bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Maternal Dietary Patterns During Pregnancy Are Linked to Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy Among a Predominantly Low‐Income US Hispanic/Latina Pregnancy Cohort
Authors: Maldonado Luis E. , Bastain Theresa M. , Toledo‐Corral Claudia M. , Dunton Genevieve F. , Habre Rima , Eckel Sandrah P. , Yang Tingyu , Grubbs Brendan H. , Chavez Thomas , Al‐Marayati Laila A. , Breton Carrie V. , Farzan Shohreh F.
Published: February 2024

Background

Diet during pregnancy may be a potential intervention for preventing hypertensive disorders of pregnancy that disproportionally burdens Hispanic/Latina women.

Methods and Results

The MADRES (Maternal And Developmental Risks from Environmental and Social stressors) study (n=451) is a prospective pregnancy cohort of predominantly low‐income Hispanic/Latina women in Los Angeles, California, who completed up to 2 staff‐administered 24‐hour dietary recalls in the third trimester of pregnancy. Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy were abstracted from medical records and based on a physician's diagnosis or systolic or diastolic blood pressure (≥140 or ≥90 mm Hg, respectively) at ≥2 consecutive prenatal visits. Using multivariable logistic regression, we evaluated associations of 2 previously derived dietary patterns in this population (solid fats, refined grains, and cheese and vegetables, oils, and fruit) and the Healthy Eating Index 2015 with (1) gestational hypertension, (2) preeclampsia, and (3) any hypertensive disorder of pregnancy (either gestational hypertension or preeclampsia). In separate models, we additionally tested interactions with prepregnancy body mass index. Comparing highest‐to‐lowest quartiles, the solid fats, refined grains, and cheese dietary pattern was associated with an increased odds of any hypertensive disorder of pregnancy (odds ratio [OR], 3.99 [95% CI, 1.44–11.0];
P
trend
=0.014) and preeclampsia (OR, 4.10 [95% CI, 1.25–13.5];
P
trend
=0.036), whereas the vegetables, oils, and fruit pattern was associated with reduced odds of preeclampsia (OR, 0.32 [95% CI, 0.10–0.99];
P
trend
=0.041). Among the overweight prepregnancy body mass index category, inverse associations of vegetables, oils, and fruit and Healthy Eating Index 2015 with preeclampsia were more pronounced (both
P
interactions
=0.017). Healthy Eating Index 2015 findings were generally nonsignificant.

Conclusions

While the solid fats, refined grains, and cheese diet was strongly associated with preeclampsia during pregnancy, findings suggest the vegetables, oils, and fruit diet may be more relevant than Healthy Eating Index 2015 for preventing preeclampsia among low‐income Hispanic/Latina women.
Sex Differences in the Epidemiology of Intracerebral Hemorrhage Over 10 Years in a Population‐Based Stroke Registry
Authors: Foschi Matteo , D’Anna Lucio , Gabriele Claudia , Conversi Francesco , Gabriele Francesca , De Santis Federica , Orlandi Berardino , De Santis Federico , Ornello Raffaele , Sacco Simona
Published: February 2024

Background

We investigated incidence and outcome of spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) in a population‐based stroke registry and provided data to inform on the figures of the disease in women and in men.

Methods and Results

Our prospective population‐based registry included patients with first‐ever ICH occurring from January 2011 to December 2020. Incidence rates were standardized to the 2011 Italian and European population, and incidence rate ratios were calculated. Multivariate hazard ratios for 30‐day and 1‐year fatality were estimated with Cox regression, including components of the ICH score and sex. We included 748 first‐ever ICHs (41.3% women). Women were significantly older than men at ICH onset (78.9±12.6 versus 73.2±13.6 years;
P
<0.001) and showed higher clinical severity on presentation (median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, 11 [interquartile range, 6–20] versus 9 [interquartile range, 4–15], respectively;
P
=0.016). The crude annual incidence rate was 20.2 (95% CI, 18.0–22.6) per 100 000 person‐years in women and 30.2 (95% CI, 27.4–33.2) per 100 000 person‐years in men); incidence was lower in women versus men (incidence rate ratio, 0.67 [95% CI, 0.58–0.78];
P
<0.001) and did not change over time in both sexes (
P
for trend=0.073 and 0.904, respectively). Unadjusted comparison showed higher 1‐year case‐fatality rates in women versus men (48.5% versus 40.1%;
P
=0.026). After adjusting for components of the ICH score, female sex lost significance as a predictor of mortality.

Conclusions

We found lower ICH incidence in women than in men. However, women showed a higher 1‐year case‐fatality rate versus men, which was likely related to older age at ICH onset and higher clinical severity. Identification of factors explaining the reported differences is important to develop targeted interventions.
Sex Differences in the Relationship Between Schizophrenia and the Development of Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Komuro Jin , Kaneko Hidehiro , Suzuki Yuta , Okada Akira , Fujiu Katsuhito , Takeda Norifumi , Jo Taisuke , Morita Hiroyuki , Senoo Keitaro , Node Koichi , Yasunaga Hideo , Ieda Masaki , Komuro Issei
Published: February 2024

Background

There are few data on sex differences in the association between schizophrenia and the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). We sought to clarify the relationship of schizophrenia with the risk of developing CVDs and to explore the potential modification effect of sex differences.

Methods and Results

We conducted a retrospective analysis using the JMDC Claims Database between 2005 and 2022. The study population included 4 124 508 individuals aged 18 to 75 years without a history of CVD or renal replacement therapy. The primary end point is defined as a composite end point that includes myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, stroke, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, and pulmonary thromboembolism. During a mean follow‐up of 1288±1001 days, we observed 182 158 composite end points. We found a significant relationship of schizophrenia with a greater risk of developing composite CVD events in both men and women, with a stronger association observed in women. The hazard ratio for the composite end point was 1.63 (95% CI, 1.52–1.74) in women and 1.42 (95% CI, 1.33–1.52) in men after multivariable adjustment (
P
for interaction=0.0049). This sex‐specific difference in the association between schizophrenia and incident CVD was consistent for angina pectoris, heart failure, and atrial fibrillation.

Conclusions

Our analysis using a large‐scale epidemiologic cohort demonstrated that the association between schizophrenia and subsequent CVD events was more pronounced in women than in men, suggesting the clinical importance of addressing schizophrenia and tailoring the CVD prevention strategy based on sex‐specific factors.
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Is Associated With Elevated Risk of Incident Stroke and Transient Ischemic Attack in Women Veterans
Authors: Ebrahimi Ramin , Dennis Paul A. , Alvarez Carlos A. , Shroyer A. Laurie , Beckham Jean C. , Sumner Jennifer A.
Published: February 2024

Background

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been associated with ischemic heart disease in women veterans, but evidence for associations with other cardiovascular disorders remains limited in this population. This retrospective longitudinal cohort study evaluated the association of PTSD with incident stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA) in women veterans.

Methods and Results

Veterans Health Administration electronic health records were used to identify women veterans aged ≥18 years engaged with Veterans Health Administration health care from January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2019. We identified women veterans with and without PTSD without a history of stroke or TIA at start of follow‐up. Propensity score matching was used to match groups on age, race or ethnicity, traditional cardiovascular risk factors, female‐specific risk factors, a range of mental and physical health conditions, and number of prior health care visits. PTSD, stroke, TIA, and risk factors used in propensity score matching were based on diagnostic codes. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs for associations of PTSD with an incident stroke/TIA composite. Subanalyses considered stroke and TIA separately, plus age‐ and race‐ or ethnicity‐stratified analyses were carried out.

The analytic sample included 208 092 women veterans (104 046 with and 104 046 without PTSD). PTSD was associated with a greater rate of developing stroke/TIA (HR, 1.33 [95% CI, 1.25–1.42],
P
<0.001). This elevated risk was especially pronounced in women <50 years old and in Hispanic/Latina women.

Conclusions

Findings indicate a strong association of PTSD with incident stroke/TIA in women veterans. Research is needed to determine whether addressing PTSD and its downstream consequences can offset this risk.
SEM morphological study on carapace of Cyclestheria hislopi and comparison with fossil taxa
Authors: LI GANG , SHU SHUSEN
Published: February 2024

The circum-tropically distributed cryptic extant clam shrimp species Cyclestheria hislopi (Baird, 1859) is thought to be the only species of Cyclestherida, although molecular data show that its populations on different continents have large genetic distance (Schwentner et al., 2013). Its parthenogenetical reproduction and direct ovoviviparous development in the dorsal brood chamber indicate that C. hislopi is the sister taxon of all Cladocera (Olsen et al., 1996; Olsen, 1999; Olesen & Richter, 2013; Schwentner et al., 2018). While the large carapace, capable of enclosing the whole body, shows a close similarity with spinicaudatans. In this paper we document its carapace ornamentation by the use of a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and compare to related fossil taxa.
Hodotermopsid termites from the mid-Cretaceous Hkamti and Kachin ambers (Isoptera: Hodotermopsidae)
Authors: ENGEL MICHAEL S. , JOUAULT CORENTIN
Published: February 2024

The past diversity of Isoptera stands in stark contrast to their extant diversity as the number of fossil termite species is relatively low. Many early-diverging families are unknown from the Cretaceous, a crucial period encompassing the origins of many extant lineages. Therefore, the study of their past diversity dynamics, leading to their present-day diversity, and origin remains shrouded by a dearth of fossil evidence. Here, we report two new taxa of Hodotermopsidae from the Albian Hkamti and mid-Cretaceous Kachin ambers: Hodotermopsella novella gen. et sp. nov. and Tyrannotermes spinifer gen. et sp. nov., the former placed in a new subfamily, Hodotermopsellinae subfam. nov. These new species include the earliest occurrences of Hodotermopsidae in the fossil record. We propose new synonymizations for Cretaceous genera from China Jitermes Ren (= Huaxiatermes Ren and Asiatermes Ren, both syn. nov.) and Meiatermes Lacasa Ruiz & Martínez-Delclòs (= Caatingatermes Martins-Neto, Ribeiro-Júnior & Prezoto, Araripetermes Martins-Neto, Ribeiro-Júnior & Prezoto, Nordestinatermes Martins-Neto, Ribeiro-Júnior & Prezoto, all syn. nov.), and revise the status of the Carinatermitidae stat. nov. We discuss the systematic placement of the Pabuonqedidae as well as the implications of the new hodotermopsids on future divergence-time estimates for Teletisoptera and Isoptera.
A new Triassic Tettigarctidae (Insecta, Hemiptera) from the Amisan Formation (Republic of Korea)
Authors: JOUAULT CORENTIN , NAM GI-SOO , BODERAU MATHIEU , KWON SEUNG-HYUK , NEL ANDRÉ
Published: February 2024

A new species of Tettigarctidae Sanmai? zetavena sp. nov. is described and illustrated from the Late Triassic Amisan Formation (Republic of Korea). This new species is the oldest representative of the genus Sanmai Chen et al., 2016, previously only known from the Middle Jurassic of China. This discovery expands the temporal range of the genus Sanmai and increases the morphological diversity of Cicadomorpha during the Triassic. Together with recent discoveries of new fossil insect taxa, the description of this new species advocates for further study of the Amisan Formation palaeoentomofauna.
Validating GOES Radar Estimation via Machine Learning to Inform NWP (GREMLIN) Product over CONUS
Authors: Lee Yoonjin , Hilburn Kyle
Published: February 2024

Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites (GOES) Radar Estimation via Machine Learning to Inform NWP (GREMLIN) is a machine learning model that outputs composite reflectivity using GOES-R Series Advanced Baseline Imager (ABI) and Geostationary Lightning Mapper (GLM) input data. GREMLIN is useful for observing severe weather and initializing convection for short-term forecasts, especially over regions without ground-based radars. This study expands the evaluation of GREMLIN’s accuracy against the Multi-Radar Multi-Sensor (MRMS) System to the entire contiguous United States (CONUS) for the entire annual cycle. Regional and temporal variation of validation metrics are examined over CONUS by season, day of year, and time of day. Since GREMLIN was trained with data in spring and summer, root-mean-square difference (RMSD) and bias are lowest in the order of summer, spring, fall, and winter. In summer, diurnal patterns of RMSD follow those of precipitation occurrence. Winter has the highest RMSD because of cold surfaces mistaken as precipitating clouds, but some of these errors can be removed by applying the ABI clear-sky mask product and correcting biases using a lookup table. In GREMLIN, strong echoes are closely related to the existence of lightning and corresponding low brightness temperatures, which result in different error distributions over different regions of CONUS. This leads to negative biases in cold seasons over Washington State, lower 30-dBZ critical success index caused by high misses over the Northeast, and higher false alarms over Florida that are due to higher frequency of lightning.
Radar Characteristics of Supercell Thunderstorms Traversing the Appalachian Mountains
Authors: McKeown Katherine E. , Davenport Casey E. , Eastin Matthew D. , Purpura Sarah M. , Riggin Roger R.
Published: February 2024

The evolution of supercell thunderstorms traversing complex terrain is not well understood and remains a short-term forecast challenge across the Appalachian Mountains of the eastern United States. Although case studies have been conducted, there has been no large multicase observational analysis focusing on the central and southern Appalachians. To address this gap, we analyzed 62 isolated warm-season supercells that occurred in this region. Each supercell was categorized as either crossing (∼40%) or noncrossing (∼60%) based on their maintenance of supercellular structure while traversing prominent terrain. The structural evolution of each storm was analyzed via operationally relevant parameters extracted from WSR-88D radar data. The most significant differences in radar-observed structure among storm categories were associated with the mesocyclone; crossing storms exhibited stronger, wider, and deeper mesocyclones, along with more prominent and persistent hook echoes. Crossing storms also moved faster. Among the supercells that crossed the most prominent peaks and ridges, significant increases in base reflectivity, vertically integrated liquid, echo tops, and mesocyclone intensity/depth were observed, in conjunction with more frequent large hail and tornado reports, as the storms ascended windward slopes. Then, as the supercells descended leeward slopes, significant increases in mesocyclone depth and tornado frequency were observed. Such results reinforce the notion that supercell evolution can be modulated substantially by passage through and over complex terrain.

Significance Statement

Understanding of thunderstorm evolution and severe weather production in regions of complex terrain remains limited, particularly for storms with rotating updrafts known as supercell thunderstorms. This study provides a systematic analysis of numerous warm season supercell storms that moved through the central and southern Appalachian Mountains. We focus on operationally relevant radar characteristics and differences among storms that maintain supercellular structure as they traverse the terrain (crossing) versus those that do not (noncrossing). Our results identify radar characteristics useful in distinguishing between crossing and noncrossing storms, along with typical supercell evolution and severe weather production as storms cross the more prominent peaks and ridges of the central and southern Appalachian Mountains.
A Bilayer Method for Measuring Toughness and Strength of Dental Ceramics
Authors: Chai H. , Russ J. , Vardhaman S. , Lim C.H. , Zhang Y.
Published: February 2024

The ever-increasing usage of ceramic materials in restorative dentistry necessitates a simple and effective method to evaluate flexural strength σF and fracture toughness KC. We propose a novel method to determine these quantities using a bilayer specimen composed of a brittle plate adhesively bonded onto a transparent polycarbonate substrate. When this bilayer structure is placed under spherical indentation, tunneling radial cracks initiate and propagate in the lower surface of the brittle layer. The failure analysis is based on previous theoretical relationships, which correlate σF with the indentation force P and layer thickness d, and KC with P and mean length of radial cracks. This work examines the accuracy and limitations of this approach using a wide range of contemporary dental ceramic materials. The effect of layer thickness, indenter radius, load level, and length and number of radial cracks are carefully examined. The accuracy of the predicted σF and KC is similar to those obtained with other concurrent test methods, such as biaxial flexure and 3-point bending (σF), and bending specimens with crack-initiation flaws ( KC). The benefits of the present approach include treatment for small and thin plates, elimination of the need to introduce a precrack, and avoidance of dealing with local material nonlinearity effects for the KC measurements. Finally, the bilayer configuration resembles occlusal loading of a ceramic restoration (brittle layer) bonded to a posterior tooth (compliant substrate).
Test-Takers’ Perceptions of the Inclusion of Different English Accent Varieties in the IELTS Listening Tests
Authors: Kang Okim , Miao Yongzhi , Hirschi Kevin , Ahn Hyunkee
Published: February 2024

Although scholars have argued for the inclusion of both standard and nonstandard English accents in second language English listening tests to improve the test's construct- and ecological validity, little is known about other stakeholders’ perspectives. The present study explored test-takers’ perspectives of the inclusion of different spoken varieties of English in the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) listening module in relation to geographic locations. Some 241 potential and recent IELTS test takers from three geographic locations were sampled (US, South Korea, and China). An exploratory factor analysis of items probing test-taker attitudes toward different accent varieties in the listening test resulted in a three-factor solution (acceptance of standard varieties, acceptance of nonstandard varieties, and overall acceptance of both standard and nonstandard spoken varieties). Overall, regardless of their own geographic background, test takers strongly preferred standard English accents. These findings, grounded in test-takers’ perspectives, have implications for language learning and teaching and further, for test development and administration.
Chemical, thermal and film properties of metal cross-linking fluorinated polyacrylate colloid prepared via semi-continuous seeded emulsion polymerization
Authors: Chen Lijun , Cao Shusen
Published: February 2024

The metal cross-linking fluorinated polyacrylate colloid has a high cross-linking density, high transparency, high heat resistance and hydrophobicity. In this paper, the metal cross-linking fluorinated polyacrylate colloid is synthesized via the semi-continuous seeded emulsion polymerization technology, which uses the self-made magnesium acrylate, calcium acrylate and zinc acrylate as metal crosslinker and dodecafluoroheptyl methacrylate as a fluorine monomer. In this study, the ablation effect of the metal ions is weakened by the increased amount of environmentally friendly and polymerizable anion emulsifier DNS-86. The demulsification phenomenon of emulsion is successfully overcome through destroying the double layer structure of micelles or colloid particles by polyvalent metal ions. The colloidal particle size is smaller and the particle size distribution of the colloid is more uniform. Colloidal film has a good hydrophobicity and the glass transition temperature and the thermal decomposition temperature are high.
Fully distributed adaptive fuzzy consensus control for a class of heterogeneous nonlinear output feedback systems
Authors: Wang Chuanrui , Liu Zhenchong , Wang Liyun
Published: February 2024

This paper studies the distributed output feedback consensus control for a class of uncertain nonlinear multi-agent systems (MASs). The dynamics of subsystems are heterogeneous and contain unknown control gains. A novel distributed fuzzy consensus control protocol is constructed by employing variable separation technology and adaptive backstepping technique. The main advantage of the protocol is that it is distributed only depending on the relative output information. Moreover, it does not require the observer information exchange, which can avoid network attacks. A numerical example is given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
Anosmia or Ageusia Following COVID-19 Vaccination: A Systematic Review
Authors: Arabzadeh Bahri Razman , Esmaeilpur Abianeh Fatemeh , Peisepar Maral , Hadi Reihaneh , Basti Fatemeh A. , Maleki Saba , Radkhah Hanieh
Published: February 2024

Aim: To systematically review the cases of anosmia or ageusia after receiving the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in electronic databases, including Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, and PubMed, to identify any published study that evaluated the anosmia or ageusia after receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, including case reports, case series, letter to editor articles with reported cases regarding our topic, or observational studies with at least 1 eligible patient consisted with our criteria. We excluded the studies that reported anosmia or ageusia due to COVID-19 infection and non-COVID-19 vaccines. Results: Five studies consisting of 11 patients were included in this systematic review. Of the 11 patients, 5 patients had received the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine and 6 patients received the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, of which 6 patients developed symptoms after the first dose of vaccination and 5 patients were symptomatic after the second vaccine dose. Most of the patients developed symptoms within 1 week after the vaccination. The disorders of the patients included partial or total anosmia, parosmia, phantosmia, hyposmia, ageusia, and dysgeusia. Also, the patients had symptoms other than smell or taste disorders, including arthralgia, fever, chills, rhinorrhea, myalgia, abdominal pain, fatigue, muscle weakness, altered bowel pattern, aural fullness, tinnitus, and headache. Most of the evaluated patients did not receive any treatment as for their disorders. However, in some cases, treatment with oral corticosteroids or dietary supplementation was required. Conclusion: Anosmia and ageusia are important symptoms of COVID-19 vaccination. These symptoms will resolve without any treatment in most cases, although some interventions may be needed in some patients.
Positive Affect and Physical Activity Associations in Women and Their Spouses
Authors: Forster Anna K. , Richards Elizabeth A. , Franks Melissa M. , Foli Karen J. , Hass Zachary
Published: February 2024

Background:

Only 21% of U.S. women meet the recommended physical activity guidelines, placing them at increased risk for long-term conditions such as heart disease and diabetes. Physical activity is influenced by individual and interpersonal factors (e.g., romantic partners). Individual factors, such as positive affect, are associated with lower mortality risk and improved health behaviors.

Objectives:

This secondary data analysis, guided by Fredrickson’s Broaden and Build Theory, aims to examine the relationship between positive affect of married women (n = 115 couples) and their physical activity behavior on the same- and next- day, while also considering their spouses’ positive affect.

Methods:

Two population average models assessed the relationship of calm and happy (positive affect) to physical activity. Physical activity was assessed as the sum of the minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) over the prior 24 hours. Covariates of age, baseline activity frequency, education, marital quality, and race/ethnicity were also included.

Results:

Women’s happiness ( β = 0.15, p < .005), not calmness ( β = −0.03, p = .60), was found to have a significant association with same-day MVPA. Spouses’ happiness ( β = 0.11, p = .045) was significantly associated with women’s next-day MVPA while their calmness ( β = −0.04, p = .44) was not.

Conclusions:

The results of this study support that incorporating positive affect could be valuable for improving physical activity behaviors. Spouse reports provide additional context to consider in physical activity promotion research.
Could commodities themselves speak? An introduction to the agnotology of the spectacle
Authors: Murray Andrew , Bradshaw Alan
Published: February 2024

This article introduces the ‘agnotology of spectacle'. While agnotology is a relatively recent term used to describe the production and use of ignorance, we argue that Debord's Comments on the Society of the Spectacle (1992) is an early attempt to outline a global field of disinformation and secrecy. For Debord, such secrecy is required to maintain the political and moral authority of what he defined as ‘spectacle', namely the images used by states and corporations to mediate relations of power with consumers and citizens. We consider how the spectacle creates fields of disinformation and secrecy to maintain its political and moral authority by examining notes in commodities that purport to be calls for help from coerced labourers in China. These notes allow us to assess the uncanny experience of consuming goods manufactured across global supply chains which may well comprise of serious labour exploitation. However, these sources also demand a more expansive agnotology than that provided by Debord: one that engages with labour processes, contracts and race. We therefore develop Debord's ideas by examining the work of Mills and Benaji. Finally, drawing on Brecht's concept of the 'estrangement effect', we discuss how exploited workers can co-opt the aesthetics of the uncanny to articulate their subject position within a global agnotological field.
Severe lophomoniasis in a patient with diabetes and past history of COVID-19 in Central Iran: case report
Authors: Mirbadie Seyed Reza , Taheri Amirmasoud , Roshanzamir Elahe , Soleymani Eissa , Fakhar Mahdi
Published: February 2024

In this case report, we address the diagnostic challenges and clinical implications of severe infection with Lophomonas blattarum in a patient initially suspected of experiencing long COVID symptoms. We describe the patient's medical history, initial symptoms, diagnostic tests, and treatment. A female patient with diabetes in her early 60s presented with severe shortness of breath and was initially diagnosed with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). After resolution of her DKA symptoms, persistent respiratory issues led to a COVID-19 test, which was negative. A chest computed tomography scan revealed abnormalities, prompting bronchoscopy and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid analysis, which confirmed the presence of L. blattarum. Notably, the protozoan remained mobile and viable even after a 4-day transport at ambient temperature. This case emphasizes the importance of considering alternative diagnoses and improving awareness about L. blattarum infection in patients with respiratory symptoms, for timely and accurate management.
Undergraduate jazz majors’ music identities: A multiple case study
Authors: Healy Daniel , Albert Daniel J.
Published: February 2024

The past few decades have seen formal jazz degrees become more established in university music programs in the United States. As these universities strive to provide an exemplary education experience for jazz degree majors, it is especially important to thoughtfully inquire into the personal and environmental elements that led students to pursue a jazz degree. The purpose of this multiple case study is to examine the identities of four undergraduate jazz performance majors and the factors that guided their selection of major upon matriculation. Data collection included six interviews with each participant, reflective practice journals, and university small group jazz rehearsal field notes. The theoretical framework of music performer identity as framed by Davidson was used as the basis for this study. Cross-case themes that emerged as part of this theoretical framework include (1) the importance of aural music learning; (2) environments that promoted creative music-making; (3) the crucial importance of jazz recordings; (4) music as a social or communal activity; (5) attraction toward musical experimentation and variation. Study results suggest that both universities and K–12 music programs can actively prepare and engage students who are interested in jazz.
Characteristics of Geogrid-Reinforced Rubber-Coated Ballast under Cyclic Loading Conditions
Authors: Alam Md Naquib , Hussaini Syed Khaja Karimullah
Published: February 2024

Rubber-coated ballast (RCB) is a newly invented ballast made up of natural aggregates coated with recycled crumb rubber with the help of polyurethane binder. The deformation, degradation, resilience, damping, and acceleration time response for unreinforced (UR) and geogrid-reinforced (GR) RCB-natural ballast mix were explored under cyclic loading conditions. The results from the cyclic loading tests indicated that the deformation of RCB samples was higher than that of natural ballast owing to the softening properties of crumb rubber. It was also seen that the deformation of the RCB-natural ballast mix increased with the increase in RCB content. Furthermore, the resilient modulus ( Mr) of the RCB-natural ballast mix reduced while the damping ratio ( Dr) increased with the increase in RCB content. Moreover, the GR RCB-natural ballast mix exhibited lesser deformations, whereas the Mr and Dr improved compared with the UR RCB-natural ballast mix. Additionally, RCB significantly reduced the sleeper acceleration and ground-borne vibration compared with natural ballast. These accelerations were further reduced, to some extent, when the RCB-natural ballast mix was reinforced with geogrid. The particle breakage of the GR RCB-natural ballast mix was reduced considerably compared with the UR natural ballast. To minimize the volumetric strain and particle breakage of the RCB-natural ballast mix and maximize the Mr and Dr, it is recommended that around 50% of RCB content is mixed with GR natural ballast.
Effects of Speed Feedback Trailer Positioning and Police Enforcement on Vehicular Speeds in Freeway Work Zone Lane Closures
Authors: Shakir Mahmud Md , Jashami Hisham , Usamah Megat Johari Megat , Gupta Nischal , Bamney Anshu , Gates Timothy J. , Savolainen Peter
Published: February 2024

This field study sought to evaluate select strategies for improving compliance with work zone speed limits, which included a speed feedback trailer (SFT) and active police enforcement. The initial evaluation included an SFT positioned at the start or end of the taper within a freeway single-lane closure to determine which position provided the most favorable speed reductions. Positioning the SFT near the end of the taper caused the speed reductions to be sustained over a greater distance into the work zone compared with when the SFT was positioned near the start of the taper. With the SFT positioned near end of the taper, the average speed was 1.5 mph lower at the end of the taper and 0.8 mph lower 1,350-ft beyond the end of the taper compared with when the SFT was inactive. The second evaluation assessed the effectiveness of a specialized work zone enforcement strategy that included a covert speed measurement vehicle positioned near the end of the work zone along with four police cars positioned just beyond the end of the work zone to stop speeding drivers. This speed enforcement strategy reduced work zone speeds by up to 7 mph, on average, shortly beyond the end of the work zone as motorists passed by the police cars positioned on the shoulder. These speed reductions were only observed when at least one law enforcement vehicle was visibly present at the site.
Exploring the Use of Socially Assistive Robots Among Socially Isolated Korean American Older Adults
Authors: Lee Othelia EunKyoung , Nah Kwi Ok , Kim Eun Mi , Choi Namkee G. , Park Do-Hyung
Published: February 2024

This pilot study explored whether a socially assistive robot (SAR) would have positive effects on Korean American immigrant older adults’ health behaviors and emotional well-being and whether the older adults would be receptive to the SAR. A total of 30 participants (age 65+) in a large metropolitan area participated in the study, and each participant was provided a SAR named Hyodol for 4 months and interacted with it in ways that they saw appropriate. We used one-group pre- and post-test design to assess changes between baseline and follow-up in medication adherence, depressive symptoms, loneliness, and disability. Additionally, we employed in-depth qualitative interviews to explore participants’ perceptions about the SAR. At post-test, participants showed improved medication adherence, reduced depressive symptoms, and a slightly and statistically nonsignificant decrease in loneliness scores. Qualitative data suggested high adoptability of this particular SAR among the participants.
Unpacking Social Order: Toward a Novel Framework That Goes Beyond Organizations, Institutions, and Networks
Authors: Grothe-Hammer Michael , Berkowitz Héloïse
Published: February 2024

This article addresses one of the oldest, most fundamental questions: how social order comes about. Many established conceptions of social order either tend to overemphasize one specific form of social order such as institutions or networks thereby losing sight of others, or subscribe to a single binary definition often distinguishing between spontaneous and organized social order. Although we do not deny the analytical fruitfulness of these approaches, we argue that they fall short when it comes to fully grasping certain social phenomena. Against this backdrop, we expand existing approaches by accounting for the multi-dimensionality of social order. Drawing on decisional organization theory, we present a theorization of social order that outlines four properties: ontology (system or structure), determination (decided or non-decided), changeability (decidable or non-decidable), and acceptance (accepted or contested). As we will show, this framework offers a fine-grained understanding of social order on a more generalized level, accounting for the complex, relational, and processual nature of social order. This approach allows us to move beyond established categorizations of social phenomena into, for example, institutions or networks, and to put the emphasis on properties of social order, the identification of tipping points, the unpacking of complexity, and the analysis of potential incompatibilities.
Friction stir spot welding lap-shear force analysis of automotive low-carbon steel sheets joint
Authors: Barbosa Carlos E C , Batista Marcio , Batalha Gilmar F , Siqueira Rafael H M de , Bordinassi Éd C , Farias Adalto , Delijaicov Sergio
Published: February 2024

This study aims to provide reference values and outcomes to support the practical implementation of friction stir spot welding in the automotive industry. This study investigated the friction stir spot welding of AISI/SAE 1006 cold-rolled low-carbon steel sheets commonly used in automotive lightweight structural components. Employing a design of experiment-composite central design approach, process parameters like tool rotational speed, plunge depth, and dwell time were examined using a series of experiments. The friction stir spot welding process was conducted using a tungsten carbide M30 tool. The study analyzed the influence of these parameters on mechanical properties such as lap-shear force, axial force, torque, and temperature. Plunge depth showed as a statistically significant factor affecting axial force. Torque demonstrated sensitivity to plunge depth and tool rotational speed, while temperature primarily depended on tool rotational speed. The tool rotational speed and plunge depth combination led to substantial temperature increments, promoting thermal structural transformations, including recrystallization. The analyses of microstructures revealed distinct zones within the welded joint, highlighting the recrystallization phenomena primarily in the mixing zone beneath the tool. The results showed satisfactory mechanical joint quality with ductile failure modes. No significant correlation was found between the lap-shear force and the dependent parameters. The selected range of variables and the chosen tool profile suggest a viable approach for producing friction stir spot welding joints in low-carbon steel and a robustness of the process in achieving an average tensile lap-shear force of 7.48 ± 0.64 kN, surpassing the minimum specification stipulated in the American National Standard AWS D8.1 M, which is 1.5 kN. This finding highlights the complex nature of the friction stir spot welding process, suggesting that other factors beyond the investigated parameters may influence the lap-shear force and indicate the potential to achieve even higher tensile stress values in lap joints by exploring alternative parameter combinations.
Wheel profile optimization for intercity EMUs based on the Gaussian function correction method
Authors: Hou Maorui , Qi Yayun , Chi Changxin , Ao Peng , Liu Hua
Published: February 2024

Intercity EMUs are prone to wheel flange wear and tread wear due to the high operating speed and many small radius curved tracks. The problems caused by wheel wear have seriously affected the safety of high-speed railway operations in China. In this paper, based on the original LMA wheel profile, the Gaussian function correction (GFC) method is proposed to design the wheel profile. The GFC method mainly changes the root region of the wheel flange, to enhance the curve passing performance and reduce wheel wear of the vehicle. The optimal profile is optimized by the Kriging surrogate model (KSM) and the whale optimization algorithm (WOA). The wheel-rail contact characteristics, dynamic characteristics and the wheel wear of the wheel profiles before and after optimization are simulated and analyzed. The results show that the equivalent conicity of the optimized profile is reduced; the critical speed is increased by 9.3 km/h, the lateral ride index and comfort index of the vehicle are further reduced. The curve passing performance is also improved, the wheel-rail wear of the optimized profile is further reduced and the maximum wear depth of the wheels before and after optimization is 43.4e-9m and 34.1e-9m on the curved track with a radius of 500m, which is reduced by 21.43%. This method provides a reference and basis for wheel profile design and profile re-profiling of intercity EMUs.
IAPS in India: A Cross-cultural Validation Study of Highly Arousing Emotional Pictures
Authors: Lodha Surabhi , Gupta Rashmi
Published: February 2024

This article aims to obtain a set of erotic and gory pictures from the International Affective Picture System (IAPS) for use in studies across India. Additionally, it compares the ratings of a representative Indian sample with North American norms. Using the Self-assessment Manikin, adult Indian participants rated 72 arousal-matched IAPS pictures on emotional dimensions of arousal, valence and dominance. The ratings of the Indian and North American samples for valence were similar, but arousal and dominance ratings differed significantly. According to the valence–arousal relationship, the Indian sample’s emotional reactions to the unpleasant pictures compared to the pleasant ones were stronger. The Indian sample’s affective space of valence and arousal had a more curved and deeper boomerang pattern than the North American sample. The divergences in arousal and dominance ratings are attributed to cultural differences in interpreting affective information specific to erotic and gory pictures. Although there are marked similarities between the Indian and North American ratings, careful consideration of country-specific normative ratings is recommended for erotic and gory IAPS pictures.
The Sword of Roland in La Serenissima: Materiality and the Occult in Late Medieval Venice
Authors: Ryan Michael A.
Published: February 2024

Among the many recipes contained within a fifteenth-century book of secrets housed in Venice’s Biblioteca Marciana, there is a singularly unique one that offers to create the ‘Sword of Roland the Paladin’. The recipe, supposedly learned from a necromancer from Bologna, would create a solution from a mélange of herbs and alchemical salts and would purportedly invest the blade with occult powers. This recipe for creating the ‘Sword of Roland’ promises the potential of an object, rather than an actual physical thing. Nonetheless, this specific recipe offers an exceptional lens through which to investigate the intersection of material objects and magic in the late medieval Mediterranean Basin. It does so in four ways: in the physical space of the Biblioteca Marciana, in the physical codex in which the recipe is found, in the actual objects required to make the solution and in the very urban space of Venice itself.
Comparative Evaluation of Safety and Economic Burden Due to Topical Steroid Misuse in Patients with Self-medication and Prescribed Medication
Authors: Besra Laxman , Tripathy Ratikanta , Srivastava Vartika , Gaba Sakshi , Padhee Sourav
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Topical corticosteroids are currently the primary drugs to treat several dermatological disorders. But they are misused for various indications such as acne, pigmentation, fungal infection, and pruritus, and many times as a cosmetic or a skin cream for any type of rash. This study is performed to compare the magnitude of adverse events between practitioner-prescribed and self-prescribed groups of patients. In addition, this study also focuses on the demographic and educational status of patients where topical steroids are most widely misused.

Materials and Methods

It is a cross-sectional, hospital-based observational study conducted in the Department of Dermatology in collaboration with the Department of Pharmacology, KIMS, Bhubaneswar. A total of 134 patients were enrolled after getting the informed consent for the study, and assessed based on their topical steroid misuse and their adverse effects.

Results

The present study showed that steroid misuse was most common between 20 and 30 years of age group patients with low educational status. The most commonly applied steroid was clobetasol followed by mometasone and steroid abuse was more common in self-prescribed patients than physician-prescribed patients. The economic burden was more in the case of people using steroid cream only or steroid + anti-fungal creams because they have to be applied over a large body surface area. Incidence of adverse effects was observed more in self-prescribed patients and with low educational status.

Conclusion

This study highlights the fact that self-medication increases the incidence of adverse reactions and economic burden on the patients. Continuous education of patients and strict regulations regarding over-the-counter sales of steroids may help decrease the incidence of steroid misuse.
Predictive Factors for Difficulty in Simulation Methodology in Teacher Education
Authors: Angelini M. Laura , Diamanti Roberta , Aguilar-Moya Remedios
Published: February 2024

Background

Simulation methodology in teacher education offers a wide range of practice opportunities in a controlled environment. However, even though not much has been written about the benefits of simulation in teacher training, even less has been said about the difficulties perceived by the participants in doing simulation.

Method

In this study we conducted an exploratory longitudinal study which includes 205 postgraduate participants scattered around the globe who took part in a computer mediated simulation in the years 2019 to 2022 as an assessment tool in a master’s degree for teacher education. Aside from the positive impact on learning, which has already been disseminated (autor1), some recurring difficulties have been identified and presented in this study. A mixed analysis is performed based on the triangulation between qualitative and quantitative approaches. The qualitative data were analysed using a qualitative content analysis method through an open question about participants’ perceptions post-treatment, video recordings and individual final reports. The quantitative data was gathered through a Likert-type questionnaire and analysed using statistical methods.

Findings

Findings indicate that (1) simulation entails several concerns about task overload and time consumption along with lack of understanding of what the simulation phases involve (learning focus vs performance focus); and (2) simulation can cause uneasiness and anxiety related to the use of technological devices and teamwork.

Contributions

Thus, these results have several implications for research, theory and practice when it comes to applying simulation as a pedagogical strategy.
Help or Harm? Criminalizing Intimate Partner Violence and Feminist Abolitionist Frames
Authors: Derr Katelyn , Hattery Angela J. , Smith Earl
Published: February 2024

After decades of work by feminists to criminalize domestic violence, more recently feminist abolitionists have identified the harm that the carceral state has on all impacted by it, including victims/survivors. Based on interviews with a diverse sample of 22 women and men who were system impacted, we find evidence of cases in which the criminal legal system both helped and harmed the victim/survivor. We identify policy interventions that promote alternative methods to intervening in intimate partner violence relationships that center the victim/survivor, create safety, and reduce the increased surveillance and overall impact of the criminal legal system.
I don’t feel sick: Cognitive and affective processing of self-health associations using the Implicit Association Test
Authors: Tipura Eda , Jacot De Alcantara Isabele , Mantelli Amélie , Duong Phan Thanh Léa , Fischer Anna , Vuilleumier Patrik , Ronchi Roberta
Published: February 2024

Measuring implicit associations of self-concept with health or illness attributes may offer valuable insight into the mechanisms entailing the perception of one’s own health, as explicit measures of self-reported health are usually influenced by social desirability or response bias. In this study, healthy participants performed a modified version of the implicit association test (IAT) investigating implicit associations between the self and either health or illness related representations. Behaviorally, implicit associations dominated for self-health pairing, and their strength was inversely correlated with depressive traits. Neurally, concomitant EEG recording showed significant modulations of the P1, LPP, and N4 components evoked by such pairings, suggesting a facilitation of sensory responses to self-related stimuli and differential emotional processes engaged to integrate health versus illness information into self-related representations. These data offer new clues to better understand the cognitive and affective mechanisms underlying unrealistic optimism and pathological awareness of health conditions in various clinical populations.