bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cryosphere–Hydrometeorology Observations for a Water Tower Unit on the Tibetan Plateau Using the BeiDou-3 Navigation Satellite System
Authors: Liu Ruishun , Wang Lei , Wang Zhongjing , Li Xiuping , Chen Deliang , Zhou Jing , Qi Jia , Wang Yuanwei , Chai Chenhao , Wang Guangpeng , Xiao Haibang
Published: January 2024

Life and civilization in arid regions depend on the availability of freshwater. Arid alpine river basins, where hydrological processes are highly sensitive to rapid warming, act as vital water towers for lowland oases. However, scientific understanding of precipitation variability and related cryosphere–hydrology processes is extremely limited because of the scarcity of in situ observations. The upper Danghe River basin (UDB; ∼14,000 km2) is an arid and westerly dominated basin on the northeastern Tibetan Plateau and is the water source for the Dunhuang Oasis in China. We have established a comprehensive cryosphere–hydrometeorology observation network in the basin since 2014. At present, the network consists of 21 automatic rain gauges, 22 soil freeze–thaw monitoring stations, 4 automatic weather stations (AWS), and a 50-m gradient meteorological tower with an eddy covariance system. In particular, the 18 sites, located in remote areas without public networks, are equipped with new-generation BeiDou-3 communication terminals that enable the observations to be easily, safely, and reliably read and quality controlled in near–real time from offices in the city or at home. This integrated observation network over the UDB that facilitates the monitoring of cryosphere–hydrology processes, land–atmosphere interactions, and local weather processes. In addition, the observations are helpful for the objective evaluation, and continual improvement, of hydrological models, satellite-retrieval products, and reanalysis datasets. Finally, the network is expected to promote a better understanding of the status and role of water towers in arid zones and to provide basic data support for the sustainable development of the Dunhuang Oasis and the Belt and Road.
#Knowyourworth: How influencers commercialise meaningful work
Authors: Trittin-Ulbrich Hannah , Glozer Sarah
Published: January 2024

Studies of meaningful work have proposed that work that holds personal significance and meaning can transcend pay. But how can workers who do not want, or cannot afford, to sacrifice pay for meaning commercialise their work to realise its market worth? We explore this question in the context of social media influencers who participated in the InfluencerPayGap community (an Instagram profile established in 2020 to expose pay disparities in the influencer industry). Combining concepts of worth from the meaningful work literature with a sociological theory of valuation, we identify three enrichment narratives engaged with by influencers to circumvent expectations of performing free labour. Besides illuminating how influencers construct and connect the personal worth of their work with its market worth, we show how these narratives of authenticity, relationality and quantification involve a ‘double loop of enrichment’. Consisting in the interplay between influencers’ own sense of the worth of their work and feedback from their followers and the algorithms of social media platforms, this loop can reinforce and transform but also undermine influencers’ perceptions of the worth and meaning of their work. Our findings contribute to a greater understanding of meaningful work and the valuation of work in non-traditional work contexts.
Institutional Violence: The Road to Genocide in the Former Caisse Sociale du Rwanda
Authors: Musafiri Elly , Gona George , Ombongi Kenneth S. , Shyaka Aggée M.
Published: January 2024

Scholarly works on the 1994 genocide against the Tutsis have been too generic with minimal focus on institutional violence in the former state institutions, corporate organizations, and administrative units. Therefore, this paper addresses this knowledge gap by focusing on the former state institution— Caisse Sociale du Rwanda (CSR) as a case study. The research adopted a qualitative approach, with primary data being collected through structured and semi-structured interviews, which were administered to 62 participants, and data collection methods were structured and semi-structured interviews, observation methods, and secondary sources. Findings show the institutionalization of violence through different political periods. Legitimizing exclusion in CSR was inseparable from the state’s ethnic divide between the Hutu and Tutsi.
Comparative Culturology and Cross-Cultural Psychology: How Comparing Societal Cultures Differs From Comparing Individuals’ Minds Across Cultures
Authors: Minkov Michael , Vignoles Vivian L. , Welzel Christian , Akaliyski Plamen , Bond Michael Harris , Kaasa Anneli , Smith Peter B.
Published: January 2024

Cross-cultural research in social and behavioral sciences has expanded hugely over the past 50 years, but progress is currently hampered by a lack of appreciation of the profoundly differing principles and goals of two distinct traditions. The first is the main variant of cross-cultural psychology (CCP), focusing on how culture shapes individual psychological functioning. The second was pioneered by Hofstede. It studies societal differences, and we name it “comparative culturology” (CC). We explain how these two paradigms differ. CCP is grounded in psychology and typically looks for unobservable individual-level constructs, which supposedly exist independently of their measurement, to provide understanding of individual differences as affected by culture. CC is an interdisciplinary field whose roots and impact span sociology, anthropology, political science, economics, management studies, psychology, and beyond. CC measures cultural dimensions as group-level constructs created by researchers, which are best understood as ecological manifolds: conglomerates of conceptually and statistically associated variables (not necessarily held together by a single underlying factor) that collectively explain national (and other group) differences. Given these paradigmatic distinctions, the two fields need not, and cannot, use the same validation methods. They should co-exist and collaborate based on mutual appreciation of their differences, without attempts by either field to impose its idiosyncrasies on the other.
Composite Containing Calcium Phosphate Particles Functionalized with 10-MDP
Authors: da Silva R.A.A. , Trinca R.B. , Vilela H.S. , Braga R.R.
Published: January 2024

The phosphate ester monomer 10-methacryloyloxydecyl dihydrogen phosphate (10-MDP) is capable of bonding to hydroxyapatite and, for this reason, is a key component of several self-etch adhesives. In this study, dicalcium phosphate dihydrate particles (DCPD; CaHPO4.2H2O) were functionalized with 10-MDP and used to formulate an experimental composite with 50 vol% inorganic content (3:1 DCPD:silanated barium glass ratio) dispersed in a BisGMA/TEGDMA matrix. The tested hypothesis was that DCPD functionalization would improve the composite’s mechanical performance without compromising Ca2+ release. Composites containing nonfunctionalized DCPD or only reinforcing glass (in both cases, with or without 10-MDP mixed in the resin phase) were used as controls. Materials were tested for degree of conversion (DC; by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy), water sorption (WS) and solubility (SL; according to ISO 4049), biaxial flexural strength (BFS)/modulus (FM) after 24 h and 5 mo in water, and 28-d Ca2+ release in water (by plasma-coupled optical emission spectroscopy). Data were analyzed using analysis of variance/Tukey test (alpha: 5%). DCPD functionalization did not interfere with DC. The composite containing functionalized DCPD showed significantly lower WS and SL in comparison with the material formulated with nonfunctionalized particles. The presence of 10-MDP (as a functionalizing agent or dispersed in the resin phase) reduced the composite’s initial BFS and FM. After 5 mo in water, the composite with functionalized DCPD and both glass-only composites were able to maintain their mechanical properties at levels statistically similar to what was observed after 24 h. Ca2+ release was significantly reduced in both formulations containing 10-MDP. In conclusion, DCPD functionalization with 10-MDP increased the composite’s resistance to hydrolytic degradation, improving its mechanical stability after prolonged water storage. However, the impaired water transit at the particle-matrix interface led to a reduction in Ca2+ release.
Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice of Probiotics Among Saudi Health Care Students—A Cross-Sectional Study From Saudi University in Riyadh Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al hossan Abul Aziz , Syed Wajid , Babelghaith Salmeen D. , Al Arifi Mohamed N.
Published: January 2024

Probiotics offer a variety of health benefits for the digestive system, atopic eczema, and immune system. Future healthcare providers should know more about probiotics to advise their patients and the general public appropriately. The purpose of the study was to evaluate health science students’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) on the use of probiotics in various health conditions. A cross-sectional study was conducted among health college students using a self-administered online questionnaire. The study participants were selected using the convenience sample approach. statistical package for social science (SPSS) software was used to analyze the data. The Kruskal–Wallis test and Mann–Whitney test were used to assess the statistical differences between sociodemographic data in knowledge, attitude, and practice variables. Of the 517 respondents, 56.3.0% of health science students had moderate knowledge of probiotics. More than one-third had positive attitudes, and 53.4.2% had positive practices. There was a significant difference in knowledge ( P < .001), practice score ( P < .001), and attitude score ( P < .001) among different demographic data. Less than half of students said that their curricula did not include any information on probiotics. In addition, the majority of students agreed that probiotics were helpful for gastrointestinal health (87.3%), followed by immune health (73%), ulcerative colitis (61.9%), and irritable bowel (59.6%). The most information resources for probiotics were media (64%), and friends (60.7%). Health science students in Saudi had a fair level of knowledge of probiotics. Probiotics education in health science school curricula might increase students’ understanding of the topic and improve probiotic prescribing in the future.
The boring apocalypse: The representation of flat affects in contemporary British pandemic novels
Authors: Marling Raili
Published: January 2024

In his 2021 opinion article in The New York Times, Adam Grant called the COVID-19 pandemic the ‘boring apocalypse’. Indeed, while pre-pandemic imaginaries of global pandemics tended to focus on spectacular killer viruses, for many people in the Global North, the challenge of the pandemic was, if not boredom, then a sense of recurring routine. Although the pandemic also created strong affects like fear and anger, this article will look at the ‘flat affects’ that grew out of the sense of stasis. The theoretical framework of the article is based on the thinking of Lauren Berlant. My theoretical reflection is followed by an analysis of three British novels written during the pandemic: Sarah Moss’ The Fell, Sarah Hall’s Burntcoat and Clare Pollard’s Delphi. I will, above all, focus on the representations of affective responses to the routines of the pandemic in the often overlooked private sphere.
Understanding the Power of China’s National Social Credit System: A Structural/Mechanism Explanation
Authors: Hu William Zhengdong
Published: January 2024

As a promising Social Science Methodology, Structural/Mechanism Explanation (SME) retains the advantages of mechanism-based explanation (ME), particularly its focus on “identifying causal patterns from micro-level social phenomena.” It also acknowledging the role of “structure”—seen as “macro-level conditions”—in incentivizing or disincentivizing key mechanisms, thus proving valuable for forecasting their emergence and decline. This article explores the theory of SME and applies it to examine how a revitalized “Legalist political structure coupled with a Confucianist ideological structure” can forecast the mechanisms by which China’s National Social Credit System disciplines and punishes the citizens. This is observed across domains of legislation, administration, judiciary, and propaganda.
Religious/Spiritual Coping, Emotion Regulation, Psychological Well-Being, and Life Satisfaction among University Students
Authors: Graça Lídia , Brandão Tânia
Published: January 2024

Previous research has found that religious/spiritual coping, which is generally understood as the use of cognitive and behavioral strategies based on an individual’s beliefs and values to deal with stress, benefits individuals’ well-being, and life satisfaction. The current study examined this link in a sample of Portuguese university students and explored the mediating role of emotion regulation (ER; in terms of strategies and overall abilities) on the relation between religious/spiritual coping and psychological well-being and life satisfaction. A total of 109 Portuguese university students (69.7% female; Mage = 32.05; SD = 13.16) were included in this cross-sectional study. Data were analyzed using PROCESS macro. Results indicated that both negative and positive religious/spiritual coping were linked to lower life satisfaction and diminished psychological well-being. These effects appear to be explained by an increase in difficulties related to ER but not by the use of specific ER strategies, such as expressive suppression or cognitive reappraisal. These findings suggest that religious/spiritual coping and ER could be significant factors in promoting the psychological functioning of university students, especially in terms of psychological well-being.
Emotional Wellbeing and Cognitive Appraisals Among Law Enforcement Exposed to Child Sexually Explicit Materials
Authors: O’Brien Jennifer E. , Gewirtz-Meydan Ateret , Mitchell Kimberly J.
Published: January 2024

The cognitive appraisals of police investigators and forensic examiners working with child sexually explicit material (CSEM) may impact the level of distress they experience and its impact on holistic wellbeing. In the current study, we use an exploratory sequential mixed method design integrating quantitative and qualitative methodologies. Survey data were collected from 500 police investigators, forensic examiners, and others connected with the criminal justice system from across the United States; 258 of them also provided in-depth qualitative data. A principal components analysis uncovered initial components and latent probabilities, which were subsequently enriched with qualitative data coded using a grounded-theory approach. Results indicate that cognitive appraisals of law enforcement who investigate CSEM can be seen on two main axes: emotional vs cognitive and victim vs system. Cognitive-based and system-focused appraisals were associated with better wellbeing. Implications for officer wellness and future research are discussed.
Did Descriptive and Prescriptive Norms About Gender Equality at Home Change During the COVID-19 Pandemic? A Cross-National Investigation
Authors: Saxler Franziska Magdalena , Dorrough Angela R. , Froehlich Laura , Block Katharina , Croft Alyssa , Meeussen Loes , Olsson Maria I. T. , Schmader Toni , Schuster Carolin , van Grootel Sanne , Van Laar Colette , Atkinson Ciara , Benson-Greenwald Tessa , Birneanu Andreea , Cavojova Vladimira , Cheryan Sapna , Lee Kai Chung Albert , Danyliuk Ivan , Dar-Nimrod Ilan , de Lemus Soledad , Diekman Amanda , Eisner Léïla , Estevan-Reina Lucía , Fedáková Denisa , Gavreliuc Alin , Gavreliuc Dana , Germano Adriana L. , Hässler Tabea , Henningsen Levke , Ishii Keiko , Kundtová Klocová Eva , Kozytska Inna , Kulich Clara , Lapytskaia Aidy Christina , López López Wilson , Morandini James , Ramis TamilSelvan , Scheifele Carolin , Steele Jennifer , Steffens Melanie C. , Velásquez Díaz Laura María , Venegas Mar , Martiny Sarah E.
Published: January 2024

Using data from 15 countries, this article investigates whether descriptive and prescriptive gender norms concerning housework and child care (domestic work) changed after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Results of a total of 8,343 participants ( M = 19.95, SD = 1.68) from two comparable student samples suggest that descriptive norms about unpaid domestic work have been affected by the pandemic, with individuals seeing mothers’ relative to fathers’ share of housework and child care as even larger. Moderation analyses revealed that the effect of the pandemic on descriptive norms about child care decreased with countries’ increasing levels of gender equality; countries with stronger gender inequality showed a larger difference between pre- and post-pandemic. This study documents a shift in descriptive norms and discusses implications for gender equality—emphasizing the importance of addressing the additional challenges that mothers face during health-related crises.
Creativity and service innovation in the banking sector: The role of knowledge acquisition and knowledge provision
Authors: Nguyen Nam Kim , Nguyen Nga Thi Hang
Published: January 2024

Creativity and service innovation in the banking sector have been attracting the attention of researchers in Vietnam recently. Therefore, this study focuses on examining the influence of knowledge acquisition and knowledge provision on individual creativity and service innovation in the banking sector. The structural equation modeling (SEM) is used to analyze survey data from 282 employees working in the banking sector in Vietnam. The results show that knowledge acquisition has a direct positive influence on creativity and service innovation. Knowledge acquisition also has an indirect positive influence on service innovation through the mediating role of creativity. Furthermore, knowledge provision has a direct positive influence on knowledge acquisition and an indirect positive influence on creativity and service innovation. Based on these findings, the study provides implications for theory and practice in promoting knowledge sharing to enhance creativity and service innovation in the banking sector.
Morphometric Analysis of the Tibial Attachment Shape of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament and Its Relationship With the Location of the Anterior Horn of the Lateral Meniscus
Authors: Muro Satoru , Kim Jiyoon , Nimura Akimoto , Tsukada Sachiyuki , Akita Keiichi
Published: January 2024

Background:

The success of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction relies on the accurate replication of the native ACL anatomy, including attachment shapes. The tibial attachment of the ACL exhibits significant shape variations with elliptical, C, and triangular shapes, highlighting the need for objective classification methods and additional information to identify individual anatomic variations.

Hypothesis:

The location of the attachment of the anterior horn of the lateral meniscus (AHLM) may determine the shape of the ACL attachment.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

The study used 25 knees from 17 Japanese cadavers for macroscopic anatomic examination and quantitative analysis. The shape of the ACL attachment was quantified using principal component analysis with elliptical Fourier descriptors, whereas the AHLM location was quantified by measuring its mediolateral and anteroposterior positions on the superior surface of the tibia. Reliability was assessed statistically.

Results:

The shape of the tibial attachment of the ACL varied among individuals and was classified as elliptical, C-shaped, or triangular. Scatterplots of the principal components of the ACL attachment shape showed overlapping regions of elliptical, C-shaped, and triangular ACL attachments, indicating that a C-shaped attachment is intermediate between elliptical and triangular attachments. The location of the AHLM attachment also varied, with areas in the anterolateral, anteromedial, or posteromedial region. The ACL shape and AHLM location were related, with elliptical, C-shaped, and triangular ACL attachments corresponding to anterolateral, anteromedial, and posteromedial AHLM attachments, respectively.

Conclusion:

The AHLM attachment location influences the shape of the ACL attachment. Information on the location of the AHLM attachment can aid in predicting the shape of the ACL attachment during ACL reconstruction, potentially improving footprint coverage.
Outcomes and Proportions of Subsequent Contralateral Sports Hernia Repair Following Primary Unilateral Repair
Authors: Rezaie Nima , Ithurburn Matthew P. , Powell Matthew T. , Mussell Eric A. , Kidwell-Chandler Ariel L. , Emblom Benton A.
Published: January 2024

Background:

In the event that nonoperative treatment for sports hernia fails, surgical repair may be warranted. Bilateral repair can occur in up to 45% of surgically treated patients.

Purpose:

To investigate the clinical outcomes of athletes who underwent unilateral sports hernia repair and determine the proportion of patients who required contralateral sports hernia repair.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

We identified patients at our institution who underwent primary unilateral sports hernia repair (rectus abdominis–adductor longus aponeurotic plate repair and adductor lengthening) with a single surgeon between 2015 and 2020. We assessed patient-reported outcomes using the Hip Outcome Score–Sport (HOS–Sport), the Numeric Pain Rating Scale, and an internally developed return-to-play questionnaire. We further collected data regarding subsequent sports hernia procedures on the ipsilateral or contralateral side. We calculated summary statistics for outcomes and examined the association between preinjury patient characteristics and the HOS–Sport score at follow-up or successful return to preinjury sport using linear and logistic regression, respectively.

Results:

A total of 104 of 128 (81.3%) eligible patients (mean age at surgery, 23.0 ± 6.2 years; 94.2% male; 51.9% American football athletes) completed follow-up at a mean time of 4.4 ± 1.5 years. Overall, 79.8% of athletes (n = 83) were able to return to their preinjury sport/activity, but 90.2% (83/92) who attempted to return were able to do so. When examining reasons for not returning to preinjury sport, only 9 patients reported not returning to preinjury sport because of limitations or persistent symptoms from their original injury. Only 4 patients underwent subsequent sports hernia procedures (3 contralateral, 1 ipsilateral revision) after their index unilateral sports hernia repair. At follow-up, the mean HOS–Sport score was high (94.0 ± 10.8), and the mean Numeric Pain Rating Scale score was low (0.31 ± 1.26). There were no preinjury patient characteristics associated with either the HOS–Sport score at follow-up or the successful return to preinjury sport.

Conclusion:

Patients with unilateral sports hernia symptoms can undergo repair and return to sport at the preinjury level with little concern for injuries to the contralateral groin. In our cohort, patient-reported hip function and pain outcomes at follow-up were excellent.
A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial Investigating Quadriceps Versus Hamstring Tendon Autograft in Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Ebert Jay R. , Calvert Nicholas D. , Radic Ross
Published: January 2024

Background:

Numerous graft options are available when undertaking anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR), although a lack of high-quality evidence exists comparing quadriceps (QT) and hamstring (HT) autografts.

Purpose:

To investigate patient outcomes in patients undergoing HT versus QT ACLR.

Study Design:

Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1.

Methods:

After recruitment and randomization, 112 patients (HT = 55; QT = 57) underwent ACLR. Patients were assessed pre- and postoperatively (6 weeks and 3, 6, 12, and 24 months), with a range of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), graft laxity (KT-1000 arthrometer; primary outcome variable), active knee flexion and extension range of motion (ROM), peak isokinetic knee extensor and flexor strength, and a 6-hop performance battery. Limb symmetry indices (LSIs) were calculated for strength and hop measures. Secondary procedures, ACL retears, and contralateral ACL tears were reported.

Results:

All PROMs and knee ROM measures significantly improved ( P < .0001), and no other group differences ( P > .05) were observed—apart from the Anterior Cruciate Ligament Return to Sport after Injury (ACL-RSI) score, which was significantly better in the HT group at 3 ( P = .008), 6 ( P = .010), and 12 ( P = .014) months. No significant changes were observed in side-to-side laxity from 6 to 24 months ( P = .105), and no group differences were observed ( P = .487) at 6 (HT mean, 1.2; QT mean, 1.3), 12 (HT mean, 1.1; QT mean, 1.3), and 24 (HT mean, 1.1; QT mean, 1.2) months. While the HT group demonstrated significantly greater ( P < .05) quadriceps strength LSIs at 6 and 12 months, the QT group showed significantly greater ( P < .05) hamstring strength LSIs at 6, 12, and 24 months. The HT group showed significantly greater ( P < .05) LSIs for the single horizontal (6 months), lateral (6 and 12 months), and medial (6 months) hop tests for distance. Up until 24 months, 1 patient (QT at 22 months) had a retear, with 2 contralateral ACL tears (QT at 19 months; HT at 23 months). Secondary procedures included 5 in the HT group (manipulation under anesthesia, notch debridement, meniscal repair, and knee arthroscopy for scar tissue) and 6 in the QT group (notch debridement, meniscal repair, knee arthroscopy for scar tissue, tibial tubercle transfer, and osteochondral autologous transplantation).

Conclusion:

Apart from the ACL-RSI, the 2 autograft groups compared well for PROMs, knee ROM, and laxity. However, greater hamstring strength LSIs were observed for the QT cohort, with greater quadriceps strength (and hop test) LSIs in the HT cohort. The longer-term review will continue to evaluate return to sports and later-stage reinjury between the 2 graft constructs.

Registration:

ACTRN12618001520224p (Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry).
Electromagnetic shielding performance of copper wire/carbon fiber fabric reinforced composite materials
Authors: Wu Jiangxing , Gao Yantao , Lu Zan , Yang Xue , Xin Binjie
Published: January 2024

In order to enhance the electromagnetic (EM) shielding performance of carbon fiber composites, copper meshes were combined with carbon fiber fabric to design and fabricate eight types of copper wire/carbon fiber (Cu/C) fabric composite materials. Characterization and analysis of the conductivity and electromagnetic shielding performance of the Cu/C fabric composite materials were conducted. The results demonstrated that the number of layers of carbon fiber fabric had a significant impact on the EM shielding performance of the composite materials. Furthermore, the plain weave copper mesh composite exhibited higher EM shielding performance compared to the square plain weave and twill weave copper mesh composites. The optimal SE of the samples occurs in different frequency ranges at different densities. For the low-frequency range, the 60-mesh copper wire exhibits the best SE, while the 40-mesh copper wire demonstrates better SE for the high-frequency range. Additionally, the bonding of the copper mesh with the resin is also a potential factor influencing the electromagnetic shielding performance of the material. These findings provide valuable insights for the future design of electromagnetic shielding composite materials.
Waste to energy, indispensable cornerstone for circular economy: A mini-review
Authors: Brunner Paul H , Morf Leo S
Published: January 2024

This mini-review aims at proving that waste-to-energy (WtE) is an essential cornerstone for circular economy (CE). Based on literature, the history of thermal waste treatment over the last 150 years is investigated, from open burning to WtE with resource recovery and final sink function. The results show that in the past incineration solved the issues it was designed for but often created new and sometimes even worse problems: The introduction of incineration in the 19th century improved urban sanitation, decreased waste volume and prolonged operational life of landfills. But it also polluted the environment, triggering an unprecedented scientific and engineering effort of all stakeholders. Today, WtE is one of the best investigated and optimized technologies in waste management. It enables the recovery of energy as heat and electric power and facilitates the ‘cleaning’ of cycles by the destruction of hazardous organic substances. Recent developments in resource recovery from WtE residues allow to recycle metals and, in the case of sewage sludge, even phosphorus by thermal recycling. Combined with carbon capture and storage technology, WtE stands for a quantifiable contribution to greenhouse gas reduction. Today, WtE is indispensable to reach the goals of CE, namely recycling of energy and materials, supplying safe final sinks for persistent organic substances and minimizing the need for sinks for hazardous inorganic substances.
Dibutyl phthalate adsorbed on multi-walled carbon nanotubes can aggravate liver injury in mice via the Jak2/STAT3 pathway
Authors: He Suli , Yan Chao , Wu Min , Peng Haiyan , Li Ren , Wan Jian , Ye Xin , Zhang Hongmao , Ding Shumao
Published: January 2024

Phthalic acid esters (PAEs) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are common environmental pollutants and may degrade differently with different resulting biotoxicity, when present together. This study investigated the toxicological effects of singular or combined exposure to dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in KM mice. Results indicated that combined exposure led to slower weight gain and an increased leukocyte count in the blood, as well as liver tissue lesions and downregulation of organ coefficients. Additionally, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were elevated in the liver, and glucose, pyruvate, triglyceride (TG), and total cholesterol (T-CHO) were significantly reduced, suggesting compromised liver function. Furthermore, mRNA levels of genes related to hepatic glucose and lipid metabolism were significantly altered. These findings suggest that combined exposure to DBP and MWCNTs can have severe impacts on liver function in mice, highlighting the importance of considering interactions between multiple contaminants in environmental risk assessments.
Hypotension During Vasopressor Infusion Occurs in Predictable Clusters: A Multicenter Analysis
Authors: Horiguchi Daisuke , Shin Sungtae , Pepino Jeremy A. , Peterson Jeffrey T. , Kehoe Iain E. , Goldstein Joshua N. , Lee Jarone , Kwon Brian K. , Hahn Jin-Oh , Reisner Andrew T.
Published: January 2024

Background: Published evidence indicates that mean arterial pressure (MAP) below a goal range (hypotension) is associated with worse outcomes, though MAP management failures are common. We sought to characterize hypotension occurrences in ICUs and consider the implications for MAP management. Methods: Retrospective analysis of 3 hospitals’ cohorts of adult ICU patients during continuous vasopressor infusion. Two cohorts were general, mixed ICU patients and one was exclusively acute spinal cord injury patients. “Hypotension-clusters” were defined where there were ≥10 min of cumulative hypotension over a 60-min period and “constant hypotension” was ≥10 continuous minutes. Trend analysis was performed (predicting future MAP using 14 min of preceding MAP data) to understand which hypotension-clusters could likely have been predicted by clinician awareness of MAP trends. Results: In cohorts of 155, 66, and 16 ICU stays, respectively, the majority of hypotension occurred within the hypotension-clusters. Failures to keep MAP above the hypotension threshold were notable in the bottom quartiles of each cohort, with hypotension durations of 436, 167, and 468 min, respectively, occurring within hypotension-clusters per day. Mean arterial pressure trend analysis identified most hypotension-clusters before any constant hypotension occurred (81.2%-93.6% sensitivity, range). The positive predictive value of hypotension predictions ranged from 51.4% to 72.9%. Conclusions: Across 3 cohorts, most hypotension occurred in temporal clusters of hypotension that were usually predictable from extrapolation of MAP trends.
Nonlinear modeling and parameter optimization of the pilot stage applied to the deflector-jet servovalve
Authors: Li Yuesong
Published: January 2024

Due to its good anti-pollution performance and high reliability, the deflector-jet servovalve is widely used in aerospace engineering. However, because the jet effects such as boundary expansion and adsorption are neglected, the model of the pilot stage applied to the deflector-jet servovalve is inaccurate, making it difficult to simulate the performance and optimize the parameters of the deflector-jet servovalve based on the model. Based on the structure of the jet flow field and the hydraulic resistance network bridge, an accurate nonlinear mathematical model of the pilot stage applied to the deflector-jet servovalve was developed, which considers the influence of the jet effect. Based on the new mathematical model, the structural parameters of the pilot stage were optimized with the maximum pressure, maximum flow, and maximum transmission power as the optimization objectives, respectively. Then the design criteria of the structural parameters were given based on the parameter optimization. Finally, the accuracy of the model was verified by three experiments. The comparison between experiments and this new model showed the maximum relative error of the flow between the model and experiment to be about 8.09%, which is more accurate than the traditional models.
Who are the publics engaging in AI?
Authors: Sieber Renée , Brandusescu Ana , Adu-Daako Abigail , Sangiambut Suthee
Published: January 2024

Given the importance of public engagement in governments’ adoption of artificial intelligence systems, artificial intelligence researchers and practitioners spend little time reflecting on who those publics are. Classifying publics affects assumptions and affordances attributed to the publics’ ability to contribute to policy or knowledge production. Further complicating definitions are the publics’ role in artificial intelligence production and optimization. Our structured analysis of the corpus used a mixed method, where algorithmic generation of search terms allowed us to examine approximately 2500 articles and provided the foundation to conduct an extensive systematic literature review of approximately 100 documents. Results show the multiplicity of ways publics are framed, by examining and revealing the different semantic nuances, affordances, political and expertise lenses, and, finally, a lack of definitions. We conclude that categorizing publics represents an act of power, politics, and truth-seeking in artificial intelligence.
Does Health Care Utilisation Reduce Child Mortality? An ARDL Bounds Test Approach
Authors: KONCA Murat
Published: January 2024

The child mortality rate is an important indicator presenting crucial information about the health status of a country. In the current study, we examined whether health care utilisation reduced the under-5 mortality rates, an important health status indicator, in Turkey. We employed an autoregressive distributed lag bounds test. We used doctor consultation and health expenditure as the independent variables. We found out that both doctor consultation and health expenditure had negative impacts on the under-5 mortality rates in the short run; however, the effects of both variables were not statistically significant ( p > .05). Also, we showed that while the effect of doctor consultation on the under-5 mortality rates was negatively and statistically significant ( p < .05) in the long run, the effect of health expenditure was not statistically significant ( p > .05). Turkey should allocate more to health care services specifically targeting infant and child health to reduce its infant and child mortality rates.
Psychiatric electronic health records in the era of data breaches – What are the ramifications for patients, psychiatrists and healthcare systems?
Authors: Looi Jeffrey CL , Looi Richard CH , Maguire Paul A , Kisely Steve , Bastiampillai Tarun , Allison Stephen
Published: January 2024

Objective

To update psychiatrists and trainees on the realised risks of electronic health record data breaches.

Methods

This is a selective narrative review and commentary regarding electronic health record data breaches.

Results

Recent events such as the Medibank and Australian Clinical Labs data breaches demonstrate the realised risks for electronic health records. If stolen identity data is publicly released, patients and doctors may be subject to blackmail, fraud, identity theft and targeted scams. Medical diagnoses of psychiatric illness and substance use disorder may be released in blackmail attempts.

Conclusions

Psychiatrists, trainees and their patients need to understand the inevitability of electronic health record data breaches. This understanding should inform a minimised collection of personal information in the health record to avoid exposure of confidential information and identity theft. Governmental regulation of electronic health record privacy and security is needed.
Uncovering Hidden Framings in Dark Triad Self-Ratings: What Frames-of-Reference Do People Use When Responding to Generic Dark Triad Items?
Authors: Schulze Julian , Heinrich Manuel , Freudenstein Jan-Philipp , Schäpers Philipp , Krumm Stefan
Published: January 2024

In typical Dark Triad (DT) questionnaires, generic items oftentimes refer to “others” or “people” in general. Hence, respondents have to mentally aggregate their behavior across several kinds of “others” (e.g., work colleagues, family members, and friends). It remains unknown if individuals consider different kinds of interaction partners equally or if their self-reports contain “hidden” interaction partner-specific tendencies. To shed light on this issue, we assessed generic and contextualized DT items (referring to family, friends, work, and strangers; N = 814 from the general population). The correlated trait-correlated (method − 1) model was used to investigate preregistered research questions. On average, generic DT items showed the strongest association with work-contextualized DT items and the weakest association with family-contextualized DT items. However, the associations varied considerably across DT items and traits. In sum, our results suggest that hidden framings exist in some DT items, which may impact their ability to predict relevant criteria due to contextual (a)symmetries. The generalizability of the findings to other DT instruments, items, and participant groups should be examined in future research.
Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Psychometric Testing of the Portuguese Version of the Iceland-Family Illness Beliefs Questionnaire
Authors: Lemos Sara , Andrade Luísa , Lima Lígia , Martins Teresa , Svavarsdottir Erla Kolbrún , Barbieri-Figueiredo Maria Do Céu
Published: January 2024

Illness beliefs have a role in the adaptation, coping, well-being, healing, and recovery in families of children/adolescents with chronic illness. The assessment of family illness beliefs can support family nursing interventions that address the suffering of family members when illness arises. The purpose of this study was to translate, cross-culturally adapt, and psychometrically test the Portuguese version of the Iceland-Family Illness Beliefs Questionnaire. A sample of 237 parents of children/adolescents who experienced chronic health conditions completed the online questionnaire. The original factor model was tested through confirmatory factorial analysis. The results showed satisfactory model fit indices (χ2/gl = 3.004; comparative fit index [CFI] = 0.90; root mean square error of approximation [RMSEA] = 0.092) and internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.74). The instrument showed good psychometric characteristics of validity and reliability, suggesting it may be useful in the assessment of illness beliefs in families experiencing a pediatric chronic illness.
Psychedelics in Psychiatry, the Nursing Influence, and the Future of Psychedelic Therapies
Authors: Spotswood Carlton J.
Published: January 2024

OBJECTIVE:

Psychedelics and psychedelic-assisted therapies (PATs) are on the cusp of becoming medicalized treatment modalities within the United States, both as potential U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved treatment and therapeutic options outside the medical model, through decriminalization efforts within individual states. Bringing with it a paradigm shift in the delivery of health care for both physical and mental health treatment. A workforce of highly trained facilitators will be needed to meet the anticipated demand for this type of treatment and nurses can play a key role in meeting this demand. This article serves to introduce psychedelic-assisted therapies to psychiatric-mental health nurses as we start to see this new field emerge.

METHOD:

Review of published literature and other media.

RESULTS:

Results based on historical data, modern applications, and future considerations.

CONCLUSIONS:

Nurses have been involved with psychedelic-assisted therapies in the past and are fully capable of providing a wide range of roles upon the anticipated approval as a treatment modality.
Impacts on Human Health Potentially Caused by Exposure to an Unprecedented Ostreopsis spp Bloom in the Bay of Biscay, French Basque Coast
Authors: Paradis Camille , Chomérat Nicolas , Vaucel Jules-Antoine , Antajan Elvire , Labes Patrice , Rappoport Marc , Labadie Magali
Published: January 2024

Introduction

In recent years, climate change and human activity have modified marine biotopes, including the widening distribution of harmful algal blooms (HABs). Bloom events predominated by microalgae of the genus Ostreopsis have been described on the French Mediterranean coast, but in 2021 an unprecedented bloom occurred on the French Basque coast. The objective of this study is to describe the health impact of the Ostreopsis spp bloom that occurred on the French Basque coast in 2021.

Methods

A historical cohort was conducted, including cases of possible exposure to Ostreopsis spp registered at the Centre Antipoison de Nouvelle-Aquitaine between July 1 and September 30, 2021.

Results

Of 674 patients with possible toxicity due to Ostreopsis spp, 96.9% had bathed in contaminated waters. Most of them developed respiratory tract symptoms (64.4% of patients). The time to the onset of symptoms was <6 h for 73.6% of 174 short-term (<24 h) exposed patients. The median duration of symptoms was 7.5 days for occupational (e.g., lifeguards and surfing instructors) and 3 days for recreational exposures. There were no severe cases. In total, 3% of the cases were of moderate severity, and 97% were of minor severity, according to the Poisoning Severity Score.

Conclusion

Toxic reactions caused by Ostreopsis spp are mostly benign. The clinical picture is similar to that described following exposures to Ostreopsis cf. ovata blooms in the Mediterranean area since the end of the 20th century. Ostreopsis spp are present on the Basque coast. The ecological factors promoting its blooms remain to be clarified.
Perioperative Considerations for Modern Leadless Pacemakers
Authors: Tanabe Kenji , Gilliland Samuel
Published: January 2024

Since their initial approval by the Food and Drug Administration in 2016, leadless pacemakers have become increasingly prevalent. This growth has been driven by an improved adverse effect profile when compared to traditional pacemakers, including lower rates of infection, as well as eliminated risk of pocket hematoma and lead complications. More recently, technology enabling leadless synchronized atrioventricular pacing in patients with atrioventricular block has vastly expanded the indications for these devices. Anesthesiologists will increasingly be relied upon to safely care for patients with leadless pacemakers undergoing non-electrophysiology procedures and surgery. This article provides an overview of the technology, evidence base, current indications, and unique perioperative considerations for leadless pacemakers.
Low Body Fat Percentage and Menstrual Cycle Disorders in Female Elite Adolescent Dancers
Authors: Liu Zijian , Gong Yining , Nagamoto Hideaki , Okunuki Takumi , Yamaguchi Ryusei , Kobayashi Yusuke , Li Yanshu , Maemichi Toshihiro , Kumai Tsukasa
Published: January 2024

Introduction: The menstrual cycle is an important indicator of health in female athletes. Female elite adolescent dancers are expected to control their weight while also training intensely, which can lead to menstrual disorders. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between body composition and menstrual status in female elite adolescent dancers. Methods: In total, 131 female elite adolescent dancers (age: 15.9 ± 1.5 years) were enrolled in this study. We measured the height, weight, and body fat percentage (BFP) for each participant and calculated their body mass index (BMI). We gathered information on individual menstruation patterns and the participants’ menstrual cycles over the previous year using recall methods. We then compared the differences between dancers with menstrual cycle disorders and those without. Primary amenorrhea was defined as menarche occurring after the age of 15, while secondary amenorrhe was defined as experiencing fewer than 5 or no menstrual periods for at least 3 of the previous 12 months. We conducted a reliability test using the same questionnaire 2 weeks later. Statistical significance was defined as P < .05, and we calculated the effect sizes (d) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Results: The average BMI and BFP were 22.6 ± 3.0% and 19.4 ± 2.2 kg/m2, respectively. Low BFP and low BMI were observed in 51 (38.6%) and 47 (35.6%) participants, respectively. Primary amenorrhea in 3 participants (2.3%) and 29 (22.1%) reported experiencing secondary amenorrhea; they had lower BFP than the dancers who did not experience amenorrhea ( P = .041, 95% CI, −2.51 to −0.05). Conclusion: Female elite adolescent dancers in China may have lower BFP and menstrual problems. Given that lower BFP may contribute to the occurrence of menstruation disorders, it is essential to pay an attention to both BFP and the menstruation status in female elite adolescent dancers.
‘Don’t let it hold you back’ — The experience of transition to adulthood in young people with primary ciliary dyskinesia: An interpretative phenomenological analysis
Authors: Dore Rhys , Nizza Isabella E , Mitchison Hannah M , Lewis Celine
Published: January 2024

Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is a rare, chronic genetic condition with variable features arising from motile cilia dysfunction, including recurrent respiratory infections, sinonasal disease, reduced hearing, infertility and situs inversus. The aim of the study was to understand the experiences of young people with PCD as they transition into adulthood and adult healthcare services. An interpretative phenomenological analytical method was applied. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with three participants aged 18–24 years. Four interconnected group experiential themes were identified: (1) reconceptualising a stigmatised identity, (2) sharing the journey to independence, (3) entering adulthood with newfound autonomy, (4) anticipating an uncertain future. Overall, we found that transition for young people with PCD presents as a complex period marked by identity-formation, creating systems of support and becoming an autonomous adult. Facilitation of personalised and integrated approaches to care should be prioritised. Our findings are important to help health professionals provide appropriate, anticipatory support.