bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Forecasting and Mitigating Rockfall based on Lidar Monitoring: A Case Study from Colorado
Authors: Walton Gabriel , Malsam Adam , Oester Mapes Nicole , Arpin Brett
Published: May 2023

It is well-established that precursor movement that precedes large rockfalls can be detected by monitoring using repeated laser scanning (i.e., lidar), but there is a lack of documented cases that illustrate the practical application of this technology to forecast and help prevent large rockfalls along transportation corridors. In this paper, we present a case study in which routine lidar monitoring allowed a large (∼30 m3, ∼1050 ft3) moving block of rock to be detected before failure. Analysis of the lidar data allowed for historical movement to be evaluated, time to failure to be estimated, and quantification of the geometric and structural data necessary to design an effective mitigation scheme. The block movement was interpreted to be associated primarily with a planar sliding mechanism, and a limit equilibrium analysis was conducted to evaluate potential reinforcement schemes. Ultimately, a mesh and pattern bolt reinforcement system was installed. During rockbolt tensioning, PVC extensometers installed by the contractor showed closure of the fracture at the back of the block.
Remembering on Command: Autobiographical Narratives of the Officers of the Polish Security Forces, 1944–1956
Authors: Bertram Łukasz
Published: May 2023

The aim of this article is to analyse the archival collection of the memoirs of officers of the Polish security forces (Security Office and Citizens’ Militia) on their service in the Warsaw voivodeship in the late 1940s and early 1950s. Entangled in political violence, they were chief actors of the top-down “revolution in the county” and bottom-up “county revolution” that overlapped in Central Europe after the Second World War. This article presents their accounts as examples of fulfilment of a “narrative command” to present a vision of the past in line with the official ideological scripts of the Polish People’s Republic. At the same time, though, the approach employed here does not deprive the authors of their authorial subjectivity, and highlights their agency in attempting to express their individual agendas, interpretations, and emotions. This article distinguishes two types of accounts with reference to their perspective, structure, and language: “from a bird’s-eye view” and “a frog’s-eye” narrative, as well as one peculiar case of “an aspiring writer.” Then, in its main part, the article analyses how veterans reconstructed and interpreted various experiences related to their service in the 1940s and 1950s. The issues are the following: becoming an officer and transformation from “peasant” to “guardsman,” participation in violence and coercion, alcohol drinking, and possible fields of political criticism expressed by the officers.
Lustration: A Post-Communist Phenomenon
Authors: Paczkowski Andrzej
Published: May 2023

The phenomenon of transitional justice appears when authoritarian regimes transform into democracies—a topic that has been studied for many years. One main focus has been the question of the responsibility of the former ruling elite and their subordinates, and in particular, criminal responsibility. After the collapse of communism in Europe, secret police informers were perceived as sharing responsibility, alongside the regime’s functionaries. The first steps toward bringing them to justice were taken in March 1990 in Czechoslovakia. The process was called “lustration,” harking back to an ancient tradition of cleansing newborns of evil. In the jargon of the Czechoslovak security apparatus, “lustrace” meant checking an individual’s secret police records. The best known example of lustration took place in Germany, but the basic idea was carried out in all post-communist Central European countries. This kind of transitional justice was not associated with criminal responsibility, and—except in Poland—the courts were not involved in lustration, which was conceived of as a purely administrative procedure. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, only the Baltic states adopted lustration legislation; in other post-Soviet states, such initiatives failed. A similar situation emerged when Yugoslavia disintegrated, where the ethnic wars overshadowed society’s memories of communist wrongdoing. Lustration was unique to post-communist states and was not seen in any other transitional context.
“Forgotten Friend(s)”: Polish Literary Diplomacy in Slovenia
Authors: Udovič Boštjan , Snoj Janž , Žigon Tanja
Published: May 2023

The aim of this article is to study the translation of Polish literature into Slovene to shed light on Polish literary (and cultural) diplomacy in Slovenia. Being acquainted with the culture of another nation is an important factor in forming closer political and economic relations, since literature is a source of “soft power,” which relies on attraction rather than on the power of explicit or implicit coercion. Using quantitative analysis, we surveyed how many and which works were translated from Polish into Slovene between 1865 and 2021. Our qualitative analysis based on semi-structured interviews with Slovene translators further explores who chose the texts and decided what to translate from Polish into Slovene. The key finding of the article is that strong cultural cooperation (in our case, translation of Polish literature into Slovene) can be an advantageous platform for enhancing and strengthening political and economic relations between the two countries, as well as for fostering better understanding between the two nations.
Coming Into Identity: How Gender Minorities Experience Identity Formation
Authors: Nordmarken Sonny
Published: May 2023

Previous studies have found that trans people claim to have consistent gender identities over their lifetimes. As a result, scholars know little about processes through which individuals come to identify differently from their gender assignment. In this article, I analyze how gender minorities in the United States come to identify with new labels, theorizing gender-identity formation as a social process. Despite pressure to present oneself as “trans enough” and despite many individuals’ claims to “always have been” the ways they are, most research participants’ stories illustrate a process of gender-identity change—what I term coming into identity. Coming into identity is the process whereby individuals come to understand themselves in new ways despite living in epistemological systems and constructed realities where such ways of understanding oneself are not widely acknowledged. I find that participants’ coming-into-identity experiences involved self-reflection in relation to (1) exposure to new gender conceptualizations and models, (2) gender experimentation, (3) difficult experiences, and/or (4) conversations with others. This research contributes to our understanding of gender-minority identity formation and the relationships among discourse, narrative, story, social interaction, identity, and agency. I argue that in accounting for coming into their identities, individuals exercise agency, mobilizing and building new narratives and discourses.
Upcycling of plastic and tire waste toward use as modifier for asphalt binder
Authors: Lee Seonho , Park Young-Kwon , Lee Jechan
Published: May 2023

A tremendous amount of plastic and tire waste is generated every day. Pyrolysis gives a sustainable plastic and tire waste management solution by transforming them into high-value carbonaceous materials (i.e., char). Char made from plastic or tire waste can be used as a modifier for asphalt binder (i.e., bitumen), in order to improve the properties and performance of base bitumen. In most cases, the char is produced from waste feedstock at ≤300°C, most likely due to the high volatile matter content in feedstock. These chars have been proven experimentally to enhance the deformation resistance, rutting resistance, stiffness, and elasticity of bitumen. The optimal dosage of char in the modification process is highly associated with the kind of waste feedstock and pyrolysis conditions under which the char is made. The present review highlights the promise of the char materials derived from plastic and tire waste for use in materials applied to civil and construction industries, which is aimed specifically at expanding the application of chars made from plastic and tire waste beyond their typical applications, such as in environmental remediation and catalysts.
Error scaling–based adaptive region tracking control for autonomous underwater vehicles
Authors: Liu Hongwei , Zhao Wende , Liu Xing
Published: May 2023

This article investigates the region tracking control problem for an autonomous underwater vehicle subject to external disturbances, model uncertainty, and large initial deviation. In the existing region tracking control schemes, the control signals have a serious chattering phenomenon when autonomous underwater vehicle’s initial deviation is relatively large and the region tracking performance is only investigated from the position information. This article proposes an improved adaptive region tracking control scheme for autonomous underwater vehicle based on error scaling. Specifically, in the improved control scheme, the initial tracking error is artificially reduced by introducing an improved nonlinear mapping function to avoid the singular phenomenon and reduce the violent chattering phenomenon. In addition, the velocity error boundary is amplified by introducing the piecewise Lyapunov function to avoid the overadjustment of adaptive parameters in the developed controller. Meanwhile, it also reduces the frequent switching of control signals in the traditional control scheme which is caused by the pursuit of high-velocity precision. The region tracking performance is analyzed based on Lyapunov theory. Finally, the improved control scheme is applied to an autonomous underwater vehicle for simulation verification, and the comparison results demonstrate the effectiveness of the improved control scheme.
Trends in colorectal cancer screening in the United States, 2012 to 2020
Authors: He Yue , Xu Tong , Fang Jiaxin , Tong Li , Gao Wenhui , Zhang Yuan , Wang Yanfang , Xu Yan , Shi Shunyao , Liu Siyu , Jin Lina
Published: May 2023

Objectives

Despite recommendations to increase the uptake of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening, trends in CRC screening vary with sociodemographic status. We aimed to evaluate trends in CRC screening in the US population and subpopulations.

Methods

A total of 1,082,924 participants aged 50 to 75 from five cycles (2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, and 2020) of the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System were involved. Multivariable logistic regression models were performed to evaluate linear trends in CRC screening utilization from 2012 to 2018. Rao-Scott chi-square tests were used to assess the differences in CRC screening utilization between 2018 and 2020.

Results

The estimated percentage reporting up-to-date with CRC screening increased significantly ( P for trend <0.001), from 62.8% (95% CI, 62.4%−63.2%) in 2012 to 66.7% (95% CI, 66.3%−67.2%) in 2018 and 70.4% (95% CI, 69.8%−71.0%) in 2020, in accordance with 2008 US Preventive Services Task Force recommendations. Trends followed similar patterns in most subgroups, although with different magnitudes in several subgroups, primarily those underweight showed a stable percentage over time ( P for trend  =  0.170). In 2020, 72.4% of participants reported they were up to date with CRC screening, including the utilization of stool DNA tests and virtual colonoscopy. Colonoscopy was the most commonly used test in 2020 (64.5%), followed by FOBT (12.6%), stool DNA test (5.8%), sigmoidoscopy (3.8%), and virtual colonoscopy (2.7%).

Conclusions

In this nationally representative survey of the US population from 2012 through 2020, the percentage reporting up to date with CRC screening has increased, but not equally among all subgroups.
Book review: Federico Cugurullo. Frankenstein Urbanism: Eco, Smart and Autonomous Cities, Artificial Intelligence and the End of the City
Authors: Pratama Arif Budy
Published: May 2023

Federico Cugurullo. Frankenstein Urbanism: Eco, Smart and Autonomous Cities, Artificial Intelligence and the End of the City, 2021, pp. 213, £35.99 (Paperback), £26.99 (e-book), ISBN 9781138101784.
Post-disaster Reconstruction and Well-being of Affected Persons in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: Tiwari Piyush , Shukla Jyoti , Purkayastha Anjana
Published: May 2023

Tiwari and Shukla presented a framework based on a capability approach to understand the determinants of the well-being of affected persons during post-disaster reconstruction in the September 2022 issue of this journal. Using the framework, the present paper examines key challenges with post-disaster reconstruction practices through the experience of resettled colonies in Chennai. Disasters in Chennai have resulted in the relocation of households living in informal settlements to purpose-built resettlement colonies, which the resettlement agencies claim have better housing and built environment. These should contribute to the well-being of households. However, the results from a primary survey of households living in resettlement colonies conducted in 2021 that compare pre- and post-disaster capabilities demonstrate that there are a number of gaps. Fifty-eight per cent of households expressed that their condition is no different than what it was in informal settlements. This paper identifies that in the reconstruction and rehabilitation programme in Chennai, mechanisms for community participation, inclusive responses by involving women and marginalized households, long-term plan for the rehabilitation of affected persons and mechanisms for involving NGOs/CBOs have not been adequately incorporated. A consequence of the lack of a post-disaster reconstruction plan has been that most of the reconstruction activity has been ad hoc and reactive usually through government orders issued after a disaster. Resettlement is a complex issue, and it requires a balance between protecting the lives and livelihoods of those affected as these are tied to a location and protecting them from future disasters, the occurrence of which is also tied to location.
Narratives of Women’s Resilience to Flood Risks in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Authors: Tran Hong Kim , Downes Nigel K.
Published: May 2023

Urban people and places in the Global South suffer greatly from persistent and extreme climatic events. Within the disadvantaged groups adversely affected by climate risks, women are disproportionately exposed, have higher levels of vulnerability and typically suffer the impacts because of cultural norms and their reproductive and productive roles. Although women play an important role in their family and community, they are generally ignored in climate change planning. This paper examines floods and flood-related impacts on urban women in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, to demonstrate how women are vulnerable, as well as their responses and resilience to shocks and stress caused by current flood risks within their communities. Data were collected through in-depth case studies applying qualitative methods (observation and semi-structured interviews). The results illustrate that women are less resilient as they have less access to resources and limited support for incremental livelihood improvement. The opportunities to participate in adaptation planning are limited for women. The findings demonstrate that gender inequality still remains, although women could play an active and critical role in adaptation programmes. In order to enhance women’s resilience to climatic hazards, the paper argues that urban policy planning should empower women too in the decision-making process and promote diversified resources to strengthen their resilience to climatic hazards.
Brain Changes Linked to Cognitive Symptomatology in Homeless Youth
Authors: Bounds Dawn , Woo Mary A , Nyamathi Adeline , Kehoe Priscilla , Roy Bhaswati , Yadav Kartik , Cabrera-Mino Cristina , Kumar Rajesh
Published: May 2023

Youth impacted by homelessness experience diminished cognition due to a variety of reasons including mental health symptoms, alcohol and substance use, and adverse childhood experiences. However, the status of specific brain regions which could impact important cognitive functions in homeless youth remains unclear. In this pilot comparative and correlational study, a series of demographic, psychological, cognitive assessments, and brain magnetic resonance imaging were performed in 10 male youth experiencing homelessness and 9 age-matched healthy male controls (age range: 18–25 years). Participants experiencing homelessness had significantly decreased regional brain gray matter tissue in comparison to the controls. Moreover, there were strong inverse correlations between the brain regions classically associated with executive decision-making (prefrontal cortices), depression (insular lobes), and conflict resolution (anterior cingulate), and the level of the symptoms detected by their questionnaires.
Awareness and Use of Digital Learning Before and During COVID-19
Authors: Gopika J. S. , Rekha R. V.
Published: May 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a massive shift in the worldwide educational teaching-learning system. All educational activities have shifted digitally. Due to this sudden shift, digital learning has experienced significant change. The current study aims to analyze the pre-COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 perceptions and usage of digital learning among school children. Also, how COVID-19 impacted their digital learning knowledge. Two surveys were conducted, one before the COVID-19 outbreak and the other after the outbreak. The study's findings show that students’ digital learning usage increased significantly after the outbreak of COVID-19, and they are more satisfied with the digital learning facilities. Students' knowledge about digital learning is also increased. However, after COVID-19, the students' motivation dropped. The majority of respondents had never used digital learning before COVID-19. The widespread usage of digital learning has also raised barriers. The barriers outweighed the benefits of digital learning.
Stromal Ki67 Expression Might be a Useful Marker for Distinguishing Fibroadenoma From Benign Phyllodes Tumor of the Breast
Authors: Yuan Men , Saeki Harumi , Horimoto Yoshiya , Ishizuka Yumiko , Onagi Hiroko , Saito Mitsue , Hayashi Takuo , Arakawa Atsushi , Yao Takashi
Published: May 2023

Background. Fibroadenoma (FA) and benign phyllodes tumor (PT) of the breast often have similar appearances on imaging. While an exact diagnosis of biopsy specimens is required to choose adequate treatment, including surgical procedures, it is sometimes difficult to pathologically differentiate these 2 tumors due to histological resemblances. To elucidate markers for distinguishing FA from benign PT, we analyzed clinical samples immunohistochemically. Methods. We retrospectively investigated 80 breast fibroepithelial lesions. As a discovery set, 60 surgical excision samples (30 FA and 30 benign PT) were examined. Twenty biopsy samples (10 FA and 10 benign PT) were examined as a validation set. To determine targets for immunohistochemistry, we first tested some proteins based on previous reports. As a result, Ki67 was chosen for differentiating FA and PT; thus further examinations were conducted with this protein. Results. Among the proteins examined, stromal Ki67 was significantly higher in PT than in FA. Benign PT had significantly higher stromal Ki67 expression both at random and at hotspots ( p < .001 and <.001, respectively). The receiver operating characteristic curve analysis identified 3.5% and 8.5% (at random spots and hotspots, respectively) as the optimal cutoff values of stromal Ki67 for distinguishing between these 2 tumors. In the validation cohort employing needle biopsy specimens, we confirmed that these 2 cutoff values properly classified these 2 tumors ( p = .043 and .029, respectively). Conclusion.We revealed that stromal Ki67 might be a potential marker for distinguishing FA from benign PT.
Impact of Access to Breast Care For West Texas Program on Early Detection and Regional Breast Cancer Mortality
Authors: Dhanasekara Chathurika S , Khan Hafiz , Rahman Rakhshanda L
Published: May 2023

Introduction

This study aimed to assess whether the Access to Breast Care for West Texas (ABC4WT) program impacted regional breast cancer detection and mortality in the Texas Council of Governments (COG)1 region.

Methods

Interrupted time series analyses were utilized to evaluate the impact of the intervention. Spearman’s rank correlation and cross-orrelation analyses were performed to assess the relationship between the total number of screenings and (i) the total number of breast cancer detected and (ii) the proportion of early-stage cancer detected and the (pre-whitened) residuals. A three-way interaction model compared pre-and post-intervention mortality in COG 1 with the COG 9 region (control).

Results

Increased screening rate was associated with increased breast and early-stage cancer incidences ( P = .001 and P = .002, respectively). There were significant positive cross-correlations between the total number of screenings and the total number of breast cancer detected (r = .996) and the proportion of early-stage cancer detected (r = .709) without a lag even after pre-whitening. Univariate analysis showed that regional mortality decreased with time ( P < .001) and after intervention ( P = .001). Multivariate analysis did not show any significant difference in time ( P = .594), intervention ( P = .453), and time and intervention interaction ( P = .273). The three-way interaction model showed no difference in the baseline mortality and pre-intervention trend difference in COG 1 and COG 9 regions. However, there was a significant pre-post intervention trend difference in mortality COG 1 compared to the COG 9 region ( P = .041).

Conclusion

Implementing the ABC4WT program was associated with the early detection of breast cancer and reducing regional mortality in the COG 1 region.
A prospective study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of vitamin E and levocarnitine prophylaxis against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in adult breast cancer patients
Authors: Moustafa Iman , Connolly Catherine , Anis Malik , Mustafa Hani , Oosthuizen Frasia , Viljoen Michelle
Published: May 2023

Background

Doxorubicin induces acute and chronic cardiotoxicity. This study is aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of vitamin E and levocarnitine (EL) as cardioprotective agents against acute doxorubicin cardiotoxicity in female adult breast cancer patients.

Methods

A prospective, randomized controlled study was conducted in patients treated with doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide (AC). Patients were randomly assigned to EL plus AC or AC alone for the duration of 4 cycles. Cardiac enzymes (B-type natriuretic peptide, creatine kinase, troponin I (Trop)) and cardiac events were monitored during treatment to evaluate the cardioprotective efficacy of EL.

Results

Seventy-four patients were recruited and received four cycles of chemotherapy. The intervention group ( n = 35) showed a significant reduction in both the B-type natriuretic peptide and creatine kinase cardiac enzymes compared to the control group ( n = 39). The median (IQR) change for BNP was 0.80 (0.00–4.00) for IG versus 1.80 (0.40–3.60) for CG groups ( p < 0.001); creatine kinase was −0.08 (−0.25–0.05) for IG versus 0.20 (0.05–0.50) for CG ( p < 0.001). The addition of EL decreased the cardiac events by 24.2% ( p = 0.02). All adverse events were tolerable and manageable.

Conclusion

This study supports the addition of EL as prophylaxis against acute doxorubicin cardiotoxicity and it was also very well tolerated by a majority of the patients. The co-administration of EL at higher doxorubicin (240 mg/m2) dose should be further investigated.
Successful dasatinib therapy in newly diagnosed chronic myeloid leukemia in the setting of short bowel syndrome
Authors: Freydman Jessica , Staron Andrew , Hughes David , Sloan John M
Published: May 2023

Introduction

There is limited guidance on the selection of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in patients with short bowel syndrome (SBS). Concerns regarding absorption, toxicity profiles, and drug interactions should be considered when selecting optimal TKI therapy.

Case Report

A 57-year-old male with SBS was newly diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). A careful review of his surgical history, comorbidities, and concurrent medications led to a treatment decision to initiate dasatinib at 100 mg once daily.

Management and Outcome

After initiation of therapy, the patient achieved a complete hematological response after two weeks and an early major molecular response on a three-month assessment. The therapy was tolerated well with no identified adverse effects.

Discussion

Clinical rationale for selecting dasatinib in patients with SBS includes supporting literature regarding its pharmacokinetic absorption characteristics, its efficacy with lower doses in newly diagnosed patients with CML, and its side effect profile in comparison to other second-generation TKIs. The case discussed provides an example of successful therapy in a patient with SBS undergoing treatment for CML.
Machine learning, a new tool for the detection of immunodeficiency patterns in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Usategui Iciar , Barbado Julia , Torres Ana María , Cascón Joaquín , Mateo Jorge
Published: May 2023

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune disease that affects several organs and causes variable clinical symptoms. Early diagnosis is currently the most effective way to save the lives of patients with SLE. But it is very difficult to detect in the early stages of the disease. Because of this, this study proposes a machine learning system to help diagnose patients with SLE. To carry out the research, the extreme gradient boosting method has been implemented due to its performance characteristics, as it allows high performance, scalability, accuracy, and low computational load. From this method we try to recognize patterns in the data obtained from patients, which allow the classification of SLE patients with high accuracy and differentiate these patients from controls. Several machine learning methods have been analyzed in this study. The proposed method achieves a higher prediction value of patients who may suffer from SLE than the rest of the compared systems. The proposed algorithm achieved an improvement in accuracy of 4.49% over k-Nearest Neighbors. As for the Support Vector Machine and Gaussian Naive Bayes (GNB) methods, they achieved a lower performance than the proposed one, reaching values of 83% and 81%, respectively. It should be noted that the proposed system showed a higher area under the curve (90%) and a balanced accuracy (90%) than the other machine learning methods. This study shows the usefulness of ML techniques for identifying and predicting SLE patients. These results demonstrate the possibility of developing automatic diagnostic support systems for SLE patients based on machine learning techniques.
Development of stability, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties of biopolymeric chitosan modified starch nanocapsules containing essential oil
Authors: Hasani Maryam , Ojagh Seyed Mahdi , Hasani Mohammad Amir , Hasani Shirin
Published: May 2023

Lemon essential oil (LEOs) is used as a bioactive compound with unique health properties as a medicine or dietary supplement. Nevertheless, essential oils are chemical compounds sensitive to light, oxidation, and thermal processes. Therefore, encapsulation technique can be a good way to protect them from degradation and evaporation. In current study, biopolymeric nanocapsules containing lemon essential oils (LEOs) were prepared by the emulsion method. The nanocapsules were characterized by their particle size and Encapsulation efficiency (%) ranged from 339.3 to 553.3 nm and 68.09% to 85.43%, respectively. Long-term storage (30 days) under different temperatures (4 °C, 25 °C, and 40 °C) conditions showed that nanocapsules stored at 4 °C were more stable than samples stored at higher temperatures. DPPH and ABTS free radical scavenging activity were measured to evaluate the values of antioxidant activity of LEOs and nanocapsules. The free LEO and nanocapsules were investigated for its antibacterial activity against common Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogenic microorganisms ( Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli) using disk diffusion followed by the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). Our results indicated that the encapsulated LEOs had a significant antioxidant and antibacterial activities, as compared to the free LEO. The LEOs nanocapsules in CS and Hicap can be suggested as an important natural alternative with suitable stability, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties to overcome the challenges associated with the direct application of these bioactive compounds in food.
Self-Reported Adult ADHD Symptoms: Evidence Supporting Cautious Use in an Assessment-Seeking Sample
Authors: Vizgaitis Alexandra L. , Bottini Summer , Polizzi Craig P. , Barden Eileen , Krantweiss Adam R.
Published: May 2023

Objective:

Self-report symptom inventories are commonly used in adult ADHD assessment, and research indicates they should be interpreted with caution. This study investigated one self-report symptom inventory for adult ADHD in a clinical sample.

Method:

Archival data were used to evaluate diagnostic utility of the Conners Adult ADHD Rating Scale—Self-Report: Long Version (CAARS-S:L) in a sample of 122 adults seeking ADHD assessment.

Results:

Overall, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) estimates for the ADHD Index and other CAARS-S:L scales demonstrated weak accuracy. Anxiety and depression were the most common diagnoses present when a false positive on the ADHD Index was observed. PPV and specificity for the ADHD Index were higher in males compared to females.

Conclusion:

The CAARS-S:L may be useful for screening purposes in some cases, but should not be the main method used for diagnostic purposes. Clinical implications of findings are discussed.
Introduction to the special issue on the Russo-Ukrainian War: A new European war? Considerations on the Russo-Ukrainian War
Authors: Delanty Gerard
Published: May 2023

The Russo-Ukrainian War marks a significant moment in the post-1945 history of Europe when a new European war has begun that will shape relations with Russia for a long time to come. This war is not a regional war but is a product of the divergent and seemingly irreconcilable paths of the Russian Federation and Ukraine that go back to the collapse of the USSR while the critical juncture was the Iraq war, which set the terms for the current collapse in normative internationalism. The question of military support – its extent and duration – for Ukraine has major implications for the future of Europe. The moral and political challenges for Europe should not be confused with the interests of US foreign policy, which is using Ukraine for purposes that have little to do with what Europe should be concerned with, namely justice and peace.
Co-presence, dysco-presence, and disco-presence: Navigating WeChat in Chinese acquaintance networks
Authors: Ou Chuyue , Lin Zhongxuan
Published: May 2023

This study contributes to the line of digital dis/connection by stretching it into the concept of mediated co-presence and dealing with complex Chinese acquaintance networks on WeChat, thereby creatively proposing three modes of digital interactivity—co-presence, dysco-presence, and disco-presence. Therein, dysco-presence and disco-presence refer to resistance awareness and resistance actions toward co-presence, respectively. Based on a 2-year ethnographic study of Chinese youth, we further reveal the complex combination of mediated dis/dys/co-presence and acquaintance networks on WeChat. Ambient co-presence enables WeChat users to extend their social interactivity with acquaintance networks in a superficial dimension, while guanxi maintenance determines that they cannot completely quit WeChat-mediated co-presence, resulting in an ambivalent dysco-presence. Yet disco-presence comprises the ambiguous strategies of human and technological aggregation that offer possibilities for reorganizing resistance, temporality, and sociality.
Metallurgical characterization and high-temperature tensile failure of Inconel 617 alloy welded by GTAW and SMAW—a comparative study
Authors: Sirohi Sachin , Kumar Naveen , Kumar Amit , Pandey Shailesh M. , Adhithan Balamurugan , Fydrych Dariusz , Pandey Chandan
Published: May 2023

Two types of the weld joint of Inconel 617 alloy were produced using gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) and shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) processes with ERNiCrCoMo-1 filler metal and ENiCrCoMo-1 electrode, respectively. The weld metal showed the segregation of the principle alloying elements like Mo and Cr along the inter-dendritic spaces, triggering the formation of secondary phases. The microstructure characterization of the interface ensured the high dilution, which could be attributed to the closeness in melting point and chemistry of base and filler metal. Microhardness variation, tensile testing at room and high temperature, and Charpy impact test were conducted to investigate the effect of the Mo segregation in the weld zone and heterogeneity in the microstructure of weldments on the mechanical behavior of both the welded joints. The cross-weld tensile tests were conducted at room temperature and 550°C. The tensile test samples failed from the weld zone for each condition with a tensile strength value close to the base metal, which ensured the applicability of the joint for end service. The tensile strength of GTAW-RT, GTAW-HT, SMAW-RT, and SMAW-HT were measured as 766 ± 22 MPa, 570 ± 5 MPa, 760 ± 7 MPa, and 600 ± 8 MPa, respectively. A non-uniform hardness plot was witnessed with the hardness of the GTAW-weld and SMAW-weld zone of 257 ± 8 HV and 285 ± 5 HV, respectively, in the transverse direction. The impact toughness of the weld zone was 84 ± 2 J and 48 ± 4 J for GTAW and SMAW weld zone. The average impact toughness of the GTAW-weld zone was approximately 42% higher than the value of the SMAW-weld zone. In a nutshell, it can be concluded that the welded joint of Inconel 617 produced using the GTAW process with ERNiCrCoMo-1 filler had the best metallurgical and mechanical properties.
Three years into the implementation of PrEP in France: What do users and health professionals say? (ANRS 95036)
Authors: Galmiche Perrine , Carayon Lisa , Foureur Nicolas
Published: May 2023

The implementation of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) as a new tool for prevention against HIV raised particular ethical concerns regarding the individuals’ and the collective's best interests in France. It was questioned whether the beneficence of taking or prescribing PrEP regarding its high efficacy to protect people from HIV is always more important than the maleficence represented by the risks involved, such as healthy people taking a pill with side effects, the growth of sexually transmitted infections or the potential generalization of risk-taking sexual behaviour. The main objective of this study was to explore patients’ and health professionals’ ethical questioning on PrEP. Sixty-nine qualitative interviews were conducted with 45 users and 24 healthcare professionals. Overall, this study shows that those primarily concerned by PrEP tend to dismiss ethical questions regarding PrEP itself in the name of its efficacy and the empowerment it allows, but they would rather stress the impact PrEP can have on individuals’ sexual behaviour and how it can affect their autonomy if it is prescribed blindly without taking into consideration the specific living context and life history of each PrEP user.
A textile architecture-based discrete modeling approach to simulating fabric draping processes
Authors: Wei Qingxuan , Zhang Dianyun
Published: May 2023

Fabric draping, which is referred to as the process of forming of textile reinforcements over a 3D mold, is a critical stage in composites manufacturing since it determines the fiber orientation that affects subsequent infusion and curing processes and the resulting structural performance. The goal of this study is to predict the fabric deformation during the draping process and develop in-depth understanding of fabric deformation through an architecture-based discrete Finite Element Analysis (FEA). A new, efficient discrete fabric modeling approach is proposed by representing textile architecture using virtual fiber tows modeled as Timoshenko beams and connected by the springs and dashpots at the intersections of the interlaced tows. Both picture frame and cantilever beam bending tests were carried out to characterize input model parameters. The predictive capability of the proposed modeling approach is demonstrated by predicting the deformation and shear angles of a fabric subject to hemisphere draping. Key deformation modes, including bending and shearing, are successfully captured using the proposed model. The development of the virtual fiber tow model provides an efficient method to illustrate individual tow deformation during draping while achieving computational efficiency in large-scale fabric draping simulations. Discrete fabric architecture and the inter-tow interactions are considered in the proposed model, promoting a deep understanding of fiber tow deformation modes and their contribution to the overall fabric deformation responses.
The Effect of Standard Compression Adjuvant with a Tailored Exercise Training Program on Health-Related Quality of Life Outcomes in Treating Adults with Venous Leg Ulcer: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Rerkasem Amaraporn , Nantakool Sothida , Kulprachakarn Kanokwan , Rojawat Christine , Ounjaijean Sakaewan , Pongtam Sasinat , Prasannarong Mujalin , Saengyo Suwinai , Jakkaew Thanadul , Rerkasem Kittipan
Published: May 2023

Exercise training adjuvant to standard compression is considered to improve calf muscle pump dysfunction in venous leg ulcer (VLU) and subsequent healing. The objectives of this trial were to assess the effectiveness of a tailored exercise training intervention in addition to standard compression therapy on health-related quality of life and anticipating wound healing. Twenty-four VLU participants were recruited and randomly divided into 2 groups. The control group was prescribed conventional compression, and the intervention group received compression plus progressive tailored exercise training. The 14-item chronic venous disease quality of life questionnaire (CIVIQ-14) was used to assess improvement after treatment over time (0, 6, and 12 weeks). Intervention and control groups achieved wound closure for 11 (92%) and 7 (58%) patients. After adjusting for age, sex, and wound size at baseline, the exercise intervention group had 2 times the probability of complete wound healing in 12 weeks than those in the control group (risk ratio = 1.98, 95% CI= 1.01–3.72, P = .047). The primary outcome was the difference in CIVIQ-14 score in 3 dimensions and global index score per visit. The outcomes were evaluated by independent assessors. Demographic, comorbidities, and wound assessments were collected on enrollment. The overall adherence to exercise protocol was 71%. After adjusting age, sex, size of VLU, and CIVIQ score at baseline, the participants in the intervention group had the average global index scores and psychological scores increase at week 12 than those in the control group (21.2; 95% CI= 7.1–35.2, P = .005, and 13.5; 95% CI = 2.9–24.2, P = .044, respectively). Both groups showed similar improvement in the mean change in physical and pain scores within-group over time. Patients with combined conventional compression therapy with exercise training appeared to have a higher quality of life score in psychological and global scores than those with compression therapy alone.
Slow Down and Seize: Seizures Triggered by Slow Wave Oscillations in a GABAergic Model of Dravet Syndrome
Authors: Buchanan Gordon F.
Published: May 2023

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Reducing Opioid Exposure Following Common Ambulatory Hand Surgery: A Systematic Review
Authors: Horne Mason J. , Kotamarti Vasanth S. , Patel Ashit
Published: May 2023

Background:

The opioid epidemic is a health crisis in the United States. Physicians contribute to this problem by overprescribing opioids. Ambulatory hand surgery (AHS) is common in the United States and associated with overprescribing of opioids. Education and guidance regarding the effectiveness of nonopioid compared with opioid interventions for pain management following ambulatory hand procedures are lacking. We assessed the current literature to suggest evidence-based protocols for postoperative analgesia.

Methods:

A systematic review was performed using PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library. Studies comparing nonopioid with opioid treatments for pain management following AHS were identified. Studies investigating opioid-sparing strategies after AHS were also identified. Evidence was examined to determine efficacy of nonopioid interventions and to provide recommendations for optimal nonopioid protocols and opioid-sparing strategies.

Results:

A total of 510 studies were identified in the search with 18 meeting inclusion criteria. High-level evidence demonstrated efficacy of nonopioid interventions for pain management following AHS (levels I and II evidence). Results provided evidence-based guidelines for recommendations of nonopioid treatment protocols and opioid-sparing strategies (levels I and II evidence).

Conclusions:

Our review demonstrated nonopioid interventions are adequate in multiple aspects of pain management compared with opioid treatments. Recommendations were established for two nonopioid treatment protocols, and for an opioid-sparing intervention (levels I and II evidence). The evidence provided in this review should be strongly considered for pain management guidance following AHS and provides a means to decrease opioid overprescribing in the United States.
The first endovascular rat glioma model for pre-clinical evaluation of intra-arterial therapeutics
Authors: Lim Jaims , Baig Ammad A. , Donnelly Brianna M. , Chaves Lee D. , Pol Suyog U. , Koenigsknecht Carmon , Pionessa Donald , Levy Bennett R. , Gutierrez Liza , Tutino Vincent M. , Levy Elad I. , Siddiqui Adnan H.
Published: May 2023

Background

Several translational animal models have been described assessing intra-arterial (IA) treatments for malignant gliomas. We describe the first endovascular animal model that allows testing of IA drug delivery as a first-line treatment, which is difficult to do in actual patients. We report a unique protocol for vascular access and IA delivery in the rat model that, unlike prior reports, does not require direct puncture and opening of proximal cerebrovasculature which carries risk of ischemia in the animal brain post-delivery.

Methods

Wistar rats underwent left femoral artery catherization with a Balt Magic 1.2F catheter or Marathon Flow directed 1.5F Microcatheter with an Asahi Chikai 0.008 micro-guidewire which was navigated to the left internal carotid artery under x-ray. 25% mannitol was administered to test blood brain barrier breakdown (BBBB). Additional rats were implanted with C6 glioma cells in the left frontal lobe. C6 Glioma-Implanted Rats (C6GRs) were monitored for overall survival and tumor growth. Tumor volumes from MRI images were calculated utilizing 3D slicer. Additional rats underwent femoral artery catheterization with Bevacizumab, carboplatin, or irinotecan injected into the left internal carotid artery to test feasibility and safety.

Results

A successful endovascular access and BBBB protocol was established. BBBB was confirmed with positive Evans blue staining. 10 rats were successfully implanted with C6 gliomas with confirmed growths on MRI. Overall survival was 19.75 ± 2.21 days. 5 rats were utilized for the development of our femoral catheterization protocol and BBBB testing. With regards to IA chemotherapy dosage testing, control rats tolerated targeted 10 mg/kg of bevascizumab, 2.4 mg/kg of carboplatin, and 15 mg/kg of irinotecan IA ICA injections without any complications.

Conclusions

We present the first endovascular IA rat glioma model that allows selective catheterization of the intracranial vasculature and assessment of IA therapies for gliomas without need for access and sacrifice of proximal cerebrovasculature.
The gut-brain connection: Inflammatory bowel disease increases risk of acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Mui Nicholas W , Uddin Anaz , Fortunato Michael P , Nolan Bridget E , Clare Kevin M , Lui Aiden K , Al-Juboori Mohammed , Gandhi Chirag D , Al-Mufti Fawaz
Published: May 2023

Objectives

Chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract is a hallmark of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This increased inflammation is thought to induce a hypercoagulable state that increases the risk for stroke. However, few studies have examined the association between IBD and acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Thus, this study aims to investigate the incidence, treatments, complications, and outcomes of AIS in patients with IBD.

Materials & Methods

ICD-9-CM and ICD-10-CM codes were used to query the National Inpatient Sample for AIS and IBD diagnosis. Baseline demographics, clinical characteristics, complications, treatments, and outcomes were assessed through descriptive statistics, multivariate regression, and propensity score matching (PSM) analysis. Acute stroke severity was assessed using the National Institute of Heath's Stroke Severity Score (SSS) as a template.

Results

1,609,817 patients were diagnosed with AIS between 2010 through 2019. 7468 (0.46%) had concomitant diagnoses of IBD. AIS patients with IBS were younger, more likely to be white and female, but less likely to be obese. Although IBD patients had comparable stroke severities (p  =  0.64) to their non-IBS counterparts, they received stroke intervention at statistically different rates than their non-IBD counterparts. Additionally, IBD patients had higher rates of in-hospital complications (p < 0.01) and longer lengths of stay (LOS) (p < 0.01).

Conclusions

IBD patients develop AIS at a younger age with similar rates of stroke severity to their non-IBD counterparts, but receive higher rates of tissue plasminogen activator administration and decreased rates of mechanical thrombectomy. Our research shows that patients with IBD are at risk for AIS at an earlier age and are more likely to have complications. This underlies a connection between IBD and a hypercoagulable state that could predispose patients to AIS.
Multivariate analysis of goalkeeper actions in youth football
Authors: Jara Daniel , Ortega-Toro Enrique , Gómez-Ruano Miguel-Ángel , García-Angulo Francisco Javier , Sainz de Baranda Pilar
Published: May 2023

There is a lack of studies investigating youth goalkeepers that implement variables that can allow researchers and coaches to better understand the performances of the goalkeepers. For this reason, the aim of the present study was to identify key performance indicators of youth football goalkeepers both defense and attack. The sample was composed of 902 defensive and 896 offensive actions from a convenience sample of 32 matches of 19 teams from the Spanish National Championship of Regional Teams U12. A notational analysis was carried out using an ad hoc instrument to register the technical-tactical actions. Validity was higher than .84. In addition, intra-observer reliability was higher than .90. Classification tree analysis was used to investigate which variables were best predictors of technical actions in defense and precision in attack actions of the goalkeepers. Results showed that in the attacking phase the actions that achieve higher values of precision were those when the ball was played to zone A length and both right and left sides (X26 = 542.034; p = .000). In defense, when the goalkeeper achieve higher values of saves were those when the shot was taken from out of the penalty area and no jump or drop was performed. The present findings contribute to evidence-based practice in fostering young goalkeepers.