bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Oral Health Condition of Patients on Hemodialysis at a Tertiary Healthcare Facility in Eastern Nepal
Authors: Joshi Naresh Prasad , Shrestha Ashish , Bhagat Tarakant , Agrawal Santosh Kumari , Chhetri Roshan
Published: February 2024

Objectives. This study was done to compare the oral health of chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients on hemodialysis to healthy individuals and to assess the effect of the duration of dialysis on oral health. Materials and Methods. A comparative cross‐sectional study was conducted among purposively selected 54 cases undergoing dialysis and 54 apparently healthy controls. Caries experience and periodontal status were recorded under similar examination conditions and compared between cases and controls. The correlation between oral health and the duration of dialysis was assessed. A p value of <0.05 was considered significant. Results. The mean age of the participants was 47.09 ± 12.23 years. Median caries experience among cases and controls was two (0–26) and three (0–15), respectively (p = 0.013). Periodontitis among the two groups was found to be significantly different with a greater number of cases showing increased severity (p  < 0.001). The severe form of periodontitis was associated with a greater mean duration of dialysis. Conclusion. Significant differences exist between the periodontal health of patients undergoing dialysis compared to healthy controls. Longitudinal studies are required to check the causal effect of CKD on periodontitis.
Impact of Resveratrol and Pharmaceutical Care on Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus and Its Neuropathic Complication: A Randomized Placebo Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Amin Gulabakh Sabir M. , Marouf Bushra Hassan , Namiq Hiwa Shafiq , Salih Jamal Mahmood
Published: February 2024

Background. Management of diabetic neuropathy (DN) is a challenging issue. Therefore, integration of pharmaceutical care provided by the clinical pharmacists with pharmacotherapy may provide multifaceted approach to target the management of hyperglycemia and diabetic neuropathic complication. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of resveratrol (Resv) and/or pharmaceutical care (PC) on glycemic control and amelioration of diabetes‐associated neuropathic complications. Patients and Methods. A four‐arm randomized placebo‐controlled clinical trial assigned 120 patients from the Diabetes and Endocrinology Center in Sulaymaniyah City, Iraq. The patients were divided into four groups. The Resv group (n = 30) received 500 mg Resv capsules once daily. The Placebo group (n = 30) received placebo capsules. Resv + PC (n = 30) received Resv 500 mg capsules with PC. Placebo + PC (n = 30) received placebo capsule plus PC. The duration of the intervention was 90 days. Drug therapy problems (DTPs) have been utilized as an important domain in PC. Clinical signs, symptoms, and neuropathic abnormalities were assessed using the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument (MNSI), Douleur Neuropathique 4 (DN4) questions, and nerve conduction studies (NCSs) of the lower‐limb sensory and motor nerves. Results. 97 patients from all the groups completed the study. At baseline, 84% of the Resv, 87% of the Placebo, and 92% of each of Resv + PC and Placebo + PC groups, respectively, had at least one DTP. The provision of PC resulted in a dramatic reduction in the number of DTP. Resveratrol with PC significantly ameliorated hyperglycemic status, neuropathic signs, and symptoms, as evidenced by a decrease in MNSI and DN4 scores and improvement in electroneurographic parameters. Conclusion. These findings support the integration of the PC concept into a pharmacotherapy intervention; they also encourage supplementation of Resv with conventional diabetes therapy to emphasize on the importance of this herbal medicine with the provision of PC in the management of diabetes and its neuropathic complications. This trial is registered with NCT05172947.
A Study of Dual Function and Expression Pattern of Klf4 between Two Different Processes of Differentiation and Maintenance of Pluripotency in Spermatogonial Stem Cells
Authors: Sojoudi Kiana , Azizi Hossein , Skutella Thomas
Published: February 2024

Krüppel‐like factor 4 (Klf4) is a transcription factor involved in proliferation, self‐renewal, differentiation, apoptosis, and somatic cell reprogramming; thus, it has a critical role in accurate spermatogenesis. In this study, we examine the different protein localizations of Klf4 in the mouse testis and in two populations of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), including differentiated and undifferentiated cell types. We show that in contrast to its function during spermatogenesis in the adult testis, in vitro Klf4 is a factor in maintaining stemness in different SSC populations. Furthermore, we suggest that its functions could be age‐dependent. Bioinformatics analysis in the Cytoscape platform was conducted to highlight pathways and networks of Klf4 interactions. Our results support the different functions of Klf4 dependent on the age and differentiation state of SSCs.
A Healed Intertrochanteric Femur Fracture, Shoulder, and Rib Fractures in an Ancient Nubian Female: An Osteoarchaeological Perspective
Authors: Loder Randall T. , Buzon Michele R. , Sanders Kaitlyn E.
Published: February 2024

This report is a case of a healed proximal intertrochanteric femur fracture nonunion in an ancient Nubian adult female, approximately 58 years old at the time of death, from the Tombos archaeological site in present day northern Sudan. Tombos was founded as an Egyptian colonial town during the New Kingdom Period (14001070 BC). The individual was radiocarbon dated to 1114-910 BC and also exhibited healed fractures of the left proximal humerus and ribs. There was shortening and mild atrophy of the right femur compared to the left; radiographs demonstrated a varus deformity of the proximal femur with associated retroversion. Bone density analysis revealed that the tissue mineral density z-score for this individual was −0.798, with the z-score for Tombos females 15–24 years old being 0.396, or a total difference of 1.194. This indicates that the individual was osteopenic but not osteoporotic prior to demise. This is an important case as it occurred approximately 3000 years ago and is the oldest known reported case of a healed intertrochanteric hip fracture in the archaeological literature. Archaeological cases of intertrochanteric hip fractures are rare, with none previously reported from the BC era. The timing of these multiple fractures is unknown, but all healed before the demise of the individual. Thus, there must have been considerable care afforded to such an individual to minimize the morbidities associated with nonoperative care of such a fracture. If all these fractures occurred at the same time due to a traumatic, accidental injury, the Modified Injury Severity Score (MISS) would be 25. Modern day trauma resuscitation and orthopaedic care gives an estimated mortality for such a MISS score of 28% for those <50 years old. It is likely that this individual’s high socioeconomic status allowed for intensive nursing care which likely decreased the morality risk.
Table S3 from Single-cell Multiomics Analysis of Myelodysplastic Syndromes and Clinical Response to Hypomethylating Therapy
Authors: Campillo-Marcos Ignacio , Casado-Pelaez Marta , Davalos Veronica , Ferrer Gerardo , Mata Caterina , Mereu Elisabetta , Roué Gael , Valcárcel David , Molero Antonieta , Zamora Lurdes , Xicoy Blanca , Palomo Laura , Acha Pamela , Manzanares Ana , Tobiasson Magnus , Hellström-Lindberg Eva , Solé Francesc , Esteller Manel
Published: February 2024

Antibodies used for single cell surface protein sequencing
Figure S8 from Single-cell Multiomics Analysis of Myelodysplastic Syndromes and Clinical Response to Hypomethylating Therapy
Authors: Campillo-Marcos Ignacio , Casado-Pelaez Marta , Davalos Veronica , Ferrer Gerardo , Mata Caterina , Mereu Elisabetta , Roué Gael , Valcárcel David , Molero Antonieta , Zamora Lurdes , Xicoy Blanca , Palomo Laura , Acha Pamela , Manzanares Ana , Tobiasson Magnus , Hellström-Lindberg Eva , Solé Francesc , Esteller Manel
Published: February 2024

Distribution of WT and mutant cells per gene
Figure S2 from Single-cell Multiomics Analysis of Myelodysplastic Syndromes and Clinical Response to Hypomethylating Therapy
Authors: Campillo-Marcos Ignacio , Casado-Pelaez Marta , Davalos Veronica , Ferrer Gerardo , Mata Caterina , Mereu Elisabetta , Roué Gael , Valcárcel David , Molero Antonieta , Zamora Lurdes , Xicoy Blanca , Palomo Laura , Acha Pamela , Manzanares Ana , Tobiasson Magnus , Hellström-Lindberg Eva , Solé Francesc , Esteller Manel
Published: February 2024

Distribution of mutations in CHIP-associated genes at diagnosis according to response status
Figure S11 from Single-cell Multiomics Analysis of Myelodysplastic Syndromes and Clinical Response to Hypomethylating Therapy
Authors: Campillo-Marcos Ignacio , Casado-Pelaez Marta , Davalos Veronica , Ferrer Gerardo , Mata Caterina , Mereu Elisabetta , Roué Gael , Valcárcel David , Molero Antonieta , Zamora Lurdes , Xicoy Blanca , Palomo Laura , Acha Pamela , Manzanares Ana , Tobiasson Magnus , Hellström-Lindberg Eva , Solé Francesc , Esteller Manel
Published: February 2024

Impact of AZA treatment on mutant cell populations in patients with hematological improvement (HI)
Figure S1 from Single-cell Multiomics Analysis of Myelodysplastic Syndromes and Clinical Response to Hypomethylating Therapy
Authors: Campillo-Marcos Ignacio , Casado-Pelaez Marta , Davalos Veronica , Ferrer Gerardo , Mata Caterina , Mereu Elisabetta , Roué Gael , Valcárcel David , Molero Antonieta , Zamora Lurdes , Xicoy Blanca , Palomo Laura , Acha Pamela , Manzanares Ana , Tobiasson Magnus , Hellström-Lindberg Eva , Solé Francesc , Esteller Manel
Published: February 2024

Mutational burden at diagnosis across patients and correlation between single-cell and bulk VAFs
FIGURE 6 from Single-cell Multiomics Analysis of Myelodysplastic Syndromes and Clinical Response to Hypomethylating Therapy
Authors: Campillo-Marcos Ignacio , Casado-Pelaez Marta , Davalos Veronica , Ferrer Gerardo , Mata Caterina , Mereu Elisabetta , Roué Gael , Valcárcel David , Molero Antonieta , Zamora Lurdes , Xicoy Blanca , Palomo Laura , Acha Pamela , Manzanares Ana , Tobiasson Magnus , Hellström-Lindberg Eva , Solé Francesc , Esteller Manel
Published: February 2024

Impact of AZA treatment on mutant cell populations in responder patients. A, Mutant cell type proportions at diagnosis and after AZA treatment in responders. *, scCODA FDR <0.1. B, UMAPs at diagnosis and after AZA in all the HMA responder patients, colored by number of mutations per cell, highlight the three mutant populations significantly associated with response. C, UMAPs highlighting mutant HSPCs in patient #2 (responder), mutant immature granulocytes in patient #9 (responder) and mutant immature monocytes in patient #7 (responder), colored by clone. Dx, diagnosis; Aza, after AZA treatment.
FIGURE 1 from Single-cell Multiomics Analysis of Myelodysplastic Syndromes and Clinical Response to Hypomethylating Therapy
Authors: Campillo-Marcos Ignacio , Casado-Pelaez Marta , Davalos Veronica , Ferrer Gerardo , Mata Caterina , Mereu Elisabetta , Roué Gael , Valcárcel David , Molero Antonieta , Zamora Lurdes , Xicoy Blanca , Palomo Laura , Acha Pamela , Manzanares Ana , Tobiasson Magnus , Hellström-Lindberg Eva , Solé Francesc , Esteller Manel
Published: February 2024

Mutational landscape of patients with the studied MDS. A, Summary of the study workflow. B, Oncoprint indicating the mutations present in the patient cohort, at diagnosis and after AZA treatment, colored by coding impact. Multi-hit means presence of more than one mutation of same coding impact (missense, nonsense, or frameshift) in the same gene. C, UpSet plot illustrating the exclusive intersection of mutated pathways at diagnosis in patients with MDS. The patients are colored according to the response status (green, responders; magenta, nonresponders).
Cargas de trabalho de profissionais de enfermagem de terapia intensiva neonatal: revisão integrativa
Authors: Albuquerque Francisco Jandson de , Lima Viviane Nayara de Oliveira , Sales Andresa de Araújo , Miranda Marlene da Silva , Nascimento Francisco Anderson Abreu do , Silva Ana Luiza Gonçalves da , Barbosa Nanielle Silva
Published: February 2024

Objetivo: analisar as evidências relacionadas às cargas de trabalho de profissionais de enfermagem de terapia intensiva neonatal. Métodos: trata-se de uma revisão integrativa, realizada em março de 2023, na Base de Dados de Enfermagem (BDENF), Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS), via Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS), Medical Literature Analysis and Retrievel System Online (MEDLINE), via PubMED, Web Of Science e Scopus. Foram incluídos estudos primários, em português, inglês e ou espanhol, sem delimitação temporal. Para análise e síntese, utilizou-se a classificação do Nível de Evidência e os métodos descritivos. Foram selecionados nove estudos para compor a amostra da revisão. Resultados: evidenciou-se que o quadro insuficiente de profissionais está relacionado ao aumento das Cargas de Trabalho, o que interfere nos cuidados ofertados ao neonato, aumenta a probabilidade de eventos adversos e favorece o risco de infecções e morbimortalidade. Conclusão: a condição identificada e relacionada ao trabalho de enfermagem demonstra a necessidade de adequações no dimensionamento de profissionais atuantes em setores de cuidados críticos.
Utilização de recursos ergogênicos e suplementos alimentares por praticantes de corrida de rua em Passo Fundo-RS
Authors: Foss Júlia , Tagliari Nelson João , Costa Leandro , Basso Mauricio , Siqueira Luciano de Oliveira
Published: February 2024

Introdução: Os suplementos alimentares e recursos ergogênicos referem-se a substâncias que melhoram o desempenho do corredor recreacionais em práticas de atividade física, mas como seu consumo tem aumentado os riscos à saúde também acompanham essa tendência. Objetivo: O objetivo do presente estudo é analisar o consumo de salbutamol e outros recursos ergogênicos em grupo de corredores de rua de Passo Fundo. Método: Foram entrevistados atletas com idades entre 18 a 40 anos, a abordagem foi realizada através de um questionário disponibilizado via e-mail, google docs e através de redes sociais para os atletas, o questionário se refere ao uso, tipo e método de utilização de algum recurso ergogênico para aperfeiçoamento do rendimento. Resultado e discussão: 59% dos corredores não costumam consumir e quando usam, o objetivo é principalmente de recuperação pós-treino. O relato de melhora na resistência muscular foi principal benefício. Os nutricionistas são os maiores prescritores de suplementos, em especial para as mulheres, que investem entre R$101,00 e R$150,00/mês em suplementos. O uso de salbutamol em corredores foi relativamente baixo quando comparados com uma população de participantes de academias e orientou-se evitar seu uso indiscriminado. Conclusão: Por se tratar de um grupo de corrida orientada, o consumo de suplementos foi de (41%) e quando houve a maior parte deste foi sob supervisão profissional.
Combination of low doses of Naltrexone and physical exercise in an animal fibromyalgia model
Authors: Rocha Rafael Augusto Paes Lima , Souza Vanessa Silva de , Paludo Rodrigo Hernandes , Lopes Bettega Costa , Rocha Elisângela de Moraes , Castro Mariane Schäffer , Medeiros Liciane Fernandes , Torres Iraci L. S. , Souza Andressa
Published: February 2024

Our aim was to evaluate if a single session of physical activity until fatigue promotes analgesic effects in a fibromyalgia model, and if this effect is enhanced by low dose of naltrexone. 40 male Wistar rats were used, between 55 and 65 days-old (≥ 250g). The fibromyalgia model was developed using the reserpine model (1mg/kg, 3 consecutive days). The rats were divided into five groups: control (reserpine vehicle+naltrexone vehicle); 2nd group: fibromyalgia (reserpine+naltrexone+physical exercise); 3rd group: fibromyalgia (reserpine+naltrexone vehicle +physical exercise); 4th group: fibromyalgia (reserpine+ naltrexone + no exercise), 5th group: fibromyalgia (reserpine+naltrexone vehicle+no exercise). Interventions were: low dose of naltrexone (LDN, 0.5 mg/kg by gavage) or vehicle, and treadmill exercise or sedentary. Mechanical hyperalgesia was measured using Von-Frey test. Anxiety-like behavior was assessed using Plus-Maze test. BDNF levels were measured by ELISA. The results reserpine induced mechanical hyperalgesia in rats, and LDN associated or not to exercise presented an analgesic effect at short-term; however only LDN plus exercise was able to maintain this effect 24h after. Anxiety-like behavior and BDNF levels were modulated by LDN and exercise. LDN and exercise are promising tools to treat chronic pain as fibromyalgia.
Longevidade da vida: entre a medicina e a alquimia
Authors: Moraes Mayara Aparecida
Published: February 2024

O século XIII, entre outros eventos importantes, ficou conhecido como o tempo das instituições especializadas no ensino das artes liberais, das leis e também da medicina, ou seja, o tempo das Universidades. Em Paris, por exemplo, criou-se um dos principais polos de ensino universitário que, por sua notoriedade, atraiu pensadores cristãos como o franciscano Roger Bacon, objeto de estudo do presente artigo. Bacon abriu espaço para estudos mais profundos e diversificados acerca da filosofia experimental de Aristóteles, da qual devido a sua amplitude selecionamos a questão da longevidade da vida, proposta pelo frade, em estudos voltados principalmente aos metais, dos quais pretendem retardar o envelhecimento humano. Para compreender melhor essa teoria, foram analisadas: O Espelho da Alquimia e Opus Maius, tratados escritos por ele próprio que discorrem sobre os diversos procedimentos físicos para conseguir o prolongamento da vida, nomeado por ele como Elixir.
The American Heart Association at 100: A Century of Scientific Progress and the Future of Cardiovascular Science: A Presidential Advisory From the American Heart Association
Authors: Elkind Mitchell S.V. , Arnett Donna K. , Benjamin Ivor J. , Eckel Robert H. , Grant Augustus O. , Houser Steven R. , Jacobs Alice K. , Jones Daniel W. , Robertson Rose Marie , Sacco Ralph L. , Smith Sidney C. , Weisfeldt Myron L. , Wu Joseph C. , Jessup Mariell
Published: February 2024

In 1924, the founders of the American Heart Association (AHA) envisioned an international society focused on the heart and aimed at facilitating research, disseminating information, increasing public awareness, and developing public health policy related to heart disease. This presidential advisory provides a comprehensive review of the past century of cardiovascular and stroke science, with a focus on the AHA’s contributions, as well as informed speculation about the future of cardiovascular science into the next century of the organization’s history. The AHA is a leader in fundamental, translational, clinical, and population science, and it promotes the concept of the “learning health system,” in which a continuous cycle of evidence-based practice leads to practice-based evidence, permitting an iterative refinement in clinical evidence and care. This advisory presents the AHA’s journey over the past century from instituting professional membership to establishing extraordinary research funding programs; translating evidence to practice through clinical practice guidelines; affecting systems of care through quality programs, certification, and implementation; leading important advocacy efforts at the federal, state and local levels; and building global coalitions around cardiovascular and stroke science and public health. Recognizing an exciting potential future for science and medicine, the advisory offers a vision for even greater impact for the AHA’s second century in its continued mission to be a relentless force for longer, healthier lives.
A new Haplidia Hope, 1837 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Melolonthinae) from the coast of south-western Turkey
Authors: ULIANA MARCO , ERSOY DOĞAN ERHAN
Published: February 2024

A new species of Haplidia is described from the coastal area of Antalya, south western Turkey. Based on the peculiar morphology of paramera Haplidia fausta, new species, belongs to Baraud’s group 3, and is well distinct from all other species belonging to the same group for several traits of both external morphology and paramera. The only locality of observation is an area with sandy soil, covered by loose grassy vegetation and sparse bushes and pines stands at a few hundred meters from the shoreline.
Synopsis of Lusius Tosquinet, 1903 (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae: Phaeogenini) from South America: a new species, new records, and key to Neotropical species
Authors: NASCIMENTO ALEXSANDRA C. , PÁDUA DIEGO G. , ARAUJO RODRIGO O. , MAZARIEGOS LUIS A. , FERNANDES DANIELL R. R.
Published: February 2024

A new species of Lusius Tosquinet, 1903 (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae: Phaeogenini) is described from the northwestern Andes of Colombia, and additionally, the geographic distribution of Lusius ferrugineus Graf, 2000 is expanded to Bahia and Rio Grande do Sul states, Brazil. New comparative diagnoses, distribution maps, and an illustrated key to Neotropical species are also provided.
Eastern Boundary Upwelling Systems in Ocean–Sea Ice Simulations Forced by CORE and JRA55-do: Mean State and Variability at the Surface
Authors: Small R. J. , Kurian J. , Chang P. , Xu G. , Tsujino H. , Yeager S. , Danabasoglu G. , Kim W. M. , Altuntas A. , Castruccio F.
Published: February 2024

In this paper we summarize improvements in climate model simulation of eastern boundary upwelling systems (EBUS) when changing the forcing dataset from the Coordinated Ocean-Ice Reference Experiments (CORE; ∼2° winds) to the higher-resolution Japanese 55-year Atmospheric Reanalysis for driving ocean–sea ice models (JRA55-do, ∼0.5°) and also due to refining ocean grid spacing from 1° to 0.1°. The focus is on sea surface temperature (SST), a key variable for climate studies, and which is typically too warm in climate model representation of EBUS. The change in forcing leads to a better-defined atmospheric low-level coastal jet, leading to more equatorward ocean flow and coastal upwelling, both in turn acting to reduce SST over the upwelling regions off the west coast of North America, Peru, and Chile. The refinement of ocean resolution then leads to narrower and stronger alongshore ocean flow and coastal upwelling, and the emergence of strong across-shore temperature gradients not seen with the coarse ocean model. Off northwest Africa the SST bias mainly improves with ocean resolution but not with forcing, while in the Benguela, JRA55-do with high-resolution ocean leads to lower SST but a substantial bias relative to observations remains. Reasons for the Benguela bias are discussed in the context of companion regional ocean model simulations. Finally, we address to what extent improvements in mean state lead to changes to the monthly to interannual variability. It is found that large-scale SST variability in EBUS on monthly and longer time scales is largely governed by teleconnections from climate modes and less sensitive to model resolution and forcing than the mean state.
Doing Community and Institutionally Engaged Work and Promoting Immigrant Well-being While Building a Research Career
Authors: Smith Robert Courtney
Published: February 2024

This article offers reflections on doing community and publicly engaged research and scholarly work that promotes immigrant well-being while developing a research career in academic institutions which do not usually recognize or reward such work. I draw on my own career (as the editors asked me to do), and hope the advice or examples are helpful, especially to younger scholars. I write as a scholar who was not from the immigrant communities with which he worked, and who believes scholars should help create a society that respects the rights, dignity, and well-being of its members, especially immigrant families. I applaud the Im/migrant Well-being Scholar Collaborative initiative’s (IWSC or Collaborative) focus on immigrant well-being, which affirms not only work that seeks to make structural or policy change or to change debates (common foci of academic analysis), but also work that directly helps others, builds community capacity, or mentors broadly. I have tried to both promote well-being and to fight injustice and inequality.
Sinonasal Symptom Correlation With the Postoperative Polyp Scale (POPS)
Authors: Wu Arthur W. , Garcia Ruiz Erika A. , Higgins Thomas S. , Tang Dennis M. , Illing Elisa A. , Carle Taylor R. , Vasquez Missael , Ting Jonathan Y. , Sreenath Satyan B. , Halawi Akaber , Chen Philip G.
Published: February 2024

Background:

Commonly used endoscopic nasal polyp grading scales have been shown to correlate poorly with symptom scores and quality of life metrics. The recently described Postoperative Polyp Scale (POPS) is a grading system that more accurately characterizes polyp recurrence in postoperative sinus cavities by describing incremental recurrence in relation to the surgically opened sinus cavities.

Objective:

The objective of this study was to determine if the POPS correlated with sinonasal symptoms.

Methods:

CRSwNP patients were prospectively administered SNOT-22 questionnaires and graded according to the POPS starting at their 1-month postoperative appointments. Total POPS scores (sum of each side) and Max POPS score (larger value of left and right) were correlated with SNOT-22 total scores and subdomains using Kendall correlation testing.

Results:

A total of 127 patients were enrolled in the study. Both Total POPS or Max POPS were significantly correlated to the SNOT-22 total score ( P < .001, P < .001), Rhinologic ( P < .001, P < .001), Extra-Nasal Rhinologic ( P < .001, P < .001), Ear/Facial ( P < .001, P < .001), and Psychologic ( P = .028, P = .017) subdomains. Kendall’s tau indicated strong correlation (≥0.3) with Rhinologic subdomain, moderate correlation (.21-.29) with Extra-Nasal Rhinologic and Ear/Facial subdomains, and weak correlation (.1-.19) with Psychologic subdomain.

Conclusion:

Previous endoscopic nasal polyp grading scales poorly correlate with symptoms and patient reported outcome measures. The new POPS moderately correlates with the total SNOT-22 score and strongly correlates with the Rhinologic subdomain, indicating that it may have good potential as a tool to evaluate postoperative CRSwNP patients.
Management Practices and Implementation Challenges in District Education Directorates in Ghana
Authors: Asim Minahil , Bell Sheena , Boakye-Yiadom Michael , Nudzor Hope Pius , Mundy Karen
Published: February 2024

Background: Subnational actors and organizations are crucial mediators of policy implementation due to their proximity to schools. However, in low- and middle-income country contexts, little is known about their management practices and factors that shape the adoption of these practices to improve education delivery. Purpose: We explore the management context of five District Education Directorates in Ghana, and the factors that enable or constrain them to plan and implement policy. Participants: Forty-three interviews and focus groups with regional and district education officials, district political actors, and basic education school headteachers and teachers. Research Design: A qualitative study of semistructured interviews, focus groups, and education policy and planning documents. Analysis: To understand how policy implementation happens within complex, multitiered bureaucracies, our theoretical framework uses four management functions described in Williams et al. (2021) to explore two different paradigms of how to change public bureaucracies: target setting and prioritization; measurement and monitoring; accountability and incentives; and problem-solving. We coded and analyzed our data based on this framework and developed district-wide narrative memos to synthesize the findings. Findings: We identify three areas of (mis)alignment in management practices: across bureaucratic levels and among actors; around clear and consistent priorities for learning; in expected actions and availability of resources. These (mis)alignments can constrain or be leveraged by districts to improve education delivery in Ghana. Implications: We argue for better prioritization of goals toward learning and the efficient allocation of funds for management practices typical of effective organizations.
Who Rewards Farmers Better for Commercialisation? Public versus Private Contracting Firms in North India
Authors: Verma Saroj , Jena Pabitra Kumar
Published: February 2024

This article explores the socioeconomic factors of wheat growers’ participation intensity in contract farming (CF) under both public and private firms in Haryana. Using the primary survey data of 754 wheat growers collected from two districts of Haryana, the study finds that CF participation intensity is higher under government corporations than in private firms. The Tobit regression results show that similar variables determine the participation intensity under both types of firms. But the perception of agricultural profitability has different significant signs for public and private firms. This difference in profitability perception spawns from the different contracting nature of both types of firms. The government firms directly contact farmers, while private firms hire agents to communicate with farmers. In addition, government firms encourage marginal and small farmers to adopt CF, while private firms prefer medium to large farmers owning a minimum of five acres of cultivable land. Payment security is another reason for the intensity difference between types of firms. Therefore, the study calls for a policy framework to establish better institutional structure to strengthen CF inclusiveness, where both types of firms provide the scope for more extensive participation across the groups of farmers.

JEL Codes: Q12, Q13, C01
Research on the influence factors of hydraulic oscillator on drag reduction efficiency in horizontal well drilling
Authors: Weijun Ni , Guohao Yang , Chengyun Ma , Gang Liu , Fei Ma , Kai Zhao
Published: February 2024

The application of hydraulic oscillator can solve the problems of large friction and serious pressure support in the drilling process of extended reach well and long horizontal well, but the conventional hydraulic oscillator parameter setting is not reasonable, high pressure consumption, easy to make the ground machine pump overload operation and failure. Therefore, based on the LuGre dynamic friction model theory, a calculation model for the friction between drill string and rock wall under the condition of longitudinal oscillation is established, and the influence law of hydraulic oscillator oscillation parameters on drag reduction efficiency is studied. The results show that the change of oscillation intensity, oscillation frequency and oscillation amplitude can improve the drag reduction efficiency, and the increase trend of drag reduction efficiency is first increased and then decreased. The selection of each parameter has the optimal value. According to the analysis of orthogonal test results, it is found that the reduction degree of friction between drill string and borehole wall rock by each parameter is in the order of oscillation intensity, oscillation frequency and oscillation amplitude from the largest to the smallest.
Damage history in composite laminates: Matrix cracks leading to delaminations
Authors: Romarís Villanueva Javier , Kassapoglou Christos
Published: February 2024

Strain energy release rate calculations for various cases of delaminations emanating from matrix cracks are developed and used to predict the onset of delaminations and their growth size as a function of applied tension and shear loads in composite laminates. The method determines the matrix crack spacing, the delamination onset load, the delamination size at onset and, through the use of a newly proposed delamination resistance curve, the size of delaminations as they grow under load. The method can be applied to any symmetric laminate. Comparisons to test results in the literature for a variety of layups and materials shows very good agreement with the exception of cases where significant edge delaminations appear before delaminations caused by matrix cracks.
Ballistic resistance of a novel re-entrant auxetic honeycomb under in-plane high-velocity impact
Authors: Guo Junlan , He Qiang , Li Lizheng , Zhu Jiamei , Yan Dejun
Published: February 2024

Due to their high load-bearing capacity and excellent energy dissipation properties, metal honeycomb lightweight sandwich panels are commonly utilized as highly efficient weight-saving components in the automotive, aerospace, and military industries. Especially the auxetic honeycomb sandwich panels have higher yield strength, more robust shear modulus, fracture toughness, less fatigue expansion, and higher vibration and energy absorption. In this paper, the ballistic resistance and energy absorption mechanisms of a novel re-entrant auxetic honeycomb (RSH) sandwich panel are investigated. The ballistic limits and energy absorption of the re-entrant star-shaped honeycomb (RSH), star-shaped honeycomb (SSH), and re-entrant star-shaped honeycomb (RH) sandwich panels are compared and analyzed, as well as the deformation mechanism during projectile penetration. The results show that the RSH sandwich panel has the best in-plane ballistic performance among the three types of honeycomb sandwich panels. For the same relative density, the ballistic limit of the RSH sandwich panel is 17.4% and 7.1% higher than that of the SSH and RH sandwich panels respectively. In addition, the effects of different design parameters on the ballistic resistance of RSH sandwich panels are investigated by changing the panel thickness, the relative density of the core layer, the cell angle and the cell size. It can be concluded that increasing the thickness of the face sheet is more effective in improving the ballistic limit (perforation energy) of the RSH with a thinner core layer. However, increasing the relative density of the core layer is more effective in enhancing the ballistic limit (perforation energy) for thicker core layers. Cell size has a significant effect on the ballistic resistance of RSH sandwich panels compared to cell angle, especially at impact velocities close to the ballistic limit.
The Motivation of Uncertainty: Gamifying Vocabulary Learning
Authors: Al-Hoorie Ali H , Albijadi Othman
Published: February 2024

As language learning is a long-term process, it is important to find ways of sustaining learning motivation over time. One approach for addressing this problem is gamifying learning tasks. Gamification refers to the incorporation of gaming elements, such as uncertainty, in the learning process so that motivation can be sustained. The present study reports an intervention investigating the effectiveness of gamifying learning vocabulary using a smartphone app. After using the app for a month, the experimental group ( n  =  102) outperformed the control group ( n  =  83) in the posttest but not in a delayed posttest administered one month after the end of the experiment. The implications of the results are discussed in the context of implementing gamification to sustain learning motivation.
Risk of winter hospitalisation and death from acute respiratory infections in Scotland: national retrospective cohort study
Authors: Shi Ting , Millington Tristan , Robertson Chris , Jeffrey Karen , Katikireddi Srinivasa Vittal , McCowan Colin , Simpson Colin R , Woolford Lana , Daines Luke , Kerr Steven , Swallow Ben , Fagbamigbe Adeniyi , Vallejos Catalina A , Weatherill David , Jayacodi Sandra , Marsh Kimberly , McMenamin Jim , Rudan Igor , Ritchie Lewis Duthie , Mueller Tanja , Kurdi Amanj , Sheikh Aziz ,   on behalf of Public Health Scotland and the EAVE II Collaborators
Published: February 2024

Objectives

We undertook a national analysis to characterise and identify risk factors for acute respiratory infections (ARIs) resulting in hospitalisation during the winter period in Scotland.

Design

A population-based retrospective cohort analysis.

Setting

Scotland.

Participants

The study involved 5.4 million residents in Scotland.

Main outcome measures

Cox proportional hazard models were used to estimate adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the association between risk factors and ARI hospitalisation.

Results

Between 1 September 2022 and 31 January 2023, there were 22,284 (10.9% of 203,549 with any emergency hospitalisation) ARI hospitalisations (1759 in children and 20,525 in adults) in Scotland. Compared with the reference group of children aged 6–17 years, the risk of ARI hospitalisation was higher in children aged 3–5 years (aHR = 4.55; 95% CI: 4.11–5.04). Compared with those aged 25–29 years, the risk of ARI hospitalisation was highest among the oldest adults aged ≥80 years (aHR = 7.86; 95% CI: 7.06–8.76). Adults from more deprived areas (most deprived vs. least deprived, aHR = 1.64; 95% CI: 1.57–1.72), with existing health conditions (≥5 vs. 0 health conditions, aHR = 4.84; 95% CI: 4.53–5.18) or with history of all-cause emergency admissions (≥6 vs. 0 previous emergency admissions, aHR = 7.53; 95% CI: 5.48–10.35) were at a higher risk of ARI hospitalisations. The risk increased by the number of existing health conditions and previous emergency admission. Similar associations were seen in children.

Conclusions

Younger children, older adults, those from more deprived backgrounds and individuals with greater numbers of pre-existing conditions and previous emergency admission were at increased risk for winter hospitalisations for ARI.
Performance analysis of optimized differential power processing converter with switched inductor using enhanced fuzzy logic control for solar photovoltaic systems
Authors: Sadhasivam Annadurai , Sathyamoorthy Nageswari
Published: February 2024

In the current landscape of renewable energy systems, optimizing the performance of power electronic converters is crucial for ensuring reliability. Within the realm of direct current (DC)–DC power converter systems, the differential power processing (DPP) converter holds promise. However, realizing its full potential requires meticulous system design, especially in response to varying solar irradiation levels. Poor design can result in performance degradation, leading to system damage and voltage instability due to sudden irradiation fluctuations. To address these challenges, this study investigates the performance optimization of a DPP converter enhanced with a modified switched inductor, tailored for solar photovoltaic applications. To overcome traditional control strategy limitations, we propose an innovative enhanced fuzzy logic controller (E-FLC). This controller’s strength lies in its dynamic adaptability, achieved through variable duty cycle control, input parameters, membership functions, and output responses. This paper emphasizes methodological precision, particularly in applying the E-FLC to the modified switched inductor. The use of this controller significantly improves both steady-state and transient response performance compared to traditional switched inductors. It rigorously analyzes the responses of the DPP converter under steady-state and transient conditions, with and without the modified switched inductor. This analytical approach sheds light on a critical yet often overlooked aspect of photovoltaic systems. The core innovation driving this research is the adoption of the E-FLC, which outperforms the commonly used proportional–integral (PI) controller in steady-state performance and transient response characteristics. This paper goes beyond conventional converter optimization studies by introducing a holistic approach encompassing system dynamics, control strategy innovation, and performance evaluation. The proposed E-FLC represents a methodological breakthrough and a substantial improvement in converter efficiency and reliability. As renewable energy continues to reshape the global energy landscape, this research sets a new standard for harnessing the true capabilities of power electronic converters in solar photovoltaic systems.
Taking Early Childhood Education and Young Children’s Learning Experiences Seriously
Authors: Adair Jennifer Keys
Published: February 2024

For decades, important early childhood scholars who critiqued normative ideas about early childhood frameworks, guidelines, and assessments have been silenced in highly ranked child development and early childhood journals. The qualitative methods needed to prioritize the perspectives of marginalized communities (i.e., ethnography, interview and focus groups, video-cued, narrative inquiry, testimonio, pláticas, counterstories, photovoice, and community mapping) routinely met (meet) resistance and rejection. Instead of continuing this rejective pattern, Teachers College Record has published provocative work that includes critical voices in early childhood education.
‘Hypocrite!’ Affective and argumentative engagement on Twitter, following the Christchurch terrorist attack
Authors: Richardson John E. , Giraud Eva Haifa , Poole Elizabeth , de Quincey Ed
Published: February 2024

This article intervenes in debates about whether public-facing social media enable the rapid spread of hate speech, or whether these platforms can offer valuable opportunities to contest it. Advancing scholarship on ‘networked counter-publics’ and research emphasising the affective dimensions of digital media, we identify three different modes of counter-public contestation that coalesced on Twitter in the immediate aftermath of the Christchurch terrorist attack. Using a combined keyword and hashtag search, our research project sampled 3,099,138 tweets posted on/about the Christchurch attack and its repercussions, between 15 March 2019 and 15 April 2019. First, we examine two hashtags that trended, approaching these as nodal points for the construction of different affective responses to the terrorist attack. Second, we analyse instances where users quote-tweeted the condolences of politicians, rejecting their sentiments, arguing that the sincerity conditions of the Speech Act (condolence) were not met. Here, we focus on the ways that people invoke a discourse of indignation at either the past actions or current character of the politician, to justify rejecting their statements. Our findings illustrate a need to depart from broad narratives about how the affordances of particular social media platforms lend themselves to the circulation or contestation of hate. Instead, we argue, it is important to develop more situated empirical and conceptual approaches to interrogate how specific relationships between affective publics and structures of feeling enable or constrain political possibilities.
How Depression and Anxiety Impact Adherence to COVID-19 Prevention Practices in Urban Liberia
Authors: Ridge Laura Jean , Kennedy Stephen , Davis Matthew , McCullagh Marjorie C.
Published: February 2024

Background:

Understanding the relationship between mental health and COVID-19 prevention practices is crucial but challenging considering COVID-19’s impact on mental well-being. Liberia, a West African country, had well-documented rates of depression and anxiety prior to COVID-19. Liberia responded aggressively to COVID-19 while case counts remained low; thus, it is an ideal setting to study the relationship of mental health and COVID-19 prevention practices.

Methods:

A validated cross-sectional survey was administered to 250 randomly selected residents of Montserrado county, Liberia in June 2021, asking about their mental health and adherence to COVID-19 prevention practices. The survey included the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 to assess for anxiety and depression, respectively. Responses were analyzed using Spearman correlation and regression.

Results:

Scores indicative of depression were present in 43% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 37-49) of participants; scores indicative of anxiety were present in 41% (95% CI: 34-47). Self-reported adherence to COVID-19 prevention practices was middling and varied greatly by behavior. Higher scores for depression and anxiety were significantly associated with lower adherence to COVID-19 prevention practices.

Conclusions:

Results indicate that while the spread of COVID-19 has certainly affected mental health, it is likely that pre-existing mental health conditions affected the spread of COVID-19 through lower adherence to prevention practices. Policymakers should consider investing in mental health services as an important step in managing future epidemics, and the needs of people with poor mental health when designing epidemic responses, particularly in low-income countries where the burdens of adherence are likely to be greater.
The future of mission studies
Authors: Kim Kirsteen
Published: February 2024

Mission studies has been developing at least since the nineteenth century and shares a scholarly space with the more recent fields of intercultural theology and world Christianity. Questions about the complicity of missions with imperialist agendas may raise questions about the future of mission studies. However, through its use of the social sciences, its global perspective and its attention to Christian responses to Jesus’ commissions, the field offers a particular and valuable contribution to the church and academy. In this article, I attempt to answer the question of the future of the academic study of mission in three different dimensions: (a) the nature of mission studies as a field; (b) its relation to other disciplines and (c) its potential development. I draw on the experience of editing The Oxford Handbook of Mission Studies (2022) and of the integration of schools of missiology and theology at Fuller Theology Seminary in 2020.
Need for closure is linked with traumatic bonding among victims of intimate partner violence: A mediation approach
Authors: Isaiah Uwemedimo S. , Effiong James E. , Udokang Innih , Ogwuche Samson , Udoukok Emekubong N. , Iorfa Steven Kator
Published: February 2024

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is an increasingly prevalent problem in most parts of the world, including Nigeria. Very little is known about why persons who experience IPV sometimes decide to remain in the abusive relationships. In this study, we investigate whether the need for closure (NFC) may play significant roles in the association of IPV and the decision to stay in abusive relationships (traumatic bonding). Specifically, we tested if NFC would mediate the relationship between IPV and traumatic bonding (TB) among victims of IPV in Nigeria. Participants were 345 women, purposively selected from female clients who visited the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SART) in Awka, Anambra State ( n = 145) and the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team, Lagos ( n = 200). Their age ranged from 18–61 years (M = 35.79; SD = 8.6 years). They responded to the Composite Abuse Scale, the Need for Closure Scale, and the Stockholm Syndrome Scale. Results of data analysis using the Hayes regression-based PROCESS macro showed that IPV was not significantly associated with traumatic bonding while NFC was positively associated with increased traumatic bonding. Estimates of indirect effects indicated that NFC mediated the relationship of IPV and TB serving as a pathway through which IPV was linked to dimensions of TB. This shows that NFC may engender tendencies that increase the likelihood of traumatic bonding. The implications of these findings were discussed across policy, research and psychotherapeutic practice.