Characteristic Length Research Articles

Numerical investigation on the error of volume-averaged reaction rate model for the low-velocity filtration combustion with hybrid-scale method

An innovative “hybrid-scale” numerical simulation method was proposed to address the low-velocity filtration combustion within double-layer pellet-packed beds. This approach integrates the volume averaging method in the preheating and post-flame zones while direct pore-level simulation in the reaction zone. Based on the hybrid-scale simulation results, a comprehensive analysis was conducted on the theoretical rigor and errors arising from the application of the volume averaging method. The results suggest that in the strictest sense, the volume-averaging method is not suitable for the reaction zone, as the flame thickness is typically smaller than the characteristic length of a representative element volume (REV). However, when the characteristic length is comparable to the pellet diameter, the spatial deviation values of temperature and component concentration in the majority (>80 %) of the reaction zone are smaller than their intrinsic average values. The error introduced by the volume-averaged reaction rate model primarily originates from the spatial heterogeneity of the component concentration field within the REV. The existing volume-averaged reaction rate model tends to underestimate the actual reaction rate by up to 20 %. The recommended mesh size when using volume averaging method should be comparable to the equivalent diameter of the pellet to improve the calculation accuracy

Deviatoric couple stress theory and its application to simple shear and pure bending problems

Classical couple stress theory is indeterminate since the number of independent basic equations is inconsistent with that of field variables and the corresponding differential equation is not closed. The purpose of this paper is to remedy this gap and it is proven that the spherical part of the couple stress tensor vanishes. With the vanishing trace of the couple stress tensor as a premise or the couple stress tensor being deviatoric (or traceless), a deviatoric couple stress theory is named and proposed. Besides basic equations, the governing equation along with appropriate boundary conditions are given for a three-dimensional problem. Two special cases of plane problems and anti-plane problems are also provided. A simple shear problem is considered to show the advantage of the DCST. An elastic layer with a clamped surface under uniform shear loading on the other surface is solved. Exact solution of the in-plane and anti-plane shear problems of an elastic strip is determined and however, it has no solution if classical elasticity is used. The results indicate that there exists a boundary layer near the clamped surface of the strip or a great stress gradient occurs near the clamped surface when the characteristic length is sufficiently small. An annulus subjected to anti-plane shear loading on the inner edge and fixed on the outer edge and the pure bending of a 3D bar with rectangular cross-section are analyzed to illustrate the size-dependent effect. Modified couple stress theory and consistent couple stress theory can be reduced as two extreme cases of the present theory.

Intrinsic spin-orbit interaction in ferromagnet/superconductor hybrid nanostructures: Unveiling the role in triplet generation and critical temperature modulation

Recent theoretical advancements propose an innovative approach to induce triplet generation beyond the conventional inhomogeneous magnetic field-driven singlet-triplet conversion. Here, we investigate a hybrid nanostructure comprising a conventional BCS superconductor proximitized with a homogeneous ferromagnet possessing intrinsic spin–orbit coupling arising from broken symmetries due to lattice mismatch at the interface. Through extensive simulations, we explore the impact of spin–orbit interaction on the critical temperature, revealing the pivotal role played by the in-plane component of the magnetic exchange field and the dimensional characteristics of the hybrid system in singlet-triplet conversion. Remarkably, our findings demonstrate that a single homogeneous ferromagnet with intrinsic spin–orbit coupling governs triplet generation and exhibits a spin valve effect. Notably, we quantify our observations through the superconducting critical temperature (Tc), showcasing a spin-valve like functionality dependent on the orientation of magnetization. Moreover, we observe a significant reduction in the critical temperature of the hybrid structure, even reaching zero under specific dimensions, attributed to the controlled generation and regulation of spin-1 triplets. Crucially, our investigation also validates the notion of the mechanism where a π2 rotation of the in-plane magnetic exchange field toggles superconductivity, offering a promising avenue for actively controlling triplet generation—a pivotal step towards high-performance storage devices in emerging superconducting spintronics applications.

Investigating the quality of European silver eels by quantifying contaminants and parasite infestation in a French Mediterranean lagoon complex.

Coastal lagoons are diverse habitats with significant ecological gradients, which provide crucial ecosystem services but face threats from human activities such as invasive species and pollution. Among the species inhabiting the lagoons, the critically endangered European eel (Anguilla anguilla) is an emblematic species strongly impacted by contamination and parasitism. Several indicators were developed to assess the quality of eel at a large geographic scale. Most indicators are based on the concentration of individual pollutant and/or abundance of parasites separately without considering individual variations. This study assessed the quality of 59 eels captured at three different sites inside a Mediterranean lagoon complex (the Camargue, South of France), by integrating multiple degradation factors (POPs, TEs, and A. crassus infestation) and considering individual eel characteristics (length, age, growth rate, and sex). Using multivariate TOPSIS analysis including these degradation factors, this study found that eel quality decreased with age but did not significantly vary between sites. When focusing on each degradation factor, A. crassus infestation rates were lower in older eels, independently to the site; however, the POPs and TEs contaminations were lower in the Grandes Cabanes site compared to the Vaccarès and Fumemorte sites even if smallerand younger eels were more contaminated by POPs. These findings reveal the fine-scale spatial variability in eel quality, with TOPSIS analysis providing a robust method to rank and score scenarios. This approach enhances the understanding of habitat degradation sources affecting eel contamination and parasitic infestation, supporting more effective strategies for sustainable habitat management.

Reduced white matter integrity and disrupted brain network in children with type 2 and 3 spinal muscular atrophy

BackgroundSpinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is caused by reduced expression of survival motor neuron (SMN) protein. Previous studies indicated SMA causes not only lower motor neuron degeneration but also extensive brain involvement. This study aimed to investigate the changes of brain white matter and structural network using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in children with type 2 and 3 SMA.MethodsForty-two type 2 and 3 pediatric SMA patients and 42 age- and gender-matched healthy controls (HC) were prospectively enrolled in this study. The tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS) was used to assess white matter integrity and the structural network properties were calculated based on DTI white matter fiber tracking and the graph theory approach. A partial correlation was performed to explore the relationship between white matter parameters and clinical characteristics.ResultsIn total, 42 patients (mean age, 10.86 ± 4.07 years; 23 men) were included. TBSS analysis revealed widespread white matter changes in SMA patients. The SMA patients showed changes in multiple small-world and network efficiency parameters. Compared to the HC group, SMA showed increased characteristic path length (Lp), normalized clustering coefficient (γ), small-world characteristic (σ), and decreased global efficiency (Eglob) (all p < 0.05). In the node properties, right supramarginal gyrus, right orbital part of superior frontal gyrus, right supplementary motor area, and left median cingulate and paracingulate gyri changed in SMA patients. A decreased axial diffusivity (AD) value was associated with lower Hammersmith Functional Motor Scale-Expanded scores (r = 0.45, p = 0.02), which means that the symptoms of SMA patients are more severe.ConclusionsThis study found white matter and DTI-based brain network abnormalities in SMA patients, suggesting SMN protein deficiency may affect white matter development.

Universal critical holography and domain wall formation

Using holography, we study the universal scaling laws governing the coarsening dynamics of strongly coupled domain walls. Specifically, we studied the universal dependence of the length of the domain wall interfaces on the quench rate. The relation satisfies the Kibble-Zurek scaling shortly after the critical point. However, as time goes by, the coarsening dynamics suppresses the Kibble-Zurek scaling in favor of a universal dynamical scaling of the characteristic length and the adiabatic growth of the system. Theoretical predictions of the universal scaling laws are consistent with numerical findings in both regimes for both weak and strongly coupled systems. Published by the American Physical Society 2025

Reorganization of gray matter networks in patients with Moyamoya disease

Patients with Moyamoya disease (MMD) exhibit significant alterations in brain structure and function, but knowledge regarding gray matter networks is limited. The study enrolled 136 MMD patients and 99 healthy controls (HCs). Clinical characteristics and gray matter network topology were analyzed. Compared to HCs, MMD patients exhibited decreased clustering coefficient (Cp) (P = 0.006) and local efficiency (Eloc) (P = 0.013). Ischemic patients showed decreased Eloc and increased characteristic path length (Lp) compared to asymptomatic and hemorrhagic patients (P < 0.001, Bonferroni corrected). MMD patients had significant regional abnormalities, including decreased degree centrality (DC) in the left medial orbital superior frontal gyrus, left orbital inferior frontal gyrus, and right calcarine fissure and surrounding cortex (P < 0.05, FDR corrected). Increased DC was found in bilateral olfactory regions, with higher betweenness centrality (BC) in the right median cingulate, paracingulate fusiform gyrus, and left pallidum (P < 0.05, FDR corrected). Ischemic patients had lower BC in the right hippocampus compared to hemorrhagic patients, while hemorrhagic patients had decreased DC in the right triangular part of the inferior frontal gyrus compared to asymptomatic patients (P < 0.05, Bonferroni corrected). Subnetworks related to MMD and white matter hyperintensity volume were identified. There is significant reorganization of gray matter networks in patients compared to HCs, and among different types of patients. Gray matter networks can effectively detect MMD-related brain structural changes.

Abnormal alterations in structure-function coupling at the modular level in patients with postherpetic neuralgia

To investigate the presence of modular loss of coupling and abnormal alterations in functional and structural networks in the brain networks of patients with postherpetic neuralgia (PHN). We collected resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data and diffusion tensor imaging data from 82 healthy controls (HCs) and 71 PHN patients, generated structural connectivity (SC) and functional connectivity (FC) networks, and assessed the corresponding clinical information assessment. Based on AAL(90) mapping, the brain network was divided into 9 modules, and the structural–functional connectivity (SC–FC) coupling was compared at the whole-brain level and within the modules, as well as alterations in the topological properties of the brain network in the patient group. Finally, correlation analyses were performed using the following clinical scales: Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA), and Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD). Compared with HCs, patients with PHN had reduced global efficiency (Eg) and local efficiency (Eloc) of structural and functional networks. The FC in the PHN group presented abnormal node clustering coefficients (NCp), local node efficiencies (NLe), and node efficiencies (Ne), and the SC presented abnormal node degrees (Dc), NCp, NLe, characteristic path lengths (NLp), and Ne. In addition, SC–FC coupling was reduced in the patient default network (DMN), salient network (SN), and visual network (VIS). Moreover, the degree of impairment of graph theory indicators was significantly positively correlated with scales such as VAS scores, and the coupling of modules was significantly negatively correlated with the early course of the patient’s disease. Large-scale impaired topological properties of the FC and SC networks were observed in patients with PHN, and SC–FC decoupling was detected in these modules of the DMN, SN, and VIS. These aberrant alterations may have led to over-transmission of pain information or central sensitization of pain.

A Comparison of the Dimensional Characteristics and Plasma Parameters of Different Centrifuges Used for the Preparation of Autologous Platelet Concentrates: A Randomized Correlational Study.

The objective of this study was to evaluate autologous platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) membrane weights and measurements after production by different centrifuges. Moreover, the values obtained with blood cellular components were correlated. Twelve systemically healthy participants underwent dental implant surgery associated with PRF membranes as the graft biomaterial at the implant site. Prior to the surgical procedure, the chosen participants underwent blood count and coagulogram tests and presented on the surgical day. Nine tubes containing 10 mL of venous blood were collected from each individual. The tubes were randomly distributed and positioned in three different centrifuges: (C1) the Intra-lock L-PRF Process, (C2) the Kasvi Digital, and (C3) the PRF Montserrat. PRF membrane processing was carried out as described by each manufacturer. After the processing steps, the prepared wet PRFs (initial) were placed in the container (box) designated by the manufacturer for the obtention of PRF membranes. The weights and measurements of the "wet" PRFs (initial) and membranes (final) were obtained using a precision scale and digital caliper in an aseptic environment. The data were compared, and the statistical differences were analyzed using the Friedman test and the Dunn post hoc test; Pearson correlation tests were performed between macroscopic data and data from serum tests; statistical significance was set at 5% (p < 0.05). 108 blood collection tubes were collected. The average harvest time for each tube individually was 21.5 ± 9.9 s. The average time for blood collection (nine tubes) from each of the 12 individuals was 193.1 ± 72.4 s (p = 0.728). The average values were very similar between the centrifuges, both for the measurements and weights of the "plugs" as well as for the linear measurements (p > 0.05). Regarding the wet weights and the linear averages of the PRF membranes, it was observed that the wet PRF weights varied from 0.22 to 0.25 mg and the linear measurements from 24.1 to 26.7 mm, with no statistical differences between centrifuges (p > 0.05). The data presented by centrifuges C1 and C2 were more homogeneous, delivering a value of less than 25% variability compared to the C3 centrifuge, which achieved values greater than 33%. The proposed macroscopic dimensional evaluation found no differences between the autologous platelet concentrates obtained by different centrifuges, and no correlation was found between these PRFs and the patients' blood counts.

Cavity correlations and the onset of charge ordering at charged interfaces: A modified Poisson-Fermi approach.

Charge layering in the close vicinity of charged interfaces is a well-known effect, extensively reported in both experiments and simulations of Room Temperature Ionic Liquids (RTILs) and concentrated electrolytes. The traditional Poisson-Fermi (PF) theory is able to successfully describe overcrowding effects but fails to reproduce charge ordering even in strong coupling regimes. Simple models, yet capable of investigating the interplay between these important interfacial phenomena, are still lacking. In order to bridge this gap, we herein present a modified PF approach that is able to capture layering effects in strong coupling regimes typical of RTIL. The modification is based on the introduction of charge cavities around test-particles, which simply extend the exclusion volume effects to also incorporate the accompanying depletion of charges due to particle insertion. The addition of this simple ingredient is shown to reproduce overscreening and charge ordering, thereby extending the predictive power of the PF approach to strong coupling regimes. Using a linear response theory, we were able to study the emergence of charge ordering based on two characteristic lengths: a wavelength responsible for charge layering, along with a damping length that screens charge oscillations. At large ionic strengths and strong couplings, the system undergoes a transition to undamped charge layering. The transition takes place when the poles of the Fourier components of the linear potential become real-valued. This criterion allows one to identify the transition line across the parameter space, thus delimiting the region of stability against unscreened charge ordering.

Quantifying the potential of using Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) soil moisture variability to predict subsurface water dynamics

Abstract. Advances in satellite Earth observation have opened up new opportunities for global monitoring of soil moisture (SM) at fine to medium resolution, but satellite remote sensing can only measure the near-surface soil moisture (SSM). As such, it is critically important to examine the potential of satellite SSM measurements to derive the water resource variations in deeper subsurface. This study compares the SSM variability captured by the Soil Moisture Active and Passive (SMAP) satellite and the Soil Water Index (SWI) derived from SMAP SSM with subsurface SM and groundwater (GW) dynamics simulated by a high-resolution fully integrated surface water–groundwater model over an agriculturally dominated watershed in eastern Canada across two spatial scales, namely SMAP product grid (9 km) and watershed (∼4000 km2). SMAP measurements compare well with the hydrologic simulations in terms of SSM variability at both scales. Simulated subsurface SM and GW storage show lagged and smoother characteristics relative to SMAP SSM variability with an optimal delay of ∼1 d for the 25–50 cm SM, ∼6 d for the 50–100 cm SM, and ∼11 d for the GW storage for both scales. Modeled subsurface SM dynamics agree well with the SWI derived from SMAP SSM using the classic characteristic time lengths (15 d for the 0–25 cm layer and 20 d for the 0–100 cm layer). The simulated GW storage showed a slightly delayed variation relative to the derived SWI. The quantified optimal characteristic time length Topt for SWI estimation (by matching the variations in SMAP-derived SWI and modeled root zone SM) is comparable to Topt obtained in other agricultural regions around the world. This work demonstrates SMAP SM measurements as a potentially useful aid when predicting root zone SM and GW dynamics and validating fully integrated hydrologic models across different spatial scales. This study also provides insights into the dynamics of near-surface–subsurface water interaction and the capabilities and approaches of satellite-based SM monitoring and high-resolution fully integrated hydrologic modeling.

Research on the Improvement of Solar Cell Performance by Low-Dimensional Semiconductor Nanomaterials

With the depletion of non-renewable resources, renewable energy sources like solar energy and hydrogen will play an important role in the future. Efficient and stable utilization of these energy sources has become a primary focus of research. Low-dimensional semiconductor nanomaterials, including quantum dots, nanowires, and thin films, exhibit unique properties due to their size being close to or smaller than certain characteristic lengths of the material. As the dimensionality decreases, quantum effects become more pronounced, leading to significant changes in the material's electronic, optical, and thermal properties. This paper focuses on the improvement of the performance of various types of solar cells through the unique properties of low-dimensional semiconductor nanomaterials while discussing the challenges in their application. This study shows that low-dimensional nanostructured semiconductor materials can enhance the performance of solar cells in energy conversion efficiency, stability and lifespan, providing new directions and methods for future solar technology development

Individualized morphological covariation network aberrance associated with seizure relapse after antiseizure medication withdrawal.

This study intents to detect graphical network features associated with seizure relapse following antiseizure medication (ASM) withdrawal. Twenty-four patients remaining seizure-free (SF-group) and 22 experiencing seizure relapse (SR-group) following ASM withdrawal as well as 46 matched healthy participants (Control) were included. Individualized morphological similarity network was constructed using T1-weighted images, and graphic metrics were compared between groups. Relative to the Control, the SF-group exhibited lower local efficiency, while the SR-group displayed lower global and local efficiency and longer characteristic path length. Both patient groups displayed reduced centrality in certain subcortical and cortical nodes than the Control, with a more pronounced reduction in the SR-group. Additionally, the SR-group exhibited lower centrality of the right pallidum than the SF-group. Decreased subcortical-cortical connectivity was found in both patient groups than the Control, with a more extensive decrease in the SR-group. Furthermore, an edge connecting the right pallidum and left middle temporal gyrus exhibited decreased connectivity in the SR-group than in the SF-group. A weaker small-worldization network upon medication withdrawal, potentially underpinned by node decentralization and subcortical-cortical decoupling, may elevate the risk of seizure relapse.

A review of characteristic lengths in the coupled criterion framework and advanced fracture models

A review of characteristic lengths in the coupled criterion framework and advanced fracture models

Graph analysis based on SCN reveals novel neuroanatomical targets related to tinnitus distress.

Tinnitus is considered a neurological disorder affecting both auditory and nonauditory networks. This study aimed to investigate the structural brain covariance network in tinnitus patients and analyze its altered topological properties. Fifty three primary tinnitus patients and 67 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (HCs) were included. Gray matter volume (GMV) of each participant was extracted using voxel-based morphometry, a group-level structural covariance network (SCN) was constructed based on the GMV of each participant, and graph theoretic analyses were performed using graph analysis toolbox (GAT). The differences in the topological properties of SCN between both groups were compared and analyzed. Both groups exhibited small-world attributes. Compared with HCs, tinnitus patients had significantly higher characteristic path length, lambda, transitivity, and assortativity (p < 0.05), and significantly lower global efficiency (p < 0.05). Tinnitus patients had higher clustering coefficient and reduced gamma and modularity, but neither was remarkable. The hubs in tinnitus network focused on the temporal lobe. In addition, the tinnitus network was found to be reduced in robustness to targeted attacks compared with HCs. Besides, a significant negative correlation between Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) score and GMV in the left angular gyrus (r = -0.283, p = 0.040) as well as left superior temporal pole (r = -0.282, p = 0.041) were identified. Tinnitus patients showed reduced small-world properties, altered hub nodes, and reduced ability to respond to targeted attacks in brain network. The GMV in the left angular gyrus and left superior temporal pole showed significant negative correlation with tinnitus distress (THI score), indicating potential therapeutic target.

Altered topology in cortical morphometric similarity network in recurrent major depressive disorder

BackgroundRecurrent major depressive disorder (RDD) is increasingly understood to be associated with a 'disconnection' within the brain areas. But, the true understanding of cortical connectivities remains challenging. Morphometric similarity network (MSN) with multi-modal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) could provide more information about cortical micro-architecture changes in individuals with RDD. MethodsHere, we integrated multi-modal features from T1-weighted imaging, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), and inhomogeneous magnetization transfer imaging (ihMT) to construct MSN. We used graph theory to calculate topological changes in MSN and explore their relationship with the severity and recurrence. The topological properties of 42 RDD patients were compared with 56 age, sex, and education-matched healthy controls. ResultsRDD subjects showed significantly decreased global efficiency, increased characteristic path length, reduced nodal efficiencies in the parietal lobe, subcortical area, and temporal lobe, increased betweenness centrality in the left supplementary motor area (SMA), decreased intra-modular connections in the parietal module and decreased inter-modular connections between the parietal and prefrontal modules. Notably, the global efficiency, characteristic path length, local efficiency of the right superior parietal gyrus, and inter-modular connections between the parietal and prefrontal modules were significantly associated with the number of depressive episodes. The betweenness centrality in SMA and the intra-modular connections in the parietal module showed a positive relationship with 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAMD) scores. ConclusionsThe altered topology of MSN may serve as potential underlying pathological mechanisms of RDD. The impaired information integration of the network, particularly the disconnection within the fronto-parietal network, may be associated with the recurrence of depression. The SMA and the fronto-parietal network may be related to the severity of depression.

Developmental Trajectories and Differences in Functional Brain Network Properties of Preterm and At-Term Neonates.

Premature infants, born before 37 weeks of gestation can have alterations in neurodevelopment and cognition, even when no anatomical lesions are evident. Resting-state functional neuroimaging of naturally sleeping babies has shown altered connectivity patterns, but there is limited evidence on the developmental trajectories of functional organization in preterm neonates. By using a large dataset from the developing Human Connectome Project, we explored the differences in graph theory properties between at-term (n = 332) and preterm (n = 115) neonates at term-equivalent age, considering the age subgroups proposed by the World Health Organization for premature birth. Leveraging the longitudinal follow-up for some preterm participants, we characterized the developmental trajectories for preterm and at-term neonates, for this purpose linear, quadratic, and log-linear mixed models were constructed with gestational age at scan as an independent fixed-effect variable and random effects were added for the intercept and subject ID. Significance was defined at p < 0.05, and the model with the lowest Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) was selected as the best model. We found significant differences between groups in connectivity strength, clustering coefficient, characteristic path length and global efficiency. Specifically, at term-equivalent ages, higher connectivity, clustering coefficient and efficiency are identified for neonates born at later postmenstrual ages. Similarly, the characteristic path length showed the inverse pattern. These results were consistent for a variety of connectivity thresholds at both the global (whole brain) and local level (brain regions). The brain regions with the greatest differences between groups include primary sensory and motor regions and the precuneus which may relate to the risk factors for sensorimotor and behavioral deficits associated with premature birth. Our results also show non-linear developmental trajectories for premature neonates, but decreased integration and segregation even at term-equivalent age. Overall, our results confirm altered functional connectivity, integration and segregation properties of the premature brain despite showing rapid maturation after birth.

Development and Validation of the Self-Stigma Scale for Secondary Vocational Students (SSS-SVS).

Stigma can not only threaten the self-identity of secondary vocational students, but also have negative effects on their mental health and behavior. This study aimed to develop the Self-Stigma Scale for Secondary Vocational Students (SSS-SVS) and test its reliability and validity. This study formed a scale based on the stigma conceptualization model and open questionnaire. The formal survey was divided into two stages. In the first stage, a preliminary questionnaire was administered to 328 secondary vocational students to develop a formal SSS-SVS according to the results of the data check. In the second stage, the SSS-SVS, Social Recognition of Secondary Vocational Students (SR-SVS), Intensity of Willingness to Become a Secondary Vocational Student (IWB-SVS), Stigma-Consciousness Scale (SCS), Learning Adjustment Scale (LAS), Professional Identity Scale for Secondary Vocational Students (PIS-SVS), and the Self-Compassion Scale (SCoS) were administered to 1079 vocational secondary school students. The SSS-SVS consisted of 21 items which were divided into three dimensions of negative characteristics, self-deprecation, and opportunity loss, reflecting secondary vocational students' perception of negative public evaluation, self-feeling under the influence of stigma, and cognition of negative impact on their identity. The confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) shows that the three-factor model has good fit indices. The total score and the scores of each dimension of the SSS-SVS were significantly and positively correlated with Stigma Consciousness; they were significantly and negatively correlated with SA-SVS, IDB-SVS, SVS-PIS, Learning Adjustment, and Self-Compassion. Both the Cronbach's α coefficients of the total scale and each dimension and the McDonald's ω coefficients were satisfactory. Additionally, the scale had measurement equivalence across gender and grade levels. The SSS-SVS has limitations and may be affected by cultural background. Future studies should expand the sample and conduct cross-cultural verification. The SSS-SVS is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing secondary vocational students' self-stigma, providing support for developing relevant programs and policies. It also advances secondary vocational education and enhances students' mental health.

Work-related well-being in early career: A role of self-compassion.

Several studies have demonstrated the positive effects of mindfulness and self-compassion on employee well-being, mental health, and resilience. The objective of this observational study was to explore the mutual relationships among the dimensions of self-compassion and particular characteristics of work-related well-being: work engagement, workaholism (excessive and compulsive work), and job boredom in a population of early career workers. In this quantitative cross-sectional study, 286 master's students with proper working experience were examined; results from 244 respondents were suitable for further data analysis. The Self-compassion Scale, Utrecht Work Engagement Scale, Dutch Work Addiction Scale, and Dutch Boredom Scale were administered. Spearman's rank correlation analysis found a positive relationship between work engagement and excessive work and a negative relationship between work engagement and job boredom. Furthermore, a positive correlation was identified between compulsive work and negative subscales of the Self-compassion Scale. Structural equation modeling indicated that workaholism was a mediator between the negative scales of self-compassion and work engagement with job boredom. In conclusion, the negative aspects of self-compassion (isolation, self-judgment, and over-identification) are related to the symptoms of workaholism in young workers. Self-compassion-based interventions could help prevent the negative effects of compulsive and excessive work. Possible age-related explanations for the positive relationship between work engagement and workaholism (i.e., excessive work) are discussed. Future longitudinal research could identify the dynamics of the connection between self-compassion and work-related well-being from a long-term perspective.

The Alteration of Brain Network Topology in Tinnitus Transition From Recent-Onset to Chronic.

The occurrence and persistence of tinnitus result from the interaction of multiple neural networks. This study aims to explore the alterations in brain network topology associated with the transition of tinnitus from recent-onset to chronic. Twenty-eight patients with chronic tinnitus, 28 patients with recent-onset tinnitus and 28 sex- and age-matched healthy controls (HC) were enrolled in this study. We performed a graph theory analysis to identify aberrant brain network topologies and calculated the correlation between differential brain regions and clinical indicators. Compared with the recent-onset tinnitus group, patients with chronic tinnitus showed decreased global efficiency (Eg, decreased by 3.7%, p < 0.001), local efficiency (Eloc, decreased by 1.8%, p = 0.031) and small-worldness (decreased by 13.8%, p = 0.007) and increased characteristic path length (Lp, increased by 6.8%, p = 0.001). Additionally, ANOVA revealed significant differences in the AUC of degree centrality (DC), nodal efficiency (Ne), nodal clustering coefficient (NCp) and nodal local efficiency (Nle) among the three groups in brain regions such as the superior temporal gyrus, inferior temporal gyrus, anterior cingulate cortex, precuneus, middle occipital gyrus, inferior occipital gyrus, fusiform gyrus, cuneus and putamen (q < 0.05, FDR corrected). Notably, several of these regions were associated with tinnitus duration, distress and loudness. The topological properties of several brain networks were altered in patients with chronic tinnitus compared to those with recent-onset tinnitus, providing new insights into the neural mechanisms of tinnitus chronification. These findings could inform the development of targeted interventions aimed at mitigating the progression from recent-onset to chronic tinnitus.