bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Urban energy landscape in practice: Architecture, infrastructure and the material culture of cooling in post-reform Chongqing, China
Authors: Kobi Madlen
Published: February 2023

Until the 1990s and the spread of air-conditioning, cooling down during the hot, humid and windless summers in the city of Chongqing (Southwest China) was mainly practised outdoors: sleeping on the rooftops of multistorey buildings, playing mah-jongg in the streets, fanning oneself with a hand fan or installing bamboo beds in the compounds’ leafy courtyards. With the availability of affordable electricity and the popularisation of mechanical cooling, refreshing oneself has been relocated to the indoors. The transforming practices in and around the house have led not only to an increasing dependency on electricity for cooling but also to a socio-economic stratification. This paper traces the history of heat mitigation in Chongqing since the 1950s. Based on five months of anthropological fieldwork, semi-structured interviews, and oral history, I analyse how Chongqing residents cope with heat in and around the built environment. Practices of cooling are closely intertwined with the architectural history of the city, for example, building design, construction materials, green spaces, or the arrangement of houses. Staying cool in the socialist era buildings from the 1960s meant something different compared to the high-rise buildings in the early-21st century. Theoretically, the paper engages with urban energy landscapes as ‘connective tissue’ where everyday heat mitigating practices are intertwined with the locally built environment including architecture, energy infrastructure and technologies. By focusing on the material culture involved in cooling, I shift our perspective from the large infrastructure to the small objects that co-constitute the energy landscape of urban heat mitigation.
Spiritually Oriented Trauma Healing in Nigeria: A Program Evaluation to Assess Trauma-Symptom Reduction and Spiritual Growth
Authors: Hervey Emily G.
Published: February 2023

There is a significant gap in the need for and provision of treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), especially in low- to middle-income countries such as Nigeria. This study sought to evaluate the effectiveness of a faith-based program in the reduction of PTSD symptoms and the improvement of relationship with God. Participants were all Nigerians living in the middle and northern parts of Nigeria, selected by a local church and a local Christian non-profit organization. Three 5-day workshops were completed in two locations with a total of 41 participants. The Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition ( DSM-5) and the Spiritual Assessment Inventory were used as measures implemented pre and post intervention for program evaluation. Paired-sample t-tests showed significant reductions of PTSD symptoms, with a moderate effect on the whole group and a large effect on those who reached the cut-off for PTSD prior to the workshop. Improvement in relationship with God was also evident. Overall, the program appeared beneficial to participants, suggesting that culturally sensitive, faith-based workshops may be a strategic way to address high rates of PTSD in high-conflict areas.
An enhanced dynamic soft sensor–based online estimation of missing data for water distribution system with inherent disturbances
Authors: Mohamed Hussain K , Sivakumaran N , Sankaranarayanan S , Radhakrishnan TK , Swaminathan G
Published: February 2023

Interruption of water supply is an unfavourable event in water distribution system (WDS). The interruptions are mainly due to water hammer (WH) transients that are caused by sudden pump/valve failures. In this paper, the effects of hammer are mathematically realized considering the effect of valve coefficient integrated with the system. Due to economic and technical limitations, the system is generally equipped with some obsolete instruments for continuous monitoring, which creates a missing data problem. The problem of missing data estimation could be addressed using a novel customized Kalman filter (CKF), a customized version of conventional Kalman filter (KF) based on process model. Initially, to avoid the intricacies of obtaining the optimal estimates of missing instants, the vacancies in the data are filled assigned by the average values of available adjacent data. The measured quantities are considered distorted with state-, input-dependent and independent uncertainties. The effect of WH on a prototypical WDS is studied for different modes of operation, and the missing data points are reconstructed for regular and irregular sampled data set using the proposed CKF. The performance of the proposed algorithm is also compared with the conventional extended Kalman filter (EKF). The study indicates that the proposed missing data estimation algorithm is highly reliable to identify the missing instances in the states of distribution system.
Global optimal tracking control for multi-input-multi-output systems with adjoining cell mapping and a subdivision strategy
Authors: Tian Zhui , Cheng Yongdong , Jiang Jun
Published: February 2023

In this paper, global optimal tracking control for multi-input-multi-output systems using adjoining cell mapping technology is studied. An adaptive criterion is first proposed to improve the existing adjoining cell mapping method for optimal control. The criterion can judge the availability of mappings from different pre-image cells to their adjoining image cells adaptively, and help to build mapping database with the minimal loss of useful mapping information. An accessible and efficient backward search strategy to obtain global optimal control solution is also advanced. Then, a subdivision strategy for adjoining cell mapping to solve optimal tracking control problems for multi-input-multi-output systems is introduced. Finally, three examples illustrate the performance of the adaptive criterion and subdivision strategy. The adjoining cell mapping method for optimal control is greatly improved and the proposed subdivision strategy offers an efficient numerical method with general applicability to solve global optimal tracking control problems for nonlinear multi-input-multi-output systems.
Constrained trajectory planning for unmanned aerial vehicles using asymptotic optimization approach
Authors: Shao Shikai , Zhao Yuanjie
Published: February 2023

Trajectory planning with the involvement of motion time has become a key and challenge for autonomous systems. This paper investigates trajectory planning of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) under maneuverability and collision avoidance constraints. First, a polynomial-based trajectory planning framework is established, and a nonlinear programming problem (NLP) is formulated. Then, a novel asymptotic optimization approach is proposed to improve NLP solution success rate. Three operations of dividing the original NLP into sub-problems, adding constraints gradually, and using previous NLP solution as current initial guess value are designed in the approach. Third, an improved particle swarm optimization (PSO) path planning is also proposed to generate initial guess value for the first sub-problem. Benefited from these operations, the NLP solution success rate is significantly improved. Finally, simulations on simultaneous attack of a same target are carried out. Comparisons with other algorithms illustrate the advantage of the proposed approach.
Inhibition of LAR attenuates neuroinflammation through RhoA/IRS-1/Akt signaling pathway after intracerebral hemorrhage in mice
Authors: Le Chensheng , Hu Xin , Tong Lusha , Ye Xianghua , Zhang Junyi , Yan Jun , Sherchan Prativa , Zhang John H , Gao Feng , Tang Jiping
Published: February 2023

Leukocyte common antigen-related phosphatase (LAR) is widely expressed in the central nervous system and is known to regulate a variety of processes including cell growth, differentiation, and inflammation. However, little is currently known about LAR signaling mediated neuroinflammation after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). The objective of this study was to investigate the role of LAR in ICH using autologous blood injection-induced ICH mouse model. Expression of endogenous proteins, brain edema and neurological function after ICH were evaluated. Extracellular LAR peptide (ELP), an inhibitor of LAR, was administered to ICH mice and outcomes were evaluated. LAR activating-CRISPR or IRS inhibitor NT-157 was administered to elucidate the mechanism. The results showed that expressions of LAR, its endogenous agonist chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans (CSPGs) including neurocan and brevican, and downstream factor RhoA increased after ICH. Administration of ELP reduced brain edema, improved neurological function, and decreased microglia activation after ICH. ELP decreased RhoA and phosphorylated serine-IRS1, increased phosphorylated tyrosine-IRS1 and p-Akt, and attenuated neuroinflammation after ICH, which was reversed by LAR activating-CRISPR or NT-157. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that LAR contributed to neuroinflammation after ICH via RhoA/IRS-1 pathway, and ELP may be a potential therapeutic strategy to attenuate LAR mediated neuroinflammation after ICH.
Thoracoscopic treatment of primary spontaneous pneumothorax without a drainage tube in male patients
Authors: Fu Honghao , Jin Defeng , Wei Yutao
Published: February 2023

Objective

To propose a treatment approach for primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) in male patients with a smaller incision and less pain.

Methods

We retrospectively studied 29 patients with PSP who underwent areola-port video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) and 21 patients who underwent single-port VATS. The areola-port VATS technique was performed as follows. First, an arc incision was made along the lower edge of the areola, and a 5-mm-diameter thoracoscope was placed. The bullae were completely removed, and the absence of air leaks and other bullae was confirmed. A drainage tube was placed in the chest with negative pressure and then quickly pulled out, and the reserved suture line was knotted.

Results

All patients were male, and their mean age was 19.07 ± 2.43 years. The mean intraoperative hemorrhage volume and postoperative pain score were significantly lower in the areola-port than single-port group. The mean operative time and mean postoperative hospital stay were also shorter in the areola-port group, but without statistical significance. The incidence of complications and the 1-year postoperative recurrence rate were 0% in both groups.

Conclusion

Our method is clinically feasible and inexpensive, has a traceless effect, and is especially suitable for adolescents.
Assessment of wind resource considering local turbulence based on data acquisition with SODAR
Authors: Silva Reginaldo N , Fantini Darío G , Mendes Rafael CF , Guimarães Marlos , Oliveira Taygoara , Brasil Junior Antonio
Published: February 2023

This work presents a new methodology to evaluate the influence of wind speed data corrections in the fit of the Weibull distribution. Corrections are made for data measured by Sonic Detection and Ranging (SODAR) and MERRA-2 base data. SODAR data are corrected through Turbulence Intensity (TI). The MERRA-2 data correction uses National Institute of Meteorology (INMET) weather station data to find a local scale factor. The results showed that the corrected data present a better fit in the Weibull distribution and evidence that corrections are necessary when wind speed averages are used to evaluate the wind resource. Wind speed data were also applied to simulate the energy production by a commercial turbine to demonstrate the contrast in the total energy generated. The new methodology shows that IT must be considered in the evaluation of wind resources.
Diagnosis of Encroachment-Related Work-Zone Crashes by Applying Pattern Recognition
Authors: Das Subasish , Tabesh Mahmood , Dadashova Bahar , Dobrovolny Chiara
Published: February 2023

Work-zone safety is one of the critical goals of transportation agencies. Vehicles are required to change travel paths and lanes over a short length of a road section at work zones. Distracted drivers, unable to see advanced warning signals and pavement markings delineating the work-zone travel paths, could increase the likelihood of a crash. Recent statistics showed that fatal collisions in work zones had increased by 46% in 2019 compared with 2011. The frequency of roadway departures at work zones, the higher risk of fatalities, and little insight into encroachment types at work zones underscored the need for a thorough study. This study aimed to examine the vehicle encroachment conditions associated with work-zone locations and focused on 4 years (2016 to 2019) of crash data from the Texas Department of Transportation by applying a unique data-mining method known as cluster correspondence analysis. This method identified four clusters in both “no-injury” and “fatal and injury” crash data. Major factors contributing to vehicle encroachment were identified. Three dominating clusters were median-related crashes on two-lane divided high-volume roadways; single-vehicle overturning collisions on two-way divided roadways with unprotected median; and overturning crashes on two-lane undivided roadways in controlled traffic. The findings of this study will be useful for safety engineers to contribute to reducing encroachment-related work-zone crashes.
Extracorporeal life support in pediatric burn care: A systematic review
Authors: Maybauer Marc O , Maybauer Dirk M , Capoccia Massimo
Published: February 2023

A systematic review of the role of extracorporeal life support (ECLS) in pediatric patients with burn and smoke inhalation injury was undertaken. A systematic search of the literature according to a specific combination of keywords to ascertain the effectiveness of this treatment strategy was conducted. A total of 14 articles out of 266 were considered suitable for the analysis in pediatric patients. The PICOS approach and PRISMA flow chart were followed for the purpose of this review. Despite the limited number of studies on the subject, ECMO in burn and smoke inhalation injury provides an additional level of support in pediatric patients leading to positive outcomes. V-V ECMO demonstrated the best overall survival of all configurations, with similar outcomes to non-burned patients. Prolonged mechanical ventilation prior to ECMO decreases survival and increases mortality by 12% with each additional day off ECMO. Good outcomes have been described for scald burns, dressing changes, and pre-ECMO cardiac arrest.
Surgical treatment of renal cell carcinoma with tumor thrombosis of the inferior vena cava and the right heart: How we do it
Authors: Komarov Roman N , Rapoport Leonid M , Belov Yuri V , Germagenova Ekaterina K , Chernyavskii Stanislav V , Ismailbaev Alisher M , Tlisov Boris M , Zhong Baojun , Zavaruev Artem V , Tsarichenko Dmitry G , Korolev Dmitry O
Published: February 2023

Objective:

Renal cell carcinoma with inferior vena cava thrombosis is a rare disease with a poor prognosis without surgical treatment. We report our 11-year experience in the surgical treatment of renal cell carcinoma with extension of the inferior vena cava.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients undergoing surgical treatment for renal cell carcinoma with invasion of the inferior vena cava in two hospitals from May 2010 to March 2021. To assess the spread of the tumor process invasion, we used the Neves and Zincke classification.

Results:

A total of 25 people underwent surgical treatment. Sixteen patients were men, nine were women. Thirteen patients underwent cardiopulmonary bypass (CBP) surgery. The following postoperative complications were recorded: two cases of disseminate intravascular coagulation (DIC), two cases of acute myocardial infarction (MI) and one case of coma of unknown reason, Takotsubo syndrome and postoperative wound dehiscence. Three patients deceased (16.7%) of DIC syndrome and AMI. After discharge, one of the patients had a recurrence of tumor thrombosis 9 months after surgery, and another patient had the same 16 months later, presumably due to the neoplastic tissue in the adrenal gland on the contralateral side.

Conclusion:

We believe that this problem should be dealt with by an experienced surgeon with a multidisciplinary team in the clinic. The use of CPB provides benefits and reduces blood loss.
Psychological Well-being Relates to Healthcare and Financial Decision Making in a Study of Predominantly White Older Adults
Authors: Glover Crystal M. , Stewart Christopher C. , Yu Lei , Wilson Robert S. , Lamar Melissa , Bennett David A. , Boyle Patricia A.
Published: February 2023

The purpose of this study was to test the hypotheses that psychological well-being is associated with healthcare and financial decision making in older adults and that this association varies by the level of cognitive function. Participants were 1082 older adults (97% non-Latino White; 76% women; mean age = 81.04 years; SD = 7.53) without dementia (median MMSE score = 29.00, IQR = 27.86–30.00). In a regression model adjusted for age, gender, and years of education, higher levels of psychological well-being were associated with better decision making (estimate = 0.39, standard error [SE] = 0.11, p < .001), as was better cognitive function (estimate = 2.37, SE = 0.14, p < .0001). In an additional model, an interaction of psychological well-being and cognitive function was significant (estimate = −0.68, SE = 0.20, p < .001), such that higher levels of psychological well-being were most beneficial for decision making among participants with lower levels of cognitive function. Higher levels of psychological well-being may help sustain decision making among older persons, particularly those with lower levels of cognitive function.
The influence of Indigenous standpoint: Examining Indian Country press portrayals of Native women in politics
Authors: Greene-Blye Melissa , Finneman Teri
Published: February 2023

This study examines how three Native women politicians were portrayed in Native newspapers. The analysis found striking differences in how national Native media cover women politicians compared with prior findings in mainstream newspapers. The data illustrate the influence of Indigenous standpoint theory on the journalistic norms of Native media and its distinct lack of gendered politics, revealing significant prioritization of policy over personal and contrasts in the coverage amount and tone for conservative women politicians.
When the Truth Doesn’t Seem to Matter: The Affordances of Disciplinary Argument in the Era of Post-truth
Authors: Ferretti Ralph P.
Published: February 2023

A disquieting aspect of some contemporary public discourse is its seeming indifference to or abandonment of any pretense to truth. Among other things, unsubstantiated and misleading claims have been made about the efficacy of vaccines and other purported treatments for SARS-COVID, the 2020 U.S. presidential election, and the January 6, 2021, insurrection on the U.S. Capitol. In addition, a spate of legislation restricting classroom discussion and instruction related to race, bias, privilege, and discrimination has been or is pending passage in U.S. state legislatures. These restrictions are antithetical to core functions of education, which are to inculcate the values, virtues, and advanced literacy skills that support democratic deliberation about controversial issues. This article discusses the increasing political polarization and partisan attacks on the processes of education and the threats to liberal democracy posed by this disregard for the truth. In addition, it reviews the cultural and psychological factors that increase our susceptibility to misinformation and presents a perspective about the pursuit of truth that highlights the educational affordances of disciplinary inquiry, democratic deliberation, and reasonable argumentation. The contemporary challenges are manifestations of long-standing political and cultural divisions, and their mitigation will depend on developing communities of informed citizens that are committed to the values and virtues that are foundational to liberal democracy.
A Multiphase Mixed Methods Study on the Integration of a Population Health Approach in Sexual Health Programs and Services in Ontario Public Health Units
Authors: Frost Linda , Valaitis Ruta , Jack Susan M. , Butt Michelle , Akhtar-Danesh Noori
Published: February 2023

Purpose

This study investigated the extent of and factors influencing implementation of a population health approach within sexual health programming in public health.

Method

This sequential multi-phase mixed methods study combined findings from a quantitative survey assessing the extent that a population health approach was implemented in sexual health programs in Ontario public health units and qualitative interviews with sexual health managers and/or supervisors. Interviews explored factors influencing implementation and were analyzed using directed content analysis.

Results

Staff from fifteen of 34 public health units completed surveys and ten interviews were completed with sexual health managers/supervisors. From the 8 Population Health Key Elements Template, 6 elements were moderately implemented and 2 had low implementation. Qualitative findings focused on enablers and barriers to implementing a population health approach in sexual health programs and services and explained most of the quantitative results. However, some of the quantitative findings were not explained by qualitative data (e.g., low implementation of using the principles of social justice).

Conclusion

Qualitative findings revealed factors influencing the implementation of a population health approach. A lack of resources available to health units, differing priorities between health units and community stakeholders, and access to evidence around population-level interventions influenced implementation.
Learning in a Family Business Through Intermarriage: A Rhetorical History Perspective
Authors: McAdam Maura , Clinton Eric , Hamilton Eleanor , Gartner William B.
Published: February 2023

We use concepts from rhetorical history and mnemonic communities to expand on the notion of “intermarriage” in a family business as the merger of shared histories among family members, nonfamily members, and individuals from other families and suggest that a common mnemonic narrative defines the parameters of the family business rather than the structural properties of the firm or the genetic relationships among family members. Our analysis reveals how fundamental family business practices can be changed when confronted with the intimate knowledge of the rhetorical history of the failure of others.
Forward design of the hydraulic system for the two-speed electric drive automatic transmission
Authors: Yue Huijun , Chen Zhinan , Wu Xiaoxiao , Wang Shuhan , Lu Xi
Published: February 2023

The two-speed electric drive automatic transmission (2EDAT) is an effective scheme to improve the economy and power performance of electric vehicles. It is significant to carry out forward design, valve body improvement, and oil circuit optimization of the hydraulic system for 2EDAT. In the study, the functional requirement of 2EDAT hydraulic system was firstly analyzed and key parameters were calculated to determine the principle design of the hydraulic system. Then, the simulation model of the hydraulic system was established in the multidisciplinary dynamic simulation platform ITI-SimulationX and the changes in the pressure of the main oil circuit, the clutch oil pressure, and the cooling and lubrication flow in the shift process of the hydraulic system were simulated and analyzed. Furthermore, according to the principle scheme and constraint conditions of the whole machine, the overall layout and the hydraulic valve plate of the hydraulic system were designed and the valve plate and hydraulic system were tested on the bench. The test results of clutch pressure were 5.73%–13.12% lower than the designed value and did not meet the design requirements. Finally, according to test results, the processing defects of the pressure reducing valve were mitigated and the main oil circuit was optimized for another test of the valve plate and the hydraulic system. The test results of clutch pressure were 0.35%–8.60% higher than the designed value and met the design requirements. The results showed that the optimized hydraulic system realized the better control effects on the main oil pressure and clutch oil pressure in the shift process, including the fast and accurate clutch shift response, the sufficient cooling and lubrication flow, and smooth working conditions.
Research on the braking energy reuse management strategy of hybrid electric mining trucks based on motor load rate
Authors: Wang Yilin , Yang Weiwei , Zhang Wenming
Published: February 2023

The braking energy recovery and reuse technology are significant to the energy-saving and emission reduction of hybrid mining dump trucks. Therefore, this paper proposes a technical scheme to increase the speed of the heavy-load uphill section by using the light overload of the motor. By constructing the vehicle dynamics model of the mining dump truck and the electric drive system component efficiency and engine energy consumption model and taking the “feedback braking energy-saving coefficient” as the evaluation index, the electric motors of each slope section under the rule-based energy management strategy are obtained. Then, the dynamic programing algorithm is used to optimize the selection of the motor load rate on the slope section. The results show that: on the premise of ensuring the dynamic performance of the vehicle, maximizing the use of the braking energy can shorten the driving time by 57.8 s and reduce the engine energy consumption 18.63 kWh, accounting for 8.56% of the engine energy consumption of the entire heavy-load uphill section. This paper provides a theoretical reference for the energy-saving research on the efficient reuse of braking energy of mining dump trucks on slopes.
COVID-19 vaccine rollout: data from informal settlements in Harare, Kampala, Lilongwe and Mumbai
Authors: Lines Kate , Dzimadzi Stanley , Lubega Edris , Mudimu-Matsangaise Patience , Rao Vinodkumar , Sebbanja Junior Alves , Zidana Happiness , Mitlin Diana
Published: February 2023

While the COVID-19 pandemic’s effect on the health of low-income urban communities in the global South has not been insignificant, the results of state responses carried out without full consideration of poverty consequences have been very serious. Vaccination, which supports both health and economic recovery, is one way people can reduce the risk of further exclusion. This field note, drawing on surveys from informal settlements in Harare, Kampala, Lilongwe and Mumbai between August and November 2021 by national affiliates of Slum Dwellers International (SDI), provides a snapshot of how global vaccine inequalities have played out across these cities. We find that access to local vaccine programmes is influenced by both global supply and existing local-level inequities; that a low or unreliable supply, among other factors, limits political will to invest in reaching already underserved communities; and that local context and the heterogeneity of communities are key to understanding low vaccine uptake.
Finite-time observer–based robust fault estimation for nonlinear systems
Authors: Gao Sheng , Zhang Wei
Published: February 2023

This article investigates the finite-time fault-estimation problem for a class of Lipschitz nonlinear systems with actuator faults and unknown input disturbances. Specifically, the original system is preliminarily decoupled into two reduced-order subsystems using a linear nonsingular transformation. A novel finite-time observer is proposed to estimate actuator faults in finite time. Subsequently, the proposed finite-time observer is extended to nonlinear systems with unknown input disturbances to investigate the robust fault-estimation problem. The actuator fault and unknown input disturbance are estimated simultaneously using two finite-time observations. Furthermore, a fault-estimation scheme is designed based on finite-time observers. The finite-time stability of the observers is then analysed using the Moreno–Lyapunov function method. The analytical proofs presented herein demonstrate that estimation errors can converge to a region of zero in finite time. Finally, the effectiveness of the developed finite-time observers and fault-estimation scheme was validated through simulations of a sample single-link flexible-joint robot.
The Role of Phenomenological Control in Experience
Authors: Dienes Zoltan , Lush Peter
Published: February 2023

To varying degrees, people have the capacity to alter their subjective experience such that it misrepresents reality in ways consistent with their goals and such that the misrepresentation can be sustained over at least minutes despite clear contrary evidence. In other words, people have a capacity for phenomenological control. People can use this capacity to fulfill requirements of social situations or personal needs. One such prominent situation is hypnosis. Another situation that psychologists often place people in is the psychological experiment, in which it is often clear to subjects what experiences are desired. Situations in life may also call for certain experiences, for example, encountering a spiritual world according to one’s religious beliefs. These experiences can be constructed so that they seem to confirm the beliefs of all the people involved.
The Application of Mataraman Javanese Manners in Patient Care
Authors: Arrini Masayu Nisya , Putri Pertiwi Ariani Arista , Noviana Uki
Published: February 2023

Background:

Nurses should have a treatment philosophy, which is behavior providing a sense of comfort and hospitality. Such behavior is reflected in Mataraman Javanese people’s attitude as determined by Javanese ancestors in social rules known as tata krama (manners). This study aimed to depict Mataraman Javanese manner implementation in nursing practice.

Method:

It is a descriptive qualitative study. Data were collected from December 2019 to January 2020 through a semi-structured interview with 10 participants. Participants were Mataraman Javanese nurses working in an inpatient unit of a public referral hospital in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Data were analyzed using content analysis method.

Results:

Results revealed participants’ knowledge and experiences concerning the concepts and types of Mataraman Javanese manners, the implementation of these manners, and their effect on nursing practices.

Conclusion:

Nurses need to comprehend and implement Mataraman Javanese manners when caring for their patients.
Narrative Inquiry as a Caring and Relational Research Approach: Adopting an Evolving Paradigm
Authors: Weiss Charlotte R. , Johnson-Koenke Rachel
Published: February 2023

Humans are continuously storying and re-storying themselves through language and socially organizing language into narratives to create meaning through experiences. Storytelling through narrative inquiry can bridge world experiences and co-create new moments in time that honor human patterns as wholeness and illuminate the potential for evolving consciousness. This article aims to introduce narrative inquiry methodology as a caring and relational research approach aligned with the worldview grounding Unitary Caring Science. This article uses nursing as an exemplar to inform other human science disciplines interested in using narrative inquiry in research, while defining essential components of narrative inquiry through the theoretical lens of Unitary Caring Science. By exploring research questions through this renewed understanding of narrative inquiry informed by the ontological and ethical tenets of Unitary Caring Science, healthcare disciplines will be knowledgeable and prepared to facilitate knowledge development to contribute to the sustainment of humanity and healthcare beyond eliminating the cause of illness and into the experience of living well with illness. The co-creative process of narrative inquiry as a caring and healing inquiry can guide collective wisdom, moral force, and emancipatory actions by seeing and valuing human experiences through an evolved holistic and humanizing lens.
Feasibility and Acceptability of the Promoting Resilience in Stress Management-Parent (PRISM-P) Intervention for Caregivers of Children with Craniofacial Conditions
Authors: Fladeboe Kaitlyn M. , Stock Nicola Marie , Heike Carrie L. , Evans Kelly N. , Junkins Courtney , Stueckle Laura , O’Daffer Alison , Rosenberg Abby R. , Yi-Frazier Joyce P.
Published: February 2023

Objectives

Few evidence-based psychosocial programs exist within craniofacial care. This study (a) assessed feasibility and acceptability of the Promoting Resilience in Stress Management-Parent (PRISM-P) intervention among caregivers of children with craniofacial conditions and (b) described barriers and facilitators of caregiver resilience to inform program adaptation.

Design

In this single-arm cohort study, participants completed a baseline demographic questionnaire, the PRISM-P program, and an exit interview.

Participants

Eligible individuals were English-speaking legal guardians of a child <12-years-old with a craniofacial condition.

Intervention

PRISM-P included 4 modules (stress-management, goal-setting, cognitive-restructuring, meaning-making) delivered in 2 one-on-one phone or videoconference sessions 1–2 weeks apart.

Main Outcome Measures

Feasibility was defined as >70% program completion among enrolled participants; acceptability was defined as >70% willingness to recommend PRISM-P. Intervention feedback and caregiver-perceived barriers and facilitators of resilience were summarized qualitatively.

Results

Twenty caregivers were approached and 12 (60%) enrolled. The majority were mothers (67%) of a child <1-year-old diagnosed with a cleft lip and/or palate (83%) or craniofacial microsomia (17%). Of these, 8 (67%) completed PRISM-P and 7 (58%) completed interviews; 4 (33%) were lost-to-follow-up before PRISM-P and 1 (8%) before the interview. Feedback was highly positive, with 100% willing to recommend PRISM-P. Perceived barriers to resilience included uncertainty about their child's health; facilitators included social support, parental identity, knowledge, and control.

Conclusions

PRISM-P was acceptable among caregivers of children with craniofacial conditions but not feasible based on program completion rates. Barriers and facilitators of resilience support the appropriateness of PRISM-P for this population and inform adaptation.
Status and Determinants of Early Detection of Oral Premalignant and Malignant Lesions in India
Authors: Shruti Tulika , Khanna Divya , Khan Aqusa , Dandpat Abhishek , Tiwari Manish , Singh Arjun G. , Mishra Aseem , Shetty Anupama , Birur Praveen , Chaturvedi Pankaj
Published: February 2023

It has been over four decades since the launch of the National Cancer Control Programme in India, yet the cancer screening rates for oral cancer remain unremarkable. Moreover, India is bracing a large burden of oral cancer with poor survival rates. An effective public health programme implementation relies on a multitude of factors related to cost-effective evidence-based interventions, the healthcare delivery system, public health human resource management, community behaviour, partnership with stakeholders, identifying opportunities and political commitment. In this context, we discuss the various challenges in the early detection of oral premalignant and malignant lesions and potential solutions.
Effect of Pre-Meal Metformin With or Without an Acute Exercise Bout on Postprandial Lipemic and Glycemic Responses in Metabolic Syndrome Patients: A Randomized, Open Label, Crossover Study
Authors: Methnani Jabeur , Hajbelgacem Marwa , Ach Taieb , Chaieb Faten , Sellami Sana , Bouslama Ali , Zaouali Monia , Omezzine Asma , Bouhlel Ezdine
Published: February 2023

Introduction:

Both exercise and pre-meal metformin could lower postprandial glucose and lipid profiles.

Aims:

To explore whether pre-meal metformin administration is superior to metformin administration with the meal in reducing postprandial lipid and glucose metabolism, and whether its combination with exercise confer superior benefits in metabolic syndrome patients.

Materials and Methods:

In a randomized crossover design, 15 metabolic syndrome patients were assigned to 6 sequences including 3 experimental conditions: metformin administration with a test meal (met-meal), metformin administration 30 min prior to a test meal (pre-meal-met) with or without an exercise bout designed to expend 700 Kcal at 60% VO2 peak performed the evening just before pre-meal-met condition. Only 13 participants (3 males, 10 females; age: 46 ± 9.86, HbA1c: 6.23 ± 0.36) were included in the final analysis.

Results:

Postprandial triglyceridemia was unaffected by any condition (all P > .05). However, both pre-meal-met (−7.1%, P = .009) and pre-meal-metx (−8.2%, P = .013) significantly reduced total cholesterol AUC with no significant differences between the two latter condition ( P = .616). Similarly, LDL-cholesterol levels were significantly lower during both pre-meal-met (−10.1%, P = .013) and pre-meal-metx (−10.7%, P = .021) compared to met-meal with no difference between latter conditions ( P = .822). Plasma glucose AUC was significantly reduced by pre-meal-metx compared to both pre-meal-met (−7.5%, P = .045) and met-meal (−8%, P = .03). Insulin AUC was significantly lower during pre-meal-metx compared to met-meal (−36.4%, P = .044).

Conclusions:

Metformin administration 30 minutes prior to meal seems to exert favorable effects on postprandial TC and LDL-Cholesterol levels compared to its administration with meal. Addition of one exercise bout only improved postprandial glycemia and insulinemia.

Trial registry:

Pan African clinical trial registry, Identifier PACTR202203690920424.
Stabilization of nonlinear fractional order faulty systems with time-varying delay
Authors: Mahmoudabadi Parvin , Tavakoli-Kakhki Mahsan
Published: February 2023

This paper focuses on the issue of stabilization of nonlinear fractional order time-delay systems in the presence of fault. A general class of nonlinear fractional order systems is considered in which fault causes variations in the system dynamic and actuators. Besides, time-varying delay is noticed in the system equations that is of high importance in control of real-life systems. In order to facilitate the problem of controller design for such systems, a precise method for modeling complex nonlinear systems, namely, Takagi–Sugeno fuzzy model, is adopted. Regarding a Caputo derivative–based Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional, new delay-dependent stabilization conditions are established in the form of linear matrix inequalities. Eventually, two examples including a truck–trailer and Lorenz system are simulated in order to evaluate the results of this research work.
The Impact of Mental Illness and Intellectual Disability Information on General Public Perceptions of a Person Convicted of a Child Sex Offence
Authors: Brodie Zara P. , Shirlaw Kirsty , Hand Christopher J.
Published: February 2023

A person convicted of sex offences (PCSO) is confronted with several challenges upon re-entry to the community, often facing difficulties accessing housing and employment, and experiencing stigmatisation, hostility and harassment from community members. Given the importance of community support for successful reintegration, we examined differences in public ( N = 117) attitudes toward a PCSO against a child (PCSO-C) with mental illness or intellectual disability compared to a neurotypical PCSO-C in an online survey. At present, differences in attitudes towards these groups has not been explored. Results indicated the PCSO-Cs with intellectual disability or mental illness were seen to pose less risk of sexual reoffending and prompted higher levels of reintegration comfort than the neurotypical PCSO-C. Participants’ prior personal exposure to mental illness or intellectual disability was unrelated to attitudes, but those who believed that PCSOs in general have a low capacity for change attributed greater risk of sexual reoffending, greater risk of future harm to children, higher levels of blame and lower reintegration comfort, regardless of MI and ID information. Female participants also perceived greater risk of future harm to adults, and older participants estimated higher risk of sexual reoffending than younger participants. Findings have implications for community acceptance of PCSO-Cs and jury decision-making processes and highlight the importance of public education regarding neurodiverse PCSO-Cs and PCSO capacity for change to encourage knowledge-based judgements.
Effect of transfected induced pluripotent stem cells with Decorin gene on control of lung remodeling in allergic asthma
Authors: Zhang Ronghua , Yin Zongxiu , Pan Jing , Zhai Congying , Athari Seyyed Shamsadin , Dong Liang
Published: February 2023

Asthma is a complex respiratory disease, which is controlled by genetic and environmental factors. Type 2-dominant immune response is responsible for asthma. Decorin (Dcn) and stem cells have modulatory effect on immune system and may control tissue remodeling and asthma pathophysiology. In this study, immunomodulatory effect of transduced induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) with expression of Dcn gene on allergic asthma pathophysiology was evaluated. After transduction of iPSCs with Dcn gene, allergic asthma mice were treated with iPSCs and transduced iPSCs via intrabronchial. Then, airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), levels of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, IL-13, IL-33, total IgE, leukotrienes (LTs) B4, C4, hydroxyproline (HP) content, and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) were measured. Also, lung histopathology study was done. AHR, levels of IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, IL-33, total IgE, LTs B4, C4, TGF-β, HP content, mucus secretion, goblet cell hyperplasia, and eosinophilic inflammation were controlled by iPSCs and transduced iPSCs treatment. Therapeutic effect of iPSCs could control main allergic asthma symptoms and related pathophysiologic mechanisms and the effect can be increased when applied with Dcn expression gene.
Analysis of antioxidant potential of fruit and vegetable juices available in Serbian markets
Authors: Šeregelj Vanja , Tumbas Šaponjac Vesna , Pezo Lato , Kojić Jovana , Cvetković Biljana , Ilic Nebojsa
Published: February 2023

Antioxidants in fruit and vegetable juices have become increasingly popular because of their potential health benefits. Nowadays, juice mixes made from berries present frequent consumer choices, due to their nutritive value and high content of bioactive compounds. Commercial fruit and vegetable juices available in Serbian markets (n = 32) were analyzed for the physicochemical properties, chemical composition, and antioxidant activity. Relative antioxidant capacity index was used for the ranking of the juices according to antioxidant capacity, while antioxidant effectiveness of phenolic compounds contained in juice samples was investigated depending on phenolic antioxidant coefficients. Principal component analysis was applied to study the data structure. In addition, a multi-layer perceptron model was used for modeling an artificial neural network model (ANN) for prediction antioxidant activity (DPPH, reducing power, and ABTS) based on total phenolic, total pigments, and vitamin C content. The obtained ANN showed good prediction capabilities (the r2 values during training cycle for output variables were 0.942). Phenolic, pigments, and vitamin C contents showed a positive correlation with the investigated antioxidant activity. The consumption of commercial berry fruit juices available in Serbian markets may deliver great health benefits through the supply of natural antioxidants.
Digital Evaluation Stories: A Case Study of Implementation for Monitoring and Evaluation in an Australian Community Not-for-Profit
Authors: Abbato Samantha
Published: February 2023

The merit of narrative film methods to support participatory approaches and professional development has been increasingly demonstrated by research in several fields and education. However, the use of digital storytelling and other film methods in evaluation remains largely unchartered territory. This article provides a case study of a digital storytelling evaluation initiative in monitoring and evaluation (M&E) in an Australian community not-for-profit. The aim is to offer practical insights for evaluators and organizations considering digital storytelling and other film narrative methods for participant-centered evaluation. Embedding digital evaluation stories into M&E evolved through collaboration between the external evaluation team and organizational leadership, requiring capacity building in evaluation, digital and qualitative methods, and new systems and processes. Benefits include transformation into a participant-centered evaluation and learning culture. Several challenges are discussed, including the extent of organizational change required, the associated time, energy, and cost, and the positive bias of visual narratives.
Feminist Evaluation Using Feminist Participatory Action Research: Guiding Principles and Practices
Authors: Crupi Kaisha , Godden Naomi Joy
Published: February 2023

There is a lack of instructional literature on how to conduct a feminist evaluation to highlight and transform systemic issues in gendered and intersecting power relations. Feminist Participatory Action Research (FPAR) enables a process for conducting community-driven, -led and -owned feminist evaluations that drive social justice actions. By undertaking a critical review of existing literature, this article presents guiding principles and practices in how to conduct a feminist evaluation using FPAR. These principles and practices provide a framework for those who are seeking an evidence base for transformative social justice action in communities, particularly those who are working with complexity in systems-change interventions with multiple stakeholders.
A national case–control study investigating demographic and environmental factors associated with NMOSD
Authors: Rotstein Dalia L , Wolfson Christina , Carruthers Robert , Freedman Mark S , Morrow Sarah A , Lee Liesly , Burton Jodie M , Nisenbaum Rosane , Konig Andrea , Magalhaes Sandra , Marrie Ruth Ann
Published: February 2023

Background:

Risk factors for aquaporin-4 (AQP4+) antibody neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) are not well-established.

Objective:

To investigate demographic and environmental factors associated with NMOSD using a validated questionnaire and case–control design.

Methods:

We enrolled patients with AQP4 + NMOSD through six Canadian Multiple Sclerosis Clinics. Participants completed the validated Environmental Risk Factors in Multiple Sclerosis Study (EnvIMS) questionnaire. Their responses were compared to those of 956 unaffected controls from the Canadian arm of EnvIMS. We calculated odds ratios (ORs) for the association between each variable and NMOSD using logistic regression and Firth’s procedure for rare events.

Results:

In 122 participants (87.7% female) with NMOSD, odds of NMOSD in East Asian and Black participants were ⩾8 times that observed in White participants. Birthplace outside Canada was associated with an increased risk of NMOSD (OR = 5.5, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 3.6–8.3) as were concomitant autoimmune diseases (OR = 2.7, 95% CI = 1.4–5.0). No association was observed with reproductive history or age at menarche.

Conclusion:

In this case–control study, risk of NMOSD in East Asian and Black versus White individuals was greater than that observed in many previous studies. Despite the preponderance of affected women, we did not observe any association with hormonal factors such as reproductive history or age at menarche.