bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The owl of Minerva and the dialectic of human freedom: A heterodox reading
Authors: Ferro Bernardo
Published: May 2023

In the preface to the Philosophy of Right, Hegel compares the philosopher’s work to the flight of the owl of Minerva: just as the latter begins only with the fall of dusk, so too is philosophy bound to ‘come on the scene’ too late to teach ‘what the world ought to be’. This well-known passage has been read in many quarters as a heavy, if not fatal blow to philosophy’s critical role. While some interpreters regard Hegel’s metaphor as an outright rejection of critical theory, others see it as a restriction of philosophy’s normative dimension. In this article, I argue against both of these interpretations. In my view, Hegel’s methodological indications are not incompatible with a critical outlook on received reality. What is more, they do not preclude the possibility of a radical critique of received reality. To show why, I argue that the Philosophy of Right is primarily aimed at a normative reconstruction of existing social and political arrangements, which entails both a retrospective and a prospective dimension. Moreover, I claim that this duality is one of the most original features of Hegel’s practical thought, and the key to its enduring political relevance.
Effectiveness of Music on Perinatal Anxiety Among Pregnant Women and Newborn Behaviors: A Systematic Review and Narrative Synthesis
Authors: Konsam Meena , D’Souza Sonia R. B. , Praharaj Samir Kumar , Nayak Baby S. , Shetty Jyothi , Bhat Shashikala , Noronha Judith A. , Panda Sunita
Published: May 2023

Background:

Perinatal anxiety affects the antenatal woman, the growing fetus, and the newborn. This systematic review evaluated the effect of listening to music on perinatal anxiety among pregnant women and on newborn behaviors. No available reviews focus on interventions that include only classical forms of music or its benefit on perinatal anxiety among low-risk pregnant women or on newborn behaviors.

Methods:

We included peer-reviewed primary research studies on the effect of music on perinatal anxiety, published in English, between January 2010 and August 2022. PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and ProQuest were searched using specific keywords, resulting in 225 studies for screening by title, abstract, and full text. Two independent reviewers screened them and assessed the quality of the included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) using Cochrane’s Risk of Bias 2.0 tool (RoB2) and non-randomized controlled trial studies using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal tool. Due to the heterogeneity of outcome measures, the review’s findings were summarized qualitatively.

Results:

Nine studies with 1646 pregnant women and one with 260 pregnant women and their neonates were included. Results of all studies suggest that listening to classical music reduces the anxiety levels among pregnant women, as measured by the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Only one study reported the beneficial effect of antenatal exposure to music on improving newborn behaviors like orientation (ES 1.13, 95% CI: 0.82–1.44, P < 0.0001) and habituation (ES 1.05, 95% CI: 0.53–1.57, P = 0.0001). The risk of bias was unclear in most of the studies.

Conclusions:

Listening to classical music during the perinatal period may be an effective non-pharmacological intervention for reducing anxiety and pain and improving sleep quality and newborn behaviors. There is a need to conduct further interventional studies on the types of music provided and their effects on perinatal health outcomes.

Registration of the Protocol:

The review was prospectively registered in PROSPERO 2021 CRD42021256806.
Participatory Advocacy Journalism in Central India: ‘Every Reader is a Reporter’
Authors: Sinha Annapurna
Published: May 2023

This case study of a community newspaper, Namaskar, and its impact in ‘underdeveloped’ areas of coastal Odisha in India, discusses the potential of alternative media for social change. It scrutinises and analyses the participatory advocacy activities of Namaskar. Studying participatory journalism favours a more dialogical and reflexive approach, which also draws on ideas of ‘critical’ and ‘radical’ media, while also calling attention to the significance of content in bringing about social change. Building on observations and testimonies from the field, collected through multiple qualitative methods for data collection, the study infers that Namaskar ensures significant participation in its advocacy practices, leading to observable changes in and around its catchment area. However, basic gatekeeping and editing work to make news copy print-ready also restrain the extent of ‘absolute participation’.
Famine, Caste Differences and Missionary Christianity in Colonial India: Burning Hunger
Authors: Sekhar Chakali Chandra
Published: May 2023

This article sheds light on the conditions of Dalits, their experience of caste differences, discrimination and destitution during the Great Famine of 1876–78 in Rayalaseema, one of the Telugu-speaking regions of Madras Presidency. It highlights how existing caste practices defined and shaped famine relief measures, re-entrenching caste hierarchies. The caste location of Dalits aggravated the severity of their living conditions and social life in the village space and in relief works organised by the colonial government, which further reinforced caste inequalities and institutionalised social distancing. Consequently, Dalits experienced hunger, destitution and further marginalisation in society. During such conditions, the humanitarian concerns and charitable activities of missionaries had a profound impact on Dalits.
The longitudinal influence of cumulative risk: Is relationship education a resource?
Authors: Kanter Jeremy B. , Lannin Daniel G. , Rauer Amy J. , Sprecher Susan , Yazedjian Ani
Published: May 2023

Singular risk factors elicit negative relational outcomes for couples, yet the accumulation of risk factors can be especially detrimental to relationship functioning. Few studies, however, have explored the long-term effects of cumulative risk exposure on intimate relationships as well as examined whether relationship education (RE) protects couples from adverse effects of cumulative risk exposure. Accordingly, the present study examined the long-term association between cumulative risk and relationship satisfaction, potential interaction effects between cumulative risk and exposure to singular risks, and if RE protected couples from the effects of cumulative risk exposure. Participants included 6298 couples in the Supporting Healthy Marriages Project. Lagged regression analyses of the participants in the control condition who did not receive relationship education ( n = 3160) indicated that men and women under greater cumulative risk exposure experienced greater decreases in relationship satisfaction 2.5 years later. The impact of singular risk factors on relationship satisfaction did not consistently differ as a function of cumulative risk exposure. A multi-group analysis indicated that RE did not protect against the adverse effect of cumulative risk on later relationship satisfaction. Results highlight the long-term detrimental consequences of cumulative risk exposure for relationship satisfaction. Future efforts to enhance relationship functioning may benefit from addressing the accumulation of factors that erode relationship functioning.
Toward a Practice Framework for Throughcare Reintegration Programs
Authors: Hart Aaron , Gelb Karen , Martinovic Marietta
Published: May 2023

Practice frameworks for programs supporting people to transition between prison and community are a critical resource for service agencies, researchers and policy makers. Although reintegration programs are often commissioned with reference to Risk-Needs-Responsivity and the Good Lives Model, these frameworks lack specificity for practical program design. Following recent meta-theoretical guidelines, we articulate a practice framework for reintegration programs over three levels: (1) principles and values; (2) knowledge related assumptions; and (3) intervention guidelines. Level 1 is drawn from the capability approach, which frames the goal of increasing the substantive freedom of individuals. Level 2 is drawn from desistance theory, which grounds claims that sustained cessation of offending is enabled by changes in people’s self-labels and narrative, relationships with friends and family, access to resources, and community participation. Level 3 is drawn from throughcare service design and structures practice into seven domains. This framework has potential to reduce rates of reincarceration.
Artificial intelligence-based controller for rotor current of doubly fed induction generator in wind turbine system
Authors: Tuka Milkias Berhanu , Abebe Niguse Assefa , Abdu Fetlework Kedir
Published: May 2023

The demand for energy is increasing that can be met with Doubly Fed Induction Generator (DFIG) based Wind Energy Conversion System (WECS). In this paper, A 2 MW DFIG was used as the plant. To limit the shortcomings of a Proportional-Integral (PI) controller, Fuzzy Logic (FL), Fuzzy-PI, and Artificial Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) controllers are being designed. The system is modeled in a MATLAB/Simulink. A comparative analysis of PI, Fuzzy, Fuzzy-PI, and ANFIS are presented. Taking a steady state error (SSE) as an objective function of performance index, the PI controller results with a 2.9084 A, Fuzzy with 0.8668 A, Fuzzy-PI with 7.654 A, and ANFIS, with 11.5472 A. Hence, the Fuzzy logic controller-based system is found to be the best candidate for SSE control of rotor current. An ANFIS-based controller has the best settling time for rotor currents control, whereas the Fuzzy-PI found to be best for SSE and torque control.
An unpublished letter of S.H. Foulkes to Wilfred D. Abse. A unique summary of Foulkes’ late group analytic thinking
Authors: Roth Wolfgang Martin
Published: May 2023

In this unpublished 18 page letter to his friend Wilfred D. Abse, the late Foulkes offers new autobiographical information about his intense relationship to theatre in his early years. He makes a final attempt to clarify the contribution of Trigant Burrow to the history of group analysis in comparison to his own.

In the letter he indicates a kind of estrangement from the London group analytic scenery. He conceives this letter as a summary of his late group analytic conceptualizations.
County-Level Relationships Between Foreign-Born Residents, Latinos, Immigration Enforcement, and Child Maltreatment Report Rates in the United States, 2015−2018
Authors: Kim Hyun Jung , Kim Hyunil
Published: May 2023

U.S. Latino and foreign-born populations show lower child maltreatment report (CMR) rates despite their low socioeconomic positions, perhaps due to protective cultural factors within these populations. However, discriminatory Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities may attenuate such protection. We examined how ethnic and foreign-born compositions and local ICE activities were associated with community CMR rates, overall and within racial/ethnic groups (i.e., White, Black, Latino), and how these associations changed over time. We used national county-level data linking multiple administrative/archival data sources (i.e., CMR, Census, and ICE data) longitudinally for 2015 to 2018 across the United States. Multilevel (county-years, counties, and states) models estimated how percentages of Latino, percentages of foreign-born, and ICE arrest rates were related to overall and race/ethnicity-specific CMR rates among counties while adjusting for a range of demographic, socioeconomic, child care burden, health insurance, residential mobility, and urbanicity factors. Higher percentages of foreign-born residents within counties were significantly associated with lower CMR rates, both overall and within all racial/ethnic groups. These protective associations became significantly stronger over the study period. Higher percentages of Latino residents were significantly associated with lower total and White CMR rates but not with Black or Latino CMR rates. The interaction between the percentage of Latino residents and year was not significant. ICE arrest rates showed no significant associations with CMR rates. Our findings suggest that communities with more foreign-born and Latino residents may be more protective against CMRs. While the foreign-born and Latino concentrations were both independently predictive of decreased CMR rates, the protective associations of the foreign-born concentration were more consistent within racial/ethnic groups and grew stronger over time. These findings suggest the need to investigate community-level protective mechanisms that may explain these results. The null findings for ICE activity also require further research with alternative measures of discriminatory state action.
Native Missing Persons Cases Will Not be Solved by Police Alone: The Case for “Missing Persons Advocates”
Authors: Gilbert Sheena L. , Nystrom Alyssa , Branscum Caralin C. , Richards Tara N. , Wright Emily M.
Published: May 2023

This study explored the potential role of victim advocacy in Native American missing person cases. Interviews with 25 tribal and non-tribal victim/social service providers were conducted to assess their perspectives on the factors which make Native Americans vulnerable to going missing, the barriers and challenges regarding reporting and investigating missing persons, as well as how victim/social service providers might better support the families of missing persons. Findings suggest that advocates perceive that responding to and offering services for Native families who experience a missing loved one will be extremely difficult because of the intersection of isolation, poverty, and jurisdictional complexities among tribal lands, combined with social service providers and law enforcement officers’ lack of resources and training regarding cultural sensitivity. At the same time, advocates suggest that additional training and resources could help overcome many of these barriers and see a role for victim service providers in responding to missing and murdered Native American persons. Implications and suggestions for practice are discussed.
Effects of nanoclay cloisite 20A and alkali treatments on structure-property relationships of bagasse/recycled polypropylene nanocomposites
Authors: Nejat Tahereh , Naghdi Reza , Nadali Elham , Asgharzadeh Avajeghi Parastoo , Jafari Reza
Published: May 2023

This study was aimed at evaluating the individual and combined effects of organically modified nanoclay cloisite 20A and alkali treatments on the valorization of totally waste-based bagasse fiber/recycled polypropylene nanocomposites. FTIR spectra indicated the reduction of bagasse fibers’ hydroxyl moieties due to hemicellulose removal resulting from alkali treatment. There were also trace diminutions in C-O peak intensities due to the degradation of little amounts of lignin. X-ray Scattering revealed the intercalation of nanoclay in the polymer matrix. The improved interaction of fiber-polymer interfaces brought about by alkali treatment was also confirmed by scanning electron microscopy. The physical properties of the nanocomposites were improved due to the barrier properties of nanoclay against water ingress. The flexural strength and modulus of elasticity increased by both individual and combined treatments; however, the impact strength decreased by the individual treatments. Thermogravimetric analysis demonstrated that the temperatures of first and second stages of composites’ thermal degradation increased due to the treatments via the formation of a carbonized char layer thermally insulating the deeper composite layers. Differential scanning calorimetry showed some slight increases in the melting temperature, melting enthalpy, crystallisation temperature, crystallisation enthalpy, and crystallinity index of the treated composite formulations due to the nucleating effect of nanofillers. The overall results confirmed that the combination of nanoclay cloisite 20A and NaOH treatments could significantly improve the overall properties of the studied composites. This was due to some interesting synergistic effects of the given treatments on the nanocomposites converting the bagasse/recycled PP composites to high performance materials of choice.
Error motion prediction and structural optimization of a groove-compensated air bearing
Authors: Zhang Penghai
Published: May 2023

A new theoretical model of the groove-compensated air bearing is built in this article to predict the error motion and optimize the structure parameters considering the error motion, the stiffness and the flow. To quantitatively evaluate the performance, the averaging coefficient, the dimensionless stiffness coefficient and the dimensionless flow coefficient are used, respectively. The study shows that, whether the error motion happens depends on the symmetrical matching relationship of the grooves, the bush shape and the shaft shape along the circumferential direction. The optimized groove number [Formula: see text] is 30, the optimized dimensionless land ratio [Formula: see text] is between 1.75 and 4, and the optimized groove depth ratio [Formula: see text] is between 2.5 and 3.5. Using these optimized parameters, the bearing has the small error motion, the good stiffness, and the low flow. This is of great importance for the error motion prediction and design of the groove-compensated air bearing.
Microstructure, mechanical characteristics, and electrochemical behavior of the wide-area stir zone fabricated in Al5083 by friction stir processing with overlapping technique
Authors: Keerthana Boggaram V. S. , Satyanarayana Marukurti V. N. V. , Reddy K. Venkateswara , Shankar Madarankapally N. R.
Published: May 2023

In the current study, a wide-area stir region was created in Al5083 aluminum alloy using multi-pass friction stir processing (FSP) with 50% pin overlapping. Microstructural investigations such as grain structure analysis and intermetallic particle (IMPs) distribution were carried out on processed alloys using optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Recrystallized fine grains were developed after FSP due to the intense plastic straining and dynamic recrystallization. It was also identified that the grain refinement was uniform in the stir region of all overlapping passes, resulting in uniform hardness over the wide-area stir region. Three different types of IMPs, such as needle shape iron-based IMPs, round shape magnesium-based IMPs, and the very fine magnesium-based IMPs along the grain boundaries, were identified from the SEM analysis. The tensile test findings showed that the elongation improved drastically after overlapping FSP, while the hardness and tensile strength were found to be decreased due to high temperature thermal cycles. Electrochemical investigations revealed that the corrosion rate decreased after FSP due to the formation of uniform grain structure and dissolution of iron-based IMPs.
The Virtually Intelligent Negotiator: Building Trust and Maximizing Economic Gain in E-Negotiations
Authors: Thompson Leigh
Published: May 2023

Virtual intelligence is “the ability to communicate and navigate relationships and achieve business goals when engaging with others who are not physically co-present.” Virtual intelligence is particularly critical in e-negotiations because negotiators compete to achieve economic goals but must cooperate to reach mutual agreement and maintain social relationships. I review key research findings on the advantages and disadvantages of virtual and in vivo negotiations. I make the point that in vivo negotiation does not always result in more trust and mutually beneficial outcomes than virtual negotiations. I use insights from research on e-negotiations and virtual communication to identify skills that facilitate trust and information sharing and lead to more desirable negotiation outcomes. I organize my discussion of virtual intelligence in terms of four key challenges that confront negotiators: relational concerns (building trust), conveyance (transmitting and receiving information), convergence (reaching a shared understanding of the situation), and achieving instrumental goals (negotiating a favorable outcome).
Ecocritical Wisdom for Ecojustice: The Quintessence of Human Existence
Authors: Swaminathan Bavetra , Chakravarthy Ravi
Published: May 2023

Ecocriticism is a theory that studies the relationship between humans and non-humans critically. The perception becomes the need of the hour as it stresses the interconnectedness between humans and Nature in the era of environmental sabotage. As Barbara Ward says, ‘We have forgotten how to be good guests, how to walk lightly on the earth as its other creatures do’ rather, humans pollute and erode the Natural elements. The interdependency between the environment and humans should be understood to lead to a better quality of life. Ecocriticism amidst the global crisis strives to reattach humans to their natural world. This article, stressing the significance of entwined movements like ecofeminism, eco-theology, ecosophy, and so on, shows realistic evidence to bring out the emergency to discuss, understand and practice the idea of Ecocriticism out in the practical world.
Smoking Among High School Students in Dili, Timor-Leste: Prevalence, Potential Determinants and Opportunities for Prevention and Control
Authors: Martins João S. , McAllister Susan , da Conceição Matos Livio , Pereira Natalia , dos Santos Frederico B. A. , Edwards Richard
Published: May 2023

Smoking initiation is concentrated among young people which strongly influences future smoking prevalence. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of smoking and other tobacco product use and potential determinants in a cross-sectional survey of 1 121 students aged 13 to 15 years in Dili, Timor-Leste. The prevalence of ever using a tobacco product was 40.4% (males 55.5%; females 23.8%) and of current use was 32.2% (males 45.3%; females 17.9%). In a logistic multivariable regression, factors associated with current use of any tobacco product were being male, ≥US$1 weekly pocket money, parents smoking, exposure at home, and exposure in other locations. The findings suggest that reducing the very high use of tobacco among adolescents in Timor-Leste will require new policy measures, enhanced enforcement of current legislation as well as a focused commitment to targeted smoke-free education campaigns, and community-based health promotion to support parents to quit smoking and not smoke around children.
About Gamifying an Emotional Learning Companion to Teach Programming to Primary Education Students
Authors: Ocaña J.M. , Morales-Urrutia E.K. , Pérez-Marín D. , Pizarro C.
Published: May 2023

Background

Gamification is a promising field of research that can benefit education. In particular, it can benefit teaching programming to children. Emotional Learning Companions (ELCs) are interactive systems that dialogue with the students as well as provide them with emotional support.

Intervention

The design of ELCs was extended with gamification to teach programming to Primary Education children. Riddles, levels, badges, and a leader board with trophies among other traditional gamification elements were incorporated into the learning companion, as well as game mechanics, aesthetics and connection with the players (students) to increase their learning, motivation and satisfaction levels.

Methods

A pre-post test single group experimental research design was followed to test the proposal. In total, 137 students aged between 10 and 12 years used the gamified learning companion during an academic year in Ecuador.

Results

The results showed a significant increase in students’ learning scores as well as satisfaction and motivation levels above 90%.

Conclusion

Therefore, the conclusion is that gamifying ELCs to teach programming in Primary Education can improve students’ learning scores, satisfaction, and motivation levels.
Application of Comprehensive Genomic Profiling-Based Next-Generation Sequencing Assay to Improve Cancer Care in a Developing Country
Authors: Cifuentes Claudia , Lombana Milton , Vargas Henry , Laguado Paola , Ruiz-Patiño Alejandro , Rojas Leonardo , Navarro Uriel , Vargas Carlos , Ricaurte Luisa , Arrieta Oscar , Zatarain-Barron Lucia , Zapata Leandro , González Guido , Ortiz Carlos , Bernal Laura , Restrepo Juan G. , Viola Lucia , Grosso Fabio , Zapata Ricardo , Mantilla William , Carranza Hernán , Bustillo Iván , Llinas Néstor , Duarte Ricardo , Rodríguez July , Archila Pilar , Ávila Jenny , Bermúdez Maritza , Gámez Tatiana , Sotelo Carolina , Otero Jorge , Forero Elkin , Lema Mauricio , Limpias Catalina , Ordóñez-Reyes Camila , Mejía Sergio , Rolfo Christian , Rosell Rafael , Cardona Andrés F. ,   ONCOL Group,   CLICaP
Published: May 2023

Purpose

Identifying actionable oncogenic mutations have changed the therapeutic landscape in different types of tumors. This study investigated the utility of comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP), a hybrid capture-based next-generation sequencing (NGS) assay, in clinical practice in a developing country.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, CGP was performed on clinical samples from patients with different solid tumors recruited between December 2016 and November 2020, using hybrid capture-based genomic profiling, at the individual treating physicians’ request in the clinical care for therapy decisions. Kaplan–Meier survival curves were estimated to characterize the time-to-event variables.

Results

Patients median age was 61 years (range: 14–87 years), and 64.7% were female. The most common histological diagnosis was lung primary tumors, with 90 patients corresponding to 52.9% of the samples (95% CI 45.4-60.4%). Actionable mutations with FDA-approved medications for specific alterations correspondent to tumoral histology were identified in 58 cases (46.4%), whereas other alterations were detected in 47 different samples (37.6%). The median overall survival was 15.5 months (95% CI 11.7 months-NR). Patients who were subjected to genomic evaluation at diagnosis reached a median overall survival of 18.3 months (95% CI 14.9 months-NR) compared to 14.1 months (95% CI 11.1 months-NR) in patients who obtained genomic evaluation after tumor progression and during standard treatment ( P = .7).

Conclusion

CGP of different types of tumors identifies clinically relevant genomic alterations that have benefited from targeted therapy and improve cancer care in a developing country to guide personalized treatment to beneficial outcomes of cancer patients.
Ocrelizumab-treated patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis show volume loss rates similar to healthy aging
Authors: Kolind Shannon , Gaetano Laura , Assemlal Haz-Edine , Bernasconi Corrado , Bonati Ulrike , Elliott Colm , Hagenbuch Niels , Magon Stefano , Arnold Douglas L , Traboulsee Anthony
Published: May 2023

Background:

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease of the central nervous system characterized by two major and interconnected hallmarks: inflammation and progressive neurodegeneration.

Objective:

The aim of this work was to compare neurodegenerative processes, in the form of global and regional brain volume loss rates, in healthy controls (HCs) and in patients with relapsing MS (RMS) treated with ocrelizumab, which suppresses acute inflammation.

Methods:

Whole brain, white matter, cortical gray matter, thalamic, and cerebellar volume loss rates were assessed in 44 HCs that were part of a substudy in the OPERA II randomized controlled trial (NCT01412333) and 59 patients with RMS enrolled in the same substudy as well as age- and sex-matched patients in OPERA I (NCT01247324) and II. Volume loss rates were computed using random coefficients models over a period of 2 years.

Results:

Ocrelizumab-treated patients showed global and regional brain volume loss rates that were approaching that of HCs.

Conclusion:

These findings are consistent with an important role of inflammation on overall tissue loss and the role of ocrelizumab in reducing this phenomenon.
Bearing capacity of seawater sea sand recycled aggregate concrete beams reinforced with glass fiber reinforced polymer bars
Authors: Zhang Kaijian , Xiao Jianzhuang , Hu Xiaolong , Zhang Qingtian
Published: May 2023

In this study, seawater, sea sand and recycled coarse aggregate (RCA) are combined to prepare seawater sea sand recycled aggregate concrete (SSRAC) for use in beams. Nine beams are reinforced with glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) bars, while 2 more beams are reinforced with steel bars for comparison. Unlike reinforced concrete (RC) beams that contain steel bars, SSRAC beams reinforced with GFRP bars (GFRP-SSRAC) are less stiff and ductile. For GFRP-SSRAC beams with a certain shell particle content in this study, the use of seawater and sea sand in concrete decreases the cracking load. The ultimate load is smaller overall for GFRP-SSRAC beams than RC beams with the same reinforcement ratio. The predictions of flexural capacities made using the ACI code are all lower than the test results. When the replacement ratio of RCA is 100%, the predictions for RAC/SSRAC beams using the Chinese code are lower than the measured values. Finally, the measured stress‒strain curves of SSRAC and GFRP bars are used to obtain the moment-curvature relationships according to reinforcement-based and concrete-based calculation methods. These calculations and results are discussed in this paper.
Temperature behavior of cable-stayed bridges. Part I — Global 3D temperature distribution by integrating heat-transfer analysis and field monitoring data
Authors: Shan Yushi , Li Lingfang , Xia Qi , Gao Wenbo , Jing Qiang , Xia Yong
Published: May 2023

Varying temperatures significantly affect long-span cable-stayed bridges. However, quantitative studies on their temperature behaviors are limited. Existing studies focus on 2D or 3D models of bridge segments only, exclude cables from heat-transfer analysis, and utilize inaccurate environmental conditions. For the first time, this study comprehensively and accurately investigates the global 3D temperature distribution of long-span cable-stayed bridges by integrating the heat-transfer analysis and field monitoring data. A navigation channel bridge of the Hong Kong‒Zhuhai‒Macao Bridge is used as the testbed. A global 3D refined finite element model of the entire bridge is established. The external thermal boundary conditions of the outer surfaces of the structure are carefully determined based on the real-time ambient temperature, wind, and solar radiation, which are tailored for each surface to reflect the influence of the geometric configuration. The internal thermal boundary conditions of the inner surfaces of the box girder and tower are dependent on the measured ambient temperature, considering the vertical temperature difference of the girder and the uniform temperature inside the tower. Then, the numerical heat-transfer analysis and field monitoring data are integrated to calculate the detailed temperature distribution of the entire bridge in different seasons. Results show that ambient temperature, wind, and solar radiation significantly affect the temperature distribution. For the girder, the vertical temperature difference is significant throughout the year, and the transverse temperature difference is nonnegligible in winter and summer, while the longitudinal temperature difference is trivial. The internal temperature of the tower remains stable owing to the insulation of the concrete. The temperatures of the cables vary from each other, which may cause stress redistribution within the structure. The calculated temperatures are in good agreement with their measured counterparts. The temperature results will be used to calculate the thermal-induced responses in the companion paper in a unified manner.
From Comic-Con to Amazon: Fan conventions and digital platforms
Authors: Kohnen Melanie ES , Parker Felan , Woo Benjamin
Published: May 2023

San Diego Comic-Con is North America’s premiere fan convention and a key site for mediating between media industries and fandom. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic forced Comic-Con to abruptly move its programming onto an array of digital platforms in an apparent “platformization” of the con. Informed by research on fan conventions, media industries, and the platformization of cultural production, this analysis of the online convention argues that Comic-Con was primed for platformization because it is already platform-like. Conventions organize markets, infrastructures, and governance to bring together attendees, media industries, and other “complementors.” Moreover, platform logics were already shaping the convention pre-pandemic in the form of experiential marketing and brand activations designed to capture attendee data. Rather than a radical break, the Comic-Con@Home online convention and in particular Amazon’s Virtual-Con activation are part of a longer process of reconfiguring the relationships between fan conventions, cultural producers, and platforms.
Firearm Safe Storage in Rural Families: Community Perspectives About Ownership and Safety Messaging
Authors: Ewell Foster Cynthia , Derwin Sarah , Bornheimer Lindsay A. , Magness Christina , Kahsay Eskira , Eis Meredith , Verdugo Juliann Li , Smith Tayla , Massey Lynn , Rivara Frederick P. , King Cheryl A.
Published: May 2023

Firearm-related injuries are the leading cause of death among youth in the United States, and rates of firearm-related suicide in rural youth are more than double those in urban youth. Although safe firearm storage has been shown to reduce firearm injuries, little is known about how to culturally tailor such interventions for rural families in the United States. Informed by community-based participatory methods, focus groups and key informant interviews were conducted to design a safe storage prevention strategy for rural families. Participants included a broad array of community stakeholders ( n = 40; 60% male, 40% female; age 15–72, M = 36.9, SD = 18.9) who were asked to identify acceptable messengers, message content, and delivery mechanisms that were perceived as respectful to the strengths of rural culture. Independent coders analyzed qualitative data using an open coding technique. Emerging themes included (1) community norms, values, and beliefs about firearms; (2) reasons for ownership; (3) firearm safety; (4) storage practices; (5) barriers to safe storage; and (6) suggested intervention components. Firearms were described as a “way of life” and family tradition in rural areas. Owning firearms for hunting and protection influenced family storage decisions. Intervention strategies that use respected firearm experts as messengers, refer to locally derived data, and that reflect community pride in firearm safety and responsible ownership may improve the acceptability of prevention messages in rural areas.
Routine Dilapidation: How Homeownership Creates Environmental Injustice
Authors: Bartram Robin
Published: May 2023

This article draws on interviews with homeowners who have applied for home repair programs in Chicago and New Orleans to investigate how home repairs, and the lack thereof, shape residential and financial stability. I illuminate the relationship between housing precarity and a mundane and pervasive environmental housing issue: routine dilapidation that occurs over the life of all physical structures. I argue that routine dilapidation makes otherwise affordable housing unaffordable and demonstrate three mechanisms by which routine dilapidation worsens housing precarity: as a path to displacement, by preventing safe aging in place, and by exacerbating debt. My findings, coupled with existing research, suggest that these mechanisms disproportionately impact low-income Black senior women because they are more likely to own homes in need of repairs and are less likely to have resources to pay for repairs. I also use the concept of routine dilapidation to illuminate that homeownership produces environmental injustice more broadly. Routine dilapidation is not only a form of environmental injustice that disproportionately impacts some populations; it is inherent to the organization of the contemporary U.S. housing market.
Not a Known Carcinogen: Health and Safety Considerations of New and Innovative Treatments
Authors: Koss Schrager Kerith , Kingery-Schwartz Anne , Sobelman Julie
Published: May 2023

When considering the use of new and innovative materials in the treatment and handling of museum objects, there are many issues concerning health and safety, particularly when the toxicity of these new materials is unknown. However, issues related to exposure of toxic materials are not just related to new innovations; health and safety information is incomplete for most of the materials already used in collection care. Many topics covered in this article apply to any chemical/material to which museum personnel may be exposed. The discussion is divided into three parts: (1) an explanation of why museum workers, particularly conservators, are a unique exposure population when it comes to health and safety concerns; (2) a specific chemical case study (cyclododecane) describing how to approach materials with limited safety information; and (3) practical protocols to protect workers and the public. To gain a better understanding of how to approach these challenges, a summary of related literature, interviews, and survey responses on this topic are provided.
Long-term Trends in Open vs Endoscopic Carpal Tunnel Release Among the Medicare Population in the United States
Authors: Haglin Jack M. , Hinckley Nathaniel B. , Moore Michael L. , Deckey David G. , Lai Cara H. , Renfree Kevin J.
Published: May 2023

Background:

Carpal tunnel release (CTR) surgery is the most common surgery billed to Medicare by hand surgeons. As such, the purpose of this study was to evaluate trends for CTR surgeries billed to Medicare from 2000 to 2020.

Methods:

The publicly available Medicare Part B National Summary File from 2000 to 2020 was queried. For both open carpal tunnel release (OCTR) and endoscopic carpal tunnel release (ECTR), the number of procedures and total Medicare reimbursement were extracted. For year 2020, the specialty of the performing surgeon was recorded. Descriptive statistics were reported.

Results:

A total of 3 429 471 CTR surgeries were performed in the Medicare population from 2000 to 2020. For these procedures, Medicare paid surgeons over $1.23 billion. During this period, there was a 101.8% increase in annual CTR procedures (91 130 in 2000, 183 911 in 2020). Further, annual volume of ECTR increased by 456.2%, and accounted for an increasing percentage of total CTR procedures (9.1% in 2012, 25.2% in 2020). The average adjusted Medicare reimbursement per procedure decreased by 1.5% for OCTR, and decreased by 11.6% for ECTR. In 2020, orthopedic surgeons performed 85.1% of CTR procedures.

Conclusions:

The volume of CTR surgeries among the Medicare population has increased from 2000 to 2020, and ECTR is accounting for a growing proportion of surgeries. When adjusted for inflation, average reimbursement has decreased, with a greater decrease among ECTR. Orthopedic surgeons perform most of such surgeries. These trends are important to assure adequate resource allocation as treating carpal tunnel becomes more common among the aging Medicare population.
Rescue therapy for refractory Helicobacter pylori infection: current status and future concepts
Authors: Wang Song-Wei , Yu Fang-Jung , Kuo Fu-Chen , Wang Jiunn-Wei , Wang Yao-Kuang , Chen Yi-Hsun , Hsu Wen-Hung , Liu Chung-Jung , Wu Deng-Chyang , Kuo Chao-Hung
Published: May 2023

Helicobacter pylori infection is an important issue worldwide, and several guidelines have been published for clinicians to achieve successful eradication. However, there are still some patients who remain infected with H. pylori after treatment. Clinicians should identify the reasons that caused treatment failure and find strategies to manage them. We have searched and organized the literature and developed methods to overcome factors that contribute to prior treatment failure, such as poor compliance, inadequate intragastric acid suppression, and antibiotic resistance. To improve compliance, telemedicine or smartphone applications might play a role in the modern world by increasing doctor–patient relationships, while concomitant probiotics could be administered to reduce adverse effects and enhance adherence. For better acid suppression, high-potency and high-dose proton-pump inhibitors or potassium-competitive acid blockers have preferable efficacy. To overcome antibiotic resistance, susceptibility tests either by culture or by genotyping are the most commonly used methods and have been suggested for antibiotic selection before rescue therapy, but empirical therapy according to detailed medical history could be an alternative. Eradication with a longer treatment period (14 days) has a better outcome than shorter period (7 or 10 days). Ultimately, clinicians should select antibiotics based on the patient’s history of drug allergy, previous antibiotic exposure, local antibiotic resistance, available medications, and cost. In addition, identifying patients with a high risk of cancer and shared decision-making are also essential for those who have experienced eradication failure.
Radiographic Evaluation of First Tarsometatarsal Joint Arthrodesis for Hallux Valgus Deformity: Does the Fusion of the First to the Second Metatarsal Base Reduce the Radiological Recurrence Rate?
Authors: Scheele Christian B. , Kinast Christian , Lenze Florian , Wimmer Julia , Beischl Simone , Harrasser Norbert
Published: May 2023

Background

Modified Lapidus arthrodesis (MLA) is a well-established treatment option for symptomatic hallux valgus deformity (HVD). However, recurrence of the deformity remains a concern. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of an additional intermetatarsal fusion on the radiographic recurrence rate after first tarsometatarsal (TMT-I) arthrodesis.

Methods

This is a retrospective evaluation of 56 feet that underwent TMT-I arthrodesis for moderate to severe HVD. Twenty-three feet received an isolated arthrodesis of the TMT-I joint (TMT-I), whereas 33 feet received an additional fusion between the base of the first and the second metatarsal bone (TMT-I/II). Various radiological parameters were determined preoperatively, 6 weeks and at a mean of 2 years postoperatively.

Results

The intermetatarsal angle (IMA) and the hallux valgus angle (HVA) were significantly lowered at both follow-up evaluations in both groups. In the TMT-I/II group, the initial reduction of HVA was significantly higher (29.3° vs 21.1°). This difference disappeared by the second follow-up, leaving no significant differences between both techniques at final follow-up. Radiological recurrence rates of HVD were comparable in both groups.

Conclusions

Isolated TMT-I arthrodesis provides reliable radiological results in the correction of HVD. Whether additional fusion of the first and second metatarsal base should be routinely performed remains unclear.

Levels of Evidence:

Level 3
Chondrocyte Viability of Particulated Porcine Articular Cartilage Is Maintained in Tissue Storage After Cryoprotectant Exposure, Vitrification, and Tissue Warming
Authors: Crisol Mary , Wu Kezhou , Congdon Barry , Skene-Arnold Tamara D. , Laouar Leila , Elliott Janet A.W. , Jomha Nadr M.
Published: May 2023

Objective

Vitrification of articular cartilage (AC) is a promising technique which may enable long-term tissue banking of AC allografts. We previously developed a 2-step, dual-temperature, multi-cryoprotectant agent (CPA) loading protocol to cryopreserve particulated AC (1 mm3 cubes). Furthermore, we also determined that the inclusion of ascorbic acid (AA) effectively mitigates CPA toxicity in cryopreserved AC. Prior to clinical translation, chondrocytes must remain viable after tissue re-warming and before transplantation. However, the effects of short-term hypothermic storage of particulated AC after vitrification and re-warming are not documented. This study evaluated the chondrocyte viability of post-vitrified particulated AC during a 7-day tissue storage period at 4 °C. We hypothesized that porcine particulated AC could be stored for up to 7 days after successful vitrification without significant loss of cell viability, and these results would be enhanced when cartilage is incubated in storage medium supplemented with clinical grade AA.

Design

Three experimental groups were examined at 5 time points: a fresh control (only incubated in medium), a vitrified − AA group, and a vitrified + AA group ( N = 7).

Results

There was a mild decline in cell viability but both treatment groups maintained a viability of greater than 80% viable cells which is acceptable for clinical translation.

Conclusion

We determined that particulated AC can be stored for up to 7 days after successful vitrification without a clinically significant decline in chondrocyte viability. This information can be used to guide tissue banks regarding the implementation of AC vitrification to increase cartilage allograft availability.
No Evidence for Transactional Effects Between Religiosity and Self-Esteem in a Secular Country
Authors: Entringer Theresa M. , Lenhausen Madeline R. , Hopwood Christopher J. , Bleidorn Wiebke
Published: May 2023

This research tests the unique predictions of three different theoretical perspectives on the self-esteem benefits of religiosity: the religiosity-as-a-personal-relationship-with-a-higher-power perspective, the religiosity-as-a-resource perspective, and the religiosity-as-social-value perspective. To do so, we used random-intercept cross-lagged panel models and examined the between- and within-person associations between three indicators of religiosity (belief in God, service attendance, and prayer frequency) and self-esteem across 11 annual assessments in a nationally representative sample of Dutch individuals ( N = 12,915). The results reveal largely nonsignificant associations between all three religiosity indicators and self-esteem at the between- and the within-person levels. This finding supports the religiosity-as-a-social-value perspective, suggesting that the self-esteem benefits of religiosity are restricted to religious cultures only. This research extends previous research by showing that the results hold across different measures of religiosity and by providing some initial evidence that the power of the religiosity-as-a-social-value perspective might be larger than formerly assumed.
Xanthan gum and Tara gum galactomannans have a synergistic effect on gelation properties
Authors: Huamaní-Meléndez Víctor Justiniano , Mauro Maria A , Darros-Barbosa Roger
Published: May 2023

Rheology is essential for assessing the applicability of bio-based and renewable polymers because it provides crucial information about their mechanical properties, flow behavior, and processing characteristics. So, gels formed by carbohydrate polymer mixtures have specific rheological properties that can be used in the food industry to improve processes, develop new products, or replace ingredients. The aim of the research was to characterize the interactions and synergy of the aqueous mixture of Xanthan gum (XG) and Tara gum (TG). Commercial TG was previously purified, and aqueous mixtures were prepared using varying concentrations of XG and TG. Rheological properties were determined using a rotational rheometer. An equation was proposed to quantify the degree of solid behavior of the formed gel as a function of its mechanical properties. Pure TG or XG in aqueous solution exhibited pseudoplastic behavior. At a 0.4% w/w concentration, the XG solution displayed a “weak gel” behavior. The concentrations of XG and TG in the aqueous mixture of the gums had a significant effect on the gel strength, presenting a region of maximum value, limited between the concentrations of 0.4–0.5% TG and 0.2–0.3% XG. The greatest strength of the gel was obtained at intermediate concentrations of gum; however, the value of the strain limit displayed a linear increase with TG concentration, confirming the synergistic effect on the solid-like behavior and strength of the gel.