bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flexural performance of rapid-hardening concrete (RHC) beams with tension lap splice
Authors: El Fakhrany Mohamed Hussein , el-Zamrawi Amal , Ibrahim Wael , Sherif Alaa
Published: March 2024

Background

Rapid-hardening concrete (RHC) is a specialized type of concrete that gains strength at an accelerated rate, allowing for faster construction and reduced project timelines. The use of RHC in structural applications, such as in beams subjected to flexural loads, has gained significant attention due to its potential for improving construction efficiency. This study focuses on the flexural performance of RHC beams with tension lap splice, which is considered a common method for joining reinforcement bars in concrete structures.

Results

Several parameters were taken into consideration, such as concrete type, concrete cover, and reinforcement bar diameter. The loading test was performed on sixteen beams to show results of load capacities, moment–displacement response, energy absorption, and ductility. As a result, the flexural performance of RHC beams is compared to that of NC beams.

Conclusions

Results indicate that RHC beams require 30 Φ splice length after 3 days of casting, while NC beams require 40 Φ splice length after 28 days. The RHC beam had higher load capacities, ductility, resilience, and toughness than NC beams, by 73%, 41%, 82%, and 88%, respectively. The bar diameter and concrete cover had a significant effect on increasing loads and resilience, while toughness decreased.
Molecular approach for identification and validation of Eurycoma longifolia, Labisia pumila, and Orthosiphon stamineus in herbal products
Authors: Azli Siti Nor Amira Mohd , Bakar Adibah Abu , Shahimi Salwa , Nelson Bryan Raveen , Jamaludin Azi Azeyanty , Al-Obaidi Jameel R.
Published: March 2024

Background

Eurycoma longifolia (E. longifolia), Labisia pumila (L. pumila), and Orthosiphon stamineus (O. stamineus) are popular species known for their therapeutic properties. An increase in local demand for herbal products makes them susceptible to adulteration, which poses a risk to their safety and efficacy. Current identification methods, such as organoleptic, microscopic, and macroscopic analysis, need to be revised to identify plant species in highly processed herbal products due to their limited ability to detect morphological features and provide comprehensive plant taxonomy information.

Methods

This research objective was to develop a simple, reliable, and accurate DNA molecular identification method based on polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR–RFLP) for E. longifolia, L. pumila, and O. stamineus, used to validate the species identification for herbal products. PCR–RFLP was developed for rapid identification using restriction enzymes TaqI, BamH I, HinfI, EcoRI, EcoRV, Mbol, and Mspl.

Results

The nuclear DNA internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) sequences were identified and compared between plant specimens of E. longifolia, L. pumila, and O. stamineus and 101 samples of commercial herbal products. Plant specimens of E. longifolia, L. pumila, and O. stamineus were successfully identified with high similarity of 100%, 100%, and 99.33%, respectively, based on National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) GenBank. The recovery of DNA sequences from the herbal products was 60.4%, of which 81.97% were identified, and 18.03% showed no sequence through Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) identification.

Conclusion

A reliable approach for identifying and validating plant species in herbal products has been created using restriction enzymes. This simple and accurate PCR–RFLP approach efficiently identifies E. longifolia, L. pumila, and O. stamineus by analysing ITS2 sequences, assuring consumer health and safety.
Characterization of biochemical and optical properties of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) corneal collagen
Authors: Abd-Elrahman Hatem Hassan , Omar Wael Abdel-Moneim , Elnashar Hazem Abdallah
Published: March 2024

Background

Collagen extracted from fish body parts is a promising biological material. It has an important role in many pharmaceutical, medical applications and tissue engineering such as corneal regeneration and stromal replacement. The present work investigates a new trend to extract collagen from the fish cornea, as a prospected substituent of human corneal collagen by characterizing some biochemical and optical properties of the fish corneal collagen.

Results

Examination of the corneal tissue of Nile tilapia; Oreochromis niloticus was conducted using electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, UV–visible spectrophotometry, optical properties, and thermal properties. The fish were divided into 10 groups each of which consisted of 5 fish. 2 groups of fish were examined for each technique. Results indicated that the corneal layers of O. niloticus are thin at the center and thicker at the periphery with the stroma consisting of a triple helical structure collagen type I. The fish cornea showed very weak transmission at the UV regions (190 nm) and maximum transmission at the visible regions. The values of transmission (T), reflected light (R) and scattered light (S) were 2.685 mw, 100 × 10−3 mw at 45° and 40 × 10−3 mw, respectively. Consequently, the percentage of absorbed light is 21.76%. The denaturation temperature of the fish corneal stroma is 22.27 °C.

Conclusions

The method for obtaining fish collagen affects the specific properties of collagen and consequently its further uses as a potential biomedical substituent for mammalian collagen. Specification of the fish species and tissue type is crucial in identifying the quality as well as the physical and functional properties of the extracted collagen.
The role of surface electromyography in confirming the effect of blepharoplasty on strength of levator palpebrae superioris muscle in congenital blepharoptosis
Authors: Saif Dalia S. , Saad Sameh , Saadany Abdel Khalek El , Elsaify Salma , Sharafeldin Asmma Y.
Published: March 2024

Background

Blepharoptosis is an abnormal drooping of the upper eyelid margin with the eye in the primary gaze position. The clinical evaluating tests of upper eyelid muscle function lack objectivity, while surface electromyography (SEMG) is an objective evaluating tool of muscle power. We aimed to confirm the effect of blepharoplasty on levator muscle power after its shortening via levator aponeurosis resection surgery in cases of congenital ptosis through electrophysiological and clinical studies.

The study included 40 patients aged ≥ 10 years with congenital blepharoptosis from the ophthalmology department of our university hospital, along with 40 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. All participants were subjected to clinical and electrophysiological assessment of levator muscle before and after blepharoplasty.

Results

There was a significant improvement in clinical and electrophysiological findings among cases post-surgery compared with preoperative parameters. We recorded clinical improvement in 90% of patients postoperatively regarding eyelid morphology, symmetry, and visual field. Meanwhile, 82.5% of patients showed improvement in their muscle power using SEMG parameters in terms of improved muscle amplitude and firing characters compared with preoperative measures.

Conclusion

SEMG provides a standardized, objective method of analysis of upper eyelid muscle power. It confirms that levator muscle shortening via levator aponeurosis resection surgery could increase its power based on its pre-surgical power and electrophysiological characteristics; so, it could be considered an indicator of post-operative improvement of ptosis based on electrophysiological measurements before surgery. The relatively short follow-up period and lack of quantitative analysis of EMG were limitations of this study.
Inhibiting Soluble Epoxide Hydrolase Suppresses NF-κB p65 Signaling and Reduces CXCL10 Expression as a Potential Therapeutic Target in Hashimoto's Thyroiditis
Authors: Feng Jing , Xu Xianghong , Cai Wei , Yang Xingwen , Niu Ruilan , Han Ziqi , Tian Limin
Published: March 2024

Background

Although Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) is one of most common autoimmune thyroid diseases, its treatment remains focused on symptom relief. The soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) shows potential functions as a drug target in alleviating some autoimmune diseases; however, we seldom know its role in HT.

Methods

The protein expression of sEH and related downstream molecules were evaluated by immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, ELISA, or immunofluorescence staining. RNA sequencing of tissue samples was performed to analyze differential genes and dysregulated pathways in HT and controls. The thyroid follicular epithelial cells (TFECs) and rat HT model were used to verify the biological function of sEH and the inhibition role of adamantyl-ureido-dodecanoic acid (AUDA) in HT.

Results

The sEH was significantly upregulated in HT patients compared with healthy individuals. Transcriptome sequencing showed cytokine-related pathways and chemokine expression; especially chemokine CXCL10 and its receptor CXCR3 were aberrant in HT patients. In TFECs and a rat HT model, blocking sEH by AUDA inhibitor could effectively inhibit the autoantibody, proinflammatory nuclear kappa factor B (NF-κB) signaling, chemokine CXCL10/CXCR3 expression, and type-1 helper CD4+ T cells.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that sEH/NF-κB p65/CXCL10-CXCR3 might be promising therapeutic targets for HT.
Contributions of Common Genetic Variants to Constitutional Delay of Puberty and Idiopathic Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism
Authors: Lippincott Margaret F , Schafer Evan C , Hindman Anna A , He Wen , Brauner Raja , Delaney Angela , Grinspon Romina , Hall Janet E , Hirschhorn Joel N , McElreavey Kenneth , Palmert Mark R , Rey Rodolfo , Seminara Stephanie B , Salem Rany M , Chan Yee-Ming ,   the Delayed Puberty Genetics Consortium, Howard Sasha R , Dunkel Leo , Latronico Ana Claudia , de Lima Jorge Alexander A , Rezende Raíssa Carneiro , Giannakopoulos Aristeides , Mericq Verónica , Merino Paulina
Published: March 2024

Context

Constitutional delay of puberty (CDP) is highly heritable, but the genetic basis for CDP is largely unknown. Idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH) can be caused by rare genetic variants, but in about half of cases, no rare-variant cause is found.

Objective

To determine whether common genetic variants that influence pubertal timing contribute to CDP and IHH.

Design

Case-control study.

Participants

80 individuals with CDP; 301 with normosmic IHH, and 348 with Kallmann syndrome (KS); control genotyping data from unrelated studies.

Main Outcome Measures

Polygenic scores (PGS) based on genome-wide association studies for timing of male pubertal hallmarks and age at menarche (AAM).

Results

The CDP cohort had higher PGS for male pubertal hallmarks and for AAM compared to controls (for male hallmarks, Cohen's d = 0.67, P = 1 × 10−10; for AAM, d = 0.85, P = 1 × 10−16). The normosmic IHH cohort also had higher PGS for male hallmarks compared to controls, but the difference was smaller (male hallmarks d = 0.20, P = .003; AAM d = 0.10, P = .055). No differences were seen for the KS cohort compared to controls (male hallmarks d = 0.05, P = .45; AAM d = 0.03, P = .56).

Conclusion

Common genetic variants that influence pubertal timing in the general population contribute strongly to the genetics of CDP, weakly to normosmic IHH, and potentially not at all to KS. These findings demonstrate that the common-variant genetics of CDP and normosmic IHH are largely but not entirely distinct.
Effect of Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists (GLP-1RA) on Weight Loss Following Bariatric Treatment
Authors: Kramer Caroline K , Retnakaran Matthew , Viana Luciana V
Published: March 2024

Context

There has been growing recognition of the need for considering weight-loss strategies following metabolic bariatric surgery (MBS) to limit the magnitude of potential weight regain. The use of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) in this setting remains uncertain.

Objective

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the effect of GLP-1RAs on weight changes in patients who previously underwent MBS.

Methods

We examined the effect of GLP-1RAs on weight changes by calculating pooled estimates (random-effects model) of the absolute differences in body weight (kg) compared to baseline for observational studies and compared to a control group for randomized controlled trials (RCTs). A total of 17 studies (1164 participants) met our inclusion criteria. Pooling the data from the 14 observational studies evaluating the effect of GLP-1RAs post bariatric treatment demonstrated a reduction of 7.83 kg compared to pre treatment (before the use of GLP-1RA) (weight—7.83 kg [95% CI, −9.27 to −6.38]). With respect to tolerability, 23% (95% CI, 10%-36%) of participants reported any adverse event but only 7% discontinued treatment. Data from RCTs showed that the use of GLP-1RAs induced weight reduction of 4.36 kg (95% CI, −0.42 to −8.30) compared to placebo with a similar safety profile.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that the use of liraglutide and semaglutide in patients who previously underwent MBS can promote significant weight reduction with an acceptable safety profile.
Low Cortisone as a Novel Predictor of the Low-Renin Phenotype
Authors: Tapia-Castillo Alejandra , Carvajal Cristian A , Pérez Jorge A , Sandoval Alejandra , Allende Fidel , Solari Sandra , Fardella Carlos E
Published: March 2024

A large proportion of patients with low-renin hypertension (LRH) correspond to primary aldosteronism (PA). However, some of these subjects have low to normal aldosterone. Since low renin is driven by excessive mineralocorticoids or glucocorticoids acting on mineralocorticoid receptors (MRs), we hypothesize that a low-cortisone condition, associated classically with 11βHSD2 deficiency, is a proxy of chronic MR activation by cortisol, which can also lead to low renin, elevated blood pressure, and renal and vascular alterations.

Objective

To evaluate low cortisone as a predictor of low renin activity and its association with parameters of kidney and vascular damage.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was carried out in 206 adult subjects. The subjects were classified according to low plasma renin activity (<1 ng/mL × hours) and low cortisone (<25th percentile).

Results

Plasma renin activity was associated with aldosterone (r = 0.36; P < .001) and cortisone (r = 0.22; P = .001). A binary logistic regression analysis showed that serum cortisone per ug/dL increase predicted the low-renin phenotype (OR 0.4, 95% CI 0.21-0.78). The receiver operating characteristic curves for cortisone showed an area under the curve of 0.6 to discriminate subjects with low renin activity from controls. The low-cortisone subjects showed higher albuminuria and PAI-1 and lower sodium excretion. The association study also showed that urinary cortisone was correlated with blood pressure and serum potassium (P < .05).

Conclusion

This is the first study showing that low cortisone is a predictor of a low-renin condition. Low cortisone also predicted surrogate markers of vascular and renal damage. Since the aldosterone to renin ratio is used in the screening of PA, low cortisone values should be considered additionally to avoid false positives in the aldosterone–renin ratio calculation.
Research Note: A Novel Sullivan Method Projection Framework With Application to Long COVID
Authors: Ryan-Claytor Cayley , Verdery Ashton
Published: March 2024

Originally developed for estimating healthy life expectancy, the traditional Sullivan method continues to be a popular tool for obtaining point-in-time estimates of the population impacts of a wide range of health and social conditions. However, except in rare data-intensive cases, the method is subject to stringent stationarity assumptions, which often do not align with real-world conditions and restrict its resulting estimates and applications. In this research note, we present an expansion of the original method to apply within a population projection framework. The Sullivan method projection framework produces estimates that offer new insights about future trends in population health and social arrangements under various demographic and epidemiologic scenarios, such as the percentage of life years that population members can expect to spend with a condition of interest in a time interval under different assumptions. We demonstrate the utility of this framework using the case of long COVID, illustrating both its operation and potential to reveal insights about emergent population health challenges under various theoretically informed scenarios. The traditional Sullivan method provides a summary measure of the present, while its incorporation into a projection framework enables preparation for a variety of potential futures.
Rhetorical Narrative Theory and the Act of Telling: Reflections on the Search for a New Paradigm
Authors: Edholm Roger
Published: March 2024

James Phelan presents his rhetorical approach to narrative in opposition to the existing paradigm in contemporary narrative theory. His rhetorical poetics is therefore described as a search for a new paradigm. This article argues, however, that Phelan's view of narrative does not challenge the dominant paradigm within narrative theory. The main reason his approach fails to meet its goals is that it shares the common narratological aim of comprehending narrative according to a particular definition. Although the rhetorical emphasis on the action of somebody telling somebody else might seem applicable to most communicative situations we deem to be narrative, his definition is problematic in relation to literary fiction and fictional storytelling across different media. The article's examination of the key principles of Phelan's rhetorical theory thus leads to an interrogation of the methodological implications of his definition of narrative, in particular by analyzing the example of character narration. The author also presents a revised rhetorical approach, understanding narrative as a term used to denote communicative actions within a variety of contexts. The motivation behind this alternative lies not only in its theoretical contribution but also in its methodological possibilities, connecting the study of narrative fiction across different media.
The Promise, Mystery, and Perils of Stenting for Symptomatic Internal Jugular Vein Stenosis: A Case Series
Authors: Fargen Kyle M. , Midtlien Jackson P. , Belanger Katherine , Hepworth Edward J. , Hui Ferdinand K.
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Cerebral venous outflow disorders (CVDs) secondary to internal jugular vein (IJV) stenosis are becoming an increasingly recognized cause of significant cognitive and functional impairment in patients. There are little published data on IJV stenting for this condition. This study aims to report on procedural success.

METHODS:

A single-center retrospective analysis was performed on patients with CVD that underwent IJV stenting procedures.

RESULTS:

From 2019 to 2023, 29 patients with CVD underwent a total of 33 IJV stenting procedures. Most patients (20; 69%) had an underlying connective tissue disorder diagnosis. The mean age of the included patients was 36.3 years (SD 12.4), 24 were female (82.8%), and all were Caucasian except for 2 patients (27; 93.0%). Twenty-eight procedures (85%) involved isolated IJV stenting under conscious sedation, whereas 5 procedures (15%) involved IJV stenting and concomitant transverse sinus stenting under general anesthesia. Thirteen (39%) patients underwent IJV stenting after open IJV decompression and styloidectomy. Three patients had stents placed for stenosis below the C1 tubercle, one of which was for carotid compression. Periprocedural complications occurred in 11 (33%), including intracardiac stent migration in 1 patient, temporary shoulder pain/weakness in 5 (15%), and persistent and severe shoulder pain/weakness in 2 patients (6%). Approximately 75% of patients demonstrated improvement after stenting although only 12 patients (36%) had durable improvement over a mean follow-up of 4.5 months (range 6 weeks-3.5 years).

CONCLUSION:

Our experience, along with early published studies, suggests that there is significant promise to IJV revascularization techniques in these patients; however, stenting carries a high complication rate, and symptom recurrence is common. Most neurointerventionalists should not be performing IJV stenting unless they have experience with these patients and understand technical nuances (stent sizing, anatomy, patient selection), which can maximize benefit and minimize risk.
Sexually dimorphic dynamics of the microtubule network in medaka (Oryzias latipes) germ cells
Authors: Kikuchi Mariko , Yoshimoto Miyo , Ishikawa Tokiro , Kanda Yuto , Mori Kazutoshi , Nishimura Toshiya , Tanaka Minoru
Published: March 2024

Gametogenesis is the process through which germ cells differentiate into sexually dimorphic gametes, eggs and sperm. In the teleost fish medaka (Oryzias latipes), a germ cell-intrinsic sex determinant, foxl3, triggers germline feminization by activating two genetic pathways that regulate folliculogenesis and meiosis. Here, we identified a pathway involving a dome-shaped microtubule structure that may be the basis of oocyte polarity. This structure was first established in primordial germ cells in both sexes, but was maintained only during oogenesis and was destabilized in differentiating spermatogonia under the influence of Sertoli cells expressing dmrt1. Although foxl3 was dispensable for this pathway, dazl was involved in the persistence of the microtubule dome at the time of gonocyte development. In addition, disruption of the microtubule dome caused dispersal of bucky ball RNA, suggesting the structure may be prerequisite for the Balbiani body. Collectively, the present findings provide mechanistic insight into the establishment of sex-specific polarity through the formation of a microtubule structure in germ cells, as well as clarifying the genetic pathways implementing oocyte-specific characteristics.
Cost-Effectiveness of Radar Localisation Versus Wire Localisation for Wide Local Excision of Non-palpable Breast Cancer
Authors: Nguyen Chu Luan , Cui Rebecca , Zhou Michael , Ali Fatema , Easwaralingam Neshanth , Chan Belinda , Graham Susannah , Azimi Farhad , Mak Cindy , Warrier Sanjay
Published: March 2024

Background

Wire localisation (WL) is the “gold standard” localisation technique for wide local excision (WLE) of non-palpable breast lesions but has disadvantages that have led to the development of wireless techniques. This study compared the cost-effectiveness of radar localisation (RL) to WL.

Methods

This was a single-institution study of 110 prospective patients with early-stage breast cancer undergoing WLE using RL with the SCOUT® Surgical Guidance System (2021–2023) compared with a cohort of 110 patients using WL. Margin status, re-excision rates, and surgery delays associated with preoperative localisation were compared. Costs from a third-party payer perspective in Australian dollars (AUD$) calculated by using microcosting, break-even point, and cost-utility analyses.

Results

A total of 110 WLEs using RL cost a total of AUD$402,281, in addition to the device cost of AUD$77,150. The average additional cost of a surgery delay was AUD$2318. Use of RL reduced the surgery delay rate by 10% (p = 0.029), preventing 11 delays with cost savings of AUD$25,496. No differences were identified in positive margin rates (RL: 11.8% vs. WL: 17.3%, p = 0.25) or re-excision rates (RL: 14.5% vs. WL: 21.8%, p = 0.221). In total, 290 RL cases are needed to break even. The cost of WLE using RL was greater than WL by AUD$567. There was a greater clinical benefit of 1.15 quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) and an incremental cost-utility ratio of AUD$493 per QALY favouring RL.

Conclusions

Routine use of RL was a more cost-effective intervention than WL. Close to 300 RL cases are likely needed to be performed to recover costs of the medical device.

Clinical trial registration: ACTRN12624000068561.
Communicating climate change induced migration: the role of NGOs
Authors: Sakellari Maria
Published: March 2024

This study addresses the underexplored issue of climate migration in non-governmental organisations (NGOs) communication, which is particularly relevant given the anticipated effects of climate change on migratory patterns. It paints a richer picture of NGOs’ visual and textual discourses on climate migration and delves into the ways in which NGOs' depictions of climate migrants reinforce the 'us' and 'them' dichotomy that characterises policy and media circuits' wider debate on this issue. NGOs visual practises and textual narratives depoliticize climate migrants by underlining their otherness and propensity to bring social instability and disturbance. This raises doubts about the efficacy of climate migration-related online public education and policy advocacy efforts run by NGOs. This paper innovates as it encourages NGOs to create new ways of depicting climate refugees. It provides a framework for thinking about the role that NGOs could play in creating new ways of discussing climate migration.
Inadequate Social Housing and Health: The Case of Oliver Bond House, The Liberties, Dublin
Authors: Manzo Lidia Katia C. , Grove Hannah
Published: March 2024

Background Inadequate housing is an important social justice issue that adversely affects health. Methods Drawing on an extended ethnography case study, this paper presents the results of a resident-led survey to highlight the health consequences of inadequate social housing, as residents wait for a ‘fair regeneration’ of their social housing ‘flats’ estate within a gentrifying inner-city Dublin neighbourhood. Results Four key concerns were identified by residents as part of this analysis: (1) substandard housing conditions which are physically harmful to health; (2) the emotional toll of an unsafe social environment; (3) lack of child friendly and community green spaces; and (4) constrained mobility due to inaccessible housing design. Conclusions The results highlight the urgent need to place greater priority on the maintenance of the existing social housing stock and demonstrate the need for public housing policies that recognize the quality and quantity of adequate housing provision, where care is at the heart of housing policies. The paper also presents a novel ‘City of Care’ framework, following the need to develop an ethics of care within cities where public health, community wellbeing, solidarity, residents’ empowerment, and social justice principles are at the forefront. Given that housing is an essential contributor to good health, it is now time for a joint public housing and public health agenda to create healthier homes by confronting the everyday impact of inadequate housing to tackle social inequalities more broadly.
How Negative eWOM Affects Purchase Intention: Evidence from Indonesian Traveling Apps Users
Authors:   Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Indonesia, Tungki Audry Dwithabakti , Balqiah Tengku Ezni
Published: March 2024

Abstract. Traveling apps are effective tools to search information and purchase tourism products. Online reviews are the most influential information source in the tourism industry. This study determines the effect of eWOM factors: informational determinants (perceived eWOM usefulness and eWOM perceived credibility of online reviews); personal determinants (using experience of eWOM and product involvement); and the effects of negative reviews (perceived diagnosticity of negative reviews and negative review impression) on purchase intention in traveling applications through some mediating variables (attitude toward online review, attitude toward product, attitude toward brand, and eWOM adoption). This study uses Information Adoption Model and integrates consumer attitude. There were 356 respondents collected through online survey and purposive sampling. Further, Structural Equation Modeling was employed to analyze 17 hypotheses. The results showed that only perceived credibility of online review has no indirect impact on purchase intention. It exhibits the importance role of consumers' attitude and eWOM adoption as mediating variables in promoting purchase intention. This study contributes to industry, especially traveling application managers to arrange their eWOM strategies and travel product providers in managing their brand activities. Keywords: Online review, negative eWOM, Information Adoption Model.
Consumer Insight During Covid-19: Understanding the Influence of Price Saving Benefits, Time Saving Benefits, and Food Safety Risk Perception To Consumer Intention On Online Food Delivery
Authors:   Department of Information Systems, Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember, Surabaya, Nadlifatin Reny , Rahmanqa Alifio , Razif Mohammad ,   Environmental Engineering Department, Institut Teknologi Adhi Tama Surabaya, Persada Satria Fadil ,   Entrepreneurship Department, Bina Nusantara University
Published: March 2024

Abstract. Technology has a significant impact on human existence, particularly in the phenomenon of online food delivery services. Every year, this makes online food shopping more appealing to the public. The study's goal is to compare consumers' willingness to use online meal delivery services during the Covid-19 pandemic to the new normal. The research methodology employed in the study was multivariate Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). Price savings benefits, time savings benefits, and food safety risk perceptions are all considered crucial and relevant in influencing customer intentions. The relevant data was acquired from online meal delivery customers by 299 data during the survey stage. A Google form was used to conduct the survey online. The Partial Least Square SEM approach will be utilized for the data analysis calculation stage. The findings of this investigation reveal three established hypothetical links. Data analysis revealed that Food Safety Risk Perception has a negative and significant impact on customer intentions. Customers' intentions are positively influenced by the Price Saving Benefit and the Time Saving Benefit is revealed to be the highest beta value. This study also discusses theoretical and practical contributions. Keywords: Online food delivery, price saving benefits, time saving benefits, food safety risk perceptions, consumer intention
Soft Governance Across Digital Platforms Using Transparency
Authors: Doshi Anil R. , Schmidt William
Published: March 2024

Platform governance helps align the activities of participating actors to deliver value within the platforms. These platforms can operate in environments where governance is intentionally or conventionally weak in favor of open access, frictionless transactions, or free speech. Such low- or no-governance environments leave room for illegitimate actors to penetrate platforms with illegitimate content or transactions. We propose that an external observer can employ transparency mechanisms to establish “soft” governance that allows participants in a low-governance environment to distinguish between sources of legitimate and illegitimate content. We examine how this might work in the context of disinformation Internet domains by training a machine learning classifier to discern between low-legitimacy from high-legitimacy content providers based on website registration data. The results suggest that an independent observer can employ such a classifier to provide an early, although imperfect, signal of whether a website is intended to host illegitimate content. We show that the independent observer can be effective at serving multiple platforms by providing intermediate prediction results that platforms can align with their unique governance priorities. We expand our analysis with a signaling game model to ascertain whether such a soft governance structure can be resilient to adversarial responses.

Funding: Funding for this research was provided by UCL School of Management and Emory University.

Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/stsc.2023.0006 .
EDUCAÇÃO MATEMÁTICA E PESSOAS COM DEFICIÊNCIAS VISUAIS: CONVÍVIO, DIÁLOGO E FORMAÇÃO PROFISSIONAL PARA A CONSTRUÇÃO DE EXPERIÊNCIAS MATEMÁTICAS EM AMBIENTES PEDAGÓGICOS
Authors: De Assis Jean Felipe
Published: March 2024

Para contextualizar práticas inclusivas em Educação Matemática para pessoas com deficiências visuais,  um breve panorama de propostas legislativas é apresentado para salientar a responsabilidade de todos os cidadãos na superação dos desafios e na promoção de práticas que resultem em experiências didáticas adequadas. Observa-se que a responsabilidade coletiva perpassa condições físicas, curriculares e avaliativas que não se resumem a práticas individualizadas em ambientes educacionais específicos, mas são resultantes de cenários educacionais excludentes que não propiciam condições adequadas de acesso, permanência e socialização. A importância de grupos de pesquisa, ensino e extensão nos ambientes escolares é salientada, sobretudo para diagnóstico, orientação, formação profissional, produção de materiais didáticos e criação de ambientes pedagógicos. Embora existam avanços legais, estruturais e tecnológicos, convívio e diálogo são ressaltados como elementos primordiais para que os conteúdos matemáticos, as expectativas curriculares e as práticas didáticas possam ser adequadamente contextualizadas para pessoas com deficiências visuais.
Commentary on packing vs non-packing of pilonidal sinus cavities after incision and drainage
Authors: King Angela , Fegan Kathryn , Morgan Kathryn , Hill James Edward , Harrison Joanna
Published: March 2024

Pilonidal sinus disease (PSD) manifests as an inflammatory skin condition typically emerging within the anal cleft. The prevalence of this disease varies in high income countries. This disease is associated with significant physical and psychosocial distress. Surgery is an option for managing PSD; yet, surgical methods vary, and a universally accepted gold standard approach is lacking, leading to current practices that are diverse and subject to ongoing debate. One such point of contention revolves around the decision to use packing or opt for a non-packing approach following surgery. Mohamedahmed et al (2021) conducted a systematic review to evaluate the comparative outcomes of packing versus non-packing of an abscess cavity following incision and drainage of cutaneous abscess on any part of the body. This commentary aims to critically appraise the methods used within the review by Mohamedahmed et al (2021) and expand upon the findings in the context of treatment and management of PSD.
EV TİPİ MİKRODALGA FIRINLARDA SERAMİK PİŞİRİM ARAŞTIRMALARI VE MİKRODALGA PİŞİRİM HAZNESİ YAPIM ÖNERİLERİ
Authors: ÖRKEN Aziz Baha , CANDURAN Kaan
Published: March 2024

Seramik pişirim çeşitliliğine olan yönelim son yıllarda artarak seramik dünyasının ilgi odağı olmuştur. Birçoğumuzun evlerinde yer alan mikrodalga fırınlar da bu ilgiyi fazlasıyla görmektedir. Mikrodalga fırınlarda uygun pişirim haznelerinin kullanımı ile seramik pişirimine olanak sağlanmaktadır. Gerek endüstriyel gerekse sanat seramiğinde mikrodalga fırınlarda pişirim haznesi yapımı, sır pişirimi, alternatif pişirim olanakları ile ilgili araştırmalar çeşitlenmektedir. Uzun yıllardır evlerimizde yemek ısıtmak ve pişirmek için kullanılan mikrodalga fırınlar son yirmi yıl içinde sır ve bünye denemeleri için hızlı ve düşük maliyetli bir seramik deneme fırını haline dönüşmeye başlamıştır. Geleneksel pişirme ve ısıtma yöntemlerinden farklı olarak mikrodalga fırınlarda pişirme ve ısıtma işlemlerinin sürelerinin ve enerji tüketiminin daha az olduğu bilinmektedir.

Bu araştırmada öncelikle tarihsel süreç içerisinde gelişen mikrodalga enerjisi ve mikrodalga fırınları ve mikrodalga fırınların seramik alanında nasıl kullanıldıkları araştırılmıştır. Mikrodalga fırınlarda seramik pişirimi için kullanılan hazneler incelenmiş, haznelerin üretildiği malzeme alternatifleri ve daha kişisel hazne biçimlendirme yöntemleri araştırılarak denemeleri yapılmıştır. Mikrodalga fırınlar için araştırılan bu haznelerle, geleneksel pişirim teknikleri farklı killer ve sırlar 2450 Mhz ev tipi bir mikrodalga fırın kullanılarak yapılmıştır. Deneme süreçlerinde elde edilen bilgiler görsellerle desteklenerek yöntemler açıklanmıştır. Araştırma sonucunda farklı kil bünyelerinin bisküvi pişirimi, normal sırlı pişirimler ve alternatif bir pişirim tekniği olan Raku pişirimi uygulamaları yapılmıştır.
Validity And Reliability of The Indonesian Version of Reflux Symptoms Score (RSS) and Reflux Sign Assessment (RSA)
Authors: Kandhi Putu Wijaya
Published: March 2024

Introduction: Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) symptoms are unspecific and make it difficult for clinicians to make a diagnosis. Several types of questionnaires have been developed to diagnose LPR such as the reflux symptoms score (RSS) and reflux sign assessment (RSA) questionnaires. However, the use of these questionnaires in Indonesia is still experiencing obstacles because there is no Indonesian version that has been tested for validity and reliability. This study aims to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Indonesian versions of RSS and RSA.

Methods: This study was an observational analytic study with a cross-sectional design involving 40 patients with LPR during January-March 2023. Questionnaire validity was assessed using external and internal validity methods, while reliability was assessed using internal consistency and test-retest reliability.

Results: The Indonesian versions of the RSS and RSA had good internal consistency with Cronbach's α values of 0.734-0.831 and 0.743-0.809 respectively. Test-retest reliability for RSS and RSA was also good with rs of 0.930 and 0.842 respectively with p<0.001 for both questionnaires. The Indonesian versions of RSS and RSA also proved to have good validity with high correlations between RSS with reflux symptoms index (RSI) and RSA with reflux finding score (RFS) with p<0.001 for both questionnaires).

Conclusion: The Indonesian versions of the RSS and RSA questionnaires were found to be valid and reliable for the assessment of symptoms and diagnosis of LPR.
Application of a Digital Twin Model in the Packaging Process of the Panel Furniture Industry
Authors: Wang Guokun , Xiong Xianqing , Ma Ying , Xu Xiutong
Published: March 2024

The packaging process in panel furniture manufacturing enterprises is the final process in production. However, there exists a lack of effective interaction and integration between the manufacturing processes and the information system. This challenge becomes more significant in the context of intelligent manufacturing. To address this, we propose a generalized digital twin workshop model for the packaging process in panel furniture manufacturing enterprises. Using this model, we establish a digital twin workshop for Company W’s packaging process, which improves interaction and integration with the information system. By analyzing the data from the workshop service system and the workshop twin data, we identify inefficiencies in the automatic packaging line and propose an optimization scheme using the digital twin workshop model. Through simulation in the virtual workshop and actual verification, we demonstrate that the proposed scheme improves the production efficiency of the automatic packaging line by approximately 20 percent and reduces the need for 5 to 6 packaging workers. Our study presents a new solution for upgrading the information system in the packaging process of panel furniture, contributing to the development and optimization of the furniture industry in the era of intelligent manufacturing.
souverains plurilingues pour un royaume multilingue: d’Alphonse d’Aragon à Ferdinand de Naples (1442-1503).
Authors: Bistagne Florence
Published: March 2024

Le Royaume de Naples sous la Monarchie aragonaise (1442-1503) a dû négocier entre ladomination ibérique et l’identité «italienne» de la Renaissance. Les nouveaux dirigeants ontdûgagnerleur légitimité et l’italianité qui leur manquait en utilisant une politique linguistique etculturelle particulière, basée sur l’hybridation. En effet, si du point de vue littéraire, le latín jouait le rôle de langue prestigieuse, pour les autres niveaux de langage,la création d’un langue«mixte»compréhensible, de plus en plus italianisée au fil du temps, a permis de s’adresser àtous les cercles sociaux de tous les territoires. Il n’est pas surprenant qu’un des premiers auteursà écrire en italien toscan vulgaire normalisé à l’époque de la «questione della lingua», au debutdu XVIè siècle, soit le napolitain Jacopo Sannazzaro.
Verbs of Perception: A Quantitative Typological Study
Authors: Norcliffe Elisabeth , Majid Asifa
Published: March 2024

Abstract: Previous studies have proposed that the lexicalization of perception verbs is constrained by a biologically grounded hierarchy of the senses. Other research traditions emphasize conceptual and communicative factors instead. Drawing on a balanced sample of perception verb lexicons in 100 languages, we found that vision tends to be lexicalized with a dedicated verb, but that nonvisual modalities do not conform to the predictions of the sense-modality hierarchy. We also found strong asymmetries in which sensory meanings colexify. Rather than a universal hierarchy of the senses, we suggest that two domain-general constraints—conceptual similarity and communicative need—interact to shape lexicalization patterns.
Laryngeal contrast and sound change: The production and perception of plosive voicing and co-intrinsic pitch
Authors: Gao Jiayin , Kirby James
Published: March 2024

Abstract: Inspired by Beddor 2009, this article explores whether and how trading relations between coarticulatory source and effect may serve as a precursor for sound change. It aims at extending the case of vowel nasalization examined by Beddor to the relationship between closure voicing (source) and co-intrinsic pitch (effect). Through four production and perception studies, we show that the inverse source-effect relation observed for vowel nasalization is not found in the voicing contrast of French, a true-voicing language. Instead, we propose that the phonologization of co-intrinsic pitch (a.k.a. tonogenesis) originates from spontaneous devoicing (a production bias), which subsequently triggers an upweighting of pitch (a perceptual adaptation strategy).*
Power and Theory: Structural Racism and Zones of Sanctioned Ignorance
Authors: Kondo Dorinne
Published: March 2024

Abstract: Through a case study of the creative process on the thirtieth anniversary revival of Anna Deavere Smith’s Twilight: Los Angeles 1992 at the Mark Taper Forum in 2023, this essay argues for centering theories of power in theatre practice as well as scholarship. The limits of mainstream US theatre models manifested in the workings of structural racism and what Gayatri Spivak calls “zones of sanctioned ignorance”—structurally overdetermined blind spots—about race, history, acting theory, and the division of labor in the “creative”/ labor process. Knowledge of cutting-edge “theory,” the continuing critique of our own worldmaking assumptions, and expansive visions of “theory” integrated with “practice” could disrupt mind/body dualism and lead us to reimagine conventional US theatre protocols, opening possibilities for progressive change.
Introduction: Stevens and Germany, Stevens in (West) Germany
Authors: Gross Andrew Steven
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT: This first of two special issues on "Stevens and Germany" addresses a neglected topic. Five contributions by Philip McGowan, Gül Bilge Han, James Dowthwaite, George Kovalenko, and Christoph Irmscher explore the broad contours of Wallace Stevens's relation to Germany, spanning from youthful identification to tempered wartime and postwar reflections. The contributions also highlight moments in the poet's life and writing, including his visit to a German art exhibition in 1909 and his later genealogical research into the maternal, German side of the family. A related topic of scholarly neglect, at least in the United States, has been the postwar (West) German reception of Stevens. Not until the end of the Cold War and the fall of the Berlin Wall was his poetry able to slough its initial reputation as elitist and conformist. A series of new translations, most of them appearing in the twenty-first century, have helped revitalize German interest in the American poet.
Fabrication of a high-quality, small blaze angle grating for visible short-wave infrared hyperspectral cameras
Authors: Ti Yunzan , Mi Xiaotao , Zhou Jingxuan , Jiang Sibo , Chen Pengyuan , Li Shuo , Wang Zhiyi , Wang Tingyu
Published: March 2024

This study outlines the development of a low line density, small blaze angle grating, optimized for a visible to short-wave infrared hyperspectral camera. An analysis of grating specifications was conducted to meet the precise requirements of this application, particularly focusing on the stringent tolerance limits for the blaze angle. A specialized ruling tool adjustment device was designed to adhere to these exacting blaze angle tolerances. The grating groove shape was examined using atomic force microscopy (AFM), and the theoretical diffraction efficiency of the grating was calculated based on these observations. Additionally, laser-based methods were employed to measure the actual diffraction efficiency of the grating, while interferometry was used to assess the grating’s diffraction wavefront. The test results demonstrate our capability to fabricate high-quality gratings with a low line density and small blaze angles that are suitable for advanced hyperspectral imaging applications.
Surface wave control via unidirectional surface magnetoplasmon waveguide arrays
Authors: Li Shiqing , Tu Weipu , Zhang Hang , Yan Jinhua , Shen Linfang
Published: March 2024

Freely tailoring the wavefronts of surface waves (SWs), including surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) and their equivalent counterparts, holds significant importance in the field of on-chip photonics. However, conventional diffraction-optics based devices often suffer from limited functionalities and low working efficiencies. Here, we present a novel concept of a unidirectional surface magnetoplasmon (USMP) waveguide array composed of carefully engineered subwavelength-spaced unidirectional waveguide slits. By utilizing the unique propagation properties of USMPs within these waveguides, the USMP waveguide array efficiently converts USMPs into SWs with predetermined wavefronts. As proof of the concept, we numerically demonstrate this new principle through the design of two microwave USMP waveguide arrays using a metal-air-YIG structure, which directly converts USMPs into SWs with the wavefronts of Bessel beam and focusing. Additionally, we extend this concept to the terahertz regime and achieve beam deflection of SWs using a metal-air-semiconductor waveguide array. These findings may inspire the development of highly miniaturized on-chip devices for integrated photonics applications.