bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Thermal and Rheological Properties of Phase Change Material-Incorporated Asphalt Mastic with Porous Fillers
Authors: Saberi Kerahroudi Farshad , Wang Yizhuang David , Liu Jenny
Published: June 2023

Incorporating phase change material (PCM) into paving materials can regulate the pavement temperature, improve the pavement durability, and mitigate the heat-island effects. In this research, porous fillers were used as the PCM carrier, and the thermal and rheological behaviors of the asphalt mastic with the PCM were evaluated. Two different carrier materials (diatomite and expanded perlite) and four types of PCMs were used in the study. The candidate filler, PCM, and proper blending ratios were determined based on the results of scanning electron microscope image analysis, the filter paper test, and the temperature sweep test. The thermal and rheological behaviors of the mastics with PCMs were further evaluated with different filler replacement ratios. Thermal analysis through a differential scanning calorimetry test, thermal conductivity and volumetric heat capacity test, and real-time temperature performance test were performed on the asphalt mastics. Rheological tests, including the complex shear modulus test, the bending beam rheometer test, and the linear amplitude sweep test, were also conducted. The modified mastics were found to have high heat capacity with the latent heat storage ability. The rheological analyses showed that with the addition of polyethylene glycol, while the low-temperature performance of the asphalt mastics was improved, the performance at intermediate and high temperatures was not adversely affected by the PCM.
From Traffic Analysis to Real-Time Management: A Hazard-Based Modeling for Incident Durations Extracted Through Traffic Detector Data Anomaly Detection
Authors: Pan Dong , Hamdar Samer
Published: June 2023

The time and location of occurrence, among other characteristics of incidents, are needed to distribute traveler information and dispatch emergency service for traffic congestion and safety mitigation purposes. However, the corresponding clearance/recovery time is an important, yet under-studied, subject of research. Existing studies on incident duration modeling mainly utilize duration data gathered and provided by authorities through the efforts of individual agents. This type of manual data gathering may suffer coverage and consistency issues. In addition, the explanatory variables considered in these studies are static, that is, observed at the incident formation stage and assumed to be consistent over the incident periods. This setup, however, overlooks traffic flow dynamics; time-varying traffic variables during the incident episodes affect incidents clearance and disruption characteristics. In line with the above limitations, the objective of this study is to utilize hazard-based modeling to explain incident durations mined from traffic detector data while factoring in traffic flow dynamics. The 2014–2016 Virginia statewide traffic detector data were utilized to extract incident durations by implementing a machine-learning-based incident detection algorithm followed by a semi-parametric proportional hazard function. Such a function accounts for the time-varying traffic-descriptive covariates for incident duration modeling. The resulting monotonically decreasing baseline hazard reveals the snowball effect and the inertia effect of disruptions induced by incidents, which leads to the advice that incidents should be detected and mitigated within a 30 min duration. The normalized flow, density, and speed measures, and their temporal differences are all shown to be significant covariates scaling up or down the hazard.
The Life Course of Unemployment: The Timing and Relative Degree of Risk
Authors: Damaske Sarah , Frech Adrianne , Wething Hilary
Published: June 2023

We use the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979 to identify group-based trajectories of unemployment risk as workers age in the United States. Our novel methodological approach reveals 73% of full-time workers spend much of their 20, 30, and 40 s with a relatively low risk of unemployment. The remaining sizable minority varies in the  timing and relative degree of their unemployment risk. Eighteen percent experience early career unemployment risk into their early thirties, well after the transition to adulthood. Chronic unemployment characterizes the labor market experiences of the remaining 9%. When expanding the sample to all workers, we find two key differences: the overall prevalence of unemployment is greater each year for all groups and the distribution of respondents across groups differs, with fewer workers experiencing Lower unemployment and more workers experiencing Early Career or Higher unemployment. Unemployment risk is shaped by experiences of long-term unemployment in young adulthood and early labor market constraints. Moreover, while men and women appear equally at risk of Early career unemployment, men are particularly at risk of Higher unemployment. Black workers were significantly more likely to be at risk of Higher unemployment, but only slightly more likely to be at risk of Early career unemployment. Since Early career unemployment risk gives way to steadier work for most, this suggests that some men and some Black workers face disproportionately high levels of employment precarity. Our findings point to the importance of a life course approach for understanding the relationship between unemployment and labor market precarity.
Embedding Explicit Linguistic Instruction in an SRSD Writing Intervention
Authors: Salas Naymé , Pascual Mariona , Birello Marilisa , Cross Anna
Published: June 2023

Teaching linguistic aspects relevant to text construction is an essential component of any thorough writing instruction program, despite the conflicting evidence regarding its effectiveness. In this study, 889 second- and fourth-grade students were assigned to one of three conditions: Self-Regulated Development (SRSD), SRSD-connectors (SRSD-C), and business-as-usual (BAU). The experimental conditions addressed planning and self-regulation strategies to write opinion essays, but only the SRSD condition included explicit teaching of connectors (e.g., because) and discourse markers (e.g., In conclusion). Children in both experimental conditions outscored children in the BAU condition across grades and outcome variables. In addition, the SRSD condition showed larger effect sizes on Grade 2 children’s gains in text quality, number of genre-appropriate elements, and number of connectors than the SRSD-C condition. The study provides evidence of the effectiveness of explicitly teaching functionally motivated linguistic representations within a SRSD program. Theoretical and educational implications are discussed.
Mapping Publication Status and Exploring Hotspots in a Research Field: Breastfeeding
Authors: Sabancı Baransel Esra , Uçar Tuba , Çelik Osman Tayyar
Published: June 2023

Background:

Breastfeeding has been the subject of scientific studies for many years. Identifying the current trends and hotspots in breastfeeding research can further advance understanding in the field.

Research Aim:

This study aimed to review the basic and conceptual structure of the literature on breastfeeding from a macro perspective.

Methods:

The dataset for this study included 8,509 articles published between 1980 and 2022 accessed through the Web of Science database. Bibliometric methods were used to assess the growth direction of the literature on breastfeeding, the publication performance by country, influential journals and articles, co-citation networks, and keywords.

Results:

Research on breastfeeding developed slowly until the 2000s, at which point the speed of growth increased. The United States was the country in which most of the breastfeeding research was produced as well as being at the center of international collaborative networks. An examination of author productivity established that there was no specialization in breastfeeding. The results of citation and keyword analyses demonstrated that the literature on breastfeeding is sensitive to current developments, and the psychological aspects of breastfeeding have been intensively discussed, especially in recent years. Moreover, our results demonstrate that breastfeeding support programs are a distinct area if interest. Despite the abundance of research available, more studies are needed for specialization in this field.

Conclusion:

This broad overview of the field of breastfeeding research can inform the direction and advancement of the literature.
Sexual and reproductive health needs of young women living with perinatally acquired HIV
Authors: Nott Veronica R , Hazell George A , Ayres Sara , Kirkhope Natalie , Fidler Sarah , Foster Caroline
Published: June 2023

Background

Increasingly, young women living with perinatally acquired HIV (YWLPaHIV) have transitioned from paediatric to adult services. There remains a paucity of data on the sexual and reproductive health (SRH) needs of YWLPaHIV and their access to youth-friendly care. Amidst healthcare changes due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, we explored SRH needs of a cohort of YWLPaHIV.

Methods

Evaluation of SRH needs of YWLPaHIV attending a UK NHS-youth HIV service with data collected from patient records and self-reported questionnaires amongst women attending between July and November 2020 following easing of the first lockdown and reintroduction of in-person appointments.

Results

71 of 112 YWLPaHIV registered at the clinic completed questionnaires during the study period and were included in the analysis. Median age was 23 y (IQR 21–27, range 18–36). 51/71(72%) reported coitarche, average age 17.6 y (IQR 16–18, range 14–24). 24 women reported 47 pregnancies resulting in 16 (34%) HIV-negative live-births, 19 (40%) terminations, 9(19%) miscarriages, with 3 pregnancies ongoing. 31/48(65%) sexually active women reported current contraception: 10 (32%) condoms, 19 (62%) long-acting, and 3(10%) oral contraceptive pill. 18/51(35%) reported a previous sexually transmitted infection; human papillomavirus (HPV) (11), Chlamydia trachomatis (9) and herpes simplex (2). 27/71(38%) women had undergone cervical cytology including 20/28(71%) women aged ≥25 y with abnormalities documented in 29%. HPV vaccination was reported in 83%, with protective hepatitis B titres in 71%.

Conclusion

High rates of unplanned pregnancy, STIs and cervical abnormalities highlight the continuing SRH needs of YWLPaHIV and requirement for open access to integrated HIV/SRH services despite pandemic restrictions.
Estimating transformations for evaluating diagnostic tests with covariate adjustment
Authors: Sewak Ainesh , Hothorn Torsten
Published: June 2023

Receiver operating characteristic analysis is one of the most popular approaches for evaluating and comparing the accuracy of medical diagnostic tests. Although various methodologies have been developed for estimating receiver operating characteristic curves and their associated summary indices, there is no consensus on a single framework that can provide consistent statistical inference while handling the complexities associated with medical data. Such complexities might include non-normal data, covariates that influence the diagnostic potential of a test, ordinal biomarkers or censored data due to instrument detection limits. We propose a regression model for the transformed test results which exploits the invariance of receiver operating characteristic curves to monotonic transformations and accommodates these features. Simulation studies show that the estimates based on transformation models are unbiased and yield coverage at nominal levels. The methodology is applied to a cross-sectional study of metabolic syndrome where we investigate the covariate-specific performance of weight-to-height ratio as a non-invasive diagnostic test. Software implementations for all the methods described in the article are provided in the tram add-on package to the R system for statistical computing and graphics.
Laryngeal Cartilage Regeneration of Nude Rats by Transplantation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Derived from Human-Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Mizuno Keisuke , Ohnishi Hiroe , Yoshimatsu Masayoshi , Zhao Chengzhu , Hayashi Yasuyuki , Kuwata Fumihiko , Kaba Shinji , Okuyama Hideaki , Kawai Yoshitaka , Hiwatashi Nao , Kishimoto Yo , Sakamoto Tatsunori , Ikeya Makoto , Omori Koichi
Published: June 2023

Previous studies transplanted human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs)-derived mesenchymal stem cells (iMSCs) into thyroid cartilage defect of X-liked severe combined immunodeficiency (X-SCID) rats and confirmed transplanted cell survival and cartilage regeneration. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the contribution of iMSC transplantation to thyroid cartilage regeneration of nude rats. iMSCs were induced from hiPSCs via a neural crest cell lineage. Then, clumps formed from an iMSC/extracellular matrix complex were transplanted into thyroid cartilage defects in nude rats. The larynx was removed and histological and immunohistochemical analyses were performed 4 or 8 weeks after the transplantation. Human nuclear antigen (HNA)-positive cells were observed in 11 of 12 (91.7%) rats, which indicated that transplanted iMSCs survived in thyroid cartilage defects in nude rats. HNA-positive cells co-expressed SOX9, and type II collagen was identified around HNA-positive cells in 8 of 12 rats (66.7%), which indicated cartilage-like regeneration. Cartilage-like regeneration in nude rats in this study was comparable to the previous report on X-SCID rats (HNA-positive cells were observed in all 14 rats and cartilage-like regeneration was observed in 10 of 14 rats). This result suggests that nude rats could be an alternative to X-SCID rats in thyroid cartilage regeneration experiments using iMSCs, and this nude rat cartilage transplantation model may develop cartilage regeneration research concerning fewer problems such as infection due to immunosuppression.
Imports and Food Security
Authors: Subramaniam Yogeeswari , Masron Tajul Ariffin , Loganathan Nanthakumar
Published: June 2023

The Food and Agriculture Organization considers imports crucial to food security (FS) based on their inclusion in the FS definition. Given the broadening of the definition of FS to more than just food availability, the real impact of imports on FS is questionable. This article analyzes the effect of imports on FS in 56 lower-middle income countries from 2011 to 2016. Adopting the generalized method of moments technique, the estimation results point to the negative effects of imports on FS. The breakdown analysis for each dimension indicates that the level of food availability tends to be higher with imports. This could be why imports are considered part of FS measurement. However, the remaining three dimensions, level of food accessibility, utilization, and stability, do against imports. This could explain why the negative impacts of imports outweigh the positive ones in the net. This study indicates that the inclusion of imports in FS can help to secure stable food supplies and meet shortfalls in local production through a better import regulation system.

JEL Classification O11, Q00
The analgesic effect and safety of duloxetine in total knee arthroplasty: A systematic review
Authors: Kouhestani Emad , Minaei Reza , Salimi Amir , Mehrabi Yoosef , Meshkat Shakila
Published: June 2023

Background: Duloxetine is a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) with clinical efficacy in chronic pain conditions. In this study, we aim to evaluate the analgesic effect and safety of duloxetine in total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Methods: A systematic search was completed on MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Embase from inception to December 2022 to find relevant articles. We used Cochrane methodology to evaluate the bias of included studies. Investigated outcomes included postoperative pain, opioid consumption, adverse events (AEs), range of motion (ROM), emotional and physical function, patient satisfaction, patient-controlled analgesia (PCA), knee-specific outcomes, wound complications, skin temperature, inflammatory markers, length of stay, and incidence of manipulations. Results: Nine articles involving 942 participants were included in our systematic review. Out of nine papers, eight were randomized clinical trials and one was a retrospective study. The results of these studies indicated the analgesic effect of duloxetine on postoperative pain, which was measured using numeric rating scale and visual analogue scale. Deluxetine was also effective in reducing the morphine requirement and wound complications and enhancing patient satisfaction after surgery. However, the results on ROM, PCA, and knee-specific outcomes were contraventional. Deluxetine was generally safe without serious AEs. The most common AEs included headache, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, and constipation. Conclusion: Duloxetine may be an effective treatment option for postoperative pain following TKA, but further rigorously designed and well-controlled randomized trials are required.
The effect of lessons in the Alexander Technique on pianists’ posture during performance
Authors: Wong Grace K. , Comeau Gilles , Russell Donald , Huta Veronika
Published: June 2023

The Alexander Technique (AT) is a somatic method often employed by musicians, including pianists, which teaches its students to become consciously aware of their own postural behavior while carrying out various tasks. Little research has been conducted as to whether, and if so, how the AT affects the posture of pianists while they are playing the piano, and quantitative measurements of their postural angles have not yet been taken. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of an intervention consisting of 10 AT lessons on pianists’ postural angles while playing, and to find out if the effects were still evident 4 weeks later. The following postural angles were measured before and after the intervention: craniovertebral angle, head tilt, head–neck–trunk angle, trunk angle, thoracic angle, thoracolumbar angle, and lumbar angle. There were significant effects of the intervention such that the craniovertebral and head–neck–trunk angles were found to have increased, and trunk, thoracic, and thoracolumbar angles were found to have decreased both immediately post-intervention and 4 weeks later. The AT appears to be a viable method of altering postural behavior while playing the piano, as seen in an overall pattern of spinal extension.
Managing a shower of silver: Accounting, control and audit at the Great Exhibition, 1851
Authors: Walker Stephen P.
Published: June 2023

Although widely acknowledged as a foremost event of the Victorian age, accounting aspects of the Great Exhibition of 1851 have received limited attention. This article analyses accounting, control and audit at what was the first ‘universal’ Exhibition. Specific foci include the adoption of a cash-based accounting and financial reporting regimen, systems for protecting substantial volumes of cash and the nature of external and internal auditing. Insights are provided into the contemporary operation of these practices in a substantially unexplored setting. Visibility is also given to the role of the backstage personnel in the accounting and finance function, particularly the Financial Officer, who applied knowledge and skills drawn from the Commissariat Service. The latter analysis augments our understanding of the significance of the military in the development of accounting in nineteenth-century Britain. The study reflects on the research potential of exhibitions as a site for exploring diverse themes in accounting history.
Team-Based Qualitative Rapid Analysis: Approach and Considerations for Conducting Developmental Formative Evaluation for Intervention Design
Authors: Schexnayder Julie , Perry Kathleen R. , Sheahan Kate , Majette Elliott Nadya , Subramaniam Soumya , Strawbridge Elizabeth , Webel Allison R. , Bosworth Hayden B. , Gierisch Jennifer M.
Published: June 2023

Qualitative rapid analysis is one of many rapid research approaches that offer a solution to the problem of time constrained health services evaluations and avoids sacrificing the richness of qualitative data that is needed for intervention design. We describe modifications to an established team-based, rapid analysis approach that we used to rapidly collect and analyze semi-structured interview data for a developmental formative evaluation of a cardiovascular disease prevention intervention. Over 18 weeks, we conducted and analyzed 35 semi-structured interviews that were conducted with patients and health care providers in the Veterans Health Administration to identify targets for adapting the intervention in preparation for a clinical trial. We identified 12 key themes describing actionable targets for intervention modification. We highlight important methodological decisions that allowed us to maintain rigor when using qualitative rapid analysis for intervention adaptation and we provide practical guidance on the resources needed to execute similar qualitative studies. We additionally reflect on the benefits and challenges of the described approach when working within a remote research team environment.

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04545489.
Understanding the Process of Drug Addiction Recovery Through First-Hand Experiences: A Qualitative Study in the Netherlands Using Lifeline Interviews
Authors: Martinelli T. F. , Roeg D. P. K. , Bellaert L. , Van de Mheen D. , Nagelhout G.E.
Published: June 2023

Understandings of drug addiction recovery are still being debated. Research on perspectives from first-hand experiences with recovery is rare and often contains short-term experiences in the context of a treatment setting. We aim to gain further understanding of recovery by analyzing autobiographical data from persons in different stages of drug addiction recovery who are not linked to any specific treatment service. We conducted 30 in-depth qualitative interviews with participants from various parts of the Netherlands. Participants self-identified as being “in recovery” or “recovered” from drug addiction for at least 3 months. Men and women are equally represented, and the sample consists of an equal number of participants in early (<1 year, n = 10), sustained (1–5 years, n = 10), and stable (>5 years, n = 10) recovery. We undertook a data-driven thematic analysis. Participants described that recovery is a broad process of change because addiction is interwoven with everything (theme 1); that recovery is reconsidering identity, seeing things in a new light (theme 2); that recovery is a staged long-term process (theme 3); and that universal life processes are part of recovery (theme 4). Thus, Drug addiction recovery is experienced as an interwoven long-term process, including identity change and common or universal life processes. Policy and clinical practice should therefore be aimed at supporting long-term tailored recovery goals and disseminating first-hand recovery experiences to enhance long-term outcomes and reduce stigmatization.
Comparison of the Effect of Intracarpal Injection of Ketorolac With Triamcinolone in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Karimzadeh Afshin , Esmaily Hadi , Raeissadat Seyed Ahmad , Esmaelzade Maryam , Aghamiri Seyed Hossein , Bolandnazar Najmeh Sadat
Published: June 2023

Background:

The most prevalent entrapment neuropathy is carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). Although nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are frequently prescribed for musculoskeletal disorders, oral NSAIDs do not provide any additional benefits for CTS. Nevertheless, the use of NSAID phonophoresis has shown significant improvement, possibly due to increased concentration in the target tissue. The effects of intracarpal injection of NSAIDs on CTS have not been studied.

Objective:

We conducted a controlled trial to compare the efficacy of ketorolac and triamcinolone in treating CTS.

Methods:

Mild to moderate CTS patients were randomly assigned to receive either a local injection of 30 mg ketorolac or 40 mg triamcinolone. Patients were evaluated using visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, severity, function, electrodiagnostic findings, patient satisfaction, and any complications at the injection site, at baseline and 12 weeks after the procedures.

Results:

Fifty patients participated, and 43 completed the study. Both groups showed significant improvement in the VAS, severity, function, and electrodiagnostic scores at 3 months compared with the baseline. A comparison of the groups showed significant differences in VAS, severity, and function, with the improvement being significantly higher in the triamcinolone group.

Conclusion and Relevance:

The present study showed that injection of triamcinolone or ketorolac into the carpal tunnel relieved pain, increased function, and improved electrodiagnostic findings in patients with mild to moderate CTS. It also showed that triamcinolone was superior to ketorolac in terms of analgesic effect and resulted in greater improvement in symptom severity and function.
Not all Rectal Cancer Patients Could Benefit From the Surgery on the Primary Site
Authors: Zhou Jin , Yu Wenqian , Xia Jing , Li Shiyi , Xie Linshen , Wang Xin
Published: June 2023

Aim

Previous studies have provided evidence that primary site surgery can improve the prognosis of rectal cancer patients, even in those with advanced age and distant metastasis, though results have been inconsistent. The current study aims to determine if all rectal cancer patients are likely to benefit from surgery in terms of overall survival.

Methods

This study examined the impact of primary site surgery on the prognosis of rectal cancer patients diagnosed between 2010 and 2019 using multivariable Cox regression analysis. The study also stratified patients by age group, M stage, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and number of distant metastatic organs. The propensity score matching method was used to balance observed covariates between patients who received and did not receive surgery. The Kaplan–Meier method was used to analyze the data, and the log-rank test was used to determine differences between patients who did and did not undergo surgery.

Results

The study included 76,941 rectal cancer patients, with a median survival of 81.0 months (95% CI: 79.2–82.8 months). Of these patients, 52,360 (68.1%) received primary site surgery, and they tended to be younger, have higher differentiated grade, earlier T, N, M stage, and lower rates of bone, brain, lung, and liver metastasis, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy than those without surgery. Multivariable Cox regression analysis revealed that surgery had a protective effect on the prognosis of rectal cancer patients, including those with advanced age, distant metastasis, and multiple organ metastasis, but not in patients with four organ metastases. The results were also confirmed using propensity score matching.

Conclusion

Not all rectal cancer patients could benefit from the surgery on the primary site, especially the patients with more than four distant metastases. The results could help the clinicians to tailor targeted treatment regimens and provide a guideline for making surgical decisions.
Comparison of the DOAC Dipstick Test on Urine Samples With Chromogenic Substrate Methods on Plasma Samples in Outpatients Treated With Direct Oral Anticoagulants
Authors: Papageorgiou Loula , Hetjens Svetlana , Fareed Jawed , Auge Sanny , Tredler Laetitia , Harenberg Job , Weiss Christel , Elalamy Ismail , Gerotziafas Grigorios T.
Published: June 2023

Identifying adherence to direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) plays a major role in treatment efficacy and safety. The DOAC Dipstick can detect DOACs in urine samples of acutely diseased patients at plasma thresholds of about 30 ng/mL. A prospective observational consecutive cohort study was performed on outpatients taking DOACs. The presence of direct oral factor Xa inhibitors (DXIs) in patient urine samples were independently evaluated by visual interpretation of the DOAC Dipstick pad colors. DOAC plasma concentration was assessed using STA®-Liquid Anti-Xa and STA®-Liquid Anti-IIa chromogenic substrate assays. Positive DOAC Dipstick results were compared with a threshold plasma of DOAC concentration ≥30 ng/mL. Of 120 patients (age 55.4  +  16.1 years, female n  =  63), 77 were on rivaroxaban and 43 on apixaban. Plasma concentrations were 129  ±  118 ng/mL for rivaroxaban, and 163  ±  130 ng/mL for apixaban, DOAC Dipstick test has a sensitivity of 97.2% and a positive predictive value of 89.5% at 30 ng/mL. No differences occurred between DXIs. Specificity and negative predictive value could not be determined due to the low number of true negative values. There were no differences in the interpretation of rivaroxaban and apixaban pad colors between observers (Kappa 1.0). Results show that DOAC Dipstick may be a useful tool for identifying DXIs in urine samples in an outpatient setting at a plasma threshold ≥ 30 ng/mL. Further studies should include patients treated with dabigatran, vitamin K antagonists, or other anticoagulants.
A Qualitative Study of How Israeli Arab Educational Counselors Handle Image-Based Sexual Abuse of Female Adolescents
Authors: Dolev-Cohen Michal
Published: June 2023

Image-based sexual abuse (IBSA) refers to the nonconsensual production, dissemination, or threat of dissemination of private sexual images of another. Arabs belong to a conservative society where the distribution of a nude photo constitutes a violation of the dignity of the family and may have serious consequences. Based on semistructured in-depth interviews, the present study examined how 32 Arab educational counselors in Israel handle IBSA. Findings suggest that counselors identified the victim as experiencing difficulties that allowed her to be harmed. Also, it was found that counselors were afraid it might harm the victims on the grounds of family honor. These findings indicate that it is necessary to find culturally sensitive solutions both for the prevention and treatment of this phenomenon.
Transformation field analysis as a background of clustering discretization methods in micromechanics of composites
Authors: Buryachenko Valeriy A
Published: June 2023

A linear composite material (CM) consisting of a homogeneous matrix with either the periodic or random set of heterogeneities is considered. One of the first reduced-order models (ROMs), Transformation Field Analysis (TFA) by Dvorak for the pair strain-eigenstrain (or stress-eigenstress) is modified in terms of the “mixed” pair strain-eigenstress (or stress-eigenstrain) for implementation to clustering-based ROMs initiated by the self-consistent clustering analysis (SCA) by WK Liu. A set of consistency conditions are obtained for both the effective properties and modified eigenfield concentration factors. It is found that modified TFA represents a unified background of all three central clustering-based ROMs: the SCA, virtual clustering analysis (VCA), and finite element analysis–clustering analysis (FCA). One presents the scheme of estimation of inhomogeneous strain concentration factors in some prescribed clusters analyzed by the SCA (nonlinear problem). For statistically homogeneous CMs, a localized version of the modified TFA is proposed for clustering of the matrix (coating) in the vicinity of inclusions. VCA used for the analysis of a finite size inclusion can be modified for the implementation of a combination of both the modified TFA and functional gradient theory.
Pre-Season Screening Assessments: Normative Data for Pre-Professional Ballet Dancers
Authors: Critchley Meghan L. , Ferber Reed , Pasanen Kati , Kenny Sarah J.
Published: June 2023

Objectives:

Pre-professional dance is high-risk, with injury incidence up to 4.7 injuries/1000 dance hours. Pre-season screening measures have been utilized to assess risk factors for dance-related injury, however normative values haven’t been established for a pre-professional ballet population. The purpose of this study was to establish normative values of ankle and hip joint range of motion (ROM), lumbopelvic control, and dynamic balance pre-season screening measures for pre-professional ballet dancers.

Methods:

498 adolescent pre-professional ballet dancers [n = 219 junior division (194 female, 25 male; mean age: 12.9±0.9 year); n = 281 senior division (238 female, 41 male; mean age: 16.8±1.5 year)] participated in baseline screening tests across 5 seasons (2015-2019). Baseline measures took place at the beginning of each academic year: ankle ROM [dorsiflexion (deg); plantarflexion (PF) (deg)], total active turnout (TAT) (deg), lumbopelvic control [active straight leg raise (ASLR) (score); one leg standing test (OLS) (score)], and dynamic balance [unipedal balance (sec); Y-Balance Test (cm)].

Results:

Percentiles for ankle dorsiflexion ranged from 28.2° (male senior division, 10th percentile) to 63.3° (female junior division, 100th percentile). For PF, percentiles ranged from 77.5 to 111.8° (male junior division, 10th percentile; male senior division, 100th percentile). Percentiles for TAT for all participants ranged between 121.1° and 131.0°. For the ASLR, the proportion of participants moving with compensation (pelvis shifting) was between 64.0% and 82.2%. For OLS, 19.7% to 56.1% of dancers had a positive score (hip hiking). Percentiles for dynamic balance ranged from 3.5 to 17.1 seconds (unipedal dynamic balance) and 75.8 to 103.3 cm (YBT composite reach score) across all groups.

Conclusion:

The establishment of normative values of pre-season screening measures among a pre-professional ballet population can be used to determine areas to target during training, recognize individuals with possible injury risk, and inform return to dance protocols following injury. Comparison with other dancer/athletic populations will also provide insight into the performance of dancers and identify areas in need of improvement.
Clinicopathologic Features of IDEDNIK (MEDNIK) Syndrome in a Term Infant: Histopathologic Features of the Gastrointestinal Tract and Report of a Novel AP1S1 Variant
Authors: Lu Jiajie G. , Namjoshi Shweta S. , Niehaus Annie D. , Tahata Shawn , Lee Chung Un , Wang Lin , McDonnell Erin , Seely Melissa , Martin Martin G. , Hazard Florette K.
Published: June 2023

Inherited syndromes of congenital enteropathy are rare, with many genetic causes described. Mutations of the AP1S1 gene results in the syndrome of intellectual disability, enteropathy, deafness, peripheral neuropathy, ichthyosis, and keratoderma (IDEDNIK, formerly in the medical literature as MEDNIK). The clinicopathologic features of the enteropathy in IDEDNIK syndrome have not been fully explored. We describe a female infant who presented with metabolic acidosis, lethargy, and 14 watery stools per day. In the intensive care unit she required parenteral nutrition. She was found to have a novel homozygous pathogenic variant in the AP1S1 gene c.186T>G (p.Y62*). Esophagogastroduodenoscopy and colonoscopy at 6 months of age were grossly normal. However, histologic sections of the duodenum showed mild villous blunting and enterocytes with cytoplasmic vacuoles. CD10 immunostaining highlighted the disrupted brush border. MOC31 immunostaining was wild-type with a membranous pattern of expression. Electron microscopy of the duodenum showed scattered enterocytes cells with shortened and disrupted apical microvilli. Although there is a mixed gap diarrhea and disrupted brush border, there are no significant inclusions typical of microvillus inclusion disease, nor tufted enterocytes typical of tufting enteropathy, making the clinical and histopathologic features for this syndrome unique.
Prevalence of persistent hypertension and situational hypertension in a population of elderly cats in The Netherlands
Authors: Knies Marieke , Kooistra Hans S , Teske Erik
Published: June 2023

Objectives

Systemic arterial hypertension is increasingly recognised and can have serious adverse consequences in cats. Unfortunately, the act of measuring blood pressure itself may cause an increase in blood pressure, known as situational hypertension. It is currently unknown how often this phenomenon occurs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of persistent hypertension and situational hypertension in an elderly population of cats in a first-opinion clinic and to assess which factors were associated with systolic hypertension.

Methods

In this prospective study, systolic blood pressure was measured in 185 cats aged ⩾10 years using the Doppler sphygmomanometry method according to the recommendations of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine consensus statement. Age, sex, body weight, body condition score, position during blood pressure measurement and apparent stress level were assessed. If a systolic blood pressure >160 mmHg was found, measurements were repeated to evaluate if persistent hypertension or situational hypertension was present. The first set of blood pressure measurements were used for all the statistical analyses.

Results

The median systolic blood pressure for this population was 140 mmHg. The prevalence of persistent hypertension was at least 14.6% and situational hypertension at least 5.4%. Factors significantly associated with hypertension were age, higher apparent stress levels and a sitting position during measurement. Sex, body weight or body condition score did not significantly influence systolic blood pressure.

Conclusions and relevance

Both persistent hypertension and situational hypertension are common in elderly cats. There are no reliable parameters to distinguish between the two, underlining the importance of a standard protocol and repeating measurements during a follow-up visit when hypertension is found. Age, demeanour and body position during blood pressure measurement influenced blood pressure in this population of elderly cats.
Association of Novel C319T Variant of PITX2 Gene 3’UTR Region With Reproductive Performance in Awassi Sheep
Authors: Alkhammas Ahmed H , Al-Thuwaini Tahreer M , Al-Shuhaib Mohammed Baqur S , Khazaal Neam M
Published: June 2023

Several genes influence sheep’s reproductive performance, among them the paired-like homeodomain transcription factor 2 ( PITX2) gene. Thus, this study aimed to examine whether the variability within the PITX2 gene is associated with the reproductive performance of Awassi ewes. A total of 123 single-progeny ewes and 109 twin ewes were used to extract genomic DNA. An amplicon of 4 sequence fragments from exons 2, 4, 5 (upstream portion), and 5 (downstream portion) of the PITX2 gene was generated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), 228, 304, 381, and 382 bp, respectively. Three genotypes of 382 bp amplicons were identified: CC, CT, and TT. Sequence analysis revealed a novel mutation in the CT genotype 319C > T. Statistical analysis revealed that single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) 319C > T was associated with reproductive performance. Single-nucleotide polymorphism 319C > T-carrying ewes had significantly ( P ⩽ .01) lower litter sizes, twinning rates, lambing rates, and more days to lambing than those carrying CT and CC genotypes. Based on a logistic regression analysis, it was confirmed that the 319C > T SNP decreased litter size. Ewes with TT genotype produced fewer lambs than ewes with CT and CC genotypes. According to these results, the variant 319C> T SNP negatively affects the reproductive performance of Awassi sheep. Ewes carrying the 319C > T SNP have a lower litter size and are less prolific than those without the SNP.
Evaluation of the stability of a two degrees-of-freedom dynamical system
Authors: Amer TS , Ismail AI , Amer WS
Published: June 2023

This work studies a two degrees-of-freedom (DOF) dynamical system whose governing system is solved analytically using the multiple scales approach (MSA). The solvability requirements are obtained in light of the elimination of secular terms. All resonance states are classified to understand the equilibrium of the dynamical system. Two of them are examined in parallel to get the associated equations for the system’s modulation. All probable fixed points are identified at the states of stability and instability using the criteria of Routh-Hurwitz (RH). The curves of resonance and the system’s behavior during the motion are plotted and analyzed. The numerical solutions (NS) of the governing system are obtained using the method of Runge-Kutta fourth-order, and they are compared with the analytical solutions (AS). The comparison reveals high consistency between them and proves the accuracy of the MSA. To determine the positive effects of different parameters on the motion, stability zones are studied from the perspective of their graphs. The applications of such works are very important in our daily lives and were the reason for the development of several things, including protection from earthquakes, car shock absorbers, structure vibration, human walking, television towers, high buildings, and antennas.
Machine learning assisted nonlinear deflection analysis of agglomerated carbon nanotube core smart sandwich plate with three-phase magneto-electro-elastic skin
Authors: Mahesh Vinyas
Published: June 2023

This research focuses on evaluating the combined effects of the interphase of the three-phase magneto-electro-elastic (TPMEE) composites and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) agglomeration on the nonlinear deflection of the multifunctional sandwich plate, using an artificial neural network (ANN) assisted finite-element (FE) approach. The data points collected from the in-house developed FE computational tool are used to train the ANN model. To this end, a backpropagation-based Levenberg–Marquardt algorithm is used. The core of the plate is made of agglomerated CNTs, and the facesheets are made of TPMEE composites. Two different agglomeration states, partial and complete, are considered for evaluation. Also, three variations of CNTs arrangement are assumed. On the other hand, the interphase effects are incorporated through its volume fractions and compositions. The plate kinematics is based on the higher-order shear deformation theory, and the nonlinearity is assumed to follow von Karman's strain-displacement relation. The equations of motion are derived using the total potential energy principle. Finally, the direct iterative method is used to arrive at the solutions. The numerical examples are also provided to understand the influence of coupling fields associated with the parameters, such as agglomeration, interphase volume fraction, interphase compositions and CNTs arrangement.
Evidence that ectopic upper third molars can result in upper second molar impactions: A case series
Authors: Chawla Rachna , Garcha Prabjot , Lyne Alexandra , Sheriteh Zahra
Published: June 2023

Introduction:

The aim of these four case reports was to illustrate the presence of potential upper second molar impactions associated with ectopic third molars and to highlight that some cases have an atypical radiographic presentation.

Case presentations:

Four patients (age range = 7–12 years) with various malocclusions presented to the paediatric and orthodontic departments for treatment to address their presenting complaints. Incidental radiographic findings demonstrated potentially impacted upper second molars associated with ectopic third molars. In all of these cases, a joint paediatric-orthodontic approach was adopted to address their dental health, prevent upper second molar impaction and to treat their malocclusion.

Discussion:

Careful and systematic review of radiographic imaging was necessary in order to diagnose these cases correctly. These cases demonstrated that it was not always simple to determine impactions, particularly as identification of third molar crypts can be difficult. On occasion, sequential radiographic monitoring is advocated, particularly in patients in the mixed dentition; however, clinicians must be mindful of the risks of ionising radiation as it is not routine practice to irradiate a patient multiple times.

Conclusion:

The series of cases highlights the need for a systematic assessment of OPTs to identify ectopic upper third molars. The input from radiologists is invaluable and if necessary, supplemental three-dimensional cone-beam computed tomography can be performed.
The Working Sovereign: A conversation with Axel Honneth
Authors: Celikates Robin , Honneth Axel , Jaeggi Rahel
Published: June 2023

In the summer of 2021, Axel Honneth was invited by the Centre for Social Critique Berlin to give the Walter Benjamin Lectures. The lectures have now been published in German under the title Der arbeitende Souverän ( The Working Sovereign). In a conversation with the directors of the Centre for Social Critique, Rahel Jaeggi and Robin Celikates, Axel Honneth explains why he believes a political theory of labor is necessary, how the world of work has changed, and what opportunities and risks this entails for democratization processes.
Value-Based Executive Medicine: Future Practice, Ethics, and Impact
Authors: Al Mulhim Mobarak , Hertelendy Attila , Baez Amado Alejandro , Habib Bassil , Ciottone Gregory
Published: June 2023

Taking care of Very Important Persons (VIPs) has always been a contentious area of medicine. Access to private healthcare in privileged classes is often linked to socioeconomic status, and the concept role of executive health medicine has emerged. The provision of care for VIP patients requires innovative approaches to assure that their status does not influence the quality of care they receive, and this is precisely what physicians should aim for while providing Executive VIP care. This review intends to highlight the important characteristics of Executive Medicine and the future of VIP Executive Medicine operating within a Value-Based Healthcare system. We have proposed a model of value-based executive medicine in this review in an attempt to describe the basic concept of executive medicine and its various dimensions. This model is inspired by the value-based healthcare delivery framework of Michael Porter and various executive health programs offered by academic medical centers in the United States of America.
Single-port robotic partial nephrectomy: impact on perioperative outcomes and hospital stay
Authors: Carbonara Umberto , Amparore Daniele , Borregales Leonardo D. , Caliò Anna , Ciccarese Chiara , Diana Pietro , Erdem Selcuk , Marandino Laura , Marchioni Michele , Muselaers Constantijn H.J. , Palumbo Carlotta , Pavan Nicola , Pecoraro Angela , Roussel Eduard , Warren Hannah , Wu Zhen-Jie , Campi Riccardo , Bertolo Riccardo
Published: June 2023

Single-port (SP) robotic surgery is a novel technology and is at the beginning of its adoption curve in urology. The goal of this narrative review is to provide an overview of SP-robotic partial nephrectomy (PN) 4 years after the introduction of the da Vinci SP dedicated platform, focusing on perioperative outcomes, length of stay, and surgical technique. A nonsystematic review of the literature was conducted. The research included the most updated articles that referred to SP robotic PN. Since its commercial release in 2018, several institutions have reproduced robotic PN by using the SP platform, both via a transperitoneal and a retroperitoneal approach. The published SP-robotic PN series are generally based on preliminary experiences by surgeons who had previous experience with conventional multi-arms robotic platforms. The reported outcomes are encouraging. Overall, three studies reported that SP-robotic PN cases had nonsignificantly different operative time, estimated blood loss, overall complications rate, and length of stay compared to the conventional ‘multi-arms’ robotic PN. However, in all these series, renal masses treated by SP had overall lower complexity. Moreover, two studies underlined decreased postoperative pain as a major pro of adopting the SP system. This should reduce/avoid the need for opioids after surgery. No study compared SP-robotic versus multi-arms robotic PN in cost-effectiveness. Published experience with SP-robotic PN has reported the feasibility and safety of the approach. Preliminary results are encouraging and at least noninferior with respect to those from the multi-arms series. Prospective comparative studies with long-term oncologic and functional results are awaited to draw more definitive conclusions and better establish the more appropriate indications of SP robotics in the field of PN.