bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The relationship between extent of mobilisation within the first postoperative day and 30-day mortality after hip fracture surgery
Authors: Kristensen Morten Tange , Turabi Ruqayyah , Sheehan Katie J
Published: February 2024

Objective

To determine the association between the extent of mobilisation within the first postoperative day and 30-day mortality after hip fracture.

Design

Cohort study

Setting

Acute orthopaedic hospital ward

Participants

Consecutive sample of 701 patients, 65 years of age or older, 80% from own home, 49% with a trochanteric fracture, and 61% with an American Society of Anesthesiology grade > 2.

Intervention

n/a

Main measures

Cumulated ambulation score (CAS) (0-6 points) on the first postoperative day and 30-day postoperative mortality. A CAS = 0 reflects no functional mobility (bedridden), while a CAS = 6 reflects independent out-of-bed-transfer, chair-stand, and indoor walking status.

Results

Overall, 86% of patients were mobilised to standing or seated in chair (CAS ≥ 1) on the first postoperative day. A CAS of 0, 1–3, and 4–6 was observed for 97 (14%), 519 (74%), and 85 (12%) patients, respectively. Overall, 61 (8.7%) patients died within 30 days with the highest mortality (23.7%, n = 23) seen for those not mobilised (CAS = 0). Only one patient (1.2%) with a CAS of 4–6 points died. Cox regression analysis adjusted for age, sex, residential status, pre-fracture CAS, fracture type, and American Society of Anesthesiology grade, showed that a one-unit increase in CAS was associated with a 38% lower risk of 30-day mortality (Hazard Ratio = 0.63, 95%Confidence Interval, 0.50–0.78).

Conclusion

Mobility on the first postoperative day was associated with 30-day postoperative mortality, with a lower risk observed for those completing greater mobility. National registries may consider extending collection of mobility on the first postoperative day from a binary indicator to the CAS which captures the extent of mobility achieved.
Understanding Whether Representative Bureaucracy and Racial Resentment Impact Public Perceptions of the Distributive Justice of Government Programs
Authors: Rubin Ellen V. , Baker Keith P. , Weinberg Stephen
Published: February 2024

Within the representative bureaucracy literature, scholars argue that public perceptions of government will improve when their government looks like them. In particular, this study focuses on how the public perceives the fairness of policy outcomes, measured as distributive justice. We test this through a survey experiment that examines how perceptions of distributive justice are affected by the racial diversity of government employees. Respondents are presented with a vignette about grants allocated to small businesses, and then provided information about the racial diversity of agency employees. We further examine whether levels of racial resentment impact the relationship between diversity in government and the perceived distributive justice of policy outcomes. Racial resentment, frequently used in political science as a proxy for levels of prejudice, is included because reactions to information about race and government policy are likely to shape perceptions about the legitimacy of government action and views on representative bureaucracy. The experiment results indicate racial representation in government matters for Whites, and these effects vary by expressed levels of racial resentment. In contrast, distributive justice perceptions of non-White respondents are not changed by information on racial diversity within government agencies and do not vary by levels of racial resentment.
Disentangling the intersectional field of education and housing in China: Genesis, strategies and discontents
Authors: He Qiong , He Shenjing
Published: February 2024

Drawing on the Bourdieusian concept of ‘field’ and the theorization of ‘intersectionality’, this paper proposes a concept ‘intersectional field’ to disentangle the complex interrelations between housing and education in China, where they mutually constitute and co-produce yet trouble and counteract with each other, whereby exerting simultaneous exclusion in cultural and economic (re)production. Drawing on policy documents and 38 in-depth interviews with various stakeholders in China, we first delineate the genesis and evolvement of this intersectional field. We then demonstrate how middle-class parents rationalize and strategize their heavy investment in cultural and economic reproduction against the most recent policies that seemingly aim to de-intersect/decouple these two fields. We show that the intersectional field of housing and education in China emerges from state-imposed rules while being increasingly self-reinforced. It was also temporarily counteracted and suspended responding to the escalated crises of housing unaffordability and over-competition over quality schooling opportunities, through policies like franchising key schools from the city centre to the suburb and random allotting enrolment. These changes in the ‘rules of the game’ indeed bring uncertainties to the intersectional field. However, while discontent to this intersectional field abound, these actions are self-constrained by the internal logic of the intersectional field and thus unable to bring fundamental changes. Those with limited socio-economic capacities remain extremely disadvantageous in both fields. The policy intervention turns out to be merely a spatial reordering that relocates and expands the fierce competition from the city centre to the suburbs while repositioning the suburbs to be the focal point for strategic investment in the intersectional field.
The Utilization of Minimally Invasive Surgery for Os Trigonum Syndrome: A Systematic Review
Authors: Anastasio Albert T. , Baumann Anthony N. , Walley Kempland C. , Curtis Deven P. , Johns William L. , Amendola Annunziato
Published: February 2024

Background:

A symptomatic os trigonum is a common cause of posterior ankle pain that has been traditionally managed with open excision. Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) has been proposed as an alternative to open excision for improved outcomes and decreased complication rates; however, no systematic review to date has examined the utilization of MIS for a symptomatic os trigonum.

Purpose:

To examine patient outcomes, return to sport, and complications associated with MIS for a symptomatic os trigonum.

Study Design:

Systematic review; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

A systematic review was performed on February 22, 2023, using the PubMed, CINAHL, MEDLINE, and Web of Science databases from database inception until February 22, 2023, on the topic of MIS for a symptomatic os trigonum.

Results:

Of 885 articles retrieved from an initial search, 17 articles (N = 435 patients) met full inclusion criteria. The mean age of the cohort was 26.01 ± 4.68 years, with a mean follow-up time of 34.63 ± 18.20 months. For patients treated with MIS, the mean preoperative American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score was 55.85 ± 12.75, the mean final postoperative AOFAS score was 94.88 ± 4.04, the mean preoperative visual analog scale pain score was 7.20 ± 0.43, and the mean final postoperative visual analog scale score was 0.71 ± 0.48. The mean time to return to sport for patients undergoing MIS was 7.76 ± 1.42 weeks. MIS had an overall complication rate of 5.0%, the majority of which consisted of transient neurapraxia of the sural or superficial peroneal nerve.

Conclusion:

Minimally invasive management of a symptomatic os trigonum appears to be a viable alternative to open surgery in terms of outcomes, return to sport, and complication rates. More high-quality evidence will be required to definitely recommend minimally invasive approaches as the standard of care over open surgery.
MPFL Reconstruction and Implant-Mediated Guided Growth in Skeletally Immature Patients With Patellar Instability and Genu Valgum
Authors: Bachman Daniel R. , Phillips Dayna , Veerkamp Matthew W. , Chipman Danielle E. , Wall Eric J. , Ellington Matthew D. , Friel Nicole A. , Schlechter John A. , Green Daniel W. , Masquijo Javier , Parikh Shital N.
Published: February 2024

Background:

There is a higher rate of failure of isolated MPFL reconstruction in skeletally immature patients with patellar instability compared to skeletally mature patients. Genu valgum is a known risk factor for patellar instability. There is potential for concomitant surgical correction of genu valgum to achieve better clinical outcomes and to decrease failure rates of MPFL reconstruction.

Purpose:

To evaluate outcomes of combined medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL) reconstruction and implant-mediated guided growth (IMGG) in skeletally immature patients with patellar instability and genu valgum.

Study Design:

Case series; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

In a multicenter study, all skeletally immature patients with recurrent patellar instability and genu valgum who underwent MPFL reconstruction using hamstring graft and IMGG using a transphyseal screw or tension band plate for the distal femur and/or proximal tibia were included. The knee valgus angle and mechanical axis were measured on full-length radiographs and anatomic risk factors were measured on MRI. Patients were followed until correction of their lower limb alignment and implant removal or until skeletal maturity. Clinical outcomes, including complications, were analyzed.

Results:

A total of 31 patients (37 knees) were included in the study. The mean age and skeletal age of the cohort were 12.4 and 12.9 years, respectively. Simultaneous MPFL reconstruction and IMGG were performed in 26 of 37 knees; 11 underwent staged procedures. Twenty knees had transphyseal screws and 17 knees had tension band plates for IMGG. The knee valgus corrected from a mean of 12.4° to 5.1° in 12.1 months. Implants were removed from 22 of 37 knees once genu valgum was corrected. There was no significant difference ( P = .65) in the correction rate between plates (0.7 deg/month) and screws (0.6 deg/month). Ten complications occurred in 4 patients (7 knees) and included 5 patellar redislocations, 2 rebound valgus, 1 varus overcorrection, 1 knee arthrofibrosis, and 1 implant loosening. For children <10 years of age, 3 of 6 (50%) knees had patellar redislocations and 5 of 6 knees had a complication. This was statistically significant ( P = .003) compared with patients >10 years of age. Similarly, for patients with bilateral knee involvement, 5 of 12 (42%) knees had patellar redislocations and a total of 8 complications occurred in this subset. This was statistically significant ( P < .001) compared with patients with unilateral involvement.

Conclusion:

IMGG with plates or screws in the setting of combined MPFL reconstruction improves genu valgum. Children <10 years of age and those with bilateral instability with genu valgum remain difficult subsets to treat with higher complication rates.
Foraminiferal biofacies distribution in the outer channel of Chilika Lagoon, Odisha, India
Authors: Das Sucheta , Ghosh Anupam , Mondal Supriya
Published: February 2024

Benthic foraminiferal assemblages are widely used as a proxy to monitor the coastal environment’s health. The current work involves the seasonal distribution of foraminifera in the outer channel sector of the Chilika Lagoon, Odisha during 2017–2018. The outer channel is marine as the sea mouth is nearby. Altogether 28 species of benthic foraminifera are identified, among which dominant are Ammonia spp. The other calcareous taxa are Elphidium spp, Quinqueloculina sp., Haynesina spp., Pararotalia sp., Hanzawaia sp., Nonionellina sp. and agglutinated forms such as Miliammina sp., Trochammina sp. and Textularina sp. are found in moderate abundance. Based on the pre-monsoon abundance, the cluster analyses show two distinct biofacies zones in the studied area. Total foraminiferal number (TFN) increases during pre-monsoon compared to post-monsoon months. A trend of decreasing abundance was observed in TFN, mainly calcareous taxa towards the inner part of the lagoon, that is, away from the sea mouth.
Comorbid Dementia and Cancer Therapy Decision-Making: A Scoping Review
Authors: Halpin Sean N. , Alain Gabriel , Seaman Aaron , Stevens Erin E. , Zhao Hui , Fowler Mackenzie E. , Zhang Qiuyang , Cadet Tamara , Ye Minzhi , Krok-Schoen Jessica L.
Published: February 2024

Comorbid dementia complicates cancer therapy decision-making in older adults. We aimed to synthesize the recent literature (<5 years) on the challenges associated with cancer therapy decision-making among older people living with dementia (PLWD) and their caregivers. Of the 20,763 references, 8767 had their title and abstract screened, and eight met the inclusion criteria. Six studies were qualitative, one study employed mixed methods, and one study was quasi-experimental. Most studies were conducted in the UK (89%) and reported homogeneity in race and geography. Breast (56%) and prostate (45%) were the most frequent reported cancers. Five studies (56%) reported multiple types of dementia, with two (22%) indicating stages. The studies indicated that communication between patients, caregivers, and clinical teams might alleviate stress caused by worsening health prospects and potential ethical concerns. Information from this review can lead to better-informed, patient-centered treatment decision processes among older PLWD and cancer, their caregivers, and clinicians.
Reliability Generalization Meta-Analysis of Seven Wisdom Self-Rating Scales From 2004 to 2023
Authors: Lin Hongyi , Wang Fengyan
Published: February 2024

Accurate measurement of wisdom is the cornerstone of wisdom research. To provide a representative reference for the reliability level and moderating factors of various wisdom self-rating scales, we carried out a reliability generalization meta-analysis of Chinese and English references retrieved from 2004 to 2023. A total of 149 articles were included, as well as seven wisdom self-rating scales. The results showed that all seven wisdom self-rating scales had good internal consistency reliability. The reliability of the original scale was higher than that of the simplified version, and the reliability of the total of the original scale was higher than those of each dimension. Future research should avoid “reliability introduction,” and rather focus on cross-cultural translation of the wisdom scale, selecting the most appropriate measurement tool for the particular field of wisdom, and strengthen theoretical interpretations by connotation and structure of wisdom itself.
The implementation of truth commission recommendations: Exploring the ‘beyond words’ database for Latin America
Authors: Skaar Elin , Rudling Adriana , Selvik Lisa-Marie Måseidvåg , Wiebelhaus-Brahm Eric , García-Godos Jemima
Published: February 2024

We know little about the processes surrounding the formulation and implementation of truth commission recommendations (TCRs). This article introduces the Beyond Words database, which systematically identifies and tracks the formulation and implementation processes behind 960 recommendations from 13 truth commissions established across Latin America between 1983 and 2012. The database offers information on factors shaping TCR formulation, identifies important characteristics of recommendations and assesses the level of implementation for each. We describe our methodology and the resultant database and examine findings linking TCR characteristics and contextual factors to levels of implementation. Overall, the implementation record is better than those previously considered.
Comparison of Discipleship Attitudes and Practices among Members of the Baptist Missionary Association of America between 2010 and 2023
Authors: Johnson Ronnie Jeff
Published: February 2024

This article reports the findings and analysis of data collected in a 2010 research study by comparing them with data collected in a replicated study conducted in 2023. Both surveys produced descriptive data from a membership sampling of churches affiliated with the Baptist Missionary Association of America (BMAA) regarding members’ attitudes and practices of discipleship. Leadership of the BMAA responded to findings of the 2010 study by introducing a formal discipleship strategy (DiscipleWay) in hopes that it would increase members’ practice of discipleship. The replicated study in 2023 was conducted to determine if members’ attitudes and practices changed between 2010 and 2023. Analysis of the 2023 data revealed two negative conclusions of the 2010 survey was less true based on the 2023 responses. Two other conclusions of the 2010 survey were not challenged. Implications for practitioners and educators are discussed in the article.
How Can Teachers Improve? Using Culturally Responsive Frameworks to Examine Adolescent Perspectives
Authors: Smith Lora Henderson , Aguayo David , Pandey Toshna , Reinke Wendy M. , Herman Keith C. , Debnam Katrina J.
Published: February 2024

Few qualitative studies have examined student perspectives on teachers’ culturally responsive practices (CRP). This study includes focus group data from middle and high school students who shared perspectives on how teachers can improve their classroom practices and examined if reported concepts align with or go beyond existing models of CRP. Black, Latine, or White students ( N = 103) in the Midwest participated in 1 of 23 focus groups. We identified 103 excerpts where students mentioned ways that their teachers could improve their classroom practices. Two researchers coded each excerpt for alignment with two different models of CRP, the Double Check CARES framework and the Eight Competencies of Culturally Responsive Teaching. Thirty-six excerpts did not align with either framework whereas the remaining 67 aligned with one or both frameworks. We discuss common codes, differences, and similarities across heterogenous focus groups and those with only students of color or White students. We also present themes that were not aligned with Double Check CARES or the Eight Competencies and discuss implications for incorporating student voice into the conceptualization of CRP and improving classroom practices.
Evaluation on purine metabolism in human skin fibroblast cells exposed to oxygenated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
Authors: Liu Junqi , Wang Saijin , Wang Meng , Li Zan , Zhou Shi , Li Jinlian , Wu Dongmei
Published: February 2024

A rapid and sensitive assessment of the toxicity of oxygenated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (OPAHs), widely distributed persistent organic pollutants in the environment, is crucial for human health. In this study, using high-performance liquid chromatography, the separation and detection of four purines, xanthine (X), guanine (G), adenine (A), and hypoxanthine (HX) in cells were performed. The aim was to evaluate the cytotoxicity of three OPAHs, namely 1,4-benzoquinone (1,4-BQ), 1,2-naphthoquinone (1,2-NQ) and 9,10-phenanthrenequinone (9,10-PQ), with higher environmental concentrations, from the perspective of purine nucleotide metabolism in human skin fibroblast cells (HFF-1). The results revealed that the levels of G and A were low in HFF-1 cells, while the levels of HX and X showed a dose-response relationship with persistent organic pollutants concentration. With increased concentration of the three persistent organic pollutants, the purine metabolism in HFF-1 cells weakened, and the impact of the three persistent organic pollutants on purine metabolism in cells was in the order of 9,10-PQ > 1,4-BQ > 1,2-NQ. This study provided valuable insights into the toxic mechanisms of 1,4-BQ, 1,2-NQ and 9,10-PQ, contributing to the formulation of relevant protective measures and the safeguarding of human health.
Stone mining work and dust pollution in Birbhum district, West Bengal, India
Authors: Malakar Biswanath , Roy Subrata K , Mondal Monohar Hossain , Roy Ankit
Published: February 2024

Dust pollution is common in Indian roads and several industrial settings (including mines) that affects human health. Identification and characterization of the dust particles in the mining area is essential for knowing the properties of the dust that effectively causes ailments to humans, particularly among workers those who are working in unorganized industrial settings. The present study aimed to determine the level of dust pollution and to know the size and characterize the dust particles in the Pachami-Hatgacha stone mine areas of Birbhum district, West Bengal, India. Dust samples were collected and analysed for Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) to determine the size and shape of the particles, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) to determine the free silica content, and X-ray Florence (XRF) analysis for quantitative estimation of components in the sample. All the analyses were done following standard instrumentation and techniques. The size of the dust particles was much less (ranges 101–298 nm) than the size of respirable particles (2500 nm). Those were mostly generated as well as precipitated during peak working hours of the day. Presence of considerable amounts of silica was confirmed by the FT-IR (strong and broad band at 1000 cm−1) and XRF analysis (76.85% SiO2). Exposure to these dust particles may cause severe health impairments. Therefore, interventions like wet drilling and blasting, sprinkling of water during peak working hours, and awareness of use of personal protective devices among workers are required to reduce the risk and hazards associated with dust pollution to the health of miners and inhabitants around the mines.
“I Am A Feminist, But . . .” Practicing Quiet Feminism in the Era of Everyday Backlash in South Korea
Authors: Jung Gowoon , Moon Minyoung
Published: February 2024

In this study, we investigate the practice of feminism among young South Korean women in the era of backlash. Drawing on interviews with 40 female college students in South Korea, we found that most of the participants self-identify as feminists who engage in feminist activities primarily in private offline settings on their college campuses. To understand this phenomenon of quiet feminism, which contradicts the global trend of postfeminist attitudes and online feminism, we link the students’ offline practice of everyday feminism with what we term everyday backlash. Our findings reveal that these young women have encountered widespread antifeminist sentiments in both online and offline everyday contexts since the rapid popularization of feminism in South Korea in the late 2010s. We argue that this pervasive everyday backlash not only motivates the students to create safe spaces within their college campuses but also discourages them from publicly disclosing their feminist identities. Through this research, we contribute to the literature on contemporary feminist practice and its relationship with backlash by offering a nuanced understanding of the local context in South Korea.
Microfoundations in Family Firm Research: A Review and Agenda for Theoretically Driven Future Inquiry
Authors: Ellen B. Parker , McLarty Benjamin D. , Medina-Craven Michele N. , Bracamonte Maria
Published: February 2024

Microfoundations research, generally conceptualized as explaining macro concepts and relationships in terms of micro-level behaviors and interactions, has been argued as critical to knowledge-building. Thus, we reviewed the family business literature to assess the state of microfoundations knowledge. Results indicate most research does not examine all microfoundational links. In addition, much of the research lacks a theoretical foundation. To provide structure to guide future inquiry, we offer theoretically-driven directions for family business research for each microfoundation link. This will help prevent microfoundations knowledge from developing in a disjointed manner, and allow future research to build more systematically.
Experiment of droplet contact angle hysteresis on PTFE fibrous membrane in pore-scale
Authors: Zhang Chengwei , Liu Zhongmin , Lu Zezhao , Ma Donghai
Published: February 2024

The present paper aims to study the influence of pore-scale fiber structure on the Cassie-Baxter contact angle of droplets on PTFE fibrous hydrophobic membranes. The fiber structure is obtained by the Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope (CLSM), and an optical test bench is built to measure the Cassie-Baxter contact angles of a droplet on a PTFE membrane. The free energy of the solid-liquid interface is measured by the surface tension integral on the droplet profile. An iterative algorithm for liquid-vapor interface shrinking is brought forward to analyze the liquid-vapor interface area between the droplet and the membrane, and the interface parameters of the Cassie-Baxter model are recognized. The experiment shows that the Cassie-Baxter contact angles and the contact line radii along the droplet circumference are in a normal distribution due to random fiber structures, and the variance of the normal distribution increases with the membrane pore diameter. The normal distribution of Cassie-Baxter’s contact angle indicates the constraint of the solid-liquid interface to the liquid-vapor interface. On the same normal contact pressure condition, the liquid-vapor area ratio of the droplet and membrane interface changes little, and Cassie-Baxter’s contact angle increases with the solid-liquid interface area ratio.
Multi-objective optimization design of electric vehicle in-wheel motor based on Taguchi method
Authors: Chen Qiping , Min Shilong , Xu Zhihui , Zheng Zhiyi , Zhong Chengping , You Daoliang , Jiang Zhiqiang
Published: February 2024

In order to solve the problem of motor performance degradation caused by torque ripple and large cogging torque of in-wheel permanent magnet synchronous motor for electric vehicles, Taguchi is used to optimize the magnetic pole of built-in Permanent magnet synchronous motor, and the orthogonal optimization matrix of magnetic pole parameters is established. Through the parameter optimization matrix, the workload of pole optimization is reduced and the optimization speed is improved. The optimization results show that the orthogonal matrix optimization can not only improve the output torque of permanent magnet synchronous motor, but also further control its torque ripple and cogging. The orthogonal matrix optimization method used in this paper for V-I type built-in permanent magnet synchronous motor has a certain positive significance, and provides a certain reference value for the subsequent motor performance optimization.
Critical review on thermal performance enhancement techniques for flat plate solar collectors
Authors: Gaurav Kumar , Verma Suresh Kant
Published: February 2024

Supply of energy against continuous increase in energy demand is a great challenge for the present time. This has compelled the researchers to develop energy-efficient and performance-enhanced devices. Solar energy, being the capable source to supply the clean energy can be harvested with the help of flat plate solar collectors (FPSCs). In order to enhance the thermal performance of FPSC researchers have considered various aspects, for example, design modification, heat transfer fluid having enhanced thermophysical properties, use of nanofluids, reduction in heat loss, use of enhancement devices, use of phase change materials and porous materials. The present article describes in detail these methods and compares the results obtained by the respective researches. Experimental as well as numerical works have also been presented. A comprehensive review for the thermal performance enhancement techniques used in FPSC has been presented. The objective of this review is to provide a valuable framework for evaluating and comparing different techniques for enhancing FPSC performance. The review aims to help identify the most appropriate approach and gaps in current research and proposes potential areas for future enhancements, which is expected to assist researchers.
Machine learning approach for prediction analysis of aluminium alloy on the surface roughness using CO2 laser machining
Authors: Sharma Vikas , Singh Jaiinder Preet , Raman Roshan , Bathla Gourav , Saini Abhineet
Published: February 2024

A comprehensive analysis investigated the impact of cutting speed, nozzle diameter, gas pressure and the addition of SiC and ZrO2 particles on the surface quality of aluminum alloy 6062. The correlation between experimental and predicted values was established using deep neural network (DNN), support vector machine regression and response surface methodology. To validate the models, root mean squared error and mean absolute error were computed for four hidden layers with the DNN approach. The surface roughness was significantly affected by the higher cutting speed (3000 mm/min) and lower nitrogen gas pressure (10 bar). The results from the developed models closely matched experimental data. Additionally, the study analyzed the impact of laser parameters on crack width due to rapid thermal changes. The scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and optical microscopy were utilized to examine the laser-cut surface's microstructure for crack formation analysis.
Optimal sliding mode guidance law against maneuvering target with impact angle constraint
Authors: Gong Mian , Zhou Siteng , Zhou Di
Published: February 2024

In this paper, an optimal sliding mode guidance law with impact angle constraint is proposed against maneuvering targets. Firstly, the impact angle frame for a static target is extended to a maneuvering target. Then, in this impact angle frame, the optimal reaching law of sliding mode is proposed to design an optimal sliding mode guidance law which is robust to target maneuvers and satisfies an impact angle constraint. The optimal sliding mode guidance law with impact angle constraint is also extended to the three-dimensional case. Numerical simulations in different scenarios with a realistic missile model show that the guidance law can intercept a maneuvering target with a desired impact angle, and the control effort is close to the optimal value, which verifies that the proposed optimal sliding mode guidance law has both robustness and optimality.
Population dynamics and cultural niche construction during the Late Holocene in a mediterranean ecosystem (central Chile, 32°S−36°S)
Authors: Godoy-Aguirre Carolina , Frugone-Álvarez Matías , Gayo Eugenia M. , Campbell Roberto , Lima Mauricio , Maldonado Antonio , Latorre Claudio
Published: February 2024

Understanding socio-ecological systems over the long term can shed light on past adaptive strategies in environmentally sensitive regions. Central Chile is an emblematic case study for mediterranean ecosystems, where a progressive and sustained population increase began approximately 2000 years ago alongside significant landscape changes. In this work we analyzed regional paleo-demographic trends by compiling a new database of archaeological dates over the last 3000 years, and integrating population dynamics theory with an analysis of the spatio-temporal variation of regional cultural stages. Results show three moments of marked acceleration in population growth: just before agricultural adoption, during the Archaic Period (c. 700-300 BCE); during the second half of the ECP (500–900 CE); and during the Late Intermediate Period (1200–1400 CE). We also identified periods of deceleration in per capita growth rates, although population size continued to increase (300 BCE−500 CE, 900–1200 CE and after 1400 CE). These large shifts in the per capita growth rates coincide with major cultural changes associated with social and economic aspects. The pulses of major occupation show in general terms a more intensive use of the valleys as the population size increased, although the remaining ecosystems never ceased to be occupied with different economic and symbolic emphases.
Exact interval estimation for the linear combination of binomial proportions
Authors: Lu Shuiyun , Wang Weizhen , Xie Tianfa
Published: February 2024

The weighted sum of binomial proportions and the interaction effect are two important cases of the linear combination of binomial proportions. Existing confidence intervals for these two parameters are approximate. We apply the [Formula: see text]-function method to a given approximate interval and obtain an exact interval. The process is repeated multiple times until the final-improved interval (exact) cannot be shortened. In particular, for the weighted sum of two proportions, we derive two final-improved intervals based on the (approximate) adjusted score and fiducial intervals. After comparing several currently used intervals, we recommend these two final-improved intervals for practice. For the weighted sum of three proportions and the interaction effect, the final-improved interval based on the adjusted score interval should be used. Three real datasets are used to detail how the approximate intervals are improved.
“Now You Get to See Me”: Black Women Healthcare Professionals’ Experiences in Sister Circles During the Double Pandemic
Authors: Cupid Sherella , Brown Anglesia , Hickerson Hope
Published: February 2024

In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the world through the necessity of mask mandates and stay-at-home orders, while marginalized communities continued to grapple with disproportionate outcomes of the pandemic due to systemic racism. Hence, some had to live in a double pandemic, such as minoritized healthcare professionals on the frontlines addressing the uncertainties of the health crisis. Importantly, Black women healthcare professionals relied upon sister circles as a mental health mechanism. Sister circles are support groups for and by Black women and are often informally formed within contexts such as education, work, and recreation. This qualitative study deepens the understanding of how during the double pandemic sister circles in the United States created a space for Black women healthcare professionals to support each other in managing stress, navigating workspaces, and sustaining their personal lives. Fifteen participants across different health professions, including nursing, social work, and therapy, participated in one-time interviews and focus groups to share their experiences as members of a sister circle. Four salient themes were: (1) mental health support, (2) mutual understanding, (3) guidance on how to engage in salary negotiations, and (4) professional knowledge. Additionally, the findings indicate that sister circles provided them a space for mental health support, rooted in mutual understanding, along with offering advice on salary negotiations and advancing their overall professional knowledge.
Staff Travel Time in Rural- and Urban-Serving Infants and Toddlers With Disabilities (Part C) Programs in Kansas
Authors: Tilden Christopher D. , Kuhn Nathan C. , Samaddar Sushmita , McKee Hilde A. , von Esenwein Silke A. , Gillam Rebecca J.
Published: February 2024

Staff travel required to provide home visiting services can be a barrier to quality service provision. This may be of particular concern to rural programs, where the demands of staff travel are often thought to be greater than in urban settings. As part of a statewide needs assessment of the Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities Program in Kansas (Kansas Part C), a time study was conducted to examine travel time in rural and urban programs. While in the field, Part C providers spent 29.9% of their time traveling, over half (51.4%) of their time in direct service, 5.5% preparing documentation, and 2.0% communicating with clients and partners. Travel time did not differ significantly between urban and rural programs. This suggests that caution is warranted when adopting policy approaches, such as funding formula differences, designed to account for assumed (but not documented) differences in rural and urban programs, such as staff travel time.
Validating the Modified Small Double Opposing Z-Plasty for Palatal Lengthening in Primary Palatoplasty
Authors: Denadai Rafael , Lo Chi-Chin , Seo Hyung Joon , Sato Nobuhiro , Pascasio Dax Carlo Go , Murali Srinisha , Tu Junior Chun-Yu , Chou Pang-Yung , Lo Lun-Jou
Published: February 2024

Objective

To appraise the degree of intraoperative palatal lengthening with the modified Furlow small double-opposing Z-plasty (sDOZ).

Design

Retrospective single-surgeon (R.D.) study.

Patients

Nonsyndromic children (n = 167) with Veau types I to IV cleft palates who underwent primary sDOZ palatoplasty.

Interventions

Intraoperative measurements of palatal lengths and widths were collected using calipers, paper rulers, and metal rulers before the administration of local anesthetic solution and before the removal of the mouth gag (initial and final palatal dimensions, respectively).

Main Outcome Measures

Assessment of the intraoperative percentage change (difference between final and initial values) in surface palatal length, straight palatal length, and soft palatal length. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify independent predictors (sex, age at surgery, Veau, Kernahan/ Stark, and Randall classifications, widest cleft width, presence of lateral relaxing incision, type of coverage with buccal fat flap, and postoperative complications) of soft palatal lengthening.

Results

Surface palatal, straight palatal, and soft palatal lengths had an intraoperative increase of 8%, 14.7%, and 27.7%, respectively. The degree of intraoperative soft palatal lengthening significantly varied among Veau cleft types (I = II < III = IV). Veau type III and cleft lip/palate were independent positive predictors (P < .001) of soft palatal lengthening, while other tested variables were not correlated (P > .05) with this outcome.

Conclusions

Overall intraoperative palatal lengthening occurs with the modified sDOZ palatoplasty, with differences within the spectrum of cleft palate deformity.
Restaurants’ Platform Partnership for Social Promotion and Resilient Revenue: Is Reward-Based Traffic Really Rewardful?
Authors: Niu Baozhuang , Chen Lei , Li Qiyang , Zeng Fanzhuo
Published: February 2024

Restaurants have traditionally operated offline only, but the growth of food delivery platforms has prompted a shift toward online sales. In practice, consumers who share digital coupons offered by the platforms (e.g. Uber Eats and Meituan) in social networks (e.g. Facebook, Twitter, and WeChat) will be rewarded for the social traffic, which effectively attracts many restaurants to open online store. However, this also leads to intensified competition with the restaurant's physical (offline) store. In this article, we formulate the restaurant's tradeoffs among platform traffic benefits, consumers’ heterogeneous utility, and the platform's commission in the online selling decision. Interestingly, we find that the increased platform traffic may be harmful to the restaurant, and even the entire channel system. The platform offering high subsidies may trap restaurants in a pricing dilemma. We also find that restaurants’ online selling will induce a negative externality due to online/offline order congestion, but it will not qualitatively change the main findings.
Exploring Safety in Gender-Affirming Hormonal Treatments: An Observational Study on Adverse Drug Events Using the Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System Database
Authors: Gomez-Lumbreras Ainhoa , Villa-Zapata Lorenzo
Published: February 2024

Background:

People with gender dysphoria are treated with hormone therapy for gender reassignment. The indication of this therapy was initially for the opposite sex, and information on potential adverse drug reaction (ADR) is lacking.

Objective:

To describe ADR associated with gender transition medication in transgender individuals reported to the US Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database.

Methods:

Data from the FAERS database up to June 2023 were examined, focusing on reports of gender transition medication use in the context of gender dysphoria. The ADRs were categorized using the Medical Dictionary for Regulatory Activities at both Preferred Term and System Organ Class (SOC) levels. Descriptive statistics summarized report counts, medication types, indications, and ADR severity.

Results:

For individuals assigned female at birth undergoing gender transition to male (transgender men), 82 reports (230 ADRs) were analyzed, with an average age of 29.5 years. Transgender hormonal therapy was cited in 72% of reports, predominantly from the United States (67.1%). A striking 88% were categorized as serious ADRs, primarily SOC injury, poisoning, and procedural complications (26.5%), followed by psychiatric disorders (14.8%) and nervous system disorders (12.2%). Among those assigned sex male at birth transitioning to female (transgender women) (81 reports, 237 ADRs), mean age was 33.3 years, with 58% indicating use for gender dysphoria. A significant proportion (53.6%) were serious ADRs, primarily SOC: injury, poisoning, and procedural complications (26.6%).

Conclusions and Relevance:

The FAERS data reveal significant ADRs in transgender individuals using hormone therapy, sometimes unintended for their recipient gender. Population-level studies are crucial to enhance transgender health care. Spontaneous surveillance databases like FAERS illuminate off-label ADRs, urging health care providers to approach hormone therapies with informed caution.
Improvement of Valgus Deviation of the Lesser Toes of Moderate to Severe Hallux Valgus After Proximal Chevron Metatarsal Osteotomy and Akin Osteotomy
Authors: Kang Hwa Jun , Lim Jung-Won , Im Je-Min , Woo Youngje , Jung Hong-Geun
Published: February 2024

Background:

This study examines the correction of lesser toe valgus deviation following proximal chevron metatarsal osteotomy (PCMO) and Akin osteotomy in moderate to severe hallux valgus patients, while identifying influencing factors.

Method:

Among 89 patients (116 feet), those with moderate to severe hallux valgus underwent PCMO and Akin osteotomy. Radiologic assessments included preoperative metatarsus adductus angle (MAA), hallux valgus angle (HVA), intermetatarsal angle (IMA), valgus angles of the second to fourth metatarsophalangeal joints, and hallux valgus recurrence. Assessments included visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores, American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) scores, and patient satisfaction over an average follow-up of 30.6 ± 21.2 (range, 12-99) months.

Results:

The mean preoperative HVA of 34.4 degrees decreased to 8.7 degrees at final follow-up. The valgus angles of the second, third, and fourth toes improved by 37.1%, 27%, and 44.5%, respectively. In metatarsus adductus patients, lesser toe valgus angles were significantly higher both preoperatively and at final follow-up. Hallux valgus recurrence patients had higher preoperative and final follow-up IMA and valgus angles in the second and third toes. Nonrecurrence patients showed greater decreases in these angles. A larger HVA correction corresponded to a greater decrease in lesser toe valgus deviation. VAS and AOFAS scores improved significantly at the last follow-up.

Conclusion:

The study found a significant reduction in the valgus angle of the second, third, and fourth toes after PCMO and Akin osteotomy in moderate to severe hallux valgus cases, without additional surgeries on lesser toes. The lesser toe angular reductions were less pronounced in patients with metatarsus adductus or with hallux valgus recurrence.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV, case series.
Developing Methodologies for Co-Production of Knowledge: Data Production and Analysis in Community-Based Research Partnerships
Authors: Shea Molly Victoria
Published: February 2024

This article reports on the development of a local methodological innovation that supports the co-production of knowledge side-by-side with community-based research partners. In addition to conducting critical ethnography, Shea reports on how educators within an after-school community science program and a researcher developed practices to surface community educators’ values, demystify the data analysis process, conduct collective analysis, and produce critical layers of data through storytelling. The discussion offers scholars interested in co-producing knowledge an imagination for how to revise existing and taken-for-granted research practices to shift knowledge production.
Evaluation of cost and infusion-related reactions among intravenous trastuzumab, subcutaneous trastuzumab, and trastuzumab biosimilars at an academic medical center
Authors: Davis Daijah M , Jackson Kasey , Hoppe Christina
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Trastuzumab is a vital treatment option for human epidermal growth factor 2 positive breast cancer. Since 2017, there have been 5 trastuzumab biosimilars approved for use. Despite hypotheses of infusion-related reactions among intravenous trastuzumab, subcutaneous trastuzumab, and trastuzumab biosimilars, there is minimal available literature comparing these agents. This evaluation will compare the rate of infusion-related reactions among these agents, evaluate our institution's utilization, and compare acquisition costs to determine if there is a potential cost savings by utilizing specific agents as our formulary preferred medication.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed medical records to identify the incidence of infusion-related reaction after administration of intravenous or subcutaneous trastuzumab or trastuzumab biosimilars. Additionally, we conducted a cost analysis to identify potential cost savings by switching to an alternative institutional preferred agent. Infusion chair time was calculated to identify chair time savings with subcutaneous administration.

Results

There were 183 patients included in this study. Seven patients (3.8%) experienced an infusion-related reaction. The most utilized agent within our cohort was intravenous trastuzumab. During our study period, 181 patients received intravenous infusions, which could allow for substantial infusion chair savings by switching to trastuzumab/hyaluronidase, the subcutaneous formulation. Beyond the chair time, direct drug cost savings were also identified when comparing the costs of each of the evaluated medications.

Conclusion

Subcutaneous trastuzumab or trastuzumab biosimilars do not pose a greater risk of infusion-related reactions compared to intravenous trastuzumab and may offer more affordable treatment options for breast cancer patients who qualify for trastuzumab therapy.
Development of friction stir welding method using a tilted spherical tool
Authors: Mukuda Muneaki , Noguchi Atsushi , Morisada Yoshiaki , Fujii Hidetoshi
Published: February 2024

The feasibility of friction stir welding (FSW) with a simple spherical tool, which has neither a shoulder nor a probe, was studied. The spherical tool allows for localised welding with narrow weld widths and extended tool life but tends to generate flashes and weld thinning. The material flow around the spherical tool during FSW of the aluminium alloys was observed in detail, and the flash generation behaviour was discussed. As a result, a new FSW method in which a spherical tool tilted to the retreating side (RS) was developed, and by expanding the flow path of the leading surface on the RS, the flow of hot material was controlled to reduce flash and smooth the weld surface.