bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Initial Experience of Eslicarbazepine in Children at Three Canadian Tertiary Pediatric Care Centers
Authors: Nyakeri Yvonne , Xu Qi , Nouri Maryam , Haile Denait , Datta Anita N.
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Eslicarbazepine (ESL) is a once-daily, third-generation antiseizure medication for focal-onset seizures. The primary mechanism of action is enhancing the slow inactivation of voltage-gated sodium channels. The study objective was to review real-world experience regarding retention rate, efficacy, and tolerability of eslicarbazepine, soon after it became available for children in Canada.

Methods

A retrospective review was performed on all patients prescribed eslicarbazepine from September 2017 to June 2020, with at least 3 years of follow-up data, at 3 Canadian tertiary care pediatric centers.

Results

Fifty patients were identified, and the mean age of eslicarbazepine initiation was 12.4 years (range 3-19 years). Most patients had drug-resistant epilepsy, trying a mean of 5.04 (range 0-14) antiseizure medications before the initiation of eslicarbazepine. Twenty-four patients (48.0%) experienced adverse effects, including dizziness (n = 10), drowsiness (n = 6), dizziness and drowsiness (n = 1), nausea and abdominal pain (n = 4), transient unsteadiness and diplopia (n = 1), and negative mood changes (n = 2). None had serious adverse effects, including rash. The retention rate of eslicarbazepine at last follow-up was 70%. Fifteen (30%) had ≥50% seizure reduction, with 2 of these patients becoming seizure free. Ten (20%) had 25% to 50% reduction, 2 (4%) had worsening of seizures, and 17 (34%) had no change in seizure frequency.

Conclusion

The study results support the long-term effectiveness and tolerability of eslicarbazepine in a cohort of children with predominantly drug-resistant epilepsy in a real-life setting from 3 Canadian centers with initial use after approval. Adverse effects were nonserious, infrequently leading to eslicarbazepine discontinuation.
Associations Between Acculturation, Discrimination, and Adolescent Relationship Abuse: A Matched Parent-Adolescent Study of Latine Families
Authors: Huerta Christina , Randell Kimberly A. , Unger Jennifer , Rothenberger Scott , Chaves-Gnecco Diego , Barral Romina , Shaw Daniel , Culyba Alison J. , Miller Elizabeth , Ragavan Maya I.
Published: October 2024

Adolescent relationship abuse (ARA) is prevalent among adolescents, including those who identify as Latine. However, there is limited research that has considered the cultural and structural mechanisms that may impact ARA experiences among Latine youth. Further, although parents play a crucial role in ARA prevention, few studies have investigated how adolescent-parent differences in acculturation and discrimination are associated with ARA. The objective of this exploratory study of Latine families was to examine how acculturation, discrimination, and adolescent-parent acculturation/discrimination differences relate to ARA victimization and perpetration. Parent-adolescent dyads recruited from clinic and community-based settings in Pittsburgh and Kansas City completed matched surveys. Parent-adolescent acculturation and discrimination differences were calculated using multilevel linear models. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine associations among ARA victimization and perpetration and adolescent-reported acculturation, adolescent-reported discrimination, and adolescent-parent acculturation and discrimination differences. One hundred eighty-two adolescents and their parent/caregiver ( n = 364) completed a matched survey in English or Spanish from March 2020 to March 2021. Forty-three percent of adolescents reported that they had started dating; of these 35% and 24% reported ARA victimization and perpetration, respectively. Higher levels of adolescent-reported acculturation conflict were associated with lower ARA victimization (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 0.24; 95% confidence interval, CI [0.08, 0.75]); conversely, higher adolescent-reported discrimination was associated with ARA victimization (aOR: 2.50 [1.30, 4.60]) and perpetration (aOR: 2.10 [1.10, 3.90]). Wider adolescent-parent acculturation differences in Spanish language (aOR: 3.40 [1.04, 11.30]) and interpersonal discrimination (aOR: 2.40 [1.10, 5.20]) were associated with increased ARA victimization. Results underscore the importance of discrimination in understanding ARA experiences among Latine youth. Future work should consider developing culturally and linguistically affirming ARA prevention programs for Latine adolescents and parents.
An optimal demodulation frequency band selection method based on spectral coherence fault energy factor for rolling bearing fault diagnosis
Authors: Wu Zehao , Chen Wei , Zhang Xiaotao , Liu Fulong , Zhang Xiaoquan , Guo Qian
Published: October 2024

Identifying a frequency band with abundant fault information from the original vibration signal under the condition of complex background noise and the interference of other rotating parts is still problematic for envelope spectrum-based bearing diagnosis. To address this issue, a new indicator called spectral coherence fault energy factor (SCFE) to is proposed to select the optimal demodulation frequency band (ODFB) under complex noise interference for bearing fault diagnosis. Firstly, the fast spectral correlation (Fast-SC) is used to analyze the raw vibration signal and generate the Spectral Coherence (SCoh) image. Then, SCFE is employed to locate the initial center frequency from the whole carrier frequency, and the threshold function is used to optimize the center frequency and bandwidth adaptively to obtain ODFB. Finally, the envelope spectrum (ES) is used to identify bearing faults. The effectiveness of the developed method in identifying the fault related frequency band and bearing fault diagnosis is validated and compared using simulated signals with different interference noises. The results of experimental signals demonstrate that the developed indicator can efficiently evaluate bearing failure information, and the presented approach can accurately discriminate the failure-related frequency band and detect different bearing faults compared with the traditional methods.
Optimization of power system parameters for multi-mode hybrid electric vehicles based on regional demand
Authors: Wang Hongxia , Chang Cheng , Liu Hanwu , Sun Wencai , Fan Zikai , Jiang Wei , Liu Yuwei
Published: October 2024

The performance of the vehicle power system for multi-mode hybrid electric vehicle (M-MHEV) can be improved through meticulous parameter matching and optimization. This paper developed the powertrain parameter design and dynamic performance calculation program based on the structure design, parameter matching calculation, and powertrain system selection. A HOQM of M-MHEV is formulated to ascertain the weight coefficient of vehicle performance indicators according to different regional requirements and a parameter matching and optimization method for power system, employing the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm, is suggested to assess and harmony the vehicle’s performance. Firstly, a house of quality model of M-MHEV is constructed to ascertain the weight coefficient of vehicle performance indicators derived from different regional demands. Additionally, a method is introduced for optimization of power system parameters of M-MHEV based on regional demand, the PSO algorithm is employed to optimize the characteristic parameters. And sensitivity analysis of characteristic parameters is conducted relying on user needs in different regions. The simulation results show that users in the northern and southern regions have different final weight coefficients for vehicle performance indicators and the parameters not only exert a substantial individual influence but also exhibit an interaction effect on the vehicle performance. Finally, a series of comparative simulations, are carried out with two optimization parameters respectively, the simulation outcomes demonstrate that the solution obtained through optimized design parameters solution could markedly enhance the technical parameters of the vehicle. The efficacy and viability of the proposed method based on user needs in different regions are verified. The conclusion provides a useful reference for differentiated design.
Experimental investigation of heat transfer coefficient and frictional pressure drop in flow boiling of R513A: Comparative analysis of micro-fin and smooth tubes
Authors: Vidhyarthi Neeraj Kumar , Deb Sandipan , Pal Sagnik , Das Ajoy Kumar
Published: October 2024

The heat transfer coefficient (HTC) and frictional pressure drop (FPD) of R513A in flow boiling conditions experimentally investigated in the present article. The study employed micro-fin tubes (MFT1 and MFT2) and smooth tubes (ST1 and ST2) as testing tubes under various operational parameters. The test sections featured standardized tube lengths (1000 mm) and outer diameter (9.52 mm) across all tubes, with variations in mass flux (50–300 kg·m−2·s−1), vapor quality (0.02–0.96), saturation temperature (12°C, 17°C, and 22 °C) and heat flux (6, 18, and 30 kW·m−2). Research focused on evaluating influence of micro-fin enhancement on flow boiling characteristics, specifically comparing HTC and FPD between micro-fin and smooth tubes. Results indicate significant improvement on HTC within micro-fin tubes compared to smooth tubes, accompanied by reasonable increase in FPD. Additionally, the study validated experimental data against established correlations and conducted sensitivity analysis to understand influence of key parameters on HTC and FPD. Overall, findings contribute valuable insights for optimizing heat exchanger design and thermal system efficiency in flow boiling applications.
Experimental evaluation of different coated cutting tools effects on machinability in turning of 17-4 PH stainless steel and optimization of the cutting parameters
Authors: Yasar Saltuk Alper , Uzun Gultekin , Korkut Ihsan
Published: October 2024

Generally, coated cutting tools are preferred in machining of stainless steel. Especially, CVD coated cutting tools come to the forefront owing to its multilayer structure in the industry. In this study, the effects of CVD and PVD coated cutting tools on machinability were investigated in dry turning of 17-4 PH stainless steel. The cutting tools have exactly the same tool geometry. Based on the Taguchi L16 experimental design, experiments were performed for each coating type at different cutting speeds, feed rates and cutting depths. The evaluation parameters were selected as cutting force, surface roughness, tool life and chip formation. The effect ratio of input parameters to output parameters was evaluated with ANOVA and optimum cutting parameters were determined for each coating type with regression analysis. As a result of this study, PVD coated cutting tools showed superior performance than CVD coated cutting tools. It can be said that PVD coated cutting tools are a great alternative to CVD coated cutting tools in machining of 17-4 PH stainless steel.
An investigation on tribology performance of Abutilon Indicum fibre reinforced polymer composites
Authors: Arun Ramnath R. , Rajeshkumar G. , Muthukumar N. , Gautham V.
Published: October 2024

This research work investigates the tribological characteristics of Abutilon Indicum Fiber (AIF) reinforced composites with epoxy as the binding agent. The Abutilon Indicum fiber reinforced composites were manufactured by compression molding technique. These composites were fabricated by varying the fiber volume fraction ranging from 5%, 10%, 15% and 20% respectively and considering the fiber length as a fixed factor due to its short length. This research paper illustrates the effects of different fiber volume fractions (5,10,15 and 20%) on the tribological properties such as Specific wear rate (SWR) and Coefficient of friction (µ) of Abutilon Indicum fiber reinforced composites. Sliding wear tests were carried out under dry environment conditions with pin-on-disc wear testing machine. The experiments were performed for each composite with different combinations of testing parameters, sliding loads (10, 20 and 30 N); sliding distances (1,2 and 3 km); sliding speeds (1,2 and 3 m/s). Shore D hardness of 78.22 is determined to be higher for 15% volume fraction of AIF composites. Results conclude that the addition of AIFs in these composites enhanced the tribological performance with good wear resistance in relation with the pure epoxy-based composites with 15% volume fraction of AIFs displaying best results with higher resistance to wear at various operating conditions. Composites produced with 20% volume fraction displays the effects of fiber agglomeration which in turn has an inverse effect on hardness; limits the wear resistance with higher friction and wear rate and such results agree well with the wear debris, pits and contact patches in micrographs. Optimal fiber volume fraction of 15% was suggested in fabrication of composites for usage of AIFs as friction material.
An in vitro cytotoxicity study on PANI/ZnO nanocomposites against HCT- 116 cancer cells using MTT assay
Authors: Sudhadevi D , Jayamurugan P , Srinivas G , Suresh B , Gupta Abha , Rajeshkumar Raman , Mohd Ubaidullah , Al-Kahtani Abdullah A , Kumar Ashok
Published: October 2024

Polyaniline/ZnO nanocomposites were synthesized with different weight percentage of ZnO (20%, 40%, 60%, and 80%) using an in situ chemical polymerization method. The prepared composite samples were characterized by FT-IR, XRD, TEM, SEM with EDAX, UV-Vis, PL, electrical conductivity, photocatalytic properties, antibacterial and anticancer activity. The presence of functional groups in PANI-ZnO NCs is identified by FTIR spectral analysis. X-ray diffraction patterns show that the nanocomposites exhibit preferential orientational growth along the (002) plane with a hexagonal wurtzite structure. The intensity of the maximum reflection (101) increases with increasing ZnO doping concentrations. The TEM analysis indicates that the spherical shape,the particle size was found to be 36.8 nm. SAED pattern closely matched the peaks of the XRD pattern, confirming that the relevant SAED patterns correspond to hexagonal Wurtzite crystals of ZnO. SEM image shows a spherical morphology and ZnO nanoparticles are homogeniously mixed with PANI matrix. EDAX analysis showed the presence of Zn, C and O.UV-vis absorption spectra reveals increasing wavelength leads to the redshift in which there is a strong interaction between PANI and PANI/ZnO. The band gap energy of PANI/ZnO NCs is decreased to 1.30 eV by adding different concentrations of ZnO. PL analysis showed that the addition of ZnO dopants reduced the bandgap and increased oxygen defect vacancies of PANI/ZnO composites. An increase in ZnO content in the PANI matrix was also seen to cause a decrease in electrical conductivity. This alteration might be connected to ZnO’s doping and dedoping activity in the PANI matrix. Photocatalytic activity of 80 wt%ZnO-doped PANI-NPs through the degradation of methylene blue (MB) pigment studied under UV-A light and had detected 95% of degradation throughout 260 min. The lowest bandgap of 80 wt% ZnO shows the highest photocatalytic MB degradation performance. PANI/ZnO nanocomposite with high concentration of ZnO had good antibacterial activity against both P. aeruginosa and S. aureus. An in vitro study was used to evaluate the cytotoxic effects of PANI and PANI/ZnO NPs on the HCT-116 cell line. The results of the MTT test reveal that PANI/ZnO NPs have a significantly greater cytotoxic effect on the HCT-116 cell line than PANI.
The life and work of Judson T. Chesterman, pioneering cardiac surgeon
Authors: Parker William A E
Published: October 2024

Judson Chesterman (1903–1987) was a surgeon working in Sheffield, United Kingdom in the mid-20th century. Born in Bath, Somerset, he attended Bristol Medical School before completing junior doctor positions around England. He developed his skills in thoracic surgery during a Fellowship with Evarts Graham (1883–1957) at Barnes Hospital, St Louis, Missouri and by the mid-1950s was also performing a large number of closed cardiac procedures. In 1955, he performed the first mitral valve replacement in the world, using a prosthesis of his own design, but the patient only survived for around 18 hours. Recognising the limitations of off-pump surgery, he visited the University of Minneapolis before building his own bypass machine and used it in two patients, the first in February 1957, one of the earliest outside the United States of America to do so. In retirement he established an osteoarchaeology laboratory and made additional contributions to that field.
Evaluating Solution-Focused Brief Therapy for Chinese Older Adults
Authors: Jing Shijie , Zhang Anao , Yang Xuejing , Wang Yu , Solomon Phyllis
Published: October 2024

Purpose: This study examined the effectiveness of solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) in alleviating psychological distress of Chinese older adults living in nursing homes. Method: In this randomized pretest–posttest pilot trial, participants ( N = 40) were randomly assigned to SFBT or treatment-as-usual (TAU) and outcomes were assessed with standardized, psychometrically sound measure. Treatment effects were analyzed using analysis-of-covariance, and between-group small-sample-size corrected using Hedges’ g across measures of psychological distress, depression, anxiety, and hope. Results: The results revealed that participants receiving SFBT reported a significantly greater reduction in distress, depression, anxiety, and improvement in hope as compared to those in TAU. Discussion: Results suggest SFBT's efficacy for addressing internalizing disorders in older Chinese adults furthering it as a research-supported intervention. With significant concurrent improvement of older Chinese adults’ hope and their mental health outcomes, this study advances the literature in suggesting hope as a potential intervention mediator.
Current Ear and Hearing Care Practices for Infants and Toddlers with Cleft Palate in the United States
Authors: Findlen Ursula M. , Meehan Anna , Allen Gregory , Kacmarynski Deborah S.F. , Grischkan Jonathan , Nightengale Emily C. , Alexander Lauren C. , Pollard Sarah Hatch , Baylis Adriane L. ,   On behalf of the CORNET Consortium
Published: October 2024

Objective

To examine ear and hearing clinical practices across American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association (ACPA) approved teams in the United States.

Design

Multi-site prospective, observational, longitudinal study.

Setting

Seventeen Cleft Palate Teams in the United States.

Patients, Participants

Children with cleft palate, with or without cleft lip (CP ± L), born between 2015 and 2022, evaluated by 18 months (n = 1246).

Interventions

None.

Main Outcome Measure(s)

Standard of care otolaryngology and audiology appointments evaluated in the context of whether otolaryngology and audiology services were provided as embedded care within the team visit or as ancillary services.

Results

Over 71% of infants passed newborn hearing screening (NBHS). By age 18 months, only 40% of infants received audiologic follow-up while 93.6% of children received otolaryngology care. Follow-up was significantly better for infants served by teams with embedded providers versus those who refer families for ancillary services; the odds of seeing an audiologist by 18 months were three times as high among participants seen by teams with embedded audiology (OR = 3.25; CI = 2.0, 5.2) while those seen by teams with embedded otolaryngologists had more than double the odds of seeing an otolaryngologist by 18 months (OR = 2.2; CI = 1.5, 3.2).

Conclusions

There is considerable variability across ACPA-approved centers in the US regarding the timing and completion of otolaryngology and audiologic follow-up for children with CP ± L. This study highlights the importance of following established standards of care and the impact that team composition and access to clinical services can have on equity of care.
“I’m a Monster, but I’m Not a Monster”: Symbolic and Social Identity Work Among Child Sexual Exploitation Material Users
Authors: Rimer Jonah R. , Holt Karen
Published: October 2024

Child sexual exploitation material (CSEM) users elicit strong negative reactions from society and people within their networks. There are symbolic and social boundaries that these individuals have transgressed, and subsequent identity work involves the negotiation of self and self-presentation. This article combines results from two studies to explore negotiation of identity, symbolic and social boundaries, and associated narratives among 103 CSEM users. One study was an anthropological ethnography with 17 months of UK fieldwork in community-based group programs, and the other involved four months of interviews in sexual offense treatment units of a US prison. Participants’ identity work had commonalities: distinguishing between acts vs identities; differentiating crimes from identities; comparing offenses to others viewed as worse; framing childhood experiences as influencing offending; and situating both offending and post-offending identities within larger society. Results are discussed in the context of debates about risk, treatment, prevention, harm, denial/downplay/minimization, and reintegration. Furthermore, we highlight how identity work occurs within potentially competing/contrasting personal, judicial, treatment, media, and societal reactions to and expectations of individuals who have committed sexual offenses. Finally, we demonstrate the methodological and analytical value of cross-disciplinary comparative qualitative research by showing similarities across participants from different countries, settings, timeframes, and interventions.
Updated Morphological and Immunohistochemical Profile of Neuroendocrine Tumors Developing in Ovarian Teratomas: A Large Series of a Rare and Heterogeneous Disease
Authors: Leclerc J. , Tihy M. , Genestie C. , Chen R. , Hentic O. , Koskas M. , Gouy S. , Scoazec JY. , Couvelard A. , Bucau Margot
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Ovarian neuroendocrine tumors are rare and often arise within mature teratoma of the ovary. No recent re-evaluation of the immunophenotype of these tumors with the new markers available in the field of neuroendocrine neoplasms has been performed. The objectives were to describe the morphologic and immunohistochemical characteristics of neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) arising from ovarian teratomas, to correlate them with the type of teratomatous epithelial components present and to evaluate their proliferative activity using the WHO recommendations for gastroenteropancreatic NETs.

Materials and Methods

This is a bi-centric retrospective study using a panel of markers (chromogranin-A, chromogranin-B, synaptophysin, CDX2, SATB2, TTF1, PAX8, islet-1, serotonin and calcitonin) and Ki-67 proliferation index.

Results

The 34 NETs studied were unilateral and presented when it's done four distinct immunophenotypic profiles: 8 NETs expressed serotonin and CDX2 (small intestinal profile), 12 SATB2 (colorectal profile), one TTF1 (thoracic profile) and 4 “null” tumors expressed none of the above markers. The Ki-67 index ranged from 0 to 19.82% (median: 1.51%). 28 tumors were grade 1 (85%), 5 tumors were grade 2 (15%). They were associated with squamous (n = 26), respiratory (n = 23), thyroid (n = 10) and gastrointestinal (n = 5) components.

Discussion and Conclusion

The main type of NET is intestinal phenotype, but rarely accompanied with digestive tissue. This suggests that the cell of origin may be a neuroendocrine precursor present in the teratoma, and confirms that primary NETs arising in ovarian teratomas should not be classified or named according to the type of the surrounding teratoma tissue.
Psychometric Evaluation of Cognitive and Positive Valence Tasks Chosen for the NIMH Research Domain Criteria Project
Authors: Duffy John R. , Sturm Emily T. , Sares Anastasia G. , Sarabia Lauren , Delao Eve M. , M. Becker Katherine , Colmenares Andrea M. , Manavi Raana M. , Rojas Donald C. , Tregellas Jason R. , Young Jared W. , Thomas Michael L.
Published: October 2024

The NIMH Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) initiative seeks to utilize multidimensional patterns of socio-cognitive behavior to improve understanding of mental illness. We aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of a subset of RDoC tasks. Specifically, we investigated two positive valence tasks and five cognitive tasks. Participants ( N = 320) were recruited through an online research platform. We used generalizability theory to estimate reliability, and factor analysis to examine factor structure. Reliability was average to excellent with some notable exceptions. Factor analysis results raised concerns about whether the factor structure of task scores aligns with the proposed RDoC model. Effects of cognitive manipulations generally supported the construct representation of tasks. Results indicate that the majority of RDoC task scores examined have acceptable reliability or can be made reliable through modest increases in task length. Future research in diverse populations is needed to better understand the factor structure of RDoC cognitive and positive valence measures.
Assessing Jealousy: Factor Analyses, Measurement Invariance, Nomological Validity, and Longitudinal APIM Analyses of the Multidimensional Jealousy Scale
Authors: Brauer Kay , Proyer René T.
Published: October 2024

The Multidimensional Jealousy Scale is the standard instrument to assess cognitive, emotional, and behavioral jealousy. We examined competing factor models and external correlations with broad and narrow traits. Across two studies, we analyzed four samples ( Ntotal = 2,117). Confirmatory factor analysis supported the measurement model of three correlated factors in comparison to unidimensional, second-order, and bifactor models. Thus, speaking against the use of a total score. Furthermore, we found measurement invariance between romantic partners. We extended the Multidimensional Jealousy Scale (MJS)’ nomological net to personality pathology and replicated prior findings of associations with broad and narrow traits. Study 2 examined longitudinal data (5- to 9-month lag) from couples. Actor-Partner Interdependence Model analyses showed that the MJS predicts facets of relationship satisfaction in actors and partners. We discuss potential avenues for revising the MJS (e.g., heteronormative item wordings).
Stitching Together a PAR Project: “Work Active”—Supporting the Journey to Work for People With an Intellectual Disability
Authors: Perez-y-Perez María-Victoria , Grant John , Cook Tracey-Anne
Published: October 2024

Critically reflecting on research practice can be an uncomfortable process for any researcher as you expose actions, and decision-making, reflect on some of the research assumptions you may have fallen into, and acknowledge your limitations. Yet, engaging in reflexive practice keeps us in check and is particularly important for researchers exploring the experiences of marginalization and oppression. This article presents our reflections on “Work Active,” a participatory action research (PAR) project that sought to improve employment outcomes for people with intellectual disability (ID). Although a great deal of literature suggests that the underlying intent of PAR is emancipatory through the mainstays of collaboration, inclusivity, and participation; however, there remain questions about whether emancipation can be truly achieved. We present our experiences of “stitching together” our service provider-led PAR project to reveal some of the challenges, points of tension, and our adaptions as we navigated the “curve balls” of undertaking a PAR project.
Introduction to the Special Issue on the Role of Place in Sustainability: Key Trends and Agenda for Future Research
Authors: Kourula Arno , Georgallis Panikos , Henriques Irene , Mair Johanna
Published: October 2024

This editorial reviews key themes, trends, and assumptions of organizational research on place and sustainability and introduces the special issue on the “Role of Place in Sustainability.” While recent theorizing has often emphasized global issues such as grand challenges, planetary boundaries, and climate change, this special issue revisits the local by focusing on the role of place in sustainability. We discuss trends and subdomains of research on place and sustainability and identify key assumptions at the interplay between global and local perspectives. Instead of advocating for universal solutions or exclusively context-specific approaches, we highlight the concept of “senses of place,” emphasizing the connections among diverse notions of place and intrinsic links to these locations. We demonstrate how the four insightful articles featured in this special issue provide a broader dialogue on place and sustainability. Finally, we outline a research agenda that identifies underexplored themes in place-based sustainability studies.
Confronting our failures: Tensions in remedying systemic discrimination in Canada
Authors: Bisping Sophie
Published: October 2024

This article examines the complexities of providing remedies for systemic discrimination in light of evolving understandings of equality and justice. Despite constitutional and statutory protections affirming the right to live free from discrimination, there remains a significant gap between recognizing systemic discrimination and implementing effective remedies. The 2021 case of Canada (Attorney General) v. First Nations Child and Family Caring Society of Canada serves as a focal point to highlight the shortcomings of the current remedial framework, which often prioritizes corrective over transformative justice, reflecting a formal rather than substantive approach to equality. In this case, the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal found that Canada’s inequitable funding of First Nations child welfare services was discriminatory on the grounds of race and national or ethnic origin. It ordered Canada to compensate every child impacted, while simultaneously imposing systemic remedies such as reforming federal funding policies. By exploring the Tribunal’s decision to uphold both individual and systemic remedies, the paper argues for a more integrated approach that moves beyond the dichotomy of individual versus systemic discrimination. It advocates for co-designed remedies informed by the perspectives of affected communities, calling for a shift in how systemic discrimination is addressed within Canada’s legal framework.
The association of personal, parental, school and community factors with depressive symptoms among a sample of Colombian students of ages 9 to 12 years
Authors: Lipps Garth , Lowe Gillian A , Gibson Roger C , Fonseca Leodanis , Romero-Acosta Kelly
Published: October 2024

Few studies have examined how the personal characteristics of students, together with factors from their local social environments and communities, affect students living in generally high levels of social disruption. We examined the influence that personal characteristics as well as factors from the local social environments and communities may have on Colombian students’ levels of depressive symptoms shortly after the end of the of armed conflict. Data were collected from 710 students attending the fifth grade in a random sample of elementary schools in the province of Sucre in Colombia. Information was gathered on the students’ ages and gender as well as characteristics of their parents, school factors, and community factors. A five-level hierarchical regression model was used to determine the extent to which all these variables predicted depression scores, as measured by the Adolescent Depression Rating Scale. While personal, parental, school and community factors were all found to predict depression scores, the category, parental factors had the most impact. That was followed by school factors, community factors and finally personal characteristics. Multiple social and environmental factors were associated with the level of depression experienced by Colombian students.
Skinamarink and the algorithmic uncanny interface between children's and horror film TikTok cultures
Authors: Balanzategui Jessica
Published: October 2024

Skinamarink, the surprise micro-budget horror film sensation of 2023, gained unexpected international exposure by going viral on TikTok after the film was accidentally leaked online. The film's virality was propelled by an algorithmically driven cross-pollination between forces at seemingly oppositional ends of the taste-cultural spectrum – horror film and children's cultures. Extending theorisations of the digital and algorithmic uncanny, the article outlines how the TikTok algorithm and young platform users collaborated to position a film regarded as one of the most terrifying of the year as a participatory ‘challenge’ that adopts TikTok dynamics popular with children such as ‘intensified play’.
Feminist aesthetics: then and now – reflections on thirty-five years of inquiry in the US tradition
Authors: Michna Natalia Anna
Published: October 2024

Marking the thirty-fifth anniversary since its emergence in the United States, feminist aesthetics commemorates its significant contributions to feminist philosophical inquiry. This anniversary provides an opportunity to reflect on the field's current status and its potential to further enrich philosophical discourse. This article sets out to (a) synthesise the existing theoretical frameworks within feminist aesthetics, (b) delineate its subject matter and (c) chart the dominant trends and interventions marking feminist engagements with aesthetics. In contemporary feminist debates, aesthetics often occupies a peripheral position, a phenomenon attributed to its perceived detachment from the socio-political core of feminism (Plonowska-Ziarek) and its dismissal as a ‘feminine’ or ‘girly’ discipline (Brand Weiser). This marginalisation is further compounded by critiques of the field's allegedly slow response to the ideas, problems and methodologies present in related domains and broader philosophical inquiry (Eaton). So, despite acknowledging the vital role of aesthetics within feminist philosophy, the articulation of a systematic and coherent feminist aesthetic theory remains elusive. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the most significant and representative positions within feminist aesthetics in the US tradition. The first section introduces the topic of feminist aesthetics. The second section examines feminist interventions in aesthetics, including their evolution towards intersectional and transnational approaches. The challenges of establishing autonomy within and defining feminist aesthetics are discussed in the third, fourth and fifth sections. The sixth section explores the main currents of feminist aesthetics: (a) historical-critical, (b) essentialist (revisionism vs perspectivism), (c) gynocentric and (d) anti-theoretical.
Discoveries, nations, and archaeological explorations: The scientific colonization of Tarapacá, Atacama desert
Authors: Vidal Montero Estefanía , Ballester Riesco Benjamín
Published: October 2024

The discovery of the “ruins” of Guatacondo, in the Atacama Desert of northern Chile, made the news in 1963. It was the pinnacle of a process of scientific colonization of this territory that had begun in the 19th century and connected multiple experts with the desert and its history. This paper explores the context of discovery of an archaeological site in the Atacama to show how archaeology—as a field of knowledge and a scientific practice—emerged in the interstices of projects of colonial expansion and capitalist modernization, often merging public and private interests. Weaving together histories of scientific explorations, museum operations, and extractivist enterprises, it highlights deep connections between geopolitics and ideology with the seemingly apolitical and objective nature of archaeology. Starting with the peripheral figure of Emil de Bruyne—an engineer employed by one of the biggest mining operations in the Atacama Desert of northern Chile—we explore the role of different actors within a network of well-connected people whose personal histories, intellectual backgrounds, and personal positions gave shape to the practice of archaeology in this part of the Atacama Desert.
Three-dimensional (3D) knitted spacer textile materials for advanced healthcare solutions: A comprehensive review
Authors: Dejene Bekinew Kitaw , Abtew Mulat Alubel , Birlie Alehegn Atalay , Woldeab Misganaw Engdasew
Published: October 2024

The integration of advanced textile materials is crucial to enhance the quality of healthcare solutions. Three-dimensional (3D) knitted spacer fabrics (KSFs) have emerged as a revolutionary class of medical textiles distinguished by their unique ability to provide high breathability, moisture management, and customizable structural properties. This comprehensive review systematically examined the multifaceted applications of 3D KSFs in the healthcare sector. It begins with an overview of various design and manufacturing techniques, including warp and weft knitting processes, that facilitate the production of innovative fabrics. The review then details the distinct structural and functional features of 3D KSFs, emphasizing their cushioning effects, porosity, and adaptability, which enhance their effectiveness in the medical context. Subsequent sections explore diverse applications, including wound care, where their moisture-wicking capabilities promote healing, pressure ulcer prevention, leveraging their ability to evenly distribute pressure, and orthopedic supports, which benefit from their comfort and supportive characteristics. This paper also discusses the potential of 3D KSFs in scaffold development for tissue engineering, as well as their use in assistive devices for enhanced patient mobility. Emerging trends, such as the incorporation of smart technologies for real-time monitoring and commitment to sustainability through washable and reusable designs, are critically analyzed. In turn, this review provides an in-depth resource for healthcare professionals, textile researchers, and product developers, highlighting the transformative potential of 3D KSFs for advancing healthcare solutions and improving patient outcomes.
Differentiation Between Phyllodes Tumor and Fibroadenoma of the Breast: A Radiomics Prediction Model Based on Full-Field Digital Mammography & Digital Tomosynthesis
Authors: Zeng Fengxia , Zeng Hui , Yang Jun , Huang Danping , Liu Jialing , Wen Chanjuan , Qin Genggeng , Liao Shengwu , Chen Weiguo , Xu Weimin , Wang Sina
Published: October 2024

Objective

To assess the diagnostic performance of FFDM-based and DBT-based radiomics models to differentiate breast phyllodes tumors from fibroadenomas.

Methods

192 patients (93 phyllodes tumors and 99 fibroadenomas) who underwent mammography were retrospectively enrolled. Radiomic features were respectively extracted from FFDM and the clearest slice of DBT images. A least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression was used to select radiomics features. A combined model was constructed by radiomics and radiological signatures. Machine learning classification was done using logistic regression based on radiomics or radiological signatures (clinical model). Four radiologists were tested on phyllodes tumors and fibroadenomas with and without optimal model assistance. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) was computed to assess the performance of each model or radiologist. The Delong test and McNemar's test were performed to compare the performance.

Results

The combined model yielded the highest performance with an AUC of 0.948 (95%CI: 0.889-1.000) in the testing set, slightly higher than the FFDM-radiomics model (AUC of 0.937, 95%CI: 0.841-0.984) and the DBT-radiomics model (AUC of 0.860, 95%CI: 0.742-0.936) and significantly superior to the clinical model (AUC of 0.719, 95%CI: 0.585-0.829). With the combined model aid, the AUCs of four radiologists were improved from 0.808 to 0.914 ( p=0.079), 0.759 to 0.888 ( p=0.015), 0.717 to 0.846 ( p=0.004), and 0.629 to 0.803 ( p=0.001).

Conclusion

Radiomics analysis based on FFDM and DBT shows promise in differentiating phyllodes tumors from fibroadenomas.
The evolving perspective of menopause management in the United Kingdom
Authors: Mansour Diana , Barber Katie , Chalk Guillian , Noble Nikki , Digpal Ajvinder Anthony Singh , Talaulikar Vikram , Gray Sarah
Published: October 2024

Background:

The use of menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) was significantly reduced following the publication of the Women’s Health Initiative study results and has remained low ever since. However, from 2015 onwards, the UK has seen a substantial increase in MHT prescribing compared to other European countries.

Objectives:

To evaluate the factors contributing to the shift in women’s and healthcare professionals’ (HCPs) perception of MHT in the United Kingdom and to provide learning points for other European countries.

Design:

An exploratory, descriptive and qualitative study

Methods:

An interactive virtual panel discussion in which seven UK-based HCPs with a special interest in the menopause discussed the evolution of its management in the United Kingdom.

Results:

In the last 8 years, there has been a substantial increase in MHT prescriptions in the United Kingdom due to improved menopause awareness and acceptance of MHT. Accessibility to accurate, scientific, information and guidance from respected institutions is one of the main drivers of this change. Social media has increased that reach with ‘influencers’ empowering women to seek help. Women are demanding access to menopause health care so that they can receive holistic and individualized treatment based on their clinical conditions and needs. Standardized education of HCPs is an essential pillar to provide appropriate and equitable care to menopausal women and to guarantee safe prescribing of MHT. Furthermore, up to date and factually correct menopausal education would benefit all the population.

Conclusions:

Publication of new scientific data reporting a more favourable benefit/risk ratio with MHT, production of national guidance and an increased awareness via social media have led to the significant rise in MHT prescribing and improvement of menopause care in the United Kingdom. The lessons learned may benefit other European countries.
Exploring operating room staff engagement in the planning and design of the built environment in Australia: Development of a constructivist grounded theory
Authors: Irwin Kasey Ann , Donnelly Frank , Kelly Janet
Published: October 2024

Aim:

This study aimed to explore Australian health professionals’ perceptions and experiences regarding built environment planning for operating rooms.

Methods:

We conducted semi-structured interviews and a focus group using exploratory qualitative methods, involving 16 participants: anaesthetists, surgeons, nurses, theatre technicians and designers of operating rooms.

Findings:

Four core concerns of participants were analysed: Engagement, Respect & Collaboration; Foreseeing & Responding to Safety Concerns; Enhancing Design Planning to Minimise Internal & External Consequences; and Ambiguous Application of Standards in Operating Room Design Planning.

Conclusion:

Health professionals highlighted safety impacts related to patients and staff due to the built environment and emphasised the need for improved engagement, respect and collaboration in design processes. Consideration needs to be given to the lived experiences of health professionals in design planning to address safety concerns effectively. Hierarchies and cultural factors were identified as barriers to inclusive design processes.
An optimal deep learning model for the scoring of radiographic damage in patients with ankylosing spondylitis
Authors: Chen Yen-Ju , Chen Der-Yuan , Lan Haw-Chang , Huang An-Chih , Chen Yi-Hsing , Huang Wen-Nan , Chen Hsin-Hua
Published: October 2024

Background:

Detecting vertebral structural damage in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is crucial for understanding disease progression and in research settings.

Objectives:

This study aimed to use deep learning to score the modified Stoke Ankylosing Spondylitis Spinal Score (mSASSS) using lateral X-ray images of the cervical and lumbar spine in patients with AS in Asian populations.

Design:

A deep learning model was developed to automate the scoring of mSASSS based on X-ray images.

Methods:

We enrolled patients with AS at a tertiary medical center in Taiwan from August 1, 2001 to December 30, 2020. A localization module was used to locate the vertebral bodies in the images of the cervical and lumbar spine. Images were then extracted from these localized points and fed into a classification module to determine whether common lesions of AS were present. The scores of each localized point were calculated based on the presence of these lesions and summed to obtain the total mSASSS score. The performance of the model was evaluated on both validation set and testing set.

Results:

This study reviewed X-ray image data from 554 patients diagnosed with AS, which were then annotated by 3 medical experts for structural changes. The accuracy for judging various structural changes in the validation set ranged from 0.886 to 0.985, whereas the accuracy for scoring the single vertebral corner in the test set was 0.865.

Conclusion:

This study demonstrated a well-trained deep learning model of mSASSS scoring for detecting the vertebral structural damage in patients with AS at an accuracy rate of 86.5%. This artificial intelligence model would provide real-time mSASSS assessment for physicians to help better assist in radiographic status evaluation with minimal human errors. Furthermore, it can assist in a research setting by offering a consistent and objective method of scoring, which could enhance the reproducibility and reliability of clinical studies.
Chemical Composition, Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Activities of Anacyclus maroccanus Ball. and Anacyclus radiatus Loisel. Essential Oils Against Multidrug Resistant Microbial Pathogens
Authors: Sissi Saida , Ouhaddou Soukaina , Dilagui Ilham , Soraa Nabila , Bellioua Sara , Larhsini Mustapha , Markouk Mohamed
Published: October 2024

Objective: The present study aimed to characterize the phytochemical composition, the antioxidant and antimicrobial potencies of two essential oils obtained from the Moroccan ecotypes A. maroccanus and A. radiatus. Methods: The chemical composition of EOs was analysed by means of Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy analysis (GC-MS); moreover, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and reducing power assays ware made to evaluate the antioxidant activity. In addition, disk diffusion method, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were employed to evaluate the antimicrobial activities against some resistant and pathogenic microorganism strains. Results: Results showed that the Anacyclus maroccanus and Anacyclus radiatus EOs were characterized by high amounts of oxygenated monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes, along with radical scavenging and reducing properties. Furthermore, EOs exhibited marked antimicrobial effects against all the tested bacterial and fungal strains. Conclusion: The current findings suggest that EOs from Anacyclus maroccanus and Anacyclus radiatus Moroccan ecotypes are a promising source of natural antioxidants that could be used in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly against drug-resistant microbial strains.