bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Zoneamento geoquímico vertical do depósito de Pb-Zn (Cu-Ag) Santa Maria, região de Caçapava do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul
Authors: Pereira David Ramos , Macambira Moacir José Buenano , Lago Samuel Bouças do
Published: March 2024

The Pb-Zn (Cu-Ag) Santa Maria deposit, part of the Camaquã Mines, south-center of the Rio Grande do Sul state, corresponds to one of the largest base metal deposits hosted by the Neoproterozoic volcano-sedimentary successions of the Camaquã Basin. Because of their economic importance, Camaquã Mines already were the target of a serie of studies, with the consequent proposition of diverse metalogenetic models, which point to an epithermal or magmatic-hydrothermal origin. Hydrothermal deposits have a common geochemical zoning pattern of indicator elements which can be used as an effective prospective criterion. Several geochemical hydrothermal halos are identified in this paper that can potentially serve as a useful exploration guide in the Camaquã Mines region. For that, the vertical geochemical zoning of the Santa Maria deposit was investigated through petrographic and/or geochemical study of 562 samples from his 3 ore bodies. The results obtained here are preliminary (they need to be tested in soil geochemical profiles over Santa Maria ore bodies), but indicate that the multiplicative ratios (Ag × Cd)/(Pb × Zn) and (Ag × Cd)/(Cu × Zn) and the elemental ratios Ag/Zn and Ag/Cu can be useful in the search for new Pb-Zn deposits in the Camaquã Mines.
Lipoprotein Particles in Cerebrospinal Fluid
Authors: Tsujita Maki , Melchior John T. , Yokoyama Shinji
Published: March 2024

The brain is the most lipid-rich organ in the body, and the intricate interplay between lipid metabolism and pathologies associated with neurodegenerative disorders is being increasingly recognized. The brain is bathed in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which, like plasma, contains lipid-protein complexes called lipoproteins that are responsible for extracellular lipid transport. Multiple CSF lipoprotein populations exist, some of which are produced de novo in the central nervous system and others that appear to be generated from protein constituents that are produced in the periphery. These CSF lipoproteins are thought to play key roles in maintaining lipid homeostasis in the central nervous system, while little else is known due to their limited accessibility and their low abundance in CSF. Recent work has provided new insights into the compositional complexity of CSF lipoprotein families and their metabolism in cerebral circulation. The purpose of this review is to summarize our current state of knowledge on the composition, origin, and metabolism of CSF lipoproteins.
Advancing Wearable Biosensors for Congenital Heart Disease: Patient and Clinician Perspectives: A Science Advisory From the American Heart Association
Authors: Tandon Animesh , Avari Silva Jennifer N. , Bhatt Ami B. , Drummond Colin K. , Hill Allison C. , Paluch Amanda E. , Waits Sheradon , Zablah Jenny E. , Harris Kevin C. ,   on behalf of the Council on Lifelong Congenital Heart Disease and Heart Health in the Young (Young Hearts); Council on Lifestyle and Cardiometabolic Health; Council on Clinical Cardiology; and Council on Cardiovascular and Stroke Nursing
Published: March 2024

Wearable biosensors (wearables) enable continual, noninvasive physiologic and behavioral monitoring at home for those with pediatric or congenital heart disease. Wearables allow patients to access their personal data and monitor their health. Despite substantial technologic advances in recent years, issues with hardware design, data analysis, and integration into the clinical workflow prevent wearables from reaching their potential in high-risk congenital heart disease populations. This science advisory reviews the use of wearables in patients with congenital heart disease, how to improve these technologies for clinicians and patients, and ethical and regulatory considerations. Challenges related to the use of wearables are common to every clinical setting, but specific topics for consideration in congenital heart disease are highlighted.
BRICS-T Ülkelerinde Çevresel Sürdürülebilirlik: Karbon Emisyonları, Yenilenebilir Enerji ve Ekonomik Büyüme İlişkileri
Authors: Han Ayşegül
Published: March 2024

Bu makale, BRICS-T ülkelerindeki karbon emisyonu, yenilenebilir enerji ve ekonomik büyüme arasındaki ilişkileri incelemektedir. Araştırmanın temel amacı, bu faktörler arasındaki etkileşimleri anlamak ve çevresel sürdürülebilirlik açısından önemli olan dinamikleri açığa çıkarmaktır. Çalışmanın bulgularına göre, karbon emisyonuyla ekonomik büyüme arasında doğrudan bir nedensellik bulunmamaktadır. Karbon emisyonlarından yenilenebilir enerjiye doğru tek yönlü nedensellik belirlenmiştir. Ayrıca, ekonomik büyümeden yenilenebilir enerjiye doğru tek yönlü nedensellik, BRICS-T ülkelerinde ekonomik büyümenin yenilenebilir enerji yatırımlarını teşvik ettiğini göstermektedir. Sonuç olarak, bu çalışmanın bulguları, BRICS-T ülkelerinin çevresel sürdürülebilirlik hedeflerine ulaşmak için özellikle yenilenebilir enerji politikalarına odaklanmaları gerektiğini vurgulamaktadır.
The Non-Deterioration Obligation in the Nature Restoration Regulation – a Necessary and Proportionate Addition to the Habitats Directive or a Monstrosity with Disastrous Consequences for Society?
Authors: de Leeuw Bente J. , Backes Chris W.
Published: March 2024

On June 22, 2022, the European Commission proposed a nature restoration regulation with the aim of restoring degraded ecosystems across the EU by 2050. Under the proposal, Member States must prepare national restoration plans to meet various ecosystem-specific targets and obligations. Controversial is the non-deterioration obligation that will apply in areas where restoration measures are taken and in areas where certain habitat types occur. After the European Parliament (ep) and the European (Environment) Council had both adopted positions that include significant amendments of the non-deterioration provisions, in November 2023 the Council announced a compromise text as the result of the trilogue. This contribution assesses how the compromise text of the non-deterioration obligation addresses drawbacks from the previous proposals, identifies associated questions and offers some suggestions for the interpretation.
A Transformative Social Policy Perspective on Land and Agrarian Reform in Zimbabwe
Authors: Chipenda Clement
Published: March 2024

Land and agrarian reform in former settler colonies is an overlooked aspect of social policy, especially in the African context. This is, however, changing with the recognition that it is a policy instrument with functional equivalents to other conventional forms of social policy. Since the cataclysmic COVID-19 pandemic exposed the shortcomings of conventional social policy approaches, a renewed interest in land and agrarian reforms has emerged. Increasingly there has been a call for the decolonisation of social policy in Africa and for transformative social policy (TSP) initiatives, which privilege local needs and policy perspectives. With scholarship crystallising around possibilities of post-pandemic social policy transformation, this article explores lessons that can be learned from Zimbabwe's agrarian welfare regime in dealing with the challenges of rural poverty and inequality. Using empirical evidence gathered from the Goromonzi and Zvimba districts in Zimbabwe and the analytical lenses of the TSP framework, this article argues that land reform beneficiaries in an agrarian welfare regime have better opportunities for the enhancement of their welfare and wellbeing, as well as their productive and reproductive capacities. Arguably, the pandemic highlighted that access to land enhances the resilience of land reform beneficiaries and surrounding communities. Land access can be utilised to overcome rural poverty and inequality, which makes it critical for inclusive and sustainable growth.
The Effect of Frailty in Predicting Outcomes of Rib Fractures Among Elderly Patients
Authors: Johnson Emily H. , Brockman Valerie , Schmoekel Nathan , Schroeppel Thomas J.
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Rib fractures are consequential injuries for geriatric trauma patients. Frailty has been associated with adverse outcomes in this population. The Rib Fracture Frailty Index (RFF) and 5-factor modified Frailty Index (mFI) are 2 validated frailty metrics. Research assessing inclusion of frailty metrics in geriatric rib fractures triage protocols is limited.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was performed for trauma patients ≥50 years old with rib fractures admitted to a Level I trauma center, which currently uses percent predicted forced vital capacity (FVC%) to triage rib fractures patients. Frailty metrics (RFF & mFI) were calculated retrospectively, stratifying patients as low, moderate, or severe frailty. Unfavorable discharge disposition (UDD) was defined as discharge to facility or death. Unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios were used to assess frailty with outcome variables.

Results

In total, 834 patients were included from August 2018 - May 2023, with mean age of 69.1. A majority had low frailty (64.0 vs 40.3%), followed by moderate frailty (21.1 vs 30.7%), then severe frailty (14.9 vs 29.0%) for RFF and mFI, respectively. Age, sex, and ISS differed between groups. For RFF, increased frailty was associated with longer hospital and ICU length of stay. Neither frailty metric was associated with unplanned ICU transfer or intubation. In the adjusted analysis, frail patients were more likely to have UDD (OR 8.9, CI 3.4-23.0, P < .0001).

Conclusion

While both frailty metrics were predictive of UDD, neither was associated with ICU transfer or intubation, suggesting that frailty does not enhance the accuracy of our current protocol using FVC%.
Vitamin D Deficiency as a Risk Factor of Tinnitus: An Epidemiological Study
Authors: Aliyeva Aynur , Han Jae Sang , Kim Yeonji , Lim Ji Hyung , Seo Jae Hyun , Park Shi Nae
Published: March 2024

Objectives:

Vitamin D deficiency as a risk factor of tinnitus has not been well known. We tried to evaluate the association between the serum 25-(OH) vitamin D levels and tinnitus among the Korean population to propose the possible role of serum vitamin D in patients with tinnitus.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study investigated the potential risk factors of tinnitus in relation to serum 25(OH)D levels within the Korean population. It encompassed a health interview, nutrition assessment, and a health examination. Data was sourced from the KNHANES V (2010-2012), conducted by the Division of Health and Nutritional Survey under the Korean Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (KCDCP). Participants were chosen from various sampling units categorized by geography, gender, and age group. The selection was facilitated through household registries using a stratified, multistage, clustered probability sampling approach.

Results:

Data of 16 408 subjects were collected in this study. There were significant differences in gender, economic status, educational level, and sun exposure duration between the tinnitus and non-tinnitus groups. Serum 25(OH) vitamin D level between hearing loss and normal hearing was also significantly different. The logistic regression models with serum 25(OH) vitamin D quartile and tinnitus as the dependent variable, which were controlled for age, sex, smoking status, BMI, diabetes, hypertension, sun exposure, regular exercise, income, and education, eventually demonstrated that serum vitamin D deficiency and low sun exposure duration significantly increased the risk of tinnitus development.

Conclusion:

This study demonstrated a significant association between serum vitamin D levels and tinnitus, driven by large epidemiological data. The results of our study provide baseline data for further research to investigate the role of vitamin D in the pathogenesis and management of tinnitus.
Pediatric Performance-Based Outcome Measures for Upper Extremity Function: A Scoping Review and Linking to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health
Authors: Elfassy Caroline , Araújo Clarice Ribeiro Soares , Dunn Tessah , Cachecho Sarah , Elekanachi Rose , Higgins Johanne , Snider Laurie , Dahan-Oliel Noemi
Published: March 2024

Background. Performance-based outcome measures (PBOMs) are objective measures that assess physical capacity or performance in specific tasks or movements. Purpose. 1) to identify which PBOMs are most frequently reported to evaluate upper extremity (UE) function in pediatric rehabilitation 2) to determine the link between constructs of the ICF and meaningful concepts extracted from each identified PBOM. Methods. Pediatric UE PBOMs were searched in four databases. The selection of outcome measures included an initial title and abstract screening, followed by full-text review of the articles to be included based on identified selection criteria. Two reviewers were appointed to link the meaningful concepts identified in the outcome measures independently and a third reviewer was consulted in case of ambiguity to make a final decision. Findings. After the initial screening, 1786 full-text articles were reviewed, 1191 met the inclusion criteria, in which 77 outcome measures were identified and 32 were included in the linking process. From the included 32 outcome measures, 538 items were extracted and linked to the ICF. The most commonly cited measures included Assisting Hand Assessment, Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test, Melbourne Assessment of Unilateral Upper Limb. The Activity and Participation domain represented 364 codes followed by the Body Functions domain domain which represented 174 codes. Implications. A majority of the outcome measures identified were linked with the Mobility, Fine Hand Use of the ICF. Therefore, when selecting a PBOM, careful considerations need to be made regarding which concept of health is to be assessed.
Sertraline-Induced Hypoglycemia in Drug-Induced Liver Injury
Authors: Mikhael Elio , Slim Rita , El Helou Santa , Amer Lamis , Khanfour Melissa , Yaghi César
Published: March 2024

Sertraline, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, is a medication recommended as a third line treatment of cholestatic liver injury pruritis. We report a case of a young male who developed liver injury secondary to self-administration of anabolic steroids and who complained of persistent pruritis leading to a treatment by sertraline. Two days later, the patient was admitted to the hospital with a severe hypoglycemia, while the liver function tests were in amelioration. Clinical and biological evaluation were in favor of sertraline-induced hypoglycemia, a side effect rarely reported in non-diabetic patients, and in the context of hepatic injury.
Correlation of the sound quality and vibration of end of line testing for automatic transmission
Authors: Su Chengyun , Liu Dunning , Zhao Huanyu , Yuan Yanling , Song Tingbin
Published: March 2024

This paper introduces a method to quickly and accurately identify the sound quality of automatic transmission in a vehicle by testing the objective vibration parameters on automatic transmission EOL (end of line) test bench. In this study, 50 automatic transmissions serve as the research object, and the vibration parameters of each gear of the transmission are measured on the EOL bench. Then, the transmission is mounted on a vehicle, the vibration parameters and acoustic parameters of corresponding working conditions are measured, and the subjective evaluation of the noise quality of the vehicle is carried out by using a grade scoring method. After this data is collected, the specific vibration parameters and acoustic parameters that are the dominant factors of sound quality are determined by correlation analysis. Based on the multiple linear regression method, the following mathematical models are formulated: the vibration parameters and the subjective evaluation of a vehicle, and the acoustic parameters and the subjective evaluation of a vehicle. Among these models, the mathematical models of the vibration parameters and the subjective evaluation of a vehicle were verified to be more accurate. The consistency between the vibration value in a vehicle and the vibration value on EOL test bench is analyzed and the EOL vibration value is determined to be the most objective evaluation of the data. After batch testing of 100 sets, the effectiveness of this model is within 95%. Finally, the value of critical amplitude of the condition of each gear of transmission is analyzed to form the judgment standard of transmission EOL vibration to ensure better sound quality for the vehicle.
Risky Sexual Behaviours and Knowledge on Contraceptive Use and Family Planning Among Women Who Use Drugs (WWUDs) in Malaysia
Authors: Anandan Asnina , Daud Nur Aizati Athirah , Singh Darshan , Vicknasingam Balasingam
Published: March 2024

Women who use drugs (WWUDs) face elevated risk of intimate partner violence (IPV) and unsafe sexual behaviours. This prevalence study, involving 200 WWUDs in a mandated drug rehabilitation program, examined risky sexual behaviours, family planning knowledge among IPV victims, and barriers to contraceptives or condoms use. The majority were Malays (86%, n = 171/200), averaging 32.3 years of age (SD = 8.61). Over half had experienced IPV in their lifetime (53%, n = 105/200). IPV victims had higher odds of unwanted pregnancies, prior abortions, concurrent drug use with partners, drug use before sex, and cohabitation with male partners who used drugs. Sixty percent were uninformed of female condoms, and most disliked using male condoms due to performance concerns. Despite better family planning knowledge among IPV victims, WWUDs had limited awareness of contraceptive use. Interventions should prioritize empowering and educating WWUDs, particularly IPV victims, on IPV prevention and the risks associated with unsafe sexual behaviour during rehabilitation.
Race and Place Matter: Inequity in Prenatal Care for Reservation-Dwelling American Indian People
Authors: Thorsen Maggie L. , Palacios Janelle F.
Published: March 2024

Early initiation and consistent use of prenatal care is linked with improved health outcomes. American Indian birthing people have higher rates of inadequate prenatal care (IPNC), but limited research has examined IPNC among people living on American Indian reservations. The current study uses birth certificate data from the state of Montana (n = 57,006) to examine predictors of IPNC. Data on the community context is integrated to examine the role of community health in mediating the associations between reservation status and IPNC. Results suggest that reservation-dwelling birthers are more likely to have IPNC, an association partially mediated by community health. Odds of IPNC are higher for reservation-dwelling American Indian people compared to reservation-dwelling White birthers, highlighting intersecting inequalities of race and place.
Immune microenvironment of human papillomavirus-positive head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Zhu Dong , He Xiang , Li Yu , Li Guoping , Chen Min
Published: March 2024

Objectives

Research progress of human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) based on immune microenvironment.

Methods

This article preliminarily discusses the composition of immune microenvironment components and immune therapy and elaborates and analyzes the involvement and impact of T cells, B cells, natural killer (NK) cells, tumor-associated fibroblasts, and bone marrow-derived suppressor cells in HPV-positive HNSCC on tumor progression and prognosis. Furthermore, the application of immune-related therapies in HPV-positive HNSCC is explored.

Results

It is found that immune microenvironment research plays an important role in the pathogenesis and treatment of HPV-positive HNSCC.

Conclusions

Immune microenvironment research as an important means to explore tumors has played an important role in the study of HPV-positive HNSCC. We describe the biological significance of important components of HNSCC immune microenvironment by analyzing the effects of HNSCC immune microenvironment components and immunotherapy on HPV-positive HNSCC. May to provide new strategies for experimental research and clinical prevention and treatment of this disease.
Neurotic Situations: A Critical Dialogue between Freud and Fanon
Authors: Cattien Jana
Published: March 2024

This essay facilitates a critical dialogue between Freud’s early “cathartic method” and Fanon’s notion of a “neurotic situation.” Although Fanon does not explicitly develop this concept as a counterpoint to the Freudian understanding of neurosis, we can nevertheless glean from his work a robust understanding of the kind of psycho-political suffering it designates. To be in a “neurotic situation,” I argue, is to experience neurotic symptoms that are idiosyncratic to oneself and yet also a reflection of social and political structures of oppression that affect all members of an oppressed group. It is a situation that contains both idiosyncratic psychic disturbance and non-idiosyncratic political truth. As such, addressing a neurotic situation requires overcoming the strict separation between therapy and consciousness-raising that some activists espouse. Specifically, in a neurotic situation, therapy and emancipatory consciousness-raising come to shape and condition each other’s objectives: an emancipatory consciousness becomes a condition for the therapeutic alleviation of neurotic symptoms, and therapeutic relief for neurotic symptoms becomes part of what it is like to attain an emancipatory consciousness in a neurotic situation.
On the Role of Police Shootings, Recognition of Systemic Racism, and Empathy on White Americans’ Support for Police Reform
Authors: Bart-Plange Diane-Jo , Trawalter Sophie
Published: March 2024

The police kill Black Americans at disproportionate rates. Despite this, White Americans remain mixed on support for policing-related policy reform. We examined whether bearing witness to police violence leads to support for policy reforms. Across three studies ( N = 943), White participants either viewed a news video about an unarmed Black man killed at the hands of police or in a car accident due to a collision with another driver. Participants lower but not higher in symbolic racism reported more empathy after viewing a police shooting (vs. car accident) news video (Studies 1–3). Empathy predicted policing-related policy reform support (Studies 1–3) and mediated the relationship between condition and policy reform support (Studies 1 and 3), among those lower in symbolic racism (Studies 1–2). Results suggest that empathy for Black victims of police violence predicts policy support but only among those who recognize that such violence is systemic in nature.
Competition Behind Competition: State-Sponsored Awards, Political Tournaments, and Corporate Participation in Poverty Alleviation in China
Authors: Zheng Weiting , Ni Na , Luo Xiaowei Rose , You Jiaxing , Wu Xiting
Published: March 2024

Research has thus far suggested mixed effects of awards on the behavior of nonwinning firms. We draw from research on interorganizational spillover to study under what conditions state-sponsored awards motivate nonwinning firms to increase their efforts. We contend that, when government officials—an important institutional agent—are under competitive pressure from their own rivals to pursue the state goal, they are more motivated to promote the awards and trigger peer emulation, resulting in interorganizational spillover following the bestowal of awards. In turn, nonwinning firms with a greater need for government-controlled resources are more responsive to the spillover effect promoted by local officials. We test our theory with government awards to firms in China’s state-initiated poverty alleviation program. Analysis of Chinese publicly listed firms from 2016 to 2019 shows that following antipoverty award announcements, nonwinning firms improved their poverty alleviation effort more when their local government officials faced stronger competitive pressure in poverty reduction from their own close-rival officials. Notably, such spillover effects did not occur when local officials faced low competitive pressure. Our study contributes to research on interorganizational spillover and awards as well as how the state can encourage firms to tackle grand challenges.
Exit-Voice Dynamics: How do Hong Kong People Respond to Democratic Backsliding?
Authors: Lui Lake , Hsiao Yuan
Published: March 2024

Does people's greater intention to migrate deter them from participating in protests? How does protest participation shape intention to migrate? How does the relationship between migration intention and protest change amidst Hong Kong's transition to authoritarianism? Drawing upon Hirschman's exit-voice theory, this study examines the relationship between protest and migration intentions against the changing context across time. We use a time-series dataset on Hong Kong's anti-extradition movement of late 2019 for our analysis. The results show that people who have greater intention to migrate are more likely to participate in protest, but this association wanes as state repression intensifies. We find that migration intention indicates the psychological preparedness to leave, and that the fallback plan emboldens people to speak out. Yet, as the state becomes more repressive, people who intend to migrate are also sensitive to the signals about the repression, which thus attenuates protest participation. This also explains the phenomenon that more active protestors intend to leave to escape repression. People with radical political affiliations are more inclined to emigrate but this relationship attenuates over time, indicating the importance of group effects in curbing migration intentions.
Comparison of the What Works Clearinghouse Standards for Single-Case Research: Applications for Systematic Reviews
Authors: Lory Catharine , Gregori Emily
Published: March 2024

Systematic reviews of single-case experimental research (SCER) in special education often use the What Works Clearinghouse (WWC) Standards to assess the methodological rigor of studies within a given literature base. While significant changes were made between the two most recent versions of the WWC standards, no research to date has evaluated the extent to which these standards would result in different evaluation outcomes. To examine potential differences, we applied version 4.1 and 5.0 of the standards to a sample database of SCER addressing the challenging behavior of students with autism in general education settings. Systematic search, screening, and review procedures resulted in a total of 20 articles included for this review. Findings indicated a 27% change in overall ratings across the studies, with version 5.0 leading to lower ratings than version 4.1, due to factors such as a lack of assessment of procedural fidelity, therapeutic baseline trends, and insufficient data points in the first baseline phase. We discuss implications for research based on our findings and recommend future directions for SCER in the field of special education.
The respect for marriage act: The connection between marriage equality, abortion rights, and religious freedom in the USA
Authors: DEAL HEATHER E. , YANCEY GAYNOR I.
Published: March 2024

This article examines the Respect for Marriage Act (RFMA) and its connection to abortion rights and religious freedom in the United States. The RFMA was passed in response to Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas's concurring opinion to the Dobbs v. Jackson case which revoked federal abortion rights and suggested the Supreme Court reevaluate similar decisions based on due process, like Obergefell which guaranteed the federal right to same-sex marriage. This article showcases how the passage of the RFMA is a masterclass in U.S. policymaking and discusses the implications of the RFMA as well as considerations should Obergefell go the way of Dobbs.
NK1 tachykinin receptor antagonist treatment reduces cerebral edema and intracranial pressure in an ovine model of ischemic stroke
Authors: Sorby-Adams Annabel J , Marian Oana C , Bilecki Isabella M , Elms Levi E , Yassi Nawaf , Hood Rebecca J , Coller Janet K , Stuckey Shannon M , Kimberly W Taylor , Farr Tracy D , Leonard Anna V , Thornton Emma , Vink Robert , Turner Renée J
Published: March 2024

Following ischemic stroke, substance P (SP)-mediated neurogenic inflammation is associated with profound blood-brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction, cerebral edema, and elevated intracranial pressure (ICP). SP elicits its effects by binding the neurokinin 1 tachykinin receptor (NK1-R), with administration of an NK1-R antagonist shown to ameliorate BBB dysfunction and cerebral edema in rodent and permanent ovine stroke models. Given the importance of reperfusion in clinical stroke, this study examined the efficacy of NK1-R antagonist treatment in reducing cerebral edema and ICP in an ovine model of transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAo). Anesthetized sheep ( n = 24) were subject to 2-hours tMCAo and randomized ( n = 6/group) to receive early NK1-R treatment (days 1–3 post-stroke), delayed NK1-R treatment (day 5 post-stroke), or saline vehicle. At 6-days post-stroke animals were re-anaesthetized and ICP measured, followed by MRI to evaluate infarction, edema and BBB dysfunction. Following both early and delayed NK1-R antagonist administration, ICP was significantly reduced on day 6 compared to vehicle animals (p < 0.05), accompanied by a reduction in cerebral edema, midline shift and BBB dysfunction (p < 0.05). This study demonstrates that NK1-R antagonist treatment is an effective novel therapy for cerebral edema and elevated ICP following stroke in an ovine model, warranting future clinical evaluation.
The Burden of Bad Intentions: Analyzing Politicized Administrative Burdens
Authors: Newswander Chad B. , Miles Matthew R. , Newswander Lynita K.
Published: March 2024

Using a survey of nearly 2,000 federal government employees, we test the extent to which civil servants are willing to use their position to impose administrative burdens on political opponents. Such an act would create a burden of bad intentions. Rather than discovering that administrators are partisan actors through their use of burdens, we find that federal public employees support administrative burdens when they reduce fraud and waste. Furthermore, these civil servants are also not politically motivated. More precisely, federal government employees do not support administrative burdens that will give unequal benefits to members of their own political party or that will create uneven challenges for members of the opposition. Therefore, we theorize that administrators’ decisions relating to burden are motivated by a general concern for efficiency and ethics, even as decisions related to compliance and discretion may be divided into partisan lines.
Where is the panic in “panic buying”? Consumer purchases at the outset of the COVID pandemic
Authors: Lindell Michael K
Published: March 2024

The declaration of the COVID pandemic in March 2020 was immediately followed by news media accounts of “panic buying.” However, this term is problematic because it implicitly assumes that people engage in indiscriminate consumer product purchases that are motivated solely by extreme fear. Contrary to the implicit assumptions of “panic buying,” this study's examination of consumer product purchases by 435 households found that respondents drew clear distinctions among four activities (observed shortages, own consumption changes, own stockpiling, and others’ stockpiling) related to six consumer product categories (fresh produce, fresh meat, nonperishable food, cleaning supplies, sanitary supplies, and nonprescription medications). The results show that own stockpiling has moderately positive correlations with own consumption changes and is as strongly related to optimism and anger as to fear. Own stockpiling also has positive correlations with perceptions of others’ stockpiling, reliance on informal information sources, and observed shortages. Unexpectedly, own stockpiling has positive correlations with positive disaster stereotypes rather than negative disaster stereotypes, and is unrelated to expected pandemic duration, authoritative information sources, demographic characteristics, and routine stockpiling. The results suggest that the term “panic buying” should be replaced by “crisis stockpiling,” which avoids unnecessary erroneous inferences about the motivation for that behavior.
Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease with clinical presentation as multiple episodes of isolated meningeal involvement: a case report
Authors: Wei Xiaojie , Zhao Chentong , Wang Daqing , Han Jingzhe
Published: March 2024

Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease (MOGAD) constitutes a group of autoimmune neuroinflammatory conditions that are characterized by positive serum MOG-immunoglobulin G antibodies. The relationship between MOGAD and immune factors remains unclear. Herein, we report a man in his early 30s who initially presented symptoms of headache and low-grade fever persisting for 20 days. The patient experienced isolated meningitis onset and had recurrent meningitis as the primary clinical feature, which manifested as low-grade fever, headache, and neck rigidity. Although cranial magnetic resonance imaging showed no abnormalities, immunotherapy was promptly administered upon diagnosing MOGAD through positive MOG-specific antibody testing of cerebrospinal and serum fluids. Notably, the patient’s symptoms exhibited rapid improvement following treatment. Although meningitis is traditionally associated with infectious diseases, it can also occur in antibody-related autoimmune diseases that affect the central nervous system. Consequently, MOGAD should be considered in cases of aseptic meningitis with an unknown etiology, to facilitate definitive diagnosis and enhance patient prognosis.
The role of Occupational Therapy in community development to combat social isolation and loneliness
Authors: Cowen Kate , Collins Tracy , Carr Susan , Wilson Menzfeld Gemma
Published: March 2024

Background:

Social participation activities, an important area of occupation, have been effective in reducing social isolation and loneliness. However, most attendees are women, warranting the need to explore older men’s social participation needs.

Methods:

Qualitative methods, including interviews and a collaborative workshop, were used to explore the research aim. Public involvement included establishing partnerships with six staff from four community organisations and twelve older men. The project was informed by a steering committee. The steering group offered insight into all aspects of the research except analysis, which was performed thematically.

Findings:

Intergenerational engagements and the appropriate environment to establish connections with their communities were highlighted as beneficial to men. However, there is a lack of appropriate local spaces to connect communities through social participation. This suggests the need for occupational therapists to diversify their roles, moving beyond the individual and into community development.

Conclusions:

Occupational therapists’ unique and varied skill set, including the understanding of the profound impact of the environment on occupational engagement and, thus, well-being would offer valuable contributions to community development roles, including the built environment to ensure all communities have places for connection where individuals of all ages can thrive.
A case series of the Royal Perth Hospital cannula-first approach in the ‘can’t intubate, can’t oxygenate’ scenario
Authors: Heard Andrew MB , Lacquiere David A , Gordon Helen L , Douglas Scott G , Avis Hans J
Published: March 2024

At the Royal Perth Hospital, we have been developing and teaching a can’t intubate, can’t oxygenate (CICO) rescue algorithm for over 19 years, based on live animal simulation. The algorithm involves a ‘cannula-first’ approach, with jet oxygenation and progression to scalpel techniques if required in a stepwise fashion. There is little reported experience of this approach to the CICO scenario in humans. We present eight cases in which a cannula-first Royal Perth Hospital approach was successfully implemented during an airway crisis. We recommend that institutions teach and practice this approach; we believe it is effective, safe and minimally invasive when undertaken by clinicians who have been trained in it and have immediate access to the requisite equipment. The equipment is low cost, comprising a 14G Insyte cannula, saline, 5 ml syringe and a Rapid-O2. Training can be provided using low-fidelity manikins or part-task trainers.
Bridges Consumption Analysis for Oversize and Overweight Vehicles on Texas Roads
Authors: Weissmann Jose , Weissmann Angela J. , Inoue Danilo Keniti Nais , Prozzi Jorge A.
Published: March 2024

Transportation infrastructure in Texas, U.S., particularly its extensive bridge network, plays a vital role in supporting economic growth and ensuring safe and efficient mobility. With over 57,000 bridges, including more than 22,000 culverts, Texas faces the challenge of maintaining its infrastructure while dealing with limited funding resources. This paper presents the findings of a study conducted for the Texas Department of Transportation that focused on assessing the costs associated with bridge consumption by oversize and overweight (OS/OW) vehicles. The study aimed to calculate bridge consumption costs per mile for different OS/OW categories, considering factors such as axle load, spacing, bridge design life, and vehicle miles traveled (VMT). These consumption costs were calculated by analyzing traffic data and bridge inventory ratings. The results showed that, although OS/OW vehicles are responsible for the majority of the bridge consumption costs per mile, their lower VMT, relative to regular commercial vehicles, mitigates their influence on total bridge consumption costs to less than 15% of the total. The findings of this study can contribute to the ongoing efforts of transportation engineers and policymakers in addressing funding deficits and developing strategies to sustain the state’s bridge infrastructure.
Development and Initial Validation of the Cultural Match Scale for Higher Education Settings
Authors: Lee HyeSun , Soenke Melissa
Published: March 2024

Cultural mismatch theory of inequality and associated research indicates that a mismatch between independent cultural norms of institutions of higher education and students’ interdependent backgrounds account for disparities in academic achievement for students from historically underrepresented groups. Despite growing interest in interventions to reduce cultural mismatch, there was not yet a comprehensive measure of cultural match. We developed and validated the Cultural Match Scale (CMS) composed of 24 Likert-scale items. The CMS measures Navigation of Institutional Culture, Connection to Community, and Connection to Institutional Values. Data from 858 participants were utilized to obtain validity and reliability evidence. Three factors with a general method factor for all negatively worded items showed the best fit. Consistent with the prior findings, relationships with four criterion measures showed medium to large magnitudes of correlations. Reliability was acceptable to excellent levels. The use of the CSM was discussed along with the needs for future research.
Friendship Functions in Adolescence: Hungarian Version of the McGill Friendship Questionnaire
Authors: Kasik László , Jámbori Szilvia , Gál Zita , Tóth Edit
Published: March 2024

The aim of the study was to explore same-sex and opposite-sex friendship functions among 12 to 13- and 16 to 17-year-old Hungarian adolescents ( n = 304). To explore perceptions of friendship functions, the McGill Friendship Questionnaire (MFQ, 30 items, 6 factors: stimulating companionship, help, intimacy, reliable alliance, self-validation, emotional security) was used. The confirmatory factor analysis did not support the theoretical structure of MFQ. Based on the exploratory factor analysis, the 26-item Hungarian version of MFQ can be used to measure adolescents (the original 6 factors were retained). The internal reliability indices of the MFQ versions (same and opposite sex) were adequate (Cronbach’s α: .69–.88). The results only partially confirmed the age and gender hypotheses. Based on the results, the older students are more likely to acknowledge the achievements and positives of a friend for both same-sex and opposite-sex friends, as well as intimacy for opposite-sex friends. Also among older students, we identified several significant gender differences: for girls, all features of friendship were more important, except self-validation in same-sex friendship. In the opposite-sex relationship, only stimulating companionship and reliable alliance are more important for girls. The results raise the possibility that friendship functions build on and reinforce each other with age.
A Latent Variable of Holistic Nursing Competence and Turnover Intention: Job Satisfaction
Authors: Kardaş Çiğdem , Ünlüsoy Dinçer Nigar
Published: March 2024

Aim: Holistic nursing competence is very important for increasing job satisfaction and reducing turnover intention. The aim of this study is to explain the relationship between nurses’ holistic nursing competence, job satisfaction and turnover intention, and the mediating effect of job satisfaction between holistic nursing competence and turnover intention. Design: The cross-sectional design was adopted and explained with a hypothetical model. Methods: The study was conducted between March, 8 and May, 5 2021 in a training and research hospital in Turkey. The research was conducted on 342 voluntary nurses. Percentage, frequency distribution, descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation) and Pearson correlation analysis were benefitted to evaluate the data. Path analysis was used for model testing. p < 0.05 was accepted for significance. Results: The mean scores of the nurses in all scales were moderate. Holistic nursing competence was positively correlated to job satisfaction, but it is detected as negatively and less correlated to turnover intention (p < .05). Job satisfaction played a mediating role between nurses’ holistic nursing competence and their turnover intention (p < .05). Conclusions: It is important to understand nurses’ holistic nursing competencies and job satisfaction and to reduce their intention to leave. These concepts should be taken into account in order to retain professional nurses with holistic nursing competence.
A hybrid design for jointly optimizing production scheduling, control chart design and maintenance in continuous flow manufacturing
Authors: Wan Qiang , Chen Ling
Published: March 2024

Integrating the three crucial functions of quality control, economic production quantity (EPQ) and maintenance leads to cost savings and increased efficiency for manufacturing processes. While in the literature, they have typically been studied separately. Moreover, most of the existing integration models are designed for the discrete piece-part manufacturing environment. This study, nevertheless, focuses wholly on continuous flow manufacturing (CFM), which is distinctly different from piece-part manufacturing, as the sampling unit is described in light of laboratory requirements instead of the production unit. Based on this fact, this paper proposes an integrated EPQ scheme jointly designed with control-chart design and maintenance planning for the CFM process. A developed genetic algorithm is employed to minimize the expected total production cost under constraints on the economic-statistical quality. Of the costs considered, quality-related costs are quantified via an approximate formula derived from the quality loss curve depending on Taguchi’s quality loss function. A sensitivity analysis is performed on the expected total production cost and variations in the chosen system parameter values to offer insights into the issue. Finally, a comparative investigation of the suggested model and two similar models that contributed to this field is conducted.
Influence of CrCuFeMnNi high entropy alloy particle on the microstructure and mechanical properties of aerospace-grade aluminum 7075 metal-metal composite
Authors: Pandian Vasanthakumar , Kannan Sekar
Published: March 2024

This study investigates the formation of nano-crystalline CrCuFeMnNi high entropy alloy particles and influence on aluminum 7075 matrix. The mechanical alloying process successfully synthesized HEA particles with nearly equiatomic composition and excellent chemical homogeneity. To fabricate the HEA-based aluminum composite, a novel casting technique combining a modified bottom pouring stir casting furnace integrated with a mechanical supersonic vibrator and squeeze infiltration setup was employed. Optical microscopy, SEM-EDS, BSE, and EBSD techniques confirmed the uniform distribution of HEA particles within AA7075 matrix. Notably, the AA7075-15wt.% HEAp composite exhibited a significantly finer grain size compared to the AA7075-5wt.% and 10wt.% HEAp composites. The mechanical properties, including hardness, tensile and yield strength, flexural strength, and impact strength of the AA7075-HEAp composite were investigated.
Design and position-tracking control of a flexible joint based on the tendon-sheath mechanism
Authors: Xia Yulei , Yang Mingxing , Zhou Tao , Wang Hongliang , Xie Nenggang
Published: March 2024

In this study, a flexible joint comprising active and passive driving modes was designed based on the tendon-sheath mechanism. Further, angle sensors and series elastomers (SE) were integrated inside the joint to produce a compact and flexible structure. First, a model of the flexible joint was established based on the involved stiffness relation, and this model was validated using the dSPACE system. Next, to respond to the low control accuracy and poor anti-interference ability of the flexible joints, a sliding-mode controller (SMC) was designed to facilitate the precise position control, as well as achieve improved robustness. However, the flexible joint was prone to considerable tremors when the overall system was subjected to a large load mass. Therefore, a fuzzy-modified adaptive SMC (FMASMC), which adaptively adjusts the SMC parameters, was designed based on the historical-state data of the system. This control method could suppress the trembling phenomenon of the system while improving its control accuracy. Finally, it was experimentally verified that the compliant joint could achieve the expected functions. Compared with the proportional–integral–derivative (PID) and SMC control algorithms, the FMASMC algorithm could effectively overcome the tremors of the compliant actuation system and improve its control accuracy; moreover, it is also suitable for controlling other compliant joints.
Multi-physics and multi-objective optimization of a permanent magnet-assisted synchronous reluctance machine for traction applications
Authors: Puglisi Francesco , Barbieri Saverio Giulio , Mantovani Sara , Devito Giampaolo , Nuzzo Stefano
Published: March 2024

This contribution addresses the rotor design process of a Permanent Magnet-assisted Synchronous Reluctance Machine by adopting a multi-physics and multi-objective optimization algorithm. A Finite Element (FE) approach is employed to determine the electromagnetic and structural responses during the optimization. In particular, a detailed FE structural modeling is used, which often is based on simplifications and inaccuracies in the available literature. A genetic algorithm is adopted, with the objectives being the maximization of the mean torque, the minimization of the torque ripple and the minimization of the stress in the rotor. A parametric analysis of the geometric features precedes the optimization to establish the design variables which mostly affect the machine performance, and thus to reduce the computational cost of the optimization. The presented methodology consists of a useful tool for the final stages of the design process, and provides a rotor with a torque ripple reduced by 15.1% compared to an existing design used as a benchmark, while the mean torque and the maximum stress remain the same as the original configuration.