bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultra-Wideband Fractal Ring Antenna for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Saleem Ilyas , Rafique Umair , Agarwal Shobit , SAVCI Hüseyin Şerif , Abbas Syed Muzahir , Mukhopadhyay Subhas
Published: September 2023

In this paper, an efficient, coplanar waveguide (CPW)-fed printed circular ring fractal ultra-wideband (UWB) antenna is presented for biomedical applications. In UWB technology, short-range wireless communication is possible with low transceiving power, a characteristic that is particularly advantageous in the context of microwave and millimeter-wave (mmWave) medical imaging. In the proposed antenna configuration, the UWB response is achieved by introducing wedged slots in the radiating patch, designed on a low-loss substrate. A CPW partial ground plane is truncated from the edges to optimize the antenna impedance. Experimental results indicate the antenna’s robust performance across the frequency range of 3.2–20 GHz. The well-matched measured and simulated results confirm our contribution’s employability. Furthermore, a time-domain study offers valuable insights into how the antenna responds to transient signals, highlighting its responsiveness and adaptability to biomedical applications.
Nationwide, Multioperator Self-Exclusion and Psychiatric Comorbidity in Patients with Gambling Disorder: A Retrospective Chart Review Study from a Regional Treatment Unit
Authors: Miles M. , Rothschild J. , Åkesson G. , Håkansson A.
Published: September 2023

Gambling disorder is an addictive disorder that has been shown to have a detrimental effect on an individual’s health, social, and financial situations. Voluntary self-exclusion is one way for patients to reduce harm in gambling disorder, but breaching one’s self-exclusion appears to be common. In January 2019, Sweden launched a nationwide, multioperator self-exclusion instrument called Spelpaus (literally “game break”). Spelpaus is unique to Sweden, and there is limited research on the use of this type of nationwide, multioperator self-exclusion services, also in relation to gambling disorder and mental health. There is a reason to follow the clinical picture of treatment seeking for gambling disorder over time, and this study aims to explore clinical characteristics of patients seeking clinical gambling disorder treatment, including sex distribution and mental health comorbidity, as well as the use of Spelpaus amongst patients with gambling disorder and how frequently users gambled despite ongoing self-exclusion, in relation to sex and psychiatric comorbidities. A retrospective chart study was carried out on patients presenting to a regional gambling disorder treatment unit. Information regarding self-exclusions using Spelpaus, gambling despite self-exclusion, and the method of gambling despite self-exclusion as well as psychiatric comorbidities were extracted from medical records. Females were markedly more likely to report overall psychiatric comorbidities (48% vs. 25% among males,

p

 < 0.001), affective, neurotic/anxiety-related (

p

 < 0.001), and behavioral/emotional (

p

 = 0.028) diagnoses and more likely to have two or more diagnoses excluding gambling disorder (

p

 = 0.001). From 120 patients from whom information regarding self-exclusion was present, 114 (95%) had chosen to self-exclude. From the 114 self-excluders, 67 reported to have gambled despite self-exclusion, with unregistered websites being the most common method. Self-exclusion was not significantly related to sex (

p

 = 0.146) or to psychiatric comorbidities (

p

 = 0.178). In conclusion, psychiatric comorbidity was particularly common in female gambling disorder patients and gambling despite self-exclusion was common. Gambling regulations should be improved to help self-excluders avoid being able to gamble on unlicensed gambling operators. Further research should focus on sex differences and the association with psychiatric comorbidities.
Vegetable Tannins as Chrome-Free Leather Tanning
Authors: Teklemedhin Taame Berhanu , Gebretsadik Tesfamariam Tekle , Gebrehiwet Tesfu Berhane , Gebrekidan Gebrehiwot Asfaha , Edris Mahamedbirhan , Teklegiorgis Negasi Teklay , Hagos Kokeb Brhane
Published: September 2023

The purpose of this study is to replace chrome tannins with ecofriendly vegetable tannins as an alternative solution to prevent the public health and the environmental pollution. Vegetable tannin was extracted from Cassia singueana bark using an aqueous extraction method and applied on sheep pickle pelt. Optimum tannin extraction parameters were identified at powder concentration of 80 g/L, extraction temperature of 100°C, and extraction time of 120 mins. Chemical functionality of Cassia singueana extracted tannins was evaluated via FT-IR spectroscopy. Hence, the FT-IR spectrum confirmed the presence of wide band of phenolic hydroxyl (OH−) and carboxyl (C-O) groups connected with the aromatic ring. Moreover, physicochemical performance of the Cassia singueana extract tanned leather sample was scientifically examined and showed comparable results to conventional Mimosa tanned leather sample. The shrinkage temperature of Cassia singueana extract tanned leather recorded 83°C which is slightly higher than that of Mimosa extract (standard), 80°C. The results of mechanical properties such as tensile strength, tear strength, and elongation at break of Cassia singueana extract tanned leather sample are 15.6 N/mm2, 24.2 N/mm, and 45.3%, respectively, which are relatively higher than those of Mimosa extract tanned leather sample. A relatively higher reduction level of pollution load (BOD, COD, and TDS) was observed in the wastewater released from Cassia singueana bark extract compared to the Mimosa extract (standard). Finally, findings from this study revealed that Cassia singueana bark extract could be considered as an alternative source of vegetable tannins to reduce the consumption of chrome tanning in the leather tanning industry.
Next-Generation Sequencing Analysis of 3 Uterine Adenosarcomas with Heterogeneously Differentiated Genomic Mutations
Authors: Li Yao , Meng Xue , Luo Yuqing , Huang Xiang , Luo Shuai , Wang Jinjing
Published: September 2023

Uterine adenosarcoma (UA) is an uncommon mixed tumor containing a benign to at most mildly atypical epithelial component and a sarcoma-like stroma, usually a low-grade, stromal component, with rare heterogeneous elements. Currently, tumor etiology is largely unknown. To better understand the gene mutations in UA, next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology analysis was performed. This study showed that two low-grade UAs with heterologous components had ATRX gene frameshift mutation, and one patient had a MED12 missense mutation. Copy number amplification genes were mainly observed on chromosome 12q13–15. In this study, PIK3/AKT/PTEN pathway mutations were found to be common in adenosarcoma. In addition, a rare BCORL1-PRR14L fusion mutation was also identified. These findings provide a basis for future research into these molecular changes in tumorigenesis and targeted therapy.
Laparoscopic Management of Blunt Pancreatic Trauma in Adults and Pediatric Patients: A Systematic Review
Authors: Catellani Barbara , Caracciolo Daniela , Magistri Paolo , Guidetti Cristiano , Menduni Nunzia , Yu Helen , Odorizzi Roberta , Guerrini Gian Piero , Ballarin Roberto , Di Sandro Stefano , Di Benedetto Fabrizio
Published: September 2023

Background. Pancreatic trauma is an uncommon injury that occurs usually in a young population and is frequently overlooked and not readily appreciated on initial examination. Nowadays, the diagnosis and management of pancreatic trauma are still controversial, and there is no gold standard for the treatment. The aim of this study is to describe our experience in the management of blunt pancreatic trauma with a laparoscopic approach and review the literature on laparoscopic management of pancreatic trauma. Methods. A systematic literature review was performed, and 40 cases were reported and analysed; 10 cases were excluded because the complete data were not retrievable. We also reported our experience with the case of an 18‐year‐old male diagnosed with a deep laceration of the pancreas between body and tail, involving the main pancreatic duct, and with a concomitant hematoma. The patient underwent exploratory laparoscopy with abdominal toilet, necrosectomy, and suture of main pancreatic duct; the total blood loss was less than 200 ml, and the total operative time was 180 minutes. The patient recovered uneventfully and was discharged on the 6th postoperative day. Results. 30 patients with pancreatic trauma, 10 adults and 20 pediatrics (mean age 28.2 years and 10.5 years), underwent a total laparoscopic approach: 2 distal pancreatic‐splenectomy, 22 spleen‐preserving distal pancreatectomy, and 6 laparoscopic drainage. The mean operative time for the adult and pediatric populations was 160.6 and 214.5 minutes, the mean estimated blood loss was 400 ml and 75 ml, and the mean hospital stay was 14.9 and 9 days, respectively. Conclusion. Laparoscopic management for pancreatic trauma can be considered feasible and safe when performed by an experienced laparoscopic pancreatic team, and in such a setting, it can be considered a viable alternative to open surgery, offering the well‐known benefits of minimally invasive surgery.
Carcinoma de vías biliares intrahepáticas: análisis de defunciones según sexo, grupo etario y regiones en Chile entre 2017-2021
Authors: Espinoza Amador Hilda , Medina Pereira Yerko , Romero Torrejón Javiera , Rodríguez Fuentes Matías , Robles Aguilera Nicolas
Published: September 2023

Introducción: el colangiocarcinoma intrahepático es un cáncer agresivo de células epiteliales de los conductos biliares intrahepáticos y su desarrollo se asocia a inflamación crónica del árbol biliar. En Chile, su epidemiología es limitada y el presente estudio tiene por objetivo describir su tasa de mortalidad. Métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo observacional transversal y ecológico de las defunciones por carcinoma de vías biliares en Chile durante 2017 y 2021 según sexo, grupo etario y región de residencia. Resultados: la tasa de mortalidad nacional de personas mayores a 20 años durante el periodo estudiado fue de 1,56 por cada 100.000 habitantes. La tasa de mortalidad más alta del sexo masculino se observó en 2020, siendo de 2,61. La mayor mortalidad se encontró en personas mayores a 80 años en el sexo masculino con una tasa de 24,38. A nivel regional, en Magallanes se observó la mayor tasa de mortalidad con 5,66, mientras que Tarapacá presentó la menor tasa con un valor de 0,96. Finalmente, el índice de Swaroop fue igual o mayor al 92% en todas las regiones del país. Conclusión: la mayor mortalidad por colangiocarcinoma intrahepático se presenta en personas de edad avanzada y de sexo masculino. Interesantemente la mayor mortalidad por esta causa se concentra en la zona sur de Chile. Dada la magnitud del problema que representa esta enfermedad en la salud pública nacional es que futuros estudios son necesarios para establecer medidas de prevención y/o tratamiento de esta enfermedad.
Análisis y visualización de datos de infección por SARS-CoV-2 de la población atendida en los establecimientos de salud de Atención Primaria de la Corporación Municipal de Viña del Mar, durante los años 2021-2022
Authors: Gómez Saavedra Victor , Morales Canelo Gabriela , Ves González Myriam , Hernández Espinoza José
Published: September 2023

Introducción: Desde la aparición del virus SARS-CoV-2, en Wuhan, China, la enfermedad coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) se convirtió rápidamente en una pandemia mundial. En Chile, la circulación del virus se inició el 03 de marzo de 2020, dando comienzo a un rápido aumento de la circulación viral en el país. Fue así como la recopilación, análisis y visualización de datos de la pandemia, se convirtió en una actividad primordial para establecer estrategias. Entre estos datos, los epidemiológicos y los de movilidad resultaron ser fundamentales, para el análisis de la propagación y severidad de la infección. Sin embargo, estos datos se caracterizan por su limitación para ser extrapolados, desde niveles de división administrativa mayor, a niveles menores, dificultando la toma de decisiones. Una forma de resolver esto, es realizar un análisis y visualización de los datos de la infección en su contexto local, como por ejemplo, los datos recopilados desde la Atención Primaria en Salud. Materiales y Métodos: Estudio descriptivo y retrospectivo, que analizó y visualizó, mediante Microsoft Excel, Stata y Looker Studio, 173.881 exámenes de SARS-CoV-2 realizados en los establecimientos de salud de la Corporación Municipal de Viña del Mar (366.981 beneficiarios), durante los años 2021-2022. Resultados: Se obtuvieron 33.633 casos positivos para SARS-CoV-2, de los cuales 11.084 pertenecen al rango etario entre 30 a 49 años. La jurisdicción CESFAM Dr. Jorge Kaplán presentó mayor cantidad de exámenes y casos positivos (26.675/5.838), mientras que CECOSF Villa Hermosa la menor cantidad (3.503/628). CECOSF Sergio Donoso y CECOSF Santa Julia presentaron una cantidad notable de casos positivos entre 0 a 14 años y 70 a 79 años, respectivamente.
Manejo de embarazos únicos con diagnóstico antenatal de vasa previa
Authors: Vergara López María José , Carvajal Cabrera Jorge , Díaz Corvillón María del Pilar
Published: September 2023

Introducción: vasa previa (VP) corresponde al paso de los vasos umbilicales por las membranas amnióticas, sin protección de gelatina de Wharton o placenta, antes de la presentación fetal, sobre el orificio cervical interno. Pese a su baja incidencia, el diagnóstico prenatal es relevante por las graves consecuencias que puede tener esta patología en caso de no ser diagnosticada. El objetivo de esta revisión es presentar la evidencia disponible para el manejo de embarazadas con diagnóstico antenatal de VP. Materiales y métodos: analizamos todos los estudios publicados (prospectivos, retrospectivos y reporte de casos) entre los años 1999 y 2023, con diagnóstico VP en embarazo único, reportando la edad gestacional de interrupción y el resultado neonatal. Resultados: incluimos 19 investigaciones (18 en la búsqueda primera y una adicional por relevancia). Las pacientes con manejo intrahospitalario desde las 34 semanas tuvieron mayor latencia al parto, mejores resultados neonatales y menor tasa de cesárea de urgencia que las pacientes con manejo ambulatorio. La edad gestacional de interrupción es variable entre los estudios, sin embargo, no se evidenció beneficio de interrupción a las 34 semanas comparado con manejo expectante hasta las 37 semanas de edad gestacional. Conclusión: existiría beneficio de hospitalización entre las 32-34 semanas en mujeres con diagnóstico de VP, siendo razonable la interrupción cercana a las 37 semanas por cesárea electiva.
IVIg Use Associated with Ten-Fold Reduction of Serious Infections in Multiple Myeloma Patients Treated with Anti-BCMA Bispecific Antibodies
Authors: Lancman Guido , Parsa Kian , Kotlarz Krzysztof , Avery Lisa , Lurie Alaina , Lieberman-Cribbin Alex , Cho Hearn Jay , Parekh Samir S. , Richard Shambavi , Richter Joshua , Rodriguez Cesar , Rossi Adriana , Sanchez Larysa J. , Thibaud Santiago , Jagannath Sundar , Chari Ajai
Published: September 2023

BCMA-targeted bispecific antibodies (BiAb) are efficacious in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma; however, serious infections have emerged as important toxicities. In this retrospective study, we characterized all infections and their risk factors, and evaluated the impact of infection prophylaxis in patients treated with BCMA-targeted BiAbs. Among 37 patients, 15 (41%) experienced a grade 3–5 infection, with two infection-related deaths during deep remissions. Most (84%) infections occurred during disease remissions. The cumulative probability of grade 3–5 infection increased over time with no plateau. Among responders (n = 26), profound hypogammaglobulinemia occurred in 100% and continued throughout the entire duration of treatment. During periods when patients were receiving intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg), the rate of grade 3–5 infections was 90% lower than during observation (incidence rate ratio, 0.10; 95% confidence interval, 0.01–0.80; P = 0.0307). No other risk factors for infection were identified. This study demonstrates that profound hypogammaglobulinemia is universal with BCMA-targeted BiAbs, with intravenous immunoglobulin potentially abrogating most of the infection risk.

Significance:

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to comprehensively analyze risk factors and mitigation strategies to prevent infections in myeloma patients receiving anti-BCMA bispecific antibodies. Profound and prolonged hypogammaglobulinemia was universal among responders, while immunoglobulin replacement was associated with 90% lower rates of grade 3–5 infections.

See related commentary by Garfall and Stadtmauer, p. 427 .

This article is featured in Selected Articles from This Issue, p. 419
Early-Life Factors and Multimorbidity Risk Later in Older Age: Evidence Based on CHARLS
Authors: Zhao Minjun , He Xu , Li Tianrong , Shao Heng , Huo Qian , Li Yan
Published: September 2023

Introduction: Early-life factors were reported to exert influence on the health condition of individuals in the long-term. However, limited research explored the connection between early-life factors and multimorbidity in later years. Methods: We utilized the data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study to assess this possible association in the present cross-sectional study. Multimorbidity was determined based on 14 common chronic diseases included in the study. Logistic regression was employed to examine the link between early-life factors and subsequent multimorbidity. Results: Out of 7,578 participants who met the inclusion criteria for analysis, 3,765 (49.68%) were females. The mean age was 68.25 ± 6.70 years. Participants who rated their health during childhood as average (odds ratio [OR] 0.78, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.63–0.96) or better [OR 0.72, 95% CI 0.57–0.91] were significantly less likely to experience multimorbidity in older life. By contrast, experiencing violence from two of the family members was significantly associated with future multimorbidity (OR [95% CI], 1.29 [1.04–1.60]). A superior family financial situation was also negatively associated with multimorbidity, with average (OR [95% CI], 0.72 [0.63–0.83]) and better off than average (OR [95% CI], 0.76 [0.62–0.93]). Discussion: Individuals with poor health status, inferior family socioeconomic status, or experienced violence from family members in childhood were more likely to suffer from multimorbidity in later life. Enhanced social monitoring of potentially adverse conditions in youngsters and targeted interventions could help mitigate the progression of multimorbidity in later life.
Novel Metabolites Are Associated With Thrombosis After Cardiac Surgery in Children With Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: Li Shengxu , Watson Dave , Jorgenson Alissa , Adelekan Zainab , Tang Weihong , Garland Kathleen , Zupancich Leah , Dassenko David , Edens R. Erik , Overman David M. , Huntley Marnie T.
Published: September 2023

BACKGROUND:

Thrombosis is a major complication after cardiac surgery in children with congenital heart disease. The mechanisms underlying thrombosis development remain poorly understood. We aimed to identify novel circulating metabolites before cardiac surgery that are associated with thrombosis after surgery in children with congenital heart disease.

METHODS:

In this prospective cohort study, all blood samples were drawn right before surgical incision and after the induction of anesthesia, and plasma was separated immediately under 4 °C. Untargeted metabolomic data were measured by Metabolon in plasma from children (age range, 0 days–18 years) with congenital heart disease undergoing cardiac surgery. The primary outcome was thrombosis within 30 days of surgery or before discharge. Associations of individual metabolites with thrombosis were assessed with logistic regression with false discovery rate correction for multiple comparison and adjustment for clinical characteristics; elastic net regression was used to select a prediction model.

RESULTS:

Out of 1115 metabolites measured in samples from 203 children, 776 met the quality control criteria. In total, 25 children (12.3%) developed thrombosis. Among the 776 metabolites, 175 were significantly associated with thrombosis (false discovery rate
Q
<0.05). The top 3 metabolites showing the strongest associations with thrombosis were eicosapentaenoate, stearidonate, and andro steroid monosulfate C
19
H
28
O
6
S (false discovery rate, 0.01 for all). Pathway analysis showed that the pathways of nicotinate and nicotinamide metabolism and glycerophospholipid metabolism were enriched (false discovery rate, 0.003 for both) and had significant impact on the development of thrombosis. In elastic net regression analysis, the area under the receiver operating-characteristic curve of a prediction model for thrombosis was 0.969 in the training sample (70% of the total sample) and 0.833 in the testing sample (the remaining 30%).

CONCLUSIONS:

We have identified promising novel metabolites and metabolic pathways associated with thrombosis. Future studies are warranted to confirm these findings and examine the mechanistic pathways to thrombosis.
Salt Sensitivity of Blood Pressure in Black People: The Need to Sort Out Ancestry Versus Epigenetic Versus Social Determinants of Its Causation
Authors: Elijovich Fernando , Kirabo Annet , Laffer Cheryl L.
Published: September 2023

Race is a social construct, but self-identified Black people are known to have higher prevalence and worse outcomes of hypertension than White people. This may be partly due to the disproportionate incidence of salt sensitivity of blood pressure in Black people, a cardiovascular risk factor that is independent of blood pressure and has no proven therapy. We review the multiple physiological systems involved in regulation of blood pressure, discuss what, if anything is known about the differences between Black and White people in these systems and how they affect salt sensitivity of blood pressure. The contributions of genetics, epigenetics, environment, and social determinants of health are briefly touched on, with the hope of stimulating further work in the field.
Shocked or Satiated? Managing Moral Shocks Beyond the Recruitment Stage
Authors: Wrenn Corey Lee
Published: September 2023

Sociologists James Jasper and Jane Poulsen have argued that activists’ deployment of emotionally triggering ‘moral shocks’ can stimulate recruitment for movements, particularly for those which are less successful in recruiting through social networks. Others have suggested that, more than a recruitment tool, these moral shocks are useful for sustaining activist motivation. This study, however, explores the tendency of activists to disengage from moral shocks as a means of managing emotions such as compassion fatigue, burnout and psychological distress. Although many respondents see the utility in moral shocks as an outreach tool, they carefully consider their own exposure to protect their emotional well-being and protest sustainability. Results are based on an email-based qualitative interview with twenty-five newly recruited activists and established activists in the Western Nonhuman Animal rights movement.
The Making of Classics: Li Bai and Du Fu’s Poems in Anthologies of Tang Poetry between the Tang and the Ming Dynasties
Authors: Ding Fang
Published: September 2023

The canonization of Li Bai and Du Fu’s poetry occurred over a period that spanned centuries and dynasties. The treatment of Li Bai and Du Fu’s works differed through the ages. Among anthologies from the Tang and the Five Dynasties that remain to our disposition today, only three contain poems by Li Bai, and only one includes some by Du Fu. Tang compilers had a poor opinion of the two poets. Their criticism contrasts substantially with the praise that was offered by Han Yu and other poets. During the Song and Yuan dynasties, scholars held Li Bai and Du Fu in high regard, yet their poems were often omitted by compilers. The main reason for this exclusion was that both poets’ complete works had long been considered unworthy and set aside. Compilers respected the skills of the two poets, but they did not truly appreciate their work. During the Ming dynasty, anthologies would comment on the two poets as important figures of literary history. Compilers praised their art as being of the highest quality. By then, both poets were highly respected, and their poems had officially already been made into classics. In the process of becoming classics, works of art can be seen as enduring, and as cumulating value through different periods of time. Times keep on changing, yet the significance of Li Bai and Du Fu’s poetry became all the more obvious as centuries passed.
The Canonization of Du Fu in the Context of East Asian Literature
Authors: Zhang Bowei
Published: September 2023

In such regions of the East Asian cultural sphere as China, Korea and Japan, the canonization of Du Fu was a relatively lengthy process. It was achieved mainly because of strong support from three different cohorts: the first cohort is the Chinese literary giants who expressed strong commendations of Du Fu, the second cohort is the Japanese scholars who conducted rigorous evaluation of Du Fu’s poetry within academic frameworks, and the third cohort is the Korean royals who directly contributed to the rise of Du Fu’s poetry. The first two cohorts are unofficial, while the latter one is official but not without amicable interactions with the masses. Korean literature was in tune with the character of Du Fu’s poetry because it displayed a strong tendency towards politics; Japanese literature, on the other hand, was somewhat not, for it hardly included coverage on issues of social politics. Du Fu was given the highest literary recognition in both Korea and Japan for his poetic prowess, and his poetry was used by the state in both regions to serve different purposes; this goes to demonstrate that the two countries made their own culturally-driven decisions when accepting the influence of Chinese culture. It is a norm in East Asian literature for literary canons, whether old or new, to coexist, regardless of type or level, and such a norm is particular to the admission of literary works into literary canons within the East Asian cultural sphere.
Stories of Surveillance and Resistance: Young People with Dwarfism and Teaching Assistants in Secondary Schools in the United Kingdom
Authors: Ktenidis Antonios
Published: September 2023

Teaching Assistants (ta s) are described as key figures in the inclusion of disabled young people in mainstream schools. However, disabled young people’s insights into ta s’ support remain limited. This paper contributes to such insights by exploring the experiences of young people with dwarfism in secondary education with their ta s in the United Kingdom, drawing on their qualitative, first-hand accounts. I engage in a Foucauldian analysis of ta s’ support, where I argue that, under the guise of support, disabled young people sustain ta s’ panoptic surveillance, aiming at their normalisation. Nevertheless, the stories reveal modes of surveillance that go beyond panopticism, such as panauralism. Moreover, the stories demonstrate how young people resist to their surveillance by re-turning the gaze to their ta s, exercising the synoptic gaze. The paper concludes by considering the contributions of those stories, including the need to consider surveillance in relational terms, its multi-sensory nature, and its constitutive power.
Over-indebtedness in Microfinance: Evidence From a Survey of Borrower Households From an Indian State
Authors: Puliyakot Sunil , Pradhan H. K.
Published: September 2023

Based on a household survey of 210 borrowing households from the state of Tamil Nadu, India, we investigate the extent and determinants of over-indebtedness among microfinance borrowers. Our analysis based on logistic regression framework using three distinct measures of over-indebtedness shows that the extent of over-indebtedness among the borrowing households is relatively widespread. As regards the determinants, apart from the demographic factors, external and lender-related factors contribute more towards over-indebtedness rather than borrower-related factors. Within the lender-related factors informal sources of credit exert a much stronger influence on over-indebtedness than formal sources which includes microfinance. The above findings imply that the policy environment should facilitate easier access to formal sources such as microfinance, along with provision of social security schemes with a minimum guaranteed income and insurance coverage.

JEL Codes: C93, C51, D14, D92, I31
The Nexus Between Information Asymmetry and Liquidity of Stock: Evidence from the Indian Market
Authors: Dutta Shubha Ranjan , Sen Som Sankar , Mukherjee Tutun
Published: September 2023

This study intended to explore the influence of informational asymmetry on stock liquidity in India. After controlling for the effects of firm-specific risk and investor sentiment, the results show that informational asymmetry, as measured by the delay factors has a significant positive association with illiquidity, indicating that market liquidity decreases with less transparency and a high level of informational asymmetry. The results also show that investor sentiment has a significant association with illiquidity, whereas firm-specific risk and illiquidity seem to have no noticeable relationship. The empirical results are validated using a dynamic panel-data approach, with two-stage GMM and remain robust. Theoretically, this study extends the existing literature on liquidity by offering new evidence from a prospective market like India. In practical terms, the findings of this study would help the stock exchange regulators and other regulatory bodies to strengthen the process of information dissemination and sensitise market participants and investors by maintaining a smooth flow of information.

JEL Codes: G11, G12, G4, G32
Influence of the architecture on the strength of a unidirectional composite with recycled discontinuous fibres
Authors: Shi Yang , Gillet Arnaud , Mantaux Olivier , Lacoste Eric
Published: September 2023

Recycled fibre composites are made of discontinuous fibres that are not of the same length. Their mechanical behaviour depends on the load transfer between fibres and in particular on the overlaps between fibres of different lengths. The objective of the study is to show the influence of the architecture on the failure of a discontinuous reinforcement composite. A numerical model was developed to simulate different overlap lengths between fibres. The influence of defects, in this study small overlap length between fibres, and of their distribution in the architecture, was thus highlighted. Experimental tests allowed to validate the model. The model makes it possible to calculate a critical overlap length, length from which the composite strength reaches its maximum. In particular, simulations showed that discontinuous fibre architectures with small overlap lengths at the edge strongly decrease the strength of the composite. On the contrary, defects in the core of the architecture are tolerable. These results open perspectives for the choice of architectures based on recycled fibre in order to optimize the final properties of the composite.
Recalled Parental Emotion Socialisation and Psychological Distress: The Role of Emotional Schemas
Authors: Sebastião Rita , Neto David Dias , da Silva Ana Nunes
Published: September 2023

Recalled parental emotion socialisation has been associated with psychological distress in adulthood. Since emotional schemas develop from interpersonal interaction and can result in pathological reactions, they can be an important mechanism. The present study analyses the mediator role of emotional schemas in the relationship between recalled parental emotion socialisation and psychological distress. A community sample of 246 Portuguese adults, between 18 and 73 years old ( M = 34.3, SD = 13.32), completed the following self-report measures: Emotional (In)Validation Experiences Scale; Leahy Emotional Schema Scale; and Brief Symptom Inventory 18. Two mediation models were estimated, one for each parent. Emotional schemas mediated the relationship between recalled parental emotion socialisation and psychological distress. Negative evaluation of emotion was the strongest mediator in the relationship between emotional invalidation and psychological distress while difficulties in reappraisal was the strongest mediator in the relationship between emotional validation and psychological distress. Differences were observed between the mother’s and father’s models. Results highlight the importance of emotional schemas in understanding the role of parental emotion socialisation in psychological distress, which may have important implications for intervention and prevention.
Biotechnics and politics: A genealogy of nonhuman technology
Authors: Vollgraff Matthew , Tamborini Marco
Published: September 2023

This article presents a new perspective on the intersection of technology, biology, and politics in modern Germany by examining the history of biotechnics, a nonanthropocentric concept of technology that was developed in German-speaking Europe from the 1870s to the 1930s. Biotechnics challenged the traditional view of technology as exclusively a human creation, arguing that nature itself could also be a source of technical innovations. Our study focuses on the contributions of Ernst Kapp, Raoul Heinrich Francé, and Alf Giessler, highlighting the gradual shift in political perspectives that influenced the merging of nature and technology in their respective visions of biotechnics. From Kapp’s liberal radicalism to Francé’s social organicism and ultimately to Giessler’s totalitarian fascism, their writings increasingly vitalized technology by portraying it as a natural force independent from human influence. The history of biotechnics sheds light on previously unexplored aspects of debates surrounding the sciences and philosophy of technology in Germany, while also foreshadowing contemporary discussions on technocultural hybridity. As a genealogy of the idea of nonhuman technology, the article raises perturbing questions about the political implications of conflating nature and culture.
Timing the stars: Clocks and complexities of precision in eighteenth-century observatories
Authors: Gluch Sibylle
Published: September 2023

In the eighteenth century, the sciences and their applications adopted a new attitude based on quantification and, increasingly, on a notion of precision. Within this process, instruments played a significant role. However, while new devices such as the micrometer, telescope, and pendulum clock embodied a formerly unknown potential of precision, this could only be realized by defining a set of practices regulating their application and control. The paper picks up the case of pendulum clocks used in eighteenth-century observatories in order to show the process of learning in the course of which the pendulum clock first became a precision instrument. By examining the results of an especially developed statistical analysis, conducted to compare the performance of eighteenth-century clocks, it highlights the diversity of conditions, attitudes, and manners of handling that are characteristic for the epoch. In this way, it underlines the necessity of standardization of timekeeping practices rather than exclusively focusing on the technological development of clocks. Ultimately, the paper discusses the role of makers and users in order to show the evolution of a “precision instrument.”
Zone 0 TEVAR with femoral artery inflow for an anastomotic pseudoaneurysm
Authors: Nagata Tomoki , Iwakoshi Shinichi , Yamada Takashi , Johno Hiroyuki
Published: September 2023

We describe the case of an 89-year-old female with a distal anastomotic pseudoaneurysm of the ascending aorta after an ascending aorta replacement for an acute type A aortic dissection. Initially, we attempted endovascular repair using a semi-custom-made thoracic fenestrated stent graft. However, this treatment failed due to an endoleak. Two weeks later, we performed a total arch vessel debranching using femoral artery inflow and thoracic endovascular repair. Postoperative computed tomography revealed no signs of the endoleak. This hybrid approach could be an effective treatment option for anastomotic pseudoaneurysms of the ascending aorta.
Running in Place: “Czeching” out the W/E(a)stern Performative Presidential Geoprostitution
Authors: Hynek Nik , Moravec Václav
Published: September 2023

This article attempts to explain the Czech Republic’s geopolitical vacillation between the West and East over the past three and half decades. We tie this behavior, where one orientation never prevails permanently, to the continuity of political elites from the communist to the post-communist periods. In addition to general relevance, we discuss its implications for the country’s recent reaction to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The focal points of this analysis are the geopolitical discourses and practices of three consecutive presidents: Václav Havel, Václav Klaus, and Miloš Zeman, each marking a decade in the Czech presidential office. We provide a historical-structural context to show that the Czech case has been an important example of a small state with its security continuously compromised by the hierarchical penetrations of great powers: Nazi Germany, the USSR/Russia, and most recently, China and the United States. Yet, as we demonstrate, the Czech Republic cannot be considered a stereotypical victim with mixed-sovereignty agreements being imposed on it. We present the three presidents in their active roles of geopolitical architects vis-à-vis the great powers as well as the Czech government. Heuristically, we conceptualize presidential foreign-and-security activities as performative geoprostitution. We show that for Havel, the primary act of geoprostitution was institutionalizing a civilizational client-patron relationship between a small state and a superpower (the United States). In contrast, not only was Klaus and Zeman’s performative geoprostitution different due to its Eastern orientation, but it was motivated by their self-importance and desire to carve out political legacies and greased by corrupted business interests.
Developmental Trajectory of Conduct Problems Among Boys and Girls Receiving Psychoeducational Services at Elementary Schools
Authors: Déry Michèle , Temcheff Caroline E. , Poirier Martine , Boutin Stéphanie , Lapalme Mélanie , Lemieux Annie
Published: September 2023

Elementary public schools remain the most common venues for addressing children’s severe conduct problems. Nevertheless, very few longitudinal studies have examined association between receiving psychoeducational services for conduct problems in school and subsequent conduct problem severity. This study explored if psychoeducational service reception contributed to reduce conduct problems in a sample of 434 elementary school-aged boys and girls presenting a high level of conduct problems. The study used a repeated measures design at 12-month intervals, for 4 years. Information regarding the severity of children’s conduct problems and services was provided by parents and teachers. Latent Growth Modeling was used to identify a mean trajectory of conduct problems. Results revealed that psychoeducational services were associated with a decrease in conduct problems over time, but this association was only observed in boys. There was no association between service reception at study inception and the trajectory of conduct problems among girls. These results suggests that psychoeducational services are well suited to the difficulties of boys with conduct problems; however, they may call for a review of the services offered to girls in schools, both in terms of the detection of conduct problems in young girls, and in terms of their treatment options.
Risky Business: The database of insurance prices (circa 1400 to circa 1900)
Authors: Go Sabine , Iodice Antonio , Ceccarrelli Giovanni
Published: September 2023

The Risky Business database is a newly created database that contains information regarding insurance contracts from the fifteenth to the nineteenth century from markets in Italy, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. The database, which is accessible to everyone, is populated with data from existing data sets as well as data collected from primary sources. It includes information on the routes for which insurance could be bought, the premium percentages, and the types of cargo and ships. In addition to an interactive map that graphically shows the various routes, there is a search function to raise queries. The results can be downloaded and links to the original sources are provided.
Parents’ Trust in COVID-19 Messengers and Implications for Vaccination
Authors: Klein Lauren M. , Habib Daniel R. S. , Edwards Lorece V. , Hager Erin R. , Berry Andrea A. , Connor Katherine A. , Calderon Gabriela , Liu Yisi , Johnson Sara B.
Published: September 2023

Purpose

To characterize factors associated with parents’ trust in messengers of COVID-19 guidance and determine whether trust in their doctors is associated with COVID-19 vaccination.

Design

Web-based and mailed survey (January-June 2022).

Setting

Maryland, USA.

Subjects

567 parents/caregivers of public elementary and middle school students.

Measures

Parents rated trust in 9 messengers on a 4-point scale [“not at all” (0) to “a great deal” (3)], dichotomized into low (0-1) vs high (2-3). They reported on health insurance, income, race, ethnicity, education, sex, urbanicity, political affiliation, and COVID-19 vaccination.

Analysis

ANOVA and t-tests were computed to compare overall trust by parent characteristics. Multivariable logistic regression was run to evaluate factors associated with high trust for each messenger. Multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate the relationship between trust in doctors and odds of COVID-19 vaccination.

Results

Most trusted messengers were doctors (M = 2.65), family members (M = 1.87), and schools (M = 1.81). Parents’ trust varied by racial identity, sex, urbanicity, health insurance, and political affiliation. Greater trust in their or their child’s doctor was associated with greater odds of child (aOR: 2.97; 95% CI: 1.10, 7.98) and parent (aOR: 3.30; 95% CI: 1.23, 1.47) vaccination.

Conclusion

Parent characteristics were associated with trust, and trust was linked to vaccination. Public health professionals should anticipate variability in trusted messengers to optimize uptake of public health guidance.
The synergistic effects of micro-and nano-fillers on the properties of polyamide 11/poly (lactic acid) blend
Authors: Üçpinar Durmaz Bedriye , Aytac Ayse
Published: September 2023

This study focused on investigating the effects of micro-scale carbon fibers (CF) and nano-scale graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) on the morphological, rheological, mechanical, thermo-mechanical and thermal properties of polyamide 11/poly (lactic acid) (PA11/PLA) blend. A twin-screw extruder and an injection molding machine were utilized to produce the samples. The amount of GNPs was varied up to 5 wt% for a fixed CF fraction of 20 wt%, and the composites were characterized. SEM micrographs of hybrid composites revealed stronger interfacial interactions between the matrix and CF and improved dispersion of GNPs. The pseudo solid-like behavior transition and high modulus detected in the rheological study with the addition of GNP confirmed the strong matrix-filler interactions in hybrid composites. The synergistic effects of multi-scale fillers have been observed in mechanical and thermo-mechanical properties. In comparison to 20CF, hybrid composites’ tensile strength and modulus increased by 8%–4.8% and 4.5%–17%, respectively, by adding 0.5–5 wt% GNP. Dynamic mechanical analysis revealed that the tan δ peak shifted to higher temperatures in low GNP containing hybrid composites, indicating an increase in Tg. Also, differential scanning calorimetry confirmed the Tg increment and synergistic effect of fillers on crystallization. The thermogravimetric analysis demonstrated that hybrid composites exhibited enhanced thermal stability. As a consequence, these hybrid composites offer an inventive viewpoint for environmentally friendly composites in the automobile industry thanks to their enhanced mechanical and thermal characteristics.
Am I my students’ nurse? Reflections on the nursing ethics of nursing education
Authors: Snelling Paul
Published: September 2023

Despite having worked in higher education for over twenty years, I am still, first and foremost, a practicing nurse. My employer requires me to be a nurse and my regulator regards what I do as nursing. My practice is regulated by the Code and informed by nursing ethics. If I am nurse, practicing nursing, does that mean that my students are my patients? This paper considers how the relationship that I have with my students can be informed by the ethics of the nurse/patient relationship. After some initial theoretical preparation concerning argument from analogy, the paper identifies some areas for comparison between the two relationships. Areas of similarity and difference identify two areas of concern: Nurse education and educators regularly engage in coercion and surveillance in an attempt to increase student success, both of which would be considered outside nursing ethics. It is concluded that these coercive practices are not conducive to an environment where character is cultivated. Despite current financial and workforce pressures, nurse lecturers and more especially their managers would do well to return to the professional ethics of nursing to question and guide their practice.
A care ethics approach to a reduced ability to eat
Authors: Bergman Tessa , Lize Nora , Beijer Sandra , Raijmakers Natasja , Metselaar Suzanne
Published: September 2023

Patients with advanced cancer often experience a reduced ability to eat, which may result in tensions between patients and family members. Often with advanced cancer diagnoses, patients’ appetites decline markedly, while family members focus on nutritional intake with the hope that this will postpone death. This hope might cause tensions between the patient and family; the family may expect healthcare professionals to encourage the patient to eat more, whereas the patient needs to be supported in their reduced ability to eat. When these tensions arise, healthcare professionals can experience challenges in providing good palliative care. To address these challenges in the provision of palliative care, healthcare professionals may adopt a care ethics approach. Similar to palliative care’s focus on patient and family members’ relationships, a care ethics approach emphasizes interdependency and social relationships. Using Joan Tronto’s care ethics approach, we conducted a normative analysis of what caring for patients with reduced ability to eat and their family members should look like. Tronto’s approach includes five phases of care: caring about, taking care of, care giving, care-receiving, and caring with. Based on our analysis and empirical studies on patients with advanced cancer and family members, concerns with their lack of appetite, we assert that healthcare professionals must be mindful of the potential of tensions related to appetite and be adept in dealing with these tensions. We urge that education is needed for healthcare professionals regarding the psychosocial impact of reduced ability to eat on both patients and family members and interprofessional collaboration is of the essence.