bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Three new species of Phyllomyza Fallén (Diptera: Milichiidae) from Yintiaoling National Nature Reserve of Chongqing, with an updated key from China
Authors: XI YUQIANG , ZHU YONGQIANG , LIU CHANG , YANG DING , YIN XINMING
Published: March 2023

Three species of the genus Phyllomyza Fallén from Yintiaoling National Nature Reserve are described as new to science: P. fuscusagenis sp. nov., P. hirtipes sp. nov. and P. obtususa sp. nov. An updated key to the species of Phyllomyza from China is presented. The specimens are deposited in the Insect Collection of Henan Agricultural University.
First records of the druid fly genus Clusia Haliday, 1838 (Diptera, Clusiidae), with two new species from China
Authors: SHEN SHUANG , ZHU YONGQIANG , LIU CHANG , YANG DING , XI YUQIANG
Published: March 2023

The druid fly genus Clusia was firstly recorded from China, including two new species: C. luteimacula sp. nov. from Yintiaoling Nature Reserve of Chongqing and C. sinensis sp. nov. from Wanglang of Sichuan and Mt. Taibai of Shaanxi. A key to all species of Clusia globally is presented.
Subsurface Eddy Detection Optimized with Potential Vorticity from Models in the Arabian Sea
Authors: Ernst Paul A. , Subrahmanyam Bulusu , Morel Yves , Trott Corinne B. , Chaigneau Alexis
Published: March 2023

Coherent ocean vortices, or eddies, are usually tracked on the surface of the ocean. However, tracking subsurface eddies is important for a complete understanding of deep ocean circulation. In this study, we develop an algorithm designed for the detection of subsurface eddies in the Arabian Sea using Nucleus for European Modelling of the Ocean (NEMO) model simulations. We optimize each parameter of our algorithm to achieve favorable results when compared with an algorithm using sea surface height (SSH). When compared to similar methods, we find that using the rescaled isopycnal potential vorticity (PV) is best for subsurface eddy detection. We proceed to demonstrate that our new algorithm can detect eddies successfully between specific isopycnals, such as those that define the Red Sea Water (RSW). In doing so, we showcase how our method can be used to describe the properties of eddies within the RSW and even identify specific long-lived subsurface eddies. We conduct one such case study by discerning the structure of a completely subsurface RSW eddy near the Chagos Archipelago using Lagrangian particle tracking and PV diagnostics. We conclude that our rescaled PV method is an efficient tool for investigating eddy dynamics within the ocean’s interior, and publicly provide our optimization methodology as a way for other researchers to develop their own subsurface detection algorithms with optimized parameters for any spatiotemporal model domain.

Significance Statement

Eddies are a key part of ocean circulation both at the surface and in the subsurface. The purpose of our study was to design the first detection method comprehensively optimized for subsurface eddy detection from numerical simulations. We demonstrate that potential vorticity (PV) is the best field to use when algorithmically tracking eddies in subsurface water masses, using our new method to identify and track eddies in the Red Sea Water (RSW). Additionally, our method allows us to efficiently evaluate the dynamics of eddies through potential vorticity diagnostics, exemplified with a previously undescribed eddy near the Chagos Archipelago. Our methodology can be used by future researchers to study the eddy dynamics hidden within subsurface water masses around the world.
Meaningful Activity, Psychosocial Wellbeing, and Poverty During COVID-19: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Marshall Carrie Anne , Gewurtz Rebecca , Holmes Julia , Phillips Brooke , Aryobi Suliman , Smith-Carrier Tracy
Published: March 2023

Background: Only a few studies have explored experiences of meaningful activity and associations with psychosocial wellbeing during COVID-19. None reflect a Canadian context or focus on persons living in poverty. Purpose: To identify experiences and associations between meaningful activity and psychosocial wellbeing for persons living in poverty during the first year of COVID-19. Method: We delivered a quantitative survey at three time points during the first year of the pandemic supplemented by qualitative interviews at Time(T) 1 and 1 year later at T3. Findings: One hundred and eight participants completed T1 surveys, and 27 participated in qualitative interviews. Several statistically significant correlations between indices of meaningful activity engagement and psychosocial wellbeing were identified across T1–T3. Meaningful activity decreased from T1–T3 [X2 (2, n = 49) = 9.110, p < .05], with a significant decline from T2–T3 (z = −3.375, p < .001). In T1 qualitative interviews, participants indicated that physical distancing exacerbated exclusion from meaningful activities early in the pandemic. At T3 (1 year later), they described how classist and ableist physical distancing policies layered additional burdens on daily life. Implications: Meaningful activity engagement and psychosocial wellbeing are closely associated and need to be accounted for in the development of pandemic policies that affect persons living in low income. Occupational therapists have a key role in pandemic recovery.
Family Formation History and the Psychological Well-Being of Women from Diverse Racial-Ethnic Groups
Authors: Crosnoe Robert , Johnston Carol A. , Cavanagh Shannon E. , Gershoff Elizabeth
Published: March 2023

Studying disparities in psychological well-being across diverse groups of women can illuminate the racialized health risks of gendered family life. Integrating life course and demand–reward perspectives, this study applied sequencing techniques to the National Longitudinal Study of Youth: 1979 to reveal seven trajectories of partnership and parenthood through women’s 20s and 30s, including several in which parenthood followed partnership at different ages and with varying numbers of children and others characterized by nonmarital fertility or eschewing such roles altogether. These sequences differentiated positive and negative dimensions of women’s well-being in their 50s. Women who inhabited any family role had greater life satisfaction and fewer depressive symptoms, although these general patterns differed by race-ethnicity. Family roles were more closely related to well-being than ill-being for White women, parenthood had more pronounced importance across outcomes for Black women, and the coupling of partnership and parenthood generally mattered more for Latinas.
Survey among FELASA members about rehoming of animals used for scientific and educational purposes
Authors: Moons Christel PH , Spiri Andrea M , Boxall Jackie , Louwerse Annet , Mikkelsen Lars F , Roth Mirjam , Ecuer Emilie
Published: March 2023

Rehoming is an important fate, which should be considered for animals used for scientific and educational purposes, and which is highlighted in the European Directive 2010/63 EU. In 2018, the Federation of European Laboratory Animal Science Associations (FELASA) convened a working group to review current literature and identify existing practices with the aim of issuing general recommendations on the rehoming of research animals. In order to understand the number and species of animals being rehomed and which species and information to include in the recommendations, the working group launched a survey that was distributed among FELASA members, yielding 97 valid records for analysis. Most respondents of the survey considered the rehoming of cats, dogs, mice, rats, rabbits, pigs and minipigs. The most important issues reported by the respondents were related to availability/suitability of animals, availability of adopters and legal issues. Based on the data and information collected in this survey, the working group decided on the format and content of the future recommendations: a first section containing a general protocol for rehoming, addressing the issues raised by the respondents, and a second section containing species-specific information and advice about cats, dogs, small prey mammals, equines, primates, camelids and minipigs.
Flourishing During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Longitudinal Study in South Africa
Authors: Wilson Fadiji A. , de la Rosa P. A. , Counted V. , De Kock J. H. , Bronkhorst W. L. R. , Joynt S. , Tesfai A. , Nyamaruze P. , Govender K. , Cowden R. G.
Published: March 2023

In this longitudinal study, we examine changes in psychological distress and multidimensional well-being from before to during the COVID-19 pandemic among South African adults. As a secondary purpose, we explore whether pre-pandemic flourishing is protective against subsequent psychological distress during the public health crisis. The analytic sample ( n = 293; Mage = 44.27, SD = 14.28; female = 65.19%) completed measures of anxiety symptoms, depression symptoms, and well-being shortly before the stringent nationwide lockdown started in South Africa (T1). A follow-up assessment was completed approximately 6 months later (T2). Paired samples t-tests supported very small improvements in anxiety ( d = −0.09) and depression symptoms ( d = −0.13). For domains of well-being, small increases were found in close social relationships ( d = 0.25) and financial and material stability ( d = 0.19). Positive changes in the domains of character and virtue ( d = 0.10) and meaning and purpose ( d = 0.07) were very small. Changes in physical and mental health ( d = −0.03) and life satisfaction and happiness ( d = 0.02) were more negligible. Results from the generalized linear models indicated that continuous scores of secure flourishing assessed before the COVID-19 pandemic were associated with lower subsequent psychological distress (particularly depression symptoms) during the public health crisis. We discuss the implications of the findings for the development and delivery of interventions to promote and sustain human flourishing during public health crises, especially in contexts of social-structural vulnerability.
Prediction of optimum alkaline hydrolysis conditions for imparting superhydrophobicity to large-area fabrics using three-dimensional modeling
Authors: Cho Yoonkyung , Kim Sungmin
Published: March 2023

This study proposes a fabric-specific alkaline hydrolysis method to impart stable water repellency to large-area polyester fabrics, regardless of yarn type or weave pattern. The geometries of 120 virtual fabrics with varying yarn properties, weave patterns, and weave densities are modeled, and their surface-etching efficiency and superhydrophobicity are predicted. While the alkaline hydrolysis-derived nano-structuring efficiencies of fabrics are predicted based on the Kallay and Grancaric model (1990) with changes to reflect the fiber volume fraction F as a major variable for fabric structures. For predicting superhydrophobicity, the fabric meso-structure contact angle is calculated based on the Michielsen and Lee model (2007); the fixed yarn distance used in the original model is replaced by the simulated inter-yarn porosity P to exclude error caused by structural variability. The final virtual fabric contact angle is predicted reflecting the effect of nano-roughness, which is validated by comparing the predicted contact angle with a physical sample having identical geometries. The contact angle of any fabric can be predicted using structural simulation, given the alkaline treatment conditions are adjusted according to the unique geometry of each fabric to express superhydrophobicity. Moreover, even for samples with low predictive contact angles, superhydrophobicity can be achieved by maximizing the effect of the nanostructure through strong alkaline treatment. An ISO 5 water repellency is achieved for all large-area polyester fabrics.
“I am a binary trans man and I love being pregnant”: Making meaning of pregnancy in seahorse dad narratives
Authors: Alvarez Cimmiaron F. , Scharp Kristina M. , Friz Amanda M.
Published: March 2023

Although there are many ways one might start a family, the culture in the United States considers pregnancy one of a woman’s most important life achievements, privileging biological ties above all else. These cultural assumptions stigmatize seahorse dads, or transmen and nonbinary individuals who become pregnant. Using relational dialectics theory (RDT), this study examined posts on Reddit to highlight how marginalized discourses resist dominant discourses to make meaning of a semantic object. RDT’s corresponding method, contrapuntal analysis, revelated three discourses that competed to make meaning of seahorse dads: the discourse of pregnancy as a woman’s burden (DWB), the discourse of pregnancy as a woman’s privilege (DWP), and the discourse of pregnancy as an independent process (DIP). These discourses interacted through contractive practices (i.e., disqualification, naturalization, and neutralization), synchronic interplay (i.e., entertaining, countering, and negating), and dialogic transformation (i.e., hybridization and an aesthetic moment). Findings revealed theoretical implications and practical applications.
Care-experienced young people’s reflections on their relationship to and use of alcohol: A qualitative exploration
Authors: Alderson Hayley , Lingam Raghu , Brown Rebecca , McGovern Ruth
Published: March 2023

Evidence suggests that looked after children and care leavers start to use alcohol earlier than their peers and at higher levels. Much of this epidemiological research focuses upon a pathological vulnerability within the young people concerned, but qualitative research which elicits their experiences with alcohol enables a more nuanced understanding. This article explores the experiences and reflections of young people in care regarding their exposure to and use of alcohol. Twenty qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with young people who were members of Children in Care Councils (CiCCs) across the North East of England, and a socio-ecological model was used to guide data analysis. The findings suggest that experience prior to being in care, such as witnessing the detrimental effects of alcohol misuse and transitions within the care system, can both precipitate and deter an individual’s use, particularly when entering and living in residential care. The study highlights how a mixture of social and contextual factors influence young people in care’s perceptions and use of alcohol.
Acceptability of Intergenerational Physical Activity Programming: A Mixed Methods Study of Latino Aging Adults in Nebraska
Authors: Ramos Athena K. , Dinkel Danae , Trinidad Natalia , Carvajal-Suarez Marcela , Schmeits Karen , Molina Diana , Boron Julie B.
Published: March 2023

Objective: This study explored Hispanic/Latino aging adults’ interest in and preferences for intergenerational physical activity programming. Methods: We used an exploratory sequential (Qual-QUAN) mixed methods design consisting of three focus groups ( N = 13 participants; M age = 62.5 years old) and a quantitative survey ( N = 105 participants; M age = 57.3 years old). Results: We found that most participants were interested in intergenerational physical activity programs: (1) to promote overall health and well-being, (2) increase opportunities for socialization and relationships, and (3) foster motivation and energy. Preferences for programming included cultural tailoring, bilingual and Spanish-language offerings, and being conducted in-person. Barriers to physical activity included cost, scheduling, transportation, and limited awareness of community resources. Discussion: Innovative public health initiatives incorporating an intergenerational approach may promote physical activity among aging adults. This study has implications for developing and refining intergenerational programming with Hispanic/Latino communities.
Falling Between the Cracks: Women’s Work and the Periodic Labour Force Survey
Authors: Thakur Jyoti
Published: March 2023

This article reflects upon the changes introduced in the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) and their impact on the visibility of women’s work in India. In 2017–2018, the National Sample Survey Organisation’s five-yearly employment–unemployment surveys (EUS) were replaced by the annual PLFS, and in the transition, the section that comprised probing questions was dropped. These questions had been introduced in 1972–1973 to highlight women’s productive activities, which otherwise remain invisible. The section was key to collecting information on not only women’s reproductive work but also the unrecognised productive work women undertake within the walls of their homes. It provided a window in a society where women’s work is underestimated as well as unappreciated.
The Brief Emotion Dysregulation Scale: Development, Preliminary Validation, and Recommendations for Use
Authors: Wycoff Andrea M. , Griffin Sarah A. , Helle Ashley C. , Haney Alison M. , Watts Ashley L. , Trull Timothy J.
Published: March 2023

Emotion dysregulation is a multi-faceted, transdiagnostic construct, and its assessment is crucial for characterizing its role in the development, maintenance, and treatment of psychiatric problems. We developed the Brief Emotion Dysregulation Scale (BEDS) to capture four components of emotion dysregulation: sensitivity, lability, reactivity, and consequences. We examined factor structure and construct validity in four independent samples of college students ( N = 1,485). We elected to treat consequences as a separate index of problems associated with emotion dysregulation. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses did not support the reactivity subscale and instead supported a well-fitting two-factor solution for sensitivity and lability. Multi-group analyses demonstrated strong factorial invariance by gender. The resulting 12-item BEDS includes sensitivity and lability subscales and a separate consequences scale to indicate associated problems. Convergent correlations suggested good construct validity. This provides preliminary support for the BEDS as a brief transdiagnostic screening tool for emotion dysregulation and associated consequences.
Prognostic Value of En-Block Radical Bowel Resection in Advanced Ovarian Cancer Surgery With HIPEC
Authors: Panoskaltsis T. , Papadimitriou C. , Pallas N. , Karamveri C. , Kyziridis D. , Hristakis C. , Kiriakopoulos V. , Kalakonas A. , Vaikos D. , Tzavara C. , Tentes A. A.
Published: March 2023

Purpose

To identify prognostic factors of survival and recurrence in advanced ovarian cancer patients undergoing radical surgery and HIPEC.

Methods

In a single Department of Surgical Oncology, Peritoneal Surface Malignancy Program, and over a 16-year period, from a total of 274 epithelial ovarian cancer patients, retrospectively, we identified 152 patients undergoing complete (CC-0) or near-complete (CC-1) cytoreduction, including at least one colonic resection, and HIPEC.

Results

Mean age of patients was 58.8 years and CC-0 was possible in 72.4%. Rates of in-hospital mortality and major morbidity were 2.6% and 15.7%. Only 122 (80.3%) patients completed Adjuvant Systemic Chemotherapy (ASCH). Rates of metastatic Total Lymph Nodes (TLN), Para-Aortic and Pelvic Lymph Nodes (PAPLN) and Large Bowel Lymph Nodes (LBLN) were 58.7%, 58.5%, and 51.3%, respectively. Median, 5- and 10-year survival rates were 39 months, 43%, and 36.2%, respectively. The recurrence rate was 35.5%. On univariate analysis, CC-1, high Peritoneal Cancer Index (PCI), in-hospital morbidity, and no adjuvant chemotherapy were adverse factors for survival and recurrence. On multivariate analysis, negative survival indicators were the advanced age of patients, extensive peritoneal dissemination, low total number of TLN and no systemic PAPLN. Metastatic LBLN and segmental resection of the small bowel (SIR) were associated with a high risk for recurrence.

Conclusion

CC-O is feasible in most advanced ovarian cancer patients and HIPEC may confer a survival benefit. Radical bowel resection, with its entire mesocolon, may be necessary, as its lymph nodes often harbor metastases influencing disease recurrence and survival. The role of metastatic bowel lymph nodes has to be taken into account when assessing the impact of systemic lymphadenectomy in this group of patients.
Eradication of multiple-species biofilms from food industrial and domestic surfaces using essential oils
Authors: Vidács Anita , Kerekes Erika Beáta , Takó Miklós , Vágvölgyi Csaba , Krisch Judit
Published: March 2023

Microbial biofilm formation represents a serious problem for both food industry and households. Natural biofilms are formed mostly by multiple species, and show resistance against most of the usual sanitizers. In this study, the effects of cinnamon ( Cinnamomum zeylanicum), marjoram ( Origanum majorana) and thyme ( Thymus vulgaris) essential oils (EOs) and their main components (cinnamaldehyde, terpinene-4-ol, and thymol) were investigated on four-species biofilms of Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, Pseudomonas putida and Staphylococcus aureus. Minimum bactericide concentration (MBC) and killing time were determined by means of the microdilution method. MBC of the investigated EOs and components was between 0.5 mg/mL (cinnamaldehyde) to 25 mg/mL (terpinene-4-ol). Killing times for the four-species suspension were 5 or 10 min, time spans usable in the food industry. For eradication of the mixed-population biofilm from stainless steel (SS), polypropylene (PP), tile and wood surfaces, EO- or EO component-based disinfectant solutions were developed, and their effects were compared to a peracetic acid-based industrial sanitizer (HC-DPE). Total eradication of biofilms (99.9%) was achieved, with solutions containing cinnamon and thyme EO and EO components, from SS and PP, but not from tile or wood surfaces. Apparently, cinnamon EO, terpinene-4-ol and thymol have better disinfectant activity than HC-DPE.
Performance analysis of the ultra high performance concrete composite beam subjected to impact loads
Authors: Wu Min , Pei Bida , Zeng Youyi , Liu Jin , Du Xiuli
Published: March 2023

Ultra High Performance Concrete (UHPC) has gradually become the most promising high-performance material, and has achieved good results in the field of impact and explosion protection engineering. In general, normal reinforced concrete (NC) beams subjected to impact load are prone to local punching shear failure. Although pure UHPC beams can improve their impact performance, their further application is limited by the high cost. In order to achieve the balance between impact resistance and economy, this study puts forward the design scheme of local replacement and wrapping with UHPC to improve the impact resistance of reinforced concrete beams. In this work, the different research conditions including NC beam, UHPC beam and NC-UHPC composite beam are designed, and the impact resistance of specimens is compared and analyzed. The results show that UHPC local replacement scheme can effectively avoid local punching shear failure of beams. As for the UHPC wrapping scheme, the failure mode of the beam changes from punching shear failure to bending failure. Compared with NC beams, two schemes can effectively reduce the peak displacement and residual displacement in the mid-span. The peak displacement and residual displacement in the mid-span of the UHPC local replacement beam are smaller than that of UHPC wrapping schemes, and the mid-span bearing capacity is better. In this work, it is recommended to take a local replacement length greater than 2 times the beam height to avoid local punching shear failure.
Living in a segregated community? Interaction between families and service organizations supporting people with intellectual disabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Shum Michelle Hei Yan , Kwan Chi Kin , Yeung Maggie Pin Mui , Fung Kwok Kin , Ching Joshua Chi Lam
Published: March 2023

Individuals with intellectual disabilities who might have been previously placed into segregated institutions now live independently in the community, supported by the necessary community care services. Nevertheless, social inclusion can be deemed successful only if they can positively interact with the various microsystems of the community. The disruption of social service provision due to the COVID-19 pandemic allowed us to evaluate other systems of support in the community. By adopting a bioecological perspective, qualitative methods are used to examine the interactions between people with intellectual disabilities and their social environment during the pandemic primarily based on focus group sessions with 17 social workers and 12 caregivers.

Findings

Three overarching themes are identified through a thematic analysis: (1) limited social ties with the community that could provide support; (2) professional support as the main source of assistance; and (3) limited resources on how to care for people with intellectual disabilities.

Applications

The results show that unilateral systems of support with limited participation of other systems lead people with intellectual disabilities to live segregated lives, even though they reside in the community. To fully realize the right of inclusion in society of all people with intellectual disabilities, further efforts are required to promote informal social care for people with intellectual disabilities. There is a need for a shared-care model that provides care in the community by the community through the establishment of neighborly relations and expansion of the social networks of people with intellectual disabilities.
Improvements in thermal efficiency and exhaust emissions with ozone addition in a natural gas-diesel dual fuel engine
Authors: Kobashi Yoshimitsu , Inagaki Ryuya , Shibata Gen , Ogawa Hideyuki
Published: March 2023

Here, ozone (O3) was introduced into the intake air in a natural gas fueled engine ignited by diesel fuel, a natural gas–diesel dual fuel engine, to utilize the reactive O-radicals decomposed from the O3 for the promotion of the ignition and for improvements in the thermal efficiency and exhaust emissions. The engine experiments were performed over a range of equivalence ratios of the natural gas in a single cylinder engine. The timing of the pilot injection of the diesel fuel was varied from early in the compression stroke to near top dead center to examine the changes in the effects of the O3 addition on the ignition and combustion with the pilot injection timing while varying the O3 concentration. The results showed that the combination of the O3 addition and the early pilot injection is a means to improve the thermal efficiency and unburned emissions with a small amount of O3. Further, the improvement in the thermal efficiency and the reduction of the unburned hydrocarbons with the O3 addition are more pronounced for lower equivalence ratios of natural gas, while the O3 addition has a limited effect on the thermal efficiency and the unburned hydrocarbons for higher equivalence ratios of the natural gas.
Thermal effects on Common Rail injection system hydraulic performance
Authors: Ferrari Alessandro , Vento Oscar
Published: March 2023

The effect of the fuel temperature on the hydraulic performance of a Common Rail diesel injector has been investigated with an integrated experimental-numerical approach. An experimental campaign pertaining to single and double injections has been performed for fuel tank temperatures ranging from 28°C to 68°C. In general, an augment in the injected mass has been observed for increasing values of the fuel tank temperature. Moreover, the interaction between the main and after injection changes with the temperature and the dwell time threshold for fusion-free injections increases with the fuel temperature. The temperature at the injector nozzle has been measured and compared with that obtained with a thermo-fluid dynamics simple model, showing that the real temperature and the estimated one correlate well. The influence of the fuel temperature on the internal injector dynamic has been explored by means of a validated 1D numerical model of the injector thermo-fluid dynamics. The main direct effect of the temperature variation concerns the needle lift, which reaches a larger peak value for a higher fuel temperature: this explains the general increment in the injected mass and the augmented value of the injection fusion threshold for the main-after injections. The obtained results could allow more accurate open-loop control strategies for the injected mass, which include thermal effects, to be implemented.
Damage detection in guided wave structural health monitoring using Gaussian process regression
Authors: Paialunga Piero , Corcoran Joseph
Published: March 2023

Damage detection using permanently installed guided wave sensors typically involves identifying changes in A-scan data from a nominally defect-free state. A well-recognised challenge is the influence of changing operational and environmental conditions which can lead to complex evolution of the A-scan data which may mask the presence of damage. This paper is based on the observation that the amplitude at each location within the A-scan has a unique functional dependence with temperature and a unique associated uncertainty in the functional dependence. The uncertainty in the functional dependence is based on both the repeatability of the measurements and the amount of data available for characterisation. The fact that each location in an A-scan has a different uncertainty leads to the concept of an adaptive threshold. In contrast to typical damage detection that utilises a flat threshold for the whole A-scan, an adaptive threshold will be lower in locations of greater predictability and rise in locations of poorer repeatability. To achieve the aim of an adaptive threshold, the amplitude–temperature dependence and associated uncertainty is characterised for each data-point in an A-scan based on a training set of defect-free data. The inverse process can then be performed to generate a new reference A-Scan with associated confidence bounds for a given temperature. The confidence bounds act as the adaptive threshold; if a new measurement passes outside the confidence bounds then it indicates statistically significant difference between the new measurement and the training set. To demonstrate the method, pitch-catch data between two sensors of a pipe-bend over 5 months and a temperature range of approximately 50°C is used. To demonstrate the damage detection capability in a controlled way synthetic damage is added to the A-scans to produce test data. The performance is compared to Optimal baseline subtraction (OBS). In this example, the performance of the Gaussian process regression adaptive threshold method exceeds OBS when the training set exceeds around 40 measurements.
Provincializing white racial ideology: Mills’ social ontology and philosophy of education
Authors: Fraser-Burgess Sheron
Published: March 2023

Social ontology examines the nature and mechanisms in human society of concepts that pertain to various kinds of social collectivities. A pioneer in the development of this philosophical field, Mills theorised a social metaphysics of racial constructivism for modern philosophy in order to explain the enduring orthodoxies of its Anglo-centric dominance. This paper invokes the term, supervenience, to further elucidate the causal bearing of race on individual and social facts. Turning to the philosophy of education, the ontological bifurcation of asymmetrical racial worlds is a salient divide to which discourses of normative individual ethics, analytic critical thinking, and generalized social justice contribute. Given the pervasiveness of supervenience, in the unwillingness to traffic in the ontology of race, educational philosophy hamstrings the creative and critical dimensions of advancing education for a racially equitable and pluralistic democracy.
Fact-Centric Political Theory, Three Ways: Normative Behaviourism, Grounded Normative Theory, and Radical Realism
Authors: Rossi Enzo
Published: March 2023

In the last two decades, Anglophone political theory witnessed a renewed interest in social-scientific empirical findings – partly as a reaction against normative theorising centred on the formulation of abstract, intuition-driven moral principles. This brief article begins by showing how this turn has taken two distinct forms: (1) a nonideal theoretical orientation, which seeks to balance the emphasis on moral principles with feasibility and urgency considerations, and (2) a fact-centric orientation, which seeks to ground normative conclusions in empirical results. The core of the article then compares and contrasts three variants of fact-centric political theory: normative behaviourism, grounded normative theory and radical realism. The upshot: normative behaviourism achieves focus on observable behaviour at the cost of status quo bias, grounded normative theory achieves radicalism at the cost of endorsing an activist orientation to theorising and radical realism combines a non-activist orientation with the potential for far-reaching critique of the status quo.
Comprehensive Learning Curve Analysis of a Long-Term Experience With Thoracic Endovascular Aneurysm Repair
Authors: Gennai Stefano , Leone Nicola , Bartolotti Luigi AM , Andreoli Francesco , Migliari Mattia , Silingardi Roberto
Published: March 2023

Purpose:

To analyze the learning curve for thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) in a single center over a period of 25 years.

Materials and Methods:

In total, 390 consecutive standard TEVAR procedures undertaken between 1996 and 2021 were included in a retrospective, observational, single-center study. Cumulative sum charts were elaborated for the entire center experience (primary outcome) as well as for the first and second implanting physicians. Data on procedural variables (contrast volume, operative and fluoroscopy time), 30-day major adverse events (MAEs) and clinical success, and endoleak and reintervention rates were secondary outcomes and subdivided into 4 quartiles of experience (Q1–Q4) or presented as first 2 versus latest 2 quartiles (Q1–Q2 vs Q3–Q4).

Results:

The mean follow-up was 4.3±4.0 years. The center’s learning curve was achieved after 75 procedures, and it was similar for the first implanting physician. The surgeon coming thereafter had a significantly shorter curve (10 TEVARs). Comparing Q1–Q2 with Q3–Q4, 30-day MAEs (16.1 vs 11.3%, p=0.164), 30-day mortality (11.4% vs 3.6%, p=0.003), and intraoperative additional maneuvers (21.5% vs 13.3%, p=0.033) were reduced along with an improvement in clinical success (85.9% vs 90.3%, p=0.190). From Q1 to Q4, operative time (139.8±65.5 to 76.7±43.7 min, p=0.001), fluoroscopy time (15.1±8.8 to 7.1±5.1 min, p<0.001), and contrast volume (244.0±112.1 to 104.3±46.1 mL, p<0.001) showed a considerable reduction. Late endoleak and aortic-related mortality declined significantly from Q1–Q2 to Q3–Q4 (24.1% to 15.5%, p=0.033 and 18.6% vs 8.2%, p=0.006, respectively). Operative time (p=0.021), contrast volume (p=0.016), and fluoroscopy time (p=0.004) were independent risk factors for endoleak, causing a 1.3-fold risk increase for both each 60 minutes of additional operative time (p=0.021) and every 100 mL of additional contrast medium (p=0.016). Each 10-minute increase in fluoroscopy time determined a 1.4-fold risk increment (p=0.004).

Conclusion:

The learning curve shortened significantly over time with non-negligible clinical outcome improvements, suggesting that specific endovascular training is mandatory to become an effective TEVAR performer.

Clinical Impact

For the first time in literature, the standard TEVAR’s learning curve has been evaluated at a single vascular surgery center over a period of 25 years. The learning curve for the center and the first physician historically undertaking TEVAR was achieved at the 75th treated patient. The learning curve of the surgeons coming thereafter was significantly shorter (10 cases). This quarter-century demonstrated that intraoperative learning-related variables were associated with long-term clinical outcomes and all have improved over time. Centers approaching TEVAR for the first time and training program providers could use these data to aim to offer better clinical outcomes.
Silencing MARCH2 Inhibits the Invasion, Migration, and EMT Transformation of Human Colorectal Cancer SW480 Cells
Authors: Liu Yun , Longyan Ran , Guo Qingxi , Pu Xia , Wang Shaohua , Li Xiabin , Tao Yin , Sun Xingwang
Published: March 2023

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the role of MARCH2 (membrane-associated RING-CH2) in the progression, invasion, and migration of colorectal cancer (CRC). Methods: In this study, the expression levels of MARCH2 and E-cadherin in CRC tissues were detected by immunohistochemistry through retrospective study, and their correlation was analyzed. After silencing the MARCH2 gene using SiRNA MARCH2-1/-2, the invasion and migration abilities of SW480 cells were detected using Transwell and Scratch assay, respectively. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting assays were performed to detect the expression levels of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) related markers. Results: As compared to adjacent tissues, the MARCH2 expression level was significantly overexpressed in the CRC tissues, and correlated with tumor size, pathological grade, lymph node metastasis, and survival time. MARCH2 was negatively correlated with E-cadherin. MARCH2 silencing significantly restrained the invasion and migration abilities of SW480 cells in vitro. Meanwhile, the MARCH2 silencing also upregulated the mRNA and protein expression levels of E-cadherin and downregulated those of Vimentin. Conclusions: The high expression of MARCH2 was unfavorable for patients’ survival. Thus, MARCH2 might be an independent predictor for CRC patients, affecting the invasion and metastasis of CRC through EMT.
Re-Rupture 2 Years after Endovascular Aortic Aneurysm Repair Rupture
Authors: Moulakakis Konstantinos G , Tsimpoukis Andreas , Katsanos Konstantinos , Sintou Eleni , Papadoulas Spyros
Published: March 2023

Re-rupture 2 years after endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) rupture is an extremely rare event and limited data exist in the literature. We present an interesting case of a patient with an abdominal aortic rupture that had undergone 2 years before an endovascular repair for rupture after EVAR due to a type IA endoleak. The patient underwent a successful embolization of the type IA endoleak. Onyx was used to seal the gutter between the aortic wall and the endograft and the 1-month post-embolization CT showed complete sealing with no contrast in the sac. Two years after the rupture, he was presented again with clinical signs of hemodynamic shock and instability. An urgent CT Angiograph showed again rupture due to a type IA endoleak. The patient underwent an emergency open laparotomy. We analyze the re-rupture after EVAR while taking data from the literature into account.
A national cohort study of spiritual and religious practices of older people with intellectual disability
Authors: Timmins Fiona , McCausland Darren , Brennan Damien , Sheerin Fintan , Luus Retha , McCallion Philip , McCarron Mary
Published: March 2023

Background: Spirituality and spiritual support for older people with intellectual disability are deemed important, however little is known about their specific needs. This paper reports for the first time on the religious and spiritual practices of older adults with intellectual disability. Methods: A national longitudinal study examined the prevalence of spiritual practices among older people with intellectual disability in the Republic of Ireland. Results: Older people with intellectual disability seek and receive solace from religious and spiritual practices, especially if they are lonely, in poor health, distressed or bereaved. There is likely a social benefit to spiritual and religious aspects of life that would be beneficial to explore further. Conclusions: Globally more research is required and efforts should be made to ensure greater opportunities for inclusion in societal spiritual and religious activities and to more clearly determine the spiritual needs of this population.
Limb myorhythmia treated with chemodenervation: a case report
Authors: Saez-Calveras Nil , Bryarly Meredith , Salinas Meagen
Published: March 2023

We describe a case of limb myorhythmia successfully palliated with botulinum toxin injections. The patient is a 30-year-old male evaluated for abnormal movements of the left lower foot that began after an ankle injury for which the patient underwent Achilles tendon scar tissue debridement without improvement. On examination, he had near-constant involuntary, slow, rhythmic flexion/extension tremor of toes 2–4 that was diminished during active movement. Needle electromyography (EMG) revealed a rhythmic, 2–3 Hz tremor isolated to the flexor digitorum brevis. After failure of medical management with muscle relaxants, gabapentin, and levodopa trials, the patient underwent two EMG-guided chemodenervation procedures with incobotulinum toxin A injections of the left flexor digitorum brevis. At 3-month follow-up, he had achieved a sustained 50% reduction in the intensity of the movements and improved quality of life. Myorhythmia is a rare condition characterized by a repetitive, rhythmic, slow frequency (1–4 Hz) movement affecting the cranial and limb muscles. The most common causes include stroke, demyelinating disorders, drug or toxin intake, trauma, and infections. The management of this condition is very limited with pharmacologic agents such as anticholinergics, antispasmodics, anticonvulsants, or dopaminergic agents showing limited efficacy. The use of botulinum toxin chemodenervation aided by EMG muscle targeting can be a useful therapeutic intervention in cases of medication-refractory regionally distributed myorhythmia involving accessible muscles.
International beliefs and head positioning practices in patients with spontaneous hyperacute intracerebral hemorrhage
Authors: Dusenbury Wendy , Malkoff Marc D. , Schellinger Peter D. , Köhrmann Martin , Arthur Adam S. , Elijovich Lucas , Alexandrov Andrei V. , Tsivgoulis Georgios , Alexandrov Anne W.
Published: March 2023

Background:

Prior to the conduct of the Head Position in Stroke Trial (HeadPoST), an international survey ( n = 128) revealed equipoise for selection of head position in acute ischemic stroke.

Objectives:

We aimed to determine whether equipoise exists for head position in spontaneous hyperacute intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) patients following HeadPoST.

Design:

This is an international, web-distributed survey focused on head positioning in hyperacute ICH patients.

Methods:

A survey was constructed to examine clinicians’ beliefs and practices associated with head positioning of hyperacute ICH patients. Survey items were developed with content experts, piloted, and then refined before distributing through stroke listservs, social media, and purposive snowball sampling. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and χ2 test.

Results:

We received 181 responses representing 13 countries on four continents: 38% advanced practice providers, 32% bedside nurses, and 30% physicians; overall, participants had median 7 [interquartile range (IQR) = 3–12] years stroke experience with a median of 100 (IQR = 37.5–200) ICH admissions managed annually. Participants disagreed that HeadPoST provided ‘definitive evidence’ for head position in ICH and agreed that their ‘written admission orders include 30-degree head positioning’, with 54% citing hospital policies for this head position in hyperacute ICH. Participants were unsure whether head positioning alone could influence ICH longitudinal outcomes. Use of serial proximal clinical and technology measures during the head positioning intervention were identified by 82% as the most appropriate endpoints for future ICH head positioning trials.

Conclusion:

Interdisciplinary providers remain unconvinced by HeadPoST results that head position does not matter in hyperacute ICH. Future trials examining the proximal effects of head positioning on clinical stability in hyperacute ICH are warranted.
The Effects of Resveratrol Targeting MicroRNA-4325P/PDGF-B to Regulate Tumor Angiogenesis in Osteosarcoma Microenvironment
Authors: Liu Shouzheng , Jiang Hongyan , Liu Shoushan , Li Yecheng
Published: March 2023

Objectives

Here we sought to determine the specific mechanism by which resveratrol targets microRNA-4325p and PDGFB in an osteosarcoma (OS) cell line and investigate its effect on the OS cell line.

Methods

As a result of the study related to the effect of resveratrol on the conditioned media of microRNA-4325p mimic transfected MG-63 and HOS (a fibroblast and epithelial-like cell line) cells, we determined that resveratrol decreased survival, and growth, migration, and aortic ring formation of endothelial cells. A combination of miRNA mimics and HOS and MG-63 cell lines were transfected with inhibitors to explore the mechanisms behind angiogenesis formation induced by resveratrol.

Results

We found that resveratrol improved the activity of microRNA-4325p mimic transfection in OS, thus promoting angiogenesis, as demonstrated by angiogenic parameters and gene expression in OS. Following these results, it is evident that resveratrol can modulate angiogenesis by regulating microRNA-4325p expression by targeting PDGFB genes in OS cells.

Conclusion

The results demonstrate that resveratrol promotes tumor angiogenesis of OS cells through microRNA-4325p/PDGBB-mediated pathways and provides theoretical and experimental support for the discovery of new bioactive phytochemicals that are effective therapeutic agents in the prevention and treatment of OS diseases.
Blood donation practice and its predictors among undergraduate college students in Harari Regional State, Eastern Ethiopia
Authors: Idris Elias , Yadeta Elias , Debella Adera , Tamiru Dawit , Atnafe Genanaw , Arkew Mesay , Teklemariam Zelalem
Published: March 2023

Objectives:

The main objective of this study was to assess blood donation practice and its associated factors among undergraduate college students in Harari Region, Eastern Ethiopia.

Methods:

An institutional-based cross-sectional study was employed among 518 college students selected by using a simple random sampling technique. Data was collected using pretested structured self-administered questionnaire. The collected data was entered into Epi-data 3.41 and exported to Statistical Package for Social Science version 22 for analysis. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regressions were utilized to identify factors associated with blood donation practice. p-Values of 0.05 or less was used to declare statistical significance.

Results:

In this study, the overall blood donation practice was 35.7% (95% confidence interval: 31.6, 39.8). Students studying health sciences were more likely than non-health sciences students (53.5%) to donate blood. Having positive knowledge about blood donation (adjusted odds ratio = 4.17; 95% confidence interval: 2.50, 6.92), being male (adjusted odds ratio = 0.57; 95% confidence interval: 0.38, 0.87), being student of midwifery department (adjusted odds ratio = 2.16; 95% confidence interval: 1.07, 4.36) and nursing department (adjusted odds ratio = 2.42; 95% confidence interval: 1.18, 4.98) were significantly associated with blood donation practice.

Conclusion:

Practice of blood donation among college students in the study is relatively low. Knowledge about blood donation, male sex and being a nursing and midwifery student were independently associated with blood donation practice. Therefore, the Regional Health Bureau and Blood Bank in collaboration with college administrators should design and implement appropriate strategies to improve blood donation practice.