bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cryptocurrency Responses to U.S. Monetary Policy Shocks: A Data-Driven Exploration of Price and Volatility Patterns
Authors: Buthelezi Eugene Msizi
Published: July 2024

This study addresses a critical gap by providing an in-depth examination of how cryptocurrency markets respond to U.S. monetary policy shocks at various price levels. This study contributes significantly to our understanding of the nuanced dynamics governing cryptocurrency markets under diverse monetary policy conditions, thereby enhancing our knowledge of the broader financial ecosystem. Through rigorous quantitative analysis, we utilize monthly time series data spanning from January 2015 to December 2023 and employ models such as Markov-switching dynamic regression, Autoregressive Conditional Heteroskedasticity, and Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroskedasticity. This study reveals that monetary policy shocks result in a decrease in cryptocurrency prices and volatility. Moreover, monetary policy tightening stabilizes the market at low cryptocurrency prices. In higher price states, interest rate increases are associated with reduced cryptocurrency prices and volatility. The findings suggest that changes in interest rates influence the opportunity cost of holding cryptocurrencies, impacting their appeal compared with traditional interest-bearing assets.
Rethinking food loss and waste to promote sustainable resource use and climate change mitigation in agri-food systems: A review
Authors: Adelodun Bashir , Agbelusi Oyebankole O. , Soma Tammara , Odey Golden , Adeyi Qudus , Kumar Pankaj , Ajibade Fidelis Odedishemi , Goala Madhumita , Silva Luis Felipe Oliveira , Mostafa Yasser S. , Singh Rattan , Choi Kyung Sook , Eid Ebrahem M.
Published: July 2024

The sustainable agri-food system is an important sector recognized for promoting the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals on food security, resource conservation and climate change mitigation. However, the increasing food loss and waste (FLW) along the supply chains has continued to hinder these goals. This study evaluates the trend of FLW research from 1975 to 2022 and how it promotes the achievement of resource and environmental sustainability in agri-food systems. The salient research themes and hotspots that are of interest to researchers were identified. Bibliometric and network analyses were carried out on scholarly research articles from the Scopus database using bibliometrix and VOSviewer. Furthermore, the content analysis was conducted on the selected highly influential articles containing relevant data to understand the role of FLW in promoting sustainable agri-food systems. The results showed disaggregate and unbalanced research distribution on the impacts of FLW among the countries, with China and the United States having the highest contributions. The identified major research themes relating to sustainable agri-food systems are food waste and sustainable systems, food waste management and food waste impact assessment. Moreover, the circular economy was found to be a relatively new approach being explored in agri-food systems to promote FLW reduction and ensure sustainability of resource use. This study highlights the critical role of the impact of FLW in addressing the grand challenge of food security, resource use efficiency and environmental sustainability.
“I don’t get sick leave”: Small-market newspaper journalists’ perceptions of the impact of occupational stressors and organizational support on their mental well-being
Authors: Shah Sayyed Fawad Ali , Murphy Breann E. , Joyce Teddi A. , Cunningham Ben
Published: July 2024

Small-market journalists occupy an important role in keeping local communities informed. This research examines the job-related stressors post-COVID these U.S. small-market newspaper journalists face that impact their stress and anxiety and how the support provided by their news organizations also contributes to their sense of well-being. Interviews with 17 journalists in the Southeastern United States indicate that key aspects of organizational support may have a significant impact on well-being and job satisfaction.
A Synchronic and Diachronic Study of Students’ Essays in Italian High Schools: Trends in Length, Complexity, and Referencing
Authors: Zappoli Alessandra , Palmero Aprosio Alessio , Tonelli Sara
Published: July 2024

In this work, we explore the use of digital technologies and statistical analysis to monitor how Italian secondary school students’ writing changes over time and how comparisons can be made across different high school types. We analyzed more than 2,000 exam essays written by Italian high school students over 13 years and in five different school types. Four indicators of writing characteristics were considered—text length, text complexity, and two indicators of source use, all extracted using natural language processing tools—which provided insights into students’ citation practices over time and in different school contexts. In particular, we measured the portion of students’ essays that included text from source material as well as the amount of copied text that was not properly referenced. We found that student essays became shorter in length over time while also getting more complex. We also found that the tendency to copy uncited text in the essay decreased. High school curricula predict different writing strategies: essays written by students attending scientific and humanistic high schools are longer and less subject to incorrect citations. We argue that such text analysis enables the study of writing features in high school classes and supports the evaluation of curricula.
Effect of chlorpyrifos on cypermethrin-induced dopaminergic neurotoxicity in rats
Authors: Rawat Neeraj , Singh Mahendra Pratap
Published: July 2024

The study aimed to investigate the combined effects of chlorpyrifos and cypermethrin combined on dopaminergic neurotoxicity, motor behaviours and level of selected inflammatory proteins in rats compared to either alone for delineating an interaction between these two pesticides. The rotarod and grip strength tests were employed to assess neurobehavioural changes. The striatal dopamine content and expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), α-synuclein, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) proteins in the nigrostriatal tissue were measured. Chlorpyrifos impaired the neurobehavioural indexes, reduced the striatal dopamine level, augmented the level of α-synuclein, COX-2, and TNF-α and attenuated the expression of TH similar to but a little less than cypermethrin. Half the dose of both pesticides together produced additional neurotoxicity compared with the usual (highest employed) dose of either alone. The results showed that chlorpyrifos induced moderately less dopaminergic neurotoxicity than cypermethrin. In the combination, they produced a little higher toxicity than either pesticide alone.
The Role of Reciprocated Friendships in the Behavioral Correlates of Sociometric Categories
Authors: Hoffmann Tamás , Basa Bence , Bernáth László , Kollár Katalin N.
Published: July 2024

Children live complex social lives that has various aspects, including intimate friendships, peer-acceptance and bullying dynamics which is usually studied separately in research. This study aims to investigate the interplays of these three important fields by analyzing the moderating effects of number of friendships on the relation between sociometric categories and behavioral correlates via moderated logistic regression models. Participants were 291 elementary school students from schools located in Budapest, Hungary. Computerized peer-nominations were used to assess number of mutual friendships, behavioral variables, peer acceptance and bullying-roles. Results suggest that in a few cases, number of mutual friendships may have an effect on the relationship analyzed. Questions of limited and unlimited nomination based friendship questions are discussed. The results may facilitate further studies in the direction of more refined logistic regressions and has implications on bullying diagnostics and offers an electronic assessment tool for practitioners.
Evaluating the physico-chemical properties of water-based and 2% lidocaine hydrochloride-based aluminum-free glass polyalkenoate cements for distal radius fixation
Authors: Akkad Danny T. , Phull Sunjeev S. , Towler Mark R.
Published: July 2024

Lidocaine hydrochloride is used as an anesthetic for clinical applications. This study considers the effects of the substitution of 2% lidocaine hydrochloride for deionized (DI) water on the rheological, mechanical, ion release, pH and injectable properties of two formulations of aluminum-free glass polyalkenoate cements (GPCs) using two distinct poly(acrylic) acids (PAA), E9 and E11, which have different molecular weights (Mw). The substitution of 2% lidocaine hydrochloride demonstrated increased injectability, but did not affect mechanical properties. The mechanical properties increased with time, as expected, and, in general, E9-based GPCs displayed significantly higher strengths over E11-based GPCs. With respect to ion release, which includes calcium (Ca), strontium (Sr), zinc (Zn) and silicon (Si); all ions displayed a steady and consistent increased release over time. Ca and Sr showed similar ion release patterns, whereby the GPC made with E11 PAA and lidocaine hydrochloride released significantly more ions than all other compositions likely due to similar chemical kinetics. However, Zn is also divalent in nature, but displayed only one significant difference across the GPC series at all time points, which was attributed to its higher electronegativity allowing for increased participation in the setting reaction. Finally, an analysis of the pH confirmed an increase in pH with time, suggesting that H+ ions were attacking the glass structure to allow for ion release. After 1 and 7 days, water-based GPCs environments achieved a higher pH than lidocaine hydrochloride-based GPCs, indicating that the lidocaine hydrochloride may be releasing additional protons upon bond formation with PAA.
The effect of Silver addition and deformation parameters on mechanostructure, biodegradation, antimicrobial and mechanical properties of Zn-based biodegradable alloys
Authors: Aksakal Bünyamin , Sezek Sinan , Macit Cevher Kürşat
Published: July 2024

Although low mechanical properties, Zinc (Zn) alloy systems with Copper (Cu) and Silver (Ag) as alloying elements have strong biocompatibility and biodegradability characteristics. This study examined the effects of rolling parameters and Ag alloying on the mechanical, biodegradable, and final structure of an alloy based on Zn. Comparing treated and untreated specimens, the addition of Ag led to a considerable improvement in both hardness and compressive strength. The produced alloys with varying amounts of Ag (between 1 and 4 wt%) were cold rolled at 400–800 r/min and friction coefficients between 0.3 and 0.5. The alloys’ ultimate strength rose with an increase in rolling speed for Zn1Cu4Ag, and hardness and compressive strengths rose to 80HV and 470 MPa, respectively. It was demonstrated that rolling force rose somewhat with Ag concentration but significantly increased with rolling speed and friction. E. Coli and S. aureus were used to assess the biodegradable alloys’ antibacterial properties. For the Zn-1Cu-2Ag alloy, the inclusion of Ag resulted in a considerable (50%) rise in antibacterial activity that exceeded the effects seen in other alloy systems.
Investigating the low velocity impact response of additively manufactured tri-material composite structure with application on helmet
Authors: Al-Areqi Ammar M , Sivasankaran Subbarayan , Aloyaydi Bandar A , Al-Mufadi Fahad A
Published: July 2024

Additively manufactured composite structures can be utilized in the production of engineering materials with enhanced mechanical properties. In this work, mono-, bi-, and tri-material structures (MMS, BMS, and TMS, respectively) were fabricated using additively manufactured PLA (poly-lactic acid) lattice frames embedded with Polyurethane (PU) foam and milled glass fibers (MGFs). TMS samples were reinforced with MGFs at 1.25, 2.5, 3.75, and 5.0 vol%, indicated as TMS-1, TMS-2, TMS-3, and TMS-4, respectively. The mechanical response of these composite structures was tested by applying a low-velocity impact load. The effects of MGF content and variations in applied impact energy, and variation in microstructure on the composite samples were investigated. Results revealed an enhanced mechanical response of TMS samples compared to MMS and BMS. Additionally, with increasing applied impact energy, the TMS samples showed an improved corresponding response, with a peak absorbed energy of 96.03% of the applied 60 J energy. Furthermore, to study the applicability of the composite structures in real-life applications, helmet prototypes made of MMS, BMS, and TMS were designed and tested under the applied low-velocity load, showing an improved response of TMS helmet samples compared to the other composite structures.
Fabrication of co-continuous morphology of polysulfone/nylon 6, 6 nanocomposites by varying the concentration of organically modified clay content
Authors: Rath Tanmoy , Alnaser Ibrahim A , Seikh Asiful H
Published: July 2024

A unique morphology was fabricated using melt mixing of polysulfone (PSU) and nylon 6, 6, as well as organically modified clay to produce two blended nanocomposite compositions (80/20 and 60/40 w/w) of polysulfone and nylon 6, 6. The morphology of PSU/Nylon 6, 6 blend nanocomposites with various amounts of clay has been examined using scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), and wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD). In the case of 80/20 (w/w) PSU/Nylon 6, 6 without clay, the Nylon 6, 6 is dispersed in the PSU matrix with an average particle size of about 6.81 micrometers (μm). After adding clay (2%, 4%, and 8%), the domain size of nylon 6, 6 decreases, although the decrease rate is much slower than initially observed. However, we discovered that when the organoclay level exceeds 2%, the matrix-domain structure transforms into a co-continuous morphology for the 60/40 (w/w) blends. The TEM studies clearly demonstrate that the organoclay preferentially positions itself in the nylon 6, 6 phase, exhibiting a high degree of exfoliation, while the PSU phase of the nanocomposites remains devoid of clay, irrespective of the amount present. This study indicates that the size of clay platelets dispersed in the PSU/Nylon 6, 6 blend plays an important role in determining the morphology and stability of these blends. Moreover, the co-continuous structures were stable against further annealing at high temperatures, thus inhibiting the coalescence of the dispersed phase in addition to reducing interfacial tension.
Navigating Age Diversity in Volunteer Teams: Barriers and Enablers of Teamwork
Authors: Schwarzmann Vera , Merfeld Katrin , Kreutzer Karin
Published: July 2024

Despite demographic change leading to increased age diversity among volunteers, extant research offers limited guidance on how organizations can manage age-diverse volunteer teams. In this study, we delve into the dynamics of age diversity in a volunteer context by analyzing the case of German World Shops. We collected extensive ethnographic and interview data from age-diverse volunteer teams over a period of 2.5 years. In our analysis, we identified three overarching barriers to age-diverse teamwork—resistance to change and innovation, communication preferences, and power dynamics—and three enablers—creating space to experiment, ensuring protected spaces, and fostering spaces of encounter. In doing so, we contribute to the existing literature on diversity in volunteering and offer guidance for volunteer coordinators to foster collaboration and the build-up of relational capital among volunteers to create successful age-diverse volunteer teams. Moreover, this research opens avenues for further exploration into this emerging and critical phenomenon.
A multi-objective energy management optimization for a hybrid electric bus covering an urban route
Authors: Tormos Bernardo , Pla Benjamín , Bares Pau , Pinto Douglas
Published: July 2024

The development of electrified vehicles is a promising step toward energy savings, emissions reduction, environmental protection, and more sustainable economic growth. In the case of hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), the energy management strategy (EMS) is essential for their efficiency and energy consumption. Typically, EMS employs rule-based strategies calibrated to general driving conditions. So, this paper proposes to calibrate the EMS of an urban hybrid electric bus that covers a particular route by taking advantage of past driving information. The EMS computes the percentage of the vehicle power demand that must be supplied by each of the sources (fuel and battery) and also controls the heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system to achieve cabin thermal comfort. The proposed approach is based on employing an optimal solution by dynamic programing in a previous loop covered by the bus in the considered route. Then, the cost-to-go matrix is stored and used in the following trips by applying the one-step look-ahead rollout, taking profit from the similarities of the loops in the route. To compare and evaluate the performance of the proposed algorithm, a benchmark was carried out by employing the widespread equivalent consumption minimization strategy (ECMS) approach, combined with rule-based strategies in the HVAC control system. Finally, the pareto front presents the trade-off between cabin temperature control performance and total fuel consumption, allowing to compare and evaluate the different EMS calibrations.
Vibration and acoustic characteristics of aluminium-silicon carbide metal matrix composite plate under thermal environment
Authors: Reddy R Kiran Kumar , Sreekara Reddy M B S , Bhagat Vinod S
Published: July 2024

This paper investigates the vibration and acoustic characteristics of an aluminium-silicon carbide (Al-SiC) simply supported composite plate under thermal loads. The vibrational response induced by the temperature rise is analysed using Kirchhoff’s plate theory and the weighted integral (Galerkin) method. Additionally, the plate is acoustically modelled in conjunction with the air medium to investigate its acoustic response. The acoustic far-field radiation equation determines the plate’s sound pressure level (SPL). The findings reveal that the MMC I (65% SiC/A356.2 MMC SiC particulates reinforced, with three different sizes) plate exhibits a lower overall sound pressure level in the lower frequency range than other MMCs. Moreover, replacing the aluminium plate with the MMC I plate reduces the overall sound pressure level by 5.54 dB due to the high stiffness associated with the mixture of silicon carbide reinforcement in the aluminium matrix.
Weight-adjusted waist index is a potential early predictor of degraded bone microarchitecture: A cross-sectional study of the national health and nutrition examination survey 2007-2008
Authors: Mi Baoguo , Zhang Jitao , Jiang Kuo , Meng Hailan , Shan Lequn , Hao Dingjun
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate the association between weight-adjusted waist index (WWI) and trabecular bone score (TBS) and to assess the ability of WWI to identify individuals with degraded bone microarchitecture (DBMA).

Methods

This cross-sectional study included participants aged 20 and older from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Furthermore, WWI was calculated by waist circumference and body weight. In addition, linear regression models were employed to investigate the association between WWI and TBS, while logistic regression models were employed to determine the association between WWI and the risk of DBMA. Finally, the performance of WWI in identifying individuals with DBMA was using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves with area under the ROC curve.

Results

A total of 4,179 participants with a mean age of 49.90 years were included in the final analysis. WWI was negatively associated with TBS and positively associated with an increased risk of DBMA. Furthermore, the associations between WWI and TBS, as well as DBMA risk, were stable regardless of stratification by age, sex, race, or body mass index (BMI). Moreover, WWI achieved good performances in identifying individuals with DBMA or low TBS. In addition, the combination of WWI and BMI showed better performances in identifying individuals with DBMA or low TBS than WWI or BMI alone.

Conclusion

WWI established a negative association with TBS and a positive association with the risk of DBMA. Clinicians should be alert to the potential risk of DBMA among individuals with high WWI. Moreover, WWI, alone or in combination with BMI, has the potential to serve as an early screening strategy in identifying individuals with DBMA.
Team Decision-making Interaction and Performance: A Behavioral Process-based Relationship Study
Authors: Zhao Yan , Liu Ting , Han Xiao , Gui Huangyi
Published: July 2024

This study combined the dual perspectives of team interaction and decision-making stages. Based on 22,654 behavioral units from 20 four-person teams, we developed a team decision-making process model encompassing goal-driven patterns, information sharing, knowledge integration, and decision-making transition. Additionally, we found that high-performance teams engage more in exploratory discussions, timely summarization, and conflict coordination mechanisms, compared to low-performance teams. We summarize the specific interactions that are beneficial and harmful to decision-making performance. This study supplements previous research on team interaction during the decision-making stage and expands the nuanced understanding of how team interactions affect decision-making performance.
Age Melancholy of Older Mizrahi Women Residing in Tel Aviv as a Social Loss: Exploring Intersections of Health and Social Support in an Ethnographic Study
Authors: Shamur Tal
Published: July 2024

Inspired by Freud’s “Mourning and Melancholia” and expanding upon his notions within the social context, this article proposes an innovative concept called “age melancholy” to describe the multifaceted elements of social loss experienced by empty nest older adults. While most studies emphasize a psychological–individualist approach to this phenomenon, age melancholy frames older age as a process marked by a loss of social engagements. The findings are grounded in anthropological fieldwork conducted from 2010 to 2013 in a lower-income neighborhood of Tel Aviv. They are based on deductive comprehension of social melancholy, combined with inductive qualitative analyses of 29 meetings within a designated narrative group of older Mizrahi women—Jewish immigrants from Islamic countries. The results reveal that empty nest older adults perceive their loneliness, fragile health, and approaching death as interrelated aspects of social detachment, leading to melancholy. However, whereas their emotional experiences are tainted by age melancholy, it is temporal and contextual and may be mitigated through social support.
Integrating an Interventional Pain Management Curriculum in Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship Training: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Campbell Emily Marquez , Konda Chaitanya , Lau Kelsey , Wang Winnie
Published: July 2024

Background

Pain is a common symptom for patients with cancer. Hospice and Palliative Medicine (HPM) physicians are expected to be experts in both pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatment of pain for this patient population. Insufficient knowledge of non-pharmacologic, interventional approaches to pain management is a barrier to providing optimal care. This study assesses the feasibility and effectiveness of an interventional pain management curriculum on HPM fellow knowledge at a single institution.

Objectives

The primary objective was to implement an interventional pain management curriculum for HPM fellows’ and secondly to measure its effects on their knowledge and confidence in interventional pain management approaches.

Methods

We executed an interventional pain management curriculum for HPM fellows. The curriculum consisted of 6 fifty-minute virtual lectures. Anonymous pre- and post-curriculum surveys were used to assess curricular impact.

Results

Post-course surveys showed a significant increase in HPM fellows’ knowledge and confidence in interventional pain management techniques.

Conclusions

An interventional pain management curriculum for HPM fellows is a feasible and promising intervention to significantly impact fellows’ knowledge and confidence in non-pharmacologic treatment of cancer pain.
Sodium-Glucose Co-Transporter 2 Inhibitors and the Risk of Genitourinary Infections at HbA1c ≥10%: A Population Health-Based Retrospective Review
Authors: Ashby Bryce , Kawaguchi-Suzuki Marina , Grando Holman Yvette , Harris Jackie , Chlasta Rachel , Wargo Ryan
Published: July 2024

Background:

Sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) are first-line treatment for type 2 diabetes. Evidence has shown a 3- to 5-fold increase in the risk of genitourinary infections with their use due to inhibition of renal glucose reabsorption, resulting in glucosuria. Increased glucosuria is thought to increase the risk of genitourinary infections at a greater degree in patients with a significantly elevated HbA1c (≥10%), and initiation of SGLT2i is often delayed in these patients. While a limited body of evidence exists indicating that A1c level is not an independent risk factor for SGLT2i-induced genitourinary infection, pragmatically this concern remains a barrier to SGLT2i utilization.

Objective:

Evaluate the real-world genitourinary (GU) infection rate in patients receiving SGLT2i with a baseline HbA1c ≥10% compared to patients with a baseline HbA1c <10%.

Methods:

This retrospective cohort study evaluated data from 5542 adult patients treated between January 2013 and January 2023, who were prescribed an SGLT2i. Data collected included sex, age, race/ethnicity, renal function, date of SGLT2i start, number of SGLT2i orders, name and dose of SGLT2i, HbA1c, and a predetermined set of diagnosis codes related to bacterial and fungal genitourinary infections. The primary outcome was the overall GU infection rate after SGLT2i initiation within groups of baseline HbA1c of ≥10% and <10%, and the secondary outcome was total GU infections within these same groups.

Results:

The primary outcome was equivalent between those with HbA1c <10% and HbA1c ≥10% (0.0064 ± 0.0565 vs 0.0030 ± 0.0303 infection per month [mean ± standard deviation]; P < 0.0001 for both lower and upper bounds). There was no statistically significant difference in total GU infections between the same groups (0.027 ± 0.21 vs 0.015 ± 0.14, P = 0.11). Female gender and prior recurrent infection were associated with increased GU infection after SGLT2i.

Conclusion and relevance:

A baseline HbA1c ≥ 10% was not significantly associated with an increased risk of GU infection following the initiation of SGLT2i compared to those with a baseline HbA1c of <10%.
Longitudinal Patterns in Gender-Typed Career Interests and Career Stereotypes Among Boys and Girls in Middle Adolescence
Authors: Blažev Mirta , Popović Dora , Šverko Iva
Published: July 2024

The aim of this study was to examine changes in gender-typed career interests and career-related gender stereotypes, as well as the bidirectional relationship between these factors, among 524 (61% girls) middle adolescents, aged 14 to 17 ( M = 15.58, SD = 0.35), over three years. Data were collected through an online survey in schools, using the Personal Globe Inventory to assess gender-typed career interests and the Vocational Gender Stereotype Attitudes Scale to measure career-related gender stereotype endorsement. Results from Latent growth curve modelling (LGCM) indicated no significant mean changes in gender-typed career interests over time for both genders but did reveal significant differences in the developmental trajectories of gender-typed career interests among girls. Moreover, results revealed gender differences in baseline levels and developmental trajectories of gender stereotype endorsement, showing distinct temporal patterns for boys and girls. Results from multi-domain LGCM provided more evidence supporting the attitudinal pathway model, suggesting that career gender stereotypes influence career interests among girls over time, rather than the other way around. Our findings highlight the need for further exploration of the potential contributing factors that shape the interplay between career interests and gender stereotypes in boys and girls during middle adolescence.
Health State Utilities and Cost-Effectiveness Economic Evaluation for Treatment of a Symptomatic Accessory Navicular
Authors: Cirrincione Peter M. , Bram Joshua T. , Nichols Erikson T. , Beber Samuel A. , Matsuzaki Yukiko , Fabricant Peter D. , Scher David M.
Published: July 2024

Background:

Treatment strategies for a symptomatic accessory navicular include both operative and nonoperative approaches. The primary aim of this study is to define health utility values for 7 health states experienced by those with a symptomatic accessory navicular who undergo operative and/or nonoperative treatment. Secondarily, the study incorporates the health utility values with treatment costs, probabilities of various outcomes, and duration of health states into a cost-effectiveness model comparing the nonoperative treatment protocol at our institution vs surgical excision.

Methods:

Institutional review board approval was obtained to call parents of patients 10-20 years old at the time of interview who were evaluated for a symptomatic accessory navicular from February 1, 2016, to March 2, 2023, at a single institution by one of 4 pediatric orthopaedic surgeons. Participants were asked to rate 7 health states from 0 to 100, with 0 representing death (if 18 years or older) or the worst health imaginable (if under 18 years) and 100 representing perfect health. Using published values for the probabilities of various treatment outcomes, time spent in various health states, and Medicare costs from the perspective of the payor and society, a decision analysis was constructed.

Results:

Health utility values for 7 health states were obtained. Operative treatment was preferred to nonoperative treatment in the base case model. Surgery was more expensive ($16 825) than nonoperative treatment ($7486). Using a willingness-to-pay threshold of <$50 000 per quality-adjusted life year (QALY), surgery was cost-effective compared to nonoperative treatment with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $20 303/QALY. Sensitivity analysis revealed that the only variable that indicated a preference for nonoperative treatment is a 71% likelihood of nonoperative treatment resolving the condition.

Conclusion:

Unless a physician suspects at least a 71% chance of a symptomatic accessory navicular resolving without operative treatment, surgical excision is recommended from a cost-effectiveness perspective.
Early Functional Outcomes and Complications of Tibial and/or Peroneal Sesamoidectomy Utilizing a Burr Through a Medial Approach
Authors: Engasser William M. , Coetzee J. Chris , Seybold Jeffrey D. , Dock Carissa C. , Seiffert Kayla J. , Stone McGaver Rebecca , Attia Ahmed Khalil , Den Hartog Bryan D.
Published: July 2024

Background:

Sesamoid pathology can lead to significant pain and disability both with activities of daily living and high-impact athletic movements. Sesamoidectomy is a widely used procedure for patients who fail conservative treatment measures. Traditional dorsal or plantar approaches for sesamoidectomy have shown to successfully alleviate pain, but complications were reported. A proposed alternative medial approach using a burr may provide many advantages compared with traditional approaches. This study presents patient outcomes and complications for this technique.

Methods:

This was a retrospective chart review of patients undergoing sesamoidectomy (tibial, peroneal, or both) using a burr through a medial approach to the sesamoid metatarsal articulation. Data collected included patient demographics, radiographic analysis, and outcomes: Veterans Rand 12 Item Health Survey (VR-12), Foot and Ankle Ability Measure (FAAM), visual analog scale (VAS), patient satisfaction, and complications.

Results:

Twenty-seven patients (29 feet) were included. The mean age was 38.4 years followed up for a mean of 30.9 months. VR-12 physical component improved from 35.98 ± 7.86 to 51.34 ± 8.01 ( P < .001), FAAM ADL and sport improved from 58.33 ± 16.61 to 83.27 ± 18.28 ( P < .001) and 26.37 ± 20.31 to 63.75 ± 29.74 ( P < .001), respectively. Patient satisfaction with the treatment was 80.59% ± 27.06%. The overall complication rate was 11 (37.9%) whereas the overall reoperation rate was 4 (13.7%) of 29 feet. Complications included 1 arthrofibrosis, 1 flexor hallucis longus subacute rupture, and 1 asymptomatic hallux valgus. There were no sesamoid excision revisions.

Conclusion:

Sesamoidectomy using a medial approach with a burr provided significantly improved short-term functional outcomes, 80% patient satisfaction rate, with a relatively acceptable complications rate including 20% persistent pain. The medial approach is familiar to orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeons, provides adequate exposure, and eliminates the possibility of a painful plantar scar while avoiding disruption of the plantar plate, flexor hallucis brevis tendon, and ligamentous structures attached to the sesamoids. Larger studies with long-term follow-up from other centers are needed.
Five-Year Results of the Salto XT Revision Ankle Arthroplasty
Authors: Sundet Mads , Gyllensten Karen S. , Dybvik Eva , Eikvar Kari H. , Hallan Geir , Lillegraven Siri , Lund Eriksen Marianne
Published: July 2024

Background:

The treatment of failed ankle replacements is debated, and little is published about the medium- and long-term results of revision implants. We wanted to examine prosthesis survival and physical function at least 5 years after insertion of the Salto XT revision prosthesis.

Methods:

All consecutive patients operated with a Salto XT revision prosthesis underwent clinical and radiologic examinations preoperatively and after 3, 12, 24, and 60 months. Complications and reoperations are described, and changes in patient-reported outcome measures and clinical scores are reported.

Results:

Thirty patients were operated with a Salto XT revision prosthesis between March 2014 and March 2017. Three of these were revised (1 to a fusion and 2 to a new prosthesis), and 3 patients were reoperated with screw removal. A concurrent subtalar fusion was performed on 13 patients, and there was 1 case of likely nonunion after these procedures, but no reoperations. The mean AOFAS score increased from 39.2 (95% CI 30.8-47.5) preoperatively to 75.1 (95% CI 67.3-82.9) after 5 years, and the mean improvement was 34.2 points (95% CI 23.8-44.6). Mean EQ-5D increased from 0.36 (95% CI 0.30-0.42) preoperatively to 0.74 (95% CI 0.64-0.85) after 5 years, an improvement of 0.34 (95% CI 0.19-0.49). Radiolucent lines were present in all but 3 patients. Five-year prosthesis survival was 93% (83.6-100).

Conclusion:

This is the first study to present medium-term results of this implant. We found good improvement in outcome scores and good implant survival, but also a high prevalence of radiolucent lines.
Effect of conversion time on the stability of mixed-flow pump in rotating speed conversion
Authors: Xuan Yifan , Zhu Guojun , Luo Xingqi , Tang Zhenbo , Wang Yang
Published: July 2024

The rotating speed conversion strategy has a significant impact on the stability of the variable speed operation of the mixed flow pump. Taking a mixed-flow pump as the research object, this paper collects the shaft vibration, pressure pulsation, and external characteristic parameters under different conversion times based on the synchronous acquisition system, and analyzes the influence of conversion time on these parameters. Finally, based on the improved TOPSIS evaluation method, the influence of different conversion time on the stability of the mixed-flow pump is evaluated. The results indicate that the conversion time is positively correlated with the amplitude of shaft vibration and pressure pulsation in the pump during the transition of rotating speed reduction. The local rubbing of the shaft can induce the vibration component corresponding to the high harmonics frequencies such as 2 f n, 3 f n, and 4 f n. The high correlation frequency band of the impeller outlet pressure pulsation and shaft vibration is located between 64 Hz and 120 Hz. And this frequency band is not affected by the conversion time. According to the TOPSIS evaluation results, in the transition process of speed reduction, the longer the rotating speed conversion time, the worse the stability of the mixed-flow pump during the conversion process.
Intellectual Ability and Sexual Recidivism Risk Assessment: Comparing Predictive Accuracy in an Incarcerated U.S. Sample
Authors: Callahan Perry A. , Jeglic Elizabeth L. , Calkins Cynthia
Published: July 2024

While studies indicate that individuals with intellectual disabilities (ID) and borderline intellectual functioning (BIF) are overrepresented among those incarcerated for sexual offenses, there is a paucity of research with respect to risk assessment for this population, particularly among incarcerated U.S. samples. This gap is concerning given that individuals perceived as high risk may be denied bail, given harsher sentences, or subject to civil confinement. The present study examined the predictive validity of the Static-99 and Static-99R, which rely on historical predictors, and the MnSOST-R, which includes a dynamic subscale. Archival records were used to compare individuals with ( n = 459) and without ( n = 459) ID/BIF released from New Jersey state prisons between 1996 and 2007, with an average follow-up period of 5.7 years. All three instruments demonstrated good predictive validity for those without ID/BIF, while only the MnSOST-R produced a significant AUC value for those with ID/BIF. Reincarceration rates for those with ID/BIF within high-risk groups ranged from 0% to 8%, similar to the overall recidivism base rate of 4%. Results highlight the need for additional research to determine which risk factors should be considered for those with ID/BIF.
A Development of the Heart: Popular Buddhist Engagements With the Xin in Contemporary China
Authors: Fisher Gareth
Published: July 2024

Based on long-term ethnographic research, this study examines how Chinese lay Buddhists have approached the “heart” ( xin). For most lay Buddhists, understanding the nature of the heart is a crucial means of cultivating an authentic self which they believe is both constitutive of and prior to an everyday self that is ego-centered and calculating. In developing this understanding of the heart, lay practitioners draw on a combination of Confucian ideas on the heart as a source of ethical conduct and Chan Buddhist sources on the quieting of the heart. Different groups of lay Buddhists were initially motivated to understand the heart for different reasons. Older, working-class lay Buddhists saw the heart as providing ethical direction for a society that they believed was venal and corrupt while younger, middle-class lay Buddhists turned to the heart as a therapeutic refuge from the competing pressures of work and family. The study concludes by arguing that, despite these outward differences, for both groups of lay Buddhists, cultivating the heart had both ethical and therapeutic functions.
Advancing Employees’ Mental Health and Psychological Well-being Research in Hospitality and Tourism: Systematic Review, Critical Reflections, and Future Prospects
Authors: Wong Antony King Fung , Kim Seongseop (Sam) , Gamor Emmanuel , Koseoglu Mehmet Ali , Liu Yunyao
Published: July 2024

This study represents a systematic review and analysis of the research landscape concerning the mental health and psychological well-being (MHPW) of employees in the hospitality and tourism sector. Comprehensive bibliometric analysis, intellectual network mapping, and critical qualitative content analysis were performed utilizing a dataset of 184 relevant articles. From these analyses, eight critical reflections were derived, and a future research agenda was outlined. This agenda includes exploring positive enhancers of MHPW, advocating for holistic conceptualizations of MHPW, encouraging cross-cultural and interdisciplinary collaborations, assessing the impacts of technology on mental health, developing industry-specific assessments, diversifying research methodologies with multidisciplinary theories, conducting multi-level analyses of influencing factors, and investigating the pandemic’s long-term impact on career perceptions and mental health reforms within the industry. Findings offer pivotal directions for future research and aim to advance the understanding and enhancement of MHPW in the global hospitality and tourism workforce through impactful scholarship.
Digital Economy and Regional Tourism Development: The Mediating Role of Information Search from a Spatial Spillover Perspective
Authors: Liu Zhen , Yang Yong , Kim Yoo Ri , Liu Anyu
Published: July 2024

Although studies have confirmed the positive nexus between the growth of the digital economy and regional tourism development, little light has been shed on the mechanism in between. This research made the first attempt to identify the mechanism through which the digital economy affects regional tourism development with consideration of spatial spillover effects using China’s prefecture-level city multisource panel data from 2011 to 2019. The findings reveal that information search is a mediating channel through which the digital economy affects regional tourism development, with significant spillover effects. The spatial spillover effects of the digital economy on regional tourism development become stronger as the distance between cities increases. However, because of competition effects, the information search in neighboring regions may restrict tourism development in the focal region. Results from this study deepen our understanding of the relationship between the digital economy and regional tourism development, thus providing insights for policymakers on regional cooperation in the context of digitalization.
The Heterogeneity of Hotel Demand Curves Across Consumers and Contexts
Authors: Lin Gabrielle , Chen Jason Li , Song Haiyan
Published: July 2024

This study constructed hotel demand curves at the disaggregate level to uncover the heterogeneity of demand curves across consumers and during both normal periods and times of crisis, exemplified by the pandemic. The novel demand modeling technique fits nonlinear demand curves, parameterizes elasticity dynamics, and enables the comparison of demand curves by essential value. The demand curves for three hotel types in normal and pandemic situations were fitted and decomposed by consumers’ socio-demographics, preferences, and risk tolerance. A pandemic made the demand curve for midscale (upscale) hotels more inelastic (elastic) and mitigates (amplifies) the influence of individual differences on the demand curve, whereas the demand curve for economy hotels was unaffected by a pandemic. The findings offer insights into the business operations of different hotels, including optimal pricing, customized marketing across consumer segments, and business strategies in case of a health crisis.
Improving the cross-cultural consciousness and self-efficacy of college students through STEM education / Mejorar la concienciación transcultural y la autoeficacia de los estudiantes universitarios mediante la educación STEM
Authors: Fei Bi , Huang Guo , Cai Xia
Published: July 2024

The research purpose is to analyse the importance of STEM education for college students and its influence on their intercultural self-awareness and self-efficacy. The study used analytical, statistical, psychodiagnostic research methods. The methodological framework was based on the understanding of STEM as an integrative educational approach within socio-cultural and cross-cultural contexts, as well as considering social-cognitive theory and Albert Bandura’s concept of self-efficacy. The research used the following methods: research methodology for measuring individual self-efficacy (Schwarzer, Yerusalem, Romek); test to measure the level of self-efficacy (Maddux, Scheer, revised by Boyarintseva and Krichevsky); Integrative Questionnaire of Intercultural Competence (Khukhlaev, Gritsenko, Makarchuk, etc.); and Transcultural Self-Efficacy Tool (TSET). Both STEM education and foreign language teaching are important aspects which help to improve the students’ self-awareness and self-efficacy in intercultural communication, as well as increasing intercultural stability and cross-border interests and managing intercultural relations. The indicator of the interpersonal communication scale (Student’s t-test = 4.89898, p < .05) was statistically significantly different in the repeated test. The score increased more significantly in the control than in the experimental group. The practical significance of the results of the study lies in the possibility of their application for the development of intercultural self-awareness and increasing the self-efficacy of college students. Prospective research is planned to be directed to the study of racial and gender characteristics of the impact of STEM education on intercultural self-awareness and self-efficacy of students.
Machine Learning-Based Approach to Identify Inhibitors of Sterol-14-Alpha Demethylase: A Study on Chagas Disease
Authors: Saliu Jamiyu A
Published: July 2024

Objectives:

Chagas Disease, caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, remains a significant public health concern, particularly in Latin America. The current standard treatment for Chagas Disease, benznidazole, is associated with various side effects, necessitating the search for alternative therapeutic options. In this study, we aimed to identify potential therapeutics for Chagas Disease through a comprehensive computational analysis.

Methods:

A library of compounds derived from Cananga odorata was screened using a combination of pharmacophore modeling, structure-based screening, and quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) analysis. The pharmacophore model facilitated the efficient screening of the compound library, while the structure-based screening identified hit compounds with promising inhibitory potential against the target enzyme, sterol-14-alpha demethylase.

Results:

The QSAR model predicted the bioactivity of the hit compounds, revealing one compound to exhibit superior activity compared to benznidazole. Evaluation of the physicochemical, pharmacokinetic, toxicity, and medicinal chemistry properties of the hit compounds indicated their drug-like characteristics, oral bioavailability, ease of synthesis, and reduced toxicity profiles.

Conclusion:

Overall, our findings present a promising avenue for the discovery of novel therapeutics for Chagas Disease. The identified hit compounds possess favorable drug-like properties and demonstrate potent inhibitory effects against the target enzyme. Further in vitro and in vivo studies are warranted to validate their efficacy and safety profiles.