bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Viscoelasticity of human whole saliva collected after acid and mechanical stimulation
Authors: Stokes Jason R. , Davies Georgina A.
Published: November 2024

The rheology of saliva is highly important due to its influence on oral health and physiochemical processes within the oral environment. While the rheology of human whole saliva (HWS) is considered important for its functionality, its measurement is often performed erroneously and/or limited to the viscosity at a single shear rate. To ensure accurate rheological measurements, it is necessary to test HWS immediately after expectoration and to apply a thin layer of surfactant solution around the rim of the rheometer plates so that protein adsorption is minimized at the air–liquid interface. It is shown for the first time that the viscosity and viscoelasticity of HWS depends greatly upon the method of stimulation. Mechanical action stimulates slightly shear-thinning and relatively inelastic saliva, while acidic solutions (e.g. 0.25% citric acid) stimulate secretion of saliva that is highly elastic and shear-thinning. However, both acidic solutions and mechanical action stimulate similar volumes of saliva. For acid-stimulated saliva, the ratio of the primary normal stress difference to the shear stress is of order 100 and the viscosity at high shear rates is only marginally above that of water. This extremely high stress ratio for such a low viscosity fluid indicates that saliva's elastic properties dominate its flow behavior and may assist in facilitating lubrication within the oral cavity. It is anticipated that the variation in saliva rheology arises because the individual glands secrete saliva of different rheology, with the proportion of saliva secreted from each gland depending on the method of stimulation. The steady-shear rheology and linear viscoelasticity of HWS are described reasonably well using a FENE-P constitutive model and a 3-mode Maxwell model respectively. These models indicate that there are several long relaxation modes within saliva, possibly arising from the presence of large flexible macromolecules such as mucin glycoproteins.
The hydraulic conductivity of Matrigel™
Authors: McCarty William J. , Johnson Mark
Published: November 2024

In this study, we measured the specific hydraulic conductivity (K) of Matrigel™ at 1% and 2% concentrations as a function of perfusion pressure (0 to 100 mmHg) and compared the results to predictions from two models: a fiber matrix model that predicted K of the gel based upon its composition, and a biphasic model that predicted changes in K caused by pressure induced compaction of the gels. The extent of gel compaction as a function of perfusion pressure was also assessed, allowing us to estimate the stiffness of the gels. As expected, 2% Matrigel™ had a lower K and a higher stiffness than did 1% Matrigel™. Measured values of K of both 1% and 2% Matrigel™ samples showed good agreement with the predictions of the fiber matrix model. Pressure-induced changes in K were better described by the biphasic model than a model in which uniform compression of the gel was assumed. We conclude that K of multi-component gels, such as Matrigel™can be well characterized by fiber matrix models, and that pressure-induced changes in K of such gels can be well characterized by biphasic models.
Volume flow and wall shear stress quantification in the human conjunctival capillaries and post-capillary venules in vivo
Authors: Koutsiaris Aristotle G. , Tachmitzi Sophia V. , Batis Nick , Kotoula Maria G. , Karabatsas Constantinos H. , Tsironi Evagelia , Chatzoulis Dimitrios Z.
Published: November 2024

Understanding the mathematical relationships of volume blood flow and wall shear stress with respect to microvessel diameter is necessary for the study of vascular design. Here, for the first time, volume flow and wall shear stress were quantified from axial red blood cell velocity measurements in 104 conjunctival microvessels of 17 normal human volunteers. Measurements were taken with a slit lamp based imaging system from the post capillary side of the bulbar conjunctiva in microvessel diameters ranging from 4 to 24 micrometers. The variation of the velocity profile with diameter was taken into account by using a profile factor function. Volume flow ranged from 5 to 462 pl/s with a mean value of 102 pl/s and gave a second power law best fitting line (r=0.97) deviating significantly from the third power law relation with diameter. The estimated wall shear stress declined hyperbolically (r=0.93) from a maximum of 9.55 N/m2 at the smallest capillaries, down to a minimum of 0.28 N/m2 at the higher diameter post capillary venules. The mean wall shear stress value for all microvessels was 1.54 N/m2.
Effect of lanthanum on red blood cell deformability
Authors: Alexy Tamas , Nemeth Norbert , Wenby Rosalinda B. , Bauersachs Rupert M. , Baskurt Oguz K. , Meiselman Herbert J.
Published: November 2024

Prior reports describing the effects of lanthanum (La3+) on red blood cells (RBC) have focused on the effects of this lanthanide on cell fusion or on membrane characteristics (e.g., ion movement across membrane, membrane protein aggregation); the present study explores its rheological and biophysical effects. Normal human RBC were exposed to La3+ levels up to 200 μM then tested for: (1) cellular deformability using a laser-based ektacytometer and an optical-based rheoscope; (2) membrane viscoelastic behavior via micropipettes; (3) surface charge via micro electrophoresis. La3+ concentrations of 12.5 to 200 μM caused dose-dependent decreases of deformability that were greatest at low stresses: these rheological changes were completely reversible upon removing La3+ from the media either by washing with La3+-free buffer or by suspending La3+-exposed cells in La3+-free media (i.e., viscous dextran solution). Both membrane shear elastic modulus and membrane surface viscosity were increased by 25–30% at 100 or 200 μM. As expected, La3+ decreased RBC electrophoretic mobility (EPM), with EPM inversely but not linearly associated with deformability; changes of EPM were also completely reversible. These results thus indicate novel aspects of RBC cellular and membrane rheological behavior yet raise questions regarding specific mechanisms responsible for La3+-induced alterations.
The More You Know: Information About Juvenile Psychosocial Maturity Influences Mock Jurors’ Perceptions and Decision-making
Authors: Clough Isabelle M. , Thomas April Gile
Published: November 2024

We examined how juvenile defendant psychosocial maturity, age, and gender influence mock jurors’ perceptions. Jury-eligible participants ( N = 1,850) ages 18 to 73 ( M = 27.81, SD = 11.47) were recruited from Amazon Mechanical Turk ( n = 994) and a college campus ( n = 858). Participants acted as mock jurors and were randomly assigned to an experimental condition manipulating defendant psychosocial maturity, age, and gender. After reading case vignettes and expert testimony about the defendant’s psychosocial maturity, participants reported their perceptions of the defendant’s responsibility for the crime, guilt, and appropriate sentencing. Participants perceived less mature adolescents as less responsible for criminal behavior and were less likely to find them guilty, irrespective of age. Jurors viewed girls more harshly than boys.
Tourism, Americanization and the Vietnam War R&R Scheme in Sydney, Australia, 1967–71
Authors: Dixon Chris , Featherstone Lisa , Piccini Jon
Published: November 2024

Australia's addition to the Vietnam War R&R scheme in September 1967 brought some 280,000 short-stay tourists to Sydney, and particularly its notorious ‘red light district’, Kings Cross. We show how Australia's experience of this ‘friendly invasion’ aided considerably in the development of a nascent tourist industry in Sydney, due in no small part to the considerable efforts of government promoters and local entrepreneurs. This influx also created tensions and debates, reflecting concerns expressed across the Southeast Asian cities where American troops took their leave. Sydney proved a popular destination for visiting Americans, owing at least in part to its being another White settler society. Yet, issues of sex, drugs, criminality, and ever-lurking anxieties around Americanization, often threatened to imperil the scheme. While far from Kowloon or Bangkok, some Sydneysiders and their representatives saw a similarly exploitative dimension to the American presence in their city.
System Dynamics Modeling of Caries Severity States in Long-Term Care
Authors: Turton B. , Griffith J. , Jones J.A. , Baker S.R. , Singh A. , Rawal K. , Calabrese J. , Henshaw M.
Published: November 2024

Dental caries among long-term care (LTC) residents is a persistent and complex problem driven by social and structural factors. Systems thinking may be useful in considering novel approaches to reducing disease. This study aimed to develop a system dynamics model to simulate the progression of dentate older adults in LTC through caries severity states and estimate the effects of 3 intervention scenarios on the progression of caries: preventive topical fluoride (TF), arrest of caries with silver diamine fluoride (SDF), and a combination of TF and SDF. Dentate older adults in LTC were categorized into 4 caries severity states by their number of untreated carious lesions. The model assumed that changes in severity states were consistent with incidence rates reported in the literature and available billing data for dental care and that individuals move in and out of the system by entering and exiting the facility or experiencing edentulism. For all scenarios, the proportion of dentate older adults in LTC with 1 or more untreated lesions stays stable, the distribution of disease shifts from a high severity state, and the system approaches equilibrium after 4 y. The TF intervention predicts minimal impacts on decreasing the proportion of dentate older adults with 1 or more untreated lesions (2.5% decrease), while the SDF intervention and the combination interventions were most disruptive. There was a 29.6% and 33.6% decrease, respectively. Given the specific population dynamics in LTC, these findings suggest that long-term (greater than 4 y) interventions should be designed to address both the management of existing lesions and their incidence. This system dynamics model allows researchers to render institution-specific data points from LTCs to estimate the effects of proposed interventions at the respective site.
Themes From Currently Incarcerated Individuals About How to Close the School-to-Prison Pipeline
Authors: King Sanna , May David C. , Joaquim McKayla , Royce Rachel
Published: November 2024

The school-to-prison pipeline (STPP) is a metaphor for the pathway through which individuals are “pushed” out of school and into the criminal justice system. Research suggests that the disproportionate representation of marginalized groups in the STPP has important implications for their incarceration experiences as adults. Nevertheless, no research of which we are aware asks incarcerated individuals to provide recommendations to deal with the STPP. We use qualitative data from approximately 500 individuals incarcerated in a Southeastern state to gain insight about their recommendations for improving disciplinary practices in school settings. Themes that emerged from their responses include the importance of communication between students and teachers and various support programs. Important racial differences in the themes also exist.
Towards a Relational Sociology of Retrofit
Authors: Davis Mark , Middlemiss Lucie , Hall Stephen , Brown Donal , Bookbinder Ruth , Owen Anne , Brisbois Marie Claire , Mininni Giulia M , Cairns Iain , Hannon Matthew
Published: November 2024

Decarbonisation of residential buildings (‘retrofit’) is vital if nations are to meet declared net zero targets. This challenge is especially acute in the UK, which has some of the least energy efficient homes in Europe. Yet, to date, sociology has paid relatively little attention either to the urgency of this challenge or to its potential solutions. This article uses concepts from relational sociology to propose a complete reframing of the retrofit challenge and concludes by offering suggestions to improve energy policy design and incentives. It opens new avenues for sociologically driven research into how and why people ‘retrofit’ their homes, highlighting dynamics of trust, power and emotion as meaningful barriers to retrofit at scale. We conclude that the multiple stakeholders seeking to boost energy efficiency interventions in homes should focus less upon economic incentives for ‘rational actors’ and more upon reducing, facilitating and smoothing the ‘relational work’ needed to deliver retrofit.
The double-edged sword of sexual sanctification: Moderation of the associations between sexual dysfunctions and sexual and psychological well-being
Authors: Lazar Aryeh , Gewirtz-Meydan Ateret
Published: November 2024

This study aimed to investigate the possible moderating role of sexual sanctification in the context of sexual dysfunctions and sexual and psychological well-being, particularly examining potential gender differences. Data were collected from 1207 Israeli adult women and men in cohabiting relationships for at least 6 months using an online survey. Participants provided information on sexual functioning, and measures included non-theistic sexual sanctification, sexual and psychological distress, and sexual and relationship satisfaction. Measures of religious behavior and belief were also included as control variables. Statistical analyses included moderation models to assess the moderating function of sexual sanctification on the associations between sexual dysfunctions and the outcome measures. Separate analyses were performed for men and women. Findings confirmed significant associations between sexual dysfunctions and all aspects of sexual and psychological well-being included in the study for women and men. Sexual sanctification was found to moderate the association between sexual dysfunctions and sexual and psychological distress, particularly for men, where at higher levels of sanctification, the association between dysfunction and distress was more pronounced. However, sexual sanctification did not significantly moderate the relationships between sexual dysfunctions and sexual or relationship satisfaction for either gender. The results suggest that, although sexual sanctification is often associated with positive outcomes, it may also exacerbate the emotional impact of sexual dysfunctions, particularly in those who perceive their sexual experiences as sacred. Gender-specific patterns further emphasize the importance of tailored interventions that consider the different ways men and women experience and interpret sexual dysfunctions within the context of their sexual perceptions.
Assessing the Causal Impact of Culture on Socio-economic Variables in European Countries
Authors: Mažeikaite˙ Kristina
Published: November 2024

Despite the growing attention to the impact of culture on socio-economic indicators, there is a lack of causality evidence. Scholars have noted that cultural values or norms, as well as, a vibrant cultural environment can have a positive impact on GDP growth, labour productivity, the attraction of human capital and the improvement of human well-being. However, the issue of endogeneity is not thoroughly debated. Not only can culture impact economic development, but socio-economic environment also affects the cultural indicators. Therefore, it is essential to identify the causal effects of culture. This article aims to assess whether culture has a causal impact on socio-economic variables. The Granger procedure is utilised to evaluate causal relationships, describing the cultural environment with a comprehensive set of 45 cultural indicators across 30 European countries. This enables the comparison of the relationship between culture and socio-economic variables using the same method across different countries. Additionally, cultural indices are constructed. The research is extended by employing a panel vector autoregression (VAR) model. The key finding of this article demonstrates a causal impact of culture on socio-economic indicators, confirmed by both the Granger procedure and panel VAR estimations.

JEL Code: Z1
E-governance success factors in Bangladesh: A cross-sectional quantitative study on union digital centers
Authors: Nur Ullah Mohammad , Biswas Bikram
Published: November 2024

Unfolding e-governance success factors in Bangladesh through analyzing union digital centers (UDCs) is the main objective of this study. In doing so, a cross-sectional quantitative method is utilized through collecting data of 369 UDC users based on a structured questionnaire survey. The structural equation modeling (SEM) is applied to test hypotheses and find the statistical significance of the success factors. This study mainly followed D & M IS Success Model of DeLone and McLean and further identified other associated factors through an extensive literature review for making an integrated research model for this study. This study then utilized PLS-SEM and Hayes PROCESS-Macro for inferential statistics and found a substantive statistical significance of the factors exposed in the model on the UDC success. There are eight important factors having positive impacts on the e-governance success through UDC in Bangladesh. The key success factor is information quality followed by value co-creation, service availability, public trust, responsiveness, system quality, and service quality. The least contributing factor is participation. The findings of this study can be used as a theoretical basis for future research and policy notes for practical application to redesign the e-governance policies basing on the key success factors, especially for ensuring sustainable UDC success.
A binary synergistic system consisting of a new magnesium phosphate compound and titanium dioxide for improving the flame retardancy and other key properties of ethylene vinyl acetate
Authors: Zhang Tongwei , Qin Huijie , Bao Lihong , Xu Mingkao , Dang Bo , Li Jianxi
Published: November 2024

Biobased flame-retardant materials, such as phytic acid (PA), have attracted great interest due to their potential for synthesizing environmentally friendly flame retardant materials. In this study, a novel biobased magnesium phosphate flame retardant, MGPA, was synthesized by reacting PA with magnesium hydroxide (MH). The effects of MGPA and titanium dioxide (TiO2) addition on the flame retardancy, smoke suppression, and key properties of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) composites were investigated. Results revealed that at a 19:1 MGPA to TiO2 ratio, EVA composites experienced a decrease in peak heat release rate (pHRR), total heat release (THR), and total smoke production (TSP) to 209 kW/m², 64 MJ/m², and 9.9 m², respectively. Compared to pure EVA, the EVA/MGPA composite exhibited reductions of 79.7%, 58.4%, and 42.4% in pHRR, THR, and TSP, respectively. Moreover, the EVA/MGPA composite showed improvements in flame potential index (from 0.02 to 0.29), limiting oxygen index (from 17% to 27%), and UL-94 (from No Rated to V-1 level), as well as a significant decrease in light transmittance during flaming combustion. Furthermore, the addition of TiO2 enhanced the hydrophobicity of EVA/MGPA composites while having negligible effects on mechanical properties.
Group analysis in the decline of democracy: Surviving in the 21st-century
Authors: Tucker Sarah
Published: November 2024

The impact of the decline of democracy on clinical work in analytic groups is explored. With examples of the erosion of democracy in the 21st-century, such as the growth of populism, fundamentalism, and certain understandings of ‘cancel culture’, it is argued that the decline of democracy poses an increased threat to the therapeutic efficacy of analytic groups. It is argued that, while it is essential to retain the distinctively group analytic stance that it is the group that is the therapeutic agent of change, a refocus and revision is needed of Foulkes’ 20th-century understanding of the role of the group conductor in their relationship to the group norms, steering a careful path between the conductor relying on their own authority alone and allowing norms reflecting the decline to democracy to dominate the culture of analytic groups. The changes locate the conductor firmly and inextricably as a political agent and point to a heightened vigilance to aspects of the erosion of democracy as they inevitably appear in analytic groups. Drawing on aspects of Wittgenstein’s Philosophy of Language, the philosophical underpinnings of Foulkes’ thesis, that it is the group that is the agent of therapeutic change, are highlighted. These help to articulate hope in the context of the powerlessness and despair that can threaten to overwhelm in the current political climate.
Analysis of pressure fluctuation signals in dense gas-solid flow of powder fuel engine using HHT
Authors: Sun Haijun , Ren Guanlong , Xu Yihua , Li Chao
Published: November 2024

Fluidized pressure is significant for powder fuel fluidization and conveying characteristics in powder fuel engines. In this work, the effects of fluidized pressure on the powder fluidization characteristics of a piston-driven powder feeding system is experimentally investigated, and the pressure fluctuation signal analysis was carried out by using autocorrelation function and Hilbert–Huang transform (HHT) methods. The experimental results show that the relative pressure drop first decreases sharply and then gradually stabilizes with the increase of initial total fluidized pressure. With the increase of fluidized pressure in the range of 0.5–5.5 MPa, the powder mass flow rate shows an increase from 48 to 97 g/s. Through the autocorrelation analysis, the corresponding frequency band of effective flow characteristics is determined as 0–40 Hz. Three scales, namely micro scale with high-frequency (>100 Hz), meso-scale medium-frequency (1–100 Hz) and macro scale with low-frequency (0–1 Hz), are obtained to represent the dense two-phase flow characteristics by using HHT analysis. The energy fraction distribution corresponding to intrinsic mode functions (IMFs) shows that with the increase of pressure in the range of 0.5–2.3 MPa, the pressure is dominated by powder layer and turbulence fluctuations firstly, but when the fixed powder layer is formed, it becomes completely dominated by turbulent fluctuations. In the range of 2.3–4.3 MPa, the IMFs distribution is consistent with the pressure range of 0.5–2.3 MPa, which shows there is probably a periodic law varying with fluidized pressure for dense gas-solid flow characteristics in powder feeding system.
Plastic deformation of railhead material of insulated rail joints
Authors: Mandal Nirmal Kumar
Published: November 2024

Insulated rail joints (IRJs) are essential for railway operations and control. Endposts are used in IRJs to create electrical signal blocks to locate trains and broken rails. The endposts are inserted in the gap between two adjacent rail ends. Commonly used endpost materials include fibreglass (fb), polytetrafluoroethylene (ptfe), and nylon (ny). Plastic deformation occurs in railhead top material at IRJs, reducing the endpost material’s effective thickness (lipping), which can disrupt the electrical signalling circuits and increase vertical deformation (dipping). A good endpost material can retard the lipping and dipping processes associated with this plastic flow. Indirectly, the endpost materials influence the railhead sub-surface damage that influences the crack initiation in the railhead. Hence the mechanical behaviour of endpost materials can be researched focusing not only on the lipping and dipping problems, but also on railhead sub-surface damage analysis. Therefore, a coupled 3D finite element analysis (FEA) is carried out on an IRJ mainly considering all three commonly used endpost materials and vertical wheel loading conditions up to 2000 cycles. Because of cyclic wheel loadings on IRJs, lipping and dipping occur. For causing less sub-surface railhead material damage to retard the crack initiation, the most influential endpost material is fb.
Impact of WHO's Surgical Safety Checklist-Based Program on Cleft-lip and Palate Repair Outcomes in LMICs—The CLEAN CLEFT Program
Authors: Alamnie Getaw , Timo Manuella , Arimino Sedera , Eshete Mekonen , Gebreegziabher Abraham , Abate Fikre , Kebede Hillena , Mehendale Felicity , Ehua-Koua Manuela , Moulot Olivier , Bankole Roumanatou , Starr Nichole , Mammo Tihitena Negussie
Published: November 2024

Background

“Clean Cleft” (CC) is an adaptation of the Lifebox Clean Cut program, designed to reduce surgical site infections (SSIs) in cleft lip and palate repairs. It focuses on 6 key processes: hand and site decontamination, surgical linen integrity, instrument sterility, timely antibiotic use, gauze counting, and WHO Surgical Safety Checklist compliance. The study explores CC's effectiveness in reducing infections, other complications, and enhancing early recovery.

Methods

CC was piloted in 2 Ethiopian hospitals and 1 in Côte d'Ivoire, the primary public cleft care centers in each country. Baseline data were collected through direct observation in the operating room, with patients monitored postoperatively for infections and complications through daily ward visits and follow-up calls or clinic visits at 30 days. Post-intervention data were collected for 5 months. Data was captured in DHIS2 software and analyzed using SPSS version 26.

Results

The program enrolled 275 patients, with 156 during baseline and 119 post-implementation. Complications significantly dropped from 21.7% to 8.7% ( P = .008), a 60% decrease. SSI rates fell from 18.1% to 8.0% ( P = .03), while palatal fistulas decreased from 13.0% to 6.1% ( P = .1) and wound dehiscence from 18.0% to 8.0% ( P = .03). Adherence to perioperative standards improved, except for hand and skin preparation while pain management remained effective throughout the program.

Conclusion

CC improved perioperative practices, significantly reducing infections, palatal fistulas, and wound dehiscence, supporting the broader program expansion to any subspecialty.
Expanding the PD-L1 Paradigm: A Comprehensive Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Scoring Systems and Additional Biomarkers Influencing Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Outcomes in Breast Cancer
Authors: Mo Shuangwei , Wang Yuxian , Wang Yaoling , Chen Xinhai , Zhu Hongyi , Zou Zhengrong , Xiao Weikai
Published: November 2024

Objectives

The study aimed to conduct an in-depth analysis of the influence of PD-L1 status and expression levels and other variables on the effectiveness of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in treating breast cancer.

Methods

A total of 19 articles, involving 16 trials and 7899 patients, were included in the analysis. The outcomes of interest were odds-ratio (OR) for pathological complete response (pCR) in early breast cancer, and hazard ratio (HR) for progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in advanced breast cancer.

Results

In early breast cancer, individuals with PD-L1-positive tumors were more likely to benefit from ICIs than those with PD-L1-negative tumors. Furthermore, patients with PD-L1 positivity in immune cells (IC) had superior outcomes compared to those scoring positively on combined positive score (CPS), with ORs for ICIs benefit being 2.28 for IC-positive patients vs 1.78 for CPS-positive patients. Regarding the impact of breast cancer subtypes on the efficacy of ICIs, our findings indicated that triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) exhibits the greatest therapeutic response with OR of 1.93, followed by the hormone receptor-positive (HoR+) / human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative (HER2−), while the HER2+ was the worst. Additionally, age was identified as a key predictive factor in responding to ICIs. In advanced breast cancer, there was an upward trend in CPS values associated with enhanced ICIs responsiveness, with the predictive value increasing from 12% at a CPS threshold of 10 to 13.6% at 20.

Conclusion

The study concluded that the PD-L1 expression scoring system effectively discriminates between patients with breast cancer in terms of the degree of benefit they may attain from ICIs. Patients with little or no PD-L1 expression experienced a diminished therapeutic benefit from ICIs.
Spontaneous globe rupture from an intraocular melanotic schwannoma
Authors: Yoo Hannah , Ueberroth Jordan , Anderson Collin , Shah Khushali , Iacob Codrin E , Carruth Bryant
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Melanotic schwannoma (MS) is a rare neoplasm composed of Schwann cells with melanosomes in various maturation stages. While MS is typically observed in spinal nerve roots or peripheral nerves, their involvement in intraocular structures is uncommon. Here, we present a case of spontaneous globe rupture as the presenting feature of intraocular extension of a MS.

Methods

Enucleation was performed to remove the lesion. Confirmatory light microscopy and immunohistochemistry were used to properly diagnose and differentiate from conventional schwannoma and uveal malignant melanoma.

Results

The ocular tumor in our patient showed melanin pigmentation with positive melanocytic markers. The tumor revealed spindle and epithelioid cells proliferating in fascicles, which has previously been described for MS. No choroidal invasion, moderate nuclear pleomorphism, and a low mitotic rate were observed supporting a diagnosis of MS in our patient.

Conclusion

With reports of MS with high recurrence and metastatic spread rates, there have been some suggestions that MS should be considered an aggressive malignancy. This case highlights a dramatic presentation of a rare ocular malignancy with some features of aggressiveness. Our case report endorses the importance of close monitoring for local recurrence or metastasis to prevent a poor outcome.
Intersectional reflexivity and an uncomfortable account of researcher privilege
Authors: Spellman Catherine
Published: November 2024

This article responds to a dearth of writing on intersectional reflexivity in organisational ethnography and in Management and Organisation studies. Intersectional reflexivity, used as a methodological tool and a theoretical framing for this article, combines the fundamentals of intersectional feminist theory and reflexive strategy in qualitative research. Although rooted in feminist thought, this approach, while inclusive of gendered considerations, also reflects on other identities of both the researcher and researched that have an impact in the field and ultimately on the outputs and conclusions that are drawn. The article draws on personal experiences of ethnographic research at a UK food bank, exploring the inequalities that culminate here particularly as a researcher occupying multiple relative privileged identities namely class and education. The focus on the notion of intersectional reflexivity as a methodological trope allows the article to explore inequalities that can be present in the research process, additional to considerations that can be made to minimise them. The key contributions of the papers include the role that discomfort, empowerment and care play in ethnographic research, particularly among marginalised participants, and how reflections on these can lead to more ethical and insightful research.
Investigation of the impact fracture behavior of multi-walled carbon nanotube/epoxy nanocomposite adhesively bonded joints using an energy-based method
Authors: Zarifpour David , Khoramishad Hadi , Marzbanrad Javad , Chehrzad Mohsen
Published: November 2024

The fracture behavior of adhesive joints reinforced with varying weight percentages of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) was investigated under quasi-static and impact loads. A double cantilever beam specimen was used to analyze the opening-mode (mode-I) fracture behavior. The critical strain energy release rate was determined for the unfilled and MWCNT-filled adhesive joints using an energy-based method. The results showed that the incorporation of 0.3 wt% MWCNTs into the adhesive layer increased the fracture energy of the adhesive joint by 72% under quasi-static loading and 16.2% under impact loading, with corresponding increases in maximum force of 73.2% and 16% compared to the unfilled adhesive, respectively. Scanning electron microscope images of the fracture surfaces revealed nanofiller debonding and pull-out as the reinforcing mechanisms of MWCNTs. The fracture response of the specimens was simulated using a cohesive zone model and a bi-linear traction-separation law.
How do policy belief and policy learning influence perceived policy effectiveness in a local CPM policy network?
Authors: Guo Wen
Published: November 2024

This article studies policy implementation of arts-led community development catalyzed by the Creative Placemaking (CPM) policy as a complex policy network. This article uses the social influence model and qualitative interview analysis to investigate the relationship between policy beliefs and policy learning of structurally interdependent policy actors and their perceived effectiveness of the CPM policy. Hypotheses are tested using survey and interview data collected from policy actors involved in the East Franklinton Creative Revitalization project in Columbus, OH. The findings suggest that, with the network attributes of individual policy actors being controlled, broad policy core beliefs have a more significant impact on shaping perceptions of policy effectiveness than context-specific secondary beliefs. Strategic alignment in core policy beliefs and strong confidence in the local task environment both contribute to perceived policy effectiveness in economic growth. The study underscores the importance of social learning over technical learning in enhancing perceived policy effectiveness.
Effects of Hawthorn Fruit Extract Drink in Chinese Patients With Mild Hypertension and/or Hyperlipidaemia: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Study
Authors: Zeng Weiwei , Chu Tanya T. W. , Fok Benny S. P. , Ho Walter K. K. , Chan Juliana C. N. , Tomlinson Brian
Published: November 2024

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of hawthorn extract drink in mildly hypertensive and/or hyperlipidaemic Chinese patients. Methods: We performed a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled crossover study. Subjects who were randomly divided into 2 groups and asked to consume either hawthorn fruit extract drink or placebo with the same sugar content for 8-weeks with crossover to the alternative drink separated by a 4-weeks washout period. Adverse effects, lipid profile, fasting plasma glucose and blood pressure were recorded. Results: In 61 participants, body weight increased by mean (95% CI) 0.42 kg (−0.85, 1.69 kg) with the hawthorn drink and 0.94 kg (0.52, 1.36 kg) with placebo ( P > .05). Systolic blood pressure and plasma total cholesterol increased significantly with both treatments and cholesterol sub-fractions showed no significant changes. Significant increases were seen in fasting plasma glucose with placebo. The increase in plasma glucose was reversed during the 4-week washout period. Conclusions: Although our results didn’t show significant effects of hawthorn drink compared to placebo, there was a trend toward fewer adverse metabolic effects. A longer study with hawthorn fruit extract without additional calories would be useful to determine if beneficial effects occur in patients with mild hyperlipidaemia or hypertension.
Experimental study on the dredging performance of the externally excited oscillating airlift pump
Authors: Hu Dong , Wang Zichen , Lin Peng , Yi Ao
Published: November 2024

Due to the increase of sediment carried by the upstream with years, sediment deposition and hardening gradually aggravated, which has severe impact on the waterway passage and agricultural irrigation. Therefore, to develop a highly efficient dredging device is urgently needed. An externally excited oscillating airlift pump is proposed to improve the dredging performance of the existing ring-jet airlift pump, and the influence of excitation methods and working conditions is analyzed. The findings show that under different excitation methods, both water and sand discharge show a reciprocal oscillating pattern as the duty cycle increases, and the overall trend is decreasing. When the duty cycle is 50% and 30% respectively, both water and sand discharge reach their maximums; the corresponding sand discharge in horizontal operation performs better than that in descent operation, and in either operation mode, the externally excited oscillating airlift pump exhibits better discharge performance of solids than the continuous air intake. In the untimed continuous suspended pumping, its sand discharge capacity and disturbance range on the silt layer are greater than the continuous airlift pump. At the duty cycle of 30% and the frequency of 0.4 Hz, its discharge performance and disturbance effect on the bottom silt layer work best.
Facilitating global virtual exchange: Insights from a feminist perspective
Authors: Healy Sandra , Walaszczyk Julie , Martins Maria de Lurdes , Fonseca Paula , Buss Caroline , Rabat Ariel
Published: November 2024

This study examines, through the lens of feminist pedagogy, the reflections of six educators on their teaching practices during and after an international virtual exchange (VE) project. The project involved facilitators in Belgium, Brazil, Japan, and Portugal. Thematic analysis of a focus group discussion and a nine-month email exchange revealed two key themes: “Navigating Contradictory Currents,” focused on empowerment, control, and identity, and “Harboring Unity,” which explored female bonding and the building of a virtual community. The findings highlight the balance between control and autonomy, and the importance of inclusive approaches, leadership and community building. The study highlights VE’s challenges and benefits in promoting access and equity, aligning with SDG4. By integrating Wenger’s community of practice framework, the project facilitated professional support networks and collaboration. These insights demonstrate the potential of feminist pedagogical practices to enhance virtual learning environments, fostering critical engagement, self-reflection, and mutual support for transformative educational experiences.
Epigenetic changes produced in women victims of intimate partner violence: A systematic review
Authors: González-Martínez Coral , Haarkötter Christian , Carnero-Montoro Elena , Lorente Jose A , Lorente Miguel
Published: November 2024

Background:

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a prevalent form of violence against women that encompasses physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, as well as controlling behaviors by intimate partners, and predisposes the victims to multiple diseases.

Objective:

This systematic review aims to identify epigenetic marks associated with IPV and the resultant stress experienced by victims.

Design:

This study is a systematic review conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines. The review includes a comprehensive search and analysis of relevant literature to identify epigenetic changes associated with IPV.

Data Sources and Methods:

A systematic search was conducted across four databases: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and ProQuest, using keywords related to IPV and epigenetics. The inclusion criteria were studies published in scientific journals with an experimental approach, focused on female survivors of gender-based violence, and providing information on epigenetic changes. The review included studies published up to June 15, 2024, with no time limits imposed, focusing on female victims of IPV. The inclusion criteria were studies published in scientific journals with an experimental approach, focused on female survivors of gender-based violence, and providing information on epigenetic changes.

Results:

The results revealed that epigenetic changes associated with IPV predominantly affect genes related to the glucocorticoid receptor, insulin-like growth factors, BDNF, and CPLX genes. These observations suggest that IPV is linked to significant epigenetic modifications in both victims and their offspring.

Conclusion:

It is concluded that IPV is associated with epigenetic changes both in the woman and in her offspring. These findings underscore the importance of understanding the biological embedding of IPV through epigenetic research to better address the long-term health consequences for women. However, more studies are necessary to validate these results.
Completion of the maternal continuity of care and associated factors among women who gave birth in the last 6 months in Kena District, southern Ethiopia: A community-based cross-sectional study, 2023
Authors: Haile Addisalem , Endashaw Gesila , Tekalign Tiwabwork , Kibe Kinde , Moga Fikre , Kebede Fekadu Abera , Adisu Aklilu
Published: November 2024

Background:

The maternity continuum of care includes attending at least four antenatal care (ANC) visits, delivering in a health facility, and receiving postnatal care. However, in many developing nations, including Ethiopia, completion of this continuum is low, contributing to high maternal mortality. So far, no studies have assessed this issue in the study area.

Objective:

To assess the completion of maternity continuum of care and associated factors among women who gave birth in the last 6 months in Kena district, southern, Ethiopia, 2023.

Design:

Cross-sectional study using quantitative data collection method.

Methods:

The study was conducted among 592 women in southern Ethiopia from April to June 2023. A study participants were selected by a simple random sampling technique. Data were collected using a structured, pretested, interviewer-administered questionnaire. Then, data were entered into EpiData 3.1 and analyzed using statistical package for social science software (SPSS version 26). Logistic regression was used to identify factors related to the maternity continuum of care, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.

Results:

The mean age of the enrolled women was 28.78 ± 4.6 years. Of these, 11.8% (95% confidence interval (CI): 9%–14%) of women completed the entire maternity continuum care. Women with secondary education and above (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 5, 95% CI: 2.5–11), autonomy in healthcare decision-making (AOR = 2.4, 95% CI: 1.3–4.6), having information on maternal health (AOR = 2.4, 95% CI: 1.3–4.6) Early initiation of ANC (AOR = 4, 95% CI: 2.27–7.1) and birth preparedness (AOR = 2.7, 95% CI: 1.5–5) were significantly associated with completion.

Conclusions:

Completion of the maternity continuum of care in study area is very low. Targeted interventions should promote women’s autonomy in healthcare decision-making, early ANC initiation, and birth preparedness to improve outcomes.
The US–China Rivalry: Health Diplomacy and Vaccine Donations Strategies
Authors: Rinaldi Augusto Leal , Lima Rodolfo de Camargo , Apolinário Júnior Laerte
Published: November 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic has led China and the United States (US) to donate vaccines. This article explores how and why China and the US instrumentalise bilateral donations in their foreign policy strategies. While humanitarian concerns matter, political and economic interests push them to a more strategic reasoning. To test our hypotheses of humanitarian, geopolitical, and economic dimensions on bilateral donations, we employed ordinary least square and logit model regressions using a cross-sectional database with 214 countries containing data from various sources. The findings suggest that Washington has prioritised countries experiencing higher COVID-19 contamination rates and its trade import partners, while Beijing has focused on the poorest ones. Washington aided countries that historically disagreed with it in the United Nations General Assembly, while China has sent more vaccines to those politically aligned with Beijing. The US and China employ health diplomatic efforts to project power, and political dimensions are primarily considered when targeting countries to donate vaccines bilaterally.
Changes in self-rated health, quality of life, and psychological flexibility among adults with overweight over a 24-month acceptance and commitment therapy–based lifestyle intervention
Authors: Petäjä Mari , Lappalainen Raimo , Kettunen Tarja , Lappalainen Päivi , Kaipainen Kirsikka , Muotka Joona , Kasila Kirsti
Published: November 2024

This study investigated the impact of online psychological flexibility training and support provided by peers on self-rated health (SRH) and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among adults with overweight. It was a secondary analysis of a single-arm multi-center intervention study that was conducted in a real-life context. In a 2-years acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) lifestyle intervention, participants ( N = 177) engaged in online ACT activities while receiving support from trained peers. Participants completed surveys at baseline, 6, 12, and 24 months. The research data were analyzed with structural equation modelling. At baseline, the participants with high SRH ( n = 83) had higher psychological flexibility and HRQoL than did participants with low SRH ( n = 94). At 24 months, the participants with low SRH at baseline reported increases in SRH, vitality and depression dimensions of HRQoL, and psychological flexibility. Increased psychological flexibility was associated with improved SRH.
Analysis of the influencing factors and spatiotemporal evolution characteristics of telemedicine service supply: Empirical evidence from pilot cities in China
Authors: Xueyu Zhang , Huawei Tan , Yingchun Chen
Published: November 2024

Background

Telemedicine is one of the major trends in the evolution of modern medicine. Telemedicine encompasses a wide range of services with different characteristics. Healthcare organisations know limited information on developing and utilising different types of telemedicine service programmes as well as factors and spatial and temporal characteristics that influence their development.

Objective

To analyse the factors influencing the development of telemedicine, and to explore the priority order of different telemedicine services carried out by healthcare institutions, as well as the spatiotemporal evolution characteristics.

Methods

This study selected Zunyi City, a national pilot city for telemedicine in China, and employed multinomial logistic regression to analyse factors influencing the provision of different types of telemedicine service programmes by healthcare institutions and evaluate the spatial and temporal evolutionary characteristics of spatially visualised telemedicine service programmes.

Results

When the price of services increased, providers were more inclined to conduct teleconsultation (OR: 1.023) and telepathology (OR: 1.058) than tele-imaging, and the willingness to conduct telecardiology (OR: 0.775) and telemetry (OR: 0.997) was relatively low. Patients’ out-of-pocket payments increased, and providers’ willingness to conduct teleconsultations (OR: 49.401) and telepathology (OR: 5.039) increased. Healthcare organisations at higher level were more willing to carry out teleconsultation (OR: 14.052), telepathology (OR: 8.071) and telemetry (OR: 13.113). Compared with private hospitals, public hospitals were 17.760, 12.248 and 87.860 times more likely to conduct teleconsultations, telecardiology and telepathology than tele-imaging. The effectiveness of telemedicine development may be related to the level of local economic development.

Conclusion

Medical institutions carry out telemedicine service programmes with a certain order of priority. Their decisions are often influenced by various factors such as price, out-of-pocket payment ratio and level and attribute of the healthcare organisation. The development of telemedicine may follow an inverted ‘U’ pattern with the level of regional economic development.