Chen Yan , Xia Xiaoyu , Wu Jingwen , Gu Mingmin , Tang Yujie , Huang Lei 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Objectives
The Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine is at the forefront of educational innovation to enhance student learning outcomes. Herein, this study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of blended learning compared to traditional on-site instruction in the “Medical Genetics and Embryonic Development” curriculum.

Methods
A randomized trial was conducted involving 338 second-year clinical medicine students during the 2023–2024 academic year. The students were divided into two groups: one received blended learning and the other, on-site instruction. Students’ performance was evaluated using ongoing assessments together with mid-term and final exams.

Results
Blended learning led to higher overall final grades, with no significant difference in quiz performance, but better exam scores compared to traditional learning. At the level of higher-order learning skills, students in the blended learning group performed better in karyotyping. However, the traditional on-site group slightly outperformed the blended learning group in case-based learning scores. Ultimately, approximately 92 % of students were satisfied with the blended learning course.

Conclusions
Blended learning does show promise in improving the self-learning skill and overall learning outcomes of medical students. Future studies should focus on optimizing blended learning strategies and assessing their long-term impacts on clinical competencies.
Bažant-Le-Kirane Paradox of fatigue failure in engineering materials
Authors: Gattu Mahendra 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
The problem of fracture in quasi-brittle materials is strongly linked with a zone of micro-cracking known as the fracture process zone (FPZ). For monotonic loading, the material length scale parameter D
0 is used in strength scaling law to describe the transition from strength criteria to linear elastic fracture mechanics criteria. The Paris Law approach to quasi-brittle materials for cyclic loading introduces another length scale parameter, D
0c. Experimental testing of concrete, rock, and sandstone showed two contradictory results. A few experiments showed that the parameter D
0c is higher than D
0, and the cyclic FPZ is larger than monotonic FPZ. Another set of experiments showed that D
0c is smaller than D
0, and the cyclic FPZ is smaller than monotonic FPZ. This interesting contradiction is named the Bažant-Le-Kirane Paradox (B-L-K Paradox) after the scientists involved in the experimentation. The B-L-K Paradox is the holy grail of fatigue fracture mechanics, and solving this problem will allow for the rational design of concrete structures.
The deal.II library, Version 9.6
Authors: Africa Pasquale C. , Arndt Daniel , Bangerth Wolfgang , Blais Bruno , Fehling Marc , Gassmöller Rene , Heister Timo , Heltai Luca , Kinnewig Sebastian , Kronbichler Martin , Maier Matthias , Munch Peter , Schreter-Fleischhacker Magdalena , Thiele Jan P. , Turcksin Bruno , Wells David , Yushutin Vladimir 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
This paper provides an overview of the new features of the finite element library deal.II, version 9.6.
Placental fetal vascular malperfusion in maternal diabetes mellitus
Authors: Stanek Jerzy 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Objectives
To study the clinical and placental correlations in diabetic pregnancies in which placental histopathology included routine double E cadherin/CD34 immunostaining.

Methods
Retrospective study of 229 cases of diabetic pregnancies, mostly with gestational diabetes mellitus. The cases were individually matched for gestational age at delivery with non-diabetic pregnancies to yield a comparative group of 229 cases. 23 independent clinical and 50 placental phenotypes (variables) were statistically compared by analysis of variance or Chi-square with application of the Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons.

Results
The study group showed statistically significantly more common gestational hypertension, chronic hypertension, polyhydramnios, umbilical cord compromise, cesarean sections, macerated stillbirths, neonatal deaths, and fetal malformations. About a third of cases in each group showed lesions of maternal and fetal vascular malperfusion (FVM), the latter more common than reported in literature. The CD34 component of the double immunostaining increased the sensitivity of placental examination by highlighting clustered endothelial fragmentation of recent fetal vascular malperfusion or increasing the grade of fetal vascular malperfusion (on-going distal villous fetal vascular malperfusion with temporal heterogeneity).

Conclusions
With the double immunostaining, FVM is as common as maternal vascular malperfusion pattern of placental injury in diabetic pregnancies with high prevalence of fetal congenital malformations. This is likely due to umbilical cord compression evoked by mass-forming fetal anomalies. Recognizing placental FVM may sensitize to the increased risk of neonatal systemic thrombotic pathology. However, several hypoxic lesions and patterns as well as those of shallow placental implantation were also seen with increased frequencies in diabetic pregnancies.
Integrated analyses reveal prognostic markers associated with cancer-associated fibroblasts in oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Li Mengyuan , Yin Xiteng , Wang Jialing , Wang Zengxiang , Xu Wenguang 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Objectives
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is characterized by the presence of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in its tumor microenvironment. This study aimed to investigate factors associated with stromal CAFs and develop a CAF-based classifier for prognosis and treatment prediction in OSCC.

Methods
mRNA expression profiles of mRNA and clinical data from 245 patients with OSCC were sourced from TCGA. Additional datasets (GSE41613, GSE65858, and GSE30784) comprising 97, 83, and 167 OSCC patients were also included. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis revealed genes linked to stromal CAFs, and a CAF-based risk signature was established. Primary OSCC tumor tissues were obtained from Nanjing Stomatological Hospital, and CAFs were isolated from fresh tumor samples. Expression of POSTN was confirmed in fibroblast and OSCC cell lines using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and western blotting.

Results
Enhanced infiltration of CAFs correlated with a worse prognosis in OSCC patients. A four-gene prognostic signature including POSTN, TGFB3, PDGFRB, and COL6A2 was identified. Patients were categorized into high and low CAF risk groups based on median risk scores, with the high-risk group showing a significantly worse prognosis (p<0.001). High-risk OSCC patients exhibited increased susceptibility to BMS-754807, GSK269962A, and JQ1 treatments, while the response to radiotherapy and immunotherapy did not significantly differ. Fibroblast cell lines exhibited higher POSTN expression compared to OSCC cell lines and normal fibroblasts.

Conclusions
This study links increased CAF infiltration to a negative prognosis in OSCC patients. The four-gene prognostic signature holds potential clinical value, and identified markers may serve as therapeutic targets for OSCC.
Effects of different ratios of soft and rigid segment on the properties of soil and sand fixing materials of polyacrylate
Authors: Chen Lifang , Luo Yu , Xu Jiaxin , He Qinchuan , Wang Yiqun 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Four polyacrylate materials with different mass ratios of soft and rigid segment were made by semi-continuous pre-emulsified seed emulsion polymerization. Methyl methacrylate (MMA) and butyl acrylate (BA) were used as soft and rigid segments, and acrylic acid (AA) was used as the functional segment. The composite emulsifiers were composed of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and alkylphenol polyoxyethylene ether (OP-10). In this study, we successfully fabricated polyacrylate (PA). The morphology of the latex particles was spherical, with a diameter of ∼200 nm. With the increase of BA content, the glass transition temperature (T

g
) of PA decreased. The PA curing agent could significantly improve the soil’s mechanical property and water resistance. The compressive strength of PA-1 solidified soil increased to 2.67 MPa, which 187 % higher than the pure soil sample (PA-0). Meanwhile, PA-1 solidified soil would not break down after being immersed in water for 30 days. This indicated that PA emulsion had an efficient solidification ability and a good water resistance, which was beneficial to sand fixation and slope protection.
Extra-adrenal adrenocortical cancer associated with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1
Authors: Green Deirdre , Richards Kate , Doyle Brendan , Thompson Chris , Hill Arnold , O’Reilly Michael W , Sherlock Mark 
Published: November 2024

Summary
Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare malignant tumour arising from the adrenal cortex, with an estimated annual incidence of one to two patients per million. Ectopic ACCs are extremely rare. The majority of ACCs are sporadic; however, ACC has been linked with genetic disease processes, including multiple endocrine neoplasia type-1 (MEN-1). We present the case of a 66-year-old lady referred with newly diagnosed diabetes on a background of primary hyperparathyroidism. Examination revealed Cushingoid features, and hormonal evaluation confirmed ACTH-independent Cushing’s syndrome. Morning cortisol after a 1 mg overnight dexamethasone suppression test was 548 nmol/L with an undetectable ACTH <3.0 pg/mL. Dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate was 5.3 μmol/L and androstenedione 3.49 nmol/L, both of which were normal. Testosterone was suppressed at <0.4 nmol/L. Imaging revealed a 6 × 6 × 4.5 cm right-sided presumed adrenal lesion, a pancreatic lesion (2.5 × 1.6 cm), and bilateral pulmonary nodules (0.9 × 0.8 cm, 0.7 × 0.6 cm, 0.3 cm). Right adrenalectomy was performed, and histology was consistent with an extra-adrenal ACC (Weiss score 5/9) within the peri-adrenal adipose tissue. The resected adrenal gland was normal. Lung biopsy confirmed metastatic ACC tissue, and endoscopic ultrasound-guided biopsy of the pancreatic lesion revealed a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumour, which was confirmed biochemically to be an insulinoma. Genetic assessment confirmed MEN-1. This case highlights the importance of screening for MEN-1 in at-risk patients and the need for close clinical follow-up. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of extra-adrenal ACC in MEN-1 syndrome.

Learning points

Adrenal lesions in MEN-1 syndrome have significant malignant potential. Newly diagnosed lesions should be followed closely with short-interval imaging, and a lower threshold for surgical removal is suggested.

Primary hyperparathyroidism is often the earliest laboratory or clinical manifestation of MEN-1 syndrome. A detailed medical and family history is vital in order to appropriately identify patients at risk of MEN-1.

To our knowledge, this is the first case report of extra-adrenal adrenocortical carcinoma in MEN-1 syndrome.
Linking Cerebral Oximetry to Outcomes of Reperfusion Therapy in Ischemic Stroke: a Post-Hoc Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Avidzba A. R. , Saskin V. A. , Nikonov A. M. , Hussain A. , Kirov M. Y. 
Published: November 2024

Aim. To evaluate the predictive value of cerebral oximetry for functional recovery in patients undergoing reperfusion therapy for ischemic stroke. Materials and Methods. A post hoc analysis was performed using data from a single-center, open-label, randomized controlled trial. The study included 45 patients with ischemic stroke who received systemic thrombolysis. Primary outcomes included functional recovery as assessed by modified Rankin Scale and mortality. Serial cerebral oximetry was performed within the first 24 hours after thrombolysis. The interhemispheric difference (IHD) in cerebral oximetry was used to determine a cutoff point for predicting functional recovery using ROC curve analysis. Associations between IHD and outcomes were analyzed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression models. Results. The IHD in cerebral oxygenation between the unaffected and affected hemispheres was 4 % (3–5 %) before thrombolysis and dropped to 3 % (1–4 %) 24 hours after thrombolysis (P = 0.024). An IHD of less than 4 % was identified as an independent predictor of favorable functional outcome with an adjusted odds ratio of 12 (95 % CI: 1.6–93.7; P = 0.017). However, IHD less than 4 % was not predictive of mortality (P = 0.301). Conclusion. Systemic thrombolysis in ischemic stroke is associated with improved cerebral oxygenation. An IHD in cerebral oxygenation of less than 4 % serves as an independent predictor of favorable functional recovery in ischemic stroke patients but does not correlate with reduced mortality.
From active escapism to virtual withdrawal: Validation of the Compensatory-Dissociative Online Gaming scales (C-DOGs)
Authors: Giardina Alessandro , Fournier Loïs , Starcevic Vladan , King Daniel L. , Di Blasi Maria , Schimmenti Adriano , Billieux Joël 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBackgroundIn the Compensatory-Dissociative Online Gaming (C-DOG; Giardina et al., 2024) model, we proposed a continuum from compensatory to dissociative gaming involvement. This continuum represents different degrees of integration between physical and virtual environments with three core processes – Active Escapism, Escape, and Dissociation – and two peripheral processes – Gaming-Related Relaxation and Body-Mind Detachment. Here, we developed and tested a multidimensional measure based on this model.MethodWe capitalized on existing items for measuring escapism and dissociation and we generated new items consistent with the hypothesized model dimensions. A total of 54 items were administered to 1,176 online gamers playing different game genres, together with measures of problematic gaming, passion for gaming, and other psychological distress indicators.ResultsExploratory and confirmatory factor analyses yielded a six-factor, 36-item structure, with multiple hierarchical regression analyses highlighting unique associations with other psychological constructs assessed.DiscussionThe following factors were identified: (1) Emotional Displacement - redirection of negative emotion into the game with associated relaxation; (2) Absorption - detachment of the player from time and space while gaming; (3) Active Escapism - simulative use of the game to compensate for lack of self-confidence in reaching physical life objectives; (4) Virtual Withdrawal – maladaptive gaming to balance impaired social functioning, predicted by traumatic experiences and pervasive depression; (5) Dissociative Regulation - dysfunctional level of engagement associated with excessive anxiety; (6) Failure Escape - problematic avoidance via gaming related to fear of future failures.ConclusionsThe C-DOG factors identify critical psychological processes associated with problematic gaming, with relevant research and clinical implications.
Machine Learning(s) in gaming disorder through the user-avatar bond: A step towards conceptual and methodological clarity
Authors: Stavropoulos Vasileios , Prokofieva Maria , Zarate Daniel , Colder Carras Michelle , Ratan Rabindra , Kowert Rachel , Schivinski Bruno , Burleigh Tyrone L. , Poulus Dylan , Karimi Leila , Gorman-Alesi Angela , Brown Taylor , Gomez Rapson , Hein Kaiden , Arachchilage Nalin , Griffiths Mark D. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractIn response to our study, the commentary by Infanti et al. (2024) raised critical points regarding (i) the conceptualization and utility of the user-avatar bond in addressing gaming disorder (GD) risk, and (ii) the optimization of supervised machine learning techniques applied to assess GD risk. To advance the scientific dialogue and progress in these areas, the present paper aims to: (i) enhance the clarity and understanding of the concepts of the avatar, the user-avatar bond, and the digital phenotype concerning gaming disorder (GD) within the broader field of behavioral addictions, and (ii) comparatively assess how the user-avatar bond (UAB) may predict GD risk, by both removing data augmentation before the data split and by implementing alternative data imbalance treatment approaches in programming.
A case for recognition of caste as a sui generis category in international law
Authors: Upadhyay Amit , Mehrotra Abhinav 
Published: November 2024

AbstractCaste, a system of social division based on inherited status, has a long history in South Asia. At present, Caste is no longer specific to any religion or region, having been exported to various countries by the South-Asian diaspora, often lacking the equality framework required to address Caste-based discrimination. Caste and race are closely interconnected as comparable systems of oppression and discrimination. However, Caste-based discrimination has been accepted as a form of racial discrimination by the UN Committee since 1996 as a sub-element of discrimination under Article 1(1) of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD) and as a form of discrimination based on work and descent prohibited by international human rights law since 2000. India has consistently held that caste can neither be equated with race nor covered under descent. The conceptualization of Caste in the wide category of work and descent to cover analogous systems worldwide has proven insufficient to address rampant abuses. Caste is not acknowledged as a distinct ground of discrimination due to its complexities, which require a targeted response internationally. Hence, recognising Caste as a sui generis category of discrimination would provide adequate guidance for national approaches to prevent such discrimination and achieve the equality guaranteed in the international legal framework.
How to avoid constitutional court-packing in an era of democratic backsliding: Reflections on the appointment of constitutional judges
Authors: Miliuvienė Jolita 
Published: November 2024

AbstractAny struggles in the nomination and appointment of constitutional justices and failed renewal of the composition of the constitutional court might corrupt the perception of the independence of the guardian of constitutionality. The recent wave of impropriate renewals of constitutional courts throughout Europe leads to substantial concern. There are numerous more or less serious examples, including the well-known cases of Poland and Hungary, but alongside with them Latvia, Lithuania, the Slovak Republic, etc. In an era of democratic back-sliding more significant in some countries and less in others, it leads to wondering whether the influence of politics in power could be the critical factor distorting the composition of constitutional courts and whether this can be seen as a new virus infecting new democracies. After analyzing the recent failures to appoint constitutional justices, caused essentially by malfunction due to political actors participating in the process, the paper argues that in the selection, nomination, and appointment of constitutional justices, ensuring the depoliticization of this procedure is not the best choice, because the participation of democratically elected institutions in the formation of the constitutional courts enhances their legitimacy and credibility. The former, entrusted with the power to adopt erga omnes decisions, desperately need this legitimation. Different political cultures and contrasts in states' constitutional orders suggest that there is hardly one recipe that fits all. However, some universal and fundamental criteria stemming from the principle of the rule of law intended to ensure the independence of constitutional justice could bind the discretion of political actors participating in the nomination and appointment of constitutional judges and contribute to preventing constitutional crises.