bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The lost jewel of the Atlantic Forest: Kinglet Calyptura Calyptura cristata (Aves: Platyrinchidae) specimen inventory and plumage variation
Authors: Silva e Silva Robson , Pacheco José Fernando , Schweizer Manuel , Kirwan Guy M.
Published: November 2023

Kinglet Calyptura Calyptura cristata is one of the great enigmas of the South American avifauna. Endemic to an apparently tiny area of south-eastern Brazil, in the Atlantic Forest biome, the species was not definitely seen between sometime in the second third of the 1800s and 1996, when it was briefly rediscovered in submontane forest north-west of Rio de Janeiro. Since then, C. cristata has been reported several times, but without documentation and always by single observers. It is currently considered Critically Endangered by BirdLife International, and various authors have speculated that the species might already be extinct. Given the extreme paucity of knowledge of this species, we provide a complete inventory of museum material for Kinglet Calyptura – more than 100 specimens are listed, the majority held in European collections, almost doubling previous estimates made in the literature. Several are held in relatively small institutions, thereby suggesting that yet more specimens might still be identified or found. In addition, with the benefit of this large sample of material, we discuss morphological variation in the species and we hypothesise particularly about the appearance of male, female and juvenile plumages.
Identity, Belonging and Home
Authors: Dikyurt Ahmet Emre
Published: November 2023

This research paper studies second-generation Bosnians in the United States, to understand the identity formation of this population after the Bosnian War through the lenses of home, belonging and borders. Through archival research and extended interviews, second-generation Bosnian-Americans were asked questions about their dual/hybrid identity and their sense of home and belonging. Analysis of the data shows that the second generation has had relatively weak acculturation, by some measures, due to close identification with their heritage. Yet, the second generation’s view of the Bosnian War is different from that of the first generation, who prefer to distance themselves from memories of war. The second generation would like to preserve their parents’ experiences as a part of their lives and pass it on to the next generation of Bosnian-Americans.
Foster Puppies as Therapeutic Partners: A Model for Mutual Benefit
Authors: Trevathan-Minnis Melissa , Platz Rebecca E.
Published: November 2023

Ample research points to the positive impact of nonhuman animals on humans and the benefits of animal-assisted therapy (AAT) on patients in multiple settings. However, AAT is often a one-sided enterprise, whereby the focus of concern for benefit and growth is centered on the human, and less, or not at all, on the nonhuman animal. We present a model that emphasizes approximate equal benefit for human and nonhuman animals. A treatment approach is described that combines socialization and training of homeless dogs and puppies to increase adoption rates and assess for suitability as therapy or working dogs, with rehabilitating and supporting clients. This model of mutual benefit demonstrates prosocial behavior for clients who participate in the socialization and preparation of homeless puppies for permanent homes in combination with their existing therapeutic goals and is rich territory for symbolic exploration. A case study is presented as an illustration of the model.
Hippeastrum euryphyllum (Amaryllidaceae), a microendemic species from northeastern Argentina: new combination, description, taxonomic identity and distribution
Authors: FLORENTÍN JAVIER E. , MEDINA WALTER A. , SALAS ROBERTO M. , ROITMAN GERMAN
Published: November 2023

As part of a series of taxonomic and floristic studies of the endemic vascular flora from Corrientes-Argentina, here we focus our attention on the genus Hippeastrum (Amaryllidaceae). Two species Hippeastrum angustifolium Pax, and Hippeastrum striatum (Lam.) H.E. Moore are cited for Corrientes, Argentina. However, another related taxon, Amaryllis euryphylla Ravenna, a microendemic species from Paraje Tres Cerros, is also recognized for the province. After a detailed study of all original available material, numerous herbarium specimens, and new field collections, we perform a new combination of Amaryllis euryphylla under the genus Hippeastrum as H. euryphyllum. In addition, photographs in its habitat, comments on the geographic distribution and identification key for Hippeastrum species from Corrientes are provided.
Description of the female of Liara (Liara) guangxiensis Bian, Zhang & Li, 2022 (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae: Conocephalinae: Agraeciini)
Authors: BIAN XUN
Published: November 2023

N/A
Deep Learning Image Segmentation for Atmospheric Rivers
Authors: Galea Daniel , Ma Hsi-Yen , Wu Wen-Ying , Kobayashi Daigo
Published: November 2023

The identification of atmospheric rivers (ARs) is crucial for weather and climate predictions as they are often associated with severe storm systems and extreme precipitation, which can cause large impacts on society. This study presents a deep learning model, termed ARDetect, for image segmentation of ARs using ERA5 data from 1960 to 2020 with labels obtained from the TempestExtremes tracking algorithm. ARDetect is a convolutional neural network (CNN)-based U-Net model, with its structure having been optimized using automatic hyperparameter tuning. Inputs to ARDetect were selected to be the integrated water vapor transport (IVT) and total column water (TCW) fields, as well as the AR mask from TempestExtremes from the previous time step to the one being considered. ARDetect achieved a mean intersection-over-union (mIoU) rate of 89.04% for ARs, indicating its high accuracy in identifying these weather patterns and a superior performance than most deep learning–based models for AR detection. In addition, ARDetect can be executed faster than the TempestExtremes method (seconds vs minutes) for the same period. This provides a significant benefit for online AR detection, especially for high-resolution global models. An ensemble of 10 models, each trained on the same dataset but having different starting weights, was used to further improve on the performance produced by ARDetect, thus demonstrating the importance of model diversity in improving performance. ARDetect provides an effective and fast deep learning–based model for researchers and weather forecasters to better detect and understand ARs, which have significant impacts on weather-related events such as floods and droughts.
Anthropogenic Influence on the Record-Breaking Compound Hot and Dry Event in Summer 2022 in the Yangtze River Basin in China
Authors: Li Wei , Jiang Zhihong , Li Laurent
Published: November 2023

CMIP6 simulations suggest that the probability of the compound hot and dry event occurring in summer 2022 in the Yangtze River basin in China is enhanced by anthropogenic effect by 7 times.
Initial and Transient Growth of Symmetric Instability
Authors: Kimura Satoshi
Published: November 2023

The mechanism of initial and transient perturbations of symmetric instability (SI) in a hydrostatic flow with lateral shear is analyzed by applying the generalized stability analysis. It is well known that the SI’s most rapidly growing motion is along isopycnals, and the growth rates consist of growing, neutral, and decaying modes. The eigenvectors of these three modes are not orthogonal to each other, hence the initial and transient perturbations bear little resemblance to the normal mode. Our findings indicate that the emergence of normal modes occurs within a time span of 1–3 inertial periods, which we refer to as the transient state. The overall growth of perturbation energy is divided into three components: geostrophic shear production (GSP), lateral shear production (LSP), and meridional buoyancy flux (MB). During the transient state, the perturbation energy is partly driven by MB, contrary to the normal mode which has zero MB. The relative energy contribution is evaluated through the ratio to GSP. While the MB-to-GSP ratio of the initial mode is higher than that of the normal mode, the LSP-to-GSP ratio remains constant. In the absence of the fastest-growing normal mode, MB can serve as the predominant initial energy source. The precise transition in the energy regime is contingent upon the geostrophic Richardson number and Rossby number.

Significance Statement

Fronts can be unstable to instabilities, which generate disturbance growth and lead to the mixing of water masses. We wanted to understand the initial and transient development of disturbance growth leading to the well-known exponentially growing state. While the exponentially growing disturbance is dominant in the long run, the disturbance growth may not have enough time to achieve the exponentially growing state. We find that the initial disturbance growth bears little resemblance to the exponentially growing state. Capturing the complete spectrum of front evolution remains challenging, and observations have thus far been limited to short-term records. The insights learned from this study can aid in better characterizing the disturbance growth captured in these short-term records.
Fibrinogen-to-Albumin Ratio and Glucose Metabolic States in Patients With Coronary Heart Disease
Authors: Wang Xu , Guo Ruiying , Huang Mengnan , Li Zhu , Lai Ziqin , Yang Rongrong , Li Lin , Gao Shan , Yu Chunquan
Published: November 2023

This study investigated the relationship between fibrinogen-to-albumin ratio (FAR) and glucose metabolic state in patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). A total of 52,062 patients were enrolled in this study. Patients were classified according to FAR tertiles (T1: FAR < 0.0073; T2: 0.0073 ≤ FAR ≤ 0.0886; T3: FAR ≥ 0.0887). Patients were also classified into the normal glucose regulation (NGR) and elevated blood glucose (EBG) groups. The relationship between FAR and EBG was analyzed using logistic regression, and the association was evaluated according to sex and age. Among the participants, 32,471 (62.4%) had EBG, which was positively associated with FAR (odds ratio [OR], 1.19; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.15-1.23). The OR of the FAR for EBG in males was higher than that in females (1.25; 95% CI 1.18-1.33 vs 1.15; 95% CI 1.10-1.20). Moreover, the OR of FAR for EBG was greater in patients aged 60 or younger (OR: 1.25; 95% CI 1.18-1.33) than in the elderly patients (over 60 years of age) (OR: 1.15; 95% CI 1.10-1.20). The results indicated a significant relationship between FAR and EBG and this association was higher in males and middle-aged patients.
Photoacoustic Spectroscopy Gas Detection Technology Research Progress
Authors: Xiong Shuidong , Yin Xiangyu , Wang Qi , Xia Ji , Chen Ziqiang , Lei Hongwei , Yan Xin , Zhu Aisong , Qiu Fengmei , Chen Binhai , Wang Qiaoyun , Zhang Lei , Zhang Keke
Published: November 2023

Photoacoustic spectroscopy (PAS) can be utilized as an ultrasensitive gas detection method. The basic principles of gas detection using PAS are discussed in this paper. First, the basic instrumentation for a PAS gas detection system is introduced focusing on the photoacoustic cell. The discussion includes non-resonant photoacoustic cells and the different types of resonant photoacoustic cells, including the longitudinal photoacoustic cell, the Helmholtz photoacoustic cell, the T-type photoacoustic cell, and the high-frequency resonant photoacoustic cell. The basic working principles of each of these, cells as well as the advantages and disadvantages of photoacoustic cells are discussed, and the development of newer types of photoacoustic cells in recent years is outlined in detail. This review provides detailed reference information and guidance for interested researchers who would like to design and build advanced photoacoustic cells for gas detection.
Perceptions of the Personalities of Namesaked Children as a Function of Their Sex and Birth Order
Authors: McAndrew Francis T. , Sbai Zeina
Published: November 2023

One-hundred-seventeen participants rated hypothetical individuals on the “Big Five” personality traits, narcissism, intelligence, and creativity. Hypothetical individuals differed according to namesake status (named after a parent/relative or not), sex, and birth order. Namesaking interacted with both sex and birth order on ratings of many personality traits, but sex and birth order were stronger predictors of personality stereotypes than was namesaking. The results indicate that namesaking children may have implications for the expectations that others will have about their personalities, but the nature of these expectations will rely heavily upon the child’s gender and birth order.
The Unarticulated Existential Body: Embracing Embodiment and Representation in the Ethnographic Model of Objectivity
Authors: Lema Vidal Daniel
Published: November 2023

This article further systematizes the existential body, contributing to the ethnographic model of embodied objectivity. It situates embodiment as the foundation of knowledge, demonstrating its underdevelopment in anthropological literature. The paper explores the philosophical relationship between being-in-the-world and Merleau-Ponty’s body-proper, emphasizing the central role of embodied pre-objective signification in representational ethnographic knowing. This aspect is often insufficiently addressed, particularly in light of certain ethnographic applications of the epoché. The paper concludes that, given the oscillatory apprehension of embodiment, the use of terms like “systematizing” and “inter-objectivity” adequately enhances its portrayal as a pre-objective phenomenon rather than an objective one.
Effect of adaptation gain and reference model in MIT and Lyapunov rule–based model reference adaptive control for first- and second-order systems
Authors: Gupta Dhananjay , Kumar Awadhesh , Giri Vinod Kumar
Published: November 2023

An adaptive control law encompasses a regulating control rule compensating for system dynamics variations by adjusting the controller characteristics to maintain the overall system performance. Recently, some techniques have been developed based on fundamental aspects of the adaptability of living organisms. The adaptive control method is a technique that measures the dynamic characteristics of the plant automatically and continuously to make a comparison with its required output. It utilizes the difference between these two to commute adaptable system parameters to maintain optimal performance regardless of the system variations. The behavior of the adaptation rule is significantly affected by the adaptation gain value. Here, it has also been investigated that the adaptation gain range is wide for the systems with the lower order. The appropriate range of adaptation gain decreases as the order of the system increases. In the present work, the model reference adaptive control (MRAC) for first- and second-order systems has been designed and investigated using a wide range of values for the adaptation gain and variations in the reference model parameters. The MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology) and Lyapunov rules are applied for the analyses of systems. On the MATLAB/Simulink platform, all the adaptation process comparisons, variations, and investigations have been carried out by altering the adaptation gain and the reference model parameters. The obtained results present encouraging outcomes.
Dynamic patterns of affect-biased attention in children and its relationship with parenting
Authors: Su Waxun , Lam Tak Kwan , Yi Zhennan , Ahemaitijiang Nigela , Han Zhuo Rachel , Wang Qiandong
Published: November 2023

Affect-biased attention is an important predictive factor of children’s early socio-emotional development, possibly shaped by the family environment. Our study aimed to reveal children’s temporal dynamic patterns of affect-biased attention by looking at time series of attention to emotional faces, individual differences in temporal dynamics, and their relations with parenting practices. Sixty Chinese children (27 girls; mean age: 7.92 ± 1.09 years) viewed emotional–neutral face pairs (angry, sad, and happy) for 3,000 ms while their eye movements were recorded. First, results showed that overall looking time rather than manual reaction time revealed affect-biased attention: children looked more at angry and happy faces than neutral faces, although they looked at sad and neutral faces approximately the same amount of time. Temporal course analysis revealed further differences in visual attention to emotional faces: attention bias to emotional faces emerged early after the stimuli onset (before 400 ms), even for sad faces. This bias did not hold for the entire stimulus presentation time, and only the attention bias to happy faces appeared again in the later period. Second, we applied a data-driven cluster approach to the time series of attention to emotional faces and revealed three subgroups of dynamic affect-biased attention. Finally, the machine learning method revealed that positive parenting was related to the temporal dynamic patterns of children’s attention to sad faces.
The potential for medicinal cannabis to help manage challenging behaviour in people with intellectual disability: A perspective review
Authors: Korb Laura , Tromans Samuel , Perera Bhathika , Khan Nagina , Burrows Lisa , Laugharne Richard , Hassiotis Angela , Allgar Victoria , Efron Daryl , Maidment Ian , Shankar Rohit
Published: November 2023

Background:

Around 2% of the population have intellectual disabilities. Over one-third people with intellectual disabilities (PwID) present with ‘challenging behaviour’, which nosologically and diagnostically is an abstract concept. Challenging behaviour is influenced by a range of bio-psycho-social factors in a population, which is unable to suitably comprehend and/or communicate concerns. This predisposes to poor health and social outcomes. There is no evidence-based treatments for managing challenging behaviour. Cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are being trialled for a range of disorders, which are over-represented in PwID and provoke challenging behaviours, such as severe epilepsy, spasticity, post-traumatic stress disorder, social phobia, pain, etc.

Methods:

This perspective review explores the different conditions, which benefit from medicinal CBD/THC preparations, by analysing recent literature from neurobiological, pre-clinical and clinical studies related to the topic. The evidence is synthesised to build an argument of the therapeutic benefits and challenges of medicinal cannabis to manage severe challenging behaviour in PwID.

Results:

There is developing evidence of medicinal CBD/THC improving psychiatric and behavioural presentations in general. In particular, there is emergent proof in certain key areas of influence of medicinal CBD/THC positively supporting challenging behaviour, for example in children with neurodevelopmental disorders. However, there are significant challenges in employing such treatments in vulnerable populations such as PwID.

Conclusion:

Further clinical research for the considered use of medicinal CBD/THC for challenging behaviour management in PwID is needed. Strong co-production with experts with lived experience is needed for further testing to be done in this exciting new area.
Equine sarcoids: A clinicopathologic study of 49 cases, with mitotic count and clinical type predictive of recurrence
Authors: Karalus Wilson , Subharat Supatsak , Orbell Geoff , Vaatstra Bernie , Munday John S.
Published: November 2023

Sarcoids are common mesenchymal neoplasms of horses. Although there are few studies in which sarcoids have been followed over a long period of time, sarcoids are considered locally invasive and have been reported to frequently recur following surgical excision. Currently, no histological features have been identified to predict which sarcoids will recur after excision. The present study comprised 49 sarcoids for which histology sections were available and in which the recurrence status of the case was known. Each sarcoid was excised from a different horse. Overall, 12 of the 49 (24%) sarcoids recurred after surgical excision. Mitotic count (MC), cellularity, necrosis, nuclear pleomorphism, and inflammation of the sarcoids were evaluated histologically. Of these, MC correlated with recurrence. Four of 5 (80%) sarcoids with an MC ≥ 20 in 2.37 mm2 recurred, which was a significantly higher recurrence rate than that of sarcoids with an MC < 20, 8 of 44 cases recurred (18%), P = .0051. Clinical type was also found to correlate with recurrence. Three of 4 (75%) fibroblastic types recurred, which was a significantly higher recurrence rate than that of sarcoids with other clinical types, 9 of 45 cases (18%), P < .001. In addition, univariate Cox regression analysis confirmed fibroblastic type and MC ≥ 20 as significant predictors for recurrence ( P = .016 and P = .005, respectively). To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first large study examining recurrence rates in sarcoids, and the first time that histological features have been correlated with recurrence.
Engagement in Physical Activity and Quality of Life Among Informal Caregivers of Older Adults
Authors: A’Azman Shamirah , Sung Pildoo , Malhotra Rahul
Published: November 2023

Objectives

This study examined (1) the association of caregiver engagement in physical activity (PA) with their quality of life (QoL) and (2) the moderating effect of caregiver engagement in PA on the relationship between several caregiving stressors and their QoL, among informal caregivers of older adults.

Methods

Multivariable regression was applied to data from 278 adult caregivers, aged 23–90 years, in Singapore.

Results

Engagement in PA by caregivers was positively associated with psychological, social relationships, and environment domains of their QoL. Caregiver engagement in PA also mitigated the negative association between care-recipient mood impairment and QoL of caregivers in the physical health and social relationships domains.

Discussion

QoL of caregivers may be improved or protected by their regular engagement in PA, especially when their care-recipients have mood impairment. Policymakers and practitioners should encourage caregivers to engage in PA and provide them with the necessary support to do so.
Recalcitrant ulcerative genital herpes in an immunocompetent individual treated successfully with imiquimod
Authors: Sachan Suvigya , Potluri Vijay Kiran , Gopinath Hima , Sravanthi Kode Leela , N Prabhakaran , Bharti Jyotsna Naresh , Haritha Thiruveedhula
Published: November 2023

Background

This case report describes the successful use of imiquimod to treat genital herpes in an immunocompetent individual with acyclovir-resistant HSV.

Case report

A 32 year old male patient, presented with asymptomatic non-healing ulcers over the genital region for 2 years. The ulcers initially responded to acyclovir but became persistent after a few months. He also received multiple courses of antibiotics. On examination, the patient had bilateral inguinal lymphadenopathy and multiple painless ulcers over the coronal sulcus. Routine investigations were normal. The patient was treated with oral and intravenous acyclovir but showed no response. He was then started on topical imiquimod cream applied on alternate days. After one week, the patient presented with pain, redness, burning sensation, and fresh ulcer over the glans which were suspected to be imiquimod-induced irritant reaction or ulcer. Imiquimod was withheld for one week and then restarted at a twice-weekly schedule. After 1 month and 7 days of treatment with imiquimod at a twice-weekly schedule, there was healing of the ulcers.

Conclusion

This case report illustrates the efficacy of imiquimod cream as a topical treatment for genital herpes simplex in an immunocompetent patient who had previously been unresponsive to treatment with acyclovir.
Does genital herpes symptom history predict herpes simplex virus type 2 antibody positivity?
Authors: Perez Jessica , Lewis Katherine A , Vargas Silver , Klausner Jeffrey D , Konda Kelika A
Published: November 2023

Background

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) associated with genital ulcer disease due to herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2) are a prominent cause of morbidity and mortality. Serologic screening for HSV-2 is recommended only for individuals with genital herpes symptom history. However, no validated symptom screening tool currently exists.

Methods

Currently asymptomatic adults presenting for routine care at STI clinics in Lima, Peru completed a survey of prior genital herpes symptoms and received HSV-2 serological testing with the Euroimmun Anti-HSV-2 (gG2) ELISA IgG (Lubeck, Germany). A sub-sample of indeterminate results were sent for Western blot confirmatory testing. We assessed associations between past symptoms and anti-HSV-2 positivity and corrected the HSV-2 prevalence by re-classifying indeterminates per Western Blot results.

Results

We enrolled 131 participants between July and October 2022. HSV-2 antibody test results found 21.4% positive, 41.2% indeterminate, and 37.4% negative. Excluding indeterminate results, 36.4% were positive. Of participants with no prior symptoms 31.2% tested positive, compared to 35.7% with one prior symptom, 50.0% with 2, and 50.0% with 3+ prior symptoms. Among the sub-sample of indeterminates, 92.6% were confirmed positive by Western Blot, bringing the total estimated proportion of participants with HSV-2 antibodies to 59.5%. Either based on the original classification of HSV-2 antibody status or after incorporation of confirmatory testing results, there was no significant association between symptom history and HSV-2 antibody positivity.

Conclusions

With currently available tests, recommendations to screen individuals based on genital herpes symptom history may not be useful. More discriminatory symptom screening tools or HSV-2 antibody tests with better performance are needed.
Strike incidence and outcomes: New evidence from the 2019 ECS
Authors: Addison John T , Teixeira Paulino
Published: November 2023

This paper investigates the relationship between union organization, workplace representation, the quality of industrial relations and strike incidence, as well as the implications of the matters at stake in localized disputes. Strike incidence is found to be higher in establishments where union density is higher, and where workers are covered by mixed-level collective agreements and in flexible employment. Further, distrust is associated with increased strike incidence, and conversely for employee-focused strategies and heightened employee motivation. These results are robust to controls for possible endogeneity of union density and country (cluster) heterogeneity. In terms of outcomes, higher union density, works councils, profit sharing, and a machine/computer-driven work pace are associated with worker wins, while collective bargaining, firm profitability, and more frequent meetings with management are linked with more balanced agreements.
First Contact With Transcultural Care: A Phenomenological Study of Practical Turkish Nursing Students’ Experiences in a Migrant Health Center
Authors: Türk Aytuğ , Ünsal Erkan , Dönmez Ayşegül
Published: November 2023

Introduction:

This study examines the subjective experiences of Turkish students who work in immigrant health facilities providing nursing care to people of different cultures. Nurses are often encountered by immigrants in these centers. Although qualitative research on nurses’ experiences assisting immigrants has been often cited in the literature, the literature on nursing students’ experiences is limited.

Methodology:

The study has a descriptive qualitative design. Data were collected using a face-to-face, in-depth, and semistructured interview form. The data were evaluated using a content analysis method.

Results:

The study yielded four themes: (a) inability to control emotions, (b) barriers to care involvement, (c) benefits of intercultural care, and (d) recommendations.

Discussion:

Learning intercultural care is critical in these years of increased immigration. Understanding nursing students’ experiences is essential for improving the quality of intercultural care.
The Social Accomplishment of Seeing Together in Networked Team Play
Authors: Rusk Fredrik , Taylor Nicholas , Ståhl Matilda
Published: November 2023

Background

This article focuses on communication in team-based esports, particularly in the ways that callouts enable players in team-based First-Person Shooters (FPS) to collaboratively link their own perception and awareness of in-game actions to that of their teammates. Callouts are short, community-based utterances that players use to communicate vital details of fast-paced action in competitive games.

Aim

We provide an empirically-based theorization of why callouts appear to be especially important in team-based FPS games, which, because of the limited fields of vision and split-second decision-making, require players to communicate what is happening to the others in the team as they navigate the game environment.

Methods

To describe this distributed perception, we borrow from studies on active military settings that term this seeing together as interperceptivity and employ ethnomethodology in our analysis of the minute details of players’ actions in the screen recordings as they extended their team’s collective perception and awareness of in-game activities and events.

Results

Through this paper, we contribute to the ongoing research on understanding communication and collaboration in team-based games. The callout sequences (and aligning actions) are orienting towards sharing individual perceptions for the (co)construction of an interperceptivity of in-game activities. Hence, callouts form a precondition for coordinated play.

Conclusion

The introduction of this concept to game studies can help in making sense of a key capability in networked team-based games; that is, how players collectively construct a situational awareness that encompasses teammates’ perception. Also, because of the essential role of callouts and interperceptivity in highly-skilled networked play, we point to some of the cultural contexts in which this practice is accomplished.
A 2-Stage Approach in Managing Diabetic Forefoot Ulcers
Authors: Tiruveedhula Madhu , Graham Anna , Thapar Ankur , Dindyal Shiva , Mulcahy Michael
Published: November 2023

Background:

Forefoot plantar ulcers in patients with diabetic neuropathy are considered to be primarily the result of increased shear forces applied over prominent plantar bony prominences. The purpose of this article is to describe a 2-stage treatment pathway utilizing an outpatient percutaneous tendon-Achilles lengthening (TAL) as the first stage procedure and subsequent proximal metatarsal osteotomy (MTO) as a second stage procedure for a persistent or recurrent ulcer.

Methods:

A consecutive 112 patients (146 feet), who presented to our Multidisciplinary Diabetic Foot Team clinics since February 2019 with plantar nonischemic forefoot ulcers were included in this study. Excluding the patients who died or were lost to follow-up, 96 feet were followed for a minimum 12 months (range 12-36 months). After TAL, patients were encouraged to walk in a walking cast for 6 weeks and were followed for a minimum 12 months. Patients with persistent or recurrent ulcers were investigated with magnetic resonance imaging scan, and based on intramedullary osteomyelitis and septic destruction of distal metatarsal, we describe a second-stage MTO with the 3 most common clinical presentations.

Results:

Of 96 feet, none had infection or wound-related problems following TAL. Complete transection of the tendon was noted in 4 patients (4%) and heel callosity in 1 patient. In 92 feet (96%), the ulcers healed within 10 weeks (±4 weeks) after TAL but, in 12 feet (10%), the ulcer failed to heal or recurred. At a minimum 12 months after the second-stage MTO, none in this subgroup had recurrence of ulcer or a transfer lesion.

Conclusion:

TAL followed with a walking cast as an outpatient procedure was effective in healing forefoot ulcers in 96% of feet. Comparable to the widely practiced hand surgery Wide Awake Local Anesthesia No Tourniquet (WALANT) procedure, our approach involved active control of the degree of ankle dorsiflexion by the patient, and the procedure was proven to be safe and well tolerated. When the second-stage MTO was required to offload the forefoot, in our small cohort, patients had ulcer-free outcome for a minimum 12 months.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, retrospective case series.
Real-time detection of wheel-rail conditions in a monorail vehicle-track nonlinear system based on vehicle vibration signals
Authors: Jiang Yongzhi , Wu Pingbo , Zeng Jing , Jiang Long
Published: November 2023

This paper aims to propose a real-time detection method of wheel-rail conditions in a monorail vehicle-track nonlinear system based on vehicle vibration signals. Monorail rubber tires exhibit strong nonlinearity and three-dimensional elasticity, resulting in highly coupled vertical and lateral vibrations. As a result, traditional methods applied in railway system such as transfer function analysis are not suitable for back-calculation of road irregularities for this nonlinear system. Iterative simulation with numerous parameters is time-consuming, thus this paper proposes a parallel simulation approach fused with the genetic algorithm to shorten the calculation time and facilitate big data processing. The multi-rigid body model’s simulation result can closely match the test data by intelligently modifying the vehicle parameters. This method overcomes the transfer function’s limitations in nonlinear systems and the significant errors introduced by the simplified mathematical derivation method. It also overcomes the shortcoming of significant errors in the mathematical derivation method and disperses errors caused by simplifying the multi-rigid body dynamics and ensures calculation accuracy. Additionally, this paper highlights the application of artificial intelligence techniques in intelligent wheel eccentricity detection. It improves the traditional algorithm to shorten the calculation time and benefit big data processing.
Premedication strategy in cetuximab rechallenge after Grade 2 hypersensitivity reactions
Authors: Lofy Molly , Jung Lindsey , Dow-Hillgartner Elizabeth
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Cetuximab, an IgG1 monoclonal antibody, is utilized in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer and squamous cell head and neck cancers. Due to the risk of hypersensitivity reactions, standard premedication with a histamine-1 (H-1) antagonist is recommended prior to administration, however, there is less guidance for premedication strategies to assist with rechallenge after infusion reactions. Here, we describe two cases of successful cetuximab treatment after Grade 2 reactions, in addition to risk factors and proposed premedication strategies for successful rechallenge.

Case report

Two patients who experienced Grade 2 hypersensitivity reactions were both successfully rechallenged with increased premedications 1–2 weeks after initial infusions. The first patient was a 56-year-old male diagnosed with metastatic colorectal cancer receiving cetuximab as part of a clinical trial. The second patient was a 73-year-old male diagnosed with head and neck cancer receiving cetuximab as part of standard of care concurrent with radiation.

Management and outcome

Each patient was rechallenged with an increased premedication strategy including dexamethasone, famotidine, diphenhydramine, and acetaminophen in addition to reducing the infusion rate. Both patients either continued treatment or successfully completed therapy, without any additional infusion-related reactions.

Discussion

We aimed to review risk factors related to cetuximab infusion reactions and propose a premedication strategy for rechallenge postreaction. Known risk factors include male sex and the accumulation of cetuximab-specific IgE. These may be mitigated by the addition of increased premedication with dexamethasone and famotidine with concurrent reduced infusion rate.
Changes in physicochemical, textural, and sensorial properties of pork meatballs made with the addition of hemp oil during storage
Authors: Montowska Magdalena , Kotecka-Majchrzak Klaudia , Kasałka-Czarna Natalia , Mikołajczak Beata , Spychaj Anita , Grygier Anna
Published: November 2023

This research aimed to evaluate the quality characteristics of cooked and vacuum-packed meatballs reformulated with cold-pressed hempseed oil as a partial pork substitute (0.8%, 2.5%, 4.2%, and 7.5%) during 12 days of storage. The water activity, cooking, and storage losses increased with a higher content of hemp oil ( P < 0.05). The total saturated fatty acids were reduced by 37.6%, whereas the polyunsaturated fatty acids content improved by 96.1%. Hemp oil addition decreased protein and lipid oxidation during the storage period ( P < 0.05). The inhibition effect on carbonyl content reached 34.9% and on TBARS values reached 17.5%. Sensory analysis revealed no significant changes to the texture, odour, and taste attributes over 12 days of storage in vacuum packaging. The results indicate that cold-pressed hemp oil can be an alternative ingredient for the production of meat products with improved nutritional value, particularly by enriching them with n-3 α-linolenic fatty acid.
Clinical characteristics and preoperative ultrasound parameters related to low patency in radio-cephalic arteriovenous fistulas
Authors: Ibáñez Pallarès Sara , Esteve Simó Vicent , Tapia González Irati , Clará Velasco Albert , Ramírez de Arellano Serna Manel , Yeste Campos Montserrat
Published: November 2023

Introduction:

Our objective is to describe the clinical characteristics and preoperative ultrasound mapping parameters associated with primary and secondary patency of radio-cephalic arteriovenous fistulas (RCF).

Methods:

A retrospective, single-center, descriptive study, including patients undergoing a RCF creation between 2015 and 2019. Socio-demographic data and ultrasound parameters were collected and an analysis of primary and secondary patency was performed.

Results:

Eighty-four patients were included in this study. Mean age was 65.6 (±13.9) years; 76.6% were male. Mean preoperative ultrasound parameters: forearm cephalic vein diameter was 2.8 (±0.57) mm, radial artery diameter was 2.6 (±0.42) mm, radial artery systolic peak velocity was 68 (±14.3) cm/s radial artery resistance index was 0.76 (±0.9). At the end of the 4 years the follow-up, the mean primary and secondary patency were 47.2% and 80% respectively. Only female sex was significantly associated with a decrease in both primary patency ( p = 0.043, HR = 0.48) and secondary patency ( p = 0.021, HR = 0.023). Furthermore, radial artery systolic peak velocity ( p = 0.007, HR = 2.6) showed a significant association with decreased primary patency and forearm cephalic vein diameter showed a borderline significant association with decreased secondary patency ( p = 0.046, HR = 8.2).

Conclusions:

A standardized evaluation by a vascular surgeon or nephrologist represent a key in the preoperative assessment of AVF candidates. Based on our results, we will consider to avoid distal vascular access in both female patients with lower radial artery systolic peak velocity (less than 68 cm/s) and borderline forearm cephalic vein diameter (less than 2.8 mm) after initial assessment in our clinical practice. Our results could encourage new studies in order to stablish the potential role of these parameters in the RCFs patency rates.
Osteocalcin and Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Viswanath Aaditya , Vidyasagar Sudha , Amrutha Sukumar Cynthia
Published: November 2023

Introduction:

Metabolic syndrome which is a syndrome complex that is associated with insulin resistance. Osteocalcin (OC), a bone derived protein has been found to decrease insulin resistance and stimulate production of insulin from the pancreas. Serum osteocalcin levels correlate with body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference. Thus, serum osteocalcin levels in metabolic syndrome could potentially be a new area to explore therapeutically. However, its role in clinical practice needs to be established.

Methods:

We conducted a cross-sectional study on patients, who visited Kasturba Hospital, Manipal between September 2018 and September 2020, to study the relationship between Serum Osteocalcin and the parameters of metabolic syndrome. All patients above the age of 18 years who satisfied the NCEP-ATP III guidelines (Asian adaptation) for metabolic syndrome were considered for the study. Patients who had thyroid and parathyroid disorders, bone malignancies, osteoporosis, liver failure and renal dysfunction were excluded.

Results:

A total of 115 subjects were analyzed. As serum osteoclacin increased, there was a significant decrease in fasting blood glucose levels ( r = −.748, P < .05) and a significant increase in serum HDL levels ( r = .617, P < .01). There was no correlation found between serum osteocalcin and BMI/waist circumference in this study. Finally, it was observed that individuals with fewer components of metabolic syndrome had a significantly higher serum osteocalcin when compared with individuals with a higher number of components of metabolic syndrome ( P < .01).

Conclusion:

This data further confirmed the association between serum OC and parameters of metabolic syndrome such as FBS and serum HDL. It also found that increased serum OC was associated with fewer components of the metabolic syndrome indicating that OC could have a positive metabolic impact and may prevent atherosclerotic risk.
Development of non-contact floating mechanism utilizing squeeze film levitation under vacuum environment
Authors: Ogawa Ryota , Ito Taiki , Kawada Shouhei , Miyatake Masaaki , Mares Cristinel , Stolarski Tadeusz , Yoshimoto Shigeka
Published: November 2023

Results of an experimental study on the levitation of a light object created by the squeeze-film mechanism under both vacuum and atmospheric conditions are presented and discussed. Two working substances were used, that is vacuum pump oil and ionic liquid. It was determined that vacuum pump oil produced a much higher levitation altitude of the floating light object compared to the ionic liquid. Also, it was established that levitation can be achieved under both vacuum and atmospheric conditions. The levitation height of the light object was slightly higher under vacuum conditions.
Tribological, mechanical, and metallurgical performance of natural fiber-reinforced composites: A comprehensive review
Authors: Veeman Dhinakaran , Ram P M Bupathi , Ravichandran Manickam , Katiyar Jitendra Kumar
Published: November 2023

Composite materials have an ever-increasing demand for their application in numerous applications such as aerospace, automobile, petroleum, etc. These materials vary according to their chemical composition, properties, manufacturing techniques, etc. Natural fiber-reinforced composites are the composites where natural fibers such as plant, animal, and mineral fibers are used as reinforcement material. Reinforcement of these fibers yields composite material with extensive properties such as high strength, durability, reliability, etc. These properties lead them to commercial applications in several areas. Therefore, this paper describes various characteristics of the matrix, reinforcement, and resin used for natural fiber composite materials. Also, multiple parameters that affect the growth of these composites are investigated. The tribological behavior of natural fiber composites is focused mainly on friction, wear, and lubrication. Furthermore, the material's mechanical performance and metallurgical behavior are also given significant importance. These materials’ application in various fields is explored separately, and multiple conclusions are drawn.
Toward a strengths-based model for designing virtual reality learning experiences for autistic users
Authors: Schmidt Matthew , Newbutt Nigel , Lee Minyoung , Lu Jie , Francois Marc-Sonley , Antonenko Pavlo D , Glaser Noah
Published: November 2023

This study presents a strengths-based framework for designing virtual reality experiences tailored to the needs and abilities of autistic individuals. Recognizing the potential of virtual reality to provide engaging and immersive learning environments, the framework aligns the strengths and preferences of autistic users with the affordances of virtual reality platforms. Drawing on the existing literature and empirical findings, the framework highlights key areas of alignment, including visual perception, anxiety management, attention to differences, concrete thinking, and response to positive feedback. The framework emphasizes the importance of involving autistic individuals in the co-design and co-creation of virtual reality technologies to ensure a more tailored and preferred user experience. By adopting a strengths-based approach and actively involving autistic individuals, the design and implementation of virtual reality interventions can better address their unique needs and foster positive outcomes. The study concludes by advocating for continued research and collaboration to advance the field of virtual reality technology for autistic individuals and to work toward shared goals with the autistic community.

Lay abstract

Virtual reality has been studied for its potential in supporting individuals with autism, but existing research often focuses on deficits and lacks consideration of individual preferences and strengths. This article introduces a framework that emphasizes the strengths and abilities of autistic individuals when designing virtual reality interventions. It builds upon an existing taxonomy of educational technology affordances and extends it to align with the unique needs of autistic individuals. The framework provides guidance for incorporating virtual reality technology that supports and amplifies autistic strengths, such as visual perception and response to positive feedback. The framework has implications for practice, research, and policy. For practitioners, it offers a tool for designing virtual reality experiences that cater to the strengths of autistic individuals, enhancing engagement and educational outcomes. Researchers can utilize the framework to guide the development of user-centered virtual reality interventions and expand our understanding of the potential benefits of virtual reality for autistic populations. Policymakers and educators can consider this framework when incorporating virtual reality into educational settings, ensuring that virtual reality technology is used in a way that aligns with the strengths and needs of autistic learners. Overall, the framework promotes a strengths-based approach in utilizing virtual reality technology for individuals with autism, fostering inclusivity and maximizing the benefits of immersive experiences.
Long-term creep monitoring of composite wing leading edge using embedded fiber Bragg grating
Authors: Chen Changhao , Wu Qi , Zhang Zheng , Liu Zhixiang , Xiong Ke
Published: November 2023

The creep behavior of composite wing leading edges resulting from nonequilibrium residual stresses and material viscoelasticity needs to be evaluated comprehensively as it significantly affects assembly. In this study, long-term creep monitoring of a composite wing leading edge used in an actual airplane for 710 h is conducted using embedded fiber Bragg grating arrays and a creep extraction algorithm. The spectra and Bragg wavelength shifts of two embedded arrays, which involve temperature, thermal expansion, and creep, are recorded and analyzed. The creep curve of the composite wing leading edge is reconstructed and further predicted using the creep extraction algorithm based on multiparameter decoupling and the Burgers model. This study elucidates the enlargement of the opening size in the composite wing leading edge by measuring the tensile strain above the neutral axis. The predicted creep time serves as a valuable reference for determining the appropriate assembly timing.