bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Insulin-stimulated brain glucose uptake correlates with brain metabolites in severe obesity: A combined neuroimaging study
Authors: Rebelos Eleni , Latva-Rasku Aino , Koskensalo Kalle , Pekkarinen Laura , Saukko Ekaterina , Ihalainen Jukka , Honka Miikka-Juhani , Tuisku Jouni , Bucci Marco , Laurila Sanna , Rajander Johan , Salminen Paulina , Nummenmaa Lauri , Jansen Jacobus FA , Ferrannini Ele , Nuutila Pirjo
Published: October 2023

The human brain undergoes metabolic adaptations in obesity, but the underlying mechanisms have remained largely unknown. We compared concentrations of often reported brain metabolites measured with magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS, 3 T MRI) in the occipital lobe in subjects with obesity and lean controls under different metabolic conditions (fasting, insulin clamp, following weight loss). Brain glucose uptake (BGU) quantified with 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (18F-FDG-PET)) was also performed in a subset of subjects during clamp. In dataset A, 48 participants were studied during fasting with brain 1H-MRS, while in dataset B 21 participants underwent paired brain 1H-MRS acquisitions under fasting and clamp conditions. In dataset C 16 subjects underwent brain 18F-FDG-PET and 1H-MRS during clamp. In the fasting state, total N-acetylaspartate was lower in subjects with obesity, while brain myo-inositol increased in response to hyperinsulinemia similarly in both lean participants and subjects with obesity. During clamp, BGU correlated positively with brain glutamine/glutamate, total choline, and total creatine levels. Following weight loss, brain creatine levels were increased, whereas increases in other metabolites remained not significant. To conclude, insulin signaling and glucose metabolism are significantly coupled with several of the changes in brain metabolites that occur in obesity.
Who owns and controls global capital? Uneven geographies of asset manager capitalism
Authors: Gibadullina Albina
Published: October 2023

Since the 1980s, U.S. finance has grown disproportionately in power and influence as American investment funds have become the largest shareholders of U.S. corporations, managing tens of trillions of dollars in investments. This paper provides a novel empirical analysis of the ascent of asset manager capitalism in the United States and explores the extent of its global spread by examining the SEC Form 13F filings of U.S. institutional investors along with an extensive global corporate ownership dataset provided by Orbis. This paper finds that U.S. finance owns approximately 60% of U.S. listed companies (an increase from 3% in 1945) and 28% of the equity of all globally listed firms. As the largest global shareholders and the exemplars of U.S. asset managers, the Big Three hold investments in 81% of U.S. listed companies and own 17% of the U.S. equity market, while also appearing as a shareholder in 20% of non-U.S. listed companies and owning 4% of the non-U.S. equity market. This paper illustrates that the ascent of the age of passive investment and universal ownership, exemplified by the activities of the Big Three, has produced a sectorally and geographically uneven landscape of capital flows, exacerbating the existing divides between the heartlands and hinterlands of global financial markets. With the ownership of listed companies being increasingly concentrated in the hands of a small number of increasingly powerful funds, this paper ultimately argues that it is in the ownership of the majority of global capital that the power of modern finance lies.
Doing economics differently
Authors: Peck Jamie
Published: October 2023

The article introduces a book forum on Isabella Weber’s book, “ How China Escaped Shock Therapy.” The book is notable not only for the way that it reinterprets, substantively and theoretically, the story of China’s world-altering economic transformation, but also for the truly original kind of book that it is.
Marx’s Capital and the concept of super-exploitation
Authors: Burns Tony
Published: October 2023

This article explores the theory of exploitation which Marx sets out in Capital. It argues that Marx assumes that there are five modes of extraction of surplus value. These are associated with the following principles: (1) extended duration of the working day; (2) enhanced productivity (due to the introduction of new technology); (3) efficient organization of the process of production; (4) increased intensity of labour and (5) depressed consumption of the labourer. The article argues that Marx’s theory of exploitation is not as systematic as it could have been. For this reason it is ripe for a theoretical reconstruction. The article also discusses the views of recent commentators who have developed the idea of ‘super-exploitation’, which is taken from Marx’s writings. There is a tendency in this literature to associate this notion with the principle of depressed consumption and to argue that it is especially relevant for understanding of what is happening in the societies of the Global South. Those concerned identify this as a third mode of extracting surplus value, in addition to the principle of extended duration (absolute surplus value) and enhanced productivity (relative surplus value). The article argues that this procedure overlooks certain aspects of Marx’s theory of exploitation, especially those having to do with the efficient organization or rational administration of labour within the process of production.
A Scoping Review of Self-Care Within the Context of Obesity-Related Outcomes Among Faith Leaders
Authors: West Nathan T. , Harmon Brook E. , Case Talsi , Huey Madelyn , Webb Benjamin L. , Nelson John , Webster Karen H. , Webster Travis A. , Leach Charolette H.
Published: October 2023

Objective

Faith leaders often serve as health-related role models yet many struggle with obesity and self-care engagement. The purpose of this scoping review was to examine how the faith leader literature has defined self-care and examined obesity and obesity-related chronic disease.

Data Source

Studies were identified through database (eg, PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO), backward, and grey literature (eg, dissertations) searches.

Inclusion/Exclusion Criteria

Studies published in English with participants who were 18 years or older and examined leaders across all faiths. Studies also included an examination of self-care behaviors among faith leaders within the context of obesity or obesity-related chronic diseases.

Data Extraction/Synthesis

Data synthesis was qualitative and informed by the six-step framework developed by Arksey and O’Malley (2005) as well as updated recommendations by Daudt et al (2013). Of the 418 studies identified and screened, 20 met the eligibility criteria.

Results

Studies were primarily cross-sectional and participants Christian faith-leaders in the US. Most studies did not define self-care or incorporate theory, but focused on vegetarian diets and physical activity engagement. Other self-care related behaviors (eg, sleep, days off), some unique to faith leaders (eg, sabbatical), were included but not systematically.

Conclusions

Research with more diverse faith leaders and that uses theory is needed to guide development of strategies for engaging this population in self-care to reduce obesity and related chronic diseases.
Islamic public administration and Islamic public value: Towards a research agenda
Authors: Drechsler Wolfgang , Kattel Rainer , Chafik Salah
Published: October 2023

This essay explores whether religion has a place in addressing public challenges, particularly in the context of Non-Western Public Administration paradigms such as Confucian, Buddhist, and Islamic. The authors focus on Islam as a case study and highlight the need for real-life cases to build a grounded theory. To this end, the essay documents the authors’ ongoing research on Islamic Public Value. We argue that to understand Public Administration in a global context, it is essential to recognize the limitations of a Western perspective, from which the dichotomy of religious versus secular emerged, and in so doing, consider alternative departure points, i.e. paradigms incorporating religious or semi-religious elements.
Multi-attribute optimization of drilling CFRP/Ti-6Al-4V alloy hybrid stacks using VIKOR
Authors: Samsudeensadham S , Krishnaraj V , Ramachandran ArunRamnath
Published: October 2023

Drilling carbon reinforced polymer composites (carbon fiber-reinforced polymers, CFRP) and the hole quality produced are highly critical and significantly influence the performance and reliability of structures used in aircraft components. When CFRP composites are stacked together with titanium alloy, the damage caused by the machining operation is incalculable due to the burr and chip evacuation of metallic phases. In this article, efforts were made toward the identification of optimal machining conditions in drilling CFRP/titanium hybrid stacks. Experimental investigations on dry drilling of CFRP/titanium stacks were conducted with the aid of tungsten carbide drills. This research article discusses an improved compromise ranking method named VIKOR (VIseKriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje) to determine the optimal machining parameters in drilling of CFRP/titanium stacks to produce high-quality holes. Attributes measured from experimental trials are: delamination factor of CFRP, burr height of titanium alloy, thrust force, torque, surface roughness, roundness and hole diameter of CFRP and titanium alloy. Experimental trial 13 with a combination of speed of 30 m/min, feed of 0.025 mm/rev was chosen as an ideal machining parameter in drilling CFRP/Ti-6Al-4V stacks without any trade-off. Confirmation tests convey that the results agree well with optimal parameters and the decision making in drilling such multimaterial stacks is highly consistent and judicious. In regard to the optimal parameters determined, investigations on tool life were performed and a tool life of 20 min for 0.10 mm flank wear land was observed.
Penalized variable selection in multi-parameter regression survival modeling
Authors: Jaouimaa Fatima-Zahra , Do Ha Il , Burke Kevin
Published: October 2023

Standard survival models such as the proportional hazards model contain a single regression component, corresponding to the scale of the hazard. In contrast, we consider the so-called “multi-parameter regression” approach whereby covariates enter the model through multiple distributional parameters simultaneously, for example, scale and shape parameters. This approach has previously been shown to achieve flexibility with relatively low model complexity. However, beyond a stepwise type selection method, variable selection methods are underdeveloped in the multi-parameter regression survival modeling setting. Therefore, we propose penalized multi-parameter regression estimation procedures using the following penalties: least absolute shrinkage and selection operator, smoothly clipped absolute deviation, and adaptive least absolute shrinkage and selection operator. We compare these procedures using extensive simulation studies and an application to data from an observational lung cancer study; the Weibull multi-parameter regression model is used throughout as a running example.
A new hydrochloric acid 2-0 band analysis: Two temperature study
Authors: Santos Alexandre E , Ventura Laiz R , Fellows Carlos E
Published: October 2023

A new study of the 2−0 band of the hydrochloric acid molecule was performed by high resolution Fourier-transform absorption spectroscopy in the near infrared region. The spectra were measured at two different temperatures, 293 K and 315 K, for different pressures at each temperature. The spectral linewidths were analysed in a two-step procedure, being first performed by directly measuring the linewidth and second by fitting each spectral line to a model line profile, using Gaussian, Loretzian and Voigt profiles. A study of the profiles that best describe the spectral line fits is carried out in this work. The behavior of the spectral lines self-broadening and their corresponding self-induced shifts were studied for different values of rotational quantum numbers. The analysis was performed for both isotopes of the molecule and the self-broadening and self-shift coefficients were determined.
Optimizing thermoplastic pultrusion parameters for quality long fiber thermoplastic pellets in glass fiber-reinforced polypropylene
Authors: Tipboonsri Ponlapath , Memon Anin
Published: October 2023

A long fiber thermoplastic pellet (LFTP) is a pellet that contains discontinuous fibers reinforced in thermoplastic. In this experiment, LFTPs were produced using the thermoplastic pultrusion process. The thermoplastic pultrusion process is uncomplicated in terms of the machine device, and it can improve the impregnation quality of LFTP. Glass fiber was used as the reinforced fiber, and PP fiber was used as the matrix. This experiment studied the effect of molding temperature and pulling speed on impregnation. The die system contained six heating zones. In the first step, zones 3 and 4 (melting zone) were varied at 200, 210, 220, and 230°C. The melting zone that exhibited good results was selected for the next step. In the second step, zones 5 and 6 (heat reduction zone) were varied at 160°C–190°C and 150°C–180°C, respectively. After determining the optimal molding temperature, the pulling speed was studied, with speeds varied at 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 cm/min. The impregnated quality of the LFTP was investigated through microstructure analysis. A data logger was used to record the temperature profile in the pultrusion die. Furthermore, the impregnation quality and microstructure of LFTP from thermoplastic pultrusion were compared to commercial LFTP. The results showed that un-impregnation decreased with an increase in the melting zone temperature. In the heat reduction zone, un-impregnation decreased with a decrease in temperature. For the pulling speed, un-impregnation decreased with a decrease in speed. The optimal die system had a melting zone temperature of 230°C and a heat reduction zone temperature of 160 and 150°C. The optimal pulling speed was 10 cm/min, resulting in an un-impregnation rate of 8.06%. Additionally, commercial LFTP had an un-impregnation rate of 13.73%.
Cohesion Is Lower in Virtualized Collaborations: A Comparison of Teams’ Network Structure
Authors: Roth Philip , Doehne Malte
Published: October 2023

Virtualization fundamentally changes how social relations form, but its effect on network structure in collaborative teams is poorly understood. This paper compares team networks from nine government-funded projects that were conducted virtually because of the COVID-19 pandemic with 15 prepandemic projects from the same funding program. Results of our comparative analysis of 2,746 dyadic ties in 24 teams showed lower levels of network density, clustering, and structural cohesion in virtualized projects, indicating fragmented virtual teams. Furthermore, expressive networks, defined by the sharing of personal information, were affected more than instrumental networks, which revolve around the sharing of expert knowledge.
Cost–Benefit of Treatment Foster Care Oregon (TFCO) Versus Residential Care in Illinois
Authors: Chor Ka Ho Brian , Oltmans Cody
Published: October 2023

Purpose: This pilot study evaluated the cost–benefit of research-based Treatment Foster Care Oregon (TFCO) as an alternative treatment setting to residential care for children in the Illinois child welfare system. Methods: Using secondary analysis of child welfare administrative data, this study observed, for 2 years, 52 children enrolled in TFCO and 67 children who were eligible for TFCO but remained in or entered residential care. Results: Over the 2-year period, the average daily cost of care for children in TFCO was $249, compared to $320 for children in residential care, resulting in cost-savings of $51,058 per child and an overall net benefit of $94,294 per child. Conclusions: The promising cost–benefit evidence of TFCO as implemented in a state child welfare system has implications on social work services and placement decision-making, and system capacity in scaling up short-term therapeutic foster homes for children who might otherwise languish in residential care.
Incorporating Choice-Making to Improve Challenging and Academic Behaviors for Students With Emotional and Behavioral Disorders
Authors: Gushanas Christina M. , Smith S. D.
Published: October 2023

Most students with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD) have challenging classroom behaviors and poor postschool outcomes. Self-determination promotes positive classroom behavior and successful postschool outcomes. By incorporating choice-making, an element of self-determination, teachers across grade levels can address behavioral issues and promote positive postschool outcomes for students with EBD. This article provides guidance on how to incorporate choice-making for students with EBD.
Development and Validation of a Risk Prediction Model for In-Hospital Mortality in Patients With Acute Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding
Authors: Yuan Longbin , Yao Wensen
Published: October 2023

Acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is a common life-threatening clinical emergency with a poor prognosis. The aim of this study was to develop a risk prediction model for in-hospital mortality in patients with UGIB. We performed a post hoc analysis of a publicly available retrospective clinical data. A total of 360 patients with UGIB were included in this study. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression was used to screen predictors and a restricted cubic spline function was used to investigate the assumption of linear relationships between continuous predictors and the risk of in-hospital mortality. Backward stepwise selection with the Akaike information criterion was used to identify variables for the best prediction model. A nomogram was developed based on the results of the best prediction model. The receiver operating characteristic curve, GiViTI calibration plot, and decision curve analysis were used to evaluate the performance of the nomogram. The optimal prediction model consisting of 4 predictors: red cell distribution width (odds ratio [OR] = 8.44; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.77-89.10), platelet count (OR = 0.99; 95% CI: 0.99-1.00), pulse rate (OR = 1.03; 95% CI: 1.01-1.05), and SpO2 (OR = 0.92; 95% CI: 0.86-0.96). The nomogram model had good discrimination (area under the curve  =  0.86, 95% CI: 0.78-0.95), calibration, and clinical usefulness. In this study, we developed a nomogram model for predicting death during hospitalization in patients with UGIB based on blood biomarkers and baseline vital signs at the time of admission. The model has good performance, allowing rapid risk stratification of patients with UGIB.
Online harassment of journalists in Nigeria: audience motivations and solutions
Authors: Uwalaka Temple , Amadi Azubuike Fred , Nwala Bigman , Wokoro Peter
Published: October 2023

This study investigates the motivations for the hostility towards the press by the audience and how to control online harassment of journalists in Nigeria. Data for this study are from online and face-to-face semi-structured interviews of 54 Nigerians in Nigeria. Finding shows that perceived journalistic malpractice and unethical behaviour motivate Nigerians to engage in online harassment of journalists in Nigeria. The study also uncovers what the audience in Nigeria offer as preventive measures to online harassment of journalists. These include (i) improved transparency, (ii) improved ethical conduct by journalists, and (iii) procedural and prosecutorial measures (e.g. implementation of a robust professional code of conduct and enacting safety laws for journalists) as ways of eradicating online harassment of journalists in Nigeria. Suggestions for future research areas were delineated.
Elementary physical education teachers’ perceptions of socializing agents during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Wyant James D , Olsen Edward B , Towner Brooke , Keath Adam , Huang Jingyang , Meeteer Wesley , Tsuda Emi , Burneisen Lyndsay
Published: October 2023

The purpose of this study was to explore elementary physical education teachers’ perceptions toward prominent socializing agents (e.g. students, administrators, and parents/guardians) and related factors during the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 15 elementary physical education teachers participated in semi-structured interviews. Using conventional qualitative content analysis techniques, these themes were identified: (a) teachers' perceptions of working through the pandemic, (b) teachers' perceptions of parental/guardian support through the pandemic, (c) teachers' perceptions of parental/guardian support through the pandemic, and (d) thinking beyond the pandemic. Participant data highlights that the pandemic's impact on elementary physical education teachers was not uniform across all experiences. Instead, teachers’ experiences through the pandemic were distilled across a continuum. This study offers additional evidence on key socializing agents’ impact on physical educators and discusses future practical and research-based considerations for the field.
The adaptation of a youth mental health intervention to a peer-delivery model utilizing CBPR methods and the ADAPT-ITT framework in Sierra Leone
Authors: Freeman Jordan A. , Desrosiers Alethea , Schafer Carolyn , Kamara Patricia , Farrar Jordan , Akinsulure-Smith Adeyinka M. , Betancourt Theresa S.
Published: October 2023

Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) carry a significant proportion of the global burden of untreated mental health disorders. Peer-delivered programs offer LMICs with limited mental health professionals an opportunity to increase mental health service access. This study describes the process of adapting a lay-worker-delivered evidence-based youth mental health intervention to a peer-delivery model in Sierra Leone using participatory methods. We convened Youth Community Advisory Boards (YCABs) as partners to develop a peer-delivery model for an evidence-based intervention. In collaboration with YCABs, the Assessment, Decision, Administration, Production, Topical experts, Integration, Training, Testing (ADAPT-ITT) framework was applied to guide the adaptation. The ADAPT-ITT framework is an eight-step process to adapt evidence-based interventions. The ADAPT-ITT framework facilitated the adaptation of the Youth Readiness Intervention (YRI), an evidence-based mental health program intervention that has been delivered by adult lay-workers to the youth peer-delivery platform in Sierra Leone. The YCABs identified program modifications, including the incorporation of storytelling, refinement of metaphors, and alterations to make delivery more accessible to low-literacy youth with particular attention to gender. YCABs also provided recommendations on how to support youth facilitators in providing psychosocial support, emphasizing self-care and boundary setting to ensure high-quality intervention delivery and do-no-harm principles. Study findings suggest that the ADAPT-ITT framework can be feasibly applied to guide the intervention adaptation process in LMICs. The use of participatory methods generated modifications that reflected youth experiences, needs, and concerns as facilitators and participants. Next steps include refinement and pilot testing of the adapted intervention.
Recurrence after cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC for pseudomyxoma peritonei: A single-center retrospective cohort study
Authors: Yrjönen Antti , Koskenvuo Laura , Haapamäki Carola , Lepistö Anna
Published: October 2023

Background and Aims:

Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) is a rare disease characterized by progressive build-up of mucinous deposits inside the abdominal cavity. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of disease recurrence on overall survival in patients with PMP after cytoreductive surgery (CRS) combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC).

Methods:

One-hundred thirty-two consecutive PMP patients treated with CRS + HIPEC at Helsinki University Hospital between 2008 and 2017 were included. The impact of clinicopathological and treatment-related characteristics on recurrence and overall survival was evaluated.

Results:

The median follow-up time in the study was 5.04 (range = 0.05–11.60) years. In 121 (91.7%) patients, the disease was classified as low grade and 11 (8.3%) had high-grade disease. In the low-grade group, 26 (21.5%) patients developed a recurrence during follow-up compared to 6 (54.5%) patients in the high-grade group. In the low-grade group, cumulative survival was 98.2%, 91.4%, and 91.4% at 3, 6, and 8 years, respectively. In the high-grade group, cumulative survival was 90.0% and 78.8% at 3 and 6 years, respectively. In patients with recurrent disease, the cumulative survival was 100%, 84.6%, and 84.6% at 3, 6, and 8 years in the low-grade category and 80.0% and 60.0% at 3 and 6 years in the high-grade category, respectively. In the low-grade group, a statistically significant correlation with recurrence but not with overall survival was identified with peritoneal cancer index (PCI), carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), and the number of affected regions.

Conclusion:

The recurrence of low-grade PMP does not significantly affect overall survival of patients. Disease extent may not be a prognostic indicator after curative CRS and HIPEC in low-grade PMP.
Bifurcation analysis of a rotor-bearing system with temperature-dependent viscosity
Authors: Chang-Jian Cai-Wan
Published: October 2023

A flexible rotor supported by two journal bearings under nonlinear suspension and the lubricating oil is assumed to be temperature dependent in this study. Analytical tools were inclusive of bifurcation diagrams, dynamic trajectories, power spectra, Poincaré map, fractal dimension, and Lyapunov exponent are used to verify the dynamic characteristics of the rotor-bearing system, and abundant periodic, subharmonic, quasi-periodic, and even chaotic motions are found in this study. From the simulation results, the higher operating temperature will also cause the dynamic trajectory of the system to become non-periodic vibration. The rotor-bearing system operating in a non-periodic motion state may lead to possible broadband vibration with large amplitude and increase the possibility of fatigue or failure of the system. Such simulation analysis will help engineers avoid unnecessary trial and error when designing and applying rotor-bearing systems.
Residents’ perceptions of the impacts of tourism in the Azores archipelago (Portugal): A cluster analysis
Authors: Cadima Ribeiro José António , Vareiro Laurentina , Remoaldo Paula , Monjardino Isabel Cristina
Published: October 2023

The tourism industry has been increasingly viewed as an essential component of development processes, especially in certain low-density territories and islands. In turn, it is clear that residents play a fundamental role in the quality of tourists’ experiences and, consequently, for the success of a tourism destination. In this research, a cluster analysis was used to segment the residents of the Azores Archipelago (Portugal) in function of their perceptions of the impacts of the tourism industry. The analysis revealed the existence of three clusters: Optimistic residents, which corresponded to the large majority of the respondents; Moderately Optimistic residents; and Unconvinced residents. The results are in conformity with the common findings in the empirical literature, in particular in the case of emergent tourism destinations. Regional and national authorities should be aware of these results when designing their policies, in particular when pursuing sustainable development strategies.
The duty to remove asylum seekers under the Illegal Migration Act 2023: Is the government's plan to ‘Stop the Boats’ now doomed to failure?
Authors: Morgan Jennifer , Willmington Lizzy
Published: October 2023

With ‘Stop the Boats’ high on the government agenda, legislation has come into force to try and uphold this pledge. However, the methods the government is deploying to bring about this stated aim are highly controversial and potentially unlawful. In the latest government attempt to halt the crossings, the Illegal Migration Act 2023's central provision places a duty on the Home Secretary to remove those who arrive in the UK by irregular means ‘as soon as reasonably practicable’. However, the section of the Act that places this duty on the Home Secretary has not yet come into force. This is largely because the Home Secretary does not currently have a lawful agreement with any third country to remove people to. The so-called ‘Rwanda asylum deal’ that the duty in the Act relies upon to operate was ruled unlawful by the Court of Appeal in June 2023. This article will consider the enforceability of the duty outlined at s.1(2)(a) of the Illegal Migration Act 2023 in light of developments in the ongoing litigation regarding the lawfulness of the UK government's Rwanda asylum deal and the broader motivation and implications of pursuing such a policy to address the so-called ‘small boats crisis’.
Factors associated with proportionality of representation of children of color in early childhood special education in Illinois
Authors: Ayala Kaitlyn
Published: October 2023

Globally, early childhood education is seen as a right for children and yet, while several nations have instituted universal early childhood education policies to ensure that all children have access to it, the United States faces several challenges. In addition to lacking a universal federal mandate for early childhood education, the United States’ implementation of its current educational policy surrounding early childhood (IDEA) may be inappropriate. Research indicates that children of color are often over-represented or under-represented in special education, including in early childhood settings. Research has yet to focus more specifically on exploring how far removed children of color are from proportionate representation in special education in their schools and which factors are associated with more proportionate representation of children of color in special education. The current study investigated early childhood centers in Illinois and found that the diversity of a school’s student body, the diversity of the district’s teaching staff, the educational attainment of the district’s teaching staff, and the geographical location are all associated with the proportionality of representation of children of color in special education in early childhood. Implications for administrators and future research directions are discussed.
Evaluation of Informed Consent with Teach-Back and Audio Assistance to Improve Willingness to Participate in a Clinical Trial Among Underrepresented Minorities: A Randomized Pilot Trial
Authors: Jamerson Brenda , Shuster Barry
Published: October 2023

The informed consent form (ICF) is intended to assure that subject participation in research studies is informed and voluntary. Yet, there is ample evidence that many subjects do not adequately understand the concepts and language in a clinical trial ICF, which may undermine their willingness to participate in a clinical trial. In a randomized setting, we compared a standard read-only ICF to an audio-assisted ICF with or without teach-back. We found that audio-assisted ICFs significantly improved willingness to participate in a mock clinical trial among our sample of primarily African-American participants.
Students’ help-seeking for experiences of interpersonal violence: How can universities respond?
Authors: Roberts Nicola , Donovan Catherine , Durey Matthew
Published: October 2023

The prevention of interpersonal violence and abuse for students in higher educational institutions and the development of appropriate institutional responses to support those affected are at the core of the Universities UK’s Changing the Culture Report on Violence Against Women, Harassment and Hate Crime. While the provision of robust reporting and monitoring systems on-campus are thought to be essential in helping to ensure the safety of higher education students, the findings of research discussed in this article suggest that more fundamental work is needed in order to encourage students to view the University as a source of help in the event that they experience interpersonal violence, particularly when this takes place ‘off-campus’. The research, which surveyed students attending Northfacing University in England, found that help-seeking practices seem to be shaped both by the location in which interpersonal violence occurs and by whom it is perpetrated.
All-cause readmission rate and risk factors of 30- and 90-day after discharge in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ruan Huanrong , Zhao Hulei , Wang Jiajia , Zhang Hailong , Li Jiansheng
Published: October 2023

Background:

The readmission rate following hospitalization for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is surprisingly high, and frequent readmissions represent a higher risk of mortality and a heavy economic burden. However, information on all-cause readmissions in patients with COPD is limited.

Objective:

This study aimed to systematically summarize all-cause COPD readmission rates within 30 and 90 days after discharge and their underlying risk factors.

Methods:

Eight electronic databases were searched to identify relevant observational studies about COPD readmission from inception to 1 August 2022. Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used for methodological quality assessment. We adopt a random effects model or a fixed effects model to estimate pooled all-cause COPD readmission rates and potential risk factors.

Results:

A total of 28 studies were included, of which 27 and 8 studies summarized 30- and 90-day all-cause readmissions, respectively. The pooled all-cause COPD readmission rates within 30 and 90 days were 18% and 31%, respectively. The World Health Organization region was initially considered to be the source of heterogeneity. We identified alcohol use, discharge destination, two or more hospitalizations in the previous year, and comorbidities such as heart failure, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, anemia, cancer, or tumor as potential risk factors for all-cause readmission, whereas female and obesity were protective factors.

Conclusions:

Patients with COPD had a high all-cause readmission rate, and we also identified some potential risk factors. Therefore, it is urgent to strengthen early follow-up and targeted interventions, and adjust or avoid risk factors after discharge, so as to reduce the major health economic burden caused by frequent readmissions.

Trial registration:

This systematic review and meta-analysis protocol was prospectively registered with PROSPERO (no. CRD42022369894).
Assessment of the pseudopotential lattice-Boltzmann method for modeling multiphase fuel droplets
Authors: Restrepo-Cano Juan , Hernández-Pérez Francisco E. , Im Hong G.
Published: October 2023

An improved pseudopotential lattice–Boltzmann model was proposed for simulating multiphase flow dynamics to describe fuel droplets, and its thermodynamic consistency was tested against the Peng–Robinson equation of state. The studied liquid fuels included paraffinic hydrocarbons with a different number of carbon atoms (C[Formula: see text]–C[Formula: see text]), methanol (CH[Formula: see text]OH), hydrogen (H[Formula: see text]), ammonia (NH[Formula: see text]), and water (H[Formula: see text]O). To improve accuracy and reduce the magnitude of the spurious currents, the multi-relaxation times collision operator was implemented and the forcing term was computed using the hybrid pseudopotential interaction force with an eighth-order isotropic degree. The pseudopotential lattice–Boltzmann model accurately predicted the equilibrium densities and captured satisfactorily the thermodynamic vapor-liquid coexistence curve given by the analytical solution of the Peng–Robinson equation of state for acentric factors ranging from [Formula: see text]0.22 to 0.56, keeping the maximum average error for the liquid and vapor branches below 0.8% and 3.7%, respectively. Nevertheless, Peng–Robinson was found to be insufficiently accurate to replicate the actual thermodynamic state, especially for H[Formula: see text]O and CH[Formula: see text]OH, for which the results strongly deviated from the experimental vapor-liquid equilibrium densities and reached average errors for the vapor phase of nearly 28%. Furthermore, the surface tension ([Formula: see text]) was retrieved using the multiphase pseudopotential lattice–Boltzmann results and served to verify the thermodynamic consistency of the pseudopotential lattice–Boltzmann with respect to the parachor model. Lastly, the pseudopotential lattice–Boltzmann model was also shown to predict accurately the transient behavior of oscillating droplets. Overall, the enhanced model satisfactorily predicted the properties and behavior of the substances for a wide range of conditions.
Slogans, Pragmatism, and Crisis Response at the Grassroots Level: An Analysis of Anti-Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Anti-COVID-19) Slogans in China
Authors: Liu Yang , Ngok Kinglun
Published: October 2023

While slogans have been an indispensable propaganda and mobilisation tool in Chinese political life for a long time now, the unprecedented pressure brought by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic made them take on a totally new appearance. What, then, do these slogans look like? How do they work? By conducting a rhetorical analysis of 228 anti-COVID-19 slogans used by grassroots governments in China, this study further finds multiple persuasion strategies embedded in them. On the one hand, at the grassroots level eye-catching language and expressions are used to attract public attention, linking individuals’ behaviour to the interests of their families, as well as those of society and the country as a whole. On the other hand, those who violate government policies are negatively portrayed through a series of authoritative discourses. Behind these persuasion strategies lies a political pragmatism with regard to crisis response, attempting therewith to demonstrate and expand the legitimacy of the party-state. However, some slogans also contradict the Communist Party of China's advocacy of modernising the country's governance system and capacity, even though they may have been useful in slowing down or containing the spread of COVID-19.
Technique Variation in the Surgical Treatment of Lateral Ankle Instability
Authors: Wilke Aaron J. , Martin Robert , Bates Nathaniel A. , Jastifer James R. , Martin Kevin D.
Published: October 2023

Introduction. Lateral ankle sprains are the most common type of injury to the ankle and can lead to ankle instability. There are many described techniques for the surgical treatment of lateral ankle instability. The purpose of this study is to quantify the variation in surgeon technique for lateral ankle instability treatment. Methods. Surveys were sent to 62 orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeons regarding surgical technique for the treatment of lateral ankle instability. Clinical agreement was defined as greater than 80% agreement to assess the cohesiveness of surgical methods as described by Marx et al. Results. Response rate was 49/62 (79%). There was clinical agreement for not using bone tunnels and not using metal anchors. All other factors lacked clinical agreement. A greater average number of throws and knots (4.2 for each, range 1-6 throws, range 2-12 knots) were used by surgeons that do not believe knots cause pain compared to an average of 3.9 (range, 1-6) throws and 4.0 (range, 2-15) knots by surgeons who do believe knots cause pain. The association that surgeon who believed knots do cause pain and thus used fewer knots and throws was not statistically significant (P > .05). The preferred material by surgeons in our study are as follows: nonabsorbable braided suture (26/49, 53%), suture tape (15/49, 31%), and fiber tape (4/49, 8%). Among surgeons who use absorbable suture (34/49, 69%), there was no significant difference (P > .05) between surgeons who believe knots cause pain (23/34, 68%) and those who do not (11/34, 32%). Discussion and Conclusion. Among this small sample of orthopaedic foot and ankle surgeons, there is wide variation in surgical technique for lateral ankle instability treatment and little agreement on the clinical standard of care. This disagreement highlights the need for comparative outcome studies in the treatment of ankle instability.

Level of Evidence: Level III: Retrospective cohort study
Smart cities and their settings in the Global South: Informality as a marker
Authors: Guma Prince K
Published: October 2023

Smart cities have gained increased traction worldwide. This commentary situates smart cities in the context of Southern urban settings. I demystify urban informality and recast informality as a valuable marker in the study of smart cities. Reiterating Prasad et al.'s appeal to explore the centrality of informality for smart city planning and development in the Global South, I contend that informality holds epistemic value, particularly in highlighting smart city diversity, heterogeneity, and incompleteness. Accordingly, I advocate for a critical lens and analysis that fosters a more open and inclusive understanding of the intersection of informality and smart urbanism.
Intrapericardial Ectopic Hepatic Tissue Masquerading as a Fetal Pericardial Tumor
Authors: Hage Fadi , Mosa Alqasem Al , Blumenkrantz Miriam , Brown Richard Nicolas , Cavalle Garrido Tiscar , Bernier Pierre-Luc
Published: October 2023

Prenatal diagnosis of pericardial mass, with associated large pericardial effusion, resected postnatally and diagnosed to be ectopic hepatic tissue on pathology.
Self-Definition and Evaluation of the Term “Childfree” Among Hong Kong Women
Authors: Gietel-Basten Stuart , Yeung Andrea Sze Wing
Published: October 2023

The term “childless” is highly problematic. Attempts to split it into “voluntary” and “involuntary” may appear to give more detail on context, but the differentiation can be misleading. The condition of “-less” has negative connotations and implies “missing” something; possibly something which is “natural.” The term “childfree” has been employed as an alternative expression which denotes active choice, freedom, and emancipation. Few studies, however, have explored how individuals refer to themselves, or how they interpret—or even care—about these distinctions. Such existing studies only explore the use of these English expressions among speakers of English as their primary language. This exploratory qualitative study explores how women without children define themselves in their native language in an Asian setting—Cantonese in Hong Kong. It also explores how such women interpret the various terms developed in English to describe their circumstances. Respondents refer to themselves in neutral, factual terms—literally “without children.” Others make an explicit link between being unmarried and childless status. While respondents find the English expression of “childfree” positive, they do not express a strong need to either deploy it in English, nor “develop” a Cantonese equivalent. The study provides further evidence that “labels” generated and applied by academics in one context and in one language may not be universally applicable.
Into-A or Into-B, That is a Question: A Systematic Literature Review of Directionality and Performance in Consecutive Interpreting
Authors: Lu Rong , Abdullah Muhammad Alif Redzuan , Ang Lay Hoon
Published: October 2023

Although the debate over the into-A and into-B interpreting has never stopped, the focal point was mostly set on simultaneous interpreting and sign language interpreting. Directionality in consecutive interpreting (CI) has not been studied fully so far. The present systematic literature review was designed to examine the relationship between directionality and performance in CI across a wide range of settings and empirical methods based on PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) and search for articles in English in Scopus and Web of Science. Three problems were investigated in the current research: (i) How does directionality impact performance among professional and student interpreters in CI? (ii) What factors contribute to the effect of directionality on performance? (iii) Does directionality preference impact the interpreter’s performance? The findings include: (i) directionality proves to influence the performance of interpreters whose A- and B-languages are not equally proficient, whereas balanced bilinguals are not affected by directionality; (ii) both internal and external factors contribute to the interpreters’ performance; (iii) only descriptive studies about interpreters’ directionality preference were identified in the prior literature, and a further study with more focus on the interactive power of directionality preference on interpreters’ performance is required.
The Impact of Diabetes Mellitus on Patient-Reported Outcomes of Chronic Low Back Pain with Modic Changes at One Year: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Chen Yongkang , Yang Lei , Gao Xiaofeng , Tang Aolin , He Hang , Xiong Chengjie , Xu Feng , Sun Chao
Published: October 2023

Study Design

Prospective cohort study.

Objectives

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with unfavourable patient-reported outcomes after spine surgery. Chronic low back pain (CLBP) with Modic Changes (MCs) in the lumbar vertebrae, as observed on MRI, forms a specific subgroup. This study aims to investigate the potential influence of DM on CLBP with MCs.

Methods

This study involved 259 patients with CLBP accompanied MCs. We recorded the patient-reported outcomes (visual analogue scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ)) at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months. Multivariable linear regression analyses were performed to determine predictors of patient-reported outcomes.

Results

103 patients had DM. Patients with DM exhibited higher VAS ( P < .05), ODI ( P < .001), and RMDQ ( P < .001) scores at 3, 6, and 12 months, while patients without DM experienced more significant improvements in the scores over time ( P < .001). Patients with DM reported longer durations of physical exercise ( P = .007). Additionally, patients without DM had a significantly higher patient satisfaction index ( P < .001) and a lower prevalence of hypertension ( P < .001). Notably, significant differences were observed in the distribution of MCs of lumbar vertebrae ( P = .034) and Pfirrmann grades of intervertebral disc degeneration between two groups ( P < .001).

Conclusion

Patients with DM demonstrated poorer patient-reported outcomes compared to those without DM in 1-year. DM emerged as an independent predictor of adverse patient-reported outcomes. It can be utilized to enhance the management and treatment of CLBP in patients with MCs.
HRM Knowledge and Practices in South Asia: It Is Time to Move Beyond US Centricity
Authors: Ojha Abhoy K. , Venkateswaran Ramya Tarakad
Published: October 2023

The purpose of this article is to highlight the colonial/neo-colonial roots of most human resource management (HRM) knowledge in South Asia and urge scholars and practitioners in South Asia to develop and promote locally relevant indigenous knowledge and practices. We review the literature on decolonising management knowledge, particularly HRM, highlighting the continued tendency of HRM scholars to, knowingly or unknowingly, sustain colonial practices and promote neo-colonial knowledge and practices. While acknowledging that there may be some potential benefits of borrowing European/US HRM practices in South Asian contexts, we stress the limits of universality of such knowledge and argue for the need to develop alternate context-sensitive indigenous knowledge and practices. We encourage the creation of hybrid knowledge spaces for healthy interactions among diverse, even conflicting, perspectives with the hope of promoting pluriversality in the domain of HRM and management in general.