bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unravelling the role of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) molecular weight in poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF)/PMMA/expanded graphite (ExGr) blend nanocomposites: Insights into morphology, thermal behavior, electrical conductivity, and wetting property
Authors: Augustin Nikhitha , Muraliharan Pranesh , Sabu Aleena , Koothanatham Senthilkumar Kanya , Annamalai Pratheep Kumar , Brahmadesam Thoopul Srinivasa Raghava Ramanujam
Published: March 2024

Poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) based conducting polymer composites with carbon nanomaterials can be used for mechanical energy harvesting through piezoelectric or triboelectric effect. This study aims to investigate the influence of PMMA molecular weight on the electrical, thermal, and wetting properties of PVDF/40 wt.% PMMA blend nanocomposites reinforced with expanded graphite (ExGr). The blend nanocomposites with 40 wt.% PMMA have been prepared by solution blending method by using two different molecular weights of PMMA whose melt flow indices are 2 g/10 min and 2.3 g/10 min. The coexistence of the electroactive gamma and non-polar alpha phases of PVDF in the blend nanocomposites has been confirmed by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry analyses. While overall crystallinity (%) of low molecular weight PMMA employed blend nanocomposites is lower than that of high molecular weight PMMA blended nanocomposites, the electroactive gamma phase has been found to increase in the former blend nanocomposites. The dispersion of graphite nanosheets has been observed to be better in high molecular weight PMMA employed blend nanocomposites which results in higher electrical conductivity. Impedance analysis of PVDF-40 wt.% PMMA-2 wt.% ExGr blend nanocomposite with high molecular weight PMMA results in enhanced interjunction capacitance (74.5 pF) in comparison to low molecular weight PMMA mixed blend nanocomposites (68 pF). Water contact angle (WCA) increases with molecular weight of PMMA and ExGr loading level. Thermogravimetric analysis has shown that the char content (above 500°C) is slightly higher for the blend with low molecular weight PMMA than with high molecular weight PMMA.
Wheel slip ratio control considering time delay characteristic for electro-mechanical braking system
Authors: Jiang Zhenchuan , Xu Xing , Zhang Hao , Wang Feng
Published: March 2024

Electro-mechanical braking (EMB) system is a novel brake-by-wire (BBW) system which is the development direction of the electrification and intelligent vehicle braking system. However, as the EMB contains a mechanical transmission mechanism, there is an inevitable time delay in the braking process, which will cause problems of the wheel slip ratio control. To address this issue, this paper proposes a novel wheel slip ratio control system based on a hierarchical control framework, comprising a slip ratio control layer and a clamping force control layer. Firstly, an EMB actuator model considering the stiffness and damping characteristics of the ball screw is constructed and the correspondence between the model and the EMB object is verified. Subsequently, a model-based compensate active disturbance rejection control (MCADRC) algorithm based on the EMB actuator model is designed to compensate the uncertainty of the EMB and improve the tracking accuracy of the clamping force. Furthermore, the influence of time delay on slip ratio control is analyzed and a slip ratio controller considering time delay characteristic is developed to improve the slip ratio control quality. Finally, the HiL test results show that the proposed controller can effectively reduce the jitter of slip ratio by 1.2% and improve the response speed of slip ratio control 7.8%, which prove the real-time and effectiveness of the controller.
Evaluate the effect of bone density variation on stress distribution at the bone–implant interface using numerical analysis
Authors: Hindurao Bhargav , Gujare Aditya , Jadhav Harshavardhan , Dhatrak Pankaj
Published: March 2024

The current study aims to comprehend how different bone densities affect stress distribution at the bone–implant interface. This will help understand the behaviour and help predict success rates of the implant planted in different bone densities. The process of implantation involves the removal of bone from a small portion of the jawbone to replace either a lost tooth or an infected one and an implant is inserted in the cavity made as a result. Now the extent of fixation due to osseointegration is largely dependent on the condition of the bone in terms of the density. Generally, the density of the bone is classified into four categories namely D1, D2, D3, and D4; with D1 being purely cortical and D4 having higher percentage of cancellous bordered by cortical bone. A bone model with a form closely resembling the actual bone was made using 3D CAD software and was meshed using Hyper Mesh. The model was subjected to an oblique load of 120 N at 70° to the vertical to replicate occlusal loading. A finite element static analysis was done using Abaqus software. The stress distribution contours at the bone-implant contact zone were studied closely to understand the changes as a result of the varying density. It was revealed that as the quantity of the cancellous bone increased from D1 to D4 the cortical peak stress levels dropped. The bone density and the corresponding change in the material characteristics was also responsible for the variation in the peak stress and displacement values.
The effect of different mechanism combinations on sliding between brace and lower limb during walking and leg-raising
Authors: Yan Yuzhou , Gong Ruitao , Cao Mengzhao , Han Bing , Li Hui , Liu Geng
Published: March 2024

Knee braces are commonly used to support the knee joint and improve function. However, brace sliding caused by the misalignment between brace and knee during motion is a common problem, which reduces the therapeutic effect and leads to brace abandonment. To investigate the effect of mechanism combinations on sliding, an experimental brace was designed to isolate the mechanism as the sole variable. Ten healthy participants were recruited, each of whom worn four combinations of lateral/medial mechanisms: lateral and medial single-axis (SA), lateral super gear (SG) and medial non-circular gear (NCG), lateral four-bar linkage (FL) and medial SG, and lateral FL and medial NCG. The knee flexion angle was collected using inertial measurement units, and brace sliding was measured by 3D motion capture system. All combinations had significant changes in peak sliding of thigh and shank compared to the SA combination ( p < 0.05), but lateral FL and medial NCG combination had the lowest peak and final sliding during walking and leg-raising, with significant reductions of 40.7 and 85.3% in peak sliding of thigh, and significant reductions of 56.3 and 72.0% in peak sliding of shank, respectively ( p < 0.05). Moreover, the mechanism combination did not significantly impact the knee range of motion ( p > 0.05). The mechanism combination that fit the instantaneous center of rotation of lateral/medial condyle of knee joint demonstrates a significant reduction in brace sliding. Additionally, the peak sliding during motion is significantly higher than the final sliding.
Multi-dimensional vibration isolating properties of a 3-RPS parallel damping seat
Authors: Yan Bijuan , Dong Hao , Zhang Haiqing , Wang Jun , Fan Shuwei
Published: March 2024

This paper proposes a new control scheme that is composed by the sliding mode control(SMC) with three-dimensional ceiling control to reduce the multi-dimensional vibration of the vehicle’s seat. The seat suspension system is made of a kind of 3-RPS parallel mechanism, in which each limb is mainly composed by the spherical pair, spring, piston rod, damping fluid and rotary pair. Based on the single-open-chain theory, Position and Orientation Characteristics (POC) set of a 3-RPS seat mechanism was analyzed to verify its movement law. Three-dimensional seat system mathematical model was established, and the SMC and ceiling control were combined to obtain the required force. The ceiling control belongs to an ideal control method, it could provide the reference for the SMC. The comparisons between the SMC and passive seat suspension system were done when the vehicles were walking or working on E, F and G-roads. The results show that the transient amplitudes of seat acceleration outputs were reduced with the proposed control scheme. The research in this work can be extended and applied for other vehicles and improve their performance.
Dual sliding mode control of linear maglev synchronous motor based on novel extended state observer
Authors: Lei Cheng , Lan Yipeng , Xu Zelai , Sun Yunpeng , Li Jiayu
Published: March 2024

In order to improve the convergence speed and disturbance immunity of the linear maglev synchronous motor (LMLSM) maglev system, this paper proposes a dual sliding mode control strategy based on a novel expanded state observer (NESO). Firstly, a dual terminal sliding mode (DTSM) surface is designed, which exhibits the desired dynamic and steady state performance. The problem of the TSM singularity is solved by the dual sliding mode technique, which turns the control signal into a continuous switching control through the filtering function and effectively reduces the jitter problem. Since the maglev system is susceptible to uncertainties such as nonlinearity, strong coupling and external perturbations, which affect its tracking accuracy, a continuous smooth ESO is designed to estimate and compensate for these uncertainty perturbations, thus solving the problem that the traditional ESO is continuous but not derivable at the switching point. Then, it is proved that the DTSM control strategy based on NESO converges to the equilibrium point in finite time by Lyapunov function. Finally, the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed strategy are verified on the LMLSM maglev system platform.
Law, knowledge and space: Expertise across the legal geographies of green finance
Authors: Bogner Lukas
Published: March 2024

The mechanisms of green finance are structured and made enforceable through law. However, the legal geographies of green finance are not distributed evenly but are scattered across multiple sites of public and private authority and associated forms of legal expertise. This article investigates how legal technologies and knowledge practices shape the efficacy of green finance. Green finance rests on ‘asset coding’ as a socio-legal practice that is transnational yet rooted in few, salient sovereign jurisdictions and legal templates originating in the social spaces of transnational legal expertise. Through synthesizing literature from political economy, socio-legal studies and economic geography and building on a range of explorative interviews and documents, I suggest that underlying knowledge practices and legal technologies of ‘green asset coding’ contain important continuities with the way assets are coded into capital in conventional finance. This can constrain the efficacy and potential of green finance. The article outlines these continuities across three domains: Energy infrastructures, voluntary carbon markets, and ‘green’ offshore jurisdictions. Taking these continuities seriously invites for further critical international political economy (IPE) research in the nexus between law, finance, and the state, and underscores the need for transformative legal practices to achieve decarbonization at the pace needed.
The Link Between Trust and Subjective Health: Role of Bridging Social Capital Depending on the Cultural Context
Authors: Tosyali Furkan
Published: March 2024

Objective: Various forms of social relationships (e.g., family, romantic relationships, friendship) have been shown to predict health-related outcomes. Bridging social capital, referring to a less intimate social circle, is among those forms of social relationships associated with health. For the first time, the current study aims to examine whether the link between bridging social relationships and a health outcome (i.e., subjective health evaluations) would differ based on the cultural context defined in terms of the individualism-collectivism dimension. Methods and Measures: Data, including representative samples from 64 countries ( N = 94,278), were analyzed using the last wave of the World Values Survey. Results: Findings indicated that the positive link between bridging social capital and subjective health was more salient when individualism scores were greater after controlling for the covariates (gender, age, education, income, marital status, and the number of children). However, the effect size was weak. Conclusion: Given that the predictor role of bridging social ties on health could vary based on the cultural context, findings suggested a more nuanced perspective regarding the influence of social relationships on health.
The Role of CXCL11 and its Receptors in Cancer: Prospective but Challenging Clinical Targets
Authors: Wang Jiaqi , Ouyang Xinting , Zhu Weijian , Yi Qiang , Zhong Jinghua
Published: March 2024

Chemokine ligand 11 is a member of the CXC chemokine family and exerts its biological function mainly through binding to CXCR3 and CXCR7. The CXCL11 gene is ubiquitously overexpressed in various human malignant tumors; however, its specific mechanisms vary among different cancer types. Recent studies have found that CXCL11 is involved in the activation of multiple oncogenic signaling pathways and is closely related to tumorigenesis, progression, chemotherapy tolerance, immunotherapy efficacy, and poor prognosis. Depending on the specific expression of its receptor subtype, CXCL11 also has a complex 2-fold role in tumours; therefore, directly targeting the structure-function of CXCL11 and its receptors may be a challenging task. In this review, we summarize the biological functions of CXCL11 and its receptors and their roles in various types of malignant tumors and point out the directions for clinical applications.
Performance improvement study of nonlinear bionic suspension based on inerter and on–off control strategy
Authors: Song Yong , Xu Tuo , Li Zhanlong , Zhang Xiqing , Yan Bijuan
Published: March 2024

How to improve the dynamic performance of nonlinear suspension systems is a focus of attention. The combination of inerter and on–off control strategy can effectively improve the dynamic performance of linear suspension systems, but it will also bring some adverse effects. This paper puts forward a nonlinear suspension system performance enhancement scheme based on semi-active on–off control strategies of inerter to eliminate the adverse effects of the introduction of the inerter and to enhance the dynamic performance of nonlinear suspension systems. This paper takes the nonlinear double-diamond bionic kangaroo leg suspension system as an example and adopts the above scheme to carry out dynamic modeling, time–frequency domain dynamic characteristics analysis, and control characteristics research. The results show that the dynamic performance of the proposed nonlinear suspension system with passive inerter is partially better than that of the original suspension system in time–frequency domain, while the overall dynamic performance of the proposed nonlinear suspension system with semi-active inerter is better than that of the original suspension system. The proposed nonlinear suspension system with semi-active inerter shows good stability and adaptability under different working conditions, and the proposed control strategies can eliminate the adverse effects of passive inerter. The above results indicate the correctness of the proposed scheme and the effectiveness of the control strategies.
Sarcopenia Among Older People in the Philippines: A Scoping Review
Authors: Gay-as Mark U. , Lee Shu-Chun , Lai Fu-Chih
Published: March 2024

Aims: This review aimed to identify and map the evidence about sarcopenia among older Filipinos. Methods: Studies about sarcopenia among Filipinos aged 60 and above were included. All studies regardless of type, setting, language, and timeframe were reviewed. The Cochrane Library, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health, Embase, PubMed, and Health Research and Development Information Network were searched. The study was conducted per an a priori protocol and utilized the Joanna Briggs Institute guidance for scoping reviews. Results: From the 87 records identified, 20 studies published from 2013 to 2023 were eligible (≥ 5424 participants). The studies were varied; 11 cross-sectional, 2 conference lectures, 2 consensus reports, 1 meta-analysis, cohort study, case series, posthoc analysis, and continuing education. As to setting, 11 studies were conducted in the hospital and 4 in the community. On the level of prevention, 5 studies addressed the primary level, 10 studies secondary, and 2 studies both tertiary and secondary. The studies focused on: sarcopenia in a specific group (13 studies), consensus (4 studies), and education (3 studies). Conclusions: Sarcopenia studies among older Filipinos were limited. Most were hospital-based and involved patients with comorbidities. Some studies used sarcopenia assessment guidelines with Filipino normative references. Sarcopenia impacts the overall well-being of older Filipinos; hence more studies and health promotion programs are necessary.
Scleral-fixated vs Iris-fixated intraocular lens in pediatric ectopia lentis: A systematic review
Authors: Soraya Alamsjah Siti Halida Zoraida , Yulia Dian Estu , Tan Sabrina
Published: March 2024

Numerous intraocular lens (IOLs) options are available for treating pediatric ectopia lentis, and this paper reviews recent literature on pediatric ectopia lentis treatment with iris-fixated and scleral-fixated IOLs. A comprehensive search was undertaken on PubMed, Embase, ProQuest, Cochrane, Wiley, SCOPUS, and EBSCO. Studies published in the last ten years that met the inclusion criteria were included in this review. Seventeen studies exhibiting low to moderate risk of bias were included in this review, with eight on iris-fixated IOL (IFIOL), six on scleral-fixated IOL (SFIOL), and three on both IOLs. From the included studies, these data were extracted and compared: best-corrected visual acuity, endothelial cell density, postoperative complications, IOL stability, and intraocular pressure. IFIOL and SFIOL show comparable lens stability, offer good visual rehabilitation, and demonstrate equivalent safety profiles. There is no discerning superiority between IFIOL and SFIOL in treating pediatric ectopia lentis. The choice of which IOL to implant depends on the surgeon's preference.
Distance follow-up by a remote medical care centre improves adherence to CPAP in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea over the short and long term
Authors: Schisano Matteo , Libra Alessandro , Rizzo Ludovica , Morana Giorgio , Mancuso Salvatore , Ficili Antonella , Campagna Davide , Vancheri Carlo , Bonsignore Maria R , Spicuzza Lucia
Published: March 2024

Background

Adherence to continuous positive air pressure (CPAP) in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) has remained invariably low over the last decades. Remote monitoring of the nocturnal CPAP treatment, within telemedicine (TM)-based follow-up programs, in these patients has been suggested as a potential tool to improve adherence and release the workload of sleep units. The aim of this study was therefore to assess whether a follow-up program carried out by a Remote Medical Care Centre (RMCC), outside the sleep unit, improves adherence to CPAP in the short and long term in patients with OSA.

Methods

In this pilot protocol, we enrolled 37 patients starting CPAP in our Sleep Centre (SC). After three months of standard care in our SC, patients initiated a six-month remote follow-up carried out by the RMCC, functioning as an intermediary between patients and SC. Monthly reports and indication for face-to-face visits were sent to the SC for six months. After this period patients returned to usual care for one year. Results were compared with those obtained in 38 patients (controls) followed with usual care over the same time range.

Results

Mean nightly use of CPAP increased from 3.2 ± 2.4 h pre-RMCC to 5.2 ± 1.9 h post-RMCC ( p < 0.0001). Nights/month of CPAP use improved from 19.8 ± 9.2 to 25.2 ± 2.5 ( p < 0.05) and nights/month with CPAP use >4 h from 12.5 ± 10 to 21.03 ± 8.9 ( p < 0.05). This improvement remained stable after 12 months from the return of patients to usual care. No significant changes in CPAP use were observed in controls over the time.

Conclusion

A six-month follow-up through a remote facility can significantly improve adherence to CPAP in the short and long term. This pilot study provides a solid base for the design of multicentre randomized trials focusing on new models which are able to increase the long-term efficacy of TM programs.
Changing norms of older men’s sexuality in the sexological discourse during Czechoslovak socialism: Dementia as an interpretative lens to make sense of sexual expressions in later life
Authors: Bělehradová Andrea , Hasmanová Marhánková Jaroslava
Published: March 2024

This article examines the development of medical (primarily sexological) knowledge about older men’s sexuality during Czechoslovak socialism. Analysing medical and criminological journals, sexological textbooks and popular-science publications, and inspired by Ian Hacking’s theory of making up people (1995), we track how Czechoslovak experts created new kinds of older people. We show that the founder of Czechoslovak sexology, Josef Hynie, implemented the kind of older men with dementia with pathological sexuality into sexological discourse in 1940. In the following decades, medical experts omitted older men’s sexuality or debated it solely in the context of paedophilic delinquency, thus perpetuating Hynie’s ideas about the pathological sexuality of men with dementia until the second half of the 1970s. We explain how the classification was subsequently replaced by a new kind of healthy older men with active sexuality, which the sexologists made up hand in hand with incorporating new knowledge about sexual delinquents and changing ideas about active ageing. We argue that dementia served for the experts as a tool for defining what could be seen as normal or pathological ageing as well as normal or pathological ageing male sexuality. Finally, we highlight that the liberalisation of ageing male sexuality occurred in socialist Czechoslovakia at approximately the same time as in Western capitalist countries.
Coronaphobia or sinophobia: How journalistic practices in early COVID-19 coverage and online commentary affect anti-Chinese sentiment in the U.S.
Authors: Wang Yiming , Chen Junhan , Tao Ran , Yang Sijia
Published: March 2024

Historically, pandemics have spurred an influx of disorganized information and escalated intergroup animosity, and COVID-19 is no exception. Pandemic reporting often features cues and testimonials to mark the distinction between “us” versus “them”; however, the influence of such journalistic practices on intergroup animosity remains largely unexplored during public health crises, let alone their potential interplay with ubiquitous user-generated comments that often accompany pandemic news stories in the digital era. We conducted an online survey experiment with a sample of U.S. participants ( N = 1428) during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, systematically varying the presence of stigmatizing outgroup cues, testimonials from in-versus outgroups, and social media comments either predominantly endorsing or condemning xenophobia. Our findings reveal that stigmatizing outgroup cues amplified the effects of testimonials detailing ingroup suffering, thus heightening anti-Chinese sentiment. These results underscore the importance of evaluating the implications of journalistic practices in public health reporting on intergroup dynamics and social solidarity. Additionally, we found that online comments predominantly condemning xenophobia moderated the effects of ingroup testimonials in the direction of inducing more positive sentiments, highlighting the vital role of an engaged audience in moderating the influences of public health news coverage.
Life cycle assessment of high-power white LEDs for indoor lighting in the context of Hong Kong
Authors: Ibrahim MS , Yung WKC , Fan J
Published: March 2024

The introduction of white light-emitting diodes (LEDs) is one of the key innovations that has revolutionized the lighting industry due to its multiple benefits. Despite their advantages, there is a gap in the environmental impact information of the recently developed high-power LED products within the whole lifecycle, which is a key step to achieve sustainable and green development. This life cycle assessment (LCA) is conducted by considering the cradle-to-grave system boundary. The functional units considered are a LED and compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) of 40 million lumen-hours (lm-h) used for indoor applications over an operating time of 20 000 h. In this study, the LCA was carried out using the SimaPro software and built-in ecoinvent database V2.2 with appropriate life cycle inventory data. The analysis results indicate that: (1) the LED-package has a dominant environmental impact followed by the LED driver while the housing and corrugated-board packaging materials showed the least negative effect to the ecosystem during the manufacturing phase. On the contrary, the CFL drivers are dominant followed by the light sources in the case of CFLs. From the lifecycle stages, the usage-phase showed a predominant environmental effect, mainly due to the energy consumption and sources of energy production. (2) A scenario analysis on the sources of electricity production revealed that prospective sources (70% natural gas, 25% nuclear and 5% pumped storage) of energy production lowered the environmental impact compared to the current electricity mix. These proposed electricity generation production sources provide a 61% reduction in the global warming potential in light sources for Hong Kong.
The Design and Acceptability of a Hip Hop Themed Integrated Nutrition Math Curriculum for Minoritized 5th Grade Students Using the Multisensory Multilevel Health Education Model
Authors: Swierad Ewelina M. , Rausch John C. , Sawyer Vanessa , Drucker Gabriela , Williams Olajide
Published: March 2024

Digital technology creates new opportunities to design multisensory learning experiences. Evidence suggests that digital innovation can greatly benefit health education, including nutrition programs. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the education sector, forcing schools to modify standard practices from exclusively in-person delivery to online or blended learning. Digitalized curriculums became particularly useful as an Emergency Remote Teaching tool. This article focuses on developing and implementing a multimedia, multisensory, and scalable Hip-Hop Healthy Eating and Living in Schools (H.E.A.L.S.) Nutrition–Math Curriculum (NMC). NMC comprises 20 lessons—music-based multimedia resources used in the classroom or at home. Fourteen lessons represent self-directed online modules (asynchronous learning) hosted on a Learning Management System (LMS) called “Gooru.” The remaining six lessons are teacher-facilitated (in person or using Zoom) review sessions (synchronous learning). The article discusses (1) the development of NMC through the lens of the Multisensory Multilevel Health Education Model (MMHEM), (2) the high acceptability of NMC evaluated using a mixed-methods design among minoritized fifth-grade students attending an after-school program, and (3) the students’ completion and mastery rates of the NMC modules based on LMS data. Multimedia nutrition education programs integrated with common core curriculum content, such as NMC, may be a promising avenue for disseminating health education to minoritized children living in New York City and similar high fast-food density cities.
Estimation of terminal ballistics parameters for several 7.62×51 mm projectiles using numerical simulations
Authors: Alan Catovic
Published: March 2024

Six widely used 7.62 ×51 mm projectile types (M80, M61, P80/1, M80A1, M1158, and M993) were subjected to the analysis in this paper. Numerical simulations (Ansys Autodyn) of projectile impacts on hard steel targets were performed as part of this analysis. Projectiles had the same impact velocity (800 m/s). This allowed evaluation of the projectile’s design and material’s effect on its performance against a hard steel target. Validation of the numerical model and used materials was first performed, using available experimental data. A short description and Computer-Aided Design (CAD) model of projectiles is also given. Comparing the M1158 projectile to other AP projectiles taken into consideration, it was concluded that the former had a much deeper penetration depth into a hard steel target (Armox 500T). The projectile’s penetrating capability is greatly impacted by the material selection used for its component parts. Assuming all other factors remain constant, penetrators with higher density and harderness can achieve deeper penetration. Under the same conditions, an increase in penetrator length results in an increase in penetration depth. The absence of a gilding metal jacket in the projectile’s frontal ogive section can decrease energy required to remove the jacket during the penetration, hence increasing the projectile’s penetration capabilities.
Relational Resources for Change – New Futures for Youth With Complex Needs: A Research Protocol
Authors: L Liebenberg , J Sanders , J Webster , J Mercier
Published: March 2024

This research project creates and tests sets of resources that support practitioners to build effective change-focused relationships with young people. It does this using a Community of Practice (CoP) approach that brings together researchers, social sector and tangata whenua (indigenous) practitioners and international experts. The research has three steps: (1) Development of prototype resources; (2) Testing the prototype to confirm usability and efficacy; and (3) The creation of kaitiaki (guardianship) processes which will secure the ongoing availability of the resources beyond the end of the research project. This protocol details the origins of the project in community relationships and the methods used to create the resources and the kaitiaki processes.
Influences of temporal and probabilistic expectation on subjective time of emotional stimulus
Authors: Karaaslan Aslan , Shi Zhuanghua
Published: March 2024

Subjective time perception can change based on a stimulus’s valence and expectancy. Yet, it is unclear how these two factors might interact to shape our sense of how long something lasts. Here, we conducted two experiments examining the effects of temporal and probabilistic expectancy on the perceived duration of images with varying emotional valence. In Experiment 1, we varied the temporal predictive cue with varying stimulus-onset asynchronies (SOAs), while in Experiment 2, we manipulated the cue-emotion probabilistic associations. Our results revealed that stimuli appearing earlier than anticipated were perceived as shorter, whereas less infrequent stimuli seemed to last longer. In addition, negative images were perceived longer than neural ones. However, no significant interaction between expectancy and stimulus valence was observed. We interpret these using the internal clock model, suggesting that while emotional stimuli primarily affect the pacemaker’s rhythm through arousal, expectation steers attention, influencing how we register time’s passage.
An algorithmic approach to the management of peripheral nerve tumours
Authors: Hems Tim , Parafioriti Antonina , Thomas Binu P. , Di Bernardo Andrea
Published: March 2024

This article reviews the pathology and management of peripheral nerve tumours, including a framework for investigation and decision-making. Most tumours are benign, including schwannomas and neurofibromas, but malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumours can occur. The risk of malignant change is remote for schwannomas but higher for neurofibromas, particularly in neurofibromatosis type 1. Magnetic resonance imaging is useful for defining the relationship of a swelling with adjacent nerves but is not definitive for tissue diagnosis. Increasing size, pain and neurological deficit suggest malignant change and TruCut needle biopsy is indicated, although there is a risk of sampling error. Excision biopsy preserving nerve function may be carried out for benign tumours to relieve symptoms. Malignant tumours require a multidisciplinary approach. Complete surgical excision with clear margins is the only curative treatment and may be supplemented with radiotherapy and chemotherapy. However, prognosis remains poor, particularly for patients with neurofibromatosis.
Health promotion at higher educational institutions: a clarion call for action in India
Authors: Yeravdekar Rajiv , Zodpey Sanjay
Published: March 2024

This article introduces the concept of a health-promoting university (HPU) in an Indian context. The importance of health promotion through a ‘settings-based’ approach that focuses on India’s needs is outlined. We highlight the aims and objectives of a HPU and the mechanisms to evaluate its impact. We call for action by stakeholders to develop a HPU project consistent with public health issues, including health development and sustainability. Furthermore, this settings-based approach provides a template that can be replicated in other low- and middle-income countries.
Expression Analysis of Phenylpropanoid Pathway Genes and Phenylpropanoid Accumulation in Different Organs of Chelidonium majus L.
Authors: Kwon Haejin , Sathasivam Ramaraj , Yoon Jiwon , Park Chanung , Park Nam Il , Chung Yong Suk , Park Sang Un
Published: March 2024

Objective

This study set out to examine the phenylpropanoid pathway gene expression and phenolic compound accumulation in different organs of Chelidonium majus (C. majus).

Methods

Total RNA was extracted and expression of phenylpropanoid biosynthesis genes was assessed using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction in different organs of C. majus. In addition, the phenylpropanoid compounds were analyzed from different organs of C. majus by using high-performance liquid chromatography.

Results

The results demonstrate the variance in the expression levels of phenylpropanoid pathway genes in the flowers, leaves, stems, and roots of C. majus. CmPAL and CmC4H were expressed at their greatest levels in the stem, while CmCHS and CmCHI were strongly expressed in the leaf, and CmF3H, CmFLS, Cm4CL, and CmDFR were more abundant in the flower. The total phenolic contents in the different organs also varied significantly. The highest value was recorded in the flowers (2152.89  ±  78.71 μg/g dry wt.), which was 54.26 times higher than the lowest values obtained from roots (39.68  ±  0.05 μg/g dry wt.). Except for roots, rutin showed the highest level in all other organs. According to a heat map, the majority of the phenolic compounds were highest in the flower. By using variable importance in projection analysis, the most significant metabolite was found to be chlorogenic acid, which had a positive association with all phenolic chemicals, but it showed a negative correlation with trans-cinnamic acid. Except for trans-cinnamic acid, all other phenolic compounds likewise showed positive correlation with other phenolic compounds.

Conclusions

This work offers pertinent data on the expression analysis of genes involved in the phenylpropanoid biosynthetic pathway and the presence of phenolic compounds in C. majus. These findings will be helpful for the researcher to understand the relationship between the expression level of phenylpropanoid pathway genes and phenylpropanoid compound accumulation in C. majus.
Relationship Between Running Biomechanics and Core Temperature Across a Competitive Road Race
Authors: DeJong Lempke Alexandra F. , Szymanski Michael R. , Willwerth Sarah B. , Brewer Gabrielle J. , Whitney Kristin E. , Meehan William P. , Casa Douglas J.
Published: March 2024

Background:

Outdoor races introduce environmental stressors to runners, and core temperature changes may influence runners’ movement patterns. This study assessed changes and determined relationships between sensor-derived running biomechanics and core temperature among runners across an 11.27-km road race.

Hypothesis:

Core temperatures would increase significantly across the race, related to changes in spatiotemporal biomechanical measures.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional cohort study.

Level of Evidence:

Level 3.

Methods:

Twenty runners (9 female, 11 male; age, 48 ± 12 years; height, 169.7 ± 9.1 cm; mass, 71.3 ± 13.4 kg) enrolled in the 2022 Falmouth Road Race were recruited. Participants used lightweight technologies (ingestible thermistors and wearable sensors) to monitor core temperature and running biomechanics throughout the race. Timestamps were used to align sensor-derived measures for 7 race segments. Observations were labeled as core temperatures generally within normal limits (<38°C) or at elevated core temperatures (≥38°C). Multivariate repeated measures analyses of variance were used to assess changes in sensor-derived measures across the race, with Bonferroni post hoc comparisons for significant findings. Pearson’s r correlations were used to assess the relationship between running biomechanics and core temperature measures.

Results:

Eighteen participants developed hyperthermic core temperatures (39.0°C ± 0.5°C); core temperatures increased significantly across the race ( P < 0.01). Kinetic measures obtained from the accelerometers, including shock, impact, and braking g, all significantly increased across the race ( P < 0.01); other sensor-derived biomechanical measures did not change significantly. Core temperatures were weakly associated with biomechanics (| r range|, 0.02-0.16).

Conclusion:

Core temperatures and kinetics increased significantly across a race, yet these outcomes were not strongly correlated. The observed kinetic changes may have been attributed to fatigue-related influences over the race.

Clinical Relevance:

Clinicians may not expect changes in biomechanical movement patterns to signal thermal responses during outdoor running in a singular event.
Quality improvement project to improve inhaler delivery in the intensive care unit
Authors: Ye QinHao Jonathan , Kalyanasundaram Ganesh , Toh Hsiao Peng , Leo Qian Wen , Nathan Linda Marie , Cunanan Aubrey , Tan Han Ying Jessica , Sharma Kiran
Published: March 2024

Background

Late 2022, an ICU nurse discovered that Seretide™ (salmeterol/Fluticasone) Evohaler, a commonly used inhaler, did not change its dose counter when used with the inhaler connector 22M-22F. This was identified as a medication safety issue. Knowledge gaps of inhaler use in mechanically ventilated patients were identified as well.

Aims

To effectively administer metered dose inhalers to ventilated patients and increase its accuracy and safety.

Methods

We instituted education programs for healthcare professional in the ICU and introduced a new inhaler connector RTC 24-V. This was compared with the existing 22M-22F connector in a comparative study.

Results

The dose counter of Seretide™ recorded prior to initiation and extubation showed an obvious drop in doses ranging from 15 to 63 in patients randomized to use RTC 24-V, compared to 0 to 2 drop in doses for patients using 22M-22F. A total of 51 pre study and 33 post study questionnaires were completed. Confidence that the accurate dose of medications was administered rose from 58.8% to 84.8% after using the RTC 24-V. Responses that there was no issue compromising patient safety rose from 0% to 51.5% and fewer staff expressed concern about disconnections causing infections, dropping from 51% to 9.1%. 93.9% of respondents chose the new RTC 24-V as the preferred inhaler connector.

Conclusion

The new inhaler connector RTC 24-V was assessed to have less medication errors. ICU healthcare professionals expressed greater confidence in its safety and accuracy. We will implement the use of this connector with continued medical education.
Spindle cell carcinomaof the larynx: A case report and literature review
Authors: Mousli Alia , Friaa Ferdaous , Boudhina Emna , Kamoun Selma , Abidi Rim , Nasr Chiraz
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Spindle cell carcinoma (SCC), also called sarcomatoid carcinoma or carcinosarcoma, represents a rare variant of squamous cell carcinoma that may involve multiple organs, including the larynx. It is a mixed tumor, composed of both malignant epithelial and mesenchymal elements. As the larynx appears to be an unusual site, we report a case of treated SCC laryngeal as well as a literature review of such tumor.

Observation

A 72-year-old male, with 2 months’ history of a progressive worsening dysphonia, was examined. The patient examination showed no cervical adenopathy, while direct laryngoscopy detected a voluminous budding formation of the anterior commissure. A biopsy was performed, in which an undifferentiated carcinoma was identified. The computed tomography (CT) confirmed the existence of a glottic tumor, which completely obstructs the lumen of the larynx. No metastasis were noticed elsewhere on the PET-CT. The tumor was then classified as T3 N0 M0. The patient underwent a total laryngectomy, thyroidectomy and neck dissection. The definitive histopathological analysis confirmed the diagnosis of SCC of the larynx with negative surgical margins. Afterward, the patient underwent adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) on the tumor bed.

Conclusion

Primary laryngeal SCC is a very rare malignancy with a tendency to occur with controlateral lymph node metastasis at an early stage of the disease. Combining surgery and postoperative RT is recommended due to its aggressive profile.
Indicators for Building a Norm-Referenced Dataset Based on Conversational Language Samples in Typical Mandarin-speaking Children: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Zhang Yibin , MacWhinney Brian , Zhou Jing
Published: March 2024

For proper assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of language disorders in Mandarin children, it is important to have measures that closely track the course of normal development. The current study uses a large collection of spontaneous conversational language samples to track the developmental course of five language measures: mean length of utterance (MLU), the MLU of the five longest utterances (MLU5), vocD, number of repetitions, and number of retracings. We used cross-validation-based linear regression to estimate the relationship between age, gender and each of the five variables derived from the conversational language samples in 101 typically developing Mandarin-speaking children aged 3 to 7. Each of the five measures showed significant age-related effects during the period from age 3 to age 7. As norm-referenced measures of language development in children speaking Mandarin, these developmental data could inform clinical therapists regarding assessments and interventions for children with language disorder or impairment.
Validity and Reliability of the Korean Version of the Self-Leadership Questionnaire for Nursing Students
Authors: Park Hye-Ja , Kim Sun-Ki , Yu Soyoung
Published: March 2024

Online self-learning became widespread after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and during this period, learners’ self-leadership became an important measure of their competency. This study aims to verify the validity and reliability of the tool by translating the Abbreviated Self-Leadership Questionnaire (ASLQ) into Korean. Through web-based surveys, 286 nursing students from two university nursing colleges participated in the study. Cronbach’s α, correlation, and confirmatory factor analyses were used to verify the nine-item ASLQ. The factor loading values ranged from 0.378 to 0.892. The ASLQ model fit had a comparative fit index of 0.944, root mean square error of approximation of 0.093, and standardized root mean residual of 0.069. The ASLQ showed a statistically significant positive correlation with the original self-leadership, emotional intelligence, and self-efficacy questionnaires. Additionally, structural, convergent, and criterion validity were also evident. The reliability of the ASLQ was 0.846 for Cronbach’s α (the three sub-dimensions were 0.836, 0.732, and 0.734). This study verified the validity and reliability of the ASLQ and confirmed that it could be used to measure the self-leadership of nursing students at a time when self-leadership is crucial.
Reacting to Black Lives Matter on Social Media: Pedagogical Implications for Social Studies Education
Authors: McAnulty Joseph
Published: March 2024

This Q methodological study explored the ways preservice and in-service social studies teachers engaged with a collection of social media posts about the Black Lives Matter movement. The study asked participants to share their reactions to the posts as well as how they would determine which posts they might present to their students in the classroom. The analysis of the Q sorts identified three subject positions available to these social studies teachers—labeled the Context Provider, the Data Debater, and the Critical Confronter. Notably, each of these subject positions was underscored by a prevalent discourse of teachers working as a Guide on the Side. These findings suggest that social studies teachers’ pedagogical imaginings of engaging students with social media content and in the analysis of current social and political movements for justice are significantly informed by dominant discourses of teacher “neutrality.”
Palestinian Nursing Students’ Perspective of Clinical Decision-Making
Authors: Al Ali Mohammad Faisal
Published: March 2024

Introduction

One of the most important aspects of nursing education and practice is clinical decision-making (CDM), which is also crucial to clinical competency.

Objective

The study aimed to assess the CDM of undergraduate nursing students by using the CDM nursing scale.

Method

The study was cross-sectional and involved 315 nursing student participants. Data collection utilized the Clinical Decision-Making Scale, which comprises domains such as “canvassing of objectives and values,” “search for alternatives or options,” “evaluation and reevaluation of consequences,” and “search for information and unbiased assimilation of new information.” Statistical analyses included Pearson correlation, ANOVA, and independent t-tests. Data collection occurred during the second semester of 2023.

Results

The results indicated that the mean age of the students was 21.69 ( SD = 1.6) years. In terms of gender, the majority were males, constituting 216 (68.6%) of the participants. Among the participants, 105 (33.3%) were from the second year, 108 (34.3%) from the third year, and 102 (32.4%) from the fourth year. The analysis revealed that the average CDM score was 129.8 ( SD = 17.5). Additionally, examination of the subscales of CDM showed that the highest subscale score was for “search for information and unbiased assimilation of new information” ( M = 33.1, SD = 5.3), while the lowest subscale score was for “search for alternatives or options” ( M = 31.8, SD = 6.0). Furthermore, the analysis demonstrated a significant difference between academic year level and the mean CDM scores ( p < .05), along with a positive relationship between the CDM score and students’ age ( r = .67, p = .001).

Conclusion

The findings revealed that nursing students exhibit a moderate level of CDM. Moreover, it was revealed that students’ CDM is influenced by both their age and academic year level.