bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anterior Latissimus Dorsi Transfer for Irreparable Subscapularis Tears Improves Shoulder Kinematics in a Dynamic Biomechanical Cadaveric Shoulder Model
Authors: Berthold Daniel P. , Rupp Marco-Christopher , Obopilwe Elifho , Siebenlist Sebastian , Elhassan Bassem T. , Mazzocca Augustus D. , Muench Lukas N.
Published: January 2024

Background:

In young patients with irreparable subscapularis deficiency (SSC-D) and absence of severe osteoarthritis, anterior latissimus dorsi transfer (aLDT) has been proposed as a treatment option to restore the anteroposterior muscular force couple to regain sufficient shoulder function. However, evidence regarding the biomechanical effect of an aLDT on glenohumeral kinematics remains sparse.

Purpose/Hypothesis:

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of an aLDT on range of glenohumeral abduction motion, superior migration of the humeral head (SM), and cumulative deltoid force (cDF) in a simulated SSC-D model using a dynamic shoulder model. It was hypothesized that an aLDT would restore native shoulder kinematics by reestablishing the insufficient anteroposterior force couple.

Study Design:

Controlled laboratory study.

Methods:

Eight fresh-frozen cadaveric shoulders were tested using a validated shoulder simulator. Glenohumeral abduction angle (gAA), SM, and cDF were compared across 3 conditions: (1) native, (2) SSC-D, and (3) aLDT. gAA and SM were measured using 3-dimensional motion tracking, while cDF was recorded in real time during dynamic abduction motion by load cells connected to actuators.

Results:

The SSC-D significantly decreased gAA (Δ–9.8°; 95% CI, –14.1° to −5.5°; P < .001) and showed a significant increase in SM (Δ2.0 mm; 95% CI, 0.9 to 3.1 mm; P = .003), while cDF was similar (Δ7.8 N; 95% CI, –9.2 to 24.7 N; P = .586) when compared with the native state. Performing an aLDT resulted in a significantly increased gAA (Δ3.8°; 95% CI, 1.8° to 5.7°; P < .001), while cDF (Δ–36.1 N; 95% CI, –48.7 to −23.7 N; P < .001) was significantly reduced compared with the SSC-D. For the aLDT, no anterior subluxation was observed. However, the aLDT was not able to restore native gAA (Δ–6.1°; 95% CI, –8.9° to −3.2°; P < .001).

Conclusion:

In this cadaveric study, performing an aLDT for an irreparable subscapularis insufficiency restored the anteroposterior force couple and prevented superior and anterior humeral head migration, thus improving glenohumeral kinematics. Furthermore, compensatory deltoid forces were reduced by performing an aLDT.

Clinical Relevance:

Given the favorable effect of the aLDT on shoulder kinematics in this dynamic shoulder model, performing an aLDT may be considered as a treatment option in patients with irreparable SSC-D.
‘Expanded translation’ and the construction of meaning: A case study from political activism
Authors: Fernández Fruela
Published: January 2024

Echoing the classical debate on the nature of anthropology as a process of cultural translation, Lydia Liu has claimed that ‘strictly speaking, comparative scholarship that aims to cross cultures can do nothing but translate’. From this perspective, therefore, for an academic working across cultures, research becomes similar to an act of translation. How relevant is this for a contemporary understanding of research within the humanities and the social sciences, but also for social activity at large? Reflecting on the writing process for my recent monograph Translating the Crisis. Politics and Culture in Spain after the 15M (2020), this article will advance the concept of ‘expanded translation’ and its potential usefulness for a more nuanced and complex approach to these issues. By ‘expanded translation’, I understand a process of meaning formation that decisively involves translation but is not limited to it. As the article claims, it has become increasingly unfeasible to chart the circulation of a concept, an idea, or an author exclusively through a predefined set of translated texts in the traditional sense. As such, the construction of meaning and the use of translated concepts, authors, and models implies a collective process, which is non-centralized (multiple agents can join it without previous requirements) yet also unequal (as certain agents enjoy more power and visibility than others). Furthermore, these processes are not only limited to textual exchanges, but do also frequently involve a performative component, as new concepts and ideas are put into practice, which in turn influences their meaning. This process will be exemplified in the article through a sustained reflection on how the concept of the ‘commons’ has been adopted, modified, and used in Spanish politics after the 15-M or ‘indignados’ movement of 2011.
Preparation and properties of high-temperature resistant bisphthalonitrile resins containing trifluoromethyl groups reinforced by poly (aryl ether nitrile) capped by phthalonitrile and their composites
Authors: Xiong Xuhai , Yao Lei , Ren Rong , Liu Donghui , Li Na
Published: January 2024

A new series of high-temperature resistant bisphthalonitrile resins containing trifluoromethyl groups were prepared based on 4,4’-(hexafluoroisopropylidene) bisphthalonitrile (BFPh), which was toughened by hexafluoroisopropylidene-containing poly (aryl ether nitrile) oligomer capped by phthalonitrile (FPEN-Ph) in the different content. In addition, glass fiber reinforced composites were prepared by hot pressing process. The structure of the oligomer was characterized by FTIR and 1HNMR. The curing behavior of the blends was studied by DSC. Thermal stability and mechanical properties were also studied. The results showed that the introduction of appropriate content of FPEN-Ph could improve the reactivity of the curing reaction. TGA and DMA results showed that the cured polymers and composites had excellent thermal properties. The residual mass of FPEN-Ph content of 10% at 800°C was 72.4%, and the 5% thermal degradation temperature (T5%) under inert atmosphere was 530°C. The flexural strength of glass fiber reinforced composites was about 592.7 MPa, and the shear strength was about 61.6 MPa, showing excellent mechanical properties. The high-tech thermosetting resin was toughened and enhanced at the same time without reducing heat resistance.
Study on the laparoscopic visual field adjustment method based on master-slave mapping
Authors: Zhang Yang , Yang Jing , Han Zejie , Gao Weifan , Zhao Yida
Published: January 2024

The application of robotics technology in the medical field can effectively improve the accuracy of surgical operations. However, there is a challenge of movement inconsistency between the end of the laparoscope arm and the surgeon’s hand, as well as the leverage of instruments amplifying the physiological jitter of the surgeon’s hand, which can result in the jitter problem on the slave manipulator and reduce the operating accuracy of the surgical robot. To solve the problem, the Savitzky-Golay filter was used to optimize the trajectory of the master manipulator based on the master-slave mapping method, which was done to eliminate the influence of the physiological jitter. Comparative experiments with other methods were performed to demonstrate the effectiveness of this method. A virtual surgical simulation system and an experimental prototype were proposed to verify the method. The results showed that the method effectively reduced the influence of physiological jitter on master-slave motion control.
On 3D printed novel stifle prosthesis for canines
Authors: Singh Rupinder , Kumar Arvind , Kumar Ranvijay , Anand Arun
Published: January 2024

In the past, several studies have been reported on the use of 3D-printed stifle prostheses (SP) to address patella luxation (PL) issues in canines. However, little has been reported on the characterization of 3D-printed novel SP prepared by the assembly of components (fabricated by powder bed fusion (PBF) and material extrusion (MEX process) for better service life. This study highlights the plastic strain deformation (observed as 0 at 600N load), followed by fatigue testing (observed as safe for 106 cycles of loading) through finite element analysis (FEA) of the 3D printed implant assembly of SP (using 17-4 precipitate hardened (PH) stainless steel (SS) and polylactic acid (PLA) material) for addressing PL issues (for all ages/ breeds of canine). Further, the 3D-printed functional prototypes were subjected to morphological, thermal, wear, and in vitro characterization to ascertain their use as SP. The result of the study suggests that SP prepared by the proposed methodology has acceptable mechanical properties (with a factor of safety ≈14) for its use as a commercial solution.
Time, frequency, and quantile-based role of R&D investments in energy on sectoral degradation in the United States
Authors: Kartal Mustafa Tevfik
Published: January 2024

An important part of environmental pollution has resulted in energy consumption, the level of environmental pollution varies across sectors, and energy R&D investments have been strategic tools in this respect. Considering this fact, the research studies the role of R&D investments in energy on CO2 emissions by focusing on the USA case as pioneering R&D investing country in energy technologies. In this context, the study makes a disaggregated level analysis and performs various nonlinear methods to data between 1975/Q1 and 2020/Q4. The nonlinear empirical results demonstrate that (i) R&D investments have a strong dependency on sectoral CO2 emissions across times and frequencies; (ii) at higher quantiles, R&D investments in nuclear energy have a generally declining impact on power and building sector CO2 emissions, whereas R&D investments in renewable energy stimulate sectoral CO2 emissions; (iii) R&D investments are causally effective on sectoral CO2 emissions across various quantiles; (iv) R&D investments in total curb generally sectoral CO2 emissions. The research demonstrates that R&D investments in energy on sectoral CO2 emissions have a varying heterogonous impact based on time, frequency, quantile, and R&D types. Thus, USA policymakers should include time, frequency, quantile, R&D types, and sector-based differentiating impacts to curb sectoral CO2 emissions in re-formulating energy environmental policy framework as a critical issue for ensuring sustainable development. Accordingly, various policies (e.g. relying on nuclear R&D investments, re-balance distribution of the R&D investments among the alternatives, consideration of sectoral differences) are discussed.
Start-Ups and Innovation Ecosystem in China
Authors: Zhang Xinpei , Yi Gaofeng
Published: January 2024

China plays the dominant role of the ‘whole nation system’, improves start-ups and innovation ecosystems and creates development cornerstone for building an innovative and scientifically advanced country. China strengthens the supply of key innovative factors such as policies, talents and fund and consolidate foundation for building a national innovation ecosystem to provide institutional guarantee for start-up enterprises. Besides, a ‘four-chain integration’ innovative service system is built combining ‘innovation chain’, ‘industrial chain’, ‘capital chain’ and ‘service chain’ and creates an innovative microecology with start-up characteristics. Regional innovation policy is the catalyst for start-ups. China’s start-ups fully integrate into the national grand strategy and target planning of the region and city, strengthen synergy and interaction of national and regional resources and closely connect the core strategies and industries of the city or region to develop start-ups.
Promoting the Effectiveness of School-Based Leadership Teams in the U.S. Context
Authors: Choi Hyunjin , Drago-Severson Eleanor
Published: January 2024

Building effective school-based leadership teams (SLTs) is at the forefront of today’s education leadership agenda in the United States. Yet, no review has focused specifically on SLT team effectiveness. In this study, we employed the functional perspective to analyze existing research on SLTs, aiming to directly identify factors connected to SLT team effectiveness in the United States. We reviewed 53 studies from eight educational leadership journals. Our findings have important implications for promoting SLT effectiveness in the U.S. context, while also unveiling the absence of crucial nuances around team mediators in the selected research.
Opioid Management Review Committee: Fostering Interdisciplinary Education and Support Amid the Ongoing US Opioid Overdose Crisis
Authors: Neale Kyle , Samala Renato V. , Lagman Ruth , Mullan Patricia B. , Shoemaker Laura
Published: January 2024

Background

Over the past two decades, pain and suffering caused by the U.S. opioid crisis have resulted in significant morbidity, policy reforms and healthcare resource strain, and affected healthcare providers’ efforts to manage their patients’ pain. In 2017, Cleveland Clinic’s Department of Palliative and Supportive Care established their Opioid Management Review Committee (OMRC), which focuses on patient safety, opioid stewardship, education on specialist pain management and addiction medicine skills, and offers emotional and informational support to colleagues managing complex pain cases.

Objectives

This quality assessment and improvement activity describes the organization and effects of the OMRC on healthcare workers in the department.

Methods

On February 1, 2023, an online survey was distributed to attendees of the OMRC. Participants were asked to provide their demographic information and free text responses to questions about the purpose of the OMRC, their judgment about the extent to which the OMRC has changed their approach to pain management, the OMRC’s impact on their approach to opioid management, its impact on the clinicians’ confidence in managing nonmedical opioid use or comorbid substance use, and suggestions to improve future meetings.

Results

Fifty-nine out of 79 clinicians completed the survey (75% response rate). Participants’ aggregate responses indicated that the committee fostered interdisciplinary collaboration, provided emotional and professional support, increased awareness of responsible opioid prescribing, and enhanced confidence in managing complex cases involving non-medical opioid use or comorbid substance use.

Conclusion

The OMRC represents a comprehensive interdisciplinary approach to safely manage opioid therapy during the contemporary opioid overdose crisis.
Excitation–Inhibition Balance, Neural Criticality, and Activities in Neuronal Circuits
Authors: Liang Junhao , Yang Zhuda , Zhou Changsong
Published: January 2024

Neural activities in local circuits exhibit complex and multilevel dynamic features. Individual neurons spike irregularly, which is believed to originate from receiving balanced amounts of excitatory and inhibitory inputs, known as the excitation–inhibition balance. The spatial-temporal cascades of clustered neuronal spikes occur in variable sizes and durations, manifested as neural avalanches with scale-free features. These may be explained by the neural criticality hypothesis, which posits that neural systems operate around the transition between distinct dynamic states. Here, we summarize the experimental evidence for and the underlying theory of excitation–inhibition balance and neural criticality. Furthermore, we review recent studies of excitatory–inhibitory networks with synaptic kinetics as a simple solution to reconcile these two apparently distinct theories in a single circuit model. This provides a more unified understanding of multilevel neural activities in local circuits, from spontaneous to stimulus-response dynamics.
Electric Cardioversion in Older Adults. Is Sedation Using Propofol Safe in the Absence of the Direct Anesthetist's Assistance?
Authors: Karwowski Jarosław , Wrzosek Karol , Rekosz Jerzy , Tymoszuk Katarzyna , Wiktorska Anna , Szmarowska Katarzyna , Solecki Mateusz , Dłużniewski Mirosław
Published: January 2024

Aims: This study aimed to assess the safety of electric cardioversion in the absence of anesthetists assistance. We also evaluated the efficacy and safety of this procedure in older adults (≥80 years) compared to younger populations. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the data of patients who underwent electric cardioversion at our cardiology department. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to age: ≥ 80 years and <80 years old. Results: The study included 218 participants, 73 were aged 80 years or more (mean age: 84.8 years), and 145 were younger than 80 years (mean age: 66.7 years). Electric cardioversion was effective in 97.3% of older patients and 96.5% of younger patients ( P = 1.00). No thromboembolic complications were observed in either of the groups. Asystole >5 s occurred immediately after shock in 4.1% of older and 2.1% of younger patients ( P = .405). Propofol was used as a sedative, with a mean dose of 0.83 mg/kg versus 0.93 mg/kg, in older and younger patients, respectively. Intubation, medical intervention, or other advanced resuscitation techniques were not required. During hospitalization, arrhythmia recurred in 9.6% and 12.4% of the older and younger patients, respectively ( P = .537). Conclusions: Electrical cardioversion is an effective and safe procedure regardless of patient age. Sedation with propofol administered by cardiologists was safe. Adverse events were not considered serious or reversible.
Representation in the Leadership Demographics of the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication From 2010 to 2022
Authors: Moody-Ramirez Mia , Subervi Federico , Oshagan Hayg , Guajardo Emily
Published: January 2024

Academic associations play a vital role in the development of academic fields and their respective educational institutions. Using Critical Race Theory, this article reviews the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication’s (AEJMC) ethnic/racial and gender diversity, DEI research, and leadership demographics to provide context for our analysis of the organization’s ethnic/racial and gender leadership between 2010 and 2022. Findings indicate AEJMC has made strides in its recruitment and retention of women and Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) faculty. White females and Asian males are well represented in the organization’s highest leadership positions, and in the Council of Divisions. However, Hispanics and Native Americans continue to be underrepresented in top leadership positions. Study findings, proposed solutions, and best practices aim to help AEJMC and its members make a difference in addressing shortcomings related to DEI research, retention, and leadership cultivation.
Promoting Self-Care in Palliative Care: Through the Wisdom of My Grandmother
Authors: Stilos Kalli
Published: January 2024

In the post COVID-19 pandemic period, targeted efforts are needed more than ever to improve frontline nurses’ well-being. In the field of palliative care, there is recognition of the importance of self-care, but the concept itself remains nebulous, and proactive implementation of self-care is lacking. Reflective writing has been noted to have positive impacts on health care providers’ well-being. This piece brings to light the author's interest and work in reflective writing, sharing a personal account that provides a source of happiness and an opportunity to better understand her palliative care practice. Beyond the individual level, organizations are also encouraged to invest in their nurses’ overall well-being.
Common Peroneal Nerve Injury Caused by a Wild Boar Attack
Authors: Köroğlu Muhammed , Özdeş Hüseyin Utku , Acet Ömer , Sarıbas Tahsin , Ergen Emre , Karakaplan Mustafa , Aslantürk Okan
Published: January 2024

Wild boar–inflicted nerve injuries have been very rarely reported in the literature. A 62-year-old man was attacked by a wild boar in eastern Turkey and brought to the emergency department. He had 5 lacerations on the lower extremities and 2 on the posterior thoracic region. In addition to soft tissue lacerations, he sustained a complete laceration of the left common peroneal nerve with a foot drop. The common peroneal nerve was repaired primarily the day after the attack. The patient was discharged after a short hospital stay without any immediate complications; however, at the 10-mo follow-up, he still had a left foot drop.
Intimate Partner Homicide Prevention Among Latinas: A Qualitative Study of Risk and Protective Factors
Authors: Macias R. Lillianne , Garza Alondra D. , Grajo Krista , Nava Nancy , Guzman-Jimenez Thaily , Guadalupe-Díaz Xavier L.
Published: January 2024

The current study explored perceptions of homicide risk and protective factors among Latina survivors of gender-based violence and culturally specific practitioners, including indigenous and transgender survivors. Themes resulting from a grounded theory analysis include histories of violence and homicide threats, power and social connections, difficulty disclosing threats to safety, fear and conviction, and separating/leaving partners. Listening sessions with transgender and indigenous Latina survivors uniquely emphasized experiences of structural discrimination. Narratives also shed light on community strengths that can inform intimate partner homicide prevention, including the role of kinship in culturally specific programing.
Utilization of an Endobronchial Blocker Through a Double-Lumen Tube as Rescue for Inadequate One-Lung Ventilation
Authors: Tang Jonathan E. , Roessner Colton T , Stocum Robert D , Stein Erica J , Essandoh Michael K. , D’Souza Desmond M.
Published: January 2024

Failure to provide one-lung ventilation can prohibit minimally invasive thoracic surgeries. Strategies for one-lung ventilation include double-lumen endotracheal tubes or endobronchial blockers, but rarely both. Inability to provide lung isolation after double-lumen endotracheal tube placement requires troubleshooting and sometimes the use of extra equipment. This case describes using a unique Y-shaped endobronchial blocker placed through a left-sided double-lumen endotracheal tube after failure to achieve lung isolation with a double-lumen endotracheal tube alone.
Nephrotic Syndrome in a Child With NPHS2 Mutation
Authors: Tollaksen Ross , Craver Randall D. , Yosypiv Ihor V.
Published: January 2024

Steroid resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS) accounts for 30% of all cases of nephrotic syndrome (NS) in children and frequently leads to end stage kidney disease (ESKD). About 30% of children with SRNS demonstrate causative mutations in podocyte- associated genes. Early identification of genetic forms of SRNS is critical to avoid potentially harmful immunosuppressive therapy. A 2-year-old male patient with NS and no family history of renal disease did not respond to 4-week steroid treatment. Kidney biopsy demonstrated mesangial proliferative glomerulopathy with basement membrane dysmorphism. Tacrolimus and Lisinopril were added to therapy pending results of genetic testing. Kidney Gene panel showed a NPHS2 c.413G>A (p.Arg138Gln) homozygous pathogenic variant. This missense variant is considered a common pathogenic founder mutation in European populations. A diagnosis of autosomal-recessive form of nonsyndromic SRNS due to NPHS2 causative variant was made. Immunosuppresive therapy was stopped, Lizinopril dose was increased and weekly infusions of Albumin/furosemide were initiated to manage edema. This case demonstrates that early genetic testing in children with SRNS avoids prolonged potentially harmful immunosuppressive therapy, allows for timely genetic family counseling, and allows earlier consideration for future living related donor kidney transplantation.
Evaluation of retinal and choroidal vascular structures in patients with anxiety disorder
Authors: Acan Durgul , Baykan Hayriye , Karahan Eyyup
Published: January 2024

Purpose

To evaluate the retinal and choroidal vascular structures in patients with anxiety disorders.

Methods

Thirthy-four eyes of 34 patients who were diagnosed with any anxiety disorders were compared with 32 eyes of 32 age- and sex-matched controls. Central macular thickness (CMT), foveal vascular zone (FAZ) area, total retinal vascular densities of superficial and deep capillary plexus (VDSCP, VDDCP), outer retinal and choriocapillary layers (ORL, CCL) blood flow rates, central subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) and choriodal vascularity index (CVI) were evaluated with optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A) and enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography (EDI-OCT).

Results

No statistical differences were found between the study and control groups in terms of CMT, FAZ area, VDSCP, VDDCP, ORL and CCL blood flow rates. The mean SFCT was 346.26 ± 64.26 µm in patients with anxiety disorder and was found to be statistically significantly thicker than the control group (319.56 ± 37.19 µm) ( p = 0.042). Besides, CVI was significantly lower in the study group (71.09 ± 2.64 vs 73.13 ± 3.31, p = 0.008).

Conclusion

In people with anxiety disorders, the SFCT was found to be thicker and CVI was found to be lower than normal subjects. Although anxiety and stress are important factors in central serous chorioretinopathy, multifactorial factors, including ocular factors, play a role in the pathophysiology of the disease. There is a need for prospective studies with larger series on the subject.
Noninvasive screening of ocular surface disease in otherwise healthy patients scheduled for cataract surgery
Authors: Giannaccare Giuseppe , Borselli Massimiliano , Rossi Costanza , Carnovale Scalzo Giovanna , Pellegrini Marco , Vaccaro Sabrina , Scalia Giovanni , Lionetti Giovanna , Mancini Alessandra , Bianchi Pietro , Scorcia Vincenzo
Published: January 2024

Purpose

To evaluate prevalence and characteristics of pathological ocular surface findings in healthy patients undergoing cataract surgery using a noninvasive ocular surface workup and a validated questionnaire.

Design

Prospective single-centre study (sub-analysis clinical trial no. NCT05754437).

Methods

Healthy patients undergoing senile cataract surgery were screened preoperatively by Oculus Keratograph (K5 M; Oculus GmbH, Wetzlar, Germany) for the evaluation of tear meniscus height (TMH), non-invasive keratograph break-up time (NIKBUT), and meibomian gland dropout. Ocular discomfort symptoms were scored by ocular surface disease index (OSDI) questionnaire.

Results

120 eyes of 120 patients (62 females, 58 males; mean age 73.85 years, range 47–91 years) were included. All patients had at least 1 abnormal finding, while 19 (15.8%; 95% CI [0.09–0.22]) had alterations of all parameters. In detail, 39 patients (32.5%; 95% CI [0.24–0.41]) had pathological TMH (mean 0,15 mm [0.03 SD]), 102 (85%; 95% CI [0.79–0.91]) had pathological NIKBUT (mean 3.64 s [2.63 SD]), 117 (97.5%; 95% CI [0.95–1]) had some degree of gland dropout (mean 1.62 [0.70 SD]), 78 patients (65%; 95% CI [0.56–0.74]) had pathological OSDI scores (mean 28.63 [15.08 SD]). Using TFOS DEWS II criteria, 66 patients (55%; 95% CI [0.42–0.60]) resulted affected by dry eye.

Conclusions

This quick noninvasive screening documented the high prevalence of pathological ocular surface parameters in patients without risk factors or previous diagnosis of dry eye who are scheduled for cataract surgery.
Multicolour® imaging findings in residual emulsified silicone oil bubbles
Authors: Venkatesh Ramesh , Joshi Aishwarya , Choudhary Ayushi , Choubey Kritya , Prabhu Vishma , Bavaskar Snehal , Chhablani Jay
Published: January 2024

Purpose

To describe the findings of Multicolour® imaging (MCI) in the presence of residual emulsified silicone oil (SiO) droplets.

Case report

A 62-year-old man had previously undergone surgery for a traumatic retinal detachment in the left eye, followed by SiO removal a few years ago. His presenting visual acuity was 6/60 in the left eye and intraocular pressure was 12 mm Hg. Clinical examination revealed the presence of emulsified residual SiO droplets in the vitreous cavity, ‘inverse hyperoleon’ at the posterior pole and pathological myopia. Retinal findings were documented using optical coherence tomography (OCT), fundus autofluorescence (FAF), and MCI on the Spectralis (Heidelberg, Germany) machine.

Results

On OCT, the emulsified SiO droplets in the preretinal and intraretinal layers appeared as multiple hyperreflective dots with no underlying shadowing trapped beneath the residual posterior hyaloid or preretinal membrane in the region of the posterior staphyloma. Residual emulsified silicon oil on the retinal surface appeared to have greenish hue on the composite multicolour image and was hyperreflective on individual blue and green reflectance images and dark and hyporeflective on the infrared reflectance image. The SiO droplets appeared dark and were difficult to identify on the short wavelength FAF image.

Conclusion

To the best of our knowledge, this case report describes the MCI findings in emulsified SiO droplets for the first time.
Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery versus conventional phacoemulsification: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Pichardo-Loera Nicole Stephanie , Corredor-Ortega Claudia , Castro-Monreal Miguel Angel , Massaro-Corredor Martha Gabriela , Pérez-Vázquez José Francisco , Gonzalez-Salinas Roberto
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The main purpose of our study is to compare the adverse events occurrence, complications, and postoperative outcomes of Femtosecond Laser-Assisted Cataract Surgery (FLACS) versus conventional phacoemulsification surgery (CPS) in adult patients undergoing cataract surgery.

Methods

We conducted our research using PubMed, Scopus, and MEDLINE through EBSCOhost from 2012 to July 2022 with English and Spanish language restriction, including only Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs). The PRISMA guidelines were observed for data abstraction, including a random-effects model for each outcome.

Results

We analyzed 4844 eyes from 23 RCTs with some low risk of bias according to RoB 2 tool. We found statistically significant differences between the FLACS and CPS groups for the mean absolute error (MD = −0.12, 95% CI:−0.22–[−0.02], p = 0.01), the circularity of capsulorhexis (MD = 0.04, 95% CI: 0.04–0.05, p ≤ 0.00001), IOL centration ( D = −0.07, 95% CI:−0.09–[−0.05], p ≤ 0.00001), CDE count (MD = −1.75, 95% CI: −2.75-[−0.74], p = 0.0006), mean phacoemulsification time (MD = -12.90, 95% CI:−20.89-[−4.92], p = 0.002), EPT (MD = −0.93, 95% CI: −1.68-[−0.019], p = 0.01) and endothelial cell density loss ((MD = −0.6, 95% CI: −1-[−0.19], p = 0.004). Also, the safety analysis showed a lower incidence of posterior capsule tear (PCT) in the FLACS group (OR =0.29, 95% CI: 0.09–1, p = 0.05).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that FLACS might be helpful for patients with relatively dense cataracts and low preoperative endothelial cell values.
Non-Systemic Medication for the Treatment of Prurigo Nodularis: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ranpariya Manas , Zaino Mallory L. , McCampbell Lillian E. , Patel Tejesh , Feldman Steven R.
Published: January 2024

Prurigo nodularis (PN) is a skin disease characterized by firm, itchy, erythematous lesions. Treatment consists of systemic and non-systemic modes of therapy. Non-systemic forms of treatment are first-line and include topical corticosteroids, topical steroid-sparing agents, and phototherapy. The objective was to review the efficacy of non-systemic treatment used to treat PN. A systematic search was conducted in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and registered with PROSPERO (CRD42023412012). The search consisted of keywords and Medical Subject Heading (MeSH) terms and translated to Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, and Scopus. Google Scholar was also searched for the first 200 articles. Article quality of evidence was scored using GRADE criteria. The search yielded 1151 results; 37 met criteria for inclusion. There were 14 studies on phototherapy, and 11 studies on topical corticosteroids, most of which were also combined with topical antihistamines, antipruritics, and/or phototherapy. There were 2 studies each on topical antipruritics used in isolation, vitamin D analogues, and intralesional triamcinolone acetonide. There was 1 study each on topical pimecrolimus, tacrolimus, 2% dinitrochlorobenzene, cryotherapy, acupuncture, and the Paul Gerson Unna boot. Most were case reports and case series, although 2 randomized controlled trials on phototherapy and topical pimecrolimus were included. Corticosteroids had varying levels of positive response in patients and appeared more effective when used in combination or under occlusive dressing. Phototherapy is likely effective, but the risk of relapse is high. Cryotherapy may also be a lesion-directed agent to circumvent challenges to adherence and avoidance of systemic medication.
Effect of ferrofluid lubrication on tribological performance of metal tribopairs
Authors: Shah Kavit R , Shukla Atindra , Patel Nimeshchandra S , Katiyar Jitendra Kumar
Published: January 2024

This study has investigated the influence of ferrofluid lubrication on metal tribopairs using an indigenous Block-on-Ring tribometer as per the G77 standard. Considering the complexity of the ferrofluid-based tribosystem, the experiments were carried out based on a previously proposed level-based simplified tribosystem. It is observed that the impact of ferrofluid as an interaction parameter and magnetic field as an environmental parameter has significantly affected tribological properties, that is, ∼60% less friction and ∼74% less wear loss compared to an equivalent oil-based tribosystem. Further, it is noticed that ferritic shaft-based tribosystem lubricated with ferrofluid has better tribological characteristics compared to austenitic shaft-based tribosystem. Also, it had been that a specific testing hierarchy is followed between the performance parameters. Any changes in this testing hierarchy might affect the tribological characteristics.
A hospital-based asynchronous ENT telehealth service for children with otitis media: Cost-minimisation and improved access
Authors: Altamimi Ali AH , Brennan-Jones Christopher G , Robinson Monique , Kuthubutheen Jafri , Herbert Hayley , Tran Tu Trang , Veselinović Tamara , Edmunds Melinda , Oremulé Babatunde , Alenezi Eman MA , Richmond Peter C , Choi Robyn SM , Li Ian
Published: January 2024

Aim

The purpose of this study is to explore the effectiveness of a hospital-based asynchronous ear, nose, and throat (ENT) telehealth service (the Ear Portal) in reducing cost and improving access for children with otitis media.

Methods

Participants were recruited to the Ear Portal from a tertiary hospital ENT waiting list. Ear and hearing assessments were conducted during appointments by the Ear Portal research assistant, and data was stored for an asynchronous review by the Ear Portal multidisciplinary team. A cost-minimisation analysis was conducted for the Ear Portal and the standard care pathways. Waiting times to provide care for both pathways were calculated for children with semi-urgent (i.e. Category 2) and non-urgent (i.e. Category 3) referrals.

Results

The running cost for the Ear Portal was $67.70 for initial appointments and $37.34 for follow-up appointments. Conversely, the running cost for the standard care pathway was $154.65 for initial appointments and $86.10 for follow-up appointments. A total of 223 appointments were required to offset the initial Ear Portal investment of $19,384.00. The median waiting time for the Ear Portal from initial contact to care plan delivery was <30 days, whereas the median waiting times for children in the standard care pathway were 291 days (interquartile range (IQR) = 117) for Category 2 and 371 days (IQR = 311) for Category 3 referrals.

Conclusion

Under the current circumstances, the Ear Portal service can reduce costs for the health care system by reducing marginal costs per patient in addition to providing ENT specialist care within the clinically recommended timeframes.
Using theory from the Global South: From social cohesion and collective efficacy to ubuntu
Authors: Dixon Bill
Published: January 2024

Criminologists adopting a southern or decolonial perspective bemoan the failure to use theories from the Global South in making sense of crime and responses to it. This article takes the African philosophy and ethics of ubuntu and demonstrates how they might be used to ground a more relevant and effective approach to preventing urban violence in South Africa than northern ideas about social cohesion and collective efficacy current in dominant policy discourses. It argues that using indigenous bodies of knowledge like ubuntu can contribute not just to making good some of the damage done by colonial epistemicides but may also offer workable solutions to contemporary social problems in and beyond the Global South.
The moderating effect of multilingualism on the relationship between EFL learners’ grit, enjoyment, and literacy achievement
Authors: Calafato Raees
Published: January 2024

Aims and Objectives/Purpose/Research Questions:

The study investigated the relationship between the L2 grit, domain-general grit, foreign language enjoyment (FLE), multilingualism, and self-reported literacy achievement of students learning English as a foreign language (EFL) in public upper-secondary schools in Norway. Specifically, the study sought to identify predictors of students’ EFL reading and writing achievement and examine the moderating effect of multilingualism on the relationship between L2 grit, FLE, and such achievement.

Design/Methodology/Approach:

A quantitative research design was employed, and data were collected through an online questionnaire. Convenience sampling was used to recruit 181 upper-secondary school students learning EFL in southeastern Norway (one participant’s responses were discarded because they were incomplete).

Data and Analysis:

Paired and independent sample t-tests and moderated multiple regression were used to analyse the collected data.

Findings/Conclusions:

The study found that the perseverance component of L2 grit and daily language use (one of two aspects of multilingualism used in the study) positively predicted both reading and writing achievement (the consistency of interest component of L2 grit only positively predicted writing achievement). In addition, daily language use was found to negatively moderate the relationship between the perseverance component of L2 grit and reading and writing achievement, with the moderating effect dissipating as additional languages were used daily.

Originality:

The study is among the first to explore the interplay between grit and multilingualism in the Nordic region and examine the relationship between multilingualism, grit, FLE, and achievement globally.

Significance/Implications:

The study’s findings underscore the need for researchers to develop and use more comprehensive multidimensional measures of multilingualism when investigating its effects on language learning in formal contexts, design scales for grit that target specific language skills, and broaden grit-related research to cover the learning of multiple language and non-language subjects concurrently.
Microstructure homogenisation by adapting the melting behaviour of flux-cored wires in GMAW
Authors: Hoefer Kevin , Hensel Jonas
Published: January 2024

The composition of filling-alloyed flux-cored wires is achieved by adjusting the filling components without changing the wire material. A disadvantage of this type is, that due to the high alloy concentrations in the filling, microscale segregation can occur in the melt pool. The ‘theory-of-two-melts’ is cited in the literature as the reason for this. This theory states that, due to the typical separate melting behaviour of filling-alloyed flux-cored wire, there are droplets of different compositions (melt A and melt B) which do not homogenise in the melt pool and cause these microscale segregations. To test this theory, the melting behaviour of filling-alloyed flux-cored wires and the homogeneity of the individual droplets were investigated in this work by using the indicator material P92 (9% chromium steel). For this purpose, the liquid melting droplets were separated and then analysed metallographically via optical microscope and chemically using energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Based on this, the melting behaviour was then optimised by adjusting the wire temperature. For this purpose, two different methods (conductive heating before and after current contact nozzle – CCN) for wire preheating were analysed. On the one hand, the results show no deviations in the chemical composition between the individual drops. On the other hand, chromium-rich micro segregations could already be detected directly in the droplets. The ‘two-melt’ theory as the cause of the microscale inhomogeneities can therefore not be confirmed. However, it was shown that an increase in the wire temperature, regardless of the preheating system, leads to a reduction of the chromium-rich inhomogeneities in the droplets by up to 95%. This effect was strongest in the presence of a melting behaviour similar to solid wire, which could be realised by increasing the contact tip working distance to 70 mm.
Arc-welded armour steel: A tailored and comparative study of its microstructure and mechanical properties
Authors: Sathish Kumar K , Arivazhagan N
Published: January 2024

The present research aims to investigate and analyse the metallurgical features, including macrostructure, microstructure, scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and electron backscatter diffraction. In addition, the mechanical properties of the arc welding specimens, encompassing hardness, tensile properties, and impact toughness at room temperature, were determined. The specimens were joined utilising various welding techniques, including gas tungsten arc welding, gas metal arc welding, shielded metal arc welding, and flux-cored arc welding. According to macrography, the weldments have no porosity, inclusions, or penetration. This confirms the optimal weldment fabrication process parameters. An optical microstructure analysis was conducted on various zones of the weldments. The weld fusion zone's microstructure reveals delta (δ) ferrite within the austenite matrix. A two-phase microstructure of bainite and untempered martensite is observed in the heat-affected zone. Scanning electron microscopy images at higher magnification reveal austenite and partially δ-ferrite phases. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis showed higher chromium, nickel, manganese, silicon, and molybdenum concentrations on the grain boundary than in the matrix. According to electron backscatter diffraction, the average weld zone grain sizes for gas tungsten arc welding, gas metal arc welding, shielded metal arc welding, and flux-cored arc welding are 21.4, 35.8, 25.8, and 34.3 µm, respectively. In the heat-affected zone, the grain size decreased significantly. The welding region has lower mechanical properties than the heat-affected zone. All specimens produced using different welding processes had no cracking in the weld metal, including the fusion zone and border.
The Contemporary Afterlives of Serial Drama: Considering New Audience Readings of “Old” Television
Authors: Beare Alexander Hudson
Published: January 2024

In recent years several older, serialized TV dramas have experienced surges in popularity among young viewers. The 2020-21 online resurgence of The Sopranos (1999–2007) is perhaps the most compelling example of this. Using the data from a series of semi-structured interviews conducted with fans who watched the show for the first time in 2020-21, this study considers what draws audiences to “old shows” and how they adapt them to contemporary contexts of interpretation. I argue that there are specific considerations that we need to make when investigating contemporary audience receptions of old television. Ultimately, The Sopranos resurgence highlights a new type of “afterlife” for serial drama. Using Miller’s work on retextuality I conclude that it is important that we understand the resurgent versions of these TV shows as the new texts they are. They perform impactful types of cultural work, distinct from their original run.
(Un)Settled Monument: Tehran’s Shahyad Square in the Revolutionary Crucible
Authors: Soltani Zohreh
Published: January 2024

The Shahyad monument, which has served as a symbol of Tehran—and by extension of modern Iran—since its inauguration in 1971, stands at the center of a huge open space that has been successively appropriated by Pahlavis, revolutionaries, and the Islamic Republic and has been persistently mediated and remediated in its relatively short life. This contested urban monument embodies the complex story of a space in which multiple sets of illusions—a Pahlavi fantasy as well as a revolutionary dream—are undone. In this paper, the space’s story is traced through varied types of media and archival material, including plans and architectural drawings, official reports and correspondences, and especially through journalistic photographs of the Square in 1979 and its representation in various media afterward. I examine shifts in this specific space at particular and historically grounded conjunctures, honing in not just on the site’s meta-narratives and its grand spectacular events, but also on the decentralized and ignored narratives and histories, demonstrating how they have reworked the meaning of this monumental space, turning it into a stage for contrarian politics. Focusing on the monument during the 1978-79 Revolution, I argue that the transformations in the meaning and perception of the site at that particular moment are indeed forces of a fundamental remaking, in that they open up the monumental site to further appropriations, as we are currently witnessing.
Assessing Impact Amongst Chaplains in a University Setting: Phase One of an Action Research Project
Authors: Stephens Christopher W. B. , Miller Sue
Published: January 2024

This article reports findings from an action research project in which a university chaplaincy team explored the desirability and viability of assessing their impact. It uncovers a complexity in chaplains’ understandings about their role and – chief amongst their fears – belief that quantitative measures can be harmful to pastoral and spiritual work. It also reveals a sense of institutional accountability and a desire to engage with processes for determining and articulating chaplaincy's value
A controller design method based on the integration of structure search and parameter optimization
Authors: Yang Kan , Wang Zhaolei , Guo Pengpeng , Li Qing
Published: January 2024

For the controller structure design problem, a controller design method based on the integration of structure search and parameter optimization is proposed with the idea of ENAS, which automates the controller structure design work, and searches for the most suitable controller structure and completes the parameter optimization in a relatively short time. The simulation study with the galvano scanner as the controlled plant shows that the number of iterations and the consumption time of the method are only 15% of the traditional method in achieving the same performance compared with the traditional design method.