bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
2012 Briganti nomogram predict prostate cancer progression in EAU intermediate risk with unfavorable tumor grade: A single center experience
Authors: Porcaro Antonio Benito , Costantino Sonia , Brancelli Claudio , Baielli Alberto , Artoni Francesco , Montanaro Francesca , Gallina Sebastian , Bianchi Alberto , Serafin Emanuele , Veccia Alessandro , Franceschini Andrea , Rizzetto Riccardo , Brunelli Matteo , Migliorini Filippo , Bertolo Riccardo Giuseppe , Cerruto Maria Angela , Antonelli Alessandro
Published: May 2024

Background:

To investigate the potential prognostic impact of Briganti’s 2012 nomogram in EAU intermediate-risk patients presenting with an unfavorable tumor grade and treated with robot-assisted radical prostatectomy, eventually associated with extended pelvic lymph node dissection.

Materials and methods:

From January 2013 to December 2021, the study included 179 EAU intermediate-risk patients presenting with an unfavorable tumor grade (ISUP 3), eventually associated with a PSA of 10–20 ng/ml and/or cT-2b. Briganti’s 2012 nomogram was assessed as both a continuous and dichotomous variable, categorized according to the median (risk score ⩾7% vs <7%). Disease progression, defined as biochemical recurrence and/or metastatic progression, was evaluated using Cox proportional hazards in both univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results:

Disease progression occurred in 43 (24%) patients after a median (95% CI) follow-up of 78 (65.7–88.4) months. The nomogram risk score predicted disease progression, evaluated both as a continuous variable (hazard ratio, HR = 1.064; 95% CI: 1.035–1.093; p < 0.0001) and as a categorical variable (HR = 3.399; 95% CI: 1.740–6.638; p < 0.0001). This association was confirmed in multivariate analysis, where hazard ratios remained consistent even after adjusting for clinical and pathological factors.

Conclusions:

In EAU intermediate-risk PCa cases presenting with an unfavorable tumor grade and treated surgically, Briganti’s 2012 nomogram was associated with disease progression after surgery. Consequently, as the nomogram risk score increased, patients were more likely to experience PCa progression, facilitating the stratification of the patient population into distinct prognostic subgroups.
CMC strength and damage prediction considering thermal mechanic coupling effect
Authors: Haoyuan Xie , Guangwu Fang , Xiguang Gao , Yingdong Song
Published: May 2024

Continuous Fiber Reinforced Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMC) confront significant and undeniable elevated thermal gradient. In this study, a periodic RVE geometrical model was simplified based on the XCT scanning images of 2.5D woven CMC, and the model of the thermal structural strength of 2.5D woven CMC under the influence of fine-scale temperature fields was developed. In conjunction with the temperature distribution of the aero-engine turbine working state, ten sets of temperature field conditions were established and the model of thermal structural strength of 2.5D woven CMC under the influence of fine-scale temperature fields was developed. The effects of the overall temperature level, the form of the temperature difference and the size of the temperature difference on the tensile curve, the failure limits, the form of damage evolution, and the distribution of the failure unit at the time of failure of the 2.5D woven CMC were discussed. It was found that the temperature field induced by temperature difference in the thickness direction has a more significant effect on the tensile mechanical properties of the material, which is a key consideration for the structural design process using this material.
Effect of pulsation elongational stress on the structure and properties of preparing self-reinforced sheets
Authors: Yin Xiaochun , Xia Tian , He Guangjian , Zhang Guizhen
Published: May 2024

A vane-type melt pulsation pumping device induces molecular chain orientation in HDPE melts via pulsating stretch-compression, enabling self-reinforced sheet extrusion. Experiments assess the impact of varying device temperature and rotational speed on the mechanical properties and microstructure of extruded sheets. The results show that the orientation of the samples can be preliminarily verified by heating test. SEM analysis reveals closely aligned HDPE crystal regions along the extrusion direction following pulsating elongational stress. 2D-WAXD analysis demonstrates a shift in diffraction intensity where it diminishes in the meridional direction and intensifies in the equatorial plane, resulting in a maximum orientation index of 0.683, an increase of 16.6% compared to direct extrusion. When the temperature of the melt pulsation pumping device is set to 180°C and the shaft speed is set to 30 rpm, the tensile strength of the sheets in the extrusion direction reached a maximum value of 66.37 MPa, surpassing that of directly extruded samples by 42.7% and that of compression-molded samples by 90%. In summary, this research realizes the self-reinforced and efficient continuous extrusion of single-component HDPE sheets through a simple device and process, which is of great significance for convenient recycling and environmental protection.
Women’s Representation in Employment Categories in U.S. School Districts, 2002 to 2014: Are School Districts Achieving Parity?
Authors: Taylor Melissa A. , Rucker Larra , Hunt Valerie H. , Kerr Brinck
Published: May 2024

We examine U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission data (2002–2014) to assess the representation of women at different occupational levels in U.S. public school districts. As of 2014, we find women (a) approach representational parity in administrative and principal positions, (b) are underrepresented in assistant principal positions, and (c) are overrepresented among classroom teachers. We expand the analysis to include district size and find underrepresentation of women in small districts and overrepresentation in large districts across leadership positions (administrators, principals, and assistant principals). While progress has occurred, limitations persist, including: (1) a prevalence of districts with no women in leadership roles; (2) a continuing imbalance of women in leadership positions across districts; and (3) on average, large gender-based leadership inequities in smaller districts. Gender-related barriers to career entry and advancement persist. We discuss why gender gaps continue to exist in leadership positions and provide suggestions for employment policy reform.
Impact of Continuous Infusion Ketamine Compared to Continuous Infusion Benzodiazepines on Delirium in the Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Vollmer Nicholas J. , Wieruszewski Erin D. , Nei Andrea M. , Mara Kristin C. , Rabinstein Alejandro A. , Brown Caitlin S.
Published: May 2024

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate rates of delirium or coma-free days between continuous infusion sedative-dose ketamine and continuous infusion benzodiazepines in critically ill patients. Materials and Methods: In this single-center, retrospective cohort adult patients were screened for inclusion if they received continuous infusions of either sedative-dose ketamine or benzodiazepines (lorazepam or midazolam) for at least 24 h, were mechanically ventilated for at least 48 h and admitted to the intensive care unit of a large quaternary academic center between 5/5/2018 and 12/1/2021. Results: A total of 165 patients were included with 64 patients in the ketamine group and 101 patients in the benzodiazepine group (lorazepam n = 35, midazolam n = 78). The primary outcome of median (IQR) delirium or coma-free days within the first 28 days of hospitalization was 1.2 (0.0, 3.7) for ketamine and 1.8 (0.7, 4.6) for benzodiazepines (p = 0.13). Patients in the ketamine arm spent a significantly lower proportion of time with RASS −3 to +4, received significantly higher doses and longer durations of propofol and fentanyl infusions, and had a significantly longer intensive care unit length of stay. Conclusions: The use of sedative-dose ketamine had no difference in delirium or coma-free days compared to benzodiazepines.
Self-Compassion, Resilience and Mental Health in Community Adults
Authors: Chuang Shu Ping , Wu Jo Yung Wei , Wang Chien Shu
Published: May 2024

Purpose

To investigate the associations among self-compassion, resilience and mental health of community residents.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

Voluntary survey of web-based, posters-based platform.

Participants

453 community residents.

Methods

Participants living in Kaohsiung, Taiwan were recruited from posters, online advertisements based platforms and were assessed with the self-compassion scale (SCS), Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC-25), Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), The Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) and The Positive Mental Health Scale (PMH-scale) measures during the period from March 1 to October 31, 2023.

Results

After adjusting for age, gender and education, stepwise regression analysis revealed that isolation, self-judgment, and control accounted for 14% of the variance in depressive symptoms (CES-D) (adjusted R 2 = .149, P < .05). Over-identification, self-kindness and control accounted for 26% of the variance in satisfaction with life (SWLS) (adjusted R 2 = .263, P < .001). Over-identification, self-kindness, isolation, control and personal competence and tenacity accounted for 37% of the variance in positive mental health (PMH-scale) (adjusted R 2 = .375, P < .05).

Conclusions

Findings suggested that components of self-compassion and resilience may be important factors that promote positive mental health and provide potential interventions for professionals to increase the well-being of community residents.
The Use of Intraperitoneal Ampicillin in a Patient With Enterococcus faecalis Peritonitis
Authors: Greer Natalie , Hudson Joanna Q. , Jacobs Anna , Wells Drew A.
Published: May 2024

Introduction: Peritoneal dialysis (PD) – associated peritonitis is a serious complication of peritoneal dialysis (PD). The 2022 International Society of Peritoneal Dialysis (ISPD) guidelines do not recommend intraperitoneal (IP) ampicillin for treatment of Enterococcal PD – associated peritonitis. To date, there is no in vivo data to support use of IP ampicillin for the treatment of Enterococcus faecalis. Case Description: A 69-year-old man with a past medical history of end stage kidney disease (ESKD) requiring continuous cycling peritoneal dialysis (CCPD) was admitted to the hospital and treated for peritonitis with E. faecalis. The patient’s CCPD prescription was 2.5% Dianeal with 5 total exchanges. IP ampicillin was added to the first 4 exchanges and additional ampicillin was added to the last fill. The patient successfully completed the treatment course with clinical cure. Discussion: The use of IP ampicillin for E. faecalis peritonitis is controversial and previously lacked compelling clinical evidence for or against its use. This case demonstrates treatment of peritonitis using a modified dosing strategy with ampicillin added to each CCPD exchange and last fill. The loss of ampicillin antimicrobial activity reported in vitro with E. faecalis was not supported by this case.
Multi-objective optimization of rivet and die for self-piercing riveting using finite element analysis
Authors: Hur Yong Chan , Kahhal Parviz , Park Byung Joon , Kim Sung Goo , Kim Raehyeong , Kim Ji Hoon
Published: May 2024

This study numerically investigated the effects of self-piercing riveting (SPR) process parameters on the quality of joints between steel and aluminum alloy sheets. First, the mechanical properties of each metal were experimentally evaluated, and a single-lap shear test was performed to validate a constructed finite element analysis model. This model was subsequently applied to optimize the die depth, die radius, and rivet length parameters of the SPR process using a multi-objective optimization method considering the shear strength, interlocking distance, and minimum thickness of the bottom sheet as objective functions. The results indicated that the maximum interlock distance was achieved with a longer die depth and larger die radius, and the largest minimum thickness of the bottom sheet was achieved with a shorter rivet length and larger die depth and radius. The die radius and depth were determined to be the most critical variables for all objective functions. The findings of this study can be applied to optimize the SPR of steel and aluminum alloy sheets.
Investigation and selection of optimistic material for two wheeler brake disc: An experimental and finite element approach
Authors: Prakash C , Prakash J
Published: May 2024

The brake disc is a vital component in the braking system of the automobile which helps in reducing the speed or stopping the vehicle whenever required. Whereas, increasing the effectiveness of the braking system is highly challenging for the researchers to ensure safe driving by minimizing the stopping distance of the vehicle during braking. However, the performance of the braking system mainly relies on the brake disc material utilized in the braking system. In the current trend, the usage of alternate materials with a high strength-to-weight ratio is in practice to reduce the fuel consumption of the automobile. Hence, researchers concentrate on Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites and Metal Matrix Composites to manufacture automotive components. In this research work, the performance of the existing mild steel brake rotor is correlated with brake discs fabricated using different materials such as zirconium-coated steel, AA7075+nSiCp, AA6061+nano Rice Husk Ash particles, Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer composite, and Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer composites. The effectiveness of a two-wheeler braking system is reported concerning the stopping distance, disc weight, friction coefficient, and wear resistance properties of the brake disc material. Moreover, a 3D Finite Element Model (3D FEM) is also developed and the braking mechanism is simulated. The experimental and FEA results reveal that SiC reinforced AA7075 composite shows compromising properties as required such as maximum stress of 558 MPa, excellent wear resistance, good friction coefficient of 0.40, good temperature dissipation property, and effective stopping distance of 81 m.
Finding the gaps in design strategies and technological advancements for net-zero energy buildings development in India
Authors: Chaturvedi Pushpendra Kumar , Kumar Nand , Lamba Ravita
Published: May 2024

The climate-adaptive net-zero energy building design is an effective trend for achieving a carbon-neutral environment and reducing global energy demand, especially, in India where building energy consumption recorded substantial growth in the past decade. This review article focuses on the development of net-zero energy buildings in tropical climates through the analysis of 44 real case studies. This study investigates the building envelope parameters, advance technologies, and their effectiveness on the building energy models. In the first phase of this study, fourteen net-zero energy buildings or high-performance buildings in the USA, China, and India considering energy-efficient design features and their significant effect on energy consumption have been examined. Moreover, the role of building simulation tools in improving energy efficiency is discussed. The second phase investigates the thirty best practices of net-zero energy buildings in tropical climates worldwide based on envelope choices, heating, cooling, and lighting features. Furthermore, this review discusses the evolving definitions, challenges, and inconsistencies in terminologies of net-zero energy building and illustrates India's initiatives towards net-zero development. The objectives of this review study are to highlight the challenges in building material research, advanced lighting, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning technologies, and integration of renewable energy compared to developed nations. Additionally, the gaps that are the barriers to the development of net-zero energy building in India have been identified. The review eventually concludes by providing policy recommendations and suggesting areas for future research to facilitate net-zero energy-building development in India.
A structured iterative division approach for non-sparse regression models and applications in biological data analysis
Authors: Yu Shun , Yang Yuehan
Published: May 2024

In this paper, we focus on the modeling problem of estimating data with non-sparse structures, specifically focusing on biological data that exhibit a high degree of relevant features. Various fields, such as biology and finance, face the challenge of non-sparse estimation. We address the problems using the proposed method, called structured iterative division. Structured iterative division effectively divides data into non-sparse and sparse structures and eliminates numerous irrelevant variables, significantly reducing the error while maintaining computational efficiency. Numerical and theoretical results demonstrate the competitive advantage of the proposed method on a wide range of problems, and the proposed method exhibits excellent statistical performance in numerical comparisons with several existing methods. We apply the proposed algorithm to two biology problems, gene microarray datasets, and chimeric protein datasets, to the prognostic risk of distant metastasis in breast cancer and Alzheimer’s disease, respectively. Structured iterative division provides insights into gene identification and selection, and we also provide meaningful results in anticipating cancer risk and identifying key factors.
Names Matter: Implications of Name “Whitening” for Ethnic Minority Discrimination and Well-Being
Authors: Biernat Monica , Zhao Xian , Watkins Emily C.
Published: May 2024

Names are important signifiers of identity, but for many ethnic minority–group members, names trigger discriminatory responses. Name anglicization (or name whitening) is one proactive response to ward off anticipated discrimination and to signal assimilation. We review evidence suggesting that name anglicization may reduce discrimination (compared with using an original ethnic name), but it burdens minority-group members and is linked to lower well-being. We suggest a solution to this dilemma: training proper pronunciation of ethnic names. We provide a model of how this simple intervention may improve interethnic interactions, signal inclusion, and reduce prejudice in both ethnic majority- and minority-group members.
Governing ‘ordinary’ uncertainty: Circulating information and everyday insecurity in Karachi
Authors: Kaker Sobia Ahmad
Published: May 2024

The governing of uncertainty has been studied extensively within the interdisciplinary field of security studies. However, existing scholarship on security-related uncertainty focuses on the problem of its governance from the standpoint of Western-political macro-governmental regulatory regimes. To both rescale as well as decolonize existing scholarship on governing security-related uncertainty, this article brings security studies scholarship in conversation with ethnographic accounts of everyday uncertainty in Global South contexts. As a concept tied to unpredictable security futures, it introduces ‘ordinary’ uncertainty as a routinized experiential terrain of insecurity. One that is anticipatorily navigated by social actors operating at the micro-social scale. Drawing on fieldwork on ordinary uncertainty in Karachi, this article calls attention to the incredible amount of time and energy spent by urban residents who try to ‘stay updated’ with the ever-shifting security situation in the Pakistani megacity. They do this by gathering, exchanging and making sense of information circulating in their social circles, on the street, news channels and/or on social media platforms. By examining critical practices of information production and exchange in Karachi, this article reveals the politics of governing ordinary uncertainty in an unequal sociopolitical context.
Book review: Seema Chishti, Sumitra and Anees: Tales and Recipes from a Khichdi Family. Harper Collins
Authors: Dogra Sakshi , Malhotra Simi
Published: May 2024

Seema Chishti, Sumitra and Anees: Tales and Recipes from a Khichdi Family. Harper Collins, 2022, 189 pp., ₹399 (Paperback). ISBN:978-93-5489-588-3.
Does COVID-19 Influence the Urban Household’s Food Security in Horo Guduru Wollega Zone, Ethiopia?
Authors: Gebissa Bacha , Daba Agama , Yazew Tamiru , Hassen Seid , Tesema Tolesa , Wana Hika , Birhanu Amanuel
Published: May 2024

Household food insecurity is an important variable for understanding the nutritional status of children and women in low-income countries. This study was therefore initiated to determine household food insecurity status and to analyse the impact of COVID-19 on household food security in a selected number of households in the Horo Guduru Wollega Region of Ethiopia. Multistage sampling methods were used in this study. First, 4 were randomly selected from 12 found in the Horo Guduru Wollega area. The population/size ratio is then used to select households in each city. Finally, the eligible households for the study were randomly selected. Accordingly, 360 sample data were collected from 5,710 poor households in four urbans in the Horo Guduru Wollega zone. Both qualitative (in-depth interview) and quantitative data (structured questionnaires) were included in this study. The data collected were analysed using the propensity score matching model. The result of the concordant estimation of the propensity score showed supportive indications for improving the food security standard of living. All consistent test methods used for analysis showed that there was a statistically significant difference in the assessment of dietary diversity between safe and unsafe foods. This study concludes that the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting household food security in the study area. Therefore, all concerned bodies are responsible to overcome the problem of food insecurity that occurred due to the COVID-19 in the region and nationally. The data analysed to know impact COVID-19 on food security in the study area. The propensity score matching estimation result has shown supportive evidence about the improvements of the living standard of food security. All of the matching test methods employed for the analysis showed that there was statistically significant dietary diversity scores difference between food secure and insecure. In general, this study revealed that COVID-19 pandemic affects household food insecurity status in study area.
A Case of a Giant Mesentric Lipoma in a Two-year-old Child Presenting as Koch’s Abdomen
Authors: Garge Saurabh , Sharma Ashutosh , Kelkar Himanshu , Jajodia Jayesh
Published: May 2024

Background and Aims:

Lipomas are termed as universal tumours. They can potentially arise from any site having adipose tissue. Presence of lipomas in the intra-peritoneal region is rare, with mesentery being one of the rare locations.

Methods:

We present a rare case of a two-year-old child with a giant mesenteric lipoma. This child presented with malnutrition and was being treated for Koch’s abdomen.

Results:

The child underwent uneventful resection of mass.

Conclusion:

Giant mesenteric lipomas due to their size can present with various unusual symptoms. However, these seldom infiltrate and are easily operable with an uneventful intra-operative course and follow-ups.
Attitudes Toward Organ Donation and Sense of Compassion in Nursing Students
Authors: Koçak Hatice Serap , Kaplan Serin Emine
Published: May 2024

This descriptive type of study was conducted on students studying in the nursing department to determine the relationship between their attitudes toward organ donation and their sense of compassion. Data were collected for students’ sociodemographic characteristics, the Organ Donation Attitude Scale (ODAS), and the compassion scale. The mean age of the participants was 20.40 ± 1.87, 79.7% were female, and 92.8% stated that the kidney could be donated. A very weak negative relationship was found between ODAS positive attitude and negative attitude scores. Between ODAS positive attitudes and the subscales of the compassion scale, it was determined that there was a significant positive correlation with kindness, a weak negative correlation with indifference, a weak positive correlation with common humanity, a weak negative correlation with separation, a weak positive correlation with mindfulness, and a weak negative correlation with disengagement. Nursing students’ organ donation attitudes are affected by compassion.
Crowdsourcing the Impact of Illustration in Cleft Surgery Education
Authors: Wu Meagan , Card Elizabeth B. , Sussman Jonathan H. , Villavisanis Dillan F. , Massenburg Benjamin B. , Ng Jinggang J. , Romeo Dominic J. , Swanson Jordan W. , Taylor Jesse A. , Low David W.
Published: May 2024

Objective

This study aimed to (1) assess layperson preferences for how surgical information is presented; (2) evaluate how the format of visual information relates to layperson comfort with undergoing surgery, perceptions of surgeon character traits, and beliefs about artistic skill impacting plastic surgery practice; and (3) identify sociodemographic characteristics associated with these outcomes.

Design

A survey was developed in which one of five standardized sets of information depicting a unilateral cleft lip repair was presented as (1) text alone, (2) quick sketches, (3) simple drawings, (4) detailed illustrations, or (5) photographs.

Setting

Online crowdsourcing platform.

Participants

Raters aged 18 years and older from the United States.

Interventions

None.

Main Outcome Measure(s)

After viewing the surgical information, participants answered three sets of Likert scale questions. Ratings were averaged to produce three composite scores assessing (1) comfort with undergoing surgery (2) perceptions of surgeon character traits, and (3) beliefs about plastic surgery and artistry.

Results

Four hundred seventy-nine participants were included. Surgeon character traits score was highest among participants who viewed detailed illustrations at 4.46 ± 0.59, followed by photographs at 4.43 ± 0.54, text alone at 4.28 ± 0.59, simple drawings at 4.17 ± 0.67, and quick sketches at 4.17 ± 0.71 ( p = 0.0014). Participants who viewed detailed illustrations rated surgical comfort score and plastic surgery and artistry score highest, although differences did not achieve statistical significance.

Conclusions

Viewing detailed cleft lip repair illustrations was significantly associated with positive perceptions of surgeon character traits. Our data help to contextualize methods of communication and education valued by the public when seeking cleft care.
How to Skin a Prostate: The Evolution of Robotic Prostatectomy
Authors: Li Roger , Pow-Sang Julio
Published: May 2024

Since the introduction of radical prostatectomy by Hugh Hampton Young in 1905, this surgery has undergone constant evolution. With increasing appreciation for the impact of functional preservation on cancer survivorship, urologists have been steadfast in their pursuit of precision surgery to eradicate cancer while maximally preserving the surrounding anatomical structures. In the 1990s and 2000s, the introduction of laparoscopic and robotic prostatectomy brought about welcome improvements including decreased intra-operative blood loss, decreased postoperative pain, shorter hospital length of stay, and faster recovery. Recognizing that focality of prostate cancer lends itself well to precision surgery, robotic surgeons have attempted to exploit the enhanced vision and dexterity provided by the instrument to further improve outcomes. Over the last decade, new techniques have been introduced to help reduce the incidence of incontinence and erectile dysfunction, the 2 most often encountered complications following prostatectomy.
Elevation of Serum Prostate-Specific Antigen Levels in Males With Pulmonary Embolism
Authors: Peng You-Fan , Ma Li-Ya , Luo Miao
Published: May 2024

Hypoxemia is a clinical characteristic of pulmonary embolism (PE). Hypoxemia is associated with variations in serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels. Thus, the present study aimed to determine serum PSA levels in patients with PE, which may be helpful in improving clinical evaluation in screening for prostate diseases in those with PE. Clinical data from 61 consecutive male patients with PE and 113 age-matched healthy male controls were retrospectively analyzed. The pulmonary artery obstruction index (PAOI) was used to evaluate the pulmonary embolic burden. Compared with healthy controls, serum total PSA (tPSA) levels were significantly increased ( P = .003), and free PSA (fPSA)/tPSA ratio was significantly decreased in patients with PE ( P < .001). There was no significantly difference in serum fPSA levels between patients with PE and healthy controls ( P = .253). A significant positive association was observed between serum tPSA levels and PAOI in patients with PE ( β = .270, P = .036). Multivariable linear regression analysis revealed that serum tPSA levels were independently associated with PAOI in patients with PE ( β = .347, P = .003). Serum tPSA levels were higher in male patients with PE than those in healthy controls, but fPSA was not affected. These findings highlight that PE may elevate serum tPSA levels, and that measures of tPSA should be interpreted with caution in screening for prostate diseases in patients with PE.
Asymmetric Double Tax Treaties: Relief Method and Tax Sparing for Foreign Direct Investment in Developing Countries
Authors: Shehaj Pranvera , Zagler Martin
Published: May 2024

This paper focuses on asymmetric tax treaties and investigates from an empirical perspective the impact of OECD member states’ double tax relief method and of treaty tax-sparing provisions on investments in developing countries, while considering network effects. Our results suggest that having a treaty between the OECD member state and the developing country, which improves the investor's conditions in terms of tax burden, by changing the unilateral tax relief method, increases FDI to the developing country. The positive effect prevails when investigated within investments made through the direct route from residence to source. Results suggest that OECD member states offer tax-sparing provisions mostly to less-developed economies, which already receive very low FDI. Finally, we extend the investigation to an analysis of the impact of residence countries’ tax relief methods on source countries’ domestic tax policy. Our results suggest that developing countries set higher CIT rates when the OECD member state relieves double taxation through the exemption method, as compared to when it offers a foreign tax credit.
Unusual presentation of ocular surface squamous neoplasia in a young healthy patient: A case report
Authors: Knutsson Karl Anders , Tombolini Beatrice , Paganoni Giorgio , Rama Paolo , Bandello Francesco
Published: May 2024

Purpose

To report an unusual case of ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN) associated with human papilloma virus (HPV)-16 infection with an atypical morphology in a young otherwise healthy patient.

Case description

A 17 year-old healthy male was referred to our department for evaluation of a corneal infiltrate with anterior stromal neovascularization in the right eye. One year before, the patient underwent an excision of a corneo-conjunctival lesion that was located inferiorly in the same eye. Histopathological analysis had shown moderate and severe dysplasia of the conjunctival epithelium and resulted positive for HPV-16. We performed a diagnostic incisional biopsy of the limbal conjunctiva and of the corneal epithelium for histological examination and molecular testing for HPV and Chlamydia by using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Histopathologic evaluation demonstrated low-grade dysplasia of conjunctiva. PCR testing of the corneal epithelium was positive for HPV-16, similarly to the first biopsy performed by another centre. The patient was successfully treated with topical interferon alfa-2b (1,000,000 IU/ml) for a total of six months. After the treatment, the corneal infiltrate improved dramatically with regression of neovascularization and improvement of corneal transparency and vision.

Discussion

The present report described an atypical presentation of HPV-related OSSN due to its unusual morphology, young age of onset and absence of associated comorbidity.

Conclusion

Conservative treatment with topical interferon-alpha 2b could be used to treat successfully HPV-16 positive OSSN, with no corneal irregularity or potential loss of vision compared to surgical excision.
Knowledge, Attitude, and Perception of Passive Smoking Among Medical and Dental Students of Karachi: A Survey-Based Study
Authors: Naseeb Uzma , Alam Muhammad Tauseef , Pervez Faariah , Mustafa Muhammad Saqlain , Azam Umama , Laila Sindhu , Shafique Muhammad Ashir
Published: May 2024

Background

Passive smoking, the involuntary inhalation of tobacco smoke, poses significant health risks; however, its prevalence and impact on medical and dental students in Karachi, Pakistan, remain understudied. Therefore, this research aims to understand the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) regarding passive smoking among medical and dental students and will help shed light on their awareness, perceptions, and behaviours regarding this public health concern.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted over 3 months, involving 378 medical and dental students (303 medical and 75 dental students)from various universities in Karachi. Participants completed a questionnaire to gather information on demographics, awareness of passive smoking, perceptions of its health effects, and actions taken in response to exposure.

Results

The majority of participants demonstrated awareness of passive smoking 320 (84.7%) and believed that it was essentially linked to active smoking 320 (84.7%). Cigarette smoke was identified as the primary contributor to passive smoking 345 (91.3%). A significant proportion of participants believed that children and pregnant women exposed to passive smoking had elevated health risks. In areas where smoking is not permissible, less than half of the participants 173 (45.8%) reminded smokers about the smoking regulations, and a few even referred smokers for counselling 141 (37.3%). Males are usually indifferent to smokers around them, whereas females are found uncomfortable with smoking in their surroundings.

Conclusion

In conclusion, our study highlights the persistent prevalence of passive smoking among medical and dental students in Pakistan. Enforcing strict tobacco control policies, integrating passive smoking education into medical curricula, and improving communication strategies for smoking cessation interventions are crucial steps towards creating smoke-free environments and healthier lifestyles nationwide. Despite awareness among medical and dental students about the dangers of cigarette smoking, their reluctance to urge regular smokers to quit underscores the need for improved communication between smokers and non-smokers to foster a cleaner and hazard-free environment.
Contemporary composers’ changing “practice in context”: What can higher music education learn from Theodore Schatzki’s practice theory?
Authors: Westerlund Heidi , López-Íñiguez Guadalupe
Published: May 2024

While musical practice is more often than not considered through musical repertoires, genres, and traditions, in higher music education, musical practices are further narrowed down to music profession-specific, craft-based competences and learning outcomes. This narrow understanding encompasses the intertwined social and material dimensions that—according to practice theories—constitute and determine all practices. This study seeks a new understanding for practice-based, relational, professional education in context. By “practice in context,” we refer to Theodore Schatzki’s practice theory, in which practices are understood as organized, materially mediated, spatiotemporal nexuses of activities, and in which human coexistence is inherently tied to a context and “sites” of events and entities— site-ness. The empirical material consists of interviews of 10 bigenerational, experienced contemporary composers in Finland, including both males and females. By thinking composing practice with Schatzkian practice theory, three intertwined site-nesses are unveiled, comprising emerging locations (such as small-scale venues and local festivals); wider scenes or nonspatial sites (such as digital platforms and the festival scene); and extended realms (political, economical, educational, and policy). In this theory, various elements of practice-arrangement bundles constitute the site-ness and the complex practice plenum for composing. The site-ness thus becomes part of contemporary composers’ professional practice and higher music education which challenges the musical autonomy discourse which disentangles music from people and society. By posing a critique toward higher music education as a merely transmissive mediator of musical craft, this study seeks for a new understanding for practice-based, relational, “music professionalism in context.” It advances theoretical underpinnings of Schatzkian studies in the arts, by arguing that practice theory can bridge the individualistic past- and competence-oriented higher music education with the present- and future-oriented social understanding of musicians’ changing “practice in context.”
Tourist flows and protection of cultural heritage in Andalusia (Spain): An econometric analysis with panel data
Authors: García del Hoyo Juan J , Jiménez de Madariaga Celeste
Published: May 2024

This article analyzes the influence of heritage labeling on tourist flows in Andalusia (Spain). Some of the labels considered correspond to public registries whose purpose is the protection of heritage, while others correspond to specific recognitions aimed at promoting tourism and local development. A data panel of 31 tourist destinations covering the entire territory of Andalusia has been constructed for the period 2009-2022, incorporating the tourist flows of travelers as response variables and the density of the different typologies of cultural heritage elements as explanatory variables and different control variables. Different models with temporal and transversal effects have been estimated, aimed at evaluating the contribution of different typologies of cultural heritage on traveler flows. The results show that cultural heritage has a significant effect on tourist flows in Andalusia, but with a different distribution depending on the type of flow and the typology of the tourist destination.
Transforming health care: Investigating Influenzer, a novel telemedicine-supported early discharge program for patients with lower respiratory tract infection: A non-randomized feasibility study
Authors: Sandreva Tatjana , Larsen Maria Normand , Rasmussen Maja Kjær , Nielsen Thyge Lynghøj , von Sydow Charlotte , Schmidt Thomas Andersen , Fischer Thea K
Published: May 2024

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has posed unprecedented challenges to healthcare systems globally, necessitating innovative care models like hospital-at-home and virtual care programs. The Influenzer telemedicine program aims to deliver hospital-led monitoring and treatment to patients at home. Integrating telemedicine technology with domestic visits provides an alternative to traditional hospitalization, with the aim of easing the burden on healthcare facilities without compromising patient safety. To evaluate the effectiveness of the Influenzer program, a randomized controlled trial is proposed. This study aimed to assess the feasibility of the proposed clinical trial design.

Methods

A non-randomized feasibility study was conducted at the Department of Pulmonary and Infectious Diseases at Nordsjaellands Hospital offering a telemedicine-supported early discharge program to patients with lower respiratory tract infections, including COVID-19. The feasibility of trial procedures, including recruitment, adherence, and retention, was analyzed. Also, participants’ characteristics and trajectory during the intervention, including telemedicine and domestic services, were assessed.

Results

Nineteen patients were enrolled from June 2022 to April 2023 and treated at home. Forty patients were not enrolled as 15 (25%) were non-eligible according to study protocol, 15 (25%) refused to participate and 10 (17%) had not been approached. Subjects treated at home had comparable clinical outcomes to those treated in the acute hospital, no major safety incidences occurred and patients were highly satisfied. Participants demonstrated 99% adherence to planned daily monitoring activities. In total, 63% completed all survey assessments at least partially including baseline, at discharge, and 3 months post-discharge, while 89% participated in a follow-up interview. No participants withdrew their consent.

Conclusions

The feasibility study documented that the Influenzer home–hospital program was feasible and well accepted in a Scandinavian setting in terms of no withdrawals and excellent participant adherence to the planned daily monitoring activities. Challenges in the organizational structures including patient recruitment and data collection required resolution prior to our randomized clinical trial. Insights from this feasibility study have led to the improved design of the final Influenzer program evaluation trial.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT05087082. Registered on 18 August 2021.
Micro-resistance welding of NiTi shape memory alloy wire and MP35N wire
Authors: Oyamada Tetsuya , Zhang Kaiping , Peng Peng , Zhou Y. Norman
Published: May 2024

The micro-resistance welding between NiTi shape memory alloy and Co-35Ni-20Cr-10Mo alloy (MP35N) wires was investigated to gage the feasibility of their future applications. Welding current and electrode force significantly affected the joint breaking force. The highest joint breaking force (0.99 kgf) at the optimized welding parameter (0.51 kA, 7.500 kg) was accomplished by maximizing the solid-state bonded area and minimizing the heat-affected zone (HAZ). This highest joint breaking force was higher than that of the micro-resistance welded NiTi wire joint reported in previous studies. Furthermore, the cyclic tensile test revealed that the accumulated residual strain of NiTi wire was reduced after welding. This could be attributed to the reduction in the dislocation density through grain growth in the HAZ of NiTi wire during the welding process.
‘Platform-ised’ work? The case of neo-craft work
Authors: Gandini Alessandro , Casagrande Gaia , Giorgi Giulia , Peterlongo Gianmarco , Tonetta Marta
Published: May 2024

In relation to work, the term ‘platformisation’ has gained popularity to indicate the various ways in which a digital platform gets to mediate, organise, intervene in, or otherwise facilitate some work activity. Yet, the intervention of digital platforms into work today increasingly involves activities that are not immediately related to the digital sphere, where different kinds of platforms have become part and parcel of the cultures and practices of work. There is a necessity, in other words, to develop a clearer framework to identify what it means when work activity gets to be ‘platform- ised’, the conditions under which this takes place, and what the main implications are deriving from this process. Using the case of ‘neo-craft’ work in the European Union, we propose and illustrate a theoretical conceptualisation of platform- ised work, critically discussing the distinctiveness of this process and highlighting its key features.
Group responses to deviance: Disentangling the motivational roles of collective enhancement and self-uncertainty reduction
Authors: Anjewierden Benjamin J. , Syfers Lily , Pinto Isabel R. , Gaffney Amber M. , Hogg Michael A.
Published: May 2024

In this paper, we describe two basic motives for social identification: a drive for collective enhancement and a drive for epistemic fulfillment (uncertainty reduction). We posit that these two motives are critical for understanding one of the fundamental underlying mechanisms of social identity theory (SIT): positive distinctiveness, which is a desire to feel different from and better than relevant outgroups. Whereas “positive” was clearly outlined in the original social identity theory of intergroup relations, “distinctiveness” became a focal point of self-categorization theory. Most existing literature treats positive distinctiveness as a single construct; however, we argue that the “positive” and “distinctive” elements should be treated as separate but critically intertwined concepts. We suggest that “positive” is a direct feature of a desire for collective enhancement, and “distinctiveness” from a relevant outgroup is necessary for self-categorization that provides information to reduce self-uncertainty. Using the subjective group dynamics framework, which has historically emphasized the enhancement motive, we mathematically show that the motives act sequentially and differently to affect responses to deviance and change from it.
A scientometric analysis of drone-based structural health monitoring and new technologies
Authors: Fayyad Tahreer M , Taylor Su , Feng Kun , Hui Felix Kin Peng
Published: May 2024

Critical global challenges, such as climate change and the insufficient availability of resources, mean that it is a pivotal time to make cities more intelligent, efficient, and sustainable in a drive towards a net-zero carbon future. This requires intelligent, interactive, and responsive structural health monitoring (SHM) to assure the longevity and safety of ageing infrastructure. Drones have the potential to revolutionise SHM. Drone-based SHM (as a potential fly-by technique) involves equipping drones with various sensors, or using inbuilt sensors, to capture data and images of structures from different angles and perspectives. The data is then processed and analysed to facilitate accurate assessment of the structure’s health and early diagnosis of damage. Although the use of fly-by is relatively new, the speedy advances in various technologies that could be integrated with it, such as computer vision with artificial intelligence, deep learning, and links to digital twins, put these systems on the verge of a potential breakthrough. This paper provides an overview of fly-by SHM technique using both scientometric and qualitative systematic literature review processes, in order to provide a distinct understanding of the state of the art of research. As an original contribution, our research identified four main clusters of research within the field of fly-by SHM: (1) the application of UAV-enabled vision-based monitoring; (2) the integration of drones, advanced sensor technologies, and artificial intelligence; (3) drone-based SHM integrating modal analysis, energy harvesting, and deep learning; and (4) automation and robotics in drone-based SHM. The paper highlights the integration of new technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and sensors with the fly-by technique for SHM, identifies the gaps in current fly-by SHM research, and suggests new directions for research.
Coverage for platform workers and the self-employed in case of unemployment in Switzerland: Access to protection and ways of improvement
Authors: Magoga-Sabatier Sabrine
Published: May 2024

Whether they are self-employed, atypical employees, or self-employed using an umbrella company, there is still almost no social protection against unemployment or partial loss of activity in Switzerland for platform workers. The same can be said for the self-employed in general. This contribution shows that platform workers, irrespective of their exact legal status, and the self-employed in general, risk sanctions for taking on unsuitable work, for being insufficiently available for decent work or unable to prove a loss of income. However hard they try, they cannot even contribute to a voluntary unemployment insurance scheme. We show that the Swiss social protection scheme, a product of years of federal direct democracy, is hardly able to adapt to the fast-moving platform work environment, thus increasing the risks of precariousness and the burden on the cantons’ social assistance for the next generation.