bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A study on die-sinking electrical discharge machining behaviour of friction stir processed AA5052/WS2 surface composite
Authors: Vignesh Kumar S. , Dhandapani N. V.
Published: May 2024

In the present work, AA5052 alloy is reinforced with 6 vol.% of WS2 particles through friction stir process. Then, electrical discharge machining process is carried out on AA5052 alloy and friction stir processed AA5052/WS2 surface composite. The gap voltage, pulse current and pulse on time are selected as input process factors at three different levels. The material removal rate, tool wear rate and surface roughness have opted as output responses and experiments are conducted as per L27 orthogonal array. The electrical discharge machining results of AA5052 alloy revealed that the combined impact of pulse current and pulse on time exists at all gap voltages and affects significantly material removal rate compared to tool wear rate and surface roughness. The electrical discharge machining results of AA5052/WS2 surface composite revealed that the combined impact of pulse current and pulse on time is similar in material removal rate and surface roughness whereas, in tool wear rate, it is reversed. The TOPSIS technique-based optimal electrical discharge machining process factors for AA5052 alloy is Ton – 60 µs, Ip – 15 amps and Vg – 60 V and for friction stir processed AA5052/WS2 surface composite is Ton – 60 µs, Ip – 5 amps and Vg 60 V. The scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive X-ray analysis images of electrical discharge machining processed AA5052 alloy and AA5052/WS2 surface composite revealed the formation of larger and smaller craters, globules, recast layers, micro pits and cracks.
Investigation of curve minimum radius in heavy-haul railway to improve wheel wear evolution and wheel-rail contact geometry
Authors: Liu Pengfei , Hao Kai , Wang Chen , Wang Meiqi , Wang Ao , Xing Zida
Published: May 2024

To determine the minimum and reasonable radius of horizontal curve for reducing wheel wear in heavy-haul railway design, a HXD locomotive with the wheel arrangement of C0-C0 is taken as the research object. Both the corresponding locomotive dynamic model and wheel wear model are established. Based on the measured wear data in a specific line, the simulation model is verified with the prediction error of wheel wear depth below 0.5 mm in general. The wheel wear evolution rules in 400∼1000m radius curves are studied and compared. The results indicate that, the wheel wear is large and sensitive to curve radius within 400∼600 m. The larger radius curve will be helpful to reduce wheel flange contact and wheel wear. For curve radius increasing from 600m to 1000m, the wheel average wear reduces slowly. Especially for curve radius below around 740 m, the wheel flange wear will be predominant. For radius above 740m, the wheel tread wear becomes the main wear form and the wheel flange wear can be reduced significantly. The increase of curve radius will also improve the wheel-rail equivalent conicity. If the minimum curve radius is set as 800m, the equivalent conicity difference between new wheelset and 1st ∼ 3rd worn wheelset can be kept below 21%, 52% and 9% respectively. In this case, the equivalent conicity is closest to the initial state and reaches a steady state, which will not change significantly with the radius further increasing. Viewed from the aspects of reducing wheel wear, avoiding wheel flange contact and keeping conicity stable simultaneously, the minimum radius of horizontal curve should be limited to 800 m. The research results validate the minimum curve radius suggested in Code for Design of Heavy-haul Railway in China, and provide a scientific explanation for the determination of this value.
A novel, continuous high-resolution palaeoecological record from central Italy suggests comparable land-use dynamics in Southern and Central Europe during the Neolithic
Authors: Beffa Giorgia , Gobet Erika , Hächler Luc , Isola Ilaria , Morlock Marina A , Sadori Laura , Schläfli Patrick , Rey Fabian , van Vugt Lieveke , Vogel Hendrik , Zander Paul D , Zanchetta Giovanni , Grosjean Martin , Tinner Willy
Published: May 2024

Although rare, temporally and taxonomically highly-resolved palaeoecological studies with high chronological precision are essential to perform detailed comparisons with precisely dated independent evidence such as archaeological findings, historical events, or palaeoclimatic data. Using a new highly-resolved and chronologically precise sedimentary record from Lago di Mezzano (central Italy), we reconstruct decadal-scale vegetation, species diversity, and fire dynamics, aiming to better understand the linkages between climate, land use, fire, and plant communities from the Neolithic to the Copper Age (c. 5100–3100 cal. BC). Closed, mixed beech-oak forests, including evergreen Quercus ilex, dominated the landscape around Lago di Mezzano during the Neolithic and were disturbed by repeated opening phases, with important implications for lake biogeochemistry and mixing regimes. This was in conjunction with increasing fire activity to promote agro-pastoral practices, as inferred from increasing charcoal, Cerealia type, Triticum type, Hordeum type, Plantago lanceolata type, and Urtica pollen. Fires, on their turn, augmented species diversity (richness and evenness). The comparison of the Mediterranean record from Lago di Mezzano with available continuous and high-precision submediterranean and cool-temperate palynological sequences suggests comparable land use pulses across Southern and Central European regions, most likely in connection with climate change. The outcomes of this study are not only of palaeoecological and archaeological interest; they may also help to improve projections of ecosystem dynamics under future global change.
Firms for Sustainable Manufacturing: Understanding the Key Determinants of Pro-environmental Behaviour
Authors: Pyo Sangjae , Chung Seung Gun , Ma Hyoung Ryul , Oh Dong Hoon
Published: May 2024

This study examines the factors that influence pro-environmental behaviour intention (PEBI) in manufacturing small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The data were collected from 517 executives and chief technology officers of Korean SMEs and analysed using a comprehensive research model. The model includes variables such as awareness of consequences (ACs), ascription of responsibility (AR), personal norms (PNs), extrinsic motivation (EM), subjective norms (SNs) and realistic values (RVs). The results show significant relationships between these factors and PEBI. In particular, ACs and AR have positive effects on PNs, with AR having a stronger effect. PNs are the most important predictor of PEBI. EM has a positive impact on behaviour intention, while SNs do not have a significant impact. Interestingly, RVs have a negative impact. These findings have practical implications for encouraging pro-environmental behaviour in manufacturing SMEs. Policymakers and business planners should focus on increasing awareness of environmental consequences and individual responsibility to reinforce PNs. Moreover, offering extrinsic rewards and benefits can motivate pro-environmental behaviour in these firms. Understanding these factors can help design targeted strategies for promoting sustainability practices within manufacturing SMEs. By addressing these aspects, businesses can contribute to environmental innovation and sustainable development.
Quality of Life in Caregivers of Alcohol Use Disorder Patients: Role of Family Functioning  and Social Support
Authors: Kalra Hunny , Tung Suninder
Published: May 2024

Background: Caring for alcohol use disorder (AUD) patients poses significant challenges, impacting caregivers’ quality of life (QOL) across all the dimensions. Following Lazarus and Folkman’s Transactional Model of Stress and Coping, family functioning (FF) and social support (SS) are crucial coping resources.

Purpose: This study aims to explore how FF and SS relate to QOL in caregivers of individuals with AUD, recognising their pivotal role in navigating diverse caregiving-related stressors.

Methods: A sample of 128 primary caregivers for AUD patients was collected from two psychiatric hospitals in Amritsar, Punjab. Data were collected using assessment tools, such as the World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief Version (WHOQOL–BREF), Family Assessment Device and PGI Social Support Questionnaire, and were analysed through the Pearson product moment correlation and multiple regression analysis.

Results: FF ( r = –0.603) and SS ( r = 0.641) exhibited significant correlations with caregivers’ QOL. Multiple regression analysis confirmed that both FF (β = –0.345) and SS (β = 0.436) significantly predicted QOL among caregivers. Approximately 49% of the variance in QOL was explained by the linear combination of SS and FF.

Conclusion: Developing tailored programs is essential to enhance caregivers’ physical, mental, social and environmental well-being. Healthcare professionals should recognise the intricate connections among these dimensions, crafting holistic approaches to nurture a supportive caregiving environment.
Demystifying the Effect of Social Media Advertising on Purchase Intention of Millennials: Role of eWOM and Privacy Concerns
Authors: Garima  , Sheokand Karamvir
Published: May 2024

The substantial impact of businesses’ strong online presence on consumers’ spending habits, especially among decision-makers, cannot be overstated. One of the forms of online product reviews is electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM), and it has a significant impact on consumers’ attitude towards a product as well as their intentions to purchase. This article aims to provide a conceptual framework that assesses how eWOM and privacy issues affect Indian millennials’ attitude towards social media advertising and the subsequent effect of attitude on purchase intention. The data were gathered through non-probability sampling from 340 social network users utilising an online questionnaire through Google Forms. The adapted scales were validated using confirmatory factor analysis, followed by path analysis using SPSS AMOS 26.0 to examine numerous hypotheses that had been formulated. The results revealed significant relationships that are helpful in recognising the attitude and purchase intention of Indian millennials regarding social media advertisements. The study can be helpful to brand managers, marketing executives, and advertisers in generating social media commercials by incorporating key elements that can positively mould attitudes and further develop purchase intention.
Fear of Expansion and Domination: Toxic and Ethnic Frames Amidst Call to #SayNoToRUGA on Nigerian Twittersphere
Authors: Ajetunmobi Umar Olansile , Oseni Akinkunmi Ibrahim , Onifade Abdurrahman Bello , Adegboyega Teslim Abiodun
Published: May 2024

Nigerians have, over the years, lived with mutual distrust, often escalated by ethnoreligious sentiments and sectional profiling. Government policies, for example, are at times seen through the lens of the ethnic background or sectional affiliation of the president at any given time. This study examined the kinds of frames Nigerian X (formerly Twitter) users adopted during the #SayNoToRUGA movement on X. It also investigated how the digital movement predicted the polarisation of Nigerians across ethnic and sectional divides. Through a summative content analysis of 145 purposively selected tweets of #SayNoToRUGA and propositions of framing theory, the study found four dominant frames: toxic discourse, ethnic profiling, call to social action and misinformation. Findings also revealed that toxic discourse comprised more abusive tweets alongside tweets that unjustifiably accused the Fulani tribe and constructed identities for it and its people. Fear of domination and expansion of the tribe also fuelled the level of toxic discourse on #SayNoToRUGA. The findings also predicted a significant polarisation of Nigerian X users on the digital movement across ethnic and sectional divides. Therefore, it recommends that relevant government agencies [e.g., National Orientation Agency (NOA), communication and culture ministry] host regular cultural and ethnoreligious literacy skills on X Spaces. Through Spaces, they can also consult Nigerians, with each region making its inputs on sensitive national policies such as Rural Grazing Area (RUGA).
Rule of Informal Institutions in Democracy: Implications for Regional Disparity in an Indian State
Authors: Gual Laxmikanta , Das Amarendra
Published: May 2024

This article attempts to understand and theorize the issue of persistent regional disparity within democratic structures using an institutional perspective. Institutional economists widely acknowledge the role of democratic institutions in improving redistribution and reducing inequalities. However, persistent regional disparity within democratic nations has become a cause of concern for both developed and developing nations. There is hardly any study that either attempts to develop a separate institutional framework to explain regional variation or to examine the applicability of these frameworks in the regional context. Our article is an attempt to fill this gap. In this article, we have taken the case of Odisha, a low-income state within the largest democracy in the world, India, and tried to theorize its wide and persistent regional disparities. The novelty of this article is conceptualizing the interactions between formal and informal institutions and drawing implications of their interactions for regional disparity and economic growth.
Precarity in sport coaching: Exploring the working conditions of Canadian university sports coaches
Authors: Krahn Alixandra Nastassia
Published: May 2024

Although the study of sport coaching as the body of knowledge and praxis is well established, very few studies have unpacked sport coaching through a sociological work and/or labour lens. Drawing on the findings from a larger institutional ethnographic study exploring gender, work, and professionalization in sport coaching within the Canadian university sport system, this article highlights the ways in which the Canadian university sport coaching environment constructs and normalizes overwork, such that sport coaches often experience worker precarity. Given the emphasis within the university sport environment on performance, and/or the need for sport coaches to win in order to keep their jobs, this article highlights how coaches have internalized their constant work efforts as ‘just part of the job’. Key findings demonstrate the deleterious effects of nonstop work on sport coaches both within and outside of their working environments. This article concludes by emphasizing how in the contemporary political-economic context of Canadian university sport, where meritocracy is a powerful and prominent player and where winning matters most, sport coaches are often always overworked and undersupported.
Groundwater Practices and Vulnerability at a Pocket of the Northwest Region of Bangladesh: A Study Based on Social and Hydrogeological Factors
Authors: Islam Md. Tarikul , Barua Arnob , Rahman S. M. Mahbur , Chinnasamy Pennan
Published: May 2024

The combined effects of climate change and anthropogenic factors are causing the depletion of the groundwater level in the Northwest region of Bangladesh, leading to the rise of socio-economic stress among the rural marginalised communities. This research aims to assess the current water practices by identifying the changes in water supply sources and associated socio-economic stress to rural marginalised communities. Both social and hydrogeological factors have been taken into consideration for vulnerability assessment. The social factors are (a) percentage of indigenous households, (b) percentage of poor households, (c) percentage using unhygienic water sources and (d) percentage of households having water scarcity. On the other hand, the hydrogeological factors are (a) depth of topsoil, (b) elevation, (c) stream density, (d) slope of the elevation, (e) land use and (f) soil. The geospatial-based weighted linear combination technique combines all the social and hydrogeological factors. The resultant areas are characterised by five categories: very low to very high vulnerability. According to social and hydrogeological factors, Sapahar, Tilna, Dibar, Sihara and Nirmail unions are in the most vulnerable zone.
Knowledge and attitudes towards eating disorders: A survey of psychiatrists and psychiatry trainees in New South Wales
Authors: Jing Elsie , Gregertsen Eva , Chen Leo , Russell Janice
Published: May 2024

Objective

To evaluate New South Wales (NSW) psychiatrists’ and psychiatry trainees’ knowledge and attitudes towards eating disorders (EDs).

Method

A total of 1781 psychiatrists and trainees in NSW were invited to complete an anonymous questionnaire assessing ED confidence, knowledge and attitudes.

Results

A total of 51 doctors responded to the survey, with 38 completing all items. Significant knowledge gaps were revealed. Respondents expressed a desire for more ED training.

Conclusion

Enhanced ED training in psychiatry education and incorporating the lived experience voice to improve attitudes appear necessary.
Evaluating a Multimodal Intervention for Hong Kong's Older Informal and Precarious Workers
Authors: Kwan Crystal , Wong Arnold Y.L. , Tam Ho Chung , Ngai Edward K.N. , Lam Wing Tung , Tang Wing Him , Chun Lui Ka , Cheng Debby Y.Y.
Published: May 2024

Purpose: This article evaluates the Pickers’ Link, a Hong Kong initiative enhancing older waste pickers’ bio-psycho-social well-being, addressing research and practice gaps for precarious workers. Methods: The study employed a mixed-methods approach, using qualitative analysis to assess program influences in 30 participants, and quantitative measures to evaluate changes in pain, cognition, and physical performance in 28 participants pre- and post-treatment. Results: The program's influence and mechanisms were captured in themes spanning social and digital engagement, health and mobility benefits, crucial outreach engagement and personalized support. The quantitative analysis revealed pain reduction and cognitive enhancements post-treatment, while improvements in grip strength and physical function did not meet clinical significance thresholds. Discussion: Practice for older informal and precarious workers should prioritize outreach, bio-psycho-social health, diverse interactions, and flexible programming. This study presents an innovative approach to evaluating community initiatives and underscores the value of interdisciplinary efforts in social work practice and research.
Decentralized Online Order Fulfillment in Omni-Channel Retailers
Authors: Baron Opher , Cire Andre A , Savaser Sinem K
Published: May 2024

We consider an order fulfillment problem of an omni-channel retailer that ships online orders from its distribution center (DC) and brick-and-mortar stores. Stores use their local information, not observed by the retailer, that can lead them to accept or reject fulfillment requests of items in an online order. We investigate the problem of sequencing requests to stores and inventory rationing decisions at the DC to minimize expected costs under uncertain store acceptance behavior and when items are indistinguishable in terms of shipping. First, under the scenario that stores are used only when the DC has insufficient inventory, we propose a Markov Decision Process formulation and analyze the performance of myopic policies that are preferable because of their interpretability. We show that the performance rate of a myopic approach that orders stores by cost only depends on the number of items in an order, which is small in practice. We also determine conditions for the range of acceptance probabilities for the myopic policy to be optimal for small-sized orders. Using optimality conditions for a special case of the problem, we develop an adaptive variant of the myopic policy, and propose a new degree-based strategy that balances shipping costs and acceptance probabilities. Numerical testing suggests that the best-performing sequencing policy is within 1% of optimality on average. Moreover, using two years of data from a large omni-channel retailer in North America, we observe that adaptive policies, albeit more complex, are beneficial in reducing costs and split deliveries if acceptance rates can be estimated accurately. Second, we determine when the retailer should ship from stores or ration the inventory at the DC. We show that for single-item orders, the optimal policy has a threshold structure, where, remarkably, the highest priority region is also subject to rationing. We then consider the novel multi-unit-single-item rationing problem, and leverage the structure of the single-unit model to develop a heuristic. We numerically establish the efficacy of rationing models and our heuristic.
Reported Impact of COVID-19 Workload and Stressors on School Nurses’ Provision of Care During the 2021–2022 School Year: A Secondary Analysis of U.S. School Nurse Survey Data
Authors: Merkle Sarah L. , Ingels Justin , Jung Daniel , Welton Michael , Tanner Andrea , Buchanan Sharunda , Lee Sarah
Published: May 2024

Many school nurses experienced increased work burden and stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. This analysis examined data from a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cross-sectional, nationwide survey of school nurses in March 2022 to examine associations between school nurses’ ability to conduct their core responsibilities and selected nurse and school factors among school nurses during the 2021–2022 school year and COVID-19 pandemic. Perceived adequate staffing and financial compensation reduced the odds of reported difficulties across all core school nursing tasks. Nurses without a registered nurse license and with higher caseloads were more likely to report difficulty in implementing specific tasks. The impact of these factors varied, with inadequate financial compensation having the largest association with school nurses’ difficulty implementing all the core responsibilities. The study results improve our understanding of school nurses’ challenges in implementing core school nursing responsibilities during the COVID-19 pandemic in the 2021–2022 school year.
Examining the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Elementary Students’ Internalizing and Externalizing Behaviors in Schools Implementing Tiered Systems
Authors: Lane Kathleen Lynne , Buckman Mark Matthew , Oakes Wendy Peia , Fleming Kandace , Lane Nathan Allen , Lane Pelton Katie Scarlett , Swinburne Romine Rebecca Esther , Sherod Rebecca , Allen Grant Edmund
Published: May 2024

There is an urgent need to aid in what will be an ongoing educational recovery in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. One avenue for supporting students with and at-risk for emotional and behavioral disorders (e.g., internalizing and externalizing behaviors) is implementation of tiered systems, which emphasize evidence-based practices to prevent and respond to academic, behavioral, and social and emotional well-being needs. We conducted this study to quantify cross-sectional differences between the academic years before (prepandemic: 2018–2019 and 2019–2020) and immediately following the pandemic onset (after-pandemic onset: 2021–2022) in students’ levels of internalizing and externalizing behaviors and referrals for special education eligibility determination. We analyzed data from the Student Risk Screening Scale for Internalizing and Externalizing (SRSS-IE) and district-provided special education data from 22 U.S. elementary schools collected as part of regular practices. Schools were from two midwestern districts implementing an integrated tiered system of support—the Comprehensive, Integrated, Three-tiered (Ci3T) model of prevention—district-wide. Results indicated some statistically significant but very small-magnitude differences in internalizing and externalizing behaviors relative to the pandemic with few exceptions (e.g., fall externalizing scores slightly lower in fall after the pandemic onset). Effect sizes suggested students with disabilities and students of color were very similar and did not indicate differential pandemic impact. We discussed limitations, which centered primarily on issues of generalizability, and encouraged other researchers to examine shifts in student performance in other locales, in schools not yet implementing tiered systems, and in subsequent years following the pandemic onset.
The Function of Rape Myths in the Battle Over Parental Rights
Authors: Bode Liane , McGill Craig M. , Newland Lisa A.
Published: May 2024

Rape myths—deeply ingrained in societal consciousness—uphold existing cultural arrangements. They put less blame on the rapist, more blame on the survivor, and decrease the likelihood that a rape is identified as such. This case study explored a woman who conceived a child through rape during high school. The survivor fought a custody battle with the rapist who demanded paternal rights, raised the child, and advocated for increasing the legal protections of children conceived through rape. Through an analysis drawing upon many forms of data, we identified legal and media statements that minimized rape, protected the rapist, or blamed the victim. The analysis revealed five rape myths: a woman's sexual history casts doubt on whether she is raped; the rapist may have made a mistake and been unfairly punished; the victim could lie about rape to prevent the rapist from having access to his child; rape is not a violent crime; and the rapist is a father. These myths were propagated even among people who intended to help the survivor cope with the trauma of rape and the retraumatizing effect of the custody battle with the rapist over her child. These disturbing findings suggest implications for counseling, media, law enforcement, and the legal system writ large.
On the nonlinear energy interactions in vibro-impacting cantilever
Authors: Vyas Vishal
Published: May 2024

The nonlinear energy interactions are an intriguing aspect of nonlinear oscillators, such as vibro-impacting cantilevers (VICs). Despite extensive research, the domain of energy interactions in nonlinear oscillators still requires further exploration. The motivation arises from the complex and captivating dynamics as well as the vast array of potential applications. This paper presents a comprehensive investigation of various energy interaction mechanisms within the resonance realms of the first and second mode resonance frequencies of harmonically base-excited VICs. These energy interactions are of paramount importance as they give rise to the captivating response of the VIC, characterized by multi- and quasi-periodicity, energy amplification, combination resonances, amplitude modulation, and other intriguing features. This paper introduces the phenomenon termed “Harmonic Resonance Energy Stimulation (HRES)” and extensively investigates its role in generating the secondary jump in the frequency response. Moreover, the present study discovers and reports the non-resonant energy interactions and resulting modulating, quasi-periodic response in the VIC. Various illustrative plots obtained from the theoretical investigation, relying on the mathematical model, have been utilized to facilitate a comprehensive investigation. The results hold immense significance as they contribute valuable knowledge to the nonlinear dynamics of VIC, which is of great importance in research advancements and practical applications.
Association between plasma imatinib levels and response to treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia in patients from Manaus, Brazil
Authors: Henriques Maíra Araújo , Júnior Frank do Carmo Guedes , Karube Lílian Minako , de Abreu Rosângela Santos , Neto José Pereira de Moura , Magalhães Igor Rafael dos Santos
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Imatinib mesylate (IM) is the drug of choice for the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). However, despite most of the results obtained with this therapy being positive, some patients still present a suboptimal therapeutic response or still develop some type of resistance. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate IM plasma levels in CML patients treated at a referral unit in Manaus and correlate them with variables that might interfere with these levels.

Methods

Data from 52 patients were obtained through a standardized questionnaire containing clinical, sociodemographic, lifestyle, and use of other medication information, as well as an estimate of therapeutic adherence. Additionally, blood collection was performed to measure the plasma concentration of the drug using the HPLC-UV technique. Molecular studies were done to identify the presence of polymorphism in the ABCG2 C421A membrane transporter.

Results

Most patients were male with a mean age of 52 ± 12.3 years (95% CI 49.0–55.9). There was a high variation in drug concentrations in the range from 0 to 4694 ng/mL, with a mean of 1558.59 ± 989.79 ng/mL (95% CI 1283.0–1834.1).

Conclusion

Approximately two-thirds of patients were classified in the drug-level range considered therapeutic, and there was a correlation between plasma concentration and higher molecular response. Additionally, most individuals had the normal genotype for the ABCG2 C421A polymorphism but further studies should be performed to reveal the role of this variable in the outcome of the disease in this population.
Stability of arches with internal hinge
Authors: Kiss László Péter
Published: May 2024

The in-plane stability of internally hinged, end-fixed shallow arches is in the spotlight. The non-linear model accounts for the coupled effect of the bending moment and axial force on the membrane strain. The model itself can handle homogeneous or non-homogeneous material distributions along the thickness of the uniform arch. Analytical findings reveal how the typical geometrical data, like arch length, radius of gyration, and arch angle, affect the lowest buckling loads. The typical non-linear behaviour of arches is also assessed including the equilibrium path and the internal force system.
Management of Anticoagulation and Antifibrinolytics in Catastrophic Antiphospholipid Syndrome
Authors: Park Jee Ha , Siddiqui Nazia , Hrebec William K. , Szymanski Trevor J. , Uribe-Marquez Santiago , Miletic Kyle G. , Krishnan Sandeep
Published: May 2024

Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an autoimmune disorder that presents with hypercoagulability and results in a lab artifact of prolonged PTT. The most severe form is catastrophic antiphospholipid antibody syndrome (CAPS), which manifests as rapidly progressing thromboses in multiple organ systems leading to multi-organ ischemia. The mainstay management CAPS is anticoagulation and systemic corticosteroids. Antifibrinolytic agents have previously been thought to be relatively contraindicated in CAPS due to the pro-thrombotic nature of the disease; the complex coagulation profile of CAPS can make it difficult to assess the risks and benefits of antifibrinolytic therapy. Also, should a patient with CAPS require cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) for surgery, it poses a unique challenge in providing appropriate anticoagulation in the setting of prolonged ACT. We present a case of a 32-year-old postpartum female with CAPS requiring heart transplant who safely received intraoperative antifibrinolytic therapy and was successfully anticoagulated during CPB after perioperative plasmapheresis.
A Review of Pediatric Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Schauer Jenna S. , Hong Borah
Published: May 2024

Though pediatric cardiomyopathy is rare in children, there is significant associated morbidity and mortality. Etiology varies from inborn errors of metabolism to familial genetic mutations and myocyte injury. Major classes include dilated, hypertrophic, restrictive, and non-compaction. Diagnosis generally involves a combination of clinical history and echocardiography. The use of cross-sectional imaging is gaining popularity. Management varies between subtype and may involve a combination of medical and surgical interventions depending on clinical status.
Does Posting About Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) Improve Engagement in Social Media? Antecedents and Impact of D&I Communication Decisions
Authors: Bombaij Nick J.F. , Mokarram-Dorri Sadaf
Published: May 2024

The emergence of social media has increased consumer–brand connectedness and raised awareness of societal issues such as diversity and inclusion (D&I). This means that brands are confronted with the decision of whether to talk about D&I in their marketing communication—a choice that remains highly fragmented in practice. The authors analyze more than 3 million posts from 289 brands over five years to identify the antecedents of brand D&I communication decisions, as well as their subsequent impact on social media engagement. The results reveal that message content (more positive sentiment, fewer emojis) and message features (longer messages, more hashtags and mentions) are (positively) related to a brand's decision to post about D&I. In addition, D&I communication leads to greater engagement on average, though the magnitude of this effect is contingent on the message characteristics. These results hold true for both generic and topic-specific D&I messages. The findings have practical implications for brand managers in their strategic D&I communication decisions and for social media marketers in their message content design.
Understanding Young People’s Use of Civic and Political Engagement as a Path to Employment in Algeria: A Functional Analysis
Authors: Benyamina Yahia
Published: May 2024

This article discusses a situation in which civic and political engagement worked for young Algerians as a pathway to employment, attempting to understand why they used this method. A functional analysis inspired by psychological studies on volunteering was applied to analyse 17 interviews conducted with young people who expressed the motivation for employment in the context of engagement with political parties and associations. The results show that engagement with these organizations was a way of strengthening human, social and cultural capital that reflects young people’s agency to cope in a context where access to employment requires the ability to navigate through different paths. On the other hand, some inclusive roles of political parties and associations in terms of offering young people socio-professional integration and social development were found.
Update on diabetic retinopathy during pregnancy
Authors: Huang Jiping , Liang Chunlan , Huang Jining , Liu Lian
Published: May 2024

Diabetes mellitus (DM) leads to several vascular and neurological complications, including diabetic retinopathy (DR). As the population ages, health problems in certain groups, including children and pregnant women, are drawing more and more attention. Pregnancy is one of the independent risk factors for the development and progression of DR. Pregnancy-induced changes may contribute to or worsen DR, which can cause a tremendous burden on public health. It is essential for pregnant women with DR and their offspring to minimize the risk of vision loss from DR in this population and adverse outcomes by understanding the development and processes behind this process. Thus, we have updated the recent situation of epidemiology, evolution characteristics, risk factors, pathophysiology, pregnancy outcomes for a better understanding of the latest status of DR, helping to improve maternal and neonatal pregnancy outcomes, and promoting health for women with DR.
Artificial intelligence to automate assessment of ocular and periocular measurements
Authors: Rana Khizar , Beecher Mark , Caltabiano Carmelo , Macri Carmelo , Zhao Yang , Verjans Johan , Selva Dinesh
Published: May 2024

Purpose

To develop and validate a deep learning facial landmark detection network to automate the assessment of periocular anthropometric measurements.

Methods

Patients presenting to the ophthalmology clinic were prospectively enrolled and had their images taken using a standardised protocol. Facial landmarks were segmented on the images to enable calculation of marginal reflex distance (MRD) 1 and 2, palpebral fissure height (PFH), inner intercanthal distance (IICD), outer intercanthal distance (OICD), interpupillary distance (IPD) and horizontal palpebral aperture (HPA). These manual segmentations were used to train a machine learning algorithm to automatically detect facial landmarks and calculate these measurements. The main outcomes were the mean absolute error and intraclass correlation coefficient.

Results

A total of 958 eyes from 479 participants were included. The testing set consisted of 290 eyes from 145 patients. The AI algorithm demonstrated close agreement with human measurements, with mean absolute errors ranging from 0.22 mm for IPD to 0.88 mm for IICD. The intraclass correlation coefficients indicated excellent reliability (ICC > 0.90) for MRD1, MRD2, PFH, OICD, IICD, and IPD, while HPA showed good reliability (ICC 0.84). The landmark detection model was highly accurate and achieved a mean error rate of 0.51% and failure rate at 0.1 of 0%.

Conclusion

The automated facial landmark detection network provided accurate and reliable periocular measurements. This may help increase the objectivity of periocular measurements in the clinic and may facilitate remote assessment of patients with tele-health.
Efficacy of a novel low-cost torchlight transcorneal transillumination for diode laser transscleral cyclophotocoagulation in adult glaucoma
Authors: Thattaruthody Faisal , Chauhan Neha , Choudhary Sandeep , Raj Srishti , Pandav Surinder Singh , Kaushik Sushmita
Published: May 2024

Purpose

To study the outcomes of diode laser transscleral cyclophotocoagulation (TSCPC) with trans-corneal transillumination using a novel low-cost torchlight method in refractory glaucoma.

Methods and analysis

This prospective interventional study included patients with refractory glaucoma who underwent TSCPC with trans-corneal transillumination (TSCPC-TI) using a novel low-cost torchlight method. Patients completing a minimum 6-month follow-up were analyzed. They were compared to a historical control group of patients who underwent TSCPC without transillumination (TSCPC-No TI) at 6-month follow-up period. We analyzed the mean laser energy delivered, post-laser intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction, number of antiglaucoma medications (AGM), the requirement of retreatment and complications of the procedure in both groups.

Results

32 eyes of 29 patients comprised the TSCPC-TI group and were compared with 39 eyes of 37 patients in the TSCPC-No TI group. The TSCPC-TI group required lower energy than the TSCPC-No TI group (46.15 ± 22.8 Vs 80.65 ± 56.1 J p < 0.001). At 6-month follow-up, the TSCPC-TI group required lesser AGM for IOP control (2.33 ± 1.02 vs 3.02 ± 1.32 p = 0.01). There was a significantly reduced dependence of oral acetazolamide in the TSCPC-TI group at 6 months follow-up (15.6% vs 41% p = 0.03%). The success and response rates were 71.8% Vs 23.1%; p < 0.0001 and 87.5% Vs 51.2%; p = 0.001 significantly high in the TSCPC-TI group. The TSCPC-No TI group had a significantly high failure rate (12.5% Vs 48.2% p = 0.001). Hypotony ( n = 1) and phthisis ( n = 2) were noted TSCPC-No TI group.

Conclusions

TSCPC with transillumination with a low-cost torchlight resulted in a more efficient and effective cycloablation than TSCPC without transillumination.
Snuffbox distal transradial access (dTRA) for arteriovenous fistuloplasty in Singapore: Going distal is safe
Authors: Lim Xuxin , Lee Naomi , Zhang Li , Hong Qiantai , Mak Malcolm , Chong Rhan Chaen , Tan Glenn Wei Leong , Pua Uei , Wu Yi-Wei , Yong Enming , Kwan Justin
Published: May 2024

Aim:

Arteriovenous fistula (AVF) dysfunction resulting from stenosis or occlusion, is a prevalent issue in end-stage renal failure patients reliant on autogenous AVFs for dialysis. Recently, a distal transradial approach (dTRA) has emerged, offering advantages such as diminished access site complications, better patient comfort and reduced risk of radial artery occlusion. Our study seeks to assess the effectiveness, outcomes and complication rates of employing dTRA for arteriovenous fistuloplasty in Singaporean patients.

Methods:

A retrospective review of all dTRA fistuloplasties performed on dysfunctional or slow to mature AVFs from 2017 to 2023 in our institution was performed. Patients with a distal radial artery measuring 2 mm or more with no evidence of occlusion or thrombosis were included. Patients who required central venoplasty or cutting balloon angioplasty were excluded. Outcome measures included technical success, mean procedure duration, complications and post-intervention primary patency at 1, 3 and 6 months. Patients were followed up for 12 months post-intervention.

Results:

A total of 37 patients were included. 97.3% of patients undergoing dTRA fistuloplasty had radiocephalic fistulas while 2.7% had brachiobasilic fistulas. There was 100% technical success (defined as success in radial artery cannulation, sheath insertion and crossing of stenotic lesions) in our study as all patients successfully underwent fistuloplasty via dTRA approach. One-month patency rate was 97.4%, 3-month patency rate was 92.1% and 6-month patency rate was 86.8%. There were no immediate complications (haematoma, infection, bleeding, pseudoaneurysm, occlusion) of the radial artery post-intervention.

Conclusion:

Our paper illustrates the safety and efficacy of utilising dTRA for arteriovenous fistuloplasty. This approach offers distinct benefits in addressing non-mature or dysfunctional distal forearm arteriovenous fistulas and should be taken into account in anatomically suitable cases.
Overview of the distal radial access from the radial artery occlusion perspective
Authors: Korotkikh Alexander Vladimirovich , Kashtanov Maksim Gennadievich
Published: May 2024

Conventional radial access in endovascular surgery has certain limitations, primarily associated with the presence of local complications and radial artery occlusion. Over the past 7 years, distal radial access has exploded into all areas of endovascular procedures, from interventional cardiology to vascular surgery and interventional oncology. However, puncture of the distal radial artery has its own nuances and features: a learning curve, the use of ultrasound navigation in the initial stages of mastering the access, limitations in patients with acute conditions (acute coronary syndrome and stroke). This review aims to analyze on important aspects of the procedure of distal radial access from preparation for it to hemostasis and to explore all data about the new roles of distal radial access in avoiding but also treating radial artery occlusion, as the first thing to begin with the development and implementation of new access.
Assessment of volume flow rate in arteriovenous fistulas with a novel ultrasound Doppler device (earlybird): Trend analysis, comparison of methods, and inter- and intra-rater reliability
Authors: Holst-Jæger Emilie , Barstad Marthe , Salvesen Øyvind , Torp Hans , Seternes Arne , Pettersen Erik Mulder
Published: May 2024

Background:

An accessible tool is required to analyze volume flow trends in arteriovenous fistulas for hemodialysis. Earlybird, an easy-to-place ultrasound Doppler device, has shown comparable accuracy to duplex ultrasound. In this study, we compared volume flow measurements obtained with duplex ultrasound and the dilution technique to an enhanced earlybird device, featuring a dual Doppler probe system, eliminating the requirement for a known insonation angle.

Methods:

Nine patients with a distal radiocephalic arteriovenous fistula were monitored for 12 months with regular volume flow measurements. Correlation and inter- and intra-class reliability analyses were conducted.

Results:

An overall moderate correlation was observed between earlybird and duplex ultrasound or dilution technique (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.606 (95% confidence interval 0.064, 0.721) and 0.581 (0.039, 0.739), respectively). Duplex ultrasound compared to dilution measurements, demonstrated an overall moderate correlation (0.725 (0.219, 0.843)). Correlation between earlybird and duplex ultrasound was stronger for the arteriovenous fistula (0.778 (0.016, 0.901)) than the brachial artery (0.381 (−0.062, 0.461)). For earlybird, inter-rater reliability was excellent for the arteriovenous fistula (0.907 (0.423, 0.930)) and poor for the brachial artery (0.430 (0.241, 0.716)). Duplex ultrasound showed a good inter-rater reliability (arteriovenous fistula: 0.843 (0.610, 0.871), brachial artery: 0.819 (0.477, 0.864)). The overall intra-rater reliability was good for duplex ultrasound (rater A: 0.893 (0.727, 0.911); rater B: 0.853 (0.710, 0.891)), while excellent for earlybird (rater A: 0.905 (0.819, 0.928); rater B: 0.921 (0.632, 0.969)).

Conclusion:

We observed a weaker correlation in the measurements of volume flow rates in arteriovenous fistulas when obtained using earlybird compared to dilution technique, unlike the comparison between duplex ultrasound and the dilution technique. However, inter-rater reliability for the arteriovenous fistula was excellent with earlybird and good with duplex ultrasound, indicating the potential of earlybird as a tool for frequent measurements, enabling trend surveillance and predicting adverse outcomes.
In Silico Identification and Characterization of Fatty Acid Desaturase (FAD) Genes in Argania spinosa L. Skeels: Implications for Oil Quality and Abiotic Stress
Authors: El Faqer Abdelmoiz , Rabeh Karim , Alami Mohammed , Filali-Maltouf Abdelkarim , Belkadi Bouchra
Published: May 2024

Fatty acid desaturase ( FAD) is the key enzyme that leads to the formation of unsaturated fatty acids by introducing double bonds into hydrocarbon chains, and it plays a critical role in plant lipid metabolism. However, no data are available on enzyme-associated genes in argan trees. In addition, a candidate gene approach was adopted to identify and characterize the gene sequences of interest that are potentially involved in oil quality and abiotic stress. Based on phylogenetic analyses, 18 putative FAD genes of Argania spinosa L. ( AsFAD) were identified and assigned to three subfamilies: stearoyl-ACP desaturase ( SAD), Δ-12 desaturase ( FAD2/ FAD6), and Δ-15 desaturase ( FAD3/ FAD7). Furthermore, gene structure and motif analyses revealed a conserved exon-intron organization among FAD members belonging to the various oil crops studied, and they exhibited conserved motifs within each subfamily. In addition, the gene structure shows a wide variation in intron numbers, ranging from 0 to 8, with two highly conserved intron phases (0 and 1). The AsFAD and AsSAD subfamilies consist of three (H(X)2-4H, H(X)2-3HH, and H/Q (X)2-3HH) and two (EEN(K)RHG and DEKRHE) conserved histidine boxes, respectively. A set of primer pairs were designed for each FAD gene, and tested on DNA extracted from argan leaves, in which all amplicons of the expected size were produced. These findings of candidate genes in A spinosa L. will provide valuable knowledge that further enhances our understanding of the potential roles of FAD genes in the quality of oil and abiotic stress in the argan tree.